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Brother <<Last Name>>,
We hope you’ve had a chance to look into the materials that were provided to you at your degree and spent some time with your mentor. If you haven’t, please make plans to do so soon.
Your lodge runs like a machine, with many members having specialized roles and others simply assisting as needed. The leader of your lodge is it’s “Worshipful Master.” He’s elected by the lodge members for a one-year term, which in Indiana usually begins in December. We don’t “worship” him as a deity, it comes from older English meaning “one who is worthy of respect”. Think of it as being similar to “Your Honor”, “The Honorable”, or “The Venerable”. In addition to the other officers, he is supported by two Wardens, the Junior (in the South) and Senior (in the West), and the lodge Secretary. They, like the other officers in your lodge, have roles to play. Ask your mentor who the officers of your lodge are and what their roles are.
You’ll find that masonic philosophy is always presented at a high level, and then you’re left to delve into the nuances. We’ll touch on three areas in this week’s email that may have seemed strange to you during your degree.
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The hoodwink (or blindfold) was placed over your face before entering the lodge. Metaphorically, this represents two things, the first being the secrecy and silence surrounding the mysteries of freemasonry, which you have just become witness to. And secondly, it represents ignorance or darkness, which you were previously in. Removing the blindfold represents a shift from being “in darkness” and receiving “light” in masonry. Defining “light” in masonry could fill volumes.
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The “cable tow” (or cord/rope) was placed around your neck as well. It represents a symbol of all those external restraints by which a man is controlled by others. A man is not truly free unless his mind and body are free to act of his own will. If you had refused to take the obligation, you could have (symbolically) been dragged from the lodge room by the rope around your neck.
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The three rites (solemn acts) that you performed:
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The Rite of Circumambulation is where you walked in right angles around the altar. This is a cultural universal, meaning that it is common to all human cultures. Circling a holy object in a ritualistic fashion is practiced in the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) and various other faiths.
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The Rite of Discalceation is when you remove your shoes as a sign of reverence, humility, and respect that you were entering a sacred place. This, too, is another human cultural universal. Many faiths call for the removal of shoes before entering temples or other sacred places.
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The Rite of Destitution is when you were asked to contribute something metal but were unable to when prompted. This was intended to happen to you. You are to always aid and support a brother when possible, remembering this moment when you were penniless. You are to also practice that charity to all of mankind when you are able.
Your lodge and the thousands of brothers throughout Indiana are glad that you’re here. Continue studying your memorization piece, attend a lodge event, and visit another lodge if you’re able. Your second degree will be here before you know it!
Fraternally,
The Grand Lodge of Indiana Education Committee
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