Chi Psi
Initiation Ritual
No date
Beginning
of Initiation
Each
man should participate individually. In the room there should be a table with
a piece of paper with the appropriate blanks for the pledges' signatures
appearing on the paper following the oath. The remainder of the ceremony should
not be on the paper to necessitate the person conducting the ceremony to
MEMORIZE it.
The
ceremony should be conducted with the #1 behind the table and a semi-circle of
actives in robes around the table.
The
pledge should be brought blindfolded before the #1, asked to raise his right
hand (his left hand may be placed on the Bible by the # 1) and his gaze
directed at the
#1 leading the
ceremony. Then the #1 would recite the ceremony from MEMORY. After the oath is
taken, the pledge would be directed to sign the paper.
You …full
name
have been chosen a prospective member of the Chi Psi Fraternity. You must remember
that Chi Psi is a
secret society. Take care not to disclose at any time or to any person, the intimate matters of the
Fraternity.
Do you
so promise?
The
pledge answers: I
promise
#1:
Repeat after me,
In the presence of God And these witnesses / I do solemnly swear / that I am not
now a member / of any secret fraternity of any collegiate institution / neither
will I become one / without the consent of this Adelphate of Chi Psi.
The
#1 then says: You
are a neophyte, entering upon a new and strange adventure. Mark well what you
hear and see, and consider carefully those things required of you. Before you,
the mystic portals to the fraternal bond will open. The threshold that awaits
you is not easy to cross. To enter is at once a challenge to your highest ideals
and your noblest character. Now, neophyte, you begin your journey.
Pledge-breaking
If
the formal pledging ceremony has been used, the first ceremony of initiation
should be a "pledge-breaking" to signify that the period of pledgeship
is over and that a new period has begun, that of a neophyte moving toward
initiation.
The
following text and the symbolic return of the pledge Button from the neophyte to
the #1 mark this transition.
The
ceremony may be conducted in any portion of the Lodge with a Bible, a skull,
several candles, several brothers standing around the neophyte in robes with
their right hands over their Badge which has been pinned on the outside of their
robe and their left hand is raised to their mouth, with the index finger
crossing their lips, and the #1 conducting the ceremony. The neophyte is brought
in blindfolded with the pledge Button on his lapel and made to kneel before the
#1. The blindfold is removed and the neophyte's eyes directed upwards to the
#1's. The Button is removed and placed in his hand.
The
#1 then says: Your
pledge Button represents an hourglass which has measured the period of
preparation through which you, as a pledge, have passed while being assisted and
observed by the Fraternity. The sands of time have flowed swiftly and your
period of preparation has now come to its end. Place the Button in the skull.
After
the neophyte places the Button in the skull, the #1 says: … full
name
you are no longer pledge of this Fraternity, but instead are now a Neophyte, entering upon a new
and strange adventure. Mark well what
you hear and see, and consider carefully those things required of you. Before you, the mystic portals to the fraternal bond
will open. The threshold that awaits you is not easy to cross. To enter is at
once a challenge to your highest ideals and your noblest character.
Now,
neophyte, you begin your journey.
The
neophyte is then blindfolded and led to the Badge Vigil.
Badge
Vigil
This
vigil represents a period of transition from the Introductory Ceremony to the
Candle Ceremony. It is meant to point out the number of jewels (17) in the Badge
which is emphasized by the Candle Ceremony. Also, it emphasizes that there is
considerable significance and meaning in various portions of the Badge.
The
neophyte is brought from the Introductory Ceremony blindfolded, and seated on a
chair, in a natural but formal position, facing the following: a table, draped
in black on which is a large reproduction of the Badge. The Badge should be
displayed so that it can be easily seen by the neophytes. There should be
candles on both sides of the Badge and this should be the only light in the
room.
There
should be no talking, whispering, or finger clicking during the Vigil. The
neophyte's eyes should be directed at the Badge at all times.
One
or more of the neophytes can be in the room at the same time. After the
neophytes are present, the following should be read clearly and slowly:
Keep
watch this night, and with a contemplative mind,
Search
out the meaning of the Badge.
In
reverence to the brothers gone before
You sit
before the symbol of their undying love.
Pray God
their souls may rest tonight,
While
you, a neophyte, shall homage pay
Before
the Badge they loved in life,
In death
hold doubly dear.
Their
spirits must transfuse to you
From out
the depth of deepest solitude,
The
sense and knowledge of our sacred ties.
Before
you, shine the secrets of our love.
Their
meanings wait thy entrance to our bonds.
Seek
then the meanings that these gems reveal
And on
our symbols gaze with searching mind.
The
Cross, the Circle and the Skull
Have
meanings Which in time thou'll find
True
Then
will'st thou look upon this symbol
Of our
love – and deeper see.
After
this reading, there should be a pause. Then, the neophyte(s) should be made to
stand and be blindfolded. The neophyte(s) would then be ready to be led to the
Candle Ceremony individually. (The reading may be repeated for those remaining
as desired.
Supper
Ceremony
The
Supper Ceremony is meant to symbolize the sharing among brothers which takes
place in everyday life as seen in the ‘simple acts done in devotion to one
another.’ There is no intended religious meaning or significance in this or
any other ceremony.
There
should be one more than twice as many chairs and places at the table as there
are neophytes. The table may be covered with a white cloth and with sufficient
candles lit to provide the lighting. Most Alphas have been provided with two
candelabra with five candles each and one with seven candles. In front of every
chair, there should be a plate and glass. The Big Brother will sit to the right
of his neophyte brother. At each Big Brother's place, a piece of plain white
bread should be on the plate and the glass filled with plain water. At the head
of the table should be a place for the #1 with bread and water.
The
neophytes would be led to the dining room from where they have been waiting. The
neophytes should be left standing behind their chairs, blindfolded, to wait for
the brothers.
As
many brothers as are available should gather in robes on the second or third
floor. They should march down the stairs, in lock-step, after all the neophytes
have been placed standing at the table. The brothers should Circle the table and
stop so that each Big Brother stands behind his respective neophyte. At a signal
from one of the brothers, the blindfolds are removed .and the brothers take two
steps backwards. Brothers not involved in the ceremony should stand, in robes,
around the walls of the room.
The #1 should then descend the stairs, in lock-step, and march into the room to
the head of the table.
He
should then circle the table walking between the row of neophytes and the row of
brothers. Stopping as often as needed for effect, he would give the grip to the
brothers around the table. He would start giving the grip to the brother on the
right of the place in which he would sit so that after completing the circle he
would be back at his seat. When he reaches his place, he is seated by a brother.
Each brother then seats his neophyte and then himself. When all are seated, the
#1 from memory says: Neophytes,
we are here to partake of a symbolic meal.
In its
simplicity you see the friendship, fellowship, devotion – which make our
Fraternity possible. It is not on material things that our Fraternity is
nourished but on simple acts done in devotion to one another. In that spirit of
sacrifice and mutual concern let us share this simple meal, and remember that
amid the superficial activities of our daily lives – we are brothers,
This is a simple fact – as simple as this meal.
Now let
us eat and drink.
Each
brother breaks his bread and places half on the neophyte's plate to his left
(which should be his little brother). He shares his water in the same manner,
The #1 then begins eating and drinking. The brothers and neophytes do also. No
one looks at the neophytes around the table. The brothers slowly and
deliberately eat and drink.
Clicking
and snapping of the fingers as well as talking and whispering except the words
spoken by the #1, only detract from the Supper Ceremony and should not take
place.
When
everyone has finished eating, the brothers all sit back. The #1 then rises and
deliberately walks from the room and upstairs in lock-step. When his steps can
no longer be heard, a designated brother nods as a signal for all brothers to
rise. The brothers then rise, blindfold the neophytes, help them to their feet,
and have them stand behind their chairs. Once all the neophytes are standing the
brothers march out the same as they entered. Several brothers are left behind to
lead the neophytes out to a room where they would wait to be taken to the Plate
Vigil individually.
Plate
Vigil
This
vigil represents a period of transition from the Supper Ceremony to the Burial
Ceremony. It is meant to connect the idea of the significance of the
sharing and self-sacrifice in the Supper Ceremony to the leaving behind of
selfishness in the Burial Ceremony. It is a symbol and pictorial explanation of
the concept of the Fraternity.
Upon
the completion of the Supper Ceremony, the neophytes should be taken to a
different room. The Plate Vigil would have been set up prior to the Supper
Ceremony to allow a smooth flow frome one ceremony to another. The neophytes
would be brought in blindfolded and seated on a chair in a natural but formal
position. They would be facing the following: A table draped in black on which
should be a large reproduction of the Chi Psi Plate. The Plate should be
displayed so that it can be easily seen by the neophytes. There should be
candles on both sides of the Plate and this would be the only lighting in the
room.
There
should be no talking, whispering or finger clicking in this ceremony. The
neophyte's eyes should be directed at the Plate at all times. After the neophyte
has been seated, the blindfold should be removed. After a pause, the following
should be read clearly and slowly: Behold
the vision of fraternal love,
Which
banished the dark and breaks the gloom
For thee
as for all others who have come
To write
their names upon our mystic scroll.
Buried
from view beneath the skull and bones,
The
traitor lies within his lonely tomb,
While
near, the snake by which he was beguiled
Expends
his venom in the black abyss,
Crushed
by the heel of an Archos staunch and true.
The
tempter demon, writhing in the cloud,
With one
hand tips the hourglass of time,
With
other clutches at the shattered scroll,
Which,
as rebuke, the neophyte destroyed.
Note
that the seven sins in serpent guise
Spit out their poison. but to no avail.
While on their master's face lies wicked rage.
Sweetly,
the neophyte looks upon the cross,
To which
the guardian spirit of Chi Psi,
Silent,
directs his proud reflective gaze.
His
merits weighed upon yon silver scales
By
Arches standing in the
Have
shown hi m worthy of our eternal love.
Grandly, the vision rolls before his eyes.
Which,
as thine own, grow eloquent with tears.
Resting
upon the angel they behold
A
dazzling cross upon a shining scroll.
Symbol
of the exalted love we bear.
Beyond
the angel in a chariot fair
The
neophyte, transfigured rides,
Borne
upward by the snow-white steeds,
Faith.
Hope and Charity, to the abodes of bliss,
For-ever,
there in happiness to dwell.
After
this reading, there may be a pause, followed by a second reading. The neophytes
are then blindfolded and led to the Burial Ceremony.
Burial
Ceremony
The
Burial Ceremony deals with and refers to the "ordeals" of death. This
should not be taken mean that the Burial Cerernony should be an ordeal for the
neophyte going through it. To the contrary,
it should be conducted with the same dignity as the other ceremonies. The Burial
Ceremony represents an end to the neophyte's "life of darkness" and a
beginning to his new life in our brotherhood of united souls.
This
ceremony must be conducted within the Lodge. In spite of all possible
precautions, unfortunate publicity may result from being outside the Lodge.
Props include a coffin and a record. Chopin's funeral march, Opus 35 may be
used. Perhaps a better record would be the album "Be loved Hymns"
(HLPO 111, Herald Records.)
The
neophyte hears the music only a minute or two at a time and a more familiar hymn
is more quickly recognized. The neophytes should be led to the location of the
ceremony blindfolded, preferably a basement room. The coffin should be upon
sawhorses.
As the
neophyte approaches the room, the record should be playing. The door is opened
after the triple knocks, and the neophyte led to the coffin, When he approaches
the coffin he may be wrapped in a sheet, and in a whisper should be instructed
to hold himself stiffly. He should then be picked up by two brothers and placed
in the coffin. The blindfold should not be removed. After several seconds,
during which time the music fades out, the speaker may begin speaking in a
normal tone of voice. A previous test should have been made to determine whether
or not the speaker's voice can be heard from within the coffin. The speaker says
the
following:
"Brothers in Chi Psi, We are gathered together in the third lower (or
upper) chamber with the shades of silence and darkness drawn about us, to assist
at the burial of one whom we have learned to love. He has been summoned to
become a member of this brotherhood, and when the ordeal is passed and his oaths
have been recorded, we hope to grasp his hand in mystic fashion, but first, as
is our custom, this one who is still a stranger to us, must pass through the
valley of the shadow of death.
Yea., he
must pass from this life of darkness which he has led into the gloomier depths
of the grave.
His
body, enveloped. in its shroud, has been coffined and now his soul we would
commit to its Maker. We would that in this awful presence there should come to
hi m the realization of his weakness and unworthiness, that the yearning for the
future which is before him, of which as yet, he knows so little, may be
strengthened so that he may have the courage and the spirit to sustain him in
the ordeal through which he now must pass. We would that there should come to
him, when he feels upon his cheek the breath of the angel of death, the
knowledge of the weakness of those bond, by which he is held to his fellows,
unseated and unsworn, that when standing face to face with the stern reality of
death, he may know the truth of utter loneliness.
At
this point there is a pause of a few seconds, after which the speaker says: Let
the coffin be lowered, brothers.
The
coffin is lifted from the horses and lowered so as ti simulate lowering it into
a grave. When it is in the "grave," the brothers sing the Doxology.
When the .Doxology is completed, the speaker says: And cast upon it crumbling earth, which is the emblem of buried life.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Now
wet towels are dropped on the coffin to simulate earth falling. This is more
effective than using earth, and far more convenient. The speaker, now from a
distance, continues: We
have buried from our sight the body of …, and from the world his soul, but
there shall come a resurrection when this body shall stand alive again, purged
of selfishness and sin, and shall be ready to stand before our Altar, and, in
the presence of God and these witnesses, shall be fit to assume the oath of
friendship and the bonds of brotherhood, The sepulchre shall open and there
shall be a new birth to a new life. The evil of this soul and its love of self
shall be left behind, and this coffin and these cerements shall hold them, and
when our oath shall have been taken and our pledges given, we shall welcome this
one, who shall be born again, to our union of souls, which shall bind him to us
and us to him so long as our lives shall last. And, when the dark shadow of
death shall come again, and for the last time, he shall know that our bond is
eternal.
After
the completion of the speaking, there should be a period of complete silence to
give the neophyte a sense of the situation. This will vary from a half a minute
to longer depending on the time available.
At
a signal from the speaker the coffin is raised and then opened. As the coffin is
raised, the record starts softly and increases as the coffin is opened. The
neophyte is then lifted from the coffin, stood on his feet, and led from the
room. It is not necessary to waste time to carry him back and forth. This is a
time-consuming ceremony, and the important elements are when he is in the
coffin, not how he got there.
Following
the Burial, the neophytes should be sent directly to bed or instructed to return
to their dormitory and be back at the Lodge at a certain time the next morning.
It is preferable to have the neophyte remain in the Lodge during the entire
initiation. If he must sleep outside the Lodge or leave for any reason, he must
be instructed to mention to no one any proceedings that have transpired within
the Lodge.
First
Entrance
The
three required formal entrances in Section 1 of this Manual are usually
undertaken on the morning or early afternoon of the day Following the Burial
Ceremony. They take place in the Lodge Room with several brothers in robes and
only candles for lighting.
The
neophytes are blindfolded and led to the First Entrance individually. The
blindfold is not removed during the First Entrance.
With
the triple knock, the neophyte shall be ushered by the #5 into the Lodge Room,
blindfolded. The Lodge Room shall be virtually dark. Upon his entrance, the
following chant shall be recited by all present in concert: Midnight,
dark and drear and solemn,
Shrouds
the portals of Chi Psi
Veiling
every arch and column
From the
gaze of mortal eye,
Spirits
of our proud ancestors,
Hover
o'er these dim pilasters,
Guardian
spirits of Chi Psi.
The
#1 shall then say: What
unknown tread is heard within the bounds
Of this,
our consecrated, secret shrine,
Where
the unhallowed footstep should not come,
Nor
where the stranger gaze of one unknown.
Without
privilege rare, should dare to look upon
Our
hallowed altars and our secret shrine?
Speak
thou. to whose charge, so responsible is given
The
presentation of those
Who'd
join our bonds of sacred friendship true,
Comes he
with intent good and purpose pure
Or dares
he come without a privilege?
The
#1 shall then be answered from the rear of the Lodge Room by the # 5 who shall
say: Hail! Thou
presiding genius of the Chi Psi. Permit me to recommend to thy most hallowed
consideration, …, whom we believe to be a gentleman, worthy of becoming a
member of this Brotherhood of thy ever-faithful children and to pass the mystic
veil which now obscures from his imperfect vision those bonds of never-ending
friendship and unceasing amity, which bind in one unbroken chain the members of
this Fraternity. Knowest thou why he should not be received and welcomed amongst
us as a friend and Brother.
The
#1 shall then reply: Thou
speakest
well, no reason do I
know, and you, …, shall answer to the things required which you shall keep
locked in the secret chambers of your soul. Upon your sacred honor, promise
then, will you keep secret and inviolate all things transacted by this
Brotherhood, and ne'er reveal the precepts of our Order? Will you obey our laws,
respect our rules, and link your kindred feelings with our own?
The
neophyte shall then say:
I promise.
The
#1 shall then say:
Retire awhile, but at the triple knock return.
The
neophyte should then be returned to the waiting room where he should be left
seated.
Second
Entrance
With
the triple knock, the blindfolded neophyte is ushered into the Lodge Room and
stood a few feet outside a circle of lighted candles in front of the altar. A
row of hooded brothers should go on each side of the circle, standing with their
right hands over their hearts and their left index fingers vertically across the
lips indicative of the mottos: "Heart and Hand" and "Hail
Mystery."
Oath
The
#1 shall then say: Neophyte
– Thou swear'st by Him who marks the ways of men, who notes their actions and
their secret thoughts, who in the hollow of his hand doth hold the heavens and
fashioneth all things to His will, by all you are, hope, pray for, or hold dear,
to ne'er in word or deed or e'en in inmost thought betray the secrets to thy
care entrusted?
The
neophyte shall answer:
I swear. If the neophyte does not answer, the #1 shall
say: Do you so promise?
A
person in the wings shall say: May
you ever be banished from the presence of all upright and honorable men, may
piercing conscience harrow up your soul, and banish quiet sleep from off your
eyes, may truth shun you, an object scorned, and justice bring swift retribution
on your head, and may you live detested here on earth, and when you die your
memory be despised, if these our secrets you shall e'er reveal.
The
brothers shall then repeat the last line: If
these our secrets you shall e'er reveal.
The
#1 shall then say: Phos
Genthos.
The
neophyte's blindfold shall now be removed and the #1 shall say from memory: "Thine
oaths and vows upon thine honor given
To thee
the portals of our shrine have shown,
But an
oath more binding on our chosen sons
Than an
adamantine chain withholds our secrets from the world.
Conduct
thy charge within the circle
And let
him kneel before the Altar,
The
neophyte is ushered into the circle to the front of the Altar and knelt. His
hands are placed upon a Bible which is on the Altar and his eyes directed to the
#1 who shall then say: For
still this oath shall be of him required.
The
#1 shall then continue from 'HOJORY while looking directly into the eyes of the
neophyte: …, you
have entered the mystic circle which symbolizes the unity of our- Brotherhood.
You are aware of the simple truths for which our symbols stand and by which our
Brotherhood endures. A solemn promise, then, based upon your thoughtful
consideration of these meanings, shall now be required.
The
#1 shall then move forward, take the neophyte's hand and continue from memory,
in a natural voice: Do
you promise to share our lives? To subordinate selfish desire to the higher
demands of our Brotherhood? To give of yourself, as freely as you would receive
aid and affection from others'? Upon your solemn consideration, do you promise
to assume the obligations of Fraternal life and become one with us in our
Brotherhood of United Souls?
Do you
promise?
The
neophyte shall answer:
I promise.
The
#1 shall then continue: We
receive you into our silver bonds of friendship and fraternal love. Retire
awhile, but soon return to reciprocate a friendly greeting.
The
neophyte is then blindfolded, backed a way from the Altar and led from the Lodge
Room. He shall then be returned to the waiting room.
Third
Entrance
The
Lodge Room is fully lighted. The #1 is standing at the right of the front of the
Altar. The #2 is at his left, heading a circle of all the brothers lined up in
order of their seniority.
The
blindfolded new Brother is ushered into the room with the formal triple knock
and the pass words and led to the #1. The Big Brother (or #5) places a robe with
a Badge on it on the neophyte. He then removes the neophyte's blindfold and
says: Brothers,
Brother … last
name of
the new
Brother.
The
brothers applaud by snapping their fingers. The #1 then takes the hand of the
new Brother and from memory says: We have received you into our Fraternity as a friend and Brother and on our part
we promise to make your interests our interests, to sympathize with you alike in
joy or sorrow, to extend to you the right hand of fellowship in
sickness and distress,
and if, among the many vicissitudes of
human events, you shall ever need succor and assistance. you will find an
inalienable and unalterable
friend in one who
wears upon his bosom the Bagde of Chi Psi.
The
#1 then explains the grip and its significance to the new Brother. After he has
been shown the grip, the new Brother is introduced to the #2 who starts him
around the circle of Brothers. He is presented formally from each Brother to the
next Brother as "Brother …, may I present Brother ..." Each give him
the grip as he is introduced and a few warm words of welcome. As soon as the new
Brother has been introduced to the #2, the next new Brother is ushered into the
Lodge Room and the above process is repeated.
Ritual
of the Badge
After
all the new Brothers have been around the circle, the officers take their usual
places behind the Altar and the new Brothers are seated in a semi-circle in
front of the Altar. There should be a large reproduction of the Badge where all
the new Brothers can see it.
The
#1 now reads the Preamble of the Constitution, or preferably leads the Brothers
in reciting it: A
Few Forsake the Throng And Seek Retirement For Its Proper Use
The
cultivation of an elevated and refined friendship is so liable to be retarded by
the petty jealousies and misunderstandings which assail frail human nature, the
silver cord which binds together kindred hearts so easily severed that we can
but lament that there is no sufficient antidote against the poisonous infusion
of envy – no Aeolian cave in which to confine the whirlwind of sudden passion.
The
stern dictates of selfishness will rule with iron sway when no cherished bond of
union leads to conciliation and teaches mutual forbearance to those whom the
routine of life brings into familiar contact.
For the
cultivation of true friendship, then; for mutual protection and advancement in
intellectual, moral, and social life, keeping always in view that liberality of
sentiment due to our fellow-students and to all mankind, we do individually and
collectively, electing and elected, form ourselves into a Fraternity, whose
transactions, hallowed by an exalted friendship, shall be veiled from the rude
gaze of public scrutiny, and we do mutually pledge our sacred honor to keep the
spirit and the letter of the following Constitution.
The
#1 now gives the Ritual of the Badge: Brothers
in Chi Psi.
You are
Chi Psis now and are entitled to know our secrets and the meanings of our
symbols. While I address myself at this time to our new Brothers, I also call on
the older Brothers present to renew their memories of our ritual, to renew in
their hearts the Bonds of Brotherhood, and to accept again as these new Brothers
have today the meaning of our traditions, the sharing of our secret bonds, our
devotion and dedication to the ideals upon which Chi Psi stands.
In the
Burial Ceremony you were told that when your oaths had been taken and pledges
given, you would be welcomed into our Union of Souls. This is one at the most
significant sentences in the initiation, for that is the meaning of Chi Psi.
Chi is
the first Greek letter in the word kay-lew-tai, which means 'united’.
Psi is
the first Greek letter in the word sue-kai, which means 'souls.'
‘United
Soul’, we are a Brotherhood of United Souls.
In the
Candle Ceremony, you learned that there are 17 jewels in that Chi of Gold. If
you will look at them you will see that they are divided into two groups of ten
and seven. The ten spell chris-may-sigh: Chi,
Someone
should help the #1
and count these out on the reproduction of the Bagde. The seven spell
sue-ko-then: Psi, Upsilon, Chi, Omicron, Theta, Epsilon, Nu. These were the
letters that were called out as you lit the candles while ascending the stairs.
Chris-may-sigh means 'I will assist.' Sue-ko-then means 'From my soul.' From his
soul will the Brother who wears over his heart the Badge of Chi Psi assist you.
Now the
ten jewels taken alone have another meaning: Sue-ka-to-kire: Psi, Upsilon, Chi,
Eta, Tau, Epsilon, Chi, Epsilon, Iota,
And the
ten jewels taken alone have still another meaning in lientive of the secrecy of
the Fraternity: Kir-a-sefos means 'Hail Mystery.’
And so
we have just revealed two meanings in one: sue-ka-to-kire:
‘Heart and Hand’ and
kir-ti-sefos: 'Hail Mystery' – two meanings in one bar of the Chi. And we have
just revealed 'one meaning in two' – chris-may-sigh sue-ko-then. 'From my soul
I will assist you' – one meaning in two bars of the Chi.
In the
Candle Ceremony you heard the words: 'Can you number the gems in that Chi of
Gold or fathom the secrets those gems unfold? Then count them, though strange,
you will find it true, two meanings in one, and one in two.'
Now,
Brothers you can fathom those secrets.
If you
will look again at the ten jewels you will note that they are divided into two
groups of five each. Each group of five spells semen which means 'We Are.' We
are what? The seven jewels give the answer – adelphoi
which means 'Brothers.' – We are Brothers. And these Greek words are
the pass words which are used for
formal entrances into
the Lodge Room. The Brother on the outside knocks three
times. The Brother on the inside answers with three knocks. The Brother on the
outside knocks three times again. These are the triple knocks referred to in the
formal initiation. The Brother within the room challenges with the word 'esmen'.
The Brother seeking entrance replies – 'adelphoi'.
The
seventeen jewels taken as a whole spell in English 'Adelphate of Chi Psi.'
Adelphate means Brotherhood, and our Lodges are known as Adelphates of Chi Psi,
or to the public as Alphas of Chi Psi.
Now let
us look at the Psi. At the bottom you will notice a skull and cross bones which
is a symbol of another of our mottos: 'We rejoice in the death of the traitor'
or one who betrays his trust to the Fraternity.
At the
top is a cross within a circle. The circle has a double meaning. In neither time
nor space has it an ending. It is the ancient symbol of eternity. In the
initiation ceremony you heard the words: 'Those bonds of faith and never-ending
friendship and unceasing amity which bind in one unbroken chain the members of
this Fraternity.' In space, the circle represents the unbroken chain
which binds together,
the members of this Fraternity. In time, it represents the never-ending
friendship among brothers. In the initiation, you entered the mystic circle
which is a symbol of our Brotherhood. You are now a member of that circle of our
Brotherhood.
The
cross is the symbol of sacrifice. At the supper, you were told that our
Fraternity is not nourished on material things, but on simple acts done in
devotion to one another. In that spirit of sacrifice and mutual concern we
shared that simple meal. You were then ready for the Burial Ceremony in which
you were buried, and in the silence and solitude of the coffin had an
opportunity to look within yourself and seek the meaning of the Supper Ceremony
which you had experienced. not your independence or your individuality, but your
self centeredness.
You were
then ready for the first Formal Entrance today in which you took the oath of
secrecy. Secrecy is, in itself, a symbol. It is a symbol of the fact that
between you and the men in this room there is a unique relationship. A few days
ago you were a group of men whom we all wanted to know better. Today we are
Brothers. Throughout your life, you will have many different relationships, some
of which will be very dear to you, but the relationships between you and the men
in this room and a larger sense all Chi Psis will always be unique – the
relationship of Brothers in Chi Psi.
You were then ready for the final and consummating ritual in which you took
the Pledge of Brotherhood, You promised to share our lives, to give of yourself
to something outside of yourself, for something bigger than yourself, to
something outside the obligations of fraternal life.
These
then are the meanings of the simple truths for which our symbols stand, and by
which our Brotherhood has endured for more than a century.
Brothers,
I hope you will always keep your Badge in your possession, and wear it
reverently and with dignity us a symbol of these meanings. But I could not close without reminding
you that these are only symbols. The deeper meanings you will have to find, each
one of you, for yourself and within your-self. I can only say that if through
the years the men in this Alpha and those whom the routine of life brings into
familiar contact, are just a little stronger; just a little
happier, just a little
more sensitive to the finer things in life because they knew you, then, you will
have found the meaning of Chi Psi.
The
#1 then asks the Brothers to join hands, each Brother giving his right hand to
the left hand of the Brother on his left. The lights are extinguished except for
the transparency; and the Brothers sing the Doxology.
The
#1 then returns to his place behind the Altar, the lights are turned on, and the
#1 formally declares the meeting adjourned. Led by the officers, the Brothers
then leave the Lodge Room in order of seniority.