From the book
Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry
R. Swinburne Clymer · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordProbation is a period or test of readiness.
- In Ancient Mystic Oriental MasonryThe comparative descriptions of the Mysteries emphasize maturity, moral reputation, endurance, and trials of constancy.
- In this editionProbation is retained in its preparatory sense.
- A place to readM.3: … “the Universal Brotherhood of all Men. The other qualification necessary of the Neophyte is that he” …
Meaning
Probation is a period or test of readiness. Qualification is the condition that permits admission or advancement.
Use in the book
The comparative descriptions of the Mysteries emphasize maturity, moral reputation, endurance, and trials of constancy. Their sometimes frightening ordeals belong to those historical accounts as printed. Clymer’s regulations add inquiries into reputation, capacity, health, and prior membership. The ideal of capable and worthy students therefore has both a moral vocabulary and a system of admission. These conditions should not be confused with a universal openness to every applicant.
Places to read
- Mystic Masonry · Block 3… “the Universal Brotherhood of all Men. The other qualification necessary of the Neophyte is that he shall be honorable and upright in his dealings.”
- Masonic Symbolism · Block 36“242. "The qualification for initiation (in the Mysteries of Greece) were maturity of age, and purity of conduct. A character, free from suspicion of immorality, was absolutely required in the aspirant.” …
- Masonic Symbolism · Block 57… “at the dead of night. No severity of probation could deter the bold and determined aspirant from encountering terrors and actual dangers which led to the gratification of his curiosity; and” …
- Masonic Symbolism · Block 70“274. "The probation of a candidate in ancient times embraced many important particulars; but principally his fortitude and constancy were severely tried by the application of — sometimes an iron instrument” …
- Rules and Regulations · Block 16“14. Whosoever wishes to be admitted to the secrets, and afterwards to be initiated, must be a man of honor and of true spiritual power; he must already be of some” …
In this edition
Probation is retained in its preparatory sense. Modern legal probation is not the subject of these passages.
Reading the argument
Testing readiness is presented as protection of sacred instruction. Whether a particular ordeal or exclusion serves the ethical ideal requires a further judgment. The book’s insistence on brotherhood does not eliminate the practical restrictions stated in its own rules.
probation
“probation” — 4 occurrences in 4 text blocks: S.57, 70, 151, 154.
probationer
“probationer” — 1 occurrence in 1 text block: S.72.
qualification
“qualification” — 3 occurrences in 3 text blocks: M.3; S.11, 36.
qualifications
“qualifications” — 1 occurrence in 1 text block: R.13.
novitiate
“novitiate” — 1 occurrence in 1 text block: S.72.