United
Ancient Order of Druids
History of
Druidism
It was not until the 17th
century that the teachings of the Druids were adopted to modern usage when a
ritual based upon their moral and fraternal philosophy resulted in a Grove
(Lodge) being organized in London, England, in 1717. Since that time modern
Druidism has had continued existence all over the world. In 1786, a gentleman
named Henry Hurle at a meeting in London, England, seeing the necessity of a
harmonious Brotherhood of man, announced: "It appears to be that society
lacks good fellowship, hilarity and brotherly love." He also spoke of the
Druids and said "they were of old men who undertook to enlighten the
people of their day and who introduced among the ancient Britons the useful
and polite arts, and these were the Druids. My proposition is that we form a
society for social feeling and we assume the title of those learned men (The
Druids), and that we will adopt the endearing name of brothers, universally
amongst us." The wish and the intention of those men was to enlighten the
mind, promote harmony, encourage, temperance, energy, and virtue. Thus modern
Druidism was born.
Druidism
in the United States
The first Grove of Druids was
instituted in the City of New York in 1830. Gradually the Order branched out
in different parts of the States. In 1858, California Grove No. 1 was
instituted at old Hangtown (now known as Placerville) under the leadership of
the founder of California Druidism. P.N.G.A. [Past National Grand Arch]
Frederick Sieg California Grove [No. 1] of Druids is active today and a
Druidic monument honoring P.N.G.A. Frederick Sieg adorns the main street of
Placerville.
The Druids of today confine
themselves to the moral, fraternal, patriotic and benevolent philosophy
exemplified by the Druids of old. Their teachings and principles are derived
from ancient Druidism, founded on reason and sound morality. The greatest of
all Druidic teachers was Merlin, and his Seven Precepts are considered as a
moral way of life, the finest oral virtues ever laid down for the guidance of
man. These Seven Precepts of Merlin have been observed down through the
ages by all Druids.
The
Seven Precepts Of Merlin
First: Labor diligently
to acquire knowledge, for it is power.
Second: When in
authority, decide reasonably, for thine authority may cease.
Third: Bear with
fortitude the ills of life, remembering that no mortal sorrow is perpetual.
Fourth: Love virtue-for
it bringeth peace.
Fifth: Abhor vice-for it
bringeth evil upon all.
Sixth: Obey those in
authority in all just things, that virtue may be exalted.
Seventh: Cultivate the
social virtues, so shalt thou be beloved by all men.
Branches of
the Order
In California and Nevada the
Druidic family is composed of three separate bodies: Groves, being the
Brotherhood, Circles, known as the Sisterhood, and the Chapters. known as the
Sir Knights and the Fun Branch. A member of the brotherhood branch can in due
time join the sisterhood. However, a member of the sisterhood cannot join the
brotherhood branch. Both members of the brotherhood and the sisterhood are
eligible to join the Chapter branch, however membership in the Chapter branch
is limited to brothers and sisters who are Officers of the Grove or Circle or
Past Officers. All three branches of the Druidic Fraternity are rooted in
antiquity and each branch has its own moral precepts.
The guiding virtues of the
Circle Branch are:
The
Seven Star Points:
-
Honor
-
Truth
-
Justice
-
Faith
-
Hope
-
Love
-
Benevolence
The principles of virtue of the
Chapter Branch are:
-
Equity
-
Integrity
-
Obedience
The Druidic Units, brotherhoods,
are called Groves (Lodges in honor and memory of the custom of the Ancient
Brethren who lit their altar fires in the forest groves). In these grove
edifices, the tops were never covered and the Ancient Druids used the sky or
heaven as their roof. The Druids belonged to all humanity, non-sectarian.
The motto of the Druids the
world over is "United To Assist." The aim of the Druids is Unity,
Peace and Concord.
Ancient
Druidism
However, the Order of Druids is
ageless, having existence in the dim mists of antiquity. The Druidic Order is
perhaps the oldest fraternal organization in the world. The first traces of
Druidism dates 6000 years before the birth of Christ or the Christian Era and
far beyond the scope of written history. There seems to be no time era when
evidences of their ancient existence cannot be found.
Students of antiquity find in
the ancient ruins evidence in stone of that which we today call Druidism. That
which marks them as Druidic is the pattern in which these stones are laid
which show that their builders used certain stars and the sun as points of
reference. Such monuments are found in Europe, Asia, South America and the
United States. Everyone connects the ancient Druids with the British Isles.
However, history reveals that the British Isles were only the last great
stronghold of the brotherhood, particularly in Ireland and Wales. They also
were numerous in Brittany and Normandy in France, where their monuments are
still to be seen covering acres of land in geometric formation.
The members of the Ancient
Brotherhood of Druids were the most learned men of their time. They were the
physicians, astronomers, mathematicians, musicians, poets, philosophers,
legislators and judges of the people as well as their educators in the matter
of religion and learning. They were held in such esteem that the Kings sent
their sons to be educated by them. In the matters of learning and government
their authority was absolute.
Because of their intellect the
Druids were feared by the Romans. Julius Caesar found the Druids in the way
when he attempted to subdue the Britons. He nearly exterminated them, and
wrote concerning them. Augustus Caesar followed and succeeded in driving their
remnants to a little island called Mona, now called Aglesey.
The Ancient Druids were marvels
of intellectual grasp, profound thought and clear expression. The ancient
records, as handed down, throw an illuminating light on the character and
customs of our forefathers. When Caesar invaded Britain, 55 B.C., Druidism was
the prevailing philosophy. Its cardinal points were "Belief in Supreme
Power of the Universe," and "Belief in the Immortality of the
Soul." In the Ancient Druidic state the Druid was teacher of truth and
the dispenser of justice. As teachers they taught that the light of
intelligence destroys the darkness of superstition and ignorance, hence the
first precept of Merlin, the great Druidic teacher, "Labor diligently to
acquire knowledge for it is power."
The Druidic Order is firmly
established in all countries and it is the only fraternal order that has an
International Grand Lodge which meets with an International Password.
The torch atop the Frederick
Sieg Memorial Monument represents Knowledge as light dispelling the darkness
of ignorance and superstition. It also represents Liberty and signifies good
works. The Torch calls for the love and the practice of Truth, Justice and
Righteousness. A like aspiration on the part of the individuals and nations
would bring a lasting brotherhood, the Druids were ministers of Peace.
As Druids, we acclaim and
support all attempts by every society to teach and inculcate, principles of
friendship and brotherly love.
Again it is repeated Druidism
believes and teaches good citizenship. The Druids are nonsectarian and
non-political. The Druids permit no questions of a religious or political
nature to be brought into the Grove. No discussion of individuals or families
are tolerated. We feel very strongly that the United States is our nation and
that our nation needs the help of every citizen and that it might be preserved
in strength and principal. The Druids are conscious that in America, of all
places, freedom truly exists. The Druids oppose all subversive influence and
evil in every form and subscribe to the American principles of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness. to the end that our form of government will
never perish from the earth.
The lessons and the teachings
contained in our ritual and philosophy must continually be taught and
instilled into the mind and heart of each Druid, our community and mankind as
a whole if Unity, Peace and Concord is to prevail.
Druidism is a "Way of
Life," a system of morality -- a purely Non-Sectarian, Social, Moral,
Beneficial, Non-Political, Fraternal organization. As stated before, Druidism
professes and asserts Faith in the Supreme Power Of The Universe, the
Brotherhood Of Man, and the Immortality of the Soul. It grants unto
every brother, sister and sir knight Freedom of Thought -- expression of the
Dignity of the individual man and woman. Druidism by nature is Educational and
the lessons of Druidism teaches that the Light of Intelligence will destroy
the darkness of superstition and ignorance [which] continues to blind the
human race and cause great misery to all mankind.
Although Druidism is neither a
religious or political organization, the Druids do partake in a measure of the
nature of both. Druidism is not a religion, but the Druids profess a religious
Faith, as manifested in their belief of the Almighty God, and the Immortality
of the Soul. They are, also, somewhat political because they believe in the
respect and the dignity of man and woman, and the Druids do partake in
politics in an effort to establish better schools, a better community in which
to live and the Druids openly oppose every "ism" which is subversive
in nature and contrary to the principles of our government and contrary to the
freedom [of] thought and the human spirit.
Druidism justifies its existence
by rendering a service to our fellow man and mankind. Service to humanity is
an important factor in the life and character of a Druid. Repeating, Druidism
emphasizes that the only justification for its existence is the Services which
its members render unto its brethren and the world at large, to make the world
a better place in which to live. Service to others is one of the first lessons
of Druidism, and by example, the Druids exemplify true brotherhood assisted by
the highest perceptual moral virtues of Merlin. These moral virtues are the
greatest ever laid down for the guidance of man or woman. The spirit of
brotherhood which is so ever evident and the brothers and sisters give a
tangible meaning to the lessons taught by Druidism in making it a philosophy,
a way of life.
Ancient Order of Druids
Primitive Degree Ritual
Opening
Archdruid, Vice-Archdruid, Director of Ceremonies, Secretary
and Guardian assume official collars, the Director of Ceremonies having
previously ascertained that no person is present who is not a fully initiated
brother of the Order.
Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will secure the door and proceed with the
duties of your office.
Director of Ceremonies having secured the door, advances to the
centre of Lodge room.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, I will thank you to be upstanding and assist the Archdruid to open
the Lodge.
Archdruid gives one knock, repeated by Vice-Archdruid
Director of Ceremonies:
Brother Officers, please assume Regalia.
Archdruid:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, what is the first care of an Archdruid?
Vice-Archdruid:
Noble Archdruid, your first care is to see the secret avenues secure, the
necessary officers at their respective posts, and none but duly initiated
Brethren present.
Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, you have my command to place the Guardian on
duty with the
Passwords.
Guardian, who is standing opposite the Secretary’s desk, is
then conducted to the door by the Director of Ceremonies, who gives him
Passwords in a whisper, and his wand or symbol of office. Here he must remain
until after the Lodge is closed.
Director of Ceremonies:
Noble Archdruid, your instructions have been obeyed.
Archdruid:
Brother Guardian, are the secret avenues secure?
Guardian:
They are all
secure, Noble Archdruid.
Guardian holds wand horizontally—level with his breast—at
opening and closing of Lodge when addressing the Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, are you satisfied that all present are duly
initiated brothers of the Order?
Director of Ceremonies:
I am entirely satisfied, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Nevertheless, Brethren, I will thank you to prove yourselves Druids.
Brothers must now give sign.
Archdruid:
Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, having ascertained that the secret avenues are
secure, the necessary officers at their respective posts, and none but duly
initiated Brethren present, I now declare this, our ... Lodge, No ..., in
union with the Imperial Grand Lodge, duly and legally open for the, purpose of
its first institution, namely, Benevolence, Harmony, Fraternity, Initiation,
and any business which may be brought before me or the Archdruid presiding,
beneficial to this Lodge, or the Order in general. I now declare the Lodge
open and all Laws in force.
Gives Primitive knocks, repeated by Vice-Archdruid and
Guardian.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brothers, I will thank you to be seated and assist in singing the opening
hymn.
Opening hymn
From discord and dissension free
Let
each and all with heart and hand
Proclaim in peace and harmony
The
precepts of our loyal band.
Brothers all, our rites attend,
For
duty’s call brooks no delay;
And while each brother greets a friend,
Time
in pleasure glides away.
Chorus: From discord and dissension free
Let
each and all with heart and hand
Proclaim in peace and harmony
The
precepts of our loyal band.
Let
envy, hatred, malice, pride,
Ne’er
enter here to mar our peace,
But
ever more be cast aside
That
all such feelings soon may cease.
Joys—not sorrows—here abound,
And in
care we chase away,
our
midst content is found
From
dawn unto the close of day.
Chorus:
From discord, etc.
If all
the world were in one band,
Like
Druids joined, and all combined,
How
happy mortals through the land
Might
be in friendship’s link entwined
Harmony our minds would sway
Good
fellowship each hour increase
And every day would pass away
In
concord, unity, and peace.
Chorus:
From discord, etc.
Archdruid, Vice-Archdruid and Guardian rise in turn to sing the
first, second and third verses respectively and remain standing with their
supporters—all Brothers upstanding for the chorus of the third verse.
At the singing of each verse the Director of Ceremonies
attends, and with lamp or taper lights candles at respective pedestals.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, please be seated.
Archdruid:
Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, I claim your attention to our Brother Secretary,
who will now read the minutes of the last Lodge meeting.
Secretary reads Minutes.
Archdruid:
Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, are there any comments?
Pause. All of you who were present at the
last Lodge meeting and consider the minutes as read by our Brother Secretary
to be a correct record will signify the same in the manner observed amongst
Druids.
Show of hands.
Archdruid:
On the contrary?
Archdruid, if the minutes are carried:
Brother Secretary, I declare the minutes as read duly confirmed.
The minutes must now be presented to the Archdruid for
signature.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brothers who have not yet registered should take this opportunity of doing so.
Minstrel plays short overture.
Archdruid:
Brother Secretary, is there any business arising from the Minutes?
Such business, if any, is now undertaken.
General Business
Archdruid:
Brother Secretary, we will now take correspondence and other business.
Communications from Imperial Grand Lodge, other correspondence,
and general business should now be disposed of.
Archdruid:
Has any Brother a friend to propose, or anything to advance for the benefit of
the Order? Proposals and
suggestions—if any.
Is
there a Companion of a Royal Arch Chapter who wishes to ‘propose a Brother for
recommendation to that Degree?
Recommendations to Royal Arch Degree—if any.
I now
declare business closed for this evening.
Initiations and other approved ceremonies held on appointed occasions must be
performed and concluded before the Second Care.
Official Toast
First four to be taken in immediate rotation.
Director of Ceremonies faces each officer in turn. Director of
Ceremonies: Brethren, I will thank you to be upstanding and assist in
honouring the first four Official Toasts.
Archdruid:
Our first Official Toast: “The King and the Druids.”
Vice-Archdruid:
Second Official Toast: “T.D.o.a.a.v.p..”
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, the next Toast is observed in silence and with the S.o.t.S.
Secretary:
Third Official Toast: “To the memory of Past Grand Archdruid Hurle, the father
and founder of the revived Order.”
Guardian:
Fourth Official Toast: “All Lodges in Union and Unity in all Lodges.”
The Lodge may now proceed to Ceremonies, Lectures, and Harmony.
Initiation
Strict order must be maintained during the Ceremony.
The Candidates having been proposed and elected according to
Constitutional Law, a selected Past Archdruid prepares them for Initiation.
Bards, with as many fully robed brothers as possible, holding
crooks in left hands, are placed in position by Director of Ceremonies.
The Candidates are brought blindfolded to Lodge door with their
hats on.
Outer Guardian gives Primitive knocks on the wicket.
Guardian repeats knocks inside.
Outer Guardian repeats knocks outside.
Guardian repeats knocks inside.
Outer Guardian repeats knocks outside.
Guardian, repeats knocks inside, then opens wicket and says:
Who comes here?
Outer Guardian:
Brother Past Archdruid ... accompanied by Mr ... and Mr ..., who desire to be
initiated into this Ancient and Honourable Order.
Guardian:
I will report your request to the Archdruid.
Closes wicket, advances to centre of carpet—at base of Emblem—and reports:
Noble Archdruid, Brother Past Archdruid ... seeks admission for Mr
... and Mr ..., who desire to be initiated into this Ancient and Honourable
Order.
Archdruid:
Brother Secretary, have they been duly proposed and elected according to
Constitutional Law?
Secretary:
They have,
Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, upon admission you will take charge of these
gentlemen, and conduct them to the Vice-Archdruid. Brother Guardian, admit the
Candidates.
First Initiation Chorus
Hark!
Hark! the sounds we hear
Denote
a stranger near;
With
friendship’s hand
He
joins our band,
And he
has naught to fear.
Now, bards, prepare your lays
And
loud your voices raise!
While
round the flame
We all
proclaim
Our
ancient Order’s praise!
So now
your rites prepare
With
secrecy and care; Druids arise,
Unbind
his eyes,
Our mysteries let him share,
During Chorus the Director of Ceremonies leads Candidates
around the Lodge Room, and before the close of last verse, halts facing the
Vice-Archdruid.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, standing before you are ... Candidates for initiation.
Vice-Archdruid:
Gentlemen, is it of your own free will and accord that you present yourselves
here to be initiated into the mysteries of Druidism?
Candidate(s):
It is.
Vice-Archdruid:
Gentlemen, this, the Ancient Order of Druids, is not to be entered into rashly
or without deliberation. Before final acceptance of Candidates for initiation,
we demand from them an assurance of secrecy regarding the affairs of the
Order; therefore, if you are not. prepared to give and strictly abide by a
solemn promise to this effect, we will proceed no further with your
initiation, and you will be permitted to retire in the same manner as you
entered. I must here impress upon you that your WORD OF HONOUR, which we
Druids deem the most sacred pledge on earth, will be at stake, and I will
thank you, each according to the dictates of his conscience, to answer me the
following questions. Are you prepared as true and just men to undertake this
obligation of secrecy?
Candidate(s):
I am so prepared.
Vice-Archdruid:
Will you support the elected authorities in all just and lawful proceedings?
Candidate(s):
I will.
Vice-Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will now conduct the Candidates to the
Sacred Altar, there to undertake the obligation of a Druid.
A few bars of music, while
Candidates are again conducted around until facing the Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brother Guardian, are the Secret Avenues secure?
Guardian:
They are all secure, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will please administer to these gentlemen
the solemn obligation which binds all Druids to secrecy and fidelity.
Gives Primitive knocks. All Brothers upstanding.
Director of Ceremonies (audibly to each Candidate, who, when
practicable, should be addressed by name):
Gentlemen, you will each take your hat off with your left hand, and place your
right hand over your heart. Now please repeat after me, giving your names in
full: I, ..., hereby solemnly promise that I will never make known nor
disclose to any person or persons, whomsoever or wheresoever, any of the
rites, signs, passwords, ceremonies, mysteries, or other secrets with which I
may now, or on any future occasion be entrusted. I recognise that it is my
bounden duty at all times to assist a worthy brother in doubt, difficulty or
distress, and further promise to abide by the Constitutional Laws of the Order
into which I am being initiated. To this obligation, as a true and just man, I
now pledge my word of honour.
Director of Ceremonies:
The obligation has been duly taken, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid gives Primitive knocks, Brothers resume seats, except
Bards, who remain standing. A Past Archdruid lights Sacred Fire with lamp or
taper. All other lights are now extinguished except candles. Director of
Ceremonies instructs candidates to remove right hand from breast.
Archdruid:
In your present state of darkness, what is it you most desire?
Candidate(s):
Light.
Archdruid:
Unveil their eyes and let them behold it.
Second Initiation Chorus
See,
see the flames arise!
Brothers, now your songs prepare,
And
ere their vigour droops and dies,
Our
Mysteries let him share.
While
thus before the sacred shrine
We
hail him with our songs divine,
And
let him know.
The
Mistletoe,
And
Togo Dubeline.
Refrain. —See, see the flames, etc.
Director of Ceremonies:
Gentlemen, you will please pay attention to our Noble Archdruid, who will
instruct you in the rise and historical associations of our Order.
Archdruid and Supporters upstanding.
Address
Archdruid:
Gentlemen, the origin of the Order into which you are being initiated is of
the most remote antiquity, being far more ancient than that of the Persian
Magi, the Brahmins of India, the Chaldeans, or Assyrians. Its character is
social, benevolent, patriotic, and fraternal, and the information I am about
to give, as well as the principles I wish to inculcate, will, I trust, command
your most marked and serious attention.
It is
a circumstance much to be lamented that the early history of our Order is
involved in fable and. obscurity. The Ancient Druids, although associated with
the greatest scholars of their day, committed no portion of their important
doctrines to writing, lest, at any time, these secrets should become known by
the common multitude. For that reason their communications were entirely oral,
and much of the information they possessed was locked in their bosoms and
perished with its owners.
Their
scientific attainments were considerable, for they made great progress in the
study of astronomy, geometry, and natural philosophy, and are said to have
been able to calculate eclipses. They spoke a language both copious and
energetic, and their religious tenets bore a strong affinity to those of the
Brahmins of India.
Among
the principles inculcated by them were the immortality of the soul, which
inspired them with courage and contempt of death, the difference between
virtue and vice, the happiness attending the practice of the former, and the
misery which never fails to follow the pursuit of the latter.
They
discoursed with youth concerning these doctrines, instilling into their minds
a love of justice tempered with mercy, and, under seal of the most inviolable
secrecy, communicated to them the sublime mysteries of their religion.
In
them were consolidated the three distinct characters of judge, legislator, and
priest. They were called Druids, and the ancient Keltic word Derw, signified
an oak, which was to them the symbol of the all-powerful Creator, the Giver of
all Good; and under the shelter of its branches they taught their novitiates,
held their courts of law and justice, and conducted their religious rites and
festivals.
How
interesting would it have been had the knowledge they possessed descended to
us, but, alas, the loss of such a national treasure is as irretrievable as it
is lamentable, for we have no authentic record prior to the birth of our
venerated predecessor, which, according to tradition, took place under the
following extraordinary circumstances previous to the invasion of Great
Britain by the Romans.
S...
R..., a Priestess of the Druids, having, contrary to her vows, given her hand
in marriage to Tacitus Magullus, a noble British Bard, by him became pregnant.
In the meantime, this island was subjected to a hostile invasion, and Tacitus
Magullus, in assisting to repel the enemy, was numbered amongst the valiant
slain.
R...,
in order to conceal her grief and hide her condition from the world, retired
to the innermost recesses of a lonely wood, where, in due time, and within the
spacious cavity of an oak, she was safely delivered of a son.
The
infant, in this situation, and during the temporary absence of his mother, was
discovered by the Archdruid, who, according to annual custom, and attended by
a numerous and stately train, had entered the wood in search of the sacred
mistletoe.
The
singularity of this incident so impressed the Druids, that these holy men were
convinced of the infant’s future greatness, and conveyed him to their sacred
groves, where they educated him with great care, and gave him the name of T...
D..., which signified “one born to great fame.” Nor in their anticipations
were they disappointed, for he became an ornament to the age in which he
lived, and a bright example to after generations.
At an
early age he was elected Archdruid, which exalted office he held with the
greatest credit to himself and to the highest satisfaction of the Order.
He was
a student of natural as well as moral philosophy, and discovered the process
of distilling the potent juices of medicinal plants, whereby the Druids became
renowned as healers. He also introduced a method of preparing fermented liquor
from malted grain, but taught his followers to be discreet in the use of this
beverage for, as he wisely and justly declared, “if taken in moderation it
enlivens the spirits and dispels the clouds of care, but if taken to excess it
debases the mind and degrades the character.”
He
instituted a code of moral law, which is observed even to the present day, and
likewise renovated and remodeled the Order, which had much degenerated from
its pristine purity, and re-established it upon the firm and lasting basis of
justice, philanthropy, and brotherly love.
Thus,
intended Brothers, have I given you but a brief outline of the history of the
Order into which you are being initiated, but I trust I have afforded you
sufficient reason why we venerate the Oak, for as the early inhabitants of
this island so venerated that tree, surely we should regard it no less, seeing
it has proved the great bulwark of our national independence and prosperity,
and will, ever stand as Nature’s living emblem of silent strength and lasting
glory.
The Archdruid resumes his scat.
Third Initiation Chorus
(Tune “Fiat Lux,” Hymn 360 A. and M.)
All
hail! we welcome you;
May
each prove staunch and true,
E’en as the Oak.
Here, music’s heavenly joy,
Pleasure, without alloy,
Care’s
dreary spells destroy,
While
round the Oak.
Thus
may there ever be
Concord and Unity
All
round the Oak;
So, joined in Friendship’s band,
Firm as a rock we’ll stand,
Heart
to heart, hand in hand.
Under
the Oak
Director of Ceremonies:
Gentlemen, you will now be instructed in the Sign, Token, Outer and Inner
Passwords, and Entersign of the Order.
At the word “Brothers” the Bards simultaneously recover crooks,
holding them upright before them with both hands. Archdruid again upstanding.
Archdruid:
Gentlemen—nay Brothers—for by that endearing term I am now permitted to
address you—we have a Sign, Token, Outer and Inner Passwords, and Entersign
peculiar to the Order. The Sign of a Druid is twofold and typical of o.a.a.s.
It is rendered as follows:
Extend
horizontally the first two fingers and thumb of the right hand and
s.a.i.w.a.i.l.g.b., for as a.l.g.b. denotes o.a., so should o.a. command your
veneration and respect. Then place the back of the first finger of the right
hand to the lips, thus, to denote s. - o.a.a.s.
The Archdruid again gives the signs.
The
Director of Ceremonies will now place you in possession of the Token of a
Druid, whlch is communicated by the friendly grip of a Brother’s right hand.
Director of Ceremonies, addressing each Initiate audibly:
Grasp my hand, e.o.u.t.h.h. - u.t.w.o. - t.h.h. THIS is the Token of a Druid.
Noble Archdruid, our brothers are now in possession of the Token.
Archdruid:
The Password of the Druids was formerly P.S., thus reversing the name of the
Roman General, who, by command of the Emperor Nero had massacred their
priests, and destroyed their sacred groves in the Island of Mona. The password
now used in our Lodges is S.P., with the addition of the words e.B., This,
however, is seldom given at length, but as you will hear the Director of
Ceremonies and myself render it in alternate words: ...
Director of Ceremonies:
S.
Archdruid:
P.
Director of Ceremonies:
e.
Archdruid:
B. - S.P.e.B. This for a time was our ouly password. It was, however, deemed
expedient to have another, which is called the Inner Password and is changed
every twelve months, that for the present period being ... These passwords
should claim your particular attention, for where there are two Guardians on
duty, you will be required to give the Outer Password and Token to the Outer
Guardian, and the Inner Password to the Inner Guardian, but where there is
only one Guardian, you will give both Passwords to him; and the Token on
entering.
In demonstrating Entersign the Archdruid must use the official
headdress, which, however, must not be worn.
The
Entersign of a Druid is as follows: ...
It is
customary in all well regulated societies, on entering a room where a chairman
presides, to pay some form of salutation to the chair, and we, in order to
render ourselves more secure from the intrusion of strangers, have adopted the
following peculiar method of our own.
On
arriving at the Lodge door, you will give two distinct knocks on the wicket,
thus ..., sufficiently loud, for the Guardian within to hear. He will then
open the wicket, and you will give him the Sign and Passwords which I have
already made known to you.
The
Guardian, having satisfied himself that you are a Druid, will admit you, and
you will advance to the centre of the Lodge w.y.h.o., and face the Chair.
Taking your h.o.w.y.r.h., you will place it o.t.l., thus, and with the
f.f.o.t.r.h. you will d.t.d.c.r.t.c., in this manner, in token of the
s.a.m.r.t.e., and the triple constitution of the Order, then, placing the
b.o.t. r.h.t.t.f., with a s.i.o.t.b., you will salute the Noble Archdruid,
thus—to denote your obedience to the Chair and to the rules and regulations of
the Order.
Turning round, you will also salute the Vice-Arch-druid.
The Candidates new turn, advancing a few paces, and face the
Vice-Archdruid who rises with his supporters.
Archdruid:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, the brethren now before you have been duly instructed
in the Sign, Token, Passwords, and Entersign of the Order. You will examine
them and report to me accordingly.
Vice-Archdruid:
Brethren, in answering the following questions you will be guided in your
replies by the Director of Ceremonies. What is the meaning of the Sign of a
Druid?
Candidate(s):
O.a.a.s.
Vice-Archdruid:
How is it rendered? Candidates give Sign.
Vice-Archdruid:
Advance individually and give me the grip—the Token of a Druid.
Candidates do so.
Vice-Archdruid:
How do you gain admission to a Druids’ Lodge?
Candidate(s):
By giving two knocks on the wicket, and also proving to the Guardian by Sign,
Token, and Passwords that I am a member of the Order.
Vice-Archdruid:
What is the outer Password, and our present Inner Password?
Candidate(s):
The Outer Password is S.P.e.B., and the present Inner Password is ...
Vice-Archdruid:
To whom is the Entersign rendered?
Candidate(s):
To the Noble Archdruid.
Vice-Archdruid:
That is so. On this occasion, however, it is to be demonstrated to me. P.y.h.o.
and proceed.
Candidates give Entersign.
Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will now conduct our Brothers to their
former position facing the Chair.
Candidates now face Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, what have you to report?
Vice-Archdruid:
Noble Archdruid, in obedience to your commands, I have examined these
Brothers, and am satisfied that they have full knowledge of the Sign, Token,
Passwords and Entersign.
Vice-Archdruid and supporters resume seats. Archdruid:
Brethren, your attention to these Signs and
Passwords, together with your future good conduct,
will gain you admission into this Lodge and all Lodges in union with the Grand
Lodge of England. Immediately after giving the entersign you will attend the
Registrar, see your name inscribed in a book kept for that purpose, and remain
with your head uncovered during lodge hours. The By-laws of this Lodge may be
perused upon application to the Secretary. The Constitutional Laws, by which
our Order is governed, are contained in the Introductory Book, which will
presently be handed to you, but it is my duty now to instruct you with regard
to some of our regulations: We allow no immoral songs, toasts, or expressions,
and no religious or political discussion, but expect your conduct to be at all
times that of a gentleman and Druid. In conclusion, I desire to draw your
attention to a few of the many excellent maxims handed down to us by our
venerated predecessor, maxims to which it is expected that you, our newly
initiated Brothers, will strictly adhere:
Let temperance and moderation be your guides in all places and upon all
occasions.
Let integrity rule your heart and secrecy guard your tongue.
Be charitable, for loving Charity is the bond of peace and the greatest of all
virtues.
Write these maxims upon the tablets of your heart, meditate upon them in your
hours of solitude as well as during your daily social intercourse with the
world—nay, do more, practise them—practise them, I beseech you not only as
they bear relation to the comparatively small circle of our Society, but as
they have reference to the whole human family.
I have little further to add, dear Brothers, except to congratulate you upon
becoming members of this our most ancient and honourable Order, and personally
to thank you for your courteous attention to my brief address. You will now
retire for the space of a few minutes with the Brother who introduced you,
then work your way back into the Lodge in the manner in which I have
instructed you, and spend the remainder of this meeting, and I trust the rest
of your life, in social harmony with your newly found friends and Brethren.
Noble Archdruid raises his arms:
And may the
Great Giver of All Good grant you His infinite blessing.
As Minstrel commences to play Recessional Music, Initiates and
Bards turn to their left. Initiates are preceded by Director of Ceremonies,
who is in turn preceded by Bards; a Past Archdruid follows Initiates. In this
order they make a complete circuit of the room.
On passing the Chair, Director of Ceremonies, Initiates, and
Past Archdruid salute the Chairman.
Bards, having now taken their positions to right and left of
door, form an avenue of arched crooks.
Initiates file out between them, and must remain with Director
of Ceremonies in ante-room until summoned to re-enter Lodge. No Applause.
Officers at once disrobe and prepare for reception of
Initiates.
Reception of Initiates
Initiates, having given Knocks, Signs, and Passwords to
Guardian, are announced. All Brothers of the Lodge remain seated.
Guardian:
Noble Archdruid, the Director of Ceremonies desires to enter the Lodge,
accompanied by our newly initiated Brothers.
Archdruid:
Have they proved themselves?
Guardian:
They have, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Then admit them.
Director of Ceremonies and Initiates advance to centre of Lodge
and render Eutersign. The Initiates are then presented to the Archdruid and
thereafter conducted to seats placed at right angles to his rostrum.
Archdruid:
Brethren, please be upstanding.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, our Ancient Welcome.
Archdruid:
Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, I give you Health, Wealth, and Happiness to our
newly admitted
Brothers.
All Brothers repeat.
Vice-Archdruid:
And may they never regret the day they became Druids.
All Brothers repeat.
Archdruid:
Brethren, attention, please to our Director of Ceremonies for the Druidical
Fire.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, please assist me in giving our “Ancient
Druidical Fire.” You will stand to order and copy me.
The Director of Ceremonies gives the sign of O.A.a.S. once,
then taps the left forearm with the palm of the right hand three times; he
then gives the sign of O.A.a.S. again; then with the palm of the right hand
taps the left forearm three times; he gives the sign of O.A.a.S. once more,
and with the palm of the right hand taps the left forearm three times.
Care should he taken that the movements are given
simultaneously and quietly by the Brothers taking part.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, please be seated.
Archdruid:
Brother Initiates, at our Lodge meeting next you will be given an official
certificate of membership and the identification signal for use outside the
Lodge.
We
shall now be pleased to hear a few words in reply to the welcome accorded you.
Having responded, the Initiates are permitted to take seats in
any part of the room.
Second care
Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, the Second Care.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brother Officers, I will thank you to be upstanding while the Archdruid takes
his Second Care.
Archdruid:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, you will now place me in possession of the Second Care
of an Archdruid.
Vice-Archdruid:
Noble Archdruid, your Second Care is to return thanks to all Imperial Grand
Officers, Colonial, Provincial, and District Grand Officers, present and past,
Past Archdruids, Companions of the Supreme Chapter or others of the Royal Arch
Degree, and visitors, not forgetting those members of your own Lodge who have
honoured you with their attendance.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brother Officers, please be seated.
Archdruid:
Brother Registrar, please read the record of attendances.
Registrar:
I will do so, Noble Archdruid. Register is now read.
Archdruid:
Is there any Brother who has not heard his name correctly called, or who has
not attended the Registrar ?
The Registrar then hands to
the Archdruid a list of representative Visitors, beginning with the Imperial
Grand Lodge, other Grand Lodges, Chapters, and Primitive Lodges, in order of
seniority.
Archdruid, returns thanks in suitable terms and calls for responses at his
discretion.
Fifth Official Toast
The announcement, if any, of a brother’s death, should be made
immediately before this toast is honoured and the Lodge formally placed in
mourning for a period specified by the Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brethren, please be upstanding while the Director of Ceremonies gives the
Fifth Official Toast.
Director of Ceremonies lights fire and takes up his position in
the centre of carpet—at the base of the Emblem—with trailed wand, facing the
Archdruid. Bards arrange them. selves on both sides of altar with crooks
trailed and interlocked.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, please assist in honouring the Fifth Official Toast. “To the memory
of those brothers who have passed to that Supreme Lodge above reserved only
for the worthy, and more especially of those who have died for their country.
Brothers stand at the salute
during short silence.
Appropriate music by the Minstrel.
If desired the proceedings may be extended as follows.
Archdruid, with hand upraised:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends.
Oh,
Thou, who givest all, we commend to Thy Fatherly keeping all those of our
Brethren who have died that we might live. May we, so live our lives as to
prove to all the world that they did not die in vain, and may their souls rest
in peace.
Then should be sung the solo “Rest in the Lord” —Elijah, by a
selected Brother, concluding with one verse of the Hymn “Abide with me,” sung
very softly by all Brethren present, or if preferred the following hymn may be
substituted.
Hymn
(Tune” Melita,” Hymn 370 A. and M.)
Lord God of Hosts, Whose Mighty Hand,
Dominion holds on sea and land; in Peace and War
Thy
Will we see, Shaping the larger liberty.
Nations may rise and nations fall,
Thy
Changeless Purpose rules them all.
When
Death flies swift o’er wave or field,
Be
Thou our sure defence and shield!
Console and succour those who fall.
And
help and hearten each and all!
O,
hear the brothers’ prayers for those
Who
fearless faced their country’s foes!
At the conclusion the Archdruid gives one knock and the
Brethren silently resume their seats.
Closing
Archdruid:
Brother Director of Ceremonies, the Closing Hymn.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, please assist in singing the Closing Hymn. You will rise for the
last verse and remain upstanding until the Lodge is closed.
Archdruid, Vice-Archdruid and Guardian rise in turn to sing
first, second, and third verses respectively, and remain standing with their
supporters, all brothers joining in the chorus of each verse.
Closing Hymn
Now
let your voices ring,
The
joys we feel each heart can tell,
While
in concord loud we sing,
Brothers all, farewell;
Loyal
Druids we,
Enemies to care,
Friends around we see,
And
harreony we share.
Chorus: Now let your voices ring,
The
joys we feel each heart can tell
While
in concord loud we sing,
Brothers all farewell.
Here, free from war’s alarms,
Peace
o’erflows from pleasure’s bowl,
While
music’s heavenly charms
Enrapture every soul;
And
while the oak will bear
An
acorn on its bough,
We’ll
strive to banish care,
And
smooth the furrowed brow.
Chorus: Now let your voices ring, etc.
Old
Time, he waits for none;
Sure
his sands ne’er went so fast,
And
now our harmony is done,
Our
social joys are past;
Yet,
although we part,
The
thought will e’er remain
In
each brother’s heart,
We
part to meet again.
Chorus: Now let your voices ring, etc.
Archdruid:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, I will now thank you to place me in possession of the
Third Care of an Archdruid.
Vice-Archdruid: Noble Archdruid, your Third Care
is to see the Secret Avenues secure, the necessary Officers at their
respective posts, and then to declare this, our ... Lodge, No ... in union
with Imperial Grand Lodge, duly and legally closed.
Archdruid:
Brother Guardian, are the secret avenues secure?
Guardian:
They are all secure, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, do you report the Lodge as properly constituted?
Vice-Archdruid:
The necessary Officers are present, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid:
Brother Vice-Archdruid, I having ascertained that the Secret Avenues are
secure and the necessary Officers at their respective posts; it is for you to
instruct the Brethren as to our next meeting.
Vice-Archdruid: Noble
Archdruid and Brethren, this Lodge will be re-opened here on ... next at ...
o’clock, for the purpose of its first institution, namely, Benevolence,
Harmony, Fraternity, together with any business which may be brought before
the Archdruid presiding, beneficial to this Lodge or the Order in general.
Director of Ceremonies:
Brethren, the National Anthem.
National anthem is now sung.
Director of Ceremonies extinguishes candles.
Archdruid:
Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, I am now able to declare this our ... Lodge, No
... in union, legally closed, the next meeting duly announced, and all Laws
out of force.
Archdruid gives Primitive knocks repeated by Vice-Archdruid and
Guardian.
