# Rite of Memphis-Misraim

The Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm is a masonic rite combining esoteric spirituality with humanitarian ideals. Created in Naples in September 1881, it emerged from the fusion of two distinct masonic systems: the Rite of Misraïm, established in Venice in the late 18th century and brought to France in 1814 by the Bédarride brothers, and the Rite of Memphis, founded by Jacques-Étienne Marconis de Nègre in 1838. The rite is commonly known as "Egyptian Freemasonry" due to its extensive use of hermetic philosophy and Ancient Egyptian symbolism in its degree system and rituals.
Initially led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, the military leader of Italian unification, as its first Grand Hierophant, the rite developed an international presence under subsequent leaders including John Yarker (1902–1913) and Theodor Reuss (1913–1923). While centralized international governance ceased after Reuss's death, national organizations continued independently, particularly in France. There, under successive Grand Masters including Jean Bricaud, Constant Chevillon, and notably Robert Ambelain – who significantly reformed its rituals in 1960 – the rite maintained and developed its distinctive tradition.
The rite is characterized by an elaborate degree system historically ranging from 90 to 99 degrees, though many of these are honorary. It emphasizes both esoteric study and social progress, combining spiritual development through hermetic and kabbalistic teachings with humanitarian ideals. Through various schisms and reorganizations, the rite maintains active lodges in several countries today under different obediences, including the Grand Orient de France since 1862.

## Recognition by mainstream Freemasonry

The Rite of Memphis-Misraim has a broad presence across the Masonic world, being practiced by various types of Grand Lodges representing both conservative and liberal traditions of Freemasonry. Several Grand Lodges recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) incorporate this rite into their work,. The rite is also actively worked in lodges under the Grand Orient de France (GODF) and various Grand Lodges that maintain recognition with GODF. Additionally, multiple member organizations of CLIPSAS (Centre de Liaison et d'Information des Puissances maçonniques Signataires de l'Appel de Strasbourg) have embraced this rite. Its practice extends beyond these major Masonic bodies to include numerous independent Grand Lodges worldwide, showcasing its widespread adoption across both conservative and liberal branches of Freemasonry.

## History
### Origins and Philosophical Foundations

The Egyptian Masonic rites, with a history spanning over 200 years, claim descent from a Primitive Rite allegedly practiced in Paris in 1721, though this lineage has never been historically verified. They also trace their heritage to the Primitive Rite of the Philadelphians established in Narbonne in 1779. The historical complexity of these rites stems from their unique characteristics: Masonic legitimacy was primarily transmitted through leadership "charters," leaders were appointed for life until 1998, and their minority status within global Masonry has resulted in relatively scarce documentation compared to other Masonic traditions.

### Early Esoteric Influences

In late 18th-century France, several initiatic rites and orders emerged, each claiming inheritance from ancient non-Masonic mystical currents. The African Architects appeared in 1767, followed by the Primitive Rite of the Philadelphians in 1780, the Rite of Perfect Initiates of Egypt in 1785, the Sacred Order of the Sophisians in 1801, and the Friends of the Desert in 1806. These organizations drew inspiration from what they termed the "Egyptian tradition," synthesizing various contemporary understandings of ancient wisdom. The intellectual foundation of these rites was built upon several influential texts, including Abbé Jean Terrasson's "Sethos" (1731), Athanasius Kircher's "Oedipus aegyptiacus" (1652), and Antoine Court de Gébelin's "Primitive World" (1773). These works were complemented by elements from Judeo-Christian Kabbalah, Neoplatonic Hermeticism, and various esoteric and chivalric traditions.

### The Misraïm Rite

The first documented French Misraïm lodge was established in Paris during 1814–1815 by the Bédarride brothers – Marc, Michel, and Joseph – who were middle-ranking officers in Napoleon's Italian army. Having brought the rite from Naples, they established what would become a significant presence in French Masonry. Historical research indicates the rite originated in the Republic of Venice, possibly stemming from a patent issued by Joseph Balsamo, better known as Cagliostro, before spreading through the Franco-Italian lodges of the Kingdom of Naples. The Bédarride brothers' system and charters gained support from prominent Masons, including Thory and Count Muraire, who connected them with Scottish Rite Masons. However, financial difficulties following the end of the Empire led the brothers to commercialize their rite, causing some members to withdraw and unsuccessfully seek admission to the Grand Orient de France's "Grand Consistory" in 1816. The rite faced significant challenges in 1822 when it was banned by the Restoration police after being used as a cover for liberal and republican political networks. Authorities closed approximately ten lodges and confiscated many archives, portions of which remain in the French National Archives. Though the rite received permission to reconstitute under the July Monarchy in 1831, only four Parisian lodges successfully reformed.

### The Memphis Rite

Jean Étienne Marconis de Nègre (1795–1868) established the Rite of Memphis shortly before 1838 after being expelled from the Misraïm Rite. As Grand Master and Grand Hierophant of his new order, Marconis developed a system that, while never exceeding five or six lodges in 19th-century France, successfully expanded to the United States, Romania, and Egypt. The rite faced opposition in 1841 when, following denunciation by the Bédarride brothers, it was banned in France due to its alleged republican sympathies. In 1862, responding to Marshall Magnan's call for Masonic unity in France, Marconis negotiated the merger of his rite with the Grand Orient de France. This merger would have significant implications for the rite's future development and international expansion.

### Unification Under Garibaldi

The Grand College of Rites of the Grand Orient de France, having become the custodian of the Memphis Rite, officially recognized the Sovereign Sanctuary of Memphis in the United States. Under Seymour's Grand Mastership, this body established numerous lodges both within the United States and internationally, including a Sovereign Sanctuary for Great Britain and Ireland under John Yarker. A pivotal moment occurred in 1881 when Yarker exchanged charters with Pessina's Reformed Misraïm Rite under the aegis of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who became the Grand Hierophant of the unified "Memphis and Misraïm" rites. Following Garibaldi's death, Yarker assumed leadership of the combined rites.

### The Papus Era and Early 20th century

In France, Dr. Gérard Encausse, better known as Papus, emerged as a significant figure in esoteric Masonry at the turn of the 20th century. As founder of the Martinist Order and an opponent of the Grand Orient de France, Papus sought to advance esoteric Masonic traditions. After unsuccessful attempts to join both the Grand Lodge Misraïmite and the Grand Lodge of France, he obtained a patent from Yarker to establish a Swedenborgian lodge. His influence grew significantly in 1906 when Yarker authorized him to constitute a Grand Lodge, and in 1908, Théodore Reuss permitted him to establish the lodge "Humanidad," which became the Ancient and Primitive Oriental Rite of Memphis-Misraïm in France. Following Papus's leadership, a succession of notable figures guided the rite through the early 20th century. Teder (Charles Détré) served as Grand Master from 1916 to 1918, followed by Jean Bricaud from 1918 to 1934. Constant Chevillon then assumed leadership until his tragic assassination by the French Militia in 1944. Henri-Charles Dupont subsequently led the order from 1945 to 1960.

### The Ambelain Period

A significant transformation of the rite occurred under Robert Ambelain, who assumed direction in 1960. Ambelain undertook a comprehensive reform of the rituals and renamed his obedience the "French Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm." His tenure marked a period of substantial development and systematization of the rite's practices. In 1985, Ambelain transmitted his succession to Gérard Kloppel, initiating a new phase in the rite's history.

### The 1998 Schism and Contemporary Development

The dissolution of the French Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm began to take shape in 1995. Several fundamental issues contributed to this fragmentation, including debates over lodge gender integration, the independence of the first three degrees' workshops from those of the higher degrees, lifetime leadership appointments, and the distinction between rite and obedience. These tensions culminated in a significant crisis following the creation of a mixed Egyptian "path" in 1997. The definitive break occurred on January 24, 1998, when the obedience split into two branches. One faction formed the Symbolic Grand Lodge of France under Georges Claude Vieilledent's leadership, while the other remained loyal to Gérard Kloppel under the name French Male Grand Lodge of Memphis Misraïm. Following this division, Kloppel created the Traditional Grand Lodge of Memphis-Misraim by patent of March 15, 1998, then on May 5, 1998 transmitted his office of World Grand Master to Cheikna Sylla. He will remain in the Traditional Grand Lodge of Memphis-Misraïm as a simple member until 2007. The original French Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm was ultimately dissolved by the Créteil tribunal.

### Contemporary Practice and Organization

As of 2012, approximately 175 lodges in France worked with the Memphis-Misraïm Rite, with 40 operating within the Grand Orient de France. The rite maintains a unique characteristic in Masonic practice: its filiation can be transmitted through a single individual, male or female, once they achieve certain degrees (90th for Misraïm, 95th for Memphis-Misraïm). This feature has led to both flexibility in establishing new branches and challenges in verifying legitimacy. In addition to organized lodges, there exists an undetermined number of independent lodges practicing Egyptian rites, including a research and study lodge in Paris that has revived Marconis de Nègre's 1838 ritual. The rite continues to be practiced by numerous obediences worldwide, maintaining its distinctive focus on Egyptian cultural elements and the relationship between humanity and the sacred.

### Philosophical Foundations

The Egyptian rites fundamentally differ from other Masonic traditions in their deep connection to Egyptian culture, particularly focusing on humanity's relationship with the sacred. They preserve the ancient Egyptian distinction between "true" and "real," attempting to revive ancient mysteries within a Masonic framework. This philosophical approach has helped maintain the rite's unique character while adapting to modern Masonic practice. The contemporary practice of Memphis-Misraïm continues to reflect this philosophical heritage, emphasizing both esoteric knowledge and practical wisdom. The rite maintains its position as a unique bridge between ancient Egyptian mysteries and modern Masonic tradition, though its practice has evolved significantly from its 18th and 19th-century origins.

## Degrees of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis in the 99 degree system

The traditional 99 degrees of the rite.
| Degree | Title | Description | Class | Notes |
| Symbolic Lodge |||||
| 1° | Apprentice Mason | First degree of Masonry | Symbolic Lodge | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 2° | Companion Mason | Second degree of Masonry | Symbolic Lodge | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 3° | Master Mason | Third degree of Masonry | Symbolic Lodge | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Lodges of Perfection |||||
| 4° | Secret Master | Teaches truth and the existence of one God | Lodge of Perfection | — |
| 5° | Perfect Master | Teaches the love of God for the human race | Lodge of Perfection | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 6° | Intimate Secretary | Develops and proves the doctrine of immortality | Lodge of Perfection | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 7° | Provost and Judge | Teaches justice as divine consequence | Lodge of Perfection | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 8° | Intendant of the Buildings | Teaches the necessity of order | Lodge of Perfection | — |
| 9° | Master Elect of Nine | Teaches proper administration of justice | Lodge of Perfection | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 10° | Illustrious Elect of Fifteen | Teaches proper governance | Lodge of Perfection | — |
| 11° | Sublime Knight Elect | Teaches legislative representation | Lodge of Perfection | — |
| 12° | Grand Master Architect | Teaches value of labor | Lodge of Perfection | — |
| 13° | Royal Arch | Studies divine knowledge | Lodge of Perfection | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 14° | Grand Elect of the Sacred Vault (called Jacques VI or Sublime Mason) | Rewards of Masonic labor | Lodge of Perfection | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Chapters |||||
| 15° | Knight of the East or of the Sword | Teaches hope and faith | Chapter | — |
| 16° | Prince of Jerusalem | Teaches eternal Masonic doctrine | Chapter | — |
| 17° | Knight of the East and West | Teaches pioneering spirit | Chapter | — |
| 18° | Sublime Prince Rose-Croix | Intellectual inheritance | Chapter | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Senates |||||
| 19° | Grand Pontiff or Sublime Scottish Mason of the Heavenly Jerusalem | Teaches civil and religious toleration | Senate | — |
| 20° | Knight of the Temple | Teaches necessity of caution | Senate | — |
| 21° | Noachite or Prussian Knight | Teaches vindication of truth | Senate | — |
| 22° | Knight of the Royal Arch or Prince of Lebanon | Teaches vigilance | Senate | — |
| 23° | Chief of the Tabernacle | Studies sacred doctrine | Senate | — |
| 24° | Prince of the Tabernacle | Teaches opposition to sectarianism | Senate | — |
| 25° | Knight of the Brazen Serpent | Teaches liberty and equality | Senate | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 26° | Scottish Trinitarian or Prince of Mercy | Teaches philosophical alliance | Senate | — |
| 27° | Grand Commander of the Temple | Teaches universal peace | Senate | — |
| 28° | Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept | Shows Masonic doctrine's result | Senate | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 29° | Grand Scottish Knight of St. Andrew of Scotland, Prince of Light | Teaches perseverance | Senate | — |
| Areopages and Tribunals |||||
| 30° | Grand Elect Knight Kadosh, Knight of the White and Black Eagle | Teaches defense of rights | Areopage | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 31° | Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander | Focuses on Masonic justice | Areopage | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 32° | Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret | Studies metaphysics | Areopage | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 33° | Sovereign Grand Inspector General | Teaches divine rights | Areopage | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Grand Consistories |||||
| 34° | Knight of Scandinavia | Studies Norse mythology | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 35° | Sublime Commander of the Temple | Studies Temple mysteries | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 36° | Sublime Negotiate | Studies geometry and astronomy | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 37° | Knight of Shota (Adept of Truth) | Studies ancient initiations | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 38° | Sublime Elect of Truth | Studies ancient mysteries | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 39° | Grand Elect of the Aeons | Studies divine economy | Grand Consistory | — |
| 40° | Sage Sivaist (Perfect Sage) | Studies natural laws | Grand Consistory | — |
| 41° | Knight of the Rainbow | Studies solar symbolism | Grand Consistory | — |
| 42° | Prince of Light | Studies purity and justice | Grand Consistory | — |
| 43° | Sublime Hermetic Sage | Studies birth and death symbolism | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 44° | Prince of the Zodiac | Studies celestial correspondences | Grand Consistory | — |
| 45° | Sublime Sage of the Mysteries | Studies light and darkness | Grand Consistory | — |
| 46° | Sublime Pastor of the Huts | Studies alchemy | Grand Consistory | — |
| 47° | Knight of the Seven Stars | Studies stellar symbolism | Grand Consistory | — |
| 48° | Sublime Guardian of the Sacred Mount | Studies highest mysteries | Grand Consistory | — |
| 49° | Sublime Sage of the Pyramids | Studies initiation paths | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 50° | Sublime Philosopher of Samothrace | Studies Great Gods mysteries | Grand Consistory | — |
| 51° | Sublime Titan of Caucasus | Studies Promethean myth | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 52° | Sage of the Labyrinth | Studies Hermeticism | Grand Consistory | — |
| 53° | Knight of the Phoenix | Studies regeneration | Grand Consistory | — |
| 54° | Sublime Scalde | Studies world traditions | Grand Consistory | — |
| 55° | Sublime Orphic Doctor | Studies Orphic mysteries | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 56° | Pontiff of Cadmia | Studies alchemical work | Grand Consistory | — |
| 57° | Sublime Mage | Studies spirit and matter | Grand Consistory | — |
| 58° | Prince Brahmin | Studies Brahmanic wisdom | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 59° | Grand Pontiff of Ogygia | Studies Homeric wisdom | Grand Consistory | — |
| 60° | Sublime Guardian of the Three Fires | Studies tripartite nature | Grand Consistory | — |
| 61° | Sublime Unknown Philosopher | Studies occult medicine | Grand Consistory | — |
| 62° | Sublime Sage of Eleusis | Studies Eleusinian mysteries | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 63° | Sublime Kawi | Studies love and union | Grand Consistory | — |
| 64° | Sage of Mithra | Studies Mithraic mysteries | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 65° | Patriarch Grand Installer | Guards sacred knowledge | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 66° | Patriarch Grand Consecrator | Preserves sacred rites | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 67° | Patriarch Grand Eulogist | Maintains traditions | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 68° | Patriarch of Truth | Studies Heliopolis wisdom | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 69° | Knight of the Golden Branch of Eleusis | Studies initiation symbols | Grand Consistory | — |
| 70° | Patriarch of the Planispheres | Studies divine wisdom | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 71° | Patriarch of the Sacred Vedas | Studies Hindu wisdom | Grand Consistory | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Grand Councils |||||
| 72° | Sublime Master of Wisdom | Studies mystery traditions | Grand Council | — |
| 73° | Doctor of Sacred Fire | Studies occult fire | Grand Council | — |
| 74° | Sublime Master of the Sloka | Studies sacred rhythm | Grand Council | — |
| 75° | Knight of the Lybian Chain | Supreme Consistory degree | Grand Council | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 76° | Patriarch of Isis | Studies hieroglyphics | Grand Council | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 77° | Sublime Knight Theosopher | Studies comparative religion | Grand Council | — |
| 78° | Grand Pontiff of Thebes | Studies Theban wisdom | Grand Council | — |
| 79° | Knight of the Formidable Sadah | Studies mystery constancy | Grand Council | — |
| 80° | Sublime Elect of the Sanctuary | Studies Ra mythology | Grand Council | — |
| 81° | Patriarch of Memphis | Studies Horus tradition | Grand Council | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 82° | Grand Elect of Midgard | Studies Norse cosmology | Grand Council | — |
| 83° | Sublime Knight of the Valley of Oddy | Studies Egyptian Ennead | Grand Council | — |
| 84° | Doctor of the Izeds | Studies Zoroastrian hierarchy | Grand Council | — |
| 85° | Sublime Master of the Luminous Ring | Studies Egyptian symbols | Grand Council | — |
| 86° | Pontiff of Serapis | Studies sacred wisdom | Grand Council | — |
| 87° | Sublime Prince of Masonry | Reviews all degrees | Grand Council | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 88° | Grand Elect of the Sacred Court | Studies esoteric teaching | Grand Council | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 89° | Patriarch of the Mystic City | Studies Truth and Hope | Grand Council | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 90° | Patriarch Sublime Master of the Great Work | Studies supreme alchemy | Grand Council | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Grand Tribunals |||||
| 91° | Sublime Patriarch Grand Defender of the Order | Guards Order's integrity | Grand Tribunal | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Grand Mystic Temples |||||
| 92° | Sublime Catechist | Teaches Order's wisdom | Grand Mystic Temple | — |
| 93° | Grand Inspector Regulator General | Regulates Order's work | Grand Mystic Temple | — |
| 94° | Sublime Patriarch of Memphis | Preserves Memphis tradition | Grand Mystic Temple | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Sovereign Sanctuaries |||||
| 95° | Sublime Patriarch Grand Conservator | Conserves Order's traditions | Sovereign Sanctuary | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 96° | National Deputy Grand Master | Vice-President of National Sanctuary | Sovereign Sanctuary | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 97° | National Grand Master | President of National Sanctuary | Sovereign Sanctuary | — |
| 98° | World Deputy Grand Master | Vice-President of International Sanctuary | Sovereign Sanctuary | — |
| 99° | Most Serene Grand Master of the World, Grand Hierophant | President of International Sanctuary | Sovereign Sanctuary | — |

### Classes of Degrees

* Symbolic Lodge (1°-3°)
* Lodges of Perfection (4°-14°)
* Chapters (15°-18°)
* Senates (19°-29°)
* Areopages and Tribunals (30°-33°)
* Grand Consistories (34°-71°)
* Grand Councils (72°-90°)
* Grand Tribunals (91°)
* Grand Mystic Temples (92°-94°)
* Sovereign Sanctuaries (95°-99°)

## 33-Degree system of the Memphis-Misraim or Egyptian Rite

As practiced at the Grand Orient de France following the 1862 fusion agreement by Marconis de Nègre.
| Degree | Title | Notes |
| Symbolic Blue Lodge (1°-3°) |||
| 1° | Apprentice Mason | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 2° | Companion Mason | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 3° | Master Mason | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Egyptian colleges (4°-30°) |||
| 4° | Discreet Master | — |
| 5° | Sublime Master – Master of Angles | — |
| 6° | Knight of the Sacred Arch | — |
| 7° | Knight of the Secret Vault | — |
| 8° | Knight of the Sword | — |
| 9° | Knight of Jerusalem | — |
| 10° | Knight of the East | — |
| 11° | Knight Rose-Croix | — |
| 12° | Knight of the Red Eagle | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 13° | Knight of the Temple | — |
| 14° | Knight of the Tabernacle | — |
| 15° | Knight of the Serpent | — |
| 16° | Knight Kadosh | — |
| 17° | Knight of the Royal Mystery | — |
| 18° | Grand Inspector | — |
| 19° | Sage of Truth | — |
| 20° | Hermetic Philosopher | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 21° | Patriarch Grand Installer | — |
| 22° | Patriarch Grand Consecrator | — |
| 23° | Patriarch Grand Eulogist | — |
| 24° | Patriarch of Truth | — |
| 25° | Patriarch of the Planispheres | — |
| 26° | Patriarch of the Sacred Vedas | — |
| 27° | Egyptian Master – Patriarch of Isis | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 28° | Patriarch of Memphis | — |
| 29° | Patriarch of the Mystic City | — |
| 30° | Sublime Master of the Great Work | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Egyptian Academy (31°-32°) |||
| 31° | Grand Defender of the Rite | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| 32° | Prince of Memphis | Must be conferred in Lodge |
| Sovereign Sanctuary (33°) |||
| 33° | Patriarch Grand Conservator (A∴A∴) | Must be conferred in Lodge |