A Stranger in the Elemental Temple: The Rituals of the Ancient Order of Ishmael

Author: Billy J. Hamilton, Jr.

Foreword: Arturo de Hoyos

The Ancient Oriental Order of Ishmael, a para-Masonic system of thirty-six degrees, has a documented history and a unique ritual that has never been published. This book includes a brief biography of the four known heads of the Order, and a complete set of rituals. The rituals include the opening, closing, all thirty-six degrees, and the banquet toasts of the Order. Each degree includes an illustration of the jewel for the degree, with numerous illustrations and photographs to show other regalia and materials used to explain the degrees. An appendix documents letters between the members and the development and growth of the Order.

The Order was initially governed by Kenneth Mackenzie, who claimed to have received the degrees from a mysterious professor in France. When challenged, he claimed authority from an Arch Chancellor in Paris, a possibly fictional figure so elusive that letters from other members would be returned unopened. Mackenzie was initially very protective and secretive about the Order, though he published many references to Ishmael throughout the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia. Upon Mackenzie's death, Major Francis George Irwin, one of the first members, assumed control, and he, in turn, passed it to John Yarker. The final known head of the Order was William Wynn Westcott.

Claiming descent from an older organisation, the Order of Ishmael is based on the story of Abraham and his family fleeing religious persecution from the city of Ur of the Chaldees and finding refuge with the sheik of a desert tribe. As Abraham gains their trust, they initiate him into an elemental priesthood and entrust him with the secrets of their Temple. Later rituals in the system recount the story of Ishmael and Hagar fleeing from Abraham's tents due to the jealousy of Abraham's wife Sarah, Isaac's efforts to deny Ishmael's inheritance, and the conflicts and reconciliation between Isaac's sons Jacob and Esau. The final nine degrees are philosophical orders of knighthood, exemplifying important biblical and world history figures.

Beautifully embossed on front cover and spine

376 pages

Hardback

The following degrees are reproduced in their entirety:

1st Degree (Stranger) 

2nd Degree (Guest) 

3rd Degree (Proselyte)

4th Degree (Minor Fellow)

5th Degree (Major Fellow of the Canaanite Mysteries) 

6th Degree (Trusted Teacher)

7th Degree (Companion of the Elements) 

8th Degree (Master of the Elemental Temple) 

9th Degree (Guardian of the Temple)

10th Degree (Hagar, the Mother of Ishmael) 

11th Degree (Ishmaelite)

12th Degree (Isaac, or Reconciliation) 

13th Degree (Burial)

14th Degree (Inheritance of the Promise) 

15th Degree (Marriage)

16th Degree (Power of the Lord)

17th Degree (The Attack of the Five Kings) 

18th Degree (Aid, or Rescue of the Captives) 

19th Degree (Novelty)

20th Degree (Submission) 

21st Degree (Servant)

22nd Degree (The Meeting of Brethren)

23rd Degree (The Last Meeting in the Desert) 

24th Degree (Faith)

25th Degree (Hope)

26th Degree (Charity)

27th Degree (Divine Providence)

28th Degree (Fate, or Chevalier of Plutarch)

29th Degree (Knight of Cyrus and Commander of Ishmael) 

30th Degree (Chevalier of Plato and Teacher of Ishmael) 

31st Degree (Chevalier of Daniel and Councilor of Ishmael) 

32nd Degree (Chevalier of Darius and Chief of Ishmael)

33rd Degree (Chevalier of Zaphnath Paaneah and Patriarch of Ishmael) 

34th Degree (Chevalier of Solon and Lawgiver of Ishmael)

35th Degree (Chevalier of Arbaces and Illustrious Leader of Ishmael) 

36th Degree (Knight of Alexander and Prince of Ishmael)