How To Become A Templar: A Comprehensive Guide To Modern And Historical Knighthood

Becoming a Templar in the modern era requires navigating specific fraternal or ecumenical organizations that preserve the traditions of the medieval Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. Success in this pursuit depends on meeting strict eligibility criteria regarding religious faith, Masonic standing (where applicable), and a verified commitment to charitable service and chivalric ethics.

Prerequisites for Modern Chivalric Orders and Historical Reenactment

Before embarking on the path to becoming a Templar, you must identify which "branch" of the Templar tradition you intend to join. The original military order was suppressed by Pope Clement V in 1312, meaning no direct, unbroken lineage of the medieval knights exists in a legal, military sense. Instead, modern aspirants join fraternal organizations, ecumenical orders, or historical societies that emulate their virtues.

Essential Criteria and Preparatory Checklist

• Organizational Alignment: Determine if you seek the Masonic Knights Templar (part of the York Rite of Freemasonry), an ecumenical non-Masonic order (such as the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem - SMOTJ), or a historical reenactment group focusing on living history.
• Religious Prerequisites: Most legitimate Templar organizations require a firm belief in the Christian faith. While the medieval order was strictly Roman Catholic, modern ecumenical orders often accept all Trinitarian Christians.
• Masonic Standing: If pursuing the Masonic path, you must first become a Master Mason in a recognized Grand Lodge and progress through the Royal Arch degrees.
• Ethical Vetting: Applicants must typically provide a clean criminal record and undergo a background check to ensure their character aligns with the chivalric code of "Beati pauperes spiritu" (Blessed are the poor in spirit).
• Financial Commitment: Expect an initial investment ranging from $500 to $2,500 for initiation fees, annual dues, and the procurement of ceremonial regalia, including the mantle (cloak), tunic, and sword.

Navigating the Path to Investiture and Knighthood

The journey from a "postulant" or "candidate" to a Knight Templar involves a structured progression through ritual, education, and service. This process ensures the candidate understands the historical weight of the order and the responsibilities of modern chivalry.

Step 1: Selecting a Legitimate Jurisdiction

The most critical step is distinguishing between internationally recognized orders and "self-styled" or "spurious" organizations. Recognized orders like the SMOTJ hold Special Consultative Status with the United Nations and maintain transparent leadership structures.

1. Research the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar (for Masons) or the OSMTH (Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani) for ecumenical paths.
2. Contact a local Commandery or Preceptory to express interest.
3. Attend "open house" events or public charitable functions to meet current members and understand their specific mission.

Step 2: Fulfilling the Postulant Phase

Once your initial inquiry is accepted, you enter a period of probation or study known as the postulancy. This phase is designed to test your commitment to the order’s values.

• Historical Study: You are expected to master the history of the Order, from its founding by Hugues de Payens in 1119 to the martyrdom of Jacques de Molay in 1314.
• Charitable Service: Many orders require a minimum number of service hours or a demonstrated history of philanthropic contribution before advancement.
• Mentorship: You will be assigned a "Sponsor" or "Knight Mentor" who will guide you through the protocols, nomenclature, and symbolic meanings of the order's regalia.

Step 3: Navigating the Rites of Passage

If you are on the Masonic path, you must receive the Three Orders: The Order of the Red Cross, The Order of the Knights of Malta, and finally, the Order of the Temple.

• The Order of the Red Cross: This emphasizes the power of Truth and serves as a transitional degree.
• The Order of Malta: This degree focuses on the history of the Knights Hospitaller and requires a profession of the Christian faith.
• The Order of the Temple: This is the culminating ritual. It is highly dramatic and centered on the themes of self-sacrifice, humility, and the defense of the Christian faith. Candidates are often required to participate in a symbolic "pilgrimage" and "warfare" before being dubbed a Knight.

Pro-Tip: During the ritual of the Order of the Temple, pay close attention to the "Seven Libations." Each represents a specific philosophical and spiritual commitment that will be expected of you throughout your life as a Templar.

Step 4: The Investiture and Accolade

The final step is the formal investiture. In non-Masonic orders, this is often a public or semi-public ceremony held in a cathedral or historical chapel.

1. The Vows: You will publicly swear an oath to defend the weak, uphold the Christian faith, and remain loyal to the statutes of the Order.
2. The Accolade: The presiding officer (Grand Prior or Grand Commander) will use a consecrated sword to perform the "dubbing." This involves three taps on the shoulder, signifying the candidate’s transition from a civilian to a Knight.
3. The Investiture of Regalia: You are formally clothed in the white mantle with the red cross pattée. This garment is not merely a costume; it is considered a sacred vestment in many jurisdictions.

Warning: Avoid any organization that offers "instant knighthood" for a fee without a vetting process. These are often "degree mills" that carry no historical or fraternal legitimacy.

Technical Specifications of Templar Traditions and Modern Branches

The different paths to becoming a Templar serve different functions, from fraternal networking to international diplomacy and historical preservation.

Common Organizational Failures and Membership Remediation

Maintaining membership in a Templar order requires consistent adherence to a code of conduct. Failure to do so can lead to suspension or expulsion.

• Failure of Financial Obligation:
  
  
  • Root Cause: Failure to pay annual "capitation taxes" or dues to the Grand Encampment or Priory.
  • Actionable Fix: Most orders offer "Life Memberships" or financial hardship waivers. Contact the Recorder or Chancellor immediately if financial circumstances change to prevent being "stricken from the roll."
• Breach of Chivalric Ethics:
  
  
  • Root Cause: Engaging in conduct unbecoming of a Knight, such as public scandals or legal infractions.
  • Actionable Fix: Submit to the Order’s internal disciplinary committee. In some cases, a period of "suspension" or "demit" is required before a Knight can apply for restoration after proving a change in character.
• Inactivity and "Mummification":
  
  
  • Root Cause: Becoming a "paper member" who pays dues but never attends meetings or performs service.
  • Actionable Fix: Re-engage by joining a specific "Drill Team" (in Masonry) or a "Humanitarian Mission" (in ecumenical orders). Active participation is usually a prerequisite for receiving higher honors like the "Knight Commander of the Temple" (KCT) or "Knight Grand Cross" (GCT) designations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women become Knights Templar?

In the Masonic Knights Templar, membership is traditionally restricted to men. However, ecumenical orders like the SMOTJ and various European jurisdictions admit women as "Dames" or "Sisters," granting them equal rank and responsibilities within the order.

Do modern Templars carry functional swords?

While swords are a mandatory part of the ceremonial regalia, they are strictly for ritual and symbolic use. In public ceremonies, swords are typically kept in their scabbards, and members must follow local laws regarding the transport of "bladed ceremonial items."

What is the difference between a Knight and a Sergeant?

Historically, Knights were of noble birth and wore white mantles, while Sergeants came from non-noble backgrounds and wore black or brown mantles. In modern reenactment, this distinction is often based on the member's level of historical research and martial skill, while in fraternal orders, the "Sergeant" rank is rarely used, as all members are usually invested as Knights.

Is the Knights Templar a secret society?

The Knights Templar is a "society with secrets" rather than a secret society. Their existence, meeting locations, and many of their goals are public. The "secrets" usually refer to specific modes of recognition (signs and passwords) used during ritual ceremonies to ensure the privacy of the membership.

How much time does it take to become a Templar?

The Masonic path typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly you progress through the Blue Lodge and Royal Arch. The ecumenical path often involves a one-year postulancy period before full investiture as a Knight or Dame.

Join the Chivalric Tradition

If you are ready to uphold the virtues of honor, integrity, and service, begin your journey by contacting a local recognized Commandery or Priory. Embark on a path that connects you to centuries of tradition and a global community dedicated to making a tangible impact through modern chivalry.