International Order of Freemasonry for Men andWomen*Le Droit Humain

British Federationseeing in a different light

www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk

Ceremony to celebrate the retirement of The M.’.P.’.G.’.C.’. The Very.’ . Ill.’. Br.’. BrianRoberts 33* from the office of MPGC of the British Federation

of the Le Droit Humain.

Saturday 1st July 2017

Grand TempleHexagon House

37-39 Surbiton Hill Road Surbiton Surrey

KT6 4TS

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DC readsPrologueThis ritual is to celebrate and honour with loving gratitude The Very Illustrious Br.’. Brian Roberts 33*, on his retirement from office as MPGC, which he has borne on his shoulders for the last 15 years. At times this has been under great personal stress as the Order went through turbulent times, with him making the sacrifice of time and commitment that is a prerequisite of true Initiation and the privileges of Freemasonry.

This ritual draws on inspiration from a number of different lines. Part is from Annie Besant’s Sovereign Sanctuary of the Ancient Mysteries - Egyptian Rite in which the central symbol was the Blazing Star. We now arrange the Knights in a form of a Pentagram to represent different attributes of service to the King, who symbolises the highest level of attainment we can conceive of in ourselves. The other influence is derived from the International Order of the Knights of The Round Table, which was a ceremonial order created for children, and which the Co-Masonic Order was deemed an adult version for the service of the same Ideal.

These systems – both symbolic and practical - typify what is Good, Noble and True of any Knight. In the forthcoming ceremony we pay homage to the early stirrings of Spiritual Life, and the Knightly Quest, and link it through Time with those great luminaries of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women of which the office of the MPGC is the pinnacle of earthly attainment.

Ritual Props HRA banners arranged in Elemental attributions Platter - 6 pieces of Bread and a little Salt. Goblet of Wine/Juice A Flower A Sacred Flame Brian’s gift. 5 small pedestals arranged in form of pentagram Central Altar

Photographs of previous 8 MPGC’s of the British Federation for Circle (with 4 number of members from the Allied degrees to hold 2 picture in each hand).

Picture of Brian on Central Altar.

Officers:Knight of the Blazing Star 33* - Brian’s Gift, Gavel (wearing sheathed sword).Knight of Commitment 32* - Chalice of Wine “ “Knight of Integrity 31* - Flower “ “Knight of Service 30* - Sacred Flame “ “Knight of Love 18* - Platter with Bread Salt “ “Director of CeremoniesAn EA and FC to be Candle BearersMM to carry the Banner of the Consistory

Brn from Allied Degrees (KT, ROS, HRA, MkMM) in regalia (if permitted) or Jewels of their Order to carry photos of previous MPGC.

Ritual layout as in Diagram

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Censing

Knights take their seats beside their banner. They rise individually when censed.

DC will cense the small central altar as per Lauderdale ritual and Consecrate the Altar. S/he will then proceed to the west of the altar. And cense Knight of the Blazing Star from the West across the altar *****Proceeding clockwise around altar, and censes the Knight of Commitment * **** Proceed clockwise and repeat with Knight of Service ** ***Proceed clockwise and repeat with Knight of Love *** **Proceed clockwise and repeat with Knight of Integrity **** *

DC withdraws

Ritual Opening call to Spirit

Knight of the Blazing Star - Gives one knock with gavel.

Knight of the Blazing Star - Rise brother knights. Knight of the Blazing Star and Knights stand, draw swords and hold at ‘carry’.

Knight of the Blazing Star and Knights raise swords upwardsKnight of the Blazing Star - We invoke the benign influences of the Head of All True Freemasons (HOATF) together with the memories of the previous Most Puissant Grand Commanders of the British Federation, whose dwelling is in the Invisible. Ye are the Guardians of our Federation. Be ye also Guardians of this our Camp within this Occasional Lodge. Keep far removed those untyled profane influences. Bless and Consecrate this gathering so that we as the British Federation may celebrate our love and gratitude for our retired Most.’. Puissant.’. Grand.’. Commander.’ The V. Ills. Bro. Brian Roberts 33*. Drop to carry at end of invocation

Knights (in unison) As it once was, so it is now, once more it will be again.Knights sheath swords

Call of the Elementals

Knight of the Blazing Star - Knight of Love, teach us the Mystery of your Station.

Knight of Love Approaches Altar with Platter, placing it on nearest cornerKnight of the Blazing Star, To care for the downtrodden and lost in the world, to relieve the suffering of the innocent, and show all the Way to the King. Love heals all.Returns to seat

Knight of the Blazing Star - Knight of Integrity, speak to us of the Mystery of your StationKnight of Integrity Approaches Altar with Flower, placing it on nearest corner

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Knight of the Blazing Star, To keep things secret, to reveal the Truth to the worthy, and to strengthen the eyes of the world to receive the Light. Integrity is what makes us Strong.Returns to seat.

Knight of the Blazing Star - Knight of Commitment, speak to us of the Mystery of your StationKnight of Commitment Approaches Altar with Chalice, placing it on nearest cornerKnight of the Blazing Star, To assist those whose have lost their courage, who are weary from the long battles of Life. To throw open the Portal of the Temple to those who speak the Word of Power. Commitment is what make us continue with our Quest. Returns to seat.

Knight of the Blazing Star - Knight of Service, speak to us of the Mystery of your StationKnight of Service Approaches Altar with Sacred Flame, placing it on nearest cornerKnight of the Blazing Star, To Exalt Brotherhood, to proclaim the Way of Holiness, and to set the feet of the world upon the Path of Service and Sacrifice. Service is the giving of oneself, without any thought of reward, so that others may grow and flourish.Returns to seat.

Knight of the Blazing Star - I shall speak of Initiation. Places Pentagram on Altar (in Center).True Initiation transmits to the aspiring Soul, the recognition from that which is above, to that which the indwelling heart already knows. It is the quickening of the Soul to the Knowledge of it’s own Divine Origin, and the work of the Path that has been followed.Returns to seat.

ConsecrationDC collects EA and FC who bear lighted candles. MM carries Banner of the Consistory of the British Federation. Brian is escorted from the East to allocated seat in West.

MM (+ Consistory Banner)FC (+candle) EA (+candle)

DC & Brian

EA, FC, MM arrange themselves behind his seat. DC goes to collect the rope.

Knight of the Blazing Star - The Very Illustrious Bro. Brian Roberts 33*. You see around you all therepresentatives of the Knights of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of the 18*, 30,*,31*,32* and 33* as well as members from the Orders of the Allied degrees, bearing photos of those Most Puissant Grand Commanders who were your predecessors. You have held a distinguished office as MPGC and have taken the British Federation through numerous campaigns across many lands. We your knights salute you, as do the Knights of Old.

Knights draw sword to ‘carry’.

Knight of the Blazing Star - We now wish to honour you with a special gift that will carry all our love and fond memories of past work, and further pledge loyalty for the work that is to yet to come.

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DC takes rope and beginning with the Knight of the Blazing Star, traces an interlaced Pentagram as per diagram, returning back to the Knight of the Blazing Star. On the Knight of the Blazing Star’s prompt all raise the rope above their heads.

DC invites Brian to stand on West side of Altar.

Knight of the Blazing Star - All rise Brethren. Everyone in the East and both columns rise.Knight of the Blazing Star and Knights lower the rope to the level of their Hearts keeping it under tension to maintain the Pentagram shape whilst surrounding Brian and the Altar. They point their swords towards the top of the Altar.

Consecration Knight of the Blazing Star - Oh Talisman of the Blazing Star, we call thee. Awaken from thine slumber within that inert metal and become that which we call thee to be. Be for our brother and friend Brian Roberts 33* the bond with the Eternal Lodge above. Be thou too a continuous link of thatunbroken Chain of Union which is the true hallmark of an Initiate passed down through the ages. Grant him Joy and a Peaceful retirement from the outer works of the Federation. Bless and Inspire him to continue his solemn duties with the Inner Work of the Order. - Awaken thou, Be what thou art called to Be.

Knight of Love - Oh Talisman of the Blazing Star. I Bless and Consecrate thee with the Power of Love. May those who come within the sphere of thy Radiance, recognise the call that comes from above. - Awaken thou, Be what thou art called to Be.

Knight of Service - Oh Talisman of the Blazing Star. I Bless and Consecrate thee with the Power of Service. Sustain thee the followers of the Way. Guide their hands in the comfort they may give. May all be replenished by thee. - Awaken thou, Be what thou art called to Be.

Knight of Commitment - Oh Talisman of the Blazing Star. I Bless and Consecrate thee with the Power of Commitment. Strengthen and Uphold the principles of the Way. May thy steps never falter. -Awaken thou, Be what thou art called to Be.

Knight of Integrity - Oh Talisman of the Blazing Star. I Bless and Consecrate thee with the Power of Integrity. Thou shall hold the indwelling Spark of Light. Move as a living example, and inspire others in thine actions. Be ever such a beacon to all future knights. - Awaken thou, Be what thou art.

Swords are sheathedDC recovers rope from the Knights.

Investiture

Knight of the Blazing Star Be seated Brethren.

DC takes pendant from Altar and escorts Brian to the Knight of the Blazing Star’s pedestal, who rises and places the chained Pendant Jewel around Brian’s neck.

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Knight of the Blazing Star - Dear The Very Ills. Bro.’. Brian, may this 5 pointed star – the Pentagram, carry for you our most heartfelt love and thanks for the many years of service you have given to this Federation and our Order. As we all know, the Pentagram esoterically is a Powerful Talisman that indicates Mastery of the Divine Spirit over the Chthonic Elemental forces.

On four of its limbs are engraved the qualities of these four brave brother Knights who stand before you and of this Assembly, who have served you faithfully in the Great Work, in the Silence of the Beyond. They have also been identified as those noble qualities that you have particularly imbued this Federation with from the depths of your Soul, namely Integrity, Commitment, Service and Love.

May it’s protective touch against your own heart ever remind you in return, of our warmest loyalty to you, our brother Freemason, Knight and Friend, and to the King to whom we all serve.

Let this symbol of the King, who is the holder of the sacred allegiance to the Star of Higher Initiation, continue ever to guide you, as have you as Commander and Guardian of all these Noble Orders surrounding you here today.

Shakes hand and gives 3 fold fraternal kiss.

Knight of the Blazing Star – The Very Illustrious Bro. Brian, do you wish to address this assembly now or prefer the whole Lodge later, when back in labour? Brian now has the floor if required.

Closing

Knight of the Blazing Star - Knights of this Order, our work is nearly done. Before we return to our distant dwellings, let us together break bread, and be sustained in preparation for the harsh journeys yet to come in our Glorious Quest, in memory of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. All rise.

DC takes from Altar the Platter of Bread and Salt to Knight of the Blazing Star. Knight of the Blazing Star takes Bread, dips in Salt, raises it and says: “To Follow and Serve the King”. Platter taken to each knight. Each knight follows example and repeats the words. Finally to Brian. DC returns Platter to Altar.

Knight of the Blazing Star - To also drink from this Chalice of Eternal Fellowship, so that our Actions, Hearts and Minds may better be united and offered to the Glory and Service of the King.

Then DC takes Chalice of Wine to each knight beginning with Knight of the Blazing Star who raises Chalice and says: “To Follow and Serve the King” and sips. Knights follow example as before. Finally to Brian. DC returns Chalice to Altar and withdraws.

Knight of the Blazing Star - Knights, our campaign is now over, return to your lands. May the Blessings of the HOATF be like that Bright Morning Star that shines ever before you to illuminate your Path. Hail and Farewell.Bows towards knights.

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Knights Knights bows towards Knight of the Blazing Star. (In unison) Hail and Farewell.

Knight of the Blazing Star - Be seated brethren.

DC escorts Brian back to the East, escorted by EA, FC and MM as in previous formation. EA, FC and MM return to their places. All knights then exit Temple sun-wise (to change into previous regalia). DC with assistants removes ritual objects and restores furnishings to previous state.

Written by Bro.’. Josef J. Kalicun MMLodge Morning Star No.714

Editing by The V. Ill.’. Bro.’. Athena Pite 33*Lodge St. Germain No.904

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