Society of American Magicians
Initiation Ritual

 
2009

History and Information
 
To the Initiation Team from the National Council: This ceremony is decades old and has received only minor changes over the years. It is intended to be the final step in becoming a full member of The Society of American Magicians.
Most of the original language and meter has been preserved to give future generations a sense of the deep history involved in the initiation. The ceremony is intended to be a solemn passage into deeper understanding of what it means to be a member of this Society. No part of the ceremony is to be desecrated by comic flavor or clowning.
The Incantator’s tests contain levity and humor, but the tone must remain in concert with the seriousness of the ceremony. Lapses into comedy or satire destroy the purpose of this ceremony and render the process useless.
Neophytes should approach this ceremony with a fair degree of trepidation, which means that Compeers who have received the initiation must refer to it with deep seriousness and perhaps a hint of foreboding.
The Initiation Team should be selected with great care. Most Illustrious must be a veteran member who commands respect and has preferably held the office of Assembly President or National Council member.
The Incantator must possess a command presence with common sense to know how far to push the tests. For example, elderly initiates should be treated with great care and with keen attention to their physical well-being. Younger initiates may be treated with a bit more intensity.
The goal is to humble the initiates, not to demean them.
Questions regarding magic history and the S.A.M. should be included with the practical tests of magical prowess. While an initiate may laugh nervously over the obviously rigged test effects, members of the Initiation Team must play their reactions straight, pretending that the tests are legitimate and that the Neophyte has miserably failed. Remember that the purpose of the tests is to show Neophytes that they are not as knowledgeable as they thought and to instill a sense of humility in them, so that they may receive their instructions with the proper mindset.
The Alchemist and Wizard must also be seasoned members who have a clear understanding of the materials they are presenting (the Cabala, the Amulet, the Motto, the Palm, etc.). The Sorcerer and Cabalist roles may be used for internships or training for the main roles.
It is absolutely important that the audience be made up only of Compeers who have been initiated. Guests or the uninitiated may not witness the ceremony. With these admonitions, we bid you proceed and trust that your initiates will treasure this experience as a lifetime highlight of their S.A.M. careers!
 
 
The Initiatory Team
 
Note: The following members of the Initiatory Team are appointed by the Most Illustrious.
THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS. Title of the Presiding Officer. The President of the Assembly may appoint any Compeer to represent him and bear the title Most Illustrious during the Ceremony of Initiation, but it is preferable that the President assume this role.
ILLUSTRIOUS INCANTATOR. Duties: To examine Neophytes as to their fitness to become Illustrious Compeers; to assist the Most Illustrious in the enforcement of proper decorum; to enforce the Ritual; to lead in its rehearsals and work. He shall be stationed near the entrance, at the end of the room opposite that occupied by the Most Illustrious.
ILLUSTRIOUS WIZARD. Preferably a Past President. Duties: To expound the Cabala and to teach its symbolism. He shall be stationed near the middle of the right side of the room.
ILLUSTRIOUS ALCHEMIST. Duties: To guard the Amulet and to expound its mystic power and significance. He shall be stationed near the middle of the left side of the room.
ILLUSTRIOUS CABALIST. Preferably the First Sergeant-at-Arms. Duties: To guard the Portals, take up the Cabala and inspect Talismans.
ILLUSTRIOUS SORCERER. Preferably the Second Sergeant-at-Arms. Duties: To conduct Neophytes; to enforce the provisions of the Constitution, By-Laws and the Ritual; and to execute any special mission ordered by the Most Illustrious.
The Most Illustrious should also appoint a seventh (7th) member to serve as CHAIRMAN to arrange rehearsal dates and act as the Coach or Director of the Team. Most Illustrious also may appoint a Co-Chairman, if desired.
An eighth (8th) member should be appointed as Property Man. He will act as a Neophyte during rehearsals and will be responsible for lights, seating arrangement, tables, and properties for the Ceremony itself. He should be provided with a deep-toned Oriental GONG, to be struck by him at intervals indicated in the text by (_). Candles (and incense, if desired) should be burning on the table before the Most Illustrious, together with a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws, plus an S.A.M. Magic Wand.
It is recommended that at least two additional members be appointed to serve as Understudies and be prepared to replace any team member absent during rehearsals or on the night of the Ceremony itself. Those serving as Understudies one year should be given active roles the next, so as to rotate the members of the Team.
 
 
Regalia
 
Following is a description of the costumes which have traditionally been used during initiation ceremonies:
All costumes are made full length, with wide, flowing sleeves. Originally, they were made of black Alpaca (mohair) cloth, but any good quality, medium weight material may be used. They should be edged or trimmed with other material of varying colors, as explained below:
Most Illustrious. A long collar of crimson velvet, reaching approximately to the knees, embellished with gold braid and bullion tassels with an opening for the head to pass through, is worn over the black costume. The sleeves and hem of the gown are likewise trimmed with crimson velvet. Around the neck is worn a hand-painted disk of porcelain bearing a reproduction of the emblem or jewel (The Amulet).
Incantator. The black gown is trimmed with one-inch wide white braid. Attached to the gown at the back is a hood (capuchin) which covers the head during a ceremony. At the waist is a black tasseled cord.
Wizard. The wide sleeves and hem of the gown are trimmed with blue satin. Covering the shoulders is a deep collar, or cape, of blue velvet with gold trimming. The gown is tied at the waist with a black tasseled cord.
Alchemist. Same as the Wizard, except that the trim is yellow satin and the collar is red velvet with gold trim. A black tasseled cord is worn about the waist.
Sorcerer. Over the black robe is worn a short cape of satin (or sateen), the colors of red and gold alternating. Black tasseled cord about the waist.
Cabalist. Same as the Sorcerer, except that the colors in the cape alternate blue and gold. Black tasseled cord about waist.
 
 
Opening Ceremony
 
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: All Illustrious Compeers present will please come to order. *.
Illustrious Cabalist, close the portals and admit no one who does not possess a Talisman or is not conversant with our Cabala. Pause.
*. Illustrious Sorcerer, ascertain if all present are Compeers of this Society, conversant with the Cabala and in possession of a Talisman.
Interim during which the Illustrious Sorcerer performs his task or the Sergeants-at-Arms examine Membership Cards.
SORCERER, saluting the Chair: Most Illustrious, all present are Compeers of The Society of American Magicians and are in possession of a Talisman. Exceptions to be mentioned aloud and their eligibility to be passed upon by the Illustrious Secretary.
CABALIST, posted at Portal, saluting the Chair: Most Illustrious, the portals have been closed and are securely guarded.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: * * *, all present rise: Illustrious Compeers, it is my duty to govern with Wisdom and Equity; to expound the Law; to obligate Neophytes and to instruct in the Mysteries. By the power in me vested as Presiding Officer of Assembly No. … of The Society of American Magicians, I now declare open and in order for business, this regular meeting of this Assembly, at the same time reminding all Illustrious Compeers to conduct themselves with that measure of Harmony and Unity which will tend to the advancement of our Ancient and Honorable Art.
INCANTATOR, saluting the Chair: Honor to our Most Illustrious. All present salute.
The Presiding Officer returns salutations. *.
All present sit down. The meeting is open and in order for business.
 
 
Initiation
 
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: All Illustrious Compeers present will please come to order. *.
Illustrious Cabalist! Cabalist walks to center, salutes. Close the portals and admit no one who does not possess a Talisman or is not conversant with our Cabala.
CABALIST, about faces, walks to Portals, makes sure they are closed, faces the Chair and salutes: Most Illustrious, the portals have been closed and are securely guarded.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: Illustrious Sorcerer! (Sorcerer walks to center and salutes.) Ascertain if any Neophytes are in waiting who seek admission to our mystic precincts.
SORCERER salutes again, about-faces, retires via Portals and immediately returns with a list of names of candidates. He proceeds once more to center of room, salutes the Chair again: Most Illustrious, there are in waiting … pronounces each name in full who seek to become Compeers among the Illustrious Magicians.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: Illustrious Compeers, we are about to initiate new members. Let me remind you that proper decorum must prevail during this ceremony. Silence must be observed. There may be no smoking. The Neophytes about to be admitted will be required to pledge themselves formally toward this Society, and it is meet that this pledge make upon them, and upon each of us, an impression never to be forgotten. Illustrious Sorcerer, escort the Neophytes into these mystic precincts and present them to our Illustrious Incantator, who will examine them as to their fitness before permitting them to proceed.
SORCERER salutes, about-faces and retires.
PROPS switches off all room lights.
SORCERER, returns through Portals, leading Neophytes into darkened room, as PROPS sounds GONG three times.
CABALIST, stopping Neophytes just inside Portals, addresses them as follows: Strangers, I have been directed to permit you within these mystic precincts. Let me caution you to cast aside all hesitancy and pride and to answer frankly and truthfully all questions that will be put to you. I bid you proceed.
PROPS switches room lights on again.
SORCERER conducts the Neophytes before the Most Illustrious, instructs them to bow silently in formal salutation; turns them around, instructing them to bow to the audience; and then leads them to the rear of the room until lined up before the Incantator, who says:
INCANTATOR (Furiously): What manner of salutation was that? That is not the way Compeers greet the Most Illustrious!
SORCERER: Illustrious Incantator, I beg that you forgive them. They are strangers here, and have just been admitted for initiation into our Mysteries.
INCANTATOR: Indeed? What are their names?
SORCERER reads names of the Neophytes.
INCANTATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, it shall be your task to prove that your desire to bear the proud Magical title ‘Illustrious Compeer’ is not idle presumption. Surely you would not have been permitted to disturb our deliberations, had not trustworthy Compeers vouched for you. Nevertheless, it is my duty to ascertain whether you have been judged correctly.
Of course, I assume that you are well versed in all the secrets of Magic? Await answer.
Surely you know the difference between patter and ordinary stage talk? Await answer.
Now, candidly, can you answer the following questions:
What is the Palm? Pause.
What is the Cabala? Pause.
What is the Talisman? Pause.
The Incantator may, at his own discretion, propound (propose) puzzling questions similar to those given below .The object of these questions and the reactions of the witnesses through their demeanor (rolling eyes, quizzical looks) upon hearing the Neophyte’s answers should be to cause the Neophytes to confess that they do not know, thus indicating their humility. Here are some sample questions:
Do you know how to enchant? Pause.
What is the difference between a Magician, a Thaumaturgist, a Necromancer, a Sorcerer and a Prestidigitator? Pause.
Are elves of a higher or lower order than gnomes? Pause.
Do you know what magicians competed with Moses before the Pharaoh of Egypt? Pause.
At this point the Incantator pauses and says: Perhaps you all can now demonstrate your proficiency in our beloved art.
Various embarrassing tests are now introduced, each Neophyte in turn being made the victim. For example, one is asked to do the back-and-front palm and is handed a playing card pasted onto a flat piece of tin. Another is asked if he can shuffle and is handed a pack all glued together or one all cut in pieces. A third is required to palm a piece of ice or to do the cups and balls with transparent tumblers.
In the early days of the Society, a table stood ready which was held together by electromagnets; several objects were placed thereon, and the candidate was instructed to make use of any he desired. As soon as he reached to pick up one of the objects, the current was switched off and the table collapsed, thus forcing the performer to the undignified position of stooping and trying to put things together again.
More ingenious tests may suggest themselves, which the Committee may prepare in advance.
After the last Neophyte has been humbled, the Incantator says, Do you now admit that you have failed and do not know?
Neophytes must all be induced to say that they do not know.
INCANTATOR, continuing in a conciliatory voice: You do not know! You ADMIT it! You have mastered yourselves at last! Let me congratulate you … shakes each by the hand in turn.
Ladies and gentlemen, a spirit of humility fits best within these precincts. All persons here are called Illustrious Compeers. Compeer means an equal, a fraternizer. The more one’s behavior is guided along these lines, the more lustrous one becomes. That is why we confer the additional title ‘Illustrious.’
Illustrious Sorcerer, conduct these Neophytes to our Illustrious Alchemist, who in turn shall ascertain their qualifications to become Compeers.
SORCERER, conducts the candidates around room, stops with them before Alchemist: Illustrious Alchemist, I am commanded to present before you, … pronounce each name who style themselves Magicians and who seek to be recognized among their fellow Magicians as Compeers.
ALCHEMIST: Their ambition is a noble one. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been found eligible for membership in The Society of American Magicians; hence you have been permitted to disturb our deliberations. Before you may advance, however, I am required to ask you certain questions. Your answers will serve to impress upon your minds the objects of this Society, its possibilities and importance to each member and to all others interested in the Art of Magic. Are you willing to proceed? Await the answer, Yes, or I am.
In case any Neophyte refuses to promise or take any part of the Oath, the Cabalist shall step forward and escort him from the room.
First: The object of our Society is to promote Harmony among those interested in Magic, and to further elevation of the Magician’s art.
Are you in agreement with this objective? Await the answer, Yes, or I am.
Second. The Society prohibits members from disseminating trade secrets and principles related to magicians or magic effects with no effort or expectation by the recipient to obtain or acquire the information. The Society also prohibits members from exposing the secrets and principles of magic and from supporting those who do.
Do you promise to observe these requirements? Await the answer, Yes, or I am.
Third. The Society prohibits members from copying, imitating, manufacturing or selling the materials, ideas, principles, trade secrets or presentations of others without consent.
Do you promise to observe these requirements? Await the answer, Yes, or I am.
INCANTATOR: Hark! Hark! They do promise!
PROPS sounds Gong once.
ALCHEMIST: Understand me well! Compeers of this Society may legitimately teach or instruct in the Art of Magic; they may freely discuss its details with anyone interested in the Art or in essentials appertaining thereto; yet this Society strives to discourage explanations and exposure to those not interested in Stage Craft.
Do you promise also to discourage such needless explanations and exposure?
Await the answer, Yes, or I am.
INCANTATOR: Hear them! They have promised!
PROP sounds Gong once.
ALCHEMIST: It is a tenet of this Society that a Member who witnesses a legitimate magical performance, or an act where magical effects are legitimately used, must under no circumstances try to place the performer in a predicament. Rather, the Member shall attempt to further the success of the performance.
Do you promise this also?
Await the answer, Yes, or I am.
INCANTATOR: Hear them! They have promised!
PROP sounds Gong once.
ALCHEMIST: It is well! Bear in mind these promises and tenets, for you will later be required to make a solemn pledge to this Society and to each Member thereof. In fairness, I assure you that this pledge shall in no wise conflict with any duty you owe to your God, to your fellow human beings, to yourself, or to any other allegiance you may have sworn heretofore.
With this assurance, are you willing to proceed?
Await the answer, Yes, or I am.
INCANTATOR: They have sworn it!
PROPS sounds Gong once.
ALCHEMIST: Illustrious Sorcerer, the promises of these Neophytes being satisfactory, conduct them forthwith to our Most Illustrious.
SORCERER, conducts the Neophytes to the Most Illustrious: Most Illustrious, I am commanded to bring before you these Neophytes, who have promised to observe the tenets of our Society; whose worth as Magicians has been put to the test; and who desire to take the S.A.M. Pledge.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: Ladies and gentlemen, it is unnecessary for me to remind you of the Sacredness and solemnity of a pledge! ***, all rise. You will therefore place your right hand over this book of the Constitution and Bylaws of our Society, your left over your heart, and pledge after me:
The following Pledge should be read aloud by the Most Illustrious (MI):
MI: On behalf of The Society of American Magicians and its members, do you solemnly promise and declare that you will keep the Secrets belonging to The Society of American Magicians inviolate from all outsiders, whether you retain your membership in this Organization or not?
Neophyte: I do.
MI: Do you agree to support the Constitution and the Bylaws of this Society, and to abide by all rules, resolutions and regulations that are now in force or that may hereafter be enacted or amended?
Neophyte: I do.
MI: Will you strive to promote Harmony among those interested in the Art of Magic, and particularly among the members of The Society of American Magicians and among the members of kindred societies?
Neophyte: I will.
MI: Will you endeavor to elevate the Art of Magic through your own efforts as well as through cooperation with the efforts of Members in this or kindred societies and to not willingly wrong a member of this Society nor suffer one to be wronged if in your power to prevent such action?
Neophyte: I will.
MI: Will you exercise a fraternal interest in the welfare of any Magician whose conduct is in accordance with the principles of this Society? Will you as much as is in your power, strive to guide your conduct in this Society as well as in your relationship with any of its Compeers or Affiliated Magicians, according to the principles and virtues taught in the Mystic Cabala Magic—Unity—Might of this Society?
Neophyte: I will.
MI: Then repeat after me wait for repeated words at each phrase: I make this pledge / upon my honor / as a magician / and I bind myself / to observe it.
INCANTATOR, in deep voice: They have sworn it.
PROPS sounds Gong once.
BY ALL: And we all bear witness to their pledge!
PROPS sounds Gong three times.
MI: ‘Tis well! And may you never forget this exalted hour and its purport to you individually and to The Society of American Magicians. Places wand over each Neophyte in turn and says solemnly: By the power in me vested and by the virtues of this mystic wand, I now declare each one of you our ‘Illustrious Compeer.’ It is a proud title. May you ever conduct yourselves in a manner that will reflect honor upon you and upon this Society. *. One tap. All sit.
Illustrious Sorcerer, guide our new Compeers to the Illustrious Wizard for instruction in our Mysteries.
SORCERER, conducts the new Compeers to the Wizard: Illustrious Wizard, I am commanded to bring before you our new Compeers for instruction in the mysteries.
CABALIST: Joins the end of the row of Neophytes and remains with them until noted hereafter.
WIZARD: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my proud privilege to be the first to welcome you here as Illustrious Compeers, and as such to impart to you our first mystery – the Cabala. The Cabala is our symbolic word, and it teaches us the virtues we should strive to cultivate. It is typified by three capital letters: M – U – M.
These letters spell the word Mum, meaning caution, but they must never be used in that way among the Members of our Society. M – U – M symbolizes the Motto: Magic – Unity – Might: three words, each composed of five letters. Thus we have brought to mind ONE motto; THREE words; FIVE letters to each word.
The sequence 1-3-5 has for us a Mystic meaning: ONE is typical of our Society; there is only one such. THREE is a number emblematic of Harmony, and to Harmony our Society is consecrated. FIVE implies Concord or Unity. The numbers 1-3-5 constitute the initial arithmetical progression of uneven numbers; therefore, they imply Progress as well as Originality.
Thus by the symbolic meaning of the Cabala M – U – M, the Compeers of this Society are reminded that they should act with Caution in Harmony and in Unity, in order to foster Originality and Progress.
Illustrious Sorcerer, conduct our new Compeers to the Illustrious Alchemist for further instructions.
SORCERER, leads Neophytes half around the Room and introduces them to the Alchemist as follows: Illustrious Alchemist, I am commanded to bring before you our new Compeers for further instruction in our Mysteries.
ALCHEMIST: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasant task to confer upon you our Second Mystery; the meaning symbolized by our emblem, or jewel, which we call the Amulet. To the uninitiated this emblem simply indicates membership in The Society of American Magicians; yet those versed in our lore read therein inspiring truths, reminding them of their affiliations and duties. In this field of red, emblazoned with gold, we find five objects, three letters and two serpents. We are at once reminded of our mystic numbers, 1-3-5, and of our Cabala, M – U – M, whose symbolic meaning you already know.
Magic, the first word of our Motto, is symbolized five times: first by the magical color, red; second, by the Magical invertibility of the design; third, by the endless intertwining of the letters, S.A.M.; fourth, by the circle, symbol of Infinity or Eternity; and fifth, by the Serpents, Magicians’ most ancient emblem and implement.
Unity, the second word of our Motto, is represented three times within this mystic design. The
serpents are in union, the monogram is entwined in harmonious blend, while red joined unto gold forms a union of the two brightest colors in nature.
Might, the third word of our Motto, is also suggested three times: first by the gold, symbolic of riches; second, by the serpents, the attribute of Wisdom; and third, by nature’s most forceful color, Red. Thus, besides the virtues of Harmony, Unity, Progress, Caution and Originality, we read here Wisdom, Perfection and Eternity.
Illustrious Sorcerer, conduct our new Compeers to the Illustrious Wizard, who will demonstrate the usefulness of our mysteries.
SORCERER, conducts the new Compeers to the Wizard: Illustrious Wizard, I am commanded to bring before you these new compeers who desire to complete their knowledge of our Mysteries.
CABALIST leaves the Neophytes and returns to his place at the Portals.
WIZARD: Illustrious Compeers, there is something still more deeply suggestive to us as Members of The Society of American Magicians in the three mystic words of our Cabala. The initial letters of the words Magic, Unity, Might, taken either forward or backward, form our Cabala, M – U – M. This word also reminds us that as Magicians, we should ever keep the secrets of Magic and the doings of our Society within our own fraternity. It also teaches us to be silent rather than speak of another’s faults. In addition to this secret word, we have a code of Cabalistic questions, signs and tests.
 
 
Cabalistic Questions
 
Wishing to ascertain if another is a Compeer of this Society, you will challenge by asking: ‘Are you a Magician?’
The correct answer to this is: ‘Me?’ as if in surprise. The challenger then says, ‘You?’ as though equally surprised. To this the one challenged replies, ‘Me.’
These words, ‘Me?’ ‘You?’ ‘Me!’ suggest the Cabala, M – U – M, which should always be given in this manner, never pronounced as a whole word.
Should the challenger desire to test whether the challenged one is actually a Compeer in good standing, he shall ask: ‘How may I know you to be a magician?’ The reply is, ‘By the Palm, the Cabala, and the Talisman.’ The Palm means the secret handshake, which will be explained to you presently. The Cabala means the secret word, which has been explained to you. The Talisman is our Card of Membership. If you are in the room at the opening of a meeting, or if you seek admission after the portals have been closed, you will be challenged.
CABALIST, leaving Portals, demands in a loud voice: How shall I know you to be a Magician?
On receiving no correct reply from the Neophytes, he turns to WIZARD, who continues:
WIZARD.: To this question you must reply: ‘By the Palm, the Cabala, and the Talisman.’
The Challenger shall now test you by extending the right hand, saying: ‘Give me the Palm.’ To this you shall respond by grasping the Challenger’s right hand and giving the secret handshake.
Next, the Challenger shall say, ‘Give me the Cabala.’ To this you shall reply, ‘M – U – M.’
Finally, the challenger shall say, ‘Show me the Talisman.’ To this you shall reply by showing your Card of Membership for the current year.
 
 
Cabalistic Signs
 
The Palm Demonstrate: The Palm is made by both Compeers extending the right hand with the palms parallel; after which, instead of each grasping the other’s hand, as in the usual handshake, the fingers of each are closed about the other’s thumb, thus giving a sort of Double French Drop. Note that this reminds you of Magic, that the junction of the two hands denotes Unity, and that the pressure of the two hands thus held symbolizes Might.
CABALIST and WIZARD both demonstrate the Palm to each Neophyte.
WIZARD: We also have a sign of recognition, known as the Silent Challenge, to be used as such. Wishing to ascertain silently whether another is a member of this Society, the challenger first raises the right hand to about the height of the chest. The hand is held thus a moment, palm downward, with all fingers closed except the index, which is glanced at as if to examine the tip demonstrate.
As soon as the challenger is conscious that the motion has been observed, the hand is turned inward, palm towards the body, projecting now three fingers … thus demonstrate. Finally, the hand is turned palm downward again, this time with all fingers extended demonstrate. This, as you see, reads 1-3-5 and brings to mind our Cabala. The entire sequence can be executed in a natural way, as if you are merely examining your own hand. Should a compeer of this Society desire assistance while performing, this sign can be used to signal other Compeers in attendance. It shall be the duty of any member present to volunteer helpful services when thus challenged, and it shall further be an obligation to do everything within one’s power to bring the performance to a successful climax.
CABALIST returns to his place at the Portals.
WIZARD, continuing: The Sign of Salutation is made to the Chair when entering or leaving the room during a meeting. It is made first by closing all the fingers of the right hand except the index, which remains extended and is touched to the lips (demonstrate). The hand is then turned palm inward in the position already explained (demonstrate); and third, the hand is thrown off, with all the five fingers equally distanced (demonstrate); thus typifying our Cabala by the count 1-3-5. This reminds us to keep the secrets of our Art and the doings of this Society M – U – M, and to cast from our lips all that is impure.
Illustrious Sorcerer, you may now conduct our new Compeers to our Most Illustrious.
SORCERER, conducts the new Compeers to the Most Illustrious and salutes. He makes each new Compeer give the correct sign of salutation to the Most Illustrious, who returns the salute: Most Illustrious, I bring before you these Compeers who have been instructed in the Mysteries of our Cabala, of our Amulet, and of our Talisman. They await your final recognition.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS, steps forward and gives to each the secret handshake, the Palm: Illustrious Compeers, I congratulate you. Informal speech or greeting may be interjected at this point if desired.
I now invest you with the wand. It is endowed with three qualities: Mystery, Power, and Authority. A simple stick, yet in the hands of the truly great the stick has ever symbolized authority. In the hand of the chosen magician, the Wand is an instrument which conveys the mystic power of illusion and enchantment.
Now note well: One rap of the Wand *, calls all to order or seats all. Three raps ***, call all to their feet all rise and remind us of Harmony. Five raps *****,  complete the mystic reminder and signify Unity. These raps given together: *.  ***.  *****, constitute the Mystic Battery of our Society. This is a call that may be neither slighted nor misused, and is also a special honor which may be conferred upon members of this Society when ordered by the Most Illustrious.
This completes your initiation. You have been received and acknowledged among your peers as a Compeer, and by that title you shall henceforth be known.
Optional: I am pleased to present to you on behalf of The Society of American Magicians the Amulet of our Society, which has already been explained to you. I hope that you will wear this pin as a reminder that you are one among your fellows, who are confident that you will guard your actions with honor.
Directing the new Compeers to face the Assembly, he continues: Illustrious Compeers, I present Illustrious … names, who have tonight consummated their membership in The Society of American Magicians and have pledged themselves to support its objects.
I now declare a short recess that you may all have an opportunity of welcoming them. *.
PROPS sounds Gong once.
As the new Compeers turn to face the Assembly, the Wizard, Incantator, Sorcerer and Cabalist walk slowly toward them. At the tap of the Wand (_), each extends his hand, gives the Palm to the nearest new Compeer and leads him to a seat among the others.
 
 
Closing Ceremony
 
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: Illustrious Incantator, what is the hour?
INCANTATOR, saluting the Chair: Most Illustrious, our deliberations are ended; it is the
hour for adjournment.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS, * * *, all rise: Illustrious Compeers, what is our Cabala?
BY ALL: M – U – M.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS: By the power in me vested as Presiding Officer of this Assembly of The Society of American Magicians, I remind each Compeer to bear in mind the objects of our Society, and declare this meeting closed.
INCANTATOR: Honor to our Most Illustrious.
BY ALL salutation.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS, returns salutation: We stand closed. * * * * *.