The York Rite of Freemasonry
As you may know, the ancient craft consists of three degrees and no more; Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason, including the Holy Royal Arch; this latter is considered the underpinning of the York Rite.
Historically, our grand jurisdiction has been deeply connected to this system, which comprehends the appendant bodies of the Royal Arch, Cryptic Masons and Knight Templars.
The York Rite consists of a small number of degrees; its degrees are conferred, never communicated, believing that if a degree is worth anything at all it is with the effort necessary to grant it. Therefore, the masonic education under this rite will depend not so much on how many degrees you may receive but on how well you understand and practice those you have received.
The Royal Arch Masonry is found the essentials of symbolism and philosophy necessary for a Master Mason to understand that which he has received only in part. There is nothing higher in our order than the Royal Ach. When a Master Mason attains that degree, he reaches the summit of the Royal Art. The degrees conferred in the Chapter are considered the first stage of the York Rite.
After that, you may be encouraged to take complimentary degrees conferred in Council, those called Cryptic Degrees, which will help you to understand what lived in the Royal Arch. However, they are not regarded as superior degrees.
Finally, you may be awarded one of the three orders managed by the Knight templar section; these orders will help you understand the Christian vision of our mystic circle.
If you plan to advance in the mysteries of the order, why not petition now and begin to receive the satisfaction of fraternity membership?
For further information about appendant bodies, please visit the official website of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United Mexican States, the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the United Mexican States, or get in touch with our representatives in the Grand Commandery of Knight Templars.