Order of Quetzalcoatl
The Order of Quetzalcoatl was founded in Mexico in 1945 and based upon an
Mexican legend that depicts the struggle between the forces of good and evil.
The order is composed of Shrine Masons who have distinguished themselves in
their service to their temples. It is primarily a ‘fun’-order.
Members of the Order are known as Artisans, the workers of the Temple. They are
organized in local Teocalis (the Aztec word for Lodge), under a Supreme Teocali.
The order has two degrees: Artisan and Master Artisan. Upon initiation through a
ritualistic ceremonial, a candidate is made an Artisan. By consecration
ceremonies, either at the annual convention, or upon a pilgrimage to the
pyramids in Mexico, primarily the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan (Mexico
City) or Chicken Itza (Cancun), a candidate may be consecrated a Master
Artisan.
Local Teocalis are virtually autonomous, subject only to conformance to the
Supreme Teocali Bylaws. Each Teocali sets its own membership qualifications,
meeting and attendance requirements, rules for elections of officers, fees and
dues, in accordance with general guidelines established by the Supreme Teocali.
Although the Order of Quetzalcoatl is a forum for fun and fellowship, it has a
serious side: philantropy towards the Shrine Hospitals for Children
Transportation Fund.