Hermetic Chapter of Spiritual Knights or Seekers of Wisdom
Ritual of Reception into the Degree of a Spiritual Knight

 
n.d.

Seven General Rules
 
These must be read and signed by ALL aspirants prior to being introduced into the Chamber of Preparation and promise on oath strictly to fulfil.
I.
A diligent exercise in the fear of god and a strict observance of the commands of the Gospel.
II.
An unshaken fidelity and obedience to one’s Sovereign, coupled with the especial duty of protecting his/her throne, not only according to the general oath of every loyal subject, but also striving with all one’s strength to invent and apply all good and reasonable means for this purpose; and in this manner trying to avert and prevent everything contrary to the throne whether it be secret or open, particularly in the present times of hellish revolt and agitation against sovereign powers.
III.
A careful and faithful observance of Rules and Rituals of one’s Religion.
IV.
A perfect obedience to all authorities appointed by the government and an exemplary observance of the laws of the Realm.
V.
Jointly and individually to combat with all one’s strength the tempestuous and pernicious system of imaginary liberty and equality, and endeavour to eradicate this system by every appropriate method of intelligent action.
VI.
To endeavour to spread generally good customs, both by word and deed, and works of wisdom, according to one’s strength and capacity.
VII.
Should the Sovereign decide, for reasons of his/her own, and in spite of all these legitimate intentions of Knight Seekers of Wisdom, to prohibit their meetings, such order to be obeyed without demur, and not in any way to be broken.
 
 
Preparation
 
In the Chamber of Preparation are place 3 tables;
Table 1
Covered with black cloth.
Bible opened at 6th or 7th Chapter of Wisdom of Solomon.
Emblem of Seeker of Wisdom, (cross in a gold heart, hanging from a red cord with 5 knots).
Naked sword.
Taper.
Skull.
Lit candle.
Vessel with water.
Small plate with the following in gold letters, (“Know yourself, seek felicity which is within you”).
Table 2
Covered in white cloth.
4 unlit candles.
Blazing star with “G” in the centre.
Gold writing, (“Blessed are those who hear in their hearts a loud proclamation of the Word of God and who see the revelations of the Divine light of Nature”).
White apron with black edging.
Table 3
Covered in yellow cloth.
Ewer containing water.
Pair of white gloves.
Masters golden trowel.
N.B. If there is enough room each table should stand in a separate apartment in which the discourses and instructions to the candidate are given in proper order.
 
 
Opening of the Chapter
 
Brother Knights being assembled in the Chapter Room
Pr Bro: Brother Knights, what is the hour?
Conductor: It is night among the profane, but the sun is at its meridian in this hermetic Chapter.
Pr Bro: Explain that paradox.
Conductor: The true philosophy, of which the sun is a symbol, is the source by which the wise man may regulate all his actions.
Pr Bro: Let us therefore profit by the light of that supreme star; let us search the recesses of our hearts to find there the principles which the Eternal engraved in them at our creation and let us serve that precious treasure of Wisdom, through which alone we may arrive at our perfection.
Pr Bro: Brother Knights, I have called you together to aid a Brother in his search for Wisdom, for which purpose I declare this Chapter open in the Degree of Spiritual Knight.
When instructed by the Pr Bro, the Conductor leaves the Chapter Room.
 
 
Introduction of the Candidate to the Chamber of Preparation
 
At the time appointed the conductor leads the candidate, deprived of his sword and hat, with eyes bandaged, into the Chamber of Preparation. Candidate’s sword is placed on the 1st table within the Preparation Chamber. A cloak of dark colour is placed over the candidate’s shoulders. On the left side of this cloak is represented a heart entwined by a serpent, and in the centre of the heart is a semblance of a small light, the rest being obscured by darkness: the lining of the cloak is also dark. The candidate’s eyes are then unbandaged and he advances to the first table.
Conductor: You will remain in quiet meditation in order to fathom your inner self as deeply as you can. Happy will you be Brother if you begin to feel vividly within you the obscurity of ignorance and the abomination of vice and hate. This feeling will be your salvation and may in the same hour, even in the same instance, disclose the spiritual way of approaching the Source of Light which lies within ourselves and is near to those who truly seek it.
You will reflect upon the objects which now lie before you, lays the Candidate's hand upon the sword, the love that rules in the East sends power propitious for the birth of desire for Light of Wisdom and strength to overcome the obstacles which bar the way to this light.
After these words the Conductor leaves the Candidate to himself and returns to the Chapter Room.
Pr Bro to Cond: Go, in the name of Wisdom, to the Brother who seeks, and most carefully examine him according to our instructions.
As soon as the Bro Conductor has left, the Pr Bro addresses the whole assembly as follows;
Pr Bro: Dear Brethren, in our innermost hearts let us wish good success to our Examining Brother, and unite in a spiritual prayer that Wisdom herself may enlighten and accompany him on the path of his important mission. May Wisdom herself kindle in the heart of the Seeker a true and real desire to seek Her and may she help him on his difficult journey!
These feelings should animate us all, especially now when the Seeker is being tried on his journey.
After these words, the whole assembly remains in a profound, calm and reverent, silence, which must also be the case during every discourse between the Conductor and the Candidate.
 
 
First Discourse
 
The Bro Conductor comes to the Seeker and asks:
Conductor: Do you feel that, although darkness surrounds you, there is still a small light shining, which in spite of its Feebleness, lights up the whole of the visible space?
Candidate: I do.
Conductor: Do you believe that light is concealed in darkness, as the immortal in the mortal?
Candidate: I do.
Conductor: Do you believe that light may be revealed in darkness and the imperishable born in the perishable?
Candidate: I do.
Conductor: Every birth is accompanied by disease, corruption and destruction, illustrating all this by examples of nature.
Conductor: Do you truly desire to seek Wisdom?
Candidate: I do.
Conductor: Where do you hope to find Her?
Candidate answers in own words.
Conductor: I must inform you that you will be met with many difficulties in your quest for Wisdom, whom the world considers turbulent and whose Benefactions are mistaken for evi1. You will be exposed to contempt, abuse and persecution, and maybe even disposed of your temporal life! In spite of all this, are you prepared to bear willingly all the trials you may encounter?
Candidate: I am.
Conductor: I demand that you prove your decision to liberate yourself from the hateful darkness which enshrouds you, and in token of your sincerity and trust confess your dominating passion and any doubt with respect to the Teachings of the Wise.
Candidate: I do.
Conductor: I now properly and accordingly instruct you in the subject of your errors and place on you this emblem of a Knight Seeker of Wisdom places emblem around his neck, and leave you to meditate further on your undertaking. The 5 knots in the cord which I have placed on you denote your 5 senses which are to be disciplined by obedience to the Teachings of Wisdom. I particularly commend meekness which virtue is essential in all Seekers of Wisdom.
Bro Conductor enters the Chapter Room.
Conductor: Pr Bro, I have conferred the first discourse on the Candidate and he is desirous of Seeking Wisdom.
Pr Bro: Go, examine the Seeker for the second time and, if he is still determined to continue courageously his course, may he receive from the East the strengthening power and may the Great Light be revealed to him.
 
 
Second Discourse
 
The Conductor returns to the Seeker and questions him again
Conductor: Have you meditated upon the difficulties on the path you have entered and do you still firm desire to pursue it?
Candidate: I have.
The Conductor picks up the sword from the table and hands it to the Candidate.
Conductor: To those who desire the Light and fight bravely against darkness, a peculiar power always proceeds from the East and fortifies them on their way to great deeds of salvation.
The Conductor then bids the Candidate to bathe his eyes using the water from the vessel there standing. The Conductor then lights the taper and hands it to the Seeker.
Conductor: In those who are zealously and constantly seeking Wisdom, she lights a Taper which illuminates the path leading to her. This light must brighten and become greater. But it is particularly needful to guard it from the pernicious winds of the evil darkness which will the stronger rush against this Light the brighter it shines.
The Conductor leads the Candidate to the second table and puts on him the apron, then bids him to take off his shoes, and, with the taper he is holding light the 4 candles standing on the table.
When this has been done and due notice has been taken by the Candidate of the objects before him.
Conductor: Worthy Brother, what you see before you is already an image of the great reward bestowed by the Love of Wisdom on all those who seek her light with pure intentions. But, dear Brother, to reach this goal it is needful to overcome great difficulties and to submit to severe tests. Are you prepared to face severe tests encountered on the path now chosen by you?
Candidate: I am.
Conductor: To test true lovers of Wisdom, whether they desire her light only for their own benefit or for her service, and whether they will remain faithful to this service, not only in the days of sweet enjoyment, but also in the time of comfortless suffering in misfortunes, brought upon the Lovers of Wisdom by the fury of the darkness; to test them, I say. Wisdom, after having already illumined them and revealed many of her beauties and riches, suddenly withdraws her light and deprives them of all these objects of delight! This will be symbolically presented to you now.
The Candidate is then again blindfolded, the burning candles are extinguished, the taper is taken from him and put on a chair nearby; only the sword still remains in his hands. The Conductor continues:
Conductor: Wisdom conceals her Light in order to test her Lovers, but she does not deprive them of strength to withstand faithfully the most cruel trials. In the trying state of blindness, one must heed despair as the greatest temptation which can precipitate one into the abyss of darkness. A passive and resigned obedience to the holy rules of Wisdom is the firmest support in this state of blindness which may be the forerunner of a Great Light.
I am moved to tell you this truth by the Spirit of Brotherly Love; this spirit animates in the highest degree all wise Masters of Freemasons, and nothing grieves them more than the plight of their Brethren imprisoned by darkness. And this constitutes the greatest, perhaps the only, suffering of those wise men who, though already in the serene abode of Heaven's beatitude, are still ready to perish gladly for the salvation of their Brethren. Believe me, this Brotherly Spirit reigning in hearts united by Love, and ever ready to assist, may prove helpful also on your journey.
The Conductor then leaves the Candidate and returns to the Chapter to report on the candidate’s state and the whole discourse with him, but only to the Presiding Brother.
The conductor whispers to the Presiding Brother.
Conductor: The candidate has given a frank confession of his vice and doubt and is still worthy of Seeking Wisdom.
Pr Bro: Go, for the third and last time to try the Seeker. If the desire to see the Light has not been extinguished in his heart and, what is particularly important, if he hopes to obtain it, not because of imaginary privileges conferred by the trials of his journey, but because of Grace only, proceeding from Wisdom, - then may the Light again be revealed to him so that he may attain to the greater Light, even to the Light illuminating the place of labour.
 
 
Third Discourse
 
The conductor returns to the Candidate and examines him as instructed.
The Candidate is divested of the cloak and a new one is put on him; the left side of this cloak is all white, on the proper place a purified heart is represented bleeding and surrounded by rays of light; the other side of the cloak is dark, but slightly besprinkled with the blood streaming from the heart. The lining of the cloak is white, but a little of the dark shows on the edges. All the candles are lighted, the taper is given back to the candidate, and his eyes are unbandaged.
Conductor: The Lover of Wisdom, who has remained faithful to her during the hard trial of darkness, receives from this Loving Wisdom twice as much enlightenment as he has enjoyed before, and not only is it given to him to enjoy it for ever, but also to attain to the full brilliance of her Light.
The Conductor brings the Candidate to the third table, washes the Candidate's hands and explains:
Conductor: In the Temple of Wisdom an indescribably beautiful and priceless treasure is kept; this treasure which gladdens and rewards her secret friends, is so pure that it may not be touched by anything impure; therefore, this has been done to you. In remembrance of this, continue, Brother always to wear in our assemblies the apron and white gloves.
The Seeker puts on the gloves. The Conductor presents him with the trowel and says:
Conductor: Wise men use their working tools only for the glory of the Source of all goodness, and for the careful fulfilment of its Will.
The Candidate fastens the trowel to his apron and is then conducted to the Chapter.
 
 
The Reception
 
The conductor accompanied by the Candidate approaches the door of the Chapter Room and gives one knock.
Pr Bro: Bro Director of Ceremonies see who is there.
Director of Ceremonies gives a knock and slightly opens the door to see who is there. He then closes the door and reports to the Presiding brother.
DoC: One who has been tried, cleansed, adorned with the sign of the Chosen and wounded in a good cause, and who desires Wisdom.
Pr Bro: To such a one admission cannot and must not be denied.
The doors of the Chapter are now opened, and the Conductor leads the aspirant, who is carrying in one hand the sword and in the other the burning taper, directly to the carpet, where the Presiding Brother addresses him.
Pr Bro: With caution begin your labours. Do you desire, dear Brother to pursue together with us your search for Wisdom?
Candidate: I do.
Pr Bro: Now promise to endeavour with all your capability and strength: - First, to pray God to give you Wisdom to serve and to worship Him, in spirit and in truth.
For God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John IV., 24)
Pr Bro: Secondly, to guard your body and soul against corruption and diligently to avoid everything that may prevent the descent of the Spirit of Wisdom.
For Wisdom will not enter into a soul that deviseth evil, nor dwell in a body that is held in pledge by sin. (Wisdom of Solomon, Ch.1, V.4)
Pr Bro: Thirdly, to love your neighbour and to serve him by wish, thought, word, deed, and example.
For we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is Love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John, IV.,16)
Pr Bro: Consider this and then reply.
Candidate: I promise.
Pr Bro: Dear Brother, to fulfil all these obligations, endeavour to obtain power from the Source of Wisdom you seek.
Ask and it shall be given unto you, knock and it shall be opened.
Pr. Bro: Without that power, the burning desire to direct our path to the East cannot even be born within us, and victory over the World, its Prophets and the hellish source of Evil cannot be achieved. The warrior, who struggles against Evil and seeks after Wisdom, must needs feel the tormenting power of the Darkness which imprisons him, and his own weakness; for his deliverance he must place himself in the hands of the All Powerful One with such inner and deep devotion as to become as nothing.
Pr Bro: And when he is thus ready to receive the illuminating Word, the Spirit of Wisdom will descend on him and the Power of its Source will bless him. Conceived through the Spirit and born from Wisdom, he surrenders himself entirely to his Mother and, like a babe, sucks her purest Milk of Light.
After some silence, Enter, O Seeker, the scene of your labours.
The Seeker, who during the preparation has exchanged his shoes for slippers, now takes them off. The Conductor brings him to the terrestrial globe depicted on the carpet.
Conductor: Visita interiora terrae, rectificando invenies occultum lapidem. Examine that which is considered in the earth, and you shall find the mysterious stone, the real medicine.
The Presiding Brother remains in silence for a few moments.
Pr Bro: You are now in a place of toil and in token of your obedience, confidence and particularly as a sign of your love of Wisdom for herself alone and not for the riches she may bestow, I now cask you to sacrifice the fruits of your labours.
The aspirant hands the Conductor some gold, (which is later returned to him), and a small bottle filled with some clear fluid.
Pr Bro: Matter, however precious, even including all the treasures of earth, must not be, and is not, the aim of real Masons. But it is requisite to search for the Mirror of Wisdom in which we may see the brightest Countenance of Her Invisible Source, Its Divine Action and the revelation of Its Holy Will; only in the fulfilment of this Will do wise men acquire beatitude, bliss and riches.
But if riches are a desired possession in life, what is richer than wisdom, which worketh all things? (Wisdom of Solomon, Ch. V111, V.5)
Lover of Wisdom born from her, tried in fidelity and obedience, endeavouring to know creation, lovingly to contemplate in it the Creator, Adorer of Wisdom for herself alone.
For length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. (Proverbs III, 16).
Only such a Lover of Wisdom can enter the true Lodge. (silence).
Pr Bro: Blessed is the Spiritual Youth who grows in the inner life of Wisdom and from his very childhood preserves the love towards the Divine Source of his birth and keeps intact the Oil of the Spiritual Anointment for the virginal nuptials with Wisdom. Blessed is the Love of Wisdom, illumined by her, who has not succumbed to the temptations of darkness and has not scattered the life-bearing seeds of the Divine Illumination on barren ground.
Even if the Light of Illumination is for a time hidden -from him as from one not yet perfectly tried in fidelity, it is not in order to plunge him into darkness with no means of escape, but only a cloud is passing over him and thus covering the Light of Wisdom from her innocent Lover who has to be tried in constant faithfulness before and after the marriage. And after he has remained firm in such a cruel trial, the same Light appears in the full glory of its brilliance and gives him power to become a man perfect in spirit; then a fiery baptism destroys his old garments, and new ones of purity and innocence are given him; he espouses in spiritual nuptials the Heavenly Virgin, completes the Great Work, and children of Wisdom are born; he then blissfully enters as a priest into the Holy of Holies to fulfil the mystery of the sacrifice of restoration, the sacrifice which has been made by the High Priest Himself; as a near friend and confidant of Wisdom, he continues his labours in sowing the seeds of life and tillinq the mysterious fields of Her Kingdom, the secrets of which are revealed to him.
My Brother, approach the Altar of Offerings.
When the Aspirant approaches the altar the Presiding brother commands another Brother near him to read clearly from the book of the Wisdom of Solomon, 7th chapter, verses 7-22.
Brother: For this cause I prayed, and understanding was given unto me; I called upon God, and there came to me a spirit of wisdom.
I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and riches I esteemed nothing in comparison of her.
Neither did I liken her to her any priceless gem, because all the gold of the earth in her presence is a little sand, and silver shall be accounted as clay before her.
Above health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her bright shining is never laid to sleep.
But with her there came to me all good things together, and in her hands innumerable riches: and I rejoiced over them all because wisdom leadeth them; though I knew not that she was the mother of them.
As I learned without guile, I impart without grudging; I do not hide her riches. For she is unto men a treasure that faileth not, and they that use it obtain friendship with God, commended to him by the gifts which they through discipline present to him.
But to me may God give to speak with judgement, and to conceive thoughts worthy of what hath been given me; because himself is one that guideth even wisdom and that correcteth the wise. For in his hand are both we and our words; all understanding, and all an acquaintance with crafts.
For himself gave me an unerring knowledge of the things that are to know the constitution of the world, and the operation of the elements; the beginning and end and middle of times, the alternations of the solstices and the changes of seasons, the circuits of years and the positions of stars; the natures of living creatures and the ragings of wild beasts, the violences of winds and the thoughts of men, the diversities of plants and the virtues of roots; all things that are either secret or manifest I learned, for she that is the artificer of all things taught me, even wisdom. (Wisdom of Solomon, Ch.VII, V.7-22).
Pr Bro: Only those who have attained Wisdom can know the mysteries of Her Temple and it behoves us to learn in parables. Come, my Brother, to receive the Sign of Victory and see the Image of Liberty.
The aspirant is conducted to the Presiding brother who puts on his finger a gold ring. (An ordinary ring, but with a cross and the inscription “Remember Death” engraved inside. He who receives it must wear it always).
The cross is now taken from the aspirant by the Presiding Brother.
Pr Bro: When one has been liberated, this burden is no longer necessary. Wear instead, dear Brother, this emblem on the rosy ribbon gives him a jewel similar to the one which had been taken from him but with a rosy ribbon in remembrance of the greatest Warrior and Divine Teacher, Who by His burning torments prepared restitution, enlightenment, and endless bliss for all creation; this Great Work was accomplished by Him on the instrument of suffering represented by this jewel; thus, dear Brother, this emblem has become more precious than pure gold and more beautiful than lilies of paradise.
Brethren, may this saving mystery of the Cross be always dear to us, although the world believes and understands it not; yet in this mystery all Wisdom and bliss are to be found: the performance of the Great Work and the restitution of the microcosm are but its image.
All Brethren: Glory be in all truth to the fulfilled mystery of salvation.
Pr Bro: Blessed are those who follow the Wisdom Incarnate. He was in the world and by Him was the world, but He was not by it recognized.
Blessed are those who are spiritually matured in this Wisdom!
Blessed is the virtuous Knight of Light who completes a good work, having to the end preserved his fidelity to the Truth.
Thrice blessed is the Wise Master and Priest of Wisdom who for ever remains in the Holy of Holies of the Temple of Grace and Nature; who becomes himself a living Temple of Wisdom and thus masters his Self and all Nature.
Great is the rest prepared for such a one after his labours in the land of establishment! When the life- giving power, which animated the circle determined for him, is exhausted, when all knots and even the finest invisible threads are severed which bound him to the land of trials and labours, - he enters the pre-eternal Kingdom of unbroken peace and enjoyment, proceeding from the boundless and inexhaustible Source of Purity and bliss.
The Flame of this Spiritual Star, after having shed its light in the dark land of error, flies back again to its source; thus the chosen vessel of Wisdom, transfigured into pure Light, ascends to its Source to be united in the centre with the brightest Sun of the purest Light.
The Presiding Brother takes from the Accepted one the taper he is holding, extinguishes it and continues.
Pr Bro: The one who is co-essential to this Divine Sun, lives, moves, feeds, and clothes in its Light!!! This is the reward and rest promised to the Wise One.
Here the Presiding Brother takes from the Accepted One the sword.
Pr Bro: Weapons are not needful to those who enter the Cloister of Peace and Quietness where no foe can approach. Be seated, my Brother, in the place which represents that solemn rest.
The Accepted One is divested of his cloak and then robed by the Presiding Brother, after which he is placed on a seat on his right. Now the Presiding Brother gives a new name to the Accepted Knight.
Pr Bro: During your trials you have acquired a new name and are now called Knight N.N.
Pr Bro: The true Knight of Wisdom and Virtue, who has, during his temporal life, courageously fulfilled the task of restitution and gloriously conquered Evil, is thereby transferred to the Kingdom of eternal joy, bliss and peace where all toil and labour cease, but the stream of life never ends, but flows into eternity.
And this incomprehensible stream is flowing into the boundless Ocean of Light and Wisdom, driven by the Divine movement and incessantly rejuvenated into sparkling brightness.
Brethren, thus thrice blessed are those who faithfully toil in the Temple of Wisdom, completing the Great Work of restitution, and preparing the Supper of the Kingdom of Grace.
They will partake of this Supper and of the joyful Beverage of new grapes.
And no corruption will reach those who have toiled in that vineyard.
But what will become of the Elements? Skies will perish, like an old garment, earth will be worn out, until Wisdom transforms all anew.
A purifying fire will destroy the sting of perishable elements, new heaven and new earth will appear, and elements will be reborn imperishable into the bright transparency and purity of Paradise.
The Sun of Restitution will rise, never to set; that Sun, which since the Incorporation of Wisdom has been mysteriously accomplishing the Great Work.
Immortality will reign everywhere, creation will rejoice in its liberation from corruption and will happily sing the liberty of the Children of Wisdom, bright in the glory of the golden new garments of their immortal spiritual bodies.
Every breath will praise the fulfilment or the saving mystery of the Cross, raised by Wisdom to the Throne of the Fatherly Glory, and crowned by the shining glory of Victory.
Those who have suffered with Wisdom, will with her be glorified, they will enjoy her Divine Triumph in the Cloister of Light and Bliss where saints and pure spirits sing the glory of the Thrice Holy; they will join their chorus, and all will become One Voice and One Eye in praise and contemplation of created and uncreated Wonders and Beauties!
Pr Bro: The sign of this degree- place your arms across your breast.
The token is given in the form of three kisses and mutual embrace.
The password is Philia Sophos.
The word of the degree is communicated in both ears, half in one and half in the other.
VIT – RIOL.
The Presiding Brother welcomes the new Knight and invites him to take a seat. Then closes the Chapter.
 
 
Closing
 
Pr Bro: Brother Knights, assist me to close this Chapter.
Let us return among men and try, by our example, to inspire them with the practice of those virtues which are the obligations of true philosophers.  
In the name of Truth and Wisdom, I declare this I. V. Lopuhin Chapter of Spiritual Knights of Scotland duly closed. Depart in peace.