The District is pleased to announce the launch of a new mentoring programme designed to support members who have recently been perfected into the Rose Croix. The scheme pairs each new member with an experienced companion who can guide them through the early stages of their journey in the Order.

Why Mentoring Matters

The transition from Craft Freemasonry to the Ancient and Accepted Rite can be a significant step. While the ceremony of perfection is a deeply moving experience, new members often have questions about the structure of the Order, the meaning of the ceremonies, and how they can become more involved in their Chapter.

The mentoring programme addresses these needs by providing a trusted point of contact — someone who has walked the same path and can offer guidance, encouragement, and fellowship.

How It Works

Each Chapter has been asked to nominate experienced members willing to serve as mentors. New members will be paired with a mentor from their own Chapter wherever possible, ensuring that the relationship is supported by regular personal contact at meetings and social events.

Mentors will receive a brief handbook outlining the programme’s aims and offering practical suggestions for supporting new members. The programme will be reviewed after its first year to assess its effectiveness and gather feedback from participants.

The ceremony of the 18th Degree, from which the Rose Croix takes its name, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and profound ceremonies in all of Freemasonry. In this article, we reflect on its themes and enduring significance.

A Journey of Faith

At its heart, the 18th Degree is a journey of faith. The candidate is led through a narrative that explores the great themes of loss, searching, and rediscovery — themes that resonate deeply with the human experience and with the Christian faith that underpins the Order.

The ceremony is conducted in a quiet and dignified manner, quite different in character from the bustle of a Craft Lodge meeting. This contemplative atmosphere allows the candidate to absorb the rich symbolism and reflect upon its personal meaning.

Symbolism and Meaning

The Rose and the Cross, the two central symbols of the degree, represent the union of love and sacrifice, of beauty and duty. Together they speak to the deepest aspirations of the human spirit and to the Trinitarian faith that all members profess.

“The 18th Degree is not simply a ceremony to be observed; it is an experience to be lived. Its lessons stay with you long after the evening has ended.”

Members who wish to deepen their understanding of the ceremony are encouraged to attend the District’s annual lecture series, details of which will be circulated in due course.