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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 631
privileges are to be considered a positive side effect only, while they are the
reason for joining the Woodmen.
The next scene is the Forest Scene. According to the directions, the lights are
dimmed, the Past Consul, Adviser, and Banker wear long robes and wigs, in
order to represent Forest Patriarchs, and the Escort and the candidate wear black
robes. Upon their three raps on the inner door, the Watchmen opens and admits
them thus: "You may enter, but remember the way is one of secrecy" (p. 28). The
Escort describes the surrounding in an antithesis to the before-mentioned Street
Scene:
My friend, we are no longer in the busy world. We have left its turmoil,
strife and selfishness. We are now in the primeval forest, amid God's
first temples. Here in solitude, man adores Nature, and worships
Nature's God. Here humanity has scope and breathing space. Here the
uncrowded individual grows in strength and grandeur as the sturdy oak.
Among the Neighbors of this forest we will find true brotherly love.
(p. 28)
This quiet niche is described as a Garden of Eden, a utopia where an eternal,
freethinking neighborhood worships the God of Nature, and where each
individual can develop freely like a proud sturdy oak. The image of the oak is a
popular metaphor among the Woodmen, to which a song is dedicated, "The
Brave Old Oak" (p. 72/73).
The first character the intruders meet is "Youth." Youth is the personification
of thoughtlessness, a take-it-easy and carpe diem type. When the strangers tell
him that they seek the Camp in order to join in the practice of brotherly love and
also for the protection of their homes, he replies: "What folly! Turn away and let
us enjoy ourselves for a while! [...] Afraid of death? At your age and with your
vigor? You are a coward!" (p. 29). He tries to lure the two wanderers away from
their aim, in order to have a good time, but they are steadfast and continue their
journey, until they meet Death.
Death holds a frightening monologue, antithetic to the foolishness of Youth:
"I am Death! Relentless and unsparing! [...] I strike where I like, when I please,
and whom I desire" (p. 30). He raises his hand as though to strike the candidate
but is held back by the Escort, who pleads him not to strike the stranger, because
they are on their way to protect their families: "If you demand our lives now our
loved ones will be objects of charity" (p. 31). It is not very logical that Death
relents and lets them pass, Death would rather not withdraw to allow the
pleading human more time, but here it has to be so to give sense to this story. He
lets them part with the reminder, "Be ready when next I come" (p. 31.). The
wanderers then advance to the Adviser's station, and this Forest Patriarch once
again explains to them the aims of the Camp, summarized by "friendly council,
mutual benefit, and protection" (cf. p. 32), and sends them to the Consul's
station.