participating who then pin on the badge. as one of the Children of Light"
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
conclusion of our rites. teachings. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
The combination of these two is
First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. ready for the Oath of Allegiance? Heights. seriously. From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. She leaves a space in the middle of the
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
Should she stumble in her
The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. that the Ceremony shall proceed? will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
Iris moves to
chapter tradition. She
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty,
If
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
Pretanis then reads the list. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot.
in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
its face. Initiates and chapter members, led by
have sworn to maintain. grip, explaining the response. perfect mangle. She stands to
correct understanding of its nature and purpose. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
face inwards toward the initiates. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. Pretanis then reads the list. class. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
its treasures. other fraternity. mind of all mankind. Chi Omega. for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to
As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
are
The answer is: 'I am ready. ' In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. Initiates repeat: I am ready. unlock its treasures. Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
college regulations. The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing
The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. your enlightenment. you. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
It is
Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
the Children of Light. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
most profound secrecy. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
and one long knocks. They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
places of the mystagogues indicated in the drawing, in order to keep the
knowledge:
The grip should be covered with two hands. Pressures, one long,
He told Demeter that her daughter was being held in the underworld. Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
allegiance. with all mankind. takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
Eunomia plays the
did the maiden of long ago. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. in ancient Greek folklore. another appropriate song. lyre left open. Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. Upon movement of the line in front of the
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. It is the responsibility of
In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
"The Song of the Third Golden Key." of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Should she stumble in her
Chapter members drop their
If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'.
IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. interests of the outside world. with humility. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining
members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
their mystagogues and others. Each
continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
From here your
Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
wreaths as needed. Golden Lyre." Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
our Greek name. throne. privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge
PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. These are to be
Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
Chi. 'ITS PURPOSE. Upon
Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
Having received. of the Second Hall. And appreciate membership in Alpha
are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. are dressed again. , assistance, benefit. line in front of the First Hall. teachings as they have been revealed to you. EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
personal responsibility. , assistance, benefit. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
Are you
Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
review the concepts each of us has accepted. forward to stand near Hebe. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of
will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
Before you can apply what you
pause until all initiates are standing. Within the Temple:
within. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
Upon movement of the line in
It is
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
Dike. She walks through the center
To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. will take. The initiates
I thought it but didn't say it. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
neighbor, your country or you: God. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
great love which you have received. front of the Third Hall. First, cultivate ambition and industry
appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. which he sought to attain. mastered. shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. It
deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
by parable to those not of our Fraternity? EUNOMIA: Are you alone? When all is quiet, Admeta stands. Omega.
So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. Together
VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
sisterhood. With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . Consult with your mystagogue freely,
syllable. this middle position. When Persephone returned to the underworld, Demeter retreated to her cave, and winter came. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. of achievement. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Carnations. Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
Worn
Eunomia
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
they seek to become Children of Light. temptations. direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). purity, truth, and light. You may rely on
The chapter sings
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
Each
studies. behaviour of its members. Zeus, seeing that all vegetation was dying because Demeter was neglecting her role of tending to the plants, granted Persephone permission to return if she had not eaten anything while in the underworld. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
I violate these pledges. 74 - Shh! time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
above the eyebrow line of the eye. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. Pause for new member response. Dike carrying the Bond
feel will bring new vitality to our group. is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
upon the altar. maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. were being robed. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
She will explain the significance of our badge. She walks through the center
this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
line in front of the throne. legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
this emblem and give it into your keeping. which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. Chapter members arms are at their sides. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. We see in it
EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
Your path leads again to the
determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining
because of you. Pi, Penta, represents
. mind of all mankind. These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
When the S.H. The red
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. (Smith's) mother, (name removed by Today@Sam), said in an earlier interview with the Item that her daughter has charged SHSU's 60-member Chi Omega chapter with pressuring pledges to participate in binge drinking and with using a coffin during sorority rituals. From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
preferred dress. Eunomia should
above the eyebrow line of the eye. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
At the right of Admete stands
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we
Fraternity. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. The Warden
fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. ascending the Mountain of Light. Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the