Overview
There are no secrets to TOSS except those things we cannot tell outsiders. Much of the meaning and details of our rituals are reserved for personal exploration. There is also much variety in technique and style from one TOSS Circle to another. Yet, despite the diversity celebrated within TOSS, there are some long-standing ritual traditions passed down for countless generations.

Traditional Attire
The traditional attire for a member of TOSS is a straw hat and a walking stick. The combination represents the traveler on the path of life, sheltered from the heat of the sun by the straw hat and aided in his journey by the walking stick. Individually, they represent the virtues of the two degrees: Straw and Stick.

Degrees
There are two TOSS degrees. The first is the Straw Degree. In this degree, a man is taught the importance of flexibility. The flexible straw illustrates this principle through its ability to protect and shelter a man. The second is the Stick Degree. In this degree, a man is taught the importance of rigidity. The rigid stick illustrates this principle through its ability to support and strengthen a man. The manner in which these degrees illustrate these important principles and how they relate to the temporary needs of man are both beautiful and meaningful. They are also different from Circle to Circle as befitting the customs of that area.

Meeting Ritual
Passed down through the ages beyond recorded history, the meeting ritual of a TOSS Circle is the heart of the organization. The men arranged in a circle beat their sticks rhythmically until the leader tosses his hat into the center and stops beating his stick. Each man then follows by tossing into the circle and ceasing to beat his stick. After the last man finishes tossing and beating, the leader exclaims, "Let us eat!" At that point the circle is broken, the men retrieve their hats and the remainder of the meeting takes place at the banquet table.

This ancient ritual is deeply symbolic. The circle represents unity. The rhythmic beating of the sticks upon the ground represents the ancient method of planting by using a pointed stick to make a hole in the soil. The tossing in of the hat follows as symbolic of sowing the seeds into those holes to plant the food and useful crops. The final exclamation reminds us all that from the labor of today comes our sustenance and the ability to have pleasure.

There are a number of other rituals as part of the banquet setting of the remainder of the meeting. These are both beautiful and meaningful. They are also different from Circle to Circle as befitting the customs of that area.

TOSS Symbol
The TOSS Symbol is a deeply meaningful and beautiful illustration of numerous concepts. At the center of our symbol is the Blazing Sun. Beneath is the Thatch of Straw. Crossing all is the Bundle of Sticks.

The Blazing Sun represents God's energy in creating and sustaining life. Its circular form illustrates the ancient symbol of God from long before the written language while also representing the unity of men and the circle of life.

The Thatch of Straw represents flexibility, protection and shelter. In the symbol, it blocks out the rays of the blazing sun illustrating protection and shelter. It is tied together by cord symbolic of the hands of man using industry to harness power.

The Bundle of Sticks represents rigidity, support and strength. The sticks build upwards illustrating the growth of man pointing ever upward. Together the sticks have increased strength and support the dreams of man. Similar to the Thatch of Straw, the Bundle of Sticks is tied together. Rather than by cord, they are tied by fabric symbolic of the hands of man using innovation to drive achievement.

TOSS Motto
The TOSS Motto is "primoris diligo est ego diligo" which means: the first love is self love. This key principle was the basis of all moral development. It is impossible to truly love another if you cannot first love yourself. In the temporary physical world, the needs of man must first be met before one is free to advance in preparation for the eternal spiritual world. This ancient of all truths is represented in modern thinking by Maslow's hierarchy of needs which defines the physical needs of life as essential stepping stones to higher planes of enlightenment and self-actualization.