A Ritual
The Witnesses form a circle around the altar, which is draped with a dark cloth and holds a laurel wreath, a ceremonial sword, a bowl of water, and the Holy Bible. A torch or bonfire burns nearby, representing light and purification.
Participants and Roles
Grand Magister
Presides over the ceremony, administers the oath, delivers the charge, reads Scripture at each station, and questions the candidate. Represents wisdom and authority.
Attire: Formal black suit, a silver laurel pin upon the chest, symbolizing leadership and honor, a pair of black gloves symbolize his preeminence.
Keeper of the Circle
Ensures order, precision, and sanctity within the circle. Armed with a ceremonial longsword and prepares the candidate for initiation.
Attire: Black or gray suit with a dark red sash worn on the right shoulder, symbolizing vigilance and duty.
Sponsor (or Conductor)
Guides the candidate, answers questions on his behalf, prompts responses during the ritual if needed, and provides mentorship afterward.
Attire: Simple black, gray or navy attire with no adornments, symbolizing humility and service.
Witnesses
Members of the Circle who form the symbolic boundary. Each holds a lit candle representing the shared light of faith and fellowship.
Attire: Dark suits with dark ties. Candles are simple and unadorned.
Initiate
The candidate seeking entry into the Circle. Represents humility, readiness, and the desire for transformation.
Attire: Plain white shirt, dress shirt, dark trousers, and barefoot where practical, symbolizing purity, humility, and sincerity.
The Ritual
1. Preparation in Solitude
After being blindfolded, the Initiate is brought to a dark, secluded room or area where he cannot see or hear the ritual prepared for him. His blindfold is then removed and his Sponsor presents him with three solemn questions:
- “Do you come with a humble heart, willing to shed pride and submit yourself to the virtues of courage, discipline, and wisdom?”
- “Do you acknowledge the guidance of God Almighty, and do you seek to walk in His light as your ultimate guide?”
- “Do you, of your own free will, desire to bind yourself to this Circle, knowing the sacredness of its Oath and the weight of its duties?”
If the candidate answers affirmatively, he is left in solitude for several minutes to meditate upon his responses and prepare his heart for the path ahead.
2. Approach to the Circle
The Initiate is inspected by the Keeper to ensure his preparedness. He is then blindfolded and escorted by his Sponsor to the threshold of the Circle. The Keeper halts them sternly and presses a sharp implement against the left breast of the Candidate:
Keeper: “Who seeks to enter this Circle?”
Sponsor: “I bring a man who seeks wisdom through humility, strength through discipline, and courage through the example of our forebears.”
Keeper: “I will so inform the Magister.”
Keeper: “Grand Magister, a man stands without our Circle seeking admittance.”
Grand Magister: “Does he come willingly, with a heart that knows humility and a mind that seeks virtue?”
Sponsor: “He does.”
Grand Magister: “Does he acknowledge the authority of Almighty God?”
Sponsor: “He does.”
Grand Magister: “Has he the recommendation of one of our Order?”
Sponsor: “He does, I will vouch for his worthiness.”
Grand Magister: “Then let him enter and be made ready for the path before him.”
3. Invocation and Instruction
The Initiate is conducted to the altar and instructed to kneel by his Sponsor. The Grand Magister leads a formal prayer:
“Almighty God, we beseech Your guidance as this man undertakes the solemn path before him. Grant him wisdom to discern, courage to persevere, and strength to uphold the virtues of this Circle. Let this fellowship be a light that honors You and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood. Amen.”
The Initiate is then instructed to take a moment of silent prayer to seek personal protection and strength.
4. The Trial
The blindfolded Initiate enters the circle of witnesses and begins a clockwise journey around the altar. While he is walking, Scripture is read aloud by the Magister, and the appropriate response is called out by all present. After each verse has been read, he pauses before the Grand Magister to be questioned.
A sharp implement is pressed against his left breast to impress upon him the seriousness of the virtues.
First Station: Courage
Scripture: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God goes with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Response: “Steadfast and true.”
Grand Magister: “The first step upon this journey is courage. True courage is not the absence of fear but the steadfast resolve to act rightly, even in the shadow of peril. Tell me, how shall you bear this virtue as your companion?”
Sponsor: “With steadfast heart and firm resolve, I shall face trial and peril alike, trusting in the strength of faith and the justice of my cause.”
Second Station: Discipline
Scripture: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later it produces a harvest of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11)
Response: “Firm of will.”
Grand Magister: “Discipline is your foundation. Without it, strength falters and purpose fails. How will you keep to this path?”
Sponsor: “Discipline will be the forge of my character. I will train with diligence, act with patience, and remain steadfast in my commitments.”
Third Station: Wisdom
Scripture: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Response: “Light to guide.”
Grand Magister: “Wisdom is the light that guides when all else is obscured. It is the fruit of reflection, counsel, and humility. Where will you seek this light?”
Sponsor: “I shall seek wisdom in faith, in the teachings of those who walked before me, and in the fellowship of my brothers.”
5. The Oath of the Circle
The Initiate kneels before the altar. The Keeper places the ceremonial sword in his left hand, resting it upon the altar. The Initiate’s right hand rests upon the open Bible.
The Grand Magister: “Repeat after me, and bind yourself with this solemn Oath.”
The Initiate: “I, [name], do solemnly swear before God and my brothers, to uphold the virtues of this Order: To walk with humility, to grow through discipline, to act with courage, and to seek wisdom in all things.
I will honor the traditions of this Order and the faith of my forebears. To stand as a light in darkness, and a shield for the weak, And to act with humility and integrity in all things.
Should I ever knowingly betray this oath, may my honor be stripped from me, may the laurel upon my head weigh heavy upon me, breaking both my honor and my neck, for such is the fate of the faithless and the scoundrel.”
6. Rite of Consecration
The Grand Magister dips the laurel wreath into water and places it upon the Initiate’s head, saying:
“This laurel is a symbol of the burden you now bear and the honor you must uphold. Its weight reminds you of your Oath, and its circle of the unity and eternity of this brotherhood.”
7. The Charge
With the assistance of his Sponsor, the Initiate rises, grasping the sword in his left hand with the blade resting upon his shoulder and the opened Bible being placed in his right. The Grand Magister delivers the charge:
“Brother, you are now bound to us by Oath, and we to you by trust. Go forth as a beacon of light and truth, a guardian of the weak, and a servant of God. Stand with courage, act with wisdom, and strive always for excellence. Let this sword remind you of strength, this Bible of faith, and the laurel of your oath. Fail not in this sacred duty, for the eyes of the Almighty are upon you, and the weight of the laurel is great. Stand firm, walk upright, and let the world know by your actions that you are of this Circle.”
8. The Embrace of Brotherhood
Each Witness approaches the Initiate, offering words of welcome or encouragement of their own choosing.
9. Closing Ceremony
The Grand Magister leads a final prayer:
“Almighty and eternal God, we come before You with humble hearts, mindful of our need for Your guidance as we strive to honor the oath of our Order. Grant that this brother, who has taken upon himself the sacred charge of courage, discipline, and wisdom, may walk steadfastly in the path of righteousness. May the bond of this brotherhood, forged in faith and solemn purpose, remain unbroken, a circle unending, as a symbol of unity and strength. Let this fellowship be a source of wisdom and encouragement, that together we may walk the path set before us. Guide us all, O Lord, and bless the journey that lies ahead.”