The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols 245
4.7.2.1 Spelling & Halving
A password has to be given correctly. A peculiarity of Masonic passwords is
that they are not given in full, but lettered, i.e., spelled, or halved. In this way,
the candidate reveals only half the word, while his examiner provides the other
half. Or, they take it in turns to letter the word, beginning with the first letter,
with the last one, or in the middle. This tradition might seem peculiar today, but
it is combined with the old saying "I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart
it." 693 This means that when examined, the candidate tells the password in the
same fashion as he has obtained it. The little prelude of "I will letter it, or halve it
with you." - "Halve it, and begin." - "No, you begin." - "Begin you," 694 which
almost resembles an argument, seems even more hilarious to profane readers.
However, this is part of the ritual and has to be enacted in the old-fashioned way
it was transmitted.
4.8 Signs of Touch: Grips & Tokens
Q: Have Masons Secrets?
A: They have many, and valuable ones.
Q: Where do they keep them?
A: In their hearts.
Q: To whom do they reveal them?
A: To Masons, and those only.
Q: How do they reveal them?
A: By signs, tokens, and particular words. 695
Q: How would you know a Brother by day?
A: By seeing him, and observing his Signs.
Q: And how by night?
A: By receiving the Token, and hearing the Word. 696
The above-quoted test questions taken from The Text Book of Freemasonry
from 1881 shall introduce this section on the esoteric contents of the Masonic
teachings, in contrast to the exoteric ones. The esoteric components are the secret
ones that must not be revealed to non-Masons. Many ritualistic exposés have
been published from the middle of the 18 th century onwards, contradicting each
other in a lot of details, but still furnishing an excellent overview of the secret
693
Cf. Duncan, p. 16.
694
Ibid.
695
Anonymous ("Compiled by a member of the Craft."), The Text Book of Freemasonry, p. 51. Bold
print added.
696
Ibid, p. 92. Bold print added.