sigma chi ritual: part 11

The Explanation of the Grand Seal

The representation of the Seal is illuminated at this point.
CONSUL, or may be delivered by another chapter member: Around the circumference of the Grand Seal is the name of our Fraternity. The numerals 1855 represent the year of our origin. The seven stars indicate the perpetuity of our union. They also remind us of the Seven Founders of our Fraternity, and of the seven virtues which we teach in their names. The seven-branched candlestick in Holy Writ exemplifies perpetual illumination. In Sigma Chi it reminds us of our enlightenment, and that our obligations are of lifelong duration.


Entering a Chapter Meeting

CONSUL: The Pro Consul will now instruct you in the manner of gaining admission to a chapter meeting and in the use of the Challenge by which you may recognize a Sigma Chi.
PRO CONSUL: When a brother desires to enter a chapter meeting, he shall rap at the door; the Kustos will answer with any number of raps on the inner side of the door. The brother desiring admission will then answer with one less rap.


The Challenge Lecture

PRO CONSUL: To determine who is a Sigma Chi the challenger gives the sign of salutation demonstrates, which should never be used where there is danger of detection. The meaning is Sigma Chi. The person challenged, if a Sigma Chi, responds with the countersign of recognition demonstrates, which is used only in answer to the sign of salutation. Its meaning is the same, Sigma Chi.
The permanent password, Constantine , is then used in this manner.
The brother challenging asks: “Are you a Sigma Chi?”
The answer is: “I am.”
The challenger says: “Begin.”
The brother challenged responds: “Con”
The challenger answers: “Stan”
The brother challenged responds: “Tine”
Either brother may then apply such further tests as he shall see fit.
The challenge grip is then given, and while giving it the challenger speaks the first secret motto, say-kahs-kar-ah-tahs.
Its meaning is Shrine of Friendship.
The challenged responds with the second secret motto, steggah-man-krees-tose. Its meaning is We Protect the Worthy
In our ordinary association with our brothers, however, the fraternal grip is given and not the challenge grip.