Rituals in the Order of the Eastern Star rely greatly on symbolism involving five biblical women: Adah (the supposed name of the daughter of Jephthah), Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa (the supposed name of the mother of James and John). Being called upon, in the extremity of his country's trials to go at the head of its armies, he prepared his household for a campaign that would perhaps cost him his life; and then "Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord and said: 'If Thou shalt deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, then it shall be that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace shall surely be the Lord's and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.' California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The fourth is the Sister's sign, or the sign of Martha. In the case of this teaching before us: Fairest among ten thousand and altogether lovely are coupled together to make the word fatal. Finally, the Order of the Eastern Star places high value on works and being worthy of membership. Or, download the editable Full Pack of 15 Signs for just $2.99, Download Eastern Star Secret Signs Secret societies are, by their very nature, designed by the devil to deceive the devotees. The Grand Chapter of California lists the following: A petitioner must (a) be of good moral character, (b) believe in a Supreme Being, (c) have attained the age of eighteen (18), (c) believe in the laws of the United States of America, (d) be willing to assume the obligation of the Order, (e) be able to participate, with assistance if needed, in the Ceremony of Initiation, (f) be free from disqualifying mental illness, (g) be a resident of the State for six months, with some exceptions, and (g) be free of felony conviction (or judgment as a habitual criminal) under any State or National laws.. "The Hotel itself is quite small and has no barrier free entrance, not even a lift. 4. by The second epistle of John is addressed to "the elect lady and her children." You have taken the solemn Obligation of the Order and been instructed in those sublime virtues which should adorn our lives and make this institution worthy of the protection and support of all good Masons. The Conductress takes the Bible from the candidate. After a few years, Elimeleck and his sons died, leaving Naomi, Ruth and Orphah in mourning. The website for the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star explains the organization this way: The members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated women and men who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good. This, and a form of Gnosticism, has held an important position within the cults of the arcane mysteries throughout the centuries. W. M. You will retire and ascertain if there are candidates in waiting to receive the degrees. Interestingly, Dr. Cathy Burns, in her informative expose, Hidden Secrets of the Eastern Star, notes that even at this basic level, the Illuminist is signifying allegiance to a deity other than the Christian God . 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No, you begin. 23. Notwithstanding, the Order of the Eastern Star claims to be the largest fraternal organisation in the world in which both men and women are members. Royal Arch degree analysed Cond. Masonic authority Albert Mackey speaks of the Kabbalah in his comprehensive work the Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, explaining, This word is frequently written Kabbala The mystical philosophy or theosophy of the Jews is called the Cabala. The color appropriate to this degree is red; a symbol of that fervency which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of Truth. Though members of the Order certainly dont consider these women goddesses, the ritual and imagery are rather (if unintentionally) similar to Greek or Roman worship. The female Eastern Star candidate is subjected to the following teaching in a question and answer form: Are you a sister of the Eastern Star? Our initiation is symbolic of the road of life. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. We must be careful that when we are considering new ideologies, they bear sound doctrine, not mythologies or platitudes that suit us. Her colour is white, and her cardinal virtue is fidelity. The location is quite good, close to a Metro station and only one stop away from the Old Town. In passing an examination to visit a Chapter, in addition to this, you will be required to take the Test Oath and give the sign and pass of each degree, There is one other sign, called the salutation sign, which is given by members on entering or retiring from a Chapter while in session. During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following: W. P. "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. For what came you here? It has, two. The choice fell upon Esther, who, amid national rejoicing and royal magnificence, became the queen of Persia. I do. We would recommend a very compelling book written by Masonic authority E. M. Storms called Should a Christian be a Mason? From Ruth around Electa to Esther; from Esther around Adah to Martha; from Martha around Ruth to Electa; from Electa around Esther to the Worthy Patron. The name of the Order, the names of its degrees, and modes of recognition are unchangeable. It is given by ( 3. ) The king's countenance flushed with anger when he beheld her intrusion. She is the mother from the Second Epistle of John. W. M. Worthy Patron, the Associate Conductress reports a candidate in waiting to receive the degrees; I , therefore, invite you to preside during the ceremonies of initiation. They are ignorant of the fact that these fraternities are simply modern mutations of the ancient mysteries. John 3:20-21 states, Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. She urged Ruth and Orphah to remain with their kindred and friends rather than follow her in poverty to a land of strangers. About eleven hundred years before the Christian era, Elimeleck and his wife Naomi, with their two sons, were driven by famine from Bethlehem to the land of Moab. This should be evidence enough for most sane people to flee this darkness and run for the exit door. ", "Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, Queen Esther? "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. The Conductress and candidate will leave the Altar on the right, passing out between Electa and Adah, leaving Adah on the right, all around the outside of the Star to Adah for instruction. Thus, the five pointed Star is our accepted emblem. Dr. Her symbol is the broken column, a figurative symbol for the uncertainties in life., The fifth point of the star. When a man becomes a Mason, according to an NPR interview with Brent Morris of The Scottish Rite Journal, he is asked to place his hand upon the holy book he considers binding. The Illuminist handshake, the clasping or joining of hands, can have many meanings. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us, John says in 1 John 1:2-3. loved ones fills our cup with joy; to-morrow, adversity or sore bereavement casts us into the valley of sorrow. ", "Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. W. P. "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father. Though many opportunities to serve are probably announced at your church, others may be flying under the radar. Having been reared a Pagan and afterwards becoming a convert to the Christian religion, she was subjected to severe trials and the most bitter persecution. As in other secret societies, and the cults like Mormonism and the Jehovah Witnesses, the Eastern Star employs Scripture in a corrupted manner to impress Masonic truths upon its members. Her father replied that he could not strike the blow while she looked upon him and again cast it over her. Her colour is yellow, and her cardinal virtue is piety. Queen Esther, fixing her eyes, now eloquent with her soul's heroic purpose upon the king, firmly advanced to the foot of the throne, at once reminding him of his former pledges by touching her crown and robe in which he had desired her to appear when claiming his promise. She then removes the candidate's hat, gloves and shawl or cloak, prepares and leads her to the door of the Chapter-room. Esther's perilous adventure was successful. January 15, 2023, 3:00 pm, by Rather than seek fellowship and societal good outside of the church, we can work to bring our churches into a more perfect reflection of Gods plan for His kingdom on Earth. In Webbs Monitor, for example, Morris wrote: So broad is the religion of Masonry, and so carefully are all sectarian tenets excluded from the system, that the Christian, the Jew, and the Mohammedan, in all their numberless sects and divisions, may, and do harmoniously combine in its moral and intellectual work with the Buddhist, the Parsee, the Confucian, and the worshipper of Deity under every form., Though the Order of the Eastern Star is not touted as a religion, Morris seemed to consider it onenote his phrasing of the religion of Masonry. 4. Queen Esther, when informed of the cruel edict, resolved to risk the loss of royal favor and life itself, to save her people from death. There are also many Christian organizations dedicated to doing good, from major international organizations to your local homeless shelter. Cond. Churches are also meant to be positive forces in the community. Its lessons are Scriptural, its teachings moral, and its purposes beneficent. However, details of the Order prove hard to researchand often contradictespecially about certain elements that are considered secret, including the meaning of the letters FATAL in the Orders symbol. The Secret Work of the Order of the Eastern Star is compriesd of Six Signs, Five Passes, Two Mottoes, a Word, and a Grip, in addition to certain special answers to stated questions. Cabalism (also known as Kabbalism, or Qabalism) is a mystical digression from Orthodox Judaism. will go and where thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people and thy God my God.". The third is the Wife's sign, or the sign of Esther. She is the co-author ofDear Hero and has 200+ bylines in publications ranging fromThe Christian Communicator toKeys for Kids. This brings up interesting questionswhat God, exactly, are the prayers directed to? P. The obligation you are about to take is a solemn pledge which you must give to this Chapter, before you can participate in the privileges of our Order. Worthy Patron, there is an alarm at the door of the preparation room. Cond. Clearly, the vast majority of members of these modern secret societies, such as the Eastern Star are unaware of the real influence that lies behind their covert orders. Far-fetched, mystical, superstitious or private interpretation is not accepted. A book every interested observer should read on this subject is Hidden Secrets of the Eastern Star by Cathy Burns. You have been informed that we are in possession of certain secrets by means of which we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet. The Chapter is called up and a circle is formed around the Altar in the following manner by the officers joining hands: Secretary, between Adah and RuthAssociate Matron, between Ruth and EstherAssociate Conductress, between Esther and Martha Treasurer, between Martha and Electathe Worthy Matron, at the left of Electa. About; British Mark; Publication; Awards; Nominate; Sponsorship; Contact 3. Woe unto those who seek to take upon themselves burdens which they cannot bear. [5] Esther, the wife from the Book of Esther. Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa What are the Heroines colors? Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the fourth point of the Star for further instruction. Eastern Star Secret Signs | FREE Download Ready Made Free to download and print. The Sun is appropriate to Esther, as a symbol of the Light and Joy she gave to an oppressed and captive race. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. Show prices. Cond. The Kabbalah approach is extremely allegorical and superstitious, using things like numerology and other surreptitious methods to find alleged hidden and deeper meanings in the inspired text. The candidate is led inside the door and stopped. Alyssa Roatstudied writing, theology, and the Bible at Taylor University. The Worthy Patron will say: W. P. Sister Conductress, you will escort the Worthy Matron to the East. Freemasonry and secular humanism, Hiram Abiff the false christ of Freemasonry Among. Worthy Patron will remain in his station. The Lord does not limit by age. I present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue of heroic endurance of the wrongs of persecution, when demanded in defense of Truth, as illustrated in the lesson of Electa. She was able to alert a driver who recognized the signal and called 911. They were known among the people of the country as followers of Christ. We have seen his star in the East. Live a moral, ethical life. Isaiah 41:10 says: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.. At the burial of a sister or brother, the badges of the members and officers should be draped with crape. The Worthy Patron or Chaplain will take position at the west side of the Altar. She was visited by a band of soldiers, one of whom handed her the cross, with a command The Gospel is not only for those with a clean record. One of Christianitys main tenets is that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It is astonishing how blatant the Eastern Star is in claiming Occultic origin. Why did I become an Eastern Star? Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inch. To-day, we build our castles, to-morrow, fickle fortune snatches from hope the promised joy. January 15, 2023, 3:00 am, by The Jews were then held in captivity within the Persian empire. Writings by Dr. Robert Morris, founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, indicate that he considered the gods of all religions the same God under different names. Here they may share with the Masonic brother in promulgating the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Acts 20:28-30 says, Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. When a program is given during a Chapter meeting, the members The General Grand Chapter was established in 1876, and its website proudly proclaims Eastablished (sic) in 1876, as this system has remained until the present day. Though the entire passage is helpful, Matthew 23:12 in particular is worth noting: For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.. However, the Bible does have multiple passages on what to do when considering new groups and ideologies. But this mystical approach totally disregards the elementary rules of textual interpretation. Prince of Mercy degree analysed, Eastern Star analysed This short document reveals all of the Secrets and Rituals. The cup is an emblem of charity and hospitality and teaches us to extend generous aid to the victims of poverty and You will give her a hearty welcome and resume order at the sound of the gavel. Let truth be spoken and let it shine through your life. A mens or womens ministry? The Order of the Eastern Star exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficent purposes of Freemasonry, which is to provide for the welfare of the wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters of Master Masons.