Unveiling the Star: A Detailed Guide to Identifying an Eastern Star Member

The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is a fraternal organization open to both men and women, closely affiliated with Freemasonry. While not as widely recognized as its Masonic counterpart, OES has a rich history and a vibrant membership dedicated to charitable works and moral teachings. One might encounter individuals who are members of this organization and wonder how to identify them. It’s important to remember that OES membership is private and identifying someone should be done respectfully, without resorting to intrusion. This guide explores ways to recognize potential OES members through subtle observations and indirect clues, while emphasizing the importance of respecting their privacy.

Understanding the Order of the Eastern Star

Before delving into identification techniques, it’s crucial to understand what the Order of the Eastern Star is. Established in 1850, OES is a society that aims to promote charitable giving, moral conduct, and social connections among its members. It operates under the principles of biblical teachings and encourages members to live virtuous lives. Membership is open to Master Masons in good standing (men) and women with a relationship to a Mason (including wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, widows, legally adopted daughters, and step-relatives). However, in some jurisdictions, women may be allowed to join if they have a specific degree of relationship to a male OES member, and this also extends to ‘Job’s Daughters’. The organization has a ritualistic structure, with meetings involving symbolism, allegory, and shared values. The Eastern Star emphasizes virtues such as fidelity, loyalty, and love, which are reflected in their teachings and practices. The organisation is also highly dedicated to community service and humanitarian works, often partnering with local and national charities.

Why Identifying Members is Complex

Unlike some groups with highly visible symbols, OES members do not typically display overt membership markers in their daily lives. The organization places a strong emphasis on discretion and personal choice in revealing one’s membership. Most identifying markers, such as regalia, are only used during official meetings and ceremonies within the chapter or at official events. This means that you won’t often see someone walking around with OES symbols. This makes casual observation or immediate identification difficult. Therefore, spotting a member requires attention to more subtle indicators, respecting the members’ right to privacy.

Clues and Indicators (With Caveats)

It’s essential to emphasize that no single clue is conclusive, and most clues can apply to individuals outside of the organization. These are merely indicators that, when viewed in combination, might suggest a person is an OES member. Always prioritize respectful consideration over making assumptions based on limited observations. Remember that some jurisdictions and Chapters are more or less active and some of these clues may not apply in the given area.

1. Association with Freemasonry

The Connection: The strongest link to OES is its relationship with Freemasonry. Since many OES members have direct family connections with Freemasons, observing someone’s close ties with Masonic circles is a significant indicator.

How to Observe:

• Family Ties: Do they have family members (husband, father, brother) who are known to be Freemasons? This can often be discovered through social circles, local community involvement, or through information available through public records, though always be careful of any privacy implications.
• Community Events: Do they attend Masonic picnics, public events or community service drives organized by Masonic lodges? This can often be found within local news media sources, or by speaking with individuals within the local Masonic Lodge.
• Masonic Terminology: Do they use or seem to understand Masonic terms? Do they seem to have an unusual interest in the history and culture of Freemasonry? However, this can simply mean an interest in the craft, without any affiliations.

Caveats: Simply knowing Masons doesn’t make someone an OES member. However, the strong familial connection means this should always be carefully considered when looking for evidence of OES affiliation.

2. The Five-Pointed Star Symbol

The Symbol: The five-pointed star is a key symbol in the Order of the Eastern Star. Each point of the star is associated with a specific heroine from the Bible, representing different virtues, each a different color. The symbol often incorporates a triangle within a star.

How to Observe:

• Jewelry: Do they wear jewelry featuring a five-pointed star, especially those with colored points? Some OES members wear pendants, rings, or pins with the symbol, often in gold or silver. The color of the points are usually, white, blue, yellow, green and red. However, these are more often kept for private social events.
• Accessories: Do they have other accessories such as keyrings, or bags or other accessories featuring the symbol? These, as with jewellery, are usually kept for social occasions.
• Personal Items: Do they display a five-pointed star in their home? Perhaps on a wall hanging, or displayed on a shelf? These are less common than jewellery and accessories.

Caveats: The five-pointed star is a common symbol, and its use doesn’t guarantee OES membership. The way the star is designed and whether it features the colors associated with the five heroines within the OES is of crucial importance.

3. Community Involvement and Philanthropy

The Link: OES members are often deeply involved in community service, charity work, and philanthropy.

How to Observe:

• Local Charities: Do they actively volunteer for charities or organizations associated with Masonic or OES groups? Do they participate in local fundraisers? These are often publicized through local news media.
• Service Projects: Are they involved in community projects that support education, health, or community well-being?
• Fundraising: Do they participate in or organize fundraising events for charities, hospitals, or scholarships, particularly those that are in association with Masonic or OES organizations?

Caveats: Many people are charitable and community-oriented, irrespective of OES membership. However, this can be a significant sign when viewed with other evidence.

4. Knowledge of OES Specific Events

The Connection: OES chapters organize meetings, social events, and charitable initiatives. Members are often aware of these activities.

How to Observe:

• Conversations: Does the individual ever mention local OES chapter events, installations, or meetings when in discussion with their peers, without divulging confidential OES-related information? Are they familiar with local OES organizations?
• References: Do they make subtle references to OES terminology or activities? Do they talk about charitable work, or discuss social events at chapter meetings?
• Public Events: Do they attend public events organized by OES chapters, such as community dinners or fundraising events, as part of the organization or with other known members?

Caveats: Hearing someone casually mention a local group or their local activities is not proof of OES membership. It’s more about whether it becomes a pattern of such references.

5. Behavior and Values

The Connection: OES promotes virtues such as fidelity, loyalty, love, and kindness, and this should reflect within the membership.

How to Observe:

• Moral Standing: Does the individual display a strong moral character and value system? Do they seem ethical, fair, and compassionate? Do they treat others with respect?
• Positive Attitude: Do they have a positive attitude and exhibit a desire to improve themselves and the world around them?
• Respect for Traditions: Do they seem to be of a traditional mindset, and seem to respect the institutions and communities around them, and the history they embody?

Caveats: Character traits are general and can be displayed by anyone. However, in combination with other clues, they can provide a piece to the overall puzzle.

6. Symbolism in Personal Items

The Connection: While members are not expected to openly display symbolism, some may subtly display it in personal belongings or accessories, especially for informal chapter gatherings or social events.

How to Observe:

• Small Objects: Do they have small pins or badges that might suggest the organization? Often these are used for special social occasions with other members.
• Gifts: Are they seen with gifts or items that may have been acquired at a chapter meeting or a fundraising event?
• Bookcases: Do they seem to have books or other related resources, or have they read and seem to be aware of the history and background of the organization?

Caveats: Many similar items are available through the wider marketplace, and their mere possession does not denote membership. However, in the presence of other signs and indicators, they can potentially point towards the possibility of OES affiliation.

7. OES-Specific Terminology

The Connection: OES has its own terms and phrases that members are familiar with.

How to Observe:

• Subtle Words: Do they use phrases or terms that might be specific to the Order, but in such a way as to not reveal such? Often these are carefully and subtly integrated into a conversation without revealing too much.
• References: Do they make occasional reference to the ‘Chapter’ or ‘Worthy Matron’ in discussions of their social life?
• Understanding: If another member of the OES mentions an OES term, do they show any understanding of the context?

Caveats: This one can be difficult to ascertain without having some background knowledge of the OES. However, being aware of such terms can potentially help make an educated guess.

Ethical Considerations

It’s crucial to remember that OES membership is private, and individuals have a right to decide if and when they want to disclose it. This guide should be used with utmost discretion and respect. Do not:

• Directly Ask: Avoid directly asking someone if they are an OES member. It is considered impolite and intrusive.
• Investigate: Don’t engage in invasive behavior to uncover information, such as going through personal belongings or social media profiles.
• Make Assumptions: Don’t jump to conclusions based on limited or ambiguous information.
• Spread Gossip: Avoid discussing or speculating about someone’s potential OES affiliation with others.

Instead, focus on building respectful relationships with those around you. If someone chooses to share their OES involvement with you, that’s their choice and should be acknowledged respectfully.

Conclusion

Identifying an Eastern Star member isn’t about detective work, but about understanding subtle patterns and associations. By observing the combination of connections with Freemasonry, symbolic use of the five-pointed star, participation in community service, knowledge of OES events, moral character, and careful discretion, you might be able to surmise a person’s membership. However, it’s crucial to respect individual privacy and avoid intrusive behavior. Remember that these are indicators, not absolute proof, and that the most respectful approach is to let individuals share their affiliations when they feel comfortable doing so.