The phrase “Ordo Ab Chao” is a motto that is widely recognized within the Freemasonry community. It is the motto of the 33rd degree, which is one of the highest honors and functions that can be bestowed on a Mason. This phrase can be found in the grand decorations of the Order of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, as well as on other seals and flags representing various Orders. It is also a phrase that has a deep historical meaning and is still relevant in Masonry today. The old and accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is one of several Masonic rites.
A rite is a progressive series of degrees granted by several Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. In the Scottish Rite, this central authority is called the Supreme Council. The 33rd degree ring is generally worn on the index finger of the left hand in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, and on the little finger of the right hand in the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction. This degree can be awarded to a brother in recognition of his contributions to fraternity or to humanity in general. The motto “Ordo ab Chao” can be found in the splendid decorations of the Order of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a Mason.
There are two lodges in Australia that offer AASR craft degrees, and on May 1, 1813, an officer of the Charleston Supreme Council began the careers of several New York Masons in the Thirty-third Degree and organized a Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic District and Jurisdiction. The Constitutions of the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite of Northern Masonic Jurisdiction state that the 33rd degree ring consists of “three smooth, semicircular gold rings joined together in one, not exceeding five sixteenths of an inch in width and having on the outside an equilateral plate in a triangular shape, with the numbers 33 in Arabic characters.” It also states that this ring must be worn with the base of the triangle facing the wrist. The phrase “Ordo ab Chao” has great meaning within Freemasonry and is stamped on Masonic badges, flags, and symbols around the world. To understand its position in Masonry today, it is important to examine its historical meaning. The phrase comes from Latin and translates to “Order out of Chaos”. This phrase reflects a belief that order can be created from chaos through understanding and knowledge.
It also reflects a belief that human experience can be created through relationships. The motto “Ordo ab Chao” is one of those phrases that is extremely important within Freemasonry and is known to Masons as the motto of the 33rd degree. It reflects a belief that order can be created from chaos through understanding and knowledge, as well as a belief that human experience can be created through relationships. This motto has been used for centuries by Masons around the world and continues to have great meaning today.
