Traditionally, when a Candidate applies for membership of the O., they fill in a Pledge Form a few weeks before their Initiation, which includes their proposed Motto, or magical name as some like to call it. This Motto is then reviewed by one or all of the Chiefs, who give their consent for the Candidate to use it.
The Motto is almost always in an antiquated language, such as Latin, and never in a modern language such as English. I recall Frank Salt telling the story of him taking one Candidate’s Pledge Form to Mrs. Felkin (from memory) who gave her preliminary approval. He was then sent across the road to seek Mr. Gardiner’s approval, only for him to state that “this must never happen again!”. The Motto was in English, and Frank knew from that day who the “senior” Chief was.
Historically, Latin was by far the most common language used – often people would look through a Latin dictionary to find a suitable phrase or saying that appealed to them. Other times an English phrase was translated as best as possible into Latin. Greek was used to a much lesser extent, and Egyptian even more rarely. In New Zealand, some took Maori for their Motto, Maori being traditionally oral only (but transcribed by the early settlers) and full of metaphor, simile and poetic licence.
The Motto is intended to be aspirational. A preliminary guide for the new member to set their direction in their work. It is only used in the O., and not used or recycled from other esoteric groups the Candidate may have belonged to.
This Motto is used for all O. correspondence, and for most it was kept for life. However, it could in fact be changed at any time. Traditionally, a second Motto was chosen on entry to the Second Order (specifically the Portal is a good time to consider a new Motto for obvious reasons to those who have received this Grade), the older Motto still reserved for use in the First Order By way of example Frank Salt would write to his students as Fiat Lux, Demonstrator, and to his fellow Adepti as Omnia Sunt Unum, the Motto he adopted on receiving his 7=4.
In general the chosen Motto should be shorter rather than longer, usually no more than four words, and ofter just one or two. From a practical perspective, this is more important for a Motto chosen for the Second O., as the newly advanced member had to paint their Motto onto personal implements they needed to make and consecrate for their sole use.
Unlike birth names, which are chosen for us, our Motto is of our own choosing. Treat it with respect, and with sanctity, and it will serve you well for your whole life. What’s in a name – a lot if you choose carefully and wisely.
Kasmillos
P.S. Not my Motto, just a nom de plume for convenience.
