Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America
Initiation


 
1976


Opening
 
The High Priestess and Officers shall study and follow this Ritual. The High Priestess shall select an Inviting Officer and Inviting Marshal prior to all meetings and Ceremonials. Their duty will be to invite and escort the Officers into the Courtroom for the meetings and to greet the High Priestess from the East and whatever other duty the High Priestess may request. The Marshal shall lead all processions.
H.P.: The Court will be at order (Strikes one rap of the gavel).
H.P.: Lady Associate Princess.
A.P.: Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Direct the Inner Guard to ascertain if the Outer Guard is at her station, close the doors and permit no interruption during the ceremony of opening the Court.
A.P.: Lady Inner Guard.
I.G.:  Lady Associate Princess.
A.P.: Ascertain if the Outer Guard is at her station, close the doors and permit no interruption during the opening ceremony of the Court.
(The Inner Guard will see that all doors are closed and, if necessary, have Guards placed at doors other than her own, after which she reports to the Associate Princess).
I.G.: Lady Associate Princess, the Court is secure.
A.P.: Lady High Priestess, your order has been obeyed, the Court is secure from interruption.
H.P.: Lady Princess.
Prin.: Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Ascertain if all present are entitled to remain.
Princess will stand until the Opening Ceremony is completed.
Prin.: Ceremonial Ladies.
Ceremonial Ladies will rise, turn inward facing each other, take two paces and continue turning, facing West and stand until the Princess has finished her charge.
Prin.: Appear before my station.
Ceremonial Ladies march two paces beyond the Altar, turn facing each other and meet at center of the Altar, then turn and face West and march directly to a position in front of the Princess’ station but not beyond the stations of the Directress and Prophetess.
Prin.: Ceremonial Ladies, ascertain if all present are members of our Order.
Ceremonial Ladies will turn South and West to the entrance of the Courtroom, marching together If the main entrance should be on the opposite side of the room, the Ceremonial Ladies will march North, then West.
F.C.L.: Lady Inner Guard, have all present imparted to you the Pass and Grip of the Order?
I.G.: They have.
Ceremonial Ladies return  and stand facing the Princess and report.
F.C.L.: Lady Princess, all present are members of the Order.
After reporting to the Princess, Ceremonial Ladies turn inward and face East, remaining in place until the Princess reports to the High Priestess.
Prin.: Lady High Priestess, all present are members of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America, and are qualified to participate in our deliberations.
H.P.: Lady Princess, permit me to commend you on your prompt and careful performance of my order.
The Ceremonial Ladies will now return to their stations and stand by their chairs at the farthest side from the Altar, until the Opening Ceremony is completed.
H.P.: Lady Marshal (and Lady Aide, if more than one Country is represented).
Mar.: Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Present the Flags. H.P. calls up the Court, three raps.
Marshal and Aide will observe lines of march. They will proceed to the East, passing between the station of the Second Ceremonial Lady and the Altar. The Marshal and Aide carry the Flags on their left side, left hand down toward the end of the staff, right hand at upper end of staff and across their hearts. As the Marshals pass each member, the members stand at attention, hands on hearts, and remain in this position until after the Marshals have posted the Flags in their respective holders. The Marshals hold the Flags, facing the Courtroom, until the Pledge is given, then post the Flags in the standards, step back three paces and give the fraternal salute, remaining facing the Flags until after song is sung (Courts in the United States give the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America, in other Countries, the Courts give the Universal Pledge. When more than one Country is represented, the Universal Pledge ONLY is given.
H.P.: Join with me in giving the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pledge of Allegiance in the United States “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all”.
Universal Pledge “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of my Country, and to the Principles for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all”
H.P.: Join with me in singing our National Anthem (or, join with me in singing either, America, America the Beautiful or God Bless America’ “) In other Countries, either “O Canada” or an appropriate song) When both Countries are represented BOTH National Anthems (or songs) MUST be sung (After the song, the Marshals return to their stations.
H.P.: Lady Oriental Guide.
O.G.: Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Arrange the Altar.
The Oriental Guide will carry the closed Bible from her station, holding it on the upturned palms of both hands on a level with the elbows. As the Oriental Guide passes the station of the Second Ceremonial Lady, the Ceremonial Ladies turn and slowly face the Altar, remaining in this position until the Oriental Guide passes them, returning to her station. The Oriental Guide places the Bible on the Altar, the hands under the Bible, the back of the Bible to the North, raises the Bible with the right hand, at the same time slipping the left hand along the back of the Bible until it is between the palms of both hands with its back resting on the Altar, palms flat along the covers, thumbs parallel, on the opening of the Bible. She will then lower both sides of the Bible equally and slowly, drawing the hands up in one fluid motion, and repeat the Lord’s Prayer. All present will make the sign at the same time with the Oriental Guide and repeat (or sing) the Prayer in unison, (using the words “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, etc “) (The closing word of the Lord’s Prayer to be pronounced “A-MEN” Long A). The Oriental Guide slowly and reverently lowers her hands and the members lower their hands at the same time. The Oriental Guide steps back ONE step, turns and returns to her station. Officers and members will stand with bowed heads and arms at sides until the Oriental Guide reports to the High Priestess.
O.G.: Lady High Priestess, your order has been obeyed.
H.P.: The Court being secure from interruption, and there being none present unqualified to remain, you will give the sign.
H.P.: We will unite in singing our Opening Song (Any appropriate song maybe used).
H.P.: I now declare ... Court of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America open for business. (Uses Court Name and Number) (Seats members—one rap of the gavel).
H.P.:  Lady Inner Guard.
I.G.:  Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Inform the Outer Guard that the Court is now in Session and inquire if there are any members or visitors who desire to be admitted.
Inner Guard gives raps, Outer Guard responds. The Inner Guard makes inquiry and Outer Guard answers.
I.G.: Lady High Priestess, there are ladies waiting who desire to be admitted. They have been properly vouched for.
H.P.: Lady Inner Guard admit them.
Members entering at this time will line up, halfway between the Altar and the station of the Princess, facing the High Priestess, and give sign (in unison if there are more than one. After the High Priestess has given sign, they will be seated.
H.P.: Lady Inner Guard report all further alarms at the doors to the Princess.
During the transaction of business, the attention of the High Priestess should not be diverted. Ladies entering late will line up in front of the station of the Princess and give sign. The Princess will stand and respond with sign, and they will take seats quietly.
 
 
Ceremony of Initiation
 
HP.: Lady Recorder
Rec.: Lady High Priestess Gives sign.
H.P.: Read the dispensation
This is used only when dispensation has been granted by the Grand High Priestess for the purpose of Ceremonial.
H.P.: Lady Recorder
Rec.: Lady High Priestess Gives sign.
H.P.: Retire and ascertain if there are candidates in waiting to receive the degrees of the Order.
Recorder retires. The Recorder will give sign at the Altar before retiring. The Inner Guard will give the raps  and the Outer Guard responds when the Recorder retires. The Recorder ascertains if the candidates are all present and has them sign the Registration Book, giving their full names and addresses. When the Recorder is ready to return to the room, the Outer Guard gives the raps and the Inner Guard responds to admit the Recorder After the Recorder is admitted, she marches to the Altar and addresses the High Priestess. If possible the Recorder should obtain signatures before meeting.
Rec.: Lady High Priestess Gives sign, I find in waiting reads the names whose petitions have been favorably received by this Court. They are now ready to be initiated into the mysteries of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America.
The Recorder returns to her station.
H.P.: Ceremonial Ladies retire and prepare the candidates for the ceremony of initiation
The Ceremonial Ladies rise when addressed and stand in from of their chairs until the High Priestess is through speaking, then they turn right and left, respectively, and meet West of the Altar. They give sign and retire from the room. The Inner Guard will give the raps and the Outer Guard responds. The Ceremonial Ladies line up the candidates in twos outside the door. When all are ready, the Outer Guard will give the raps at the preparation room door. The Inner Guard reports to the High Priestess.
I.G.: Lady High Priestess. Gives sign.
H.P.: Lady Inner Guard. Gives sign.
I.G.: Lady High Priestess someone would enter our Court and knocks at the entrance door.
H.P.: Lady Marshal and Lady Oriental Guide, inquire who seeks to enter ... Court.
The Marshal and Oriental Guide stand in front of their chairs when the High Priestess addresses them, and remain there until the High Priestess is through speaking. They then proceed forward and meet West of the Altar, give sign to the High Priestess who responds, then march to the door.
The Inner Guard gives the raps in response to the Outer Guard. The Marshal and Oriental Guide remain standing just inside the room The Marshal speaks so that all may hear.
Mar.: Who seeks to enter the Court of ...? Marshal gives the name and number of the Court.
First Ceremonial Lady responds to the Marshal: Ladies of noble birth who seek admittance through your indulgent courtesy.
The Marshal addresses the candidates: Do you declare, on your honor, that you are closely related to a Noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine?
Candidates respond: I do.
Mar.: Do you believe that you are possessed of the fortitude that enable you to endure the hardships you may have to overcome?
Candidates respond: I do
Mar.: Then I assure you that the High Priestess will grant your request You will await our return with Her Majesty’s decision
The Inner Guard closes the door. The Marshal and Oriental Guide will return to the Altar, and report:
Mar.: Lady High Priestess, gives sign, I find in waiting ... ladies of noble birth who seek to enter and associate with the society of this Court.
H.P.: Lady Marshal, with the assistance of the Oriental Guide and Ceremonial Ladies, conduct these candidates during the Ceremony of Initiation.
The Marshal and Oriental Guide return to the entrance going as before. The Inner Guard gives the raps and, after the response from the Outer Guard opens the door and the Marshal addresses the candidates.
Mar.: In order to gain admittance to the Sacred Shrine, where the Faithful meet and Traitors dare not come, you are obliged to travel a rough and dangerous road. Forget not that your enemies are before you, the way of retreat is still open to you and you are at liberty to retrace your steps, BUT, let it be engraved on your minds that, once you have crossed the desert sands you have passed the enemy’s last picket The bridges behind you will be burned, and retreat cut off FOREVER Those who start with an honest purpose will not fail to reach the Oasis. Are you willing to proceed?
Candidates respond: I am
Mar.: Lady Oriental Guide, assist me with the help of the Ceremonial Ladies to conduct these candidates through the Ceremony of Initiation.
Here, lights should be dimmed, if possible, then to slow and eerie music. The Marshal leads, with the Oriental Guide on her right, followed by the candidates, (no candidate should march alone) then the Ceremonial Ladies The First Ceremonial Lady on the same side as the Marshal, the Second Ceremonial Lady on the same side as the Oriental Guide The march continues around the Court Room beyond the F.C.L. station and then forms a semi-circle West of the Altar, facing the High Priestess. The Marshal and Oriental Guide are at the North end of the line and the Ceremonial Ladies on the South end.
H.P.: In our devotional exercises, reverence is expressed to the open Bible by an Ancient Arabic sign. You will receive instructions regarding this sign later.
H.P.: Lady Oriental Guide ask the Divine Blessing. Calls up the Court.
The Oriental Guide leaves the side of the Marshal, proceeds South to the center of the Altar, then East until she is at the Altar, gives sign and the Prayer. Members Make the sign and bow heads.
O.G.: Almighty God and Loving Father, may Thy everlasting power and presence abide with us always. We pray that as this ceremony is observed by Thee, all things done and said here may be pleasing in Thy sight.
Bless these Ladies who have come to labor in Thy Name for those less fortunate than themselves. In still in their hearts a new love for their fellowmen, and understanding compassion for suffering, and a desire to practice Thy teachings in their daily lives, that they may so live as to be a shining example to others. A-Men.
The Oriental Guide takes one step back and returns to her place in the procession line on the right of the Marshal.
H.P. gives sign. The Oriental Guide and Marshal assist the candidates in making this sign properly. If there is a large class the Ceremonial Ladies may assist. H.P. seats Court.
H.P.: Daughters of the Desert, before the ceremony of reception is completed, it is necessary for you to become acquainted with the information regarding the origin and cause of establishing this Court of Noble Ladies You will, therefore, proceed on your journey and heed the warning of the betrayal of our Royal Degrees
The Marshal and Oriental Guide take two steps East, followed by the candidates, then march South, then West, then North, making a semi-circle facing the Princess.
As the Marshal starts to lead the procession to the Princess’ station, the Princess will immediately stand.
When the candidates are in position the Princess will give her charge.
Prin.: I’ll tell you of the Sphinx
O voiceless Sphinx, thy solemn lips are dumb
Time’s awful secrets are locked within thy heart
Age follows age, revering pilgrims come from every clime to urge the same request—
That thou will speak
Poor creatures of a day, in calm disdain thou seest them die away—
O voiceless Sphinx!
To emulate the silence of the Sphinx, to keep forever the secrets that will be revealed to you here, is the first and most important of the lessons you must learn. Proceed on your journey.
The candidates are conducted to the station of the Associate Princess, forming a semi-circle facing the Associate Princess—at no time may they be inside the First Ceremonial Lady’s station.
As the Marshal starts to lead the procession to the Associate Princess’ station, the Associate Princess will immediately stand.
When the candidates are in position, the Associate Princess will give her charge.
A.P.: You have come here to receive instruction and to learn at the Shrine of Isis, the Egyptian Goddess. We have some things written that the worthy and the unworthy may read, but some things are made known to none but the elect, for, in them, is the spring of understanding, the fountain of wisdom and the stream of knowledge. The slightest incident within the doors of the Shrine is secret. The tongue is enclosed within the teeth as with a wall, and guarded by the lips as with sentinels so that it may not be suffered to run wild. Guard well thy tongue, “think twice before you speak” is a wise maxim. Proceed on your journey.
The candidates are conducted West of the Altar where they will form a semi-circle between the Altar and the station of the Princess, facing the Altar. The F.C.L., S.C.L., Oriental Guide and Marshal face the candidates.
F.C.L.: Life began in the Orient, say the ancient records Woman attained man’s equality as she journeyed westward with him Who, then, would suppress the dominion of our Court, where she reigns supreme?
S.C.L.:  Listen to the story of a Queen of ages ago. Hear ye what befell the one who gave birth to ancient mysteries. May the same befall her who reveals our secrets.
O.G.: We now surround the Sacred Altar.
F.C.L., S.C.L., Oriental Guide and Marshal step back to their positrons. The ORIENTAL GUIDE, followed by the Marshal, will lead the candidates around the Altar in SINGLE FILE, so that each candidate is next to the Altar. They will continue in single file to the front of the station of the F.C.L., then in twos East to the station of the High Priestess.
H.P.: Ladies of the Nobility, it is my privilege to relate (or, have related), to you the circumstances of the life of Isis of Egyptian fame who with the regenerated Nobility of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, have made it possible for us during the descent of the ages, to become members of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America.
H.P.: Ladies, be seated
There being no seats provided, the candidates will sit on the floor. The Aides or Pages will place sheets, pillows, etc on the floor so that the clothing of the candidates will not be soiled. Chairs should be provided for those unable to sit on the floor.
H.P.: Relates the Story.
This part of the Ritualistic work should be made beautiful and impressive. At ALL times, dignity must be preserved, and nothing done to give the candidates the wrong impression of the work of the Order MUCH depends on first impressions, and those impressions MUST be favorable.
 
STORY
I will tell you a tale of a story land
Far from the land of the free,
Where the odorous winds lift the glittering sands,
And play with the plumes of the whispering palms,
And the River Nile, in the moonlit calm
Flows on, to meet the sea.
 
Of the wonders and the mysteries
That sweet “Isis” did befall,
If you give me strict attention
You will, doubtless, know them all.
 
Isis was the Holy Goddess
Of each mystic school and rite,
She was the mother of all sacred things
Occurring day and night.
 
In times of olden Egypt, so many years ago
That memory knoweth NOT of things above below
She was the Priestess, the Governor, the Soul
Of all things bright and beautiful, subject to control
The Temple at Dendarah, so sumptuous and grand
More noted than all others on famed Egyptian land
Was built, and consecrated to the Daughters of the Sun,
To Woman, the Ideal, or so mythology doth run.
 
The marvel of all ages, the glory of all art
In magnificence excelling, in harmony each part,
With columns without number, with paintings so rich and rare
That brooding silence overcame all those who entered there.
 
With images of our Goddess rising high above the sand,
With sculptured hieroglyphics, as if in fairyland,
With richness and precision, with elegance of form,
Variety of ornaments on every column borne.
 
The Winged Sun, the Sphinx head, Propylon, the gate,
The Zodiac and Planisphere had hundreds for a mate,
Mitred Snakes and Lotus Flowers, vases, little boats,
Devices strange, on every side, on Egyptian banners float.
 
The ancient philosophy is noble, virtuous, pure,
It teaches us to love the things that will endure
‘Twas such a love that HATHOR had, all the mysteries of life
She has learned through the ages, standing far above the strife
But, like the Sphinx, she’s silent, and then we know full well
That from the great High Priestess, she learned this lesson (No 1).
 
For woe to her who breaks the faith,
She’s LOST beyond he pale
And Never more shall enter in
Where truth and love prevail.
 
Our Goddess was of ancient faith, the purest and the best,
Who ruled the world for many years, or will, when we’re at rest
We, therefore, should be just to those we highly esteem,
And bind to us all others who believe in this, our theme.
 
Forever and for ages, these ladies fair we bind,
In a secret, social element of the Egyptian kind,
They are sisters to our Arabs of noble, earnest life,
But strangers to all others who dare indulge in strife.
 
Fair Egypt was a land of wealth, of storied fame, of truth,
Of glory, honor, every trait that’s dear to woman’s youth
Then why not, with a loving vow, unite these in a band
Of true and trusty followers, with our Goddess in command?
 
Whate'er may be your future lot, whatever you befall,
Stand forth the champion of the true,
Be ready at the call, with sympathy to aid, to give relief,
Or, otherwise with joy to share, if pleasure masters grief.
 
Our sorrows and our pleasures by each other will be borne
‘Till the circling of the angels shall crown the rosy morn,
And answer to the trumpet, when sounded from on high
Bidding welcome to our Angels in their home beyond the sky.
 
H.P.: Ladies arise
H.P.: By Royal Order, I declare these novices we now receive are under the care of ... Court. High Priestess does NOT extend arm.
H.P.: The LOTUS FLOWER represents the individual Soul at rest upon the calm of unselfishness. It opens its petals to the light of the morning Sun, drinks in the glory of the sky, and from the diamond dew which nestles in its golden heart, reflects back the rays of beauty. Its perfume fills the air, bringing to us the consciousness of Universal Love.
H.P.: Egyptian History tells of (No 2)
H.P.: And so, I give you this Password ... and Sign ... This Password and Sign must never be given to anyone except a member of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America.
H.P.: I will give you another sign. This sign is given by ...
H.P.: With the assistance of the Marshal and Oriental Guide you will exemplify these signs.
H.P.: Relates the Hailing Sign.
H.P.: We have a sign to honor the Grand High Priestess and Past Grand High Priestesses. This sign is called Grand Honors ...
In order to give a better impression to the candidates, Grand Honors may be exemplified by the Marshal and Oriental Guide as the High Priestess explains the Movements and words, With a large class of candidates, the Ceremonial Ladies may assist in exemplifying these signs.
H.P.: The Grip of the Order is given by ...
H.P.: Lady Marshal and Lady Oriental Guide instruct the candidates in the Grip and the Password of the Order.
The Marshal and Oriental Guide will instruct the candidates in the Pass and Grip of the Order, starting at the South and North ends of the line and return to their positions at the North end of the candidates, when instructions have been completed, the High Priestess continues. When Ceremonial Ladies assist, the Ceremonial Ladies start at the rear row of candidates, going from North to South.
H.P.: Before consigning you for further instructions, I will ask you to observe me and give these signs.
H.P.: First Ceremonial Lady relate the Story of the Emblem.
The First Ceremonial Lady steps out in front of the candidates and gives the Story of the Emblem
F.C.L.: The Emblem of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America, is the Crescent, the Sphinx Head, the Scimitar and Lotus Flower. The Crescent is formed of two nails from a Tiger’s Paw, the points hanging downward and united at the base by a band of gold. The gold band is decorated with a Sphinx Head. The Scimitar, an Oriental Saber with a curved blade, has long been considered the Badge of Authority. The Lotus Flower, so celebrated in the Religions of Egypt and Asia, is a species of the Water Lily family which grows abundantly on the banks of streams in warm climates. Floating on the water, it is considered the Emblem of the World. Among Egyptians, the Lotus is the symbol of Osiris, the Sun God, and of his wife, Isis, the Goddess of the Moon. The Sun, to the ancient Egyptians, meant protection, they, therefore, gave wings to the Sun, bringing it down to guard over them. Each Lady of the Oriental Shrine of North America is privileged to wear this jewel, or emblem, which is designed to signify that we should be to each other as staunch as the Pyramids, as silent as the Sphinx, and give protection to our fellowmen.
H.P.: Second Ceremonial Lady relate the Story of the Fez to the candidates and instruct them how ro wear the Fez.
The Second Ceremonial Lady steps out in front of the candidates and gives the Story of the Fez.
S.C.L.: It is my pleasure and privilege to tell you of the Fez. The Fez is the Official Headdress of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America Grand Officers and Past Grand Officers wear the white Turkish Fez with yellow tassel, Grand Council lettering and Winged-Sun insignia. Members of Subordinate Courts wear the white Turkish Fez, red tassel and letters NO EMBLEM other than the Emblem of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine may be used. The Fez should be worn tilted slightly to the right, with tassel on the right, with no hair showing on the forehead, and shall not be dented in at top or sides. The Fez shall be worn at Grand Council Sessions and Subordinate Court meetings. The Fez may be worn at entertainments and at meetings of any Masonic Body when requested. In the wearing of this Fez, may you be reminded of the necessity of guarding the reputation of our Order. The Fez must always be worn with honor and dignity as becomes a member of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America and never where liquor is served.
H.P.: Lady Oriental Guide
O.G.: Lady High Priestess. Gives sign.
H.P.: Attend the Altar. H.P. raps up the Court.
The Oriental Guide will remove the Bible from the Altar and place it on a pedestal or stand to the right of the Treasurer’s station, completely off the floor Members will stand with bowed heads and give sign while the Bible is being carried on the floor. The Bible remains open. The H.P. seats the Court. The Oriental Guide returns to her place at the right of the Marshal.
If the first section only is given, the High Priestess instructs the Marshal to conduct the candidates West of the Altar to receive the Proclamation and the Bible must remain on the Altar for the Proclamation.
H.P. instructs the Aides or Pages to remove the Altar and Ceremonial Ladies’ chairs before the Candidates are conducted to hear the Story of the Prophetess.
H.P.: Lady Marshal, conduct the candidates to the West to hear the Story of the Prophetess.
The rope shall be near the station of the Oriental Guide. The Marshal will pass along the rope, giving it to each candidate before they leave the station of the High Priestess and just after the High Priestess instructs the Marshal to conduct the candidates to the West. The Marshal and Oriental Guide will lead the candidates South, passing in front of the station of the High Priestess, then West on the South side of the room, and form a semi circle just West of the Altar, facing the Prophetess, who will give her “Charge”.
The Prophetess stands as the candidates leave the East.
PROPHETESS: Ladies—Ladies, we are taking you to a distant land, to a country far away.
Where there’s naught to see but the burning sand, and the Arab bows to a new-born day
You’re hot and sore as your steps you drag to quench a raging thirst,
Your body will lag, your spirits sag, and your head be ready to burst’
You cry aloud in the lonely night, you wail the long hours through,
And a voice will say in its ghostly way,
You-oooo, You-oooo, You-oooo
The burning sand will blister your feet, and the scorching rays of the sun
On your throbbing head will beat ‘til you fear that your life is done
The desert wind with its torrid heat, carries the stinging sand,
It whips face and feet like Northern sleet you know in another land
You kneel in the sand in speechless fear, the thing chills you through and through
This horribly near ghastly sound to hear,
You-oooo--You-oooo - You-oooo
Thus you suffer in places unknown, out in the country God forgot
Out in the vastness all alone, dear Hubby and Friends, they know it not
Shriveled, shrunken human frame, sore from the Camel’s jolt
This homesick pain’s coming on again, you’re weary of riding the goat
You’re lost on the desert, but there’s a ray of hope
Turn ‘round in your tracks, let go of the rope—
TURN.: I say—There’s hope—
The Prophetess instructs the candidates to “Turn ‘round, let go of the rope”.
H.P.: Lady Directress, take charge of the candidates, conduct them to the preparation room, and see that they are suitably attired for their journey across the hot sands of the desert.
The Directress will take the candidates to the preparation room and see that they are suitably attired.
If a recess is called between sections, the High Priestess will direct the Marshal.
H.P.: Lady Marshal, declare this court from labor to recess
Mar.: In the name of the Grand Council of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America and by order of the High Priestess, I declare ... Court, No. ... from labor to recess to reconvene at ... o’clock. Marshal extends hand forward same as for Proclamation.
Same procedure is used to reconvene Court from recess to labor.
If the donkey (Maude) is used she will enter the Courtroom after the Candidates are attired for their journey across the hot sands, and back in the Courtroom.
After the journey across the hot sands is completed, the Directress will again take charge of the candidates and see that they are dressed to re-enter the room. The Directress remains with the candidates and should send word to the High Priestess as soon as they are ready to come back into the room.
After the journey across the hot sands is completed and word has been sent to the High Priestess that all are ready, the High Priestess will call the Court to order. (One rap) All officers are in their stations except the Directress who has charge of the candidates in the preparation room.
H.P.: The Court will be at order (One rap).
H.P.: Lady Oriental Guide, arrange the Altar (Calls up the Court).
The Oriental Guide approaches the Altar holding the open Bible as before on the upturned palms of both hands. All members stand with bowed heads and hands in position while the Oriental Guide carries the Bible. The Oriental Guide places the Bible on the Altar, bringing her hands from beneath the Bible (gives sign), inclines her head slightly, drops her hands to her sides. Members will drop their hands at the same time. The Oriental Guide reports.
O.G.: Lady High Priestess gives sign, your order has been obeyed. H.P. seats the Court.
The Oriental Guide steps back one pace from the Altar and remains there.
H.P.: Lady Marshal, Lady Oriental Guide and Ceremonial Ladies, retire and conduct the candidates to the West.
As the Marshal passes the station of the First Ceremonial Lady, the Ceremonial Ladies leave their stations, turning South and North, respectively. They join the Oriental Guide, forming a line West of the Altar and give sign. The Marshal and Oriental Guide in the center. They will retire to the preparation room. In leaving the Altar, the Marshal and Oriental Guide turn toward each other (inward facing) and proceed to retire Ceremonial Ladies turn toward each other (inward facing, and follow). The raps are given by the Inner Guard with the response from the Outer Guard admitting the Officers to the Preparation room.
The raps are given by the Outer Guard and response by the Inner Guard for admittance to the Court room. The candidates—in twos, with their fezzes carried on the upturned palms of both hands—will be conducted to a position West of the Altar, facing the High Priestess. The Marshal and Oriental Guide will be at the South end of the line. The Ceremonial Ladies at the North end.
The High Priestess calls up the Court and makes the Proclamation. The Proclamation is made by extending the right hand forward, palm downward, the hand on a level with the eyes and slightly to the right of the body, thumb and fingers together and extended
H.P.: In the name of ALLAH and MOHAMMED, the Prophet of ALLAH, and ISIS, the Holy Priestess of Egypt, and by the authority of ... Court, No. ... under the auspices of the Grand Council of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America, I proclaim you true members of ... Court, No. ... H.P. directs new members to place their Fez on their head.
After the Proclamation, the Court is seated. The new members remain standing West of the Altar, and the High Priestess introduces the new members to the Court. A hearty applause is extended. The new members remain in the semi circle until the Recorder and her Aide or Page have given them a copy of the latest Grand Council Certificate of Incorporation By-Laws and Code for Government of Subordinate Courts.
H.P.: Lady Marshal, Lady Oriental Guide and Ceremonial Ladies, escort the new members to their seats.
After seating the new members, the Ceremonial Ladies, Marshal and Oriental Guide will meet in front of the Princess’ station, march to the Altar, the Ceremonial Ladies in the center, Marshal and Oriental Guide on proper sides, give sign and return to their stations. The Ceremonial Ladies will remain standing at their stations until the Oriental Guide and Marshal reach their stations and all are seated together.
 
 
Closing Ceremony
 
H.P.: Does anyone in the Distinguished East have anything to say at this time?
Protocol is reversed from introductions, with the Grand High Priestess speaking last.
H.P.: Lady Outer Guard assume your station.
H.P.: Lady Princess.
Prim.: Lady High Priestess. Gives sign.
H.P.: Is there anything at your station to come before the Court?
Prin.: (If she has nothing to report, will respond).: Nothing at this station, Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Lady Associate Princess.
A.P.: Lady High Priestess. Gives sign.
H.P.: Is there anything at your station?
A.P.:  (If she has nothing to report, will respond): Nothing at this station Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Has any member of the Court anything to say at this time that will be for the good of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America?
In the absence of response, or, after such response has been made:
H.P.: Lady Associate Princess.
A.P.: Lady High Priestess. Gives sign.
H.P.: Direct the Inner Guard to inform the Outer Guard that we are ready to proceed with the closing ceremony, and instruct her to allow no interruption.
A.P.: Lady Inner Guard.
I.G.: Lady Associate Princess.
A.P.: Inform the Outer Guard that the High Priestess will now proceed with the closing ceremony and instruct her to allow no interruption.
The Inner Guard gives the raps and is answered by the Outer Guard. After response, the Inner Guard opens the door wide and speaks so that all may hear.
I.G.: Lady Outer Guard, it is the order of the High Priestess that you allow no interruption during the closing ceremony.
Inner Guard closes the door and reports.
I.G.: Lady Associate Princess, the Court is secure.
A.P.: Lady High Priestess gives sign, your order has been obeyed, the Court is secure from interruption.
H.P.: Lady Princess.
Prin.: Lady High Priestess. Gives sign.
H.P.: Have you a word of admonition before we part?
Prin.: Lady High Priestess, I have. May we ever emulate the silence of the Sphinx concerning not only the transactions of this Court but the reputation of our members. May silence reign wherever we go and Peace attend our way, May happy thoughts with us prevail, and ALLAH guide us night and day.
Princess remains standing.
H.P.: Well and timely spoken, Lady Princess. Our Ladies will heed your wise words. Let us remember to what we have pledged ourselves, and when we separate to mingle again with the outside world, let us take care, therefore, that we perform only acts of love and charity.
H.P.: Lady Oriental Guide
O.G.: Lady High Priestess. Gives sign.
H.P.: Attend the Altar. Calls up the Court.
Before closing the Bible, the Oriental Guide and members make the sign, and with bowed heads recite or sing in unison the “Allah’s Prayer”. The Oriental Guide then closes the Bible by raising both sides equally, and slowly turning it until it rests on the palm of the right hand, at the same time sliding the left hand beneath it until it is resting equally on the palms of both hands. She carries the Bible to her station and places it on the pedestal.
O.G.: Lady High Priestess.
H.P.: Lady Oriental Guide.
O.G.: Your order has been obeyed.
H.P.: Let us all unite in singing our closing song.
(Any appropriate song may be used)
H.P.: I now declare ... Court, No. ... duly closed. One rap of the gavel.