Here’s some tips to help you learn Masonic Ritual.
Remove Distractions
Make sure you get away from distractions when learning – this is especially important when you are first learning a piece and trying to get familiar with it. Ensure the TV is turned off, as well as the radio or any other source of background noise. If you can turn off your phone or other mobile devices, or leave them elsewhere that will help – not only would getting a call or notification be a distraction, but it also prevents your mind from wondering and wanting to check Facebook or emails. I find going to my bedroom a good place to get away from everything, and I can relax in peace and quiet.
No doubt others have suggested to learn the Ritual whilst driving, in the shower, commuting or walking the dogs. Whilst this is a good way to utilise your time when you are familiar with the piece and require revision and practise, this isn’t recommended for first learning the Ritual.
Split Learning Up
You may wish to split up through-out the day. Learning the Ritual can fatigue your brain as it’s a lot of mental effort. You can become tired and mentally exhausted; and in that state of mind your brain is not going to be able to retain the information very well. Therefore, instead of one half hour session in the evening, trying splitting it into two 15 minute sessions, or three 10 minute sessions.
This isn’t always practical so you may need to think imaginatively, such as 10 minutes in the morning (when you’d normally read the paper), 10 minutes during your lunch hour, and ten minutes at home in the evening. These shorter sessions will not only help prevent fatigue, but may be easier to fit into your busy lifestyle.
Listening In Lodge
When attending any Lodge meeting you should never sit back and relax whilst others are performing ritual. A very common mistake amongst Master Masons is to only focus on the work they are doing and mentally switch off for the rest of the ceremony.
The problem then comes next year when they take another office and have no familiarity with the work and must start from scratch. By simply paying attention to what others are saying and doing you will start building the framework of the Ritual in your mind, so even if you don’t learn the words yet, you will understand the structure and this will make learning easier. Once a Master Mason is in the Junior Warden’s chair they’ll notice the workload is considerably less than that of the Senior Deacon’s.
This isn’t a time to coast, but pay attention to the Worshipful Master and start learning that now. A good way to do this is with the Obligations, and repeat them (in your mind) as so you were the candidate. If you make a point of actively listening you’ll be surprised how much of the Ritual starts sinking in, just like how you probably know many of the lines from your favourite film.
Physically Practise Out Loud
I also would try and mouth along (in silence) to the WM when I was in the Warden’s chairs. The physical activity of moving your lips may be small, but does help.
Though you may feel self-conscious doing it (even if you are alone) try and practise out loud. You don’t have to ‘project’ your voice as you would do in full Lodge room, but speaking the words will make learning easier. If you only learn using your “internal” voice you may find it very different to actually speak the words out loud using you “external” voice, as your brain hears and interprets them differently. I first found this when answering the Second Degree questions, which I could do perfectly in my mind; but fell to pieces when I attempted to say out loud for the first time ever in Lodge!
Practice with Others
Make sure you attend all rehearsals and Lodge of Instructions. On a few occasions I have even visited a Lodge of Instruction associated with another Lodge to get some last minute practise in. If your Lodge doesn’t have an attached Lodge of Instruction find a Lodge that does and ask if you can attend theirs.
Many Lodges don’t have enough Master Masons going through the progressive offices and these are usually done by a past-Master filling the vacancy. Past-Masters may not want to go to Lodge of Instruction, so often there is a spare seat going that the Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction would be more than happy to let you fill.
Even outside of formal Lodge of Instructions and rehearsal meetings it is worth practising with others on a less formal basis. It may be that a few of the members of your Lodge meet one or two evenings a month round someone’s house to run through the ceremony in their spare room.
An alternative to members of your own Lodge is to make contact with others who are in similar positions in other Lodges and will be going through the Chair in their Lodge around the same time as you will be. This can work as a “support group”, as you’ll all be in the same boat together, but can support each other and attend each other’s ceremonies.