The Selection of a Mark

So far as we know, no American Grand Chapter has any restriction as to the selection of a mark. The only restrictions imposed are those requiring his mark to be entered before he receives the Royal Arch degree, or within six months after receiving the degree. At least 38 of the Grand Chapters require registration before advancement. The ritual says “at some convenient period,” and many companions never find a convenient time.

In Ireland, the general rule is to adopt marks which consist of seven straight lines – and no crests or monograms. Scotland requires straight lines; and old instruction was “3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 points joined together to form any figure they please” with a few minor exceptions. Some jurisdictions frown upon the use of an equilateral triangle as a mark.

As a general thing, the mark should be recorded before exaltation to the Royal Arch; every Royal Arch Mason would be possessed of a mark; after his degree, it may be hard to contact him again.