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

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Chapter 7 - Rituals
during the hours of labor and to superintend the introduction of "strangers among
the workmen." The Scribe on the left in council has the duty to assist the
Excellent High Priest and to preside in his absence and that of the King over the
chapter. The King on the right in council has to assist the Excellent High Priest
and to preside over the chapter in his absence.
Finally, the Excellent High Priest, stationed in
the East - corresponding to the Worshipful
Master in Craft Masonry and to the highest
officer in every fraternity or sorority lodge - in
the center of the council, has to preside over
and govern the chapter.
Now, the two principal Royal Arch
formations are performed - the "living arch"
and the "three times three": After the officers
have been thus represented, the Captain of the
Host brings the companions "to order" as
Royal Arch Masons, which means that they
give the due guard without the sign. The "due
guard" sign is defined in Duncan's Ritual and
Monitor by the candidate as alluding "[t]o the
way and manner in which my hands were
involuntarily placed on arriving at the arch, to
guard my eyes from the intense light and heat
that arose therefrom above." 1357
The companions then assemble around the
altar, where they form a circle. An opening in
the East is left for the Grand Council that follows later. They form a chain with
their right hands over their left arms, and kneel on their right knees. According to
Duncan, "[e]ach one now crosses his arms and gives his right hand to his lefthand
companion, and his left hand to his right-hand companion. This constitutes
the living arch under which the Grand Omnific Royal Arch Word must be given
[...]." 1358 Either the High Priest or the Chaplain now offers a prayer to the
"Supreme High Priest of heaven and earth," the Royal Arch address for God.
When he finishes with "Amen," the companions answer - just as in Craft
Masonry, "so mote it be." 1359 The High Priest, the King, and the Scribe now join
the circle. Then, the High Priest orders the companions to "balance by three
times three," and they take time from the East. Duncan describes this "balancing"
thus: "The companions now all balance three times three with their arms, that is,
they raise their arms and let them fall upon their knees three times in concert -
after a short pause, three times more, and after another pause, three times
more." 1360 Then, the High Priest asks the companions to rise and commands the
1357 Duncan, p. 264.
1358 Ibid, p. 223.
1359 P. 120.
1360 Duncan, p. 223.