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On July 25, 2007, I petitioned the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Orlando, Orient of Florida. I was told that my petition was read on July 27, 2007. I did not know what would happen next, although I was told I would be contacted by someone. I had done very little research into the degrees, to keep them a surprise and allow their teachings to impact me as they are revealed. I was very excited about this and waited patiently! *** I was accepted, and was told to report at 6:30 am on October 20th, 2007. I was told to wear slacks and button down short with tie. Jacket preferred. Breakfast would be served as well as lunch. *** I arrived around 6:15 and the place was hopping! I was greated at the door and given a schedule. It was very detailed and showed every degree conferred and communicated for the two day reunion. From what was told to me, in the fall they do the even degrees and the spring the odd numbered degrees. Could be vice versa, but you get the idea. The breakfast... this is going to sound silly, but the best eggs benedict I've ever eaten! Everyone was very nice. I found a brother I was initiated with, and one I was raised with! We were given some white collars to wear, I guess to identify us (see picture below). By the way, a suit coat was necessary. We were fitted for 14th degree rings and a hat. We were then placed into a room and they opened the first lodge, Chapter of Rose Croix. This was a little odd, to open the lodge the wise master stood at the front and said something like "I declare this lodge open". Not much like the blue lodge opening at all. I expected more but I will tell you that this was the only thing all weekend that did not stun, shock or amaze me. *** As stated earlier, some degrees were conferred and some communicated. In each degree there was an exemplar for the entire class. The rest of the class watched form the sidelines. Still very enlightening! I was the exemplar for the 14th degree by the way. It was an absolute honor. That degree is simply amazing. We could now wear our rings after that degree! Listed below are the degrees which were conferred: 4th, 5th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd. (Check back soon for more updates)
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