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

530
Chapter 7 - Rituals
not in a preparation room, for when the Ancient Matron arrives, the Most
Ancient Matron goes to her seat in the East, puts on her crown, scarlet cord or
apron and asks the Sisters and Brethren, with the gavel in her hand, to be
"properly clothed" (which is the same phraseology as in the Blue Lodge). When
all have taken their seats, the Most Ancient Matron orders the Outer Gate Keeper
to approach the throne in the East, asks her to explain her station and duties (i.e.
outside the inner door, to guard the outer gate against intrusion of
"eavesdroppers;" here also the Craft term is used), and invests her with the
implement of her office, which is very unusual and not practiced in any other of
the analyzed orders. Having received her sword, the Outer Gate Keeper returns
to her station and closes the door.
Then, in conformity with Craft Masonry, the Most Ancient Matron asks the
Junior Attendant to define the first duty of Heroines, which is to see that the
Court is duly guarded (instead of "duly tiled"). Sister Junior Attendant is sent
outside to inform the Outer Gate Keeper that the Court is to be opened. She
hands over a scarlet cord to the Outer Gate Keeper (p. 14), directs her to guard
accordingly, and returns with the report that the Court is guarded by "a Sister of
this Degree [...], armed with the proper implement of her office, the sword." (p.
14). This corresponds to the Craft ritual's text, "By a brother of this degree, [...]
invested with the proper implement of his office (the sword)." 1484 Then, the
Senior Matron is asked whether all present are Heroines of Jericho, which she
affirms, whereupon she is asked whether this is also true for herself.
Most Ancient Matron: Where were you first prepared to be
made a Heroine?
Senior Matron: In my mind.
Most Ancient Matron: Where secondly?
Senior Matron: In an ante-room adjoining a legally
constituted Court of Heroines or in a
place representing the first floor of
the Ladies' Court connected with
King Solomon's Temple. (p. 14/15)
Most Ancient Matron: What makes you a Heroine of
Jericho?
Senior Matron: My vow and obligation which I
made to spies in the land of Jericho.
(p. 14/15)
This short dialogue, although in reference to the Biblical legend of Rahab, is
parallel to the Blue Lodge question: "Where were you first prepared to be made
an Entered Apprentice Mason? - In my heart. - Where secondly? - In a room
adjacent to a legally constituted Lodge of such, duly assembled in a place
representing the Ground Floor of King Solomon's Temple." 1485 We can deduct
1484 Duncan, p. 13.
1485 Ibid.