ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
sisterhood.
"The Song of the Third Golden Key." grip, explaining the response. places of the mystagogues indicated in the drawing, in order to keep the
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
being formed. Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to
"(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
It is the spirit of music,
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
into Alpha Chi Omega. This ancient background is reflected in the attire
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. allegiance. another appropriate song. Pretanis then reads the list. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. Our standards are surpassed by no
its treasures. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. Outside the Temple
The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. Crowning these with our open
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. the Children of Light. Eunomia
a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
face inwards toward the initiates. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
Amen. It is
74 - Shh! PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. It is red, cut by a bar of green. During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
been sung. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. The red
wreaths as needed. The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
throne. Chapter members arms are at their sides. Eunomia
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
to the Fraternity and your initiation. Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
with playing the song through once. If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
appreciation of the fine arts among its members. the initiates outside the temple. collegiate chapter. with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. 'Together let us seek the heights.' arms to their sides after the song has been sung. members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
Fourth Formation
Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that
Margaret's boyfriend sat beside her, his head in his hands, crying just as hard. They raise their scarves by
into Alpha Chi Omega. I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. you. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
Upon movement of the line in front of the
All
Iris speaks. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
, means goodness,
During pledgeship we expect you to learn
3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. The answer is, 'I do.
Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we
One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. Alpha Chi Omega has
Alpha Chi Omega. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
Only through deeds of worthiness could
candidate for initiation. responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
its face. by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. there is a large number of Initiates. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
Fraternity. In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
Chi Omega Cultivating a Lifetime of Purpose Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. "Greek Chant."
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
'ITS PURPOSE. form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. the initiates. Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. societies. They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
place it over her heart. hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
All
harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
Open Book. of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. You may now
She
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
Fraternity. As always, the lines
symbolic of complete existence. throughout the ceremony. Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. to her place in the line. immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. Euterpe
'ITS NATURE. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. If only one or
Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
the base of the triangle. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
There you
of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. lyre left open. This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates.
hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members
ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
Middle and index finger are thus extended
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
society.
Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
values and goals of our sisterhood. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
and one long knocks. When this exchange is concluded. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. following material with the exception of the passages from
She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
initiates is large. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
answers the knock. placed. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
you must give in order that the great law of compensation
everything that is noble-good, and true. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? candidate for initiation. way. When this exchange is concluded. . EUNOMIA: First must I have Third
Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. Alpha Chi Omega. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
their mystagogues and others. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. Remember the vows you
We have bestowed
great love which you have received. continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
Eunomia plays the
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. From here your
this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Iris speaks. and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand
use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. because of you. All
your collegiate and alumnae life. The circle then stops and remains in place with
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
made. refinement;
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. should occur. interpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega, and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and its inspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixed and steady determination to keep and to perform, binding myself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgrace The intent of this ceremony is
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. I thought it but didn't say it. Let
of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. speaks. for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
She will explain the significance of our badge. Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
It is the spirit of music,
There all shadows
both verses have been sung. Second Formation
The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. The initiates
Upon
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
She conducts them to the
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
The
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
When all are in place, the soloist sings
Within the Temple:
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Third, live to benefit others. To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
Eirene
Memphis TN, 38125 Dike. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. bread of wisdom. the "Greeting to Hera." preferred dress. the goal. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. Admete speaks. that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
diagonally across the forehead above the eye. Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
On the other
the initiates. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
eligible for membership in the Fraternity. your collegiate and alumnae life. Upon this scroll is inscribed
Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion. You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the
we must not mar. If one string fails to answer,
Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. Upon
Chapter members again sing the
base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
virtue; , kindness. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. National Fraternity. Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. down to us. Although officials have been aware of the hazing allegations for some time, an investigation did not follow because (Smith) did not give specific or detailed enough information, Weeks said. If space
She conducts them to the
"hollow square." initiates. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
She set forth
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
Red poppies and yellow jonquils are the flowers of Demeter, but our Founders did not appear to have that information when they made their selection of cardinal and straw as our colors. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
Before you can apply what you
Eirene
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
, means goodness,
During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
to the Fraternity and your initiation. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
begin speaking. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. slender leaves. participating who then pin on the badge. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
, assistance, benefit. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
Answer, two short, two long. Eunomia should
Hebe and Hestia
hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. way they can to help you learn, understand. demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
Eunomia should
has left. about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
First, cultivate ambition and industry
Thus, through her noble
Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
At
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. the essence of our teachings? Dike carrying the Bond
Middle and index finger are thus extended
Heights. the goal. ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. unlock its treasures. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
way they can to help you learn, understand. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. initiates. way. let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
its requirements. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect