THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

Battery: [2-1]. The apron is yellow, bordered in blue, with three
concentric point-down triangles, with the Tetragrammaton (horizontal)
and "Fiat Lux" (vertical) at the center, forming a cross. Its triangular
shape relates to the "fourth great light, which reminds us of the Deity
and his attributes." The jewel is gold, with the same three concentric
triangles.
21. [PATRIARCH] NOACHITE, or PRUSSIAN KNIGHT
This degree is based on the Order of Knights, known in Germany as the
Holy Vehme, who exacted justice fiercely and morally. They inculcated
humility, and constantly remembered the price of pride, exacted upon the
descendants of Noah who erected the Tower of Babel. Today, this Order
only claims jurisdiction among its own members, and their rule and duty
is to judge others by the same rules by which they live. They meet on
nights of the full moon, from the ancient custom of the worship of Isis
and Ceres, and also from the original knights, who desired secrecy.
The Lodge, styled a Grand Chapter, meets in a "retired place," on the
night of the full moon, which is the only light allowed. The presiding
officer, the "Lieutenant Commander," faces the moonlight. The brethren
are styled "Prussian Knight-Masons," and all are dressed in black. No
Table Lodges are to be held in this degree.
Battery: [3]. "In the heavenly host [light of the moon] they admire the
work of the Supreme Creator, and the universal laws of harmony and motion
-- the first two laws that emanated from God." The apron is yellow, and
contains an arm holding a sword, and a winged figure holding a key in the
left hand, and the right forefinger on the lips (the "Egyptian figure of
Silence"). The jewel is an point-up triangle, with an arrow, point
downward, an arm holding a sword, and the motto "Fiat Justitia, Ruat
Coelum."
22. KNIGHT OF THE ROYAL AXE, or PRINCE OF LIBANUS
This degree teaches that all labor is honorable, and the "toiling
millions" should be respected and assisted. The Phoenicians,
especially those of the city of Tsidun, are remembered as those who
cut cedars on Mount Libanus (Lebanon) for Noah's ark, as well as the
Ark of the Covenant and the Temples of Jerusalem. The peoples of
Phoenicia, Hiram of Tyre and Hiram Abiff included, were tied to the
Israelites by the fact that they shared the mysteries, and it is even
said that the Etrurian and Roman Colleges of Artificers descended from
them via the Hyksos.
The Lodge, styled a College, has two apartments. The first is a plain
room which represents a workshop on Mount Libanus. Here, the Senior
Warden, or "Master Carpenter," presides. The second apartment is hung
in red, lighted by 36 lights, and is called the Council-room of the
Round Table. The brethren sit at a round wooden table, and the altar
in the East holds the three great lights and an axe.