Aaron’s Rod

Aaron, brother of Moses and member of the tribe of Levi, is not, himself, a Masonic character, but the ritual of the Royal Arch Degree makes use of the Rod of Aaron, which "budded, blossomed, and brought forth fruit in a day," as one of the symbols in connection with the work in the Veils.

Although Aaron’s Rod was not, in patriarchal times, placed in the Ark of the Covenant, St. Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews (ix:4) so stated and the Royal Arch Masons follow that interpretation. Some varieties of trees have remarkable reviving qualities, for example, a willow branch which has seemingly been severed from the tree long enough to die several times over and appears to be completely dry will often grow if placed in wet earth. Aaron’s Rod is an example of the mystery or exaggerated type of ancient fables.

Aaron is a character in the 25th degree A. A. S. R. Northern Jurisdiction.

Macoy Collector's Note: Henry Wilson Coil’s analysis of Aaron’s Rod highlights his signature "no-nonsense" approach, specifically calling out the distinction between biblical history and Masonic ritual interpretation.