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

540
Chapter 7 - Rituals
The equipment consists of the ballot box on the East dais, the Khan placed in
the northeast, water jugs for ceremonial, placed at the stations of the Hand
Maids, a well which is placed east and north of the station of the Third Hand
Maid, crooks (which are in the preparation room for the opening), and
standards, such as the National Emblem (e.g. the U.S. Flag, the Canadian Flag),
the Shrine Flag, and the Christian Flag (if any).
The use of the gavel (cf. p. 14), similar to its use in the Order of the
Amaranth, is as follows: one rap of gavel (*) calls to order or seats the Shrine,
two raps (**) call up the officers, three raps (***) call up the Shrine, and the raps
at the door are (** * **).
As to the mission of the officers (in the White Shrine ritual, the word
"mission" instead of "duty" is used), the Worthy High Priestess, "as the star in
the East [...] sheds light and joy upon a darkened world" (p. 39), and has to
spread light and instruction among her people and promote harmony and love.
Her position corresponds to the Master Mason's "Chair in the East." As he
represents the sun, she resembles the star, and both spend light and
enlightenment. The Noble Prophetess in the west of the Shrine has to guard its
sacred portal, to see that nobody profanes its sanctuary, and to assist the Worthy
High Priestess. The Scribe in the Southeast has a secretary's function. The
Worthy Treasurer has the usual function of receiving all moneys from the
Worthy Scribe and to pay them out when ordered to. The Worthy Shepherdess
has to "lead strangers by ways they know not" (p. 35), to receive and introduce
visitors, and to assist the Noble Prophetess. The Worthy Guide has to escort the
travelers and to assist the Worthy Shepherdess. The Three Wise Men have the
function to "spread the glad tidings of the coming of the King and the world's
redemption" (p. 36). The Worthy Guardian, stationed inside the door of the
Shrine and thus assuming the role of the Craft's Inner Guard, has the mission to
permit none to enter or retire except those lawfully entitled to. The Worthy
Guard, who corresponds to the Tyler, has to guard the outer approach and permit
only those whom he can vouch for. The Worthy Chaplain has the sacred duty to
"point mankind to a better and purer life" (p. 37), to obligate candidates, and to
attend the altar. The Associate Watchman of Shepherds has the mission to
"uphold the simple religion of Christ and further His gospel of peace on earth"
(p. 38), and to replace the Watchman of Shepherds in case of absence. The
Watchman of Shepherds has to guard the eastern approach to the Shrine, letting
only those pass who are "qualified to cross the plains," and to point to the light
announcing the coming of the King to those who seek its direction. King and
Queen are not mentioned among the officers who have missions, and seem to be
mere actors.
The ritual, in conformity with the Craft ritual, contains an Opening and a
Closing Ceremony. In the Opening Ceremony, which is stuffed with confusing
marches and escorting formations, the officers define their stations and missions.
A slight change of phraseology can be noted when, instead of the Masonic quote
"to declare the lodge open," the Worthy High Priestess asks the Worthy