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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 467
the Orator (D), and on their "southern" side the Aumoness (d). In the North-
Eastern corner is the station of the Brother Treasurer (E) and the Sister
Treasuress (e), and in the South-Eastern corner of the Registrar (F) and the
Registress (f). In front of the Venerable Master and the Admirable Mistress are
placed the Senior Master of Ceremonies (G), the Mistress of Ceremonies (g), the
Junior Master of Ceremonies (H), and the Deaconess (h). The Inspector (B) and
Inspectress (b) are stationed in the realm of Europe, facing the East; he at the end
of the rear row of seats, and she at the end of the front row, on the column of
America. Next to the Inspectress (b) sits the Introductress (i). Opposite of them,
also in the realm of Europe, are the stations of the Preceptor (C) and the
Preceptress (c); she sits at the end of the front row of seats, he at the end of the
rear row, on the column of Africa. Next to the Preceptress (c) sits the Introducer
(I). Inside the door of the Hall, the Warder (J) is stationed, and outside the
Sentinel (K). The Anteroom is marked (x) in the diagram. The office of a
Chaplain is optional. If the Venerable Master defers to the Admirable Mistress
the honor of presiding, he changes places with her (I., p. 10) and sits to her right
as her advisor.
There are six officers called the "Dignitaries": the Venerable Master, the
Admirable Mistress, the Inspector, the Inspectress, the Preceptor, and the
Preceptress (I., p. 10/11). As to the election and appointment of officers, it is
striking that the Brethren have no vote 1414 (I., p. 14). The three female
dignitaries, the Mistress, the Inspectress, and the Preceptress, are elected
annually by ballot, the Sisters, the Companions and Apprentices having the right
to vote. These three also appoint the other officers with the accordance of the
Mistress and one of the other two female dignitaries. As the day of installation,
the first of November, All Saints, is chosen.
Besides the anteroom and the preparation room, there is a Chamber of
Reflection, as we have it in certain Craft rituals. It is a small room hung with
black, without furniture besides a small, black-covered table, and a rough
wooden stool, with a single candle on the table. Whereas in Craft Masonry there
is the word V.I.T.R.I.O.L. on the wall, next to several mural paintings alluding to
death, we find here a number of phrases: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
Wisdom. / She that walketh uprightly, walketh surely. / Blessings are upon the
head of the just. / Love covereth all sins. / She who receiveth instruction, is in the
way of life. / The lip of Truth shall be established forever. / She that walketh
with the wise shall be wise. / The companion of fools shall be destroyed. /
Whoso keepeth her mouth and tongue, keepeth her soul from troubles. (I., p. 9).
These sentences are a mixture of morality (with the tenets of Truth, Wisdom, and
Love), warning (destruction of the foolish), and the advice to keep secrecy.
1414 This is a remarkable difference with regard to the Eastern Star and the Amaranth, where a degree
can only be conferred when a Master Mason in good standing presides. In the Masonry of
Adoption, male Freemasons seem to have less power.