Swedish Rite
December 14, 2007 by Thomas Munkholt
What is ‘Swedish Rite’?
Freemasonry is generally considered Universal and open to all faiths. But the Swedish Rite is a particular system, open only to those of Christian faith, although it is a-dogmatic. Another point of interest is that it is a true high degree system, and the degree of master mason is not seen as ultimate or “sublime”. Please note that this is not the Swedenborg Rite; it is in fact unlikely that Emanuel Swedenborg had any direct influence on its creation. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘Scandinavian Rite’. Finally, it exists in Germany as ‘Zinnendorf Rite’, which is actually a variation based on early drafts of the ritual.
There are not many sources available in English to describe the rite, and of course I cannot divulge anything myself. But this page collects the few references I have found on the Internet. Except for the Grand Lodge links, they are all inaccurate – which is fine because that way the mystery remains.
Swedish Order of Freemasons
Danish Order of Freemasons
Norwegian Order of Freemasons
Icelandic Order of Freemasons
Most of the text on these three Grand Lodge websites seems to stem from the Swedish site, so go there for the longer version.
The Dead Rites of Masonry (The Master Mason, 1925)
Not sure what Swedish Rite is doing in this article, but it has a brief and off-base description of the degrees.
Swedish Rite of Freemasonry (The Master Mason, 1926)
Found on the website of River Forest-Austin Lodge, IL. Quite colourful “historical” piece.
The Builder, September 1924 (Phoenix Masonry)
This edition of the magazine ran two articles on the subject, one focusing on the history, the other on the degrees. Notice that the two articles actually contradict each other.
Swedish Rite FAQ (Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon)
This great site has some information, but also quite a bit of trivia I don’t recognise. Make of it what you will.
Freemasonry (Åke Eldberg’s home page)
Åke Eldberg is a Swedish minister and freemason, and as such should be a credible source, but it is only one man’s point of view.
The Swedish Constitution (Pietre-Stones)
A report from a visit to the Freemasons Hall in Stockholm, and some notes on the system. Quite good, but it also has elements that I do not recognise myself.
Swedish Rite (in Wikipedia)
Not much there yet, and it mainly repeats the text from Grand Lodge websites, but it may build over time.
Masonry in Sweden (Masonry Universal … issue 5)
… has a few paragraphs by a Swedish Rite mason.
Swedish Rite (Lodge St. Bryde)
This article goes into specifics of the degrees (supposedly). Even if it is inaccurate, and I wouldn’t know, it would probably be spoilerish for anyone planning to go through the degrees, so beware.
Finally, Ars Quator Coronatorum vol. LXXII (1959) has an article called ‘Scandinavian Freemasonry’ by Bertram Jacobs. You may obtain the book from Quator Coronati or second hand.
Below follows the regalia of the rite, first in a contemporary version from the site of the Danish Order of Freemasons, and then in an older version that I came across on the site of Regular Grand Lodge of England (heavy files).
Dear Brother,
I have enjoyed exploring your site.
I read your comments regarding the concern of some Freemasons for the exclusively Christian nature of the Swedish Rite.
Having shared that concern at one time, I can only say that Freemasons at their best are traditionalists and at their worst are provincial.
Because of the emphasis that Freemasonry places on tradition, it is very easy for the untraveled or unread Freemason to believe that every Lodge is just like his own.
In fact, it is often a shock for a Brother when he finally realizes that Freemasonry is as diverse as are Freemasons themselves.
Though universality is an essential element of Freemasonry under most Grand Lodges, it is understandable why the Swedish Rite has developed as it has.
Though I enjoy studying the various forms of Freemasonry–variety being the spice of life after all–I must confess that I enjoy most a familiar dish.
Fraternally,
Chad Simpson, PM
York Lodge No. 563
Under the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F&AM