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

Chapter 6 - Peculiarities of Masonic Language 339
Renovatur Integra," meaning "by fire nature is perfectly renewed." 1051 The
Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, as shown in the
corresponding ritualistic chapter, employs the abbreviation "I.H.S.V.," i.e. "in
hoc signo vinces." Abbreviations can also be found in the Rosicrucians, e.g.
"A.D.G.U.S.W.M.U.S." = "Auf daß Gott und seine Weisheit mit uns seien." 1052
In other imitative, non-Masonic orders there are abbreviations and secret
passwords as well (see chapter on rituals, e.g. the Woodmen (I.A.L.I.T.F.)).
As a final word, we have to remark that this is a very unreliable fashion of
dealing with Masonic terms, since many abbreviations have two or more
meanings. For example, "C∴G∴" can mean both "Captain General," or "Captain
of the Guard;" "G.C." can mean "Grand Chaplain," "Grand Chapter," "Grand
Council," "Grand Conductor," "Grand Conclave," "Grand Chancellor," or
"Grand Clerk." 1053 Sometimes, it is also hard to distinguish between "profane"
abbreviations and Masonic ones. Concerning this problem, an anecdote is told by
Pollard, the compiler of a book on Masonic humor: he was a Sergeant Major in
the U.S. Army (SGM), and on his introduction in a small Massachusetts lodge he
was addressed as "Sovereign Grand Master." 1054
6.2 Acclamations
According to the EOF, acclamations in Freemasonry are "[a] certain form of
words used in connection with the battery. In the Scottish rite it is hoshea; in the
French vivat; in Adoptive Masonry it was Eva; and in the rite of Misraim,
hallelujah." 1055 TRMC states that in the English rite, it is "so mote it be." 1056
However, this last phrase is not accompanied by a "battery," i.e. the clapping of
hands. It is comparable to the "amen" in church.
6.3 Anagrams
Especially in the High Degrees, anagrams, i.e. rearranged letters of a word to
discover hidden messages, can be found, for example: "Notuma, Paßwort und
Titel in Schottengraden, entstanden durch Umstellung der Buchstaben von
1051 GHCDF, p. 174.
1052 IFL, p. 16.
1053 TRMC, p. 5.
1054 Cf. Pollard, p. 93.
1055 EOF, p. 12.
1056 TRMC, p. 15.