Masonic Calendars

Rules for Masonic Calendars and Dating Systems

Ancient Craft Masons commence their era wth the creation of the world, calling it Anno Lucis (A. L.) or "In the Year of Light." 

 

Rule: Add 4,000 years to the common era.  Thus, 2,013 and 4,000 = 6,013.

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (A.A.S.R.) also commence their era wth the creation of the world, except the Jewish Chronolgy is used, calling it Anno Mundi (A. M.) or "In the Year of the World." 

 

Rule: Add 3,760 years to the common era.  Thus, 2,013 and 3,750 = 5,763. After September, add another year.

Royal Arch Masons (R.A.M.) date from the year the second temple was commenced by Zerubbabel: Anno Inventionis (A. Inv.) or "In the Year of the Discovery." 

 

Rule: Add 530 years to the common era.  Thus, 2,013 and 530 = 2,543.

Royal and Select Masters (R. & S.M.) date from the year in which the Temple of Solomon was completed: Anno Depositionis (A. Dep.) or "In the Year of the Deposit."  

 

Rule: Add 1,000 years to the common era.  Thus, 2,013 and 1,000 = 3,013.

Knights Templar (K.T.) commence their era with the organization of their Order, Anno Ordinis (A. O) or "In the Year of the Order."  

 

Rule: Subtract 1,118 years from the common era.  Thus, 2,013 minus 1,118 = 895.

Order of High Priesthood date from the year of the Blessing of Abraham by the High Priest Mechizedek, Anno Benedictionis (A. B.) or "In the Year of the Blessing."  

 

Rule: Add 1,913 years to the common era.  Thus, 2,013 and 1,913 = 3,926.