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

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Chapter 7 - Rituals
members of the OES have for their inspiration the Star of Bethlehem, which
guides all the faithful to the New Jerusalem (p. 63). They explain what the signs
are alluding to: 1. the Daughter's sign (Adah) to the heroic conduct of Jephthah's
daughter; 2. the Widow's sign (Ruth) to the humble gleaner Ruth with her
handfuls of barley; 3. the Wife's sign (Esther) to the manner in which Queen
Esther saluted the king, reminding him of his promise, by giving a sign which
was understood between them; 4. the Sister's sign (Martha) to Martha's meeting
with Jesus; and 4. The Mother's sign (Electa) to heroic submission, under the
wrongs of persecution (p. 64). They likewise explain the passes and the Grip of
the Order, and remark that the signet was prepared to assist the memory of those
who are initiated. Then, they talk about the colors of the degrees and the flowers
by which they are represented, as well as the other symbols depicted on the
signet at the center of the star. There are two minor differences, for the ritual of
1912 notes jessamine as corresponding to yellow, and the fern to green, while in
the Manual, these were the sunflower and the pine leaf. However, these slight
changes which have occurred in the years inbetween, do not hurt the symbolism
or the sense of the lecture.
Finally, the Worthy Patron challenges the candidate to illustrate in his/her
own life the virtues of the heroines of the Order. Then, the candidate has to sign
the By-Laws, whereafter he/she is led into the anteroom, in order to disrobe if
robes have been used, and to put on the badge of the Order. Afterwards, the new
member is conducted to the East, facing West. When the Conductress enters
again with the new member, the Chapter is called up and sings a welcome song.
The Chapter takes a recess and has to resume order at the sound of the gavel.
7.2.3 The Top of the Hill - but still no Role
Change of Women: The Royal and
Exalted Degree of the Amaranth 1464
To begin with, it is expedient to define the principal floral symbol of this
order: the amaranth or amaranthus are plants bearing scaly flowers, withstanding
drought and withering, e.g. the love-lies-bleeding, the prince's feather, and the
cockscomb. Therefore, they are considered symbols of immortality 1465 ,
corresponding to the Masonic acacia. The amaranth has been christened by the
Greeks "Never-Fading," and thus it is also associated with the "sublime idea of a
future life": "The possession of its earliest blossoms afforded the belief that the
soul would enjoy eternal rest in the realms of the Celestial Home" (p. 11).
1464 If not otherwise noted, quotations for this section are taken from Macoy, The Amaranth
(Independent). A Royal and Exalted Degree in the Rite of Adoption, 1963.
1465 Cf. CME, p. 29.