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O n l y M e m b e r s in g o o d s t a n d i n g in the A. M . O. R. C. a rc eligible to M e m b e r s h i p in the A M O R C Col leg e L i b r a r y . B e f o r e a L i b r a r y M e m b e r s h i p C a r d can be issued, the app'icant must s h o w the L o d g e L i b r a r i a n his r eg u la r M e m b e r s h i p card, with du es paid within the time limits o f the L o d g e . E a c h L o d g e will be se rv e d b y a L o d g e L i b r a r i a n , appointed for the pu rp os e o f s u p p l y i n g the A M O R C M O N O G R A P H S to L i b r a r y M e m be rs each month. M e m b e r s o f L o d g e s cannot s e cu r e these M o n o g r a p h s in a n y other way. I n s e c u r i n g a M o n o g r a p h from ti e L o d g e L i b r a r i a n , each L i b r a r y M e m b e r must present a L i b r a r y M e m b e r s h i p C a r d w i t h coupons attached. T h e L i b r a r i a n w i ' l dem and one c o u p o n each m o n th in e x c h a n g e for a M o n o g r a p h . T h e C o u p o n s hear the M e m b e r ’s number, a s well a s the S eri al N u m b e r , on the c o p y of the M o n o g r a p h . T h e C o u p o n s arc, th erefore, r ec eip ts fr o m the L i b r a r y M e m b e r s for M o n o g r a p h s rec eiv ed fr o m this L i b r a r y . AH such co u p o n s ( rec ei p ts) are f o r w a r d e d b y the L o d g e L i b r a r i a n s m o n th ly to the Chief L i b r a r i a n at the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e and filed in each M e m b e r ' s record envelope. T h e A M O R C M o n o g r a p h s , of which th;s is a c op y , a rc loaned, no t sold, to L i b r a r y M e m b e r s , for an indefinite ter m, a s stated on the b a c k o f the M e m b e r s h i p C a r d s . E a c h M e m b e r is bo und to return, upon dem and fr o m the C hi e f L i b r a r ia n , e v e r y c o p y o f these M o n o g r a p h s , w h e n his o r h e r interest o r as s oc ia tio n with the O r d e r is terminated. T h e s e con di tio ns o f M e m b e r s h i p are a g r e e d to b y the ac c ep t an c e o f the M e m b e r s h i p C a r d and the g i v i n g o f co up on s ( rec ei p ts) monthly. E v e r y c o p y o f the A M O R C M O N O G R A P H S is the p r o p e r t y of the A M O R C C o l l e g e L i b r a r y of the A. M. O. R. C. M E M B E R S M U ST N O T LO A N T H IS M O N O G RA PH TO A N YO N E , N O R CAN IT B E SOLD O R O T H E R W IS E D IS POSED OF E X C E P T AS STATED ABOVE.
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W c present to our M e m b e r s in this issue a c om p le te M a n u a l r e g a r d i n g the W o r k , S y m b o l s ar.d other m a t te r s p e rt a in in g to our Or der . T h i s M a n u a l will a n s w e r m a n y questions c o n ti n u a ll y as ke d and will be a guide for Officers and M e m b e r s in p r op er ly and m o r e efficiently a d v a n c in g in the principles of the Order. T h e ma tte r has been pr epared u n J e r the direction o f the Im p e r at or and c o n f o r m s with the National Constitution of the O r d e r as well as the unwri tte n l a w s used by the A m e r i c a n S u p r e m e Council in its pr ocedures. T h i s Ma nu al sh ould be fre e ly consulted by all Officers and M e m be rs and should have a car ef ul r ea d in g and study. PURPOSES AND W ORK
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A l l A p p l i c a n t s for A d m i s s i o n — and in fact, all se rio us inquirers r e g a r d i n g the O r d e r — should be c o r r e c tl y inf or me d a s to the P u r p o se s and W o r k of our Order. T h e on ly cor re ct w a y of so in forming the inquirer, is to adhere to the f o l l o w i n g s ta te m e nt s: T h e O r d e r is pr im ar il y a H u m a n ita r ia n M o v e m e n t , m a k i n g for g r e a t e r Hea lt h, H a p p i n e s s an d Peace in the e a r t h l y fives o f all M a n kind. Note particularly, that wc s a y in the e a r t h ly l i v e s of men, for we h ave naught to do with a n y doctrine m a k i n g for a h a p p y or peaceful ex ist enc e in a so-called spiritual life. T h e W o r k of Ro s a e cr u ci an s is to be done he re and n o w ; not that we h a v e neither hope o r e x pe ct at io n of an o th er life after this, but that we k n o w that the hap piness o f the future depend s upon w h a t w c do t o d a y f o r ot he r s as we ll a s for ourselves. S e c o n d l y , our pu rpo se s are to enable me n and w o m e n to live clcan. no rmal, natural lives, as N atu re intended, e n j o y i n g all the pr ivi leg es o f N a tu r e , an d all her benefits and gifts, e q u a ll y with all o f M a n k i n d ; and to be f r e e f r o m the shack les of superstition, the limits of ign ora nc e, and the su fferings o f a vo id abl e ka rm a . T h e W o r k o f the O r d e r — u si n g the wo rd " W o r k ” in an official se ns e — c o n s is t s o f teaching, st u d y i n g and tes ti ng such L a w s o f God and N a t u r e , a s ma k e our M e m b e r s M a s t e r s in the H o l y T e m p l e (the p h y s i c a l , b o d y ) , and W o r k e r s in the Divine L a b o r a t o r y ( N a t u r e ’s
d o m a in s ) . T h i s is to enable the B r o t h e r s and S i s t e r s to r en d e r m or e efficient help to those w h o do not know, and w h o need or require help 3 i i d as sistance. T h e r e f o r e , tl;c O r d e r is a S c h o o l and Col lege , a F r a t e r n i t y , with si la b o r a t o r y . T h e M e m b e r s are students and w o r k e r s . ' D i e g r a d u at es ar c unselfish s e r v a n t s o f G o d to Ma nk in d , effi ciently educated, trai ned an d ex pe rie nce d, attuned with the m i g h t y fo r ce s of the C o s m i c or Divine M in d , and M a s t e r s o f mat ter , space and time. T h i s m a k e s them e s s e n t ia ll y M yst ic s, A d e p t s an d Ma gi. T h e r e a rc no o t h e r benefits o r rights. Al l M e m b e r s a rc ple dged to g i v e unselfish S e r v i c e , wi th ou t other hope o r e xp e ct at io n o f re m u n e r a t io n than to E v o l v e the Soul, and p r ep ar e it for a g re a t e r W o r k in the next incarnation, that all m a y be m o r e happy, more h e a lt h y an d m or e su cc e s s f u l in life’ s work. JU R ISD IC T IO N . T h e O r d e r in N o r t h A m e r i c a is divided into a nu m be r o f J u r i s dictions. I n the U ni ted S t a l e s , each St ate is a s e p a r a t e Ju r i s d i ct io n T h e W e s t India I s la n d s fo r m an o th er j u r is d ic ti on , a s do A l a s k a , the Philip pine I s la n d s and all other Dependencies o f the U ni ted S tates. Can ad a, at the present time, f o r m s one J uri sdi ct ion , but m a y be di vided later into se veral J ur is di ct io n s . T h e C o u n t r y o f M e x i c o , and the s e v e r a l other cou nt ri es south ot M e x i c o , f o r m sepa rat e J u r i s dictions. E a c h J u r i s d i c t io n of our O r d e r in N o r t h A m e r i c a , is under the au to cr at ic rule of a G r a n d M a s t e r , w h o in turn is und er the a u t o cr at ic rule of the I m p e r a t o r (the S u p re m e Po nti ff for the O r d e r in N o r t h A m e r i c a ) , and the A m e r i c a n S u p re m e Cou nc il, with its P r e s i dent, the S u p r e m e G r a n d M a s t e r . T h e S u p r e m e G r a n d M a s t e r is like wise und er the a u to cr a tic rule o f the I m p e r a t o r , an d he, in turn, is s u b j e c t to the autoc ra tic r u li n g s of the S u p r e m e Coun ci l o f the W o r ld . T h e G r a n d M a s t e r ot each Ju ri sd ic tio n has the r ig h t an d the p o w e r to dictate and rule in his o w n J uri sdi ct ion , wi t h o u t limitation, e x c e p t the limitations o f the A m e r i c a n Constitution o f our Or der , and the t e r m s of his C h a r t e r and the B y - L a w s of his o w n Jur isdiction. H e is not affected b y the a r b i t r a r y or autoc ra tic r ul in gs o f a n y other G r a n d M a s t e r in a n y o t h e r Jur isdiction. M a s t e r s o f S u b o r d i n a t e L o d g e s , in all J u r i s d i c t io n s , h ave a u to cratic p o w e r within their individual L o d g e s , limited b y the C o n s ti t u tion o f the Or der , the Gr an d M a s t e r o f the J u r i s d i c t i o n , and the B y - L a w s o f the individual L o d g e s . M e m b e r s , b e lo n g i n g to one Jur isdiction, bu t v i s i t i n g L o d g e s in a n o th e r J uri sdi ct ion , m u s t be s u bj e ct to the r ul in gs and l a w s o f the J u r i s d i c t io n in which t h e y are visiting. M a s t e r s , v is it in g a n y J u r is di ct io n , will like wise subm it to the ru le s and la w s o f the J u r i s d i c t io n visited, e x c e p t w he n h o n o r a r y e x ce p t io n s are made b y the G r a n d M a s t e r o f such J u r is di ct io n . A l l J u r i s d i c t io n s , while s e p a r a t e to the exten t indicated above,
ar c united under the Consti tut io n, and a rc n o t independent, as in so m e o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s in this coun try . M A K IN G A PPLIC A T IO N . Men and w o m e n m a y be c om e M e m b e r s o f o u r O r d e r through be in g invited to m a k e A p p li c a ti o n f o r A d m is s i o n , and then h a v i n g such application passed upon. T h e A p p li c a n t s must, th erefore, bear the burden o f Supplication. T h e y m a y be invited to m a k e application, but h a v i n g b c t n invited, and h a v i n g accepted the invitation to m a k e application, each ap p li cant m a k e s pl e a for ad m is s io n, and must h u m b l y s e e k and p r a y for adm issio n, as thoug h he o r she had not been invited to d o so.i In other w or d s, the invitation to m a k e application d o e s not indicate that the A p p li c a n t is desired to such an exten t that supplication for a dm is si on is not n c ce s s a ry . W h e n an A p pl ic a tio n blank is give n to a ma n o r w o m a n , w i t h the invitation to make pica for admission, the M e m b e r thus inviting another, m u s t ad v is e the p r osp ec tiv e A p p li c a n t , that adm iss io n to the O r d e r depends upon A p p l i c a n t ’ s plea an d his o r her qualifications; and the M e m b e r must a ls o m a k e it plain, that a M e m b e r s h i p C o m mittee will p a s s upon the application in a f or ma l an d r e g u la r way. A p p lic at io n s, w h i ch p a s s the M e m b e r s h i p C o m m i t t e e an d seem w o r t h y o f furt.her consideration, wi ll be handed to the S e c r e t a r y , and the M a s t e r shall a p p o i n t s o m e M e m b e r or M e m b e r s to, call upon such A p p li c a n t s (or h a v e them call upon the M e m b e r s ) ; and be int er v ie w ed . A t su ch inter vie w, the new " Q u e s t i o n n a i r e " should be handed to the A p p li c a n t and signed in the pr es e n ce of the M e m b er o r M e m b e r s co n du ct in g the i n t e r v ie w with the A pp lic ant . T h e said Q ue sti onn air e and the or iginal A p p li c a t i o n blan k are then v ote d upon by the L o d g e or the L o d g e Council, and if there are not t w o o r m o r e re a s o n a b l e ob je c tio ns a g a in st the adm iss io n of the A p p li c a n t ( t w o black balls cast upon rea so na bl e and sufficient g r o u n d s ) the said A p p lic an t is elected to M e m b e r s h i p an d m u s t be so notified; he shall then call upon the S e c r e ta r y , and ad v a nc e the p r o p e r Initiation F e e and be info rm ed o f the date of Initiation. A l l A p p li c a n t s , at the time the Q ue stionnaire is b e i n g rea
P a s s W o r d from each ap pl ic an t for admission, a s well a s a M e m b e r ship Car d, but to test the M e m b e r s o c c a s io n a ll y , a s r e g a r d s the rightful p os se s s io n of the P a s s Word. T h e p o s s e s s io n o f ci t h e r a M e m b e r s h i p C a r d o r the P a s s W o r d o f a n y De g re e , or both, does not constitute a benefit o r right by which the p o s s e s s o r can d e m a n d adm itt anc e int-o o n e o f our Lo dg es . Doth, or either one o f these po sse ss io n s, m a y be u n l a w f u l l y k now n or ow n e d b y a ma n or wo m an . It is the du ty o f the Gu a r d i a n to le a r n w h e t h e r this is s o o r not. A legitimate M e m b e r , pro per ly p o s s e s s in g a M e m b e r s h i p Card, m a y present a P a s s W o r d o f some h igh er D e g r e e than that in which he o r she m a y be p r o p e r l y registered. T h e r e f o r e , the m e re p o s s e s sion or k n o w le d g e of a P a s s W o r d is not sufficient e vi d en ce o f a M e m b e r ’s st a n d i n g in the Or der . T h i s point must be de te rm in ed by each Gu ar di an, to his o r her o w n t hor ou gh s a t s f a c t i o n . N a tu r a ll y , the question a r is e s — and perha os will n e v e r be t h or o u g h l y settled— as to w h a t constitutes th o ro u g h s a t is fa ct io n, in some cases. A l l that each Gu a r d i a n can do. and M U S T D O , is to make h i m se lf o r h e rs e lf feel that e v e r y fair test has been applied, w he n there is a n y doubt, and. if still doubtful, leave the m a t te r to the M a s t e r of the L o d g e , w h o will ma ke the final test an d decide. H o w to T e s t an A p p li c a n t . A p p lic a n t s for a d m i s s i o n sh ould be class ed under three h e a d s : R e g u l a r M e m b er s of the L o d g e , where adm iss io n to a n y lecture o r convo ca tio n is s o u g h t ; r eg u la r M e m b e r s fr o m a n o t h e r L o d g e ( w h i c h includes vis itors or t r a n s f e r r e d M e m b e r s ) ; and those w h o a r c no t M e m b e r s o f our O r d e r , but seek a d m i s sion and Initiation. T h e first duty of the Gu a r d i a n is to learn to w h i c h o f the three c la ss e s the A p p li c a n t for adm iss io n belongs. A. R e g u l a r M e m b e r s o f the L o d g e , wh e re a d m i s s i o n is d e m a n d ed, m a y be k n o w n to the Gu a r d i a n as r e g u la r iy I ni t ia t e d M e m b e r s of that L o d g e . T h e G u a r d i a n should k n o w this o n ly in t w o w a y s ; by h a v i n g assis ted him o r h e r in be in g p r o p e r ly Initiated, o r by h a v i n g seen him or her within the L o d g e during a tiled an d closed c o n v o cation or lecture, co n du ct ed in due form. T h e first is considered pos itive k n o w l e d g e of the p e r s o n ’s proper M e m b e r s h i p to the Order. T h e secon d is c o n s i d e r e d sufficient ci rc u m st a nt ia l e vi d en ce o f the p e r s o n ’ s Initiation into the Or der . W'hen a Gu ar di an o f a n y L o d g e can be sure of the A p p li c a n t ’s r ig ht to adm iss io n b y ci ther o f these tw o points, the G u a r d i a n m a y r ig h tf u ll y a s s u m e that the A p p lic an t m a y enter the L o d g e upon g iv in g the p ro pe r P a s s W o r d for the D e g r e e then in session. I f the M e m b e r do es not h a v e the P a s s W o r d , the Gu a r d i a n m a y test the M e m b e r , o r se nd f o r t h e M a s t e r to do so. S u c h a M e m b e r s h ou ld be tested by be in g as ke d m a n y and c a r e fu lly w o r d e d quest ions r e g a r d i n g w h a t transpired d u r i n g the Ini tia tion C e r e m o n y of the D e g r e e s , into which the M e m b e r clai ms Initi ation. I f the M e m b e r has passed th rou gh such C e r e m o n y , he or sh e will be able to c o n v i n c e the Gu ar di an or the M a s t e r , e v e n though
the P a s s W o r d is forgotten. Tf the Gu a r d i a n is co n vin ce d o f (he M e m b e r ' s Initiation, a f t e r strict test, he m a y a dm it the M e m b e r and g iv e him o r her the P a s s W o r d . B. R e g u l a r M e m b e r s , c la i m i n g to co m e from an o th er L o d g e a s v is ito rs o r with a D e m it , de si rin g to affiliate w i t h the L o d g e , must be m or e ca r e fu lly ex a m in e d. If a D e m i t is presented, the S e c r e t a r y of the L o d g e , a s w e l l as the M a s t e r , should be su mm on ed . T h e S e c r e t a r y should e xa mi ne the D e m i t and scrutinize its form, to ma k e sure that it is not a fo r g e r y . ( D e m i t s for o u r L o d g e s arc made and supplied b y the S u p r e m e Gr an d L o d g e . A l l ar c alike, and n o L o d g e sh ould print o r issue a different iorni of Dem it, for this will prev ent a n y other L o d g e from tes ti ng the va lid ity o f such Demit.) T h e S e c r e t a r y should a ls o as k for the M e m b e r ’ s M e m b e r s h i p Card T h e n t h e M a s t e r and the G u a r d i a n s h ou ld test the A pp lic ant . ( T h e M a s t e r m a y deleg ate the D e p u t y M a s t e r to do this in his place, if he desires, but the Gu a r d i a n should be present a: such test a l w a y s ) . F i r s t the A p p lic an t sh ould state in what D e g r e e he last attended lectures in the L o d g e fr o m which he demits. T h e n he sh ould state and g iv e the P a s s W o r d o f the P r e c e d i n g D e g r e e , and the v ar io u s points o f t h a t Initiation. T h e n , these questions b e i n g a n s w e r e d sa tis fa ct or il y, he should explain the v a rio u s points o f the C e r e m o n y of the la s t Initiation he p a s s e d through. T h e Guardian and M a s t e r ca n no t be to o e x a c t in the quest ions ask ed, and the a n s w e r s returned. In o t h e r w o r d s , the M e m b e r should P R O V E his o r her Initiation into the D e g r e e , w h e r e a d m is sion is n o w so ugh t, r e g a r d le s s o f the p o s s e s s io n o f the P a s s W o r d o r M e m b e r s h i p Car d or e ven Demit. A l l such tests should be g iv e n in private, w h e r e the M e m b e r cannot be coa ch ed by a n y other person. L i k e w i s e , the Gu ar di an should be sure, in tes ti ng o r a s k i n g a M e m b e r for the P a s s W o r d at the T e m p l e door, that n o one else h e a r s such P a s s W o r d given. T h e P a s s W o r d should a l w a y s be whis pe red to the G u a r d i a n at the door. V o u c h i n g f o r V i sit or s- A visi ting M e m b e r m a y be v o u c h e d for by an o th er M e m b e r of a L o d g e , if the M e m b e r s o v o u c h i n g can a s sure the Gu ar di an that he or she h a s act ually seen the v is it in g M e m b e r in one of o u r L o d g e s , at s o m e tim e w he n a r e g u la r co n v o c a ti o n or lecture w a s in s e s s io n ; o r if the M e m b e r so v o u c h i n g can a s s u r e the G u a r d i a n that the visi ting M e m b e r has passed e v e r y test a s to the rightful p o s s e s s io n of a P a s s W o r d , and the v o u c h i n g M e m b e r f u r t h e r k n o w s , b y l a w fu l or sa t is fa ct or y evidence, that the v is it o r is a duly and p r o p e r ly Initiated M e m b e r of some D e g r e e o f o u r Or der . In such a case, the Gu a r d i a n can demand the P a s s W o r d in the usual w a y , as k for the M e m b e r s h i p C a r d , and then a dm it the v i s i t o r to the L o d g e . M e m b e r s h i p C a r d s m u s t be sh o w n , upon de m a n d , b y all M e m bers, an d the C a r d must s h o w that all dues o f the L o d g e to w h i c h the m e m b e r b e l o n g s h ave been paid up to w i t h in s i x m o n t h s . N o one
shall be admitted 1 0 any L o d g e (their o w n o r a n o th e r ) , unl es s dues are paid up to within six months. In some L o d g e s or J u r i s d i c t io n s , if dues ar c in a r r e a r s three m o n t h s (m ore o r less), the M e m b e r can not e n j o y the p riv il ege s o f A c t i v e Mem ber sh ip. T h e on ly gu id e for G u a r d i a n s , in the case of v is i t i n g M e m b e r s , is to set s i x m o n t h s a s the limit for a r r e a r s . N a t u r a l l y , M e m b e r s p r e s e n ti n g D e m i t s should h ave a M e m b e r s h i p Car d, s h o w i n g all dues paid up to the time of issuin g a Dem it. N e w dues in the L o d g e , to which transferred, must be g in at the time o f adm iss io n to such L o d g e . R e s p o n s i b i l i t y for A d m i s s i o n to L o d g e s . T h e Gu ar dia n, a s well as the M a s t e r , are re sp on si b le to the O r d e r and the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e , for the a dm is s io n into a n y L o d g e o f a n y one w h o is not a p r o p e r ly Initiated M e m b e r in g oo d standing. T h e r e f o r e , visitors should not be permitted to attend but one session o f a L o d g e , after s h o w i n g M e m b e r s h i p Car d, g iv in g P a s s W o r d and p r o v i n g b y test to be a M e m b e r . T h e r e a f t e r , the S e c r e t a r y o f the L o d g e s h ou ld c o m municate, by letter or tel egr aph , with the S e c r e t a r y o f the v i s i t o r ’s own L o d g e , as to the v is ito r's g oo d standing in the Or der . If a visitor wish es to attend one full De g re e , or take an Initiation in an o th er L o d g e , he should scc urc a D e m i t from his o w n L o d g e for the time of his visit. I f a n y M a s t e r o r Gu a r d i a n wilfully admits a N o n - M e m b e r lo a n y secret L o d g e se ss ion , he shall be E x c o m m u n i c a t e d for a v i o l a tion o f his Ob li g ati on . I f a n y M a s t e r or Gu ar di an, th ro u g h ca r e le s s attention to the rules or details o f E x a m i n a t i o n , ad m its a N o n - M e m be r to a n y se cr et L o d g e se ss io n , he shall be r e m o v e d f r o m office for inefficiency. V ISITO RS. V i s i t o r s to a I-odge m u s t submit to the rules and l a w s o f s:ich L o d g e , and the J u r i s d i c t io n in which it is located. V i s i t s to a L o d g e cannot e xt en d o v e r a period of m o r e than three m on th s, af t er which time a v isitor must be t r a n s f e r r e d to such Lo d ge . D u r i n g the time of visi ting a L o d g e , w h e t h e r in the same city o r an o th er ci ty than that in which the M e m b e r ’s o w n L o d g e is located, a v isitor must p a y his or her r eg u la r dues to the L o d g e to which he or she belongs. B y s h o w i n g a M e m b e r s h i p C a r d to the S e c r e t a r y of a L o d g e , indi c a t i n g that the dues h a v e been paid to one’ s parent L o d g e , one m a y visit a n y L o d g e without p a y i n g dues to such L o d g e . A r r e a r s in dues to a n y parent L o d g e o f m o r e than three m o n t h s (in cl u d in g the p r e s e n t m o n th ) , wi ll p ro h ib it a M e m b e r from v is it in g a L o d g e . V i s i t o r s to a L o d g e a r e to be considered as g u e s t s of the I^odge, mnd, if M a s t e r s o r P a s t M a s t e r s of L o d g e s , are to o c c u p y s c a t s in the E a s t with the M a s t e r o f the L o d g e visited. V i s i t o r s m a y attend o n l y th os e s es sio ns o f such D e g r e e , a s they w e r e in du r in g their r e g u la r attend anc e at the parent L o d g e s . I f a v i s i t is made to a I . o d g c du r in g a n y other D e g r e e s e s s io n , the M a s t e r m a y , if dee med ad v is a bl e , suspend all D e g r e e W o r k for h a lf hour, open the L o d g e in the F i r s t De g re e , and permit the v is it o r to be introduced to his L o d g e .
M e m b e r s m a y be tran sf err ed fr o m one L o d g e to an ot h er, only w he n the M e m b e r intends or e x p e c t s to be a M e m b e r o f the L o d g e to which he is trans fer red , for three m on th s or m o r e . I f a M e m b e r w is h e s to attend a n o t h e r L o d g e for less than three m o n t h s , he o r she must be class ed as a visitor to that L o d g e , an d be s u bj e ct to the hosp ita li ty of such L o d g e . C on ti nu e d v isi ts to a n y L o d g e should be made o n ly w h e n a M e m b e r is in a n o th e r ci ty t?>azi that in which his o w n L o d g e is located. W h e n a M e m b er is tr a n s fe r r ed to a L o d g e , an d p r e s e n ts to that L o d g e a p r o p e r l y signed Demit, the S e c r e t a r y o f such L o d g e should g iv e pr ec cdc nce to such tr a n s fe r r ed M e m b er o v e r all other A p p lic a n t s for adm iss io n to that L o d g e , should there be a w a i t in g list for admissio n. U p o n transfer, the M e m b e r must a s s u m e all the ob li g a ti o n s and du es o f the L o d g e to which he is trans fer red , r e g a r d l e s s o f w h a t they m a y h ave been in a f o r m e r L o d g e . D EM ITS. W h e n a n y M e m b er desires to be transferred fr o m one L o d g e to a n o th e r ( f o r a lon ger period than one w h o l e D e g r e e , or for taking the Initiation of another D e g r e e in an o th er L o d g e ) , such M e m b er shall receive from the S e c r e t a r y o f the L o d g e an official D e m i t T h e s e Demit f o r m s are supplied to all L o d g e s an d their Secr eta rie s, b y the S u p r e m e Gr an d S e c r e t a r y , and are o f Official style. The g r a n t i n g o f a Demit to a n y M e m b e r is con tingent, h o w e v e r , upon lime fo ll ow in g condi tio ns : T h a t the M e m b e r de si rin g the D e m i t w a s a l e g u l a r l y Initiated M e m b e r , and active in s o m e D e g r e e o f the L o d g e at the time tl c Dem it w a s req u e ste d ; that the M e m b e r ’s d u e s were paid in full up to and including the month in which the D e m i t w a s r . q u e s t e d ; that the M e m b e r w a s in good st a n d i n g and p r o v i n g w o r t h y o f continued M e m b e r s h i p in the O r d e r ; that there is no ulter ior motive in the M e m b e r ' s mind, in de si rin g a D e m it , nor hope o f a v o i d i n g any just sentence or conviction at the hands o f the M a s t e r or his Council in the near future, which woul d be frustrated by such D e m i t ; that l! e Demit d o c s not perm it the M e m b e r to r es ig n fr o m the L o d g e to a v oi d ob li g a ti o n s o r p ro m is es , which should be fulfilled. M e m b e r s who, for a n y r e a s o n other than those outlined above, wish to retire from act ive w o r k in the O r d e r, for an indefinite time, m a y have an official D e m i t by p a y i n g all dues to date. M e m b e r s w h o h ave bec ome inactive, through r e a s o n s w h i c h are go od , but not associated with a n y vio lations o r an ti ci pa te d censure, m a y h ave a D e m i t from such L o d g e at a n y time, a f t e r r e t i r i n g from act ive w o r k in the L o d g e , by a p p l y i n g to the present S e c r e t a r y o f the L o d g e , and p a y i n g all dues which were in a r r e a r s up to the time she M e m b e r retired from act ive w o r k in such L o d g e . B u t su ch Demit shall not be issued to a n y long-retired Memb er, b y a n y S e c r e t a r y ,
until he lias fully satisfied h im se lf from all reco rd s, and b y e x a m i n ation of the M e m b e r , that su ch M e m b e r w a s in g o o d s t a n d i n g in the L o d g e a t the time of his retirement. I f n e c e s s a r y , the r ec o r d s o f the G r a n d L o d g e or the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e sh ould be co ns ul ted , and in ail such case s, the S e c r e t a r y should a ls o have the a p p r o v a l of his act f r o m the M a s t e r o f the L o d g e . THE
AN TE-C H A M BER.
T h i s is the r o o m in w h i ch the Initiates are first p rep ar ed for Init iation in se ve r a l D e g r e e s . O n such occ as ions , it shall be guarded b y the Gu ar di an of the T e m p l e , assis ted b y the D e p u t y M a s t e r . In the F i r s t D e g r e e Ini tiation, this ro om is in ch a r ge o f the Co nd uc to r of the L o d g e , and no one m a y ent er it without the p e r m is s i o n o f the C on du ct or , u n le s s so dec ree d by the Master. TH E CHAMBER. T h i s is the S c c r c t R o o m , wherein the first part o f the F i r s t Initiation is conductcd. It is the C h a m b e r o f the C r o s s , the A b i d i n g Pl a c e of L i f e and Death, the T o m b of Silcncc, and the P l a c e of T e r r o r . A l l t h es e n am es h ave been applied to it in the past, and each e x p r e s s e s to the mind o f the Initiate its function in the F i r s t D e g r e e Initiation. T h i s C h a m b e r is g u a r d ed , at F i r s t D e g re e Ini tiations, first by the C o n d u c t o r in the A n t e - C h a m b e r , then by the H e r a ld , an d then by the T o r c h B e a r e r. W h e n not used for Ce r e m o n i e s, it should be r e v e r e n c e d and kept undefiled b y the uninitiated. N o t h i n g should e ver oc cu r in it, to p r o fane it (such as levity, u n b e c o m i n g conduct, o r m a n u a l lab or) . THE
THRESHOLD.
T h i s is the M o s t B e l o v e d place in each L o d g e to the Initiated, f o r it r e p r e s e n t s the D o o r w a y to L i g h t and K n o w l e d g e . It is the E n t r a n c e f r o m the C h a m b e r to the T e m p l e , and, in the F i r s t D e g r e e Initiation, is g u a r d e d b y the Gu ar di an o f the T e m p le , w hi le a n y other e nt ran ce to the T e m p l e is gu ar d ed by the S e c r e t a r y o r D e p u t y Ma st er. T h e T h r e s h o l d sh ould ne v e r be cr ossed after or b e t w e e n c o n v o c a t i o n s o r lectures, wi th ou t due reverence b e i n g s h o w n b y the t re s p a ss e r, st a n d i n g upon the T h r e s h o l d and m a k i n g the S i g n o f the C r o s s , while faci ng the in terior o f the T em p le . I f r e p r e s e n t s the P a s s a g e fr o m D a r k n e s s to L i g h t , an d from finite life to infinite life. TEM PLE. T h e w o r d is der ived f r o m the L a t i n tempus— time. T o us, the true T e m p l e of which w e h o p e to be M as t er s , is the b o d y 0 1 man, finding its co u n te r pa rt in the U n i ve r s e , which is the T e m p l e o f God. T h e ter m T e m p l e is applied to our buildings, d e v o t ed to the w o r s h i p o f G o d and G o d ' s la w s, whe re in are C h a m b e r s for study.
w o r k a m i meditation. B e c a u s e of the sa c r e d n e s s o f such stud y, w o r k an d meditation, o u r T e m p l e s are sacred, and m u s t be so c o n sidered and r ega rd ed, p a s s i v e l y and actively, b y all M e m b e r s . " A s ab o ve , s o be lo w .” T Ji e T e m p l e o i God. being uni ver sal , non-sectarian, c h a r g e d with cos m ic p o w e r s and vibra ti ng fo rces, and designed by the M a s t e r A r c h it e c t to co nt in ue Hi s cr ea tiv e w o r k in love, g o o d ne ss an d justice, so our T e m p l e s should rep re se nt a place, where u ni ver sal minds, r e g a r d le s s o f cre eds or d o g m a s , m a y abide, attuned with su ch v ib r a t o r y forc es within, a s m a k e for love, g o o d n e s s , justice an d peace, that nature m a y continue her cr ea tio n wi th ou t i n t e r ruption o r interference. LODGE. W i t h i n our sacr ed T e m p l e s there a r c m a n y C h a m b e r s , the principal one be in g the L o d g e . T h e L o d g e is the C e n t r a l C h a m b e r of all T e m p l e s , devoted to the g en e ra l c o n v o c a t i o n s and fo rm al W o r s h i p o f G o d and G o d ’s W o r k s . It is, therefore, the " i n n e r " o r " m i d d l e ” C h a m b e r , the S o u l o f the T e m p l e , the first circle within the g r e a t circle— the H o l y S a n c t u m , the " a b i d i n g place o f the P r e s ence o f G o d ” . O u r L o d g e s al s o represent the su rface o f the e a rt h , with four cardinal points o r ho riz on s— E a s t . South, W e s t and N o r t h , with earth, fire an d w a t e r beneath our feet, and air and " N o u s ” o v e r head, bey on d which are the " s t a r s and s k y ” — the im m a t e ri a l world T h e L o d g e is a r r a n g e d s o that it s e r v e s its p u rp o s e and p e r f o r m s its functions s y m b o li c a ll y and practically. I t s a p p oi nt m e nt s ar c such a s ma k e for efficiency in the W o r k to be done, an d r eg u la r it y in the P r a c t i c e s p e rf o r m e d therein. T h e s e a r r a n g e m e n t s and a p p oi nt m e nt s a r e ex p lai ne d hereinafter. T h e F u r n i s h i n g s of a L o d g e of our O r d e r are s t a nd a r d iz e d, and s e rv e the exc elle nt purpose o f pr o v i d i n g the n e c e s s a r y a r ti cl e s and m ea ns for W o r k and W o r s h ip . T h e s e , too. are e x p la i n e d hereinafter EAST. T h e " E a s t ” of the L o d g e , is the first point on the h o r iz o n , and. t h ere for e, the m o s t i m p o r ta n t p oi nt of direction in the L o d g e , to ail R o s a e c r u c i a n s . It w a s in the E a s t , that ma n first s a w the “ S y m b o l o f L i f e " , and k n e w b y what he sa w, that G o d ’ s L a w s we re m e c h a n i c al ly and m a t h e m a ti ca ll y pe rfect. T h e diurnal r is in g o f the Sun, with such infinite ex ac tn e ss, af t er a period o f transition from ebb in g life at the W e s t , to its resur rec tio n a g a in in the Eas t, without even ill um inat ing the di sm al d a r k n e s s o f the North, likewise teac hes man, that life is co n tin uou s and i m m or ta l, r i s i n g again a n d a g a in to do its work, in the E a s t , the S o u t h and the West. In the E a s t is the n e w life begun. F r o m the E a s t c o m e s forth the G l o r y of Go d , “ which is of G o d ” . T h e r e f o r e , in our L o d g e s , the E a s t is the point to which all B r o t h e r s and S i s te r s s e e k that D a w n of Illu mi nat io n and Divine Re su rre ct io n, fr o m the " d i s m a l da rk ne ss
o f the W e s t ” , a s will ma k e t h e m free from the s u p e rst iti on s of da rk ne ss ( i g n o r a n c e ) an d the fe ar s of night (evil). F o r this reas on , the E a s t is a l w a y s respected an d saluted, a s the " p l a c e o f Di vin e Il lu m in at io n and R e s u r r e c t i o n ” . It must be so r e g a r d e d a t all times, an d m u s t ne v e r be occ upie d b y the profane (un-illuminated, uninitiated) o r the unw orthy .
Diagram to llluftrate H ow the SUN, Risins in the Eaift and Pawing to the South and Weil, Illuminates the Three Points of the Lodge, end, by Passing from West to East, Under the Enrth, Leave# the North in Darkness. SOUTH. T h e So u th , in our L o d g e s , is that point, w h e r e the S u n (source o f illumination) sh in r s in the g re a te st g l o r y and s tre ng th , and finds the cu lm in ati on o f its a s c e n d e n c y into the realm of heave n (spir itu al i ty ). T h e r e f o r e , this point is w h e r e the D i v i n e M i n d finds fullest (s piritual) e xp re s s io n, and is occupied in all 1 -o d g c s b y the Chaplain, the spiritual re p r e s e nt a tiv e o f G o d in H i s T em pl e . F r o m the S o u t h shall c o m e w o r d s o f p r a y e r and h o l y bless in gs , in all m a t t e r s o f o u r W o r k and S e rv ic e to G o d an d Man. W EST. In the W e s t , the S u n o f life s l o w l y r e s i g n s itself to the close of its j o u r n e y , and, in r a d i a n t splendor, g o e s to rest in the “ a r m s of the M o t h e r ” (peacc and quiet). T h e W e s t , in our L o d g e s , is that point w h e r e the B r o t h e r s and S i s t e r s se e k pcace, re s t and at tu nc me nt with the cos mic , through silent p r a y e r and meditation. It is where the M a t r e ( m o t h e r ) o f the L o d g e a w a i t s the c o m i n g o f her children, and w e l c o m e s th em ever to " r e s t a w h il e and t a r r y in C o m m u n i o n with G o d ” . NORTH. T h e place o f " d i s m a l d a r k n e s s " , where the S u n s h e d s not its g l o r i o u s light. I t is the a b y s s o f evil, the v a ll e y o f death ( s ta g n a t i o n ) , t h e r ea l m of d a r k n e s s ( i g n o r a n c e ) , the h o u r s o f night (evil). It is “ the place from w h e n ce com eth naught but desire to corne 14
hither” , hence i( is the p h c c o r point in the L o d g e , w h e r e the S e e k e r for L i g h t (applicant) dw cll et h , an d the N e o p h y t e ( n e w In itiate ), ente rs the L o d g e in s e a rc h o f m o r e light. TH E ALTAR. In the E a s t o f the L o d g e , is situated the A l t a r o f .the M a s t e r , who re pr e s e nt s the G r e a t e r L i g h t , and is, in fact, the L e s s e r L i g h t , in all L o d g e co n voc ati on s, e xce pt w h e n “ the V e s t a l L i g h t m a y m or e s y m b o l i c a l l y represent the r i s i n g o f the G r e a t e r L i g h t in its g l o r y ’'. S a c r e d and H o l y , sh all the A l t a r be, that fr o m its b o s o m m a y conic Int ellectual and S pi ri tu a l Illum in at io n, equal to the p h y s i c a l illumination give n by the Sun. SH EK IN A H . I n the ce nt r e of the L o d g e , w h e r e lines f r o m the fo u r poi nt s o f the hor izon woul d meet, is the H e a r t of the S o u l o f the T e m p l e . T h i s poin-t— the fifth point of the L o d g e — is occupied b y the S a c r e d T r i a n g l e , called the Sh e ki n a h ( p ro n ou nc e d sh e - k y - n a h , with accent on the middle sy ll ab le ) . T h e S h e k in a h is the S y m b o l i c a l Plac e, r e p r e s e n t in g " t h e P r e s e n c e o f G o d in o u r M i d s t ” . It is "th e point within the inner circle” . the T e m p l e ; the inner circle is the L o d g e ) .
( T h e outer circle ia
T h u s , it is “ the t r i a n g l e within the t w o ci rc le s” , illustrated a s sh ow n herewith.
It indicates, therefore, that G o d is in all p la c e s ( L o d g e s — m e e ti n g places), in ail t im e s ( T e m p l e — time), th erefore, H e is om n ip r e s e n t , and, c o n se qu e nt ly , omnipotent. T h e S h e k in a h is illuminated at all co n voc ati on s, to s y m b o l i z e the “ fire and f e rv or , flame an d li gh t ” of the Di vin e P r e s e n ce . T h r e e c a n d le s ar c u se d upon the Sh ekinah, to r em ind us o f the law, that with n o less than three “ p oi nt s" can p c r f c c t m a n i f e s t a t i o n exist. T h e Sh e k in a h is placcd with its third point ( h a v i n g the s h o r te s t can dle ) to wa rd the W e s t , s o that the “ P r e s e n ce o f G o d ” m a y m a n i
fest in the W e s t , wh e re d w e l l s the Ch il dr en of L i g h t in peace, love an d meditation. T h e other tw o poi nt s of the Sh cki nah are t o w a r d the E a s t , from w h e n ce co m et h " L i f e , L i g h t and L o v e ” . T h e S h ck in a h re c e iv e s its p o w e r through the S a cr cd . M yst ic al V ib r at io n s, g e n e r a t e d in the E a s t of the L o d g e , and radiate through the A tta r , to wa rd the S h c k i n a h , which is the focal point for such V ib r at io n s. T h u s , the “ P r e s e n ce of G o d " is carried in V i b r a t i o n s from the E a s t to the “ H e a r t o f the S o u l of the T e m p l e ” . T H E SANCTUM . In each L o d g e there is a place, a condition, called the Sanctum. It is located b e t w e e n t h e S h c k i n a h and the Altar. T h e H o l y Place occ upi es all the s p acc b e t w e e n the E a s t e r n edge o f the S h ck in a h and the W e s t e r n line of the A l t a r , bu t docs not reach to both sides o f the L o d g e . T h e Sou th er n and N o r t h e r n boundaries o f this space, are de te rm in ed b y le a v i n g on each side of the L o d g e sufficient w a l k i n g space — about two and on e- h al f to three feet— for r e a c h in g either the Morthern o r So u t he r n sides o f the Alt ar. T h e r e m a i n d e r o f the space bet we en the A l t a r an d Sh e k in a h fo rm s the H o l y S a nc tu m . In the S a n c tu m , at its E a s t e r l y end. in fr on t o f the A lt a r, is the V e s t a l Stand, and the " s t a t i o n ' ’ o f Colr.mbc. T h e S a n c t u m is kept holy , and r ese rve d e x c l u s i v e l y for certain points o r par ts of sa cr cd C e r e m o n i e s or C o n vo c a ti on s, held in the L o d g e , and must not be used for other purposes. It is also the place wh e re N e o p h y t e s and M e m b e r s stand, for the taking o f sa cr cd O a t h s and O blig ations, 2 nd w h e r e B r o t h e r s and S i s t e r s are K n i g h t e d or Tilled. T r e s p a s s i n g bet we en the A l t a r and the S h c k i n a h , o r in other w or d s, “ c r o s s i n g the S a n c t u m ” , is not o n l y forbidden to all, but the M ast er o r C o l o m b e . but is a " s e r i o u s and g ri e v o u s e rr o r , b r i n g i n g the w r a t h of G o d upon the L o d g e , an d m or e e sp ec ia l ly upon the tres p a s se r. ” T h e foundation for such a solemn wa rn in g, is in the st ate me nt p r e v i o u sl y made (s ee S h e k i n a h ) , wherein it is explained, that from the A l t a r c o m e s forth “ L i f e , L i g h t and L o v e ” , a n d the Sh e k in a h re c e iv e s its p ow e r (the P r e s e n c e o f G o d ) fr o m the V i b r a t i o n s p a s s in g th ro u g h the A l t a r to the Sh ek in ah . T h i s would m a k e the S a n c t u m a place a l w a y s c h a r g c d with s a c r c d Vi br at ion s, an d tr e s p a s s in g be twe en the A l t a r and the S h c k i n a h would interrupt the flow o f such V i b r a t io n s , and disturb the H a r m o n y established there. T h e M a s t e r has the a u th o r i ty , in fact co m m a n d , to rep rimand one w h o will defile the S a n c tu m , by tre sp as sin g it fr o m N o r t h to So u th o r S ou th to N o r t h . W h e n the S a n c t u m is ent ere d tor a n y legitimate pu rpo se , he w h o ente rs it, m a y p a s s o n l y to the ce nt r e o f it, and m u st leave it fr o m the s a m e point by w h i ch he ent ere d it. L i k e w i se , must each w h o entered it, imme dia tely fa ce t h e E a s t , fr o m the centre o f it, and m a k e the " S i g n of the C r o s s ” , b e f o r e d o i n g that 1
act o r p e r f o r m i n g that function w h i ch necessitated e nt ran ce into the Sanc tum. In le a v in g the S a nc tu m , he w h o entered it, m u st not o n ly leave b y the s a m e point of ent ran ce, but the exit m u st be m ad e by s t e p p i n g b a c k w a r d , and a l w a y s faci ng the East. THE
M ASTER.
“ F o r he who is g re a te st a m o n g you, shall be the g r e a t e s t S e r v a n t unto all." T h e M as ter of e v e r y L o d g e , is the M a s t e r - S e r v a n t . T h a t title and position has been b e s t ow e d upon one beca use o f ability, char act er, w or t h in e ss and wi lli ng ne ss to serve. T h e M a s t e r of cach L o d g e is, by virtue o f the C on sti tu ti on , the autoc ra tic exec uti ve o f that L o d g e , limited in his a c t s o n ly by the Con sti tut io n and the D e c r e e s of the I m p c r a t o r , the S u p r e m e Gr an d Master, o r the A m e r ic a n S u p r e m e Council. S y m b o l i c a l l y , he is the G r e a te s t L i g h t of each T e m p l e and each Lodge. H e is the I m p e r a t o r ' s rep resentative in e a ch T e m p l e , and the S u p r e m e Gr an d M a s t e r ’s rep re se nta tiv e in cach L o d g e . Hi s place is in the E a s t , fr o m w h e n ce all K n o w l e d g e comes. H e st ands in the E a s t at all c o n v o c a ti o n s and lectures, to act a s a med ium— the M a s t e r M e s s e n g e r — for the Ra d ia t i o n o f L i g h t and the Di ssemination o f K n o w l e d g e . T h e S u p r e m e G r a n d M a s t e r shall be ad d re ss e d a s : T h e M o s t W o r s h i p f u l S u p r e m e G r a n d M a s t e r . Dur ing all c on vo c at i on s he shall be salut ed a s hereinafter ex plained (sec S a lu t a t i o n s ) , an d in all w a y s sh ow n that respcct, consideration and hono r due his noble, unselfish and autoc ra tic position. In G r a n d L o d g e s , the M as ter is officially k n o w n as the G r a n d Master. In all L o d g e c on vo c a ti on s, he is to be a d d r e s s e d a s : T h e W o r s h i p f u l G r a n d M a s t e r , and shall be saluted an d respe ct ed like unto other Mas ter s, so far as fo r m and c e r e m o n y a r e concerned. In Su bo rd in at e L o d g e s , o f all G r a n d j u r i s d i c t i o n s , the Master shall be add ressed a s : T h e W o r t h y M a s t e r . H e sha ll be salut ed and rcspcctcd like unto a Gr an d M as ter , so fa r a s form and c e r e m o n y are co nc er ned , a lt h o u g h a m e n a b le to the G r a n d M a s t e r of his Jur isdic tion and its G r a n d Council TH E MATRE. T h e M ot h er o f each L o d g e holds therein a position akin to that of the M a s t e r H e r station is in the W e s t , wh e re the S u n ret ire s in g lo r y , and life cl o sc s its material activities and finds sw e e t repose. Sh e is M o t h e r in a material and spiritual sense to the children o f cach L o d g e (the B r o t h e r s and S i s t e r s ) , and to her sh ould be c o n fided those intimate pe rso na l p r o b le m s of life which none but a mother r a n understand T h e n she. in turn, m a y s e cr e tl y an d in strict con fi dence seek the help of the M as ter o f her L o d g e o r such B r o t h e r s or
DIAGRAM OF R v C v TEMPLE AND LODGE
EXPLANATION OF THE DIAGRAM T h e diagram represents a typical Rosaecrucian T e m ple w ith its stations and appointm ents. W h en Lodges plan their own T em ples th is diagram should b e as closely adhered to as possible. The figures on the diagram have the following indi cations : 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10
The and The The The The T he The T he
M aster’s chair on the triangular dias in the E ast. 3. Scats for V isitin g Masters. Vestal Chair. Vestal Stand. D eputy M aster’s Chair. S ecretary’s Chair at a desk. T re asu rer's Chair at a desk. Precentor’s Chair. O rg a n ist’s Chair.
(N o te : If the O rgan is placed on the oppo site side of the Lodge, then the chairs numbered 6, 9 an d 10 should be changed likewise.) 11. T he Conductor’s Chair. 12. T h e Chaplain’s Station and Chair. 13. T he H erald’s Chair. 14. T he Shekinah w ith Candles. 15. T h e P rayer Stool. 16. T h e M edalist's Chair. 17. T h e H igh P riestess’ Station and Chair. 18. T h e T o rch B earer’s Chair. 19. T h e Threshold. 20. T he G uardian’s Chair at T em ple entrance. 21. The M atre’s Station and Chair. 22. T h e Rosey Cross in th e Chamber. 23. and 24. Scats for V isiting Officers. For a description of th e other parts of the T em ple and Lodge read th e definition of various te rm s in the M anual herewith.
S i s t e r s as can render (ofte n without k n o w in g the b e n e fa c to r ) the material or spiritual help ne ce s s a r y. H o w often there are sm al l pro blem s, delicate p r o b l e m s and inti mat e alTairs which burden our heart s an d tax our g re a t e s t e n d ea v or s to o v e r c o m e . A n d — h o w m a n y of these often roll a w a y into insign fic a n c e or b e c o m e nil, when once we confide th em to M o t h e r ! Mot her w h o u nd ers ta nd s, mo th er w h o s y m p a t h i s e s , m o t h e r w h o k n o w s and tru st s and lov es and sacrificcs that we m a y be happy. L e t us e ver keep the name, tlic spirit, the h o ly G o d - p u r p o s e of M o t h e r s a cr e d and s w e e t ; and never n n y we be to o pr oud to kneel be fo re the w a r m heart an d kind smile of our Ma tre , and find iti her an d with her the sw e e t repose and Peac e P r o f o u n d a t a n y time, which w c hope to find at the end o f life, when the Sun s e t s in the W e s t and illumines the place of M ot h er in our L o d g e s . THE
VESTAL
FIR E.
T h i s S y m b o li c a l fu rn is h i n g of all L o d g e s o f our O r d e r, occupies a placc di re ct ly ir. front of the A l t a r in the E a s t . T h e st and, on which the V e s t a l' s L’ rn is placed, should be at least tw o fect from the edg e o f the Alt ar, to perm it room tor the V e s t a l ( C o l o m b e ) to stand b e t w e e n it and the Altar. In the d a y s of old, e v e r y L o d g e w a s furnished with a Ves ta l A lt a r, on which a H o l y F i r e burned con tin uo us ly d a y an d night, and w a s atte nded b y a care-taker, or by a blue light, b u r n i n g d u r i n g all c on vo c at i on s in L o d g e s , used o n ly o c c as io n al ly by the Order. T h e " L i g h t " thus used, is either a candle or la m p with a blue globe, se tti ng within or on top of the urn, or on the V e s t a l Stand, when the U r n is not used. In our L o d g e s of to-day, the V e st a l A lt a r m a y be replaced by a St an d o i s o m e kind, appro pri ate in design, and su rm o u n t e d by a metal U r n , in which Incen se is burned to represent the ancient ‘‘ V e s t a l F i r e ” , and w h e r e in the " L e s s e r L i g h t ” is de m o n s t ra t e d at I nitiations. T h e soft "blue light” o f med ieva l times, m a y be used a ls o, by bur nin g in the L o d g e a candle with a blue gl ob e on the V e s t a l St and W h e r e L o d g e s of our O r d e r are used e x cl u s i ve ly b y us, an d a r r a n g e m e n t s ca n be made, such “ blue light” should burn da y an d night co n ti n u o u sl y , by tr a n s fe r r in g the flame fr o m candle to candle e v e r y 24 hours. THE
VESTAL
COLOMBE.
T h e V e s t a l o f each L o d g e is the ritualistic C ol om be . Aside from her ritualistic w or k , she should see that the " b l u e li g h t " or incense fire, o r both, 0 1 1 ihc Ve st al S t a n d are lighted for each c o n vocation. S h e s h ou ld h ave a p e rm a ne nt scat, a t the right side o f the Vestal Stand, and this must ne v e r be occupied b y a n y o t h e r Officer or M e m b e r o f the Order. A v is it in g V e s t a l should be s e a te d at the left side o f the V e s t a l Stand.
T h e C o t o m b e o f each L o d g e , re p r e s e nt s “ Lif e, L i g h t and L o v e ” , al so the C o n sc i c n c e of each B r o t h e r and S is ter o f the L o d g e . In all c on vo c a ti on s, c e r e m o n i e s , lectures, Coun ci l h e a ri n g s o r dis cussions, sh e should h ave pr ec edence o v e r all others, e x c e p t in g the M a s t e r , in vo ic in g a n y s en tim en t or directing a n y act of C e r e m o n y or Kite. " W h e n C o l o m b e s p e a k s , all shall be silent I" s a y s a n old f a w o f the T e m p l e ; for from the Mouth of a Child c o m e s W i s d o m , an d from the B o s o m o f C o n s c i e n c e c o m e s T r u t h . C o l o m b e s m u s t be le s s than 1 8 y e a r s of age, w h e n a p p oi n t ed to iheir office, an d not y o u n g e r than 1 3 y e a r s of age. E a c h m u st serve until 21 y e a r s of age, d u r i n g w h i c h time they must r e ' a i n their virtue (r e m a i n i n g unma rrie d). T h e y are retired with hono r on their 2 1s t bir thday, w h e n a s u c c e s s o r is installed w i t h fitting C e r e m o n y . C o l o m b e s are, in fact, " B r i d e s o i the O r d e r " d u r i n g their term of office. TO T H E V E ST A L COLOM BE. B y C h a r l e s H i n e Hu bb ar d. Beau tifu l Ch ar a ct e r, T r u e H e r a l d of the C y c le 's N e w P r o g r e s s i o n ~ T h e N e w . Pure W o m a n h o o d of a N e w e r , P u r e r R a c e — be fo re T h y H e a r t ’s Most H o l y S h r in e in sol cm n- to ne d Co n fe ss i o n M y th o u g h t s , t r u c - h o m a g c d all attend, T h y P u r e n e s s to a d o re ! Sweet
V e s t a l, the w o r l d l y m a s t e r s scoffed at T h e e , T h y g a r m e n t s sought to mar . J e e r e d at T h e e , and la ug hed at T h e e ; but with f o r g i v i n g swee tne ss. F n s c o n s c d with R o s e and C r o s s . T h o u sought th a t e v e r P e r f e c t Land, W h e r e i n T h y G o d aw ai t ed T h e e with the C r o w n of H i s C o m p l e t e ness!
A nd now. S w e e t Dove of P u r e st W o m a n h o o d , the T e m p l e B e l l s soft ringi ng T h e i r m e ll o w tones of H o l y G la d n e ss , pause, wh ilst there surround Thee F r i e n d s w h o s e faces all fami li ar are, T h y entrance g la d ly singing, F o r T h o u art, T h y s e l f , the C y c l e ’s E v o l u t i o n — its o w n E t e r n i t y ! THE
SIG N
OF THE
CROSS.
Re f e re n ce has been m a d e m a n y times in the p r ec ed in g j>ages to the S i g n o f the Cr oss. A n exp lan at io n o f this ter m an d S i g n is necessary. Bri efl y written, in ancient m a n u sc rip ts and in Official pap ers , the ter m is e x p r e s s e d or indicated b y “ S . C.” A g a i n , the ter m and si gn is e x p re s s e d b y a c r o s s (-}-), w h i l e often the w o r d s , “ S i g n o f the 4-” , ar c used. T h e S i g n itself is m a d e a s f o l l o w s : S t a r t i n g wit h the le ft hand at the side o f the b o dy , h a n g i n g in a natural position, the r ig ht hand is b r o u g h t up to a place on a level with the chin, but about s i x to ten inche s in front of the b o dy . T h e fingers o f the r i g h t h an d are
closed, e xce pt the thumb and firai and s e co n d fingers, which are ex te n de d an d b r o u g h t toget her at the finger tips, the fingers pointing ou t w a r d from the body. T h e n the right hand, with fingers held a s desc ribed, starts 1 0 m a k e the Si g n , b y m o v i n g the hand d o w n w ar d , in a p e r f e c t l y perpendi cu 'a r line, until the hand is about opposite the navel. T h e n the hand is b r o u g h t u p w a rd in a cu r ve d line, to a place a bo ut oppos ite the le ft b r e a s t ; then st ra ig h t acro ss , in a h o r iz on ta l line at r i g h t a n g le s to the pe rpend icular line, to a placc o pp os it e the r ig ht b r e a s t ; then, on a cur vc d line, like an arc, to the level w i t h the throat, wh e re the S i g n be ga n, and d o w n w a r d in a n o t h e r pe rp end ic ula r line to the na v e l again. T h e n dr o p the r ig ht hand to the side. T h e s e perpendicular and hor izo nt al lines c r o s s each other o p posite the hea rt, at which place on the C r o s s the R o s e is placed. A t no time sh ould the hand and fingers c o m e ne a r e r the b o d y than six inches. T h e S i g n is not m a d e on o n e ’s b o d y , but f r o m it, and a w a y fr o m the person, m a k i n g the Sign . It should be m a d e s l o w l y and with di gn ity and s i n ce r e reve ren ce . It repre se nt s the O b li g a ti o n and O ath , taken b y all Ini tia te s at the time o f the F i r s t D e g r e e Initiation, and at o t h e r times in Ce r e m on ie s and convocations. It is used b y M a s t e r s , O fficers and M e m b e r s , w he n t ak in g or indicating a sol e m n O bl ig a tio n to the O r d e r o r its M e m b e r s . It should never be supplanted by a n y other fo r m o f p le dg e . E v e n in co ur ts o f la w , and els ewh ere , w he n one is called upon to pled ge to an oath o r statement, by pl aci ng the ha nd s upon the H o l y Bible, or by ra is i n g the hand, the S i g n o f the C r o s s should be used in p r e f e r ence. In A m e r ic a , one is priv il ege d to use w h a t e v e r fo r m , for t a k in g an oath, that is the most sacr ed to the m a k e r o f the o a t h ; this p e r mits all R o s a e c r u c i a n s to v o w their alleg ian ce to an o b lig a ti on or s w e a r to a n y statement, in court o r out c f it, by m a k i n g the S i g n of the C r os s, in p ref er enc e to a n y other fo r m . And , this preference should a l w a y s be s h ow n , ex pl ai ni ng , if called upon to d o so, that to y o u "th e S i g n thus made is the m os t sacred and bi n d i n g o f a n y " . F O R IT C A L L S U PO N T H E M A K E R T O T E L L T H E T R U T H , R E G A R D L E SS O F A L L COSTS AND A L L CO N SEQ U EN CES, mindful o f the T e r r o r of the T h r e s h o l d and w a r n i n g of y o u r C o n science. SA LU TA T IO N S. T h e f o l l o w i n g S a lu t a ti on s shall be used by all M e m b e r s , under the c i r cu m s t a n ce s indi cat ed: E n t e r i n g the L o d g e . W h e n e v e r a co n vo c a tio n is be in g held in a L o d g e , o r a lecture is to begin, an d the L o d g e is open to M e m b e r s , all M e m b e r s must a p pro ach the doo r of the L o d g e , and, in a whisper, g iv e the r e g u l a r P a s s W o r d for such D e g r e e , a s m a y be w o r k i n g in the L o d g e , to the G u a r d i a n a t the door. I f de m and ed , the M e m b e r must submit to an E x a m i n a t i o n (s ee E x a m i n a t i o n h e re i n a f t e r) . U n
less the T a s s W c r d can lie Riven, adm iss io n to the L o d g e will be denied b y the Guardian. A f t e r entering t h t L o d g e , the M e m b e r m u st ma ke a S alu ta tio n to the Fas t. T h i s is done b y the M e m b e r w a l k i n g quietly to the W e s t o f the Sh ekinah, fa c i n g the Iiast, and, w i t h the tip of the left forefinger, ma k e that S i g n which w a s made in the F i r s t D e g r e e Initi ation, w h e n all Ini tia te s faccd thusly. and to ok the S o l e m n Obli ga tion of Se rv ic e . T h e pu rp os e o f such Sa lutation, w h e n first e n t e r i n g a L o d g e , is to indicate that the M e m b e r r en e w s , o r signifies his r e m e m brance cf , the O b li g a ti o n taken in the F i r s t D e g r e e Initiation. A f t e r Such S a l u t a t o r y Sign , the M e m b e r m a y take the seat. T h i s is the g en e ra l S i g n o f S a lu t a ti o n in a l l Jur is di ct ion s. S a lu t in g the M a s t e r . If, d u r i n g a n y co n vo c a tio n or lecture, a M e m b e r desires to a d d r e s s the M as ter , or a s k a question, the M e m ber shall a w a i t the first o p p o r tu n it y to interrupt the M a s t e r , and then shall rise in fr on t o f his o r her seat and face the E a s t , then, •rhen the M as ter o b s e r v e s this, ma k e the S i g n of the C r os s . T h e M ast er will then s a y : " H o w m a y I s e rv e m y B r o t h e r ? " (or sister). T h e n the M e m b er shall s a y : " M o s t W o r s h i p f u l G r a n d M a s t e r ” , or " W o r s h ' p f u l Gr an d M a s t e r ” , or " W o r t h y M a s t e r ” , and o r o cc c d to ask the question, make a plea, as k for p e r m is s i o n to le a v e the L o d g e , etc. W h i l e thus spe a k in g, the M e m b e r must face the E a s t , an d s p e a k with dig nit y. W h e n finished spe a k in g, the M e m b er m u s t take his o r her se at quietly, or do that th in g w h i ch w a s desired, wi th ou t inter rup ting the co n vo c at io n or lecture. T H E O BLIG A T IO N O F SE R V IC E. All Initiates in the F i r s t D e g r e e Initiation are called upon to stand in the H o l y S a n c t u m of the L o d g e , and, f a c i n g the E a s t , ma ke a certain Sign , and at the s a m e time repeat a f t e r the M a s t e r the f o l l o w i n g sacr ed Ob li g ati on , which is v o lu n t a r i ly taken, and is fo rev er bi nd in g upon all M e m b e r s : “ B e f o r e the S i g n of the C r os s , and in the na m e o f our Go d . I pro mi se to f o r e v e r do m y u tm os t to resto re to the w o r l d the L i g h t which is g o n e anil the S e c r e t s which arc best for M a n to k n o w .” T h i s O bl ig a tio n o f S c r v i c e m a k e s it imperative for the M e m b e r s to st udy a n d ' p r a c t i s e . to test and try the 'secret L a w s , taught in our Or der , and T O A P P L Y T H E M A T E V E R Y O P P O R T U N E T I M E , so that the L I G H T which is g o n e m a y be restored, and dar kness ( ig n o r a n c e an d evil) dispelled. LODGE
DECORUM.
It sh ould not be n e c e s s a r y to sp e a k on this s u bj e ct to a Ro s a e c r u ci an ; f o r all appre cia te the S a n c t i t y and g o o d n e s s of the T e m p le and the L o d g e . O nc c within the L o d g e R o o m , the M e m b e r s must refrain from loud c o n v e r s a ti o n or u n n e c e s sa r y w a l k i n g about. B e a r in m in d , that so m e within the L o d g e m a y be in deep meditation, r e q u i ri n g silence; ot hers m a y be co n du ct in g silent and sacr ed c o n v o c a ti o n s . E n t r a n c e into the L o d g e should not disturb these silent work er s.
W h e n e v e r a M e m b e r must le av e the L o d g e be fo re (he c lo s e of a lecture or co n vo ca tio n , the M e m b e r m u s t secu re p e r m is s i o n fr o m the Ma st er, b y saluting hi m anil a s k i n g lor t h * p r iv il e g e , a s ex p lai ne d in the p r ec ed in g p a r a g r a p h . T h e n h a v i n g se cured p e rm is s io n, he m u st aga in salute the M a s t e r in the E a s t in the m a n n e r de sc rib e d in the p a r a g r a p h r e g a r d i n g S a i u t i n g the M a s t e r , after w h i ch the M e m b e r shall pro cee d qu ick ly and q u .ct ly to leave the T e m p l e . A t the close o f all c o n v o c a t i o n s or lectures, a f t e r the M as ter has p r o p e r ly clos ed the W o r k and bid the M e m b e r s depa rt, they shall remain st a n d i n g be fo re their sea ts, facing the E a s t , until the M as ter has stepped from the A l t a r in the E a s t , and s l o w l y pr oc e e de d down the L o d g e and out o f the doo r, into the A n t e - C h a m b e r . T h e n the M e m b e r s m a y qu ie tl y m o v e t o w a r d the door, o r hold their informal m e e t i n g until the L o d g e is finally closed b y the Gu ar dia n, b y a n no unc ing that all must leave, and the L o d g e r o o m be elosed for the day. LECTURES. T h e principal tea c h in gs o f o u r O r d e r are g iv e n to the M e m b e r s in the T e m p l e L e c t u r e s at the r e g u la r c o n v o c a ti o n s o f each De g re e . In fact, each de g r ee o f o u r O r d e r con sists o f an Init iation and from seven to twelve o r m o r e lectures. In the H i g h e r D e g r e e s , the lec tures f o r each D e g r e e increase in number. T h e s e lectures arc g i v e n b y the M a s t e r to the M e m b e r s , b y r ea d in g an d i llu str a tin g ti e definite le sson for the day . T h e s e le ct ure s are prepared by the I m p e r a t o r ’s .Staff a t the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e , and sent in t yp e w r it t en form, se aled and protected, to the M a s t e r s o f a'.l L o d g e s o f our N o r t h A m e r i c a n Jurisdiction. AH L o d g e s r ec ci ve identically the sa me lcctures. In the West Indies, the le ss on s are tran sla ted ( a f te r b e i n g rec e iv e d) into Spanish an d so given. In N e w Y o r k , in an Italian and a F r e n c h L o d g e , the lessons are translated by the M a s t e r s into Italian and F r e n c h , and so given. N o t h i n g is added to the W o r k or T e a c h i n g s b y the M - s t r r s . as pe rso na l opinions, unless so stated to the M e m b e r s at the time T h e teac hin gs given to the M e m b e r s at the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e , are like wise the s a m e a s those g iv e n to o t h e r Lo d g e s . T h e I m p e r a t o r instructs on ly o n e D e g r e e at the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e — the hi ghest De g re e . T h e o t h e r three or fo u r d e g r e e s m ee tin g there we e kl y, on different nights, receive instruction fr o m B r o t h e r s wi»Q have been selected for such w o r k and w h o a rc M e m b e r s o f a special class in O r a t o r y and Re a d in g, p r e p a r i n g th em se lv e s, under v e r y c o m petent i n s t ru c t o r s to b e c o m e exc elle nt s p e a k e r s and r ea d e rs for N ati on al W o r k in our Or der . T h e teac hin gs are modified o r added to, fr o m time to time, a c c o rd in g to n e w findings he re o r abroad. Su ch c h a n g e s or a d d i t :on s will be sent to each L o d g e , to be g iv e n to the M e m b e r s , or. p e rha ps / announced in C R O M A A T
T h e r e is no pa rticular a d v a n t a g e of a tt e n d i n g the le ct ure s in the S u p r e m e or a n y G r a n d L o d g e , unl es s it he due to the fact that in so m e L o d g e s th ere are those w h o do s o m e R e s e a r c h W o r k bet we en Icctures an d ar c p r e p a r e d at each lecture to a s k intelligent quest ions o r ent er into the d i s cu s s io n o f ti e lecture. T h e r e f o r e , i f b e h o o v e s e v e r y M e m b e r to e n c o u r a g e the a s k in g of quest ions and the d is cu s sion o f points contai ned in the lectures. W h e n quest ions a rc a s k e d o f the M a s t e r w h i ch he ca n no t a n s w e r from o u r point o f view , he will f r a n k l y state so, and m a y then write to the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e f o r the a n s w e r , or the M e m b e r s m ay nsk that the question be a n s w e r e d in the page s o f C R O M A A T , for the benefit o f many. W h e n quest ions are as ke d which the M a s t e r bel ie ve s calls for a n s w e r s p e r t a i n i n g to W o r k co v e re d in higher D e g r e e s , the M a s t e r sha ll p r o p e r l y re fr a in fr o m a n s w e r i n g the question and de fe r it to a later De g re e . R O S A E CRU C IS. T h i s is the L a t i n fo r m of the name, and is g e n e r a l l y u se d in all cou ntr ies be ca usc it le nd s itself v e r y r e a d i ly to use in all la n g u a g e s and ai the s a m e time is a c o m p le te explanation o f the true m e an in g T h e w o r d s , translated into E n g l i s h , m e a n : “ O f ti e R o s e y C r o s s ” T h e r e f o r e , the w o r d s “ o f the” should never pr ece de the w ^ r d s “ l i o s a e C r u c i s " . T h e n a m e o f our O r d e r is Anc ien t and M y s t i c a l O r d e r R o s a e Crucis. O r d e r R o s a e Cr u ci s is a s h o r t e r w a y of writim? the name, and it m e a n s : O r d e r c f the R c s e v C r os s . T h e official ab b r ev i a ti o n o f the n am e, h o w e v e r , is. a s given in the A m e r i c a n C o n st it ut io n— A . M. O. R. C. T h e w or d s . R o s a e Crucis. a r e never translated w he n u se d in or he r la n gu a g es . F o r i n s t a n c e : our C r a n d L o d g e in W e s t I n d i i , conducted in the S p a n i s h tongue, tra ns lat es the na m e A n c ie n t and M y s t i c a l O r d e r R o s a e C r u c i s a s f o l ' o w s : A n t i g u a y M stl ca O rd en R o s a e Crucis. ROSEY
CROSS.
T h i s ter m is not used officially by our Order, e xce pt a s an e x planati on o f the term R o s a e C r u c ’s. T h e reason f o r this is two-fold . R y u s in g .R o s a e C r u c i s instead, w e adhere to the for eign custom. And, we li k e w is e keep f r o m ide nt ifyin g o u r s e l v e s with a n y o f the co m m e rc ia l p r o p o s i f o n s in A m e r i c a , using the ter m R o s e y C r o s s as titles f o r writ ten-to-sell b o o k s which have nothi ng to do w i t h our w or k, o r as the na m e f o r coloni za tio n sch emes, class es , etc. T h e term, T e m p l e o f the R o s e y Cr oss, is used, or w a s used, b y an inner o r br a nc h or ga n iz a ti on o f the T h e o s o p h i c a l S o c i e t y , created b y M r s . M a r i e R u s s a k . M r s . R u s s a k did not intend to imitate a n y fo r ei g n bro th e rh oo d , nor did she claim her T e m p l e to be a branch of the old and ancient fr a 'e r n i t y . S h e selected this n am e, be c a us e it typified the acm e o f occult an d secret kn ow le dg e . In 1 9 1 7 , j u s ! b e fo r e she retired a s E d i t o r o f the magazine. “ C h a n n e l " , s h e p u b
lished in its p a g e s the c om p le te h i s t o r y of o u r O r d e r ( ta k e n fr o m our o w n m ag az in e , the A m e r i c a n R o s a e C r u c i s ) , and stated that she w a s pleased to find the real O r d e r R o s a e Crucis be in g estab lishe d in A m e r i c a , for she k n e w fr o m her tra ve ls a b r o a d that the real O rd er w a s here an d she woul d do all she could to help us. T h e r e f o r e , let all k n o w that there is n o co n ne ct io n bet we en the T e m p l e of the R o s c y C r o s s ( th c os op h ic a l) and o u r Or der . T H E R O SE AND T H E CROSS. A b o o k m i g h t be wri tte n upon the su bj e ct o f the S y m b o l o g y or M y s t i c a l m e a ni ng c f the R o s e and the Cr oss. T h e m o s t p o p u la r e x planation o f these tw o S y m b o l s — the one which w r i t e r s in e n c y c l o paedias love to use with g r e a t s h o w of s e e m i n g a u th o r i ty — is that the C r o s s and the R o s e l a v e mu ch to do with d ^ w and other a l ch em ic al terms. T h i s is s i m p l y fanciful, t h ou g h s a t i s f a c t o r y e x p l a n ation for the casu al reader. It is not the T r u t h , h o w e v e r. S o far as legend is co nc er ned , we are inf or me d in our own rec or ds that ma n first used the S y m b o l o f the C r o s s when, in E g y p t o r p o s s ib ly A tl an t is , a M y s t i c stood at sunrise upon a plane, and, look in g t o w a r d the Hast, he raised his a r m s to a level with his s h o u ld e r s in a do ra t io n o f the S u n — the g i v e r o f life. T h e n , tu r n in g to face the W e s t to salute the place w h e r e life ended, s y m b o li c a ll y , he found that his a r m s and body, w h il e in the act of salutation, f o r m e d a s h a d o w on the g r o u n d be fo re hi m, cast by the rising Sun. T h e s h a d o w w a s in the fo r m o f the C r o s s , and to hi m it m ea nt that life w a s but a s h a d o w — the s h a d o w o f the C r o s s . A n expl ana ti on, often offered b y the w is e , is that the origin of the C r o s s w a s in the c r u x a n s a t a o f the E g y p t i a n s — the c r o s s with the ova l o p e n i n g at top, often seen in E g y p t i a n d e s i g n s and used s y m b o l i call y in E g y p t i a n and m y s t i c a l E a s t e r n wr itings. T h e c r u x ar.sata, called the c r o s s of life, w a s d e s ig n e d by the E g y p t i a n s an d M y s t i c s to rep re se nt the tw o hu man o r g a n s o f reproduction, united— thereby s y m b o li z in g the c r c a t io n c f life. T h e st ate me nt chat in tim e the ov a l, or upper part o f the c r u x a n s a t a w a s d o s e d into one .perpendicular piece, th e r e b y g i v i n g the o r i g i n of the C r o s s w e use, is a mistake, for in our r ec o r d s w e find, as wi ll ot h er s find, on the oldest E g y p t i a n r ec o r d s o f M y s t i c i s m and h is to r y, b o t h c r o s s e s used in the s a m e period. T h e y s e e m e d to conic into e x is t e n c e about the s a m e time— a t that time w he n the M a s t e r M in d s o f the O rient w e r e o r ig in at in g and cr e at in g s y m b o l s which woul d h a v e definite m e a n i n g s to the m in d s of the learned students. I f the C r o s s an d o t h e r s y m b o l s co n fu se and p e rp le x the wise toda y, it is not to be w o n d e r e d at that in the d a y s g on e b y there we re m a n y w h o s a w naught in these s y m b o l s but a r b i t r a r y m a r k s of indefinite character. T h e R o s e , on the o t h e r hand, offers little trouble to the student of S y m b o l o g y . Its f r a g r a n c c , its c y c le of bu d di ng into life, m a t u ri n g into full bl o o m and s w e e t n e s s an d then d r oo pi ng to d e c a y an d dust, r e p r e s e n t s the C y c l e of L i f e — e ven h u m an life. T h a t the seed of the di s i n t e gr at i n g R o s e sh ould dr o p to ea rth and in earth find aga in the
o p p o r tu n it y to be rebo rn , typifies the M y s t i c ’s u n d e r s t a n d in g of co nti nui ty o f life, or rei ncarnation. In our W o r k , the C r o s s re p r e s e nt s m a n y t h in g s e so te r i ca ll y ; like wise the R o s e . Bu t e x o t e r i c i l l y , the R o s e r e p r e s e n t s S e c r c c y and E v o l u t i o n , while the C r o s s r e p r e s e n t s the L a b o r s an d B u r d e n s of L i f e an d the k a r m a w h i ch w c m u s t endure in o u r ea rth life. In our ritual of the F i r s t D e g r e e Initiation, there is this r c f c r c n r c to the C r o s s and the R o s e : “ L i f e is rep re se nt ed b y L i g h t , A sp ir a t io n b y the R o s e and the C r o s s , and D e a t h by D a r k n e s s . " F r o m this wc w ou ld learn that A s p i r a t i o n — the desire to do. to s e rv e , to a cc o m p li s h an d to M a s t e r and finally atta in— 's possible th ro u g h the k a r m a ( c r o s s ) w e must endure and the evolution (rose) wc attain ther eby . T H E TR IA N G LES. T h e r e h a s been mu ch d i s c u s s 'o n as to w h y we use a s a S y m b o l the I n v e r t e d T r i a n g l e . J u s t w h y the triangle w i t h point d o w n w a r d is callcd inverted, has not been ex p lai ne d to us. T h e r e is no reason, e x c e p t M y s t i c a ll y , w h y a triangle, such a s ours, should h a v e a n y definite position. A t ria ng le is a l w a y s a triangle, r e g a r d l e s s o f p o s i tion, and to use the wor d, inverted, is to pr es u m e that the t ri a n g le has a p r o p e r position o f s o m e kind which can be inverted. W e arc not u na w a re o f the fart, that certain o r g a n i z a t i o n s in A m e r i c a h a v e used the t ria ng le with the point u p w a r d a s a M y s t i c a l S i g n , bu t this did not g i v e to that position of the t ri a n g le a n y proper o r j u s t position which sh ould not be varied. It has been said that w e — m e a n i n g the fo u nd e rs o f our O r d e r in this c o u n t r y — placed the t ria ng le with the point d o w n w a r d s i m p l y be c au se it ha d been used the other w a y b y other o r ga n iz at io n s . Bu t th os e w h o s a y this, are p o s s i b ly u n a w a r e that there are m a n y o r g a n i za t io n s— even M a s o n i c — w h i ch use and h ave used tor m a n y y e a r s , the t ria ng le point d o w n w a r d . O n e o f these is the A m e r i c a n Y . M. C. A. w h o h ave used a red triangle, point d o w n w a r d within a red circle, f o r m a n y y e a r s be fo re our O r d e r w a s established here. Bu t the v e r y best— anti t r u t h f u l— explanation for our use of the triangle in this fashion is the fact that it w a s used by the old M y s t i c s in E g y p t and p o ss i b ly A t l a n t is , ro represent the D i v i n e (or so-called spiritual) cr e a tio n s of the U n i v e r s e , while the triangle with the point u p w a r d w a s used to rep re se nt the material crea tion s of this world. ( T h e p y r a m i d s o f E g y p t t y p i f y the ma te ria l triangle.) T h e do ct r in c o f the trin t y is an af ter -creation o f the old M y s t i c a l l a w o f the triangle. B y c o m p a r i n g the l a w s give n in our T e m p l e le ct ure s r e g a r d i n g the t w o t ri a n g le s (in the F i r s t D e g r e e L e c t u r e s ) with this doctrinc, one wi ll find at once the similarity, a s w e l l a s an e x pl an at io n o f w h y the triangle w i t h the point d o w n w a r d r e p r e s e n t s D i v i n e o r S pi rit ua l Creations. T h r o u g h o u t the W o r k of the higher D e g r e e s , the t ria ng le o r the “ l a w o f three p oi nt s" , h e lp s to s o l v e m a n y p r o b le m s . I n fact, in the W o r k b e i n g done at the S u p r e m e G r a n d L o d g e in N e w Y o r k , in the la b o r a t o r y o r out o f it, in ch e m is tr y, electricity, healing, music,
and even in the m or e subtle m a n ife st ati on s o f na t u re ’ s laws, the t ria ng le in one of its t w o po si tio ns is used and a l w a y s b e c o m e s the final o r g r a n d U n i v e r s a l So lv e nt . T l i e C r o s s within the S p i ri tu a l T r i a n g l e is the Official S y m b o l o f our O r d e r and is a v e r y sacr ed S y m b o l . In one fo r m or an o th er it is to be found on e v e r y seal o f e v e r y L o d g e . It is an identifying m a r k not used by any o t h e r or ga n iz a ti on o r soc ie ty in the world. S P IR IT AND SOUL. O u r M e m b e r s soon discern the true difference b e t w e e n Spirit and S o u l — not as terms, but a s e s s e n t ia ls of o u r e a r t h ly e x is t e n c e and co ns ci ous nes s. T h e r e f o r e , our M e m b e r s sh ould use these w o r d s with discretion, even in casual c o n v e r s a t i o n ; for it sh ould be evid ent in y o u r lan g u a g e , a l w a y s , that y o u u nd e rst a nd and ma k e the di stinction kn ow n to us. T h e practice o f u s i n g the wo rd “ S p i ri t ” w h e n the w o r d or ter m am b it i o n o r in centive is m e a n t , sh ould he di s co u ra g ed . Like wise, the term "sp iri tua l life” o r “ spiritual e x i s t e n c e " should be d i s carded, for it is an in correct term for “ C o s m ic e x i s t e n c e ” or " D i v i n e life.” M e m b e r s should a l s o r e m e m b e r the la w that: Spirit m a y ma n i fest in m a t te r or th rou gh ma tte r wi t h o u t S ou l, but S o u l ca n n o t m a n ifest to us on earth, o r to o u r c o n s c i o u s n e s s wi th ou t the associ at ion o r co- e x is te n ce o l Spirit. SECRECY. T h e r e s e e m s to be s o m e do ubt in the minds o f m a n y o f our M e m b e r s , a s to w h a t is S e c r e t in o u r W o r k and w h a t is not. T h i s doubt m a y be re m o v e d by the f o l l o w i n g e x p la n a t i o n : T h e principal ob jcct o f S e c r e c y in our Or der , is to p r ev e n t those w h o do not b e lo n g to the O r d e r (tho se w h o have not been exa mine d, tested, tried, initiated and in s t ru c t e d ) , fr o m en te rin g our se ss io n s and c on vo c at io n s, and e n j o y i n g , those p riv il ege s or rig h ts w h i ch our M e m be rs e n j o y , b y virtue of their O bl i g a ti o n s and Se rv ic e . T h e r e f o r e , the P r in ci p le s o f S c c r e c y are a s s oc ia t ed with all that tra n sp ir e s in each Ini tiation C e r e m o n y , or im m e d i a t el y p r e c e d i n g or follo win g. In other w o r d s , th os e th in gs which e v e r y M e m b e r is bound b y O a t h to k e e p S e c r e t a r e : T h e f e at u r e s o f each Initiation C e r e m o n y , including what w a s sai d by the M a s t e r and cach Officer, a s well as the M e m b er , in the T e m p l e C e r e m o n y ; and what w a s done bry the M a s t e r , Officers an d M e m b e r during, p r e c e d i n g or f o l l o w i n g the C e r e m o n y . T h i s includes the m e t h o d s o f o p e n i n g and clo sin g such Ce r e m o n i e s , ti e terms, w o r d s , phrases, si gns, s y m b o l s , etc.. used in the T e m p l e , L o d g e o r O u t e r C h a m b e r s on the e v e n i n g or day o f such Initiations, a s well as t h e G r ip s , P a s s W o r d s , S a lu t a ti on s and S i g n s o f Re c o g n i t io n . fme T h e f o r e g o i n g t h in g s are to be held s s W e d l y S e c r e t by the M e m b e r s . T h e first Oath, taken b y e v e r y Im iia te , that taken before being In it ial ed and si gn ed by the Initiate’s: name in the Official
Bla-ck B o o k of each L o d g e , is as f o l l o w s : “ B e f o r e the S i g n o f the C r o s s , 1 p r om is e, upon m y hono r, not to reve al to a n y one, but a kn ow n B r o t h e r or S i s t e r o f this O r d e r , the S i g n s , S e c r e t s o r W o r d s which I m a y learn prior to, d u r i n g o r after p a s s i n g th ro u g h the F i r s t D e g r e e . " T h i s Oath, be in g taken p r io r to M e m b er sh ip , is co ns id ere d binding upon the M e m b e r for all D e g r e e s . H o w e v e r , each D e g r e e has i‘. s o w n O a th , si milar in s u bst anc e to the f o r eg o i n g , s o far a s S e c r e c y of signs, w o r d s an d s y m b o l s ar c concerned. T h e r e is no obl iga tio n u p on the M e m b e r s of our O r d e r , h o w e v e r, to k e e p S e c r e t all the l a w s and principles which they learn in our lectures an d teachings. It is not the pu rp os e o f the O r d e r to educate men and wo m e n in vital fund ame nta l la w s which t h e y ca n n e v e r efficiently an d p r o p e r l y ucc f o r the benefit o f others. T o s a y , that not one o f o u r l a w s o r principles sh ould be g iv e n or used outside o f our M e m b e r s h i p , woul d defeat the v e r y purpose o f our Or der . D i s c r e ti o n m u st be us ed, h o w e v e r. O u r M e m b e r s a r c taught certain v i t a l laws, so that t h e y m a y U S E and a p p ly them for the a v o w e d p u rp o s e s o f the O r d e r. It will not g e n e r a ll y help a ma n o r w o m a n outside o f o u r O r d e r, w h o needs help, to ex pl ai n to him or her the w o r k i n g s of N a t u r e ’ s lav/s. W h a t is needed m o s t in the a v e r a g e case is, to set into op e ra t i o n such la w s and prin cipl es a s wi ll bri ng ab o ut the results desired T h e r e f o r e , e xp la n a t i o n s w h i ch c o n v e y o u r la w s and principles, are unn ec e ssa ry , an d s o m e t i m e s d e f e a t the p u r p o s e s in mind, and may , in other c a s e s , cause trouble, w o r r y o r ill effects. Bu t, there are ca s e s wh e re one will find it adv isa ble, if not a b s o lutely n e c e s s a r y , to explain to one outside o f our O r d e r, the w o r k i n g o f s o m e o f N a t u r e ’s L a w s ; for such an u n d e rs t a n d in g m a y do all that is n e c e s s a r y to relieve a condition, o r enable a troubled heart o r sic k bo d y to find H e al t h , H a p p i n e s s an d Pe a c e Pro fo u nd . Ce r ta i n l y , no M e m b e r will find in this pr iv il eg e a r e a s o n for taking all the lec tu res or t e a c h in g s of our O r d e r, or e ven part o f them, and use them a s a b a s i s o f another sch oo l o r s y s t e m , an d ci ther sell the instruction or p u bl ic ly publish or teach it. T h e p r iv il e g e which each M e m b e r e n jo y s , in g i v i n g some principles o r l a w s to those • w h o need them, m a k e s di scr eti on n e c e s s a r y , and w h e n dis cretion is no t used, and w i lf u l l y cast aside, the M e m b e r v iol at es sa cr cd O b l i g a tions, an d is a m e n a b le to the L a w s of the P e n a l C o d e of o u r Order. M e m b e r s sh ould not b o a s t o f their M e m b e r s h i p in the Or der , n o r flaunt their k n o w l e d g e or abilities. T h e m ee tin g place o f the L o d g e s ho u ld a l w a y s be ke pt fr o m the curious, as sh ould all the rules and l a w s pe rta ini ng to the out er w o r k or e x o t e r i c f o r m of the Order. T h e cu rio us a r e often insincere in thei r desire to k n o w about o u r Or der , an d to th em little should be said, a s t h o u g h y o u did no t k n o w of the e x is t e n c e of the Order. T h o s e w h o are si n c e r e ly interested, an d w o r t h y o f M e m b e r s h i p , at some time, a rc e a s il y r ec o g n iz e d . T o them the O r d e r s h ou ld be spoken of ca r e f u ll y , an d o n l y c a s u a l l y , until t h e y are d i sc ov e r ed to be
a n x i o u s o f uniting in the W o r k and P u r p o s e s of the O r d e r. T h e n , and only then, should they be invited b y a M e m b e r to m a k e a p p li c a tion, as desc ribed hereinafter. In all w a y s , and ill all things, maintain the d i g n i ty and au sterity o f the O r d e r, and s h ro u d it a l w a y s in the deepest of M y s t e r y and ex cl u si ve n es s.
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T l» e R o u te C t u c ii
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M a rk o f D e p artm en t o f P u b lic a tio n
S e l l c f the fo u n d e r
EDITORIAL COMMENTS u : i 22i x x i r x i r j i
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O u r first issue o f C R O M A A T w a s r ec e iv e d with co n s id e ra b le appreciation. It w a s no t our intention t c s a y much FIRST ISSUE about the cha n ge , p r e f e r r i n g to h ave the GREATLY M e m b e r s note the value o i the n e w pu b A P P R E C IA T E D lication. T h e ch a n ge has been c o m m e n t ed upon v e r y f av o ra b ly , and there have been m a n y c o m m e n t s and su gg e st io ns . X W e hope to adopt s o m e of the s u g g e s tions in e a rl y issues, but this issue w a s a lr e a d y u n d e r w a y when m o s t of thr 2 0 s u g g e s t i o n s we re received. fLrxirrxnmnxirrxisziinnunn§ S ° m a n y have praised the contents of the first issue, w h il e s o m e feel that m or e should h ave been included in the first copy. F o r the benefit o f those w h o woul d h a v e had mor e, let us s a y that the pr oduction cost of the first issue w a s within a f e w do llars of th ree t im e s the cost of a n y issue of the “ A m e r ic a n R o s a e C r u c i s ” . T h e cost thus referred to did not include the d r a w i n g for the c o v e r (which des ign w a s made b y our I m p c r a t o r ) . O th e r s fra nk ly tell us that a b o o k c on ta in in g the g r a m m a r and D i c t io n a r y o f a n y la n g u a g e — E n g l i s h or o t h e r — would c e r ta i n l y cost one do llar or mor e, y e : a similar value w a s given in this first issue, in addition to the other helps. N a t u r a l l y , the future issues will contain other im por tan t matter, and, as time g o e s on. these M o n o g r a p h s will be truly w or t h their weigh t in g o ld to the si n ce r e s e e k e r and student. OUR
S o mu ch has been written o f late on ‘ NUM ERO I.O GY the subjcct o f names, dates, n u m b e rs and nu m be r values. W c believe there are at AMD least thir ty rcc cn tl y published b o o k s on NUMf3ER the subject, an d m a n y o f these ofter SYSTEMS individual and distinctly different s y s tems o f interpreting: the vibration values of nam es, date s and personalities. /Ml o f the s y s t e m s n o w used, or at least pu b lished, a rc w r o n g — e s s e nt ia lly w r o n g , and without log ical foundation. ti In the first lecturcs o f the F i r s t D e g re e , our M e m b e r s are a dv is ed 1 0 leave 7 i r j i i i 2 x x r x x 2 i i x i x x z i i i 2 i n x 2 x xxo3 aside these nu m be r s y s t e m s until they bec ome better acquainted with the ltosa ec ruc ian v a lu es o f letters and
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numbers. P a t i e n tl y h a v e m a n y waited, real izi ng (hat other s y s t e m s are unreliable, but re c e iv in g little help fr o m our f e w r efe re nc es to the true system. W e are pleased to a n n o u n c e that th ro u g h the lo n g an d tedious study, tran slatio n and m a t h e m a ti c a l w o r k of our I m p e r a t o r , requiring m a n y m o n t h s of c'.ose application, at hou rs when m os t of us were sound asleep, w e will be able to present in our n e x t M o n o g r a p h (ready about F e b r u a r y 1 5th), a c om pl e te number or V I B R A T I O N S Y S T E M , which will be the m o s t s t a r t li n g sy s t e m e ver revea led to the seeker for such infor mat ion. It will be illustrated w i t h such d i a g r a m s and c h a r ts as h ave ne v e r been a t tem pt ed before, and the s y s t e m will prove v a lu ab le not on ly to the M e m b e r s w h o w i s h to interpret and read n a m e s an d bi r th dates co r r e c tl y , but to the che mist w h o h a s difficult p r o b le m s to solve, to the mu sician w h o desires to di sco ve r the secret L a w of H a r m o n y and the c h o r d s which R o s a e c r u c i a n s use in M yst ic al W o r k , to the artist w h o h a s hunted ior the s ec re t o f c o l o r s and their com binations, to the electrician, the physician, the occultist, the singer, e x p e r t in ph ysic s, etc. Sim ple, w on der fu l and scientifically e x act , this s y s t e m s h o w s the true l a w for d e t e r m i n i n g the greatly -h unt ed and l o n g ev a si v e fo u r th dimension. A t h e a d q u a r t e r s here, w c h ave m a r ve le d at the c h a r ts and di a g ra m s , a s t h e y w e r e g ra d u a ll y e vo l v e d at the skilled hands o f our I m p e r a t o r in his st u d y- r o o m , and wc trust ail our M e m b e r s will unite with u s in t r y in g to p r e v e n t the u n w o r t h y f r o m s e cu r i n g this s y s t e m a n d w r o n g l y a p p l y i n g it; for wit hi n its l a w s are p o w erful potentialities, w h i ch can be used d e s t r u c ti v e ly a s w e l l a s c o n structively. :r n iir z ix 2 3 T r r rr x 2 2 x x i2 x x x x ja
Onc e m o r e the p r ob le m o f m o v i n g the S u p re m e G r a n d T e m p l e and E x e c u tive Ofnc cs to l a r g e r s p i c e c o n f r o n t s us. SU PREM E L a s t ye ar w c tried to avoid the situation, GRAN D LODGE be c a us e of the delay in w o r k and the P R O B I .E M tr e m e n d o u s cost involved. Therefore, w c si m p ly increased our space w h e r e we wer e. T h i s w c can no lo n g e r do, and w e re a l ly need f o u r to five times the am ou n t of floor space w c n o w have T h e r e is but one w a y our. W e m u st have a la r g e an d well ap poi nte d bui lding— a real T e m p l e — for our e x c lu s i v e use. 'X T I I X H T J IX T ir X X 2 2 2 X X X X IX X IX 2 W h a t we have in mind wi ll most s u r e ly p l e a s e o u r M e m b e r s th ro u g h o u t A m e r i c a . W e ca n no t— or r a th e r will not— speak o f it n o w . Our pu rp os e in m a k i n g this brief ref e re nc e to the m o v i n g , is to prepa re an e x cu s e in the m in d s o f ma n y for a p o ss i b le de la y in a n s w e r i n g le tters and d o i n g m a n y other th ing s, l o n g about the m id d le of M a r c h and into A pril. T h e n w c shall a s k for d o n a t io n — not p a r ti c u la r ly of m o n e y , but o f those little th in gs w h i ch m e a n so much in an O rie nt al T e m p l e .
r "A N O T H E R
M a n y have in s t o ra g e o r not in use, small O rie nt al o r f o r e i g n rugs, pictures, odd chairs and other pieces o f furniture a s well as dr a p e r ie s and what- nots. T h e s e w ou ld not he missed, if sent to us, and w e will then as k for such things to help make the new T e m p l e ju s t w h a t e v e r y v i s i t o r to it woul d h ave it. M a k e an inven to ry of w h a t y o u can send, and then let us know. E v e r y little antique or o d di ty will be g re a t ly appreciated. M a n y of our M e m b e r s are w r i t i n g to IN R E F E R E N C E TO us a s k i n g our co-operation in secu rin g e x e m p t i o n from war duty. T h e r e s e e m s E X E M P T I O N FRO M to be an im pression that the f o r m e r p r o W A R DUTY v is io n s for ex em p tio n , outlined b y the P r o v o s t M a r s h a l Ge ne r a l ( r e g a r d i n g e x em pt ion for non- bel ie ver s in w a r ) , still hol ds weigh t with local e x e m p t i o n bo ards. Let us as su re our r ea d e rs that such pr ov is io ns are of no use w h a t e v e r at the present time. T h e local e x e m p tion bo ards sccin to refu se to consider that p r ov is io n which the I m p e r a t o r w a s rxixrrrruriTrrrTxtiHTXii a s s u r e d last s u m m e r w ou ld be effective. E v e n our S u p r e m e Gr an d Ch ap lai n and our S u p re m e G r a n d S e c r e tary, as well as others, h a v e been selcctcd to serv e in w a r , an d c a n not find a n y p r ov is io n to c o v e r their conscientious ob j e c ti o n s . M a n y o f our M e m b e r s h ave chosen to serv e the c o u n t r y in non- des tru ct ive w or k , but r e f u s e to do the w o r k of a co m ba ta nt . W e have done all w e could to help our M e m b e r s in their sincerc desire to refrain from t a k in g the life of another, yet s t r o n g e r desire to be loyal to the coun try . O u r G r e a t O at h -binds us to re g ar d our F l a g with the grea test respect and " n e v e r to be g u i l t y of t re a s o n ". T h e r e fore, we are in a pred ic am ent which o n ly the k i n d l y act io ns o f the g o v e r n m e n t can relieve. H o w this will he, o r if it wi ll co m e about at all, r e m a in s to be seen. In the meantime, we cannot do a n y t h i n g to help a n y M e m b e r avoid s e r v i n g the co u n t r y , if selected. R e f u s a l as a co n sc ie n tio u s o b j e c t o r m ea ns i m p ri s o n m e n t o r wo r s e , and while m a n y m a y ch oo se the puni shm ent r ath er than b r i n p the cri me of destruction into their k a r m a s , nev ert he le ss, we ca n no t advise in this r ega rd , much a s we woul d like to. P c a c e is close a t hand. T h i s will be the last g r e a t w a r , and a gr e a t le sson is be in g learned. If U n i v e r s a l Peac e and a s t r o n g e r U n i v e r s a l B r o t h e r h o o d co m e a s a result o f this w o r ld - w i d e c o n flagration, then w e shall d i s c o v e r that the F ir e of the Cru ci ble burns not wit hou t g o o d purpose.
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I THE WORK OF THE ORDER j T H E M ASSACH U SETTS GRAND LODGE. T h e G r a n d L o d g e o f M a s s a c h u s e t t s w a s instituted on the e v e n in g o f T h u r s d a y , D e c e m b e r 27, in its o w n T e m p l e on B o y l s t o n St ree t, B o st o n , M a s s . T h e I m p s r a t o r and the S u p r e m e G r a n d S e c r e t a r y attended the I n stitution an d o v e r f o r t y N e o p h y t e s we re on hand for the F i r s t D e g r e e Initiation. T h e G r a n d M a s t e r o f tli = I . o d g c is M a r i e L o u i s e C l e m e n s w h o w a s initiated into our O r d e r, it will be remembered, at the time of the F i r s t N a t :onal Con vention in P i t ts b u r g h last s u m m e r . S h e has s u c ceede d u nu s u a lly well in g a t h e r i n g around her a stafT o f e x ce lle nt offi c e r s an d their ent hu sia sm can be meas ured b y the fact that this L o d g e held its v e r y first C o n v o c a t i o n in its own T e m p l e , — a feat which has not been p >r for me d by a n y o t h e r L o d g e of our O r d ' r in N or th A m e r ic a . It establishes a p r ec ede nt which F o u n d a ti o n G r o u p s will do w e l l to c op y . T h e M a s s a c h u s e t t s G r a n d L o d g e T e m p l e is located in a v e r y mo de rn and c on ve n ie nt ly located office building in the v e r y heart of the B a c k B a y section o f B o s t o n T h e envir on men t is superb. T h e ne i g h b o r ho o d at night is v e r y quiet and the building i tse lf is well a p pointed and with e le v a t o r s an d other co n ve n ie n c e s a ff or ds e v e r y fac ility for the p u rpo se s o f our L o d g e . T h e r e a rc reception ro o m s in which the ca n di da te s can a w a i t their call, and a lar ge ro om for ths S e c r e t a r y and T r e a s u r e r , w h e r e ap p li c a n ts can be int erv iew ed o r m e m b e rs m a y rest a w h il e and read. T h e A nte -C ham be. - and C h a m b e r are well a r r a n g e d and the L o d g e itself is v e r y at tr a ct iv e indeed. T h e floor space w a s d e s ig n e d by the M a s t e r o f the L o d g e an d p a r titions w e r e taken do wn and ot he r s built to mept our special r eq u ir e me nts. T h e w a l ls o f the L o d g e are g r e y and will be finished in rou gh stone effect. A l l four stations h ave tri ang ul ar p la t f o rm s an d the A l t a r in the E a s t is tri ang ul ar an d sym bo li cal . T h e V e s t a l S t a n d is well a r r a n g e d and all the li g h t i n g effects h ave been efficiently installed with con venient sw i t ch e s f o r the p ro p er d a r k e n i n g o r li g h t i n g o f the L o d g e . T h e furniture co n s is ts of eight antique b e n c h e s f o r m i n g a double r o w on cach side o f the L o d g e . T h e S e c r e t a r y and T r e a s u r e r each h a v e a desk at their st ati on s in the E a s t and the S b e k i n a h is t ri an g u la r an d a p p ro p ri a te ly sym bo li cal . Al l the furniture w a s e s p e ci all y or de re d or built a n d is finished in a beautiful g r e y a s are the la r g e ch ai r s for the M as ter , Chaplain. M a tr e and H i g h P ri es te ss . B a c k o f the p la t f o rm s of the f o u r st ati on s hang beautiful blue cur tai ns b o r der ed with wi d e golden ribbon mu ch like the cur tai ns in the S u p r e m e Grand Lodge.
T h e L o d g e can be da r k e ne d in the da y and with the soft blue tigh'.s burning: in the tri ang ul ar fo r m on the ce i li n g and with the red fire bu r n i n g con tin uo us ly da y and night at the V e s t a l Stand, th r ap pe ara nc e of the L o d g e and the v ib ra t io n s are e x a c t l y right for daily meditation,— a l u x u r y w h i ch should be possible for all our m e m b e r s at a n y hour w he n needed. A l l this indicates w h a t can be done by a g r o u p of m e m b e r s b i f o r e the Initiation. It is possible to h ave a place e x c lu s i v e for our work and a num ber o/ our L o d g e s are now p r e p a r i n g thei r o w n Tcrnple. B u t in this c a s e the w o r k w a s com pleted, or n e a r l y so, b e f o r e the night of the Initiation, and the I m p i r a t o r and S u p r e m e G r a n d S e c r e t a r y we re g r e a t l y pleased to wal k into the L o d g e on the e v e n i n g of the Initiation and find e v e r y t h i n g in readiness and with e v e r y little su g g e st i o n fai thfully ca r r ie d out. A n o t h e r Initiation into the F i r s t D e g re e w a s held in B o st o n in J a n u a r y an d there are m a n y indications that B o s t o n wi ll h ave a v e r y lar ge and s uc ce ss fu l L o d g e . W c wish it all G o d S p e ed and D i v i n e Po w e r. A n o t h e r L o d g e has been established in N e w Y o r k Ci ty and B r o t h e r S u p r e m e G r a n d Gu a r d i a n L c v c n t h a l h a s been g i v e n a ch a r ter as the M a s t e r o f the L o d g e . It will pro ba b ly b e c o m e the New Y o r k S t a t e G r a n d L o d g e . T h e r e arc m a n y m e m b e r s r ea d y to take up the w o r k in that L o d g e w h i ch will be located in its o w n T e m p l e in J a n u a r y s o m e w h e r e on the upper W e s t Side o f N e w Y o r k . L i k e w i s e in N e w a r k . N e w J e r s e y , a G r a n d L o d g e is be in g e sta b lished w h il e in B r o o k ly n . N e w Y o r k , and the B o r o u g h of the B r o n x in G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k other L o d g e s a rc under w a y . T h e Gr an d L o d g e o f C a li fo r n i a has held its first Initiation and w a s In s t i tu t e d with a full quota of m e m b e r s as C h a r t e r me mbers. T h e L o d g e is seeking; its o w n T e m p l e and reports indicate that with a su bo r di n at e L o d g e in Sa n F r a n c i s c o and one in S a n D i e g o about r e a d y to be instituted, that S t a t e will ma k e exc elle nt pr og r e s s . T h e G r a n d L o d g e of O h i o is pr ep ar in g to h ave its o w n T e m p le and m a n y there ar c o ff e ri n g their time, se rv ic e s and m o n e y to the e s tab li sh m en t o f a la r g e and well equipped temple.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q. O u r M a s t e r lias e x p la i n e d to us in a lecture that t w o o r more e e lc t ro n s unite at times to ma k e an atom o i matter. Me has also stated that in s o m e e a s e s a la r g e r nu m be r o f e le ct ro n s w i l l co m e to ge t h er p r e p a r i n g to f o r m an a t o m of an o th er nature. What I w ou ld like to k n o w is th is: I f t w o elect ron s will m a k e an atom, h o w is it that a number o f e le ct ro n s can co m e t o g e t h e r (in te n d i n g to e ve n tu al ly fo r m an a t o m ) without tw o o f such e le ct ro n s im m e d i a t el y uniting and f o r m i n g an a t o m ? A. Y o u are e li m in a ti n g the la w which ca u se s the e le c t r o n s to unite an d form atoms. I f it w as m e r e ly a q ua nti ty o f e le ct ro n s which fo rm e d at om s, then w e m i g h t sa y, that tw o elec tro ns f o r m e d a small atom, three a sligh tl y la r g e r one, four a still la r g e r a t om . etc. But this is not the case. T h e e le ct ro n s unite with one a n o th e r a c c o r d i n g to the v ib r a t i o n s (the l a w of affinities). In such a t o m s a s a r e formed by o n l y t w o elec tro ns the e le ct ro n s have, individually, such v i b r a tions as w he n united fo r m a complete and perfect chemi cal num ber in the o c t a v e s o f chem ic als . W h e n 3. 4, 8 or 1 3 o r m o r e cl c ct ro n s unite to m a k e an atom, it is bec ause, not until such a n u m b e r of elec tro ns had united their vibra ti ons , w a s the perfe ct o r com ple te num ber attained. In such an atom, liavincr m a n y elect ron s, th ere are no t w o e le ct ro n s w h o s e v ib r a t i o n s would unite to ma k e a perfect num ber in a n y k e y of the ch em ic al o c t a v e ; o t h e r w i s e such elec tro ns would h a v e fo rm e d an atom a n d w ou ld no lo n g e r a t tr a c t other e le ct ro n s to them. ( F o r an u n d e rs t a n d in g of the ch e m i c a l o c t a v e s and their notes, see the c h a r t s and e x p la n a t i o n s in the “ C o m p le t e S y s t e m o f N at u ra l H a r m o n i c s ” , to be published in the n e x t issue of C R O M A A T .) Q. i-sed in Can y o u c e r ni ng
In the in te n s e ly i nt er e s ti n g and ancient N o d i n M a nu s c ri p t, the F o u r t h D e g r e e , th ere is reference «o N ic h e a n d --------tell me, w h e t h e r there is a n y m o r e definite k n o w l e d g e c o n this part o f an e le ct ro n ?
A . T h i s question w a s put to the I m p e r a to r , for his pe rso na l i nv est iga tio n and renly. H e s t a t e s : ‘‘ I regr et to s a y , that I h a v e been unable to find a n y t h i n g , o r rather v e r y little m or e definite r e g a r d i n g Niche, than w h a t is pive n in the Nodin Manuscript. T h i s is a point w'ell w o r t h y of carcful r ese ar ch a n d s t u d y b y our a d v a n c e d M e m b e r s , e sp ec ial ly those interested in the nature and act io ns o f electrons. H o w e v e r , it do es appear, fr o m investigation, that the t e r m Niche refer s to the nucleus of the electron. Bu t this s :m p ! y ma l es the ma tte r m o r e c o m p le x and m o r e d e s e r v i n g o f ca rc fu l s t u d y . ” Q. W h i c h one o i the P r i m a r y E l e m e n t s , w c h ave stud ied about, is the m os t abun dan t in N a tu r e ? A. O x y g e n . O f w a t e r it f o r m s m or e than h a l f ( s o m e sch ool s of science s a y e i g h t - n i n t h s ) ; of ani ma l s u b s t a n c e s it f o r m s threef o u r th s ; of v e g e t a b l e s u b s t a n c e s it f o r m s four-f if t hs ; o f mineral su bs t an c es it f o r m s o n e- h a lf; o f the at mo sp h ere it f o r m s one-fiith. In fact, of the wh ol e material creation, o x y g e n f o r m s f r o m one-half to two-thirds. Q. silica? A
M a y I h ave an e x p la n a t i o n of the reputed M y s t e r y r e g a r d i n g Silica p res en ts a tru ly interesting study, t h ou g h its M y s t e r y
needs exp lan at io n o n ly to the casu al student. C o m m o n l y , silica it k n o w n as flint. It is a mi ne ra l snbstancc, but one of the w o n d e r s of the v e g e t a b le tribes. T h e f o l l o w i n g are the s t r a n g e points o f its nature: S i l i c a is e x c e e d i n g l y hard, a s e v e r y one k no w s. It is s o indcstruct ibl c, that the s t r o n g e s t ch e m i c a l aid is required for its solution. B u t — pl an ts p o s s e s s the p o w e r o f d i s s o lv i n g an d s e c r e t i n g it. I n t e r e s t i n g js the fact, that whe at s t r a w di ss olv es silica, and e v e r y st'»lk o f w h e a t is c o v e r e d with a perfe ct though in co n ce i va b ly thin, g la s s y c o a t i n g o f silica. H o w e v e r , the fa r m or e in ter es tin g point about this sii’bstancc is its nature. Silica, o r a fl;'nt st one , co n si st s of the mine ra lized bodi es of a n i m a ls , just as coal co n s is ts o f m a s s e s of mine ra lized v ege tab le matter. T h e an im al s ar c believed to have been infus or ial animalculae, coate d with si licons shells. T h e skeletons o f an im al c u la e , which c o m p o s e flint, m a y be br ou g h t under m ic r os co p ic e xa mi na tio n. T h e g r e a t question, o r M y s t e r y , is th is: Do this a ni m a lc u la e in dense m a s s f o r m o r c o m p o s e flint, or do es the flint m e r e ly su pp ly a sepulchre to the coun tless m il li on s o f c r e a tu r e s whi ch, a g e s a g o . e n j o y e d a s e p a r a t e and c on s ci ou s e x i s t e n c e ? W h e n the buried p ’ant (in the c o a l ) is di sentombed, a f t e r hav in g lain for a g e s in the b o w e l s o f the eart h, it g i v e s us w a r m t h and light. T h e an im a lc u la e , a ft er a sleep f o r a g e s , d i s s o lv e s into the sap o f a plant and by the s t re n g t h it g i v e s the slend er st a lk s o f w h e a t and other plants p r o te c t s them with d e n s it y and the added qu al ity of durability. G o d ’s L a w s are truly W ONDERFUL!
DICTIONARY CORRECTIONS ITKf T h e f o l l o w i n g co r r e ct i o n s in the la n g u a g e d i c t i o n a r y in the last issue should be made in pcncil (not ink,— the p a p e r b e i n g to o so ft ) o a the p a g e s indicated: O n p age 8, P e r s o n a l P r o n o u n s : they, ili, Masculine. O n p age 19, di c t i o n a r y : b i r r y , bero; O n p age 20, Sth w o r d : bull, tauro O n p a g e 20, the 30th w o r d sh ould be calculate. O n page 20: c h a p t e r (o f b o o k ) , chapitro. O n p age 20: ch e st nu t (edible), marono. O n p i g e 2 1 : to civilize, civilizar. E n d o f p a g e 24: to e m b a l m , balzamizar. On p age 25, 2nd line: take out the s y ll a b le zar. On p a g e 25, 1s t co l u m n : to en ve lo pe , cn vc lo pa r. O n p a g e 25, 3r d co l u m n : ex pert, e x pe rt a , -o. O n p age 28, 1s t co l u m n : heat, v a r m - e s o , -o. O n p a g e 29, 1s t c o l u m n : to indorse, indorsar. O n p age 29, 2nd c o l u m n : to interpellate, interpelar. O n p a g e 3 1 , 2nd c o l u m n : material (no un ), m at cr ya lo . M a t e r i a l (a dj .) , mat eryala. O n p age 32, 3rd c o l u m n : ne ith e r . . . nor, nek . . . nek, ( c r o s s out the nek on the 3r d line b e lo w this) O n p age 35, 2nd co l u m n : prejudice (a g a i n s t ) , pre-judiko. O n p a g e 36, 1s t co l u m n : to p r os p er , pros pcr ar . O n p a g e 38, 1st c o l u m n : salad, salado. O n p age 38, 2 n d column, (under s c i e n t i s t ) : scope, skopo. O n p age 38, 2nd column, to se co n d, sekon da r. O n p a g e 38, 3rd co lu m n: to select, selcktar. O n p a g e 39, 2nd co l u m n : slipper, pantoflo. O n p age 43, 2nd co l u m n : v iol en ce, violento. O n p a g e 43, 3rd co lum n: wil li ng , B e , voluntar, (v. t.) ( C r o s s out the inexplicable line beneath this) O n p age 44, 3r d co l u m n : w o r t h (adj.), valora nt a. ( C r o s s ou t: t ra n s ), e n o y a r ) O n p a g e 44, 3rd co l u m n : to w o r r y , (v. intrans.) enoyar. ( C r o s s out on line a b o v e this: ranta) O n p a g e 45, first column, 13th line from bo tto m sh ould r e a d : D o y o u k n o w (a t h i n g ) ?
