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The Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal (OITAR; "Initiatic and Traditional Order of the Royal Art") is a Liberal and Adogmatic Masonic Order, established in France in 1974. Distinguished by its exclusive practice of the Rite Opératif de Salomon, OITAR represents a unique approach to Masonic tradition that emphasizes spiritual development, symbolic work, and oral transmission of knowledge. As of 2023, the order comprises approximately 90 lodges organized into 11 territories, with a membership of nearly 2,000 Freemasons.

History

Origins and Foundation

The genesis of OITAR can be traced to a profound reflection on Masonic practices initiated by Jacques de La Personne in the early 1970s. As the assistant grand orator of the council of order (1970-1971) and president of the ritual commission of the Grand Orient de France, La Personne became increasingly concerned about the simplification of Masonic ritualism, particularly in the practice of the French Rite through what was known as the "cahiers bleus".

This observation led La Personne to conduct extensive research in the Grand Orient's archives in Paris, where he studied historical documents relating to the ancient forms of the French Rite. These forms were directly descended from the "Premiere Grand Lodge" rite practiced by the Grand Lodge from London during the formative period of speculative Freemasonry (1717-1723).

Development of the Operative Rite of Solomon

The creation of OITAR was intrinsically linked to the development of the Rite Opératif de Salomon. In 1971, La Personne obtained permission from the Council of the Order to establish a new lodge within the Grand Orient de France called "Les Hommes" to experiment with this emerging ritual format. This lodge became a focal point for Masonic innovation, attracting members of the "Ateliers Planètes" and notable Masonic authors such as Daniel Béresniak.

The constraints of operating within the Grand Orient's framework soon became apparent. On December 24, 1974, nine brothers received a constitutive patent from the Grand Orient lodge "Les Hommes" and established the independent lodge "Les Fondateurs," which would become OITAR's Mother Lodge with the designation "No. 1." This development marked the beginning of OITAR as an independent Masonic Order, dedicated to preserving and developing the Operative Rite of Solomon.

Organizational Structure

Sovereign Lodges

At the foundation of OITAR's structure lies the sovereign lodge, operating with considerable autonomy while adhering to the Operative Rite of Solomon. Each lodge maintains complete authority over its internal affairs, including all decisions regarding initiation and affiliation. The lodges independently manage their work scheduling, quality control, and the reception of visiting Freemasons. Financial management and internal evaluation processes remain under the direct control of individual lodges, ensuring their sovereignty while maintaining adherence to the ritual standards of the order.

Territorial Organization

The order functions through a system of 11 territories, each under the administration of a Territorial Grand Master. These territorial bodies provide essential administrative support and ensure ritual consistency across their jurisdictions, while carefully respecting the fundamental sovereignty of individual lodges. A specialized administrative structure, known as the "Territory of the Sextant," encompasses isolated lodges, including those operating in overseas territories and international jurisdictions, providing them with necessary support while maintaining their connection to the broader order.

Universal Supreme Council

The Universal Supreme Council stands as the ultimate guardian of the Rite Opératif de Salomon and determines the order's general orientation. Under the leadership of the Sovereign Grand Commander, who serves a nine-year term, the council fulfills crucial functions in the governance of the order. It maintains responsibility for issuing patents and diplomas, administering all nine degrees of the rite, and maintaining relationships with other Masonic bodies. The council also oversees the ongoing development and preservation of the ritual, ensuring its integrity while allowing for thoughtful evolution in response to the needs of the order.

The Rite Opératif de Salomon

Structure and Degrees

The Rite Opératif de Salomon consists of nine degrees organized into three distinct orders, representing a progressive path of Masonic development. This structured system reflects the order's commitment to comprehensive spiritual and philosophical advancement.

This hierarchical structure provides a framework for progressive initiation and understanding, with each level building upon the knowledge and experience gained in previous degrees. The journey from Apprentice through the Sacerdotal Order represents both a personal transformation and a deepening engagement with Masonic symbolism and philosophy.

Philosophical Foundation

The philosophical underpinning of the rite draws from a rich tapestry of symbolic traditions. The Compagnonnage tradition provides a foundation in operative masonry, while biblical narratives, particularly the construction of Solomon's Temple, offer spiritual context. Additional depth comes from alchemical symbolism, ancient mystery traditions, Greek and Roman mythology, and elements of Pharaonic Egyptian symbolism. This diverse philosophical heritage creates a unique synthetic approach to Masonic spirituality and self-development.

Ritual Characteristics

The Rite Opératif de Salomon distinguishes itself through several distinctive characteristics in its ritual practice. The emphasis on oral transmission of knowledge stands as a central feature, with written supports prohibited during lodge discussions. This oral tradition reinforces the personal and experiential nature of Masonic knowledge. The requirement for unanimity in voting at the master's degree ensures thorough consideration and consensus in decision-making. The integration of operative and speculative elements creates a holistic approach to Masonic work, while the focus on personal transformation through symbolic work remains paramount throughout all degrees.

Principles and Philosophy

Core Values

OITAR embraces traditional Masonic values while incorporating distinctive elements into its philosophical framework. The fundamental principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, shared with French Republican values, form the foundation of the order's ethical structure. These are complemented by the additional virtues of Friendship and Equity, along with Fidelity, Loyalty, and Obedience. The French conception of secularism, or Laïcité, plays a crucial role in the order's approach to spiritual matters.

Spiritual Approach

Working "To the Glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe," OITAR maintains an adogmatic approach to spirituality. The Grand Architect serves as a symbol of the absolute, infinite, and perfection, rather than requiring specific religious beliefs. This approach allows members to interpret this concept according to their personal philosophical orientations while maintaining a shared framework for spiritual exploration and development.

Social Engagement

The order encourages active social engagement while maintaining strict neutrality in political and religious matters. Members are encouraged to promote inalienable human rights and combat ignorance, intolerance, and fanaticism through their individual efforts. Engagement in humanitarian and charitable works forms an important aspect of members' external activities, as does contribution to social progress and human advancement. This social dimension complements the internal spiritual work of the order.

International Presence

OITAR maintains a significant international presence through a network of territories and lodges across multiple jurisdictions. As of 2023, the order operates through thirteen distinct territories spanning Europe, North America, and the Indian Ocean.

Development and Expansion

OITAR's international expansion has followed a deliberate pattern of growth, beginning with its establishment in France in 1974. The first international expansion occurred in the 1980s with the establishment of lodges in French overseas territories. The 1990s saw further expansion into Quebec, strengthening the order's presence in North America. The most recent significant expansion was into Belgium in 2013, marking OITAR's growing influence in European Masonry.

Each territory maintains significant autonomy while adhering to the core principles and practices of the Operative Rite of Solomon. This structure allows for cultural adaptation while preserving the essential characteristics of OITAR's Masonic tradition.

Future Development

The order continues to evaluate opportunities for expansion, particularly in French-speaking regions where cultural and linguistic ties facilitate the transmission of its ritual and philosophical traditions. The Territoire du Sextant plays a crucial role in this development, serving as an incubator for new lodges in regions where OITAR does not yet have an established territorial structure.

See also

• Grand Orient de France
• Operative Freemasonry
• French Rite
• List of Masonic Rites

References

1. "À Propos de L'Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal" [About Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal]. pro-fusion-conseils.fr (in French). Archived from the original on 2024-11-19. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
2. ^ "Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal" [Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal]. OITAR (in French). Retrieved 2024-11-19.
3. ^ Klein, Robert (November 19, 2008). "Le Rite Opératif de Salomon, inséparable du OITAR" [The Rite Opératif de Salomon, inseparable from the OITAR]. La chaîne d'union (in French). 45 (3): 58–63. doi:10.3917/cdu.045.0058 – via Cairn.info.
4. "History of Freemasonry". United Grand Lodge of England. Archived from the original on 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
5. ^ Collective (2014). Oitar 1974-2014, Renaissance d'une franc-maçonnerie initiatique et traditionnelle (in French). Paris: Detrad. ISBN 978-2-916094-57-1.
6. "Le travail en loge" [Working in the lodge]. OITAR (in French). Archived from the original on 2024-02-25. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
7. ^ "Implantation de l'OITAR" [OITAR Locations]. OITAR (in French). Retrieved 2024-11-19.
8. "La structure de l'OITAR" [The structure of OITAR]. OITAR (in French). Archived from the original on 2024-02-25. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
9. Klein, Robert (2008). "Le Rite Opératif de Salomon, inséparable du OITAR". La Chaîne d'Union. 45 (3): 58–63. doi:10.3917/cdu.045.0058.
10. https://shs.cairn.info/article/CDU_045_0058/image/full/im3?lang=fr
11. "Histoire de la FM et OITAR" [History of FM and OITAR]. OITAR (in French). Archived from the original on 2024-02-25. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
12. ^ "L'Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art royal". Les Obédiences Maçonniques (in French). Archived from the original on 2024-05-25. Retrieved 2024-11-19.

Bibliography

• Collective (2014). Oitar 1974-2014, Renaissance d'une franc-maçonnerie initiatique et traditionnelle (in French). Paris: Detrad. p. 285. ISBN 978-2-916094-57-1.
• Carat, Monique; Carat, Jean-Marc; de Jode, Marc (2011). Dictionnaire universel de la franc-maçonnerie. Paris: Larousse. ISBN 978-2-03-584840-6.

External links

• Official website

• Freemasonry in France
• Masonic organizations
• Organizations established in 1974
• Masonic rites