Mystic Order of Ravens of the Universe
Initiation Ritual
Opening Ceremonies
Oh! Ravens ‘tis of thee
1914
The hour of meeting having arrived, the Most Wise Raven will see that all
officers are at their respective stations, by those regularly elected, or their
places filled by pro tem appointment. This
duty being performed, he will give one rap of gavel and say:
Most Wise Raven: Attention, Ravens! Lodge No. … is now called to
order. Let silence prevail. Wise Guide, satisfy yourself that only Ravens here
attend.
The Guide approaches the Most Wise Raven and receives the permanent and
semi-annual password, after which he takes up both passwords from each member
present. Those not having same are sent to the Vive Wise Raven, for instruction.
The latter must satisfy himself that each one is in good standing before giving
the passwords. His duty performed, the Guide presents himself before the altar,
facing the Most Wise Raven, gives the salute of the Order and says:
Wise Guide Raven: Most Wise Raven, these are Ravens here
assembled.
Most Wise Raven: ‘Tis well. Faithfull Ravens, listen to the
invocation of the Wise Bishop.
Gives two raps, when all arise and bow their heads, with right hand over
heart.
Invocation
Wise Bishop Raven: Oh, Thou Supreme Spirit of all things, Creator
of Light and Life, we have here assembled in the name of "Honestly, Justice
and Charity." Assist us to ever keep these sacred principles uppermost in
our daily lives, and contact with each other and our fellowmen. Guide us in our
deliberations, on this occasion, that we may go hence with fraternal love in our
hearts and good will toward all men. Selah!
Ode
Greatest fraternity,
Of thee we sing!
Our prayers shall ever be,
Shall be, shall ever be
For thy prosperity―
Let welkins ring!
Oh, thou fraternal hand,
Extended o’er the land,
Thy name is Love!
Honesty, good and true
And Love and Justice too,
And Charity to you,
Please, God above.
The Most Wise Raven gives one rap of gavel and all are seated. The Vice Wise
Raven gives one rap and says:
Vice Wise Raven: Wise Inner Sentinel, notify our Ravens and
visiting Ravens that the Lodge is now open for their admittance.
Prior to this, the Vice Wise Raven will see the opening
ceremonies are not disturbed by the admission of members. All members being
admitted, business will proceed.
Most Wise Raven: Wise Scribe, what officers were absent at our
last meeting?
Scribe reads the names, if any, and gives the number of times each has been
consecutively absent. If four times, and no valid reason is given, it shall be
the duty of the Most Wise Raven to declare the office vacant, and under regular
order of business bring up same for appointment and installation.
Most Wise Raven: Wise Scribe, you will now read the minutes of the
previous meeting.
Having been read, he will give one rap and proceed:
Most Wise Raven: You have heard the minutes. If there are no
corrections they will be approved.
No corrections having been made, he will say, giving one rap:
Most Wise Raven: The record is approved (as corrected).
Initiation Ceremonies
The Wise Guide has charge of the candidate and may select five Ravens to
assist him, from the body of the lodge, and the six shall compose the Degree
Team and shall be designated as Second Wise Guide, Third Wise Guide, Fourth Wise
Guide, Fifth Wise Guide and Sixth Wise Guide.
The candidates being in waiting, the Wise Guide Raven hoodwinks all of them,
knocks at the door and says:
Wise Guide Raven: Ho! Within! Admit a stranger.
Wise Inside Sentinel: Vice Wise Raven, our Wise Guide, with a
stranger, demands instant admittance.
Vice Wise Raven: Most Wise Raven, our Wise Guide, with a novice,
is demanding entrance.
Most Wise Raven: Thy words are heard. Admit the novice.
Not more than six candidates shall be given the degree work at one time, one
for each Guide, and they shall enter in pairs, The Wise Guide with the robed
candidate, and all must wear hoodwinks. They march thus around the hall once, to
the right, and when opposite the Vice Wise Raven’s station he says (Other
candidates are seated in hall awaiting obligation and secret work, where same
shall be given to all):
Vice Wise Raven: Hold! Whom have we here? By the beard of Elijah,
‘tis a novice! Speak! How dared thou here?
Wise Guide Raven: Stay thine anger, Vice Wise Raven! I will speak
for him! He seeks to travel the path of "Honesty, Justice and
Charity."
Vice Wise Raven: Ho! Say you so? Then ‘tis well. Stranger, art
prepared for the journey?
Candidate: I am.
Vice Wise Raven: Thou hast answered wisely. These paths you seek
are the best to follow. Hereafter wilt thou ever follow paths other than those
of Honesty, Justice and Charity? Ravens, speak for him.
All will say in unison, in deep sepulchral voice:
All: Nevermore!
Vice Wise Raven: Thou hast heard the verdict. Art willing to take
a solemn oath of secrecy and fidelity, not in conflict with thy religious or
political afflictions?
Candidate: I am.
Vice Wise Raven: Wise Guide, conduct the novice to our Wise Bishop
Raven to receive the obligation of secrecy and fidelity.
The candidates (with all others in the hall) are conducted past the Wise
Bishop’s station, past the Most Wise Raven’s station down to the Past Wise
Raven’s station, and at right angles to the altar, facing the Wise Bishop
Raven, with left hand over heart and right hand extended heavenward. The Wise
Guide then says:
Wise Guide Raven: Wise Bishop Raven, the candidate is ready to
receive the obligation.
Hoodwink is then raised and the Wise Bishop advances to the altar, stops in
front and gives all candidates the obligation.
Wise Bishop Raven: Candidate(s), place your left hand over your
heart in token of Honesty, extend your right hand toward heaven in token of
Justice and Charity, use your name as I use mine, and repeat the following
Obligation
I, …, do most solemnly promise and swear that I will never reveal any of
the secrets of this Order, to any person not a Raven in good standing; that I
will never discuss the business of this Order, outside the lodge room, unless
authorized so to do; that I will obey the laws and mandates of this Order, as
emanating from the Supreme Directorate, and the local by-laws, made by this
lodge; that in all my dealings with my brother Ravens, "Honesty, Justice
and Charity" shall be my guide; and I do most solemnly promise, and swear,
that I will never knowingly, sexually violate the home circle of a Raven, nor
allow others to do so, if in my power to prevent it. Should I knowingly violate
this oath, I agree that my signature shall be stricken from the Roster of
Ravens, in everlasting shame and disgrace, and that my name be forwarded to all
local lodges of Ravens in the world, as a traitor, and that I be forever barred
from further membership in this Order. This oath I most solemnly promise to
maintain, should I honourably, or otherwise, cease to become a member of the
Order, so help me God. Selah.
Wise Bishop Raven: You will now be conducted to the Past Wise
Raven for instructions in "Honesty."
The candidate, with the hoodwink down, is conducted past the altar to the
Bishop’s station, thence past the station of the Most Wise Raven, thence to
Past Wise Raven, where he is halted. On the journey he may be conducted over
rugged paths, mountains and valleys, which paraphernalia must be obtained of the
Supreme Directorate by the lodge, to indicate ruggedness of the path of Honesty.
On arrival at the Past Wise Raven’s station the Guide will say, after raising
hoodwink:
Wise Guide Raven: I am directed by our Wise Bishop Raven to bring
to you this candidate for further instruction.
Past Wise Raven: It is well. Honesty is one of our cardinal
virtues, my friend, which is as rugged as the hills, and its path is rough and
hard to follow. But it can, and has been strictly followed and, as a Raven, it
must be strictly followed by you. "An honest man is the noblest work of
God." A dishonest man is a thief, and without character or standing. Had
you been such, you had not gained admittance into this sacred portal. Be ever
watchful. Never allow your feet to stray into forbidden paths. Honesty has
always proved the best policy, and will so be to the end of time. When you come
to die, the highest honor that can be paid you is, for the world to say that you
were honest; and it is a monument that your posterity can proudly erect over
your grave. Go upon thy journey with the lesson in your heart, and may it never
be effaced.
The Guide will now conduct the candidate to the station of the Vice Wise
Raven and say:
Wise Guide Raven: Vice Wise Raven, methinks thou hast a lesson, in
Justice, to impart to our friends.
Vice Wise Raven: Thou art indeed a Wise Guide, and were well
chosen. My friend, the lesson thou hast just received in Honesty is the lesson
of the whole world. It has been handed down to us from the pages of time, and it
is now my duty to add to it the lesson of Justice, the second of our cardinal
principles. Know, then, that the scales of justice were made by the hands of the
Supreme Spirit Raven of the Universe, and are eternal and unvarying as the
stars. What you weigh out unto others shall be weighed out unto you. "Sow
to the wind, and thou shalt reap of the whirlwind." Do unto others as ye
would be done by, is what Justice means. It is the Golden Rule, handed down from
Confucius, the great Chinese Philosopher, and embodied in the religion of the
Nazarene, and is now the religion of all mankind.
Be just with your fellowmen. Be humane in your dealings and in your words. Speak
kindly of your brother, and he will speak kindly of you. Close your ears to
rumors of his evil doings―they may be as false as hell itself. I
charge you to be just and to do justice to all men, that your tombstone may bear
the inscription of Justice. Your journey through this sacred hall is fraught
with lessons. The Wise Guide Raven will direct thy steps to the Wise Bishop
Raven for the lesson of charity.
The Guide leaves the station of the Vice and goes directly to the Bishop and
says:
Wise Guide Raven: Wise Bishop Raven, our footsteps pause before
your sacred station. Have you words of wisdom to impart to our friend, who is
now nearing his journey’s end?
Wise Bishop Raven: I am so bidden, Wise Guide, and if its wisdom
that falls from my lips it is the wisdom of the world. My friend, you have
received the lessons in Honesty and Justice, and you will now receive from me
the lesson in Charity, the last of our Trinity of Principles, of which none are
greater in the universe of men. In a book that many million men revere, we find
these words: "And the word of the Lord came unto Him, saying: Get thee
hence, and turn thee Eastward . . . by the brook Cherith . . . and I have
commanded the Ravens to feed thee there . . . and the Ravens brought him bread
and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank of
the brook." This was spoken of Elijah the Prophet, and is indicative of the
Charity of the Mystic Order of Ravens―the
charity it extends to its members in hunger, sickness and distress, and when the
death angel visits their homes. Without Charity life is without an oasis on the
great desert of Time. Not only does the Mystic Order of Ravens extend Charity―financial
aid―to its members, but it teaches
them to cultivate charity of thought and feelings in their daily walks of life.
I charge you to remember these things and be charitable. You sill now be conducted
to our Most Wise Raven for final instructions.
The Guide conducts the candidate directly to the Most Wise Raven’s station
and says:
Wise Guide Raven: Most Wise Raven, this is our journey’s end. We
are waiting your final instructions.
Most Wise Raven: So it is written, Wise Guide. Faithfully have you
performed your duties. My friend, you have received the three lessons in
Honesty, Justice and Charity, our Trinity of Principles, upon which the Mystic
Order of Ravens was founded. I may not add to the instructions given you, but,
as you hope for mercy and eternal life, heed the lessons you have just been
taught. Should you unconsciously, or unthoughtedly, fall by the wayside, out of
these rugged paths, come to us in penitence, and we will exemplify those
principles by lifting you up unto a higher plane. Should you wilfully and
knowingly violate them, you have done a wrong and must bear the consequences of
your evil doing. Be careful, for these, your brothers, will watch your every
word and act, and are bound, in home, in honor, to report your misdoing to this
lodge. We are trusting you. All that we ask in return is that you will trust us,
and our daily intercourse can only be fraught with blessings.
I will now instruct you how to enter and leave a hall of the Mystic Order of
Ravens, and give you the secret work.
At the outer door of the ante-room is posted the Wise Outer Sentinel.
Approaching the door, you will give one rap. He will open the wicket; to him you
will give the permanent password of this Order, which is ….
This will admit you to the ante-room. At the inner door is posted the Wise
Inner Sentinel. Upon his door you will give three raps; and to him give the
semi-annual password, together with your name. Should you be a visitor, in
addition you will give him the name and number of your lodge. The name and
number of this lodge is …, No. …. The permanent password never changes, and
is taken from …. The semi-annual password will be given to you by the Most
Wise Raven when you have paid your dues to our Wise Scribe. The semi-annual
password you will give to the Wise Inner Sentinel, who will admit you, if
correct, and, if incorrect, will report you to the Vice Wise Raven, when you
will be instructed by him, upon showing your receipt, which must show you in
good standing. Admitted to the lodge room, you will advance to the altar, which
is in the center of the room, face the Past Wise Raven, who is stationed on your
left, and salute him thus, …. This is the only salute, or sign, in our Order,
and can be used as a signal of recognition or distress whenever necessary, and
any brother seeing it is bound to recognize you and come to your assistance, if
in his power to do so. Should you wish to retire before the lodge closes,
advance to the same position as on entering, and give the same salute. The Past
Wise Raven, in both instances, will respond in like manner, when you will be at
liberty to leave. You will not be allowed to enter during the opening
ceremonies, or retire while a motion is before the house, or while the lodge is
closing. We have a test word taken from the words …., being the initial
letters of these words, and they backward spell the word …. Meeting one whom
you think, from any cause, is a Raven, you will approach him and say …. He
will respond …. You will say …, to which he will answer …, which is, put
together, the words ….
The motto adopted by the Mystic Order of Ravens is "Prove Always
Loyal," which must be uppermost in your mind as a true Raven. The grip of
the Ravens is simple, and is given in this manner: …, and …. There is none
like it in the history of secret orders. It is odd, and means, "The hearts
of Ravens beat in unison." Use the grip with caution. If a person refuses
the way you proffer your hand, it is evidence he is not a Raven. Should he
accept and give the grip, carry out the word test …. He will respond, if a
Raven, in like manner.
The voting sign of the Order is simply raising the … hand … level with
the shoulder and palm inward.
Should the lodge be visited by an authorized officer from the Supreme
Directorate, he is conducted to the Most Wise Raven’s station. The lodge is
called to its feet, and he is introduced by the Most Wise Raven, when at three
raps of the gavel, all members give the following Supreme honor salutation: …,
then at one rap all will be seated.
One rap calls to order, two calls up the members, and one seats them.
Never pass between the altar and the Most Wise Raven’s station, unless
assisting in degree work. Should you be in the hall before the opening of the
meeting, the Wise Guide will take up both passwords, the permanent and
semi-annual. You will rise in your seat, give the voting sign, and whisper into
his left ear both passwords.
The Wise Guide Raven will now conduct the brother(s) to the altar.
If more than one, all should be placed in a circle surrounding altar. If only
one place in front of altar, facing Most Wise Raven’s station. The latter
advances to altar and continues:
Most Wise Raven: Brother(s), place your left hand over your heart,
extend your right hand upward, and repeat after met the following: I most
solemnly promise, before God and those here assembled, and on my sacred word of
honor, I will not join any other Order using the word Ravens; that I will not
sue this Order until I have exhausted all means of redress under its laws; that,
as far forth as in my power, I will attend the weekly meetings of this lodge,
and that, for the benefit of the Order, of myself and family, I will promptly
pay my dues; and I further promise that, for the benefit of the orphans and
widows of brother Ravens, I will contribute, as I can, to the Orphans and Widows’
Fund, all that my means will allow; and that I will not create dissension in
this lodge, but will always conduct myself in a peacable manner, and with due
regard for the feelings of brother members. Selah.
My brothers, before you, upon this altar, is the Orphans and Widows’
contribution box. You are only expected top drop into it a nickel or a dime, if
within your means, and, if you cannot do so, no criticisms are allowed. You are
at liberty now to exercise that privilege.
After the brothers have contributed, the Most Wise Raven will proceed:
Most Wise Raven: My brothers, your action is laudable. "Bread
cast upon the waters shall return to you after many days."
In closing, I will say that the Ravens have a phrase salute that can be used
in all public places when meeting each other, and serves to remind them of the
lessons they have absorbed, and the oath they have taken. It is from our motto
"Prove Always Loyal," the initial letters being P. A. L., and they
spell P―A―L. So we say, “Hello Pal!”
which shows that we are pals, as well as Ravens. Use the salute whenever you
meet a Raven, as it will advertise the Order and assist you to remember its
teachings. The colors of this Degree are Grey and Red, exemplified in our
robes and printed matter. The Grey is emblematic of wisdom, the grey matter in
the brain of man, and the Red, emblematic of the red blood that flows through
the veins and hearts of all mankind, regardless of race or color, and teaches us
that, while men may not be equal in the stations of life, that all men are
entitled to the respect of the world when they show themselves to be men of
honor, of truth and of sterling character.
And now, by virtue of the authority vested in me, I declare you (and such of
you) duly accredited Ravens of … Lodge, No. …, Mystic Order of Ravens, and
salute our new members with the hailing words.
All: Hello Pal!
Most Wise Raven: Wise Guide, conduct our new-made member(s) to our
Wise Scribe for enrolment and payment of dues. I now declare a recess of ten
minutes to allow same. Gives one rap.
Closing Ceremonies
Most Wise Raven, gives one rap: Attention, Ravens! We stand on the
order of closing. Have we any other business demanding our attention? Vice Wise
Raven, what is the duty of our brothers?
Vice Wise Raven: They are commanded to remember their solemn
obligations and, after leaving this hall, be silent as the dead as to what has
transpired herein.
All Members: The command is wise.
Most Wise Raven gives two raps calling all members to their feet.
Most Wise Raven: Ravens, let us sing our closing ode.
Closing Ode
We sing to-day of Ravens everywhere,
No matter where their feet may roam,
For them we will offer fervent, heartfelt prayer,
Before we journey toward our humble home,.
Oh, Father, keep us here with our spirits pure,
In mercy, in justice and love,
Help our Order, that it may in faith endure,
And we meet again in Heav’n above.
Chorus: Sing, Oh sing dear Ravens!
Oh! Raise thy voice to-day,
And our standard raise,
That the world shall ever praise
Faithful Ravens on life’s broad, dreary way.
Most Wise Raven: Wise Scribe, give the orphans and widows’
receipts, general receipts, and disbursements.
Wise Scribe Raven: The orphans and widows’ receipts are … and
general receipts are …. The disbursements are ….
Most Wise Raven: Wise Banker Raven, has the cash just enumerated
been placed in your hands, and have you given your official receipt of the same?
Wise Banker Raven: I have received the same and executed my
official receipt therefore.
Most Wise Raven, gives two raps: We are about to depart for our
separate abodes. Keep our principles of "Honesty, Justice and Charity"
in your hearts, and exemplify them in your daily conduct. Let no Raven speak ill
of a member, and let him not disclose the secrets of or the business of this
lodge. Attend with bowed heads while our Wise Bishop delivers the closing
benediction.
Wise Bishop Raven: Thou Almighty Giver of Life, we are about to
separate and depart for our humble abodes. Over us cast thy protecting smiles of
love. Keep our feet in the paths of "Honesty, Justice and Charity."
Preserve us and our loved ones from sickness and distress, and gird up our loins
to meet the troubles and trials of life; and when it is Thy will that we shall
cross the Valley and the Shadow, take us into Thy supernal land. In Thy Great
Name we plead, and bow in profound reverence. Selah!
Most Wise Raven: Vice Wise Raven, issue the commands.
Vice Wise Raven: Wise Inner Sentinel, dost thou attend? Command
thy brother Sentinel to appear. Wise Sentinel, your watches are o’er.
All Respond: ‘Tis well
Most Wise Raven: Our session is ended. Ravens, depart in peace. Gives
one loud rap of gavel.