Visit Orders of Wisdom constitute the upper part of the French Rite. A true extension of the three symbolic grades, they deepen the Freemason's philosophical, moral and spiritual reflection. These degrees, codified in the XVIIIᵉ century and then structured by the Grand Chapter General of the French Rite (today French Grand Chapter), form a coherent whole that elevates initiatory work towards knowledge, virtue and the search for Truth.
On Our Columnswe offer the full range of masonic decorations required for the practice of Orders of Wisdom of the Traditional French Rite aprons, cords, long necklaces and jewelry made to ritual specifications, in keeping with the symbolism inherited from the Enlightenment.
Traditional French Rite Higher Degrees
Traditional French Rite Higher Degrees Masonic Regalia
In 1785, the Grand Orient of France (GODF) adopted new rituals commonly known as the French Rite, which was published en 1801 under the names of "Régulateur du Maçon" for the Blue Lodge degrees and "Régulateur du Chevalier Maçon" for the Higher Degrees, or Orders of Wisdom.
Having falled into disuse during the 19th century, the Orders of Wisdom are practiced again since the 1960s as the French Rite "Traditional".
There are four Orders of Wisdom:
- Secret Elect
- Grand Elect Scottish
- Knight of the East
- Soveign Prince Rose Croix.
A 5th Order (which had no ritual nor regalia until 1808) has administrative and conservatory tasks.
In this collection of Nos Colonnes, you will find all the Masonic Regalia (aprons, sashes, collars, jewels...) used by the Freemasons of the French Rite Higher Degrees, or Orders of Wisdom.
Origins and role of the Orders of Wisdom
Visit Orders of Wisdom were conceived in the second half of the XVIIIᵉ century to complement the three symbolic grades and offer a genuine Masonic philosophy. Their aim was to bring together the scattered high grades into a coherent, hierarchical system based on self-knowledge and moral self-improvement.
In 1784, the Grand Orient de France instituted a Grand Chapter General of France in charge of supervising these degrees. This structure gave the French Rite an organization comparable to that of the high grades of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Ritebut with a more humanistic and rational orientation.
The Orders of Wisdom extend the teaching of the three symbolic grades of the French Rite. Made up of Four Orders (plus one Fifth OrderThey trace a path from justice to light, where each step deepens the quest for the Principle:
- First Order - Secret Chosen One: Under the sign of Justice, it opposes vengeance to reparation. The Mason learns to judge with discernment and to seek the right balance.
- Second Order - Scottish Grand Elector : In a vault beneath the Temple, he discovers a golden Delta bearing the Word of the Master - the sacred Tetragrammaton. This Order reveals the hidden dimension of the creative Word and the quest for Truth.
- Third Order - Chevalier d'Orient (or of the Sword) : It celebrates the liberation and rebuilding of the Temple, symbolizing the return to the Light after the ordeal.
- Fourth Order - Sovereign Prince Rosicrucian : The initiatory summit of the Rite, it teaches the reconciliation of spirit and matter, and the rediscovered unity of Principle.
- Fifth Order - Instituted by the Grand Orient de France in 1784Originally, it was merely a regulatory structure, responsible for preserving the 81 degrees then held by the Obedience. Devoid of decor and ritual, it ensured the transmission and coherence of the whole. Today, depending on the obedience practicing the Rite, the Fifth Order has sometimes taken on ritual forms, while retaining its role as guardian of Wisdom.
Each order has its own rituals, decorations and symbols. Their aim is not to accumulate titles, but to achieve successive stages of spiritual understanding.
Our decorations for the Wisdom Orders of the French Rite
The decorations of the Orders of Wisdom express initiatory progression and belonging to a specific degree. Nos Colonnes offers you high-quality items, faithful to the historical models of the Order of Wisdom. French Grand Chapter.
Masonic aprons
The aprons of the Orders of Wisdom are distinguished above all by their colors, which reflect the spiritual progression of the Mason. The black of the First Order evokes the gravity of Justice and inner meditation. The red of the Second Order expresses the light found in the vault of the Temple. The green of the Third Order symbolizes rebirth and hope after trial. Finally, the brilliant red of the Fourth Order marks the fullness of light and the completion of the initiatory journey.
Cords and scarves
The cords and sashes of the Orders of Wisdom are richly ornamented. They indicate the passage of trials and access to a higher degree of consciousness. Each piece is hand-embroidered in accordance with the canons of the Grand Chapitre Français.
Long necklaces and jewelry
The necklaces bear the specific insignia of the members or officers of each order. These jewels embody the continuity of Masonic work towards enlightenment.
The symbolism of the Orders of Wisdom
Each Order of Wisdom focuses on one of the great principles of the French Rite: Justice for the Secret Chosen One, Truth for the Grand Scottish Chosen One, Light for the Eastern Knight, and Reintegration for the Sovereign Rosicrucian Prince.
Through them, the Mason learns not so much to know as to order his thoughts and actions according to the measure of the Principle. It is this quest for living balance that underpins the permanence and vitality of the French Rite.
Why choose Nos Colonnes?
Nos Colonnes undertakes to supply decorations that comply with the practices of the French Grand Chapter and the tradition of the French Rite.
✔ Historical authenticity: our designs are inspired by period aprons and badges.
✔ Handcrafted finishes : fine embroidery, noble fabrics, ritual linings.
✔ Lodge / chapter adaptation : each workshop can be customized.
✔ Fast, international delivery.
When you choose Nos Colonnes, you're equipping your lodge or chapter with long-lasting symbolic and ritual objects, made with respect for Tradition.
Discover our other collections related to the French Rite
To enrich your knowledge and complete your decorations, we invite you to explore our other collections devoted to the variations of the French Rite:
Differences from other variants of the French Rite
✔ Traditional Sky blue, strong loyalty to the 1785 ritual, a return to the roots.
✔ Modern Restored Also sky-blue, a contemporary reinterpretation of ancient rituals.
✔ Groussier turquoise blue, the official version of the GODF, a synthesis of tradition and modernity.
To better understand these differences, see our page :
