The Cryptic Council
There are three degrees conferred in a Cryptic Council - the Royal Master, Select Master and Super Excellent Master. The term Cryptic comes from the symbolism of the Crypt, or Secret Vault, that was constructed under the Temple at Jerusalem.
Royal Master
The symbolism of the Degree of Royal Master is that of a Fellowcraft in search of additional Masonic Light. His efforts are eventually rewarded and he is admitted into a fellowship that has been entrusted with Cryptic secrets not yet available to the majority of the Craft.The principal lecture of the degree is one of the most impressive in Masonry and reflects on death and how Masonry's secrets came to be placed in the secret vault where they are later discovered.
Select Master
By the time King Solomon's Temple at Jerusalem was completed, a number of secrets of the Craft had been lost.The craftsmen were advised that future generations may rediscover them if they properly applied themselves with fervency and zeal. Future generations did discover these secrets and the Select Masters degree reveals how they had been preserved. This degree completes the education of the craftsman with regard to the concealed mysteries of ancient Craft Masonry.However, while the candidate receives this additional knowledge, he has alsobeen confronted with additional symbolism which requires future application by him in perfecting his spiritual building.
Super Excellent Master
The third and last degree in the Cryptic Rite is The Super Excellent Masters degree. The Degree is not strictly Cryptic, in that the symbolism of the degree does not deal with the Vault or Crypt, but rather with the destruction of the first temple. It tells the history of the siege of Jerusalem by the troops of Nebuchadnezzar who is motivated to action by Zedekiah. The moral lessons conveyed in the degree are to walk in faith, promote friendship and practice fidelity. These lessons are presented to the candidate in a clear and forcible manner.
