The Eastern Star is a fraternal organization that has been around for over a century. It is a group that is shrouded in mystery and secrecy, which has led to many misconceptions about its purpose and membership. If you are curious about how to tell if someone is a member of the Eastern Star, then read on. In this article, we will explore the history and background of the Eastern Star, who can become a member, signs to look for, and how to approach someone about being a member.
What is the Eastern Star?
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization that was founded in the United States in the mid-19th century. It is a group that is open to both men and women and is based on the principles of charity, truth, and loving-kindness. The organization is not a religion, but it does require its members to have a belief in a higher power.
The Eastern Star is a Masonic-related fraternal organization, which means that it is closely tied to the Masonic Lodge. In fact, many of the members of the Eastern Star are also members of the Masonic Lodge. The organization is dedicated to promoting fellowship, charity, and the betterment of its members.
History and background of the Eastern Star
The Eastern Star was founded in the mid-19th century by Rob Morris, a Freemason from Kentucky. Morris was inspired by the story of the biblical characters Adah, Ruth, Esther, and Martha, and he decided to create an organization that was dedicated to their virtues.
The Eastern Star quickly gained popularity, and by the early 20th century, it had spread throughout the United States and beyond. Today, there are thousands of Eastern Star chapters around the world, and the organization continues to grow.
Who can become a member of the Eastern Star?
The Eastern Star is open to both men and women who are over the age of 18 and who have a belief in a higher power. However, there is one catch: in order to become a member, you must have a close relationship with a current member of the Eastern Star.
This means that you cannot simply walk into an Eastern Star meeting and ask to join. Instead, you must be invited to join by a current member. This can make it difficult for people who are interested in joining the Eastern Star but who do not know any current members.
Signs to look for to tell if someone is a member of the Eastern Star
If you are curious about whether someone is a member of the Eastern Star, there are a few signs to look for. One of the most obvious signs is Eastern Star jewelry and regalia.
Eastern Star members wear jewelry that is specific to the organization, including rings, pendants, and pins. They also wear regalia that is specific to their rank within the organization, such as sashes and collars.
Another sign to look for is a Masonic connection. As mentioned earlier, many members of the Eastern Star are also members of the Masonic Lodge. If you know that someone is a Mason, there is a good chance that they are also a member of the Eastern Star.
Finally, Eastern Star members are often involved in charitable activities and community service. If you know someone who is heavily involved in these types of activities, there is a chance that they are a member of the Eastern Star.
Eastern Star jewelry and regalia
Eastern Star jewelry and regalia are an important part of the organization’s identity. Members wear jewelry that is specific to the Eastern Star, including rings, pendants, and pins. These items often feature the organization’s emblem, which includes a five-pointed star and the letters F.A.T.A.L.
In addition to jewelry, Eastern Star members also wear regalia that is specific to their rank within the organization. Some of the most common items of regalia include sashes, collars, and aprons. These items are often embroidered with symbols and designs that are specific to the Eastern Star.
Misconceptions about the Eastern Star
As with any organization that is shrouded in secrecy, there are many misconceptions about the Eastern Star. One of the most common misconceptions is that it is a religious organization. While the Eastern Star does require its members to have a belief in a higher power, it is not a religion.
Another misconception is that the Eastern Star is a secret society. While the organization does maintain a certain level of secrecy, it is not a secret society in the traditional sense. Members are free to talk about their involvement in the organization, and many Eastern Star chapters host public events and fundraisers.
How to approach someone about being a member of the Eastern Star
If you are interested in joining the Eastern Star or if you know someone who is a member, it can be difficult to know how to approach the subject. The best way to approach someone about being a member is to simply ask.
If you know someone who is a member of the Eastern Star, you can ask them about their involvement in the organization and what it means to them. If you are interested in joining the Eastern Star, you can ask someone you know who is a member to sponsor you.
Conclusion
The Eastern Star is a fraternal organization that has been around for over a century. It is a group that is shrouded in mystery and secrecy, which has led to many misconceptions about its purpose and membership. If you are curious about how to tell if someone is a member of the Eastern Star, there are a few signs to look for, including jewelry and regalia, a Masonic connection, and involvement in charitable activities.
If you are interested in joining the Eastern Star or if you know someone who is a member, the best way to approach the subject is to simply ask. The Eastern Star is a welcoming organization that is dedicated to promoting fellowship, charity, and the betterment of its members.
