This suggests a change in the terminology used for the place. The early Louisiana Ritual "Bonseigneur", which dates between 17, even mentions: "…Brother Tyler, who will rather abruptly guide him to the dark chamber (also known as the Chamber of reflection)…". The room was commonly referred to as the black room or dark room until around 1740–1750. " After uttering these words he remained silent, ". This, said he, we call the "black room: it is still in your power to go "through with the ceremony, or to relinquish it " I leave you to your own reflections. In this context, it is recounted that,"It was a dark place with the windows shut, and curtains drawn. Furthermore, an account within another exposé, "Solomon in all his glory or, the Master-Mason of 1766," explicitly describes the utilization of a "dark room" preceding initiation. He is conducted into another room, which is totally dark ", This exposé played a pivotal role in the development of American-style Masonry. It is in this one that the godfather first leads the recipient Then, a blindfold is placed over their eyes, and they are left to their thoughts for about an hour.", the renowned Jachin and Boaz exposé of 1762 "he orders the Wardens to go out and prepare the person, who is generally waiting in a room at some distance from the Lodge room by himself, being left there by his friend who proposed him. C'est dans celle-là que le parrain conduit d'abord le récipiendaire Alors on lui met un bandeau fur les yeux, & on l'abandonne à ses réflexions pendant environ une heure." in English "The reception room must be composed of several rooms, in one of which there should be no light. These practices antedate the initiation of new candidates, one of the oldest Masonic exposé,"Reception D’un Frey-Maçon, 1737" already mentions a "le récipiendaire est conduit par le Proposant, qui devient son Parain, dans une des Chambres de la Loge, où il n'y a pas de lumière, & où on lui demande s'il à la vocation d'être reçu,", in English "the recipient is led by the Proposer, who becomes his Godfather, into one of the Lodge's rooms, where there is no light, & where he is asked if he has the vocation to be received," it is also exemplified in the exposé, Le secret des francs-maçons, 1742 in these terms "La loge de réception doit être composée de plusieurs pieces, dans l'une desquelles il ne doit y avoir aucune lumiere. Historical documentation reveals instances of a "Dark room," also referred to as a "Black room" or "Meditation room," employed in the early phases of speculative masonry. Nonetheless, an array of corroborative evidence suggests a strong and ancient lineage, traceable to first written exposés that descripted the actual ceremony, and not just the catechism. Consequently, discerning the exact inception of this ritualistic practice poses a formidable challenge to historians and scholars specializing in Masonic studies. The precise origins of the Chamber of Reflection within Freemasonry remain shrouded in obscurity, primarily owing to the secretive character of the order. This secluded environment serves as a platform for individuals entering Freemasonry to engage in a deeply contemplative process, setting the stage for their spiritual and intellectual development within the Masonic fraternity. The isolation period within the Chamber of Reflection represents the initial phase of the broader initiation ritual, marking the commencement of the candidate's journey as they embark upon their Masonic course. The experience within the Chamber of Reflection is enriched by the presence of symbolic objects and thought-provoking phrases, which may exhibit minor variations across different Masonic rites and traditions. This chamber serves as a dedicated space where a critical component of the initiation ritual unfolds, prompting the candidate to undergo a period of isolation designed to foster introspection and self-examination. Within the context of Freemasonry, the Chamber of Reflection, often abbreviated as C.O.R., and alternatively known as the Room of Reflection, Reflection Cabinet, or Meditation Cabinet, plays a pivotal role in the initiation process. Some of the symbols used in the Masonic Chamber of Reflection.
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