A Cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical leader, considered a Prince of the Church, and usually an ordained bishop of the Catholic Church. The cardinals of the Church are collectively known as the College of Cardinals. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and making themselves available individually or in groups to the pope as requested. Most have additional duties, such as leading a diocese or archdiocese or managing a department of the Roman Curia.
Only Cardinals can become pope. Their major duty is electing a new pope when there is a Papal vacancy.
The Pope is Pontifex Maximus (greatest priest), Bishop of Rome, Leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, and the head of state of Vatican City (city-state) a recognized country withing the city of Rome.
Holy See that is the sovereign entity of international law headquartered in the distinctively independent Vatican City State, established by the Lateran Treaty in 1929 between Italy and the Holy See to ensure its temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual independence. The Pope is the head of Admiralty Law.
This is the rituals of the Prince Hall Shriners, 1973
Opening Ceremonies
Illustrious Potentate, one rap with gavel or sceptre:
WE ARE ABOUT TO OPEN … TEMPLE FOR BUSINESS AND CEREMONIES. OFFICERS WILL TAKE THEIR STATIONS.
Officers take their stations, but do not robe. Each officer, except the Illustrious Potentate, arises when addressed, and remains standing.
Illustrious Potentate, one rap:
NOBLE CHIEF RABBAN, THAT NO INTERLOPER OR SPY MAY INTRUDE UPON THE CEREMONIES OF OUR MYSTIC RITE, IT IS MY COMMAND THAT YOU SUMMON YOUR PROPER OFFICERS AND RECEIVE FROM THEM OUR MYSTIC PASS; DISPERSE THEM WITH ALACRITY IN AND ABOUT THE TEMPLE TO RECEIVE THE SAME FROM ALL WITHIN OUR PORTALS, AND COMMUNICATE TO YOU, THAT YOU MAY GIVE ME THE ASSURANCE THAT NO IGNOBLE HERE INTRUDES.
Chief Rabban, one rap:
NOBLES FIRST AND SECOND CEREMONIAL MASTERS, HAVE YOU THE MYSTIC PASS?
First and Second Ceremonial Masters:
NOBLE CHIEF RABBAN, WE HAVE.
Chief Rabban:
APPROACH AND GIVE IT.
First and Second Ceremonial Masters approach and whisper ….
Chief Rabban:
IT IS THE COMMAND OF OUR ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE THAT YOU FORTHWITH RECEIVE THE MYSTIC PASS FROM EACH AND EVERYONE IN OR ABOUT THE BODY OF THE TEMPLE, AND RETURN THE SAME TO ME THAT I MAY GIVE ASSURANCE THAT NO IGNOBLE SPY INTRUDES UPON THE CEREMONIES OF OUR MYSTIC RITE.
First and Second Ceremonial Masters, each on one side of the Temple receive the Mystic Pass Each Noble arises and whispers. The pass is not required of the Illustrious Potentate,. Chief Rabban and Assistant Rabban, but should be required of the Outer Guard. If any be present without the pass, the Ceremonial Master announces aloud, “an Intruder.” The one without the pass is vouched for or expelled. Returning, the Second Ceremonial Master communicates the pass to the First Ceremonial Master and the First Ceremonial Master communicates it to the Chief Rabban.
Chief Rabban:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, OUR MYSTIC SHRINE IS SECURE AND FREE FROM JEOPARDY; THERE ARE NONE PRESENT SAVE NOBLES OF OUR MYSTIC RITE.
Illustrious Potentate:
IT IS WELL. LET US BE CLOTHED.
Officers vest themselves with their robes and jewels. Each member dons fez and white gloves. All are seated.
Illustrious Potentate, one rap:
NOBLE ASSISTANT RABBAN, INFORM THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD, AND HE HIS COMRADE, THE OUTER GUARD THAT … TEMPLE IS ABOUT TO BE OPENED FOR BUSINESS AND CEREMONIES, AND BOTH TAKE HEED TO PERMIT NO INTERRUPTION WHILE WE ARE THUS ENGAGED.
Assistant Rabban, one rap:
NOBLE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD, YOU WILL INFORM YOUR COMRADE, THE OUTER GUARD, THAT … TEMPLE IS ABOUT TO BE OPENED FOR BUSINESS AND CEREMONIES. IT IS THE COMMAND OF OUR ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE THAT YOU BOTH TAKE HEED AND PERMIT NO INTERRUPTION WHILE WE ARE THUS ENGAGED.
Captain of the Guard goes to the inner door, opens it, and instructs the Outer Guard. He then closes the door and gives ** * raps, which is answered by the same number from the Outer Guard.
Captain of the Guard:
NOBLE ASSISTANT RABBAN, OUR OUTER GUARD STANDS INSTRUCTED; WE ARE UNDER A DOUBLE-GUARD; PICKETED BY A TRIED AND TRUSTY OFFICER WITHOUT; ONE WHO KNOWS HIS DUTY; VIGILANTLY ASSISTED BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD WITHIN.
Assistant Rabban:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, OUR SACRED TEMPLE IS UNDER A DOUBLE AND TRUSTY GUARD.
Illustrious Potentate:
SINCE ALL PRESENT ARE NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE AND OUR TEMPLE SECURELY GUARDED, LET US FORM ABOUT THE ALTAR AND UNITE IN SINGING OUR OPENING ODE.
All arise and form semi-circle, opening towards the Orient.
High Priest goes to altar on east side and faces the Nobles, when the first verse or more of the Shrine ode is sung.
“JOY IS A FRUIT THAT WILL NOT GROW
IN NATURE’S BARREN SOIL;
THE SAVIOUR CALLS FOR YOU AND ME,
IN HIS VINEYARD TO TOIL.”
The last verse to be sung only at closing of the Temple
After the ode, the High Priest offers the following prayer:
”FATHER AND CREATOR, WHO HAST GIVEN US LIFE AND BEING, AID US TO PERFORM THE DUTIES WHICH THY LAW AND OUR VOWS IMPOSE UPON US. THOU HAST VOUCHSAFED TO CALL US THY CHILDREN, AND DOTH GRACIOUSLY PERMIT US TO CALL THEE FATHER. MAY THY NAME BE OUR GLORY AND OUR CONFIDENCE, OUR DEFENSE AND GUARD, OUR ORNAMENT AND STRENGTH, OUR DIGNITY AND THE MOTIVE OF OBEDIENCE. MAY IT CONFIRM AND SUSTAIN US IN OUR GOOD RESOLUTIONS, AND MAKE US STEADFAST NEVER TO DESERT THE POST OF DUTY. LET OUR BODIES BE CHASTE, OUR THOUGHTS PURE, OUR WORDS GENTLE, OUR LIVES USEFUL AND INNOCENT, TO THE HONOR AND COMMENDATION OF MASONRY AND THE MYSTIC SHRINE. MAKE US PATIENT OF THE EVILS WITH WHICH WE MAY BE AFFLICTED, LOVERS OF THE GOOD WHICH THOU COMMENDEST, HATERS OF ALL VICE WHICH THOU FORBIDDEST, AND SATISFIED WITH ALL THOU SENDEST. LET US NOT BE TEMPTED WITH WANT, NOR MADE CONTEMPTIBLE BY BEGGARY, NOR WANTONLY PROUD BY RICHES, NOR IN LOVE WITH ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD TO THE DISREGARD OF DUTY. LOOK UPON US WITH MERCY; FORGIVE OUR IMPERFECTIONS, AND ACCEPT WITH COMPASSION THE LITTLE SERVICE WE MAY BE ABLE TO RENDER TO THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE, TRUTH AND COMMON HUMANITY. AND TO THEE BE ALL GLORY AND HONOR, FOREVER. AMEN.”
All:
SO MOTE IT BE. AMEN, AMEN, AMEN.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLE ORIENTAL GUIDE, YOU WILL NOW DISPLAY THE HOLY WRITINGS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE EMBLEMS.
Oriental Guide opens the Bible (1st chapter of Job: Koran 38th chapter) arranges them on the altar, Koran in front of the Bible, Bible and Koran in arch of two crossed scimitars on the Altar.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLES, BEHOLD THE ORIENT AND ATTEND THE SIGNS.
Signs given.
Illustrious Potentate:
** *, CHIEF RABBAN: ** *, ASSISTANT RABBAN: ** *.
Illustrious Potentate:
IN THE NAME OF GOD, OUR FATHER, AND BY THE EXISTENCE OF ALLAH, THE CREED OF MOHAMMED, AND THE LEGENDARY SANCTITY OF THE TEMPLE OF MECCA, I NOW PROCLAIM THIS TEMPLE REGULARLY OPENED FOR BUSINESS AND CEREMONY, AND HEREBY FORBID ANY DISCORD THAT MIGHT MAR OUR MYSTIC RITES. NOBLE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD, YOU WILL INFORM THE OUTER GUARD. CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD INFORMS THE OUTER GUARD.
Captain of the Guard:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, THE OUTER GUARD HAS YOUR COMMAND AND THE TEMPLE IS SECURE.
One rap. All are seated.
Initiation, Section 1
This 1st section is sacred: No play should be permitted.
Temple darkened. Furniture: Altar of Obligation covered with black cloth, the Bible, the Koran and two crossed scimitars thereon. Left of east; Altar of Incense with burning Myrrh, right of east; Bier and Coffin, each half way between east and Altar of Obligation; Layer of Water in south; gong to the left of the Assistant Rabban in the south. The Black Stone placed In the southeast corner of the Temple (the extreme left of the Potentate). Officers in their respective stations and places; members seated.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLE FIRST CEREMONIAL MASTER, YOU WILL RETIRE TO THE OUTER WALLS AND ASCERTAIN IF ANY NOVICES AWAIT OUR PLEASURE.
First Ceremonial Master comes before the Altar of Obligation, salutes the Illustrious Potentate with the sign of salutation and retires and secures the desired information, and returning before the Altar, salutes and reports.
Note: The last sign given in addressing the Illustrious Potentate is the sign of salutation.
First Ceremonial Master:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, THERE ARE WITHOUT … CANDIDATES IN WAITING; NOVICES, WHO SEEK ADMISSION TO OUR MYSTIC SHRINE.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLE RECORDER, HAVE THE PETITIONS OF … BEEN RECEIVED IN OPEN TEMPLE, AND HAVE THEY PAID THE REQUIRED EAS, BEEN BALLOTED FOR AND DULY ELECTED?
Recorder:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, THEY HAVE, AND THEIR CHARACTERS HAVE BEEN CANVASSED AND FOUND TO COME WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF GOOD REPORT. THEY HAVE EACH PASSED THE ORDEAL OF THE SECRET BALLOT OF OUR MYSTIC SHRINE UNSULLIED AND VOUCHED FOR BY NOBLES OF OUR RITE.
Illustrious Potentate:
IT IS WELL. NOBLES FIRST AND SECOND CEREMONIAL MASTERS, ACCOMPANIED BY OUR NOBLE MARSHAL, YOU WILL RETIRE WITHOUT THE TEMPLE AND PREPARE THESE NOVICES FOR RECEPTION IN OUR MYSTIC SHRINE.
They go to Altar and salute, then retire and prepare the Novices by removing their shoes, coats, vests, and collars and clothing them with white dominoes and slippers; hand-cuffed or tied at the wrists. When the candidates are ready, the Ceremonial Masters take charge of them and give ** * knocks at the outer door. The response from within is a loud clatter of chains being with-drawn, the removal of several large bolts, after which the door is opened by the Oriental Guide.
Oriental Guide:
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS CLAMOROUS ALARM? WHO DARES INTRUDE UPON THE CEREMONIES OF OUR MYSTIC SHRINE?
First Ceremonial Master:
ONE, TWO OR THREE POOR SONS OF THE DESERT WHO ARE WEARY OF THE HOT SANDS AND BURNING SUN OF THE PLAINS, HUMBLY CRAVE SHELTER UNDER THE PROTECTING DOME OF THE TEMPLE.
Oriental Guide:
HOW MAY WE KNOW THEM TO BE WORTHY AND NOT OF TREACHEROUS OR IGNOBLE BIRTH?
First Ceremonial Master:
THEIR CHARACTERS HAVING BEEN CANVASSED AND COMING WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF GOOD REPORT, THEY HAVE PASSED THE ORDEAL OF THE SECRET BALLOT OF OUR MYSTIC SHRINE UNSULLIED, AND I ESPOUSE THEIR CAUSE AND SANCTION THEIR RECEPTION WITH THE SECRET PASS.
Oriental Guide:
GIVE ME THE PASS.
First Ceremonial Master advances and whispers, ….
Oriental Gulde:
’TIS WELL; LET THEM ENTER.
They enter, preceded by the Marshal, Ceremonial Masters and their assistants, conducting the candidates, Oriental Guide leading the way.
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE: ** *, ALL RISE.
Gong sounds once, music. They march twice around counter-clockwise with music or singing, or both; the gong sounds each time they reach the east; when they arrive at the east after the second circuit, the Illustrious Potentate raps *; all are seated. Candidates and escort halt.
Illustrious Potentate:
WHAT STRANGE INTRUDERS HAVE WE HERE OUR PLEASURES WERE MOST PERFECT AND SHOULD BE SACRED FROM THIS TURMOIL AND DISPLAY.
Previous to the entrance of the candidates, the Captain of the Guard has chosen a number of Nobles and they have dressed as Arabic soldiers with broad scimitars; they are stationed outside and drilled and ready for duty when wanted. The soldiers now rush in, seize the candidates and hustle them toward the door, when the Oriental Guide supplicatingly answers. Soldiers halt with candidates.
Oriental Guide:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, ‘TIS I WHO HAVE USHERED IN ONE, TWO OR THREE POOR SONS OF THE DESERT, WHO BEING WEARY OF THE HOT SANDS AND BURNING SUN OF THE PLAINS, HUMBLY CRAVE THAT SACRED BOON OF THE WEARY AND THIRSTY TRAVELER: A CUP OF WATER AND SHELTER UNDER THE PROTECTING DOME OF OUR GOODLY TEMPLE. I DO COMMEND THEM TO YOUR FAVOR, HAVING FOUND THEM WORTHY AND NOT OF TREACHEROUS OR IGNOBLE PURPOSE, EACH HAVING PASSED THE ORDEAL OF THE SECRET BALLOT OF OUR MYSTIC SHRINE UNSULLIED AND VOUCHED FOR BY A NOBLE WITH OUR SECRET PASS.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLE GUIDE, KNOW YOU THE PENALTY OF BROKEN FAITH AND DO YOU STAND FORTH AS RANSOM FOR THEM ALL?
Oriental Guide:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, I DO.
Illustrious Potentate:
SO BE IT THEN. CONDUCT THEM ONCE AGAIN ABOUT OUR SHRINE TO OUR NOBLE HIGH PRIEST, THAT HE MAY IMPRINT UPON THE TABLETS OF THEIR MEMORIES A KNOWLEDGE OF THE DUTIES THEY DO HERE ASSUME.
Candidates are conducted around to the High Priest and Prophet, who is robed and wearing a mitre.
High Priest:
STRANGERS, ARE YOUR MOTIVES FOR COMING AMONG US HONORABLE, PURE AND FREE FROM HOPE OF GAIN OR PRIDE OF KNOWLEDGE?
Candidates:
THEY ARE.
High Priest:
HAVE YOU A BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF A DEITY, FUTURE REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS?
Candidates:
I HAVE.
High Priest: Have you a desire to promote justice and suppress wrong?
Candidates:
I HAVE.
High Priest:
HAVE YOU A DUE REGARD FOR FEMALE VIRTUE?
Candidates:
I HAVE.
High Priest:
ARE YOU WILLING TO JEOPARDIZE YOUR LIFE, IF NEED BE, TO PUNISH THE GUILTY AND PROTECT THE INNOCENT, AND LABOR IN THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE, TRUTH AND COMMON HUMANITY?
Candidates:
I AM.
High Priest:
HAVE YOU STILL A DESIRE TO UNITE WITH US IN THE INSEPARABLE BONDS OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE FOR THE PURPOSES TO WHICH YOU HAVE ASSENTED?
Candidates:
I HAVE.
High Priest:
IF YOU HAVE ANSWERED IN SINCERITY AND IN TRUTH THESE REPLIES, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT NO CONFLICTING SENTIMENT NOR REQUIREMENT HERE WILL MAR YOUR PRINCIPLES NOR YOUR DUTIES IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD, BE THEY WHAT THEY MAY. OUR ALLIANCE, OR THE RITE OF OUR MYSTIC SHRINE, IS ANCIENT, HONORABLE, BENEVOLENT AND SECRET. IT IS DEVOTED TO THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE, TRUTH, AND MERCY. IT IS AS ANCIENT AS THE CORNERSTONE OF MOHAMMED’S TEMPLE AT MECCA; AS SECRET AS THE MOSLEM VOW THAT BOUND THE TRIBES OF ARABIA TO ALLAH OR THEIR GOD; AS HONORABLE AS THE CHRISTIAN; AND THE TENETS TO WHICH IT IS DEDICATED WHEN ASSUMED CANNOT BE ESCHEWED OR CAST ALOOF. WE KNOW NO RETROGRESSION, JUSTICE IS OUR ESCUTCHEON; CHARITY BEYOND REASON WE DO NOT EXPECT; VIRTUE MUST BE REGARDED FOR ITS PEERLESS WORTH AND MORALITY OBSERVED FOR THE GENERAL GOOD OF ALL. WE REQUIRE ABSOLUTE SECRECY AND DESIRE ALL OUR DISCIPIES TO HOLD AN INTEREST IN OUR NOBLE CAUSE AND A JUST OBSERVANCE OF THE TENETS OF OUR FAITH. LET THE PRELIMINARY TEACHINGS BE DEEPLY GRAVEN UPON YOUR HEARTS. THEY ARE PRICELESS WHEN WELL OBSERVED AND ATTRIBUTES THAT CANNOT BE BOUGHT WITH PALTRY, SORDID GOLD. BY THE EXISTENCE OF ALLAH AND THE CREED OF MOHAMMED; BY THE LEGENDARY SANCTITY OF OUR TABERNACLE AT MECCA, WE GREET YOU, AND IN COMMEMORATION OF THE ARAB’S FAITH IN PURITY AND INNOCENCE, WE ACCEPT YOUR ANSWERS AS SINCERE, AND YOU WILL NOW BE PERMITTED TO PROCEED IN THE RITES AND CEREMONIES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE. THE ORIENTAL GUIDE AND ESCORT WILL NOW CONDUCT YOU ONWARD, WHILE YOU WILL REVERENTLY LEND AN ATTENTIVE EAR TO OUR PREPARATORY SERVICE.
Gong, music. Candidates proceed from station to station.
Illustrious Potentate:
WHO IS HE WHO HATH PROFESSED TO HAVE CONVERSED IN PERSON WITH THE SUPREME AND MAKETH HIMSELF MIGHTIEST OF THE MIGHTY? MOHAMMED, THE PROPHET OF THE ARAB’S CREED.
Gong. Music.
Chief Rabban:
WHO BUT MOHAMMED MINGLED HIS RELIGION WITH HIS HOURIL AND SAID: “ARE NOT THESE THE TRUE SOURCES OF HAPPINESS?”
Gong. Music.
Assistant Rabban:
WHAT SHALL BEFALL THEM WHO HAVE REFLECTED WITH ABHORRENCE THAT WHICH THE PROPHET HATH REVEALED? WHEREFORE THEIR WORKS SHALL NOT AVAIL; DO THEY NOT TRAVEL THROUGH THE EARTH AND SEE THE END OF THOSE WHO WERE BEFORE THEM?
Gong. Music.
High Priest:
WHY DO UNBELIEVERS INDULGE THEMSELVES AND EAT BEASTS? SHALL NOT THEIR PORTION BE A TORMENT? APPEAL TO THE PROPHETS FOR THE TRUTH.
Gong. Music.
Illustrious Potentate:
TO WHOM SHALL BE METED OUT THE BOILING WATERS TO DRINK, THAT THEY SHALL BURST THEIR BOWELS AND SHALL BE CAST INTO MOLTEN LAVA TO BE CONSUMED? THE INFIDELS WHO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST HOUR OF JUSTICE.
Gong. Music.
Chief Rabban:
LET US BE OF THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO BATHE IN THE FOUNTAIN OF INCORRUPTIBLE WATERS AND RIVERS OF MILK, THE TASTE WHEREOF CHANGETH NOT: AND RIVERS OF WINE, PLEASANT AND PURIFYING TO THOSE WHO DRINK, AND ENTER INTO THE VINEYARDS WHERE FRUITS RARE AND PLENTY EVER ABOUND, AND NO EVIL EXISTS.
Gong. Music.
Assistant Rabban:
HE WHO FOLLOWS THE PLAIN DECLARATION OF HIS DICTATOR WILL EVER AVOID THOSE WHOSE EVIL WORKS HAVE BEEN DRESSED FOR THEM BY THE DEVIL AND WHO FOLLOW UP THEIR OWN LUSTS.
Gong. Music.
High Priest:
THERE ARE MOSLEMS AMONG US; THERE ARE OTHERS WHO SWERVE FROM PROPRIETY: BUT WHO SO SEEKETH ISLAM EARNESTLY SEEKS TRUE DIRECTION; BUT THOSE WHO SWERVE FROM TRUTH AND JUSTICE SHALL MERIT AND REAP ABUNDANCE OF CHASTISEMENT.
Illustrious Potentate:
LET US PURIFY ONE ANOTHER. THERE ARE TWO HIGHWAYS TO GOOD AND EVIL; ATTEMPT NOT THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION. YE ALL BE POSSESSED OF THE FACULTY OF DISTINGUISHING AND THE POWER OF CHOOSING BETWEEN WICKEDNESS AND PIETY. THE PUNISHMENT OF EACH WILL BE EQUAL TO THE MEASURE OF HIS SIN.
Gong and music until the candidates arrive at the east, where they halt.
Illustrious Potentate:
SONS OF THE DESERT, YOU HAVE ADVANCED THROUGH THE PRELIMINARY CEREMONIES OF THE NOBILITY OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE AS FAR AS IT IS POSSIBLE UNOBLIGATED. BEFORE ADVANCING FURTHER IN OUR CAUSE, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO ASSUME A MOST POWERFUL AND BINDING OATH, INSEPARABLY UNITING YOURSELVES WITH US, AND WHEN ONCE TAKEN, IT CAN NEVER BE RETRACTED OR DEPARTED FROM. BUT I ASSURE YOU, THEREIN IS NOT CONTAINED A SENTIMENT EXCEPTIONABLE TO ALL THAT MAY BECOME AN HONEST, UPRIGHT MAN, BE HIS BELIEFS WHAT THEY MAY. ARE YOU WILLING TO ASSUME SUCH AN OBLIGATION?
Candidates:
I AM.
Illustrious Potentate:
CONDUCT THE SONS OF THE DESERT TO OUR SACRED AND HOLY ALTAR.
Candidates are conducted around to the west and to the Altar of Obligation amid sound of gong, drum and music. They kneel at the Altar with bound hands resting upon the Holy writings, heads bowed. Illustrious Potentate strikes *** to summon all around the Altar.
Illustrious Potentate, to candidates: Repeat after me:
I, …, OF MY VOLUNTARY DESIRE, UNINFLUENCED AND OF FREE ACCORD, DO HERE ASSUME, WITHOUT RESERVE, THE OBLIGATION OF THE NOBILITY OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, AS DID THE ELECT OF THE TEMPLE AT MECCA, THE MOSLEM AND THE MOHAMMEDAN. I DO HEREBY, UPON THIS BIBLE, AND ON THE MYSTERIOUS LEGEND OF THE KORAN, AND ITS DEDICATION TO THE MOHAMMEDAN FAITH, PROMISE AND SWEAR AND VOW ON THE FAITH AND HONOR OF AN UPRIGHT MAN, COME WEAL OR WOE, ADVERSITY OR SUCCESS, THAT I WILL NEVER REVEAL ANY SECRET PART OR PORTION WHATSOEVER OF THE CEREMONIES I HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED, THAT ARE ABOUT TO BE COMMUNICATED TO ME OR THAT I MAY HEREAFTER BE INSTRUCTED IN, TO ANY PERSON IN THE WORLD, EXCEPT IT BE TO A WELL KNOWN MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, AND I KNOWING TO AN ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT HE OR THEY BE TRULY AND LAWFULLY SUCH, AND OF GOOD STANDING WITH SUCH NOBILITY. THAT I WILL NOT BE PRESENT, AID OR COUNTENANCE THE CONFERRING OF THE ORDER OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE UPON ANY PERSON WHO IS NOT A MASONIC KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OR A THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE MASON, IN GOOD STANDING.
I FURTHERMORE PROMISE AND VOW THAT I WILL NOT WILLFULLY WRITE, CUT, SPEAK, OR PORTRAY ANY DETAIL THAT MIGHT BE CONSTRUED INTO EVEN A CLUE TO THC SAME, EXCEPT FOR OFFICIAL TEMPLE WORK.
FURTHERMORE, I DO HERE REGISTER A SACRED VOW, PROMISING, SHOULD I LIVE TO BECOME A MEMBER, I WILL IMPARTIALLY CAST A BLACK BALLOT WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOR AGAINST FRIEND OR FOE APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE NOBILITY OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, WHOM I BELIEVE TO BE DISGRACED, DISHONORED, A THIEF, PERJURER, MURDERER, A LUNATIC, AN IDIOT OR A CRIMINAL. AND SHOULD I, UNDISMAYED, PASS SAFELY THROUGH THE MOSLEM TEST, AND BE FOUND WORTHY OF THE CONFIDENCE OF MY FELLOWS, ALBEIT, I DO NOT ACTIVELY ESPOUSE THE CAUSE, STILL I DO PROMISE TO BE SILENT, EVEN IF NEUTRAL, AND NOT OPPOSE THE PURPOSES OF THE ORDER.
I FURTHER PROMISE AND VOW THAT I WILL OBEY THE LAWS AND SUBMIT TO THE DECREES OF THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ARABIC ORDER NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA AND JURISDICTIONS, INC., AND THAT I WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. RECOGNIZE NOR BE PRESENT IN ANY OTHER BODY OF NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE CLAIMING TO BE SUPERIOR IN AUTHORITY, NOR BE PRESENT IN ANY TEMPLE NOT HOLDING CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY FROM THE SAID IMPERIAL COUNCIL OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE.
I FURTHERMORE PROMISE AND VOW THAT TO THE FULL MEASURE OF MY ABILITY I WILL NEVER SWERVE FROM JUSTICE NOR DUTY. THAT I WILL RESPECT VIRTUE; PROTECT THE INNOCENT; ASSIST THE DISTRESSED; PROMOTE THE INCULCATION OF HONOR AND INTEGRITY, AND DISPENSE REASONABLE CHARITY. THAT I WILL PROTECT AND DEFEND THE UNSULLIED HONOR OF ANY NOBLE OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, WHEN ABSENT, IF ASSAILED. AND UPON THIS SACRED BOOK, BY THE SINCERITY OF A MOSLEM’S OATH, I HERE REGISTER THIS IRREVOCABLE VOW, IN WILFUL VIOLATION WHEREOF MAY I INCUR THE FEARFUL PENALTY OF HAVING MY EYEBALLS PIERCED TO THE CENTER WITH A THREE-EDGED BLADE, MY FEET FLAYED AND I BE FORCED TO WALK THE HOT SANDS UPON THE STERILE SHORES OF THE RED SEA UNTIL THE FLAMING SUN SHALL STRIKE ME WITH LIVID PLAGUE; AND MAY ALLAH, THE GOD OF ARAB, MOSLEM AND MOHAMMED, AND THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS, SUPPORT ME TO THE ENTIRE FULFILLMENT OF THE SAME. AMEN, AMEN, AMEN.
Illustrious Potentate:
IN TOKEN OF YOUR SINCERITY, SALUTE THE SACRED BOOK, THE BIBLE, UPON WHICH YOU LEAN AND REST. EACH CANDIDATE KISSES THE BIBLE.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLES, LET US KNEEL AND PRAY TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER TO ASSIST THESE POOR SONS OF THE DESERT.
All kneel on right knee. The High Priest comes to the Altar on the east side and offers the following prayer.
High Priest:
OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, THE ONLY TRUE GOD; LOOK KINDLY UPON THESE POOR SONS OF THE DESERT, NOW ABOUT TO BECOME NOBLES OF THIS ORDER, AND THY SERVANTS. AID THEM TO PERFORM PUNCTUALLY THE VOWS THEY HAVE ASSUMED. STRENGTHEN THEIR GOOD RESOLUTIONS, AND SUFFER NOT TEMPTATION TO OVERCOME THEM. MAKE THEM TRUE NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, AND TEACH THEM TO EXERCISE WHATSOEVER POWERS THEY MAY POSSESS WITH GENTLENESS AND MODERATION AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF HUMANITY AND TO THY GLORY. AID THEM TO BE TRUE AND LOYAL; FRANK AND SINCERE, AND MAY THIS BE TO THEM AND TO ALL NOBLES HERE BELOW, BUT PREPARATION FOR FINAL ADMISSION INTO THE MYSTERIES OF THY HEAVEN OF PERFECT PEACE AND HAPPINESS. AMEN.
All:
FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES, O FATHER, AS WE FORGIVE THOSE THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US. AMEN, AMEN. AMEN.
Illustrious Potentate:
UNBIND THESE SONS OF THE DESERT. THEY ARE NOW OF NOBLE BIRTH. THE RAYS OF THE HOT, FLAMING SUN UPON THE STERILE SHORES OF THE RED SEA ARE STRONG AND MORE SCATHING THAN THE HEMPEN THONG.
Illustrious Potentate seats the Nobles with one rap (*). Candidates arise and their wrists are unbound.
Illustrious Potentate:
OUR NOBLE ORIENTAL GUIDE WILL NOW CONDUCT THE SONS OF THE DESERT TO OUR PURIFYING CAVERN IN THE SOUTH. IT IS THE FOUNTAIN OF MECCA. LET THEM THERE WASH THEIR HANDS IN INNOCENCY, CLEANSING THEMSELVES OF THE SNARES OF SIN AND VICE THAT THEY MAY HAVE HAD SURROUNDING THEM, AND LET THEM BE RETURNED TO US FREE FROM THE STAINS OF INIQUITY.
Candidates are conducted to the fountain with music. After washing, they are conducted to the east.
Illustrious Potentate:
MY FRIENDS, IT IS WITH PLEASURE THAT I EXTEND TO YOU THE GREETINGS OF THE NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE AND CONGRATULATE YOU UPON HAVING THUS FAR PASSED THE CEREMONIES OF OUR ORDER; BEAR BRAVELY UP TO THE MOSLEM TEST AND PROVE YOUR FIDELITY TO OUR CAUSE. ALTHOUGH VAGUE MAY APPEAR THE PROSPECT IN OUR CEREMONY AND THE ASPECT OF OUR PURPOSE, LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT THERE IS A DEEP AND FORMIDABLE MEANING IN IT ALL, AND WHEN YOU SHALL HAVE PASSED UNFLINCHING AND UNDISMAYED OUR FINAL TEST OF YOUR FIDELITY, NERVE AND COURAGE, THEN WILL YOU INDEED BE WORTHY TO ESPOUSE OUR CAUSE; BUT MARK WELL, SHOULD YOU ULTIMATELY DECLINE TO ENLIST ACTIVELY IN OUR CAUSE, YOU ARE STILL BOUND BY THE STRONGEST TIES TO REMAIN NEUTRAL. REMEMBER THIS AND CONTINUE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH; BUT ERE WE IMPART TO YOU OUR FORMIDABLE PURPOSE YOU MUST PROVE YOUR FIDELITY AND COURAGE. WE DO NOT EXPECT ALL TO JOIN ACTIVELY IN OUR WORK, BUT THOSE WHO DO NOT UNITE IN THE TASK MUST APPLAUD OUR DEEDS, OR BY SILENCE FAVOR NOT AN ADVERSE FACTION TO GAIN SWAY.
WITH THIS ADMONITION, I YIELD UP TO OUR NOBLE GUIDE AND HIS COHORTS WHO WILL CONDUCT YOU TO THE ANTE-ROOM AND BLINDFOLD YOU, AND ONE BY ONE YOU WILL BE SUBJECTED TO THE MOSLEM TEST OF COURAGE. AND SHOULD AN UNFORESEEN DISASTER COME, WE ARE DUTY BOUND TO HONOR AND PROTECT THOSE WHO ARE LEFT NEAR AND DEAR TO YOU. ERE YOU DEPART, WE BID YOU GOD-SPEED AND ADIEU.
High Priest, approaching toward the east and raising both hands:
And may Allah protect and support you, that you be not cast into “al hotama” (hell). Now let our secret vaults open to their width, that the vapors of damp stagnation may pass away. Open the passage to the desert and disperse our trusty Arabs in full array for the Moslem test. Awayl
Candidates conducted out under solemn music to be prepared for the second section.
Section 2
Each candidate is in custody of an Arab soldier, and takes his turn for initiation. They are put through blindfolded; each one should be compelled to traverse the hot sands, devil’s pass. mock trial, hanging, and kiss the Black Stone.
In the Preparation Room they are told by the Oriental Guide:
A ROUGH AND RUGGED ROAD IS BEFORE YOU; IT IS BESET WITH AN ER AN WITH DIFFICULTIES. YOUR LIFE WILL BE THREATENED, AND YOU MAY LOSE IT. BUT REMEMBER, THOSE WHO DIE IN THE FAITH, WILL BE RESURRECTED IN GLORY; THEREFORE SUMMON TO YOUR AID COURAGE: THAT TRULY GREAT MASONIC QUALIFICATION WHICH PUTS ON A FEARLESS AND COURAGEOUS ATTITUDE; WHICH SCORNS THE ACTS OF A COWARD, WHO BUT APES THE CONDUCT OF A HERO. THEREFORE SUFFER YOURSELVES TO BE INITIATED WITH ALL THE FORMS AND CEREMONIES OF THIS ANCIENT AND HONORABLE INSTITUTION. DO YOU ALL ASSENT TO THIS TRIAL OF FORTITUDE; THAT TRULY DISTINCTIVE MASONIC QUALIFICATION?
Candidates:
I DO.
Candidates are then led into the room with hands pinioned behind them and blindfolded. They are put on the journey over the “Hot Sands,” with an Arab soldier on each side, pricking them with his scimitar to hurry them along, and when one falls down, a blow with the flat of a scimitar causes him to arise. After they have gone around two or three times, two are selected to escape enemies who they are told are approaching on a mission of murdering all who have not passed the “Bung Hole Test.”
The Bung Hole Test
The large metal cylinder is then produced, stretched out about 30 feet. Each candidate is asked if he was ever called a coward or turned his back on an enemy. He is prompted to say “No, I perform all I undertake, and never back down or out” They are then led to opposite ends of the big cylinder, caused to enter, and are told to hurry as the enemy is approaching. The center of the cylinder contains a strong network of cord or wire, preventing either from passing through. They meet in the middle and strive to pass each other while the Arabs pound on the outside with clubs and scimitars, till they are satisfied; when they ask thc candidates if they wish to go on or back out. They of course back down and out; when they come out they are given a lecture on their assurance and told to never be too sure of a thing until they have tried it. They are one by one stretched out on the floor to rest. While in this position, a small dog, or one who can imitate a dog, is caused to give a sharp yelp, just after a few drops of warm water has been squirted on the candidate’s face, and someone says, ‘Take that dog out; he has just urinated in the face of Mr. …’ A general laugh takes place, after which the candidate is shown the trick.
The “Bumper” is next used. A slide, such as is used on playgrounds for children is put up, standing about six feet high at one end, with a sharp drop to the bottom at the other end. A ladder is placed for the candidate to reach the board at the top of the slide. This board is hinged so as to let the candidate slide. The candidate asceuds the ladder and is seated on the board, his legs hang. ing over the concave side of the slide. He is then told to take hold of a large rope, about two feet long, held up by a small string or thread, and is instructed under no circumstances to let go of the rope. When he has firmly grasped the rope, the board is dropped, and he is shot down the slide. thumping himself upon any obstructions which may be placed to receive him.
He is then conducted to the Illustrious Potentate, whom he is commanded to approach with humble and great reverence, stooping very low. his head near the ground, his buttocks elevated; he then receives the “Grand Salaam” or stroke of introduction, which is a blow on the buttocks with a paddle so made as to explode a torpedo or blank cartridge. He is then introduced to the Illustrious Potentate, but is told to stand perfectly still during the ceremony. The candidate is stood on a metallic plate, connected with a galvanic battery, which is turned on during the introduction. He is then taken to task for not standing still as told.
A social meeting is then in order, the candidates being personally introduced to the officers and menibers. A selected candidate is left talking to two of the best boxers. One of them says to the other, “I will bet you a dollar that I can guess nearer to this brother’s age than you can.” The other takes the bet, and the money is placed in the hands of another Noble. The bettors, after they have made some ridiculous guesses, ask the age of the person. When he tells his age, they quarrel about it; each gives the other the lie. A challenge is then given and accepted. A ring is formed, two of the candidates are chosen as Seconds, but as soon as the gloves are produced (large boxing gloves), the Illustrious Potentate appears, stops the fight, fines each of the fighters one hundred dollars, and declares that the seconds (candidates) must fight it out for their respective clients. That is, supposing A and B to be the disputants, A’s second must fight B, and B’s second with A. The ring is formed and the candidates meeting of course with some skilled Noble, get some rather hard knocks, which the Nobles and other candidates enjoy.
While the fighting is going on, some Noble makes complaint that he has been robbed, his pocket picked. He has previously put a package, or some valuable article in the pocket or clothes of one of the candidates. A general search follows; the missing property is found on a candidate who has not been exercised much, and he is at once charged with the theft, is pitched onto by two or three of the Nobles. Roughly hustled out of the room for trial, stripped of his clothing, except for a pair of drawers, he is then blindfolded, and after being led around the room, is seated on a large sponge filled with ice water; when the news comes that he has been forgiven on account of his good character, which has just been received by telegraph; he is lcd out and invested with his clothes.
While the foregoing is being enacted, candidates who have escaped the prize fight, etc., are conducted into another room, where they either find several members disguised as women, or find them discussing an expected visit of “Lady Nobles of the Shrine,” or they are told that such a visit is Jo be made that evening and a committee may be appointed to receive them in a proper manner.
Each candidate is stripped to shirt, drawers and slippers, blindfolded and led around the room several times when he is halted.
Oriental Gulde to candidate:
THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE OUR BRETHREN STOP TO SPRINKLE THE DEVIL’S PASS WITH URINE. YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE A FEW DROPS OF URINE TO COMMEMORATE THE TIME AND PLACE WHERE ALL WHO PASS THIS WAY, HERE RENOUNCE THE WILES AND EVILS OF THE WORLD AND PROMISE TO EVER WORSHIP AT THE SHRINE OF ISLAM. ONLY A FEW DROPS WILL DO.
The candidate begins to obey instructions and the blinder is jerked from his eyes; he then beholds before him a group disguised as women, with bonnets and capes, peeping over a screen. He is allowed to escape from the room while the onlookers give him the laugh.
Meanwhile, and during these scenes another drama is taking place. Some member goes out. calls the most timid candidate aside, and he is left alone with the member who should be his friend. The member then hastily endeavors to encourage him, and tells him confidentially that he wiji not be harmed; that it is all ceremony, etc., and although organized as a Vigilance Inquisition abroad, in this country it is entirely a social order. Then he gives him a password, sign, etc., hastily in confidence and in full.
When fully confided, he is discovered by some officer or member who becomes enraged at the member so disclosing, and they have some sharp words; the discoverer declares he will report the matter to the Illustrious Potentate.
The member replies, “Do as you please.” (This is all on the outside.) It is then whispered about and opinions are expressed so that the rest of the candidates can hear it that there will be trouble about such exposure because it is unlawful to give such information before the candidate is through the initiation. (This candidate is then left until the last.)
Meanwhile, the friend (member) who has betrayed the signs, departs to another room, is divested of his shirt, pants and shoes and at the proper time bound at the wrists, and made up to give him a ghastly appearance. He keeps out of sight and awaits the coming ceremony, or clothes himself with a domino and mask and waits until required.
Another member, preferably a slender, fragile. smooth-faced young man, is selected to be robed as a woman or Arab girl, in flowing robes, gathered tightly at the waist, bare arms and neck, female wig or striped silk handkerchief about the head and otherwise disguised as much as possible. He is covered with a domino and masked to enter the Temple, and seated with a lightweight or spare member: one not too prominent or well-known. This member has on a domino beneath which he has his coat, vest and white shirt; under the shirt is buckled a wide, soft-padded belt, fastoned around under the arm-pits with two straps passing over the back from front of shoulders, and two from the shoulder blades; behind all four, unite in a ring or swivel at tlfe back of the neck, ready for harmless execution by hanging at the proper time.
These disguised members, being all prepared, sit around in dominoes and masked, in some obscure corner to await the ceremonies. Officers and members all robed and masked.
The Layer, Altar of Incense and all the furniture are placed about the Temple on each side. In the north a scaffold is erected of two upright and one horizontal joists; painted black and strong enough to support a man when suspended; a hole is in the center of the horizontal bar and a pulley on the right corner for the rope to slide over, also a strong peg on the center of the right perpendicular bar or post on which to fasten the rope after elevating the man, with a clasp on the end of the noose in the center to hook into the ring at the back of the culprit’s neck.
The gibbet should be high enough to enable the executioners to raise the extremeties about thrac fact from the floor and leave a space of two or three feet above the head. A member with white robe, skull and skeleton-faced-mask stands in front of the scaffold, robed in black, to elevate the culprit. (Scaffold may have black curtains about it, if desired, to conceal the executioners at the side.)
Furthermore, a headsman’s block is placed in the south covered with black. A headsman with a curved blade battle-axe, clothed in scarlet robe gathered about the waist, with belt and scimitar, wearing scarlet mask, presides at the block. Beside the block lies a false head on the floor with a black cloth covering it. The head may be made up to resemble one of the members, if desired. A small bowl or dish should also be In readiness on a stand for the ceremony of bleeding.
All being now in readiness, the trip over the rough, sandy desert is begun.
The candidates are hoodwinked, and in bare feet, enter one by one, after three loud alarms. At first they proceed onastrip of carpet, then upon a spread of corn husks, then a strip of sheeting; or a long, narrow, shallow pan, strewn with pebbles and sand. (Alcohol has been poured over the sand and pebbles, and they are well heated.) Then follows a ladder with close rounds, folded camp-stools, a roller and any rough road which may be conveniently prepared. During this time pandemonium reigns; drum, fife, rattle, bugle, gong and every din-making instrument which can be procured, is in use. The candidates are given about all they can stand, and are then conducted back to the outer door. They are again brought in one by one, amid the din, over-powered, thrown into a hammock or canvas, folded in and swung from sIde to side or bounced upward, carried hastily about and finally placed in some apartment to await the other candidates. When all have passed this ordeal, collect them together in the anteroom, remove the relics of the desert and at once place the Temple in order for the last ceremony or third section.
All being in readiness, officers should he at their posts, executioners at scaffold, skeleton masked in front of same, headsman at the block, etc. In front of east, seven seats are prepared for seven men called the “Council of the Inquisition”
Before the alarm the Potentate calls the “Council” together. The Potentate occupies the center chair, one Rabban on each side, the remaining chairs being filled by other officers or members; the High Priest occupies the east, wielding the sceptre; all masked except the Potentate and the High Priest; room quite dark Ceremonial Masters are outside with candidates clothed in white robes or dominoes, with shoes on and not hoodwinked.
Section 3
First Ceremonial Master strikes outside, loudly upon the door with wooden mallet.
Oriental Guide, inside, returns the alarm, opens the wicket and says:
WHY THIS CLAMOROUS ALARM?
Ceremonial Master:
ONE, TWO OR THREE CANDIDATES PURSUING THE SECRETS OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE.
Oriental Guide:
HAVE THEY THE MYSTIC PASS?
Ceremonial Master:
THEY HAVE IT NOT, BUT I HAVE IT FOR THEM.
Oriental Guide:
GIVE ME THE PASS.
Ceremonial Master, in a whisper: ….
Oriental Guide:
LET THEM ENTER.
Chains are drawn; gong sounds low; soft music; door is opened. Candidates conducted to the west, seated in front of the Chief Rabban.
Illustrious Potentate:
MY FRIENDS, HAVING PASSED THROUGH THE ORDEAL OF TRAVERSING THE HOT SANDS OF THE DESERT UNDISMAYED, YOU ARE NOW RETURNED FOR THE FINAL CEREMONIES. BUT WE FIND OURSELVES COMPELLED MOST UNEXPECTEDLY TO HOLD A SECRET INQUISITION TO JUDGE AND EXECUTE UPON A TRAITOROUS ELEMENT WITHIN OUR TEMPLE SUCH PENALTY AS MAY BE DECREED. I MUST, HOWEVER, STAY THOSE PROCEEDINGS TO BRIEFLY INVEST YOU WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR SECRETS.
IF IT BE YOUR DESIRE TO DECLINE AN ACTIVE PART; YOU ARE SACREDLY BOUND TO SECRECY AND SILENCE.
OUR MISSION IS TO SUCCOR THE DISTRESSED, RELIEVE THE OPPRESSED, PROTECT THE INNOCENT AND PUNISH THE GUILTY; TO EQUALIZE STATION, ESTABLISH HARMONY IN ALL CREEDS, CRUSH FANATICISM AND INTOLERANCE AND PERPETUATE THE WELFARE OF MANKIND.
CRIME IS RUNNING RIFE OVER THE LAND; OUR LAWS ARE DEEMED INADEQUATE FOR THE EMERGENCY, AND WE ARE EXPONENTS OF A VIGILANCE INQUISITION TO PROMPTLY EXECUTE AND PUNISH THE MALEFACTOR, THE THIEF, THE MURDERER, THE DESPOILER OF INNOCENCE AND VIRTUE, THE VIOLATOR OF OBLIGATION AND DESECRATOR OF THE MASONIC VOW. OUR PURPOSE IS TO STRIKE TERROR IN THE HEART OF THE CRIMINAL CLASS BY BRINGING THEM SPEEDILY AND WITHOUT MERCY TO THE BLOCK OR TO THE BOW-STRING OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE.
TO ARREST, JUDGE, AND EXECUTE WITHIN THE HOUR, AND THUS TAKE THE LAW WITHIN OUR OWN GRASP AND SUMMARILY PUNISH THE MALEFACTOR. BLOOD FOR BLOOD AND LIFE FOR LIFE, AND AS OUR FLEET-FOOTED JUSTICE OVERTAKES AND PUNISHES THE EVIL-DOER, AYE, EVEN IN THE HEAT OF MISDEED, IT WILL BE A LESSON TO THOSE WHO REMAIN AND KNOW NOT THE FATE OF THE DEPARTED.
THE DAY IS NOT FAR DISTANT WHEN THE NAME AND THE ESCUTCHEON OF THE NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE WILL STRIKE A PALLID TERROR TO THE WILD DEVOURING ELEMENT OF CRIME, AND THE THANKFUL PRAYERS OF THE UNPROTECTED WILL ATTEST THE JUSTICE OF OUR CAUSE.
I WILL NOW INVEST YOU WITH THE SALUTATIONS, SIGNS, GRIP, AND PASSWORDS OF OUR ORDER.
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE PROCEEDS TO INSTRUCT THE CANDIDATES IN THE SIGNS, GRIP AND PASSWORDS OF OUR ORDER.
Just as the Illustrious Potentate finishes these instructions to the candidates, the Captain of the Guard discovers a member with a disguised female in the Temple and he at once shouts: Most Noble High Priest and Prophet, a spy, an intruder, a traitor is in the Temple.
All arise; confusion. Ceremonial Masters, Guide and Priest proceed to where the member and female are sitting, trying to hide themselves.
Captain of the Guard:
MOST NOBLE HIGH PRIEST AND PROPHET, I HAVE BUT NOW DISCOVERED AN INTRUDER ACCOMPANIED BY A WOMAN; BOTH WITHOUT THE SECRET PASS, WHO HAVE GAINED ADMISSION INTO THE TEMPLE.
The woman is pointed out and the mask snatched from her face.
High Priest and Prophet:
BY OUR FAITH, WE ARE BETRAYED
Both are seized by the Guide and Ceremonial Masters, and they are surrounded by the excited inquisitors, who shout: To the executioner with them!
Illustrious Potentate:
HOLD! STAND ASIDE! STRIP OUR MANTLE FROM THAT FEMALE FORM; BIND AND HOLD HER FAST.
Domino and hood taken off and the woman stands, held fast, white-robed and dismayed.
Illustrious Potentate, pointing to male member:
STRIP AND HANG THAT SPY WITHOUT DELAY.
Officers roughly strip member to shirt and pants. He has been previously painted pale and haggard, and is prepared for execution as before directed.
Illustrious Potentate:
STRANGER, HAVE YOU NO DEFENSE? IF NOT, YOU MUST MEET THE DEATH OF A SPY.
Culprit shakes his head. No.
Illustrious Potentate:
THEN LET THE CULPRIT BE EXECUTED.
He is hurried to the scaffold, the executioner, in skeleton mask, adjusts the noose. A loose piece of rope being placed about his neck, to appear real.
High Priest and Prophet, kneeling before the gallows:
THUS DO WE YIELD UP THY LIFE FOR OUR OWN SECURITY, AND MAY JUSTICE, PEACE AND MERCY ABIDE WITH THEE.
Executioner places on the black cap; High Priest and Prophet arises and holds up handkerchief; as he lets it drop and gong sounds and the victim is suspended in the air. He struggles an instant and then hangs silent and apparently lifeless.
Illustrious Potentate:
THUS PERISH OUR ENTALES. NOBLE GUIDE, SEAT THAT MISCREANT WOMAN BY THE BLOCK AND CUT A DEEP CRESCENT UPON HER NAKED BREAST. WE CANNOT TAKE HER LIFE.
Oriental Guide:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, SHE HAS ALREADY SWOONED.
Illustrious Potentate:
THE BETTER STILL; SHE WILL NOT KNOW HER PAINS. CUT THE CRESCENT ON HER BREAST AND DRAG HER FROM OUR TEMPLE. SHE’LL NOT FORGET THE NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE.
She is dragged in a chair to the block, a bowl brought, her breast is bared and a knife is seen in the hands of the headsman. The bowl is held in front and an officer stands behind holding under the arm of the woman a rubber bulb with a stem, containing about a pint of red wine; a cut, a groan, and the blood (the wine) flows into the bowl. The bowl is set on the block, a red stained towel is also thrown down; and she is borne from the Temple, in the chair to an outer chamber.
High Priest and Prophet, taking up the bowl:
MOST NOBLE COUNCIL OF THE INQUISITION, NOW, IN TESTIMONY OF THE JUSTICE OF OUR CAUSE, LET US IN THIS MAIDEN’S BLOOD, SEAL THE ALLIANCE OF OUR BOND OF SECRECY AND SILENCE, AND LET THIS DAY’S BLOODY WORK IN THE DEEPEST RECESSES OF EVERY NOBLE’S HEART BE BURIED.
High Priest and Prophet and seven inquisitors drink.
Curtain in front of scaffold may be drawn and the executed let down for rest. The officer who detected the member exposing the work, now arises. The member is without and fully prepared.
High Priest and Prophet:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, I NOW DEMAND CENSURE OR PUNISHMENT UPON A MEMBER, NOBLE MENTIONING NAME, UPON WHOSE CASE THIS INQUISITOR’S TRIBUNAL HAS DELIBERATED; ACCUSED HE IS OF TREASON IN OUR MIDST, EXPOSING OUR SECRETS TO A FRIEND AND CANDIDATE WITHIN OUR VERY TEMPLE.
Illustrious Potentate:
LET HIM BE BROUGHT BEFORE US.
Second culprit brought in, stripped, as described, to shirt and pants.
Illustrious Potentate:
SIR, YOU HAVE BEEN OPENLY ACCUSED OF TREASON AND BETRAYAL OF OUR FAITH, NOT ONLY HERE, BUT WITHOUT OUR TEMPLE’S WALLS. THE VIGILANCE INQUISITION HAS TRIED, JUDGED AND SENTENCED YOU; WHAT IS YOUR DEFENSE?
Oriental Guide:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE AND INQUISITORS OF OUR COUNCIL, LET ME APPEAL TO THIS TRIBUNAL TO TEMPER JUSTICE WITH MERCY, AND IN SLIGHT EXTENUATION OF THIS CRIME, LET ME OFFER THIS DEFENSE: BEING LOOSE OF TONGUE WHEN PLIED WITH WINE AND MOST EARNESTLY IMPORTUNED BY HIS BEST BELOVED FRIEND, HE, IN PART, DID YIELD ALL US GOOD NATURE, BUT INTENT ON FRIENDSHIP AND NOT MEANING HARM, FRIVOLOUSLY RELATED WHO AND WHAT WE WERE AND THE OBJECT OF OUR CAUSE. AND THIS HIS FRIEND AND COMPANION, NOW COMES TO BEARD US IN OUR LAIR AND EXONERATE HIMSELF BY THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR VOWS. THEREFORE, I DO OPINE, THEIR PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE EQUAL AND EACH TO ASSUME THE WRONG OR LET THE NOVICE ASSUME IT ALL, FOR ‘TIS MONSTROUS TO LEAVE HIS FRIEND TO PERISH FOR A CRIME PROMPTED BY HIMSELF.
Illustrious Potentate to candidate:
STRANGER KNIGHT THUS ACCUSED, ARISE. WHAT SAY YOU TO THIS GRAVE CHARGE?
Candidate answers. No matter what.
Culprit Member:
BY MY MOSLEM OATH, ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, ALL THAT HAS BEEN SAID BY OUR NOBLE GUIDE IS TRUE. THAT I HAVE ERRED I CANNOT DENY, BUT ALL THAT I IN CONFIDENCE IMPORTED TO HIM, I AM INFORMED THAT HE LOOSELY BRAWLED ABOUT, HENCE I MUST SUFFER FOR HIS CRIME.
Illustrious Potentate:
HOLD, ENOUGH! MOST HIGH PRIEST AND PROPHET, TO YOU DO I APPEAL FOR JUDGMENT. ALTHOUGH OUR COUNCIL HAS BEFORE DECIDED, STILL DO I APPEAL TO YOU.
High Priest and Propher, advancing on the floor:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE AND COUNCIL OF INQUISITORS, OUR CAUSE IS SORELY TRIED, OUR TEMPLE AND OUR SHRINE IN JEOPARDY, THE CRESCENT TURNS PERPENDICULAR, POINT AND PAINT, AND SPILLS ITS MYSTIC BLOOD; THE HOURS WEEP AND JUSTICE DROPS HER SCALE, FOR SPIES HAVE GAINED ENTRANCE INTO OUR SANCTUARY. OUR SAFETY DEMANDS JUDGMENT ON THEM BOTH. LET THE FIRST IN FAULT AND HIS FELLOW GO TO THE BLOCK TOGETHER.
The Inquisitors all arise and exclaim:
TO THE BLOCK! TO THE HEADSMAN!
First and Second Ceremonial Masters seize culprit member, conduct him to the block, then seize candidate and conduct him to the west, strip him to his pants and shirt, same as culprit member, and bind his hands.
Illustrious Potentate:
LET THE TRAITOR SUFFER FIRST.
Culprit member is hurried to the block, blindfolded and is made to kneel, head on the block. A wax or carved head lies out of sight beside the block, covered with a black cloth.
High Priest and Prophet, holding up sceptre: And now may justice, mercy, and peace abide with you. Strike!
The axe falls, culprit tumbles on floor; executioner stoops, lifts black cloth from false head and covers head of culprit, seizes false head by the hair, raises it to view and exclaim: ….
Candidate is hoodwinked and made to approach the block and lay his head upon it.
High Priest and Prophet:
HOLD! EXECUTIONER, MARK THIS STRANGER’S NECK WITH THE SCIMITAR, BUT DO NOT SLAY HIM.
The headsman slaps the candidate on the neck with a damp towel and he is at once taken by force, thrown into the hammock or canvas, carried and placed in a coffin at the east end of the catafalque, while the culprit member and the head are borne to an outer room. Officers all return.
Illustrious Potentate:
THUS DOTH THE EVIL DOER AND THE MALEFACTOR MEET WITH “NEMESIS” AT THE INQUISITION OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE. IT NOW BECOMES OUR DUTY TO DEPOSIT THE RESULT OF OUR VIGILANCE IN THE TOMB, ISOLATED FROM THE EYES OF A MEDDLING WORLD; A FIT ABIDING PLACE FOR THE REMAINS OF THE UNFAITHFUL. MOST NOBLE ORIENTAL GUIDE, LEST THE SECRET CLASP OF OUR MYSTIC CATAFALQUE BE PREMATURELY KNOWN TO OUR NOVICES, LET THEM BE AGAIN HOODWINKED, THAT THEIR HEARTS MAY BE TAUGHT SECRECY AND THEIR TONGUES SILENCE, ERE THEY ARE ENTRUSTED WITH THE SECRETS OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE.
Candidates are blindfolded. The coffin is then stood on end, or placed at an angle with head on chair, at end of table or tomb nearest the east; the block and executioner are placed on the west side. The culprit is again elevated by the noose, skeleton and executioner at his side, the woman seated in the north; officers and members gathered around the table, standing silent and still; black cloth and frame removed from banquet table and all is in readiness ror the finale.
If it be possible to use red lights only during the entire third section, this should be done. Lights would be changed to clear at this point.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOW LET US REJOICE THAT THE PROUD IDOL OF INIQUITY HAS BEEN LAID IN THE DUST, AND THAT JUSTICE HAS TRIUMPHED OVER SIN AND ERROR. EVER THUS LET OUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN THAT THEY BEHOLD OUR GOOD WORKS.
Gong. Hoodwinks removed; music and general jubilee at banquet. Candidate is provided with food, and eats and drinks from coffin, as also the culprit upon the gallows, and the female in the north. After the feast the meeting is closed in the usual manner.
Mystic Shrine Ceremonial
MY FRIENDS OR NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, THE ORDER WITH WHICH YOU HAVE BECOME UNITED WAS FOUNDED BY MOHAMMED AND HAS AS ITS BACKGROUND THE TRACKLESS DESERT OF ARABIA AND THE FEARLESS, DEVOTED, AND BARBARIC ARAB.
ARABIC HISTORY AND TRADITION TELL US THAT AFTER THE FALL AND SEPARATION OF ADAM AND EVE, THEY WERE UNITED NEAR THE PLACE NOW KNOWN AS “MECCA.”
ADAM PRAYED FOR A SHRINE WHERE HE MIGHT WORSHIP. IN DUE TIME, A TABERNACLE OF CLOUDS WAS GIVEN TO HIM.
AFTER THE DEATH OF ADAM, THE TABERNACLE WAS WITHDRAWN, AND HIS SON, SETH, ERECTED A TEMPLE OF STONE IN THAT PLACE; LATER ISHMAEL, WITH HIS FATHER ABRAHAM, REBUILT ON THIS SACRED SPOT OF THE TABERNACLE OF CLOUDS, THE KAABA OR THE SACRED TEMPLE OF NATIONAL WORSHIP.
EACH YEAR THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF THE FAITH WOULD MAKE A PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA TO WORSHIP AT THE NATIONAL SHRINE.
BECAUSE OF THE PRESENCE OF A LAWLESS ELEMENT IN THE CITY OF MECCA, MANY OF THESE PILGRIMS WERE ROBBED, BEATEN, AND EVEN MURDERED. THEREFORE, IN THE YEAR OF A.D. 647, MOHAMMED ORGANIZED A GROUP OF FEARLESS MEN AS AN INQUISITION OR VIGILANCE COMMITTEE, WHOSE MAIN OBJECTS WERE TO PROTECT THE WEEK, DISPENSE JUSTICE, AND PUNISH THE CRIMINALS.
THE ORDER WAS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN 1698, AND SINCE THEN HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY FAVORED SECRET ORGANIZATIONS IN THE WORLD.
BECAUSE OF THE RUTHLESS MANNER WHICH THE GROUP USED TO ACCOMPLISH ITS AIMS, ITS LEADERS HAD TO BE CAREFUL IN THEIR SELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS. THEREFORE, SEVERE TESTS AND STRONG OBLIGATIONS WCRC REQUIRED OF EACH CANDIDATE.
YOU HAVE JUST PASSED THROUGH THOSE TESTS AND ARE NOW A NOBLE OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE.
TODAY THE ORDER IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “PLAY-HOUSE” OF MASONRY, BUT I ASSURE YOU THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS SIDE TO ALL OUR ACTIVITIES.
THE EVENTS OR ACTS OF OUR INITIATION, WHICH TO YOU MAY HAVE SEEMED A BIT OF “HORSEPLAY,” WERE GIVEN TO EITHER IMPRESS YOU WITH THE RITUAL OR TEACH YOU A LESSON THAT WILL PROVE BENEFICIAL IN LATER LIFE.
LET US TAKE A MOMENT TO EXAMINE SOME OF THESE EVENTS.
1. CROSSING THE HOT SANDS.
IN CROSSING THE SANDS, YOU REPRESENTED AND IMITATED THE EARLY PILGRIMS, WHO HAD TO CROSS THE HOT SANDS OF THE DESERT TO REACH MECCA.
2. THE ROUGH ROAD AND SANDS
THE ROUGH ROADS AND SANDS ALSO WERE A TEST OF YOUR COURAGE AND FORTITUDE.
YOU ALSO ARE TAUGHT THAT NOTHING WORTHWHILE IS ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND HARDSHIPS.
3. THE BUNG-HOLE TEST
HERE, YOU LEARN TO BE CAUTIOUS IN PROMISING TO DO THINGS THAT YOU LATER FIND IMPOSSIBLE TO DO. YOU PROMISED NOT TO TURN BACK, YET YOU NO SOONER START ON YOUR JOURNEY THAN YOU HAVE TO BACK OUT.
4. THE DEVIL’S PASS
AT THIS POINT YOU WERE TOLD TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF OTHER NOBLES AND SPRINKLE THE DEVIL’S PASS WITH A FEW DROPS OF URINE TO COMMEMORATE THE TIME AND PLACE WHERE ALL WHO PASS THIS WAY RENOUNCE THE WILES AND EVILS OF THE WORLD AND PROMISE TO WORSHIP AT THE SHRINE OF ISLAM.
SINCE THIS IS A MALE ORGANIZATION, IT IS ONE WAY WE HAVE OF MAKING SURE WE ARE NOT ADMITTING ANY IMPERSONATORS INTO OUR RANKS. THUS, YOU HAD TO DISPLAY YOUR MALE ORGAN TO GIVE A FEW DROPS.
5. PRAIRIE DOG
AFTER CROSSING THE HOT SANDS, IN THE COOL OF THE EVENING, YOU WERE TOLD TO LIE DOWN AND REST. WHILE IN THIS POSITION, A LITTLE “DOG” CAME ALONG AND URINATED IN YOUR FACE.
THIS WAS TO TEACH YOU THAT ALL NOBLES ARE ON THE SANTE LEVEL. SOME MAY HAVE PRETTY FAZES, LONG TITLES, AND HOLD HIGH POSITIONS IN THE ORDER. BUT, AS A NOBLE OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, HE HAD THE SAME LITTLE DOG, OR A SIMILAR ONE, URINATE IN HIS FACE AS HE DID IN YOURS.
6. RETURN OF DRUNK FOR FEZ
THE ENACTMENT OF THE “DRUNK” SCENE HAS NO RITUALISTIC SIGNIFICANCE BUT IS GIVEN TO SHOW YOU WHAT COULD HAPPEN SHOULD YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO OVER-INDULGE IN INTOXICATING BEVERAGES. WE DO NOT PROHIBIT THE USE OF (CAMEL’S MILK), BUT WE DO NOT TOLERATE MISCONDUCT WHILE WEARING THE FEZ. YOU SHOULD CONDUCT YOURSELF AT ALL TIMES AS A NOBLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN BEFORE THE PUBLIC.
7. BOXING BOUT
THIS ACT WAS, GIVEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOSING AND FINDING OF A NOBLE’S POCKETBOOK. IF YOU RECALL, OUR ORDER WAS ORGANIZED AS A VIGILANCE COMMITTEE, WHOSE OBJECT WAS TO PROTECT THE WEAK, APPREHEND, AND PUNISH CRIMINALS. WE EXEMPLIFIED THIS BY SEARCHING AND WERE REWARDED FOR OUR TROUBLE BY FINDING THE “THIEF.”
WE ALSO LEARN AN IMPORTANT LESSON FROM THIS ACT: A NOBLE WAS FALSELY ACCUSED OF TALTING THE POCKETBOOK. WE IMPLORE YOU NOT TO BE TOO HASTY IN MAKING “ACCUSATIONS”, BECAUSE THEY ALSO MAY BE FALSE AND YOU WOULD BE GUILTY OF DEFAMING THE NOBLE’S CHARACTER.
SINCE A NOBLE HAD MADE THE ACCUSATION AND AN ARGUMENT HAD ENSUED, THE POTENTATE ORDERED THE DISPUTE SETTLED BY A “BOXING MATCH”, AND EACH WAS ALLOWED TO SELECT SOME ONE TO TAKE HIS PART.
LET THIS ALSO TEACH YOU THAT SHOULD DIFFERENCES ARISE BETWEEN YOU AND ANOTHER NOBLE, TRY TO SETTLE THEM BETWEEN YOURSELVES INSTEAD OF CARRYING THE FEUD TO THE OUTSIDE.
8. THE HOT SEAT ICE; AND WASHING
AGAIN YOUR VERACITY IS TESTED AS YOU SING A SONG STATING THAT “YOU SHALL NOT BE MOVED”, YET WE FIND YOU RAPIDLY RISING AND MOVING.
THE COOLING OFF ON A CAKE OF ICE IS TO REMIND YOU NOT TO FORGET YOUR OBLIGATION OF THE THIRD DEGREE. BUT, SHOULD YOU BECOME WEAK AND INDINED TO BE A “HOT PAPA,” THEN WE RECOMMEND AND GUARANTEE THE “ICE TREATMENT” TO CURE YOUR AILMENT.
THE “WASHING” IS ANOTHER INSTANCE OF “HUMILITY,” AS ONLY A NOBLE WOULD STOOP TO WASH THE “HIND PARTS” OF ANOTHER NOBLE: DOING SOMETHING FOR HIM THAT HAD NOT BEEN DONE FOR A LONG TIME.
9. WELL OF ZEM ZEM
WHEN HAGAR AND HER OUTCAST SON, ISHMAEL, WERE CROSSING THE DESERT AND WERE ABOUT TO PERISH FROM THIRST, AN ANGEL REVEALED TO THEM A “WELL” OF PURE WATER. THIS TODAY IS KNOWN AS THE WELL OF ZEM ZEM, SACRED IN THE EYES OF THE FAITHFUL, AS THEY BELIEVE ALL WHO WASH IN THIS WATER BECOME CLEANSED OF THEIR SINS.
SINCE WE ONLY WANT THE PURE AND HARDY IN OUR ORDER, WE SEND YOU TO THE WELL TO BE CLEANSED. SINCE THE ARAB TRAVELS ON A CAMEL, WE PROVIDED A CAMEL FOR YOU TO RIDE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE CAMEL WAS A BIT LAZY, WE HAD TO WHACK HIM A LITTLE. NOW, WE HUMBLY APOLOGIZE IF SOME OF THOSE BLOWS MEANT FOR THE CAMEL REACHED YOU, AS WE WERE ONLY TRYING TO HELP.
10. EATING OF THE DUNG
IT IS THE CUSTOM OF THE TRIBES OF ARABS THAT WHEN CROSSING THE DESERT, THE CHIEF WOULD GO AHEAD AND BLAZE THE TRAIL BY DROPPING HIS DUNG.
THE TRIBE FOLLOWING WERE SO DEVOTED TO THEIR CHIEF THAT THEY WOULD EAT HIS DUNG.
YOU WITNESSED A NOBLE USING THE “POT”; THEN YOU WERE GIVEN A SIMILAR “POT” AND TOLD TO EAT A MIXTURE THAT APPEARED TO BE “DUNG.” YOU WERE ALSO ASSURED THAT THE MIXTURE CONTAINED NOTHING TO HURT YOU.
THIS WAS A TEST OF THE COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE YOU HAD IN US AS NOBLES. SHOULD A NOBLE OR OFFICER GIVE YOU ADVICE AND WISE COUNSEL, LISTEN AS HE WILL NOT LEAD YOU ASTRAY, BUT WILL HELP YOU.
11. GRAND SALAAM
THIS “TEST” WAS INJECTED TO INSTRUCT YOU ON HOW TO SALUTE THE POTENTATE. THE SALAAM IS THE WAY THE ARAB PAYS HOMAGE TO HIS SUPERIOR, OR SHOWS RESPECT, AS WE “BOW” OR “RAISE OUR HATS.”
HOWEVER, A LESSON IS ALSO TAUGHT; HAVING BEEN TOLD YOU WERE A NOBLE, AND TO BOW TO THE POTENTATE, YOU BENT OVER AND PLACED YOUR “HIND PARTS” IN THE FACES OF THE NOBLES SITTING BEHIND YOU, AND SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU. LET THIS TEACH YOU THAT SHOULD YOU SUDDENLY RECEIVE AN AWARD, OR A GREAT SUM OF MONEY, DON’T LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD AND SHOW YOUR “HIND PARTS,” AS SOMETHING MAY HAPPEN TO YOU AGAIN.
12. MOCK TRIAL AND HANGING
THIS EVENT WAS TO IMPRESS UPON YOU THE PURPOSE OF OUR ORDER: NAMELY, TO APPREHEND, TRY, AND EXECUTE ALL WRONG DOERS.
WHEN WE SEARCHED AND FOUND THE POCKETBOOK, WE APPREHENDED THE CULPRIT. THE COURT SCENE EZEMPLIFLED, THE TRIAL, AND THE HANGING, THE EXECUTION.
THE HANGING ALSO EXEMPLIFIED THE SIGNS USED IN OUR SALUTATION TO THE ASSISTANT RABBAN. PULLING UP THE ROPE THREE TIMES AND PULLING IN THE SLACK.
13. KISSING THE BLACK STONE
WHEN ISHMAEL AND HIS FATHER, ABRAHAM, BUILT THE NATIONAL SHRINE NEAR THE PLACE WHERE THE TABERNACLE OF CLOUDS HAN HEEN. AN ANGEL PRESENTED THEM WITH A DAZZLING WHITE STONE, WHICH THEY INSERTED IN THE WALL OF THE TEMPLE, AND EACH YEAR THE WORSHIPERS WOULD JOURNEY TO MECCA TO KISS THIS STONE. TODAY SO MANY HAVE KISSED THE STONE THAT IT HAS BECOME BLACK, AND IS KNOWN AS THE KAABA STONE OR BLACK STONE OF CASPER. OUR RITUAL STIPULATES THAT YOU, IN TOKEN OF YOUR SINCERITY, SEAL YOUR OBLIGATIONS BY KISSING THE BLACK STONE OF CASPER.
NO DOUBT MANY TIMES YOU HAVE STATED THAT YOU WOULD NOT “KISS” ANYBODY’S “HIND PARTS” TO GAIN A FAVOR. WELL, IT SEEMS THAT YOU WANTED TO BE A SHRINER SO BAD THAT YOU WERE WILLING TO KISS “THE BLACK STONE OF CASPER.” “SHAME ON YOU.”
Outline of Moslem Tests For Mystic Shrine Ceremonials
MOSLEM TESTS REQUIRED
1. Crossing the “Hot Sands” and the “Rough Road.”
2. The Devil’s Pass.
3. The Mock Trial and Hanging.
4. Kissing the Black Stone.
Tests should be selected that impress the Novice with the necessity of having courage and humility, and with the importance of secrecy in the apprehension, arrest, judgment, and the execution of the lawless. He should also be admonished to remember the helpless and those in need.
TEATS WITH RITUALISTIC VALUE
1. Hot Sands and Rough Road.
2. Devil’s Pass.
3. The Grand Salaam; changing method of approach, by instructing Novice on way to address Altar.
4. Mock Trial and Hanging; execution of a traitor.
5. Well of Zem Zem. (and Purifying Cavern) Fountain of Mecca.
TESTS FOR ENTERTAINMENT
(Lessons derived from each)
1. Disguising member as a female.
2. The Hot Seat, Electrified Plate, Carpet, or Camel.
3. Eating of Dung or Drinking Toast to Potentate.
4. Sitting on Cake of Ice or Wet Sponge.
5. Boxing Bout.
6. Novices, place in Canvas.
7. Stolen Pocketbook; divulging secrets to a woman.
8. Appearance of a Drunk.
Tests Used in The 1957 Imperial Council Ceremonial
1. Crossing the Hot Sands and Rough Road.
2. Bung Hole Test.
3. Devil’s Pass.
4. Prairie Dog.
5. Finding the stolen Pocketbook.
6. Ejection of the “Drunk.”
7. Boring Rout.
8. Return of Drunk.
9. Hot Seat.
10. Ice Test.
11. Washing with Sponge.
12. Washing in Well of Zem Zem.
13. Eating of Dung.
14. Grand Salaam.
15. Mock Trial and Hanging.
16. Kissing of the Black Stone.
Closing Lecture describing each Test
Shrine Lecture on Initiation
NOBLES, YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETED YOUR RUGGED TREK ACROSS THE HOT SANDS OF THE DESERT IN SEARCH OF THE GREAT MOSLEM CAPITAL, MECCA, WHICH UNFOLDS IN THE WILDERNESS OF THE ARABIAN DESERT, HALFWAY BETWEEN YEMEN AND SYRIA.
THIS CITY IN WHICH YOU NOW STAND IS THE HOLY CITY OF ISLAM. THIS CITY IS SO SITUATED IN THE DESERT OF ARABIA THAT ONLY BY CONSTANT TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS; BY PASSING THROUGH HAZARDS, SAND-STORMS, BEING BESET BY THIEVES AND EXPERIENCING OTHER CATASTROPHIES AND SURVIVING; WERE YOU ABLE TO WALK THEREIN. IT IS AS IF NATURE HAD COOPERATED WITH THE MOSLEM FAITH TO GUARD THE SECRETS OF THIS HALLOWED SPOT FROM THE UNSANCTIFIED.
The Altar
IN THE HEART OF THIS CITY IS THE GREAT MOSQUE, BAIT ALLAH (HOUSE OF GOD) (THE ALTAR), WHICH IS SITUATED, ACCORDING TO ARAB TRADITION, IN THE CENTER OF THE WORLD AND IMMEDIATELY BENEATH THE THRONE OF THE ALMIGHTY. UPON THE BAIT ALLAH, ALTAR, ARE A BIBLE AND KORAN.
THE KORAN IS THE UNIQUE HISTORY OF OUR FOUNDER MOHAMMED. THE WORK IS ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE IN ITS ORIGIN AND IN ITS PRESERVATION, UPON THE AUTHENTICITY OF WHICH NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO CAST A SERIOUS DOUBT. THE KORAN IS THE ACTUAL TEXT AS DICTATED BY MOHAMMED HIMSELF, DAY BY DAY AND MONTH BY MONTH, DURING HIS LIFETIME. IT IS THE REFLECTION OF THIS MASTER-MIND, SOMETIMES INARTISTIC AND SELF-CONTRADICTORY, MORE OFTEN INSPIRING AND LYRICAL, AND ALWAYS FILLED WITH GREAT IDEAS WHICH STAND OUT AS A WHOLE.
The Black Stone
THE BLACK STONE IS REALLY A NUMBER OF FRAGMENTS, TWELVE, TO BE EXACT, UNITED BY DARK CEMENT AND HELD TOGETHER BY A SILVER BAND. THE WHOLE IS OVAL AND ABOUT SEVEN INCHES IN DIAMETER. WHAT THESE STONES OR FRAGMENTS ARE MADE OF NO ONE SEEMS EVER TO HAVE DEFINITELY ESTABLISHED. TRADITION ASSERTS THAT THE ORIGINAL STONE CAME FROM PARADISE AND WAS HANDED BY THE ANGEL GABRIEL TO ABRAHAM AND ISHMAEL WHEN THEY WERE BUILDING THE KAABA.
AT THE TIME IT WAS SNOW WHITE. ITS PRESENT COLOR IS THE OUTCOME OF HAVING BEEN KISSED BY THE MILLIONS WHO YEARLY MAKE THE PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA. THIS, HOWEVER, DOES NOT CLEAR UP THE QUESTION OF ITS COMPOSITION
THE OBSTACLE TO SO DOING IS THAT THE VAST MALORITY OF THE MEN WHO GO TO MECCA ACCEPT THE BLACK STONE AS A HOLY EMBLEM AND DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ITS GEOLOGICAL HISTORY. THOSE TRAVELERS WHO HAVE EXAMINED THE STONE WITH CURIOSITY AS WELL AS REVERENCE DIFFER IN THEIR OPINIONS.
SOME SAY THAT IT IS A CHIP OF ROCK FROM THE ABU KOBEIS HILLS TO THE EAST OF MECCA. SOME SAY THAT IT IS A METEORITE (A BODY, USUALLY COMPOSED OF IRON, WHICH HAS FALLEN UPON THE EARTH FROM OUTER SPACE.) OTHERS INSIST THAT IT IS OF VOLCANIC ORIGIN. NONE OF THIS IS OF ANY REAL IMPORTANCE, IN SPITE OF THE CONTROVERSIES WHICH THE SUBJECT HAS GIVEN RISE TO ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. WHATEVER IT IS MADE OF, THE STONE HAS BEEN THERE FOR A LONG TIME.
MAZIMUS TYRIUS, WRITING IN THE SECOND CENTURY AFTER CHRIST, TELLS OF ARABIANS PRAYING TO A GOD WHICH THEY REPRESENT AS A RECTANGULAR BUILDING IN WHICH THERE IS A BLACK STONE. SOME OF YOU MAY ASK, “WHY DO WE USE THE BLACK STONE, AND WHY IS IT SO SACRED TO US?” IN ANCIENT TIMES THE SACRED STONE HELD A PLACE OF GREAT HONOR. THE BLACK ROCK OF MECCA IS STILL AN OBJECT OF MOHAMMEDAN VENERATION.
STONES HAVE THEIR OWN CHARACTERISTICS. IF THE STONE WAS A BIG ONE, IT IMPRESSED PEOPLE BY ITS MASSIVENESS. PERHAPS IT HAD SOME PECULIAR SHAPE, LOOKED LIKE A MAN OR A SUPERMAN. IF IT WAS A LITTLE ONE, IT COULD BE CARRIED IN THE POCKET OR SET UP ON THE TENT. LITTLE OR BIG, IT WAS SOLID, SUBSTANTIAL; IT DID NOT CHANGE LIKE A BUSH OR A STREAM, AND MAN HAD NOT MADE IT. IT WAS PART OF THE CREATION, AS IT CAME FRESH FROM THE HAND OF GOD. AND BECAUSE THIS BLACK STONE WAS A PRESENT FROM HEAVEN, IT HAS BEEN REVERED BY SHRINEDOM TO THIS DAY.
CHRIST SAID TO PETER, “UPON THIS ROCK I BUILD MY CHURCH.” THIS ALLEGORICAL STATEMENT WAS SIMILAR TO OUR SYMBOLIC MASONRY OF TODAY. CHRIST WAS IMPRESSED BY THE SINCERE, LOYAL AND REVERENT WAY IN WHICH PETER HAD FOLLOWED HIM, SO HE LIKENED TO WITHSTAND THE STORMS OF TIME.
WE, AS TRUE ARABS, SHOULD STAND FIRM IN OUR CONVICTIONS THAT COMING GENERATIONS WILL HAVE FAITH IN US AND BUILD THEIR TOMORROW ON OUR SOLID FOUNDATION OF FRATERNAL STABILITY.
MECCA
MECCA, THE CITY OF MOHAMMED IS KNOWN AS THE CAPITAL OF SHRINEDOM. MOHAMMED CHOSE THIS CITY AS ITS CAPITAL BECAUSE IT WAS WHERE THE BENU KINANA HAD FORMED A SETTLEMENT AROUND THE KAABA, THE SANCTUARY OF A NUMBER OF CONFEDERATE TRIBES BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
THE FEAST ANNUALLY OBSERVED IN THE DAYS BEFORE THE FULL MOON OF THE MONTH DHUL-HIJJA AT MECCA PRESENTED STRONG ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL INHABITANTS IN THE VICINITY ROUND ABOUT.
THUS MECCA GREW INTO A GREAT MEETING PLACE.
THE SANCTUARY AND THE FEAST OF MECCA CAUSED IT TO GROW INTO A GREAT MEETING P LACE. MECCA UNFOLDS IN THE WILDERNESS OF THE ARABIAN DESERT, HALFWAY BETWEEN YEMEN AND SYRIA, IN A LAND WASTED BY WINDS AND SECULAR RAINS, A AAVAGC VALLEY ENCLOSED BETWEEN TWO SHARP AND ARID CHAINS OF ROCK MOUNTAINS, MAKING ITS POSITION SO SECLUDED THAT NOT UNTIL THE PILGRIMS ARE LOOKING DOWN INTO ITS STREETS DO THEY KNOW THAT THEY HAVE ARRIVED AT THE SACRED CITY.
LONG BEFORE MOHAMMED, MECCA WAS CONSIDERED A SACRED CITY BECAUSE OF THE HOLY SANCTUARY IN ITS CENTER.
KAABA
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COURT STANDS THE KAABA. THE KAABA IS A WINDOWLESS, CUBE-SHAPED, FLAT-ROOFED BUILDING MADE OF GREY STONE, FORTY FEET HIGH. ENVELOPING IT IS A HUGE BLACK BROCADE COVER, LIKE A TEA COZY, ON WHICH VERSES FROM THE KORAN ARE EMBROIDERED IN GOLD. EVERY YEAR THE COVER. WHICH IS CALLED KESOUA, IS RENEWED. THE KAABA IS THE FOCAL POINT OF ISLAM TOWARD WHICH MOSLEMS ALL OVER THE WORLD TURN FIVE TIMES A DAY TO PRAY. THE KAABA HAS BEEN AN OBJECT OF WORSHIP SINCE THE DAWN OF HISTORY; ARAB LEGENDS SUGGEST THAT THE FIRST KAABA DATES BACK TO ADAM. THIS ONE WAS DESTROYED BY THE DELUGE, AND ANOTHER WAS REBUILT BY ABRAHAM AND ISHMAEL. AFTER THAT IT FELL INTO THE HANDS OF IDOLATORS WHO BUILT OTHER EDITIONS, UNTIL MOHAMMED CAME AND RESTORED ITS ANCIENT DEDICATION TO ONE GOD.
Well of Zem Zem
SEVEN SMALLER BUILDINGS ARE DISPOSED AROUND THE KAABA. THE MOST IMPORTANT CONTAINS THE WELL OF ZEM ZEM. THIS IS WHERE HAGAR, WHEN SHE WAS EXPELLED FROM THE TENTS OF ABRAHAM THROUGH THE INSTIGATION OF SARAH, DECIDED TO DIE. WANDERING OVER THE DESERT, SHE HAD REACHED THE STONY VALLEY OF MECCA. HER PROVISIONS HAD GIVEN OUT; HER GOURD WAS EMPTY. FRENZIEDLY, SHE RAN TO AND FRO, LOOKING FOR WATER. THEN, NEARLY DEAD FROM THIRST. SHE FLUNG HERSELF ON THE PARCHED GROUND AND PUSHED HER BABY UNDER A THORNY ACACIA.
“LET ME NOT SEE THE DEATH OF MY CHILD,” SHE CRIED, AS SHE COVERED HER HEAD WITH HER MANTLE. BUT, BEFORE WHAT SEEMED INEVITABLE HAPPENED, AN ANGEL APPEARED AND SHOWED HAGAR THAT SHE WAS WITHIN WALLDNG DISTANCE OF A WELL. HAGER COULD NO LONGER WALK, BUT SHE CRAWLED OVER TO THE WATER, WHICH SAVED HER AND ISHMAEL’S LIVES. THIS ZEM ZEM IS THE SAME IDENTICAL WELL, SO CALLED BECAUSE OF THE BUBBLING SOUND IT MADE WHEN HAGAR FOUND IT. IF WE ARE TO BELIEVE THE BOOK OF GENESIS, IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE OLDEST EXISTING WELLS OF THE WORLD.
AS YOU JOURNEYED FROM THE MAIN-LAND TO THE GATES OF MECCA, YOU WERE FORCED TO CROSS THE HOT SANDS OF THE DESERT WHICH WAS EMBLEMATICAL OF THE ROUGH ROADS OF LIFE OVER WHICH EVERYONE MUST TROD.
YOUR WAY OF LIFE WILL NOT BE SMOOTH OR CLEAR ALWAYS BUT RATHER HARD, ROUGH AND RUGGED. THE SANDSTORMS OF CONFUSION MAY AT TIMES HIDE YOUR PATHWAY; THE HOT SANDS AND SCORCHING SUN WILL CAUSE YOU TO BE WEARIED IN WELL-DOING.
THUS, WE ARE TAUGHT THAT ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE THE INDISPUTABLE AND NECESSARY APPRECIATION FOR THE TENENTS OF THE ORDER, THOSE PERSONS WHO CAN EXERCISE THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, MORALITY AND SECRECY WILL BE ABLE TO REST AT THE TEMPLE OF MECCA AND DRINK FROM THE WELL OF ZEM ZEM.
ONE MUST ALWAYS BEAR IN MIND THAT SHRINEDOM, IN ITS ORIGINAL CONCEPT, HAD AS ITS PURPOSE THE GREAT TASK OF LENDING REFINEMENT, CULTURE, EDUCATION, AND SPIRITUAL AND MORAL INTEGRITY TO THOSE WHO PRACTICED ITS PRINCIPLES AND CHERISHED ITS REFINED QUALITIES; HENCE OUR WHOLE RITUALISTIC SYSTEM IS BASED UPON THESE KINDLY ATTRIBUTES TOGETHER WITH AN UNFLINCHING FAITH IN ALLAH.
EATING SUPPOSED DUNG IS EMBLEMATICAL OF THE DISTASTEFUL THINGS IN LIFE. THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS IN LIFE WE DO NOT LIKE, BUT IF WE ARE TO SUCCEED, WE MUST BE ABLE TO TAKE THE BITTER WITH THE SWEET.
AS YOU CAME DOWN THE DEVIL’S PASS, YOUR MIND REFLECTED TO CERTAIN MASONIC DEGREES IN WHICH DEPOSITS WERE REQUIRED AND DIFFER ONLY IN WHAT IS DEPOSITED. THE MEMORY OF WHAT YOU DEPOSITED IS TO TEACH YOU TO ALWAYS RENOUNCE THE WILES AND EVILS OF THE WORLD AND PROMISE TO EVER WORSHIP AT THE SHRINE OF ISLAM, WHERE THE AIR IS RICH WITH THE WISDOM OF ALLAH, AND REFINED BY THE DEEDS OF VENERABLE PATRIARCHS GONE BEFORE.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT LESSON WAS GIVEN YOU IN THE FORM OF THE CYLINDER INTO WHICH YOU WERE ASKED TO ENTER. THE LESSON TAUGHT IS ALL-IMPORTANT TO YOU AS A MAN AND A MASON, AND IT HAS ITS REAL APPLICATION IN LIFE. YOU ATTEMPTED TO GO THROUGH THE CYLINDER BUT WERE FORCED TO BACK DOWN. THIS SHOWS THAT “YOU CANNOT ALWAYS CARRY OUT YOUR AIMS AND PURPOSES IN LIFE, THAT SITUATIONS, SOMETIMES, WILL ARISE MAKING IT NECESSARY FOR YOU TO BACK DOWN; BUT IF YOU ARE A REAL MAN, YOU WILL NEVER BACK DOWN UNTIL EVERY MEANS AT YOUR DISPOSAL HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED.”
WASHING THE BUTTOCKS REPRESENTS MAN WHEN HE IS NOT ABLE TO CARE FOR HIMSELF, TEACHING YOU TO ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY SOME DAY BECOME HELPLESS IN LIFE (OLD AGE). WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG, YOU COULD GIRD YOURSELF AND GO WHEN AND WHERE YOU PLEASED, BUT WHEN FATHER TIME TAKES HIS TOLL, YOU ARE HELPLESS AND MUST BE CARED FOR. ALWAYS REMEMBER THE HELPLESS AND THOSE IN NEED.
THE GREATEST LESSON GIVEN TO YOU TODAY WAS THAT OF THE “DOG,” WHICH EXPRESSED HUMILITY AND MEEKNESS. ONE MAY BE UP TODAY WITH EVIDENCES OF PROSPERITY ABOUNDING, BUT TOMORROW THE PICTURE CAN BE CHANGED SO THAT YOU CAN BE DOWN SO LOW IN HEALTH OR OTHER MISFORTUNES THAT YOU CANNOT DEFEND YOURSELVES FROM ANY MEANS OF HUMILIATION.
TO THIS END WE MUST RESPECT THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS AND PRACTICE MEEKNESS AND HUMILITY, “FOR HE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF SHALL BE EXALTED, BUT HE THAT EXALTS HIMSELF SHALL BE ABASED.”
TODAY YOU MET A MAN, WHOM YOU THOUGHT TO BE A WOMAN, TO TEACH YOU THAT YOU CANNOT ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU SEE. DECEPTION IS ONE OF THE GREATEST STUMBLING BLOCKS OF HUMANITY. THIS LESSON IS TO INFORM YOU TO NEVER TRY TO BE WHAT YOU ARE NOT. THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE LIVED A LOOSE, WILD, AND CARELESS LIFE TAKE HEED TO THE LESSON TAUGHT YOU TODAY.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO GIVE THE SIGN OF TAKING IN THE SLACK, BECAUSE IT ALLUDES TO A PART OF THE OBLIGATION; THIS IS TO REMIND YOU TO DRAW IN THE SLACK PLACES IN YOUR LIVES, RELEASE THE LOOSE ENDS, AND START ANEW AS ONE WHO IS NOW A MEMBER OF THE NOBILITY IN THE COURTYARD OF ALLAH.
AND, AS YOU GO FORTH AS NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, CARRYING THE COLORS OF RED, WHICH WORD DENOTES CHARITY TO ALL MANKIND AND MORE ESPECIALLY TO THE HOUSEHOLD OF THE FAITHFUL; COMBINED WITH GREEN, WHICH DENOTES EVERLASTING LIFE, SOMETHING THAT IS FOREVER GROWING IN WISDOM, STRENGTH AND BEAUTY; BE TRUE TO YOUR TRUST, FAITHFUL TO THE CAUSE AND ACTIVE IN THE UPLIFT OF MANLDND THAT ALLAH MAY DELIGHT TO EXTEND HIS BLESSINGS UPON YOU AND YOURS FOREVERMORE.
ALLAH BE PRAISED.
Closing
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLES, I AM ABOUT TO CLOSE THIS TEMPLE. NOBLE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD, CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD ARISES AND SALUTES WHEN OUF WORK HAS CEASED IN THE TEMPLE, WHAT IS YOUR DUTY?
Captain of the Guard:
TO SEE THAT THE OUTER GUARD STANDS INSTRUCTED, AND OUR SACRED TEMPLE IS DULY GUARDED.
Illustrious Potentate:
ATTEND TO THAT PART OF YOUR DUTY AND INFORM THE OUTER GUARD THAT WE ARE ABOUT TO CLOSE … TEMPLE, AND ORDER HIM TO PERMIT NO INTERRUPTION WHILE WE ARE THUS ENGAGED.
Captain of the Guard instructs the Outer Guard, through the wicket, then gives the usual raps, which are replied to by the Outer Guard.
Captain of the Guard:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, OUR SACRED TEMPLE IS DULY GUARDED; THE OUTER GUARD HAS YOUR COMMAND.
Illustrious Potentate:
BY WHOM ARE WE GUARDED, NOBLE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD?
Captain of the Guard:
BY A NOBLE OF THIS DEGREE, AND A TRUSTED OFFICER, WITHOUT, ARMED WITH A THREE-EDGED SWORD, THE PROPER IMPLEMENT OF HIS OFFICE, VIGILANTLY ASSISTED BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD WITHIN.
Illustrious Potentate:
KNOWING WE ARE UNDER DOUBLE GUARD, WE WILL PROCEED TO CLOSE. NOBLE CHIEF RABBAN, WHAT IS THE HOUR?
Chief Rabban:
ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE, THE NIGHT DRAWS NEAR, AND IT IS TIME TO REST. EVEN SO APPROACHES WITH THE SAME RAPID STEP, THE NIGHT OF DEATH AND THE HOUR OF JUDGMENT.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLE ASSISTANT RABBAN, DOES ANY WORK OF CHARITY OR BENEVOLENCE REMAIN UNDONE THAT IS WITHIN OUR POWERS TO DO?
EVEN SO WRONG AND ERROR REIGN OVER ALL THE WORLD, AND ONLY HERE AND THERE TRUTH AND THE RIGHT ARE VICTORS. CHIEF RABBAN, ARE YOU A NOBLE OF DIE MYSTIC SHRINE?
Chief Rabban:
I WAS A SON OF THE DESERT
Illustrious Potentate:
THEN YOU ARE A NOBLE?
Chief Rabban:
I SOUGHT PROTECTION UNDER THE DOME OF THE TEMPLE.
Illustrious Potentate:
WHAT INDUCED YOU TO BECOME A NOBLE OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE?
Chief Rabban:
THAT I MIGHT WORSHIP THE TRUE GOD, RESPECT VIRTUE, PROTECT THE INNOCENT, ASSIST THE DISTRESSED, AND PROMOTE THE INCULCATION OF HONOR.
Illustrious Potentate:
HOW GAINED YOU ADMISSION TO THE TEMPLE?
Chief Rabban:
I SOUGHT THE COMMENDATION OF A NOBLE, WHO RECOMMENDED ME TO THE TEMPLE. MY CHARACTER HAVING BEEN CANVASSED AND COMING WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF GOOD REPORT, BEING WORTHY, AND NOT OF TREACHEROUS OR IGNOBLE PURPOSE, I ESPOUSED THE CAUSE OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE, AND MY RECEPTION WAS SANCTIONED WITH THE SECRET PASS.
Illustrious Potentate:
WHAT ARE THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE?
Chief Rabban:
JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, FORTITUDE, MORALITY AND SECRECY. THEY ARE PRICELESS WHEN WELL OBSERVED, AND ARE ATTRIBUTES WHICH CANNOT BE BOUGHT WITH PALTRY, SORDID GOLD.
Illustrious Potentate:
WHAT BINDS YOU TO OUS NOBLE ORDER?
Chief Rabban:
MY SACRED OBLIGATION.
Illustrious Potentate:
HAVING ASSUMED THE SACRED OBLIGATIONS OF THE ORDER, WHAT DID YOU DO TO MAKE THEM MORE BINDING?
Chief Rabban:
I WAS CONDUCTED TO THE PURIFYING CAVERN, THE FOUNTAIN OF MECCA, WHERE I WASHED MY HANDS IN INNOCENCY, THEREBY CLEANSING MYSELF OF ALL THE SNARES OF SIN AND VICE THAT MAY HAVE SURROUNDED ME; AND IN TOKEN OF THE SINCERITY OF MY INTENTIONS I SEALED THE SAME BY KISSING THE BLACK STONE OF CASPER.
Illustrious Potentate:
IT IS WELL. LET US UNITE IN SINGING OUR CLOSING ODE. ***
NO MORE HOT SANDS FOR US TO TREAD,
OUR JOURNEY IS ENDED NOW;
BEFORE THE GRANDEST POTENTATE,
WE SHALL FOREVER BOW.
WE SHALL FOREVER BOW,
BEFORE THE GRANDEST POTENTATE,
WE SHALL FOREVER BOW.
All arise and form a circle, the Illustrious Potentate and the two Rabbans inside of the circle and in their proper relative positions, the High Priest and Prophet at the west of the Altar, inside.
Signs are given, led by the Illustrious Potentate.
Illustrious Potentate:
NOBLE ORIENTAL GUIDE, SECURE THE HOLY BIBLE AND KORAN.
The High Priest and Prophet then raises his band and says:
OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, IN WHOM WE TRUST, AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING; OH, THOU WHO WILLEST THAT MAN SHOULD ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS WHICH THY MUNIFICENCE HOLDS OUT TO HIM, DEIGN TO RECEIVE OUR PRAYERS AND TO SHED UPON THE NOBLES OF THIS ORDER THY PRECIOUS GIFTS. AND NOW THAT WE ARE ABOUT TO QUIT THIS SACRED RETREAT AND MIX AGAIN WHIZ THE WORLD, HELP US TO SERVE THEE FAITHFULLY, DEVOTING TO THEE OUR HEARTS, OBEYING THEE IN ALL THINGS, REMAINING TRUE TO ONE ANOTHER. RECEIVE OUR THANKS AND GRATITUDE FOR THY FAVORS AND CONTINUE THY GOODNESS UNTO US NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
All:
SO MOTE IT BE. AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.
Illustrious Potentate and Rabbans return to their stations, others remain standing about the altar.
Illustrious Potentate ** *.
Chief Rabban ** *.
Assistant Rabban ** *.
Illustrious Potentate:
GO IN PEACE, AND MAY GOD AND ALL THE ANGELS GUARD US IN ALL THE WALKS OF LIFE. BUT BEFORE WE PART, LET US SWEAR NOT TO REVEAL ANY OF THIS DAY’S TRANSACTIONS THAT SHOULD NOT BE KNOWN.
All:
I SWEAR. AT SAME TIME GIVING SIGN OR SECRECY.
Illustrious Potentate:
BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY ON ME CONFERRED, I NOW DECLARE THIS … TEMPLE, NO. … OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ARABIC ORDER NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA AND JURISDICTIONS, INC., CLOSED.
Noble Captain of the Guard, you will inform the Outer Guard.
Captain of the Guard: The Outer Guard stands instructed.
In order for a person to become a Shriner, he must not only go through all the degrees of Masonry, make all those blood-curdling oaths, worship gods who are not gods and he must make a blood oath of allegiance to Allah as his god and Mohammed as his prophet. The Shriner is then given a red fez with a crescent moon and star and an Islamic beheading sword on the front of it. This originates from 7th century Arabia when the Moslems, under the leadership of Mohammed, slaughtered all Christians who would not bow down to Allah. Allah, by the way, was not another (generic) name given to God by Mohammed; Allah is the tribal deity –the moon god– of Mohammed; it was the name of the god in the tribe that Mohammed was born into. That is why every mosque today has a crescent moon on the top of its spire.
City of Fez
Now when Mohammed’s army of men, out to slaughter all the ‘infidels’, came to the city of Fez, in Morocco, they found a community of Christians. After killing all the Christians there with their Islamic-style swords, they took their hats (called a fez) and dipped them in the blood of the Christians, and wore the fezzes throughout the land glorying in their victory over Christianity. Today Shriner’s put on red fezzes (representing the hats dipped in the blood of Christians) with the Islamic sword and crescent showing their allegiance to Allah and Mohammed (and the defeat of Christianity). Inner fraternity whose members are dedicated to the service of a mysterious arcannum arcandrum [defined as ‘a secret, a mystery’
Shriner
The best known of these groups is the Shriners (official name: “Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine”), who hold festive parades and support hospitals for crippled and burned children. (To be a Shriner, one must be a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, or its equivalent in the York Rite [Knights Templar]). [The 33rd degree is an honorary degree bestowed upon especially worthy masons who have accomplished outstanding work in such fields as religion and politics.]
The Name
Previously known as Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) The name was changed in 2010 to be more politically correct to the Shriners of North America.
Mosque
the words “temple” and “mosque” to describe Shriners’ buildings has been replaced by “Shrine Center”
Ritual Proclamations
In the ritual proclaims” Seal their oath in the name of allah, the God of our fathers.” “Islam is the one true faith ”
Pope
Pope Leo 13th Proclaimed … “let no man think for any reason whatsoever, join the Masonic Sect if he values his Catholic name and his eternal salvation.”
Membership requirements
Until 2000, before being eligible for membership in the Shrine, a Mason had to complete either the Scottish Rite or York Rite systems. But now, because there are few that qualify under the old requirements, any Master Mason can join.
Billy Graham, World’s most popular ‘Christian’ evangelist is a 33rd Degree Freemason. He offered spiritual counsel to not just one but three US presidents: Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon.
Jessy Jackson
33rd Degree Prince Hall Freemason
Joseph Smith –
was a 33rd Degree Mason.
Brigham Young –
was a 33rd Degree Mason.
Oral Roberts
33rd Degree Freemason
Robert Schuller
33rd Degree Freemason, Schuller and Gorbatsjov – with mason handshake held up for everyone to see.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a Episcopalian Christian.
Initiated: October 11, 1911, Holland Lodge No. 8, New York City. Brother Roosevelt participated in the Raising of his son Elliott (1910-1990) on February 17, 1933, in Architect’s Lodge No. 519, also in New York City. He was present, but did not participate in the Degrees when two other sons, James (1907-1991) and Franklin D., Jr. (1914-1988) became Members of their brother Elliott’s Lodge, on November 7, 1935. Brother and President Roosevelt was made the first Honorary Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay on April 13, 1934 at the White House.
Harry Truman, (Ararat?)
Harry Truman was a Baptist Christian.
See the word Islam written on the fez.
Islam on Hat
Islam on hat of Truman’s friend???
Is that a “Muslim War Hat” he is wearing???
Islam
The Fez … (the war hat)
In order for a person to become a Shriner, he must not only go through all the 33 degrees of Masonry, make all those blood-curdling oaths, worship gods who are not gods, and he must make a blood oath of allegiance to Allah as his god and Mohammed as his prophet. The Shriner is then given a red fez with an Islamic sword and crescent jeweled on the front of it. This originates from 7th century Arabia when the Moslems, under the leadership of Mohammed, slaughtered all Christians who would not bow down to Allah. Allah, by the way, was not another (generic) name given to God by Mohammed; Allah is the tribal deity –the moon god– of Mohammed; it was the name of the god in the tribe that Mohammed was born into. That is why every mosque today has a crescent moon on the top of its spire.
Candidates for induction into the Shriners are greeted by a High Priest, who says:
“By the existence of Allah and the creed of Mohammed; by the legendary sanctity of our Tabernacle at Mecca, we greet you.”
The inductees then swear on the Bible and the Koran, in the name of Mohammed, and invoke Masonry’s usual gruesome penalties upon themselves:
“I do hereby, upon this Bible, and on the mysterious legend of the Koran, and its dedication to the Mohammedan faith, promise and swear and vow … that I will never reveal any secret part or portion whatsoever of the ceremonies … and now upon this sacred book, by the sincerity of a Moslem’s oath I here register this irrevocable vow … in willful violation whereof may I incur the fearful penalty of having myeyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon the sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming sun shall strike me with livid plague, and may Allah, the god of Arab, Moslem and Mohammedan, the god of our fathers, support me to the entire fulfillment of the same. Amen. Amen. Amen.”
With this oath, Christians swear on the Koran, and declare Allah to be “the god of our fathers.”
Edgar Hoover
First director of the FBI. Head of the FBI for 37 years up until his death at age 77 years old.
In 1920, Edgar Hoover was initiated[19] at D.C.’s Federal Lodge No. 1 in Washington D.C., becoming a Master Mason[20][21] by age 25 and a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary in 1955.[22]
When Hoover took over the Bureau of Investigation, it had approximately 650 employees, including 441 Special Agents.[32] Hoover fired all female agents and banned the future hiring of them.[33]
Is that a Muslim war hat he is wearing???
Gerald Ford
Is that a Muslim war hat he is wearing???
Does he believe in rubbing a lamp and Aladin (written on his hat) will grant him his every wish???
Gerald Ford was a Episcopalian Christian.
Bill Clinton
– He was an associate member of the masons … (a what???)
Bill Clinton was a Baptist Christian.
Al Malaikah Temple, Los Angeles, Reagan’s Temple
Ronald Reagan
He was an honorary member of the Imperial Council of the Shrine. President Reagan has on numerous occasions been involved in Shrine and masonic functions throughout his career. See the crescent moon and star at the top of the minerets.
Ronald Reagan was a Presbyterian Christian – (former Congregationalist)
George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States
Over 194 films in chronological order, updated in 2001
by Dean Grace
This is a list of films containing one or more of the three most common Masonic handshakes (pressing the thumb of the right hand over the knuckle joints or between the knuckle joints on the other hand) used by certain world political leaders and certain motion picture actors and actresses viewed on various VHS tapes using the slow motion control and freeze-frame control (pause button) on a VCR. This list of films is arranged in ascending chronological order according to the year in which each film was made. Time is measured from the beginning of the Feature Presentation to the first Masonic handshake in the film.
Background: The real grip of the Entered Apprentice, first degree of Freemasonry, is given by pressing the thumb of the right hand over the forefinger knuckle joint (where it meets the hand) on the other person’s hand. The real Fellow Craft, a.k.a., Fellowship grip of the second degree of Freemasonry, is given by pressing the thumb of the right hand over the knuckle joint (where it meets the hand) of the second finger (middle finger). The “pass grip” of the Master Mason, the third degree of Freemasonry, is given by pressing the thumb between the knuckle joints of the second (middle) and third (ring) fingers. The “pass grip” of the Master Mason is different from the “Lion’s grip” of the Master Mason that is used inside the lodge to raise a person to Master Mason status.
The Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and the “pass grip” of the Master Mason are the most common Masonic handshakes used outside of the Masonic lodge. Because of the quick nature of “handshaking” and differences in the sizes of people’s hands any handshake where the outstretched thumb (or cocked-thumb) presses the first knuckle, the middle knuckle, or the joint between the middle finger knuckle and third finger knuckle on the other hand is a Masonic handshake recognizable by Freemasons around the world. Freemasons swear an oath to always conceal and never reveal the secrets of Freemasonry. I am not bound by that restriction.
Siegfried, (1924 silent film by Fritz Lang), UFA Productions. The heroic Teutonic knight Siegfried wants to marry the fair Kriemhild, sister of King Gunther. But first Siegfried must help King Gunther marry the shrew Brunhilde. Fifty minutes into the film and after the caption: “Keep your word, King Gunther, as I have kept mine!” King Gunther gives a left handed Fellow Craft Masonic handgrip to Kriemhild at the same time Siegfried gives King Gunther a clear right handed Fellow Craft Masonic handgrip.
The Gold Rush, (1925 silent film by Charles Chaplin). Forty-two minutes into the film dance hall girl “Georgia” played by Georgia Hale visits the cabin of “The Lone Prospector” played by Charles Chaplin. As Georgia leaves the cabin she gives Chaplin a handshake that is at first not Masonic then she curls her thumb and gives Chaplin an Entered Apprentice Masonic handgrip and then a firm Fellow Craft Masonic handgrip. Eleven minutes later “Big Jim” played by Mack Swain enters the recorder’s office and gives the assayer a perfect Fellow Craft Masonic handshake.
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Metropolis, (1926 silent film by Fritz Lang). About thirty-eight minutes into the film after the subtitles: “Rotwang, give your robot this girl’s likeness. Hide the girl in your house while the robot directs my will over the workers,” Rudolf Klein Rogge as “Rotwang” gives a clear Fellow Craft Masonic handshake to “Joh Frederson” the master of Metropolis.
Sons of the Desert, The Nostalgia Merchant. (Originally produced in 1932.) At the beginning of the film Laurel and Hardy wearing fezzes attend a Sons of the Desert lodge meeting. The speaker at the podium in Arab costume says, “We will now take the oath” and bangs a gavel. The speaker then says, “And remember, once taken this oath has never been broken by any man down through the centuries of time in the history of this fraternal organization . . .” And then the speaker says, “Place yourself in the position to receive the oath.” Everyone crosses their arms and joins hands with their neighbors. Oliver Hardy’s left hand gives Stan Laurel’s right hand a Fellow Craft Masonic handgrip.
King Kong, 1933 Radio Pictures. At the very beginning Sam Hardy as “Mr. Weston” the theatrical agent appears to give a Fellow Craft Masonic handshake to Frank Reicher as “Capt. Englehorn” the ship’s skipper inside the ship’s cabin.
Triumph of the Will, 1933 German propaganda film. In the “new colors are dedicated” scene Hitler appears to receive two Masonic handshakes in this serious handshaking ceremony.
a.k.a. Ricurdo” after Chico and Baroni come out of the steamer trunk inside Groucho’s small cabin aboard ship. There are other Masonic handshakes in this movie.
The 39 Steps, (Made in 1935) A Gaumont-British Picture. Robert Donat as “Richard Hannay” is falsely accused of murdering a spy. Thirty-nine minutes into the film, after “Hannay” is pursued across Scotland by police and spies alike to the estate of the nefarious “Professor Jordan,” “Hannay” is introduced to the professor’s daughter “Patricia” who wears eyeglasses. “Hannay” gives “Patricia” a Fellow Craft Masonic handshake.
The Secret Agent, (Made in 1936) Gaumont British Picture Corp., LTD. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. (Based on the novel Ashenden by W. Somerset Maugham.) At the very beginning of the movie the undertaker whose left arm is missing gives a Fellow Craft Masonic handgrip to the first of three women who leave the funeral reception room. Thirty minutes later in the gambling casino Peter Marmont as “Caypor” gives Madeleine Carroll as British espionage agent “Elsa” a clear Fellow Craft Masonic handshake as they are introduced. Twelve minutes later after Peter Lorre as “the General” kills “Caypor” on a mountain climb, “the General” in the chalet at the bottom of the mountain gives a clear Fellow Craft Masonic handgrip to “Elsa” and then receives a clear Fellow Craft Masonic handshake from John Gielgud as British espionage agent “Dick Ashenden.” At the very end of the film Charles Carson as British Intelligence Chief “R” shakes hands with four military officers. Two of the officers can be seen giving “R” Fellow Craft Masonic handshakes.
old tablets you can imagine, told me all about the origins of the Masonic symbols . . . ” Twenty five minutes later, at the movie’s end, in the St. George Club in London, British agent “Lord Gainsford,” who pursued Ronald Coleman as British soldier and diplomat “Robert Conway” on Conway’s crazed quest to return to Shangri-La says, “I trailed him to the most extreme outpost of Tibet. Of course he’d already gone. But his memory will live with those natives for the rest of their lives. ‘The man who was not human’ they called him. They’ll never forget the deviled-eyed stranger who six times tried to go over the mountain pass that no other human being dared to travel, and six times was forced to go back by the severest storms. They’ll never forget the madman who stole their food and clothing, who they locked up in their barracks, but who fought six of their guards to escape.” That makes three audible sixes (666) in a very short breath of time in a 1937 Hollywood movie. The numbers “666,” both audible and visually, are subliminally imbedded in various Hollywood movies.
pentagram in their palms shake each other with a handgrip that is not Masonic and the hooded man enters the cave. Donald Duck goes into the cave where the secret gathering of Pythagorean musicians are playing “slow music.” Donald Duck says, “Gemme something with a beat.” The ancient Grecian cartoon characters then begin to play Jazz music. About two minutes later after the music stops Donald Duck walks up to Pythagoras and says, “Pythago boy, put her there.” Donald Duck gives Pythagoras a Fellow Craft Masonic handshake and a pentagram then materializes in the palm of Donald’s hand. The pentagram is the symbol of the Blazing Star of Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star, Freemasonry’s female auxiliary. Other Masonic symbols in the cartoon are the 47th problem of Euclid, which is the Pythagorean theorem (in Masonry this is the symbolic union of man and woman that produces something greater), “the broken column” representing the jewel for “Martha” which is the fourth degree of the Eastern Star, the chess board (the tessellated floor in every Masonic lodge representing man’s daily struggle on the game board of life) . . . .
not Masonic. As the Prince tries to kiss Molly’s hand Molly yells “Whoop-dee-doo” and gives the Prince a Fellow Craft Masonic handgrip. There are other Masonic handshakes in this film.
Polyester, (Made in 1981). About ten minutes into the film the female impersonator Divine as “Francine” gives a clear Master Mason’s handshake to “Freddy” when he comes to pick up Francine’s daughter for a date.
Coppola, meet Vito” Robert De Niro as “Vito” receives a perfect Master Mason’s handshake from the gunsmith “Coppola.” Later during the subtitle: “His family’s out of the house,” “Clemenza” gives a Masonic handshake to Vito just before Vito kills the neighborhood mafia strongman “Fanuccio.”
center at the edge of the . . .” (then garbled). Moments later the news clearly announces, “For three and a half minutes last night the defense forces of the United States went on a full scale nuclear alert believing that the Soviet Union had launched a surprise missile attack.” Is this use of subliminal words part of the conditioning of the mass mind to accept prophylactics and recycling centers?
newcomer police detective. In the introductions James Caan shakes hands with “Victor Goldrup” from the mayor’s office. Then the alien-newcomer “Sam Francisco” played by Mandy Patinkin gives a Fellow Craft Masonic handshake to “Goldrup.”
dead female attorney was his lover and bribe courier. Judge Lyttle dismisses the case against Rusty to keep this from becoming known. Is this an example of Masonic justice? And it turns out that Rusty’s wife killed the girl.
D.C. cocktail party Melanie Griffith as “Billie Dawn” receives Master Mason’s handshakes from “Alex” and his wife “Beatrice.” Sixty minutes later Fred Dalton Thompson as “Senator Hedges” gives Billy a clear Fellow Craft Masonic handshake.
clear Fellow Craft Masonic handshake. Forty-four minutes later Riefenstahl speaks in German about Hitler’s image at the war’s beginning. Immediately after the English subtitle, “I was appalled. His image was totally shattered,” the scene shifts to Adolph Hitler inspecting a line of soldiers. Hitler shakes hands with one of the soldiers in the line, it is a Fellow Craft Masonic handshake.
Note 1: This list of 194 films with Masonic handshakes was collected by viewing over 450 VHS tapes picked mostly by my random selection from the popular video department of a public library and local video store. Each film was viewed on a regular 13-inch color TV using a 4-head VCR, certainly not high-tech equipment. This list was made as a guide so that those who have not been initiated into the Masonic Order can see the three most commonly used secret Masonic handshakes of Freemasonry using readily available video resources. If I have stimulated a new awareness of a particular historical secretive association of men and women who give secret hand signals between themselves and others then I have succeeded. It is with this hope that I have compiled these pages.
Note 2: The Encyclopedia Britannic a defines Freemasonry as “a term descriptive of the fraternity to which men called Freemasons belong. It is secret in so far as it has rituals and other matters which those admitted take an oath never to divulge.” From the preceding pages it appears that the phrase “those admitted” appears to include women as well as men regarding the secret Masonic hand grips in the first three degrees.
The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is an international organization of women directed entirely by Freemasons. One or more Master Masons must preside at all meetings where degrees are conferred and at least two Master Masons must serve as OES officers. There are five OES degrees, Adah (the daughter), Ruth (the widow), Esther (the wife), Martha (the sister), Electa (the mother), and an honorary degree called the “Queen of
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the South.” These degrees are bestowed upon women who preform the Biblical and Cabalistically inspired OES ceremonies inside Masonic lodges. During these ceremonies women are taught secret oaths, passwords, signs, symbolisms, and a secret handgrip. Quoting from various Masonic sources, “The basic secrets of Freemasonry we do not seek to learn. We do not wish to make unreasonable demands upon our fathers, brothers, or husbands as Master Masons. Yet when we are told that we are intimately bound to the Masonic fraternity by ties most tender and lasting, we seek some tokens of recognition whereby we may know Masons
and be known of them as sharing in the Masonic privileges.”1 “Inviolably in my heart of hearts I will treasure
what you have given me this hour, and this tongue shall be torn from its place before the least of your secrets shall be unlawfully made known.”2 “Murder and treason are crimes and so the candidate agrees to conceal crimes of a lesser nature than murder and treason when committed by a brother Master Mason. The Eastern Star Queen of the South agrees that her ‘tongue shall be torn from its place,’ before the least of any Master Mason’s secrets be unlawfully revealed by her, to the proper authorities or to a non-Mason, even though such non-Mason be her own husband . .. Nor dare the ‘sister’ complain when ‘brother’ husband goes on the primrose path, for should he be expelled from the lodge, she goes out to, unless she could induce some other brother to become her sponsor. A most ingenious way to make these women keep their mouths shut!”3
The Eastern Star uses a secret code to conceal its passwords, rituals, and signs. This code is a compilation of figures and letters in one book which can then be deciphered by using another “spelling book” in which every word in the ritual is to be found. Freemasonry believes that this ritual cipher is as secret as any cipher can be which is to be widely used. For example the ritual for Electa, the fifth degree of the Eastern Star is encoded this way: 7T 20s 3o 6E 8i 3m 28b 23c 7t 26a 7u 7t 24b, 7t 51 25a 5o 7t 10o, 7t 15p 3o 7t 13f 11r 7u 7t 18s; 6s, 32t 7t 18e 8u. 7T 3p 8i “11L 6o 19a. Which deciphered means: The sign of Electa is made by crossing the arms under the bosom, the left arm on the other, the position of the fingers right under the shoulders; slowly, turn the eyes upward. The pass is “Love one another.” The ritual for Adah, the first degree is: 7T 20s 3o 1J 2D 8i 3m 28b 3t la 1v… which deciphered means: The sign of Japhthah’s Daughter is made by taking a veil. .. and so on.
The Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star states, “The Ritual and Secret Work are copyrighted. The reproduction of all or any portion of the Ritual and Secret Work in any manner is positively prohibited. Officers and members under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter are forbidden to copy any part of the Ritual or Secret Work for any purpose. Violations must be reported to the Most Worthy Grand Matron that she may force respect for our Ritual and rights, and enforce the penalty of forfeiture of membership and/or obtain redress under the copyright law.”4
1Bell, F.A., Bell’s Eastern Star Ritual, (P.R.C. Publications, Inc., 1988 revised edition), p.195-195; see also: Macoy, Robert (Arranged by), Adoptive Rite Ritual, (Virginia: Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company, 1897), p.163-164.
2Macoy, op. cit., p. 165; see also: Meyer, William, The Order of the Eastern Star, p. 15 (no other information available).
3Ibid., p. 15-16.
4Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star, published by authority of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, International Eastern Star Temple, 1618 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 1956, p. 165. (This building was dedicated on February 24, 1937 as the headquarters for the
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Immediately after a women is initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star the Masonic official in charge tells her, “In taking upon yourself the solemn Obligation of our Order, you enter upon a new phase of life; henceforth, you will be numbered among the members of this Order who have for their inspiration the Star of Bethlehem which will guide all the faithful to the New Jerusalem, that city not made with hands. I must remind you that with privileges come responsibilities. You have been informed that we are in possession of certain secrets by means of which we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet. You have been conducted to the several points of the Star and have been instructed in the secret work of the
Order which, if properly understood, will enable you to make yourself known as a member.”5
After all of the secret passwords and signs have been memorized the initiates are assured that, “Any member of the Order is at liberty to give any one of these signs when she or he is among strangers and desires to become known to a Brother or a Sister. Any member seeing one of these signs given should respond by giving the Pass belonging to the Sign given and then, having withdrawn to a place of sufficient secrecy, should ask,. . .”6 (The book does not indicate what to ask).
The real origin of the Eastern Star, like Freemasonry, has been purposely shrouded in secrecy. The Eastern Star as a rite seems to go back as early as 1730 however most Masonic sources give the founding of the “Order” of the Eastern Star as 1850. After a women is initiated into the Eastern Star she is eligible to join other Masonically-affiliated organizations like the Order of the Amaranth and the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. The Eastern Star is in many ways even more secretive than the Masonic Order because little has been written about its “secrets.” It reminds me of a tribe of men protecting their women folk.
Then there are the youth groups such as the Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters, and the DeMolays which are considered to be “feeder groups.” The adolescents in these societies are groomed for potential membership in Masonry and the Eastern Star when they reach adulthood. According to a Masonic journal The New Age we are told that about 50% of DeMolays join Masonry when they reach 21 years of age. The August 1991 issue of The Scottish Rite Journal writes, “DeMolays reach the age of membership at 21. This is not a coincidence; it was intended to provide them with a goal—to be a Mason . . . Masonry is the only organization in the world that has its own ready-made membership resources. We have only to bring these youths into our Lodges, Eastern Star Chapters, or other Masonic organizations.”7
Speculation: I believe from all of the preceding evidence and information that the secret handgrip of the International Order of the Eastern Star as mentioned in their Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star is the Fellow Craft (Fellowship) handgrip of the 2nd degree of Freemasonry (the pressing of the thumb over the knuckle of the other person’s middle finger).
History: The origins of Freemasonry predate the American Revolutionary War. In the 16th century, during the Renaissance in western and northern Europe, the British Empire in its quest for world power needed covert intelligence gathering agencies with effective access to the people of Europe. Masonic lodges, which were
International Order of the Eastern Star. This book does not disclose nor even mention the Eastern Star ritual ciphers.—ed.)
5Ibid., p. 80-81.
6Ibid., p. 82-83.
7Zeb E. Blanton, Jr., “Masonic Youth Have We Forgotten,” The Scottish Rite Journal (August 1991; Vol. 99, No. 8), p. 20.
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primarily Catholic institutions for building cathedrals, schools, and other structures, were widely in use across Europe during the Middle Ages. The British secret intelligence services, working as arms of the British landed nobility, the British intelligentsia, and after 1694 the Bank of England, began to purge Masonry of Catholic, Christian spiritual influences. Covert intelligence gathering was hidden from regular member Masons behind stories of Jewish antiquities, Christian knight-errantries, and the “occult” cover of many degrees of mysterious initiations. While today’s masonically allied “Shriners,” established in the United States in 1872, burlesque the Islamic religion, and the mysteries of Arabia, Egypt, and the Middle East. During the 18th century, Freemasonry
was always “patriotic” in Great Britain, but in America and France Masonry was a primary, revolutionary force. Britain’s insufficient resistance to the American Revolution allowed “New Age (Novus Ordo Seclorum)” deists, freemasons, and freethinkers to install a Masonic republic in North America.
For more than three centuries Freemasonry has taught, behind the veils of Masonic Temple pageantries and secret binding oaths, that life is a search for “Light,” and that Masonry knows the secret to reach this great “Light” of spiritual illumination. Freemasons have historically call themselves “Sons of Light” and “Citizens of the World” while the profane masses who have not received this secret instruction about “enlightened self awareness” are said to be in spiritual darkness. In this 20th century, Masonic teachings have come out of the lodges and have been made increasingly available to the public. Today, the public school systems of America teach the once secret Masonic doctrine of “total materialism of conscience, education, and state authority” to children. Freemasonry is an unofficial branch of the governments of Great Britain and the United States, and these governments see to it that Freemasonry is not examined in government subsidized public schools. After men and sometimes women show that they can keep the benign secrets of Masonic ceremonies, handgrips, passwords, and signs they become prime candidates for key positions in government and private industry.
Freemasonry concerns itself with Egyptian mysticism, Solomon’s Temple, the symbolic working tools of stone masonry, and the occult “Cabala,” i.e., medieval literature that interprets the Scriptures to find “hidden meanings” about life. Freemasons represent, symbolically, the ruling class of ancient Egypt that designed and built the Great Pyramids for the puppet-king Pharaohs. During the fall of Egyptian civilization this hereditary priesthood fled northeast and continued its rule in the land of Canaan where they designed and built Solomon’s Temple. Throughout the Dark and Middle Ages the priesthood survived in the rivaled hierarchies of Roman Catholicism, Talmudic Judaism, esoteric Islam, the Royal Dynasties of England and Europe, and the Houses that control national and international finance. For centuries Freemasonry has been a social club, a school for secrecy, a nursery that teaches nature worship, and a recruiting depot for political networks and intelligence agencies. Also, the Masonic rituals of the Blue Lodge (the initiatory three degrees of Freemasonry), the Scottish Rite (up to the thirty-second degree), and the York Rite (the so-called Christian “Knights Templars” degrees) are an indoctrinating force that inculcates, within the Freemason, a sympathy toward Biblical Israel and Zionism. And the masonically associated “Shriners” do the same with Islam. Freemasonry functions as a humanitarian cloak behind which the one-world architects of the secular Novus Ordo Seclorum, today’s New World Order, can network together to build a “New Age” Solomon’s Temple for international bankers, transnational corporations, and big business elites. All with the aid of mass media propagandists to amass the riches of the world atop a worldwide pyramid of universal monetized-debt feudalism whose paradigm is ancient Egypt.
The real historical root of Freemasonry lies in the occult philosophy behind the Protestant Reformation of the Renaissance. During the Middle Ages an attempt to merge Cabalism with Roman Catholicism under the guise of “Christian occultism” by the Knights of the Temple of Solomon, i.e., Knights Templars, was partially stopped by the Christian Church at the Council of Vienne in the 14th century. Later, there arose during the “enlightenment” of the Renaissance an anti-Christ brotherhood of secret society adepts, who had been initiated into paganism and Cabalistic magic. The marriage between pagan sorcery, as represented by Hermetic Egyptian traditions, and the Cabala, as represented by Jewish traditions, was the occult philosophy of the Protestant Reformation. Catholic and non-Catholic secret societies began infiltrating this occult philosophy into Christian elite circles using the
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“black magic” handbook called the Cabala. “Christian” Cabalists began popularizing the idea that the Cabala unveiled a “secret code” within the Bible revealing “hidden meanings.” Cabalists fomented the rise of a Catholic clergy dissatisfied with official Church interpretation of the Bible. The Protestant Reformation in Elizabethan England was a cover for a renaissance of anti-Christian “New Age” occultism revolving around the eternal pagan psychodrama of sex, death, and nature worship that finally resulted in Freemasonry—the universal altruistic screen behind which subsequent secret societies have operated clandestinely. The American “Republic for which it stands, one nation . . .,” like the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the other national republics around the world are but stepping stones for a Masonic “One World Government” republic where the earth’s populace will be a layered pyramid of economic classes ruled over by an “illuminated” class of anti-Christ dynastic elites.
Meanwhile, down at the lodge level, Freemasonry is good fun. People meet lots of people they would never otherwise meet, and good conversation is enjoyed over a good meal, whereas the rituals done in the Masonic lodges across America are mostly amateur theatrics. More importantly Freemasonry is a mechanism of social control, a feudal pyramid, where people of influence and wealth can mix with ordinary folks. In this manner “New Age” Freemasons can filter their ethical, moral, and political values down through the social structure of society. One of the first things taught in Freemasonry is obeying rank. The ritual tells how the workmen building Solomon’s Temple were split into small lodges in a way “best calculated to ensure promotion to merit, preserve due subordination and prevent confusion in the work.” Forget merit, Freemasonry is all about due subordination to a Masonic hierarchy of rank and fortune. While Freemasons can make themselves known to each other with secret handshakes and signs, Freemasons can also make themselves known to each other simply by using a form of words that only a Mason could know, because Masons recite them often in their lodge ritual.
Further Speculation: As distasteful as this may be to some people, it is possible that today’s universal finger sign of contempt, extending the middle finger from the clenched fist, has a Masonic connection. Freemasonry historically comes clothed in layers of sexual symbolism, e.g., the ceremony of quickly raising the initiate to an erect standing position from lying prone on the lodge floor, the compasses as the symbolic dominate male standing over the square as the symbolic submissive female, the phallic vertical columns that guard the entrance to the lodge, the point within a circle representing sexual union, the reproductive symbolism of the Pythagorean theorem (the sexual union of the male and female that produces offspring), obelisks as phallic grave markers and monuments, the Rose Croix degree (the Rose as a symbol of the blooming of the genital organs of women), the sun representing the male and the moon representing the female, Masonic contempt for the uninitiated profane who have not been raised in the lodge. And, as seen in the preceding films, the Fellow Craft and Master Mason’s hand grips are fixated with the knuckle of the most phallic finger of the hand, the middle finger.
Conclusion: Some scientists believe that the reason modern man “shakes hands” is that a very long time ago as primitive men approached each other in the wilderness they presented their open hands as a gesture of friendship to show they held no weapons. Freemasonry as the Big Daddy, great-great. . . Grandfather of today’s American, British, and other secret intelligence services, on the other hand, has always used secrecy as a weapon against the uninitiated. The modern technology of “freezing” the VHS film frame using the pause button on a VCR can strip away some of the secrecy of Masonic handshakes and the anonymity of those who used them.
Whether most of the aforementioned Masonic hand grips were intentional, which I believe they were, or some of them unintentional, or some just plain accidental it looks to me like there has been a lot of Masonic handshaking going on in front of the blinking and twinkling of our eyes.
Dean Grace, September, 1998.
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P.S. After the short preliminary, and somewhat flawed, monogram about Masonic handshakes that came out in 1994 entitled “A Guide to Masonic ‘Handshakes’ in the Movies: 53 Films Analyzed,” and subsequently since this new fleshed-out manuscript came out in 1998; the London to New York to Hollywood motion picture axis has started mentioning “secret handshakes” in a casual oflhand way in some of their new movies. This is part of the mechanism of mind control for the uninitiated movie viewing masses—to put “secret handshakes” on the same mind numbing, irreverent level as advertisements, profanity, sex, and violence for those who have little knowledge about the Masonic oriented cryptocracy that influences their lives. Also as a side bar, I have witnessed both men and women using master mason “secret handshakes” on television game shows.
The New World Order, a world federation of nations run by international and national central bankers, big business elites, transnational corporations, and mass media propagandists will use any means necessary, even a police state, to secure the earth for their future scions and protegee. We must resist—it is our God given nature.
Dean Grace. April, 2001.
Movies Without Masonic “Handshakes” A Clockwork Orange
Casablanca
Frankenstein
A Cry in the Dark
Cat Ballou
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man
A Patch of Blue
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Freemasonry: From Darkness to
A Streetcar Named Desire
Chariots of Fire
Light?
Abbott & Costello in Hollywood
Charlie Chan in the Secret Service
From Here to Eternity
Abbott & Costello meet Dr Jekyll &
Children of a Lesser god
Gandhi
Mr Hyde
Children of the Damned
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
African Queen
Citizen Kane
Ghostbusters II
Air America
City Slickers
Goldfinger
Airplane I & II
Class Action
Good Morning Vietnam
Algiers
Clean and Sober
Goodbye Columbus
Alien
Cleopatra
Goodbye Mr. Chips
Aliens
Cliffhanger
Grand Hotel
All Quiet on the Western Front
Come Back, Little Sheba
Gunga Din
An Officer and a Gentleman
Coming Home
Happy Birthday, Bugs: 50 Looney
Anatomy of a Murder
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Years
Angels in the Outfield
Dances with Wolves
Harvey
Apocalypse Now
Dead Poets Society
High Noon
Around the World in 80 Days
Deliverance
Hollywood Scandals & Tragedies
Author! Author!
Demolition Man
Home Alone
Batman
Destination Moon
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Beetlejuice
Dr. Strangelove
How Green Was My Valley
Beverly Hills Cop
E.T.
Hud
Blade Runner
East of Eden
I’m dancing as fast as I can
Bonnie and Clyde
Easy Rider
Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom
Broken Blossoms
Ed Wood—Look Back in Angora
Inherit the Wind
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Elmer Gantry
Inside the Brotherhood
Cacoon
Elvira Madigan
In the Heat of the Night
Caine Mutiny
Elvis: The Echo Will Never Die
Invasion of the Body Snatchers I & II
Cape Fear II
Every Which Way But Loose
It Conquered the World
Captain Blood
Fantastic Voyage
It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
Captain Ron
Farewell to Arms
Ivanhoe
Captains Courageous
Five Easy Pieces
Jailhouse Rock
Carnival of Souls
Forbidden Planet
Jaws
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JFK: The Day the Nation Cried Journey to the Center of the Earth
Terminator I & IIThe Andromeda Strain
Tortilla Flat True Grit
Judgment at Nuremberg Key Largo
The Bedford incidentThe Best Years of Our Lives
Twilight Zone–the MovieValley of the Dolls
Klute
The Big Chill
Vertigo
Kriemhilde’s RevengeL.A. Confidential Last Tango in Paris LauraLawrence of Arabia
The Big Sleep The Big TrailThe Birds II: Land’s End The Cincinnati KidThe Color of Money
VideodromeVon Ryan’s Express Waiting for the Light WargamesWar of the Worlds
Let It Ride
The Dirty Dozen
Watergate—The Secret Story
Look Back in Anger Marjorie Morningstar MartyMemphis Belle Miami Blues
The Enemy Below The Fisher KingThe French Connection I & II The FugitiveThe Gods Must Be Cra2y II
Wayne’s WorldWhen Worlds Collide White HeatWho Didn’t Kill… JFKWho’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf
Miracle on 34th St.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Working Girl
Misery MissingMr. Smith Goes to Washington
The GraduateThe Great DictatorThe Hunchback of Notre Dame
During the ritual of the 19th Degree of the Scottish Rite the candidate swears an oath of secrecy and an oath of total obedience. The Master of the Lodge is called “Thrice-Puissant.” It is worth noting, this word “Puissant” means mighty or powerful. The Master of the Lodge takes upon himself a designation that seems to apply to God – namely thrice-mighty or powerful.
One of the most astonishing titles given to a Mason is given to the leader of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; it is “Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander.” – ‘Most mighty and powerful Sovereign Grand Commander’. The Lieutenant Grand Commander is addressed officially as “Puissant Grand Commander.”
Eminent
In the Grand Commanderies of the States the officers are addressed as “Eminent,”“Right Eminent” and “Very Eminent.” The Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar enjoys even more prestige; he is reverentially known as “Most Eminent.”
Potentate
The Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, addresses all Imperial officers as “Imperial Sir”; Temples of the Shrine address the Potentate as “Illustrious Potentate.” The name Potentate comes from the Latin potens which means powerful. It refers to one that has supreme power.
I – am – that – I – am
In the Royal Arch degree of Freemasonry the lecturer asks, “Are you a Royal Arch Mason?” to which he replies, “I – am – that – I – am.” But this is a name and response that belongs exclusively to God! No one else is entitled to use it of themselves. In thus using this hallowed name, Masons usurp the One to whom it truly belongs, and defile the merit and meaning of these immortal words. God alone is the great “I Am.”
This answer was given by God to Moses when he inquired after the Divine name. God answered, ‘I AM THAT I AM’.
Exodus 3:13-14, where Moses asks God, “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?” God’s response, saying, “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” This was the inimitable name by which God wanted to be revealed to the children of Israel. In stating this God was telling Moses that He is the great I Am the matchless. He is asserting that there is “none beside me.”
Grand Captain of the Host
The Grand Lodge of Royal Arch Masonry elevates it members to the office of “Grand Captain of the Host”. This title is quite extraordinary. this name is found in Joshua 5:13-14: “And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?”
High Priest
Masonry confers the following religious titles on its member:
Priest High Priest Worthy High Priest Grand High Priest Most Excellent Grand High Priest Most Excellent General Grand High Priest
Master
Freemasonry bestows the following titles:
Wise Master Secret Master Select Master Royal Master Venerable Master Perfect Master Excellent Master Super Excellent Master Most Excellent Master Worshipful Master Most Worshipful Master Most Illustrious Grand Master Most Eminent Grand Master Most Worshipful Sovereign Grand Master.
Other ostentatious titles
Freemasonry employs other ostentatious offices like Most Excellent Prince, Most Excellent Scribe and Most Excellent King.
Other titles include Most Worshipful Prince, Grand King and Grand Scribe.
Other exalted titles include:
Sovereign Grand Commander Venerable Lieutenant Grand Commander Grand Pryor Grand Chancellor Grand Secretary General Sovereign Grand Inspector General
