From the Venerable Master (March 2025)
My Brethren,
At our February meeting dinner we honored our Sweethearts with a beautiful Flower. It was a privilege to thank our sweethearts while we participate in Scottish Rite and help us in our endeavors. Please do not to forget to call-in or signup for our Stated Meeting dinners, a head count is essential to ensure enough food for all.
In April, we will also be celebrating Maundy Thursday.
I would like to quote from a book by W.
L .Wilmshurst “The Meaning of Masonry”:
If the Lodge with its appointments and officers be a sacramental figure of oneself and of the mechanism of personal consciousness, opening the Lodge in the successive Degrees imply ability to expand, open up and intensify that consciousness in three distinct stages surpassing the normal level applicable to ordinary mundane affairs.
This maybe passes unrecognized in Masonic Lodges. The openings and closings are regarded as but so much casual formality devoid of interior purpose or meaning, whereas they are ceremonies of the highest instructiveness and rites with a distinctive purpose which should not be profaned by casual perfunctory performance or with out understanding what they imply.
As a flower “opens its Lodge” when it unfolds its petals and displays its centre to the sun which vitalizes it, so the opening of a Masonic Lodge is sacramental of opening out the human mind and heart to God. It is a dramatized form of the psychological process involved in so doing.
San Jose Lodge of Perfection Richard Rosenberg, 32° KCCH 2024 Venerable Master
From the Wise Master
(March 2025)
Brothers & Friends, I am humbled by the history of, and the footsteps I’ve followed, to ascend to Wise Master of the Scottish Rite and it has led me to question our connection to the Rosicrucians.
Here are the Similarities Between the Rosicrucians and the Chapter of Rose Croix of the Scottish Rite:
The Rosicrucians and the Chapter of Rose Croix of the Scottish Rite share striking similarities in their philosophies, symbolism, and esoteric teachings. Both groups, though distinct in their historical origins and development, emphasize spiritual enlightenment, the pursuit of knowledge, and the application of mystical symbolism to convey deeper truths. Their commonalities highlight the enduring influence of Hermeticism, alchemy, and Christian mysticism on Western esoteric traditions.
Historical Background
The Rosicrucians, a mystical society that emerged in early 17th-century Europe, presented themselves as a secret fraternity devoted to esoteric knowledge and spiritual transformation. Their foundational texts, such as the Fama Fraternitatis and Confessio Fraternitatis, described a brotherhood committed to the healing of mankind and the advancement of knowledge through alchemical and mystical practices.
The Chapter of Rose Croix, forming part of the Scottish Rite’s higher degrees in Freemasonry, particularly the 18th degree (Knight Rose Croix), developed within the Masonic tradition in the 18th century. Although rooted in Freemasonry, the Rose Croix degree incorporates elements of Christian mysticism, alchemical symbolism, and philosophical ideals reminiscent of Rosicrucian thought.
Philosophical Similarities
Both the Rosicrucians and the Rose Croix emphasize the pursuit of enlightenment and spiritual rebirth. The Rosicrucians believed in a transformative process of inner development through alchemical symbolism, where the practitioner sought to achieve higher wisdom and harmony with the divine. Similarly, the Rose Croix degree focuses on the allegorical death and resurrection of Christ, symbolizing the Mason’s journey from ignorance to enlightenment and the triumph of truth over error.
Symbolism and Ritual
Symbolism plays a crucial role in both traditions. The Rosicrucians frequently employed the rose and the cross as symbols of secrecy, sacrifice, and the union of opposites of the material and spiritual worlds. The Rose Croix degree adopts these same symbols, using the rose to represent beauty and the cross to symbolize sacrifice and redemption. Rituals in both groups often reflect themes of death, rebirth, and the search for hidden knowledge, reinforcing the initiate’s spiritual evolution.
Esoteric Knowledge and Mysticism
Another significant similarity lies in their commitment to esoteric knowledge. The Rosicrucians were known for their alchemical practices and Hermetic philosophy, blending science, mysticism, and religion to uncover universal truths. The Chapter of Rose Croix incorporates similar mystical elements, encouraging members to reflect on the nature of existence, morality, and the divine through allegory and symbol.
Conclusion
The Rosicrucians and the Chapter of Rose Croix of the Scottish Rite share profound philosophical and symbolic commonalities, rooted in their mutual quest for spiritual enlightenment and esoteric wisdom.
Their use of similar symbols, rituals, and mystical teachings underscores the interconnectedness of Western esoteric traditions and highlights the enduring legacy of these mystical societies in the pursuit of higher knowledge and spiritual truth.
San Jose Chapter of Rose Croix Chris Boyes, 32° KCCH 2024 Wise Master
From the Commander of Kadosh (March 2025)
Hello brethren, and welcome to March. The heads of the four bodies are planning some upcoming fun events to be determined. We welcome any input on what you would like to do, so that we can get great participation.
The Origin of the Commander of Kadosh:
The title of "Commander of Kadosh" in Scottish Rite Masonry has its roots in the ancient and medieval traditions of the Knights Templar and other chivalric orders. The term "Kadosh" itself comes from Hebrew, meaning "holy" or "sacred," symbolizing a person who is devoted to the highest moral and spiritual principles. In the Scottish Rite, the degree of Commander of Kadosh is part of the 30th degree, and it emphasizes themes of chivalry, honor, and the pursuit of truth.
The origin of the Commander of Kadosh title can be traced to the post-Templar period, when the idea of sacred warriors evolved into a broader spiritual mission within Freemasonry. The Scottish Rite, which originated in France in the 18th century, sought to continue the legacy of the Templars by integrating their ideals into a philosophical and initiatory system. The degree of Commander of Kadosh was developed as a way to honor those who dedicated themselves to the pursuit of enlightenment, justice, and moral rectitude.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, as Freemasonry expanded across Europe and the Americas, the Scottish Rite became a powerful vehicle for transmitting the esoteric teachings of the Order. The 30th degree, often regarded as one of the most profound and transformative in the Scottish Rite, calls upon its members to embody the virtues of knighthood—loyalty, courage, and a commitment to the greater good.
Symbolically, the Commander of Kadosh represents the struggle between tyranny and freedom, ignorance and wisdom. The rituals associated with the degree draw upon historical allegories, particularly the suppression of the Knights Templar in 1307, to convey lessons of resilience and fidelity to one's principles. Unlike the warrior-knights of the past, however, the modern Commander of Kadosh fights not with the sword, but with knowledge, justice, and moral fortitude.
Today, the title continues to serve as a reminder of the Scottish Rite's dedication to enlightenment and personal transformation. Those who attain the 30th degree are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the highest ethical standards, defending truth, and perpetuating the Masonic ideals of brotherhood and service to humanity.
San Jose Council of Kadosh Max Mora, 32° 2024 Commander of Kadosh
From the Master of Kadosh (March 2025)
My Brethren,
In continue last month Masonic Calendar. The most important aspect of the Masonic calendar is its symbolic value, representing the concept of “light” as a metaphor for spiritual and intellectual enlightenment that we (Freemasons) strive to achieve. We have the last four topics about Masonic calendar.
York Rite Knights Templar Calendar
York Rite - Knights Templar Chivalric
Anno Ordinis: In The Year of The Order (A.O. or A:.O:.) (1118 C.E.)
Anno Ordinis is Latin for In the Year of the Order.
Historical Significance: In the year, 1118 C.E. (Common Era), 9 French knights, followers of King Baldwyn, the King of Jerusalem, and at his behest and in his presence, took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
With great humility, they assumed the title of the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ. The job of this brotherhood-in-arms was to protect the pious pilgrims in their passage to the holy city of Jerusalem.
King Baldwyn assigned them residence in a part of his palace which stood near the former site of the Temple of Solomon. The Abbot and Canons of the Temple gave them a street between the palace and the Temple in which to store their arms and magazines. Thus, they derived the name of Templars.
Math: Anno Ordinis is found by subtracting 1118 from the current date, thus the year, 2010 minus 1118 = 892 A.O. (Anno Ordinis)
Relevance: The date 892 A.O. celebrates the operative and speculative existence of the Knights Templar from its origin in the year, 1118 C.E. over the last 892 years. (up to the year, 2010)
Royal Arch Masons Calendar
Royal Arch Masons: In The Year of the Discovery Anno Inventionis (A.I. or A:.I:.) (530 B.C.E.) Anno Inventionis is Latin for In the Year of the Discovery.
Historical Significance: King Solomon built the first temple. Zerubbabel built of caused to be built, the Second Temple.
Little is known or written about Zerubbabel except that he was a famous man and that at all events, Zerubbabel was governor of Judah in the second year of Darius Hystaspis' reign in 520 B.C.E..
The Masonic calendar used by Royal Arch Masons dates from the year of the second temple having been caused to be built by Zerubbabel in 530 B.C.E..
Math: Anno Inventionis is found by adding 530 years to the current date, thus 2010 C.E. + 530 B.C.E. = 2540 A.I. (Anno Inventionis)
Relevance: The date 2540 A.I. celebrates the building of the Second Temple, 2540 years ago, (as of the year, 2010), believed to be on or very near the site of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
Royal and Select Masters & Cryptic Masons Calendar
Royal and Select Masters & Cryptic Masons: In The Year of the Deposit Anno Depositionis (A:.Dep:) (approx.. 1000 B.C.)
Anno Depositionis is Latin for In the Year of the Deposit.
Historical Significance: Anno Depositionis dates from the year in which the Temple of Solomon was completed in 1000 B.C.E..
Math: The Masonic calendar used by Royal and Select Masters is found by adding 1000 to the current year; thus, the current year (as of this writing), 2010 C.E. + 1000 B.C.E. = 3010 A:.Dep: (Anno Depositionis).
Relevance: The Masonic calendar which Royal and Select Masters and Cryptic Masons celebrate is the year in which Solomon’s Temple was completed, 3010 years ago. (as of the year, 2010).
Order of High Priesthood Calendar
Anno Bonefacio (A:.B:.) In The Year of the Blessing. Anno Bonefacio is Latin for In The Year of the Blessing.
Historical Significance: this date is used by the brethren of the Order of High Priesthood to signify the elapsed period of time calculated from the year of the blessing of Abraham by the High Priest, Mechizedek as referenced in Genesis 14:18-20.
Math: Add the year of the blessing, 1913 B.C.E. + the current year, 2010 C.E. = 3923 A:.B:. (Anno Bonefacio).
Relevance: The Order of High Priesthood celebrates the blessing of Abraham by Melchizedek, 3923 years ago as the beginning of their Masonic calendar. (as of the year, 2010, when this page was originally written). Other Freemason Rites (degrees) have their own Masonic calendar, but these are the most well-known.
As we conclude our exploration of the Masonic calendar, let us remember that time, like the tools of the craft, is a valuable resource to be used wisely. May the lessons gleaned from our study guide us as we navigate the journey of life, always striving to become better versions of ourselves. So mote it be.
San Jose Consistory
Eddie Hermano, 32°
2025 Venerable Master of Kadosh
From the Chief Knight
(March 2025)
If anyone wondered, who are those guys in kilts
Here you go!
The Knights of Saint Andrew is an honorary service organization within the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, composed of 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Masons who are dedicated to supporting their Valleys through service, leadership, and commitment. Established in 1993 in the Valley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the organization was created to provide dedicated assistance to Scottish Rite bodies while offering younger or newer members an opportunity for active involvement.
Named after Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, the Knights emphasize principles such as humility, service, and brotherhood. Members often assist in degree work, perform ceremonial duties, and support various Valley functions and charitable endeavors. The organizations distinctive black glengarry hat and tartan symbolize its connection to Scottish heritage and the values upheld by the Scottish Rite.
Through their service, the Knights of Saint Andrew play a vital role in fostering camaraderie and ensuring the smooth operation of Scottish Rite activities, making them an integral part of the Masonic community while embodying the core tenets of Freemasonry: brotherly love, relief, and truth.
If anyone is interested in joining KSA, please let me or any of the other members know. We have a lot of fun, and it is free to join. Kilts are optional.
San Jose Knights of St. Andrew
Chris Boyes, 32°
2025 Chief Knight, KSA
The Knights of Saint Andrew 2025 Officers
Chief Knight | Bro. Chris Boyes 32º |
First Knight | Bro. Alan Porjesz 32º |
Knight of the Watch | Bro. Mike Lammer 32º, PCK |
Secretary | Bro. Tim Lynch 32º |
Monk Knight | Bro. Angelo Encarnacion 32º |
Sentinel | Bro. John Absalon 32º |