Companions of the Stone

Companions of the Stone
Ritual for Subordinate Lodges

1994

General Instructions

This ritual is provided to subordinate lodges of the Companions of the Stone as a means of guiding ordinary lodge business and assisting the work of the Order. Although the rituals of a subordinate lodge open in the Outer are not magical in nature, they should not be neglected or rushed through. They help ensure the smooth functioning of the lodge, and provide basic training in the outer aspects of ceremonial.
Every action in an open lodge is, in a sense, a ritual action. Companions should keep this in mind, and govern themselves accordingly. While grim seriousness is out of place in a lodge, the work will be equally hindered by a flippant or overly casual approach. Additionally, courtesy between Companions should be an unfailing rule, as it will prevent many difficulties. If two Companions have problems between themselves, they must be prepared to leave those problems outside the lodge door.
All movement in a lodge open in the Outer is "by the square" following straight lines and right angles. This should be adhered to by all officers and Companions.
All members should be addressed as "Companion," followed by the member's given name or office, when the lodge is open. The Adept Dirigent shall be addressed as "Companion Dirigent" only.

Opening of a Lodge in the Outer

Dirigent, *: Companions of … Lodge # … of the Companions of the Stone, assist me to open the lodge in the outer. Companion Sentinel, see that the lodge is properly guarded.
If there is no Sentinel, this speech is addressed to the Adept Adjuvant.
Sentinel (Adjuvant) goes to door: Companion Dirigent, the lodge is properly guarded.
Dirigent: Companion Summoner, confirm that all present are either members of this lodge or here by its permission.
Summoner goes by the square to the center of the room, then advances to the seat of the Adept Dirigent, where he receives the grip and password. Summoner then goes by the square clockwise about the hall, receiving the grip and password from all present.
Should anyone be without these, he shall say:
Summoner: Companion Dirigent,_a Companion without the Word.
In this case the Dirigent will inquire of the Secretary if the Companion is in good standing in the lodge, and if so will instruct the Summoner to communicate the grip and password. If the Companion's standing cannot be verified by the Secretary, he will be escorted by the Summoner to the anteroom, where a committee appointed by the Dirigent will question him and seek to verify his status.
When all present have given the grip and password, the Summoner shall return by the square to the center of the room and say:
Summoner: Companion Dirigent, all have been so honored.
Dirigent: Let the officers of this lodge be proclaimed, that their work may be recalled and duly performed -- for it is by this work that our lodge and our Order are strengthened and maintained. Companion Adjuvant, your station and work?
Adjuvant: My station is at the West of the lodge, and my work is to have charge of the inner door, to receive the Signs from the Companions as they enter and leave the lodge, to require the Companions to be courteous and attentive, and in your absence to govern the lodge.
Dirigent: Companion Secretary, your station and work?
Secretary: My station is beside that of the Dirigent, and my work is to keep full and impartial records of the business of the lodge, to prepare and certify all official documents of the lodge, and to have custody of all lodge funds and property.
Dirigent: Companion Summoner, your station and work?
Summoner: My station is beside that of the Dirigent, and my work is to examine all present before the opening of the lodge, to open and close the lodge in due form, to proclaim and execute the laws of our Order, and to occupy your chair when vacated during a meeting of the lodge.
Dirigent: Companion Lecturer, your station and work?
Lecturer: My station is at the South of the lodge, and my work is to instruct the Companions in the secret wisdom of our Order.
Dirigent: Companion Diviner, your station and work?
Diviner: My station is at the North of the lodge, and my work is to perform all divinations which may be required by the Companions for the guidance of our lodge and our Order.
Dirigent: Companion Sentinel, your station and work?
Sentinel: My station is beside the inner door, and my work is to answer any alarm at the outer door, to receive the password from the Companions when they enter the lodge, and to prevent the admittance of any unauthorized person during a meeting of the lodge.
Dirigent: My station is at the East of the lodge, and my work is to govern the lodge impartially in accordance with the laws of our Order. Companions, I call upon each of you to be true to your obligations and to the principles of our Order. Let wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice so govern our affairs that the business of our lodge, the work of our Order, and the preservation of our ancient wisdom may proceed unhindered.
***, all rise. Let us invoke the Lord of the Universe.
All: Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe.
Holy art Thou, Whom nature hath not formed.
Holy art Thou, the vast and the mighty One,
Lord of the Light and of the Darkness.
Dirigent: Companions, give the Outer Sign.
All do so toward the Dirigent, who answers with the same sign.
Dirigent: Companion Summoner, you may proclaim this lodge open.
Summoner: In the name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom nothing but silence can express, and in the presence of the Guardian Companions of our Order, I declare this lodge open.
Dirigent *.
The following order of business is suggested, but may be modified by the Adept Dirigent as needed.

Order of Business

1. Roll call of officers.
2. Introduction of visiting Companions.
3. Reading of minutes of the last meeting.
4. Reading of communications.
5. Reading of applications for membership.
6. Reports of interviewing committees.
7. Balloting on applications for membership.
8. Reading of applications for degrees.
9. Balloting on applications for degrees.
10. Admission of new members by imputation or transfer.
11. Conferring of Protection of the Order.
12. Reading of financial report.
13. Reports of standing committees.
14. Reports of special committees.
15. Unfinished business.
16. New business.
17. Assignment of offices for ritual work, or announcement of
instructional program.
18. Good of the Order.

Roll Call of Officers

Dirigent: The Companion Secretary will now call the roll of officers.
Secretary remains seated. Summoner rises, and goes by the square to the center of the room, where he faces the Dirigent. As each name and office is called by the Secretary, the Summoner will answer "Present" or "Absent" as the case may be. If the office of an absent member is filled by another Companion, the Summoner will answer "Absent," give the name of the substituting Companion, and add the name of the office and the words "pro tern. "
Secretary: Companion Dirigent, the roll has been called and absentees noted.

Introduction of Visiting Companions

Dirigent: Companion Adjuvant, are there any visiting Companions to be welcomed?
Adjuvant: Companion Dirigent, there are (are not).
The remaining section is to be used only if there are visitors to be introduced.
Dirigent: Companion Summoner, present our visitors to the lodge.
Summoner goes by the square to the seat(s) of the visitor(s), and leads them by the square to the center of the room, where they face the Dirigent.
Summoner: Companion Dirigent, I present to you and to our lodge Companion(s) … of … Lodge # ….
Dirigent: Companions, I welcome you to this meeting of … Lodge # ….
Summoner returns visitors to their seats by the square, and returns to his place.

Reading of Minutes

Dirigent: Companion Secretary, you will read the minutes of the last regular meeting of this lodge.
Secretary remains seated while reading minutes.
Dirigent: Companions, you have heard the minutes of our last regular meeting. Are there any corrections? pauses Hearing none, the minutes stand approved as read (or "as corrected").
Any corrections presented shall be entered into the minutes, and the Dirigent shall then say, "Are there any further corrections?" before proceeding as above.

Balloting

Dirigent: Companions, we will now prepare to vote on the admission of … to our lodge and our Order. Companion Summoner, you will prepare the ballot-box.
Summoner rises, checks the ballot-box to see that it is prepared, and takes it by the square to the seat of the Dirigent, who inspects it. Summoner next goes to the seat of the Adjuvant, who does the same. Summoner then returns and places the ballot-box on a low table below the Dirigent's podium, with the opening facing the center of the lodge, and takes up his station at the center of the lodge facing Dirigent.
Dirigent: Companions, we will now ballot on the name just read. White balls elect, black cubes reject. Consider your vote well.
***; all rise.
Adjuvant advances a short distance from his station. Members on both sides file down to his station, form a single line behind him, and follow him to the center of the lodge. There, one at a time, they pass the Summoner and vote. When finished, they return to their places but remain standing. When all but Dirigent and Summoner have voted, the Summoner votes, then goes to the Dirigent's seat, and takes it (remaining standing) while the Dirigent, by the square, goes to the center of the lodge and thence to the ballot-box and votes. Dirigent then returns to his place, and Summoner returns by the square to the center of the lodge.
Dirigent: If all who are eligible have voted pause I declare this ballot closed. *.
Summoner now advances to ballot-box, takes it, and goes by the square to Adjuvant's station, where Adjuvant inspects the ballot. Summoner then returns by the square to Dirigent's station, where Dirigent inspects the ballot.
Dirigent: Companion Adjuvant, do you find the ballot favorable or unfavorable?
Adjuvant: Companion Dirigent, I find the ballot favorable (or "unfavorable," as the case may be).
Dirigent: Companions, the application of … for admission to our lodge and our Order is accepted (or "rejected," as the case may be.)
Dirigent shall then destroy the ballot. Summoner then takes the ballot-box and returns to his station, unless there are more applications awaiting a vote.
Balloting for degrees shall follow the same procedure, except that the words "advancement to the Grade of …" or "to the Second Degree" shall replace "admission to our lodge and our Order," and only those members who have received the Grade or Degree in question shall be permitted to ballot. The Summoner shall have the duty of receiving the password of the Grade or Degree from each Companion before allowing that Companion to advance to the ballot-box. In the event that the Summoner has not received the Grade or Degree in question, the Dirigent shall appoint a substitute for the duration of the ballot.

Admission by Transfer

Sentinel: Companion Adjuvant, Companion ..., a candidate for membership in this lodge, stands outside its door.
Adjuvant: Companion Dirigent, Companion ..., a candidate for membership in this lodge, stands outside its door.
Dirigent: By what right does (he/she) seek admission into the lodge?
Secretary: Companion Dirigent, (he/she) has submitted a demission card from … Lodge # …, (his/her) previous lodge, attesting to (his/her) status as a Companion of the Stone, and has been duly elected to membership in this lodge.
Dirigent: Then let (him/her) be welcomed among us. Companion Sentinel, retire from the lodge and prepare the candidate for admission. Companion Summoner, take charge of the door.
Sentinel leaves in form, and gives the alarm at the door when ready. The candidate for admission is not hoodwinked. Summoner meanwhile goes to the inner door and takes Sentinel's place.
Summoner, upon hearing Sentinel's alarm: Companion Adjuvant, the Sentinel returns with the candidate.
Adjuvant: Permit them to enter. Summoner does so, and accompanies Sentinel and candidate as these face Adjuvant. Who is this that you bring with you?
Sentinel: A candidate for admission into our lodge.
Adjuvant: Does (he/she) come here freely and without constraint?
Sentinel: (He/She) does.
Adjuvant: Has (he/she) been tried and found worthy?
Summoner: (He/She) has.
Adjuvant: It is well. Let the Companion candidate be placed in the midst of the lodge. Candidate, Summoner and Sentinel go to the center of the hall and face Adjuvant. By vote of the members of this lodge, you have been offered membership in … Lodge # … of the Companions of the Stone. Is it your free choice to accept this offer?
Candidate answers.
Adjuvant: As a Companion of the Stone and an Initiate of our mysteries, you have accepted the obligations of Fidelity, Friendship, and Secrecy which bind us together in our search for that Mystery symbolized, in the language of alchemy, by the Philosopher's Stone. In token of which, I will ask you to give the Outer Sign of our Order.
Candidate does so.
Adjuvant, answers with same signs, *: Companion Summoner, escort our Companion to the desk of the Secretary, where (he/she) will sign the members' register of this lodge, and then introduce (him/her) to the Adept Dirigent.
Summoner advances with candidate by the square to the Secretary's desk, and then returns with candidate to center of room, facing Dirigent. Sentinel returns to place.
Summoner: Companion Dirigent, I present to you Companion …, who has been elected to membership in this lodge.
Dirigent: Companion ..., as Adept Dirigent of … Lodge # … of the Companions of the Stone, I welcome you among us.
***. Companions, I present to you Companion ..., and commend (him/her) to your friendship and protection. General applause.)
*. Companion Summoner, give our Companion a seat in this lodge.
New member is seated.

Admission by Imputation

Sentinel: Companion Adjuvant, …, a candidate for membership in this lodge, stands outside its door.
Adjuvant: Companion Dirigent, ..., a candidate for membership in this lodge, stands outside its door.
Dirigent: By what right does (he/she) seek admission into the lodge?
Secretary: Companion Dirigent, (he/she) has submitted a warrant from the Council of the Stone attesting to his status as Initiate by Imputation, and has been duly elected to membership in this lodge.
Dirigent: Then let (him/her) be welcomed among us. Companion Sentinel, retire from the lodge and prepare the candidate for initiation. Companion Summoner, take charge of the door.
Sentinel leaves in form, hoodwinks candidate, and gives the alarm at the door when ready. Summoner meanwhile goes to the inner door and takes Sentinel's place.
Summoner, upon hearing Sentinel's alarm: Companion Adjuvant, the Sentinel returns with the candidate.
Adjuvant: Permit them to enter. Summoner does so, and accompanies Sentinel and candidate as these face Adjuvant. Who is this that you bring with you?
Sentinel: A candidate for admission into our lodge.
Adjuvant: Does (he/she) come here freely and without constraint?
Sentinel: (He/She) does.
Adjuvant: Has (he/she) been tried and found worthy?
Summoner: (He/She) has.
Adjuvant: It is well. Let the candidate be placed in the midst of the lodge. Candidate, Summoner and Sentinel go to the center of the hall and face Adjuvant. By the permission of the Council and the approval of the members of this lodge, you have been offered membership in … Lodge # … of the Companions of the Stone. Is it your free choice to accept this offer?
Candidate answers.
Adjuvant: Before you may receive the secrets and privileges of an Initiate Companion of the Stone, and stand among us as a member of this lodge, you must bind yourself with a solemn obligation -- an obligation which will not conflict with the duties you owe to your faith, your community, your family, or yourself. With this assurance, are you willing to take the obligation?
Candidate answers.
Adjuvant ***: Then place your right hand above your heart and repeat after me:
I, …, hereby promise and bind myself, now and in time to come, to observe and uphold faithfully the laws and regulations of the Companions of the Stone, and of this or any other lodge of the Order with which I may be associated.
I furthermore pledge myself to consider the members of this Order as my friends and companions, and to help, if it is in my power to do so, any member of this Order, or any person under its protection, who is in danger or distress. I will not wrong in any way the Order, a lodge or a member, nor will I circulate or listen to gossip, slander or personal confidences concerning any member of the Order.
I furthermore promise never to reveal to any person the rituals, signs, grips, and passwords of the Companions of the Stone, except when properly authorized to do so, nor to expose documents belonging to the Order or any of its lodges to anyone not specifically authorized to receive them. I will use utmost discretion in speaking of the Order, its teachings, and its activities to any person outside it; and should I leave the Companions of the Stone at any time, either voluntarily or otherwise, I will consider this pledge of secrecy and discretion to remain fully binding.
I further pledge myself to carry out to the best of my ability the studies and work of my Degree, and to apply what I have learned in accord with the dictates of conscience and the teachings of the Order's secret wisdom.
To the faithful performance of all which, I pledge myself, in the name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom nothing but silence can express, and in the presence of the Guardian Companions of the Stone, upon whom I call as surety for my pledge.
Adjuvant: In that name and that presence, I call you from the darkness of the world to the light of the Stone.
Sentinel removes blindfold.
Adjuvant, *: Companion Summoner, escort our Companion to the desk of the Secretary, where (he/she) will sign the members' register of this lodge, and then introduce (him/her) to the Adept Dirigent for instruction in the secrets of an Initiate Companion.
Summoner does so; Sentinel returns to his place.
Summoner, standing at center of hall, with candidate: Companion Dirigent, I introduce to you our Companion ... (He/She) has been obligated, has signed the members' register of this lodge, and now seeks instruction in the secrets of an Initiate Companion.
Dirigent: Companion ..., as Adept Dirigent of … Lodge # … of the Companions of the Stone, I welcome you among us. The Companions of the Stone are companions on a quest; we join together in the search for that Mystery symbolized in the language of alchemy by the Philosopher's Stone. As a member of this Order and this lodge, you will be called upon to assist your fellow seekers according to your ability, just as you will receive such assistance as we can provide.
As companions on this quest, we make use of certain words and signs of recognition. These words and signs I will now communicate to you.
Dirigent proceeds to instruct the new Companion in the knocks, signs and password of the Order according to the Unwritten Work.
Summoner then brings the new Companion to the Dirigent's chair, and the Dirigent here gives instruction in the grip of the Order. While giving it, the Dirigent shall say the following.
Dirigent: This grip is a symbol of faithfulness, and we trust that you will always give and receive it in that spirit.
Summoner and new Companion return to center of hall.
Dirigent: When entering a lodge that is open in the Outer, you will announce your presence at the outer door with one knock or ring of the bell. The Sentinel will attend to the alarm, and you will answer the challenge with the password. You will then be permitted to enter the lodge. Upon entering, you will advance to the center of the floor and present the signs to the Adept Adjuvant, who will acknowledge you as a Companion with the same signs.
When leaving a lodge that is open in the Outer, you will advance to the center of the floor and present the signs to the Adept Adjuvant, who will reply with the same signs. The Sentinel will then permit you to leave.
You will now demonstrate the signs to me.
New Companion does so.
Dirigent, replies with signs: We trust that the signs of Fidelity, Friendship, and Secrecy -- fidelity to the laws and principles of our Order, and of your own conscience; friendship toward all Companions of the Stone, and all who are under the Order's protection; and secrecy toward the outside world concerning the mysteries of the Order -- will be shown as clearly in your actions and your character, as in these symbolic motions.
Dirigent, ***: Companions, I present to you Companion ..., and commend him to your friendship and protection. General applause.)
*. Companion Summoner, give our new Companion a seat in this lodge.
New Companion is seated.

Protection of the Order

Sentinel: Companion Adjuvant, …, a candidate for the protection of the Order, stands outside its door.
Adjuvant: Companion Dirigent, …, a candidate for the protection of the Order, stands outside its door.
Dirigent: By what right does (he/she) seek this protection?
Secretary: Companion Dirigent, (he/she) has been duly sponsored by a member of this lodge, and (his/her) petition for the protection of the Order has been approved by vote of the lodge.
Dirigent: Then let (him/her) be welcomed among us. Companion Sentinel, retire from the lodge and prepare the candidate for the ceremony. Companion Summoner, take charge of the door.
Sentinel leaves in form, hoodwinks candidate, and gives the alarm at the door when ready. Summoner meanwhile goes to the inner door and takes Sentinel's place.
Summoner, upon hearing Sentinel's alarm: Companion Adjuvant, the Sentinel returns with the candidate.
Adjuvant: Permit them to enter. Summoner does so, and accompanies Sentinel and candidate as these face Adjuvant. Who is this that you bring with you?
Sentinel: A candidate for the protection of our Order.
Adjuvant: Has (he/she) been sponsored by a member of this lodge?
Summoner: (He/She) has.
Adjuvant: It is well. Let the candidate be placed in the midst of the lodge. Candidate, Summoner and Sentinel go to the center of the hall and face Adjuvant. By the permission of the Council and the approval of the membe.rs of this lodge, you have been offered the protection of the Companions of the Stone. Is it your free choice to accept this offer?
Candidate answers.
Adjuvant: Before you may receive this privilege, you must bind yourself with a solemn obligation -- an obligation which will not conflict with the duties you owe to your faith, your community, your family, or yourself. With this assurance, are you willing to take the obligation?
Candidate answers.
Adjuvant ***: Then place your right hand above your heart and repeat after me:
I, ..., hereby promise and bind myself, now and in time to come, never to reveal to any person the signs, grips, and passwords I receive from the Companions of the Stone, except when properly authorized to do so. I will use utmost discretion in speaking of the Order, its teachings, and its activities to any person outside it; and should I leave the protection of the Companions of the Stone at any time, either voluntarily or otherwise, I will consider this pledge of secrecy and discretion to remain fully binding.
I furthermore promise to consider the members of this Order as my friends and companions, and to help, if it is in my power to do so, any member of this Order, or any person under its protection, who is in danger or distress. I will not wrong in any way the Order, a lodge or a member., nor will I circulate or listen to gossip, slander or personal confidences concerning any member of the Order.
To the faithful performance of all which, I pledge myself, in the name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom nothing but silence can express, and in the presence of the Guardian Companions of the Stone, upon whom I call as surety for my pledge.
Adjuvant: In that name and that presence, I call you from the darkness of the world to the light of the Stone.
Sentinel removes blindfold.
Adjuvant *: Companion Summoner, escort our friend to the desk of the Secretary, where (he/she) will sign the special register of this lodge, and then introduce (him/her) to the Adept Dirigent for instruction in the secrets of a Friend of the Order.
Summoner does so; Sentinel returns to his place.
Summoner, standing at center of hall, with candidate: Companion Dirigent, I introduce to you our Friend .... (He/She) has been obligated, has signed the special register of this lodge, and now seeks instruction in the secrets of a Friend of the Order.
Dirigent: …, as Adept Dirigent of … Lodge # … of the Companions of the Stone, I welcome you to our protection. The Companions of the Stone are companions on a quest; we join together in the search for that Mystery symbolized in the language of alchemy by the Philosopher's Stone.
As companions on this quest, we make use of certain words and signs of recognition, and as a friend of this Order and this lodge you are permitted to know certain among them. These words and signs I will now communicate to you.
Dirigent proceeds to instruct the new Friend in the knocks, signs and password of the Order's Protection according to the Unwritten Work. Summoner then brings the candidate to the Dirigent's chair, and the Dirigent here gives instruction in the grip of Protection. While giving it, the Dirigent shall say the following.
Dirigent: This grip is a symbol of the bond of friendship linking you to our Order. We hope that you will always give and receive it in that spirit.
Summoner and candidate return to center of hall.
You will now demonstrate the signs to me.
Candidate does so.
Dirigent replies with signs: You have been granted the Protection of our Order. In your adversities, we will offer you our help. In your sorrows, we will offer you our comfort. In your joys, we will offer you our rejoicing. With this protection, however, comes a responsibility on your part. We have reposed our trust in you, and we ask that you remain true to that trust, and to your obligation.
Dirigent ***: Companions, I present to you …, and commend (him/her) to your friendship and protection. General applause.
*. Companion Summoner, give our new friend a seat in this lodge.
Candidate is seated.

Closing the Lodge in the Outer

Dirigent *: Companions of … Lodge # … of the Companions of the Stone, assist me to close this lodge in the Outer. Recalling our obligations and the principles of our Order, let love toward one another and silence regarding our mysteries preserve our lodge, our Order, and our secret wisdom.
All: So be it.
Dirigent: Companion Sentinel, when the lodge is closed, you will permit the Companions to depart.
In the absence of a Sentinel, this speech shall be directed to the Adjuvant.
Sentinel (Adjuvant): I will, Companion Dirigent.
Dirigent ***: Companions, give the Outer Sign.
All do so toward the Dirigent, who responds with the same sign.
Dirigent: Companion Summoner, proclaim this lodge closed.
Summoner: In the name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom nothing but silence can express, and in the presence of the Guardian Companions of our Order, I declare this lodge closed.
Dirigent: *.

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