New Catholic Rites of Initiation
for the New Millennium:
Avalonian Ritual Degrees

We've sojourned far, for we have heard
the secret of the Mason's Word.
We seek the Lake of crystal fine
and ancient paths, by God aligned.

We've lore earned, bards now Strong we are.
In egresses of caverns dark
we've seen the Star, which o'er the earth
sheds mighty Light across its berth.

--from a song, Copyright 2001 Jon Ryner

(To read why we don't practice Freemasonry and where we are working on its exposee as a fraud, click here).

It must be stressed that these degrees can never take the place of the sacramental system of the Church. They are meant to be an aid for the spiritual development of its members, much as one might use the Jesus Prayer or other meditational techniques.

So far, a system of 12 degrees is planned, embracing a spectrum from one for lay members of the Church to one for the Founder-Patriarch. This latter degree is not for one person, but rather later holders of this office will necessarily not have the same title as the original one. These twelve degrees are not viewed in the traditional "ladder" manner, but rather in that of the degrees of the zodiac or the Round Table. No lesson is more important than another; all are vital to the development of the pneumatic.

The rituals of the degrees will be radically different from those of any rite of Freemasonry. While it was not deemed possible or desirable to include in those rites founded centuries ago, overt references to the Holy Grail, King Arthur, certain Gnostic teachings, etc., we are not under any such constraints in our day. Of course, material overtly relevant to the mysteries of the land of Avalon will be included, as well.

Since our goals are basically the same as those so often claimed by "traditional" "ancient" Masonic rites, we are not at all concerned about questions concerning "validity", or formal recognition by other rites. This is even more so, as most "regular" lodges and rites are now using rituals that have been seriously shortened and otherwise altered, and do not initiate women. Both of these practices are serious violations of the Ancient Landmarks of traditional Masonry, and places those very lodges firmly in the clandestine category by their own definition!

To our knowledge, this kind of systematic amalgamation has never before been attempted. Degrees should begin to be available sometime this year. The necessary research is ongoing.

Take a Look at Our Degree System.