The Degree System of the Illuminati

Novice

1. Introduced to an Illuminatus Dirigens
2. Reception into the degree
3. Candidate is presented to a Table
4. Candidate is asked to read several items:
   1. A very concise account of the Order, its connection with Free Masonry, and its great object, the promoting the happiness of mankind by means of instruction and confirmation in virtuous principles
   2. Several questions relative to the Order, and instructions for submitting a written response:
      • What advantages do you hope to derive from being a member?
      • What do you most particularly wish to learn?
      • What delicate questions relative to the life, the prospects, the duties of man, as an individual, and as a citizen, do you wish to have particularyly discussed with you?
      • In what respects do you think you can be of use to the Order?
      • Who are your ancestors, relations, friends, correspondents, or enemies?
      • Whom do you think proper persons are to be received into the Order?
      • Whom do you think unfit for the Order?
      • What are your reasons for both?

• Academy of Illuminism
• Brethern of Minerva
• Instruction for the Minerval
• Reception at the dead of night in a dark temple desert
• Reception into the degree
  1. Introduced to a Bodhi Initiator
  2. Candidate is presented to a Table
  3. Candidate writes on a piece of paper:
     • Name
     • Place of Birth
     • Age
     • Rank
     • Place of Residence
     • Profession
     • Favorite Studies

The Minerval must advance within three years of initiation, or, if he is found to be unfit, remains a Free Mason and is called a Sta bene.

If he is found worthy the Minerval is advanced to Illuminatus Minor.

• Conference is called for Notice
• The Candidate is told that whereas he had been to date a mere scholar, that his next step would carry him into action.
• The Candidate is told that he must from that point forward consider himself as an Instrument in the hands of his Superiors.
• The Aim of the Order is now fully revealed: To make of the Human Race, without any distinction of nation, condition, or profession, one good and happy family."

Oath of the Illuminatus Minor:

I, N.N. protest before you, the worthy Plenipotentiary of the venerable Order into which I wish to be admitted, that I, with all my possessions, rank, honors, and titles which I hold in political society, am, at bottom, only a man; I can enjoy these things only through my fellow-men, and through them also I may lose them. The approbation and consideration of my fellow-men are indespensibly necessary, and I must try to maintain them by all my talents. These I will never use to the prejudice of universal good, but will oppose, with all my might, the enemies of the human race, and of politcal society. I will embrace every oppportunity of saving mankind, by improving my understanding and my affections, and by imparting all important knowledge, as the good and statures of this Order require of me. I bind myself to perpetual silence and unshaken loyalty and submission to the Order, in the persons of my Superiors; here making a faithful and complete surrener of my private judgment, my own will, and every narrow-minded employment of my power and influence. I pledge myself to account the good of the Order as my own, and am ready to serve it with my fortune, my honor, and my blood. Should I, through omission, neglect, passion, or wickedness, behave contrary to this good of the Order, I subject myself to what reproof or punishment my Superiors shall enjoin. The friends and enemies of the Order shall be my friends and enemies; and with respect to both I will conduct myself as directed by the Order, and am ready, in every lawful way, to devote myself it its incerease and promotion, and therein to emply all my ability. All this I promise, and protest, without secret reservation, according to the intention of the Society which require from me this engagement. This I do as I am, and as I hope to continue, a Man of Honor.

• The Candidate is represented as depositing an account of his life in the hands of his Sponsor, and this was checked by information derived from the Intelligence Department of the Order.

Intermediary Degrees

• Founded on Ecossais Grades of Masonic Chivalry and reproducing points of their procedure.
• The Candidate was called upon to testify his belief that the Superiors of Illuminism were also the unknown and lawful Superiors of Freemasonry.

Short Introduction teaching how the holy secret Chapter of Scotch Knights is asembled
1. Fuller accounts and instructions relating to the whole
2. Instructions for the lower classes of Masonry
3. Instructions relating to Mason Lodges in general
4. Account of a reception into this degree, with the bond which each subscribes before he can be admitted
5. Concerning the solemn Chapter for reception
6. Opening of the Chapter
7. Rituals of Reception, and the Oath
8. Shutting of the Chapter
9. Agape, or Love Feast
10. Ceremonies of the consecration of the Chapter
11. Appendixes
    1. Appendix A: Explanation of the Symbols of Free Masonry
    2. Appendix B: Catechism for the Scotch Knight
    3. Appendix C: Secret Cypher

Class of the Lesser Mysteries

1. An Introduction
2. Further Accounts of the Reception into this degree
   • The Candidate was hoodwinked and driven by a circuitous route to the lace of assembly.
   • He was brought into a brilliantly illuminatted Temple, wherein was a vacant throne, by which lay the insignia of royalty, and a cushion whereon was filded a white priestly robe and girdle.
   • The Candidate was to choose between them, and if he was guided rightly he became a Priest of the Order, when a part of its policy was unveiled to him.
3. The candidate is to read the Instruction in the Third Chamber
4. The Ritual of Reception
5. Instruction for the First Degree of the Priest's Class, called Instructio in Scientificis
6. Account of the Consecration of a Dean, the Superior of this Lower Order of Priests

1. Directions to the Provincial concerning the dispensation of this degree
2. Ritual of Reception
3. System of Direction for the whole Order
4. Instruction for the whole Regent degree
5. Instruction for the Prefects or Local Superiors
6. Instruction for the Provincials

Class of the Greater Mysteries