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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 501
Inside the door, the Conductress warns the candidate that he/she has come of
his/her own free choice and must therefore not complain at any trial, and that a
seal is set upon his/her lips (p. 38). Then, the Conductress offers her right arm to
the candidate and conducts him/her once around the room to the Associate
Matron. If there is another candidate, he/she is led by the Associate Conductress.
Hereby, officers and members have to observe square corners (p. 39). During the
march, there might either be vocal or instrumental music furnished, or the
Worthy Patron may recite a Biblical verse, ending with the Masonic saying "And
now abideth Faith, Hope and Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity." (p.
39). In the West at the station of the Associate Matron, the latter bids the
candidate a hearty welcome and orders the Conductress to cause the candidate to
face East (40). The candidate is presented to the Worthy Matron, who informs
him/her about the aims of the order:
The Order of the Eastern Star exists for the purpose of giving practical
effect to one of the beneficent purposes of Freemasonry, which is to
provide for the welfare of the wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and
sisters of Master Masons.
Here they may share with the Masonic brother in promulgating the
principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Here we may aid, comfort, and protect each other in our journey
through the labyrinth of human life, and by cheerful companionship and
social enjoyments, lighten the burdens of active duty.
By means of secret signs, and other work of the Order, we are able to
make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet. (p. 41)
The metaphor of the labyrinth has again been chosen to demonstrate the
insecurity of life, which is opposed to the support provided by the brothers and
sisters. The principle purpose, that of rendering the beneficent duties of
Freemasonry practical and efficient through secret signs of recognition, is
repeated in this quote. Furthermore, the "cheerful companionship" and the
"social enjoyments" hint at the leisure time and the events offered to the
members, without making it a fun society like the Shriners.
The Worthy Matron shortly explains the government by the Grand Chapter
and a code of By-Laws. Then, she presents the candidate to the Worthy Patron
for obligation at the altar. After this ceremony, the Conductress takes the Bible
from the candidate, the Worthy Patron says "Arise, [my sister/brother], we
accept the pledge you have given, and share with you in this solemn Obligation"
(p. 43), and extends his right hand, assisting the candidate in rising, the lights
being suddenly turned up at the same time. This "shock of enlightenment" has a
parallel in Craft Masonry, although it is much less stressed in the OES. The
candidate is also "raised," but not with a special grip.
Then, the Worthy Patron informs the candidate that he/she will now be
conducted to the several points of the Star, in order to receive instruction in the
virtues of the five Biblical characters. The Conductress leads the candidate to the