Swedish Rite

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The Swedish Rite is a variation of Freemasonry that is worked in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. A slight variation is common in parts of Germany under the Grosse Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland.

The Rite is divided into three divisions: St. John's (Craft) degrees (I–III), St. Andrew's (Scottish) degrees (IV–VI) and the Chapter degrees (VII–X). In addition one may attain the XIth degree, although only a very few gain this.

Progression from one degree to the next is not automatic. A brother not only has to be in regular attendance, but also has to show that he has a certain proficiency and knowledge of Freemasonry. The Swedish rite is both progressive and continuous.

The Swedish Rite, like the Knights Templar in the York Rite demand brethren be Christian, and not just that they believe in a supreme being.

[edit] Degrees

St. John's degrees
- I Apprentice
- II Fellow Craft
- III Master Mason
St. Andrew's degrees
- IV Apprentice of St. Andrew
- V Companion of St. Andrew (conferred with the fourth degree)
- VI Master of St. Andrew
Chapter degrees
- VII Very Illustrious Brother, Knight of the East
- VIII Most Illustrious Brother, Knight of the West
- IX Enlightened Brother of St. John's Lodge
- X Very Enlightened Brother of St. Andrew's Lodge
Grand Council honorary degree
- XI Most Enlightened Brother, Knight Commander of the Red Cross