August Order of Light
Ritual of the First Degree


1970s

 
The ceremonies of this Order are performed in similar manner to those in Free-Masonry, save that our movements are circular, not square. All movement is in the direction N-E-S-W. This may take a brother round the circle to avoid a shorter move in the wrong direction. When addressing. or passing in front of the Eastern chair, the correct sign must always be given.
The order of the gongs when all are struck, is: the three chairs, E-W-S, Aruna, Yama, Kuvera, Durwan, followed by a pause, so that their vibrations may be felt. The "F" gong, at the right hand of the G L , is used only when instructed in the ritual.
At the end of the initiation ceremony, the Address may be read if desired. This is not a part of the ceremony, and may be deferred to a future occasion, at the discretion of the senior officers present.
 

Opening the Ashayana

Before the Ashayana is opened all the furniture must be properly arranged. The Brethren will then enter, each one giving the P.W. to D., and will stand around the circle in silence. When all are assembled the G.W. will sound his gong, and each Brother will go to his place and remain standing.
G.L.: In the beginning there was light beyond the perfect circle, but when the Solar System arose light emanated from the point within the circle or sphere, and each orb, in perfect harmony, began to move round the great centre, thus marking the existence of Time, divided in Past, Present and Future; Morning, Noon, and Night.
G.W.: I am Time Past, from whose records ye may learn to guide your steps aright.
G.S.: I am Time Present, during which alone the knowledge so gained may be utilised.
G.L.: I am Time that is to come, whose secrets no man may reveal Brethren, let us invoke Him who was before time existed, from Whom time flows, the Source of Light, the Lord of the Perfect Circle.
All clasp their hands and bow their heads.
 

Prayer

G.L.: Unveil, O Thou who givest sustenance to the Universe, from Whom all proceed and to Whom all must return. Thou who art that phase of the True Sun, now encased in a Vase of Golden Light, Unveil, that we may know the truth, and do our duty on our journey to Thy sacred home.
The F gong gives the note, and the assembled Brethren intone the word AUM, raising their clasoed hands to the brow. A pause.
G.L.: Bro. Aruna, where art thou situated?
Aruna: In the East, worthy G of L.
G.L.: What is the meaning of thy name?
Aruna: I am the charioteer of the Sun, or Surya. I am the Aurora, or the dawn which preceeds the opening of the day, and the radiance of the centre.
G.L.: They who steadfastly and patiently wait in the silence and the darkness shall assuredly witness the Dawn, which even now approaches.
E. light turned on.
G.L.: Bro. Aruna, let the light extend to the utmost limit of the perfect circle.
Aruna strikes his gong and advances to the E. of the circle facing W., the centre light being turned on simultaneously.
G.W.: Even so the Lord of the Perfect Circle grants all things to those who ask aright.
G.L.: By this new-born light, and by the authority vested in us, we proclaim this Ashayana duly constituted. Strikes gong.
G.W.: In the West we approve. Strikes gong.
G.S.: In the South we approve. Strikes gong.
G.L.: Bro. Aruna, let your officers assure themselves of the authority by which this Ashayana was called.
Aruna receives from G.L. circular calling the Ashayana, and sees it is signed by him. Aruna then calls Yama, and hands it to him to take to the G.W.
Yama: Bro. G.W., I present this Sasana for your signature.
G. W. signs it, gives it back to Yama, Yama then calls Kuvera and gives him Sasana to take to G.S., returning to his place.
Kuvera: Bro. G.S., I present this Sasana for your signature.
He signs it and gives it back to Kuvera. Kuvera then takes it to Aruna, who presents it to G.L, who examines it. Kuvera waits opposite G.L.
G.L.: Bro. Kuvera, we commit to thee this Sasana, under the authority of which we are assembled. You will present it to Bro. Registrar, witness his signature, and inform him he has our authority to place it amongst the official documents of the Order.
Kuvera goes to the Registrar’s table.
Kuvera: Bro. Registrar, by command of the G.L., you wilt sign this Sasana, and place it amongst the official documents of the Order.
Kuvera then advances to G.L. and reports: Worthy G of L, the Sasana has been duly signed by the Registrar, and deposited with the official documents.
Salutes the G.L. and returns to his place.
G.L.: Btethren, our Ashayana is now complete, and in the name of the Lord of the Perfect Circle I declare it officially opened.
G.L. sounds his gong.
Arch lights turned on.
E. light turned out.
Officers sound their gongs in order.
 
Ceremony of Initiation

After the Ashayana is officially opened, the G.L. addresses the Registrar.
G.L.: Bro. Registrar, have you any business?
Registrar: There is a Candidate without, seeking admission, Worthy G.L.
G.L.: Bros. Aruna and Yama, you will retire and interview the Candidate.
Aruna and Yama withdraw, and interview the Candidate, Aruna asking the following questions.
Aruna: Are you a M.M.
Candidate: I am.
Aruna: You will advance to me as such, first as an E.A. (Done.)
What is your name?
What nationality are you?
What is your occupation?
What is your religion?
Do you wish to be received into the August Order of Light?
Are you prepared to assist us in our efforts to work out the secrets of nature, even at a sacrifice to yourself?
Aruna gives him the Sasana, asking him to read it. Aruna then retires and reports to the G. L., Yama standing outside the room leaving Candidate alone, so that he may read the
Sasana.
Aruna: Worthy G. of L., I have examined the Candidate and he has proved himself a M.M., has satisfactorily answered the necessary questions, and willingly accepts the conditions of admission.
G.L.: Bro. Aruna, we accept the Candidate, and request you and Bro. Yama to conduct him through the ceremony of his initiation. You will retire with the Registrar that he may be questioned as to the Sasana.
Aruna and Registrar retire. Registrar enters ante-room and interviews Candidate.
Registrar: Bro. A.B, it is my duty to ask you if you accept the conditions named in the M.S. which was left with you, and if you are still desirous of proceeding?
If he answers Yes, Registrar re-enters Ashayana, leaving Aruna and Yama to conduct the candidate through the ceremony.
Registrar: Worthy G. of L., Bro. … is anxious to proceed. Bros. Aruna and Yama are preparing him for initiation.
The Candidate, carrying the Mandate, is brought to the door, and instructed by Aruna to irregularly strike the gong. Durwan opens the door wide, Aruna (on the right) and Yama (on the left) standing behind the Candidate.
Durwan: Who seeks admission?
Aruna, answering for Candidate: A Bird of green plumage.
Durwan: What is this Bird of green plumage?
Aruna: This bird is an emblem of the immortal Spirit, and green is the colour of nature, It therefore represents an immortal Spirit clothed with a natural body.
Durwan: Whence comest thou?
Aruna: From beyond the rays of the Circle of Light.
Durwan: Whom seekest thou?
Aruna: My brethren, who, in their flight from the day-spring have, as I hear, alighted under the meridian.
Durwan: By how many flights comest thou hither?
Arura: This is my first flight.
Durwan: Where is thy place?
Aruna: In a segment of the great Circle of Light.
Durwan: Hast thou any token of identity?
Aruna: I have in my hand a mandate bearing upon it the symbols of Garuda.
Durwan: Let me see it. Candidate hands him the mandate, which he examines and returns, saying: Enough. Thou canst enter this Ashayana.
Aruna gently pushes Candidate forward and places him between the pillars, Yama taking his place behind the Candidate. Aruna then goes forward and addresses G.W.
Aruna: Bro. G.W., I introduce to you and to the members of this Ashayana, Bro. …, who brings a Sasana or mandate signed by the seven companions of the Garuda; their symbols are attached thereto, proving that he has passed the symbolic vote, by menas of which alone he could have gained admission to this Ashayana. He is further qualified to become a Brother of Light by having worked on the square and gained a good report amongst his masonic brethren. He now requests admission into our Sacred Order, to enable him to obtain the mystic knowledge, to understand the mysteries of nature, and the science of sacred symbolism.
G.W.: Bro. Aruna, the commands of the Companions of Garuda must always be obeyed. I will examine the Sasana.
Candidate gives the Sasana to G W., who examines it.
G.W.: This Sasana appears to be in order, but we must be cautious. Bro. Yama, take this Sasana to the Registrar for his inspection: if the symbols are correctly made, and in order, you will ask him to attach his signature thereto and return it to me.
Yama takes Sasana to Registrar.
Yama: Bro. Registrar, this Sasana has been presented to the G.W. in due form, and he has sent it to xou for examination. If the symbols are correctly made in detail, and in order, by the Companions of Garuda, he requests you to sign it.
Registrar examines and signs it, saying: This Sasana is correct, it bears upon it the secret symbol of one of the Presidents of the centre. I have signed it. You will now return it to the G.W.
Yama returns Sasana to G. W., saying: Bro. G.W., I return to you the Sasana. Bro. Registrar informs me it is correct in every detail.
G.W.: Then we must grant the request of the stranger who comes with such strong credentials.
G.W. leaves his chair and continues: Bro. …, I receive you with the grip of the Lion, which represents strength and power. In this Order our strength lies in our Brotherhood, which, we are informed, binds us even after the change called "death." Are you willing to repeat, and sign in writing, a solemn obligation, which you had the privilege of studying previous to your entry into our Ashayana?
Candidate: I am.
G.W.: Bros. Aruna and Yama, you will take Bro. ... to the Registrar, there to repeat and sign the obligation. G.W. returns Sasana to Candidate.
Aruna and Yama take candidate to Registrar.
Aruna: Bro. Registrar, this Brother is willing to repeat and sign a solemn obligation, as required by the rules of the Order.
Registrar: Is this so, Bro. …?
Candidate: It is.
Registrar: Worthy G. of L., Bro. ... is ready to lake his obligation as required by the rules of our Order.
G.L.: Bro. Registrar, you will advance Bro. ... to the Altar, that he may do so in due form.
Registrar conducts Candidate to Altar, accompanied by Aruna and Yama.
G.L. removes the Altar cloth.
G.L.: To order, Brethren.
Registrar to Candidate: Raise your right hand. Place your left hand on the sacred symbol of the Tetractys. You will now repeat your solemn oblibation.
Sasana is held for Candidate to read.
At completion of obligation, G.L. sounds the F gong, and the brethren intone the mystic words M... T... N... and show the sign.
Registrar: Bro. Aruna, how do you count?
Aruna: One. Two Three Four.
Registrar: Bro., ..., you will see that what appears to be four, is really ten. One. Three. Six. Ten. The whole representing the Masonic Square, the Perfect Triangle, and our Oath and Tetractys.
Candidate is then taken by Aruna to the Registrar’s table, where he signs obligation.
G.L.: Be seated, Brethren.
G.L. re-covers Altar.
Aruna and Yama, with Candidate, return to G.W, who addresses Candidate.
Aruna: Bro. G.W. the obligation has been duly signed.
G.W.: Bro. ..., When you were passed to the second degree in Freemasonry, you were informed that you would become acquainted with the hidden mysteries of nature and science. In third degree, a retrospective view of the knowledge supposed to have been acquired during your masonic progress was explained to you, especially calling your attention to a knowledge of yourself, and furthermore, the inferences which could be gathered from this summary, would induce you to suppose that this information was of such a nature that the secrets of life and death were more especially referred to in the ceremonies of the masonic system; nay more, that a knowledge of that higher consciousness, which has been the despair of all modem research, was within the grasp of the ancient teachers
The beauty and solemnity of the masonic ceremonies are beyond criticism, but it is much to be regretted that modern Freemasons should not be in a position to benefit by information so important to the human race in general, but more especially to students of masonic mysticism.
The founders of this Order of Light, having had the benefit of initiation on the lines of the higher mysticism, and having thus acquired much valuable information, conceived the idea of forming this Order on Oriental lines with a view to the re-discovery of the lost secrets of the Ancients.
Are you therefore willing to assist us in this sacred duty, by giving such time and effort as the circumstances of your environment will allow"
Candidate: I am.
G.W. advances Candidate to west side of Circle and presents him to G.L.
G.W.: Bro. G.L., I bring to you Bro ..., who has come out of the belt of darkness through the gate of the setting sun. I will answer for him. He is firm but humble, seeking knowledge, He is a true son of the Circle of Light.
G.W. returns to his place.
G.L.: Bro. ..., it is recorded by high initiates, that the intellects of a mightier race than this were so far developed that they could comprehend the vastness and the mystery which lie behind the pain and dread of death, and that their systems of initiation extended over the whole surface of our globe. The message they have left behind is expressed nut in words, but in symbols and allegories. These are hinted at in Freemasonry and in all the mysteries, but they are only fragmentary, and to understand them is the highest aim of the heart, and its sacred duty.
The meaning of this symbolism has been distorted and defiled by degenerate races, priestly arrogance, and ignorance, and in the place of beautiful and sublime ceremonies, which should awaken the emotions of the higher consciousness, so that the influence of the divine light might be felt and understood within the soul, revolting and debasing practices were resorted to, the symbols, and even the insignia, remaining unchanged.
The mystic schools of the past that have left any trace behind them are all identical in their claims and objects.
The Aryan, Egyptian, Mosaic, and other Oriental schools of philosophy, have pointed out that it was within the more esoteric side of their religious systems and ceremonies that the real initiations were taught, and that the various phases of the great root religions were but racial expressions of the one great sacred tradition which lies at the base of them all.
The fragments of this primal tradition claim that these initiates were able to prove the immortality of the soul, under certain conditions, and that this knowledge was communicated in a course of initiations called Macrocosmic and Microcosmic: the former refering to the wonders of the universe, of which this planet is but an insignificant member, and the latter to the mysteries of nature and of man himself.
Philological, Archeological, and Antiquarian societies consisting of qualified scholars, have brought to light a vast amount of information bearing upon these ancient mysteries, which tends to support the claims of the initiates. In the ceremonies of this Order, the original meaning of this symbolism will be partly unveiled, and the light of other days will again shine upon the sacred emblems.
Bro. ..., the ceremony of traversing the circle of time is intended to illustrate the evolution of nature and of man by the aid of cosmic symbols.
Bro. Aruna, let the Candidate traverse the perfect circle of time and enter the sign Capricorn, the House of Saturn, Father and Source of all the Gods.
In the five perambulations which now follow, the Candidate, preceded by Aruna and followed by Yama, proceeds around the circle in the direction N-E-S-W, stopping at the signs as instructed, turning to face the centre of the circle, and staying there until instructed to go to the next sign.
Note that each perambulation must have a duration of not less than one complete circle.
First stop, Capricorn, the Goat.
G.S.: When the Sun enters the sign Capricorn, the period of the Winter Solstice, doth the cycle of time commence, and here also begins the Great Work. It is the season in which nature prepares the ground for the reception of the seed, and separates the fixed from the volatile. In the dark soil and the silence, the robe of Spring it weaves; and so with the darkness of ignorance, to surmount which, the Candidate must patiently endure the rigorous discipline that is necessary to his future progress.
G.L.: Let the Candidate enter the sign Aries, the House of Mars, Lord of Birth and Death.
Second stop, Aries, the Ram.
G.S.: In the sign Aries, the period of the Vernal Equinox, the seed germinates and pushes its tender shoots through the dark earth, to drink in the genial warmth of the Sun and the gentle dews of heaven.
It reminds the Candidate of the necessity of self reliance, that energy, courage, and persistence are required to enable him to pierce the darkness of ignorance, so that his ideas may be vivified by the radiance of the higher consciousness.
G.L.: Let the Candidate enter the sign Cancer, the House of the Moon, Lady of the mystic vision.
Third stop, Cancer, the Crab.
G.S.: In the sign Cancer, the period of the Summer Solstice, the plants do bloom, filling with fragrance the gentle breezes; but take heed if thou pluckest them, under every flower thou mayest find a poisonous insect.
It reminds the Candidate of the necessity of fixing the mind on that which is eternal, and that the pleasures of this life may contain a snare set for his downfall. Such are the delusions of vicarious knowledge.
G.L.: Let the Candidate enter the sign Libra, the House of Venus, the great high Priestess of the mysteries.
Fourth stop, Libra, the Scales.
G.S.: In the sign Libra, the period of the Autumnal Equinox, doth nature complete her work; the fruit is ready for gathering, providing food for those forms of life which depend on her for sustenance. It reminds the Candidate to use the fruit of his knowledge for the benefit of his brethren, and for those who dwell in the darkness, beyond the rays of the Circle of Light. as well as for his own advancement.
G.L.: Let the Candidate enter the sign Sagittarius, the House of Jupiter, dread Lord of Life Eternal.
Fifth stop, Sagittarius, the Archer.
G.S.: In the sign Sagittarius, nature’s evolving forces cease, and the process of involution begins. The plants that beautified the earth begin to die, tempests and winds sweep the verdure away, and they return again to the earth whence they came.
It reminds the Candidate that cycles of time control all things, and that when his work is accomplished and the spirit is liberated from the bondage of matter, it is free to soar from empyrean to empyrean, as the arrow from the archer’s bow cleaves the ambient air.
Thus is a Cycle of Time complete.
The Candidate is then taken to the G. of L., who sounds his gong, and says: To Order, Brethren
G.L. lays his hands on Candidate’s head.
 
Prayer

G.L.: As the laying of my hands on your head signifies the sealing of the Divine Influx, so may the knowledge of God enter your heart. May the blessing of the Giver of all Good be upon you, that your eyes may be opened to see and understand the mysteries of the world.
F gong Mystic word "A.U.M."
G.L.: Bro. Aruna, you will now conduct our brother to Bro. Kuvera, so that he may be invested with the robe and jewel of our Order. Be seated, Brethren.
Aruna conducts Candidate to Kuvera.
Kuvera: It is now my pleasing duty to clothe you with the robe of our Order, which is a white cassock with a red border. The jewel of this degree is a circle and a snake pendant to a green ribbon. This jewel, which I now place upon your breast, represents three principles: Consciousness, Life, and Form; without form, life could not function, without life, consciousness could not manifest Consciousness is symbolised by the head of the serpent, life by its body, and the circle is the primal type of all form. The white robe is an emblem of that perfect mind which controls all things. The red border which binds it, refers to those human passions and desires which are the expressions of the animal consciousness in man, and according as they are controlled by the higher consciousness, do they mark the progress of the individual. The robe is encircled with a green belt, which I now present to you, and which you will bind around yourself. Kuvera hands belt to Candidate and instructs him to put it on.
The green belt represents that power which binds all things for good under one harmonious control: evil is undeveloped good, and ignorance is the greatest evil, therefore seek always for good even in the midst of evil, for this power, which binds all, is forming the path which leads to ultimate perfection. By fastening this belt around yourself, you have, symbolically, by your own act, bound yourself in our Order, become one in the Circle of Light, and penetrated the first teachings on the path of mystic knowledge. Should you ever stray from the path now open to you by violating the obligation which you have but now repeated and signed, and thus sever your connection with the brotherhood, remember, as you voluntarily bound yourself in our circle, so would you thus voluntarily break that bond, a bond which is intended to unite us beyond time and through the vast eternity of the future, and which is therefore to us a most sacred tie. Keep your robe unsullied, my brother, so that when the test shall come, there shall be nought to mar your progress, and in all your thoughts, words and actions, strive to attain perfection.
The sign in this degree is given by placing the four fingers of the left hand across the s…
l... with the thumb underneath the c... This sign was known to our Egyptian brethren as the s... of s… and as such, was used in many of the ceremonies of the ancient mysteries. The sign is accompanied by a twofold password, A... responded to by D…
A... refers to the duties you owe to your Divine Creator and D... those you owe to your fellow men. I will say A .., you will reply D…
The sign of salutation to be made on entering or retiring from the Ashayana, or when passing before the G. of L., is given by placing the right hand in the center of the breast with a slight inclination towards the East.
To gain admission to the Ashayana or to pass Durwan, the guard, a password is demanded, and must be given. This password is changed at every ceremony of the Equinox. The present password is ...
The Candidate is then conducted by the Registrar to the East (in front of G. of L.), facing West, and proclaimed, as follows:
Registrar: Brethren, Bro. ... has now become a member of the Order of Light, and I call upon you to receive him, and close around him with that bond of brotherhood, which is our strength.
G.L.: Brethren, you will now assemble. Registrar places Candidate in the centre of the circle and leaves him there, standing alone. All the Brethren leave their places and stand round the circle. Raising their right hands in the direction of the newly initiated Brother, they all exclaim together: We receive you as a Brother amongst us.
F gong. Mystic word "A."
The Brethren perambulate once round the circle and return to their seats. Registrar conducts Candidate to a seat near him.
 
Closing the Ashayana

G.W. sounds gong: Brethren, as the human heart, in its normal state, requires to repose one-third of the period of human life, that is, for the third part of each day in the degrees that constitute the perfect circle, it is needful that the active life of this day’s Ashayana be brought to a close, and that we be prepared to summon darkness.
Arch lights turned out.
Yama sounds his gong and advances to the W. of the circle, facing F.
G.L.: Who art thou?
Yama: I am Time and Darkness personified. I am the destructive power of Siva, who destroys to re-create. I punish both friend and foe at the appointed time. I am the offspring of the Sun.
G.L.: Then stay, Yama, let the encircling light shed its radiance a little longer; it may be that some anxious brother would question us.
Yama returns to his place.
Aruna: Worthy Guardian, there are no questions, but while there is yet light will you allow the sacred jewels of your officers to be explained?
G.L.: With pleasure, Bro. Aruna, Give your instructions to Bro. Kuvera.
Aruna: Bro. Kuvera, you will ask the G.S. to comply with this request.
Kuvera: Bro. G S., will you explain to us the meaning of your sacred jewel?
G.S.: The jewel of my office is a spiral within a circle, and may be attributed to Brahma. Brahma means, when literally translated, "That which grows" it is symbolised in F.M. by the plumb rule, which is the jewel of the J.W.
In this Order it is the symbol of evolution, the descent of the atom or Ego into matter, and its re-ascent, towards a more perfect state of development, or equilibrium The claims of the ancient philosophers that all energy works in a spiral motion, are supported by modern science in the discoveries in astronomy, mathematics, and physics; therefore the evolution of form and consciousness towards a state of perfection, in a spiral motion, may be accepted as an aphorism.
The cells of the human brain (which are the most perfect of all material forms), can have only arrived at their present state through immense cycles of time, and according to the perfection of their number, arrangement, and development in the human form, is the consciousness ot the individual Ego able to act through and comprehend its environment, which is limited by the laws of life and evolution,
We learn from the ancient teaching in the mysteries, that the object of evolution is to establish an individual spiritual consciousness, and this, in man, is more or less developed and active. It is the spiritual Ego or higher consciousness, which lives through and beyond time.
According to the vibration of the brain cells, it functions in the human Form, ever struggling through the laws of nature (which limit its sphere of action), and its environment.
Thus, the spiral of progress represented by my jewel refers to the never-dying Ego, which animates each one; and, as it gathers power through knowledge, so will its sphere of action extend beyond that of matter, and in due time it will arrive at that state where the present human form is no longer necessary, and take upon itself a form beautiful, free from the limitations of time, and beyond the realm of the change called Death.
G.S. salutes G.L.
Kuvera: Bro. Yama, will you ask the G.W. to favour us with the explanation of his jewel?
Yama: Bro. G.W., will you comply with this request?
G.W.: The jewel of my office is a representation of the Sun setting over a vast expanse of water, and is emblematic of the preserving influence of Vishnu, in the Hindu Pantheon. In F.M. it is symbolised by the level, which is the jewel of the S.W.
In this Order it is a symbol of perfect equilibrium, perfect justice, a synonym of that perfect law which guides and controls all things both spiritual and natural. As the spirit of life brooded over the face of the waters of space at the beginning or creation of all things, so will it again take that position at the end of time. It is allegorical of the peaceful influence of death, telling the Ego, who is struggling through the years of his life to develop his spiritual faculties, that the influences which are opposing his progress, are but like the ripples on a vast sea, and that when the time shall come for his Sun to set on earthly life he shall pass the horizon into the Hidden Land, where he will find a perfect balance, or equilibrium, and that death is only the beginning of a process which leads the soul through a long vista of spiritual development, to be again equilibrated. This is a mystery which can only be understood by each one on the plane of his own spiritual development. It reminds us of the ancient aphorism, that extremes are the cause of ignorance and pain, and that the secret of all true progress lies in equilibrium.
Yama: Bro. Aruna, your requests have been complied with.
Aruna: Worthy G. of L, your officers have complied with your request, but there yet remains an explanation of your jewel to complete the ceremony.
G.L.: My jewel of office represents three circles arranged in the form of a triangle, and placed within one large circle. In Freemasonry it is symbolised by the square, which is the Master’s jewel of office. In that Masonic form it contains within itself the secret of the Sacred Cubit, by means of which the Ancients were enabled to unlock the mysteries of the Macrocosm, and to calculate the cycles of Time and the Yugas.
In our circular Masonry it is the point within the Centre, from which all proceed and to which all are directing their course. The three inner circles refer to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the three creative principles in the Hindoo Pantheon. The circle being the most perfect form, it therefore represents a triune creative principle perfect in all its parts, attracting towards itself with a threefold potency all those who are sufficiently evolved to feel the influence of its rays; and when we return to that Ashayana within the perfect circle, which is the reward of all true progress, then, and then only, shall we feel the full glory of its radiance.
Aruna rises and salutes G. L.
G.W. sounds gong: Brethren, the first degree in the Circle of Light has been traversed, and the aurora of another degree approaches; our work is done.
Officers’ lights turned out.
W. light turned on.
G.L. sounds gong: To Order, Brethren. All rise.
 
Prayer

G.L.: Ere we meet again, may that Light which shines within the Perfect Mind shed its radiance over us, and may the intuition of a spiritual perception enlighten the gloom which surrounds us when we separate and associate with the outer world,
F gong. Mystic word "A."
G.W.: Bro Yama, withdraw the rays of the Circle of Light.
A Brother sounds Yama’s gong. Yama goes to the centre of the circle, facing West.
Cone light turned out simultaneously.
G.L. and all officers sound their gongs in order, some Brother sounding Yama’s gong
for him.
After Durwan’s gong, the Brethren assemble round the circle, the C.L. standing at the E.
After a pause, the G.L., preceded by Aruna, and followed by the Brethren, makes one complete circuit of the circle, and heaves the Ashaynna, Aruna remaining within the door-way, opposite Durwan, till all have left the room.

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