Theos-Talk Archives (November 2006 Message tt00274)

In its early days the TS worked as a secret society.  At a meeting on
January 12, 1876 a resolution was passed: That in future the Society adopt
the principle of secrecy in connection with its proceedings and
transactions, and that a Committee be appointed to draw up and report upon
details necessary to give effect to such a change.

Thereafter, Fellows were admitted through a ritual initiation in which
they were given passwords, grips and signs which they undertook to keep
secret and by which they were enabled to recognize other members. But
there was little practical effort to maintain secrecy, even though
applicants for membership signed a document in which they pledged ?to ever
maintain ABSOLUTE SECRECY respecting [the Society?s] proceedings,
including its investigations and experiments, except in so far as
publication may be authorized by the society or council?.

At the 1885 Convention the rules were revised, and the Objects more or
less as presently held were adopted. The Initiation ceremony was abandoned
?as giving rise to misunderstanding on the part of the public, and the
form of obligation being repugnant to many.? But the signs and passwords
were retained.

Has anyone seen the texts of the ritual initiations from 1876-1885? Or the
signs and passwords that were retained (until when?) after 1885?

Dr Gregory Tillett