ANNUITCOEPTIS

A. Preparatory Degrees
1. Novice and Teacher, almost apart as such from ceremonial procedure.
2. Academy of Illuminism, otherwise, Brethren of Minerva.
- the reception was at the end of night in a dark room.
3. Illuminatus Minor
4. Illuminatus Major, otherwise "Scottish Novice" (reflected form Masonry).
The Candidate is represented as depositing an account of his life in the hands of his Sponsor, and
this was checked by information derived from the Intelligence Department of the Order.
B. Intermediary Degree
1. Scottish Knight of Illuminsm, founded on Ecossais Grades of Masonic Chivalry and reproducing
points of their procedure. An alternative name was: Illuminatus Dirigens." The Candidate was
called upon to testify his belief that the Superiors of Illuminism were also the unknown and
lawful Superiors of Freemasonry.
C. Class of the Lesser Mysteries
1. Epopt, or Priest of Illuminism.
- the Candidate was hood-winked and driven by a circuitous route to a place of assembly. He was
brought into a brightly illuminated Temple, where was a vacant throne, by which lay the insignia
of royalty, and a cushion whereon was folded a white priestly robe and girdle. The Candidate was
to choose between them, and if he was guided rightly he became a Priest of the Order, when a part
of its policy was unveiled to him.
2. Regent or Principatus Illuminatus.
- the political aspects of the Order were developed in the Grade of Knighthood.
D. Class of the Greater Mysteries
1. Magus or Philosopher
2. Man-King.
- the last Mysteries were combined in these Degrees, but no account of their Ritual procedure has
transpired.
- source: pg. 387, Waite, AE. "New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry," Weathervane Books,
1970. ISBN: 0-517-191482