Degree FAQ

Q: What is the rank and what are the privileges of a new applicant?

A: An Entered Novice of the First Degree. If you attend a Practical Work meeting you will be required to wear a black robe with a white cord. You may attend any SOL-only meeting for practical ritual or teaching work.

Q: What is the rank and what are the privileges of the First Degree?

A: After the Novitiate of 12 lessons is completed and if the supervisor's report recommends it, a Novice enters the Fellowship of the SOL and becomes a Frater ("brother") or Soror ("sister"), which collectively are known as Fellows. The white cord is changed for a gold cord and you are now entitled to wear the Insignia of the School on the left breast of your robe. You may attend any First Degree seminars, meetings or group meetings, You may also become eligible for Initiation if the quality of work is kept up. On initiation the gold cord is changed for a scarlet cord.

Q: What is the rank and what are the privileges of the Second Degree?

A: Now an Initiate of the First Degree, the Fellow moves into the Fraternity of the SOL (The Inner Court). The black robe and red cord are still worn until the Second Degree Initiation is conferred, when the black robe is changed for one of deep blue worn with a silver cord and the insignium. You may attend any meeting, seminar or group work with the exception of the Third Degree. You are encouraged to undertake personal study in a selected subject and also to help with the running and organisation of the School.

Q: What can be said about the Third Degree?

A: Entry into the Third Degree is by invitation only. It carries automatic Third Degree Initiation, and its' initiates are termed Councellors. The work is concerned with Planetary Evolution on all levels and will most certainly involve both time and travel. Its rituals, work, aims and ideals are withdrawn. The Third Degree works from and within the Adytum. The robe and cord are of a deep amethyst colour, but the amethyst robe is worn only during Third Degree meetings; at Second and First Degree meetings, the Second Degree blue robe is worn, but with the Third Degree amethyst cord.

Q: Can I withdraw from the School at any point?

A: Yes. At any time and at any stage you may leave the School freely and without prejudice. However, if you wish to return certain rules will apply. If you were a Novice, you will be required to start at the beginning again. If a Fellow it will be up to the recommendation of your former supervisor as to the point of re-commencement. If of Second Degree, you will be required to spend one year in the First Degree before becoming eligible for re-entry into the Fraternity. If a Councillor from the Third Degree resigns - it is final.

Summary of Titles, Robes, Cords and Insignia

With very few exceptions, titles, insignia and the colour of robes and cords have no value in themselves. They carry meaning only within group work, and even then their value is to a great extent symbolic. Therefore, if you not intend to do any group work but wish to remain private, you can disregard the following table.

Degree Circumstance Title Robe Cord Insignium