Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer
Ritual for 3 = 8 – Grade of Practicus
n.d.
Opening
The Temple is arranged for the 31st Path and all Fratres assemble properly
robed.
HIEROPHANT, *: Fratres of the Golden
Dawn in the Outer, assist me to open this Temple in the Grade of Practicus.
All stand.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hegemon, see
that this Temple is properly guarded.
This is done. Hegemon retakes his place.
HEGEMON: Very Honoured Hierophant,
this Temple is properly guarded.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hiereus, see
that none below the Grade of Practicus is present.
HIEREUS: Fratres, give the Sign of
Practicus.
Done.
HIEREUS, saluting: Very honoured
Hierophant, all present have attained the Grade of Practicus.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hegemon, to what particular Element is this Grade
attributed?
HEGEMON: To the Element of Water.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hiereus, to what
Planet does this Grade especially refer?
HIEREUS: To the Planet Mercury.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hegemon, what
Paths are attached to this Grade.
HEGEMON: The Thirty-first and
Thirtieth Paths of SHIN and RESH.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hiereus, to what
does the Thirty-first Path refer?
HIEREUS: To the reflection of the
Sphere of Fire.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hegemon, to what
does the Thirtieth Path allude?
HEGEMON: To the reflection of the
Sphere of the Sun.
Hierophant knocks *, all rise and face East.
HIEROPHANT: Let us adore the Lord and
King of Water. Pause. ELOHIM
TZABAOTH, ELOHIM of Hosts, glory be to the RUACH ELOHIM who moved over the
face of the Waters of Creation. Amen.
All salute. Hierophant knocks *, all face West, Hierophant leaves his place
to stand before the Tablet of the West, with his Sceptre makes the Invoking
Pentagram before it.
HIEROPHANT: And the ELOHIM said:
"Let us make Adam in our image, after our likeness, and let him have
dominion over the fish of the sea". In the Name of EL, the Strong and
Powerful, and in the Name of ELOHIM TZABOATH, Spirits of Water adore your
Creator.
Takes the Cup from before the Tablet of the West and makes the Sign of the
Eagle before it.
HIEROPHANT: In the Name of GABRIEL,
the great Archangel of Water, and in the Sign of the Eagle, Spirits of Water
adore your Creator.
Makes a Sign of a Cross with the Cup.
HIEROPHANT: In the Names and Letters
of the great Western Quadrangle revealed to Enoch by the Angel AVE, Spirits of
Water adore your Creator.
Holds the Cup aloft.
HIEROPHANT: In the three secret Names
of God, EMPEH ARSOL and GAIOL, borne on the Banner of the West, Spirits of Water
adore your Creator. In the Name of RA AGIOSEL, great King of the West, Spirits
of Water adore your Creator.
Replaces Cup, returns to his place and all stand as normal.
HIEROPHANT: In the Name of ELOHIM
TZABAOTH, I declare our Temple open in the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus.
Hierophant knocks * *** * ***, and this is copied by the Hiereus and then by
the Hegemon in turn.
Part Two
The Ritual of the Thirty-First Path
HIEROPHANT: Fratres, our Frater …,
having made such further progress in the Paths of Occult Science as bas enabled
him to pass the examination in the requisite knowledge, is now eligible for
advancement to the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus and I have duly received a
Dispensation to advance him in due form. Honoured Hegemon, leave our Temple to
superintend the preparation of the Theoricus and give the customary Alarm.
Hegemon rises, salutes, leaves the Temple and prepares the Candidate. The
Theoricus must wear his sash, be hoodwinked and carry in his left hand the
Pyramid of Fire in his right hand. Hegemon takes the Candidate by his left hand
and then knocks * *** * ***.
HEGEMON: Bis Throne was like a fiery flame and the wheels thereof as a
burning fire.
Hiereus leaves his place to open the door of the Temple, admits Hegemon and
the Theoricus, returns to his place while they proceed around the Temple to
stand in the North-West facing the seat of Hiereus. Hegemon takes the Pyramid of
Fire from the Theoricus.
HIEREUS: Frater …, give to me the
Sign, the Grip or Token, the Grand Word, the Mystic Number and the Pass Word of
the Grade 2 = 9 Theoricus.
Done (Grand Word: Shaddai el Chai, Mystic Number: 45, Pass Word: Mem He).
HIEREUS: Give to me also the Mystic
Title and the Symbol which you received in that Grade.
Done (Mystic Title: Porais de Rejectis, Symbol: Ru Ach).
HIEREUS: Frater …, do you pledge
yourself solemnly to maintain the same strict secrecy regarding the Mysteries of
the Thirty-first and Thirtieth Paths and of the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus which
you have sworn to maintain respecting those of the preceding Grades?
THEORICUS: I do.
HIEREUS: Then you will stretch your
hands out in the position of the Saluting Sign of a Neophyte and say after me:
"I swear by the Abyss of the Waters."
Done. The Hoodwink is removed Hegemon places the Cup in his right hand
HIEREUS: With your hand sprinkle a
few drops of Water from this Cup towards the Tablet of Water in the West pointing
and say after me: "Let the Powers of Water witness this my
pledge."
Done. Hegemon takes the Cup and replaces it.
HIEREUS: Honoured Hegemon, conduct
the Theoricus to the East and place him before the Mystic Pillars.
Done.
HIEROPHANT, pointing: Frater …,
before you are the Portals of the Thirty-first, the Thirty-second and the
Twenty-ninth Paths. That on the left, the Thirty-first, is now open to you
leading from the Grade of Theoricus to that of Practicus. Take the Pyramid of
Fire in your right hand.
Hegemon gives the Pyramid to the Theoricus.
HIEROPHANT: Follow your Guide,
Axiokersa the Kabir, who will lead you through the Path of Fire.
Hegemon leads the Theoricus between the Pillars, turns right and then
circumambulates the Temple once. As they approach the Hierophant, he rises,
takes the red Lamp in one hand and rises. They halt before him.
HIEROPHANT: Axieros, the First Kabir,
spoke to Kasmillos, the Candidate, and said: "I am the Apex of the Triangle
of Flame. I am Solar Fire pouring out my beams on to the Lower World. I am
Life-giving. I am Light-producing." By what symbol do you seek to pass?
THEORICUS, prompted by Hegemon: By
the Symbol of the Pyramid of Fire.
HIEROPHANT: Then hear the voice of
Axieros, the First Kabir. "The Mind of the Father whirls in re-echoing
roar, comprehending omniform Ideas by invincible Will. These fly out from that
one Fountain, for the Father is Will and End and they are connected with Him
according to the varying and alternating forms or modes of Life. But they are
divided apart from each other being distributed by intellectual Fire to other
Intelligences. For the King of All bas previously placed before this
polymorphous World an intellectual Type that is incorruptible. The imprint of
the form of this Type is sent out throughout the World and by it the whole
Universe itself shines being decked out with all sorts of Ideas. The foundation
of these is He Who is One and Alone. From the One the others rush forward, being
distributed and separated throughout the various bodies of the Universe and
being borne in their swarms throughout its vast Abysses, whirling out eternally
in illimitable tradition. They are intellectual Conceptions from the Paternal
Fountain and they partake abundantly in the brilliance of that Fire which lies
in the culmination of unresting Time. It is the primary self-perfecting Fountain
of the Father which pours out these primogenial Ideas. Being many, they ascend
brilliantly into the shining Worlds and the three Supernals are contained in
them because they are the Operator, because they are the Giver of life-bearing
Fire, because they fill the life-producing Bosom of Hecate and embue with a
mighty Power the Synoches by instilling them with the enlivening strength of
Fire. The Creator of All forms this World, and a certain mass of Fire and He
produces all of these self-operating Ideas so that the Cosmic Body might be
conformed completely, so that it might be manifest and not appear to be
membraneous. He fixes the vast multitude of inwandering Stars, not by an effort
that is laborious and injurious but in order to hold them with a stability that
is void of movement, so forcing Fire forward into Fire."
Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand before Hiereus who, as they approach,
takes the red Lamp in his right hand and rises.
HIEREUS: Axiokersos, the Second
Kabir, spoke to Kasmillos, the Candidate, and said: "I am the left basal
Angle of the Triangle of Flame. I am Fire volcanic and terrestrial, flaming and
flashing through the Abyss of Earth. I am Fire rending and Fire penetrating,
tearing apart the veil of Matter. I am Fire constrained, Fire tormenting, raging
and whirling in lurid storm." By what Sign do you seek to pass?
THEORICUS, prompted by Hegemon: By
the Symbol of the Pyramid of Flame.
HIEREUS: Then hear the voice of
Axiokersos, the Second Kabir, who said: "For it is not in Matter nor in
mere action that the Fire which is beyond first encloses His power but in Mind.
The Former of the fiery World is the Mind of Mind, He Who springs first from
Mind, clothing one Fire with another Fire and binding them together so that He
might mingle the fountainous craters while preserving the brilliance of His own
Fire unsullied. And from these emerges a fiery whirlwind which draws down the
brilliance of that primordial Flame to penetrate the Abysses of the Universe and
from which extends its wondrous rays so animating Light, Fire, the Ether and the
whole Universe abundantly. From Him leap out all the relentless thunders as well
as the whirlwind-wrapped and stormed-enrolled Bosom of Hecate, the Father
Un-begotten, He who encircles the brilliance of Fire, the strong Spirit of the
Poles, who is all Fiery beyond."
Hiereus leaves his place, Hegemon leaves to take up his own place, Hiereus
leads the Theoricus round to stand before Hegemon 's seat.
Hegemon takes up the red Lamp in his right hand.
HEGEMON: Axiokersa, the Third Kabir,
spoke to Kasmillos, the Candidate, and said: "I am the right basal Angle of
the Triangle of Flame. I am Fire Astral and Fluid, winding and coruscating
throughout the firmament. I am the Life of Beings, the vital Heat of
Existence." By which Sign do you seek to pass?
THEORICUS, promted by Hiereus: By the
Symbol of the Pyramid of Flame.
HEGEMON: Then hear the voice of
Axiokersa, the Third Kabir, who said: "The Father bas withdrawn Himself
hastily but He has not shut up His own Fire in His intellectual Power. All
things are sprung from that one Fire because the Father of All perfects all
things and delivers them over to the Second Mind (which all men call the First)
Mind of the Father which rides on those subtle rails which glitter with the
tracings of His inflexible and relentless Fire. The Soul is a brilliant Fire,
one which remains immortal by the Power of the Father, one which is Mistress of
Life, one which fills up the many recesses of the Bosom of the World, the
channels by which She performs the work of the incorruptible Fire being
intermixed therein."
Hegemon leaves his place, takes the Pyramid of Flame from the Theoricus,
places it on the desk before the Tablet of the West, sits the Theoricus on a
chair which is between him and Hiereus so that the Theoricus now sits facing the
Hierophant in the East.
HIEROPHANT: Frater …, do not stoop
down into this darkly splendid World in which lies continually a faithless
Depth, Hades, wrapped in clouds and delighting in unintelligible images - a
precipitous, winding, ever-black and rolling Abyss that eternally espouses a
body which is non-luminous, formless and void. Nature persuades us that even the
evil germs of Matter may become useful and good. But these are mysteries which
are evoked in the profound Abyss of the Mind. A Fire which extends through the
rushings of the Air does exist, even a formless Fire from which comes the image
of a Voice crying aloud or a Dashing Light abounding, revolving and whirling
out. Also there is the vision of that Fire which is the Dashing Courser of Light
and the vision of a Child who is borne aloft on the shoulders of the celestial
steed and who is fiery or clothed in gold, or naked and who shoots shafts of
Light from a bow. If your meditation is prolonged, you will be able to unite all
of these symbols in the form of the Lion. Then, when the Vault of the Heavens
and the mass of this World are no longer visible to you, when the Stars have
lost their light and the Lamp of the Moon is veiled from you, when the Earth no
longer lives and around you is the eternal enlightening Flame, do not call
before you the visible image of the Soul of Nature because you must not see it
before your body is purged by the sacred rites. Since dragging down the Soul and
leading it from sacred things to the confines of Matter, terrible Demons arise
who never show their true images to mortal gaze. Therefore, the first Priest who
governs the works of Fire must
sprinkle drops of lustral Water taken from the loud-resounding Sea. Walk
around the Strophalos of Hecate when you will see a terrestrial Demon
approaching and crying loudly. Sacrifice the Stone called MNIZOURIN. Do not
change the Names of Evocation because they are divine Names which have an
ineffable power in the sacred rites. When all of the Phantoms are banished, you
will see that holy and formless Fire which darts and flashes through the bidden
depths of the Universe and you will hear the Voice of Fire.
Hegemon leaves his seat, conducts the Theoricus to stand before the
Hierophant's throne. The Hierophant comes forward and Hegemon hands to him the
Pyramid of Fire so that he can address the Theoricus.
HIEROPHANT: The solid triangular
Pyramid is an appropriate hieroglyph of Fire. It is formed of four triangles,
three of them visible and one which is concealed but which uses a synthesis of
the others. The three visible triangles represent Solar, Volcanic and Astral
Fire while the fourth represents the Latent Heat. The three words AUD, AUB and
AUR refer to the three conditions of Heat: AUD, active; AUB, passive; AUR,
equilibrated; ASCH is the Name of Fire. The Thirty-first Path of the SEPHER
YETZIRAH, which answers to the letter SHIN, is called 'Perpetual Intelligence'
because it regulates the motions of the Sun and the Moon in their proper order,
each in a convenient orbit. It is the reflection of the Sphere of Fire and that
Path which connects the material Universe, as depicted in MALKUTH, with the
Pillar of Severity on the side of GEBURAH through the SEPHIRA called HOD.
The Hierophant and Hegemon conduct the Theoricus to stand at the West of the
Altar.
HIEROPHANT: On the Altar before you
is the Twentieth Key of the Tarot which presents these ideas symbolically. To
the uninitiated this represents apparently the Last Judgement in which an Angel
blows a trumpet and the Dead are rising from their tombs. But its true meaning
is far more occult and recondite than this because it is a glyph of the Powers
of Fire. The figure of the Angel, which is encircled by a rainbow from which
leap coruscations of Fire and which is crowned with the figure of the Sun,
represents MICHAEL, the great Archangel and Ruler of Solar Fire. The Serpents,
which leap in the rainbow, are symbols of the fiery SERAPHIM. The trumpet
represents the influence of the Spirit descending from BINAH, while the Banner
with the Cross refers to the four Rivers of Paradise and the letters of the Holy
Name. The Angel is also Axieros, the first of the Samothracian Kabiri, as well
as Zeus and Osiris. The left-hand figure below, rising from the Earth, is
SAMAEL, the Ruler of Volcanic Fire. He is also Axiokersos, the second Kabir, as
well as Pluto and Typhon. The right-hand figure below is ANAEL, the Ruler of
Astral Light. She is also Axiokersa, the third Kabir, as well as Ceres,
Proserpina, Isis and Nephthys. She is, therefore, represented in a duplicate
form and rising from water. Around these figures are darting flashes of
lightning. These three principal figures form the Fire Triangle and further
represent Fire operating in the three other Elements: Air, Earth and Water. The
central lower figure with bis back turned and his arms extended in the Sign of
Theoricus is AREL, the Ruler of Latent Heat. He is rising from the Earth as if
to receive and absorb the properties of the other three. He is also Kamillos,
the Candidate in the Samothracian Mysteries, as well as Horus of Egypt. He rises
from the rock-hewn cubical tomb. He also alludes to the Candidate who traverses
the Path of Fire. These three lower figures also represent the Hebrew letter
SHIN to which Fire is referred especially. The seven letters of YOD allude to
the SEPHIROTH operating in each of the planets and to the SCHEMHAPHORASCH.
The Hierophant returns to his throne. Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand
before the Tablet of the West. Hiereus leaves his place to stand beside them in
order to explain the Sephirotic Tablets.
HIEREUS: This first Tablet before you
represents the ten SEPHIROTH combined in seven palaces. The first palace
contains KETHER, CHOKMAH and BINAH. The second contains CHESED, the third
GEBURAH, the fourth TIPHARETH, the fifth NETZACH, the sixth BOD, the seventh
YESOD and MALKUTH. This second Tablet represents the attribution of the ten
SEPHIROTH to the four letters of the Holy Name. KETHER is not included herein
but is symbolized by the uppermost point of YOD. This is MACROPROSOPUS or ARIKH
ANPIN, the vast Countenance. CHOKMAH is attributed to YOD, or the Father ABBA;
BINAH is attributed to HEB or AIMA, the Mother; VAU embraces the next six
SEPHIROTH, which together form MICROPROSOPUS or ZAUIR ANPIN, the lesser
Countenance. MALKUTH is referred to the final HEB, or the Bride of the
Apocalypse.
Hiereus retakes his place. Hegemon conducts the Theoricus to stand before the
Tablet of the South.
HEGEMON: These are the seven Heavens
of ASSIAH. The first is GHEREBOTH, referred to by CHESED, wherein are the
Treasures of Blessings. The second is MEKON, referred to by GEBURAH, wherein are
the Treasures of the Spirit of Life. The third is MAGHON, referred to by
TIPHARETH, wherein are Angels. The fourth is ZEBEL, referred to by NETZACH,
wherein is the supernal Altar on which MICHAEL, the great High Priest,
sacrifices the Souls of the Just. The fifth is SHACHAQIM, referred to by BOD,
wherein is the Manna. The sixth is RAQUIE, which is referred to by YOD, and
wherein are the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, the Planets and all of the Spheres.
The seventh is VELUN, which is referred to by MALKUTH. Following this is SBAMA
YIM containing eighteen thousand Worlds, GEHENNAH and the Garden of Eden. The
ninth is eighteen thousand more Worlds wherein live SHEKINAH and METATRON. The
tenth is THEBEL wherein stands the Earth between Eden and GEHENNAH.
Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand before the Tablet in the North.
HEGEMON: Before you is the Tablet
showing the ten averse and evil SEPHIROTH of the QLIPPOTH or Shells collected
into seven palaces wherein is the Apocalyptic Mystery of the Seven Heads and Ten
Horns. The QLIPPOTH of KETHER are called THAUMIEL, or the two contending Forces.
The Shells of CHOKMAH are called GHOGIEL, or Hinderers. Those of BINAH are
called SATARIEL, or Concealers. Those of CHESED are called the GAGH SHEKELAH, or
Breakers in pieces. To GEBURAH belong the GOLAHAB, or Burners. To
TIPHARETH, belong the TAGARIRON, or Disputers. To NETZACH belong the GHARAB
ZEREQ, or the Ravens of Death which disperse all things. To HOD belong the
SAMAEL, or the Deceivers. To YESOD belong the GAMALIEL, or the Obscene. And
MALKUTH is LILITH, the Evil Woman. But these have many other appellations.
Hegemon turns the Theoricus to face the Hierophant.
HIEROPHANT: Frater …, I have much
pleasure in conferring on you now the title of Lord of the Thirty-first Path.
You will leave our Temple for a short time and on your return the Ceremony of
your passage via the Thirtieth Path will take place.
Hegemon conducts the Theoricus out of the Temple closing the door after him.
The Temple is prepared for the Ceremony of Advancement to the Thirtieth Path.
Part Three
The Ritual of the Thirtieth Path
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hegemon, present
the Theoricus with the necessary Admission Badge.
Hegemon leaves the Temple to collect the Theoricus who carries the Greek
Cross with thirteen squares in his right hand. He brings him in and closes the
door.
HEGEMON: Behold, he hath placed His
Tabernacle in the Sun.
Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand in the North-East before the Pillars.
HIEROPHANT: Frater …, before you in
the East are the Portals of the Thirtieth, the Twenty-fifth and the Twenty-sixth
Paths, leading from the Grade of Theoricus to those Grades which are beyond. Of
these, the only one which is open to you is the Thirtieth which leads to the
Grade of Practicus. Carry the Solar Greek Cross in your right hand and follow
your Guide through this Path of the Sun. All things, through the Will of the
Father, are subservient to the intellectual whirlings of the Intellectual Fire.
Hegemon leads the Theoricus between the Pillars, turns right and stands
before the Throne of the Hierophant, who rises taking the red Lamp in his right
hand.
HIEROPHANT: Axieros, the First Kabir,
spoke to Kasmillos, the Candidate, and said: "I am the Sun in the greatest
elevation bringing on the Earth the ripening heat, fructifying all things and
urging the growth of vegetable Nature forward. I am Life-giving,
Light-producing, crowning Summer with the golden harvest and filling the lap of
plenteous Autumn with the purple vintage of the vine."
Hierophant sits. Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand before Hiereus who
rises with a red Lamp in his right hand.
HIEREUS: Axiokersos, the Second
Kabir, spoke to Kasmillos, the Candidate, and said: "I am the Sun in the
greatest depression beneath the Equator, when cold is the greatest and heat is
the least, who withdraws bis Light in darkening Winter, the Dweller in mists and
storms."
Hiereus sits. Hegeon leads the Theoricus to stand by his own seat. He takes
up the red Lamp in his right hand.
HEGEMON: Axiokersa, the Third Kabir, spoke to Kasmillos, the
Candidate, and said: "I am the Sun at the Equinox, initiating Summer and
heralding Winter. Mild and genial in operation, I give or withdraw the vital
heat of Life."
Hegemon places the Theoricus in a seat situated between his place and that of
Hiereus, facing the Hierophant, takes the Greek Cross from him, then sits on his
rightful place.
HIEROPHANT: Frater …, the Father of
All congregated the seven Firmaments of the Cosmos circumscribing the Heavens in
convex form. He substituted a septenary of Wandering Existences and suspended
their disorder in well-disposed zones. He made them six in number and for the
seventh He cast the Fire of the Sun, from which all lines are equal, into the
centre. The swift Sun comes around that centre, urging itself towards the centre
of resounding Light. His locks flow out as rays of Light which stretch to the
very edges of space. The Solar circles, the Lunar clashings and the Aeriel
recesses; the melody of the Aether and of the Sun; and the passages of the Moon
and of the Sun are in the supramundane Orders for therein a Solar World and
endless Light subsist. The Sun measures all things exactly because He is the
Time of Time. His disc is in the starless Above, the Inerractic Sphere, and He
is the centre of the Triple World. The Sun is Fire and the Dispenser of Fire. He
is also the Channel of that Higher Fire. The Aether, the Sun and the Moon are
the Leaders of Air. The great Goddess brings forth the vast Sun, the brilliant
Moon, the wide Air, the Lunar course and the Solar Pole. She collects them
receiving the melody of the Aether, of the Sun, of the Moon and of whatever is
contained in the Air. Unwearied, Nature rules over the Worlds and Works so that
the periods of all things may be accomplished. Above the shoulders of the great
Goddess is Nature in all of Her exalted vastness.
Hegemon rises. conducts the Theoricus to stand before the Throne and hands
the Greek Cross to the Hierophant who stands.
HIEROPHANT: This Solar Greek Cross is
formed of thirteen squares which refer to the Sun's motion through the Zodiac.
These Signs (indicating)
being arranged on the arms of the Cross according to the order of the
Four Elements with the Sun in the centre, represent that Luminary as the centre
of the Whole. The Thirtieth Path of the SEPHER YETZIRAH, which answers to the
letter RESH, is called the 'Collecting Intelligence' because from it astrologers
deduce their judgement of the stars, the celestial Signs and the perfection of
their science according to the rules of the revolutions through the Heavens. It
is, therefore, the reflection of the Sphere of the Sun and the Path which
connects YESOD with HOD, Foundation with Splendour.
The Hierophant and Hegemon both conduct the Theoricus to stand between them
at the West of the Altar.
HIEROPHANT, pointing: On the Altar
before you is the Nineteenth Key of the Tarot which represents these ideas
symbolically. The Sun bas twelve principal rays which represent the twelve Signs
of the Zodiac. They are waved and salient alternately thus symbolizing the
alternation of the masculine and feminine natures. These are again subdivided
into thirty-six rays which represent the thirty-six decanates or sets of ten
degrees in the Zodiac and these in turn are divided into seventy-two thus
typifying the seventy-two quinaries or sets of five degrees as well as the
seventy-two fold Name SHEMHAMEPHORASCH. Thus the Sun itself embraces the whole
of Creation in its rays. The seven letters of YOD on each side, falling through
the air, refer to the Solar influence descending. The wall is the circle of the
Zodiac and the stones are its various degrees and divisions. The two children,
who are standing respectively on Water and on Earth, represent the generating
influence of both brought into action by the rays of the Sun. They are the two
inferior, or passive, Elements as the Sun and Air above them are the superior
and active Elements. Furthermore, these children represent the Sign of Gemini
which unites the earthly Sign of Taurus with the watery Sign of Cancer. This
Sign was used by the Greek and Romans to refer to Apollo, or the Sun.
The Hierophant returns to his Throne while Hegemon leads the Theoricus to
stand before Hiereus in the West.
HIEREUS, rises to explain the First Tablet: The
astrological symbols of the planets are derived from the three primary forms of
the circle, the crescent and the cross, either singly or in combination. The
circle denotes the Sun and Gold; the crescent denotes the Moon and Silver.
Respectively, they are analogous to the Red and the White alchemical natures.
The cross is the symbol of corrosion and the corrosion of metals is usually the
colour which complements that to which they approximate in nature. Thus, Copper,
which is reddish, becomes green in verdegris. Mercury is the only metal which
unites these primary forms in one symbol. Saturn is composed of the cross and
the crescent, thus showing that Lead is corrosive externally and lunar
internally. Jupiter is the reverse. Mars is solar internally while Venus is the
reverse, for Copper bas externally the nature of Gold but internally is
corrosive. Hence, the name of the Sphere of Venus, NOGAH, denotes 'External
Splendour'. (Indicating
the Second Tablet) This Tablet shows the genuine attribution of
the Tarot Trumps to the Hebrew alphabet which bas long been a secret among
Initiates and which should be concealed carefully from the outer World.
Hiereus sits. Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand before the Tablet in the
South.
HEGEMON: This is the Tablet of the
Olympic or Aeriel planetary Spirits with their Seals: ARATHOR of Saturn; BETHOR
of Jupiter; PHALEGH of Mars; OCH of the Sun; HAGITH of Venus; OPHIEL of Mercury
and PHUL of the Moon.
Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand before the Tablet in the North.
HEGEMON: This Tablet shows the geometric figures with their ruling
Intelligences and also the talismanic symbols alloted to each geometric figure.
These are derived from them by drawing lines to the points which compose them so
as to form mathematical figures.
Hegemon turns the Theoricus to face the Hierophant.
HIEROPHANT: Frater …, I have
pleasure to confer on you the title of Lord of the Thirtieth Path. You will
leave our Temple for a short time and, on your return, the Ceremony of your
Reception into the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus will take place.
Hegemon conducts the Theoricus out of the Temple which is then arranged for
the Ceremony of the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus.
Part Four
Ritual of the Reception into the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hegemon,
instruct the Theoricus outside in the proper method of giving the Alarm, see
that he carries the necessary Admission Badge and admit him.
Done.
HIEROPHANT: Place the Theoricus
before the Portal of the Thirty-first Path by which he bas symbolically entered
this Grade from that of Zelator.
Done.
HIEROPHANT: Now place the Theoricus
before the Portal of the Thirtieth Path by which he has symbolically entered
this Grade from that of Theoricus.
Done. Then Hegemon leads the Theoricus to stand before Hiereus.
HIEREUS: By what Symbol do you enter
here?
THEORICUS, prompted by Hegemon: By
the peculiar Symbol of the Stolistes, the Cup of Water.
Hegemon takes the Admission Badge from the Theoricus and hands it to Hiereus.
HIEREUS, pointing to the Admission Badge: The
Cup of the Stolistes partakes in part in the symbolism of the Laver of Moses and
of the Sea of Solomon. On the Tree of Life it embraces nine of the SEPHIROTH,
apart from KETHER. YESOD and MALKUTH form the triangle below, the former being
the apex and the latter being the base. Like the Caduceus of Hermes, it also
represents the three Elements of Water, Air and Fire. The crescent represents
the Water which is above the Firmament; the circle represents the Firmament and
the Triangle represents the consuming Fire below which is opposed to the
Celestial Fire symbolised by the upper part of the Caduceus.
Hiereus places the Admission Badge aside. Hegemon leads the Theoricus to
stand before the Throne of the Hierophant then returns to stand facing the
Altar. Hiereus stands facing the Altar. The Hierophant stands and brings the
Theoricus to face inwards towards the Altar.
HIEROPHANT, pointing: Before you the
Garden of Eden is symbolised. At the summit are the supernal SEPHIROTH, summed
up and contained in AIMA ELOHIM - the Supernal Mother, the Woman of the twelfth
chapter of the Apocalypse - clothed with the Sun and Moon under Her feet and the
crown of twelve stars- KETHER-on Her head. Whereas the Name TETRAGRAMMATON is
joined to the Name ELOHIM, as when it is written that "TETRAGRAMMATON
ELOHIM planted a Garden eastward in Eden", so this represents the Power of
the Father joined with the Glory from the Face of the Ancient of Days. In the
Garden is the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The
latter is from MALKUTH, the lowest SEPHIRA, lying between the rest of the
SEPHIROTH and the Kingdom of Shells. The latter is represented by the great Red
Dragon called beneath. It has seven heads, which represent the seven infernal
palaces, and the ten horns represent the ten averse SEPHIROTH contained in those
seven palaces. The river NAHAR flows out of Eden, the supernal Triad, to water
the Garden, the rest of the SEPHIROTH. From there it is divided into four
streams in DAATH from which it is written: "In DAATH the depths are broken
up and the clouds drop down dew." The first stream is called PISON, which
flows into GEBURAH where there is gold. It is the River of Fire. The second
stream is called GIHON, the River of Waters, which flows into CHESED. The third
stream is called HIDDEKEL, the River of Air, which flows into TIPHARETH. The
fourth stream, which receives the virtues of the other three, is called the
River EUPHRATES. This flows down into MALKUTH, the Earth. The River, which is
called NAHAR, is the River of the Apocalypse, the Waters of Life, clear as
crystal and proceeding out of the Throne of the Lamb of God on either side of
which is the Tree of Life which bears twelve kinds of fruit. Thus the Rivers of
Eden form a Cross and on that Cross the great ADAM, the Son who was to rule over
all nations with a rod of iron, is extended from TIPHERETH and Bis arms stretch
out to GEDULAH and GEBURAH. In MALUTH is Eve, the Completion of All, the Mother
of All. Above the universe, as was told in the Thirtieth Path, She supports the
eternal Pillars of the SEPHIROTH with Her hands. Above the shoulders of that
great Goddess is Nature exalted in Her vastness.
The Grade of Practicus refers to the SEPHIRA called BOD and to the Thirtieth
and Thirty-first Paths which are bound in the letters RESH and SHIN
respectively. The Sign of this Grade is given thus (demonstrates): stand with
your heels together; raise your arms until your elbows are level with your
shoulders; bring your hands across your chest, so touching your thumbs and the
tips of your fingers; thus forming a triangle with its apex downwards. This Sign
represents the Element of Water, the Waters of Creation, to which this Grade is
attributed. The Grip or Token is that which was explained to you in the previous
Grades. The Grand Word is ELOHIM TZABOATH, which means 'the ELOHIM of Hosts or
Armies'. The Mystic Number is 36. The Pass Word is formed from it; it is ELOAH,
one of the divine Names. It should be lettered separately when given or
exchanged. This Path refers to the Eighth Path of the SEPHER YETZIRAH. It is
called the Absolute or Perfect Path because it is the means of the Primordial
which has no root to which it may be established other than the Penetralia of
GEBURAH, 'Magnificence', which emanate from the subsisting properties thereof.
The distinguishing Badge of this Grade, which you are now entitled to wear, (takes
of the Sash of the Theoricus and presented him with that of a Practicus)
is the Sash of a Practicus with the addition of a purple or violet cross above
the white cross together with a number 3 within a circle and a number 8 within a
square added to the left and to the right of its summit respectively. Below are
the numbers 30 and 31 in purple or violet between narrow parallel lines of the
same colour.
The Hierophant takes the Practicus to stand before the Tablet of the West.
This Grade refers especially to the Element of Water. Therefore, the great
Watch Tower, or Terrestrial Tablet of the West, forms one of its principal
emblems. (points) This is known as the
second or great Western Quadrangle, or the Tablet of Water. It is one of the
four great Tablets delivered to Enoch by the great Angel AVE. From it are drawn
the three holy and secret Names of God - EMPEH, ARSEL and GAIOL, which are on
the Banner of the West- as well as numberless divine and angelic Names which
appertain to the Element of Water.
The Hierophant takes the Practicus to stand by the Altar.
The Cross above the Triangle (points) represents
the power of the Spirit of Life rising above the Triangle of the Waters and
reflecting the Triune therein. This is also marked by the three Lamps placed at
the angles of the Triangle. The Cup of Water, which is placed at the junction of
the Cross and the Triangle, represents the maternal letter MEM. The Portals in
the East (points) and
in the South-east (points)
are the Paths which lead on to higher things while that in the South (points)
leads to the Grade of 4 = 7 Philosophus.
The Hierophant takes the Practicus to stand before the Tablet in the East.
This Grade is also related to the planet Mercury. Its KAMEA, or Mystical
Square (points) is
formed of 64 squares, numbered from 1 to 64, and arranged so as to show the same
total each way. Its ruling numbers are 8, 84, 260 and 2080. This Tablet shows
the Mystical Seal and the Names which can be drawn from the KAMEA of Mercury.
The Seal are formed by drawing lines to certain numbers of the Tablet. The Name
answering to the Number 8 is ASBOGA; those Names answering to the Number 64 are
DIN, JUDGEMENT and DONI; that Name answering to the Number 260 is TIRIEL, the
Intelligence of Mercury; lastly, that Name answering to the Number 2080 is
TAPHTHARTHARATH, the Name of the Spirit of Mercury.
The meaning of the symbol of Mercury, when it is inscribed on the Tree of
Life, is shown on this Tablet. It embraces all except KETHER and the horns
spring from DAATH, which is not a SEPHIRA but is rather the conjunction of
CHOKMAH and BINAH.
The Hierophant resumes his Throne. Hegemon leads the Practicus to Hiereus in
the North who takes him round to stand before the Tablet in the West. Hegemon
follows but resumes his seat in the South.
HIEREUS: This Tablet before you (points)
shows the seven planes of the Tree of Life which correspond to the seven
planets. Thus, Saturn corresponds to KETHER; Jupiter to CHOKMAH and BINAH; Mars
to CHESED and GEBURAH; the Sun to TIPHARETH; Venus to NETZACH and BOD; Mercury
to YESOD; and the Moon to MALKUTH. This other Tablet (points)
shows the four Planes which correspond to the four Elements, the four
Worlds and the four letters of the Holy Name.
Hiereus leads the Practicus round to stand before the Tablet in the South.
Hegemon leaves his seat to stand beside him to explain the Tablet. Hiereus
leaves them to retake his seat in the North.
HEGEMON: This Tablet (points)
shows the meaning of the alchemical Mercury when inscribed on the Tree of
Life that is in the first form of the Alchemical SEPHIROTH. Once again, it
embraces all except KETHER. The Radix Metallorum, the triple foliation at the
base of the Cross, refers to Fire symbolized by the addition of the Sign of
Aries. It also alludes to the three principles: Sulphur, Mercury and Salt.
Hegemon leads the Practicus to stand before the Tablet in the North. Hiereus
leaves his seat to stand beside him to explain the Tablet. Hegemon leaves them
to retake his seat in the South.
HIEREUS, points: This Tablet
represents the symbols of the planets given in a Mercurial figure. In gradual
descent, we obtain the Moon, the Sun and Venus. Below these are Saturn on the
right and Jupiter on the left.
Hiereus conducts the Practicus to his seat in the West. He retakes his own
seat.
HIEROPHANT: I congratulate you on
your having passed through the ceremony of your admission into the Grade of
Practicus. In recognition of this I confer on you now the Mystic Title MONOKEROS
DE ASTRIS, which means 'the Unicorn of the Stars'. I give you the symbol MAYIM,
which is the Hebrew name for 'water'.
The Hierophant knocks *.
HIEROPHANT: In the Name of ELOHIM
TZABOATH, I declare that Frater … has today been advanced to the Grade of 3 =
8 Practicus and is now a Lord of the Thirty-first and Thirtieth Paths. Frater
…, before you can be considered for further advancement you must become
thoroughly acquainted with and prefect in certain subjects and you must have
been engaged in the contemplation of all of the mysteries which have just been
revealed to you in this Grade.
Part Five
Closing
HIEROPHANT, * and stands: Fratres,
please assist me to close our Temple in the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus.
All stand.
HIEROPHANT: Honoured Hegemon, see
that our Temple is properly guarded.
Done. Hegemon retakes his place.
HEGEMON: Very Honoured Hierophant,
our Temple is properly guarded.
HIEROPHANT: Fratres, let us adore the
Lord and King of Water.
Hierophant knocks * and all face East.
HIEROPHANT: Let ELOHIM TZABOATH be
praised throughout the countless ages of Time. Amen.
Hierophant leaves the East to stand before the Tablet of the West. All turn
to face the West.
HIEROPHANT: Fratres, let us rehearse
the Prayer of the Undines, or Water Spirits. Pause. King
of the Seas, You Who hold the Keys of the Cataracts of Heaven and Who enclose
the subterranean Waters in the cavernous hollows of the Earth; King of the
Deluge and of the Rains of Spring; You Who open the sources of the rivers and of
the fountains; You Who command moisture, the Blood of the Earth, to become the
sap of plants: we adore You and we invoke You. Speak to us, Your mobile and
changeful creatures, in the great tempests of the seas and we shall tremble
before You. Speak to us in the murmur of the limpid waters and we shall desire
Your love. O Vastness, in Whom all rivers of Being seek to lose themselves and
in Whom they renew themselves continually; O Ocean of infinite perfections; O
Height, which reflects itself in the Depth; O Depth, which exalts itself in the
Height: lead us into the True Life through Intelligence, through Love; lead us
into Immortality through Sacrifice; so that we may be found worthy to offer to
You, one day, the Water, the Blood and the Tears for the remission of sins.
Amen.
Hierophant makes the Banishing Pentagram with his Sceptre in front of the
Tablet of the West. He returns to stand before his Throne and all stand as
usual.
HIEROPHANT: Fratres, let us depart in peace to our homes. May the
blessing of EL be on us. Let there always be peace between us. Let us be ready
to come when we are called. In the Name of ELOHIM TZABOATH I declare this Temple
closed in the Grade of 3 = 8 Practicus.
Hierophant knocks * *** * ***, and this is repeated by Hiereus and by Hegemon
each in turn.