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

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Chapter 7 - Rituals
Star, the Amaranth degree remains the third degree in the Rite of
Adoption. 1468
The government of the Rite of Adoption consists of the Supreme Council,
Grand Courts, and Subordinate Courts. The Supreme Council has exclusive
power to establish Courts both in domestic and foreign jurisdictions, to establish
a uniform system of work and lectures, and it has the jurisdiction over all
subjects of legislation. Three or more Subordinate Courts can form a Grand
Court. Each Grand Court has the exclusive authority to constitute new Courts
within its jurisdiction. It can also prescribe regulations for such, provided that
they are in accordance with the Constitution of the Supreme Council. A
Subordinate Court has authority for action in matters of discipline, in
appropriations of the funds, in the free choice of its officers and members, and in
the disposition of its property, except for its charter, books of record, and
accounts which belong to the Grand Court or Supreme Council.
The purpose of the Amaranth, which was established for the admission of
man and woman, is described thus:
The present independent form of the Royal and Exalted degree of the
Amaranth is adapted to the demands of those who are seeking light and
Advancement. It is made to form the apex of the Rite of Adoption, and
to establish a COURT OF HONOR, wherein the highest grade of
instruction, culture, and usefulness may be imparted, in symbolical
guise, to the Advanced members of the Rite. (p. 19)
Its teachings are to impress upon the members their duty to God and country,
as well as to one another, meaning that they should live in peace and harmony
and follow the virtues Truth, Faith, Wisdom, and Charity, so that when they lay
down their "tools of labor," the world "is a little better" (p. 19).
Among the 15 landmarks reprinted in the Amaranth ritual used for this work,
the first one states that the Eastern Star is the basis of the Degrees of the Rite of
Adoption. According to the second landmark, its lessons are Scriptural, its
teachings moral, and its purposes beneficient. The belief in "a Supreme Being,
who will punish the violation of a solemn pledge," (p. 20) is required. The fourth
landmark contains the condition for admission of women, that is being the wife,
mother, widow, daughter, or sister of a Mason, well as the mutual duties:
whatever benefits are due by the Masonic Fraternity to them, corresponding
benefits are due from them to the brotherhood (p. 20). The requisite
qualifications for membership also include a good moral character, the ability to
gain a livelihood or some visible means of support (cf. p. 25/26). From the male
side, only Master Masons may attend. The ninth landmark states that in no case
the ceremonies of the Rite can be conferred unless a Master Mason in good
standing, and a member of the Court, presides. Here, we can see the dependency
on "male" Freemasonry when it comes to the question of initiation.
1468 Ibid.