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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 481
that "[t]he poorest of men is he to whom no one is indebted for kindness; the
richest, he whom most men owe for favors unrequited." (II., p. 27).
Having heard this lesson, the candidate is again blindfolded and led into the
Lodge room, which is only lightened by the transparency representing the
temptation of Eve. The aspirant is seated in front of it, her bandage is removed,
and the Venerable Master lectures about the corresponding Biblical account.
Hereafter, the candidate is blindfolded once more, since she seeks the Light, and
"Day cometh only after the Night, and only through the frowning gates of death
the soul enters into the presence of the eternal splendors." (II., p. 31). The lights
in the Hall are lightened, and the officers, Brethren and Sisters stand in their
places unveiled. The Venerable Master quotes: "If we walk in the light, we have
fellowship one with another. God is Light, and in Him is no darkness [...]." (II.,
p. 31). The candidate's bandage is finally removed, and she is conducted to the
altar for obligation, which she assumes kneeling, with her right hand on her
heart, and her left on the Bible and square. The Venerable Master and the
Admirable Mistress stand opposite the candidate, the Sisters form a circle around
them, and the Brethren an outer circle. Then, the Brethren form the Arch of Steel
over the aspirant's head, the Venerable Master lays the blade of his sword on her
head, and she repeats the obligation after him.
After conclusion of the obligation, the Venerable Master and the Admirable
Mistress conduct the candidate to the table to the South in Asia, on which stands
the box containing the paste of powdered biscuit, sugar, and water. The Master
relates to her that in the Eastern desert, the guest of the Bedouin is sacred by the
laws of hospitality when he has tasted salt with him, even if he has murdered his
host's brother. He places a little of the mixture between her lips with the trowel,
saying "With this mixture of wheat-flour, honey and water, all symbols of God's
bounteous and abundant providence for man, I seal your obligation and make the
bounds of Companionship and duty indissoluble", and when she has swallowed
it, the Admirable Mistress likewise eats of it, stating that by her the Sisters of
every Lodge of this Order renew their obligation and pledge her true
Companionship (II., p. 32). Then, the Venerable Master eats of it and promises
that "by the same mystic and sacred symbol," all the Brethren of the Order renew
their obligation and pledge true companionship and protection to her. He informs
the candidate that "fine flour" in Hebrew is sulata, "honey" is dabas, and
"water," mayim, and instructs her to remember at least the initials S::D::M::, or
Samech, Daleth, and Mem (II., p. 33).
Now, the candidate is escorted to the other table, where the Venerable Master
lights the alcohol and throws incense into the flames, while offering a prayer.
After several officers have quoted Biblical verses, the Admirable Mistress
fastens the bracelet upon the left arm of the neophyte, and promotes her to be a
Companion Masoness, under the motto of "Silence and Virtue." (II., p. 35).
Then, she gives her the kiss of peace, whereupon the candidate receives the
secret work: