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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 511
Before the ritual of the Amaranth commences, there are some formalities
explained: The ceremony of balloting corresponds to the Masonic one, besides
that there are preferably white balls and black cubes, but there may also be black
balls used. If a single black cube shows up, the applicant is rejected. When
everyone has voted, the Royal Matron asks the Associate Matron, how the ballot
is in the West, and she replies that it is "clear in the West" (p. 45). Then, the
Royal Patron has to confirm that it is "clear in the East," too. In this case, the
candidate is elected.
The use of the gavel is explained thus: "One blow (*) of the gavel calls the
Court to order; establishes a decision; or seats the Court; two blows (**) call up
the officers; three blows (***) call up everyone in the room." (p. 25).
The paraphernalia which are needed for a Court are an altar in the center of
the room with a Holy Bible on it, a wreath of artificial Amaranth leaves for the
open Bible, an Eastern Star Floor Carpet, pedestals and chairs in the East and
West, gavels for the Royal Matron and the Associate Matron, crown and sword
for the Royal Matron, altar and pedestal covers, a ballot box, a basin for the
ceremony of ablution, patens for salt and small pieces of bread, covered with a
white napkin, a seal press, the U.S. Flag, the Grand Standard, small banners for
the four virtues, and six stands for these (cf. p. 41).
The stations of the officers in the lodge-room, which is called "Court room"
(p. 55), are as follows: The Royal Matron has her seat in the East, the Royal
Patron is stationed at her left. The Associate Matron is placed in the West, and
the Associate Patron also, at her left. The Treasurer sits in the East, to the right of
the Royal Matron, and the Secretary sits in the East, to the left of the Royal
Patron. The Conductress is in the South, and the Associate Conductress in the
North. Around the Eastern Star Floor Carpet, we find the four virtues - Truth at
the Southeast corner of the altar, Faith at the Southwest corner, Wisdom at the
Northwest corner, and Charity at the Northeast corner. They are all facing East.
The Herald is stationed in the West, to the left and in front of the Associate
Matron. The Marshal in the East is situated at the foot of the dais in the East, to
the right of the Royal Matron, whereas the Marshal in the West is seated to the
right and behind the Herald in the West. The Warder, who corresponds to the
Craft's Inner Guard, is placed inside the door, and the Sentinel, who corresponds
to the Craft's Outer Guard or Tyler, is stationed outside the door.