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Post by Trinityman on Feb 14, 2005 17:18:32 GMT
I've always wondered how the whole 'baring the breast' thing is managed when initiating women. Is there some more discrete mechanism employed in co-masonic lodges? Is it the more traditional 'open shirt' approach in women-only lodges? As this is the traditional demonstration that a candidate is male, perhaps this requirement has been dropped completely? I hope y'all don't think this is an inappropriate question - I've been wondering for ages and if I can't ask it here - where can I ask it?
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Post by whistler on Feb 14, 2005 21:02:50 GMT
Trinityman it is a very easy question to answer.. We don't require gender evidence but we do need a bit of breast exposed for the words "As You feel.........." Think of normal Dress woman may wear in the summer, or ball gowns, there is a lot of the upper torso that can be politely exposed without getting anywhere near rude bits. And yes we are traditional in the sense that the gown is not worn over normal clothes, they are not unlike Theater Gowns with tapes to expose (always discreetly) as required by the degree ritual.. and yes the the neophytes do look a little odd in their gowns, but I don't think that is unique to Co-masonry"
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Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Feb 15, 2005 4:42:43 GMT
Bear in mind that each & every Initiate is told that whatever befalls them has happened to all present, so that there is nothing to be concerned about, and as Whistler mentions, all candidates are politely covered.
We follow the intent more than the rudimentary need, and in todays' day & age most have seen it all, but we are well shigh of that exposure!
Remember that to CoMasons this has a spiritual purpose so decorum is always uppermost in our deliberations.
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Post by ingo on Feb 15, 2005 12:35:44 GMT
Hubert that is the same with us in Germany.
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Post by foxcole on Feb 21, 2005 1:42:43 GMT
This is a timely thread for me... I'm very pleased to report that I am to be initiated on March 12 into the Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry. I had been asked this very question by my male-only Mason friend, so naturally I too wondered about it.
I think, though, that he may find the answer disappointing.
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Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Feb 21, 2005 4:10:36 GMT
Foxcole, An unfortunate siuation indeed. Your male friend had no right making those comments/questions as this spoils your anticipation "of what may befall you" during the ceremony. Please try to dispell any thought of such prior to your initiation as it will distract your enjoyment and wonder at the process as a whole.
Again remember that ALL present have been through the very same ceremony, and found it worthwhile to continue.
I, myself, knew NOTHING of what would occur, and SPECIFICALLY did not enquire then or now as to any higher degree work so that I could view them with an open mind, free from implied expectations.
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Post by foxcole on Feb 21, 2005 5:48:52 GMT
Hubert, thanks for your comments. I wouldn't worry, though, about advance expectations on my part. Aside from the fact that this represents the total of what I 'know' about the ceremony, it is one thing to read or hear or study a subject, and quite another to experience it---like the difference between reading a description of Niagara Falls, and tumbling down it in a barrel. The first really can't prepare you for the second, no matter how detailed the study.
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Feb 21, 2005 7:16:58 GMT
Foxcole, Congratulations on the announcement of your initiation date.
We all look forward to sharing the experience with you prior to and following March 12th.
I bet you are full of anticipation and excitement. ?
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Post by whistler on Feb 21, 2005 7:25:54 GMT
This is a timely thread for me... I'm very pleased to report that I am to be initiated on March 12 into the Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry. I had been asked this very question by my male-only Mason friend, so naturally I too wondered about it. I think, though, that he may find the answer disappointing. Foxcole Welcome to Co-masonry and I am sure that March the 12th will be the beginning of a most wondrous journey for you. It is a journey that pays absolutely no attention to the fact you are a women, and some of the members are men like Hubert and myself. It is simply a journey seeking the light, In some ways that light can be compared to a lighthouse on the coast. AT times it is strong, bright and easy to follows, others times is dim but you know it is there and we just have to seek a little harder. I am sure you have received a lot of advice re the 12th. Mine to you is just to accept that you have been lead to this point - trust in your intuition and go with the flow... There are some esoteric dramas in a Co-Masonic initiation that are not present in Male Craft Masonry let your self relax and feel what is happening around you - it contains most wonderful discoveries that will leave a truly lasting impression, the import of which may take a while to understand - IMO you don't even have to think that others have been through the initiation - March 12th is your night for you and the essence that makes you will also make the evening unique. I am sure your new Bros in you new Lodge are working hard to prepare for the 12th and will be very pleased to be able to share your evening with you. Foxcole have a wonderful evening HGW Whistlerj
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Post by taylorsman on Feb 21, 2005 10:05:03 GMT
Although by the Rules we are "Separated" Brethren, I wish Foxcole well and , strange as it is to say or read, I greet her then as a "Brother". Have a good night and enjoy the experience.
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Post by foxcole on Feb 21, 2005 15:14:42 GMT
Foxcole, Congratulations on the announcement of your initiation date. We all look forward to sharing the experience with you prior to and following March 12th. I bet you are full of anticipation and excitement. ? Thank you! Yes, I'm brimful of feelings I had no idea I could still experience. It's difficult to put into words... this is deeper and more awe-filled and exhilarating than anything I remember, including marriage, including childbirth. It resonates. I can't quite describe it.
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Post by leonardo on Feb 21, 2005 15:21:55 GMT
Foxcole, Congratulations on the announcement of your initiation date. Foxcole, I'd like to second what Lee has said. Congratulations
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Post by middlepillar on Feb 21, 2005 16:14:16 GMT
Foxcole
Could I add my voice to wishing you all the best as you take your first step on the Masonic path.
Whether Male or Female once you have taken your initiation and you are made a mason it will remain in your heart forever
Good Luck
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Post by foxcole on Feb 22, 2005 0:47:31 GMT
Wow... I didn't expect quite such a response, but my level of anticipation is rising all the more because of it. How do I describe this? This may sound a little odd---or not---but in retrospect everything I've done in my life, even in hobbies, even in random circumstances, have led to meeting and engaging the person who put me on this path. I'm thoroughly and deeply happy for having reached this point, having come this much closer to what I believe, what I feel, and what my inner voice says is my purpose in life... but you, all of you, are making that sensation even better, if possible, than it already is... which is amazing! How can I thank you, except to try to return your wishes as warmly as you've offered them?
I feel like I've been a long time away in far, beautiful but foreign places... and I'm coming back. I'm returning and I'm almost home. I can see the distant glimmer of its lighted windows in the night. Even from a distance it looks warm, and I can feel its comfort reaching for me across the way, waiting to welcome me. I want to quicken my step, but can't. All I can do is keep the pace, and rest my eye on home.
(Does that make sense? ---On the other hand, I can claim, at least weakly, some poetic license, which means it doesn't really have to make sense.)
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staffs
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Staffs
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Post by staffs on Feb 22, 2005 7:18:50 GMT
Our newest initiate also spoke of the feeling of coming home and i understand the concept.
I felt a tremendous sense of belonging and togetherness among grown men and the feeling that something quite awakening had happened, i am still developing that feeling to understand it better
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Post by taylorsman on Feb 22, 2005 9:21:47 GMT
If I may be allowed a digression , I experienced a similar feeling on Saturday at ROS as the Ceremony unfolded and all the parts, the various other Degrees and Orders I am in, came together to make up something greater than the sum of its parts. I also felt that what I had felt was missing was now present.
Foxcole, and others at a similar position, you are about to embark on a wonderful journey of discovery and self-discovery. I have been fortunate to progress so far in a relatively short time and feel that for me it is now a process of consolidation and delving deeper into the various Orders I am in to gain a greater depth of understanding of Freemasonry in all its aspects and of myself in that context.
Foxcole, I wish you well on your quest.
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Post by whistler on Mar 28, 2005 4:44:31 GMT
Foxcole March the 12th has come and gone, and you have been very quiet... I hope you found your initiation well worth the long Drive
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Post by foxcole on Mar 28, 2005 18:11:18 GMT
Foxcole March the 12th has come and gone, and you have been very quiet... I hope you found your initiation well worth the long Drive Sorry!! I've been busy lately... working day and night, literally. I've had maybe enough time to pop in and lurk for a minute or two, but posting usually takes longer (edits, re-edits, paring and cutting) so I tend to save it for when I've got more leisure time. Like now, on my lunch break; today I have time to take one. For a writer, that's good to be able to say! Yes, the drive was absolutely worth it! Horrible time getting there, though---rain and blizzards, icy, snowy, slushy, wet, or sometimes dry roads. It seemed as though either the weather or the road condition, or both, changed every mile. Lots of cars in the ditches! What would have been a seven-hour drive took nearly nine, and that includes doing my best to make up for lost time in the dry spots. People were waiting up for us on the other end of the ride, and I felt terrible about arriving so late. At least my daughter came along, to keep me company. (Coming back the next night, there remained not a trace of any of it. Dry, clear roads, clear skies, mid-40's temperature, smooth and fast all the way, no snow to be seen.) Every bit of that was worth it. That was and still is one of the richest experiences of my life. There's much more to it all, even for a newly Entered Apprentice, than I could have dreamt. I'll have to be careful to balance it out, and focus on work when I should be working---not let my mind keep returning to the things I've so far learned or discerned... which is what it likes to do. Study, meditate, especially to find meaning, especially for a somewhat poetic soul. Very tempting.
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Post by Temple on Mar 31, 2005 15:47:38 GMT
Hello all, this is my first post!
Foxcole, your experience sounds wonderful. I've just had my interviews and am waiting. It could be a few months yet. Having read these posts I'm on tenter hooks.
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Post by foxcole on Mar 31, 2005 17:48:33 GMT
Welcome, Temple!! I hope the wait isn't too long for you and that it has the best of outcomes. In the meantime, it's great that you've found this forum and I hope you'll be a regular. That way you'll be sure and keep us posted.
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