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To: alt.magick,alt.magick.tyagi
From: tyagi@arkaotika.abyss.com (tyaginator)
Subject: Various: Black Guard
Date: 27 Mar 1999 01:12:27 -0800

~From: Paul Hume 

Care Frater,
93

> Here at
> Star of ISIS we've
> elected a new Black Guard ...We expect practices will vary and hope for
> a  good representation of them so feel free to put your 2 cents in.

I don't know that this even amounts to 2 cents worth, but here are some
thoughts. First caveat: we don't have a fixed guard's role at Blake.
Some rituals call for a BG, and the role is taken ad hoc, by a
volunteer, as with all the other officers' roles. Nor do we have a
specific sergeant or master at arms officer slot in the Oasis.

> What kind of weapons can the Black Guard carry?  Only the dagger?

If he is not licensed for firearms, he'd better not carry one...and the
use of firearms would be appropriate only under such extreme threat I
can't envision it coming up under any circumstances except a riot in the
streets. Even there, the use of deadly force to defend property is often
rigidly controlled by local ordinance.

>  If so, when
> can the dagger (or whatever) be drawn?  What are the legal ramifications of
> carrying or using a weapon (we know this will vary on local but are there any
> "general" rules)?

As a rule, drawing a weapon that even LOOKS like it can be used with
harmful intent is assault...and if accompanied by demonstrations of
intent to do so, aggravated assault or even ADW (assault with a deadly
weapon). In addition, many localities have laws which make any knife
with a blade exceeding some (smallish) length illegal.

A purely ceremonial weapon could even be subject to nuisance
prosecution, but is certainly the safest choice as a badge of office
(like a Tyler's Sword in Masonry).

I believe the Master's Handbook provides that ritual weapons are enver
to be deployed in a threatening manner (outside of symbolic threats at
challenges during a given ritual, of course).

> Is the Black Guard required to stand at all times?

When we have had a formal Sentinel during ritual, the officer often
chooses to stand, but sitting seems a realistic concession to the fact
that we are not all fit, trim military types (whatever we may have been
in our younger days). A typical "guardian asana" is a comfortable
stance, with a sword held in both hands, balde erect along the
centerline of the body. However, I know I have equally well spent time
as a Sentinel sitting seiza with the blade at my left side (oh shame of
shames in studying Japanese bladework, but I am a lefty).

>  Does the Black Guard act
> in the Gnostic Mass as do the rest of the congregation (in the asana for
> example)?

In some locales, the question is moot, as the BG stays outside to ask
latecomers not to enter, and to be hospitable to them. He thus
sacrifices his own participation to ensure the security of the rest of
the group (another reason to rotate the role).

> Is the Black Guard allowed to chat with people while "on duty"?

If outside the ritual area, I see no reason why not. The individual BG
should, it seems to me, define his own parameters - what he CAN do and
maintain as his duties - as regards the strictness of his discipline. Or
else any such constraints must be made clear before accepting
nominations for the office, when it is elective.

> Who can order the Black Guard? (Priest, Priestess, Deacon, Bishop, other Lodge
> Masters).

It seems to me the feudal principle governs, and while a BG may be ASKED
to undertake some task by another "ranking" kinsman or kinswoman, the
chain of command must reside in one person at a time. The rule of thumb
at Blake is: under normal circumstances, the Master is the only person
in a position of "authority," with the proviso that the host/ess who
actually owns the venue of an event can exercise the prerogatives of
being master/mistress in his or her own home. During initiations, the
Initiator has authority over everyone present, whether or not he is
Master of the group. Similarly in other rituals, whether they are OTO
functions or not: the principle ritual officer is delegated authority -
at least within the Temple - for the duration of the ritual. This would
include Priest and Priestess during Mass, who may delegate it to the
Deacon.

If heavyweights are around, it depends on if they put on their
heavyweight hat. A visiting Sister who is an SGIG would not be expected
to exercise her authority as an SGIG unless she officially announced
that she was doing so...at which point, she would assume authority over
the activities - and would equally be accountable for her actions while
exercising that authority.

This point goes beyond the simple question of who can "tell" (as opposed
to ask) a member of a volunteer organization to do something. It rather
goes to the heart of whether this (or any Order) is constituted as a
disciplined body, or is playing at it. Inappropriate assumption or use
of authority should be subject to reprimands up to the point of
suspension of expulsion...as should resisting the requirements of an
appropriate use of that authority.

This operates on many levels...someone who comes into a member's home
that is being offered for use by the group, and acts egregiously, can be
ordered to leave by the homeowner, and flat out banned from setting foot
on the property again, regardless of who "outranks" whom. If Brother X
is on local bad report, but remains close friends with Sister Y, then
Master Z had better figure out that holding official events at Y's house
where X is a welcome guest is inappropriate. Assuming they are incapable
of sitting down and reaching a reasonable modus vivendi (in which case
the situation would probably not have reached this stage (g)).
 
> Must the Black Guard be robed?  Under what social circumstances might he or
> she be casually dressed?

If the BG's role is ceremonial robes would seem appropriate, but if the
BG's principle job is to act as a monitor on "mundane" actions outside
the ritual area, street clothes would seem a better choice.

>  If robed, should the Black Guard stay out of public
> view?

My take has been that in an emergency, the rule about robes and public
view must take second place to necessity. However, if someone's function
is to deal with emergencies, or at least necessities, in public view
while everyone else is in Temple, then it would be silly to robe that
individual.

> Should the BG abstain from alcohol even if others are partying merrily?

Depends on his or her capacity, the circumstances, etc. If its a party,
then why on earth (g)? Unless the BG is expected to act as a bouncer, in
which case he should be stone sober.
> 
> Can the BG smoke?

If he is s smoker and smoking is permitted in the area, he'll be more
efficient if he can indulge at will.

> Who should relieve the BG or should there be several BG's?

As aforesaid, in my view its a lot of work, and should rotate fairly
frequently, since the BG is often sacrificing his or her participation
in a ritual or event to provide for the smooth operation and security
of  the rest of the bretheren.

> What sort of martial training should the BG get?

Unless he is already inclined in that direction, or the body includes
someone competent to teach, I'd leave it alone.

>  When is the BG expected to
> defend the Temple with force?

Almost never...possibly never-period-end of story? In any case where
someone intrudes on an OTO event forcefully, it will be far better, no
matter HOW big a hassle it is, to deal with the incident through legal
channels...call the police, bring civil suit, etc. If the intrusion IS
by the police, then the use of force is suicidal no matter HOW much in
the wrong the cops are. If there is redress, it needs to be after the
fact.
 
> What kind of writings are available in regards to the Black Guard?

Damned if I know (g).

Love,
Paul
======================================

~From: Bill Heidrick 

93,

Shell Runar   wrote:

>What kind of weapons can the Black Guard carry?  Only the dagger?  If so,
when
>can the dagger (or whatever) be drawn?  What are the legal ramifications of
>carrying or using a weapon (we know this will vary on local but are there any
>"general" rules)?

Sword is better than dagger, and a dagger may be illegal in some locations
for public situations.   The Black Guard NEVER DRAWS OR BLANDISHES THE
WEAPON!  The only exception would be ritual occasions such as banishment of
the temple and initiations as part of the ceremony.

>Is the Black Guard required to stand at all times?

Only if there is no chair or if the circumstances require it.

>Does the Black Guard act
>in the Gnostic Mass as do the rest of the congregation (in the asana for
>example)?

The Black Guard at Gnostic Mass is normally the outer door keeper.  If that
function can be performed inside, ok.  Otherwise, outside the door.

>Is the Black Guard allowed to chat with people while "on duty"?

How else can one keep a door?  When people come late, somebody has to talk.

>Who can order the Black Guard? (Priest, Priestess, Deacon, Bishop, other
Lodge
>Masters).

Whoever is in charge at the event.  A VIIth degree inspector may on some
occasions order a Black Guard to not do something.

>Must the Black Guard be robed?  Under what social circumstances might he or
>she be casually dressed?  If robed, should the Black Guard stay out of public
>view?

If robed, black robe.  If funkey, outside public view.

>Should the BG abstain from alcohol even if others are partying merrily?

No booze on duty.  Party later.  Party ok if the event is a party or the
primary event is over, but the Black Guard no longer serves as black guard
at that time.

>Can the BG smoke?

Depends on the rules of the place.

>Who should relieve the BG or should there be several BG's?

Depends on volunteers of good emotional self-control.

>What sort of martial training should the BG get?

None but common sense.

>When is the BG expected to
>defend the Temple with force?

Never.  At most, the interposition of the body in front of the door is
required.

>What kind of writings are available in regards to the Black Guard?

Aside from initiation rituals, not much.

93 93/93
Bill Heidrick

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