Why has Symbolic Masonry three degrees only and not four or seven or a larger number, as have other branches of the Fraternity?
Three is the numerical symbol of the equilateral triangle, which is man's earliest symbol for God. It was the "most sacred number" at the dawn of civilization. Masonry emphasizes it: three degrees, three circumambulations in the Third Degree, three Great Lights, three Lesser Lights, three steps on the Master's Carpet, three Fellows who stood at the gates of the Temple, three who discovered the Master Workman, three principal rounds, three Grand Columns, etc.
Evidently the ritual makers of an early age believed that there should be a symbolism of number as well as of object in the teaching of Masonry regarding the fatherhood of God, to instruct that He is present at all times in every ceremony and meeting.
Recommended reading (pdf e-books):
John Dee - The Hieroglyphic Monad French VersionAleister Crowley - The Soul Of The Desert
Pyotr Demianovich Ouspenskii - The Symbolism Of The Tarot
