David Hill
Registered User
I've noticed images of the double-headed eagle with its wings up and with its wings down. Can anyone shed some light on the symbolic differences for me?
Wings up: northern jurisdiction.
Wings down: southern jurisdiction.
That is correct. In the NMJ, the only cap with "wings up" is that of the SGIS's.According to the NMJ Constitution (2009)
In the description of 33° Active and Active Emeritus caps (art. 1219.1) and lapel buttons (art. 1216), the double-headed eagle is described as "a double-headed eagle, wings extended and pointing up." For the cap (art. 1219.2) and label button (art. 1217) of a 33° Honorary Member, the eagle is described as a "double-headed eagle, wings extended and pointing down," and for 32° lapel buttons (art. 1218.1) the eagle is described as a "double-headed eagle of gold, wings extended and pointing down."
I read this as 33 up 32 down
That may be true in PHA Scottish Rite. In "mainstream" Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the 32° cap, the MSA (red) cap, and the 33° cap all have wings down. Only the SGIG caps are wings up.Position of the wings determine which jurisdiction, wings up identifies the northern jurisdiction and when pointed downward identifies the southern.
Bro. Rich 4*
Judah Lodge #1
That may be true in PHA Scottish Rite. In "mainstream" Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the 32° cap, the MSA (red) cap, and the 33° cap all have wings down. Only the SGIG caps are wings up.
So are there caps for those below 32nd degree?Canada uses the 'wings up', Also, we don't use 'caps' for 32nd or 33rd degree members, rather 32nd degree brethren wear a red Teutonic cross collar jewel with the number '32' on the centre suspended on a red collar while the 33rd degree brethren wear a white collar from which is suspended a gold doube-headed eagle (wings up).
So are there caps for those below 32nd degree?
Cool! Thanks for the reply brother. Always like receiving new info.No caps at all! We go at our freemasonry bare-headed here in Canada!
The 32deg or 33deg collar and jewel act as an 'apron' in any of the lower degrees. Only the officers and brethren who aren't yet 32deg masons wear aprons in the Lodge of Perfection or on the Chapter of Rose Croix. (Only 3 bodies in Canada)