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Text Box: Why So Mote It Be! Written by Ron Merk Education Officer: Vancouver & Quadra #3 Victoria, BC Canada No Lodge is ever opened or closed with out using "So Mote It Be!" and no Mason would embark on any great or important undertaking with out invoking the aid of the Deity. That request for aid would be concluded with "So Mote It Be!". It's easy to define "So Mote It Be", much harder to tell you why Masons prefer it. I suppose it could be as simple as tradition. "Amen, So Mote It Be" is the final phrase in our oldest known written document. (Regius Poem circa 1300s) Certainly tradition is important and for this reason alone the phrase deserves usage in our Lodges .... but the phrase is given more reverence and use than mere tradition dictates. There seems to be a much deeper meaning and force driving its use by the Brethren. In simple terms "So Mote It Be!" can be described as the Masonic version of Amen! We use it in that sense to close prayer within the Lodge. In order to appreciate the significance of "So Mote It Be!", I found it necessary to more fully understand Amen. Amen can be literally interpreted to mean "so be it". The Ancient Hebrews ended their prayer with a affirmative exclamation of " So Be It! So Be It! So May It Be!" Literally translated in our not so distance Anglo-Saxon past this phrase would have been delivered as "Amen! Amen! So Mote It Be!" We've further shortened it depending on who you're with as either "Amen" or "So Mote It Be". To me, Amen seems to have become a word that suggests a passive acceptance of God's will. "Mote" on the other hand comes from the Anglo-Saxon verb "motan" meaning will or may. My belief is that the use of an action verb is significant in the understanding of why Masons prefer "So Mote It Be!" Using "So Mote It Be!" delivers an active assent of man to God's purpose. It is not meant to be a dumb resignation or blind submission, but rather a wise reconciliation to the will of the G.A.O.T.U. Masons using it are continuing the original intent of express a dynamic acceptance of this relationship with God. Is it any wonder we opt for it's use in our Lodges. Why do we use "So mote it be" instead of Amen? "So Mote It Be" are the final words in the Regius Poem. "Mote" is old English for "may." Masons have used the phrase since the beginning of time. The written history of the Craft. Freemasonry includes many other words now obsolete which bring the sanctity of age and the continuity of ritual from ancient days to modern times.

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In preparation for our annual inspection, Worshipful Brother Ralph W. Cyrus has established an aggressive practice schedule for the benefit of our line officers. Those individuals who are to play an integral role in the conferral of the Master Mason degree for our annual inspection are urged to attend these practices. The are as follows: December 5th, 7th, 19th, 21st, 29th, and 30th. All practices are scheduled for 6:00 pm with the exception of December 30th which is at 5:00 pm. The best way to overcome nervousness and uncertainty is to be prepared and practices are designed to make the individual more comfortable with the ritual work, degree conferral and floor work. This confidence will result in an inspection in which you will be well prepared to participate. You may reach Worshipful Brother Ralph W. Cyrus at 663-5617.