Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm should not be confused with Veiled Prophet Parade and Ball.
The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.), also known as The Grotto, is a Masonic body founded in 1889 by Herman LeRoy Fairchild and members of Hamilton Lodge #120 in Hamilton, New York.[1]
On September 10th, 1889, the members of Hamilton Lodge #120 decided to call themselves the “Fairchild Deviltry Committee” and to limit membership to Master Masons in good standing.[2] As interest in the group grew, similar groups were formed elsewhere leading to the formal establishment of the Supreme Council also known as the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.), on June 13, 1890.[2]
The first "Grand Monarch" (leader of the order) was Thomas Lemuel James, a former United States Postmaster General also known as the founder of the order.[3] Other founders included Professor Oren Root, Joseph Frank McGregory, and Naval Officer William Colgate Eaton.[4] George Beal, with the assistance of Rudolph R. Riddell, authored the original ritual of the order, which was later revised by Riddell.[5]
M.O.V.P.E.R.'s emblem features a depiction of "Mokanna" and represents the veil of secrecy.[6]
The emblem and ritual of the Grotto are inspired by Thomas Moore's poem, Lalla Rookh, which describes a "Veiled Prophet of Khorasan."[7]
The contemporary ritual of the Grotto organization draws inspiration from Moore's narrative but includes Masonic embellishments. Each Grotto branch may impart its interpretation of the story.[8]
M.O.V.P.E.R. is guided by a philosophy that is deeply rooted in the concept of "Good Fellowship".https://www.ormazdgrotto.org/about-us/what-is-the-movper/[9] It represents a spirit of fun and playfulness.[10]
Members are distinguished by a black fez with a red tassel, sometimes with a Mokanna head emblem in the center.[11] A Monarch (the president of a single Grotto) wears a black fez with a purple tassel while a Grand Monarch wears a black fez with a yellow tassel. Other Grand Officers wear a black fez with a white tassel.[12] [13]
The Daughters of Mokanna, a women's auxiliary organization, was founded in 1919.[14] Four original subordinate Daughters of Mokanna chapters opened "Amoo" in Rock Island, Illinois; "Mohassan" in Davenport, Iowa; "Ankara" in Kansas City, Missouri; and "Zal" in Moline, Illinois. Together, these four subordinate chapters formed the Supreme Daughters of Mokanna.[15]
To be eligible for membership, candidates must be adult females, relatives of a Veiled Prophet (a Grotto member can also be invited), related to a Master Mason in good standing, or be a member in good standing in an organization recognized by the Masonic Lodge (i.e., Eastern Star, Amaranth, etc.).
Different fezzes are worn to signify various ranks or roles within the organization:
Sometime before 1917, the Mysterious Order Witches of Salem (M.O.W.O.S) was founded as a female auxiliary to the Grotto. The first “Caldron,” the term used for a local chapter of the Order, was founded in Chicago, Illinois, and was known as Aryan Caldron No. 1.[16]
Like its male counterpart, the group is involved in fun and fellowship, as well as charitable activities directed toward dentistry for the disabled and cerebral palsy. The current number of members (Witches) is unknown, as the group is very discreet. The M.O.W.O.S. is also known for its elaborate costumes and rituals, but because of the grand secrecy, the rituals are closely guarded, and no written copies are made available online or on paper.[17]
Membership in this group is by invitation only. To be invited, one must be a female relative or a female friend of a member of a Veiled Prophet (a Grotto member can also be invited) and at least 21 years old.