The time I've been referring to would be prior to the reading, prior even to the WM being informed that there's a candidate in waiting.
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The Chamber Of Reflection
- Thread starter rebis
- Start date
Brother_Steve
Premium Member
We ask the candidate to arrive at Lodge for dinner at 630. The 7 officers go up and open the Lodge between 715 and 730. I was accompanied by 2 other candidates and one Master Mason who talked our ears off to calm us down and keep us company. Once the business end of things were dispensed with the SMoC came down and got us.
Depending, of course, on the jurisdiction and the degree.
Warrior1256
Site Benefactor
Just out of curiousity, why is it a touchy subject?
A number of Jurisdictions have issue with the CoR, claiming that it is an "innovation" and therefore illegal. Some worry that it is too much for a Candidate to grasp, others feel it's "too creepy." Often, lodges wishing to implement the CoR have come under fire, had edicts leveled against them, and had to give up the inclusion of such items. The Chain of Union also draws the ire of some, but rarely to the same extent.
dfreybur
Premium Member
Texas is one of the very many jurisdictions that requires a standard ritual.
Had the lodge in question started and finished the practice before opening lodge, it would not have been a part of the ritual at all and that should not have triggered problems.
Unfortunately they conducted the practice after tiling the lodge. As such it was not standard ritual and thus defiance against the authority of grand lodge.
It's touchy because a lot of brothers think CofR is a good idea and they didn't want it screwed up in such an obvious way. Other brothers think it is an attempt to introduce mysticism into our mystical order and they don't like to admit that's part of what we already do so even broaching the topics gives them the heeby jeebies.
Warrior1256
Site Benefactor
Excuse my ignorance brother, I am fairly new to The Craft, but what is The Chain of Union?
Generally it refers to a part of the opening and closing ritual that you'll see in some jurisdictions. The brethren will usually gather around the alter, cross their arms and lock hands whilst and opening or closing prayer is read. Some times it'll be done as part of the procession in or out of lodge.
That about covers it, though I've only experienced it after Closing the Lodge, not before Opening.
hanzosbm
Premium Member
Just found this discussion.
I've said my peace on my support of the CoR in other threads, but there was something that was touched on here that I'd like to comment on. It seems that some are concerned that a candidate should not be left alone for one reason or another. In my mind, nothing could be further from the truth. For one thing, the man is supposed to ask of his own free will and accord. If you're worried that he might escape if left on his own for a few minutes, maybe you need to reevaluate the manner in which candidates are selected. Secondly, the purpose of the CoR is to reflect, not only on the undertaking of the degree, but on one's own life; what he has done, and what he will do. Someday, we'll all have to answer for those things. If a man isn't comfortable being alone with his thoughts about what kind of a man he is in a dark room here on earth, maybe that will tell him something of importance of it when he knows that he'll be alone in his accountability in the here after.
I've said my peace on my support of the CoR in other threads, but there was something that was touched on here that I'd like to comment on. It seems that some are concerned that a candidate should not be left alone for one reason or another. In my mind, nothing could be further from the truth. For one thing, the man is supposed to ask of his own free will and accord. If you're worried that he might escape if left on his own for a few minutes, maybe you need to reevaluate the manner in which candidates are selected. Secondly, the purpose of the CoR is to reflect, not only on the undertaking of the degree, but on one's own life; what he has done, and what he will do. Someday, we'll all have to answer for those things. If a man isn't comfortable being alone with his thoughts about what kind of a man he is in a dark room here on earth, maybe that will tell him something of importance of it when he knows that he'll be alone in his accountability in the here after.
Ripcord22A
Site Benefactor
What is there to reflect on if he hasnt taken the degree yet?
hanzosbm
Premium Member
His life.
Standard practice in the Swedish Rite as far as I'm aware. But I agree, most of them are probably done with the closing prayer. It's a really nice ceremony that I wish we could institute.
Very much as happened in Utah.
The great undertaking he is about to commit to.
dfreybur
Premium Member
In the version I saw, he is asked to write his will. What he knows is he is asked to get his affairs in order. What we know if that reminder of his mortality is a part of the great lessons of a subsequent degree. It's like two legs that lead up to the same body.
hiram357
Registered User
The chamber of reflection is pretty widely used in continental Europe. Here in Germany I know that the AF&AM lodges use it in the first degree, and a different form of it in the third degree. I am not sure about the second, as I have not seen the fullness of a German second degree yet. I think that even if it is, as some say, an "innovation" it is a good addition to the ritual. It gives the candidate some time to really meditate on what they are about to or have already experienced and can set the mood for the rest of the ceremony.
The chain of union is also present here, and I have to say that, in my opinion, American ritual is sorely missing out by not including it. Especially when used in the first degree with the newly initiated Brother, it is a moving visual manifestation of Brotherhood and drives home some of the lessons taught in the degrees.
The chain of union is also present here, and I have to say that, in my opinion, American ritual is sorely missing out by not including it. Especially when used in the first degree with the newly initiated Brother, it is a moving visual manifestation of Brotherhood and drives home some of the lessons taught in the degrees.
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Warrior1256
Site Benefactor
I spent yesterday and today going through the Scottish Rite and got to experience the Chamber of Reflection. It was truly eye opening. Very much enjoyed the experience.