Origin of the Word “Cryptic” and its ties to Enoch
Quick thoughts on the Cryptic Rite
Many of us know that the Cryptic Rite derives its name from the setting of the degree of the Select Master in the crypt beneath King Solomon’s temple and that the word “cryptic” means “hidden”. Our degree takes from biblical studies and the legend of Enoch as told by Albert Mackey.
“Enoch, being inspired by the Most High, and in obedience to a vision, constructed underground, in the bosom of Mount Moriah, an edifice consisting of nine brick vaults situated perpendicularly beneath each other and communicating by apertures left in the arch of each vault.” What do we know about Enoch? How do we attribute his story to Freemasonry and Cryptic Masons. Biblical historians have put Enoch as a seventh-generation descendant of Adam and the great-grandfather of Noah. Being a man of visions, it could be contributed that he knew of a potential cleansing of the earth, and he wanted to retain the knowledge and wisdom of the world (as he knew it) for his future generations. As part of our Masonic legends, Enoch not only built these vaults and entombed the knowledge of his age, but for we Freemasons there is the importance of a triangular shape of solid gold inlayed with jewels and the ineffable name of God inscribed upon it.
Further writings on the vault from Mackey – “The vault was, therefore, in the ancient mysteries, symbolic of the grave; for initiation was symbolic of death, where alone Divine Truth is to be found. Freemasons have adopted the same idea. They teach that death is but the beginning of Life; that if the first, or evanescent Temple of our transitory life be on the surface, we must descend into the secret vault of death before we can find that sacred deposit of Truth, which is to adorn our second Temple of Eternal Life.”
Now remember how I said there was a tie into Freemasonry with this little history lesson? Do you remember where the vaults were built? (Mount Moriah). And where was the building of King Solomon’s temple? (Mount Moriah). In the 13th degree of the Scottish Rite, it is explained that Adoniram, YehuAber, and Satolkin descended into the ruins once the secret door was found generations later after Enoch’s’ original construction.
This tie from Enoch to Hiram Abiff helps tell the story of Ancient Cryptic Masonry and the story of the preservation, loss, and recovery of the Word. The Word represents man’s search for life’s purpose and the nature of God. Symbolic Freemasonry, as in the Lodge, teaches of the loss of the Word and hope for its recovery. Royal Arch Masonry, as in the Chapter, teaches its recovery. Cryptic Masonry, as in the Council, completes this story by the teaching of the Word’s initial preservation.
References:
About – Cryptic Masons International. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.crypticmasons.org/about/
The Legend of Enoch. (n.d.). My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.myfreemasonry.com/threads/the-legend-of-enoch.10384/
dseverance. (2016, April 11). Chronological Index of the Years and Times from Adam unto Christ | Houston Christian University. Hc.edu. https://hc.edu/museums/dunham-bible-museum/tour-of-the-museum/bible-in-america/bibles-for-a-young-republic/chronological-index-of-the-years-and-times-from-adam-unto-christ/