Masonic dates are written "A.L." for "Anno Lucis" or "In the year of
Light" which is 4000 years plus the current year. i.e. the year 2014
written Masonically would be 6014. This is because the practice has
followed the ancient belief that the world was created when God said
"Let there be light", 4000 years before Christ.
Royal Arch Masons Add 530 to the current year, thus A.D. 2014 plus 530 equals A.I. (Anno Inventionis-year of Discovery) 2544
Royal & Select Masons Add 1000 to the current year Thus A.D. 2014
plus 1000 equals A.Dep. (Anno Deposotis-year of Deposit) 3014
Commandery Knights Templar Subtract 1118 from the current year thus 2014
minus 1118 equals A.O. (Anno Ordinis-year of the Order) 896
