Egyptian Mystical Rites

1926

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  Information and Instruction   The local body of the Order is known as a Palace. The hall where the sessions are held is known as the Inner Court of the Palace. The meetings of the members are called Councils. The ante room is called the Outer Court. The outer door is called the Outer Portal. The inner door is called the Inner Portal.

 

Titles of Officers

The presiding officer of the Palace is called Noble Prince. The next in command is called Mystic Oriental Prince. The Secretary is called Mystic Oriental Scribe. The Mystic Oriental Treasurer. The Mystic Oriental Priest, the Mystic Oriental Guide, the Mystic Oriental Guards, the Mystic Oriental Trustees, the retiring Noble Prince is called Past Noble Prince. The members, other than officers shall be known as Mystic Oriental Sons, however, addressed as Mystic So and So.

The regalia of the Order is a bright yellow fez with a black tassel, with the emblem of the Order and name of the Palace worked on front of same. The officers of subordinate Palaces shall also wear a bright yellow fez with a black tassel, with the first letters of their title under the name of the Palace.

Each Palace shall provide capes for the officers, to be used during initiation ceremonies, and also on parade if desired as follows:

For the Noble Prince a Purple Cape, for the Past Noble Prince a White Cape, for the Mystic Oriental Prince a red cape, for the Mystic Oriental scribe a Blue Cape, for the Mystic Oriental Treasurer a Yellow Gape, for the Mystic Oriental Guide a green Cape, for the Mystic Oriental Priest a Black Cape trimmed in white. For the Guards, uniforms; the fez to be worn by all officers and Mystic Oriental Sons. A Palace may provide robes for its officers in place of capes if so desired.

On the opening of a Council, the Mystic Oriental Guide shall examine all present in the Desert Pass, as well as his membership card, if there should be present Mystic Oriental Son without one or the other or both, the Mystic Oriental Guide shall report same to the Noble Prince, who shall ascertain from the Mystic Oriental Scribe the standing of said Mystic, and act as he sees proper in reference to the said Mystic remaining during the Council of said Palace.

 

Opening Ceremony   Noble Prince takes his station, gives two raps with gavel.

NOBLE PRINCE: By virtue of authority in me vested, by the Supreme Grand Palace, and in obedience to the laws of the Ancient Egyptian Order Mystic Oriental Sons, I am about to open this Council of Mystic Oriental Sons. Mystics take your stations, Mystic Oriental Sons be seated. All officers will take their stations, and Mystics will be seated. NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Guards secure the inner and Outer Portals. Mystic Guards close the Outer and Inner Portals, and the Inner Oriental Guard reports from his station. MYSTIC ORIENTAL GUARD: Noble Prince the Outer and Inner Portals are closed against intrusion. NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Guide, prove all present in the Desert pass, sending those to me who have it not. Mystic Oriental Guide proves all present in the Desert Pass, goes to the Altar, makes the salutation, and reports, remains standing at Altar. NOBLE PRINCE: Past Noble Prince, what does your station represent and your duties? PAST NOBLE PRINCE, rises and will say: My Station represents Honor, and my duties are to attend the Councils of the Palace, that my fellow Mystics may have the benefit of my experience, and to officiate in the ceremony of initiation. Remains standing. NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Priest, what does your station represent, and your duties? MYSTIC ORIENTAL PRIEST, rises, and will say: Noble Prince, my station represents Reverence, and my duty is to offer up our supplications at the opening and closing of the Council, and officiate in the ceremony of initiation. Remains standing. NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Prince, what does your station represent, and your duties? MYSTIC ORIENTAL PRINCE, rises, and will say: Noble Prince, my station represents Goodfellowship, and it is the next highest station in the Council of this Palace, and my duties are to assist you in keeping order, to occupy your station in your absence, and to officiate in the ceremony of initiation. Remains standing. NOBLE PRINCE, rises, gives three raps of the gavel, and all will arise: Mystic Oriental Sons, my station represents authority, and it is my duty to preside at all Councils of this Palace, to preserve order and decorum, to supervise the affairs of this Palace, and to officiate in the ceremony of initiation. Through a kind Providence, we are permitted to assemble again, in Council for the diffusion of the principles of our ancient and noble Order. Let us sing his praise. Upon conclusion of the singing of the opening Ode.

NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Sons let us assume the ancient attitude of Mystic Oriental Sons while our Mystic Oriental Priest offers up our devotion. Calls up the Council.

All will extend arms in front of body palms upward and look to the east. On conclusion of the devotion all will drop hands to side and face the altar.

DEVOTION.

SOFT MUSIC.

MYSTIC ORIENTAL PRIEST: Almighty and All powerful One, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, we thank Thee for giving us health and strength, that permits us to meet again in Council. Guide us in our deliberations, and may nothing be said or done that will be displeasing in Thy sight. We ask it all in Thy Name, Amen.

Upon concision of the devotion, the Oriental Guide will open the Bible. NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Sons I now declare the Council of … Palace, Number …, duly opened for the purpose of transacting all legal business, that may come before the Council give two raps with gavel, and Council will be seated. Mystic Oriental Guide goes to his station.

NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Guard, you will admit all Mystic Oriental Sons now in waiting all in waiting will enter. NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Scribe, you will call the Roll of Mystics, and read the record of our last Council. Mystic Oriental Scribe calls the roll of Officers, and reads the record of the Last Council.

 

General Instructions on Initiatory Work   The Noble Prince shall appoint a director of work, who shall if he desires appoint a special degree staff, to put on all sections of the Ritual, especially for the second section, under the directions of the Director of work.

The initiatory ceremony, gives the candidate his first impressions of the Order, make that impression proper and lasting, and it will redound to the good of the Order.

The Ritual must be exemplified exactly as written. This applies both to the spoken parts, and instructions. No omission shall be tolerated’. The members shall maintain silence and order, during the work, and refrain from smoking.

After the obligation, if there be more than one candidate, one of the number may he selected to represent the class, in the remainder of the work, in the first section. second section and third section, however, this is optional with the director of the work. All may be used if he so desires.

Paraphernalia to be used in first section

A Pyramid, large enough to be noticed, which can be made out of canvass, with opening in the rear, large enough for a man to crawl into out of sight. A skull and several bones, placed inside the Pyramid. The Pyramid to be placed in the hall, according to the diagram for this section. A figure, representing a mummy, on a stretcher. A small table with refreshments on same, arranged as per diagram for this section.

 

Ceremony of Initiation - First Section.   Note: The director of work may make the ceremony of initiation as elaborate as he desires, provided the Palace has the funds for the purpose and instructs the director to do so. Provided, however, there shall be no changes that will detract from the Ritual.

It is permissable to have music and singing, at any point of the initiation, that the Director of work may think will add to the ceremony, in addition to what has been provided for in the Ritual.

All in Readiness.

The Mystic Oriental Guard of the Outer Portal rushes through the Inner Portal, very much excited, and, addresses the Noble Prince, thus: Noble Prince, I have found lurking in the shadow of Cheops, a band of pilgrims. When I demanded an explanation of their presence they replied that they were a band of pilgrims, who having heard of the Ancient Egyptian Order Mystic Oriental Sons, have traveled across the desert, in search of their Palace, where they hope to find rest and companionship. Guard makes salutation and returns to Outer Portal.

NOBLE PRINCE: Mystic Oriental Guide, you will journey to the shadow of Cheops, and bring before me this band of ‘pilgrims The Guide makes the salutation and retires, and returns with the pilgrims hoodwinked, marches around the hail. All members will sing an Ode.

On conclusion of the Ode, the Guide halts with the pilgrims in front of the Altar, and presents them to the Noble Prince.

MYSTIC GUIDE: Noble Prince, in obedience to your command, I bring before you this band of pilgrims, whom I found lurking in the shadows of Cheops? NOBLE PRINCE: Pilgrims, what excuse canst thou render for lurking in the shadows of Cheops? Guide, for pilgrims, replies as follows: Most Noble One. We are a band of pilgrims, who have traveled far, and undergone many trials and difficulties, in search of the Palace of the Ancient Egyptian Order Mystic Oriental Sons, where we hope to find rest and companionship. NOBLE PRINCE: What is thy name? The Guide reads name of pilgrims. NOBLE PRINCE: Pilgrims, your search for the Palace of the Ancient Egyptian Order Mystic Oriental Sons is ended, but before you can enjoy the rest and companionship, for which you crave, and which exists only in a Palace of Mystic Oriental Sons, you must take upon yourself a most binding oath, and subject yourself to many trials and difficulties, to prove that you are worthy of this rest and companionship, which is everlasting and everlasting, to all Mystic Oriental Sons. With This admonition, are you willing to take this journey? Pilgrims will answer: I am. NOBLE PRINCE: Pilgrims, in accordance with the ancient custom of this Order, you will take upon yourselves the oath. You will kneel upon both knees, your left hand over your heart, your right hand extended toward ‘heaven, pronounce your name in full, and repeat after me. Room in darkness, except light on Altar. Guides raises the hoodwinks, soft music while obligation is being given.

Noble Prince takes position in front of Altar.

 

  Oath  

I, in the presence of the Almighty and All powerful, one the Creator of heaven and earth and the Mystic Oriental Sons here assembled, do, upon bended knees, my left hand over my heart, my right hand raised toward Heaven, in token of my sincerity, and in my right mind, do, of my own voliation, solemnly swear, that I will obey all laws, rules, and regulations of the Ancient Egyptian Order mystic Oriental Sons, its Supreme Grand Organization Department and the Supreme Grand Palace and my subordinate Palace, that are now in force, and all laws, rules and regulations hereinafter enacted.

I also solemnly swear, that I will never wrong this Order, in any manner whatsoever, and I will not permit others to do so, if it is in my power to prevent it.

I also solemnly swear, that I will never reveal to anyone, not entitled to receive the same, any of the secrets of this Order, written or unwritten, but will keep them safely locked with in my breast as they are now locked in the bowels of Cheops.

I also solemnly swear, that I will render assistance to a worthy Mystic Oriental Son, and any member of his family, when appealed to as such, defend his character, and hasten to his relief when in danger.

I also solemnly swear, that I will not have improper relations with any female member of the family of a Mystic Oriental Son, nor will I permit others to do so, if within ray power to prevent it, and I will protect childhood and womanhood, whenever, and wherever opportunity offers.

I also solemnly swear, that I will not oppress my fellowman, but will act with justice to all, that I will prefer a Mystic Oriental Son to any other, in all my dealings, unless I find reason that justifies me in acting otherwise.

To all of this, I most solemnly swear, with the full knowledge, that should I become so low, as to violate this my solemn Oath, or any part thereof, and prove unworthy of the confidence imposed in me, may the word Traitor be branded on my forehead, that I be published to the world, as a low vile wretch, without ‘honor, or any other penalty the Order may see cause to inflict upon me. Amen. On conclusion of the administering the Oath, members will say: We have witnessed your Oath.

 

  Devotion   MYSTIC ORIENTAL PRIEST: Almighty and All powerful One, the Creator of Heaven and earth, we thank Thee for the privilege of receiving into our noble Order, these our fellow citizens. Help them to be obedient to Thy laws, to the laws of this country, and the laws of this Order. Solemnize this occasion, burn into their hearts and their minds, the duties they owe to Thee, to tire government and to their fellow man. Vouchsafe them, a clear understanding of the obligation they have just assumed, and give unto them a proper conception of their duties and responsibilities, as Mystic Oriental Sons of this Order, and to Thee be given all honor and glory. Amen. NOBLE PRINCE: Your oath taken in the presence of the Almighty and All powerful One, the Creator of Heaven and earth and in the presence of the Mystic Oriental sons here assembled, enables you to proceed further, that you may receive that which will make you a Mystic Oriental Son provided, however, that you do not falter on your Journey, you will arise. The Pilgrims arise to their feet, the Guide conducts the pilgrims to the Outer Court to await instructions.

  Lodge room prepared as follows:

Small table with refreshments thereon, a pyramid of canvass or wood in a corner of room, with a skull and bones placed inside, no hoodwinks. Room in semi-darkness, low music. All officers in their stations.

The Guide will enter with the pilgrims taking part in the ceremonies without making any alarm, and proceed as follows:

The Guide walks slowly around the room, and halts at the table containing refreshments, where they will proceed to partake of same. Just before beginning to partake of the refreshments, two members will appear, with a mummified figure, on a stretcher, and halt in front of the Guide and pilgrims. The Guide will point his finger at the mummified figure, and address the pilgrims thus:

MYSTIC ORIENTAL GUIDE: Look on this, drink and enjoy thyself, for such shalt thou be, when thou art dead. Time, like an ever roiling stream, bears all its Sons away, they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening of the day. Members with figure, quietly retire from the scene. Guide and pilgrims proceed around the hail, and halt at the Pyramid.

MYSTIC ORIENTAL GUIDE: Pilgrims, before you can become a Mystic Oriental Son you must prove that you are a Son of the Desert, therefore, you must penetrate into the bowels of Cheops, and whatsoever ye shall find, bring forth, and this shall be proof that you are a Son of the Desert. The pilgrim is caused to crawl into the opening of the Pyramid, and remain for a few moments, and come forth bearing the skull and bones, and carries them on his journey.

MYSTIC ORIENTAL GUIDE: Pilgrims, thou hast done well, for thou hast discovered the bones of thy fathers who were true Mystic Oriental Sons of the Desert, and which will give thee an audience with the Noble Prince. Guide halts at Altar, room is made light, and all pilgrims are lined up before the Noble Prince.

MYSTIC ORIENTAL GUIDE: Noble Prince, the pilgrims have journeyed across the desert, have taken the oath of a Mystic Oriental Son, have feasted at the board of hospitality, have looked upon the immortality of the Sons of the Desert, have penetrated the bowels of Cheops, and there found the bones of their fathers, and now await your direction. Pilgrim steps forward and hands the skull and bones to the Noble Prince, who places them upon the Altar.

NOBLE PRINCE: Pilgrims, you have done well in bringing me proofs of your right to become true Mystic Oriental Sons, yet before, you can he received into full fellowship, you must receive the commendations of the King, conduct the pilgrims to the Outer Court. Guide conducts the pilgrims to the Outer Court to await further instructions.

  Diagram of Council Hall for second section of ceremony

A King’s throne or lounge a curtain across stage with emblem.

A King’s throne or lounge a curtain with emblem painted on same. A purple robe, a gold chain and a gold ring for the strange lad, a small house representing a prison. Musical instrument of some kind for female characters.

NOTE: The Director of Work may use such other paraphernalia desired to bring out the scene, without detracting from the Ritual.

Director of Work will arrange stage to best advantage.

King on throne or lounge, male attendants, just in rear of King, caption of the Guard standing just below king on right, (place guards to best advantage). Female attendants reclining out in front of King, with musical instruments, and King’s Jester in front of King. In an appropriate part of the hall, a house representing a prison, in charge of two Guards, standing in front.

 

Ancient Order of the Pyramids

Ritual of the Mysteries of Osiris 1896

The candidate is met in the ante-room of the Temple by the Herald, accompanied by a Brother [or Sister as the case may require]. dressed in ordinary clothing but wearing the emblems of the Order. Extending usual greetings, they accompany the candidate to the preparation room, when the Herald makes the following explanatory address:
Herald: You have passed through the ceremonies of reception into a representation of the Mysteries of Isis, as practiced by the ancient dwellers in the Valley of the Nile, and you now ask to participate in the Greater Mysteries, Your request will be complied with.
You will assume a character representing the soul of an Egyptian who has lately died, and whose body, having been brought into the chamber of the Temple awaits disposal according to the judgment of the Council.
Are you willing to assume this character for the present?
Candidate answers: ....
Herald: Leaving you in care of one who will instruct and prepare you as bents the character you assume, I retire.
Herald returns to hall, approaches altar and says:
Herald: Noble Prophet, without a Brother (or Sister) seeks advancement.
Noble Prophet: 'Tis well! Let him enter and be received in a fitting manner.
Herald returns to door and awaits candidate's signal.
Herald returns to door and awaits candidate’s signal.
Preparer divests candidate of outer apparel and clothes him in a white robe and apron befitting his station, with coif. Hoodwinks, and straps a pack on candidate's back containing packages labeled and representing candidate's deeds, good and ill, during life, and from which he is to be judged in the solemn Court of the Dead.
He is then conducted to the door, caused to give … distinct raps, preparer retires and leaves him alone. After a pause of a few moments, the door slowly opens and the Herald thus addresses the candidate:
Herald: Child of mortality, thou hast come hither while thy body even now waits to have interment granted or denied as thou be adudged to deserve well or ill of those among whom thou hast passed thy little span of life. All that can be done for you by mortal hands has been done. You now stand gazing into another world, with no hand to guide or voice to cheer. As you are now helpless and alone, an unmanned barque upon an unknown sea, your heart beats the only chart and log-book; thus it is decreed that in darkness and alone must man pass the threshold into the Solemn Court of the Dead.
Frail Emblem of Mortality, enter.
Candidate enters and Herald receives him in the following manner:
Herald will meet candidate by B. L. H. D. O. C. R. S. A. W.R. H. A. P. O. D. T. N. T.
Herald: Frail Mortal; as you are now entering the realms of Osiris from whose gloomy shores no spirit has ever yet returned, it is befitting that I receive you on the dagger's point, the emblem of death and separation of the soul from the body.
Herald will conduct candidate slowly around the hall to the station of the Priestess, who, halting the candidate says, during the march, music or song:
Priestess: Hold, what spirit wanders, in the Solemn Court of the Dead?
Herald: It is the soul of one who a waits judgment.
Priestess: What is the burden this soul bears?
Herald: The deeds good and ill of his little span of life.
Priestess: Why brings he them here?
Herald: It is recorded, according to the deeds done in the body shall the soul he judged.
Priestess: By this we are reminded of the universal dominion of death. Man is born to die. He follows his friend down to the water's edge, and standing on the share of the vast ocean gazes with sad and anxious heart as the barque containing his loved ones sails for a harbor unnamed and a land unknown, leaving behind only the memory of life's actions. Sad spirit, wend your way. Herald conducts candidate slowly around the hall, and is halted by the Priest, who says:
Priest: Wandering soul, whither thy course?
Herald: My course to the Judgment Hall of Osiris.
Priest: Then fix your eyes on the final scene, and view life stripped of her ornaments. By us a man is not revered for birth, wealth or position. Only his acts demand honor.
Herald: For what should man strive?
Priest: That the widow and orphan shall point to your tomb and exclaim, he lived to bless mankind.
Be that your monument.
Wandering soul, go thy way.
Herald conducts candidate around the hall to station of Noble Prophet, who bars candidate's passage and says:
Noble Prophet: Sad soul, who art thou, and why thy sorrow?
Herald: One called to the judgment bar who fears the future.
Noble Prophet: Unhappy mortal Man sits in gloom and the purpose of his existence is a mystery.
Each mounts the stage of human action anxious to play his part in the ever-changing drama, then passes into the chamber of eternal silence and is known no more forever.
'Tis well, seek the altar before the judgment. Herald conducts candidate once around the hall to the altar in tent, places candidate's open right hand on left breast and open left hand on right breast, and retires from tent. All lights out except taper in tent.
Noble Prophet gives * * * and says:
Noble Prophet: Come with me and witness the vows of one who would become an apostle of justice and equity.
Members forming triangle, Noble Prophet, Priest and Priestess forming points of second triangle within.
Noble Prophet: My Brother, you will now remove the hoodwink, after which you will place your hands as directed by our Herald.
After a sufficient time the following is spoken through a cone, as a bell tolls twelve, the hour of midnight:
'Tis time, 'tis timc *, thrice potent be the spell *;
'Tis the hour of midnight *, solemn tolls the bell *.
Spirits good and spirits evil *,
Hover near *, and heed a mortal's ills *.
The scenes of life recur * and actions past *
Unroll the scroll * and render judgment last. *
Noble Prophet: Say I, repeat your name and say after me:

Obligation

I, …, in the presence of the Giver of Life, do most solemnly promise and declare, that I will not speak evil of, wrong or defraud a member of this Order to the value of one penny.
I furthermore promise and declare, that I will assist all worthy destitute members, their widows and orphans, and will employ a member of this Order in preference to any other of equal qualifications.
I furthermore promise and declare that a member’s secrets, confided to me as such in the name of the Order, shall, without exception, remain unspoken, within my own breast.
To the affirmation of which I call upon the Giver of Life to witness.
Herald now strikes gong or staff upon the floor three times, after which tent is raised.
All, with index finger of the left hand pointing upward, index finger of the right hand pointing at candidate, will say: Your Maker and ourselves have recorded your oath.
Noble Prophet gives one rap, all seated, and says: Herald, conduct the Brother to my station for further instruction.
Noble Prophet: My Brother, you have pronounce the words which cements the bonds that binds your future with ours.
I will now invest you with the apron emblematic of this Order and degree, an honor greater than can ever again be conferred upon you by king, potentate or mortal man.
An Order too ancient to measure the years of its life; too early born to now tell the day of its birth, but so full of instruction still, that you today may profit by the teachings and precepts as you approach its Mystic Shrine.
My Brother, you will now be conducted to the place from whence you came and await my further pleasure.


Second Section

Members are all seated in triangular form at altar, open at base or altar; the Scribe is seated at altar with pen, ink and paper. The door of the Council Chamber opens as of itself, and Isis is seen standing a little way from the door with symbol of life in her right hand and the sceptre of Egypt in her left. The candidate is caused to advance. Isis says:
Priestess: What soul is this, O Horus, whom thou bringest into the Court of the Dead?
Herald: O Queen Isis, this is the soul of one who dwelt in Memphis.
Priestess: O Child of Mortality, art thou ready to be judged?
Candidate prompted: I am ready.
Priest: Those against whom there is unfavorable judgment here shall wander in darkness, ever seeking the light and ever unsatisfied.
Priestess: To those for whom there is favorable judgment here is prepared the realm of light; they shall have peace and rest forevermore.
Messenger: Draw near the altar of justice, and await further questioning.
Isis retires to her station. The Herald conducts the candidate to the altar.
Priest: What soul is this, O Horus, whom thou hast brought before the Court of the Dead?
Herald: O Atum, this is the soul of one who dwelt in Memphis and hath lately died there.
Priest: The justice of the Lords of Truth is not imperfect like the justice of men. To provide for self, to obey the laws, to comply with the outward observance of religion, to refrain from crime, and to live soberly and decorously are well, but not enough to entitle one to the favor of the Lords of Truth.
Priestess: And one may so live a long life and yet be unfit to have lived at all. There are good deeds that human laws do not require and bad acts that the laws of man do not punish. A spotless reputation may cover an uncharitable heart, hatred and envy.
Herald turning addresses Noble Prophet:
Herald: This suppliant hath heard words of wisdom on the way hither, and now stands at the bar ready to receive judgment.
Noble Prophet: Anubis, open thou the deeds, good and ill, of this soul, and declare what of good this suppliant should have honor for and what of ill should be weighed against him. Thoth, stand thou by, record the deeds, and declare the result.
The Treasurer will remove pack, open it, and read from a prepared list the deeds good and ill performed by candidate. The Scribe takes note of each deed and when all are called sums up the good and ill and says:
Scribe: The good and ill are so nearly balanced that the Lords of Truth must decide.
Priest: This suppliant hath not regarded the rights of others, hath not been sincere in his profession, regarding more the praise of men than the consciousness of right doing. In my opinion, this soul should not yet be permitted to view the realms of light.
Scribe: I do not concur. Ill acts are done by all men, be they good or bad. My vote is that this soul shall be released.
Priestess: With Atum I agree. This soul hath not been sincere. Popularity hath been the object of its existence; pride hath controlled its chains. No widow or orphan hath raised their voices in this soul's behalf.
Treasurer: O King Osiris. The needy, the sorrowful and the oppressed this soul hath relieved.
Noble Prophet: Let the body have burial, and this soul entrance into the realm of light, rest and peace.
Noble Prophet gives * * *. All rise. Prophet advances to candidate and says:
Noble Prophet: From this learn a lesson. Each day come deed good or il1 he gathers to his soul, and finally, when the cycle of life is ended, and work on life's pyramid is stilled, he is ushered into the presence of his God.
Silent and pulseless he stands before the bar as judgment is decreed according as he has done good or ill during life.
Weary soul, you have been judged worthy.
Now you must cross an unhallowed waste of desert drear, amid shadows and in silence, the only voice to greet you that of spirits evil and forever lost. After which you will embark on the Stygian waters with old Charon in sable robes for your pilot.
Candidate is now hoodwinked and marched slowly and irregularly around hall, meeting with some obstructions, while plaintive wails and wild shrieks are heard. Candidate is then placed in a boat on wheels, while some will splash water in candidate's face as they proceed around the hall. In lieu of a boat a stretcher with four men to carry may be used. Candidate is landed finally in ante-room, hoodwink and robe are removed and candidate is invested with apron. Lodge is prepared and all lights on when Herald will conduct candidate in and to station of Noble Prophet. Noble Prophet: My Brother, I now present you with this jewel, a distinct token of this Order. The serpent represents life eternal, the triangle Deity and the cross your hope of life eternal.
My Brother, in this division of the Ancient Order of the Pyramids there are several modes of recognition, applicable to the various circumstances under which a member may be placed. The sign of the Order is: R. B. H. T. T. L. O. W. P. D. T. A. F. F. T.; T. R. O. H.; P. R. O. L. B. A. L. O. R. B. Noble Prophet will recognize you with emblem, when you will take your seat Sign
of recognition: R. T. O. F. A. S. F. O. E. S. O. N. C. R. O. T. The answer to this sign is: P. F. I. S. P. R. E. I. P. O. O. H. The person challenging will approach and ask: …? You will answer: …. Sign of distress is: C. H. W. I. L. F. O. C. The answer is: D. B. H. E. T. T. H. O. T. W. P. U.
In case this sign cannot be seen the one needing personal aid will use the word …. The one hearing die word will reply: … and in either case hasten to the relief of the one in distress. In no case is the sign or word to be given, except in emergency or threatened personal danger, or in a Council or for instruction.
The grip is given by each clasping the hand of the other T. T. W. T. A. I. F. O. E. O. T. A. H. A. S. W.
An annual password will be selected by the Royal Prophet and promulgated to those Councils which are clear of all assessments to the Royal Temple.
For the present term the word is …, which is to be given in a whisper.
The permanent password is …, to be always given by syllable commencing with the second. One says …, the other …; the first pronounces the entire word.
To gain admittance to the Council Chamber give any alarm on the outer door, when the Sentinel will open the wicket and you will communicate to him the annual pass. If correct you will be admitted, when you will clothe yourself in the proper manner, advance and give … raps on inner door. The Guardian will respond with … raps and open the wicket. To him you will give your name, number of your Council and location. The wicket will be closed, Guardian wilt report you to the Messenger, who will order him to admit you if correct in the pass.
Guardian gives one rap on the door and opens the wicket, when you will communicate second syllable of permanent pass. Guardian responds with the first syllable, and in answer you will pronounce pass, in full. If correct you will be admitted, when you will advance to the altar, face the Noble Prophet and give the sign of the Order. The Noble Prophet will respond by raising his emblem, when you will be seated.
Voting is done by the voice, aye and no, on all questions of business.
All applicants for membership are elected by ballot, two or more black balls rejecting.


Lecture

You have passed through the ceremonies at tending your reception into, the Lesser and Greater Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Pyramids. You have proved yourself worthy of becoming a member of a most ancient and venerable order, instituted thousands of years before the Christian era, at Memphis by Mena, the first historical King of Egypt.
An Order devoted to the purposes of inculcating the highest principles of morality and virtue; teaching by precept and example the practice of benevolence, charity and unselfish devotion to the interests of humanity.
It was the belief of the ancient Egyptians, the founders of our Order, that immediately, after death the soul descended unto the lower regions and was conducted to the Hall of Truth, where, in the presence of Osiris and the Lords of Truth; it was judged according to the deeds alone in the body. Anubis, the director of the weight, brought forth a pair of scales, and placing in one scale the figure or emblem of Truth, set in the other a heart-shaped vase, emblem of the heart of man, and containing the thoughts of the deceased, while Thoth, the Scribe of the Council, with a tablet in his hand, stood by to record the result. According to the side on which the balance inclined, the Assembly delivered sentence. If the good deeds preponderated, the blessed soul was allowed to enter the "boat of the sun" and was conducted by good spirits to the "pool of peace" and the dwelling place of Osiris. If, on the contrary, the good deeds were not sufficient, the unhappy soul was sentenced to undergo a circle of transmigration in the bodies of unclean animals. If, after many trials, purity was not attained, the incorrigible soul underwent a final sentence and suffered complete and absolute annihilation. The soul which had successfully passed the scrutiny of the Lords of Truth was received a companion of Osiris for three thousand years, when it returned from Amenti, re-entered its former body, which had been embalmed and once more lived a human life on this earth, taking up, as it were, the thread of mortal existence, where centuries before it had been sundered by death.
This process was repeated until a certain mystic cycle of years was complete, when finally the good attained the crowning felicity of union with God by being absorbed into the divine essence from which it originally emanated.
As you were informed upon your admission to the reception room, this Council is a representation of the ancient Egyptian Court of the Dead. There, centuries ago, no one was allowed the honors of burial until he had passed under the most solemn judgment. The body of the deceased was brought before a solemn tribunal, which sat in judgment upon all, even the kings of the land. They said to the dead: "Whoever thou art, give an account to thy country of thy actions; what hast thou done with thy time and life? The law interrogates thee; thy country hears thee; Truth sits in judgment on thee." Even princes were brought there to be judged; escorted only by their virtues and their vices.
A public accuser recounted the history of the dead man's life and the light of truth was thrown on all his actions. If it was adjudged that he lived an evil life, his memory was publicly condemned and his body cast out as a thing unworthy of notice, to be devoured by unclean animals. What a lesson was taught by our ancient brothers! Man should be honored for his deeds, not birth and position. Lettered stones and monuments are more instructive than the once living thousands, whose memories they preserve from oblivion.
All except these are speechless as the chamber of eternal silence; no lingering spirits hover around whispering intelligence of that eternal country for which they embarked. Then let words of counsel and cheer, set to music of fraternal love, fall from your lips. Be thou a star of sympathy and hope to some soul struggling in the gloom of despair and sorrow. Never, until the mortal casket is forever stilled and in its narrow bed extended, let your heart and hand be closed to human needs and human sorrows; and when your frame, with life now throbbing, becomes a spectacle for curious or reflective minds to ponder o'er, may the record of your life be such that the briefest truthful thought must be, "He lived to bless mankind."
Go ye among fellow men; act with justice; deliberate with equity, and decide according to truth.
Noble Prophet: Herald, you will conduct the brother to the desk of the Scribe, where he will sign the constitution and by-laws of this Council.
Candidate is returned facing Council. Gives * * *. All rise.
Noble Prophet: The Council may rest from its labors until my further orders.
When all may congratulate the newly accepted member and engage in general conversation but shall not leave the hall without permission of the Noble Prophet, and the usual formula. This is the proper time for serving refreshments, and the opportunity should never be neglected.
The Prophet raps *, when all are seated and business resumed.

CLIPSAS

CLIPSAS – CENTRO DE LIGAÇÃO E DE INFORMAÇÃO DAS POTÊNCIAS MAÇÔNICAS SIGNATÁRIAS DO APELO DE ESTRASBURGO.
Foi fundado em 22 de janeiro de 1961, por iniciativa do Grande Oriente de França e mais onze potências maçônicas soberanas a quais, diante da intransigência crescente e das exclusivas de certa obediências, combinaram de lançar um apelo a todos os maçons do mundo, a fim de reuni-los, respeitando sua soberania, suas crenças, seus ritos e seus símbolos, numa verdadeira e indissolúvel Corrente de União Universal.

É uma associação registrada na Prefeitura de Paris e regida pela lei francesa de 1º de julho de 1901, de associações reconhecidas.

O CLIPSAS se constitui numa organização internacional da maçonaria liberal de todo o mundo. Aderindo è ética proposta pelo fundadores, nós nos orgulhamos de submetermos nossa fidelidade apenas à mensagem de tolerância, de fraternidade e de união.

Seu objetivo é congregar maçons, homens e mulheres, que considerem que a LIBERDADE ABSOLUTA DE CONSCIÊNCIA é a grande vitória da humanidade sobre ela mesma.

Avanços maiores no reconhecimento da Liberdade Absoluta de Consciência, que compreende por definição a liberdade de associação e, na direção da reconciliação entra as diferentes concepções metafísicas da Maçonaria, as Lojas das Obediências-membros do CLIPSAS são livres para abrir seus trabalhos com ou sem a Bíblia e de faze-lo ou não sob a égide do Grande Arquiteto do Universo.

O CLIPSAS é o Centro de União Fraternal dos Maçons que consideram que a liberdade de consciência é uma vitória da humanidade sobre si mesma e que, longe de ser um fator de desunião, ela conduz, graças à livre confrontação de opiniões, à supressão de todas as barreiras.

Ultrapassando as simples relações de ligações fraternais, as Obediências do CLIPSAS sentiram a necessidade de fazer em comum o estudo dos problemas que determinam o futuro do homem. Para esse efeito. O Clipsas organiza um Colóquio anual a fim de discutir temas que preocupam o mundo moderno, depois deles terem sido objeto de discussão durante o ano, nas Obediências-membros.

Dessas reflexões comuns feitas por maçons de diferentes continentes, de culturas variadas se produzem sínteses bem construtivas.

Órgão Supremo do CLIPSAS é sua Assembléia Geral anual, composta de representantes especialmente designados, geralmente o próprio Grão Mestre, e da qual todos os maçons e maçonas, mesmo aprendizes, de cada Obediência, podem participar.

Para administrar a associação entre as reuniões da Assembléia, esta elege uma Diretoria, integrada por um Presidente e seis Vice-Presidentes, com mandatos de três anos.

As Presidências do CLIPSAS :

GRAND ORIENT DE BELGIQUE 1961-1990
Georges BEERNAERTS 1961-1962
Charles CASTEL 1962-1964
Walter HEINZ 1964-1966
Paul VAN HERCKE 1966
Robert DILLE 1966-1970
Victor MARTINY 1970-1973
Pierre BURTON 1973-1976
Jaak NUTKEWITZ 1976-1979
André MECHELYNCK 1979-1982
Nicolas BONTYES 1982-1985
Silvain LOCCUFIER 1985-1987
Guy VLAEMINCK 1987-1990

GRAND ORIENT DE FRANCE 1990-1993
Jean-Robert RAGACHE 1990-1993

GRAND ORIENT DE LUXEMBOURG 1993-1996
Marc-Antoine CAUCHIE 1993-1996

GRANDE LOGE FÉMININE DE FRANCE 1996-1998
Marie-France COQUARD 1996-1998

GRANDE LOGE SYMBOLIQUE ESPAGNOLE 1998-2000
Javier OTAOLA BAJENETA 1998-2000

GRAND ORIENT DE LUXEMBOURG 2000-2004
Marc-Antoine CAUCHIE 2000-2004

GRANDS ORIENT ET LOGE ASSOCIÉE DU CONGO 2004-2007
Gabriel NZAMBILA 2004-2007

GRANDE LOJA UNIDA DO PARANÁ 2007-2010
Jefferson Isaac Joăo SCHEER 2007-V2007

GRAND ORIENT DE LUXEMBOURG 2008-2011
Marc-Antoine CAUCHIE 2008-2011

In Clipsas com