In Summary:
The 11th degree “Elu of the Twelve” in the southern jurisdiction of the Scottish rite teaches sympathy and compassion towards one’s brother Masons and mankind as a whole. The apron of the 11th degree is white, lined with black, with a flaming heart in the center. The jewel is a dagger suspended from a black cordon inscribed with the degree’s name.

Initial Note:
Life is real and earnest, and it is full of duties to be performed. It is the beginning of our immortality. Those only who feel a deep interest and affection for this world will work resolutely for its amelioration.

Regalia Notes:
The apron is white, lined, edged, and fringed with black and the flap is black. In the middle is an embroidered flaming heart.

The cordon is a broad black watered ribbon, worn from right to left. Over the flaming heart on the cordon are painted or embroidered the words “Vincere Aut Mori”; literally, ‘Victory or Death’ – ‘Conquer or Die’.

The flaming heart upon the apron and cordon are symbols of that zeal and devoutness that ought to animate all Masons and of those noble and heroic souls that have in all ages suffered and sacrificed themselves for their fellows or their country. The motto is a solemn pledge that one would rather die than betray the cause of the people or be overcome through his own fault.

The jewel is a sword of gold, suspended from the cordon, and represents truth. The Elu of the Twelve have been given the title of Prince Ameth or Prince of Truth, for “Truth is sharper than any two-edged sword”

Duties are:
• Be earnest true and reliable.
Be the champion of the people.

For Reflection:
• Is Masonry’s work ever completed?

Lessons:
• Life is a school. Masonry is work.

Important Symbols:
• Flaming heart, the twelve Elus, swords with points touching in a circle.

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Additional Notes:
In each degree, Albert Pike cleverly provides hints of future lessons and reminders of past lessons. Often too, he attributes special meaning to a specific symbol or character mentioned in a degree. Here we are informed that the previous Elu Degrees (9th and 10th) symbolize an independent legislature, an indispensable feature of free government. The Nine Elus represent the upper house; they are fewer in number, more mature in wisdom, and elected for longer terms than those of the lower house, symbolized by the Elu of the Fifteen. This degree should remind us of another institution necessary for true liberty – the trial by a jury of twelve men whose unanimous verdict is necessary to convict someone of a crime.

Sources:
Purchase ‘A Bridge To Light‘ by Rex R. Hutchens
Purchase ‘Morals & Dogma‘ by Albert Pike.