|
Order
of Quetzalcoatl
What dazzling beauty there is in the myth of
Quetzalcoatl! It is the complete fairy tale in which all things change
perpetually into something else and are forever elusive, yet profoundly
true. The Great Bird-Serpent is the most powerful
figure in Mexican mythology. From Teotihuacan (Mexico City) on the high
plateau to Chichen Itza in Yucatan, he is a
dominate motif on ancient monuments. Sometimes with his jaws open, bifid
tongue, and articulated spinal column, he is easily recognizable. At others,
he seems to have been coded in an almost infinite variety of formalized
patterns derived from his famous scales, or feathers. Although no one knows
the exact age, it is generally accepted on the basis of archeological
evidence that the pyramids date anywhere from 600 B.C to 800 A.D.
Almost certain there was more than one historical
Quetzalcoatl, because in ancient Mexico the name was given to any priest who
was supposed to have attained enlightenment. It is believed that Quetzalcoatl
was a king, living about the time of Christ. If it was he who discovered that
corn was a good staple diet for humans, then he must certainly have existed
much earlier. So, let's look at the myth itself, or at the
collection of myths. To begin with there is the name, which was analyzed many
years ago. It is formed of QUETZAL, the name of a rare bird with green
feathers inhabiting the highlands of Chiapas and Guatemala, and COATL, which
is the Nahuatl Indian language means snake, but
which in its essence is a combination of CO, generic name for serpent or
snake in the Maya language, and ATL meaning water. The Quetzal was a great
bird, regarded as the most graceful of all. Its name means the most precious,
or the beautiful bird. Quetzalcoatl is symbolized by the plumed serpent that
may be seen depicted on many ancient temple ruins in various parts of Mexico.
Quetzalcoatl was known and accepted as a god in
ancient Mexico. Accordingly, he dominated the great early American
civilizations, from the land of the Incas in South America, to the Pueblo
Indians of our southwestern desert. Quetzalcoatl became the force for
understand the universe, as it was known before the introduction of modern
religion by the Conquistadors of Spain. The god, Quetzalcoatl, represented to
the ancients the very essence of life. It was said by the Aztec priests that after
leaving the world of the living, Quetzalcoatl would reappear from the east as
the morning star, preceding the sun. Therefore, when the Conquistadors landed
at Veracruz, from the east, in the year 1519, Montezuma was sure that Cortez
was Quetzalcoatl, returning to take possession of his kingdom. Because of
this mistaken belief, Cortez, with a small force, conquered an empire. Archaeologists
uncovered the Temple of Quetzalcoatl early in this century at the ancient
ruins of Teotihuacan, just north of Mexico City. The Toltecs
may have been the builders of the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan,
about ten thousand years ago, where the pyramids of the moon and sun rival
those of ancient Egypt.
In the ancient rites and legends practiced by the
Toltec tribes under the leadership of their prophet and guide, Quetzalcoatl,
we find many parallels to our Masonic ways of life. Here is a code of conduct
native to the North American continent worthy of emulations. Everything he
taught was for the betterment of the people. Whether Quetzalcoatl was a myth, a man, or a god,
remains a mystery. Nevertheless, Quetzalcoatl stood for all that was good in
this world: Peace, art, wisdom, and prosperity. The Order of Quetzalcoatl was founded on March
14, 1945, by the late Arthur J. Elian, Recorder of Anezeh
Temple in Mexico City, who was an outstanding student of Mexican lore as well
as an active 33rd degree Mason. His profound interest in all Masonic affairs
crowned his efforts with all honors due him, having been Grand Master of the Muy Respectable Grand Logia Valle de Mexico, Emeritus
Registrar of the Scottish Rite bodies, Recorder Emeritus of Anezeh Temple, and was fondly considered "Mr.
Mason." The Order is based upon authentic Mexican legend
and depicts the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil. This is
the only Order of American origin, following the Masonic Tenets of Brotherly
Love, Relief and Truth, which were exemplified in the life of Quetzalcoatl.
Members of the order are known as Coates (KO-AH-TAYS) or Artisans, an Indian
word which means twin brothers. Artisans are truly the "workers" of
the Temple.
There are now in existence numerous Teocallis in the United States of America and Canada
organized under the umbrella of the Supreme Teocalli
which exercises general control over the affairs of the Order. Teocalli is the Aztec word for lodge, or Temple. The
jurisdiction of the Supreme Teocalli is the See of
North America. The Order of Quetzalcoatl is recognized throughout Shrinedom, and is enjoying phenomenal growth. a large number of Shrine officers on the local as well as
on the Imperial Divan are "Coates" of the Order. Although the Order
of Quetzalcoatl is a forum for fun and fellowship among the Artisans of the
Temple, the Order has a serious side: Our philanthropy is to assist the
Supreme Teocalli and the local Shrine Temples in
extraordinary activities with financial and moral support, particularly in
the area of transportation funds for the Shrine Hospitals for Children. The Order of Quetzalcoatl is a very unique
organization of Shrine Masons. The Order is composed of only those who have
distinguished themselves in their service to the Temples - who have
associated together, for fun and fellowship. Local Teocallis
are virtually autonomous, subject only to conformance to the Supreme Teocalli bylaws. Each set is own membership
qualification, meeting and attendance requirements, rules for elections of
officers, fees and dues, in accordance with the general guidelines
established by the Supreme Teocalli. Local Teocallis are combined into regional associations,
similar to Imperial Shrine Associations. The ritual is divided into three distinct parts.
Once accepted into membership an individual is a Coate
(or tribesman) of the Order and is given an obligation in which he promises
that he will avail himself to receive the two degrees of the Order, that of
Initiation (Artisan degree) and that of Consecration (Master Artisan). Upon
initiation through a ritualistic full feathered ceremonial, a candidate is
made an Artisan. Thereafter, by consecration ceremonies either at the annual
"Feast of Fire", or upon a pilgrimage to the pyramids in Mexico,
primarily the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan (Mexico City) or Chichen Itza (Cancun), a
candidate may be consecrated a Master Artisan. The one with the other would
be incomplete and it is urged that the candidate by informed that although initiation
is highly instructive and of great interest, it is desirable that all
candidates should, whenever possible, make the pilgrimage to the Ancient
Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Accordingly, although fun is the name of the
game, fun and fellowship, with a purpose, is truly the name of the game. Any interested group of at least fifteen Shrine
Masons, residing in the same jurisdiction and in good standing, who are truly
"Artisan of their Temple", having rendered outstanding conspicuous
and unselfish service to their Temple, and Shrinedom,
may petition for dispensation to establish a new Teocalli
in the jurisdiction of their Temple; provided that there is no pre-existing Teocalli in the same Temple. The Order of Quetzalcoatl is independent from our
Shrine Temples. However, our membership is based on requisite membership in
the Shrine. Membership in the Order is a high privilege and by invitation
only. To initiate an application for dispensation to
establish a new Teocalli, or for more information
about the Order of Quetzalcoatl, e-mail
the Supreme Tlacuilo (Secretary) at
Tlacuilo@supremeq.com or call toll free 1-888-648-4912
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/order_of_the_quetzalcoatl_ritual.htm |
