|
Post by munkholt on Mar 19, 2005 13:01:26 GMT
I have heard so many different ritual workings mentioned, and maybe people here can help compile a list for further research? I've added a few keywords, but it's hopeless - I know next to nothing. I guess the real way to learn is to visit and experience first hand. But until then (italics comments are someone else's):
- Lauderdale: beautiful, esoteric - Schröder: largely free from speculative elements - Hauniensis: poetic, Copenhagen ritual - Universal - Emulation: most widespread in UGLE? - Taylors - Domatic - Swedish: Christian - French - Scottish: more "play-acting" - Sussex: old - Goudielock: Scottish - Aldergate - NZ: based on Emulation but apparently with Irish and Scottish inclusions - Emulation (Nigerian Workings) - the Arizona 3rd Degree called the "Branding Iron"
Someone Elseforum said that there was as many as 50 workings. Bod, you mentioned one when we met, but I forget its name ... Baldwin, something?
|
|
|
Post by PaulS on Mar 19, 2005 17:01:21 GMT
Its interesting to see the many differences in rituals.
My Lodge works from an Emulation ritual book , however we do not follow the book to the letter, on every page I have crossings out and extra bits added.
I suppose that its 95% Emulation and 5% Lodge workings.
|
|
|
Post by taylorsman on Mar 19, 2005 17:28:18 GMT
Paul, that accords with what I have found and the further one moves from London and Provincial HQs the more variation and local Lodge customs I have found.
Now no disrespect to Gnostic but I really dislike Strict Emulation it is far too spartan, austere, "Low Church" for me if done "By the Book" but most Lodges which call themselves "Emulation" have over the years I am glad to relate imported customs and practices from other lodges and workings. For example one Lodge which did "E" has incorporated the delightful and courteous custom of the Installed Masters passing round the Lodge and congratulating the new WM before the end of the Inner Workings when the Lodge is called off for a "comfort break". As far as I am aware that is NOT in the Blue Book. Another has the custom of the Book of Remembrance being brought up to the WM opened at the name of Departed Brothers who died near or on the date of that Meeting and the Brethren stand for a minute silence. Another Processes the Officers into the Lodge and places the WM and his Wardens by their Pedestals, so there are many little customs to embelish the Rituals and I am glad that this occurs as it makes visitation the more enjoyable and marks the individuality of each lodge, it would be great pity of we had a strictly enforced "one size fits all Ritual". I also deplore the habit of some PGMs and ProvGDCs of trying to dictate to Lodges on such matters. I know of one case where such a directive was issued. The DC sniffed and said, "OK, when the Chain Gang are here we will do it their way, but when we are on our own we will stick to our customs". More power to his elbow, say I!
|
|
|
Post by Proton on Mar 20, 2005 21:34:37 GMT
Ok lets see if I can add some more, Stability Universal Veritas Logic West End Oxford South Saxon* (own ritual) Pointers* Craft Guide* Carvers* I will get some more for you! I also beleive that some lodges have their own ritual. This is true in the Case of South Saxon 311 Incidently, Nigerian Workings is really Emulation Ritual rebranded. It is infact Emulation Ritual. The only difference is a greater explaination in the rubic. I have a copy, and comparing it with my book of Emulation, there was alas no difference. Proton
|
|
|
Post by Thegnostic on Mar 21, 2005 18:42:25 GMT
Brethren All,
I have had much discussion with Taylorsman in the past on forums and off forums on this topic, but whilst not agreeing with his view I respect it. I think it is wrong that we dislike something because it is perceived as "delivered robot fashion" I have seen ritual delivered parrot fashion in all workings. I read an article by James Stubbs a couple of years ago and minded to reproduce it here, mainly because whilst we cannot get away from the ritual differences - I have to agree with Steve Masonry would be boring if this was not the case - we need ritual associations to protect in it`s purest the ritual form those who wish to adapt, amend and generally bastardise what is left. James Stubbs "While nothing will induce me publicly to compare one rituals virtues and failings with anothers I can and will say that what is throughly reprehensible is the practise, all to common among senior PM`s who have become DC`s and Preceptors of culling different titbits from various rituals they have heard (OR MISHEARD) and incorparating them in what they purport to teach. A ritual is not the sum of the whims of Lodges often self apponited expert, it is something which should be laid down by the teaching authorities and from it there should be no deviation"
As for me, well I have the Emulation tee-shirt - Silvermatchbox, complete record and all that- but what does it mean - NOTHING. The real meaning of any ritual is the impact which it has on the Candidate.
Yours Gnostic A Brother of Light is not made - But become Light
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 21, 2005 19:00:12 GMT
The real meaning of any ritual is the impact which it has on the Candidate. Well here is one potential candidates perception of this. I agree. I for one would be very P****d off if I were to become initiated and it turned out to be merely a play and I for all intents and purposes remained uninitiated. Imagine what Freemasonry would become if initiations didn't actually initiate?
|
|
staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
|
Post by staffs on Mar 21, 2005 19:05:33 GMT
Stewart,so what do YOU want from an initiation ?
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 21, 2005 19:06:45 GMT
To come home.
|
|
|
Post by taylorsman on Mar 21, 2005 19:06:46 GMT
As Gnostic says I would beg to differ with him, but in the friendliest possible ways. I would certainly not wish to be disrespectful to the late and well regarded former Grand Secretary Sir James Stubbs but I feel his outlook on this was from a bygone age and that like all things Rituals will evolve. There has of course to be a core which remains recognisable from Lodge to Lodge, but I always feel that the incorporation of some peripheral additions and variations are what gives each Lodge its own persona and individual character and for example will mark out the differences between say Lee's Mother Lodge and my own although both work the same Ritual in the same Temple but on different days. I have always disliked rigid uniformity whatever sphere it is in.
Some adaptations can be of practical nature, for example in one Lodge I sometimes attend the SD remains close to the WM in the Third Degree when he is demonstrating the FP of F to the Candidate rather than have to walk back and forward to adjust the Candidate's Hand as this action is performed twice. A sensible adjustment to a stage direction in my opinion.
I have always felt that whilst they should not radically alter the main aspects of a Ritual, each Private Lodge should have freedom to adopt and adapt as they feel suitable for the Brethren performing the Work, those who are watching and of course for the Candidate.
|
|
staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
|
Post by staffs on Mar 21, 2005 19:10:58 GMT
Surley though "coming home" can be found in many places and through many things.?
freemasonry is surely another vehicle that one chooses.?
|
|
|
Post by taylorsman on Mar 21, 2005 19:18:40 GMT
Stewart, I feel you will never achieve that goal as to be very frank I think you put too many obstacles in your own way.
I had researched quite a bit about Freemasonry before becoming one and I now realise I was driven more by my understanding of the Scots Craft than the English. In some ways UGLE Craft did disappoint me but I took the stone I was given, the tools I had and applied them to fashion that rough workpiece into one if not perfect then fit for purpose. As I have said before I feel you have too many scruples and mental reservations and that if you did take the Regular-UGLE route you would NOT gain what you wish at your Initiation but would be disappointed to begin with, wherever it took you it would not for you be "home".
|
|
|
Post by atarnaris on Mar 21, 2005 19:27:35 GMT
Meditation can do that. Why doth thou seek an Initiation, Oh Aspirant?
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 21, 2005 20:08:25 GMT
Staffs
Indeed. But do you remember the posts that I have made over the last year or two about "gut feelings".
Taylorsman
All that I ask is that Freemasons be Freemasons. If that is an obstacle, and if I have too many scruples as you suggest, well that is another matter. However I do believe, no I know, that theoretical Freemasonry does exist.
And I do take the hint, really I do, I fully understand your view (and possibly that of 99% of UGLE members) that UGLE Freemasons do not welcome me. It really is taken on board. Has been for a while.
Andrew
Initiation in itself is very important, but for me in this incarnation it is perhaps less so. See my reply to Staffs above. Freemasonry is something that is very important to me, much more so, than most people I think realise. It is important and it is having some difficulties in our rapidly changing world. And I don't aspire to anything, I am just a simple man, doing what he can where he can.
|
|
|
Post by munkholt on Mar 21, 2005 22:20:53 GMT
so what do YOU want from an initiation ? *Whine* Is it possible to branch this interesting question, and following answers, into a separate thread?
|
|
|
Post by whistler on Mar 22, 2005 2:46:21 GMT
Stewart, Have you ever been home? If not how will you tell if you get there
|
|
|
Post by taylorsman on Mar 22, 2005 3:02:50 GMT
I see Munkholt's point but the question was put and by no less a person then the Founder of this Forum.
To be brief on that point for Stewart, it is not a question of 99% of UGLE Masons not wanting you Stewart. 99% of same are totally oblivious of your very existance I would think. It is that some of those who do know you and know UGLE Craft feel that you would not fit in and would be unhappy therein and more suited to Co-Masonry. Let me compare you to Craig Bellamy the footballer. A first class player but very unhappy with Newcastle under their current Manager Souness, not an easy man to get along with. On loan to Glasgow Celtic he has shone, is happy and gets on well with his fellow players and the Celtic Manager Martin O Neill. Everybody happy and it would be madness for him to go back to Newcastle. Same I feel with you and an UGLE Lodge. It is horses for courses. So drop all that chaff about "Wanting to help (UGLE) Masonry" as it doesn't want your help and find a suitable vehicle for your needs be that Co-Masonry, Theosophy, White Eagle Lodge, Spiritualism or whatever, but I don't really think that you will be happy in an UGLE Craft Lodge or it with you.
Back on topic to please Munkholt. I have often discussed the matter of Rituals and adaptations and additions with various Brethren and one idea I have often heard is that of a Composite Rituals incorporating the best parts of all. Now here is something to conjure with.
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 22, 2005 7:09:53 GMT
Stewart, Have you ever been home? If not how will you tell if you get there Good question. All that I can do is follow my guts.
|
|
|
Post by a on Mar 22, 2005 7:13:52 GMT
drop all that chaff about "Wanting to help (UGLE) Masonry" It is not chaff. Pity. You have missed the point Taylorsman. I don't need a vehicle, though I have no doubt that I could learn a great deal from Freemasonry. Having reached a certain stage on my own journey it is about what I can do for you, not what you can do for me. But I hear you, you don't want my help. And that is fine. Remember all that I have been doing recently is answering questions made to me, and offering my opinion on matters posted.
|
|
|
Post by waynecowley on Mar 22, 2005 8:43:19 GMT
May I try to drag this thread back on topic. A friend of mine who is the DC and preceptor of his mother lodge often tells me that there are 3 rituals in use in his lodge Wayne
|
|
|
Post by atarnaris on Mar 22, 2005 8:57:31 GMT
Wayne LOL
How true...
|
|