Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis Misraim
Narbonne Primitif, Misraïm, Memphis 'Egyptian' Hermetic rites and their integration
To try and present some historical and current pictures on the state of this (or these) rites is fraught with partisan views combined with scant historical published work. In any case, I am not here attempting to present a description of the vast interweaving of the various rites that have eventually integrated in some constitutions.
It may be worth noting that though the Memphis-Misraïm name is best know following their merge by Giraboldi, the Memphis still exists independently, as does, I have been told, the Primitif (Narbonne) rite.
Basically, what we have here are various rites and episodes of expansion and re-integration. What unites each of these various rites is their emergence in the mid-late 18th century, their interests and incorporation of Hermetic thought and Egyptian symbolic, and the influence of the symbolic degree structure expanded but arising from the 33 degree Ancient Scottish rite.
In a nutshell, then, consider that in the beginning of the 18th century emerges Anderson's constitutions that effectively forms the written backbone of Freemasonry. In the 1750s develops in Narbonne (in the South of France) a rite designated 'Primitif' and more esoterically or Hermetically oriented. In the early 1800s develops the 'Scottish' rite with its numerous degrees (by the standards of the day).
These are expanded and integrated in various ways in different parts of the world, but especially in Continental Europe and North America. Out of this a rite has been syncretised taking esoteric hermetic elements as essential to the foundation of Freemasonry: the Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm.
Grades or degrees in the Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm
Differing constitutions appear to have some differences, including whether there are 95°, 96°, or 97° effective grades or degrees.
I list here the degrees actually worked by some of the most prominent amongst these, the degrees not listed being 'conferred' when working the ensuing degree (for example, the 15°-17° being 'conferred' during the 18°). Please note that there are variations (eg, the 12° and 22° form part of the conferred degrees in some constitutions, and conversely the 20° is at times worked).
Blue degrees: 1°, 2°, 3°
Perfection of Blue: 4°, 9°, 12°, 13°, 14°
Red degrees: 18°
Black degrees: 22°, 28°, 30°
'White' degrees: 31°, 32°, 33°
Hermetic degrees: 66°, 90°, 95°
(96° and 97° conferred when used)
Of interest may also be a page I have prepared comparing the various grades from a variety of Memphis, Misraim, and Primitif Rites. This was originally in preparation for a paper I delivered the Victorian Lodge of Research - 218, in 2007. ⇒ Table of Degrees for APRMM
Possible relationship of APMM rite to SRIA
In looking at the rituals of both the SRIA and the APMM, what is striking is some of the very close proximity of words, of suggested study, and of lectures - and this by even looking at materials published in 1879. What I am personally lead to suggest is that the SRIA developed from an APMM impulse, but in a land hostile to yet further Masonic expansions. There are further connections between the APMM and SRIA through some of the latter's founders, themselves involved in the former. Again, a growing suspicion that the formation of the SRIA is basically a version of the MM rite re-clothed in Christian form and strictly separated, for obvious Masonic political reasons, from any appelations that would otherwise see it in direct competing conflict with either the AAR (Ecossais) or the Knightly orders.
Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia - SRIA
Being quite fond of the SRIA, I may as well mention some of its peculiarities here.
Firstly, it was formed in the 1860s, and has slowly spread to various parts of the world. Its 'sister' organisations include (amongst others) the SRIS and SRICF, each with minor differences.
Its grades are based, and reflect to some extent, an ascent upon the Kabalistic Tree of Life. This is one element that the Golden Dawn, whose founding members were all SRIA members, adapted - the SRIA's and the GD's rituals and views, however, are radically different, each having a different foundation.
Each grade requires that one studies and gains some familiarity with one or another of the major areas of the esoteric corpus of the western world, including Kabalah, Alchemy and Philosophy. Here one may also see how the SRIA has some continuing similarities to the Memphis-Misraim rite.