All Masons in America enter Blue Lodge, which contains three degrees, illustrated by the three steps at the base of the pyramid. Most Masons (85%) never progress beyond Blue Degrees. Those who wish to delve deeper into the mysteries choose either the Scottish Rite (also called Jewish Rite) of 30 degrees on the left side of the pyramid, or the York Rite (also called Christian Rite) of 10 degrees on the right side of the pyramid, for a total of 33 and 13 degrees respectively. York Rite is practiced only in the Americas, whereas the Scottish Rite is worldwide. Both are Templar Rites. Many Masons in America join both Rites.
The highest degree a Mason can earn is 32° Scottish Rite or 13° York Rite. Both are equal in prestige. 33° cannot be earned. It is honorary, awarded by the ruling body of Universal Freemasonry — the Supreme Council. At any given time approximately 5,000 33rd degree Masons are in the world — most of whom hold high positions in their governments.
Initially, only 32° Scottish Rite Masons and 13° York Rite Masons could join the Shrine. Shriners, who operate Children’s Hospitals, take an oath and pray to Allah, the god of Moslems (see pp. 28-30 this section). However, since 9/11 terrorist attacks on America by Moslems, Shriner membership has been decimated. To keep their Children’s Hospitals open, Shriners have opened membership to 3° Master Masons.
