[docroc67]

Jono,

Great quote from one of my favorite writers! I love reading his books about Beta Theta Pi and I am proud to say I have a number of items in my collection that were owned by him! Some with his signiture....

The Crescent & Cross motif of the Order of Mary Magdalen, that we use as our Order of Merit Award, is another wonderful "take" on the waxing crescent moon symbol. The Cross is actually centered in the Crescent which appears at the base of the Cross. The symbolism of the growing Crescent Moon associated in this manner with the symbolism of the Cross is very powerful. I also have a famous painting on my office wall called "The Aspirant" that depicts a woman (representing Mary Magdalen?)inducting a young knight into this Order. The Crescent is emblazed on his garment newly superimposed over his family crest!

I know that Jack Mason envisioned our fraternity as a continuation of this type of feudal Order of Knights. I think that he wanted a greater emphasis on this concept then we now acknowledge. I would like to see this "mythical" tradition made a greater part of our fraternity today.

Yours in ZAX,

Mike, "The Knight," Raymond- ZUZ