Archived Posts » 60,595,333
Mouth to ear?
2/9/2011 11:16:26 PM
How many states only teach mouth to ear? WVa does.
2/10/2011 7:22:10 AM
CT does NOT
2/10/2011 8:36:51 AM
Officially, WY does not, because we do have Cipher Books, but in most lodges they are somewhat frowned upon after you have been in the Craft for a while.
2/10/2011 9:55:28 AM
Alabama 100%
2/10/2011 10:25:01 AM
We have Red books here in SC but only officers of the lodge and coaches have access to them.
2/10/2011 10:31:51 AM
Not here in Ga either.
2/10/2011 11:34:49 AM
Texas is mouth to ear
2/10/2011 4:17:12 PM
I was taught with single letter ciphers in Colorado. I don't know if all lodges are the same, but the Grand Lodge allows only those. Used to use one with abbreviations, IIRC, but those were phased out a while ago.
As an EA I once saw a spirited debate between two guys over a particular mark, I'm still not sure which was correct.
As an EA I once saw a spirited debate between two guys over a particular mark, I'm still not sure which was correct.
2/10/2011 4:47:07 PM
Originally Posted By OlKev:
Texas is mouth to ear
Texas is mouth to ear
Yep
2/10/2011 4:58:32 PM
Originally Posted By Wyzardd:
I was taught with single letter ciphers in Colorado. I don't know if all lodges are the same, but the Grand Lodge allows only those. Used to use one with abbreviations, IIRC, but those were phased out a while ago.
As an EA I once saw a spirited debate between two guys over a particular mark, I'm still not sure which was correct.
I was taught with single letter ciphers in Colorado. I don't know if all lodges are the same, but the Grand Lodge allows only those. Used to use one with abbreviations, IIRC, but those were phased out a while ago.
As an EA I once saw a spirited debate between two guys over a particular mark, I'm still not sure which was correct.
Single letter keys here at our lodge as well.
2/10/2011 5:21:55 PM
Originally Posted By Wyzardd:
I was taught with single letter ciphers in Colorado. I don't know if all lodges are the same, but the Grand Lodge allows only those. Used to use one with abbreviations, IIRC, but those were phased out a while ago.
As an EA I once saw a spirited debate between two guys over a particular mark, I'm still not sure which was correct.
I was taught with single letter ciphers in Colorado. I don't know if all lodges are the same, but the Grand Lodge allows only those. Used to use one with abbreviations, IIRC, but those were phased out a while ago.
As an EA I once saw a spirited debate between two guys over a particular mark, I'm still not sure which was correct.
i feel you pain. i had 3 different EA instructors and while they were all close all 3 had slightly different verbage
. thats the joy of mouth to ear.2/10/2011 6:25:36 PM
I have a historic monitor I found at a used book store that has the funny symbols for frequently used words, my oldest son found it one time and was trying to figure out what it said. Pretty funny. I'm fairly sure he'll join as soon as he can, just to figure out what all that secret writing is about.
2/10/2011 7:39:10 PM
i have a ritual from new jersey that predates the second world war - and the code it uses reminds me of when they swear in the Sunday newspaper comic strips. A lot of people i know arent sure of it, but i had a few of the older members look at it and understand it (in CT)
2/10/2011 11:26:07 PM
Mouth to ear in our lodge.My buddy in Florida got a booklet to study.When I asked for one I got a lecture but I didnt have to recite it so no harm
Allegheny 114
Allegheny 1142/10/2011 11:28:51 PM
WVa is all mouth to ear but I guess y'all knew that since I started this.
As y'all know WV was broke off from VA during the civil war. As such WV Masonry came from VA. Our ritual
was the same at that time. We are very close to VA where I live so we visit VA Lodges pretty frequently.
We have a Deputy Grand Lecturer as Treasurer, he really keeps us on track with the ritual. He tells us that
over the 150 some years our 2 rituals are now about 36 words different.
As y'all know WV was broke off from VA during the civil war. As such WV Masonry came from VA. Our ritual
was the same at that time. We are very close to VA where I live so we visit VA Lodges pretty frequently.
We have a Deputy Grand Lecturer as Treasurer, he really keeps us on track with the ritual. He tells us that
over the 150 some years our 2 rituals are now about 36 words different.
2/10/2011 11:37:16 PM
Originally Posted By Skg_Mre_Lght:
Officially, WY does not, because we do have Cipher Books, but in most lodges they are somewhat frowned upon after you have been in the Craft for a while.
Officially, WY does not, because we do have Cipher Books, but in most lodges they are somewhat frowned upon after you have been in the Craft for a while.
Oh, I didn't mention that I've never seen anyone but an officer with a monitor. Studying for degrees was done with a Xeroxed page of something or other... I just realized that I don't remember what memory aids were provided.
2/11/2011 8:22:33 AM
i guess many states dont just hand out rituals like some others
2/11/2011 9:53:35 AM
Originally Posted By ctdemolay0405:
i guess many states dont just hand out rituals like some others
i guess many states dont just hand out rituals like some others
IMHO it should be done mouth to ear. There is a LOT of philosophical education that should come with the memory work to explain the why's of things. Sadly i find many brothers simply don't know and never sought any of it out beyond parroting what they were told to say.
i feel we short change the candidates, our brother and the fraternity by handing them a script and saying "memorise this". it also gives the instructor a good feel for the candidate and time to educate or correct him in other matters, or stop them cold if needed. Ie... guy turns out to be a drunk or a crackhead.
i really think we are way to quick to rush men through the degree work. we are charged with improving and educating.
2/11/2011 12:25:58 PM
Originally Posted By MikeSH:
WVa is all mouth to ear but I guess y'all knew that since I started this.
As y'all know WV was broke off from VA during the civil war. As such WV Masonry came from VA. Our ritual
was the same at that time. We are very close to VA where I live so we visit VA Lodges pretty frequently.
We have a Deputy Grand Lecturer as Treasurer, he really keeps us on track with the ritual. He tells us that
over the 150 some years our 2 rituals are now about 36 words different.
WVa is all mouth to ear but I guess y'all knew that since I started this.
As y'all know WV was broke off from VA during the civil war. As such WV Masonry came from VA. Our ritual
was the same at that time. We are very close to VA where I live so we visit VA Lodges pretty frequently.
We have a Deputy Grand Lecturer as Treasurer, he really keeps us on track with the ritual. He tells us that
over the 150 some years our 2 rituals are now about 36 words different.
Coal valley number 74 in Montgomery wv here brother. As you know, we have nothing on paper
2/11/2011 9:43:43 PM
Originally Posted By clamman:
Mouth to ear in our lodge.My buddy in Florida got a booklet to study.When I asked for one I got a lecture but I didnt have to recite it so no harmAllegheny 114
Mouth to ear in our lodge.My buddy in Florida got a booklet to study.When I asked for one I got a lecture but I didnt have to recite it so no harm
Allegheny 114Yep, we get to be the guys in FreeMasonry for Dummies.
It has its value. We have a significant number of brothers whose jobs require travel or off shifts, and practicing for a degree is sometimes done out of communication with the brothers. The ciphers have enabled us to perform some very beautiful work. Y'all are of course, invited.
I taught the complete degree to one group of candidates, and I was a steward at the time. By the time we were done, I could do the whole thing mouth to ear but now I'm not involved in the weekly practices and it will take me a significant amount of time to get back up to speed. The ciphers will be very helpful when I no longer sit outside.
2/12/2011 8:12:56 AM
Originally Posted By sigp226:
Yep, we get to be the guys in FreeMasonry for Dummies.
It has its value. We have a significant number of brothers whose jobs require travel or off shifts, and practicing for a degree is sometimes done out of communication with the brothers. The ciphers have enabled us to perform some very beautiful work. Y'all are of course, invited.
I taught the complete degree to one group of candidates, and I was a steward at the time. By the time we were done, I could do the whole thing mouth to ear but now I'm not involved in the weekly practices and it will take me a significant amount of time to get back up to speed. The ciphers will be very helpful when I no longer sit outside.
Originally Posted By clamman:
Mouth to ear in our lodge.My buddy in Florida got a booklet to study.When I asked for one I got a lecture but I didnt have to recite it so no harmAllegheny 114
Mouth to ear in our lodge.My buddy in Florida got a booklet to study.When I asked for one I got a lecture but I didnt have to recite it so no harm
Allegheny 114Yep, we get to be the guys in FreeMasonry for Dummies.
It has its value. We have a significant number of brothers whose jobs require travel or off shifts, and practicing for a degree is sometimes done out of communication with the brothers. The ciphers have enabled us to perform some very beautiful work. Y'all are of course, invited.
I taught the complete degree to one group of candidates, and I was a steward at the time. By the time we were done, I could do the whole thing mouth to ear but now I'm not involved in the weekly practices and it will take me a significant amount of time to get back up to speed. The ciphers will be very helpful when I no longer sit outside.
i am working with a group of EA's now. 2 weeks ago i had them teaching each other. it was.... interesting
one thing i really find neat is the real thirst for knowledge some of the guys have and how they themselves are wanting to know more than just the memory work.
2/13/2011 1:58:16 PM
There is 'secret' and then there IS "SECRET". Problems when more than one has a difference in wording and/or order there needs to be an example of what is correct. It should ALWAYS start with mouth to ear. IA had a 'cipher' book, but you had to learn it first. They have since given up memory unless the Brother wants to declare prificient. What a shame... It does have its place, but there is a bond that we all have with those who taught us. It also needs to extend past rote memorization, we need to LEARN it. Call me spunky Brother today! LOL Remember no one is a spokesman for Freemasonry, but we do have our tenets to guide us and hopefully they provide the Light to guide us.
2/13/2011 5:33:03 PM
Originally Posted By MI11B:
There is 'secret' and then there IS "SECRET". Problems when more than one has a difference in wording and/or order there needs to be an example of what is correct. It should ALWAYS start with mouth to ear. IA had a 'cipher' book, but you had to learn it first. They have since given up memory unless the Brother wants to declare prificient. What a shame... It does have its place, but there is a bond that we all have with those who taught us. It also needs to extend past rote memorization, we need to LEARN it. Call me spunky Brother today! LOL Remember no one is a spokesman for Freemasonry, but we do have our tenets to guide us and hopefully they provide the Light to guide us.
There is 'secret' and then there IS "SECRET". Problems when more than one has a difference in wording and/or order there needs to be an example of what is correct. It should ALWAYS start with mouth to ear. IA had a 'cipher' book, but you had to learn it first. They have since given up memory unless the Brother wants to declare prificient. What a shame... It does have its place, but there is a bond that we all have with those who taught us. It also needs to extend past rote memorization, we need to LEARN it. Call me spunky Brother today! LOL Remember no one is a spokesman for Freemasonry, but we do have our tenets to guide us and hopefully they provide the Light to guide us.
proficiency is optional now?
2/14/2011 9:38:25 AM
VA is mouth to ear as I'm trying to learn EA. It's hard but over all I feel it will make me a better Mason and Coach when I finally get raised and start working the chairs.
2/14/2011 9:45:50 AM
Originally Posted By ghstdarter06:
VA is mouth to ear as I'm trying to learn EA. It's hard but over all I feel it will make me a better Mason and Coach when I finally get raised and start working the chairs.
VA is mouth to ear as I'm trying to learn EA. It's hard but over all I feel it will make me a better Mason and Coach when I finally get raised and start working the chairs.
EA is tough. it takes time and effort.
2/14/2011 4:30:50 PM
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
proficiency is optional now?
Originally Posted By MI11B:
There is 'secret' and then there IS "SECRET". Problems when more than one has a difference in wording and/or order there needs to be an example of what is correct. It should ALWAYS start with mouth to ear. IA had a 'cipher' book, but you had to learn it first. They have since given up memory unless the Brother wants to declare prificient. What a shame... It does have its place, but there is a bond that we all have with those who taught us. It also needs to extend past rote memorization, we need to LEARN it. Call me spunky Brother today! LOL Remember no one is a spokesman for Freemasonry, but we do have our tenets to guide us and hopefully they provide the Light to guide us.
There is 'secret' and then there IS "SECRET". Problems when more than one has a difference in wording and/or order there needs to be an example of what is correct. It should ALWAYS start with mouth to ear. IA had a 'cipher' book, but you had to learn it first. They have since given up memory unless the Brother wants to declare prificient. What a shame... It does have its place, but there is a bond that we all have with those who taught us. It also needs to extend past rote memorization, we need to LEARN it. Call me spunky Brother today! LOL Remember no one is a spokesman for Freemasonry, but we do have our tenets to guide us and hopefully they provide the Light to guide us.
proficiency is optional now?
In IA I believe it still is, as of 2003.
2/15/2011 5:02:47 PM
Originally Posted By Sgt_Fury:
Not here in Ga either.
Not here in Ga either.
Sgt. Fury, what lodge are you a member of ? If I am reading this correctly, your lodge doesn't teach mouth to ear?
2/18/2011 1:35:48 AM
NC is also mouth to ear.
2/20/2011 3:13:39 PM
I learned to read the Cipher book but my Tutor is old school & will not let us use them when he is teaching.
6/22/2011 6:52:20 AM
Cipher books allowed in Louisiana, but frowned upon by some. I feel they have their place, I work offshore for weeks at a time. It helped me remember while i was away, and couldnt speak to my coach.
6/22/2011 8:31:51 AM
Single letter Cipher here......but my Best Friend/Coach will not let me use it......all mouth to ear
6/22/2011 8:46:35 AM
I am currently learning my EA and here (FL), we get to use single letter booklets. My coach, however, will not allow me to use it when I am with him. The booklet is only for practicing when I am away from the coach.
6/22/2011 1:01:17 PM
Originally Posted By aternie:
I am currently learning my EA and here (FL), we get to use single letter booklets. My coach, however, will not allow me to use it when I am with him. The booklet is only for practicing when I am away from the coach.
I am currently learning my EA and here (FL), we get to use single letter booklets. My coach, however, will not allow me to use it when I am with him. The booklet is only for practicing when I am away from the coach.
Whereabouts are you? I'm in Boynton Beach.
6/22/2011 4:22:32 PM
PA is mouth to ear.
I heard that they have it written, but i have yet to see that.
I heard that they have it written, but i have yet to see that.
6/22/2011 7:34:49 PM
Originally Posted By sigp226:
Whereabouts are you? I'm in Boynton Beach.
Originally Posted By aternie:
I am currently learning my EA and here (FL), we get to use single letter booklets. My coach, however, will not allow me to use it when I am with him. The booklet is only for practicing when I am away from the coach.
I am currently learning my EA and here (FL), we get to use single letter booklets. My coach, however, will not allow me to use it when I am with him. The booklet is only for practicing when I am away from the coach.
Whereabouts are you? I'm in Boynton Beach.
jacksonville
6/23/2011 12:43:34 AM
We have single letter ciphers here in Utah.
6/24/2011 9:14:57 AM
Maryland was until VERY recently, as in "Hey, we printed this book last month."
