GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE

Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

°
° °

French Philosophical Rite

According to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLERANCE (1970-1985)
Orient of Paris, G.O.D.F.

Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient of France

in its Plenary Session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

October 2010 Edition

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2
 General Summary
THE SYMBOLIC LODGE 011

Presentation by Jean-Paul CARREAU Past-Master of Honor 013

Preface by Claude RIGAUX Honorary Master 018
Accessories for the Lodge 020
Opening of the Symbolic Lodge 021
The foundations of the Lodge 021
The layout and adjustment of the Lodge 022
The opening of the Lodge and the resumption of work 025

Entrance of Dignitaries 028

I - Reception of Lodges and Deputations of Distinguished Brothers 028
II - Reception of the Grand Master 029

Departure of the Dignitaries 030

I - Departure of the Grand Master and the members of the Council of the Order 030
II - Departure of the Loge deputies 030

The Rough Stone of the Apprentice Brother 031

The Lodge in Mourning 033

The Affiliation 036

The Reintegration 040

The admission of the applicant 044

Elections of the V M and the MM Off 048

Installation and Investiture Ceremony 050

The Words of Semester 056

The Union Chain 056

Closure of the Lodge 057

The Lodge on the table at the degree of Apprentice (annex) 061

THE COLLECTIVE OUTFIT 065

Opening of the collective holding 067

I - The Foundations 067
II–The Masonic Project 068
III– The Opening of the Lodge and the Resumption of Work 069

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Closure of the Collective Holding 072
I– The cessation of work and the circulation of the trunk of the Widow and the bag for proposals 072
II–Closing of the work 073

THE COMMITTEE ATTIRE 075

Opening of the Committee Meeting 077

Closure of the Committee Meeting 078

THE SYMBOLIC WORKSITE 079

The Symbolic Site (Principle–Organization and Decor of the Mason) 081

Opening of the Symbolic Site 081

Closure of the Symbolic Site 082

THE OPEN WHITE OUTFIT 085

I - Opening of the Open White Attire 087

II–Conduct of the Open White Ceremony 090

III–Closure of the Open White Attire 091

THE RITUAL RECEPTION CEREMONY 093

Schematic reminder of the ceremony 095

Organization of the ceremony 096

1 - Plan for each recipient 096

2 - Plan for the conduct of the ceremony 096

3 - The Chamber of Reflection 097

4 - Preparation of the Applicant 097

Ritual Reception Ceremony 099

I - The First Test of Reflection of the Applicant 099

II - The determination of the Applicant 099

III - The Philosophical Testament of the Applicant 101

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 IV - The Quest of the Neophyte 101

V - The Entry into the Lodge of the Neophyte 101

VI - The Neophite's Request 102

VII - The presentation of the Masonic Order 103

VIII - The Presentation of the Neophyte on the Construction Sites from the Lodge 103

IX - The Masonic symbolism 106

X - The Trial of the Earth 106

XI - The First Journey 106

XII - The Trial of Water 108

XIII - The Second Voyage 108

XIV - The Trial of Air 110

XV - The Third Voyage 110

XVI - The Trial by Fire 112

XVII - The new Test of Reflection 112

XVIII - The Cup of Libations and the Masonic Oath 113

XIX - The Light 115

XX - The consecration 116

XXI - The Masonic Decoration 117

XXII - The recognition of the new Brother by the Lodge 117

XXIII - The sealing of the new Brother in the Order 118

XXIV - The instruction of the new Brother 119

XXV - The first entry into the Lodge of the new Brother 119

XXVI - The Benevolent Master for Learning 121

XXVII - The Erasure of the Philosophical Testament 122

XXVIII - The Speech of Reception of the Brother Speaker 122

Instructions after Receipt 123

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THE TABLE LODGE 127

Practical aspects 129

Organization of the table 129

Disposition of the Brothers (Summer) 129

Winter 130

Vocabulary at the Table Lodge 131

Symbolic aspects (Hemispheres) 132

Opening of the Table Lodge 133

I - Presentation of the Table Lodge 135

II - Masonic Instruction 136

III - Platform Verification 139

The health of Opening or health of three hours (from nine o'clock) 141

First Health (Republic) 141

Second health (GODF and Grand Master) 142

Third health (Ven M ) 143

The median health 145

Fourth health (Supervisors) 145

Fifth health (App) and Comp ) 146

Sixth health (Sisters and Companions) 147

Closing health or nine o'clock health (or three o'clock) 148

Seventh health (Masons of the World) 148

Closure of the Table Lodge 149

THE TILER OF THE FIRST GRADE 151

I - THE RECEPTION CEREMONY 155

1 - The symbols of the Chamber of Reflection 156

2 - The formulas of the chamber of reflection 157

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 3 - The Three Usual Questions 157

4 - The candidate's titles 157

5 - The candidate's attire 157

6 - The four elements and the cardinal points 157

7 - The three journeys and the three tools 157

8 - The position for the oath 157

9 - The Book of Masonic Law 158

10 - The Benevolent Master 158

II - THE TILE LAYING 158

1 - The Lodge and the Temple 158

2 - The way to knock on the Lodge door 158

3 - The order position 158

4 - The Sign of Order 159

5 - The Three Steps of the Apprentice 159

6 - The three ritual greetings 159

7 - The Sacred Word 160

8 - The Password 160

9 - The Mark (or touch) 160

10 - The Battery 160

11 - The Acclamation 160

12 - The Symbolic Age 161

13 - The symbolic flower 161

14 - The Fraternal Embrace 161

15 - Entrance and exit of Lodge 161

III - THE MASONIC DECOR 162

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 1 - The Masonic decor 162

2 - The Apron 162

3 - The White Gloves 162

4 - The Cord 162

5 - The Sautoir 162

6 - The offices, jewels and attributes 164

7 - The jewel of the Master of Honor 164

IV- THE SYMBOLIC LODGE 167

1 - The place where the Lodge meets: the Temple 167

2 - The name of the Lodge of 1ergrade 168

3 - The symbolic place where the Lodge is held 168

4 - The floor of the Lodge at the apprentice degree 170

5 - The Loge Works 170

6 - The plateau of the Venerable Master 170

V - IN LODGING 172

1 - The place of the Apprentice in the Lodge 172

2 - La Pierre symbolique du grade d'Apprenti 172

3 - The Apprentice's Work 172

4 - The three tools of the Apprentice 172

5 - The Apprentice's Salary Increase 172

6 - The Apprentice-Accomplished 173

7 - The Symbolic Wage 173

8 - The dressing (or undressing) of the Lodge 173

9 - Le Livre de la Maçonnerie Symbolique 173

10 - The Blazing Sword 173

11 - The Square and the Compass 173

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12 - The three symbolic colors 174

13 - The Path of the Lodge 174

14 - The three stones 175

15 - The Adjustment of the Lodge 175

16 - The Regulating Brother 175

17 - The Carpet of the Lodge 177

18 - The Seven Knot Rope 177

19 - The Lodge Table 177

20 - The holding of swords in the Lodge 179

21 - The Cane of Ceremonies 179

22 - The holding of the Ceremony Staff 179

23 - Movement in the Lodge 180

24 - Readings in the Lodge 180

25 - The Books of the Lodge 181

26 - The Brothers in Honor 181

27 - The Passing Brother or Brother in Passing 181

28 - Regular Mason and Irregular Mason 181

29 - The Proposing Brother 181

30 - The ringing of the stone 182

31 - The sign of consent 182

32 - The solstitial or semiannual words 182

33 - The transmission of semester Words 182

34 - The Union Channel 182

35 - The Open Union Chain 183

36 - The Mourning Battery 183

37 - The Master Installer 183

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 38 - The Bag of Proposals 183

39 - The Widow's Trunk 184

40 - The Erasure of the Lodge 184

41 - Beating mallet 184

42 - Laying the Rough Stone on the Lodge Carpet 184

43 - Removal of the Rough Stone from the Lodge Carpet 184

THE BOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS 187

Preliminary proposals 189

1–The Symbolic Lodge 190

2– Requests and responses, signs of approach and Tiling of the Passing Mason 200

The Mason in his Lodge 207

4–Preliminary Reception 215

5–The Reception–I: Travels and Elements 224

6–The Reception–II: Oath and Light 229

7 - The Apprentice's Salary 238

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GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLERANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE SYMBOLIC LODGE

Rose taken from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (13th Century)

Fascicle I - 1
(Paris 1970-1980)

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12
 THE PHILOSOPHICAL FRENCH RITE
o
oo
PRESENTATION
by Jean-Paul CARREAU
Past Master of Honor
o
oo

Searching for the guiding idea

The Philosophical French Rite was conceived and realized within a small Lodge of the Grand
Orient of France, the LodgeTolerance, founded in Paris, rue Cadet, in 1950.
I was initiated in this Lodge in April 1959. At that time, an idea dwelled in the minds of the Brothers.
that of working on a ritual, which would be particular to us. This idea was mainly supported
by one of our Brothers, André Grancoing, initiated before the War, former deportee to Dachau and
founding member of the Lodge.
This Brother held authority with us in matters of Freemasonry and symbolism. He
took great care to add a personal touch to the three ceremonies
grades.
In fact, he did not like official texts deemed 'colorless, odorless, tasteless.'
But his improvements were sporadic and the idea of a particular ritual remained.
embryonic.

Venerated for the first time in 1969, I bring this idea of ritual to life and
establishes a small study committee on the subject. It was clear in my mind that this
the question would be resolved quickly. The calculation was simple: first year, grade
Apprentice; second year, Companion grade; third year, Master grade.

In fact, the subject lasted 33 years... before being adopted by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient
from France. The cause is the obsession with re-readings, new layouts,
new strikes, eternal corrections, theoretical adjustments up to these
recent times. Modifications of details, but which are important. A habit of
perfectionism, undoubtedly due to professional deformation of some. In fact, we have
carried away by the subject. And then, our ideas evolved as we acquired
our knowledge.
Add to this periods of abandonment, then of resuming the subject, a natural negligence and
we will arrive at... 33 years.

In fact, the project nearly fell apart from the start. During the very first sessions, the criticism
of the Brothers towards the proposals of the commission, whose vision of symbolism had
seemed too academic, pushing it to distance itself from the company.

The subject comes back to me like a boomerang. What to do?

We had a poor understanding of symbolism, Masonic rites, and history.

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general of Freemasonry. We knew nothing, or little, like the vast majority of
Masons.

So, begins a long quest for knowledge. What we are seeking is primarily the
meeting of Brothers learned in Freemasonry. Meeting for discussions, exchanges
of ideas, information, criticism... Understanding Freemasonry, learning its history
to know where we come from, hoping no doubt that the knowledge of our history will
would allow one to imagine their future...

The meeting with our Brother René Guilly, founder of the brand new National Lodge
French and from the magazine Renaissance Traditionnelle, will be of great benefit to us. It is about
it will also be the same for the Brothers Jacques Lapersonne and Daniel Béresniak who, at the same time,
will be the origin of the foundation of the Initiatic and Traditional Order of Royal Art.

And then, there is especially the bibliography. The stays in the libraries, the studies of
documents, articles, works, the discovery of journals like Ars Quatuor
Coronatorum, of the United Grand Lodge of England; the works of the Villard Lodge
Honnecourt, of the Grand National French Lodge, the publications of the Commission
History of the Grand Orient of France,... has been a source of uninterrupted discoveries.

But what were we really looking for? Writing rituals is good, but to say what?
?
What more or what else, from what already exists?

And then, why perform another ritual, when, presumably, among all those who
existing, some might, if we took the time to study them, satisfy us.
We who knew nothing about Freemasonry, what did we really know?

We knew that we were mostly rationalists. And when we have a conception

physiquedu monde, Il n’est pas aisé de s’intéresser à de tels sujets à connotation religieuse
or esoteric, and perhaps even less to invest in it by dedicating time,
research and reflection.

And in the spirit of the Brothers, there was no question of working with traditional rituals,
imprints of religiosity or metaphysical references. And then, the secularization of rituals
The ancient is delicate; it risks, if one is not careful, leading to inconsistencies.

Our Masonic ignorance led us to believe that writing a ritual was a game.
easy. That it was enough to write a text, to introduce ideas, originality, to the
novelty, sometimes, of Fantasy. Emphasizing form at the expense of substance,
Many Lodges have practiced and still practice in this way.

It is as we progress in the knowledge of history that...

Masonry, of its rites, of its rituals, of its symbols, of which we have become aware
that one could not do just anything. That there needed to be a guiding idea. That there needed to be a
theoretical part, before developing a practical part. That it was necessary to imagine an architecture
mental before building a text.

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It was necessary to imagine another system, in line with the spirit of the Brothers of the Lodge.
and in accordance with the philosophy of the Grand Orient of France.

If the ideas were vague, we had some certainties.

The ritual was to be secular in expression, meaningful, the verb was to be simple,
evocative, no unnecessary overloads, no redundancies, no long speeches,
moralizing and sometimes infantilizing; the gestures too had to be simple.
Search for simplicity. Purity in form, rich in content. Search for beauty.
also. Pretentiously Cistercian vision of the subject, a sort of aesthetic pretension...

Ultimately, working on the form, performing a ritual, is good, but to say what?

What is the essence, the guiding idea, from a secular perspective, when one is at the Grand
East of France?

At the beginning of the company, our ideas were confused. Curiously, what will clarify the
to subject and stimulate our reflection, it is the General Question under study by the Lodges of this
year 1969-70.

The question was:

Marxist philosophy and Freemasonry. Marxist philosophy has a capital influence

in the evolution of contemporary thought; that is why it cannot leave anyone indifferent
the Freemasons. Question: What are the aspects of Marxist thought that are
potentially compatible and incompatible with the Masonic ideal?

One might be surprised that a politically themed topic could have an impact on the
starting a study focused on symbolism. In fact, it is more the approach of the
Masonry that posed a problem was that of Marxism. The subject has generated reflection.
on its purpose in society and the meaning of our belonging.

During the debates, we became aware that the ritual, whose real usefulness at the beginning
in Loge seemed not obvious to some of us, turned out to be the true
support to sustain the Masonry project. From then on, the ritual was no longer watched
like an unconcentrated archaeological vestige, a sort of umbilical cord that would connect us
in the past of the Order, but on the contrary, he became in our eyes the mental vehicle
indispensable to Freemasonry, a true vector for the dissemination of its philosophy of man
and of the world, at each Outfit recalled in an allegorical manner.

The ritual being loaded with symbols, the question of symbolism thus appeared from the outset.
a preliminary and inevitable question. First of all, it was necessary to agree on the principle of
based on: whatever the personal interpretations of the Brothers, the symbols
were, in their ritual use, meant to serve as the expression of the guiding idea defined as
the idea of construction.

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If we consider Masonry as a philosophical, symbolic transposition of
the art of building, the idea of construction is consequently its driving idea. It is on this
principle that should elaborate the ritual being developed. The idea of construction summarizes and
condenses within itself the idea of a societal project inscribed in the first article of the
Constitution of the Grand Orient of France, the idea of individual project mentioned in Article V
from this same Constitution.

It seemed obvious to us that if the way of practicing the ritual reveals the spirit of a Lodge,
its content must reveal the purpose of Freemasonry to which one refers.

The Grand Lodge of the 'Moderns' and Jean-Theophile Désaguliers:

The discovery of the Grand Lodge of London and its relations with the movement
Newtonian of the Royal Society, of the Masonic commitment of Jean-Théophile
Désaguliers and the repeatedly mentioned reference to Geometry in the Constitution of 1723,
The evolution of the symbolism of the years 1720-1730 has been a source of inspiration for us.
We will identify the genesis of a symbolism that aligns with a utopian project of
society, which will be expressed in France in the speeches of the knight of Ramsay, by the idea
of a Great republic that will become a Universal Republic.

From now on, it is no longer about innovating, creating something new, something original, but about discovering the
primary symbols of original rituals, to place them in a perspective of
construction and illuminate them in a new light. Reuse the old materials and
arrange them in a way to offer another reading of symbolism. There was as if a
the idea of deconstruction in the very idea of construction.

The French Philosophical Rite:

During this long gestation, all of these rituals were initially called
French Ritual of the Rose, in reference to the roses of the cathedrals, made of stone and
light, from the Philosophical French Ritual of the Rose, then Philosophical French Ritual,
finally French Philosophical Rite.

It is therefore the result of a reaction, that of a Lodge, against what is considered simplification.
excessive rituals of the French Rite during the sixties, followed by a search and
d’une réflexion sur la Maçonnerie, son histoire, son symbolisme; enfin d’une proposition,
leading to the shaping of a ritual with the hope of restoring meaning to the three degrees.
blues to which our Founding Brothers of our Lodge of Tolerance, mostly from
Resistance, they aspired.

The set of these blue degree rituals is therefore part of a secular philosophy, not
by progressive deconstruction or circumstantial adjustments of original rituals, but
secular in its own elaboration. A sort of basic architectural skeleton in which the
Mason, whatever his inner motivations, can freely enter it and furnish according to
his inspiration and his aspirations.

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The French Philosophical Rite has no pretensions. It is not traditional in
meaning that we generally hear it. It identifies more with another tradition,
the one that inspires us with a thought from Paul Valéry, who sees it not as a need
to imitate what others have done in the past, but to find the mindset that led them to it
permission to do what they did.

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 PREFACE

Editing a collection of ritual texts would have seemed unthinkable to us forty years ago.
When, young Masons, we leaned towards the idea of reshaping our
Masonic approach.

Young Masons, few in number but enthusiastic and convinced, in a Lodge just as
young within the Grand Orient of France in full regeneration, we participated in
the agitation of ideas and minds that shook a post-war society in full
mutation. While leaving our metals at the door of the Temple, we could not ignore
the political and economic upheavals that were affecting our country. It was the end of a
dying colonial epic accompanied by human and cultural upheavals,
geopolitical and structural factors of which there are still some traces today. The Lodges of
Grand Orient, of course, could not remain impervious to these
movements from the outside. We still have a few memories of Outfits in our mind.
memorable, somewhat restless, in the Lounges that we frequented and of course
within ours.

The spirit of change, evolution, and novelty spared no one. The thunder of
May 1968 echoed in the hallways of the venerable house on rue Cadet; the questions about
the study of the Lodges echoed this. The Freemasons thus posed long
interrogations about what they were in a modern society, about what they should be,
in what framework their approach could succeed.

It is in this context of societal change that, under the decisive impetus of the Venerable
Master Jean-Paul Carreau, a small team has been formed to address these questions.
that we were asking ourselves. The project we were considering turned out to be larger than expected.
the simple common reflection on the texts used within the Lodges of the Grand Orient of
France and the necessity of their rewriting, this is the entire philosophy of our practice.
Masonic that we were questioning.

We have traveled a lot in Masonry within our Obedience and in the Obediences.
friends who practiced other rites to see, hear, understand, retain what
seemed to correspond to our request. We have read a lot about the history of France.
masonry, studied the different rites established by our Ancients, studied their purpose,
studied the content of their speeches both in substance and in form. We were returning
regularly present in Lodge the observations and reflections resulting from these approaches.
In return, our Brothers on the Sites shared their own reaction. The framework of
our project has been established and the reflection work led to the shaping
written.

The big question was the place of symbolism. We did not want pure symbolism.
and hard that we had encountered in certain rites and which occupied the majority of the work.
We did not want the minimalist symbolism that existed in the official texts of
Grand Orient. So, which symbolism were we supposed to choose, to say what, to
represent
what?

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We are faced with a considerable and exhilarating task.
The task represented a lot of personal investment for those who participated in it.
intellectual investment and time investment because it sometimes involves several meetings
per week excluding the official outfits resulting from it. It was necessary to write, correct, revise
the writing in its form and content, to submit it for the approval of our Brothers. And this
for the opening rituals of the three degrees, the initiation rituals and the advancement of
salary and their annexes...

A deep bond of friendship remained among the Brothers who participated in this work because they have
better learned to know and appreciate each other. They understood in vivo what it means
listening to and understanding the Other. They are also good memories of evenings.
finished around a good meal, just reward for our 'Masonic labor'.

This Masonic work has been a unique and particularly enriching experience of
construction municipality. Is it completed and definitively finished after having received the
recognition by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient of France, in its Plenary Session
January 25 and 26, 2002, and the ultimate consecration of being published?

The basic idea of this work is an idea of construction, of building a Man.

ideal which suggests the idea of constant positive evolution. Future changes in the
the lives of men will necessarily involve a new vision and a restructuring of
what has been done. When the time comes, others will need to revisit this approach that
we have had. Long live the current Philosophical French Rite and good luck to those
who will put the work back on the site.

Claude RIGAUX
Past Master of Honor

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 ACCESSORIES FOR THE LODGE

AT APPRENTICE GRADE

°
° °

a Square 3 x 4
a compass
The Book of Symbolic Freemasonry (Anderson's Constitutions, 1723)
The Book of the Constitution and the General Regulation of the G O D F
Three Chandeliers arranged at right angles according to the 'Three Great Lights' of the Rite
French
three candles in yellow, red, and blue
a Tison
-a torch
two swords (Cover and G Exp )
- a Flaming Glaive (V) M )
three Mallets
a Ceremonial Cane
a bag of proposals
a Widow's Trunk
black balls
white balls
A Book of Works
a Book of Accounts
A Book of Solidarity
A Book of Architecture
Three Rituals of Symbolic Lodge (fasc. I-1)
a Carpet of the First degree
a small raw stone, for the Lodge Carpet
a small Cubic Stone at Point, for the Lodge Carpet
a small engraved stone, for the Lodge carpet
a three-branch chandelier for the reception of the Grand Master
a small table or stool covered with a blue cloth for the Book of the
Symbolic Masonry, the Square and the Compass

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 OPENING OF THE SYMBOLIC LODGE

I - THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE LODGE

All the FF are adorned with the apron, white gloves, the cord or the sash of the Office. On a small table,
called 'annex plateau', placed in front of the East, are positioned the Square, the Compass, and the Book of Masonry
Closed symbolism (Anderson's Constitutions of 1723).
(In the absence of an auxiliary board, these three symbols are placed on the board of the Venerable Master).
The square-shaped candlestick is arranged regularly with three extinguished candles; the red candle, side
South-West; blue, South-East side; yellow, North-East side.
The lit ember is placed either on the V tray. M , whether on that of the Sec .
The three stones are placed on the steps of the East, south side.

V M : Stand up, my FF .

The FF they rise and stand in front of their places.

I invite you to gather and join me to

the opening of the Lodge at the degree of Apprentice.

V M :

1herSurv :

2thSurv :

V M : F Premier Surv , are you a Freemason?

1erSurv : My Ff recognize me as such.

V M : What is the primary duty of a Freemason in Lodge?

1erSurv : It is to check if we are covered.

V M : Are we covered?

1erSurv : F Second Surv , the V M ask if we are at

covered.

2èmeSurv : F Cover , check if we are covered.

strikes THREE TIMES hard and visibly with the hilt of his sword held in his right hand, the tip
The Cover
downward.

He then discreetly knocks three more times with his left hand,

21
 th
and then reports quietly to 2 Surv

2thSurvey: F 1erSurv we are sheltered.

1erSurvey: V M we are sheltered.

V M : F 2èmeSurv , what is the second duty of a Freemason in

Loge?

2thSurv. : It is to check if we are all free and regular.

V M : Facing East.
Since it is so, brothers 1heand 2thSurvey, visit the South and the North and
use each according to usage.

The Surv the mallet placed on the front of the left shoulder, are positioned facing each other to the West of the
Log. They begin their march by crossing each other for the first time on their left, to the West, then, after having
brought up the Lodge, a second time to the East.

When the Survivors Facing their respective construction sites, the Brothers of the South and the North fall into line.

The Surv regain their places by checking if each Brother is properly decorated (Apron on the
civil outfit) and knows how to give the sign.

They can, if they deem it useful, tile several Brothers from each site.

2thSurv : V M , we are free and regular in the North.

1heSurv : V M We are free and regular in the South.

V M : We are free and regular from North to South and from East to West.

At the word "East", the Brothers who are in the East fall into order.

At the word 'West', the Roofer stands at attention.

II - THE LAYOUT AND ADJUSTMENT OF THE BOX

V M : Since the foundations withstand the trials, we will trace and

set the Lodge

The outline

The V M With the torch, take the light from the ember and light the three candles of the chandelier in the direction
solar and in order: yellow, red, blue.
Then, the Great Expert, armed with his sword, opens the Book of Symbolic Masonry to: "The charges of a
Free-Mason… » (The Obligations of a Freemason), regularly places the Square and the Compass, then unfolds the
Drape and regain your place.

22
 The setting

er
F Adjuster, who preferably is a
The 1
Apprentice, take the Rough Stone and place it on
the Northwest corner of the Loge carpet after
to have marked the four standard squares,
the first being made at the North-East corner.

During this ceremony, the Rough Stone

held with the left hand, the elbow at
the square and the F The adjuster is in order.

Before laying the stone, the F Setter

mark a time to allow for the
2thS to pronounce the ritual phrase.

After the laying of the stone, Brother Regulator

regains its place.

2thSurv : May Liberty be the foundation of the Temple.

th
After the installation of the Rough Stone, the 2 F
Setter, who preferably is a
Companion, but never an Apprentice,
take the cubic stone at the tip and the installation
south side of the Loge carpet, on the black wire and
blank, after scoring the four
usage angles, the first being made at
the South-West angle.

For the continuation, the same comments as for

er
the 1 Setter.

1heSurv : Let Equality be the Keystone.

23
 th
The 3Brother Adjuster who, necessarily,
must be a Master (preferably the
Master of Ceremonies), takes the Stone
Engraved and the installation at the North-East corner of

Loge carpet, after having marked the

four working squares, the first being
made at the South-East corner.

For the continuation, same remarks as for

the FF Previous Adjusters.

V M
 : May Brotherhood be the Cement of the Temple.

V M
 : I remind you that the construction of the Temple is the Work of the Freemasonry
Masonry. Let each one, according to his heart and according to his strength, contribute to
this idea of perfection, the stone of his free choice, of his free work
and his free examination.

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III - THE OPENING OF THE LODGE AND THE RESUMPTION OF WORK

V M
 : F 1 heSurv , at what time does the box office open?

1heSurv : A Midi.

V M
 : F 2thSurv , what time is it?

2thSurv : It is noon.

V M
 : Since it is time and everything is in accordance with the symbolic plan,
I declare by virtue of the powers vested in me, that the Lodge
".....................................................................................................", founded
in praise of the Universal Work in ............., to the East of ……………….
is regularly open for the Apprentice grade.

The three strikes are regularly spaced.

V M  : FF 1erand 2thSurv , invite the brothers
the South and North Sites, as
I invite those from the East Site to pick up the tools and continue.
the work.

1erSurvey: FF from the Southern Site, you are invited to take the tools and to
continue the work.

2thSurvey: FF from the North Site, you are invited to take back the tools and to
continue the work.

V M
 :

1erSurv.:

2thSurvey:

V M
 : With me by the Sign, the Simple Battery and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!

V M
 : Take back your seats, the work is resuming with force and vigor.

We redo the Sign and everyone takes their place again.

.......................................................................

25
THE BOOK OF THE CONSTITUTION AND THE GENERAL REGULATION

V M
 : F Orat reminds of the General Principles of the Grand Orient of
France.

The F Orat standing and in order, holding the book in the left hand, reads Article I of the Constitution
of the Obedience.

.......................................................................

THE BOOK OF ARCHITECTURE

V M
 : F Sec presents the outline of the previous Outfit that you have
inserted in the Book of Architecture.

After reading the drawing.

V M
 : My FF , do you have any observations to make about the layout of F?
Sec ?

After the observations.

V M
 : F Speak I invite you to give your conclusions.

F Speak : I support the adoption of the layout.

V M
 : I invite those who are in favor of the conclusions of the F He/she spoke to raise the
main at my mallet.
Contrary opinion.
The plan is adopted (or postponed).

The F Sec presents the Book of Architecture in V M , and at the Orat for the affixing of their signatures, and to
Keeper of the Seal and the Patent, for affixing the seal of the Lodge.

.....................................................................

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE

V M
 : F Orat presents the official correspondence of the Order.

After reading the correspondence.

V M
 : My FF Do you have any comments to make regarding the correspondence?
official?

Note: The V M can give the floor to the Sec for the presentation of interlog correspondence.

...................................................................

26
THE PERFECT PLAN

V M
 : I remind you of the content of the Perfect Plan for the Formal Attire
of today.

Note 1: The V M , may ask the Sec to proceed with the calling of the FF . Each
F , at the call of his name, stands up, gets in order and responds: "in Lodge". He resumes his
place after making the sign.

Note 2: Conduct of the work: when the Lodge must discuss a subject, the V M ,
can suspend the work in the ritual form by saying: 'At my blow of the mallet,
the works in the ritual form are suspended; ".
In this case, we no longer speak in the ritual form, but we adhere to rigor.
Masonic.

At the end of the debate, the V M "At my command"

from the mallet, the works in the ritual form regain strength and vigor;
"

27
 THE ENTRY OF DIGNITARIES.

Reception of Lodges and Deputations of Brother dignitaries.

Ceremony reserved for the Lodges, the deputations, and the Brothers that the Lodge wishes to honor.

Note: Order of entry into the Lodge: The delegations of Symbolic Lodges enter first; they are followed by the
deputations of Lodges of High Degrees, then members of the Council of the Order, except for the Grand Master.

V M
 : F M of Cér and G Exp go to the Parvis and report back
from the Masonic quality of the present deputation.

The FF they come out and after a few moments the M of Cér requesting entry to the Lodge.

2ème Survey: V M
 , the M from the Cer request the entrance to the Lodge.

V M
 : Give the entrance to the Lodge, F 2thSurv .

The M of the Cér enters and addresses the V  M .

M from the Cér : V M , the deputation . . . . . . . requests entry to the Lodge.

V M
 : Stand and order.

The F Cover open the double door.

V M
 : FF M  o f Cér a nd G Exp accompany the delegation until
the East.
FF Surv hammering mallet.

The delegation arrived in front of the steps of the East.

V M
 : Very Ill (or TT CC ) FF , au nom de tous, je vous souhaite la
welcome.

The V M , may present a welcome speech.

I invite you to take a seat at the O (or to another reserved place)

Once the congress is installed.

V M
 : Regain your seats, my FF .

28
II - Réception du Grand Maître.

Ceremony reserved only for the reception in Lodge of the Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France. One must
ensure that there are enough swords for the FF from the front rows.

V M
 : FF M of Cér and G Exp , go to the Parvis accompanied by
September MM armed with swords, to seek the T Ill F N……., Most Serene
Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France.

The VM turn on the three-branch candelabra, give it back to G Exp who leaves the Lodge accompanied by the
FF designated for the escort. A few moments later, the procession being formed, the M of Cér request
the entrance of the Lodge.

2èmeSurv. : V M , the FF M  of Cer and G Exp , accompanied by the T

Ill F N……, Most Serene Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France,
requesting entry to the Lodge.

The F Cover open the double door.

V M
 : Stand up my FF form the Steel Vault.
FF , M of the Cer and G Exp accompany our Most Serene Grand
Master to the East.

FF Surv , striking mallet.

The Grand Master arrived in the East,

V M
 : Most Serene Grand Master, on behalf of all the Brothers gathered here, I
welcomes you. We are very honored by your presence.
presence among us

The V M may present a welcome speech.

V M
 : I invite you to go to the East to receive this first mallet.

The V M offers his mallet to the Grand Master who can take his place at his table. In this case, he can lead the
continuation of the work.
It can also retransmit the first mallet to the V. M .

V M : Lower your swords, my FF , and regain your seats.

(or G M
 )

29
 EXIT OF THE DIGNITARIES.

I - Departure of the Grand Master and the members of the Council of the Order.

V M
 : F M of Cér and G Exp assisted by seven MM equipped with
Glaives, prepare to escort to the Parvis, the T Ill F
 N...
Serene Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France and the members of
Council of the Order, who honored us by sharing our work.
Get up, my FF form the Steel Vault.

The V M put the three-branched candlestick back at G Exp .

Once the procession is formed

V M
 : FF Surv beating mallet.

Once the procession is on the forecourt.

V M
 : Lower your swords, my FF and regain your seats.

II - Exit of the Lodges' deputations.

V M : FF M of Cer and G Exp , prepare to resume on the

Apart from the deputations of the High Degree Lodges, which have made us
the honor of sharing our work.

V M
 : Stand up, my FF , and to order.

When the procession is ready.

V M
 : FF Surv , striking mallet.

Once the procession is in the forecourt.

V M : Take back your seats, my FF .

NOTE: We are restarting the ritual scene for the deputations of Symbolic Lodges.

30
 THE ROUGH STONE OF THE APPRENTICE BROTHER

2thSurv : V M  , I observed the F App He shapes his stone, with

perseverance since the day of its reception, roughs out its stone with
perseverance. I also propose to authorize him to present his
work before the Masters and the Companions of the Lodge.

V M
 : Thank you for this proposal, F. 2èmeSurv .

F M of Cér , go fetch our F App And you

will accompany him to the O .

The F  App  take a seat at the Orat table .

V M
 : My F N……., you have the floor.

After the presentation of the assigned work, the V M can, according to the custom of the L , open a debate and/or
question the App on the symbolism of his rank.

V M
 : Thank you, my F , and I congratulate you for this stone, already good
roughened.
F M of Cér reassign our F App in his place.

Once the F App in his place.

V M
 : My transformers App I invite you to cover the L , under the leadership of
M from Cér .

After the ritual exit of the Apprentices.

V M : At my blow of the mallet, we are in C. of Comp .

I invite you to share your thoughts on our F. App .

The G Exp dispose the Square and the Compass at the degree of Companion .

After the debate.

V M
 : I suggest that we consider, from now on, our F N......,
like App Accomplished.
F Orat , what are your conclusions?

F Orat : V M
 I am in favor of this proposal.

V M
 : The FR who agree to consider our F N….., like App -
Accompli, raise their hand to my mallet hit:
.
Contrary opinion.

31
The proposal is accepted (or refused).

V M
 : My FF the C of Comp is closed.
We are back in L to the App level .

The G Exp dispose the Square and Compass at the App degree .

V M
 : F 2thSurv , give the entrance of the L to the FF App ; the F N.......
Enter the last one.

The App They return to their seats. Only, the F N..., stay at level 2thSurv .

V M
 : Stand up and be orderly.
My F N..., the MM and the Comp , satisfied with your work, you
consider as App from now on A  ccomplished.
This means that you will be proposed soon in L. of
Comp f or a salary increase.

The V M , is addressed to the L .

V M
 : To congratulate our F , I invite you to play a warm battery.
With me, by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M
 : F M of Cér , lead our F t o her new place in the Loge.
It will henceforth be symbolically located at the Northwest point, near
th
from Brother 2 Surv .

Once the F App Accomplished temporarily installed in its new place.

V M
 : Let's return to our seats, my brothers. .

32
 THE LODGE IN MOURNING

I - For a F of the L .

V M
 : Stand up my FF .
Our Union Chain has just been broken. Our Beloved F N.......
link of pure metal, has passed to the Eternal East. To honor its
memory, our F Puppet w  ill present the Eulogy and we will draw
a mourning wreath.
Take the mourning decor, my Brothers.

We turn back the tables, the cords, and the carriages.

Only, the V M does not return her necklace.

V M
 : Let's form the Open Union Chain.

The Union Channel is open at the level of the two Surv. .

The Orat is placed to the left of the V M .

V M
 : You have the floor, my F Orat 

After the presentation of the eulogy.

V M
 : My FF , let's leave the Chain.
We are going to fire a mourning battery.

Avec moi, par le signe et la batterie de deuil.

Let us groan!

Let us groan!
Let us moan!

Let's moan!
Let's moan!
Let us groan! Let us hope!

V M
 : Let us close the Chain, my Brothers.

The Surv refer the Chain.

V M
 : Our Union Channel is once again perfect from North to South and from East to
West.
We must now continue the work that our F has begun
among us and that he has bequeathed to us.
Let us never forget everything that our FFpassés à l'Orient Eternel, ont
brought during their life to the Masonic Order.

33
 In their memory, and for the future of the Lodge in which they have so much
worked, we will cover this mourning battery with a warm
battery.

V M
 : Let's leave the chain and return to the ordinary setting.

The FF return to the ordinary decor.

V M
 : With me, through the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M
 : Let's return to our seats.

II - For a Brother of the Masonic Order.

V M
 : My FF , our Beloved F N  ...... has passed to the Eternal East. For
honor his memory, our F Pray is going to present the Eulogy.
You have the floor, my Brother.

After the eulogy.

V M
 : Stand up my FF take the mourning decor.
With me by the Sign and the Mourning Drum.

Let us moan!

Let us groan!
Let us moan!

Let's moan!
Let us moan!
Let us groan! Let us hope!

V M
 : My FF let's never forget everything that our FF , passed to the East
Eternal, have brought during their life, to the Masonic Order.

In their memory, and for the future of Freemasonry, in which

they have worked so much, we will cover this mourning battery with a
warm battery.
Let's get ready.

The FF they resume the ordinary setting.

34
V M
 : With me, by the Sign, the Battery and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M
 : Let's return to our seats.

35
 THE AFFILIATION
After examination and decision of the Lodge on the affiliation application.

1erSurv : V M  , the F Cover , the F 2èmeSurv a

 nd myself, have
an important proposal to present.

V M
 : What is this proposal, my F? ?

1erSurv : A F , which we know well and appreciate the work of,

requests to join our R L .

V M
 : Since it is so, let him enter and introduce himself.
ème
The 2 Surv , signal to the F Cover and this one opens the door to the L  and the F  N..., makes his ritual entrance.

V M
 : Introduce yourself, my F .

N... : My name is N..., I am M Mason (or Comp , or App ).

The F  donne les dates de sa réception, de son passage, de son élévation et le nom de sa Loge-mère.

V M
 : Three FF from this L they claim to know you well and appreciate your
work. That is enough for us to know who you are.
What is, today, the reason for your coming among us?

N.... : V M
 I want to join the Union Chain of this Lodge.

V M
 : Why?

N…. : To work on it with zeal and dedication, and to become a solid one.
Link.

V M
 : What guarantees do you bring?

N... : My stone and the tools that help me to shape it.

V M
 : What stone is it?

N... : Of free choice, free work, and free examination.

V M
 : Do you promise to respect the Rules and Customs of this Lodge?
(And the General Regulations of the GODF, if the F comes from another Obedience

N... : I promise it, V M

 .

V M
 : I take note, my F .

36
Addressing the Lodge.

V M
 : I invite you to express your opinion on this affiliation request.
My fanfiction
Do you have any observations to present?

After the observations.

V M
 : F He/She/It prayed What are your conclusions?

F Orat : I trust, V M
 I am in favor of the affiliation of this F in
our R L .

V M
 : Those who are in favor of the F conclusions Speak , raise their hand to
my club strike:

Contrary opinion.
My F you are accepted by this L and I congratulate you.

NOTE: If the Fcomes from another Obedience, we continue with the text enclosed below. If it is part of an L
you G O D F we follow the text after the box.

V M
 : FF G Exp and M of Cér drive our F in front of the three
symbols of use for him to renew his oath.

The F N..., positions itself according to use: feet at right angles, the compass held in the left hand, the point pressed down.
on the heart; the right hand ungloved resting on the Square, which itself is resting on the Book of Freemasonry
Symbolic and that of the Constitution and the General Regulations.

V M
 : Stand and at attention, my brothers. .

V M
 : My F I will read the content of the oath and you will repeat it.
mentally with me.

(We read the following text or that of the Obedience)

Masonic Oath

Hello, N.....,(name and surname), on this ......th day of the ......th month of the year
, between the Square and the Compass, before the Book of Masonic Law,
in front of this R L , in the name of Absolute Freedom of Conscience, I
I engage of my own free will, to keep the Masonic Secret; to not disclose anything
disclose, neither by writings, nor by speech, nor by sign except to a
good and legitimate Freemason that I would have recognized or in a Regulated Lodge.
I promise to love my FF , to rescue them and to exercise towards them the
most beneficial virtues. I promise to lend assistance to the
unfortunate, to exercise justice towards all and dedication towards
humanity. I commit to participate with zeal and perseverance in the work

37
 liberator of Freemasonry and to remain, until the end of
my days, a man of honor and integrity.
I also commit to respecting the Constitution and the Regulations
General of the Grand Orient of France.
If I were to fail in my duties as a Freemason, I would accept to...
to be subjected to the sanctions provided by the Order and to be banned from it.

V M
 : Do you take this oath, my F ?

N... : I take an oath.

V M
 : Myself, the L and Freemasonry, let's take note.

V M
 : FF , G Exp and M of Cér please return our F to the West of the
L .

Once the F accompanied to the West of the Lodge.

V M
 : FF 1erand 2thSurv invite the brothers the South and North Shipyards,
as I invite those from the East Site to acknowledge the F N….., like
regular member of the L , and to honor him, the Battery of the rank shall be fired.

1erSurv : FF , from the South Site, you are invited by the V M

 a nd by me,
to recognize the F N..., as a regular member of the L , and to pull in
his honor, the Battery of the rank.

2mSurv : FF from the North Site, you are invited by the V M  and a pair
me, to recognize the F N  ..., as a regular member of the L , and to pull
in his honor, the Battery of the rank.

V M
 : Stand up and in order.
With me, by the sign, the drum, and the acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M
 : Let us form the Union Chain.

In the Union Chain, the F newly affiliated is placed between the FF 1theSurv and G Exp 

V M
 : Mon F On behalf of everyone, I welcome you to this L  You
from now on, full member.
You embrace his story and are already contributing to his future.
I wish you good work among us.

Addressing all the brothers .

38
 My FF our Union Channel is expanding. Let us rejoice in this
event.
Let us rejoice for the L and we promise to help our F to integrate
in our work, so that he can place the stone of which we have
need.

G Exp : We promise it, V M

 .

V M
 : I acknowledge, my brothers. .

NOTE: If the F is not a member of the Obedience, we proceed to the communication of Semester Words.

V M
 : We will now proceed to the communication of the Words of
semester for our F .

After the communication of the Semester Words.

V M
 : Let's leave the Chain and return to our seats.

The F N..., stay with the 2èmeSurv .

V M
 : F M of Cer , accompanies our new F to the O , for him
take a seat next to me.

The F newly affiliated takes a place on the left of the V M .

V M
 : F Orat You have the floor for the Welcome Speech.

After the welcome speech, the V M , addresses the F newly affiliated,

V M
 : My F N......, as our custom dictates, I invite you to respond to the
Welcome Speech from F Orat by a Piece of Architecture.

After the presentation of the Piece of Architecture.

V M
 : My F , I thank you for this Piece of Architecture, and I invite you to
take your place by my side.

39
 THE REINSTATEMENT.

After review and decision by the L on the application for reinstatement

1er Surv : V M  , the F Cover , the F 2thSurv and myself, have

an important proposal to present.

V M
 : What is this proposal, F 1erSurvive ?

1erSurv : A F that we know well, and which we have already appreciated

the work requests to be reintegrated into our R L (or in the Franc-
masonry.

V M
 : Since that is the case, let him enter and present himself.

The F N..., makes its ritual entry.

V M
 : Introduce yourself, my F .

N... : My name is N....., I am M Mason (or Comp , or App )

The F  N..., give the dates of his reception, of his passage, of his elevation and the name of his Mother Lodge.

V M
 : My F we know that you have already worked in this L (or in the
Masonry), and three brothers certify that you were doing good work there. This
is enough for us to know who you are.
What is the reason for your presence among us today?

N... : V M  I request to be reinstated in the Union Chain of this L.

(of Freemasonry).

V M
 : Why?

N... : To work on it again with zeal and dedication, and to become one
solid link.

V M
 : What guarantees do you offer?

N... : My stone and the tools that help me shape it.

V M
 : What stone is it?

N... : Of free choice, free work, and free examination.

V M
 : Do you promise to respect the Rules and Customs of this Lodge, and the
General Regulation of the Grand Orient of France?

40
N... I promise it, V M
 .

V M
 : I take note, my F .

V M
 : My FF I invite you to express your opinion on this request for
reintegration.
Do you have any observations to present?

After the observations.

V M
 : F Praise What are your conclusions?

F Orat : I trust, V M . Je suis favorable à la réintégration de ce

F i n the L (in Freemasonry).

V M
 : Those who support the conclusions of F Pray , raise their hand to
my blow of the mallet: .
Contrary opinion.
My F You are reinstated and accepted by the L. and I congratulate you.

V M
 : FF G Exp and M o f the Cer drive our F in front of the three
symbols of use, so that he renews his oath.

The F N..., is accompanied in front of the annex platform or that of V. M He is placed with his feet at right angles,
Compass held in the left hand, the point resting on the heart; the right hand bare, placed on the square,
Book of Symbolic Freemasonry and the Constitution and General Regulation of the Grand Orient of France that
we have added.

V M
 : Stand up and at attention, my brothers. .

V M
 : My F , I will read the contents of the oath and you will repeat it.
mentally with me.
(One reads the following text or that of the Obedience)

Masonic Oath

Me, N.....,(name and surname), on this ......th day of the ......th month of the year
..., between the Square and the Compass, before The Book of Masonic Law,
in front of this R L, in the name of Absolute Freedom of Conscience, I
I engage of my own free will to keep the Masonic secret; to not say anything
disclose, neither by writing, nor by speech, nor by sign, except to a
good and legitimate Mason that I will have recognized or in a Regulated Lodge.
I promise to love my FF to rescue them and to exercise towards them the
the most beneficial virtues.
I promise to assist the unfortunate, to exercise justice
towards all and the dedication to humanity.

41
 I commit to participating with zeal and perseverance in the work.
emancipator of Freemasonry and to remain, until the end of
my days, a man of honor and integrity.
I also commit to respecting the Constitution and the Regulations.
General of the Grand Orient of France.
If I were to fail in my obligations as a Freemason, I would accept to...
to be subjected to the sanctions provided by the Order and to be banned from it.

V M
 : Are you taking this oath again, my F ?

N... : I take an oath.

V M
 : Myself, the L and Freemasonry, let's take note.

V M
 : FF , G Exp and M of Cér bring back our F to the West of the
L .

V M
 : FF , 1erand 2ème Surv , invite the brothers the South and North Shipyards
of the L as I invite those from the East Site to recognize the F N...
as a Freemason and as a member of the L , and to draw in its
honor, the grade's battery.

1erSurv : FF from the South Site, you are invited to recognize the F N...
as a Freemason and as a member of the L , and to pull it in his sound
honor, the grade battery.

2thSurv : FF from the Northern Construction site, you are invited to recognize the F N...
as a Freemason and as a member of the L , and to pull it in his
honor, the battery of the grade.

V M
 : Stand up and be orderly.
With me, by the sign, the drum, and the acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!

V M
 : Let's form the Union Chain.

In the Union Chain, the F newly reintegrated is placed among the FF 1heSurv and G Exp .

V M
 : My F N..., on behalf of everyone, I welcome you.
Here you are, now a full member of this L , you in
marry your history and you are already participating in its becoming.
I wish you good work among us.

Addressing all the brothers .

42
V M
 : My FF , our Union Chain is closing. Let us rejoice in this
event. Let us rejoice for the L and Freemasonry.
Let's promise to help this F to quickly integrate into our work
so that he can place the stone we need there.

G Exp : We promise it, V M

 .

V M
 : I take note, my brothers. .

V M
 : We will now proceed with the communication of the Words of
semester intended for our F .

After the communication of the Semester Words.

Let's leave the chain and return to our seats.

The F take their place on the construction sites. The F N..., stands next to the 2thSurv .

V M
 : F M of the Cér , accompanies our new F in the East, so that it
take your place beside me.

The F newly reintegrated takes a seat on the left of the V M .

V M
 : F Orat You have the floor for the Welcome Speech.

After the welcome speech, the V M , addresses F newly reintegrated.

V M
 : My F N..., as our custom dictates, I invite you to respond to the
Welcome Speech from the F Orat by a Piece of Architecture.

After the presentation of the Piece of Architecture.

V M
 : My F I thank you for this Piece of Architecture, and I invite you to
take your place beside me.

43
 THE ADMISSION OF A CANDIDATE

V M
 : We will review Mr. N.........'s application.
Here is the applicant's request, the attached documents, and the reports.
of the investigation, as well as the response from the General Secretariat of the Grand Orient
from France.

The V M shows some pieces of the file and reads them, assisted by the brothers Oratorio and Sec After the
presentation of reports.

V M
 : My FF You have heard the investigation reports.
I invite you to share your observations on these reports and to
to inform me of any information you might have, possibly,
provide yourself on the Applicant.

After the observations.

V M
 : We will now proceed to the test of the headband or of the
sound of the stone
F G Exp go fetch the Applicant, and you will have him struck himself
our door.

The G Exp , leave the Lodge.

Trial of the headband or the Sounding of the stone.

2thSurv : V M  the Postulant N....., accompanied by F G E

 xp
request the entry of the L .

V M
 : Give the entry of the L , F 2thSurv .
th
The 2 Surv sign to the roofer to open the door. The candidate is ritually introduced and made to sit on the side
West of the Carpet of L We expect a deep silence.

V M
 : Sir, welcome among us.
Give me your first and last name.

N..... : .............................

V M
 : Did you write your entry request in full freedom?
Freemasonry?

N…..: …………………..

44
V M
 : Is it in full freedom that you come today to knock at our door?
door?

N..... : ..............................

V M
 : Sir, the idea of freedom is fundamental in Freemasonry. It
is the foundation of our construction. Only the notion of common good can
restrict its scope.

Freemasonry, like any society, is governed by laws and regulations.

customs and its members have mutual duties to fulfill.
Our loyalty is to inform you now of their nature and
their extent.

V M
 : My FFs , what is our first duty?

1heSurv : It is to respect the Law of Silence to keep the Secret that unites us.

V M
 : My Brothers, what is our second duty?

2thSurv : It is to be a man of honor and integrity, and to participate with zeal.

and dedication to the emancipatory work of Freemasonry.

V M
 : What is our third assignment?

Speaker: It is to respect the customs and Masonic laws.

V M
 : Sir, the silence on our secrets, the strictness of behavior towards
oneself and towards others, the respect for customs and laws
Masonic, these are the duties that fall upon us and that we all
let's respect.
If you are accepted as a Freemason, will you agree to accomplish and
respect these duties?
Answer me, sir.

N........ : ................................

V M
 : We take note.

V M
 : Sir, one of our customs is that on the occasion of your visit,
some of my friends are asking you questions. I ask you to answer them.
respond without fear and with the utmost honesty. Honesty is
one of the qualities we demand the most.

However, if you wish, you are free not to respond to

some of them. Rest assured that we will fully comply
your decision.

45
After the questions and the answers.

V M
 : Sir, I thank you for responding candidly and for yourself
to be lent with courtesy to this ceremony that is not customary for you.
I hope you will soon have the opportunity to discover all of it
senses.
We will now escort you, and we will inform you.
in the coming days regarding the outcome of our deliberations.
Goodbye, Mr. N......

The G Exp accompanies the applicant according to the custom. After his return.

V M
 : My FF I invite you to present your observations following this
test of the headband or "sounding of the stone".

After the interventions.

V M
 : F Orat Are you in favor of or opposed to the circulation of the ballot, under
of some provision of the Masonic Law?

F Speak : V M
 I am in favor of the circulation of the ballot.

V M
 : F M of the Cere , distribute a black ball and a ball to each one
white.

During the distribution of the balls.

V M
 : My FF I remind you of the importance of this vote.
We require a candidate to have mental and intellectual availability,
aptitude for culture and a certain humanism. Let us demand a lot from a
future F , but let us be wise in our demands.

V M
 : F Orat , remind everyone of the regulatory provisions relating to
this vote.

After reading the regulations relating to the vote

V M
 : F G E
 xp pass the ballot box around the construction sites.

After the circulation of the ballot box on the construction sites.

2thSurv : V M
 , the ballot is at your disposal.

V M
 : A F Does he claim the ballot?

If no one claims the ballot.

46
V M
 : My FF With my mallet strike the voting is closed: ( )

V M
 : F G E  xp You can place the ballot on my tray.
FF Orat , Sec and G E  xp please assist me during the
counting of the votes.

The V M , then gives the result of the ballot and draws conclusions.

47
 ELECTIONS OF THE VENERABLE MASTER

AND MASTER OFFICERS

V M
 : My FF , we will proceed with the election of the V M  a nd you
College of the MM Off for the upcoming Masonic year.
F Orat reminds the Brothers the required conditions to be a voter and
eligible.

The F Orat  gives a reading of the articles of the General Regulation relating to elections.

V M
 : F Very taking into account what has just been specified, present the
list of FF of the L authorized to participate in the vote.

The Treasury present the list of FF , and the L decide.

a) Election of the Venerable Master:

V M
 : My FF Since everything is in order, we will open the vote.
with the election of the V M .
F S  ec give knowledge of the name of the F (or FF candidate(s),
the charge of V M  .

The Dry give the name of the (or the) candidate(s).

V M
 : Are there other candidates for the position of V? M
 ?

V M
 : F Orat Do you have any observations to present on this (or these)
application(s)?

F Orat : V M
 , I am in favor of the circulation of the ballot.

V M
 : Since it is so, F G Exp pass around the ballot box on the
Construction sites.

The G Exp collect the votes in the ritual form.

2thSurv : V M
 , the vote is at your disposal.

V M
 : A F Does he demand the vote?

2thSurv : No F do not claim the ballot.

V M
 : My FFs by my mallet blow the ballot is closed : ( ).

48
 FF 1heand 2èmeSurv , designate each one an M so that they
join the FF Orat , Sec and G Exp to assist me during the
counting

After the appointment of the two MM .

F G E
 xp You can put the ballot on my plate.


After the counting, the V M communicate the results to the L .

b) Election of the College of Master Officers:

V M
 : We will now proceed to the election of the Coll of the MM
Off for the upcoming Masonic year.
F Sec , communicate to the L the names of the candidates for the positions
off for the coming year.

After the presentation of the candidates.

V M
 : Are there any other candidates?

V M
 : F Orat Do you have any remarks to make about these applications?

F Orat : V M
 , I am in favor of the circulation of the ballot.

We then proceed according to the General Regulations.

If the vote is conducted by secret ballots, it proceeds as for the election of the V. M .
The elections are over.

V M
 : Stand up and in order.
We will fire a battery in honor of all our brothers. elected or
reelected Off from the L .
With me by the sign, the drum and the cheering.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

Note: If the F chosen by the Lodge for the role of V M  is newly elected, the V  M  in title request to
F M of Cér to seek him out and accompany him to the East where he takes his place at the right of the V M .

V M
 : Get back your seats, the elections of the V M
 a nd from the College of MM
Off are finished.

49
 INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE VENERABLE MASTER
and
INVESTITURE CEREMONY OF THE COLLEGE OF MASTER OFFICERS

a) Installation of the Venerable Master:

The ceremony is presided over by an M. installer who can be a former V M , or any other F  chosen by the
L as long as he is M for a year.

M Inst : My FF we will proceed with the ritual Installation Ceremony of the

V M , elected for the current Masonic year.
F S
 ec , who was elected by the vote, for the position of V. M
 f rom this R
L ?

The Sec give the name of the F elected.

M Inst : Stand up and in order.

FF , M of Cer a nd G Exp go fetch the F N..., and take your place at
the West of the L .

The FF having taken place in the West of the L .

M Inst My F N..., you have been chosen by the vote, under the charge of V M
 a nd I to you
Congratulations. But before handing you the office backdrop and the first mallet of
this L We all demand that you lend your Obligation.
FF , M of the Cér and G Exp accompany our F in front of the three
usage symbols.

The F N..., stands in front of the auxiliary panel and removes their gloves.

M Inst My F place both feet squarely, the tip of the compass on the heart and the
right hand on the Book of Masonic law and on the Square. I will read the
formula of the Obligation and you will respond: 'I promise'.

OBLIGATION OF THE VENERABLE MASTER

The F The installer reads this text or the official text proposed by the Obedience.

M Inst On this ..... day of the ..... month of the Year …...., in the name of the Grand Orient
France, between the Square and the Compass, before the Book of the Law and before my
FF , I, N.....(last name), n.....(first name), M  ason, chosen by the
M

suffrage at the expense of V M f rom the Lodge, I promise on my honor and my
awareness of fulfilling with zeal and dedication the duties that fall upon me.

50
 I promise to respect the General Principles of the Masonic Order and
to faithfully observe the Constitution and the General Regulations of the Grand Orient
from France, as well as the Rules and Customs of this L .
I promise to work for the greatness of my Lodge and for the greatness of the French...
masonry.
I also promise that if I were to fail in my duties to submit my
mallet and take a seat again, as before, in the Northeast of the L and to not
have no rigor to the MM and to the Comp who would have forced me.

V M
 : I promise it.

M Inst My F all the L t akes note of your promise and grants you its full
trust.
FF , G Exp and M of the Cér , redirect our F to the West of the L .

At this moment, the M Inst , can deliver a speech to the V M .

M I nst : FF , 1erand 2emeSurv the South and North sites, such as

, invite the brothers
N...., V M 
I invite those from the East construction site to acknowledge the F. o f the L , to him
to accord the deference that is due to him in this capacity, and to draw in his honor the
Grade battery.

1theSurv : FF from the South site, you are invited by the V M  and by me, to
recognize the F N...., V M  f rom the Lodge, to show him the deference that is due to him
due in this capacity, and to fire in his honor the Battery of the rank.

2thSurv : FF , from the North construction site, you are invited by the V M
 a nd by me, to
recognize the F N...., V M  f rom the Lodge, to show him the deference that he is due
due in this capacity, and to honor him by firing the Battery of the rank.

M I nst With me by the sign, the drum, and the cheering

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

M I nst FF , G Exp and M of Cér , accompany our V M

 t o the East.
FF Surv , mallet hitting.

Once arrived in the East.

M Inst My F Here is the decor of your office as well as the first mallet of your L. .
Make good use of it.

The V M , takes its place on the tray and the M Inst take a seat to his right.

V M
 : Regain your seats.

51
The V . M newly installed, may present a speech and the outline of the year's work before
proceed to the inauguration ceremony of the Coll of the MM Off 

b) Investiture of the College of Master Officers:

THE SUPERVISORS

V M
 : My FF I will proceed with the Inauguration Ceremony of the Coll
of the MM Off 
I ask all the MM Masons who held an Off position
the previous year, to come drop off their decorations, mallets, and books,
according to usage.

At the request of V M , the FF are executed in the following order:

Roofer
Harmonist Master
Master Architect
Master Steward
Keeper of the Seal and Patent
Guardian of the Archives
Master of Ceremonies
Hospital
Treasurer
Grand Expert
Secretary
Speaker
Second Supervisor
First Watchman

V M
 : F Sec , what are the MM Masons who have been elected to
charges of 1erand 2thSurv ?

The Dry give the name of the two FF elected.

V M
 : Stand up and be orderly.
My FF N...., and M...., take your place in front of the three symbols of use.

The two FF take place in front of the annex board.

V M
 : My FF you have been elected to the position of Surv from the L and I am telling you about it
Congratulations. But before handing you your mallets and your decorations
respective, we request that you carry out your obligation as Supervisor.

52
V M
 : My FF unwind yourself.
Place your left hand on the heart and extend your right hand.
I am going to read the obligation of the Surv. and you will respond:
I promise it.

DUTIES OF SUPERVISORS

On this ......th day of the ......th month of the Year ....., in the name of the Great
East of France, we N......(name and surname), and M...... (name and
first name), Mr. Masons chosen by the vote of our Brothers to the charges
he th
from 1 and 2 Surv of the L we promise, on our honor and
our awareness of fulfilling our duties with dedication that we
incumbent.
We promise to work diligently on the South and North Projects.
L so that the Apps become good companions and the Comp of good
MM , and this for the greater good of the L and from France
masonry.

N.... : I promise it.

M.... : I promise it.

V M
 : The L f ully takes note of your promise and grants you its
trust.
Get back in line, my brothers. .

V M
 : My F N...., here is the setting of 1erSurv and the second mallet of the L .
Make good use of it.

My F M...., here is the setting of 2thSurv and the third mallet of the
L Make good use of it.

V M
 : My FF Surv are you going to place yourself to the West of the L .

V M
 : My FF , I invite you to acknowledge the FF N....., and M....., 1er
and 2thSurv of the L , to show them the deference they deserve in
this quality, and to pull in their honor the battery of the rank.

V M
 : With me by the sign, the drum and the acclaim.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M
 : FF Surv Take your charge of Off right now. .
My FF , regain your seats.

As soon as the Surv they took their seats at their tables, we continue the inauguration ceremony of the College.

53
THE OTHER OFFICES

V M
 : F Sec , communicate to the L the name of the MM C hosen masons
by voting for the positions of Off for the current Masonic year.

The Dry give the names of the FF elected officials.

V M
 : Stand up and in order.
FF e lected officials, come take your place in front of the East; the F Orat will be placed at
midst of you.

The FF are placed in front of the side table

V M
 : My FF , I congratulate you on your election to the Coll t he Off , but
before handing you your respective sets, we all demand that
you were lending your Obligation.

V M
 : Relax, place your left hand on your heart and stretch out your hand.
straight ahead. I am going to read the formula of your Obligation of Mr. Off
of the L .
The F Pray w  ill respond on behalf of all: "I promise."

OBLIGATION OF MASTER OFFICERS

On this .....th day of the .....th month of the Year ........, in the name of the Great
Orient of France, we, MM Masons, elected by the vote of our Brothers ,
Off from the L we promise on our honor and our conscience,
to accomplish with dedication the duties that are entrusted to us.

F Pray : In the name of all, I promise it.

V M
 : The L fully acknowledges your promise and grants you its
trust.
F Orat , here is the Masonic decor that gives you the right and the duty
to perform your duties in L Make good use of it.

The V M put the office cord back on the F Orat as well as the Constitution of the GODF. He does the same for the
other offices in the following order:

Secretary
Grand Expert
Trésorier
Hospitable
Master of Ceremonies
Keeper of the Archives
Keeper of the Seal and Patent
Master Steward
Master Architect

54
 Master Harmonist
Roofer

V M
 : My FF , take a seat to the West of the L .

V M
 : My FF I invite you to recognize as MM O  ff the
FF present in the West of the L , to show them the deference they deserve
due in this capacity and to honor them the battery of the rank.

With me, by the sign, the drums and the cheer.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M
 : My FF win your spots in L and take your charges now
off .

Once the Off installed.

V M
 : Regain your places, my FF .

V M
 : F Orat you have the floor for the presentation of the Speech
Installation.

After the F's speech Speak 

V M
 : The ritual Ceremony of Installation and Investiture is complete.

55
 THE WORDS OF SEMESTER

V M
 : Stand and at attention.
We will proceed with the communication of the Semester Words.
I remind you that these words should never be written, but
only stored in memory. Only the V M
 i s qualified for the
to transmit by speech.
Let us form the Union Chain.

We proceed to the ritual communication.

V M
 : The words have come back just and perfect.
Let's leave the Chain and return to our seats.

V M
 : F G Exp regularly erase the Semester Words.

The V M pick the words of semester on the sword of G Exp who burns them on the chandelier.

THE UNITY CHAIN

V M
 : Nothing being on the agenda anymore, we will form the Union Chain.
En Chaîne d'Union, mes FF .

Once the chain of union is formed.

V M
 : May our hearts come closer at the same time as our hands;
Brotherly love unites all the links of this chain formed.
freely by us. Let us understand the greatness and beauty of this symbol;
let's draw inspiration from its deep meaning. This chain connects us through time
like in space; it comes to us from the past and reaches toward the future.
Through her, we are connected to the lineage of our ancestors, our MM.
venerated, who formed it yesterday; through her, the Freemasons must unite
from all the rites and from all the countries.
Let's enrich it with many solid rings of pure metal and, raising
our spirits towards the Ideal of our Order, let us strive to bring everyone closer
men through Fraternity.

Let's extend our right hand and promise to keep each other for
other the most fraternal affection and to work tirelessly at the
realization of Universal Brotherhood.

F G Exp : In the name of all, I promise it.

V M
 : I take note, F G Exp .
Let's leave the chain and return to our seats.

56
 CLOSING OF THE LODGE

I - L'arrêt des travaux et la circulation du tronc de la Veuve et du Sac aux Propositions

V M
 : Does a Brother request the floor in the interest of the Lodge or of the
Freemasonry?

The Surv observe the L .

1erSurv V
 M
 , no F do not ask for the floor.

After the conclusions of the F Speak 

V M
 : F 1theSurv What time does the Lodge close?

1erSurv : At midnight.

V M
 : What time is it, Brother 2?emeSurv ?

2thSurv : It is midnight.

V M
 : Since it is the symbolic hour and the Perfect Plan is
exhausted, FF 1 and 2emeSurv , invite the FF the South and North Shipyards
he

from the L as I invite those from the East Site to put away the tools and to
gather for the circulation of the Bag for proposals and the Trunk of the
Widow.

1erSurv : FF from the South Site, you are invited by the V M  a nd by me,
to bring in the tools, and to gather for the circulation of the Sac to
Propositions and the Widow's Trunk.

2thSurv : FF from the North Site, you are invited by the V M  a nd a couple
me, to put away the tools, and to gather you for the circulation of the Sac
to the Propositions and the Widow's Trunk.

V M
 : Stand up and in order.
FF G E
 xp and M of Cér , fill your office

The Bag of Proposals is held by the G Exp and the Widow's Trunk by the M of the Cer The two FF
begin their office with the V M They are moving in the East, South, North direction and will position themselves to the West of the L. .

1erSurv : V M , the Bag of Proposals and the Widow's Trunk, are at

at your disposal.

57
V M
 : That the Bag of Proposals be entrusted to the F Orat and the Trunk of the
Widow at F H
 osp .

V M
 : F Oral , accounts to the L the contents of the Bag of Proposals.

F Heard : The Bag of Proposals came back empty (or containing the proposal)
next)

The F Orat It gives a reading if the proposal is signed.

The V . M thank the author of the proposal by specifying that it will be studied.

II - The Erasure of the Lodge

V M
 :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M
 : F 1heSurv , are we perfect masons?

1heSurv : No, V M
 .

V M
 : Why?

1erSurv : The work is unfinished.

V M
 : F 2thSurv What was today's work?

2thSurv : A barely rough stone.

V M
 : How will we make this stone the Useful Stone that we hope for?

2thSurv : By persevering.

V M
 : Since this is the case, let us be ready at any time to fulfill the duties that
we imposed ourselves.

V M
 : F 1erSurv , how do we get out of the Lodge?

1erSurv : Under the Law of Silence.

V M
 : Why, F 2èmeSurv ?

2thSurv To keep the secret that unites us.

58
V M
 : Since that is the case, let's erase the L. .

th
The 3 F The adjuster takes the Engraved Stone and places it on [Link] of the East, north side.
th
The 2 F The setter takes the Cubic Stone at the Point and places it near the Engraved Stone.
er
The 1 F The setter does the same with the Rough Stone.

After the removal of the three stones, the G Exp , roll up the L carpet. close the Compass, take away the Square, close it
Book of Symbolic Freemasonry.
Finally, the V M using the mallet or a snuffer, extinguish the candlestick in the Blue-Red-Yellow order

III - The closing of the Lodge

V M
 :

1erSurvive :

2emeSurv :

V M
 : With me by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!

V M
 : The L is erased and closed, let us withdraw in peace under the Law of Silence.

The Brothers: We promise it.

The FF make the sign and disperse.

59
60
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLERANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE TABLE LODGE (ANNEX)

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (13th century)

ANNEX of booklet I -1
(Symbolic Lodge)

(Paris 1970-1980)
September 1999

61
62
 THE LODGE ON TABLE
at the Apprentice level

°
° °
The 'LogesurTable' should not be confused with the 'LogedeTable'.

It's an L Symbolic event held in a room devoid of any usual furnishings

of a T Local without platforms for the MM Off , podium for O , columns at the entrance...
This type of L can hold to the three degrees of symbolic Freemasonry. Nevertheless, it does not
no Ceremony of Reception, Passage or Elevation may be conducted.

Decor of the 'Table Lodge':

The L can be held on a table arranged in a U-shape; on a table forming

square or half U, or simply on a single rectangular table. The FF are
arranged around according to the usual rules.

U-shaped table:
In the case of a U-shaped table, a small table is added in the center on which are placed: the
Book of Symbolic Freemasonry with the Square and Compass, a small Carpet of L aux
dimensions adapted to the material conditions, as well as the three small stones
symbolics of the degree, themselves adapted and positioned towards the East at the opening (Fig. 1).
The square-shaped candlestick is placed in front of the V. M .
The arrangement of the MM Off is significantly the same as that described for the 'Lodge of
Table held at the summer solstice.

The ritual used for the opening and closing of the L i s the same as that of the L
Symbolism (fascicle I-1); the L of Comp (fascicle II-1); the Lodge of M (fascicle III-1), and
the gestures are adapted to the practical conditions:

b - Rectangular table:
The Brothers are seated around the table, the V M  a nd the Cover at the ends. The others
MM Off a re placed like in an L (Figure 2).
The little Rug of L is placed in the middle of the table and the three symbolic stones are already
placed in front of the three FF in charge of arranging them regularly.
The opening of the Book of Symbolic Masonry and the regular arrangement of the Square and
of the Compass are carried out by the V M
 .
After the turning of the Carpet of L , les pierres sont placées rituellement en équerre, une
to one, by the brothers designated.

c–L-shaped or half-U table:

In the case of a table forming a right angle, the V M
 i s located on the corner, facing the large arm.
The Dry occupies the end of the small arm of this square, which is on the right hand side of V M  

63
NOTE 1: For the other two symbolic grades, we proceed in the same way with ritual objects.
adapted to the material conditions imposed.

NOTE 2: This ritual provision is usable for the Triangles, the LL of Study and Research and a
In general, for any meeting that one wishes to conduct according to Masonic rules.

64
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLÉRANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE COLLECTIVE ATTIRE

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (13th Century)

Fascicle I-2
(Paris 1970-1980)

Edition May 1994

Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand East of France

in its Plenary Session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

65
66
 THE COLLECTIVE OUTFIT

Note: Simplified ritual usable for Collective Outfits, when the number of FF is too important, or
again, when the premises do not allow for the necessary contemplation for the usual practice. The use
why the ritual is left to the discretion of V M and of the Coll of the Off .

OPENING OF THE COLLECTIVE HOLDING

I - THE FOUNDATIONS

All the FF are adorned with the apron, the cord or the lanyard of the office and white gloves.
On the plateau of V M the Square, the Compass and the Book of Symbolic Freemasonry (Constitutions
d'Anderson from 1723), are arranged irregularly.
There are neither carpets, nor stones, nor chandeliers.

V M
 : Stand up, my Brothers.

The Brothers stand up and take their places.

V M
 : I invite you to gather and join me for the opening.
from the Lodge ...............................................,
(Or from the Collective Outfit organized by the Loge Heads: ...................).

V M
 :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M
 : F 1heSurvive Are you a Freemason?

1erSurvive : My FF r ecognize me as such.

V M
 : What is the first duty of a Freemason in L? ?

1heSurv : It's to check if we are covered.

V M
 : Are we safe?

1erSurv : F 2emeSurv , le V M
 a sk if we are covered.

2thSurvive : F Cover check if we are covered.

The FCover strike three times hard and clearly with the pommel of his sword held in his right hand, the tip
downwards.

67
He then knocks three more times discreetly with his left hand.

He then reports in a low voice to [Link] .

2thSurv : F 1heSurv we are sheltered.

1heSurv : V M
 we are under cover.

V M
 : Brother 2thSurv , what is the second duty of a Freemason in L ?

2thSurv : It is to check if we are all free and regular.

V M
 : Facing East.
Since that is the case, FF 1erand 2emeSurv , visit the South and the North and
tile each according to use.

The Surv the mallet placed on the front of the left shoulder, face each other to the West of the Lodge.
They begin their march by crossing each other for the first time on their left, to the West, then, after having gone up
the L , a second time to the East.
When the Survivors , are facing their respective construction sites, the FF the South and the North are lining up.
The Surv , regain their places by checking if each F is regularly decorated and knows how to give the sign.
They can, if they deem it useful, tile several FFs. of each construction site.

2thSurvive : V M
 , we are free and regular in the North.

1heSurv : V M
 we are free and regular in the South.

V M
 : We are free and regular from North to South and from East to
West.

At the word "Is", the FF who are at the O they align; at the word 'West', the Couv gets in order.

II - THE MASONIC PROJECT

V M
 : Since foundations withstand trials, we will proceed to
the opening of the works.

The V M open the Book of Symbolic Masonry and regularly arrange the Square and the Compass.

V M
 : I remind you that the construction of the Temple is the Work of the Franc-
masonry. Let each one, according to his heart and according to his strength, bring to
this idea of perfection, the cornerstone of his free choice, of his free work
and of his free examination.

68
III - THE OPENING OF THE LODGE AND THE RESUMPTION OF WORK

V M
 : F 1 erSurv What time does the Lodge open?

1heSurv : A Midi.

V M
 : F 2èmeSurv What time is it?

2thSurv : It is noon.

V M
 : Since it is time and everything is in accordance with the symbolic plan, I
declares under the powers vested in me that the L
............................................................, founded in the glory of the Work
Universal in ..........., to the O f rom .............................., is open
regularly at the App grade .

you,

Since it is time and everything is in accordance with the symbolic plan, I

declares that the T Coll composed of the RR L  L …
 .
.........................................................., is open for the grade of App .

The three knocks are equally spaced.

V M
 : FF 1 heand 2thSurv ., invite the FF o f the South and North Shipyards,
As I invite those from the East site to pick up the tools and continue.
the work.

1erSurv : FF from the South Construction site, you are invited to take the tools and to
continue the work.

2emeSurv : FF f rom the North Site, you are invited to take up the tools and to
continue the work.

V M
 :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M
 : With me by the Sign, the Simple drum and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

69
V M
 : Reclaim your seats, the work resumes with force and vigor.

We redo the Sign and everyone takes their place again.

.......................................................................

THE BOOK OF THE CONSTITUTION AND THE GENERAL REGULATIONS

V M
 : F Pray reminds the General Principles of G O D F .

The F Blessed standing and in order, holding the book in the left hand, reads Article I of the Constitution
of the Obedience.
..................................................................

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE

V M
 : F Speak presents the official correspondence of the Order.

After reading the correspondence.

V M
 : My brothers, do you have any observations to present on the
official correspondence.

THE PERFECT PLAN

V M
 : I remind you of the content of the PERFECT PLAN for the Solemn attire.
today.

The V M remind of the essentials of the agenda of the T .

....................................................................

RECEPTION OF DIGNITARIES

V M
 : Before we address our agenda, we will proceed with the reception.
dignitaries.

We proceed according to the ritual of the Symbolic Lodge (booklet I-1), pages 7 and 8.
......................................................................

THE UNION CHAIN

Note: At the end of the Meeting, the V M , can request a Union Chain before renewing the delegations
and the dignitaries outside the temple.

V M
 : Nothing further on the agenda, we will form the Chain of Union.
In Union Chain, my brothers .

Once the Union Chain is formed.

70
V M
 : May our hearts draw closer at the same time as our hands;
Fraternal love unites all the links of this Chain formed.
freely by us.

Let us understand the greatness and beauty of this symbol; let us be inspired by
its deep meaning.

This Chain connects us in time as in space; it comes to us

from the past and reaching towards the future. Through it, we are connected to the lineage
of our ancestors, our revered Masters who formed it yesterday; through it,
Freemasons from all rites and all countries must unite.

Let's enrich it with numerous and solid rings of pure metal and, raising
Our minds towards the Ideal of our Order, let us strive to bring everyone closer.
men through Brotherhood.

Let us extend the right hand and promise to keep one another for the
other the most brotherly affection and to work tirelessly at the
realization of Universal Brotherhood.

G E
 xp : In the name of all, I promise it.

V M
 : I take note, F G E  xp .
Let's leave the Chain and return to our seats.

EXIT OF THE DIGNITARIES

V M
 : We will now escort our brothers back. d ignitaries.

We proceed according to the ritual of the Symbolic Lodge (booklet I-1) page 9.

...............................................................

71
 CLOSURE OF THE COLLECTIVE STOWAGE

I - THE STOP OF WORK AND THE CIRCULATION OF THE TRUNK OF THE WIDOW AND THE BAG TO
PROPOSITIONS

V M
 : A F does he request the floor in the interest of the lodge or of
Freemasonry?

The Surv observe the L .

1erSurv : V M
 , no F d o not ask for the floor.

V M
 : F 1 heSurv What time does the Loge close?

1erSurv : At Midnight.

V M
 : What time is it, F? 2 thSurv ?

2thSurv : It is midnight.

V M
 : Since it is the symbolic hour and the Perfect Plan is exhausted,
FF 1orand 2emeSurv invite the brothers t he South and North Shipyards of the
L as I invite those from the East Site to put away the tools and to
gather for the circulation of the Bag of proposals and the Trunk of
the Widow.

1theSurv : FF from the Southern Site, you are invited by the V M and by me, to
gather the tools, and come together for the circulation of the Sac to
Propositions and the Widow's Trunk.

2èmeSurv : FF from the North site, you are invited by the V M and by me,
to bring in the tools, and to come together for the circulation of the Bag to the
Propositions and the Widow's Trunk.

V M
 : Stand and at ease.
FF G Exp and M des Cér , fill your office.

The Bag of Proposals is held by the G Exp , and the Widow's Trunk by the M of the Ceres The two FF
circulating in the East, South, North direction, starting from V M , and will be located to the West of the L .

1erSurv : V M  , the Bag of Propositions and the Widow's Trunk, are at

your disposal.

72
V M
 : May the Bag of Proposals be entrusted to the F Oral and the Trunk of the
Widow in F H osp 
.
V M
 : F Orat , realizes the content of the Bag of Proposals.

F Orat : The Bag of Proposals came back empty (or, contained the
next proposition: ..................................).

II - THE CLOSURE OF WORKS

V M
 :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M
 : F 1orSurv Are we perfect Masons?

1erSurv : No, V M
 .

V M
 : Why?

1erSurv : Because the work is unfinished.

V M
 : F 2emeSurv , what was our work today?

2èmeSurv : Une pierre à peine dégrossie.

V M
 : How will we turn this stone into the Useful Stone that we
hope?

2thSurv : By persevering.

V M
 : Since it is so, let us be ready at all times to fulfill our duties
that we have imposed on ourselves.

The V M remove the square, the compass and close the Book of Symbolic Masonry.

V M
 : Pay attention, my FF .

V M
 :

1heSurv :

2thSurv :

73
V M
 : With me by the Sign, the Simple battery and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M
 : The works are closed, let us withdraw in peace under the Law of Silence.

The FF : We promise it.

74
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLÉRANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE COMMITTEE ATTIRE

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (13th Century)

Fascicle I -3
(Paris 1970-1980)

Edition May 1994

Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient of France

in its plenary session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

75
76
 THE COMMITTEE OUTFIT

Note: The Lodge can meet in Committee Session, which always opens at the Apprentice degree. These sessions,
to which only members of the Lodge participate, are mainly dedicated to business
administrative, to Masonic solidarity, to the presentation of salary increase projects, etc.
However, no Reception, Passage, or Elevation Ceremonies can be carried out there.

In Committee Attire, the Brothers are placed;

be like in Lodge at the rank of Apprentice, and in this case, it is desirable that all the seats be
level, meaning that the East is not elevated.
It is like in Table Lodge at the summer solstice, that is to say, around a horseshoe-shaped table.

In the first case, speaking takes place as in Lodge, in the second, it takes place sitting down.
The Brothers are regularly decorated and the entrance in uniform after the opening is done with greetings.
rituals, but without the three customary steps.

The conduct of the Committee Meeting is governed by the General Regulations and by the ritual.
A minutes is drawn up for each Committee Meeting by the Brother Secretary, which he must present to the
Obligation to be held following this attire.

OPENING OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING

Three mallets are enough to open a Committee Meeting.

The Brothers are regularly awarded.

V M : Stand up, my FF .
I invite you to gather and unite with me for the opening of
the Committee Attire.

The FF rise.

V M :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M : F Cover , check if we are covered.

The Cover  check according to the usage if the committee is covered and reports directly to the V  M .

F Cover : V M we are covered.

V M : F 1heSurv At what time does a Ten open? of the Committee?

1erSurv : A Midi.

77
V M : What time is it, F? 2thSurv ?

2thSurv : It is noon.

V M : At ease, my brothers. .

Since it is time, with me by the Sign, the Battery and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M : Take your seats, the Ten works o f the Committee take effect and
vigor

The work is being carried out according to the set agenda and in accordance with the same rules as those in force in the
L set.

CLOSING OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING

V M : A F Is he asking for the floor?

er
The 1 Surv observe the committee.

1erSurv : V M , no F Do not ask for the floor.

V M : Since the perfect plan is exhausted, we are going to close the Ten. of the Committee.

Stand up and be recognized.

V M : F 1heSurv  What time does a Ten close? of the Committee?

1er Surv : At Midnight.

V M : Brother 2thSurv What time is it?

2thSurv : It is midnight.

V M : Stand up and at attention.

Since it is the time, with me by the Sign, the Battery and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M : The Ten The Committee is closed, let us withdraw in peace under the Law of
silence

78
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLERANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE SYMBOLIC CONSTRUCTION SITE

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (13th Century)

Fascicle I-4
(Paris 1970-1980)

May 1994 Edition

Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient of France

in its plenary session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

79
80
 THE SYMBOLIC CONSTRUCTION SITE

I - Principle

In the French Philosophical Rite, the Lodge is symbolically formed of three.

Sites; the SOUTH Site, the NORTH Site and the EAST Site.
The construction site is therefore symbolically a part of the Lodge.

The Symbolic Workshop is made up of Brothers gathered around a study topic and
can be opened in any place as long as it is covered.

II - Organization and Decoration of the Mason

There is only one Master Officer in a Symbolic Workshop; he takes the name of
First Master.
He is necessarily chosen from among the three Brothers organizing the site.
There is no relationship between the function of Chief Master and that of a held office.
in Lodge.
If deemed useful, a Site Secretary may be appointed. They must then draft a
brief report, which must be inserted into the Lodge's Architecture Book after
acceptance by the three organizing Brothers of the site.

The Symbolic Construction requires no special decor, only plan for

as many seats arranged in a circle as there are Brothers present.
No object should be placed inside the circle.

Each Brother, regardless of his rank, must be adorned with the Masonic Cord.
the booklet: Rules and Customs of the Lodge.

OPENING OF THE SYMBOLIC WORKSITE

1erM : My FF Let's gather according to customs.

The FF gather in a circle and the 1erM Check the decor of each one.

1erM : We will proceed, according to custom, with the opening of this project.
Symbolism of the R L ....................................................., O of
..........................., and in accordance with the decision made on ....................... .
My F N  ..., check if we are covered.

The F N..., check the site coverage and return to the circle.

N... : 1erM we are sheltered.

1itM : Since it is so, let us form the Union Chain.

81
Once the Union Chain is formed.

1erM : My FF This Symbolic Building Site brings us together and unites us.
May he help us discover in the Quarry, the Useful Stone that we
looking for.

1erM : My F M..., what time does the Symbolic Workshop open?

F M…: A Midi.

1heM : What time is it, my F? P... ?

F P…: It is noon.

1heM : Since it is the symbolic hour and everything is perfect, I declare the
Symbolic Site of the R L ................, regularly open.

Let's leave the chain and take our place.

The debate opens immediately. Speaking takes place in a dextracentric manner and is mandatory.

CLOSURE OF THE SYMBOLIC SITE

1erM : Stand up, my FF .

My Brother X..., what time does the Symbolic Site close?

F X... : At midnight.

1erM : What time is it, my F? Y... ?

F Y... : It is midnight.

1erM : Since it is time, let's stop our work and form the Chain
of Union.

Once the Union Chain is formed.

1heM : My FFs let's promise to give a long life to this channel that
symbolize our brotherhood.

We also promise to carry, from now on in L , the stone that

we just updated together.

82
The FF : We promise it.

1erM : My FF , I declare this Symbolic Construction of the R L

..........................., regularly closed.

Let us leave the chain and withdraw in peace under the Law of Silence.

The FF : We promise it.

83
84
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLÉRANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE OPEN WHITE OUTFIT

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (13th Century)

Fascicle I - 5
(Paris 1970-1980)

Edition May 1994

Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand East of France

in its Plenary Session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

85
86
 THE OPEN WHITE OUTFIT

Note: The Ten B O is intended for non-experts. To these Ten wives and the
friends of the FF to whom we want to introduce one aspect of Freemasonry.
It is therefore important to prepare this outfit well in order to present the best image.
possible from our Brotherhood to these profanes who, although interested, may have regarding
of her, preconceived ideas and/or a critical attitude.

The L who organizes a Ten B O therefore needs to focus its efforts on the aspects
practices related to this meeting, but will also have to demonstrate psychology towards
from the audience.
We will indeed keep in mind that the quality of the speaker and the nature of the subject matter addressed,
is not always sufficient, in the eyes of outsiders, to explain the particularities of the
Freemasonry in secular society.

°
° °

I - OPENING OF THE OPEN WHITE ATTIRE

The V M is decorated with his necklace. The MM Off are decorated only with the cord. The MM , the
Comp and the Apps are not decorated.

The officers' seats are occupied by their holders.

The V M tap several small blows with a mallet to attract attention.

V M
 : Ladies and gentlemen, I would kindly ask you to take
place. We will start our meeting.

Wait until everyone has taken their seat and silence has settled.
It is desirable that the F the speaker should be placed near the 2emeSurv .

V M
 : We usually start our meetings with a bang.
mallet, what I do:

V M
 : Ladies and gentlemen, my dear friends, I welcome you.
and I thank you for responding to our invitation.

The text below is not a required text. It can be used as is by the V. M , but it can especially
to serve as support, as a guiding thread for his introductory speech.

Remarks on the nature of the meeting

87
V M
 : Today's meeting is entitled, in our Masonic jargon:
Open White Attire. Three words that require a bit
of explanation.

The term "TENUE" first. It generally refers to any meeting.

Masonic.

The term "WHITE" means that the entire ritual part and
symbolic destination usually for member subscribers is
withdrawn.

The term "OPEN" simply means, and you have it

guess, that this meeting is open to people who are not
members of Freemasonry.

This meeting is indeed intended and reserved for the wives and/or the
intimate friends of Freemasons. It therefore concerns a number
restricted to people.

Remarks on Masonic Discretion

V M
 A
 question may come to mind about this type of meeting,
what is this tendency towards discretion, why this tendency towards semi-
What is the secret surrounding Masonic demonstrations?

This is because Freemasonry is not always very well

perceived in society. This for several reasons that we could
quickly mention.

First its origin, then its history, finally its esotericism.

Freemasonry, in its modern form, has an Anglo origin.

Scottish. It has developed in countries where problems
The questions of the association were not raised.

When she arrived in France, in the early 18th century, the law
the association did not exist. Only the king and the Church had the right to
bringing people together. Therefore, from the outset, she faced the
public authorities and also to the Church, which held a certain influence at the time
temporal power.
It can be seen that, from the very beginning in France, Freemasonry has crystallized.
on her a political and religious opposition.

But his arrival in France coincided with the development of a

deep associative need and as a result, she quickly gathered
in its backstage men of diverse origins and, in general, oriented
towards ideas of progress.

88
 Hence the mistrust it has generated alongside its rise. Moreover,
Throughout the 19th century, for example, it focused its efforts on the
education problems.
Again, she clashed with the Church, and sometimes harshly. Again,
évidemment, elle a développé autour d'elle une opposition souvent
wild and a great distrust.

Finally, there is his esotericism or his symbolism, as they say.

Freemasonry presents itself in this field as a
philosophical and symbolic transposition of the trades of Art
construction. The life of the Lodges is governed by a set of rituals and
of symbols that recalls and develops an idea of construction
applied to man and consequently, to society.
This esotericism, like all esotericism, cannot be laid bare in public.
day without drifting into esotericism. It demands to be experienced in the
discretion to be properly assimilated.

All of this has contributed to history, and still contributes, especially in

the Latin countries, to maintain a certain opposition more or less
frankly, to generate a certain misunderstanding, but especially
activates many fantasies in the population.

Finally, in all these different hostile attitudes, everyone has

puts and still finds what he needs to find for himself to this day
comforted in their own truths.

Where does this discretion, which is almost natural to us, ultimately come from?
our belonging.
Hence the fact, as a consequence, that few people
They know our belonging. A few privileged ones are aware.
Like you. I know that you see there an obvious mark of
trust.

Remarks on Masonic symbolism

V M
 : We were just mentioning our symbolism.
Vous savez sans doute que dans la Franc-maçonnerie, il est souvent
temple question. Any place where the Freemasons gather
masons are called temple.
This is in memory of the first description of all time of a
construction of a temple, the one of King Solomon.

Look at this one. It has some decorations.

Masonic temples are more or less decorated and their
decorations follow rules.

89
 You can discover two columns that frame the front door.
They recall the two columns that were located, according to the account
biblical, before the Temple of Solomon.

Each side of this room corresponds to a cardinal point.

I am in the East, the door is in the West. This is the North, that is the South.
Above us, you discover a starry sky.
You can glimpse through these succinct decorations an idea of universality.
the dream of Freemasonry is to extend across the surface of the Earth
a brotherhood that would be universal.
You will not be surprised if I confess to you that this is not a dream.
easy to achieve.
Finally, the tables you see around this room correspond to
private offices.

We can, if we wish, continue the brief description of the temple to interest the laypeople. But we...
be careful not to get lost in the details at the risk of disclosure.

Comments on the conference

V M
 : After this overview of Freemasonry which, perhaps,
may already provoke some questions in some of you.
I will now give you the reasons that led us to
organize this meeting.

It is first and foremost the pleasure of bringing you together. You know the formula
dedicated: "the friends of our friends are our friends."
Since its origins, Freemasonry has cultivated conviviality.
This, by the way, was one of the reasons that provoked the wrath.
of the public, who criticized him for gathering people from
different origins both social and religious.

Then it's a pleasure to meet. In fact, if you are...

intimate friends of Freemasons, you must not be very far away
of our ideas and our ideals.

Finally, this is the topic of the conference that our friend is proposing.
N........., which we believe is a topic that will interest you.
This will allow us to debate together.

II - THE CONDUCT OF THE MEETING:

After this presentation, the V M invite the F speaker to come alone to the Speaker's platform.

V M
 : N..., do you want to take a seat at the table of the Orat? .

90
The brother speaker takes his place without giving the fraternal embrace to the Orator.
The V M presents then the F Speaker and the reasons that lead him to address the chosen topic.

V M
 : N........., you have the floor.
The F N....... presents his conference.

It should not be too long so as not to bore the audience and to allow for a debate at the end of the meeting.

The speaker will avoid ending his lecture with the phrase: 'I said.'

During the debate, the V M give the floor directly to the people who ask for it.

In order to initiate the debate, it is advisable to prepare one or two questions in advance to avoid the
silences that are the expression of a certain shyness on the part of people not used to speaking up
and to debate in public.

De plus, le fait que un ou deux FF asking questions allows to show the entire audience how
These questions must be asked to impose a certain rigor, that is to say, raising the hand to ask.
the word, to stand up to ask the question, to sit back down to listen to the speaker's response.
Moreover, it will be recalled to the brothers never to get in line.

At the end of the debate.

V M
 : I warmly thank our speaker and I will
ask to regain one's place.

Once the F the speaker returned to his place, the V M can ask if certain people
souhaitent poser des questions sur ce qui a été évoqué en introduction concernant la Franc-maçonnerie.

In this eventuality, and if the V M does not have a clear answer to give on a question asked
will make sure to give a voice to some brothers more knowledgeable than him in this field.

It would be of the worst effect to give hesitant, incorrect, or clumsy answers.

Moreover, on this subject, a dialogue can be opened with several FFs. of assistance and the laypeople.

At the end of the debate.

III - CLOSURE OF THE OPEN WHITE GARMENT:

V M
 : I think we can conclude our meeting, especially since
we have feasts waiting for us. They will allow for
some to prolong the debate.

Once again, I thank you for your presence and your active participation.
participation.
The subject interested you and we are delighted.
We will gladly start again.

Our meeting is closed at my hammer's strike:

NOTE: We will also pay particular attention to the success of the feasts.

91
92
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLERANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE RITUAL CEREMONY

OF RECEPTION

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (13th Century)

Fascicle I-6
(Paris 1970-1980)

Edition May 1994

Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient of France

in its Plenary Session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

93
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

°°°

Schematic reminder of the ceremony 095

Organization of the ceremony 096

1 - Provide for each recipient 096

2 - Plan for the conduct of the ceremony 096
3 - The Chamber of Reflection 097
4 - Preparation of the Applicant 097

Ritual Reception Ceremony 099

I - The first Test of Reflection of the Applicant 099

II - The determination of the Applicant 099
III - The Philosophical Testament of the Candidate 101
IV - La Quête du Néophyte 101
V - The Entrance into the Lodge of the Neophyte 101
VI - The request of the Neophyte 102
VII - The presentation of the Masonic Order 103
VIII - The presentation of the Neophyte on the worksites from the Lodge 103
IX - Masonic symbolism 106
X - The Trial of the Earth 106
XI - The First Voyage 106
XII - The Trial of Water 108
XIII - The Second Voyage 108
XIV - The Trial of Air 110
XV - The Third Voyage 110
XVI - The Trial of Fire 112
XVII - The new Test of reflection 112
XVIII - The Cup of Libations and the Masonic Oath 113
XIX - The Light 115
XX - The consecration 116
XXI - The Masonic decor 117
XXII - The recognition of the new Brother by the Lodge 117
XXIII - The sealing of the new Brother in the Order 118
XXIV - The instruction of the new Brother 119
XXV - The first entry into the Lodge of the new Brother 119
XXVI - The Benevolent Master for Learning 121
XXVII - The Erasure of the Philosophical Testament 122
XXVIII - The Reception Speech of the Brother Orator 122

Instruction après Réception 123

94
 ORGANIZATION OF THE CEREMONY

1 - Provide for each recipient:

1 - A Constitution of the Grand Orient of France.

2 - A Masonic instruction booklet in the French Rite (GODF).
3 - A copy of the Rules and Customs of the Lodge.
4 - A copy of the Reception Ceremony (booklet I-6).
5 - A copy of the First Degree Tuiler (issue I-8).
6 - A copy of the Ritual Dialogues or Book of Instructions (vol. I-10).
7 - Unregistered Apprentice.
8 - A pair of white gloves.
9 - Unerose.
9 - A Masonic identity card.
10 - An envelope for the philosophical testament.
11 - A simple or ordinary cord of the French Rite (for Table Lodge, TBO...)

NOTE: the envelope for the ashes of the Philosophical Testament must be of very good quality and of
dimensions 220 x II0. It should not be self-caching.
The handwritten text that must appear on the front must be neat.
The label of the Logedoit must be affixed to the front and back.
The envelope must be signed by the Venerable Master, the Orator, and the Grand Expert.

Front of the envelope

Philosophical Testament of Mr. N........, m................,

received Freemason on ....................................................
in the R way L , O of ...........,
Grand Orient of France

Venerable Master

Seal
Speaker Grand Expert

2 - Prepare for the conduct of the ceremony:

a - For each newcomer:

a banner.
a lever.
-unhammer.
chisel

96
 unpour the Cup of Libations.
for personal belongings or 'metals'.

b- For the ceremony:

a large black veil for the 2thtest of reflection.
the later refresh.
water.
a container for the Earth.
a container for water.
a small board for the Air.
a lycopod pipe, or a candle, for the Fire.
unglaive for philosophical testaments.
a bitter drink.
September text for the presentation of the novice on the Northern Site.
september text for the presentation of the novice on the South Site.
a chandelier with three white candles for the second test of reflection.

3 - The Chamber of Reflection:

The Chamber of Reflection is a room adjacent to the L where no noise reaches from
outside. It is furnished with a table and a chair. The walls are painted black without any
decor.

On the table, are arranged:

a mirror, facing the Candidate.
a lit candle that is half-burned.
a form of Philosophical Will and something to write with.

On the wall, facing the Applicant, is a painting on which are drawn:

a rooster
sabotaged a fake.
the alchemical symbol of Sulfur,
- " " sweet
- " " duMercure.
a human skull and bones.
Three small loaves of bread and a pot of water.
the formulas: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. and HERE EVERYTHING IS SYMBOL.

4 - Preparation of the Applicant:

For the ceremony to have real value, it is essential that it is well organized and well executed. One should
remind her that it is the work of all and not just that of the brothers. G Exp and M of Cér .
The applicant(s) will be introduced to the Chamber of Reflection at least forty-five minutes before entry.
in Loge.
The applicant must be in very simple clothing:
the elevator is out of service

97
 the rolled-up shirt sleeves,
the collar withdrawn and the shirt collar open.
You should be naked.
Money and jewelry must be removed.

Important note:

Exp he has the candle extinguished halfway

As soon as the applicant has written his Philosophical Testament, the G
consumed, without blowing on it, and applies the blindfold over his eyes.

The time that must elapse between the application of the band and the candidate's exit from the Chamber of Reflection is
about ten minutes; it allows for the regular opening of the Symbolic Lodge.

98
 RITUAL RECEPTION CEREMONY

o
o o

I - FIRST REFLECTION TEST OF THE APPLICANT (Outdoor scene at the L ).

This test takes place in the Chamber of Reflection.

The Candidate writes his Philosophical Testament, answers the three customary questions, and meditates on the symbols.

II- THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICANT (Outdoor scene at the L ).

This trial takes place in the Chamber of Reflection. The G Exp ask the Candidate if he wants to continue his
approach. If so, the Applicant extinguishes the lit and half-burned candle himself and remains in
the darkness.

The G Exp then file the Philosophical Testament on a sword and place it outside the Lodge, near the
door.
Upon his return only, we regularly open the Symbolic Lodge.

0
0 0

Before starting the Ceremony in L .

1 - Remove the Rough Stone, the Pointed Cubic Stone, the Engraved Stone, and the Lodge Mat.
2 - Plan as much FF as possible Assistants than Candidates, for symbolic journeys.
3- Designate seven FF on each site for the introduction dialogues of the novice
(scene VIII).
4 - Plan as many levers as there are FF. on the first row of the South and North Sites.
5- Remind the FF their effective participation in the ceremony, especially in the scenes
rites V, VI and XIX.

III - THE PHILOSOPHICAL TESTAMENT OF THE CANDIDATE

This scene takes place in the Lodge.

V M
 : We will begin the Ritual Ceremony of Reception of (the)
Candidate(s) N..... (M)...., whose application(s) selected by the
Loge a (was) the subject of a favorable decision.

99
 However, if today, one of us has an objection to
to formulate at the entrance of the Candidate into Freemasonry, the word on his
her request will be granted.

After observing the Lodge.

1orSurv : V M there is no objection.

V M
 : F Speaker, what are your conclusions?

F Pray : V M  Since everything is in accordance with the Rule, we can

start the Reception Ceremony.

V M
 : F G Exp go to the (the) Applicant(s), who is undergoing
(undergoing) at the moment the Test of Reflection, and you will report its
(their) Philosophical Testament(s).

The G Exp get out of the L take the sword placed near the door on which the Testament(s) is pinned
Philosophical and immediately requests entry into the Lodge:

The Cover , after observing through the indicator, reports to 2thSurv .

2thSurv : V M
 , the F G Exp r equest the entry of the L .

V M
 : Give the entrance of the L , F 2thSurv 

The G Exp is located at level 2thSurv , the sword pointed upwards.

2thSurv : V M
 the Philosophical Testament(s) of the Candidate(s)
N…….. (M)……………, are at your disposal.

V M
 : Let it (them) be brought to me.

The G Exp put back the sword and the Philosophical Testament(s) to the V M , and regains its place.
The V M , then holds the sword pointed upwards to make the testament(s) visible to all.

V M
 : Take note, the Candidates have undergone the Reflection Test and
wrote his (their) Philosophical Testament(s).

F Orat , what are your conclusions?

F He/She Prays : Since everything is regular, I am in favor of the entry of (the)

Candidate(s) in L .

V M
 : Since it is so, F M of the Cér go fetch the Applicant(s).
If he (they) persist in his (their) approach, you will serve as
guide according to the usage, and you will have him (them) strike himself (themselves)
same) at the Door of the Lodge.

100
 If he/she/they give(s) up, you will escort him/her/them out of the Forecourt.

The M from the Cers , leave the Lodge, accompanied, if necessary, by the Assistant Brothers.

IV - THE QUEST OF THE NEOPHYTE (Outdoor Scene at the L ).

Throughout the journey from the Chamber of Reflection to the door of the Lodge, the novice has his hand placed
of Cér which thus serves him only as a guide.
on the shoulder of the M

Once arrived in front of the L door :

M of Cer : Sir (Sirs), you are here before the Door of the L
Masonic.
I remind you that Freemasons do not force anyone to come to them.
join. If you give up, if you have changed your mind, you can
leave now. If you persist, take the initiative yourself.
to knock on our door.
Mr. N....., what is your decision?

If the novice persists, the M of the Cér help to position itself in front of door L .

Each novice must answer and knock on the door himself.

V - THE INITIATE'S ENTRANCE INTO THE LODGE

Note :From this moment on, regardless of the number of Candidates, the dialogues are written as if there is no
had only one.

2theSurv : F 1erSurv irregularly at the L Gate .

1erSurv : V M
 we play irregularly at the Porte de la L .

V M
 : Stand up my FF , gather according to the usage and point your
glaives.

The FF the front rows gather in the middle of the L holding the sword in the right hand and in
pointing the blade towards the door.

V M
 : F 1erSurv , who strikes like this?

1erSurv : Who strikes like this, F 2thSurv ?

2emeSurv : F Cover you see who knocks.

101
The F Cover open the door and report to 2thSurv .

2thSurv : F 1erSurv , he is a man who wanders in the darkness and who wants
to become a Freemason.

1heSurv : V M he is a man who wanders in the darkness and wants

to become a Freemason.

V M
 : Why Freemason?

1erSurv : Why Freemason?

2emeSurv : Because he is in search of Light and Brotherhood.

1erSurv : Because he is in search of Light and Brotherhood.

V M
 : Since that is the case, let him enter and present himself.

1erSurv : Let him enter and present himself.

2thSurv : F Cover , let him enter and introduce himself.

The F Cover open the door wide. The M of Cér and the G Exp lead the neophyte inside of
the L by forcing him to bend down as much as possible.

(MUSICAL PART)

VI - THE NEOPHYTE'S REQUEST

V M
 : Sir, give me your last name and first names.

N.... : .............................

V M
 : Are you coming among us in full freedom?
Answer me.

The G Exp Make the neophyte respond.

N..... : ..............................

V M
 : F Orat What are your conclusions?

F Speak : V M since he comes freely, his request is valid.

We can continue the Ceremony.

102
V M
 : Lower your swords, and return to your places.

VII - THE PRESENTATION OF THE MASONIC ORDER

V M
 : Sir, Freemasonry is governed by laws and customs,
and its members have reciprocal duties to fulfill. Also, our
loyalty is to inform you right now of their nature and their
extent.

F 1heSurv What is our First Duty?

1erSurv : V M it's about respecting the Law of Silence to keep the Secret that
we unite.

V M
 : F 2èmeSurvive What is our Second Duty?

2emeSurv : V M  is to be a man of honor and integrity, and to

participate with zeal and dedication in the emancipatory work of the
Freemasonry.

V M
 : F Orat What is our Third Duty?

F Orat : V M
 it is to respect the customs and Masonic laws.

V M
 : Sir, the silence about our secrets, the strictness of behavior
towards oneself and towards others, respect for customs and
Masonic laws are the duties that fall upon us and that everyone
we respect.
If you are received as a Freemason, will you agree to fulfill and to
respect these duties?
Answer me, sir.

The G Exp let the novice respond.

N........ : .........................

V M
 : We take note.

VIII - THE PRESENTATION OF THE NEOPHYTE ON THE PLATFORMS OF THE LODGE

V M
 : F M o f Cér , lead the novice, according to the custom, on the
Construction sites of the L .
You will present it to the MM. and to the Comp f or them to watch,
they interrogate and make their decisions.

103
The M of Cér neophyte conduit to the center of T and places it facing the North Site.

2thSurv : FF from the North Site, stand and at ease.

Here is a man knocking at our door. He wants to become a Freemason.
Let everyone look, question, and make their decision.
ème
Sep FF and the 2 Surv take turns speaking.

1erF : He wants to become a Freemason, but what does he ask of the Freemasonry?
masonry?

2ème Surv : Light and Brotherhood.

2thF : Light, why?

2èmeSurv : To overcome the Inert Stone.

3thF : What Inert Stone?

2thSurv : The one who is buried in the quarry and does not know rain or wind,
my sun.

4thF : Who led him from the quarry to the Lodge?

2thSurv     He came by a secret path.

5thF : How did he knock on our door?

2thSurv : He struck freely.

6thF : This man searches in the darkness and comes to us in complete freedom.
Let us give him our trust, and may he be accepted, if he is worthy of it.

7thF : May he be accepted and may the Light make him the Living Stone for
the building.

2theSurv : Our decision is made, let's return to our seats.

The FF The North site workers are returning to their positions.

The M of Cér turn the neophyte around and place him facing the South site.

1erSurv    F from the Southern Construction site, stand and in order.

Here is a man who is knocking at our door. He wants to become a Freemason.
Let everyone look, inquire, and make their own decision.

104
1erF : He wants to become a Freemason, but what is he asking of the Freemason?
masonry?

1erSurv : Light and Brotherhood.

2thF : Fraternity, why?

1erSurv    To link in the Chain, which we have formed since the origin of
the Order.

3thF : What does he hope to find in our Union Channel?

1erSurv : All Masons of the World who pursue the Universal work of
construction.

4thF : Why does he want to build?

1erSurv : He believes in the stone that is within him.

5thF : How does he come with his stone?

1erSurv : He comes freely.

6thF : This man searches in the darkness and comes to us in complete freedom.
Let us give him our trust and let him be accepted if he is worthy.

7thF : May it be accepted and may it become the Cornerstone of the building.

1erSurv : Our decision is made, let's return to our seats.

The FFs the South Site workers return to their places.

The M of the Cér makes the novice step back and positions him with his back to the North site, facing the South site.
He then positions himself at the center of the T. , facing the V M .

V M
 : F M of the Cer , what do you report for the novice?

M of the Ceres : V M  , I met the MM and the Comp , and I report the
trust of all.

V M
 : How can one trust a man whose face
is hidden?

M of Cér : In Freemasonry, one always trusts the one who seeks,

who asks and who knocks.

105
IX - MASONIC SYMBOLISM

F Orat S
 ir, EVERYTHING HERE IS SYMBOL.
It is through symbols and rites that you will discover the
richness of the Masonic message. It is through symbols and
rites of Freemasonry, from which you will draw the tools and materials
necessary for your research and your construction.
This will require a lot of patience and a lot of willpower.

X- THE EARTH TRIAL

V M
 : F 1heSurvive , who moves from the Inert Stone to the Living Stone?

1erSurv : He who tears himself away from the Quarry and aspires to Knowledge.

V M
 : Since it is so, let the neophyte discover the First Element.

We have the novice place their right knee on the ground and touch the earth three times with their right hand, then we...
raise.

XI - THE FIRST JOURNEY

The G Exp stays at the center of the temple. He exercises constant supervision over the ceremony of which he is the
Project manager. He is free in his movements.

V M
 : Since the neophyte has undergone the trial of Earth, give him a Lever.
Make it his first tool of Apprentice Mason.
F M of Cér you will support the novice so that he can break free from the
career and that he accomplishes his First Voyage.

A lever is placed in the left hand of the novice and begins the 1ervoyage starting from the North.

Trace of 1erjourney

(MUSICAL PART)

The journey is completed in a single round of the Lodge in the solar direction. It begins in the North and ends in the West.
The march is slow and led, according to custom, by the M of the Cér .
The novice is held at the forearm and pulled by the F. Assistant placed in front of him.
we make him climb the first step of the O .
Arrived on the East side of the L
At the end of the journey, he is placed facing East, at level [Link] .

2èmeSurv : F G Exp , see who is passing at the West Gate, and disturbs our peace.

The G Exp firmly presses the pommel of his sword against the chest of the neophyte

106
G Exp : Who goes there?

The G Exp restart as many times as there are beginners.

Only at the end, the M of Cér answer.

M o f Cér : He is a man who travels and searches.

The G Exp remove the pommel from his sword.

2thSurv : V M  , a man passes through the West Gate. He travels and seeks
in the darkness.

V M
 : Since when has he been traveling?

2thSurv : One year.

V M
 : What is he looking for?

2thSurv : Light and Brotherhood.

V M
 : Why is that?

2thSurv : Because it is rich in stone and poor in life.

V M
 : Are there tools for working on your stone?

2thSurv : He is wearing a lever.

V M
 : F 1erSurv What is a lever used for in a practice lodge?

1erSurv : It is used to sound the stone and to place it on the corner for roughing.

V M
 : What is it used for in a Theory Lodge?

1erSurv : It symbolizes the effort one makes on oneself to realize oneself.

V M
 : Since the novice is seeking to realize themselves, let them pass.

Mark a time before continuing.

F speak : Sir, modern Freemasonry is considered as

heir and bearer of the message that the Masons of old have
printed in their works. Also, the stone is a key symbol
in our esotericism.

107
 There is a close relationship between man and stone. Stone is rich
of properties transferable to man. Similar to the stone which, for
to be useful for the construction work, must first be torn from its
deposit, man, if he wants to participate in the evolution of the world, must
to break free from the habits of the mind.

Also, this journey is marked by the effort that it symbolizes.

Lever held in your hand. This tool was used by practicing Masons.
to put their stones to work.

2thSurv : V M
 , the First Journey is over.

Mark a time before continuing.

XII - THE WATER TRIAL

V M
 : Since the First Journey is over, may the neophyte discover the
Second Element.

By practicing in the same way as for the earth test, you dip your right hand three times.
newbie in water.

XIII - THE SECOND VOYAGE

V M
 : Since the neophyte has undergone the trial of Water, give him a Hammer.
Let it be his second tool of Apprentice Mason.

F M o f Cér , you will guide the novice so that he accomplishes his

Second Voyage.

A mallet is added to the novice's left hand, and the second journey begins by leaving from
the West.

Trace of 2thvoyage

(MUSIC PART)

At the discretion of the V M and of G Exp , the 2èmethe voyage is accomplished in the solar direction, that is, in a single turn
of L It is done in two rounds. He starts in the West and finishes in the South.

As for the 1erjourney, the march is slow and led by the M of Cér .

The novice is held by the right forearm by the F. Assistant, placé sur sa droite. Lorsque le néophyte atteint le
East side of the L , we make him climb the first two steps of the O At the end of the journey, he is placed in the middle.
from the South site, facing North.

1erSurv : F G Exp who passes through the South Gate disturbs our peace.

108
The G Exp strongly presses the hilt of his sword against the chest of the neophyte

G Exp : Qui va là?

The G Exp start over as many times as there are newcomers.

Only at the end, the M of the Cere answer.

M of Cer : He is a man who travels and seeks.

The G Exp remove the pommel from his sword.

2emeSurv : V M  a man passes through the West Gate. He travels and seeks
in the darkness.

V M
 : Since when has he been traveling?

1heSurv : Two years.

V M
 : What is he looking for?

1heSurvive : Light and Brotherhood.

V M
 : Why is that?

1heSurv : Because it is rich in stone and poor in life.

V M
 : Are there tools to work your stone?

1erSurv : He carries a Lever and a Mallet.

V M
 : F 2thSurv What is the purpose of a mallet in a Practice Lodge?

2emeSurv : It is used to rough out the stone.

V M
 : What is it used for in a Theory Lodge?

2thSurv : It symbolizes the will that serves to keep the promise made to everyone and
towards oneself.

V M
 : Since the neophyte shows will, let him pass.

Take a moment before continuing.

F Speak : Sir, the ritual ceremony that you are experiencing, and that we are reliving
with you, is centered on the idea of construction.
In the past, masonry works required, from our
FF of practice, an unceasing work on the stone. This work

109
 represented their whole life. The temples and the cathedrals are the
bearers of their passion and mastery of their craft.
Today, Freemasonry aims to build a Temple
Universal made of living stones. Also, she asks her followers
work on themselves to transform and become the stones
worthy of this ideal building.
This humanist project requires a constant will.

Among the symbols we have preserved, the Mallet, that you

hold in your hand, symbolizes this will.

1theSurv : V M
 The Second Voyage is finished.

XIV - THE TEST OF AIR

V M
 : Since the Second Voyage is over, let the neophyte discover
the Third Element.

We pass three times from top to bottom and very quickly, a small board in front of the neophyte's face.

XV - THE THIRD VOYAGE

V M
 : Since the neophyte has undergone the trial of Air, give him a Scissors and
that he makes it his third Apprentice tool.
F M of the Cér you will accompany the novice so that he
completed his Third Voyage.

A pair of scissors is added to the novice's left hand, and we begin the third journey starting from the South.

Trace of 3thjourney

(MUSICAL PART)

th
The 3 the voyage is completed at the discretion of the V M and of G Exp either in a single round or in three rounds
L in the solar sense.
It starts in the South and ends in the East.
As with the two previous trips, the march is slow and led, as is customary, by the M of Cér .
The F The assistant stands on the right side of the novice and guides him with his left hand on his shoulder.
right.
When the neophyte reaches the East side of the Lodge, he is made to climb the three steps of the O. .
At the end of the journey, he is placed in front of the steps of the O. , facing West.

V M
 : F G E
 xp  You see who passes through the East Gate, and disturbs our peace.

The G Exp strongly presses the hilt of his sword against the chest of the neophyte.

G Exp : Who goes there?

110
The G Exp restart as many times as there are beginners.
Only at the end, the M of Cér answer.

M of Cér : He is a man who travels and seeks.

The G Exp is placed at the center of the T .

G E
 xp : V M a man walks through the East Gate. He travels and looks in the
darkness.

V M
 : Since when has he been traveling?

G E
 xp : Three years.

V M
 : What is he looking for?

G E
 xp : Light and Brotherhood.

V M
 : Why is that?

G E
 xp : Because it is rich in stone and poor in life.

V M
 : Are there tools to work with your stone?

G E
 xp : He carries a lever, a mallet, and a chisel.

V M
 : F 2thSurv What is the purpose of a Scissors in a Practice Lodge?

2emeSurv : It is used for cutting and shaping stone.

V M
 : What is it used for in a Theory Lodge?

2thSurv : It symbolizes the spirit of analysis and discernment necessary for the
search for the Truth.

V M
 : Since the neophyte is in search of Truth, let him pass.

Mark a time before continuing.

F Pray : Sir, the masterpieces that have been bequeathed to us by the Masons
practice, required from them, the perfect mastery of their art. The
Freemasonry, for the Universal Work it proposes, demands
of its followers the mastery of themselves. But self-control does not
can only be achieved through incessant work on one's own stone; by
a permanent construction of acquired truths.
This spirit, always under construction, is symbolized by the Scissors, which
you hold in your hand.

111
 The Chisel was used by Masons to shape their stones.
to perfection.

1heSurv : V M , the Third Voyage is complete.

XVI - THE TRIAL OF FIRE

V M
 : Since the Third Voyage is over, let the neophyte discover
The Fourth Element.

We pass the pipe to the lycopodium three times, or a torch, in front of the neophyte's face.

V M
 : Sir, may the fire burn within you and ignite your new life. May it
make yourself the Useful Stone that we hope for.

XVII - THE NEW TEST OF REFLECTION

V M
 : Since the neophyte has completed the Three Journeys and the Four
Elements are known to him, whether he is led to the Heart of the Lodge, for the
New Reflection Test.

(MUSICAL PART)

A F , who plays the role of the Effigy, lies down in the middle of the L. lengthwise, the head side West. It
is covered with a black veil over its whole body.
The V M light the three white candle chandelier, give it to G Exp w  ho kneels down,
behind the Tomb
The F Assistant and the M of Cér accompany the novice in the solar direction and place them to the West, at
height of the hidden face of the Tomb effigy.
The Lis then only illuminated by the Luminous Delta.
We make the novice lean over the face of the F. stretched

V M
 : My FFs , remove the mask from the Neophyte, so that he can look, so that he
meditate and let him recognize.

The headband is removed for a short moment from the neophyte so that he can look at the face of the F. lying on the ground.
The G Exp , in a low voice, asks him.

G E
 xp : Sir, do you recognize this man?

N... : .............................

The novice is then led to the West of the Lodge, facing the East, the F Assistant behind him.
(NOTE: If there are several neophytes, it is not necessary for the V M repeat the above sentence, because in fact, it
addresses all newcomers.

V M
 : F 1heSurv What is at the Heart of L ?

112
1erSurv : The Hidden Stone.

V M
 : F 2emeSurv , what does it take to discover it?

2thSurv : Patience, courage, willpower.

V M
 : Well, let the novice work according to his heart and according to his strength and,
When the time comes, he will receive his just reward.

Take a moment before continuing.

F Orat : Sir, if Freemasonry uses symbols to convey

his message is because symbolism is the Universal Language.
She knows neither river, nor mountain, nor ocean. She is from all
eras of the History of Humanity.

XVIII - THE CUP OF LIBATIONS AND THE MASONIC OATH

V M
 : Sir, you have just gone through the symbolic trials that
bring you closer to our Brotherhood and to the Light that you
search.
But before giving you the right to join us, we demand
two more trials. The one of the Libations and the one of the Oath sworn
on our symbols.
The Oath is the oldest trial of the Ceremony of
Reception in Freemasonry. It is the pact that binds us in a way
definitive to the whole Order, it is one of our safest ties.

V M
 : F G E  xp and M o f Cér , accompany the novice until
the O for the event of the Cup of Libations and the Oath
Masonic.

The novice, accompanied by the F. Assistant is led in front of the V plateau. M , either in front of the tray
annex.

V M
 : Take away the three tools from him.

The F  Assistant removes the three tools from the novice's hands.

V M
 : Place the open compass in his left hand, one point directed
upward, the other resting on its heart.
Also place both feet squarely.

In the case where there are multiple neophytes, they are placed to the right of the first, their left hand resting on
the right shoulder of the one who precedes.

V M
 : Sir, take this cup of pure water.

113
A glass of water is placed in the right hand of the (the) novice(s).

V M
 : Take a sip of it. The purity of this water is matched only by the
feelings we have towards you.

Then the glass is removed and the right hand of the neophyte(s) is placed on the Square that is itself resting on the Book.
of the Masonic Law.

V M
 : Placez-lui la maindroitesur l'Équerre et sur le Livre.

V M
 : Stand up and in order.

V M
 : Sir, I will read the content of your Oath. You will repeat it.
mentally with me, and if you consent, you will say: 'I lend
oath.

Masonic Oath

The V M slowly reads the text of the official commitment of the Obedience, which the new Apprentice must sign, or
eventually the text below.

V M
 : I, N...... (name and surname), on this .....th day of the .....th day of
the Year ............., between the Square and the Compass, before the Book of the Law
Masonic, in front of this R L under the Principle of Freedom
Absolute of Conscience, I commit of my free will, to keep the
Masonic Secret; to be kept confidential, neither through writings nor through the
words, neither by the sign, except to a good and legitimate Mason that I will have
recognized, or in L Settled.

I promise to love my FF to rescue them and to exercise towards them the

most beneficial virtues.
I promise to lend assistance to the unfortunate, to exercise justice.
towards all and the dedication to Humanity.

I commit to participate with zeal and perseverance in the work.

emancipator of Freemasonry and to remain until the end of
my days, a man of honor and integrity.

I also commit to respecting the Constitution and the Regulations.

General of the Grand Orient of France.
If I were to fail in my duties as a Freemason, I would accept to
to submit myself to the sanctions provided by the Order and to be banned from it.

V M
 : Sir, do you take this oath?

N.... : .....................

114
V M
 : Myself, the L entière et la Franc-maçonnerie Universelle, prenons
act of the oath that you have just taken.
Will you agree to sign this commitment?

N.... : ....................

V M
 : No one will be able to stop you, one day, from betraying the oath that
you have just lent. If it were to be so, know that you do not
Can you free yourself from the bitterness that comes from remorse?
Drink another glass, sir.

We make him drink another glass of water in which an astringent liqueur has been poured.
We are preparing another glass of pure water to give to the novice.

V M
 : Drink a third cup, sir.
May this pure water erase bitterness, and help you not to run dry.
source who is in you.

The glass and the compass are removed from the hands of the neophyte.

V M
 : F G Exp a nd M f rom Cér , lead the Neophyte to the West of
the L .

XIX - THE LIGHT

V M
 : F 2thSurv since the Neophyte has triumphed over the trials and
sworn in, what do you ask for him?

2thSurv : V M I ask for the Light.

V M
 : Take up your swords, my FF .
Gather according to custom and draw the swords.

The FF the front rows gather again in the middle of the L , behind the G Exp and facing the
Neophyte.
They hold the sword in their left hand, the tip pointing towards the Neophyte.
The V M possibly and discreetly ask the brothers who would know the Neophyte in the world
he has no qualms about positioning himself behind him for the Test of Light.

V M
 : My FF At my third strike of the mallet, you will tear off the mask.
of the Neophyte so that he may receive the Light and become what he is.

The mallet strikes are also spaced out.

115
The F Assistant (or any other F ) quickly remove the headband.

V M
 : I welcome you to this House and to this Family
who are now yours.
These swords pointed at you symbolize rays of light that
seek to penetrate your heart and your mind.
The light that shines in this T is made of friendship and brotherhood,
of this fraternity that will push us to defend you if necessary,
this brotherhood that will make you discover that here, no one is a Prince nor
Beggar, that no one is poor or rich, and that true riches are
those of the L .

Mark a time before continuing.

V M
 : If you have noticed among us someone with whom you are in
dispute in the secular world, I invite you to come right now
let me know, so that I can reconcile you.

N.... : ...................

V M
 : Enemies do not always present themselves head-on.
Turn around and inform me of your findings.

At this moment, the (or the Brothers) who are behind the neophyte, give him the fraternal embrace.

N..... : ...................

V M
 : Since everything is perfect, lower your swords, my brothers. , and reclaim your
places.

That being done.

V M
 : FF Assistants, thank you for your participation. You can
regain your seats.

XX - THE CONSECRATION

V M
 : FF G E  xp a nd M o f Cér drive the Recipient(s)
near the F Sec for him/them to sign their obligation.

The recipient(s) is (are) guided to the Secretary's platform.

Once the obligation is signed, the recipient(s) is (are) placed in front of the steps of the O , facing the V
M .

V M
 : Stand and at attention.

116
The V . M placing before each recipient.
He holds the flaming sword in his left hand and the mallet in his right hand.

V M
 : In the name and under the auspices of the Grand Orient of France, by virtue of
Franc
powers with which I am invested, I make you, receive you and constitute App
mason of the French Philosophical Rite, and member of the Respectable
Lodge ………………, located in the East of …………….

The V  M , place the blade of the sword on the head of the recipient, strike a light blow with the mallet and say: "I give you
he does". He then places the sword on the left shoulder and says: "receive". Finally, he places the sword on the right shoulder and
it constitutes Approval Freemason in the French Philosophical Rite.

The V M then give the brotherly embrace to the new App .

V M
 : Take a seat.

XXI - THE MASONIC DECOR

V M
 F
 F G Exp and M of Cér put on our new F(F)
the App Apron .
This apron must be worn with the bib properly raised.
He is the emblem of the work.

Once the new F(F) clad in the App apron .

V M
 : According to one of our very old customs, it is my duty to you.
put on your (your) Freemason gloves myself. These white gloves
are the emblem of the purity of the feelings that drive you.
Protect them from all kinds of impurities.

Once the new Brother(s) are decorated.

V M
 : This apron and these white gloves make up what we call the
Masonic Decor at the Apprentice Degree .
You must necessarily be adorned with it to be
authorized to participate in the work in Lodge.

V M
 : FF G Exp a nd M o f Cér reconvey our (our)
new Brother(s) to the West of the L .

XXII - THE RECOGNITION OF THE NEW BROTHER BY THE LODGE

V M
 : Stand up and at attention.
FF 1erand 2thSurv invite the FF the South and North Shipyards of the
L as I invite those from the East Site to recognize the F(F) N.....

117
 (M..., etc...), like App Mason and as a regular member of the
R L , by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

1heSurv : FF from the Southern Construction of the L , you are invited by the V M and
for me, to recognize the F(F) N..... (M... etc...), like App -
Mason and as a regular member of the R L  ..................................,
by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

2thSurv : FF of the North Site, of the L , you are invited by the V M and
for me, to recognize the F(F) N..... (M... etc...), like App -
Mason and as a regular member of the R L ................. ..... , by the
Sign, the Battery and the Acclamation.

V M
 : With me, by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

XXIII - INSTALLATION OF THE NEW BROTHER IN THE MASONIC ORDER

V M
 W
 e will now seal our new F(F) in
the Masonic Order.
Let's form the Union Chain.

The FF form the Union Chain.

Each new F must be supervised by FF from the Lodge.

V M
 : Our Union Channel is growing and enriched with a new one.
link(s). Let us rejoice in this event, let us rejoice for
the Lodge is for Freemasonry, but let us promise to work for
what is(are) F(F) become a solid link in this
universal chain.
Let us also promise to bring him (them) help and assistance if needed.

G E
 xp : In the name of all, I promise it.

V M
 : I take note, F G Exp .

Addressing the new F(F) .

V M
 : My (my) F(F) , you are now full members of this R
L and I congratulate you. You marry his story and
You are already participating in its becoming.
It is up to you to fulfill the duties that you have just
to impose yourself (to impose yourself).

I wish you good work among everyone.

118
 Let's leave the Chain and return to our places.

The FF leave the chain and return to their places.

The new F(F) led (are) conducted to the West of the L , facing East.

XXIV - THE INSTRUCTION OF THE NEW BROTHER

V M
 : Pour se reconnaître, les Francs-maçons ont des Signes, un Mot et
a Brand, that the F G Exp is going to communicate with you.

V M
 : He (she) will also teach you the Ritual Entry. You
make (yours) your first entry in L , as a
Freemason.
F G Exp , fill your office.

The FF coming out of the L .

V M
 : At my blow of the mallet, the ritual works are momentarily
suspended.

Work is being interrupted.

While the f G Exp perform the ritual instruction, the M of Cér directly replace the Carpet of L and
the three stones.

The instruction consists of communication

of the three steps
- du Signe
from the Battery and the Acclamation
of the entrance into the Lodge and the three salutations
the sacred word
of symbolic age
the Brand or touch

The instruction completed, the F G Exp enter in L and stays at level 2èmeSurv to correct the errors.

XXV - THE FIRST ENTRANCE INTO THE LODGE OF THE NEW BROTHER

There are several new Masons, they enter separately.

V M : With my mallet strike, the ritual works resume with strength and
vigor

When the new F regularly strike the three blows.

2thSurv : V M , a F request the entry of the L .

V M  : Give the entry of the L , F 2thSurv .

th
The 2 Surv signal to the Couv to open the door.

119
The new F enters, positions itself, takes the three steps and gives the three signs.

V M
 : My F , go to the F 1heSurv so that he recognizes you.

The F G Exp accompanies the new F near the 1erSurvival who is standing.
The new F give the Sign, the Mark and the Sacred Word.

Reminder:

The Sign: Placed in order, one traces a square by extending the right hand horizontally,
the fingers clenched and the thumb at right angles, up to the right shoulder and letting it come back down
along the body.

The Brand: With the tip of the right thumb bent at a right angle, we press
slightly three times, the first two times closely spaced, the third spaced out, on the
first joint of the index. The Supervisor gives the mark back.

The Sacred Word: N...: I can neither read nor write, I can only spell, may it be given to me
first, I will give the second.
Surv J
N... : A
Surv K
N... : H
Surv I
N... : N
Surv : JA
N... : KHIN
Surv J AKHIN
N... : JAKHIN.

1erSurv : V M the Sign, the Word and the Brand are correct and regular.

V M
 : My F , go now to the F 2nd Surv so that he can you
recognize.

Same ritual scene

2thSurv : V M the Sign, the Word, and the Brand are correct and regular.

The F G Exp then place the new F facing the East.

We restart the ritual scene if necessary.

120
XXVI - THE KIND MASTER FOR LEARNING

V M
 : My (my) F(F) X... (Y..., Z... etc.), take (please take) a seat in the center.
of the L .

The F(F) who took previously in L the commitment to sponsor the new App(s) s ),
is placed a little behind the L Carpet , facing the V M .

V M
 : My (my) F(F) , we gladly accepted that you (you) be
(be) the M(M) Welcoming of our new F(F) .

I remind you that, in our ritual, the M Kind

symbolize the M Operative at whose place one used to carry out their
learning. Yesterday, this master was accountable to the authorities
of the profession, of the training of the future mason. Today, the M
Kind, is responsible for the proper integration of the new App.
in the L and in the Masonic Order. He is the guide who must help the
new F in his own Masonic approach.

The task that falls on you is therefore very important. It

requires a lot of discernment and constant attention.
Until their possible elevation to the Mastery, you will have
to account for his (their) work, his (their) diligence and
their brotherhood.

To successfully carry out this mission, I renew to you today,

all the confidence of the L .

V M
 : F M of the Cér give to our (our) M(M) Kind(s), the Rose
symbolic.

The M of Cér , return a rose to the M(M) Kind, and returns to its place.

V M
 : Stand up and be orderly.
My (my) F(F) M(M) Kind-hearted, you will go to join
your App , you will give him this rose that he
will offer to the person of their choice.
After the fraternal embrace, you will lead him.
even (you yourselves) in his place among us, which is located in the Northeast
.
from the L
Go (go), my (my) F(F) .

The M Kind offers the rose, gives the brotherly hug and leads the App by the arm at the head of the site
North.
Once the (the) App (s) in front of his (their) place(s), the (the) M(M) The benevolent(s) take (takes) their place.
The V M addresses then to the new F(F) .

121
V M
 : In Freemasonry, an App is considered in L  like this
First stone of a new building. Now, in the past, at the time
operational, the first was located in the Northeast of the work. It is for
this reason that today you are (you are) placed symbolically
in the North-East of the L .
During the entire period of symbolic learning, you
you will occupy (you will occupy) this place.

V M
 : Take a seat.

Wait a moment.

V M
 : F G
 E
 xp , hand over to our new F(F) a copy
from the Constitution and the General Regulations of the Grand Orient of France.
Also give him (them) a copy of the rituals on which he (they) ...
must meditate.

XXVII - THE ERASURE OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL TESTAMENT

V M
 : We will now erase the philosophical will(s)
of our new F(F) .
FF G E  xpert and M o f Cér assist me in this trial.

The V M burn the will(s) filed on the sword, and place the ashes in an envelope reserved for this
effect.
Once sealed, the Keeper of the Seal and the Patent affixes the Lodge seal on the back of the envelope.

V M
 : F G Exp hand over the philosophical testament(s) to our
new .
F M of the Cer you will return his (their) documents to him (them)
personnel.

XXVIII - THE RECEPTION SPEECH

V M
 : I now give the floor to our F Orat f or the
presentation of the Reception Speech.

After the presentation of the speech

V M
 : The speech of the F Orat , closes the Ritual Reception Ceremony.

122
 INSTRUCTION AFTER RECEIPT

for the use of GExp , you M of the Cer

and new Apps .
°
° °

The Battery: It consists of three strikes, two close together, one distant and stronger.

The battery is given in three ways:

With a mallet, this concerns the first three Offs. from L ;
by clapping his hands, before a cheer;
knocking on the door of the L to request entry.

The order position: The right hand is placed under the throat, fingers together and the thumb at
the square, the elbow lowered.
The feet are placed at right angles, the right foot forward, the left heel behind the heel.
law.

The Sign of Order: From the position of order, after slightly raising the elbow, draw a
squaring by extending the right hand horizontally to the right shoulder and then
descend vertically along the body. The outline of the square must be correct.
performed.
The order sign is also called 'guttural sign'.

The Apprentice's steps: From the order position, advance by taking three steps starting from the foot.
right and assembling each time the left foot at a right angle (fig.).

The Mark or touch: With the tip of the thumb of the right hand bent at a right angle,
press lightly three times, the first two times close together, the third one spaced out, on
the first join of the index.
One must always give back the brand.

The symbolic age: It is three years.

The Sacred Word: It reveals itself by spelling.

Request: Give me the sacred word of the apprentice.

123
 Réponse : Je ne sais ni lire ni écrire, je ne sais qu'épeler. Qu'il me soit donné la
First, I will give the second.
D:J
R:A
D:K
R:H
I
R:N
D: YES
R: KHIN
D : JAKHIN
R : JAKHIN

The Acclamation: The acclamation is: Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

It is always given following a battery, by extending the right arm horizontally.
forward, forming a right angle with the body, fingers extended and the thumb at a right angle.

The three steps of the Apprentice (fig.):

124
125
French Philosophical Rite

126
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLERANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE TABLE LODGE

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (XIIIemeCentury)

Fascicle I -7
(Paris 1970-1980)

Edition May 1994

Validated by the Council of the Ordre du Grand Orient de France

in its Plenary Session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

127
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

°°°°°

Practical aspects 129

Organization of the table 129

Disposition of the Brothers (Summer) 129
Winter 130
Vocabulary at the Table Lodge 131
Symbolic aspects (Hemispheres) 132

Opening of the Table Lodge 133

I - Presentation of the Table Lodge 135

II - Masonic Instruction 136
III - Platform Verification 139

The openings of health or health of three hours (from nine o'clock) 141

First Health (Republic) 141

Second health (GODF and Grand Master) 142
Third health (Ven M ) 143

Median healths 145

Fourth health (Monitors) 145

Fifth Health (App) and Comp ) 146
Sixth Health (Sisters and Companions) 147

Closing health or health of nine o'clock (or three o'clock) 148

Seventh health (Masons of the World) 148

Closure of the Table Lodge 149

128
 PRACTICAL ASPECTS

°°°°°

Organization of the table in the Lodge of the Table:

The room where the L is held The table must be isolated in such a way that nothing can be seen or
hear from outside.
The table is arranged in a HORSESHOE shape. If the number of guests allows, one can place
one or more tables lengthwise inside the horseshoe.
The table service is arranged in four parallel lines, counting for 1eraline, cell
which starts from the inside of the horseshoe. The first is dedicated to the dishes; the second,
to the bottles; the third, to the glasses; the fourth, to the plates (fig.1).

Note 1: It is important that the glasses used for this ceremony are 'fire glasses,' meaning,
flat-bottomed glasses, and not stemmed glasses.

Note 2: If possible, we can decorate the table with wild roses. The wild rose is, according to our ritual, the "flower of
The Apprentice

Fig. 1: Organization of the table.

Arrangement of the Brothers at the Table Lodge

SUMMER SOLSTICE

Whatever the solstice, the V M occupies the top of the table. Seen from this position, the
1erSurvive is placed at the end of the left side of the table, the 2emeSurv at the end
right. The Orat and the Treasury are placed to the left side of the V M the Sec and the Hosp
are placed on the right hand. The M The manager is on the left of 1heSurv , the Couv himself
holds to the right of the 2thSurv . The M of Cér is placed in front of the Couv and the
G Exp is in front of the M Intendant (fig.2)

129
The Apps , and in particular the new FFs are placed on the table arm chaired by the
2emeSurv always on the outside. Opposite them are placed their MM
Benevolent.
The Comp are placed on the table arm chaired by the 1heSurv .
On the left and on the right of the V M , the FF are placed that the L wants to honor.

Note 3: If the number of guests is significant and allows for full occupancy of the table's interior, the
M Manager, the M of Cér and the G Exp , are placed in front of the V M .

WINTER SOLSTICE

The arrangement is completely reversed compared to the L. the Summer Solstice Table
(fig.3).

°°°°°°°
Note 4: The L The table is always presided over by the V. M from the L , however, if the G M , in person,
He attends the ceremony; he is the one who presides, unless he declares to renounce this prerogative.

Note 5: It is important that the FF the passages are surrounded by FF from the L .

Note 4: A Harmony Column and Masonic songs can enhance the L of Table.

Note 5: if the number of guests is small, in the case of a small L or use a single rectangular table. The
disposition of the FF is done according to the ritual of 'Lodge on Table' (Annex - booklet I-1)

Fig. 2: Placement of the guests Fig.3: Placement of the guests

At the Summer Solstice At the Winter Solstice
(classic disposition) (inverted disposition)

130
Vocabulary of the Table Lodge:

Table platform
Tablecloth sail
Plate tile
Fork pickaxe
Knife glaive
spoon trowel
Glass cannon (or weapon)
Candle star
Chair stalls
Plate plateau
Napkin flag
Pepper cement
Sel sable
Water low powder
Vin (blanc, rosé, rouge) strong powder
Cider (or Beer) yellow powder
Liqueur fulminating powder
Cafe black powder
Alcohol nail puller
Bottle (or Carafe) barrel
Pain raw stone
Put materials

Drink to pull a health

Manager chew
Pour a drink charger
Cut roughen

131
 SYMBOLIC ASPECTS

Celestial hemispheres and arrangement of the Brothers:

The L The Masonic Table symbolizes the celestial hemispheres: the Northern, the day of
summer solstice; the Southern, the day of the winter solstice.
In either case, the V M occupies the Solstitial Point: the highest in summer, the lowest
in winter.
The Surv are located on the Equator. They mark points in both seasons
Equinoxial.
The Orat Square and that of the Sec are on either side, at 30° of the V M . The seats of
Very and of the Hospital are at 60°.
At the summer solstice, the FF are arranged like an L at the App level The Orat , the Tres
and the 1theSurvive are to the left of the V M , the Sec and the Hosp are on the right hand side.
At the winter solstice, the arrangement of the FF is inverted (fig. 4).

The 'table works' consist of SEVEN HEALTHS, the same number as the planets.
known in Antiquity, to whom libations were offered.
the first was offered to the SUN,
- the second to the MOON,
- the third in MARCH,
the fourth at MERCURY,
the fifth at JUPITER,
the sixth at VENUS,
the seventh to SATURN, whose immense orbit seemed to embrace everything
the universe ([Link]).

Fig. 4: Hemi-spherical representation of the Table Lodges.

132
 OPENING OF THE TABLE LODGE

°°°°°

Note: the accessories in the Table Lodge are:

the Compass
The Square
the Book of Constitutions of Anderson
three mallets
five Table Lodge rituals

°°°°°

The MM are decorated with the Ribbon of M the Comp and the Apps are decorated with the Ordinary Cord or
Simple (fascicle I-7). The Off are decorated with the Sautoir of the charge.
For the opening of the L from the Table, all the FF are decorated with white gloves.
In front of the V M The Square, the Compass, and the Book of Symbolic Freemasonry are arranged irregularly.

V M : Stand up, my brothers

All the FF they stand up and stand in front of their places.

V M : I invite you to gather and join me for the opening

from the L of Table.

V M :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M : F 1erSurv What do the Masons do after the stone work?

1erSurv : V M , they open an L of Table.

V M : Why?

1erSurv : To further strengthen the fraternal ties that unite them and
to receive a fair and deserved salary.

V M : How does an L open? of Table?

1erSurv : It opens under cover with free and regular Masons.

V M : Are we safe?

133
1erSurv : F 2thSurv , the V M ask if we are covered.

2thSurv : F Cover check if we are covered.

The Cover Knock three times, hard and visibly with the right fist, on the door of the damp room.

He then discreetly knocks three more times with his left fist.

He reports in a low voice to the 2thSurv .

2thSurv : F 1erSurv we are sheltered.

1erSurv : V M , we are covered.

V M : .
At ease, my brothers.
th
F 2 Survive , are we all Free and Accepted Masons.
th
The 2 Surv observe the assistance.

2thSurv : V M I recognize all the Masons who have worked with zeal and
dedication to the three sites of the L .

V M : Since the foundations withstand challenges, we will open the

L the Table.

The V M open the Book of Symbolic Masonry, and properly arrange the Square and the Compass at
App grade .

V M : F 1erSurv What time does an L open? from Table to Solstice

of winter (Summer Solstice) ?

1theSurv : At three o'clock (at nine o'clock)

V M : Why Three O'clock (Nine o'clock)?

1erSurv : Because at the winter solstice (summer solstice), Three Hours (Nine
Hours), is the first square of the night, and that an L from the Table
always holds between the first and the last square.

V M : F 2èmeSurv What time is it?

2thSurv : It is three o'clock (nine o'clock).

V M : Since it's time and everything is in accordance with the symbolic plan, I
declares, by virtue of the powers vested in me, that the L
....................................... , founded in the glory of the Universal Work in

134
 .......... , to the O de……………….. is regularly open in L of
Table.

The three knocks are also evenly spaced.

V M : With me by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M : Take a seat.

I - Presentation of the Table Lodge

The FF having taken a seat, the V M , after a few moments of silence, stands up.

V M : My FF , I would like to address our brothers. of the passage, that I

thank you for joining our L of the Table, but also to our
new FF who, for the first time, will share a meal
masonic with us.
Symbolically, the L The table corresponds to the hemispheres
celestial: the northern, the day of the summer solstice; the southern,
day of the winter solstice. In either case, the V M occupy
always the Solsticial Point, which is the highest point in summer and the most
low in winter.
The Survivors sont symboliquement placés sur l'Équateur, et marquent
in both seasons the Equinox Points.
On the summer solstice, we arrange ourselves like in an L. to the degree
of App At the winter solstice, we change our arrangement.

Finally, the table works consist of seven healths, an equal number

to the one of the planets to which, in antiquity, offerings were made
libations.
The first was offered to the Sun,
the second to the Moon,
the third in March,
the fourth to Mercury,
the fifth on Jupiter,
the sixth on Venus,
and the seventh at Saturn, whose immense orbit embraced
the whole universe.

On a fraternal level, the L the table is the meal taken together;

ritual scene that comes to us from distant operative traditions and that
modern Freemasonry has fortunately preserved.

135
 The L The Table is both a symbolic Salary for the Mason and a Day
of celebration for the L .

At the winter solstice, we celebrate the Reception of new Brothers. ; to

summer solstice, we celebrate the passage of new Comp .

During this meal, we will work with an ancient ritual. It

comes from the time when there were at G O D F of LL
military. The speech it contains is not philosophical in nature, its purpose
is to create an atmosphere, this Masonic festive atmosphere that we must
to preserve and to perpetuate.

II - Masonic instruction in Table Lodge.

V M : My FF Attention! We will now give the

words to our F G Exp , for Masonic instruction.
F G Exp , fill your office.

The G Exp , is located on the Equator facing the L .

To provide instruction, he can have a small table on which the utensils are arranged.
necessities: towel, plate, glass, knife, piece of bread, etc...

G Exp : My FF the Masonic Instruction that I have the honor, the pride, and the
the pleasure of sharing is divided into three parts:
the table order
the healths
the Union Chain.

G Exp : First part: the table order

At the table setting, the napkin, called 'flag', is placed on
the left shoulder. The right hand, shaped like a square, is placed
like at the App level .
The left hand, also shaped like a square, is placed flat on the
table, called "platform", itself covered with a tablecloth,
called "veil".
The thumb must be placed along the edge of the table.

The G Exp check if the FF they are properly seated at the table.

G Exp : Second part: the health

There are two kinds of health: mandatory and optional.

There are SEVEN mandatory health requirements.

They are drawn according to the famous rule of 'Two times Three plus One'.

136
 This means that the first three, called Opening Healths, are
drawn at the beginning of the L of Table. They are also called
Health of Three O'Clock, at the winter solstice, and Health of Nine O'Clock,
at the summer solstice.

The three other healths, called median healths, are drawn in the middle of the
meal.

Finally, the last one, called Closing Health, is drawn at the time of the
closure of the L of Table. It is also called Health of
Nine o'clock, at the winter solstice, from Three o'clock Health at the solstice
of summer.

Optional health measures are drawn during ritual interruptions.

Dans tous les cas, ceux pour qui on tire une santé, ne boivent pas, mais
they can thank the L by taking turns drawing an optional health.

G Exp : My FF pay attention. We will now work on the

commandments for the exercise of the table.
You will repeat the gestures with me.

At the command of the V M Load the powder and align the

"arms", we fill the glasses with white, red or rosé wine, we them
replace online, and we return to the order of the table.

Here are the commandments for the table exercise:

G Exp : Sword in hand! We take the knife in the right hand

Hello from the sword! We hold the knife vertically at the level of the
lips, the blade facing up.
Knife to the left! We pass the knife into the left hand, the
left arm in an L-shape, the forearm forward. The knife, the blade facing
the top forms a right angle with the forearm.
We fall into line as soon as the knife is held in the left hand.
Hands to arms! We hold the glass in the right hand.
At the shoulder! We place the glass at the level of the left shoulder.
Stretch! We stretch the glass out in front of us with our arms extended while describing a
square by passing the glass over the right shoulder (fig. 5a).
Fire! The L repeat: "Fire!". We take the first sip.
Good Fire! The L Say: 'Good Fire!'. We take a second sip.
Perfect Fire! The L Perfect Fire! We empty our glass.
On the shoulder! We place the empty glass back on the left shoulder.
At the hip! Place the glass on the right side at the level of the
belt by describing a square through the passage of the glass over the shoulder
right (fig. 5b).
Forward! We extend the glass forward, at the same height as the belt.

137
 At the foot! We place the concert glass and suddenly briefly on the
table.
Take a seat! We are taking our places again.

G Exp : For optional health plans, there is no table exercise. It is said

["Fire!","Good Fire!","Perfect Fire!"]
Optional health services must always be offered by three FF. .

Fig. 5: Table exercise.

G Exp : I remind you that according to a very ancient custom, the F who
commits a serious error in L The table can be punished by the V. M .
The punishment consists of placing the F on the Equator, that is to say on
the end of the U-shaped table, to have him draw a cannon of
low powder, if he is a wine drinker or a beer drinker; a
cannon of black powder or yellow, if it is a water drinker.
The V M said then: "My F you have made a serious mistake. You are
condemned to regularly position yourself on the Equator and to pull a
cannonade according to usage

It's the M Steward who is responsible for serving the chosen powder by the
V M .
The Surv and the V M ensure that the cannon is
completely pulled out.

G Exp : Finally, here is the last part of the table instruction, the String
of the Union.
FF Surv , I require your assistance for the demonstration.

The Surv , armed with their napkins, surround the G Exp .

G Exp : To make a Union Chain in L from the Table, one takes in their hand
left, both the left end of his own towel (a) and

138
 the right end of the towel (b) of his left neighbor, and so on
following (fig. 6).
In this Union Chain, we stand in order, as in L to
app grade .

Fig. 6: Chain of Union in Table Lodge.

G Exp : My FF Surv I thank you for your contribution.

The two Surv regain their seats.

Finally, to conclude this Masonic instruction, I remind you that at

a Mason must always break his bread, called 'rough stone',
with one of his FF .
V M , I said.

V M : My F G Exp , on behalf of everyone, I congratulate you for this instruction

of very high quality.
You can take your seat again.

The G Exp regains its place.

III - Platform verification

V M : My F M Intendant, you who are the M Masterpiece of this celebration

Masonic, do you permit us to begin the work of
chewing

M Manager: V M I must first inquire once again about the regularity.

from the platform.

V M : Fill your office, my T C F .

139
The M The steward walks around the entire table in a dextrorotatory manner, his napkin on his left shoulder and at
the App order . He returns to his place, facing the V. M .
As the utensils on the table are being listed, the M Intending the door in view of
everyone.

M Superintendent: V M I checked the platform from Ecuador to Ecuador.

Each Mason is equipped with his tile (plate), his pickaxe.
(fork), of its sword (knife), of its trowel (spoon) and of its
cannon (glass).
Pepper and salt are within everyone's reach and the
Barrels (bottles or carafes) are being charged.
Finally, the materials (dishes) are to come.
V M I am pleased to conclude that everything is in accordance with the plan.
symbolic and perfect on the Hemisphere.

V M : My F M Manager, I thank you and congratulate you on behalf of everyone

for your zeal and your dedication.
You can take your seat again.

The M The superintendent takes his place back.

V M : My FF Since everything is perfect, we will start the exercise.

from the table.

140
 OPENING HEALTH OR THREE HOUR HEALTH
(AT NINE O'CLOCK).

1eraHealth: To the glory of the Republic:

V M : F 1erSurv what do Freemasons do in L of Table?

1erSurv : They shoot health, M .

V M : To the glory of whom, F 2thSurv ?

2thSurv : In glory of what is dear to them.

V M : Since that is the case, stand up and at attention.

V M : I invite you, with the FF 1erand 2emeSurv , to draw the First health
by Fire, Good fire and Perfect fire, to the glory of the Republic. To that
For whom, in History, our elders gave their lives.
To the Republic that rests on our three pillars: Liberty, Equality,
Brotherhood.

V M : Load the powder and align the weapons.

1erSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

2thSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The FF filling the glasses and lining them up on the table.

2thSurv : V M , the guns are loaded and aligned.

1heSurv : V M the weapons are loaded and aligned.

V M : Sword in hand!
Hello from the sword!
Blade to the left!
To arms!
To the shoulder!
Tense!
Fire!
Good fire!
Perfect fire!
To the shoulder!
To the hip!
At your feet!
Take a seat!
The FF take their place again.

141
2emeHealth: In glory of the Grand Orient of France, to its Grand Master and to Freemasonry
of Free Will.

V M : Stand and at the table order.

The FF they take their seats at the table.

V M : 1theand 2thSurv , to draw the Second health

I invite you, with the brothers.
by Fire, Good fire and Perfect fire, to the glory of G O D F , to his
G M and to the Freemasonry of Free Conscience that they represent.

The V M can develop this theme.

V M : Load the powder and align the weapons.

1er Survive : Load the powder and align the weapons.

2thSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The FF filling the glasses and lining them up on the table.

2thSurv : V M the weapons are loaded and lined up.

1heSurv : V M , the guns are loaded and lined up.

V M : I have the sword!

Hello from the sword!
Sword to the left!
To arms!
On the shoulder!
Stretched!
Fire!
Good fire!
Perfect fire!
At the shoulder!
To the hip!
At the foot!
Take your place!

The FF resume their place.

142
3thHealth: In the glory of the Venerable Master:

The FF G Exp and the FF 1heand 2emeSurv rise.

The G Exp clap your hands;

G Exp : V M , the FF 1erand 2thSurvive and myself, want to pull the

Third health by Fire, Good fire and Perfect fire, to the glory of a F who
is very dear to us.

V M : So what is this health, my F G Exp ?

G Exp : It's the health of our V M , light of the L .

V M : Stand and at attention.

FF Surv , G Exp and all of you my FF , I thank you for
your proposal, and I am very sensitive to this fraternal mark.
F G Exp you have command over this health.

G Exp : Thank you, V M .

The G Exp clap your hands once.

G Exp : Load the powder and align the weapons.

1erSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

2emeSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The glasses are filled and lined up.

2thSurv : G Exp , the weapons are loaded and lined up.

1erSurv : G Exp , the weapons are loaded and lined up.

G Exp : I have the sword!

Hello from the sword!
Sword to the left!
To arms!
To the shoulder!
Stretched!
Fire!
Good fire!
Perfect fire!
On the shoulder!
To the hip!
At your feet!
Take your seats!

143
V M : That the materials be delivered, roughened, and puttied.
The ritual works are suspended.

NOTE: Towards the middle of the meal, and before making the Median Toasts, a Piece may be presented.
of Architecture and/or speeches.

144
 THE MEDIAN HEALTHS

°°°°°
th
4 Health: To the Guardian Brothers of the Lodge.

V M : My FF the ritual works regain strength and vigor, and the time
has just drawn the Median Health scores.
Stand up and at the table order.

The FF they take their seats at the table.

V M : G Exp and M of Cer , to pull the

I invite you, along with the brothers.
Fourth health through Fire, Good fire and Perfect fire, in honor of our
FF 1erand 2emeSurv who bears the delicate burden of making
App , from good Comp , and the Comp of good MM .
This for the radiation of the L in particular and of Freemasonry
in general.

V M : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The M of Cer clap your hands once.

M of the Cér : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The G Exp clap once in his hands.

G Exp : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The FF filling the glasses and lining them up on the table.

M of Cér : V M the guns are loaded and lined up.

G Exp : V M the weapons are loaded and aligned.

V M : Sword in hand!
Hello from the sword!
Sword to the left!
To arms!
On the shoulder!
Stretched!
Fire!
Good fire!
Perfect fire!
At the shoulder!
To the hip!
At your feet!
Take your seats!

The FF take their place again.

145
5thHealth: To the Newly Received Apprentice Brothers, to the Passed Companion Brothers and
to the Associated Brothers.

V M : Stand up and at attention.

The FF they take their seats at the table.

V M : I invite you, with the FF 1heand 2thSurv to draw the Fifth

health by Fire, Good fire and Perfect fire, in honor of our Brothers
newly Received App at the Summer Solstice, to the FF Past Perfect
At the last Winter Solstice and in honor of our brothers. Partners, that
We thank you for sharing our works of L , with as much zeal and
of dedication.

V M : Load the powder and align the weapons.

1erSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

2thSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The FF filling the glasses and aligning them on the table.

2thSurv : V M , the weapons are loaded and lined up.

1theSurv : V M , the weapons are loaded and aligned.

V M : I have the sword!

Hello from the sword!
Sword to the left!
To arms!
On the shoulder!
Stretched!
Fire!
Good fire!
Perfect fire!
On the shoulder!
To the hip!
At your feet!
Take your seats!

The FF take their place.

146
6emeHealth: To the Sisters and Partners of the Brothers.

V M : Stand up and at attention.

The FF sit down at the table.

V M : 1heand 2thSurv to pull the Sixth health

I invite you, along with the brothers
by Fire, Good fire and Perfect fire, in honor of our SS of all
obediences, with whom we are working on the realization of the Work
Universal, and with our companions, with whom we share the joys,
the pains and pleasures of life.

V M : Load the powder and align the weapons.

1heSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

2èmeSurv : Load the powder and align the weapons.

The FF filling the glasses and lining them up on the table.

2thSurv : V M , the guns are loaded and aligned.

1erSurv : V M , the weapons are loaded and aligned.

V M : I have the sword!

Hello from the sword!
Sword to the left!
To arms!
At the shoulder!
Stretch!
Fire!
Good fire!
Perfect fire!
At the shoulder!
To the hip!
At your feet!
Take your place back!

The FF take their place again.

V M : The ritual works are suspended.

NOTE: Before closing at three (nine) o'clock, and proceeding with the shutdown of the L of the Table, the
V M or any other F designated, may present the closing speech.

147
 CLOSING HEALTH OR NINE O'CLOCK HEALTH
(OR THREE O'CLOCK).

7thHealth: To all the Masons of the World.

V M Stand up and at the table order.

The FF are taking their places at the table.

V M : 1erand 2èmeSurv to draw the Seventh and

I invite you, together with the brothers.
last ritual health by Fire, Good fire and Perfect fire, in honor of
all the Masons of the World and especially to those who are
unfortunate, to those who suffer, to those who are in chains because
that they defend our ideal of freedom.
Let's expand on the two hemispheres, my brothers. and we have
we in a circle.

Mark a time.

V M : I remind you that a very old tradition holds that at this

on this occasion, the servants, if they are Masons, must be invited to share
this last health and our Closing Union Chain.
M Manager, go fetch the brothers Serv .

The M The steward invites the servants and brings them into the circle.

V M : Is the powder loaded, F? 1erSurv ?

The glasses are filled and everyone is holding their glass in hand.

1heSurvive : The powder is loaded, V M , and the FF distributed between the two
hemispheres are ready for the final health.

V M : Pay attention, my FF .

To the shoulder!
Stretched!
Fire!
Good fire!
Perfect fire!
To the shoulder!
To the hip!

V M : Let's put the cannons on the platform and take our places at the table.

148
 CLOSURE OF THE TABLE BOX

V M : F 1erSurv , at what time does the L close? of Table?

1erSurv : At nine o'clock (or three o'clock).

V M : Why nine o'clock (or three o'clock)?

1erSurv : Because a L the table always stands between the first and the
last corner of the night.

V M : F 2emeSurv What time is it?

2èmeSurv : It is nine o'clock (or three o'clock).

V M : Did you receive a fair and deserved salary?

2thSurv : I am happy, V M .

V M : Since it is the symbolic hour and we have received our salary,

we are going to close the L of the Table.

The V M , disperse the Square and the Compass then close the Book of Symbolic Masonry.

V M : My FF let's form the Union Chain.

The FF they form the Union Chain with the towels, and the G Exp it is placed opposite the V M .

V M : Let us promise to give long life to our Union Chain.

It symbolizes our brotherhood. It unites us with the Freemasons.
happy or unhappy, free or oppressed, who pursue the Work
universal.

G Exp : In the name of all, I promise it.

V M : I acknowledge, F G Exp .
Let's leave the chain and get in order.

With me by the Sign, the Battery and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!

V M : The L The Table is closed, let us withdraw in peace under the Law of Silence.

149
150
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLÉRANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °

THE TILER OF THE FIRST GRADE

Rose drawn from the Notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt

(XIIIthCentury)

Fascicle I - 8
(Paris 1970-1980)
Edition May 1994
Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient of France
in its Plenary Session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

151
152
 TABLE DES MATIÈRES

°°°°

I - THE RECEPTION CEREMONY 155

1 - The symbols of the Chamber of Reflection 156
2 - The formulas of the reflection chamber 157
3 - The Three Common Questions 157
4 - The candidate's denominations 157
5 - The candidate's attire 157
6 - The four elements and the cardinal points 157
7 - The three journeys and the three tools 157
8 - The position for the oath 157
9 - The Book of Masonic Law 158
10 - The Benevolent Master 158

II - THE TILING 158

1 - The Lodge and the Temple 158
2 - The way to knock on the Lodge door 158
3 - The order position 158
4 - The Sign of Order 159
5 - The three steps of the Apprentice 159
6 - The three ritual greetings 159
7 - The Sacred Word 160
8 - The Password 160
9 - The Mark (or Touch) 160
10 - The Battery 160
11 - The Acclamation 160
12 - The Symbolic Age 161
13 - The symbolic flower 161
14 - The Fraternal Embrace 161
15 - Entrance and exit of the Lodge 161

III - THE MASONIC DECORATION 162

1 - The Masonic decor 162
2 - The Apron 162
3 - The White Gloves 162
4 - The Ribbon 162
5 - The Scarf 162
6 - The offices, jewelry, and attributes 164
7 - The jewel of the Honorary Master 164

IV- THE SYMBOLIC LODGE 167

1 - The place where the Lodge meets: the Temple 167
2 - The name of the Lodge of 1ergrade 168
3 - The symbolic place where the Lodge is held 168
4 - The floor of the Lodge at the Apprentice degree 170
5 - The works of the Lodge 170
6 - The plateau of the Venerable Master 170

V- IN LOGE 172

153
1 - The place of the Apprentice in the Lodge 172
2 - The symbolic stone of the Apprentice degree 172
3 - The Work of the Apprentice 172
4 - The three tools of the Apprentice 172
5 - The apprentice's salary increase 172
6 - The Apprentice-Accomplished 173
7 - The Symbolic Salary 173
8 - The dressing (or undressing) of the Lodge 173
9 - The Book of Symbolic Masonry 173
10 - The Blazing Sword 173
11 - The Square and the Compass 173
12 - The three symbolic colors 174
13 - The Outline of the Lodge 174
14 - The three stones 175
15 - The adjustment of the Lodge 175
16 - The Regulator Brother 175
17 - The Lodge Carpet 177
18 - The Seven-Knot Cord 177
19 - The Lodge Table 177
20 - The holding of the swords in Lodge 179
21 - The Ceremony Staff 179
22 - The holding of the Ceremony Rod 179
23 - The movements in the Lodge 180
24 - Readings in the Lodge 180
25 - The Books of the Lodge 181
26 - The Brothers in the Spotlight 181
27 - The Passing Brother or Brother of Passage 181
28 - Regular Mason and Irregular Mason 181
29 - The Proposing Brother 181
30 - The sounding of the stone 182
31 - The sign of consent 182
32 - Solstitial or Semester Words 182
33 - The transmission of Semester Words 182
34 - The Union Chain 182
35 - The Union Chain opened 183
36 - The Mourning Battery 183
37 - The Master Installer 183
38 - The Bag of Propositions 183
39 - The Widow's Trunk 184
40 - The Erasure of the Lodge 184
41 - Beating mallet 184
42 - Laying the Rough Stone on the Lodge Carpet 184
43 - Removal of the Raw Stone from the Lodge Carpet 184

154
 THE TILER

or Masonic manual of the apprentice degree.

°°°°°
PREFACE

This present 'Tiler' or Masonic manual of the First degree is mainly intended for
Masons of the Philosophical French Rite. However, since it is composed, for the most part,
of elements drawn from the traditional symbolism of Freemasonry, it is also useful
to the FF of the different expressions of the French Rite.

I - THE RECEPTION CEREMONY

Note 1: The Reception Ceremony is the ritual ceremony of entry into Freemasonry
to its first symbolic grade, that of App .
It is then said that one is "received" in Freemasonry.

In common language, it is often referred to as "Initiation Ceremony". It is said that,

that we are 'initiated' into Freemasonry.
The 'initiation' ceremony for the grade of Comp is called 'Ceremony of Passage'. That at
M grade Ceremony of Elevation.

Note 2: The Chamber of Reflection, also called the 'Cabinet of Reflection', is a room
related to the L where no noise from outside reaches. It is furnished with a table and
from a chair. The walls are painted black with no decoration.

a - On the table are arranged (Fig.1):

a mirror.
a lit and half-burned candle.
a form for a philosophical will and something to write with.

On the wall, above the table, there is a painting on which are drawn:

a rooster
a human skull with bones
a scythe
an hourglass
three small loaves
a water pot
- the alchemical symbol of sulfur, salt, mercury
as well as the formulas:
HERE EVERYTHING IS SYMBOL
V.I.T.R.I.O.L.

155
 Fig. 1: THE REFLECTION ROOM

1 - The symbols of the Chamber of Reflection:

the Rooster
the human skull with bones
the False
the Hourglass
the Bread
Water
sulfur
the Salt
the Mercury
the Mirror
the lit and half-burned candle
The Philosophical Testament

156
2 - The formulas of the Chamber of Reflection:

HERE EVERYTHING IS SYMBOL.

V.I.T.R.I.O.L.
(Visit the depths of the Earth, by rectifying, you will find the hidden stone).
Visit the inside of the Earth, by correcting you will find the Stone
Hidden

3 - The Three customary questions of the Chamber of Reflection:

What are your duties towards yourself?

What are your duties towards your family?
What are your duties towards the City?

4 - The designations of the candidate for Freemasonry:

In traditional language, any person foreign to Freemasonry is qualified.

of 'Profane', taken in the sense of 'uninitiated'.
Every candidate for Freemasonry takes, from the consideration by the L of the
application, the designation of 'Applicant'.
During the initiation ceremony, after the Trial of Reflection, the Aspirant takes the name
from 'Neophyte'. He takes the name 'Brother' after the consecration ceremony.

5 - Attire for the Reception Ceremony:

Jacket removed. Shirt sleeves rolled up, tie removed and collar open. The head must be
new, the money and the jewelry taken away.

6 - The Four Elements and the Cardinal Points:

The EARTH: North

WATER: West
THE AIR: South
The FIRE: Is

7 - The Three Journeys and the Three Tools:

1hevoyage Lever
th
- 2 voyage Lever + Mallet
- 3thjourney Lever + Mallet + Chisel

8 - The position for the Oath:

The position of the novice is standing, feet squared, right hand resting on the
Book of the Masonic Law, on which the Square of L is placed .
The left hand holds the Compass of the L open to the square, a point resting on the
heart, the other raised.

157
9 - The Book of Masonic Law:

Book formed by:

The "Book of the Constitution and the General Regulation" of the Obedience, and by,
The "Book of Symbolic Masonry", or the Constitutions known as "James
Anderson's, published in 1723, by the Grand Lodge of London, which itself was founded
in 1717.

10 - The Benevolent Master:

The M Kind is an F who commits in front of the L Mother to help the new F well
to integrate into Freemasonry. This commitment ends on the day of the elevation of this
last to the mastery.
The M Kind symbolizes the M with whom, in the past, one carried out everything
learning. He must, necessarily, have the degree of M .

II - THE TILING

1 - The Lodge and the Temple:

The word 'Lodge' refers to both the entirety of the Masons. and the place where they meet.
In this last sense, we also speak of 'Temple'.

2 - The way to knock on the Lodge door:

We knock three times, two close together, one distant and louder.

3 - The order position:

The right hand is placed under the throat, fingers clenched and the thumb at right angles, the elbow
lowered. The feet are positioned at a right angle, the right foot forward and the heel of the left foot
behind the right heel (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2: the order position

158
4 - The Sign of Order:

Being in the order position, draw a square by moving your right hand horizontally.
up to the right shoulder and let it fall back down vertically along the body. The outline of
the square must be done correctly.
This sign is called "guttural".

Note 1: One never gets into the order with the left hand, except in cases of force majeure.

Note 2: In the expressions: 'the order position, the order sign, to get in line, the
the word 'order' is always written with a lowercase 'o'.
Do not confuse with Masonic Order or Council of the Order.

5 - The three steps of the Apprentice (or the Apprentice's March):

Being in an order position, take three steps starting with the right foot and gathering each time.
the left foot at a right angle (Fig. 3).
This walk is also called 'Pedestrian Sign'.

6 - The three ritual greetings:

After taking three steps and remaining in an ordered position, give the sign three times.
of order (Fig.3):
the first to 2thSurv (North side; on the left hand)
the second to 1erSurv (south side; on the right)
the third to the V M (east side, opposite)

Fig. 3: The steps of the Apprentice and the ritual greetings.

159
7 - The Sacred Word:

This is JAKHIN, the name of the bronze column which, according to the Old Testament, was located in front of
the porch of the Temple of Solomon (Book of Kings, chapter VII, verses 15 to 22).
He introduces himself by spelling.

I cannot read or write, I can only spell. Let it be given to me the

First, I will give the second.
D. J
R. A
D. K
R. H
D. I
R. N
D. YES
R. KHIN
D. JAKHIN
R. JAKHIN

8 - The Password:

It is EMET. It means 'Truth'.

9 - The Mark (or handshake, or even touch):

With the tip of the right thumb bent at a right angle, press lightly three times,
the first two times close together, the third spaced out, on the first joint of
the index.
This sign is called "manual".
The brand is subtly given. If we give it outside of L. we must 'cover' it
with the left hand.
One must always give back the brand.

10 - The Battery:

It consists of three strikes, two close together, one distant and stronger.

It is played, either with a mallet or by striking with her always gloved hands.

NOTE: In this ritual, the Triple Battery is never drawn.

11 - The Acclamation:

The chant is: LIBERTY! EQUALITY! FRATERNITY!

It is always given following a battery. The right arm is extended horizontally.
forming a right angle with the body, fingers extended and the thumb at a right angle.

160
After the Acclamation, we return to order.

12 - The Symbolic Age:

The symbolic age of the App it's been three years.

13 - The symbolic flower:

The symbolic flower is the dog rose.

14 - The Fraternal Embrace:

After striking three times with the palm of the right hand on the left shoulder, give
the embrace in three times, on the right cheek, on the left cheek, then on the right cheek.
The three taps on the shoulder are given in the same way as the drum.

15 - Entrance and exit of the Lodge:

The entrance of Lafter the ritual opening, it is done by three knocks on the door, the three steps
App and the three ritual greetings to the two Surv and to the V M , which respond
each in turn, giving the sign of order.

After this ritual entry, we stand in order, motionless, before being invited by the V. M
à prendre place dans la L .

Note 1: After a ritual entry the V M can ask:

D. :My F , are you a Freemason?
My daughters recognize me as such.
D.: What are you doing in L? as a Freemason?
R.: Roughen my stone.
D. :What stone is it?
Of free choice, free work, and free examination.
D. :Welcome, my F Take a seat on the construction sites.

Note 2: In committee attire, we do not take three steps, but we give the sign as in
L .

Note 3: In symbolic construction, we make neither steps nor signs.

The release of L is done by positioning oneself in line and facing East, at the height of the Second Surv .
The Sign is given to V M only.

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III - THE MASONIC DECOR

1 - The Masonic decor:

It consists of the apron, the white gloves, the cord, and the necklace (Fig. 4).
The respect for Masonic decor in L , is an obligation for everyone.
Important: the Masonic attire always covers the civil dress.

2 - The Apron (Fig. 5):

The apron constitutes the essence of the decoration of the Freemason. According to Masonic Tradition, it
is made of lambskin and with no decoration for the App grade. It is worn on the jacket.
At the App level the bib is raised. At the rank of Comp , the bib is
lowered. M's apron is bordered by a wide blue band and bears the inscription M. B.
in the rectangular part. The reverse of this apron is black.

3 - The White Gloves:

to all ranks.
They are carried in L
They must be removed during an oath-taking or a Chain of Union.

4 - The Cord (Fig. 6):

The cord is worn from the right shoulder to the left hip. One can distinguish the simple cord or
ordinary and the cord of M .
The cord can be worn with the apron during the Tens. normal, and without apron when
of meetings where people from outside Freemasonry are invited (T B O
or F ), or even in L of the Table.

Simple cord: it is blue in color, with no decoration.

M Cord also blue in color and most often decorated with a square and
of a compass.
Both wear a red rosette at the lower part.
The reverse is black.

M can ask the Apps to dress exceptionally in the simple Cord for a
Note: The V
T B O or F et pour une L of the Table.

5 - The Necklace:

The Sautoir indicates a function. All the MM Off wear a Sautoir that cannot be
combine with the cord.
The Necklace is blue. That of the V M is decorated on each side of a
acacia branch.
The Sautoirs of the other offices are decorated only by their respective attributes.

162
163
6 - The offices: their jewels and their attributes (Fig. 7):

Each office is represented by a piece of jewelry or attribute attached to the sash.

There are three lesbians. They are:
The three-fourths square
the Level
the Perpendicular.
These jewels adorn the necklaces of the V. M and both Surv .

The other offices do not wear jewelry, their function is symbolized by an attribute.
embroidered on the necklace.

Venerable Master A three-four square.

1TheSurveillance a level.
2thSurveillance a perpendicular.

Speaker An open book with the word LAW written across it.
Secretary two crossed feathers.
Grand Expert two crossed swords, a rule and an eye.
Treasurer two crossed keys.
Hospital a purse
Master of Ceremonies deuxGlaives croiséset uneCanne.
Keeper of the Seal and Patent a reproduction of the Lodge's Seal.
Keeper of the Archives a closed book.
Master Steward a cannon with ten balls arranged in a pyramid.
Master Architect A circle drawn by a compass.
Master Harmonist a lyre.
Roofer Vertical glaive, blade up.

Note: The Five Lights, Name given to the first five Off from L ;
the Venerable Master
the two Supervisors
The Orator
the Secretary.

7 - The jewel of the Master of Honor

The jewel of the Past Master of Honor, known in other rites as 'Venerable of Honor' is
similar to that of the V M in title, but with added between the branches of
The Square, a representation of the Pythagorean theorem.

164
Fig.7: Jewelry and attributes of the Master Officers

165
Fig. 7: Jewelry and attributes of the Master Officers (continued)

166
IV - THE SYMBOLIC LODGE

1 - The place where the Lodge meets: the Temple (Fig. 8):

The room where the L meets is called 'Temple'.

The T may be decorated or not. If it is decorated, the decoration must follow very strict rules.
precise.

GEOMETRY OF THE ROOM ACCORDING TO THE PHILOSOPHICAL FRENCH RITE:

The T must be rectangular in shape. Each face is symbolically a cardinal point.

The front door, located in the middle of one of the two widths, imposes the West side of the
L or the West.
Consequently, the opposite face represents the East or O. the one on the right hand, the
South or Noon; the one on the left, the North or Boreal.
The eastern part, raised by a platform three steps high, covers the entire width.

DECORATION OF THE TEMPLE ACCORDING TO THE FRENCH PHILOSOPHICAL RITE:

The front door is framed on the inside by two columns of the same style.
clearly offset from the wall. Upon entering the T , the one on the right-hand side features on the barrel the
Letter B, in gold color. It is topped with a terrestrial globe. The one on the left hand carries
On the barrel, the letter J, in silver color. It is surmounted by a celestial sphere.
The two columns are bronze in color.

The ceiling, which can be vaulted, is dark blue on the West side, going to
faded to the East where the color is pale blue. In the West, the Moon is represented.
crescent shape oriented towards the North and colored silver.
In the East, the Sun is represented, golden in color. Between the Sun and the Moon is depicted a
constellation. Sensibly in the middle of the T , at the heart of the constellation, a thread is suspended
plumb up to about two meters from the ground. At the attachment point of this wire, corresponds a
star larger than the rest of the constellation.

3 - On the walls, high up, a rope forming seven knots is suspended. One of the knots
is placed on the East side, three are to the South, the other three are to the North. The rope ends with
each side of the door where she descends halfway.
On the left side of the East and West walls, as well as in the middle of the South side, are fixed some
removable panels representing three closed windows barred with a grille, similar to those
drawn on the L carpet .

There should only be windows or other openings on the walls provided that
outside, one cannot see or hear

167
4 -In the East, facing the front door and elevated by a small step, is placed the plateau
you V M To his left, looking towards the West, is the Orat plateau. , to his/her
right, that of the Sec .
The seat of the V M is a high-backed armchair. Behind this seat, the Triangle dominates.
Bright with an eye drawn in the center.

5 - On the ground, on the West side, the rectangular Mosaic Pavement is represented.
The size of the tiles must allow for regularly taking the Comp steps. .
The length of the mosaic tile is three times its width.
At the center of the T , under the plumb line, is placed the L Carpet .

6 - In the Heart of the Temple, the trays of the MM are arranged. Off .
On the East side, at the foot of the platform, near the Orat and of the Sec , are placed the trays of
Very and of the Hosp These two platforms are elevated by one step.
On the West side, near Column B, the platform of 1heSurv is elevated by two steps.
th
The one from the 2 Surv near Column J, is raised by one step.
The platforms of the 'Five Lights' are oriented towards the center of the L , symbolized
by the Carpet of L and the Plumb Line.
The seat of the G Exp is located at the end of the Southern Site, on the West side and facing East.
That of M of Cér , is located at the end of the North Site, near the Hosp .
The seat of the Couv is between the Columns.
The other MM Off are placed, when possible, in front of the Treasury shelves and
of the Hospital .
The seats of the South and North workshops are arranged face to face and longitudinally.

7 - Outside the Temple, or inside on the left side upon entering, is placed a small
table on which the attendance register is placed.

2 - The name of the Lodge of the First degree:

It is called: 'Lodge at the Apprentice degree', and not 'Lodge of Apprentices'.

In an L at the App level three grades are represented: App , Comp and M .

3 - The symbolic place where the Lodge is held:

Like in the French Rite or Modern Rite, in the Philosophical French Rite, the L takes place
symbolically in front of the Porch of the Temple of Solomon.
It's in the L that the stones intended for the construction of the Temple are being prepared.
Also, one must avoid saying, when an F knocks on the door: "A Brother requests entry to the
Temple", but we will say: "A Brother requests entry to the Lodge".

Note: In the Rectified Scottish Rites and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rites, the L is located inside the Temple of
Salomon.

168
Fig.8: THE TEMPLE ACCORDING TO THE PHILOSOPHICAL FRENCH RITE

169
4 - The floor of the Lodge at the Apprentice degree:

Symbolically, at the first degree, the floor of the L is made of beaten earth.

5 - The Loge Construction Sites

The L is symbolically divided into three sites: the Northern Site, where the Apps are located
the South Site, where the Comp reside , and the East Site.
We will therefore avoid talking about FF. who are "on the Columns", but from FF who are 'on the
construction sites.
In the other rites, 'Northern Column' and 'Southern Column' are synonymous with Worksite.
North and South Yard.

6 - The plateau of the Venerable Master (Fig. 9):

The V plateau M is rectangular in shape.

On the West side of the plateau, the Book of Symbolic Masonry is placed open and
oriented towards the L On this book is placed the Compass, open to 45°, the points directed towards
from L , and on this Compass, the three-four Square, the longest branch on the right side.
Sous cet ensemble est placé le Glaive flamboyant, la lame orientée vers le Midi.

A left hand of the V M , a three-candle holder is placed in a right angle,

that is to say North-East, South-West and South-East. On this candlestick are placed three candles at the
three fundamental colors; the yellow candle, in the North-East; the red candle, in the South-West
and the blue candle, to the South-East.
M there is a small candle lit permanently called
On the right side of the V
Tison. Next to this tison is another ordinary candle called a torch, which is used to light.
the chandelier during the opening of the L .
On the stage is also the First mallet of the L. and a snuffer.

Note 1: When the equipment allows, the Book of Symbolic Masonry, the Compass and the Square three-
four are arranged on a small table or 'auxiliary tray', placed either against the V-shaped table M , that is
at the foot of the three steps of the O .

Note 2: The poker can be placed on the Sec plate. .

Note 3: The three-candle holder can be made using a square with a ratio of 1.6x1 (fig. 9), or
replaced by three candlesticks.

170
171
V - IN LODGE

1 - The place of the Apprentice in the Lodge:

The App sits on the Northern Site, more precisely to the North-East of the L .
Practically, he is seated at the North Site. He gives up this place when a new one comes.
App is "received". He then sits at his right.

2 - The symbolic stone of the Apprentice grade (Fig. 10):

This is the Rough Stone.

3 - The work of the Apprentice:

It is the roughing of the Raw Stone. Fig. 10: THE RAW STONE

4 - The three tools of the Apprentice (Fig. 11):

These are: the Lever

the Mallet
the Scissors

Fig. 11: THE THREE TOOLS OF THE APPRENTICE

5 - The salary increase and the 'Rough Stone':

After some time spent in L , the App may be proposed for his promotion to the grade
of Comp He must first present a work in front of the L. who, after presentation,
decide on the next steps.
The subject of the work is titled "salary increase subject", and the day of the
presentation we say that the App presents his "Rough Stone".
When the L decide that the App can pass Comp it is said that it has just been granted to him
a salary increase

172
6 - The Apprentice - Accomplished

The Apprentice-Accomplished is not a rank, but a consideration. This consideration...

consideration is given to the App who, after presenting a work called 'Pierre
dégrossie“, se voit proposé pour une “augmentation de salaire“ ou passage au grade de
Comp .
The Apprentice-Accomplished, sits in the North-West of the Lodge, near the F 2ème Surv .

7 - The symbolic salary:

In the various Masonic rites, it is said that the App receives his salary at the foot of the
column B or J. However, in the idea that in the past, during the so-called era of Freemasonry
Operating, the App was housed and fed by his M , in the present ritual it is said that the
symbolic salary of the App is the meal taken in L (L from the table, tables brother , etc...) or
the one taken at his Master Kind.

8 - The dressing (or undressing) of the Lodge:

Term used to refer to the setup (or arrangement) of the accessories used for
the works of L .
The installation and storage of the accessories are carried out by the App. under control
you G Exp , you M of Cer and of M Architect.

9 - The Book of Symbolic Masonry:

Name given to the Constitutions written by James Anderson and published in 1723 by the Great
London Lodge.
This book is part of the 'furniture' of the L with the Square and the Compass.

10 - The Flaming Sword (or Fiery Sword):

Le Glaive flamboyant est utilisé le jour d'une Cérémonie de Réception pour la scène rituelle
of the investiture, which takes place after the oath of office.
The blade of the flaming sword is wavy in shape.

11 - The Square and the Compass (Fig. 12):

The Square and the Compass are always placed on the open Book of Symbolic Masonry.
on the page of 'The Charges of a Free-Mason' (D. Ligou, Édimaf éd., Paris 1984).
At the App level The Square is placed on the Compass opened at 45°.
The compass is yellow with blue tips. The long branch of
The thirty-four square must be oriented to the right.

173
 Fig. 12: THE SQUARE AND THE COMPASS

12 - The three symbolic colors:

These are the Yellow, the Red, and the Blue.

These three colors are represented by the three candles arranged ritually on the
chandelier of V M The yellow candle in the Northeast; the red one in the Southwest; the blue one in the
Southeast.
They symbolically correspond to the three moments that marked the day.
of the work of the operative Mason of yesteryear; the yellow in the east, the red in the west, and the blue
for the entire workday between sunrise and sunset.

NOTE: Fundamental colors also referenced to Jean-Théophile Désaguliers, who was G M of the
First Grand Lodge, initiator of the founding Constitutions of the Order, from 1723, member of the Royal Society
from London, physicist and propagator of the works of Isaac Newton, on light.

13 - The Outline of the Lodge (Fig. 13):

Ritual scene that extends from East to West and consists of V M , to light the three
candles in order: yellow, red, blue; then, for the G Exp , to open the Book of the
Symbolic Masonry, to place the Square and the Compass and to unfold the Carpet of L .

Fig. 13: THE TRACE OF THE LODGE

174
14 - The three stones (Fig. 14):

These are: the Rough Stone, the Cubic Stone with Point, and the Engraved Stone.
They symbolize the three degrees present in the L. at the App level .
The Raw Stone symbolizes the App grade. It has the rough shape of a cube. Its
The dimensions are such that they must contain the Pointed Cube.
The Cubic Stone at Pointe symbolizes the rank of Comp. .
The Engraved Stone symbolizes the rank of M On this stone are reproduced the
schemas constituting the key of the Masonic alphabet.

Fig. 14: THE THREE SYMBOLIC STONES

15 - The Setting of the Lodge (Fig. 15):

, the Rough Stone, the Cubic Stone with Point and the Stone
It consists of placing on the Carpet of L
Engraved, near the three windows in such a way that they form a right angle with each other.

Each stone is held in the left hand, the arm at right angles, the right hand in position.
of order.

Each F involved in the adjustment makes the tour of the Carpet of L by forming four squares
at the angles.
For the App the first is made at the North-East corner, and the laying of the stone at the North corner
West.
For the Comp the first square is made at the South-West angle and the installation in the middle of the
south side, between the edge of the carpet and the window.
For the M The first square is made at the South-East angle and the installation at the North-East angle.

16 - The Regulator Brother:

F who participates in the adjustment of the L There are three FF adjusters who are usually: a
App , for the Rough Stone; a Comp , for the pointed cubic stone; a M , who the most
often is the M of Cér , for the Engraved Stone.
An App must never lay the stone of the Comp nor that of the MM , and a Comp not
can never ask that of the MM .

Note: All M may be requested for the installation of the Engraved Stone. But, for reasons of convenience, it is
the M of the Cér who is in charge of this office. He is then considered as an M ordinary and exempt from use
the Cane of ceremonies.

175
Fig. 15: the adjustment of the Lodge by the three symbolic stones
or the gradual progression of the Mason.

176
17 - The Lodge Carpet (Fig. 16 a and b):

The Carpet of L (also sometimes called "Lodge Table", although this term is
improper), is made up of two equal and adjacent squares, one is white, the other is black.
The white square is called White Paving, the other is Black Paving.
The carpet is always rolled out along the axis of the L. , the White Paving on the East side.

In the center of the white Stone is represented the Sun in gold color. In the center of the black Stone are
represented the Moon in the shape of a crescent oriented towards the north and seven stars. The Moon and the
stars are silver in color.

At the center of the Carpet of L A rose of winds is represented (Fig. 16 a).

At the foot of the carpet, on the West side, there is a porch, ivory in color, with a door.
closed, elevated by seven steps and framed by two columns.

The first step is painted red, the second orange, the third yellow.
The other stairs and the porch are painted ivory. The columns are colored
bronze. On the shaft of the column situated on the right side is the letter B, gold color; on that one at
left hand, figure the letter J, silver color.

In the Southwest part, in the middle of the carpet, on the south side and in the Northeast part, are
represented three closed windows arranged in such a way that they form between them
a square

Around the rug, on the North, East, and South sides, runs a red rope with seven knots.
One of the nodes is located on the East side, three are on the North side, and the other three are on the South side.

18 - The Seven Knots Rope:

Cord that surrounds the Carpet of L by the North, the East and the South forming seven knots.
It ends on the West side, near the Porch.
In order to avoid any confusion, we must remember that this string is not the expression
graph of the Union Chain and even less the frilled tuft.
In the present ritual, it symbolizes the cord of the operative Masons used for markings,
the nodes serving as reference points.

19 - The Lodge Table:

Not to be confused with the Carpet of L .

The table of L This is the list of all the members of an L. , fees, assets or partners.
It can be completed by indicating the Masonic rank of each F. with the dates
of salary increase, the profession, etc...

177
178
20 - La tenue des glaives en Loge:

LeCouv holds his sword in his right hand, blade pointed upwards and slightly
supported on the front of the right shoulder. As a result, the Cover never adheres to order.
LeG Exp holds his sword with his left hand, blade facing upwards, slightly
leaning on the front of the left shoulder. As a result, the G Exp always keeps to order.
LeV M During the investiture ceremonies, he holds the flaming sword in his left hand.

In the present ritual, the Steel Vault is never formed, except for the coming in L. you
G M in person.
Pour faire la Voûte d'acier, tous les glaives sont tenus de lamain gaucheet les FF are at
the order.

21- The Ceremonial Cane (Fig. 18):

It is made of ebony wood and topped with a pommel in ivory.

22 - The holding of the Ceremonial Staff in Lodge (Fig. 19):

It is held vertically by the right hand by the M. of the Cer .

During the ritual movements, he lightly strikes the ground with the tip of the
a cane, and punctuate each right angle with a stronger blow.
The cane being held in the right hand, the M of Cer is never on the agenda during the
ritual movements.

Fig. 17: Ceremonial Staff Fig. 18: Ceremony Staff Outfit

179
23 - Movements in the Lodge (Fig. 20):
Movements always occur in the dextrocentric or solar direction (movement
apparent from the sun). During movements, one always maintains order and punctuates.
each change of direction by a square formed with the feet.

Fig.19: Movements in the Lodge

24 - The readings in Lodge:

A plan is defined as a letter or any other written document by an Obedience,

a L or an F .
A Piece of Architecture is defined as any discourse or work presented in L .

The architectural piece always begins with the formula:

V M and you all my friends in your ranks and qualities.
It is completed by the formula:
V M and you all my FF , I said.

In the presence of a dignitary, the one who holds the first mallet is always mentioned first. We
say then: "V M Very Ill F and you all my FF ... etc.

The ritual imposes on the F Orat a number of Pieces of Architecture. They carry
the following names:
Welcome Speech, during affiliations, reintegrations and various receptions.
Installation Speech, during the Installation and Investiture Ceremony of the Coll
of the MM Off .
Reception Speech, during the Reception Ceremony of a new App .
Speech of Transition, during the Transition Ceremony of a new Comp .
Elevation Speech during the Elevation Ceremony of a new M .
Eulogy, during the Funerals and Mourning Ceremonies.

The Piece of Architecture presented in L for the salary increase of an App

is called Pierre Dégrossie.

180
25 - The Books of the Lodge:

There are five of them.

The Book of the Constitution and the General Regulation of the Obedience, which is held by
the Orat during the entire duration of the work.
At the opening of the L , l'Orat standing and in order, gives a reading of the General Principles of
the Obedience, which are inserted there.
During an oath-taking ceremony, it is placed on the V platform. M ,
with the Book of Symbolic Masonry, under the Square and the Compass.

The Book of Architecture is the ledger of the minutes of the works of L. of

Committees of symbolic construction sites... It is held by the Sec .

The Book of Accounts is the notebook in which the revenues and the...
L expenses . It is held by the Treasury .

The Book of Solidarity is the notebook in which the recipes and the
expenses related to solidarity. It is held by the Hosp .

The Book of Construction is the attendance sheet. Each F and affix his signature.
It is held by the F Cover , who hands it over to Sec at the end of work.

26 - The Brothers in the Spotlight:

It is customary to invite to the East of the L or O , of the FF whom we want to honor.

This invitation is made after the commencement of the work.

27 - The Passing Brother or Brother in Transit:

The F Passing or still F the passage is an F visitor. He signs the attendance register.
on a page reserved for visitors where he indicates the name of his L and of his
Obedience.

28 - Regular and irregular Mason:

A regular Mason is the active or honorary Mason of a Lodge. The irregular Mason is one
who has resigned from Freemasonry or who has been expelled from it.

Note:Ne pas confondre avec la notion anglaise de régularité, qui est liée à la croyance en Dieu et à
the immortality of the soul.

29 - The Proposing Brother:

It's the F who presents a lay candidate to Freemasonry. In the language

Currently, we also talk about "godfather."

181
30 - The sounding of the stone:

synonym for 'the hearing under the band' or 'the band test' that we do
to raise to a postulant.
In trade masonry, the sounding test consists of striking a stone with a bar.
metallic to recognize, by the sound emitted, whether it contains flaws inside or not
that cannot be seen from the outside.

31 - The sign of consent:

Sign given during a vote by show of hands. It is done seated, by raising the right hand and...
letting fall on the edge of the apron.

32 - The Solstice Words or Semester Words:

Practically, they are the passwords of an Obedience. They change according to the Obedience.
at the solstices or the equinoxes.
They are composed of a proper noun and a quality starting with the same initial.
Ex.: Voltaire-Truth.
The proper name is always that of a former Freemason; the quality is generally that of
but he has shown.

33 - The transmission of Semester Words:

It spreads by word of mouth in the Union Chain. The first word circulates on the South side, the
second, North side.
After gently pulling the battery on the left shoulder of the F who is on his left,
V M whispers the first word in the right ear. He then gives back the word of the
same way.
The V M then communicate the second word in F who is to his right. This one says to him
also gives the word in the same way.
The two words circulate like this on either side of the chain, and each time, the F receiver
repeat the word in F giver
Arrived at F G Exp , the complete solstitial words are transmitted back and forth across the
chain so that they rise back in the same way to the V M , who then says:
The words returned just and perfect.

34 - The Union Chain:

Circle formed by holding the left hand, the right arm passing over the left arm.
In the Union Chain, the V M and the G Exp are always facing each other in
the axis of the L ; the V M East side, the G Exp West side.

182
The two Surv frame the G Exp All the other FF are distributed indiscriminately
in the Chain.

During an affiliation or a reintegration, the F affiliated or reinstated is placed between the

G Exp and the 1erSurv .

During a Reception Ceremony, each new App is framed by FF from the

L or passing through.

We dissolve the Union chain by a triple pressing of the hands and a triple swinging of the...
bras.

Note: One does not break a Chain of Union, but one leaves it.

35 - The Open Union Chain:

It is the Union Chain broken by the death of an F. .

The two Surv are then at both ends of the chain. When the chain closes, the
G Exp takes its place among the Surv .

36 - The Mourning Battery:

For a mourning battery, all the MM return their aprons, cords, and sashes.
It should be noted that only the V M does not return his Sautoir.
The mourning drum is played by gently striking the drum with the right hand on
the left forearm.
She is always triple.
After 1erabattery, we say: Let's groan;
let us groan, let us groan;
the 3thLet us moan, let us moan, let us moan, let us hope.
The mourning drum is always 'covered' by a drum said to be of joy, with
The acclamation: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

37 - The Master Installer:

It's an F chosen by the L to preside over the Installation Ceremony of the V M and you
Coll of the MM Off .

38 - The Bag of Proposals

The Proposal Box is a white trunk, intended to collect all the

proposals made in the interest of L Particularly, requests are submitted there.
of salary increase and the new applications proposed to Freemasonry.

183
It's the G Exp , not equipped with his sword, which he circulates by holding it in his left hand,
and who transmits it to the Orat to give it immediate reading.
Any proposal, in order to be admissible, must be signed by its author.

39 - The Widow's Trunk:

The Widow's Box is a black box intended to collect the offerings of the brethren. in
end of the outfit. It's the M of Cér , not equipped with his cane, who makes it circulate by holding it.
with the left hand and transmits it to the hospital .
The content of the trunk is called Flat Stone and is expressed in Kilos.
The Widow's Trunk and the Bag of Propositions circulate in the L in the direction
dextrocentric or solar, starting with the V Ma and ending with the Sec .

Note: In the present ritual, the Widow's Trunk always precedes the Bag of Proposals.

40 - The Erasure of the Lodge:

Ritual scene that involves removing the three stones, rolling up the L Carpet turn off the
chandelier and close the Book of Symbolic Masonry.

41–Winning Maillet:

Ritual scene consisting of striking the Mallet during the introduction in L of an F Dignitary.
This battery is usually achieved by a simple strike with a mallet initiated by the V. M ,
followed by 1heand 2thSurv and so on until the arrival of F Dignitary at the steps
of the O .

42 - Laying the Rough Stone on the Lodge Carpet (Fig. 20):

by the F G Exp and after he has regained his place,

After the unfolding of the Carpet of L
the App by standing in line, comes to take the Rough Stone placed on the first step
of the O He holds the stone in his left hand, arm at a right angle, faces West, and
puts his two feet in the square. After marking a time, he walks around the Lodge according to
the use before positioning oneself at the Northwest point. After marking four squares, he places
the stone at the North-West corner, after the ritual formulation.

43–Withdrawal of the Rough Stone from the Lodge Carpet (Fig. 21):

The F App , after having traveled the L up to the level of F 2thSurv take the Stone
Brute with the left hand and the drop on the first step of the O. He regains his position in
taking a tour of L .
He can, if placed in front of the stone, take it directly to place it on the step.

184
 Placement of the Rough Stone on the Lodge Carpet

After the unfolding of the L carpet by the F G Exp and after he has regained his place,
the App By adhering to the Order, comes to take the Rough Stone placed on the first step.
of the O He holds the stone in his left hand, his arm bent at a right angle, positions himself facing West, places
his two feet at right angles. He pauses briefly before traversing the L according to usage
(fig. 21).
Arriving at the Northeast point, he marks a square at each corner of the L carpet. . Arrived at
North-West point, he places the rough stone precisely on the corner after the formula.
pronounced by the F 2èmeSurv .

Fig.20: Circumambulation of the Apprentice for the placement of the Rough Stone on the Lodge Carpet.

185
Withdrawal of the Rough Stone at the closing of the Lodge

After the engraved and cubic stones are removed, the App take a tour of L
regularly, take the Rough Stone, place it on a step of the O and take another tour of L
to regain one's place.

Fig. 21: Circumambulation of the Apprentice for the withdrawal of the Rough Stone.

186
GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
Regular Sovereign Symbolic Power

French Philosophical Rite

at the Apprentice level

according to the original texts of the Respectable Lodge TOLERANCE

G.O.D.F. - Paris 1950

°
° °
RITUAL DIALOGUES of the First Degree
you

BOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS

Rose drawn from the notebooks of Villard de Honnecourt (XIIIthCentury)

Fascicle I - 9
(Paris 1970-1980)
Edition May 1994
Validated by the Council of the Order of the Grand Orient of France
in its Plenary Session of January 25 and 26, 2002.

187
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE BOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS 187

Preliminary proposals 189

1–The Symbolic Lodge 190

2 - Requests and responses, signs of approach and Bricklayer's Tiling 200

The Mason in his Lodge 207

4–Beginnings of Reception 215

5–The Reception–I: Travels and Elements 224

6–The Reception–II: Oath and Light 229

7 - The Apprentice's Salary 238

188
 Preliminary proposals

or

way to use this ritual in Lodge.

This ritual can be practiced in L , from December (or January) to June, or symbolically, from
winter solstice to summer solstice, that is to say practically since the Reception of the new
App until the Masonic holidays of the summer.
In this hypothesis, it is therefore desirable to work on the first part as soon as the
first Outfits that follow the Reception Ceremony then distribute the others according to the
Agendas of the meetings to conclude the year with the final part of this text.

This ritual can also be practiced in the Instruction Lodge or in a commission gathered around.
of 2thSurv .

It can also serve as a source of salary increase topics for the Apps. who
aspiring to pass Comp .

189
 First part

THE SYMBOLIC LODGE

The L is regularly prepared as for a normal opening.

The Book of Symbolic Masonry closed, the Square and the Compass must be placed on the altar.
of V M .
A stool, covered with a blue sheet, intended to hold these three symbols during the ceremony.
of opening, is placed in front of the first platform, at the top of the three steps (see ritual 'The Symbolic Lodge',
Fascicle I-1).

V M. : Stand up, my FF .

The FF regularly decorated, rise without getting in order.

V M : In honor of our new FF we are going to open our Book of

Instruction to work on the first part of the Ritual Dialogues
constructed by requests and responses.
The use of this type of ritual is very ancient. The first document
the Masonic known to this day written in this style is the
manuscript of the Edinburgh Archives, dated 1696.
In the past, these rituals were presumably intended to allow the Mason
passing to provide proof of his membership in the Brotherhood; and
to transmit a teaching of which certain fragments are
reached us.

This Book of Instructions is divided into seven parts. It is composed to

the essential, elements drawn from ancient Masonic documents,
manuscripts or printed works, originating from the British Isles but also from
France, from the medieval period to the first half of the
XVIIIthcentury.
It also contains elements from a more recent period,
registering by there in a current of thought that inserts Order
Masonic in an evolution, natural destiny of all societies
humanities, and contains specific elements of the French Rite
Philosophical.

Today, this type of ritual aims to provide the basics of a

symbolic teaching that it is up to each person to deepen
according to his sensitivity and motivations. In our eyes, he presents himself
like a guiding thread trying to connect us to the Masons who us
preceded, whether they are Practical or Theoretical. It recalls the
philosophical principles on which our Masonry is based.
Finally, he reminds the Mason, regardless of his rank, that he must insert himself
both in a personal project and in a societal project, of which the
The cornerstone is the Idea of Construction.

190
 This first part that we are going to work on is titled: 'The Lodge'
Symbolic. It is dedicated to the foundations of the Lodge at the degree
Apprentice, to its adjustment and opening.
It will include elements drawn from the Archives manuscripts.
Edinburgh (1696), Chetwode Crawley (1700), Sloane (1700)
Dumfries No. 4 (1710), Trinity College (1711), Graham (1726), Wilkinson
(1727) and in printed publications such as Freemasonry
Dissociated (1730), The Broken Seal (1745).

May everyone know how to draw on the useful tools and materials for their
work in all of these symbolic instructions of the First
grade.

With me by the sign.

The FF make the sign.

Regain your seats.

V M : F 1erSurv Are you a Freemason?

R: My FF recognize me as such.

D2 : How do they recognize that you are a Freemason?

R: At the Sign, at the Mark, and at the Word.

D3 : And you, how do you recognize that you are a Freemason?

R: To the Secrets I keep and to the Rules I respect.

D4 : Who transmits the Secrets and the Rules of Freemasonry?

R: V M it's the L .

D5 : How does the L open? ?

R: It opens in private with Free and Regular Masons.

D6 : Who covers the L , according to the Rule?

R: Discretion and two FF .

D7 : Which FF ?
R: The Cover and the Tuil .

D8 : Where do they commonly take place?

R: The Cover seat inside the L , the Tuil seat on the Forecourt.

D9 : Why on the Parvis?

R: To keep away the curious, the envious, and the Cowans.

D10 : Who was called Cowan in the Practice of Freemasonry?

191
R: The one who had neither the Word nor the Mark nor the Sign and who had no right
to raise only walls of dry stone or bound with earth
as the only binder.

D11 : In the past, how was a Cowan punished for getting too close?
of the L ?
R: They were forcefully placed under a gutter during heavy rain in order to
that the water penetrates him from head to toe and that his shoes
be filled with them.

V M : Since this is the case, let us ensure that there are no curious on the Forecourt.
Neither envious nor Cowans.
F 1erSurv , are we covered?

1heSurvive : F 2thSurv , the V M ask if we are covered.

2thSurv : F Cover asks the F Tuil if we are sheltered.

The Couv stands up, faces the door, and visibly knocks three strong and regular knocks with the pommel of
his sword held in his right hand.

He then knocks discreetly three more times with his left hand.

He turns around and quietly reports to F 2thSurv .

2emeSurv : F 1erSurv , we are sheltered.

1heSurv : V M , we are sheltered.

D12 : F 2thSurv Since we are covered, can we

open the L ?
R: No, V M we must ensure that all the FF here present
are Free and Regular Masons.

D13 : Who is a Free Mason?

R: The one who is stripped of his metals.

D14 : Which metals?

R: Those who cover the Stone and give it a deceptive appearance.

D15 : What do you mean?

R: That the Mason must strip away appearances and values
illusory, which is translated as L the recovery of civil clothing by
the Masonic decor of his degree.

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D16 : What are we expecting from this counting?
R: That it purifies the spirit and brings everyone back to authenticity, in order to tighten
more the ties that unite us by placing us all on the same level.

R17 : Who is a Regular Mason?

R: The one who has the Word, the Mark, and the Sign.

V M : Stand and in order.

Since it is so, FF 1erand 2thSurv , visit the Southern Yards and
North. You will ensure that everyone adheres to the Rule as they should.
And, if necessary, I urge you to tile according to the custom.

The Surv , le maillet placé sur le devant de l'épaule gauche, se positionnent face à face à l'Ouest de la L .
They begin their march by crossing each other for the first time on their left, to the West, then, after having gone up
the L , a second time to the East.
When the Survivors are facing their respective projects, the FF The South and the North are coming into order.

The Surv regain their places by checking if each F is regularly decorated and knows how to give the sign.

2thSurv : V M , we are Free and Regular Masons in the North.

1erSurv : V M we are Free and Regular Masons in the South.

V M : We are Free and Regular Masons from North to South and from East to West
West.

When the V M pronounce the word "Est", the FF who are at the O put themselves in order;
when he says the word 'West', the Couv places his sword down and stands at attention.

V M : The foundations withstand challenges. We are going to draw the L. .

Take a seat.

The G Exp without his sword, but with his ritual, takes place in the middle of the L behind the Carpet of L
rolled.
The V M show the lit ember.

D18 : F G Exp , what is this?

R: The Tison.

D19 : Which Tison?

R: The one that never goes out and is ready to reignite at any moment.
flame of Freemasonry.

The V M light the torch using the poker, then light the three candles of the L-shaped candelabrum
in order: yellow, red, blue.
He places the extinguished Torch down with a snuffer and points at the Chandelier.

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D20 : Why these three colors?
R: They mark three particular moments of the Mason's day, the
young for the rising sun, red for the sunset, blue for during
the work.

D21 : And why three stars?

R: To remind that it takes only three Masons to chase away the darkness and
spread Freemasonry.

The V M take the closed Book of Symbolic Masonry, bring it to the view of everyone and ask,

D22 : What is this Book?

R: The Founding Book of Symbolic Freemasonry.

D23 : But what else?

R: The Constitutions and Obligations of the Brotherhood of Freemasons
Accepted, collected and extracted from the old archives of the LL
since the origin of Freemasonry.

The V M give the book to G Exp .

V M : F G Exp , fill your office.

The G Exp take the Book of Constitutions of 1723, open it to the page 'The charges of a Free-Mason...'
(The Obligations of a Freemason), and places it on the stool.
The G Exp stay at the foot of the steps of the O .

The V M Take the compass he carries in plain sight.

He asks,

D24 : What is this?

R: The Compass of the Comp and MM Masons.

D25 : But what else?

R: A symbol of the spirit.

The V M give the compass to G Exp who regularly places it on the book.
The V M then take the Square that he carries in plain sight and ask,

D26 : What is this?

R: The three-four square of the Comp and the MM Masons.

D27 : But again?

R: A symbol of matter.

The V M tend the Square to G Exp who regularly places it on the Book and the Compass.

D28 : Why place the Square on the Compass?

194
R: To remind that in L at the App level it is the work on the matter
which predominates.

D29 : What do you mean?

R: At the App grade all Masons rough out their raw stone
with the three tools in use: the Lever, the Mallet, and the Chisel.
The Lever to place the Stone on the corner; the Mallet and the Chisel to
the work.

V M : F G Exp , fulfill your duty.

The G Exp unroll the carpet of L and regains its place.

The V M , can then query any F from the L , but he will prefer to question the newcomers.
App .

The F interrogated, armed with his ritual, stands up and gives the sign.
Then, without adhering to the order, answers the questions of V. M .
After answering the questions, the F App Give the signal before taking your place.

D30 : My F L...

The F L... gets up.

The V M point to the Carpet of L .

... what is this?

R: A square pavement.

D31 : What is it made of?

R: Of a black stone and a white stone.

D32 : What do you see on the Black Square and the White Square?
R: A Porch between two Columns. Three Windows or lights, placed in
square and closed by a cast iron grid. The Golden Sun and the Moon
silver accompanied by stars. A knotted rope that runs through the L .
A rose for the cardinal points.

D33 : How is the L oriented? ?

R: Full East and West.

D34 : Why full East and West?

R: Because at the equinoxes, the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West.

D35 : Are there any stationary lights in the L? ?

R: Yes, three windows.

D36 : How are the three Windows of the L arranged? ?

195
R: The first, at the North-East corner; the second, directly South; the third,
at the North-West corner.

D37 : What do they represent?

R: Three special moments of the brightest day of the year: the
first window for the Sun at its rising, the second, for the Sun at
midday, the third for the Sun at its setting.

D38 : What are these L-shaped windows for? of Practice?

R: To enlighten the FF when they are at work.

D39 : What do they mean in L of Theory?

R: Three dispositions in search of Truth.

V M : Thank you, my F L...

D40 : My F M..., what is the symbolic form of the L? ?

R: A long square.

D41 : What is its length?

R: From East to West.

D42 : Its width?

R: From North to South.

D43 : Its height?

R: From its center to the Zenith.

D44 : Its depth?

R: From its center to the Nadir.

D45 : Why give such vast dimensions to an L symbolic?

R: To remind of the universal nature of Freemasonry.

D46 : ?
Where is the Centre of the L
R: On the straight pavement and under the plumb line.

D47 : Why a plumb line at the center of the L ?

R: To remind that everything is movement in the World and that we
we are endlessly confronted between appearance and reality.

D48 : Where does wire lead, symbolically?

R: At the North Star.

D49 : Why?
R: The North Star is the point of light that allows the traveler to
never lose our way. In this, it is similar to Reason, which must guide us

196
 to enlighten us and to allow us to never stray in our thoughts
and in our words.

V M : Thank you, my F M...

D50 : My F N..., Who supports the L ?

R: Three Pillars.

D51 : What are these Pillars called?

R: Force, Wisdom, Beauty.

D52 : What does that mean?

R: Strength for the will, Wisdom for reason, Beauty for the heart.

D53 : How is the L adjusted? ?

R: It is adjusted using squares.

D54 : Where is it adjusted?

R: Under the Plumb Line.

D55 : What do you mean?

R: On the Black Paving and the White Paving.

D56 : How is that?

R: By placing three stones on a square.

D57 : Which stones is it about?

R: From the Rough Stone, which holds the secret of the Apps from the Stone
Cubique at Pointe, which holds the secret of the Comp from the Stone
Engraved, which holds the secret of the MM .

V M : Thank you, my F N...

D58 : My F P..., how many types of Masons are there in an L ?

R: There are the Operative or Practical Masons, and the Accepted Masons.
also known as Theoreticians.

D59 : What kind of Mason are you?

R: I am an Accepted Mason.

D60 : But what else?

R: I am App .

D61 : , as an Accepted Mason and App ?

What are you doing in L?
R: I roughen my stone.

D62 : Would you also be a builder?

R: I will become it.

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D63 : How can one become a builder when one is just a mason?
of Theory and more, App ?
R: By first correcting within oneself the bad foundations.

V M : Thank you, my F P...

Stand up and in order.

Since that is the case, we will settle the L so that everyone can
rough out your stone.
My F S..., rule the L according to usage.

Le F App Take the Rough Stone and place it at the North-West corner of the Carpet of L. after scoring the four
usage brackets, the first being made at the North-East angle.

During this scene, the Rough Stone is held in the left hand, the elbow at a right angle and the F App is at
the order.

Before laying the stone, the F App mark a time to allow for the 2thSurv to pronounce the phrase
ritual.

2thSurv : Let Liberty be the foundation of T .

After the placement of the Raw Stone, a F Comp , never an App take the Cubic Stone at Pointe and place it on the side
between the edge of the carpet and the second window on the black and white, after marking the
South of the Carpet of L
four squares of use, the first being made at the South-West corner.

For the continuation, the same remarks as for the F. App

1erSurv : Let Equality be the Keystone.

A F , necessarily M (preferably M of the Cér Take the Engraved Stone and place it at the North-East corner.
of the Carpet of L , after marking the four corner points commonly used, the first being made at the Southeast angle.

For the rest, the same remarks as for the FF. previous

V M : May Fraternity be the Cement of T .

V M : I remind you that the construction of the T is the Work of the Franc-
Masonry. Let each one, according to his heart and according to his strength, bring to
this idea of perfection, the cornerstone of his free choice, of his free work
and of his free examination.

V M : F 1heSurv , what time does the L open? ?

R: A Midi.

V M : F 2thSurv What time is it?

R: It is noon.

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V M : Since it is time and everything is in accordance with the symbolic Plan, I
I declare, by virtue of the powers vested in me, that the L
......................................, founded in the Glory of the Universal Work in
............................, to the O of ...................................., is open to
App rating .

Three equally spaced hammer strikes.

V M : FF 1erand 2thSurv invite the brothers of the South and North Shipyards,
as I invite those from the East Site to take up the tools and to
continue the work.

1heSurv : FF from the South Site, you are invited to take up the tools and
continue the work.

2thSurv : FF from the North Site, you are invited to take back the tools and to
continue the work.

V M :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M : With me by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

Liberty! Equality! Brotherhood!

V M : The first part of the ritual instruction of the First Degree is

finished.
The L is open and the work resumes with force and vigor. What
everyone should be able to draw their strength from their reason and their humanity from their
heart.

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 Second part

REQUESTS and RESPONSES, SIGNS OF APPROACH

and

MASON PASSING SCAFFOLDING

V M : Stand up and be orderly.

The FF they rise and stand in order.

V M : We will work on the second part of the Book of Instructions. It

entitled: 'Requests and Responses, Signs of Approach and Tiling of'
Passing Mason
It is dedicated to the signs of recognition used in the past by
the Operative Masons, when they appeared on a construction site.
Some of these signs have passed into modern Freemasonry.
others have been forgotten or lost.

This part of our Ritual Dialogues has been developed inspired by

ancient documents, of which the main ones are the manuscripts of
Edinburgh Archives (1696), Sloane (1700), Dumfries no.4 (1710)
Trinity College (1711), Graham (1726), Wilkinson (1727), and in some
printed publications such as the so-called Anderson Constitutions
["(1723) The Dissected Freemasonry (1730), The Broken Seal (1745)."]

At the end of the ritual, we are reminded, Theoretical Masons,

Founding principles of Freemasonry of Free Conscience.

Our F X... will play the role of the Entered Apprentice.

With me by the Sign.

Regain your places.

The F who plays the role of the Entered Apprentice (an E) or a Comp ), handed in his apron and gloves to 2thSurv
and leaves the L .
It must be equipped with a small very malleable metal rod (like a welding rod) and a piece
from paper or cardboard, pre-cut in square.

On the ground of the L , near number 2thSurv four tools are arranged: a lever, a mallet, a chisel and
a rule, as well as a stone - a kind of pebble - easy to hold in the hand.

On the 2nd floorèmeSurvive A glass containing a little water has been placed.

The "Traveling Mason" X..., requests entrance to the L. by hitting regularly.

X...

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V M : Who is striking like this?

1erSurv : F 2thSurv , who strikes like this?

2thSurv : F Cover see who is knocking.

The Couv open the door and report in a low voice to 2thSurv .

2èmeSurv : F 1erSurv , he is a Mason who claims to belong to the Brotherhood.

1erSurv : V M he is a Mason who claims to belong to the Brotherhood.

V M : Let him enter, let us observe him and interrogate him. We will see if
It is a Cowan.
The Cover open the door.
The F X... enters without taking steps or giving any sign.
He remains at level 2thSurv without adhering to the order.

X... : Thank you for opening the door for me and allowing me to enter your
house.
V M : Hospitality is our rule.

D64 : Can I speak freely?

R: Try.

D65 : Is the house clean?

R: Look.

D66 : Would it be poorly covered with thatch?

R: Check.

D67 : Is it raining then?

R: Maybe. I am not responsible for anything while observing you and you
listening.

X... : I see that you are staying on your guard.

Forgive me, I beg you, you will discover who I am.

The V M interrogates in turn.

D68 : What is your name?

R: My name starts with J.

D69 : What are you looking for?

R: Masons.

D70 : Which Masons?

R: Those who are my FF .

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D71 : You have some FF among the Masons?
R: I have a lot of FF among the Freemasons.

D72 : Where do you come from to seek out Bricklayers like this?
R: From the West.

D73 : Where are you going?

R: To the East.

D74 : Why go from West to East?

R: Because of the Light.

D75 : What is the day good for?

R: The day is better for seeing than for hearing.

D76 : To see what?

R: Signs.

D77 : What signs?

R: All squares are signs.

D78 : What does that mean?

R: The F X..., pulls the metal rod out of his pocket, bends it at a right angle, and presents it, very
apparently, at the V M .

D79 : But what else?

R: The F X..., take the pre-cut piece of cardboard, cut it into a right angle, and the
present, very visibly, at the V M .

R80 : But what else?

R: The F X..., slowly and visibly for everyone, the cross tools (lever and
rule, mallet and chisel.

D81 : What is the night good for?

R: The night is better for hearing than for seeing.

D82 : To hear what?

R: The demands of the Masons.

D83 : What are the demands of the Masons?

R: Voices and blows on the stone.

D84 : But again?

R: The F X..., take the mallet placed in a cross and visibly strike the stone twice.
short taps and another spaced one, then put down the mallet.

D85 : F G Exp , offers a drink as is right to this Mason, and

let's observe how he drinks.
R: The G Exp give the glass of water to F X..., who remains motionless.

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D86 : Drink.
R: I can't drink like this.

D87 : Drink, I beg you.

R: I will drink after you, according to good customs.

D88 : Drink, I vouch for you.

R: The F X..., woods in three times, two times close together and once spaced, then passes the
glass from left to right in front of the throat.
The F G Exp put the glass back on the tray of 2thSurv .
We can also simply mime this scene.

D89 : F G Exp offers a stone to this Mason.

R: The F G Exp , pick up the stone and give it to F X...

D90 : Does it have a smell?

R: Each stone has a smell.

D91 : What smell does it have?

The F X..., brings the stone to his nose.
R: It has the smell of no metal.

The G Exp pick up the stone and put it back on the ground.

D92 : Since you entered, I have been observing you, I have been listening to you... it makes me
seem to recognize you.
Are you a Freemason?
R: My FFs recognize me as such.

D93 : How do they recognize that you are a Freemason?

R: At the Sign, at the Mark and at the Word.

D94 : How is the Sign given?

R: By the Square, the Level, and the Perpendicular.

D95 : Give me the Sign.

R: The F X..., makes the sign and stands in line.

D96 : What does the Sign ask?

R: The Brand.

D97 : Give the brand to F G Exp .

R: The F X..., and the G Exp they shake hands very visibly for everyone.

D98 : Cover her.

R: The F X..., covers the Brand with the left hand and resumes order.

G Exp : V M , the Brand is regular.

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D99 : What does the Brand demand?
R: The Word.

D100 : I can see that you are a Mason, but have you really received the
Word?
R: I received the Word of the Mason as it should be.

D101 : Give me the Word of the Mason or Sacred Word.

R: I can neither read nor write, I can only spell. Let it be given to me
First, I will give the second.

D102 : J
R: A

D103 : K
R: H

D104 : I
R: N

D105 : YES...
R: ...KHIN

D106 : JAKHIN
R: Jakhin

D107 : My FF let's offer an apron and gloves to this passing mason.

R: The F G Exp renders to F X..., his apron and gloves, so that he can adorn himself
regularly.

D108 : Masonry approach.

R: The F X... takes three steps and the usual greetings.
The V M and the FF from the L where I come from
greet you,
greet you,
greet you well.
They hope that my visit will strengthen your kindness towards them.

V M : Stand and at attention.

D109 : JAKHIN, I greet you in turn and wish you welcome. We wish you
let us recognize as a link of the Brotherhood and, here, we are
all your FF We ask you to use freely what you wish.
and to request our assistance if needed.
But tell me, what are you doing in L? as a Freemason?
R: I just roughen my stone.

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D110 : What stone is it?
R: Of the Free Choice, Free Work and Free Examination.

V M : Take a seat among us, my F , because we need you.

The F X... regularly takes place on the construction sites.

V M : My FF , with me by the Sign.

Retake your seats.

We are waiting for the F G Exp remove the tools, the stone and regain its place.

D111 : F 1heSurv What does JAKHIN mean?

R: It was the name borne by one of the two Columns erected in front of the
Temple of Solomon.

D112 : Why the Temple of Solomon?

R: It is written that this T had a high degree of perfection. In taking it
as an emblem, Freemasonry reminds everyone that the one who
what we must build must also have a high degree of perfection.

D113 : F 2emeSurv How do you recognize that you are a Freemason?

R: A la régularité de ma Réception.

D114 : What does a regular Reception in our Freemasonry depend on?

R: On three points.

D115 : Give me those points.

R: Freedom for the Request, freedom for the Oath, freedom for
Conscience.

D116 : Why freedom for conscience?

R: Because it imposes no limits on the search for Truth, nor on
gathering of men. It makes Freemasonry an institution
open to ideas, aspirations, and, in the words of our
First Constitution, open to any follower of this religion on
which all men agree on and which consists of being
good, sincere, modest men, and people of honor and integrity,
whatever the names or particular beliefs that
aiding in distinguishing them, hence it follows that Masonry is the Center
of the Union and the means to reconcile a sincere friendship among the
men who would never have been able to become familiar with each other without this,
themselves

D117 : In the past, what did our brothers place

Practical above their profession?
R: The Great Architect of Heaven and Earth.

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D118 : Who is this Great Architect of Heaven and Earth?
R: The creative will of the World.

D119 : Why prefer Freedom of Conscience to the Great Architect of the Sky
and the Earth, for the oath of office?
R: At the origin of Freemasonry, the Masons believed in the design
metaphysics of the World. Later, following the progress of thought
scientific, another conception has emerged which, it conceives the
the formation of the universe without supernatural will. It resulted in that
the whole of the FF has found itself divided.

Also, so that Freemasonry can remain the Center of Unity,

Masons deemed it wise to go beyond the concept of the Great Architect.
and to prefer to him that of Absolute Freedom of Conscience.

If the new Mason enters in L through the little door, with Liberty
Absolute of Conscience, he enters Freemasonry through the most
big.

It allows everyone to shape their stone according to their own

beliefs and in respect of those of others.

V M : Stand up and in order.

My FF that we are Practical Masons or Masons of
Theory, whether we have the metaphysical or physical conception of
World, we are all from the universal religion of which it has been
question, as from all nations, from all languages and from
all families.
Freemasonry, since its origins, carries the Light and dispels the
Darkness of Humanity. It is a community of builders.
Yesterday, she built masterpieces of stone around the world.
Today, she contributes to the building of Man and, by that very means,
of the City.
Freemasonry believes in Man, it believes in his becoming, it believes in
her emancipation exalted her dignity.
Let us be worthy of his ideal.

V M : The second part of the Ritual Dialogues is finished.

With me by the Sign.
Regain your seats.

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 Third part

THE MASON IN HIS LODGE

V M : Stand up and be ordered.

The FF stand up and hold the order.

V M : We will work on the third part of the Book of Instructions. It

is titled: "The Mason in His Lodge". It is dedicated to his
scheduling.

It was developed by drawing inspiration from ancient documents, including the

the main ones are the manuscripts from the Archives of Edinburgh (1696),
["Sloane (1700)","Chetwode Crawley (1700)","Dumfries No. 4 (1710)","Trinity"]
College (1711), Wilkinson (1727), and printed publications
like, Examination of a Mason (1723), Confession of a Mason (1727), The
Maçonnerie Disséquée (1730), Le Sceau Rompu (1745).

V M : With me by the Sign.

Get back your seats.

D120 : F 1heSurv , the L Is it open or closed?

R: It is closed for some, open for others.

D121 : Open for whom?

R: For those who have the key.

D122 : So there is a key for the L. ?

R: Each L to a key.

D123 : Where is this key?

R: Three and a half feet from the L door under a concrete block or a
green moth, or else in a bone box, covered with hair
rough.

D124 : Is she lying down or hanging?

R: She is pending and waiting.

D125 : Waiting where?

R: In a safe place, where the secrets of Masonry are kept.

D126 : What is it made of?

R: It is neither made of wood, nor of iron, nor of steel, nor of any kind of metal.

D127 : What is this mysterious key then?

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R: It is the language of good renown. The one that keeps secrets and does not speak.
of no use to anyone F , neither in front nor behind and which provides the entrance to
all the LL .

V M : My FF let us never forget that discretion is one of the qualities

first of the Freemason.
I remind you that we must show a lot of
discretion outside of the L We must pay attention to our
behavior and our remarks.
We must not only avoid revealing membership
masonic of an F to non-Masons but also to another F
without his prior consent.

D128 : F 2thSurv What is Practical Masonry?

R: A work of a square.

D129 : And a Practicing Mason?

R: A stone worker who raises perpendiculars on their bases.

D130 : As a practicing Mason, how do you see the M? from the L ?

R: I see him with homage and respect because I greet him as the Master of
The Art.

D131 : Would you be able to recognize it?

R: Yes.

D132 : How do you recognize it?

R: A son habit.

D133 : How is he dressed?

R: Of a yellow jacket and blue pants, which relates to the Compass
which is made of copper with steel tips.

The V M , can then query any F from the L , but he will prefer to question the newcomers.
App .
The F interrogated, armed with his ritual, rises and gives the sign.
Then, without adhering to the order, answer the questions of V. M .
After answering the questions, the F App give the sign before returning to your seat.

D134 : My F L..., where the M is held from the L ?

R: To the East.

D135 : Why?
R: As the Sun rises in the East and opens the day, the M stands on the
East site, the right hand on the throat as a Sign and the Square
around his neck, to open the L and send his FF to work.

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D136 : Where is the 1heSurv ?
R: Côté Ouest, en regardant le Sud.

D137 : Why?
R: The 1erSurv holds thus, the right hand on the throat as a sign
and the Level around his neck, to guide the Comp of the South Site
during the work.

D138 : Where is the 2 held?emeSurv ?

R: West side, looking North.

D139 : Why?
R: The 2thSurv holds thus, the right hand on the throat as
Sign and the Perpendicular to its neck, to illuminate the Apps you
North site during the work.

V M : Thank you, my F L...

D140 : My F M..., what is your symbolic age?

R: Under Seven Years.

D141 : But still?

R: Three years.

D142 : Why respond with Seven and Three?

R: Because in L of Practice, no M could not take an App
for less than seven years and that in L of Theory, the App a
symbolically Three years.

D143 : How do you get into L? of Theory?

R: By three knocks, three steps, three signs.

D144 : After the ritual greetings, what do you do?

R: I wait, motionless and at attention.

D145 : What are you waiting for?

R: What the M from the L invites me to regain my place.

D146 : So you have a spot in L ?

R: Every Mason has a place in L .

D147 : Where is your place in the L ?

R: At the North-East point of the North Site.

D148 : What are you doing in this place?

R: I rough out my rough stone.

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D149 : How can one rough out such a stone when one is just a
Mason of Theory?
R: By first learning Silence.

D150 : Why the Silence?

R: To listen, observe and discover.

D151 : To listen to whom?

R: All the MM and the Comp , who hold the secrets of the Art and of
Trade.

D152 : To observe what?

R: The path of the Sun on the work and the path of the stones that I must
to take.

D153 : To discover what?

R: Duty, Friendship, and True Wealth.

D154 : How do you work in L ?

R: With zeal and devotion.

V M : Thank you, my F M...

D155 : My F N..., how do we recognize an App in L ?

R: In its place, at its stone, in its decor.

D156 : ?
What is the decor of the App?
R: A white apron and white gloves.

D157 : What do you know about this apron?

R: That it is the most modest of decorations, that it can be worn by a Prince.
or carried by a beggar, provided they are FF .

D158 : What is it used for in L? of Practice?

R: To protect the App still clumsy in stone work.

D159 : And in L of Theory?

R: He is the symbol of the work.

D160 : What are L Gloves for? of Practice?

R: To protect the hands while working with stone and lime.

D161 : And in L of Theory?

R: They are the symbol of the purity of the feelings that drive us.

D162 : What is an L ?
R: A discreet place, covered and tiled.

210
D163 : What else?
R: An assembly of Masons.

D164 : Where could such an L take place?formerly?

R: At the top of a mountain or in the middle of a swamp, a day of
market of a town, where one hears neither a rooster crowing nor a dog.
to bark.

D165 : What use was made of this Lodge of the Fields?

R: Receive new Masons when it couldn't be done in the city.

D166 : In which L Are we receiving the new Masons?

R: In an L Just and Perfect.

D167 : What makes an L Just and Perfect?

R: Seven Masons in three degrees.

D168 : What does that mean?

R: Three MM , two Comp , two Apps .

D169 : Why is she Just and Perfect?

R: Because it contains within it all the knowledge of Masonry.

D170 : According to our FF of Practice, where the first L was held Just and
Perfect?
R: In front of the Porch of the Temple of Solomon, in front of two Columns and under
a vault of azure sprinkled with stars.

V M : Thank you, my F N...

D171 : My F P..., the L does she have Lights?

R: The L Three Great Lights.

D172 : What are the Three Great Lights?

R: The Sun, the Moon and the M from the L .

D173 : What does that mean?

R: The Sun to illuminate the day, the Moon to illuminate the night, the M for
illuminate her L .

D174 : Are there other lights in the L ?

R: There are five other lights.

D175 : What are they?

R: The first five MM Off from the L they make it just and
Agreed.

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D176 : Just and in accordance with what?
R: In regard to the Rules and Laws of Masonry.

D177 : Who are the five lights of L ?

R: The V M , the two Surv , the Orat and the Sec .

D178 : How many MM are there? Off in an L of Theory?

R: Five, ten and fifteen.

D179 : Why ten?

R: To make the L Stable.

D180 : How is that?

R: Ten MM Off strengthening the foundations of a L what makes her
suitable for any project of work.

D181 : Who are the MM Off from the L Stable?

R: The five lights of the L Just and Conform to which joins the
G Exp , the Tres the Hosp , the M of Cer , the Couv .

D182 : Why fifteen?

R: To make the L Strong.

D183 : How is that?

R: Fifteen MM Off comforting the plumb of an L , from the Foundations to the
Coverage, and makes it suitable to spread Freemasonry.

D184 : Who are the MM? Off of the L Strong?

R: The ten MM Off from the L Stable to which the Guard joins
Seal and Patent, the Guardian of the Archives, the M Architect, the
M Manager, the M Harmonist.

V M : Thank you, my F P...

D185 : My F R..., the L Does she have wealth?

R: She has five types of wealth.

D186 : What are the riches of L? ?

R: Its Tools, its Jewelry, its Furniture, its Books and its FF .

D187 : How many tools are there in the L? of Theory?

R: Three.

D188 : Which ones?

R: The Lever, the Mallet and the Chisel.

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D189 : How many pieces of jewelry are there in the L? ?
R: Six.

D190 : What do you mean?

R: Three mobiles and three immobiles.

D191 : Why mobile jewelry?

R: Because they go from F to F , according to free choice.

D192 : What are the three mobile jewels?

R: The Square, the Level and the Perpendicular.

D193 : Why stationary jewelry?

R: Because they ensure the sustainability of the project that is common to us, whatever
let the FF be who regulate the L .

D194 : What are the three immobile jewels?

R: The Rough Stone, the Pointed Cubic Stone, the Engraved Stone.

D195 : How many pieces of furniture are there in the L? ?

R: There are five kinds of furniture.

D196 : What do you mean?

R: The Square, the Compass, the Book of Symbolic Masonry, the
Maces and swords.

D197 : How many Mallets are there in the L ?

R: Three.

D198 : Who holds the Mallets in the L ?

R: The M from the L and its two Surv .

D199 : How many swords are there?

R: Three.

D200 : Who holds the Glades?

R: The Cover , who holds the Sword in the right hand; the G Exp , who holds
the one of the left hand; the M from the L who holds the Sword
Flamboyant, to create, receive, and form the new Masons.

D201 : How many Books are there in the L ?

R: Five.

D202 : Who holds the Books?

R: The Orat who holds the Book of the Constitution and the General Regulations
from the Obedience, the Dry who holds the Book of Architecture, the Treasure who

213
 holds the Book of Accounts, the Hosp who holds the Book of Solidarity, the
Cover who holds the Book of Works.

D203 : Who are the FF from the L ?

R: Masons of Practice and Masons of Theory.

D204 : Are you from Practice or Theory?

R: I am from Theory.

D205 : Who led you to become a Theoretical Mason?

R: A path and a stone.

D206 : The one who goes from the Carrière to the L and that which we tear from the benches-
francs?
R: No, the one who is sought and the one who is awareness.

D207 : How do you see the Theoretical Mason?

R: I see him as a proponent of Free Examination. A Mason who dedicates himself.
the right to study all ideas, all opinions, without any
landmark may put an obstacle to this right and which makes of the
reason, the tool of his emancipation and his source of light.

V M : Thank you, my F R...

V M : Stand and at attention.

My FF our Freemasonry always appeals to our reason.
For that, it admits no barrier, no boundary, no limit.
the natural need for research and reflection.
But let's never forget that reason is constantly threatened. Do not
don't look for your enemies always outside, often they are inside
ourselves.
It is also within us that we must fight the forces that
oppose her.

V M : The third part of the Ritual Dialogues is finished.

With me by the Sign.

Regain your seats.

214
 Fourth part

The Beginnings of Reception

V M : Stand up and in order.

The FF they rise and stand in order.

V M : We will work on the fourth part of the Book of Instructions which

Entitled: 'The Beginnings of Reception'.

It is devoted to the legendary origin of Freemasonry and to

conditions for receiving an Operative Mason and those today
practiced to enter into Symbolic Masonry.

This section was developed based on the old documents of the

Masonry, the Regius manuscripts (1390), Cooke (1410), Grand Lodge
number 1 (1583), William Watson (1687), Dumfries number 4 (1710), Graham
(1726).

With me by the Sign.

Regain your seats.

D208 : F Speak What is Freemasonry?

R: It is an Art that rests on a Science.

D209 : What is this Science?

R: Geometry.

D210 : On what land and under what skies could such a noble Art be born?
such pure Science?
R: No one knows it, V M , but a legend that has reached us relates
his story.

D211 : What legend?

R: The one that was taught once in Practical Masonry
every time a new Mason was made and who contains within her
the foundation stones of our modern Masonry.

V M : F Orat tell us this legendary story as we have it

received.

Orat : V M and all of you my FF , in your ranks and qualities. In the narrative
legendary, it is said that Geometry and Freemasonry were
invented during the seventh Adamic age, by JABEL, one of the sons
from LAMETH, during the construction of the city of ENOCH.

215
 But, at that time, other sciences were invented that
contained all knowledge. Thus, Grammar, Rhetoric,
Dialectics, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, Astronomy.

When God's vengeance seemed imminent, and as it was unknown

by which Element the World would be purified, the Seven Sciences, to be
saved, were engraved on two Columns, one resistant to Fire,
the other resistant to Water.

During the Flood, all the men of the Earth perished, except for NOAH,
his wife, his three sons, SEM, CAM, JAPHET and their wives.

Many years later, the two Columns containing were found.

the Seven Sciences. It is said that PYTHAGORAS discovered one of them, and
that HERMES discovered the other. Thus, the Seven Sciences were again
taught.

As a result, Freemasonry prospered rapidly. Several cities were

built and forty thousand masons worked on the construction of
the Tower of Babylon. Unfortunately, a great famine occurred,
forcing the people to flee and go to Egypt.

It is during this exodus that ABRAHAM, taught in the Seven Sciences,

teach Geometry to EUCLID.

V M : F Orat , how can we imagine that Abraham could have taught the
Geometry in Euclid?

Speak : V M , the Practicing Mason did not trouble himself with the
chronology. The purpose of this legend, which one had to read in front of the
new Freemasons, was to root the Craft as deep as possible
human history and to endow it with a prestigious past so that
each Mason should take pride in practicing it.

We were then inspired by biblical narratives as a historical source.

to which events were linked with more or less happiness
more recent, present in collective memory. This is how one
Tell how Euclid was the modern creator of Freemasonry.
Operative.

V M : F Orat We are listening to you very attentively.

Orat : Euclid, who became famous for the Science of Geometry, placed it in
service of the common good by using it for measurement and sharing of the
arable land. Thus, the richness of the soil due to the regular floods of the Nile

216
 allow all the people to live honorably and for the cities to
develop

But it happened that the overpopulation led many

young people and sons of lords no longer able to live with dignity.

It was then decided to gather all the scholars of the kingdom

to reflect on the most dignified way that would allow the youth
to earn a living.

Among the assembly, Euclid stepped forward. He told the king that if he wanted him to
entrust the youth, he could teach them one of the Seven Sciences to
provided that he has the power to govern it according to the requirements
that she imposes.

The king and the lords of the land consented to it, and that is how, on the
Geometry was invented by Masonry.

Euclid teaches everything that adds to the greatness of the Profession so that everyone
could build any stone building. He also wrote a book.
of the Constitutions on which young people and the sons of lords
swore to faithfully observe all the regulations
that it contained.

This is how Masonry took shape, how it was organized into noble
Occupation and that young people and sons of lords, who would not have been able to
to live neither in the city, nor in the fields, nor in the woods, learned the secrets of the
stone and became the first Masons.

It was then that they traveled through the lands to acquire more.
as a profession or to teach those who wanted to become a Mason.
Later, they opened the Craft to all those who were worthy of it.

V M : Should we understand, my F Pray that, from the beginning, the Masons do not
linked to no city or land?

Pray : Throughout time, the Masons were not linked to any city and to no one.
land, but they were from all the cities and all the lands.

V M : After this birth in Egypt, how did Masonry develop?

spread in the World?

Speak : The legend then evokes the exodus of the Jews. Driven out of Egypt, the sons
from Israel took with them the knowledge of Masonry and
formed a kingdom of Masons. Thus it was built on land
promise, castles, cities, temples, under the guidance of the Grand Master
MOSES.

217
Later, King DAVID showed a lot of affection for the Masons.
and SALOMON, his son, confirmed the rules and the instructions that his
father had given them. It is said that Solomon himself taught them.
customs that have been perpetuated for centuries.

And then, spreading from city to city, from country to country, from nation to
The Freemasonry came to France. Protected by Charles MARTEL the art
Freemasonry was taught throughout the kingdom.

Later, Charles the SECOND, who was a Mason before being king, granted,
As soon as he ascended the throne, affection and protection for the Masons. He
gave them rules and customs of his invention that remained
long used in France.

After that, Saint ALBAN introduced Freemasonry in England, to

time of King ATHELSTAN. This king had a son, Prince EDWIN. It was
a noble and generous spirit, full of art and practice. He preferred to
to meet with the Masons rather than with the courtiers. He entered into
the Order of Freemasonry

His love for the Craft was such that he offered gold squares and
Silver compass with gold tips, plumb perpendiculars
gold and gold trowels, as well as many other instruments in
use in Masonry.

He made a proclamation stating that all Masons who possessed

in writing certificates of their travels and their customs,
certificates of their abilities had to be presented to prove their
Art and their morality.

It was thus in 926 of the vulgar era, in York, before King Athelstan,
each brought their documents, written in Hebrew, Greek, Latin,
Chaldean, Syriac, German, French, Slavic, English, as well as in
many other languages.

Prince Edwin reminded the assembled Masons of the confusion that he

had during the construction of the Tower of Babel, that they should not
no longer be attracted to idolatries, but they all had to honor the
Great Architect of Heaven and Earth, fountain and source of all good
in this world.

There were also at this assembly great lords, counts, dukes,

barons, knights, squires and wealthy burghers of the cities. All were
comes for the Statutes of Masonry which, at the order of the prince
Edwin was written in fifteen articles and fifteen points and gathered.
in a Book of Instructions.

218
 It was decided that this book would be read every time a Mason is made.
and that it is on this Book that they would make him take an oath.

V M : Thank you, F Orate , for reminding us of this legend

operative.

D212 : F 1heSurv according to these initial statutes, on how many points

Did the exercise of Masonry rest?
R: On three points.

D213 : Give me the first one.

R: The Brotherhood that we were supposed to spread among all.

D214 : The second?

R: The dedication to the Master and the Craft in order to honor them well.

D215 : The third one?

R: The silence about everything that was said and done in L .

D216 : At that time, who was becoming a Mason?

R: He who was well born.

D217 : That is to say?

R: He who was neither servile nor disabled, whether he is humble or not
noble.

D218 : How was it possible to unite in the same fraternity, some

men of such distant origins?
R: For the Masons of old, regardless of the father and the mother, noble
was the son who acted with nobility. Thus, in the Profession of
Mason, the one who was a Beggar was able to become the Brother of the one who was
Prince.

D219 : F 2thSurv What do you take from this story?

R: I take from all this that there is the seed of an idea that has spread.
et qui est devenue la grande idée de la Franc-Maçonnerie.

D220 : What is this big idea?

R: That Freemasonry makes men equal and Brothers, not by them
lowering, but by elevating them to the next level.

D221 : Existe-t-il aujourd'hui, dans notre Maçonnerie, quelque chose qui

would evoke this idea, which we would have kept and which would come to us
from as far away?
R: Yes, two symbols worn by two Freemasons. .

219
D222 : What does that mean?

th
The 2 Surv gets up and puts himself in order.

2thSurv : The Perpendicular that I bear, I who have the responsibility of raising the
App ...
he
The 1 Surv also gets up and puts himself in order.

1heSurv : ...and the Level that carries it, I, who have the duty to unite the Comp .

The V M stands up in turn and gets in order.

V M : My FF Surv by the Square formed by your noble jewels, I you

recognize me, M from this L , like the faithful guarantors of this
distant tradition that honors us.
May it always be so.

All three make the sign and take their places again.

The V M , can then query any F from the L , but he will preferably question the newcomers.
App .
The F interrogated, with his ritual, rises and gives the sign.
M .
Then, without sticking to the order, answer the questions of V
After answering the questions, the F App give the sign before taking your place back.

D223 : My F Who becomes a Freemason nowadays?

R: The one who travels and who seeks.

D224 : What were you looking for, my F? , when you were a Postulant?
R: Light and Brotherhood.

D225 : Pourquoi la Lumière ?

R: To conquer the Inert Stone.

D226 : How did you travel?

R: Neither naked nor clothed and stripped of my metals.

D227 : Why be this way?

R: To be free and in waiting.

D228 : Who took you from the Carrière to the L ?

R: A secret path that I took while hesitating, stumbling and...
rectifying.

D229 : Where did you find the Door of L? ?

R: At the top of a staircase.

220
D230 : How many steps have you climbed?
R: One, two, then three.

D231 : Who knocked at the Door?

R: It was me who hit, and I hit freely.

D232 : How were you at that moment?

R: Poor, without a penny, ignorant of our secrets.

V M : Thank you, my F L...

D233 : My F M..., how did you get into the L ?

R: As we all did, the body bent, hands and forehead
leaned on the clay

D234 : Why?
R: Every door that leads to the Light is low and narrow, which
requires effort and will.

D235 : Who is coming in like this?

R: He who is free and of good morals.

D236 : That is to say?

R: He who is free from all prejudice, who cultivates tolerance and friendship.

D237 : ?
What did you give when entering the L?
R: My name, my first names and the assurance that I came from my own
will

D238 : What did you receive in exchange?

R: Three tasks to accomplish.

D239 : What do you mean?

R: Respect the Law of Silence to keep the secret that unites us; to be one.
man of honor and integrity in order to enhance the esteem of the Order
Masonic in the City; to participate with zeal and dedication in
The emancipatory work of Freemasonry.

D240 : After that, what was done to you?

R: I was taken to the construction sites to meet the MM. and the
Comp , to tell them who I was and why I was coming.

D241 : And why did you come?

R: To contribute my share.

V M : Thank you, my F M...

221
D242 : My F N..., what decision did the gentlemen make? and the Comp after
to have observed and listened to you?
R: That of granting me their trust and accepting me if I were worthy.

D243 : How can one trust a man whose face

is hidden?
R: In Freemasonry, one always trusts the one who seeks,
who asks and who knocks.

D244 : What were you looking for again?

R: The Brotherhood.

D245 : Why?
R: To become a strong link in our chain.

D246 : Can there be a chain in Freemasonry?

R: There is the one that we form with all those who work towards the
universal construction that is as surprising as Humanity.

D247 : What do you mean?

R: Because no one knows where it began, nor where it will end.

D248 : What is this chain like?

R: It is as long as the Equator and the Meridian; it is made of
sealed ties across the past and the present; it reaches towards the future.

V M : Thank you, my F N...

V M : Stand up, my FF let's form the Union Chain.

We form the Union Chain.

V M : May our hearts come closer just as our hands do.

Fraternal love unites all the links of this symbolic chain.
It connects us in space and in time. It connects us to
generations of Masons who preceded us and will continue towards
the future. It connects us to all Masons spread across both
hemispheres, happy or unhappy, free or in chains.

It is through her that our FF of Practice achieved Fraternity in the

Masonry by trade, it is through it that we, Theoretical Masons,
we will achieve Universal Brotherhood in turn.

My FF let us never forget the beauty and grandeur of this symbol.

222
G Exp : V M In the name of all, I promise it.

V M : Let's leave the Chain, let's regroup and get in line.

The fourth part of the Ritual Dialogues is finished.

With me by the sign.

Let's return to our seats.

223
 Fifth part

THE RECEPTION:

TRAVELS AND ELEMENTS

V M : Stand and at attention.

The FF they stand up and hold order.

V M : We are going to work on the fifth part of the Book of Instructions. It

s'intitule : "Voyages et Éléments".

At the origin of Speculative Freemasonry, the idea of initiation did not exist.
No. It is during the XVIII [Link]
in which it appeared and that it has
developed on the continent. Today, it is the cornerstone of
foundation on which an essential part of symbolism rests
Masonic.

Designed with symbols, this section is devoted to one of the

possible stories of initiation as it can be experienced during our
Ritual Reception Ceremony.

With me, by the sign.

Regain your seats.

D249 : F 1erSurv What is Symbolic Freemasonry?

R: A Construction Project at the Service of Man.

D250 : Can there be tools in this Masonry?

R: Yes.

D251 : Which ones?

R: Tools of silence.

D252 : What do you mean?

R: Because they are within us and they are symbols.

D253 : What can be done in Masonry with such tools?

R: It depends.

D254 : It depends on what?

R: Of the Mason himself and the degree of depth at which he stands.

D255 : F 2thSurv , are you a Theory Mason?

R: Yes, I am.

224
D256 : For what reason?
R: Because I was in the Darkness and I longed for the Light.

D257 : What were you hoping for from the Light?

R: From the Inert Stone to the Living Stone.

D258 : What does that mean?

R: Getting the stone that is pulled from the benches, which knows neither
rain, nor wind, nor sun, on the ornate stone that shines in the T .

The V M , can then query any F of the L but he will prefer to question the newcomers
App .
The F interrogated, armed with his ritual, stands up and gives the sign.
Then, without adhering to the order, answers the questions of V M .
After answering the questions, the F App give the sign before taking your place.

D259 : My F L..., how do we move towards the Light?

R: By three voyages and four elements.

D260 : Where does the First Voyage begin?

R: In the North.

D261 : Why?
R: Because of the Earth, as the First Element.

D262 : How long did you travel?

R: One day... one year, maybe.

D263 : What feeling did you experience?

R: I was in worry.

D264 : How did you come to the end of this Journey?

R: I arrived exhausted and knocked on the first door.

D265 : Which door?

R: She who stands in the West.

D266 : Who opened the West Gate?

R: Masons who knew that I would come and who, today, are my
FF .

D267 : How did they know you would come?

R: Because I was in the Darkness and I aspired to the Light.

D268 : Did you enter through the West Gate?

R: No, because I had to go further.

D269 : What do you keep from this trip?

225
R: A Lever.

D270 : Why a Lever?

R: Because of the effort one makes to realize oneself.

V M : Thank you, my F L...

D271 : My F M..., where does the Second Voyage begin?

R: To the West.

D272 : Why in the West?

R: Because of Water, as the Second Element.

D273 : How long did you travel?

R: Two days... maybe two years.

D274 : What feeling did you experience?

R: I was in doubt.

D275 : How did you come to the end of this journey?

R: I arrived troubled and knocked on the second door.

D276 : Which door?

R: The one who stands to the South.

D277 : Who opened the South Gate?

R: Masons who knew I would come and who, today, are my
FF .

D278 : How did they know you would come?

R: Because I was in the Darkness and I aspired to the Light.

D279 : Did you enter through the South Gate?

R: No, because I had to go further.

D280 : What do you remember from this trip?

R: A Lever and a Mallet.

D281 : Why a Mallet?

R: Because of the will that serves to uphold the promise made to all and
towards oneself.

V M : Thank you, my F M...

D282 : My F N..., where does the Third Voyage begin?

R: To the South.

226
D283 : Why in the South?
R: A cause de l'Air, comme Troisième Élément.

D284 : How long did you travel?

R: Three days... three years, maybe.

D285 : What feeling did you experience?

R: I was confident.

D286 : How did you come to the end of this Journey?

R: I arrived calm and knocked on the third door.

D287 : Which door?

R: The one who stands in the East.

D288 : Who opened the East Gate?

R: Masons who knew I would come and who, today, are my
FF .

D289 : How did they know you would come?

R: Because I was in the Darkness and was longing for the Light.

D290 : Did you enter through the East Gate?

R: No, because I had to go further.

D291 : What do you keep from this trip?

R: A lever, a mallet, and a chisel.

D292 : Why a Scissors?

R: Because of the spirit of discernment for the search for Truth.

V M : Thank you, my F N...

D293 : My F P..., what challenge have you discovered in the East?

R: The Fire.

D294 : Why, in the East?

R: Like the Sun, which rises in the East, is a source of light for the day
who rises, the discovery of the Fourth Element is placed in the East
because it is a source of inner Light for my Masonic life at
to come

D295 : After the Three Journeys and the Four Elements, where did you go?
R: I descended by a narrow path lit by a faint light.

D296 : What did you discover?

227
R: A deep and vast cave, carved into no rock of any kind.
countries.

D297 : What did you encounter?

R: A man in the shape of a Corpse.

D298 : What did you see in this new Mirror?

R: An unknown face, motionless and lifeless.

D299 : What did you feel at that moment?

R: A very strange feeling.

D300 : What do you mean?

R: I had just added a life of a Mason to those lived up until today.

D301 : How long had you traveled?

R: One year, two years, three years maybe, or even more.

D302 : What were you really looking for?

R: The Hidden Stone.

D303 : Were you worried about the next day?

R: Yes, but I have confidence. I know that the Path of the Masons is difficult,
that it is also made of failure and bitterness, but I know that it is above all
made of joy and Light.

V M : I trust, I do too, and when the time comes, you will perceive your
Just Wage.

V M : Stand up and be orderly.

My FF , here everything is a symbol.
If Freemasonry uses symbols to convey its
message, it's because symbolism is THE universal language. It
knows neither river, nor mountain, nor ocean. She is of all the
continents. It belongs to all peoples. It belongs to all times.
of the History of Humanity. The symbol transcends time and space. It
reminds of the uniqueness of human nature.
May he also help us to extend our Fraternal Chain to
through the World.

V M : The fifth part of the Ritual Dialogues is finished.

With me by the sign.

Retrieve your seats.

228
 Sixth part

THE RECEPTION:

Oath and Light

V M : Stand up and in order.

The FF get up and line up.

V M : We are going to work on the sixth part of the Book of Instructions. It

titled: "Oath and Light".
This section is dedicated to the reception of the Operative Mason, as
we can reconstruct it using the old manuscripts and
ancient Scottish or English customs.
She is also dedicated to the reception of the Symbolic Mason such
that we are realizing today.

This section was developed using elements drawn from the

manuscripts, William Schaw's Statutes (1598), the Archives of Edinburgh
["1696","Sloane 1700","Chetwode Crawley 1700","Dumfries No. 4 1710"]
Graham (1726), Wilkinson (1727), in printed texts, Confession
of a Mason (1727), Masonry Dissected (1730), and the rituals of the Rite
Traditional French of the LNF (1970).

V M : With me by the sign.

Regain your seats.

D304 : F 1heSurv , in the past, how did one join Freemasonry?

R: By crossing three degrees.

D305 : The first one?

R: App Received.

D306 : Received by whom?

R: At a man's place for learning.

D307 : The second?

R: App Recorded.

D308 : Recorded on what?

R: On the Book of the L .

D309 : The third one?

R: App Entered.

D310 : Entered into what?

R: In the Brotherhood.

229
D311 : What was the Ceremony of the Entry based on?
R: On three points.

D312 : The first one?

R: The Oath.

D313 : The second one?

R: The lyrics of the Entrance.

D314 : The third one?

R: The Word of the Mason.

D315 : F 2nthSurv , why take an oath?

R: To link the new Mason to the whole Order. The performance of
Oath is the oldest trial of Freemasonry. Its origin
is linked to that of our Brotherhood.

D316 : In what posture did you take the oath, in the past?
R: I was neither sitting, nor standing, nor flying, nor running,
neither suspended, nor flying, neither naked, nor dressed, neither shod, nor barefoot...

D317 : What were you like, then?

R: On my left knee, with a rope around my neck.

D318 : Why a rope?

R: So that I may be hanged in case of betrayal.

D319 : Were you not in a different position?

R: I was on a Square and under a Compass.

D320 : Give me the content of an Operative Mason's Oath.

R: By God himself, since I will answer to God when I
I will stand before him on the day of judgment, I will reveal nothing of what
I will neither hear nor see, neither by word nor by writing at any time, nor
you shall not draw it with the tip of a compass or any other instrument
on the snow or the sand, nor will I speak of it except with a Fellow Craft.
May God help me.

D321 : After the Oath, how did you pass the second point?
R: The M from the L after dipping three fingers into a bowl of
they applied them on my forehead. So, at that moment, in front of everyone
FF gathered, I recited the Words of the Entrance.

D322 : Give me those Entrance Words.

R: Here I am, me, the youngest and the last Apprentice-Entered, I swear, by
God and Saint John, by the Square and the Compass, to be in the service of my
Master in the Honorable L from Monday morning until Saturday at the

230
 night and to keep the keys, under penalty of having the tongue cut off
the chin then torn off, and to be buried below the limit of the
water without any trace for anyone.

D323 : After that, how did you receive the Word of the Mason?
R: With the help of everyone.

D324 : What does that mean?

R: Les FF they gathered in the middle of the L and the Word of the Mason is
whispered softly, from mouth to ear, starting with the
younger and going back up from F to F , up to the oldest. After
I received it in turn.

D325 : What did you do with this word after receiving it?
R: I hid it and sealed it in a safe place.

D326 : Where is that?

R: In the center of a sincere heart.

The V M , can then query any F from the L , but he will prefer to question the newcomers
App .
The F interrogated, armed with his ritual, stands up and gives the sign.
Then, without adhering to the order, answer the questions of V. M .
After answering the questions, the F App Give the sign before taking your place again.

D327 : My F L..., today, how do we make Masons?

R: By crossing three degrees.

D328 : The first one?

R: Candidate, like the stone that is pulled out and sounded.

D329 : The second?

R: Novice, like the stone that one carries and rolls in the midst of
everyone.

D330 : The third one?

R: App like the stone that is shaped.

D331 : What is a Ceremony of Reception in Masonry based on?

Symbolic?
R: On three points.

D332 : The first one?

R: The Travels.

D333 : The second?

R: The Oath.

231
D334 : The third one?
R: The Light.

D335 : In what stance do you take the Oath today?

R: I am neither suspended, nor flying, nor naked, nor dressed, nor walking,
in the process of running...

D336 : How are you, then?

R: M , the feet in a right angle, the tip of a compass
Standing, facing the V
on the heart, the hand on the Book.

D337 : Do you remember the Oath you took?

R: Every good Mason remembers the Oath he has taken.

D338 : Give me its content.

R: Me, L...(name and first names), on this .... iemeday of .... ithmonth of the year ...
date of receipt of the App between the Square and the Compass, before
the Book of Symbolic Freemasonry, in front of this R L , under the
Principle of Absolute Freedom of Conscience, I commit myself of my own free will
will, to keep the Masonic Secret, to disclose nothing, neither by the
written, neither by speech, nor by sign, except to a good and legitimate
Mason that I would have recognized or in L Regulated.

I promise to love my FF , to rescue them and to exercise towards them

the most beneficial virtues.

I promise to assist the unfortunate, to exercise justice.

towards all and the dedication to Humanity.

I commit to participate with zeal and perseverance in the Work

emancipator of Freemasonry and to remain until the end of
my days a man of honor and integrity.

I commit to respecting the Constitution and the General Regulations of

G O D F .

If I were to fail in my duties as a Freemason, I would accept to

submit to the sanctions provided by the Order and be banned from it.

V M : Thank you, my F L...

D339 : My F M..., how does one take an oath today?

R: With the Cup of Libations.

D340 : How do we go through this trial?

R: In three times.

232
D341 : The first one?
R: With pure Water, like the Brotherhood I was seeking and the
feelings of the brothers who were waiting for me.

D342 : The second?

R: With bitterness, like remorse in the case of betrayal.

D343 : The third one?

R: With pure Water, so as not to betray the Source that is within me.

D344 : After the Oath, what happened to you?

R: I have received the Light.

D345 : What was that day?

R: The greatest.

D346 : But still?

R: The shortest of the year.

D347 : What do you mean?

R: The greatest because it was the day of my Reception in the
Brotherhood of Masons and the shortest because it was the day of
Winter solstice.

D348 : Why the Winter Solstice for an App Reception ?

R: As the Winter Solstice is the point of the year where the days will
start to grow, the Reception of a new App is set this
same day to remind him that she is the point of his life where the Light
began to grow in his heart by chasing away the darkness.

D349 : How do we receive Light?

R: By three great blows.

D350 : What do they mean?

R: Seek, and you will find; ask and it will be answered to you; knock and it will be opened to you.

will open.

D351 : When the Doors of Masonry opened, what did you

noticed?
R: Masons around me and rays of light in the shape of
glaives.

D352 : What did you feel at that moment?

R: Twelve great blows, in a burning and proud heart.

D353 : Twelve great blows, and why?

R: Because it was noon in me and in all the L .

233
V M : Thank you, my F M...

D354 : My F N..., who makes Masons in Masonry?

R: The V M .

D355 : How does he make Masons?

R: With a Sword and a Mace.

D356 : But what else?

R: The V M , placing the blade on the head said: “I make you”; on the shoulder
left, he says: 'receive'; on the right shoulder, he says: 'constitute Apprentice'
Freemason.

D357 : Once done, received and established as a Mason, how does one enter into the
Fraternity?
R: By the Union Chain formed by the entire L .

D358 : What does this Chain of Union represent?

R: All Freemasonry.

D359 : After that?

R: Je suis allé auprès du F G Exp .

D360 : Why?
R: To receive the Secrets of use.

D361 : What did you do with the received Secrets?

R: I hid and sealed them.

D362 : Where is that?

R: As in the past, at the center of a sincere heart.

V M : Thank you, my F N...

D363 : My F P..., I keep.

R: I hide.

D364 : What is there to hide?

R: The signs of Masons and Freemasonry.

D365 : How many fundamental signs exist at the App level? ?

R: Three.

D366 : What does that mean?

R: The Guttural, the Manual, the Pedestrian.

234
D367 : Give me the first one?
R: The App gets in order.

D368 : What does he refer to?

R: It has a penalty.

D369 : The second one?

R: It is the brand or touching.

D370 : What is it for?

R: To recognize the Freemasons in the darkest night as well as
on the clearest day.

D371 : The third.

R: The Square Step.

D372 : What is it for?

R: To progress towards the M from the L .

D373 : Come closer to me, in Mason.

R: The App take three steps and stand in line.

D374 : How many other secrets have you received?

R: Four.

D375 : Give me the first one.

R: The Word of the Mason or Secret Word.

D376 : How is it given?

R: Letter by letter, by syllable and in full.

D377 : What is it for?

R: To open the Door of L .

D378 : The second one?

R: The Battery.

D379 : Give me the battery.

R: The App gives the beat by clapping their hands.

D380 : The third one?

R: The Acclamation 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity'.

D381 : What does this triad mean?

R: Three pillars for the construction of the Temple.

D382 : Give me the last secret?

R: The symbolic age is three years.

235
V M : Thank you, my F P...

D383 : My F R..., did you not receive anything else on the day of your Reception?
R: Yes.

D384 : What?
R: First, a Rose.

D385 : A rose, and for whom?

R: A person dear to me who remains a secret.

D386 : And then?

R: From ashes, under a seal of wax.

D387 : What do you mean, ashes?

R: The ashes of a Testament on which I had engraved my thoughts and the
duties that I now imposed on myself.

D388 : What was thought of these writings?

R: Nothing, for no one has read them.

D389 : What is the point of writing such texts since nobody reads them?
R: Because in L In theory, we trust the one who comes and that
the commitments made by the Mason are a matter between himself and his
conscience.

D390 : Upon leaving L , where did you go that day?

R: At my M Benevolent.

D391 : ?
Who is this Mr.
R: The one with whom I live and learn to become a good Mason.

D392 : What do you mean?

R: To remind that in the past, the M Mason who imposed the duty
to learn the Trade from an App , had to also provide for its
material needs and to ensure him shelter and food.

D393 : And today, what is this M for? Benevolent?

R: Today, in L of Theory, the M Kind is the one who
commits to facilitating the sealing of the new App in the L and in the
Whole masonry.

D394 : Who are you since that day?

R: App in my L Mother and Freemason all over the Earth.

D395 : Where do you sit in your L? Mother?

R: At the North-East corner.

236
D396 : Why at the North-East corner?
R: Because of the first stone.

D397 : What does that mean?

R: In the past, when building a new structure, one would place the
first stone in the North-East of the route. Today, if the App seat at the
North-East of the L of Theory, it is to remind him that he is a
foundation stone upon which the future of Masonry is built.

V M : Thank you, my F R...

V M : Stand up and be in order.

My FF if the essence of Masonic symbolism is centered on the
Pierre, it is because it has properties transferable to man.

Thus, being a Freemason means that we impose ourselves to

to work our stone, that is to say, that we impose on ourselves to
constantly improve.
A Mason must remain in becoming.

But let us never forget that in Masonry, this roughing does not
do not perform from the outside. The stone is neither shaped nor conformed under
the uncompromising truths, passions, and prejudices. She
works from the inside and without constraint. It is worked according to the
free choice, free work and free examination.
Whatever degree of knowledge we reach in
the Masonic Order, regardless of the rank we will hold
in the City of which we are at the heart, let us never forget to ourselves
to identify with this stone that we roughen, the one that we have of
ourselves, symbolically torn from the Quarry, to pass from
from the Inert Stone to the Living Stone.
Thus, the Rough Stone, the pivot of our symbolism, will remain a symbol.
of Liberty and will remain the Foundation of the Temple.

V M : The sixth part of the Ritual Dialogues is complete.

With me by the sign.

V M : Regain your seats.

237
 Seventh part.

THE APPRENTICE'S SALARY

It is desirable that this last part of the ritual is worked on at the last meeting of the masonic year and
that it is followed by an L of Table.

V M : Stand up and in order.

V M : We are going to work on the seventh and last part of the Book of
The Apprentice's Wage
This section is dedicated to the end of the instruction on the L.
Symbolic, as well as to the L of the Table that closes the Masonic year.
This last ritual text draws elements from the
manuscripts from the Archives of Edinburgh (1696), Sloane (1700), Chetwode
Crawley (1700), Dumfries No. 4 (1710), Dissected Masonry (1730)
as well as in the so-called Anderson Constitutions of 1723.

This part will also allow, according to our custom, to close

regularly the L and to conclude the work of the year.

V M : With me by the sign.

Retrieve your seats.

D398 : F 1erSurv As a Practical Mason, how did you serve?

the M from L ?
R: From dawn to dusk and from Monday morning until
Saturday evening.

D499 : How many parts are there in a Mason's day?

R: Four.

D400 : What do you mean?

R: Noon, which goes from six o'clock in the morning to noon; Full noon, which goes from noon to
six o'clock in the evening; Midnight, which goes from six o'clock in the evening to Midnight;
Midnight sharp, which goes from midnight to six in the morning.

D401 : F 2thSurv What is a workday in L? of

Theory?
R: Symbolically, it begins at noon and ends at midnight. But
The work of the Theoretical Mason never stops.

D402 : How is that?

R: What is started in L continues in the World.

238
The V M , can then query any F of the L but he will prefer to question the newcomers
App .
The F interrogated, equipped with his ritual, stands up and gives the sign.
Then, without adhering to the order, answers the questions of V M .
After answering the questions, the F App give the sign before resuming your place.

D403 : My F L..., do you know what brings and unites the Freemasons since
the origin of Freemasonry?
R: Yes, V M .

D404 : What?
R: Points.

D405 : What points?

R: Variable points and a fixed point.

D406 : What does that mean?

R: Variable points such as friendship, philosophical inquiry,
confrontation of ideas, the spiritual quest and a fixed point.

D407 : Could you elaborate, my F ?

R: What brings the Freemasons together is their interest in the World, and it adds to
this is a fixed point.

D408 : But finally, my F What do you mean by fixed point?

R: I mean by fixed point a table loaded with powder and materials.

D409 : Could it be irony or insolence that leads you to say that the Freemasons are
gather in front of such trivial things?
R: Neither insolence nor irony, V M , but I noticed how the
Masons, so different in their origins, their knowledge, and their thoughts,
know each other again around a table to share bread and
tighten the ties that some sometimes lively discussions could have weakened
to stretch

V M : You are right, my F App the meal taken together is a

distant custom of Freemasonry and the Fraternal Table has value of
symbol.
May the Masons who will succeed us in the L , like you
tomorrow, never to forget it.

V M : Thank you, my F L...

D410 : My F M..., How many are there of LL of Table in a year

of work?
R: Two, V M .

D411 : What do you mean?

239
R: One, on the Winter Solstice, when we receive a new F the other, at
Summer solstice, when an App Pass Comp .

D412 : What is a L based on? of the Table?

R: On three points.

D413 : What is the nature of these points?

R: Rules of conviviality.

D414 : Give me the first one.

R: The first is that one must rejoice in an innocent manner and
we treat each other according to our ability, but avoiding everything
excess and without forcing any F to eat or drink more than he does
wants.

D415 : The second?

R: The second is not to prevent an F to withdraw when his
business requires, neither to make noise, nor to do antics nor to say
nothing that could offend the ease and freedom of the
conversation

D416 : The third one?

R: The third is that no bickering or private quarrel should
cross the threshold of the L Otherwise, the beautiful harmony that must be
between us would lose some of its luster and the worthy goal that we
we propose it would fall into ruin.

D417 : How does an L stand? of Table?

R: Between two Squares.

D418 : What does that mean?

R: Three o'clock and nine o'clock.

D419 : Where do you sit in this L? ?

R: It depends.

D420 : What does it depend on?

R: It depends on whether I have my head up or my head down.

D421 : What do you mean?

R: I have my head up at the Summer Solstice and my head down at the Winter Solstice.

D422 : It's quite a curious way for a Mason to sit at the table.
R: This depends on the L The table symbolizes the celestial hemispheres in
at your disposal: the northern on the day of the Summer Solstice; the southern
the day of the Winter Solstice.

240
 Thus, when moving from one Solstice to the other, we reverse the
in the L .
arrangement of the FF

V M : Thank you, my F M...

D423 : My F N, should we be many or few in this L of Table?

R: It depends.

D424 : What does it depend on?

R: The more we are, the more joy there is around the table, but the fewer we are,
better is the expensive.

D425 : What do we do in this L? ?

R: We raise toasts in honor of what is dear to the hearts of Masons.

D426 : Do you know how to draw the health cards?

R: Every good Mason knows how to propose toasts.

D427 : But still?

R: I measure with squares and discharge in volleys.

D428 : Who are the bad Masons in this L? ?

R: Those who make ritual mistakes, those who linger during the exercise,
those who say vulgarities, well those who drink too much.

D429 : Are these bad FF punished? ?

R: Yes, and in full L .

D430 : How do we punish them?

R: By placing them on the Equator, facing the whole of L , and by filling them in
water like bladders.

D431 : Why inflict such a harsh punishment on them?

R: So that they become the laughing stock of the Apps and that shame drives them to
to flee and hide behind the stones of the construction sites so that they do not have
never again the desire to start over.

V M : Thank you, my F N...

D432 : My F P..., do you know the Path of the Masons?

R: I know a path of stone and earth.

D433 : Where is he going?

R: From the Quarry to the L .

D434 : What time do you take the Mason's Path?

R: At the time when the Rooster crows and the Sun rises.

241
D435 : Arrived at L , what do you give to the FF who welcomes you?
R: The Password.

D436 : Give me that word.

R: EMNETH.

D437 : What does it mean?

R: Truth.

D438 : Why Truth?

R: Because we are always in search of Truth.

V M : My FFs Let us never forget that Truth is like a stone.

It must constantly be rectified, it must constantly be revised.
reason. What Freemasonry offers is its pursuit and not its
possession.

D439 : Do you have a favorite flower?

R: All App to a favorite flower.

D440 : What is the flower of the App? ?

R: The Wild Rose.

D441 : Why the Wild Rose?

R: Because it blooms on the Mason's Path and it is also
fragile as Freedom.

V M : Thank you, my F P...

D442 : My F R..., What is the name of a Mason's son?

R: A Wolf Cub.

D443 : Does he have a privilege when he enters L? ?

R: Yes, a privilege in the form of a duty.

D444 : What does that mean?

R: To become the best of Apps .

D445 : Do you have an ambition?

R: All App has an ambition.

D446 : Which one?

R: Passer Comp .

D447 : What will you do more at Comp? ?

242
R: I will participate more in the construction of the T. .

D448 : How do you hope to achieve that?

R: While working my stone in the Honorable L .

D449 : What do you do when you are in the Quarry?

R: I am learning to discover the free benches and to uproot the stones.

D450 : Proposer?
Are you F?
R: Tomorrow, I will be.

D451 : Why tomorrow?

R: Because today I am only learning to recognize and choose
the good grain stones.

D452 : I really appreciate the importance you give to making the right choice of
stones for Freemasonry but tell me, with whom have you
Have you acquired this wisdom that already honors you?
R: Near my F 2thSurv .

V M : Thank you, my F R...

D453 : F 2thSurv would you be M Kind?

R: I am, V M , and I can say, after listening to the responses and
checked the stones in work, that I am proud of the Apps who lodge under
my roof.

D454 : In the past, what were the rules imposed on Apps? who logged
under the roof of their M ?
R: First, to respect it and not to engage in any dispute or
insubordination.
Never steal any property that belongs to him.
Never leave his house in the evening or at night without permission.
Not to play cards or dice or any other illegal games.
Never get drunk in the taverns.
Finally, never to commit adultery, nor fornication with
the wife of his Master, his daughter or even his servant.
All this for the good and honor of the Trade.

D455 : Has it been so, F? 2èmeSurv ?

R: I am pleased to assure you and reassure you that it has been so,
V M .

V M : Since the profession shines and our App worked well, that they
receive according to usage, their salary in L of the Table. But before we
and to drive, my FF , I invite you to join me to close the
L .

243
Mark a time.

D456 : F 1erSurv What time does the L close? ?

R: At Midnight.

D457 : What time is it, F? 2emeSurv ?

R: It is midnight.

V M : Since it is the symbolic hour and the Perfect Plan is exhausted, FF

1erand 2thSurv invite the brothers the South and North Shipyards of the L ,
as I invite those from the East Construction site to put away the tools and to
gather for the circulation of the Proposal Bag and the Trunk of
the Widow.

1erSurv : FF from the South Site, you are invited by the V M and by me, to
bring in the tools and gather for the circulation of the Sac to
Proposals and the Widow's Tree.

2thSurv : FF from the North Site, you are invited by the V M and by me,
to bring in the tools and gather for the circulation of the Sac to
Propositions and the Widow's Trunk.

V M : Stand up and be orderly.

D458 : F 1erSurv , why the Widow's Trunk?

R: For Solidarity, V M .

D459 : What is Solidarity in Freemasonry?

R: A virtue practiced since our origins, both in Freemasonry of
Practice is better than Theory.

V M : My FF , all the Masonries of the World make it a duty to

practice solidarity, whether it is material or moral.
All our work concerning society must aim for the common good.
of Humanity?

D460 : F 2emeSurv Why the Bag of Proposals?

R: To submit salary increase requests and all
types of propositions concerning L and Masonry but also
to submit proposals for new stones for the L .

V M : My FF we pay close attention to the new stones for the

L .
Let's remember that it is not enough to have been friends for a long time.
with a layman to believe that he will make a good Mason. It is also necessary
to discover a secret need for Light within him.

244
V M : FF G Exp and M of the Cer , fill your office.

We proceed as in the ritual of the L Symbolism (Fascicle I-1).

1erSurv : V M the FF G Exp and M of Cér we filled their

office.

V M : That the Bag of Proposals be entrusted to F. Orat and the Trunk of the
Widow at F Hosp .

We proceed as in the ritual of the L. Symbolism (Volume I-1).

V M : F Pray reports to the L the content of the Bag of Proposals.

Orat : The Bag of Proposals has returned empty (or contains the proposal
next).

The F Orat it reads if the proposal is signed.

The V M thank the author by specifying that their proposal will be submitted for review.

V M :

1erSurv :

2thSurv :

V M : F 1erSurv , are we Perfect Masons?

1heSurv : No, V M .

V M : Why?

1heSurv : Because the work is unfinished.

V M : F 2emeSurv , what was today's work?

2thSurv : A barely chipped stone.

V M : How will we make this stone the Useful Stone that we

hope?

2thSurv : By persevering.

V M : Since it is so, let us be ready at any hour to fulfill the duties that
we imposed ourselves.

V M : F 1erSurv , how do we get out of the L ?

245
1heSurv : Under the Law of Silence.

V M : Why, F 2èmeSurv ?

2thSurv : To keep the Secrets that unite us.

V M : Since it is so, let's erase the L. .

We proceed as in the ritual of the L. Symbolism (Fascicle I-1).

V M : Before we disperse, let us form the Chain of Union.

We proceed as in the L ritual. Symbolism (Booklet I-1).

V M : May our hearts draw closer at the same time as our hands.
Fraternal love unites all the links of this Chain formed
freely by us.

Let's understand the greatness and beauty of this symbol, let us be inspired by
its deep meaning. This chain binds us in time as in
space; it comes to us from the past and stretches towards the future. Through it, we
are linked to the lineage of our ancestors, our revered Masters who
they formed yesterday; through her, the Freemasons of all must unite.
rites and from all countries.

G Exp : In the name of all, I promise it.

V M : I take note.

V M : Quittons la Chaîne et regantons-nous et mettons-nous à l'ordre.

I remind you that any battery must be taken with gloved hands.

V M : With me by the Sign, the Battery, and the Acclamation.

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

V M : My F Our work for the year is finished, and I congratulate you for
your fervent participation. The time has now come for Just Pay
of the app .
I declare the L closed.

Welcome to the L of the Table.

G Exp : Glory to the V M .

The FF : Glory to the V M .

246
V M : My fans , I thank you.

The FF make the sign and disperse

247
248
 MASONIC CALENDAR AND DATING

James Anderson, in the historical preamble of his 'Constitutions', having taken up the
tradition that holds that the modern era begins 4,000 years after the creation of the world,
The Masonic year is obtained by adding 4,000 to the current year according to the
Gregorian calendar.

Thus we distinguish the Common Era (CE) V 2001) of the Masonic Era
(E M 6001).

In 1723, England was still using the Julian calendar which it did not abandon for the
Gregorian only in 1752. That is why the month of February has [Link] of the year because the
the first day of the year is the 1sttheMars.

or
Thus, it will be said that the 1 V ) is the first day of the 12èmemonth 6000
February 2001 (E
(E M ) and the 1erMarch 2001 V ) is the first day of 1ermonth 6001 of the E M , on
can also say the year 6001 of the V L

Example:

January 2001 = 11thmonth of 6000.

February 2001 = 12thmonth of 6000.
March 2001 = 1hemonth of 6001.

249
 LEXICON OF MASONIC ABBREVIATIONS

F Brother
S Sister
O Orient
E M Masonic Era
E V Common Era
V L True Light
T C F Dearest Brother
G M Grand Master
Trav Works
V M Venerable Master
T R Very Respectable
T V M Very Venerable Master
R L Respectable Lodge
Surv Supervisor
Or Speaker
Sec Secretary
Gr Exp Grand Expert
M of Cér Master of Ceremonies
Cover Roofer
Hosp Hospitable
Prof. Profane
At Workshop
A L G D L F M U In the glory of universal Freemasonry
A N E S L A D G O D F In the name and under the auspices of the Grand Orient of France
A L G D G A D L U To the glory of the Great Architect of the Universe
V.I.T.R.I.O.L. Visit the interior of the earth, and by rectifying, you will find the hidden.
The stone

When turning on the lights of a Lodge, the abbreviations S G M (Serene Grand Master) and
T Ill F (Very Illustrious Brother) are used.

The plural is indicated by doubling the abbreviation letter:

FF Brothers
TT CC FF Dear Brothers
LL Loges

The Obediences
G O D F Grand Orient of France
G L D F Great Lodge of France
G L N F Grand National Lodge of France
G L T S Opera Great Traditional and Symbolic Lodge Opera
G L F F Great Women's Lodge of France
D H Human Right
G L M F Grand Mixed Lodge of France
G L M U Grand Mixed Universal Lodge
G L F M M Great Women's Lodge of Memphis-Misraim
L N F French National Lodge

250
The Rites
R F French Rite
R F M Modern French Rite
R E A A Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
R E R Rectified Scottish Rite
R A P M M Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraim
R Y York Rite
R E Rite Emulation

251
These notebooks of the Philosophical French Rite are derived from the works and original texts of
the R L "Tolerance" (1970-185) in Gold from Paris and were adopted by the Council of
The Order of the Grand Orient of France at its plenary session on January 25 and 26, 2002.

The present copy is issued, with two identical copies, under the seal of
Grand Orient of France, to the R L :

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………..

(E V )
The……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………..

The Grand Master,

President of the Council of the Order

The Keeper of the Seals The Grand Secretary

and the Stamp to the Ministry of the Interior