23rd Degree: Knight of Valour Mug

Introducing “Sacred Symbols” Collection by C.7 Design Studio. Here you will find a unique design, featuring a symbol of the masonic 23rd Degree: Knight of Valour or Chief of the Tabernacle. Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million. The fraternity is administratively organised into independant Grand Lodges or sometimes Orientates, each of which governs its own jurisdiction, which consists of subordinate (or constituent) Lodges. There are also appending bodies, which are organisations related to the main branch of Freemasonry, but with their own independant administration. The lessons of the 23° are to be devoted to the service of God; to constantly endeavour to promote the welfare of man; to act with proper subordination to your superiors. This degree teaches that the man who forgets his duty to God, family, country, and himself will be in danger of morally and spiritually destruction by thoughts unworthy ambition. The apron is white, bordered with red, blue, and purple ribbons. These colours, from the curtains of the Tabernacle, represent earth, fire, air, and sea, respectively, as well as the Lord's beneficence, glory, wisdom, and power. On the apron is the golden seven-branched candlestick, representing the seven planets and virtues: Sun, faith ("aspiration towards the infinite"); Moon, hope; Venus, charity; Mars, fortitude ("victory over rage and anger"); Mercury, prudence; Saturn, temperance; Jupiter (conqueror of the Titans), justice. The jewel is a small silver censer, or ornamented cup, held by a handle in the shape of an open hand.