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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 471
she was adopted an Apprentice, just like the Craft Mason is asked where he was
made a Mason. She answers, "In the bosom of the Lodge" (I., p. 18). Afterwards,
she is asked what numbers represent the Lodge, which are one and four, one
because "Harmony, Loving-kindness and its purposes make it so" (I., p. 18), and
four because "it is one whole of four parts" (I., p. 19), respectively Asia, Europe,
Africa, and America. Then, she has to state what kind of works are performed in
these four parts: In Africa and America labor the Brethren and Sisters at works
of Charity and those that benefit society and humanity. The light symbolism
plays a role in the following answer, when she is asked by what light they work.
It is the light of the "five-pointed Star in the Orient" (I., p. 19) 1417 . The Sisters
Inspectress and Preceptress labor in Europe in presiding over their columns.
Here, the Venerable Master asks Sister Preceptress what she teaches her column,
which is "To work, to obey, to hear and be silent" (I., p. 19). Then, he asks Sister
Inspectress what she teaches to both columns, which is "Faith, Hope and
Charity" 1418 (I., p. 19). In Asia labor the Venerable Master and the Admirable
Mistress, teaching "Truth 1419 , Justice and Love of Country" (I., p. 19).
Finally, the Venerable Master asks the Inspectress with what all should labor,
which is "Sincerity and Loving-kindness" (I., p. 19). She has to answer how the
Mistress is clad, and replies "In white and blue" (I., p. 19). Then follow the
peculiarities of Masonic age and time: she states her age as Apprentice, which is
two years, and that "The Moon is rising" (I., p. 20). This is the keyword for the
Venerable Master to open the Lodge of Adoption, "in the name of God, and to
His Glory," and "dedicated to Beneficence and Patriotism" (I., p. 22).
Initiation Ceremony of the First Degree
Prior to initiation into the first grade, the candidate is prepared. She has to be
a relative of a Mason and must be at least sixteen years old. Married ladies can
only be received by written consent of their husbands, and girls under 18 need
the written consent of their parents (I., p. 23). The admission is the result of a
ballot; two black balls reject the candidate. It is interesting to note that when men
are initiated, one black ball rejects the applicant (I., p. 23). When the ballot is
upon the application of a lady, only the ladies have a right to vote, which
diminishes the power of the male Masons. Before the Opening of the Lodge, the
elected candidate is conducted by a Sister into the Chamber of Reflection, where
she is left alone to ponder upon her decision. In the Hall, no lights are burning
except for the transparencies and the pans of alcohol and salt. The columns in the
Hall and the small tables in Asia are decorated with evergreens and flowers.
1417
This is the symbol which Masonry of Adoption has in common with the Orders of the Eastern
Star and the Amaranth.
1418
Faith and Charity are officers in the Amaranth, and Hope and Charity are officers in the Order of
the Rainbow for Girls. "Faith, Hope, and Charity" are also the tenets of Craft Masonry, Charity
being the greatest of these.
1419
Sister Truth is also an officer in the Amaranth.