Straight From the Rit™: Foundations of the Order of the Eastern Star

Course Overview

Welcome to Straight From the Rit™, the foundational course of the St★rlight Study Sessions educational program, licensed for the exclusive use of Angels of Faith Chapter #717, Atlanta, GA.

This course is designed for both newly initiated and seasoned members of the Order of the Eastern Star who desire a deeper understanding of the teachings, symbolism, traditions, and governing principles of the Order.

The lessons presented in this course are drawn from the Ritual, supported by the Syllabus, informed by the governing documents of the Order, and enriched through thoughtful discussion and participation.

This course is not intended to replace Chapter attendance, ritual instruction, mentorship, or participation in the work of the Order. Rather, it serves as a companion to those experiences by providing a structured environment for study, reflection, discussion, and review.

A new module will be introduced during the First Monday St★rlight Study Session each month. Members are encouraged to attend the live session, participate in discussions, complete assigned readings and activities, and revisit lessons as often as needed.

Welcome to the journey.

Learning Philosophy

The goal of the St★rlight Study Sessions is understanding, not memorization.

For instance, knowing that Ruth occupies the Yellow Point is useful. However, understanding why Ruth occupies the Yellow Point and what her example teaches is transformational.

Throughout this course, we will certainly learn names, colors, symbols, stations, officers, and terminology. However, our primary objective is to understand the principles those things represent and how they contribute to the purpose and work of the Order.

The most meaningful learning occurs when knowledge moves from information to understanding, from understanding to application, and from application to wisdom.

Our aim is to move beyond recalling facts toward understanding principles.

About the Title: Straight From the Rit™

Throughout this course, the term “Rit” is occasionally used as a shorthand reference to the Ritual. The phrase is intended as a respectful play on words recognizing the Ritual as both the ceremonial guide of the Order and a written source of authority, or the writ, upon which our work is based. The use of the term reflects familiarity with the Ritual, not departure from it. Our Ritual serves as the primary instructional authority for this course and remains the foundation upon which all lessons are built.

How This Course Works

Straight From the Rit™ is designed as a companion to the live Monday St★rlight Study Sessions. Each lesson follows the same learning pathway:

Read → Attend → Discuss → Apply → Review

Each lesson may include:

o Instructional content introducing the topic, an opportunity to connect the lesson to your own experience and understanding, topic for consideration and discussion during live St★rlight sessions, an activity requiring engagement with the Ritual, Syllabus, Holy Bible, Constitution, Bylaws, or other approved source materials and other enrichment activities designed to solidify knowledge.

Members are encouraged to complete lessons in order, participate in live discussions whenever possible, and revisit completed lessons as their understanding grows.

Sources of Authority

Throughout this course, information is presented according to the following instructional hierarchy:

1. Adoptive Rite Ritual, Arranged by Robert Macoy, 1952, 1980 Revisions, for Chapters under a Supreme Grand Chapter
2. Adoptive Rite Syllabus – Revised Edition, 1952
3. United National Supreme Council, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, 33rd and Last Degree, and Order of the Eastern Star, Inc.
4. State of Georgia Joint Body and Tinashe Grand Chapter #1002, Atlanta, GA Bylaws and Constitution
5. Angels of Faith Chapter #717 Bylaws and Constitution
6. Local Custom and Tradition

Understanding the source of information is often just as important as understanding the information itself. As you progress through the course, you will learn to distinguish between Ritual, Syllabus, Law, and Culture and understand the role each plays within the Order.

Before You Begin

You will get the most from this course if you have access to:

1. Your Ritual
2. Your Syllabus
3. The Holy Bible (KJV preferred for course references)
4. A notebook or journal
5. A highlighter or note-taking system
6. Curiosity
7. Patience
8. A willingness to seek and find

Remember:

Not every practice is Ritual.

Not every tradition is law.

Not every custom is universal.

Members are encouraged to learn the distinctions through study, observation, participation, and mentorship within their jurisdiction and most importantly, within their respective Chapters.

Now, let’s begin.

Proceed to Module 1, Lesson 1: What Is the Order of the Eastern Star?