During a late night conversation with my familial sister - our conversations are always enlightening and entertaining - she reminded me of the crucial import of these Masonic Rites for giving a Malkuthic, earthly structure and support for the communion of souls; although each individual is on a unique spiritual journey - their Path always different from that of another - the processes of spiritual evolution are still the same, with the same experiential stages and states of illumination.

The real use of the Masonic Mansions of the Order is to provide havens at these different stages of ascent upon the Mystic Mountain; havens where Brothers and Sisters of similar vibration can commune, share, study, and offer mutual support. The Degrees may then be understood and experienced as portals, milestones and signposts along the way which leads to a permanent expansion of Consciousness and Existence, something which they are also designed to potentiate.

In the EMO UK, the Degrees are much more than a shallow hierarchy for badge-collecting and dusty elitism. We progress our Initiates meritocratically, with the requirement of various proofs at every stage of the Masonic journey. In this way, those who attain a particular Key Degree, or who are received into a particular Mansion of the EMO UK, will find themselves in the company of those who share not only a similar Masonic education, but also a sympathetic state of mind, soul and perception.

As Consciousness expands, it can be very difficult to express or explain the results of this process to those not on the Path, or whom have only just begun their own Masonic Journeys. We need to be around like-minded persons with a shared set of references to help find our balance, and to remain grounded as we progress. Those with more experience will also be able to share this with those ready to receive it, thus avoiding the risk of gerontocracy, moribund culture, or spiritual avarice.

Within each Mansion and each Degree, we find a set of common interests and pursuits among the Members: 25th Degree Initiates are usually practising some form of laboratory alchemy or spagyry; 18th Degree Initiates are enjoying a chivalrous communion as part of a mystical Knighthood; 13th Degree Initiates are exploring the mystical lore behind the Masonic literature; 9th Degree Initiates are rising above the lower forms of psychism; 6th Degree and Mark Initiates are exploring greater intimacy with their Creator; and 4th Degree Initiates are commencing our Theurgy and inward study.

Each Degree is important, and is presented differently, opening up new vistas of perception and philosophy with each new passage into a Higher Degree.

In a very real sense, the Path is eternal, and even the very highest Degree is but another DOOR.

T.'.F.'.E.'.