Sigma Sigma Sigma
Initiation Ritual
1974
Triangle
Degree
This
is the most sacred and beautiful of all Sigma Sigma Sigma rites - when placement
of the Triangle badge over each initiate's heart makes her a member of the inner
circle forever.
The
entire Chapter initiates each pledge as the unisons and spirit of the ceremonial
signify.
To
interpret this ritual in all of its classic Grecian beauty is, however, the high
duty and privilege of the Tri Sigma officers.
May
they always remember: '' …A PERFECT initiation is the divine right of every
pledge...".
General
Instructions
(1)
The C.R. and Sentinel are responsible for setting up the Initiation Room.
(2)
It is advisable to have access to three rooms for-an-initiation if possible: the
INITIATION ROOM itself; an
adjoining room or private hall (which may be closed off) for the PREPARATION
ROOM; and a WAITING ROOM in which candidates may sit until their Initiations
begin.
(3)
Necessary articles for the initiation ceremony are:
5
tables of uniform size
5
table covers (see Instruction No.5 below)
5
altar covers
15
candles
15
candle holders
1
pillow and L.S. Shrine pillow cover
Bible
with the Triangle badge and the Colors.
Badges
with Colors for each initiate
6
robes. thongs. and headbands
Sorority
banner
Loving
cup
Grape
juice
Folding
screens for doors, if necessary, to insure privacy
2
blindfolds
Ferns,
palms, flowers, vines to enhance beauty of the room.
(4)
The altars for the initiation ceremony form an arc and are arranged
with regard to each other, as follows: L.S. in the middle, C.T. and C.R. on the
right, S.C. and S.R. on the left.
Members
are seated in the foreground, thereby
completing the
symbolic circle. The Cupbearer stands in the background at the left of the L.S.
(5)
Over each altar table is first placed a white cloth covering:
Upon
request, the National Ceremonials Chairman will furnish simple instructions for
making table covers that are neat and easily slipped over the tables. If Chapter
does not have these, sheets may be used to cover the tables. The sheets are to
reach the floor and are
neatly
pinned to present a tailored appearance.
The
altar cover is placed over the white covering just described. The symbols on the
altar covers are as follows:
L.S.
Clasped hands ─ Shrine of Love
C.R.
Crown ─ Shrine of Wisdom
C.T.
Scales ─ Shrine of Power
S.C.
Anchor ─ Shrine of Hope
S.R
Torch ─ Shrine of Faith
On
each altar are placed .three candles arranged in the form of a triangle, The
base of this triangle is at front of the table, and the apex points to the
officer. The candles are placed far enough back on the shrine so there is
ABSOLUTELY NO DANGER of the initiate coming in contact with them.
One
white and two purple (or vice versa) candles are used on each shrine if purple
candles are available; if not, all white are used. Every time the Initiation
Room (the
Low
crystal candleholders of a uniform size and style are used as a substitute for
the traditional skull holders, if these are not available.
One
Ritual Book is placed on each shrine.
On
the floor in front of the Love Shrine is placed a pillow with the clasped hands
pillow cover on it.
(6)
In addition to the candles and Ritual Book on the Love Shrine, there are also
placed:
(a)
The Bible opened at the 13th Chapter of First Corinthians.
(b)
Triangle badge and Colors on the open Bible
(e)
Triangle badge and Colors for each initiate (badges are loaned by Chapter
members' for new initiates).
(7)
The banner of Sigma Sigma Sigma is placed on the wall behind the Love Shrine,
high enough to be seen by the members.
(8)
The loving cup is filled with grape juice (not too close to the top so spilling
is avoided) and p aced in readiness on a small table outside of the initiation
circle. NEVER ON THE
LOVE
SHRINE.
(9)
Ferns, palms, flowers, or vines add much to the atmosphere of the initiation
ceremony and may be used as extensively as desired.
(10)
Officers dress in the robes of their offices, the Cupbearer wearing the K.G.
robe with the cape, white side showing, and the purple headband.
(11)
All other members and candidates are to be in WHITE DRESSES AND SHOES. If
Chapter follows tradition of candidates wearing white formal gowns for
initiation, then members also wear white formal dress (preferably with covered
shoulders).
(12)
If hallways or rooms adjoining the Initiation Room are used by other than
Sigmas, folding screens across the doorways will help insure privacy. The
Sentinel and a member appointed by her stand guard at the entrance to the
Initiation Room AT ALL TIMES. The Sentinel also designates members to guard any
other doors to the room.
(13)
Two blindfolds expedite the ceremony, since one candidate can be prepared in the
Preparation Room as the initiation of her predecessor is being concluded.
(14)
if more than several candidates are initiated, members may remain seated during
the ritual until the initiate approaches the Love Shrine. Then ALL rise and
remain standing during the remainder of the ceremony. NO NOISE IS MADE IN RISING
FROM CHAIRS.
If
only a few candidates are initiated, the room is cleared of chairs and everyone
stands. This increases appreciation of the seriousness of the initiation ritual
and makes it more impressive for the initiates.
(15)
OFFICERS STAND THROUGHOUT THE INITIATION CEREMONY regardless of the number to be
initiated.
Chairs
are NOT placed behind the officer shrines as they are unnecessary and detract
from the beauty of the setting.
(16)
ONLY ONE GIRL IS INITIATED AT A TIME. When there is more than one candidate,
each one is initiated SEPARATELY to "A." Then the initiate is seated
by the C.R. outside the arc of shrines and apart from the fully initiated
members. When the last candidate has gone through the ritual to "A."
the C.R. brings all the others to join her before the Love Shrine, places them
in a semi-circle and the remainder of the initiation is given to all initiates
as a group.
The
number thus fully initiated at one time depends upon how many can conveniently
stand in a semi-circle before the L.S. Ideally, no more than six to nine should
be initiated without closing with the Cup Ceremony, for with too many the charge
loses its effectiveness. When initiating a large pledge class, the C.R. uses
discretion in planning the number of initiates in each complete initiation.
After each complete initiation is concluded. the new sisters are greeted and
seated with other members, the officers may sit quietly while the Sentinel
refreshes all shrines and replaces candles, if necessary. Then the initiation of
the next group begins.
(17)
SOFT music may be played as the candidate is led into the room and UNTIL THE
C.R. STARTS CONDUCTING HER TO THE SHRINES. It is NOT to be played during the
ceremony proper, however, as it distracts from the service and makes it
difficult to hear words being spoken.
(18)
The C.R., the C.T., the S.C., and the S.R. are required to memorize their
readings, although they have copy before them; the L.S. is required to be
familiar with the entire ritual and to memorize- especially important parts of
the ritual, particularly the welcome after the blindfold is removed and the
charge to the Chapter which precedes the CUP CEREMONY.
Members
memorize the UNlSONS.
(19)
The Chapter officers' titles are always given in full. The WHOLE TITLE is
spoken, NOT "SISTER L.S.”
(20)
The pledge pin is removed from the candidate's breast and the Triangle, badge
with Colors is pinned on the initiate. THERE IS SILENCE, DURING THIS PART OF THE
RITUAL. The Sorority's Colors are worn by the initiate for three days after
initiation.
Special
Instructions
Candidates
for
initiation are to sit QUIETLY in the Waiting Room, which is just as near the
Preparation Room and the Initiation Room as possible. If wait is long, Sentinel explains the significance
of an INDIVIDUAL INITIATION, inspiring candidates to appreciate its value, and
the Chapter’s effort to make this experience completely personal and
beautiful.
The
Sentinel takes candidates one at a time from Waiting Room to Preparation Room
where she loosens the safety catch on the candidate's pledge pin (for easier
removal later) and blindfolds the candidate before giving her into the charge of
the C.R. It is reassuring to the candidate to have the Sentinel' explain that
the Vice-President (NOT C.R.) will lead her carefully while blindfolded. THE
CANDIDATE IS NEVER TO SEE THE C.R. (OR ANY OFFICER) IN ROBE until the blindfold
is removed near the end of the initiation ceremony.
It
is well for the Sentinel to instruct the candidate that she is to stand at all
times unless she is particularly told to kneel or unless the C.R. indicates
kneeling with a pressure on the arm.
She
may also wish to remind the candidate that questions will be asked of her and
that she should respond without prompting.
The
C.R. takes charge of the blindfolded candidate in the Preparation Room (which is
adjoining the Initiation Room) while the Sentinel returns to her post INSIDE the
door of the Initiation Room.
THE
C.R. ATTENDS THE CANDIDATE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CEREMONY. In conducting the
candidate into the room and from shrine to shrine, the C.R. grasps the left
elbow (NOT the forearm) of the candidate and guides her firmly. THE C.R. NEVER
PUTS ARM AROUND CANDIDATE, but indicates by gentle pressure when she is to
kneel.
An
alert C.R. makes every minute count to prevent a long drawn out ceremony.
Immediately after each unison she can begin to conduct the candidate to the next
shrine, simultaneously with the L.S.'s instruction to do so. The C.R. lifts the
hem of the candidate's dress over her heels when she kneels at the Love Shrine
to make her more comfortable and to expedite graceful rising without accident.
In
order to facilitate the Cup Ceremony which climaxes the initiation and to make
it beautifully impressive and dignified, it is important for the Chapter to be
reminded to form the Chapter circle properly.
Ritual
in Preparation
Room
C.R.
to the
candidate: Must we
interpret
your presence
here today/tonight as
an evidence that you would enter the mystic bonds of Sigma Sigma Sigma?
Candidate:
Yes.
C.R.:
Then I must lead you into the
The
C.R. gives the sorority knock **
** ** upon the
door between the Preparation Room and the Initiation Room. The Sentinel
acknowledges the knock with one tap * and then opens the door, and the pass is
exchanged.
Sentinel:
Sigma
C.R.:
S….
Sentinel:
Sigma
C.R.:
S….
Sentinel:
Sigma
C.R.:
S….
Ritual
in Initiation Room
The
C.R. and candidate enter the Initiation Room, with the candidate always on the
C.R.'s right. THE MINUTE THE CANDIDATE ENTERS THE ROOM UNTIL THE CEREMONY IS
ENTIRELY COMPLETED, SHE IS THE FOCUS OF ALL ATTENTION.
The
C.R. with the candidate enters the arc of shrines between the C.T. and the S.R.
and begins speaking so that she and the candidate will be directly in front of
the Love Shrine when she finishes the sentence.
C.R.:
Sister L.S., I bring into our temple one from the outer world, who seeks the
Shrine of Wisdom.
L.S.:
Sister C.R., has she the pass?
C.R.:
She has it not, but I will give it for her.
L.S.:
Sigma.
C.R.:
S….
L.S.:
Sigma.
C.R.:
S….
L.S.:
Sigma.
C.R.:
S….
L.S.:
Is it your purpose in entering our order to be admitted into fellowship and to
pursue Wisdom and to become a better woman?
Candidate:
It is.
L.S.:
Then, Sister C.R., lead her to the Shrine of Wisdom and explain its meaning.
C.R.
takes candidate by her left arm gently, guides her to turn left, and leads her
to the Shrine of Wisdom. The C.R. takes her place BEHIND this shrine, and gives
her reading. This, as is the case with ALL shrines, is given from MEMORY.
SPEAKING rather than merely READING, all officers parts increases effectiveness,
not only for initiates but for all members who are not blindfolded throughout
the service and can see the officer's interest in rendering her reading
effectively.
C.R.:
Wisdom is greater than the human mind can comprehend. Fame, Fortune and
Attainment are subservient to her, and those who prove themselves worthy before
her shrine may command them at will. With her blessing, you will understand what
UNISON-BY
THAT LIGHT MAY YOU EVER BE GUIDED OVER LIFE'S RUGGED PATHWAY.
C.R.
leaves her shrine and resumes her position at the left side of the candidate.
L.S.:
Sister C.T. will you please explain the Shrine of Power?
C.R.
and candidate TURN LEFT, WALK TO THE C.R.'S SHRINE. C.R. steps back.
C.T.:
High Power sits on her throne, a queen with gem-encircled brow. In her hand she
holds the world-moving scepter, and at her feet are the tablets of law and the
scales and the sword of justice. Let your desire be to be powerful among your
fellowmen in all that is good and pure and just. If you would attain this power
among your fellowmen, you must first be master of yourself-your thoughts and
your deeds. Such mastery comes only through the exercise of self-control and the
highest will power.
UNISON-BE
NOT WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE AND FOUND WANTING.
C.R.
takes candidate by her left arm gently and begins moving to the next shrine.
L.S.:
Sister S.R. will you please explain the Shrine of Faith?
S.R.:
Faith bids us follow the gleam
that leads us ever
onward and upward, never doubting the radiant guide. In her hands she bears a
light, small perhaps, but ever clear and constant. Let that light of Faith be
your polar star. Just as the magnet's contact with the needle gives it a power
that makes it ever constant to the pole, so may Faith ever lead you in duty's
path. Then at last, when the stormy voyage is over, by Faith shall you enter
into the harbor of peace.
UNISON-BY
FAITH SHALL YOU TRIUMPH OVER LIFE'S STORMS AND TEMPESTS.
C.R.
and Candidate move on to the Shrine of Hope.
L.S.:
S.C.:
You are now standing at Hope's Shrine. In her bands she holds an anchor, strong
enough to hold through every tempest. She leads us on when all the way seems
dark, and bids us see the sun through the clouds that strive to hide its face.
She points to another life for which this life is only a preparation, and bids
us ever rise to higher, better things.
UNISON-LET
HOPE BE YOUR GUIDING STAR, AND YOU SHALL SURELY ENTER INTO LIFE ETERNAL.
C.R.
takes candidate by her left arm and they begin moving to the Love Shrine.
S.C.:
But let us pass
on, guided by our highest officer, Sister L.S. to the high Shrine of Love.
THE
CANDIDATE IS KEPT STANDING UNTIL THE L.S. TELLS HER TO KNEEL. The C.R.
returns to her shrine and stands BEHIND it until time to assist the candidate
again.
L.S.:
Love is the greatest of all virtues─without her all
others are nothing─"for now abideth Faith, Hope and Love, these
three, but the greatest of these is Love." Power unless it be tempered by
Love can accomplish little. Wisdom goes hand in band with Love when she
accomplishes her largest work. Faith is doubly strong when united with Love and
Hope gains color and beauty when, hand in band with Love, she leads us along the
upward way. Love is gentle, long-suffering, patient. She prompts our noblest
deeds and directs our purest thoughts.
Love is
of a triune nature─Love of self. Love for our fellowmen, and Love for God.
These three, when we carry them to no foolish extreme, produce a well-rounded
life, full of pure thoughts, high ideals and good works. Our love for ourselves
must not take the form of a selfish desire to gratify worldly ambition.
Self-love must mean self-respect in order that we may hold ourselves above all
that is unworthy.
"Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy
strength; and with all thy mind." This is the first commandment; and the
second is like unto it─"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself," And again we have from God's word. the following: "If a man
love not his fellowman. whom he hath seen, how can he love ,God wbom he hath not
seen?" Love for God must be our inspiration to love and serve our
fellowman.
True
Love SEEKS to express itself through service and will not be denied. He loveth
best who serveth best God and fellowman. Love then, IN ITS HIGHEST FORM should
regulate our Jives, mould our thoughts and purify our deeds.
As
L.S. says: ''... should regulate our lives, mould our thoughts and purify our deeds,”
the C.R. steps to the candidate's left side, takes her left arm and indicates by
gentle pressure that she is to kneel
just as the L.S, says "Kneeling then at Love's Shrine." C.R. assists
candidate in placing her right hand on her heart and left hand on the Bible,
sees that her dress is not caught on her heels. and then returns to her position
BEHIND the shrine of Wisdom.
KNEELING
then at Love's Shrine, with your right hand on your heart and your left hand on
the Bible, open at the 13th chapter of First Corinthians, and having on it the
colors and the badge of Sigma Sigma Sigma, repeat after me the following oath:
I, …,
of my own free will, voluntarily before Almighty God, and these witnesses, do
solemnly and sincerely swear, that I will never reveal any of the secrets of
this Sorority to any person or persons of the world, except to true and lawful
Sigma Sigma Sigmas, to whom such secrets rightfully belong.
That I
will in all things strive to reflect honor on the order whose vows I am now
taking, and that I will obey her laws and reverence her teachings.
That I
will never speak evil of a sister's good name, nor that of her family, and that
with the member of this order. I will strive to live in love, peace and harmony.
That in
my conduct, I will strive to live as a Sigma Sigma Sigma should and that next to
my duty to God and my family, I shall feel myself bound to my sisters in Sigma
Sigma Sigma. All these vows I
promise and swear on my word of honor, and on the Holy Bible in which I believe
and on the badge of this Sorority, whose vows I am now taking. And I pray that
God will in all things give me grace and strength to keep and perform the same.
So help
me God and keep me STEADFAST through life. Amen.
UNISON,
to be sung softly. in harmony if desired:
Sigma,
royal Mother,
Take
this daughter new
Guide
her with thy counsel,
Keep her
always true
Sigma,
bind us closer,
Bind
with every tie
To thy
noble standards,
Sisters,
till we die.
Amen
C.R.
leaves her shrine and moves to candidate's left side.
L.S.:You
will now rise from your knees.
C.R.
assists candidate in rising. C.R. then removes the pledge pin and puts on the
Triangle badge and Colors.
THERE
IS COMPLETE SILENCE AS ATTENTION IS FOCUSED ON THIS CEREMONY.
L.S.:
Wisdom and Power
unite with Faith, Hope and Love in removing from your eyes the cover of darkness
and bid you hail the clear light of truth, that you may see the path of duty,
and that you may have the grace and strength to walk steadfastly therein.
Just as
we remove C.R.
unpins blindfold but holds it on the cover from your eyes, letting
the light C.R.
lets blind fold fall reach them, so shall Wisdom dispel the clouds
of ignorance.
C.R.
removes the blindfold. and goes to her shrine if there is but one initiate. If
there are more initiates to follow, C.R. remains with the candidate until L.S.;
reads to end of first paragraph and then C.R. seats the candidate outside the
shrine area and apart from the initiated members.
L.S.,
from memory; catches eye of candidate and smiles at her: And now I welcome you into the mystic; bonds of our sisterhood, and
declare that you here stand a worthy and lawful Sigma Sigma Sigma and I charge that you
act as such. You have taken upon yourself a most solemn and binding obligation,
one that does not affect your duty to God and to your family, and one which, if
you observe, will make you a better woman. You should always try to perfect the
teachings of this order to which you now belong. Now these bonds of friendship
which unite us as a band of sisters are perfected, and the cement of sisterly
love is spread-that cement which unites us as sisters always.
If
more than one candidate is being initiated, C.R. leaves last initiate at Love
Shrine and goes to seated new initiates. She quietly requests that they follow
her to the Love Shrine where she places them with the last initiate in a
semi-circle before the shrine to receive the charge as a group.
L.S.:
And now it becomes my duty to bid you live in peace, harmony and good fellowship
with all true sisters of this order. Never give your sisters any cause to doubt
your sincerity, fidelity or motives, but so endeavor to live that you will be an
ornament to our order, whose solemn vows we have ALL taken.
Speaking
to all the Chapter:
Sisters, if we all do this, then can Sigma Sigma Sigma, our mother, pointing to
her children, say as did the mother of the Grachii, pointing to her children,
"These are my jewels." And, as the badge of our Sorority is made
beautiful by having its pure gold, set with gems and jewels, so will our order,
in all her purity, shine because of the honorable women who strive to obey its
precepts and follow its teachings.
Then
shall our noble order accomplish its highest mission, and we shall realize the
meaning of "Sorores simper sumus." We are sisters always, not for a
day or a school term only, but sisters forever - "Faithful unto
death." Sisters, "sans puer et sans reproche" - without fear and
without reproach.
But one
thing I must admonish you speaking
both to Chapter and new members to urge upon others that which we
ourselves do not strive to realize is unworthy of our sisterhood. To embody the
virtues, to which our hearts amid these sacred walls have now turned, is to be
the effort of our lives.
“Tis
an assured good
To seek
the noblest - 'tis your only vision
Now you
have seen it, for that higher vision
Poisons
all meaner choice for evermore."
To
new members: WE
GREET YOU WITH JOYOUS ACCLAIM. We bid you go forth to impart by the contagion of
YOUR OWN PERSONALITY these high truths for which our order stands. For what you
ARE will be THE MEASURE OF YOUR INFLUENCE. It will speak louder than your
knowledge, clearer than your deeds.
Wisdom,
Faith, Hope and Love will reveal their Power ONLY as the self is under the firm
control of the spirit in which they make their home.
And now,
as you go forth from this our shrine to the storm and the stress and the peril of
life, remember this:
"Not
all the wild, huge untamed elements
Have
force to reach thee:
Though
the seas were piled
In
weltering mountains on thy course,
Only
THYSELF, THYSELF CAN HARM.
Forget
it not, and full of peace,
As if
the south wind whispered warm,
Wait
thou till storm and tumult cease,"
Ritual
For Cup Ceremony
GENERAL
INSTRUCTION
(1)
The Cupbearer is the youngest member of the Chapter in age. She serves in this
capacity until a younger member is initiated into the Chapter to whom this honor
passes.
(2)
The cup is one of the oldest symbols of friendship, and to drink from the same
cup is to accept each other as members of a family do. The offering of the cup
is an old form of hospitality, and in our Grecian setting symbolizes the end of
the ceremony of acceptance. Members do not actually drink from the cup but
gracefully appear to do so in order to give the form real meaning.
(3)
When offering the grape juice to members, the Cupbearer takes care to hold the
cup UP TO THE LIPS of each member, holding the cup high enough so that no
awkward ducking of the head or bending of the neck by the member is necessary.
When the cup is offered in this way and members do not attempt to drink from it,
the impressiveness of the ceremony is not spoiled by mishaps. The Cupbearer
moves from member to member with erect dignity. Presenting the cup toward the
lips of each member properly is essential in enhancing the circle's effect of
Grecian grace and beauty. Receiving the cup with composed dignity on the part of
the member is just as essential.
(4)
The Chapter is reminded of the Cup Ceremony by the C.R. before the initiation
ritual commences. The C.R. also reviews the simple way TO FORM THE CIRCLE so
that the Cupbearer may pass the cup with ease, as follows:
(a)
THE OFFICERS stand together, appearing in their robes as a Grecian frieze behind
and on either side of the Love Shrine.
(b)
NATIONAL OFFICER(S), if present, stand next to the Chapter officers AT THE LEFT OF
THE L.S.
(c)
ALUMNAE, if present. take a place next to the officers AT THE RIGHT OF THE L.S.
(d)
MEMBERS join the circle next to the alumnae.
(e)
NEW INITIATES are placed by the L.S. in the circle between the members TO THE
RIGHT OF THE OFFICERS.
C.R.
also reminds Chapter that THE CIRCLE IS NOT FORMED UNTIL THE L.S. HAS LED
INITIATES OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE AREA.
C.R.
announces in advance if the shrines are to be moved toward center of room
QUIETLY, SMOOTHLY (keeping their semi-circle arrangement) while circle is being
formed. SHRINES ARE NOT MOVED AT ALL unless the room is very crowded and more
space is needed for entering initiates into the circle without awkwardness and
for easy movement. Avoid moving shrines because this detracts from the setting
and is dangerous with lighted candles.
(5)
PASSING THE CUP (to be memorized) Cupbearer stands in the circle to the left of
the S.R. until summoned by the L.S.
When
the CUPBEARER leaves the circle to get the loving cup from the small table
outside the circle, she does so WITHOUT BREAKING THE CIRCLE by stepping slightly
backward and joining the hands of those on either side of her. THE CIRCLE IS
NEVER BROKEN.
After
getting the loving cup: the Cupbearer steps inside the circle WITHOUT BREAKING
IT by going under the arms of two members.
The
cup is always offered FIRST TO THE ACTING L.S.
NEXT,
TO ANY NATIONAL OFFICER(S) PRESENT, beginning with the national officer farthest
from the L.S. Moving onward ALWAYS TO HER LEFT the Cupbearer offers the cup NEXT
TO THE CHAPTER OFFICERS as they stand in the circle - the S.R.. S.C., C.R., and
C.T. THEN TO THE ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIATE MEMBERS, excepting the new initiates,
completing the cup service for previously initiated members when she reaches the
national officer(s) or the S.R. If national officer(s) are not present,
Cupbearer offers the cup to Chapter officers after the L.S. beginning with the
S.R.
The
cup is offered LAST OF ALL TO THE NEW INITIATES.
The
Cupbearer moves around the circle from the S.R.'s position to the left to
present the cup to each of the new initiates as they have been placed in the
circle.
Then
the Cupbearer returns directly to the LS., who steps inside the circle (joining
hands behind her WITHOUT
Cupbearer
then takes the cup from the L.S. and returns it to its place on the small table
outside the circle before she rejoins the circle to the left of the S.R. The L.S. has also stepped back into the circle.
Cup
Ceremony
L.S.
steps from behind her shrine. If there is but one initiate, she may lead her; if
more, she says:
Please come with me. She
takes initiates OUTSIDE the arc formed by the shrines to the right of the Love
Shrine, has them turn around to face the members - an important moment when
initiates see the five shrines for the first time which signals members to form
a circle.
When
all have joined hand., the L.S, takes hands of a new initiate and places them on
the joined hands of the two members ON THE RIGHT nearest the officers, NEVER
BETWEEN TWO OFFICERS as this would destroy the Grecian frieze effect made by the
officers in their robes.
L.S.,
speaking to group as a whole:
This chain has never been broken, save as I break it now, to enter a new link.
Speaking
to initiate:
Ponder well your responsibility in this chain.
L.S.
enters each new initiate into me chain in the same manner. After all are entered
in the circle, which has gradually expanded to include the new member(s), the
L.S. takes her place among the officers behind the Love Shrine.
L.S.:
Cupbearer, bring the cup and let us pledge our vows.
Cupbearer
conducts Cup Ceremony.
As soon
as the Cupbearer has returned to the circle, members stand quietly and begin
singing all three verses and chorus of "Stately and Royal.".
Stately
and royal. Sigma stands a queen so fair;
Faithful
and loyal, We her daughters swear
To
protect her ever, E'er to wave her colors high,
To
forsake her never, Faithful till we die.
CHORUS
Dear
steadfast mother, We would gather at thy feet,
Loving
each-other, Learn thy teachings sweet;
Learn
thy mystic meaning, Tread thy paths' of virtue bright;
Harvest
reaping, gleaning, In the fields of right.
CHORUS
Go
onward. Sigma, Ever strive to higher rise;
No stain
or stigma On thy fair name lies;
Let each
daughter ever Strive to do her best for thee,
That no
stain may ever On thy fair name be,
CHORUS
Sigma,
Sigma. Sigma, Ever true to thee we'll be.
Sisters
to each other, Daughters good to thee.
L.S.
at close of final chorus:
Sisters, let us greet our new sister(s), and welcome her (them) into the bonds
of our order.
Circle
is broken then-NEVER UNTIL L.S. GIVES THIS INSTRUCTION - and the initiate(s)
greeted. When this has been done, the L.S. asks Sentinel to take charge of
initiates again. The Sentinel takes them to another room while the Initiation
Room is dismantled, supplies put away. and robes removed. This is the Sentinel's
responsibility assisted by a special committee.
DISROBING
AND DISMANTLING DO NOT BEGIN UNTIL AFTER THE NEW INITIATES HAVE LEFT THE ROOM.
The