For those who seek to live it. Introductory Rules New Companions—please review Definitions Some of the terms we use. Esoterica (the hidden teachings) Introduction Aletheia Truth. Areté More than just a battlecry. The Kairos Living in a pivital moment of history. Kairos (Part 2) The living moment itself. Ordo Mundi Our relationship with Nature. Reason A new Age of Reason? Rising Above Partisan Politics Telos The inner aim or purpose of who we are. Companionship Knighthood Introduces the concept of Knighthood within the new Order of Chivalry-Now Our True Direction The Deeper Song The Secret Teachings The 12 Trusts An extended version Words of King Arthur See our Coats-of-Arms Bulletin Board Welcoming New Companions Guide to Chivalry Part 1 The Path to Knighthood Program —is now available March 31, 2007—The Council of Knights is formed Are you a follower of Chivalry-Now? On the Road to Knighthood—by Sir Steven Forgette CN Standards

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To our New Companion...

The Companionship welcomes you.
     You were invited to join us because you have proven yourself knowledgeable about Chivalry-Now and a sincere advocate for truth. Congratulations! The invitation is not given lightly.
     The articles contained within the secret teachings are provided to enhance your journey and illuminate the progress of your personal quest.
     We encourage you to maintain contact with other members, either through e-mail or the Open Forum. Share your questions and experiences. Help others by describing your insights and ideas. Carry the wisdom you glean from others into your everyday life.
     You are no longer alone.

There was a time, good brother, when your heart cried out in anguish—but for what?

You grasped for something real, and found it missing.

Call it chivalry. Call it the Holy Grail. All you knew was that you had to find it in order to be complete.

It was then that your quest started, that eventually led you here.

Refuse to believe that your purpose in life is for consumption only. The beauty of such a world is shallow and unfulfilling—and a source of anguish.

Know that we are men. Find authenticity in your life, for that is where freedom lies.

Understand that such a life is never found separated from truth and virtue and helping others.

The liberated soul prefers what is good.

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Are you a Follower of Chivalry-Now?

If you are, we ask you to reconsider.
     The truth is, we are not looking for followers. In fact, the "follower mentality" is the opposite of what we seek.
     The goal of the Companionship is to bring together strong-willed, freethinking individuals who reflect the cause of chivalry in the way they think and act.
     If you are looking for an ethical code to follow, we encourage you to build your own. Chivalry-Now can help in that regard. Not with rules or mandates, but by serving as a catalyst for thought, and putting you in touch you with a circle of friends who believe in chivalry as much as you do.
     We seek a true Companionship of self-made men who are in touch with the inner core of their being. Self-disciplined, honest, courteous men who staunchly believe in the importance of male virtues.
     We want men of thought and action, who are unafraid to stand up for what is right, even when there are risks.
     We are a brotherhood of men dedicated to quietly showing the world what manhood is all about. This fellowship will grow over time, appealing to what is best in all men, until we heal the symbolic wounds of the Grail King, and make the world a better place to live in.
     Despite our gender-related emphasis, we invite well-meaning women to participate and share their invaluable wisdom.
     If you are a follower of chivalry, that's okay. If you find the ideals attractive and want to get better acquainted, we welcome you wholeheartedly. We are less enthused if ego is your motive, and hope that your journey leads you to something more authentic.
     The important thing is that you understand that there is a better way for men to live, one that awakens the core of chivalry that exists in us all. Now is the time to let it blossom.
     While chivalry is called and can be considered "a code," it is really the expression of something deeper, something personal and grand that each of us finds in the depth of our being. It is not something imposed on us from the outside, or through personal commitment. It is the virtue of life bequeathed upon us by all the warriors and men who came before. This is their legacy and we are their heirs. Their unfinished work is ours to embrace.
     Simply put, Chivalry-Now is not something to follow.
     It is your truest essence unleashed.

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Definitions:

Brotherhood

The bond between Companions shared by serious advocates of chivalry, especially by knights and those committed to the Quest. The Brotherhood consists of two concentric circles: The Companionship at large, and the Inner Council of Knights.

Chivalry-Now/CN

A Code of Male Ethics that has been updated for modern times. It includes modified versions of the original chivalric ideals, combined with such Enlightenment Age principles as democracy, freedom and equal rights. Chivalry-Now attempts to inspire men to consciously formulate their own principles and self-development, rather than dictate formulaic principles upon others.

Colee

The tap or strike given during the initiation into knighthood.

Companionship

The familial relationship between all of those who partake in the quest as defined by Chivalry-Now. Any serious student or participant of our ideals is considered a Companion. (see Companionship)

Council/Inner Council /Council of Knights

Chivalry-Now's brotherhood of Knights, capable of acting in an administrative capacity. Every knight in the order is considered part of this Council, and carries the power and obligations that such membership bestows. The Inner Council of the Council of Knights has final authority over organizational decisions (see Knighthood)

Knight

A committed member of the Companionship, recognized for his commitment to chivalry and his deeds in promoting it. (see Knighthood)

Mystery/Mystery of Life

One's view of the universe, in the search for truth, cannot be adequately functional without first acknowledging that the existence we are part of is more than we can ever fully understand. What we refer to as Mystery is the "X-factor" that we purposely include in our vision of the world. It provides a foundation for awe and humility that is needed to support our impetus for "spiritual growth" and the performance of good. It need not refer to God, depending on the individual's beliefs. It can be as simple and as profound as just admitting that we don't know everything. Without this acknowledgment, the search for truth is impeded by hubris and the mind is closed to what cannot yet be known.

Quest

Applying the ideals of chivalry in one's everyday life while searching for truth in relationship to Life's Mystery.

Salute

Chivalry-Now has a formal and informal salute that gives respect to its Western roots.

The informal salute is striking the left side of your chest (representing your heart) with your right fist.

The formal salute is the same, only it starts with feet at shoulder's width apart. As the fist strikes the chest, the right foot snaps over to the left. The fist is then extended forward, shoulder height, palm down. As the fist extends, the right foot returns to its original position.

These salutes reflect a Roman heritage, and also shows respect to the French fighting art called Savate.

When using a practice weapon, such as a sword, the weapon is held at rest at the side, feet together. The weapon hand then raises to strike the opposite breast, similar to the empty hand salute. It then lowers to the side at a downward angle. Straight posture is important.

Soul/Spirit

For the sake of inclusiveness, the words soul and spirit usually refer to the integrity of mind, will, instinct and emotion that contribute to the full authenticity of human life.

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Introductory Rules:

Using online resources as the central means of building our Companionship and holding it together, it is difficult for the Council to judge an individual's sincerity. Members come from around the world, and few of us ever meet.
     Some people come looking for self-growth and camaraderie. You are welcome here. Enjoy.
     Others hope to take their journey to another level, even that of Knighthood and a place at the Inner Council.
     Whatever your expectations, the following rules will help you move forward. Those who aspire to be Knights are expected to follow them more fully.

Rule #1

You are charged to take your commitment seriously, with no self-deception. If you feel that chivalry is nothing more than partaking in some fantasy, we ask you to please withdraw from the Companionship and go no further.

Rule #2

You are expected to periodically examine the sincerity of your own heart and your own commitment to the ideals of chivalry. Honesty is key to self-development. Being true to yourself is paramount to this. Although Council Knights will be judging your sincerity and commitment along the way, it is you who must be the strict arbiter of your conscience.

Rule #3

No man is truly worthy of Knighthood. The Council formerly bestows this title upon individuals who prove their sincerity and commitment to the tenets of Chivalry-Now, and are deemed committed to said ideals for the rest of their lives. Before the Council decides that, you must search your conscience and decide your own commitment.

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Companionship

The Companionship is a group of men from around the world who are searchers for truth and advocates of Chivalry-Now.
     Our purpose is to share ideas and support one another as friends and companions. We do this primarily through e-mail communications and through the Open forum.
     The Companionship is considered the widest circle of Chivalry-Now. And inner circle also exists, called the Council of Knights. Within this group, there is an Inner Council who make final organizational decisions.
     It is important to the male psyche that a man be part of a group dynamic, and is recognized as equal among his peers. The Companionship does this for those who are interested in chivalry and have found their innermost self, that part of them where the innate qualities of manhood reside.
     We anticipate many visitors coming to our web site and gleaning whatever interests them. That's fine and certainly beneficial to our cause.
     We also anticipate that some visitors will want more. We provide the Companionship for reason.
     Very often the man who admires chivalry finds the world he lives in a lonely and disappointing place. The ideals may burn inside him, but are nowhere else to be seen. In fact, there are many aspects of society that devalue those ideals—and by so doing, devalue the essence of manhood itself. And so the impetus toward chivalry fades and becomes a hidden secret, a dream of glory and of sorrow. Our surveys show that it is like that for many men. The surveys also show that the majority of women support chivalrous behavior in men, but no longer expect it. The dynamics of society have a way of pulling us from what we want and need.
     The Companionship is a first step to alleviating that problem. Becoming a Companion is a rite-of-passage of sorts, connecting men of chivalry to others like them. They can freely discuss high ideals and feel comfortable doing so.
     The truth is, we are by no means alone. Each man has at his central core the knowledge of and desire for doing what is right and living as a complete man. Some have never acknowledged this center; some have never nourished it; some have rejected it so completely that it is little more than a forgotten relic, something to deride. Still others fail to see chivalry's value in a commercialized world that denies its worth, and so they ignore it.
     But there are those, like us, who recognize and confront the sad emptiness of living in a world where manly values are not appreciated. They maintain the flicker of hope and the desire for a better world that needs our encouragement and connection.
     These are the people we are looking for.
     The Companionship provides a place to find the definitions and sense of purpose that have elsewhere been forgotten. Here we find that part of our Western culture that has been missing for too long. The deprivation of chivalric ideals has long sapped men of their optimism, removing fixed stars that were needed for moral reference. Here, in this Companionship, among us, they live once more, inviting all men to partake in them.
     The future of our Companionship lies in your hands.

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Knighthood

For those interested in becoming Knights, the Secret Teachings section of the web site will prove helpful. While many feel drawn by the idea of becoming a Knight, it should be noted that Knighthood is not some honorarium that automatically comes through membership, or affirms something to your value in the eyes of others men.
     It is far less and far greater than that. In the end, its meaning depends entirely on you.
     Knighthood is a solemn commitment to action and self-development for the greater good that is formally recognized by our Council of Knights. It is meant to produce moral warriors of impeccable ethical behavior who dedicate their lives to service, not power.
     The Knight is a man who finds his innate moral center and reestablishes it in his everyday life. He is not following a "code" of chivalry He lives it. It is not an act or performance. It is the shedding away of the old life for something new, and yet older: your original ethical nature.
     Knighthood is not to be taken lightly, or on a whim. It is not something meant to satisfy the ego. Thar would be a debasement of all we stand for.
     In considering the path to Knighthood, you must first get acquainted with the true stirrings of your soul, and your own motivation. Deciding your own commitment is your first challenge.

How it works

To those who are considered worthy in the eyes of our Council, an invitation to Knighthood will be extended. A minimum of 2 Knights must agree on the candidate's qualifications before the invitation will be made.

Qualifications include:

1. Personal sincerity.
2. Understanding the tenets of Chivalry-Now.
3. Developing and following an appropriate Code of Chivalry
   (see Extended Version of 12 Trusts).
4. Leading an exemplary life according to that code for a convincing period of time.
5. Being faithful to his own personal quest.
6. Contributing to the propagation of chivalry (through holding workshops, discussion groups, mentoring, writing articles, web sites, etc.).
7. Maintaining a positive relationship with the Companionship.
8. Upholding the Chivalry-Now standards.
9. Becoming familiar with the Secret Teachings of Chivalry-Now.

Contributing factors might include voluntary efforts, a career in helping others, familiarity with the philosophies of the martial arts, literary or artistic contributions, involvement in good causes, and genuinely courteous behavior. Being more concerned with the qualities of the overall man, we are flexible in such criteria. We invite creative participation.

The one requirement that is mandatory, however, is advocating for the advancement of chivalry. That is, after all, the purpose of Chivalry-Now.

Please note: The rank of Knighthood is very special in our eyes. It will only be given after a suitable time and observable merits. There are no guarantees that you will attain it.

We invite all Companions to aspire to Knighthood. You start by studying the material presented on the web site, and your own response to it. If, after much soul-searching, you decide that the tenets of chivalry are strongly important to you, and you want to progress to the point of solemn commitment, then that is your first step. The second is to communicate your vision via open forum and/or through direct emails to Council Knights. In this way, your vision can be evaluated by the Council.

When a Council Knight thinks you are ready, he will open communications with you to further mentor your progress. This mentoring process follows no specific time-period. It all depends on your own development. As you continue to advance, he will discuss your qualifications with another Knight, who will add his own objectivity to the process.

When both of these Knights consider you ready, an invitation to Knighthood will be extended by the Council. At this point, the acolyte will enter a period of contemplation, no less than a week, and as long as he needs, to decide in his heart that he is fully ready for this solemn commitment. After that time, he will communicate his readiness to a Council Knight, and the dubbing process will be scheduled.

The newly dubbed Knight Errant will listed among his equals in the Halls of Chivalry-Now. At that point, he has the right and privilege of partaking in Council decisions and mentoring Companions of his choosing for Knighthood.

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