HALESOWEN LODGE NO 5635

IMPROVING ONESELF WITH THE HELP OF OTHERS

There is no secret to learning ritual but there is a sequence to learning that will work for most people.  Try this if you are having problems.

Read 

Read the passage you need to learn.  Read it as a story to understand the words.  Find the meaning of words that you don't know or understand.  Use a dictionary or ask an experienced Brother. 

Imagine

Use your imagination to picture what the words say.  The mind remembers pictures easier.  Picture the movements about the Lodge room

Talk

Read the ritual out loud.  Repeating it mentally comes after hearing the words being expressed

Understand

Ritual is for your benefit as well as the candidate or the Lodge.  It is an exercise in self discipline.  No-one chases you to find out if you have learnt it.  You are responsible and you alone.  Self discipline, a wonderful asset to develop in yourself.

Allow

Allow it to flow.  Remember that when you feel that you can repeat the words without hesitation it is time to start to work.  The words are the beginning and the delivery is the end.  Its time to polish the piece by endless repetition.  The more you can do before the meeting the more comfortable natural will be the delivery, and the more delighted you will feel when its over!

Lodge of Instruction

There is no substitute for practice and LOI is the perfect place for it.  At LOI you can not only perform, but perhaps more importantly, you can observe and listen while others perform.  Small tips drop out in the relaxed atmosphere of LOI that may just put a piece into context.  Understanding improves and, as a result, so does confidence.  Confidence is the knowledge that you have put in the work and practice and you are ready!!

Enjoy your Masonry