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Post by Midlander on Dec 10, 2006 14:57:38 GMT
Strange title for a thread in 'Forthcoming events' you are thinking? Well, let me explain: This coming Wednesday - the 13th- I am to be Exalted into Welbeck Chapter 2890 and I am pleased to say that 'Forester' of this (and other!) Forum shall be in attendance. But.....last night I had a dream - I was in the Temple on the middle of a huge chequered carpet, taking part in a Ritual. As I waited, a huge brown Bear was presented to me, which I was expected to wrestle - while all around the Brethren were laughing like drains!! Now, I am hoping that this is not a premonition, after all I quite like Bears, be they Brown, Teddy, Polar or even Koala - but do they have a place in Royal Arch Ritual?! No, don't tell me, let me find out on Wednesday.... ;D I might add that my Exaltation was not supposed to be happening so soon after going into Mark; but due to Candidates dropping out and slots being available I've taken the plunge with HRA as well. Nothing more for a few years now though - I'll have enough on my plate. S+F Midlander
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Post by waynecowley on Dec 10, 2006 15:29:42 GMT
All the very best Midlander
When done well the Chapter ritual is quite beautiful
Wayne
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Post by kizzy on Dec 10, 2006 16:48:42 GMT
The only bear I know of in any connection to Freemasonry is the "Teddy Bear " that W Bro Bill Mc Elligott is involved with. I am sure that he can tell you anything you may wish to know about that.
The bear does not feature in RA. Enjoy your Exaltation.
With H:.G:.W:.
Steve
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Post by billmcelligott on Dec 10, 2006 20:52:24 GMT
Of course as an esoteric, I might suggest that ths could be a metaphor or symbol.
I remember dreaming I road a small Horse one night and woke up with a sore throat.
Now what could the Bare mean , oh sorry I mean Bear, well you'll think of something. ;D
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Post by kizzy on Dec 10, 2006 21:28:10 GMT
Bill, I am sure you will think of something, you usually do. That is one of the first requirements of being "Esoteric", rather than being "Mundane" and accepting things only at their face value or appearance.
As I say in 18 years of being a Freemason I have yet to discover the Bear as a Symbol in any of the Degrees although Bernard E Jones lists a "Bear Lodge" at Bath which was to change its name to "Royal Cumberland Lodge" and also "Bear and Harrow Lodge". There may well be a German Lodge holden at Berlin which features that animal the symbol of that City, in its crest.
It may be of interst to list the various animals which appear in Freemasonic Ritual. The Roman Eagle is mentioned in the Craft First Degree but as a symbol of an Ancient honour. The Bull, Eagle, and Lion appear in Royal Arch, the Raven and the Dove in RAM and of course the Dove also features as the emblem on the Deacons' Wands. The Cockerel appears in Knights Templar, and two Knights are shown riding on one Horse in its Emblem. The Eagle appears in Red Cross of Constantine in its Appendent Degrees. In Rose Croix there are of course the Pelican and the Eagle, Can anyone think of others I may have missed?
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giovanni
Member
odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
Posts: 2,627
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Post by giovanni on Dec 10, 2006 23:20:26 GMT
The bear is tied up to polar symbolism. ursa major, ursa minor... PS= and therefore to the plumb!
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Post by waynecowley on Dec 11, 2006 9:18:53 GMT
As I say in 18 years of being a Freemason I have yet to discover the Bear as a Symbol in any of the Degrees although Bernard E Jones lists a "Bear Lodge" at Bath which was to change its name to "Royal Cumberland Lodge" Interestingly Steve, and going off at a slight tangent, Royal Cumberland Lodge No 41 has its own ritual that, so far as I am aware, is only used by it and daughter lodges (such as the one I regularly visit in Bath - Royal Albert Edward No 906) Wayne
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Post by kizzy on Dec 11, 2006 9:59:16 GMT
Somewhere I read of "The Bear and Ragged Staff" in a Masonic Connection but cannot remember if this was the name of an early Lodge circa 1700 or the Inn in which it was held.
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Post by Jumile on Dec 11, 2006 12:17:21 GMT
Outstanding, I look forward to calling you Companion, Brother.
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Post by mrmason on Dec 12, 2006 18:06:05 GMT
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Post by billmcelligott on Dec 12, 2006 19:41:19 GMT
We have a Lodge Bear and Ragged Staff No. 8527 in Essex.
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Post by kizzy on Dec 12, 2006 20:09:35 GMT
Thanks W Bro Bill! i knew I had read that somewhere. Oh, and have Merry Xmas and a Happy New year.
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Post by Midlander on Dec 14, 2006 12:14:57 GMT
So..........no Bears then! Really enjoyed my Exaltation last night, and the Festive Board afterwards complete with Carols was 'Excellent'. The Ceremony was very impressive, with a good number of Companions present, including 'Forester' from this forum. Lots to take in, and lots of Ritual to learn in the future!!
S+F Midlander.
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Post by forester on Dec 14, 2006 12:21:13 GMT
Yes an excellent evening was had by all - ceremony was top draw
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Post by waynecowley on Dec 14, 2006 15:07:14 GMT
Congratulations COMPANION
Wayne
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Post by penfold on Dec 16, 2006 0:20:34 GMT
Congrats on your exaltation, Midlander.
Had you previously been in RA when you were in co-masonry? Were there differences?
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Post by Midlander on Dec 16, 2006 9:38:03 GMT
Penfold, I only took the 3 Craft Degrees in my previous Masonic incarnation. R.A Chapter is completely new to me.
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