Thursday, February 17, 2011

A Knights Vigil - Part 2

In my last post, I introduced you to the medieval practice of a Knights Vigil or the Vigil of Arms.  Why would I post this on a blog about Masons? 

What many of you don’t know is that one of my hobbies is medieval re-creation.  I belong to a group that is very serious about history and re-enacting history.  Trying to experience things the way they were in ages past.  Still though, why is this relevant to Masonry?  Some of what I described in my blog was a ritual of cleansing your soul, mind and body before taking on the responsibilities of Knighthood. 

On March 19th, I will receive the Order of the Temple at the Evanston Commandery #58.  This is a great honor in Masonry and at one time was a great undertaking and came with great honor and respect.  I take this honor very seriously and it presents an opportunity where I can mix my hobby and my craft together.  I will undergo the Vigil of Arms, modified a little to suit modern times, but the intent of the rite will remain intact. 

It is my intention to complete the 6 actions, to prepare my mind, my body and my soul for such an honor and to prove myself worthy, if but to only myself and my God.  I will have my hair cut into my usual summer “USMC” cut a little early this year.  I will take my ritual bath, on my own to prepare for the ritual and I will fast from Dusk to Dawn.  I will wear white.  I will meditate on the two ideals of knighthood and how that may apply to my Masonic obligations (perhaps an after action paper on that subject!).  I will keep my vigil through the night, but unfortunately I will not be able to attend mass because of the time I need to be at the Temple.  I will find some alternative means to complete that action, perhaps that the old English Tradition of a breakfast. 

I will include my closest Brothers and Friends in my vigil.  I will invite them to join me for as long as they can through the night.  But I will make it an enjoyable experience with indulgences from the 21st century such as food, drink and joviality.  A celebration of sorts to commemorate the honored Masonic principal of Brotherhood. 

With that said, now you see how I have tied the Knight’s Vigil to an honorable Masonic degree. 

What say you?

No comments:

Post a Comment