THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

purpose of exemplifying the definition that I have given, I shall
select a
few of the most prominent and interesting ceremonies of the ritual.
Our first researches were into the symbolism of objects; our next will
be
into the symbolism of ceremonies.
In the explanations which I shall venture to give of this ritualistic
symbolism, or the symbolism of ceremonies, a reference will constantly
be
made to what has so often already been alluded to, namely, to the
analogy
existing between the system of Freemasonry and the ancient rites and
Mysteries, and hence we will again develop the identity of their
origin.
Each of the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry contains some of these
ritualistic symbols: the lessons of the whole order are, indeed, veiled
in
their allegoric clothing; but it is only to the most important that I
can
find opportunity to refer. Such, among others, are the rites of
discalceation, of investiture, of circumambulation, and of intrusting.
Each of these will furnish an appropriate subject for consideration.
XVIII.
The Rite of Discalceation.
The _rite of discalceation_, or uncovering the feet on approaching holy
ground, is derived from the Latin word _discalceare_, to pluck off
one's
shoes. The usage has the prestige of antiquity and universality in its
favor.
That it not only very generally prevailed, but that its symbolic
signification was well understood in the days of Moses, we learn from
that
passage of Exodus where the angel of the Lord, at the burning bush,
exclaims to the patriarch, "Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes
from
off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." [84]
Clarke[85] thinks it is from this command that the Eastern nations have
derived the custom of performing all their acts of religious worship
with
bare feet. But it is much more probable that the ceremony was in use
long
anterior to the circumstance of the burning bush, and that the Jewish
lawgiver at once recognized it as a well-known sign of reverence.
Bishop Patrick[86] entertains this opinion, and thinks that the custom