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

494
Chapter 7 - Rituals
The signet of the OES depicts the symbols of the five Biblical figures, which
are also worn as emblems by the officers. 1447
These symbols reoccur in the equipment of the Chapter room, which consists
in a sword and veil for Adah, sheaf and culms of barley for Ruth, a crown and
scepter for Esther, a broken column for Martha, and a cup for Electa; banners
with corresponding emblems thereon for the officers are optional (cf. p. 13). The
emblems in the divisions of the Star's center also allude to these characters: the
open Bible as the symbol of obedience to the Word of God is appropriate to
Adah, Jephthah's daughter; the bunch of lilies represents Ruth as the Lily of the
Valley; the sun as the symbol of crowned majesty is appropriate to Esther 1448 ; the
lamb as the symbol of innocence, faith, and humility stands for Martha; and the
lion is appropriate to Electa as a symbol of the "courage and power which
sustained her during her severe trials" 1449 .
The officers of a Subordinate Chapter are Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron,
Associate Matron, Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress, Associate Conductress,
1447 Illustration taken from Macoy, Manual of the Order of the Eastern Star, p. 52. The initials
F.A.T.A.L. are the "Cabalistic Word" and further have the meaning "that it would be fatal to the
character of any lady for truth, who should disclose the secrets of these degrees unlawfully." The
"Cabalistic Word" reads: "Fairest among thousands, altogether lovely." This description was
applied to Christ by the ancient writers. Cf. Burns, p. 270.
1448 According to the Ritual, the sun as an emblem of Esther symbolizes the light and joy she gave to
an oppressed and captive race (p. 66).
1449 Cf. Macoy, Manual of the Order of the Eastern Star, p. 22.