The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, also known as M.O.V.P.E.R. or The Grotto, is a Masonic body in Freemasonry.[1] It was founded in 1889 by LeRoy Fairchild and members of Hamilton Lodge #120, in Hamilton, New York.
History
During a meeting on September 10, 1889, the members of Hamilton Lodge #120 decided to name themselves the “Fairchild Deviltry Committee” and to limit membership to Master Masons in good standing.[2] As interest in the group grew, similar groups were formed elsewhere, leading to the formal establishment of the Supreme Council, also known as the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.), on June 13, 1890.[2]
The first "Grand Monarch" and one of the order's founders was Thomas Lemuel James, a former United States Postmaster General. Other founders included: Professor Oren Root, Joseph Frank McGregory, and Naval Officer William Colgate Eaton.[3] George Beal, with the assistance of Rudolph R. Riddell, authored the original ritual of the order, which was later revised by Riddell.[4]
The Veiled Prophet
M.O.V.P.E.R.'s emblem features a depiction of "Mokanna" and represents the veil of secrecy.[5]
The emblem and ritual of the Grotto is inspired by Thomas Moore's poem, Lalla Rookh, which describes a "Veiled Prophet of Khorasan."[6]
The contemporary ritual of the Grotto organization draws inspiration from Moore's narrative but includes Masonic embellishments. Each Grotto branch may impart its own interpretation of the story.[7]
Philosophy
M.O.V.P.E.R. is guided by a philosophy that is deeply rooted in the concept of "Good Fellowship".[citation needed] It represents a spirit of camaraderie, unity, and shared joy.[citation needed]
Attire
Members are distinguished by a black fez with a red tassel, sometimes with a Mokanna head emblem in the center.[8] A Monarch (President of a single grotto) wears a black fez with a purple tassel, while a Grand Monarch (President of the Order) wears a black fez with a yellow tassel. Other Grand Officers wear a black fez with a white tassel.[9][10]
Female Auxiliaries
Daughters of Mokanna
History
The Daughters of Mokanna, a women's auxiliary organization, was founded in 1919.[11] Four original subordinate Daughters of Mokanna opened chapters "Amoo" in Rock Island, IL; "Mohassan" in Davenport, IA; "Ankara" in Kansas City, MO; and "Zal" in Moline, IL. Together, these four subordinate chapters formed the Supreme Daughters of Mokanna.[12]
To be eligible for membership, candidates must be an adult female relative of a Veiled Prophet (Grotto member can also be invited), related to a Master Mason in good standing, or be a member in good standing in an organization recognized by the Masonic Lodge (i.e., Eastern Star, Amaranth, etc.).
Attire
Different fezzes are worn to signify various ranks or roles within the organization:
- The Regulation Fez is blue, and adorned with red tassel and lettering. This is the standard fez worn by members of the order.
- The Mighty Chosen One, a distinguished position within the order, wears a red fez with a gold tassel to signify their status.
- A Past Mighty Chosen One, someone who has previously held the position of the Mighty Chosen One, wears a white fez with a purple tassel and lettering.
Mysterious Order Witches of Salem (M.O.W.O.S.)
Requirements
Membership in this group is by invitation only. To be invited, one must be a female relative or a female friend of a member of a Veiled Prophet (a Grotto member can also be invited) and at least 21 years old.
Purpose
During the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization and characterized by feelings of displacement and uncertainty about the future, the M.O.W.O.S. offered its members a sense of community and belonging. The group's name is a reference to the Salem witch trials, and attempts to reclaim the image of the witch, transforming it into a symbol of female empowerment and strong sisterhood.[citation needed]
History
Sometime prior to 1917, the Mysterious Order Witches of Salem was founded as a female auxiliary to the Grotto. The first “Caldron”, the term used for a local chapter of the Order, was founded in Chicago, IL, and was known as Aryan Caldron No. 1.[13]
Like its male counterpart, the group is involved in fun and fellowship, as well as charitable activities directed toward cerebral palsy and dentistry for the handicapped. The current number of Witches (members) is unknown as the group is very discreet. The M.O.W.O.S. is also known for its elaborate costumes and rituals, but because of grand secrecy, the rituals are safely guarded and no written copies are made available online or on paper.[14]