Masonic Calendars

An explanation of dates used in various Masonic bodies

-Source MasonicDictionary.com

-Graphics Stephen McKim

Many Masons are curious as to the different dates used in Freemasonry. This year craft lodges date the year, 2008 as 6008, while Knights Templar refer to the same year as 890. The following explanation should provide further light into these peculiar Masonic customs.

Craft Freemasonry = Anno Lucis

Craft Masonry’s calendar commences with the creation of the world and uses the term Anno Lucius (A.L.) – “In the year of Light.” To arrive at this date they add 4000 to the common time, as the Earth was believed in conventional theology to have began in 4000 BC . Therefore the year 2007 becomes 6007.

Capitular Freemasonry = Anno Inventionis

Royal Arch Masons date time from the year the second temple was commended by Zerubbabel. Anno Inventionis (A.I.) ,which means “In the year of Discovery,” is the terminology used by Chapters. This adds 530 to the common time, therefore the year 2007 becomes 2537.

Cryptic Freemasonry = Anno Depositionis

Royal and Select Masters or Cryptic Masons date from the year in which the Temple of Solomon was completed. It is called Anno Depositionis (A.D.), which means “In the year of the Deposit” and adds 1000 to the common time. Therefore the year 2007 becomes 3007.

Templar Freemasonry = Anno Ordinis

Knights Templar start their calendar with the formation of the order in 1118 AD. Anno Ordinis (A.O.), which means “In the year of the Order” is the terminology used. This deducts 1,118 from the common time; therefore the year 2007 becomes 889.

Scottish Rite = Anno Mundi

The Scottish Rite date the same as Craft Masons, except for the use of the Jewish Chronology. Anno Mundi (A.M.), which means “In the year of the World” is their calendar terminology and adds 3760 to the common time. Therefore the year 2007 becomes 5767.

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