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

division of the degrees, and in their rituals, or forms and ceremonies.
But the great principles of Freemasonry, its philosophy and its
symbolism, are alike in all. It is evident, then, that in an
investigation
of the symbolism of Freemasonry, we have no concern with its ritual,
which
is but an outer covering that is intended to conceal the treasure that
is
within.
ROSICRUCIANS. A sect of hermetical philosophers, founded in the
fifteenth
century, who were engaged in the study of abstruse sciences. It was a
secret society much resembling the masonic in its organization, and in
some of the subjects of its investigation; but it was in no other way
connected with Freemasonry. It is, however, well worth the study of the
masonic student on account of the light that it throws upon many of the
masonic symbols.
ROYAL ART. Freemasonry is so called because it is supposed to have been
founded by two kings,--the kings of Israel and Tyre,--and because it
has
been subsequently encouraged and patronized by monarchs in all
countries.
S
SABIANISM, or SABAISM. The worship of the sun, moon, and stars, the
TSABA
_Hashmaim_, "the host of heaven." It was practised in Persia, Chaldea,
India, and other Oriental countries, at an early period of the world's
history. Sun-worship has had a powerful influence on subsequent and
more
rational religions, and relics of it are to be found even in the
symbolism
of Freemasonry.
SACELLUM. A sacred place consecrated to a god, and containing an altar.
SAINTE CROIX. The work of the Baron de Sainte Croix, in two volumes,
entitled, "Recherches Historiques et Critiques sur les Mysteres du
Paganisme," is one of the most valuable and instructive works that we
have
in any language on the ancient Mysteries,--those religious associations
whose history and design so closely connect them with Freemasonry. To
the
student of masonic philosophy and symbolism this work of Sainte Croix
is
absolutely essential.
SALSETTE. An island in the Bay of Bombay, celebrated for stupendous
caverns excavated artificially out of the solid rock, and which were
appropriated to the initiations in the ancient Mysteries of India.