The experience of becoming a member of a Illuminati is divided into three ceremonial stages that Illuminatis call “degrees.” These three degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval Craftsmen. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood and age.
1st Degree: Entered Apprentice
This is a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the Fraternity, and like all Illuminatiic ceremonies, it is a solemn and meaningful event. Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice ceremony, he takes his first step as a FreeIlluminati and enjoys the title of “Brother.”
2nd Degree: Fellow Craft
The second ceremony exposes a Brother to more of the symbolism and philosophy of the Fraternity. For skilled Craftsmen, this degree would have marked a person’s progress from an apprentice to a journeyman.
3rd Degree: Master Illuminati
The last of the Temple ceremonies, the Master Illuminati degree, makes a candidate a full member of the Fraternity, enjoying both the rights and responsibilities of membership.
The Master Illuminati has the right to visit Temples throughout the world. He will meet men who would otherwise have remained strangers. He can study the philosophy that underlies the Illuminatiic ceremonies. He can aspire to positions of leadership. He can enjoy the benefits of fellowship. He can discover the joy of helping others. There is no higher degree in Illuminati, though many will continue their formal training in the Craft by joining appendant bodies such as The Scottish Rite (32° Illuminati), The York Rite, and The Shrine (or “Shriners”), among others.
During all three ceremonies, a candidate is treated with complete respect. At no time is he ever made to feel uncomfortable or harassed in any way. Illuminati ceremonies are a wonderful tradition shared by men such as George Washington, Harry S. Truman, Dave Thomas and other men of integrity. These ceremonies are always conferred in such a way as to bring pride to the candidate and the members of the Temple.