.

' .
.
.
.
' ..
0'
The Secret Ritual
OF THE SECRET WORK OF THE
Ancient Arabic Order of
NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE
COPYRIGHTED BY
THE IMPERIAL GRAND COUNCIL
of tbe Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the M,slic Shrill.
DR. B H. STILLYARD, 330
Imperial Grand Potentate
Jul"1114
Wa.hi.,tOn, D. C.
Published by John G.
F.bruary hr, .:.
I
OFFICERS
OF THE
IMPERIAL GRAND COUNCIL
Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine of North and
South America.
Imperial Potentate.
Imperial Deputy Potentate.
Imperial Chief Rabban.
Imperial Asst. Rabban.
Imperial High Priest and Prophet.
Imperial Oriental Guide.
Imperial Treasurer.
Imperial Corr. Recorder.
First Asst. Imperial Corr. Recorder.
Second Asst. Imperial Corr. Recorder.
Third Asst. Imperial Corr. Recorder.
Imperial Recorder.
Imperial Deputy Recorder.
Imperial Orator.
Imperial Lecturer.
First Ceremonial Master.
Second Ceremonial l\1:aster.
First Medical Director.
Second Medical Director.
Imperial Prelate.
Imperial Marshal.
First Asst. Imperial Marshal.
Imperial Second Asst. Guard.
Imperial Third Asst. Guard.
Imperial Outer Guard.
BJ>ard of Directors of Eleven.
~ ,
I
I
f
Secret Work of the Ancient Arabic
Order of Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine
~ .
CHAPTER I.
The Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine was instituted by Mohammedan, Kalif-Alee (his
name be praised, the son-in-law of the prophet 1\1:oham
met, in the year of Hegira 25; A. D. 656), at Mecca,
Arabia.
Wm. J. Florence, 33d deg., of New York City, while
on a visit to Arabia was initiated in a temple of the
Mystic Shrine in that country and the secret work of the
Order was brought by him to the United States in the
year 1871, and placed in the hands of Dr. Walter M.
Fleming, 33d deg., Sovereign Grand :Inspector General
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and Eminent
Commander of Columbia Commandery, No.1, Knights
Templar, of New York.
Dr. Fleming, in conjunction with Wm. J. Florence,
33d deg., with William Eddy, 33d deg.; S. C. Campbell,
33d deg.; Osward Merle D'Aubigne, 33d deg.; G. W.
Miller, 33d deg.; John A. Moore, 33d deg.; William S.
6 T II E }1 Y:-:: T 1(' :-:: II It I :\ I: .
Patterson. :3:3d deg-.: ,John \Y. ;-;im111ol1s. :3:)(1 deg., and
Albert P. :3:3d de)!'., instituted Temple
of the n;tic Shrine, at .:\ew York Citv. ?\oble Flem
ing ll11animollsl.\' chosen <IS its p'residing officer,
nanwl.\', Illnstrions Urand Potentate. o-wing to the
death of four of the origillal craft, namely, Xobles D'An
bigne, Chappell. CamplH-'ll ;-wel Hnd the apathy and
negled of the remainillg' eight, Temple, of ::\ew
York, remailled inaetin' until December, 1875, when
the work was revived and the Order spread from
Temple all over the conntr:'.
On .June 6th, 1876, the parent body \vas forllled for
Amel'ie3, entith'd: ,. Impel'ial Urand Conneil of the
United States of allel its officers \vere eleeted
for a t,'rm of years.
It may be here stated that no <lllthorih' was ever
given to'Noble ,Villiam ,J. Florenee, or <lnv the others
who associated \vjth him, who were' all prominent
whitt' in the State of ':\P\y York, to confer the
11ystie Shrine degree 01' institute -:\le(:ca Temple, or
form their Imperial Grand Council, in the enited States,
from the Grand Conncil of Arabia or anv other sonrce
in Arabia, and they haye been compelled t'o aeknowledge
the same to be true, that the:' neyer had any power
whateH'l' to do an,v work.
.:'\oble .John G. ,Jones, :3:k1 deg., of Chicago, Ill., and
who is the Sovereign Gnmd COlllmander of the United
Supr('me Council of t h(' and \Vestern Jlasonic
Jurisdiction, t'nited States of Amerie<-l. after several
years of correspondent'e, lllade application to the Grand
COllIleiI of Arabia to be initiated into the work, and
power and authority to institnte Temples in the enited
States. TIis applicati()n hayjng been received and ac
7 IXITIATION.
cepted, in June, 1893, in the City of Chicago, Noble Ro
felt Pasha, Deputy of the Grand Council of Arabia, and
acting under the authority of the Grand Council of Ara
bia, and assisted with three other Nobles, with imposing
ceremonies at the Masonic Hall, conferred the degree of
the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
npon him, and gave him a patent of power and authority
to confer the degree of the Mystic Shrine, institute rr'em
pIes and orga,nize the Grand Imperial Councils, and be
the Imperial Grand Potentate of the Imperial Grand
Council in the United States of America.
Noble John G. Jones, 33d deg., of Chicago, is the
only Mason and Shriner, either white or black, in North
and South America, who has the exclusive and legiti
mate right, power and authority to institute Temples of
the Mystic Shrine and propagate the Mystic Shrine work
in this country. Noble John G. Jones, 33d deg., was the
first and only colored Mason in the United States who
has the power and authority to confer the Mystic Shrine
degree and institute Temples in the United States and
all Mystic Shrine degree work in North and South
America, and unless it is done under his sanction of
power and authority,. it is spurious, clandestine and
bogus.
The object of the Mystic Shrine is as follows:
1st. As an ally to Freemasonry.
2d. The improvement of the mind.
3d. The practice of charity.
4th. The promotion of religious toleration among
people of all nations, but especially in the
United States, of the Christian religion.
So it will be seen that the object and purpose of the
Mystic Shrine is good and of a very laudable character.
The Order is rapidly growing all over the country.
8 THE SHIUXE.
under the first heading, tIle question might
be asked: How does the ::\Iystic Shrine work as an ally
to Freemasonry? The answer is as follows: :\Iembers
of the Order who are simply :JIaster ::\lasons
will advance either to the Commandery of Knights
Templar or the Consistory of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite, in order that they can be Shriners. Then
again, ill many cases men will enter the Order of Free
masonry so that they can be Shrine1's. Tben again, you
must be in good standjng in either ,vour Commandery
as a Knight Templar or COllsiston' at the time when you
,,,ish to become a member of tIle Temple of the :\Iystic
Shrine. The result is that a lllan who takes a delight in
the Shrine degree is compelled to keep himself in
good jIasonic standing in his Blue Lodge in order to
hold his membership and be in good standing in a Tem
ple of the :\Iystic Shrine. So it will be seen that the
jIasonic fraternity is greatly benefited by the Order of
the :\Iystic Shrine. Secondly, the Shrine is a charitable
institution and charity is one of its tenants. Thirdly,
the Shrine also believes in the protection of the religious
belief of all nations. Fourthly, relative to the improve
ment of the mind) by the time a Shriner has mastered
the details relative to the work of Symbolic jlasonry
and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Hite, and then
the sublime work of the Mystic Shrine, he will find that
his mind has been greatly enlightened and that he has
been much benefited by being a member of the Ancient
Arabic Order of Nobles of the :\Iystic Shrine.
Those of the members of the "Jfasonic Order \vho de
sire to advance and gain admission in this sublime Rite
of the jIystic Shrine are required to take a solemn vow
that they will redouble their zeal and determi
nation tLo defend and advocate the Christian religion,
1
IXlTIATIuX. 9
and protect the honor, character and reputation of a
Koble of the ::\Iystic Shrine, wherever he may be.
="'0 can have the degree of the ::\Iystie Shrine
until he has first had the Knights Templar or the 32d
deg. of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Hite conferred
upon him. and in a regulnr and legal body.
and enlig'htened men, and of the high
est social and literary attainments, are members of the
::\I.ystic Shrine, in all countries through Europe, Asia and
in the rnited States of America.
A brother suspended or expelled in the Blue Lodge,
however, is equa lly suspended and expelled in the
Shrine of ::\Iasonry.
The degree of the ::\I,n;tic Shrine is eonferred in a
Temple, by a 'varrant or patent of authority, under the
Imperial Grand Council.
There can be hut one Imperial Grand Council of the
-:\Jystic Shrine in one ('ountry, or in the United
States of Ameriea, which body is the highest source of
authority in the Order, and has exclusive control over
all its membel's in its jurisdiction.
Rank) Title a:p-d Positions of Officers in Temple, Cos
Enthronment.
I11u;-.;tr10u8 Crand Potentate, first offieer in the East.
Costnme- Velvet. pnrple robe or domino; flowing
sleeves, trimmed with yellow or gold braid, yellow or
gold-c()lored Rash: hig'h, purple and yellow silk and satin
turha n, ,vlth (,l'eseent of gold and jeweled, jeweled
sceptre with crescent at top.
,Jewel of Office-Pyramid, with large, gold surfaced
sun, "'ith rays and a frowning face, or visage in the sun;
suspended from left breast.
I
10 THE SHIUXE.
Illustrious Chief Rabtan, :-;eeond officel', in the \Yest.
Costnme-V t'lvet, hrig'ht g'reen robe or domino: full
flowing' sJee\'es, tr'immed with purple, and broad. purple
sash: green and purple turban, with crescent at front
J e\vel of Office- P.namid with silver moon, faced;
suspended at left hreast.
Illustrious Assistant Ra hhan, third officer in the
South.
Costume- Velvet, blue robe or domino: large, flow
illg sleen's, trimmed with orange: broad orange sash;
blue and orange turban, w'ith crescent in front.
,Je,,'el of Office-A gold-faced pyramid, ('overed with
silver stars.
Illustriuus }Iost High Prophet and PriesL fourth of
ficer: right of East.
Costume-Robe made of woven metal cloth, gilt with
silver, and covered like damask: flowing, sleeves, and
fringed: broad gold and yellow turban, crown-shaped,
yellow, gold and black jeweled: and carries a crozier.
Jewel of Office-Large gold forIn of book or scroll,
1
\yith pyramid on one page in silver and crescent on the
other. suspended about the neck, hanging on front of
breast.
Illustrious Oriental Guide, fifth officer, right of East.
Costullle-Orange robe or domino; trimmed with
purple: broad purple sash, belt and sword; orange and
purple turban: crescent in front: carries a long Arab
staff or spear, trimmed at spear head with purple and
orange ribbon.
,J e\vel of Office-Pyramid, \yith gold-surfaeed panther
hodiecL female-headed Sphynx, suspended fnun left
bteast.
11 IXI'l'IATIOX.
Illustrious sixth officer, right of East.
Illustrious Recorder, seventh officer, left of East.
Illustrious First Ceremonial :l\T aster, eighth officer,
right of West.
Illustrious Second Ceremonial aster, eight officer,
right of West.
Illustrious Captain of the Guard, tenth officer, inside
the door.
Illustrious Outside Guard, eleventh officer, outside the
door.
All the officers are elected annually.
Enthronment.
Previous to the enthronment of a Potentate-elect,
the Imperial Council requires his assent to the following
ordinances, viz.:
1. Do you solemnly vO''", upon your-honor, that you
will exert your' best endeavors to promote the true hap
piness of your brother Nobles of the :Mystic Shrine?
2. That you will endeavor to promote the general
good of the Order, and preserve the solemnity of our
ceremonies with profound respect and reverence?
3. That you will not acknowledge or have inter
course with any Temple which does not work under con
stitutional authority, as recognized bY' the Imperial
Grand Council?
f 4. That you will ever maintain and support the
authority of the Imperial Grand Council of the United
States, and enforce obedience to its statutes, edicts and
regulations? .
5. Do you submit to all these ordinances and prom
ise to observe and practice them faithfully?
12 THE !-'HHl:,\E.
CHAPTER II.
The Mystic Shrine Conferred.
Opening Ceremonies.
Instructions.
\Vhen a Temple is to be opened or closed the Illustri
ous Grand Potentate \vill see that all the X obles are
standing on their fIue guard. and he \vill make the fo1
lo\ving' declaration:
Take notice, ;\oble of the :Jlystic Shrine, by the ex
alted power and authority that is vested in me, as the
Illw:;triou:;; Grand Potentaie of this Temple, holding its
charier from the Imperial Grand Council of the Ancient
Arabie Order of ;\obles of the :Jlystie Shrine, I do now
solemn 1.\" declare this Tt'mple to be regularly opened (01'
closed. as the ca:;;e may be). and eaeh one of vou \yill
take due \varning and 'act aeeordingly. .
At the opening and dosing of a Temple the High
Priest and Prophet \yill go before the Altar and offer
prayer. and then sing-in! by all the ;\ohle.
Before or at the time a Temple is opened the Holy
Bihle lllllst be opened on the and t\yO sword:;; in
opposiit> clireetions c'I'ossed npon the Bible .
.:\0 :'\ohle should he admitted \vithin a Temple uniil
his name has been reported to the Illustrious Grand
Poteniclte, and each ;\ohle should be ('overed \"ith his
13 IXITIATIOX.
Fez and wear white gloves, and he shall give to the Out
side Guard the Annual Secret Password and also the
Secret Pass before he can gain admission in a Temple.
The Lodge Room is termed the Temple, and the fur
niture is similar to the with some additions,
the room being draped vvith black alpaca, or white;
edged with purple and blue.
Five Nobles of the :l\Ivstic Shrine shall at all times
constitute a quorum for a Temple and transact
ing business, provided always that the Illusltrious Grand
Potentate is present, and in his absence, either the Chief
Rabban, Asst. Rabban or the High Priest and Prophet
shall, according to seniority, preside on the Throne.
Grand Potentate-"Vill give one blow with his gavel
or scepter, and then all the Nobles will take their seats
and the officers take their respective stations. The
Grand Potentate will then say: Noble Chief Rabban,
you will see that no interlopers or spies may intrude
upon the ceremonies of our sacred work of the .l\iystic
Shrine, and it is now my orders that you summon your
proper officers, who are the First and Second Cere
monial 1\1 asters, and receive from them our Mystic
Shrine secret password. Disperse them with alacrity,
in and about our Temple, to receive the same from all
who are within our portals, and have them communi
cate to you the same, that you may give me the assur
ance that no ignoble spy may here intrude themselves
upon us.
Chief Rabban- (Two raps). First and Second Cere
monial Masters, approach.
(They arise and approach the EJast.)
Have you your Mystic pass?
14 THE :-;IIHL,\I:.
First and Sec'ond l'erc-'monial :\Iasters-Chief Rab
ban, ,Ye han'.
Chief Rabhan-Approaeh (111<1 g'ive it.
First and Second Ceremonial .\lasters approach, and
each ,,'hispers, ,.:\ ...... "
Chief Rabban-It is the (:on11I1<111c1 of our Grand Po
tentate that you forthwith l'etpive tIl(' ::\f,\'stic pass from
each and everyone in 01' about the bod.,- of the Temple,
and return the same to me. that I may 6ve assurance
that no ignob1e spy intrudes npon tlie 'ceremonies of
our ::\Iystie Shrine.
First and Seeond Ceremonial ::\[<18ter8, each one side
of the Temple, reeeive the ::\I,\-stie pass, "K...... " in a
whisper. and returning, comn111nieate the same to the
Chief Ha bban: if one be present ,,-ithout the pass, the
C. ::\1. allllounees aloud: " An intruder
::\fember arises, is vouched fo1' 01' expelled.
Chief Habban-Grand Potentate, our ::\Ivstic Shrine
is se(:I11'(> and free from jeopardy: t here are present
save nohles of our rite,
Gr(111d 1'otentate- (To Habhan). Assistant
Rabban. inform the Captain of the Unard and he has
comnH1e, the Outer Guard, that our Temple is nO\v duly
and regularly opened for the husiness and eeremonies,
and both take heed who enters and see that none enters
this Temple until they (lre in possession of the Jlystic
pass ant1 properly elothec1. and first reported to the Il
lustrious Grana Potelltat(> on the Throne.
Captaill of the Guard informs the Outer Guard as
above, and reports (after dosing the door) :
Cnptain of the Assjstant Habhan, our
Outer Guard stands instrneted and under double gnard,
1
15 .
picketed by a tried and trusted officer without, one who
knows his duty, vigilantly assisted, by the Captain of
the Guard within.
Assistant Rabban-Illustrious Grand Potentate, our
sacred Temple is under a double and trusty guard.
Grand Potentate- 'Tis well. Since all present are
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and our Temple securely
guarded, I proclaim this Temple regularly open for busi
ness and ceremony, and hereby forbid all confusion and
discord that may mar our rites.
Order of Business.
Roll of Officers.
Reading of Minutes Last l\Ieeting.
Report of Committee on IInvestigation.
Report of Committee on Unfinished Business.
Report of Special Committees.
Conferring of Degrees.
New Business.
16 'rnE
CHAPTER III.
The Mystic Shrine Conferred.
InitIation.
Temple darkened. Furnitllre: Altar of Obligation
('oYen'cl in blaek lun'ing' on it the Bihle and the Koran,
the black stone, 01' Holy Stone of black marble, one foot
square or more, and byo crossed rig-ht of East,
Altar of Incense burnillg' incense of myrrh, etc.;
left of EClst, bier and eoffin, each half way between East
and Altar of Obligation: lan'r of ,yater in the South:
gong in the org'an. etC'. ::\Ie1l1hel's about the
body of the Temple, all clothed as prescribed. Officers---'
in their respective stations. ete. ,. I
Orand Potentate-First Ceremonial ::\Iaster, V(}n win"'"
retire to the outer walls and ase:ertaill if nil'ice
awaits our pleasure. /.
First Ceremonial ::\Iaster retires, ascertains, ane( re
turnillg' hefore the Altar reports. after giving sign.
First Ceremonial ::\IClster-Illustrious Grand Poten
tate, there are without (one, two or three) Sons of the
Desert, ,,ho seek admission to our ::\1ystic Shrine.
Grand Potentate-Illustrious First and Second Cere
monial ::\1 asters, accompanied hy our Grand ::\la1'sha1,
you will retire ,yithout the Temple and prepare those
novices for reception in our Shrine.
salute and retire and prepare candidates by tak
17 INITIATION,
ing off the shoes, coat, collar and vest and clothing them
in white dominoes and slippers, handcuffed or tied at
the wrists loosely.
When the candidate (one, two or three) is ready, the
Ceremonial 1\1aster takes charge of him. rrhree loud
knocks at the outer door of the Temple calls the Oriental
Guide to admit them. The response is, inside, a horrible
clatter, the r!lsping of iron rings over an iron bar, and
the withdrawal of several large bolts; then the door
opens. 'Vhat is the cause of this clamorous alarm?
Who dares intrude upon the ceremonies of Our Mystic
Shrine? asks the Oriental Guide.
First Ceremonial l\I aster- (One, two or three) poor
Sons of the Desert, who are weary of the hot sands and
burning sun of the plains, humbly crave shelter under
the protecting dome of the Temple.
Oriental Guide-How may we know them to be
worthy, and not of treacherous or ignoble purpose?
First Ceremonial Master-Their characters having
been canvassed and coming within the bounds of good
report, they have passed the ordeal of the Secret Ballot
of our Mystic Shrine unsoiled, and I espouse their cause
and sanction their reception within the Secret Pass.
Oriental Guide-Give me the pass.
First Ceremonial Master advances and whispers,
"J\L ..... "
Oriental Guide- 'Tis well; let them enter.
They enter, preceded by Marshal, Ceremonial 1Vlaster,
etc., conducting them, the Guide leading all.
Grand Potentate- (Three raps; all rise) . Gong
sounds once; organ music. They march twice around,
organ or singing, or both; the gong sounds when they
-----------
18 THE
pass the East and ,vhen they ha1t t lwre the seeonL1 time
around. Grand Potentate strikes once: all are seated.
Candidates halt.
Grand Potentate-,Yhat strang'e intruders have we
here? Our pleasnres ,,"ere most 'perfe(t and should be
scl(red from this turmoil anL1
again about our Shrine and to our .\lost High Priest.
that he lllay imprint upon the tablets of their memories
a knowledge of the duties they do here assume.
Candida tes are conducted around to the Prophet and
Priest, ,,"ho is robed and wearing a miter.
Prie:;;t -Strangers, are your motives for coming'
us h0110ra ble. pure anL1 free from hope of g'ain or
pride of knowledge?
Candi(lates- They are.
Priest -Hcn"e nHl a belief in the existellce of a Deitv ?
Candidates-I have. .
Priest - Have you a L1esire to prolllote justice and
suppress wrong!
Oriental GniL1e-Illustrious (;rand Potentate. 'tis I
\dlO hen"e nshered in (one. t,,"O or three) poor Sons of
the Dpsert, who, being wean" of the hot sands and burn
ing' sun of the plains, humbly ('ran' that saC'I'ed boon to
the ,yea ry Hnd traveler, a cup of water and
slwlter Ilnder the protecting- dome of our g'OO(ll,\" Temple.
r do ('()lllmend them to yonI' fen"or, lun"ing found them
,,"ol'thy. and not of treachel'ous or ig'noble purpose, each
having' pasesd the ordeal of the Sacret Ballot of our
::\Iystie Shrille unsoiled and vouched for by a :\oble with
0111' 8('('rt't Pass.
(;rand Potentate -,\1ost .:\oble Guide, know the
pella It,\' of broken faith, and do ,\"OU stand forth as a
r::mWllle for them all:
IXITIATIOX. 19
Oriental Guide-Illustrious Grand Potentate, J do.
Grand Potentate-So be it then. Conduct them once
Candidates-I have.
Priest-Have you a due regard for female virtue"?
Candidates-I have.
Priest-Are you willing to jeopardize your lifj if
need be, to punish the guilty and protect the innocent,
and labor in the cause of justice, truth and common
humanity?
Candidates-I am.
Priest-Have you still a desire to unite with us in
the inseparable bonds of the J\iystic Shrine for the pur
poses to which you have assented?
Candidates-I have.
High Priest-If you have answered in sincerity and
in truth in these replies I can assure you that no con
flicting sentiment or requirement here will mar your
principles nor your duties in the outer world, be they
what they may. Our alliance or the Rite of our Mystic
Shrine is ancient, honorable, benevolent and secret. It
is devoted to the cause of justice, truth and mercy. It
is as ancient as the corner stone of Mohammed's Temple
of Mecca; as secret as the "Moslem that bound the tribes
of Arabia to Allah, or their God; as honorable as the
Christian, and the tenets to which it is dedicated, when
once assumed, cannot be aschewed or cast aloof. We
know no retrogression; justice is our escutcheon; charity
beyond reason we do not expect; virtue must be regard
ed for its peerless ,Yorth, and morality observed for the
general good of all. ,Ve require absolute secrecy and
desire all our disciples to hold an interest in our noble
cause and a just observance of the tenets of our faith.
,,:
Let these preliminary teachings he deeply engraven
upon your hearts. They are priceless ,\'hen well ob
served, and attributes that C<1111lOt be bong'ht with paltry
sordid gold. Bv the existt'nc(' of Allah and the creed
of j! bv the legend,lrv of our Taber
nacle nt;\Ieu<l. g'n-'et' von. in cOlinnemoration of
the Arab 's faith ill 'and innocence, we acc:ept
answer;:; as sincere, ,md .nm will now be permitted to
proceed in the rites ,md ceremonies of the ::\Iystic Shrine.
The Oriental Guide and escort "ill now conduct vou
onward, while you \vil1 lend an attentive veal'
to our preparatory senice.
Gong'. mnsic. verse. Calldi(lates proceed.
(ir,1ll(1 Potentate-,V110 is he hath confessed to
have conversed ill person ,vith the Supreme and maketh
hilllself mightiest of His? jlol\ammed. the Prophet of
the Ar,\ b 's l'reed?
Gong', mnsic and short verse. 'J
Chid Rahban- ,Vhn but }Inhammed mingled his re
ligion with his Houri <1nd sa id: .. not these the true
sonne of happirwss?"
nong. music and
Assistant Rahhan- ,Yh,lt shall lwfall them ,,"ho have
reflected with ,1hhorrence that which the Prophet hath
wherefore their ,,"orb; shall not avail: (10 they
110t tl'<l\"E'1 through tl1<:' earth and set' the end of those
\vho \\ere before them?
(lon,!.!'. TImsit iind verse.
Prie-;t - \Yhy do indnlg'e themselves and
eat as h("lstS: shall not their portion he torment! Ap
pt'al t(; the Prophets for the truth.
({ong'. mnsie and yer;-;(".
21 L\Tl'IATIOX.
Grand Potentate-To 'whom shall be meted out the
boiling waters to drink, that they shall burst their
bowels and shall be cast into molten lava to be con
sumed The infidels ,,,ho wait until the last hour of
justice.
Gong, music and verse.
Chief Habban-Let us be of the number of those who
bathe in the fountain of incorruptible waters and rivers
of milk, the taste "'hereof changeth not, and rivers of
wine, pleasant and purif.\'ing to those who drink, and
enter into the yilleYHrds where fruits are rare and
plenty abound, and ~ o e,il exists.
Gong, music and yerse.
Assistant Hahban-He who fo11O\\'s the plain declara
tion of his dictator ,,,ill eyer avoid those whose evil
works have been dressed for them b.\' the devil, and who
follows up their O\vn lusts.
Gong', music and yerse.
Priest-There are ~ I o s l e l l l s among us; there are others
who swerye from propriety: but ,yho so seeketh Islam
earnestly, ~ e e k s true direction: but those who svverve
from truth and justice shall merit and reap abundance
of c lUlsti seIII ent.
Gong, music and yerse.
Grand Potentate-Let us purify one another. There
are two highways to good and eyil; attempt not the
city of destruction. Be .\'e all possesed of the faculty
of distinguishing and the po,ver of choosing wickedness
or piety, for the punishment of each will be equal to the
measure of his sin.
Gong and 111usic until the candidates, arriving at the
East, halt.
22
THE 1JY:-;T!(' :-;IIHI:\""E.
.. ...- ... .... .... ..' .. "- .--...
Urnnd Potelltate-Sons of the Hm haye ac1
YalH:el1 throug'h the preliminary of the ::\ohil
ity of the Jlystic: Shrine, as far as it is possible, unobli
gated. Before adY<lllC'ing further ill our course YOU will
he required to assume n puwerful and bindi'ng oath,
uniting: \\"ith us. and when once
taken it UIll neyer be retracted or departed from. But I
nssure therein is not contn ined a sentiment excep
tionahle to all that may become <lll honest, upright man,
he his beliefs what they may. yon \\"illing to as
sume sllc-h an ohligation:
Candidates-I am.
C<1l1ciidates are conducted <Hound to tilt' ,Vest. and
to the .Altar of Obligation, alllid sOU11(l of drum
and 11l1lsic. Kneel at Altar, \\"ith houn(l arms leaning
npon the top, heads bmn:,(l. Urcllld Potentate strikes
thriee to call all ar<1und the <11tHI'. and then to candi
dates. Repeat after lIle:
,Yhilp the c<wdidates are at the Altar to he obligated,
\\"ill be hnd by the Priest and Prophet. and
then sing'ing' <dl the brethren repeat the prayer, and
1'<.'main standing until the (;l'[lnd Potentate .... strikes
one.
Obligation.
I, ............ , of my desire, uninfluenced,
and of my own free will and aecord, do here assume,
\vithout re8en"e, the obligation of the ::\obilitv of the
<1s did theeled of the Temple ()f i\lecca,
the :JlosJem and the Jlohammedan. I do here, upon this
Holy Bible and calling upon these ::\ohles of the ::\Iystic
Shrine as witnesses, upon this sacred book. most selemn
Iy and sincerely s\\"ear that I keep secret \cvhatever
may transpire during' my initiation.
23 INI'l'IATIOX.
I further promise and vow, that I will never reveal
any secret part or portion whatsoever of the ceremonies
I have already received or that ",rhich is about to be
communicated to me, or that I may hereafter be instruct
ed in, to any person in the whole world, except he be a
well-known member of the Order of Nobles of the l\Iys
tic Shrine, and I knowing to an absolute certainty that
he or they may be truly and lawfully such, and of good
standing "vith such Nobility, and that II will not be pres
ent at, aid or countenance the conferring of the Order of
the Mystic Shrine upon any person who is not a lVlasonic
Knights Templar or a 32d degree Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite Mason, in good and regular standing.
I further promise and vow that I will, under every
circumstance, remain loyal and true to the best interests
of thjs noble fraternity of the A. A. O. of N. of the
l\Iystic Shrine, and that I will, to the best of my ability,
labor to advance and promote its noble work, and never
betray the trust that has been reposed in me. Further
more, I do here register a sacred vow, promising that
should I live to become a member I will impartially cast
a black ballot without fear or favor, against friend or
foe, applying for membership in the ~ o b i l i t y of the
l\Iystic Shrine, whom I believe to be disgraced, dis
honored, a thief, a perjurer, a murderer, a lunatic, an
idiot or a criminal.
I furthermore promise and swear that I will respect
and obey the laws and submit to the decrees of the Im
perial Grand Council of the Mystic Shrine of North and
South America, and that I will not consult, counsel, aid
or assist, or take part in any controversy, nor recognize
or be present in any other body of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine that is not holding their warrant of au
THE
thority from the Imperial Grand Council of :\orth and
Sonth Americ:el.
I further promise and VO,y that II will not wi Ifully
write. l"ut, speak. 01' portray deb1il that mig:ht be
construed into eyen a clue to the same, except for offi
cie)} Temple work.
I furtherlllore promise and that to the full meelS
11re of my I \yill nen'!' from justice 01'
duty: that I \yill respect virt.ue. prote(t the illllOct,'nt,
assist tlle distresst'd, the ineniL-ation of honor
and integ'rity, and dispense dwrity: that I
,yill protect ellld defend the llnsullie(1 hOllor of
:\:ohle (If the Shrillt'o if ass<lilvd .
..:\1H1 now UpOll t'his sa('red hook. hy tht> Sill('Hity of lily
oath as a Shriner. I !Jere this. nn irreyoeahle
suhsl'l'ibing myself hound thereto as w'('ll as hil}ding' .
lllyself hy the nhlig'atiolls of the prerequisite to this
lll('mh('l'ship, that of a Knig'hts Templar or that of <l :32d
..:\. HIlll A. Hite In \yilful viola
lllay I i11('ure the fvarful penalty of hel\'ing
1
my ('."eha1l:;; pien'C'd to the ('('nter a thn't'-pdged
hi ade. and my feet fla,\'ed a lid 1 he fOl'('('d to Wilde the
sands II pnn the sterilc> shores of til(' Hpd Sea until the
fallllinp, snfl shell 1 strike me li\'i(1 if I eyer
\\'ilfnllY. this my of ;1 llwmlwr of the
Order of the lila', I he 1<11\'('11 to the
and t 11\'1'e hU11g' the neck u;ltil I am dend, (le(](l, dead.
I do further promise that Jl will. in and out of this
Temple. eondnc:t myself in a 11l<1l111er a!'-; to add dignity
and honor to this institutioll and ref/eet u('(lit UpOIl my
self. and I will the usages and of the
order, a11(l the ('ollstitutioTI and of this or any
other 'renlJ;le of which I may hCl'('after hecome a mem
25 I:\ITIATIO:,\ .
her. This, solemn obligation, I do now most sincere
ly and heartily approve and adopt, and ,vith a fnll un
derstalH1ing of the same, and promising to keep anel ob
the same during my natural life, faithfully
and "'ith the help of (ioel.
Granel Potent ate-In tol.;:en of .'onI' silH:el"ity Sel1ute
and kiss the Sacred Book, the Bible, three times.
the Sons of the Desert. They Hr
of nohle hirth. The rays of the hot. sun
upun t he sterile shores of Heel Sea e\l'e' and
Ilj()l'e s(af(hin.Q." tilan the hempen thong.
::\ 0 hIes a l'(' sv<\ted b.\- the Grelud Potentnte striking
once, CellJdidates are ordprel1 to arise ellld their
are unhound.
Priest-Our Ori('ntal Guide ,,,ill conduct the
SOIlS of the Oesert to our purifying cavern, in the South,
It is the founi<1in of jlecca. Let them there ,,,ash their
hands ill inno(:enCt-\ cleansing themselyes of the snares
of sin <lnd "ice thnt may have S1llT01UH1ed them, and let
tilt'lll be rl'iUl'ut'd to us' fre(' from the stains of iniquity.
Conducted to fountain or urn, ,,,ith 111l1Sif' or H'I'ses,
then condllcted tu t he East.
(;r'ellld Potelltatt.'-::\Iy friends. it is with pleaslll'(' that
I extelld tn \"(lil the (If tht' :\ohles of the ::\Ivstie:
(\lui (()!IS?Te{tulate "you upon helying' tlm;..; far
pass('(l the ('l'J'("lllOni('s of our Order: bear up to
the -:\\OSl!'lll test Hnd proye your fidelity to on!' cause.
_.:\It houg'h Y<l g'ue lI](\y a pppal' the prospect in our cel'e
alld the aspect of our purpose, let me assnre you
that there is a deep and fonnid<l ble meelning- in it a11,
and "Then yon shall haye passed ll11flin ehini.:!'i.\' and 1111
disma.n'd 0111' final test of yonr fidelity. IWl'y(' and (:our
a g'e. then will you. indeed. be worthy to espouse 0111'
26
THE )1)"ST1(' SIIHl-,\E.
cause: but mark you \ye1L should you ultimelte1y de
cline to enlist in actin' pad are still hound by the
strong-est ties to l'enwin rwutraI. Hememher this and
continue faithful to the death: but ere \Ye impart to you
om' forlllic1a ble pm'pose, .'ou must proye fidelity
and courag'e. \Ve do not exp(>(t a II to join ill <lcti've
part. hut those "'ho do lIot unite in the tclsk IllUst ap
plel1ld 0111' deeds. or by si Iente fe\\'01' not em adverse fac
tion to g'ain SwclY.
'Yith this admonition I yield you up to our Guide
and his cohorts "'hn \yill conduct YOU to the ante-l'oom
and blindfold and one by one ,,ill he suhjected
to the )[oslem test of courag:e. And should an unfore
seen c1isaster come \ye are in duty hound to h0110r and
protect those \\"ho are near and dear to you. Ere you
depart \\'e bid Godspeed and adieu.
Priest- (Approaching to East and ralSIllg' hoth
hands), and may Allah protect and support .Hm. that
YOU be llOt cast into "a1 hotama" (hell1. let our
vaults open to their width, tha1t the va pOI'S of
damp sta,!!wltion may pass away. Ope.-n the passage to
the desert and disperse our trusty Ara hs in full ana:v
for the jloslem test. A\yay
Candidates conducted out under solemn music to be
prepelrecl for the sec-ond section.
Instructions for the Second and Third Sections.
During: the preparation. etc., some member goes out
and calls the })Iost timid candic1ate aside, or, if there be
but one, some delay takes place, and he is left alone "'ith
the nwmher vvho should be his friend. Thf' member
th('n endeayors to encourage him, and tells him
(:onfidentially that he will not be harmed, that (( it is all
27 INI'l'IA'l'ION.
in the ceremony," etc. Then he gives him the pass
word, signs, grip, etc., hastily, in confidence and in full,
as follows:
Grips, Signs and Passwords"
The sign of salutation upon entering and retiring is
given before the Altar: Bow low and extend the arms
from the shoulders directly toward the East forming
the" salaam," and nearly touching the open thumbs be
yond the top of the head-the Turkish or Arabic bow of
obedience.
Annual Secret Password: ..... .
Distress Word H ...... p ...... U ..... .
Grip of a Noble: Grasp right hands naturally, press
ing thumb on middle of upper half of second finger.
The secret pass at the door, given through the wicket,
or door to the Captain of the Guard, is lVI ...... (given
in a whisper). The :Mystic password inside, on opening,
or the inner secret pass, is N. . . . .. (given also in a
whisper) .
\Vhen fully confided, he is discovered by some officer
or member who becomes enraged at the member so
disclosing, and they have some sharp words and the dis
coverer declares that he will report him to the Grand
Potentate for censure.
}\{ember replies: Do as you please. (This.is all out
side). It is then whispered about so that the rest of the
candidates can hear it (if more than one), and opinions
':are expressed that there will be trouble for such expos
lire before the candidate sees the end of the ceremonies,
etc., or that it was unlawful information given before
the candidate was through with the initiation.
THE :'.lY:-<'l'IC SHHIXE.
---.-.._----.-_....-...----.----.----.----. ---
(This candidate is then left until the last, if there is
lllore than one.)
:Jlecllltime the friend (mernber) has hetn1yed the
departs to cllloth0r room diYPst!'; himseif of all
hut shirt. pants and sho(>s. ,Vhitening' his face and
at tIlt' proper time bound at the 'Yl'ists, blac:kened uncler
the eyes and Oll the lips to g-in' him a ghastly appear- .
anc-e. l;:eeps out of sight alld awaits the coming cere
mOlly: or t:lothes himself ,yith a dOlllillo and mask, and
aW<lits until required. (All this shouhl require hut a
short spclce of time). Fm't\:rl'lnorE' another member. a
s](,1Hlel". hagill'. sllloothf<lcecl young m<1ll (preferahle) is
seleded to be 1'0hed <IS a or Ara b girl, in white
or 1)1'0\\11 f!o\\'ing rohes, tightly at the waist,
hare al'lllS andne("k, fenl<lle ,yig or striped silk halldker
chief ahout the head. face painted pale (\\'ith zinc and
hi.:;mut il 'i. en'hrows blackened and arched. under eye
lids pl'lH:il('(l Indiall illk, to disguise as much as p'os
sihle. lIe is coyered ,yith domino a11(l nl<lsked: to ('lIter
the Temple and he sl'nt('d a member of light \H'ight
or Spcll'(' cll'llI-One nM too prominent or ,yell known.
This ll!('mher has a domino on, benrath ,yhich he has
his eoat. yest. et( .. and \yhite shirt: under the shirt is
l)l1cklpd R \yide, soft-padded helt. around uncler
the arlll-pits, with two straps from fl'(mt of shoulders,
p<lssi tl g' o\'el' thl' back. aud h\o from the shoulder
hbHlt's: hehind. <"lll four nnite in a ring or swiyeL at the
hac-k of t1w neck, ready for harmless execution, by
hanglnQ, at tht' proper time.
These disQ:uised members; being all prepared, sit aside
in dominos and masked, in some obscure corner, to
a,Yait t be ceremonies. Officers mid me111 bel'S all robed
alld masked.
29 IXITIATION.
Arrangement of the Temple: Immediately after the
candidates leave the Temple room a large banquet table
is placed in the position of the Altar, provided with
luncheon or banquet (as can best be done, in variety, ac
cording to ability of body) ; when all is properly set, a
frame is placed upon the table, viz. : Four sqnare sticks,
forming a square frame the size of the table. All this
is above the banquet and supports a black cloth or cover,
elevated in the center, ostensibly forming a tomb. The
cloth is ornamented with sphinx, urn, crescents, etc.,
etc., and should reach to the floor on all sides, and be
fringed. This conceals all the table and banquet.
The Laver, Altar of )Incense and all the furniture are
placed about the Temple on each side. In the North a
scaffold is erected of two upright and one horizontal
joist, painted black, and strong enough to support the
weight of a man when suspended; a hole is in the center
of the horizontal bar, and a pulley on the right corner
for a rope to slip over; also a strong peg on the center
of the right perpendicular bar or post on which to fasten
the rope after elevating the man, with a clasp on the
end of the noose in the center to hook into the ring at
the back of the culprit's neck.
The gibbet should be high enough to enable the exe
,
cutioners to raise the extremities about three feet from
the floor, and leave a space of two or three feet above
the head. (All these appointments need cost but a small
sum; the whole equipment has been so arranged as not
to be too expensive, unless extravagant properties are
desired). A member, with white robe, skull and skele
ton-faced mask, stands in front of scaffold to adjust
noose at proper time. Two strong members at the side
of the scaffold, robed in black, to elevate the culprit.
30 THE )11'8'l'1(' SHHIXE.
(Scaffold may haye black curtains about it if desired. to
conceal the e'xecutioners at the side.) ,
Furthermore, a headsman's block is placed in the
South, coyered with black. A headsman. "'ith a cun'ed
blade hattIe-ax, clothed in a scarlet rohe, gathered at
the ,nlist, with belt and sword, w('arillg' a scarlet mask,
presides at the block. Beside the block lies a false head
on the floor "'ith a black cloth co\'ering it (with a heard
to resemble a member, if desired). A sllIall howl or
dish should also be in readiness on a stand for the cere
monies of bleeding'.
The gong' should be attended by some ('ompetent
member and the organist at his post. All is no'v in
readiness for the second section, the rongh or artiticia I
desert.
Se(}ond Section.
Thl:' rough or artificial desert, t'tc., is then prepared as
follows: The candidates are hoodwinked, and in stock
ing feet enter after three loud alarms (yiolent blows
from the ma lIet). At first they proceed. one by one, on
('arpet, then upon a spread of eorn husks and then a
strip of stair cover or sheeting st1'e,,,n "'ith pebbles. fol
lmvpd b.\' a ladder ,yith elose rounds, eamp stools folded
and a roller or other rough road most conveniently
prepared. ont through the etc.. Hceording to
faeilities. During' this intereonrse drulll, fife, gong', or
gan. rattle, bugle. etc., or any hideous pandemonium in
strulllent desired. Then persecute and test eandidates
as llllleh (IS they ,vill stand. Finally the\' are returned,
0lH' hy one, to' the Temple ag'ain, 'amid' the din. over
po,,'ert'd. laid in a hammock or cannu; and folded in
awl s,vung from side to side or thro\Yll Ilpwar(1. carried
about and finally placed in some outel' apartmellt
I
31 IXI'I'IATIOX.
to await the other candidates. When all have passed
this ordeal, collect them together in the ante-room, re
move the relics of the desert, and at once place the Tem
ple in order for the last ceremony or the third section.
All being in readiness, officers should be at their
posts, executioners at scaffold, skeleton masked in front
of same, headsman at block, etc. In front of East seven
seats are prepared for seven men, called the "Council
of the Inquisition."
Before the alarm the Potentate calls seven officers or
members for inquisitors to the East. Potentate occupies
the center; two Rabbans (one on each side) ; the Priest
occupies the chair in the East, wielding the scepter; all
masked except the Potentate and Priest; room quite
dark. Ceremonial :Masters are outside with the candi
dates, clothed in white robes or dominoes, with shoes
on and not hoodwinked.
Third Section.
First Ceremonial 1\1 aster- (Outside, strikes thrice
loudly upon the door with a wooden mallet). Oriental
Guide, inside, returns the alarm, opens the wicket and
says: \Vhy this clamorous alarm?
Ceremonial l\I aster- (One, two or three) candidates
pursuing the secrets of the -Mystic Shrine.
Oriental Guide-Have they the :Mystic Pass?
Ceremonial 1\1 aster- (Whispers) .Nemesis.
Oriental Guide-Let them enter.
Chains drawn; gong sounds low; organ music, and
door is opened. Candidates conducted to front of \'l est
and seated.
Grand Potentate-My friends having passed through
3:2 THE .\IY:-;TIC :-;IIlUXE.
the 01'(1eal of traversing' theJlOt sands of the desert nn
dismllyed. YOU are no"- 'returned for the final ceremonies.
But ,,:(' Ollrseh-es compelled most unexpecte(lly to
hol(1 a secret inquisition to judge and execute IIpon a
traitorous elelllent ,,-ithin onr Temple. I h(nn'ver.
those proct'edings to briefly i1l"est yon with the
knowledge of our secrds.
If it he your desire to decline the (1etive part yon are
sacredly bound to and knowledge.
0111' mission is to snccor the distressed, relieve the
oppressed. protect the innocent and Pllnish the gnilt.\-.
equaIizp station. estahlish harlllOll.\- ill all creeds, crnsh
fanaticism and intolerance lind perpetuate the ,velfare
of nlClllkind.
I ,\-iilnO\Y inn'st with the salutatio1ls. signs. grips
and pass\vords of our Order.
Work of Third Section.
CaptClin of the Cuard- (Disco\-ering' (\ melldwl' ,,-ith
a female in the Temple in disgnise, shouts) -::\lost ;\oble
Prophet and Hillh Priest, a spy, an intrllder. {\ traitor is
in the telllple.
All IIrise: confusion. Officers of Ceremonies, Cnide
alld Priest proceed to the S('('lle.
("ljtain of ne Cuard-.:\Iost :'\ohle Priest, I IHwe hnt
1}(;W discovered an intruder accompanied by a \H)Jrwn:
both. ,,-ithol1t et Pass, have f!'ained admission into
the Tl'mple.
Pointed ont and masks removed.
Priest-B\' ollr faith. \ye are betrayed!
Both (Ire 'seized by the Oriental Guide .:\Ial'shal,
33 INITIATIOK.
and surrounded by Inquisitors, exclaiming: To the exe
cutioner with them!
Potentate-Hold! Stand all apart; disrobe our
mantle from the female form; bind and hold her fast.
Domino and hood taken off and the woman stands
held fast, robed in white, and dismayed; bare arms and
neck.
Potentate- (Pointing to male member), strip and
hang that spy without delay.
Officers roughly strip member to shirt and pants (he
is previously painted pale and haggard and is prepared
for execution as before directed).
Potentate-Stranger, have you no defense? If not,
you must meet the death of a spy.
Culprit shakes his head (no).
Potentate-Then let the culprit be executed.
He is hurried to the scaffold; the executioner, ill
skeleton mask, adjusts the noose. He has a loose rope
placed about the neck (to appear real).
Priest- (Kneels before the gallows). Thus do we
yield up thy life for our own security and may justice,
peace and mercy abide with thee.
Executioner places on the black cap; Priest arises
and holds up handkerchief and drops it; gong sounds,
and the victim is suspended in the air. He &truggles an
instant and hangs silent and apparently lifeless.
Potentate-Thus perish all our enemies. Noble
Guide, seat that miscreant woman by the block and cut a
deep crescent upon her naked breast. We cannot take
her life.
Shp swoons and falls in chair or arms.
TIlE
Oriented Guide-Illnstriolls Grand Potentate, she has
all'e(\(1", swooned.
Potentate-The better still: she will not know her
pains. Cut the crescent 011 her breast and drag her from
0111' Telllple. She'll not forget the :\obles of the
Shrill t:' ,
She is dragged in a ehair to the block. a bend brought,
her bared and a knife is in the officer's
hand. The bO"'1 is held in front and all officer from
behind holds under the arm a rubber blllb, "'itll stem,
that holds a pint of red \vine: a cut. a groan, and the
blood (wine) flmvs into the howl. The bmd is set on
the blacks, a blood-stained is also thrmnl dOWll,
and she is borne from the Temple in the chair to an
outer chamber.
Priest- (Taking the bOYd) ::\10st :\oble Council of the
Inquisition, now, in testimony of the justice of ollr canse,
let us, in this maiden's blood. seal the a lIiance of our
bond of secrecy and silence. And let this da.\' 's bloody
,,'ork ill the deepest rec-esses of the :\ohle's heart
he buried.
Priest and seven Inquisitors drink.
Curtain in front of scaffold may be dra,,'n and the
executed let down for rest. The officer who detected
the member exposing the ,vork no,,' arises hastily (the
memher being all prepared withont).
Priest-Illustrious Grand Potentate, I now demand
censure or punishment upon a member (mentioning
name) upon whose case this Jnquisitor's Tribunal has
deliberatE'et for the crime of treaS011 in our midst, ex
posing Ollr secrets to a friend and .candidate ,,,ithill our
Temple.
Potentate-Let him be broug'ht before us.
35 INI't'IATION.
Second culprit brought in, stripped (as described) to
shirt and pants.
Potentate-Sir, you have been openly accused of
treason and betrayal of our faith, not only here but
without Our Temple's walls. The Vigilance Inquisition
have tried, judged and sentenced you; what is your de
fense?
Oriental Guide-Grand Potentate and Inquisitors of
our Council, let me appeal to this tribunal to temper jus
tice with mercy, and in slight extenuation of this crime
let me offer this defense: Being loose of tongue when
plied with wine and most earnestly importuned by his
best beloved friend, he, in part, did yield, all in good
nature, but intent on friendship and not meaning harm,
frivolously related who and what we were and the ob
j ~ c t of our cause. And this, his friend and companion,
now comes to beard us in our lair and exonerate himself
by the assumption of our vows. Therefore, I do opine,
their punishment should be equal and each to assume
the wrong, or let the novice assume it all, for 'tis mon
strous to leave his friend to perish for a crime prompted
by himself.
Potentate- (To candidate) Stranger Knight, thus ac
cused, arise. What say you to this grave charge?
(Candidate answers, no matter what.)
Culprit ::\Iember: By my ..I\Toslem Oath, Illustrious
Grand Potentate, all that has been said by our Noble
Guide is true. That I have erred I cannot deny, but all
that I in confidence imparted to him I am informed that
he has loosely brawled about, hence I must suffer for
this crime.
Potentate-Hold, enough! ..I\'1ost High Prophet and
Priest, to you do I appeal for judgment. Although our
Council has before decided, still do I appeal to you.
36 THE :\IY:-;TIC
Priest- (Advancing on the floor) Grand Potentate
and Council of Inquisitors, our cause is sorely tried, our
Temple alJd our Shrine in jeopardy, the Creseent turns
perpel](licular, point and point. alJd spills its mystic
blood: the houri weep and Justice drops her scale, for
by their fault spies have fallen ill 0111' midst. Our safety
cOlllmclllds judgment on tlwm both. L(,t the first in
fault and his fellow go to the block together.
AlI the inqnisitors arise and exclaim: To the block!
To the headsman!
First and Seeond Ceremonial seize culprit
melll\wr and conduct him to tht' block: then seize candi
date and conduct hill! to the \Vest. Take off his robe,
coat eolIaI'. etc., exeept pants and shirt, same as culprit
membel', and bind his hands.
Potentate- Let the traitor suffer first.
Culprit is hurried to the block, blindfolded and made
to kneel. head on block: (A false wax or caryed head
lies heside the block. ,,,ith black cloth over it. out of
sight). .
Priest- (Holding up sceptre) And ll!n" may justice,
peace and mercy a bide with you. Strike! The ax falls,
cnlprit tumbles on floor, executioner stoops, lifts black
cloth from false head and coyers head of culprit, seizes
false head by hair, raises it to view, and exclaims:
:\emcsis!
C>llldidate is hoodwinked and made to approach the
block and lay his head upon it.
Priest-Hold! Executioner, mark this stranger's
neck ,,-ith the scimiter, but do not slay him.
The headsman slaps the candidate on the neck with
a damp tmvel, and he is at once taken by force and
placed in the hammock or canvas, carried and placed in
4
.(
jj
t

.
I
37 X I ' l ' I A r r I O ~ .
I'
a coffin at the east end of the catafalque, while the
culprit and the head are borne into an outer room.
Officers all return.
Potentate-Thus doth the evil-doer and the malefac
tor meet with" Xemesis" at the Inquisition of the l\![ys
tic Shrine, and it now becomes our duty to deposit the
result of our vigilance in the tomb, isolated from the
eyes of the meddling world, a fit abiding place for the
remains of the unfaithful. l\Jost Noble Oriental Guide,
lest the secret clasp of our l\Tystic Catafalque be pre
maturely known to our novice, let them be again hood..
winked that their hearts may be taught secrecy ana
their tongues silence ere they are entrusted with the
secrets of the :Jlystic Shrine.
Candidates are blindfolded. The coffin is then stood
on end or placed at an angle with head on chair at end
of table or tomb, toward the East; the block and execu
tioner placed at the 'Vest side, the culprit again' ele
vated by the noose, skeleton executioner by his side; the
woman seated at the North; officers and members gath
ered around the table and frame removed from banquet
table and everything is in readiness for the finale.
Grand Potentate-Now let us rejoice that iniquity
has lain her proud idol in the dust and that justice has
triumphed over sin. And ever thus let our light so
shine before men that they may. behold our good works.
Candidates kneel before an open coffin containing a
skeleton represenbng a dead traitor to their order, their
right hands resting on the coffin and their left hands on
.their breasts.
Candidates are conducted to the center of the room
again; their hoodwinks are removed and they behold
the corpse representing a traitor lying on the floor rest
TIlE .\lYSTIC
ing on his side, his face masked, and surrounded by other
members, hvo armed with axes, the rest lvith pikes.
Jllst as the Grand Potentate lIses these words: And
now r('C'eiYes his just deserts! they strike and thrust at
the vietim. who raises his lumd as if to Q.'uard off the
attaek and falls back on the floor. '
(iong: hoodwinks removed: mnsic and general jubi
lee at banquet. Candidate is provided and eats and
drinks from coffin the culprit also from the gallows, as
also the female, still in costume in the :\orth, etc.. etc.
The Temples of the ':\fystic Shrine are conducted by
the ,,'ell-established rules of :Jlasonic Law and Customs
Th'e dress and regalia of a :\oble of the ::\Iystic Shrine
shall consist of a red fez, with the name of the Temple
upon it in front, and a full dress dark suit of clothes and
white !.'loyes, and a red badQ.'e, with the name of his
TemplE: npon it. worn on the side on the lapel on his
coat.
The Illnstrious Grand Potentate gives one rap \\'ith
j
his gavel: all the :\obles rise. After charging them to
keep secret the business transaeied, he states to them
that it is tillle for this Temple to rest.
prayer by the High Priest and singing by the
the Temple is declared closed.
J
39
TXITLC\TIOX.
LECTURE.
To be! Given to Candida,tes.
The salutation of distinction among the faithful is:
"Es Salmu Aleikum!"- Peace be with you! - to which
is returned the gracious wish: "Aleikum es salaam , , _
With you be Peace!"
The Jewel of the order is a Crescent formed of any
substance. The most valued materials are the claws of
the Royal Bengal Tiger, united at their bases in a gold
setting which includes their tips, and bears on one side
of the center the head of a sphynx, and on the other a
pyramid, urn and star: Y,'ith the date of the wearer's re
ception into the order, and the motto:
Arabic, "Kuwat wa Ghadab."
. Latin, "Robur et Furor."
English, "Strength and Fury."
t
The Crescent has been a favorite religions emblem
in all ages in the Orient, and also a political ensign in
some countries, such as in modern Turkey and Persia.
The ancient Greeks used the crescent as an emblem of
the universal :l\Iother of all living things, the Virgin
Mother of all Souls, ,,,ho was known as Diana, Artemis,
Phoebe, Cynthia, and other names, varying with the
character of her attributes in different localities. The
chief seat of the Diana cult and worship was at E p h e s u s ~
-10 THE "3IY!::'TlC
and the great temple built in her honor at that city \vas
thE' pride and glory of the Greeks.
The secrt't knowledge symbolized by the crescent has
always had its devotees in every in all civilized
eountrit's. and it is yet the to all wisdom.
The Greek philosopher, Plato, when asked the sonrce
of his knovdedgt'. referred to P,\rthagoras. , If W(' commIt
the \yritings of Pythagoras, \ye shall find that he points
to the far East, \yhence he derived his instruction. In
imitation of the humility of the \yisest of mankind, we
look to the East for Jight, and find plaepd there the
beautiful emblem of lw\v-horn light, the Crescent.
This is yet only a \\'lnbol, and refers to a higher and
pnrer the gTt'at f01111t<li11 of light, the Sun, which
is also an emhlem of the First Canst', of and
Intt'lligenee. Thus do \ye lead the mind of the initiate.
step by step. frolll the sit'rile and shifting sands of the
desert into the halls of science, the chambers of cultnre,
nntil he stands in the presence of the ('mbIE'm of Light
and IlltelIigen('e. in pos",pssion of the key that \yill op('n
to the diligent in(Juirt'l" t'very truth in natlll'l' 's "'ide
dOl\lain.
Significance of the Fez.
The lIobles \rpm' I'irh ('08t11111e of Eastern charadeI',
lll;idC' of and lH'o(,;lcled yt'lvet of Oriental intensity
of ('olor.
\Ylwn pilgramages to \yere interrupted by the
('n1s(Hle8. ahout A. D_ 980. the :\1 of
tIl<' :\ile jonrneyt'd to Fez H' F;'1Sl. ill :\f ornc('o. as to a
holy city. Among the manufactures of the
INITIATION. 41
city was a head covering called tarboosh, now known as
a fez, which was dyed scarlet for students in a great
school in that city. In that way it became a mark of
learning, and gradually displaced other forms and colors
of hats. It was carried in all directions by Caravans
and thus became the distinguished head-dress of Mos
lems in every part of the empire.
I
I
I
DIAGRAM OF TEMPLE
Ill. High Priest 111. Grand Potentate
Ill. Treas. Ill. Rec.
and Prophet THROXE
Ill. Oriental Guide Ill.
ALTAR.
Ill. 2d Cer. Master. Ill. Ohief Rabban. Ill. 1st Cer. :Yfaster.
111. Captain of Guard.
Door
Ill. Outside Guard.
Entree Room.
I
~ I
I
J
I .
I
-I
I