How to remember ritual
08 August 23
As we get older, we have more time for lodge matters, but sadly our ability to remember decreases. How do we counter this? Is there a science to make learning easier or is it beyond your ability?
We all have a different ability to learn; however some secrets from study in other areas do help to learn ritual. The following steps will make it easier:
Step 1 is to get prepared. Visit other lodges and listen intently to as many renditions as possible. It will give you a sense of what you need to say.
When you start to learn, ensure that you fully understand every word and phrase you are trying to commit to memory. Any word you are unsure of, or feel doesn’t fit the context needs to be looked up in a dictionary. Words often have many meanings and you may not know them all. The doctrine of the misunderstood (MU) word applies here. This states that whenever you come across a word not fully understood, you will not be able to recall words read after that MU. So understand fully the meaning of every word. Otherwise you will have trouble remembering that word and the words that follow it.
The brain has two types of memory: short-term memory and long-term memory. To get beyond the short term and into the long-term memory requires attention, focus and repetition. You simply need to keep at it until you break through. You know the feeling – you can’t seem to recall something, you keep at it, and suddenly it is there. When you break through, it stays there for a long time.
One method is to sit facing a wall at full attention. Start with one line and ensure it is word perfect, then repeat the next line. If you falter look at the correct words, then put your book down and start at the top again. After about two hours you should have the first paragraph committed to memory. But don’t worry if it takes longer. Keep at it. Always go back to the first line and add to it. Don’t progress until you have the earlier lines learnt.
I find that if I start with one line at a time, eventually I get there. If I need to learn it quickly then the wall is the answer. If not, have your book with you every day. Start at the front and continue to build on what you have learnt. At night repeat the section you are learning. Carry a line in your head all day. Repeat it whenever you can. Usually out loud is best. It may take one month or six months, it doesn’t matter. Give yourself plenty of time.
I joined lodge in 2004 but really didn’t attend much until I moved to the NSW Central Coast. I advanced to a Master Mason in January 2006 and became inner guard in July that year.
I was extremely green and really didn’t know much about Masonry. To be the Master never entered my mind. The thought of being able to learn and then recite the Master’s work, not to mention doing degree work, was like being offered a trip to the moon. I actually didn’t realise that by being inner guard I was on the ladder to the chair.
I have never been great at ritual, and approaching 60 learning just seemed that little bit harder. I always put my heart into every endeavour and realised that if I was to be Master, I had better get serious. I looked at others who had learnt their work and were role models in our lodge. I figured if they could do it, then surely I could.
From Junior Warden up I started to visit as many lodges as I could. While I don’t feel I am as good as my predecessors, I am acquitting myself in the role. To date we have had two first Degrees, two second Degrees, and before my term is over I expect another first Degree and maybe even a third. It will be a full year when I install my successor in July.
I did not think this would be possible in 2006 when I was raised as a Master Mason. But it is possible to learn and advance through office. It is also possible to learn what may seem an insurmountable level of work.
I will always look back on 2011–12 as being my year as Master of Central Coast Lodge 2001. It carries a great sense of achievement.
Written by W Bro Allan Mason and as appeared in the Autumn Freemason Magazine 2012