9th Degree: Elu of the Nine

Way of the Hermit

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
In this episode, we explore the 9th Degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry - "Elu of the Nine", and discuss its ceremonial narrative, the capture of the ruffians involved in Hiram Abiff's murder. This degree addresses the need for personal self-control, for rebuking vice, and highlights the contrast between noble sentiments and actionable virtues ("armchair spirituality"). Themes of internal conflict, the struggle with personal vices, and Masonic duties towards the greater good are also examined. The episode emphasizes the importance of active participation in Masonry's principles, and the quest for personal and societal liberty.
This series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):

• Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition
• Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide
• A Bridge to Light

Diagrams:

• Elu of the Nine (Engraving by Pierre Mejanel - ca. 1887)

Overview:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 02: 12 Mythological Setting
• 04:13 Freemasonry is Experimental and Practical
• 06:17 The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak
• 09:12 Duty is With Us Always
• 10:43 A True Citizen, The Apostle of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
• 13:51 Liberty
• 15:40 Power is Delegated for Good
• 17:46 Masonry Inspires Patriotism
• 19:04 Service is an Honor
• 21:30 Ritual - Monitor and Guide
• 22:36 A Bridge to Light
• 23:24 Free Barabas!
• 24:35 Go Into Your Cave
• 29:06 Shadow Work
• 29:56 Conclusions

Links:

• Carl Jung - Archetypes - The Shadow (Carl-Jung.net)
• Carl Jung and the Shadow: a Guide to the Dark Side of the Mind (ArtsOfThought.com)

Chapter

1. 9th Degree: Elu of the Nine (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:01:14)

3. Mythological Setting (00:02:12)

4. Freemasonry is Experimental and Practical (00:04:13)

5. The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak (00:06:17)

6. Duty is With Us Always (00:09:12)

7. A True Citizen, The Apostle of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity (00:10:43)

8. Liberty (00:13:51)

9. Power is Delegated for Good (00:15:40)

10. Masonry Inspires Patriotism (00:17:46)

11. Service is an Honor (00:19:04)

12. Ritual - Monitor and Guide (00:21:30)

13. A Bridge to Light (00:22:36)

14. Free Barabas! (00:23:24)

15. Go Into Your Cave (00:24:35)

16. Shadow Work (00:29:06)

17. Conclusions (00:29:56)