My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum
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I have heard from another reputable forum that that there is, or was, a legitimate Rite that does in fact have a total of 360 degrees. Whether it is still active or not, I do not know but it it was called something along the lines of The Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis Misraim.
When I hear the term "masonic year" I think of the time period that my jurisdiction is active, or has meetings. For me in NY, that would be from September through the end of May.
Our current class (8 total) were just initiated on November 8 this year. We have been meeting with them since April or May of last year. Their FC is scheduled for February 2015 and the MM is slated for April 2015. We are adopting more of an Observant approach so we are not rushing our...
Here in NY anyway, you must make suitable proficiency. As long as you show that you understand the concepts, you will be fine. Word for word rote memorization will come with practice and attending more degrees.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritual "c : an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner " . This can be anything, so my example above is in fact, accurate.
You are hung up on the term ritual. It is merely a way of doing the same thing the same way to ensure a common frame of reference. You take part in ritual every day whether you realize it or not. Wake up, shower, dress, eat breakfast, go to work/school, go home repeat. That is a daily ritual...
Have you asked this gentleman why he feels this way? It would be a perfect way to open up a conversation. He may give you something to think about, and you may do the same for him. In my lodge anyway, the older guys love to talk to the younger guys about how things were done back in the day.
That is awesome brother. I do caution you though on taking on such a rigorous chair this quickly. It is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work too. That is something that can be easily overlooked. I am sure you will do well, just don't be shy about asking for assistance. Congratulations again.
Yes, Marshal is considered part of the appointed line and was my second chair. We too have had the same luck of needing to turn guys away. Generally the only time a PM has to take a chair is as a fill in for a Warden. The big 5 are elected as are Trustees, 1 each for a 1, 2 and 3 year term.
When were you raised to the sublime degree?
My first chair was Sr. Steward and I have sat in each successive chair except one. We have Sr and Jr Master of Ceremonies which some jurisdictions do not. My progression was Sr. Steward-->Marshal-->Sr. Master of Ceremonies (I skipped Jr)-->Jr...
Agreed they are mentioned, but a full understanding of them is not. For example, why is it called a common gavel? Or, what is the significance of the mosaic pavement or the ark and anchor, the beehive, pencil or Skirrit. Memorizing the words is good, memorizing the full meaning and the...
My lodge is starting just that. We are requiring all candidates to prepare a short paper on some part of each of the degrees to show they have that understanding. We are becoming an Observant lodge and this is one of the criteria.
I offer this up for contemplation. As speculative masons, we use allegory to symbolically use the working tools of the operative stone mason. An operative stone mason was required to spend a certain amount of time as an apprentice and then as a fellow craft working under the direction of a...