Ceremony for the degree of Sublime Philosopher of Samothrace
50°
Dit Amerikaanse rituaal dateert uit de tweede helft van de negentiende eeuw.
The Mysteries of Samothrace were Cabirian, and are supposed to be Phoenician
in origin; as they claimed to trace back to the first ages. They were religious.
when we hear of them in Christian times; but they claimed to have been the
Inventors of the Arts and Sciences, and all useful Knowledge. Their great
Mystery was the death of one of their seven Gods who was attacked by two others,
between two Corinthian pillars, slain and, his members carried to Etruria. Their
Rites were performed in the cave Zereinthus or Saon, where stood a large Pyramid
with an enclosed central chamber where the most important part of the ceremony
was celebrated.
It is said that the Candidate was purified by water and blood. As he had to
begin a new life he was led to the fountain Lethe where he drank forgetfulness,
and then to that of Mnemosyne that he might remember what he learnt. He wats
thrust into a dark cavern, ami(I appalling sounds, the roar of water, and the
rage of the elements. Grim and ghastly phantoms show themselves, funeral objects
in which a dead body rises at the feet of the Candidate. To this succeeded light,
the coffined dead spring to life with paeans of victory.
Marconis’ instruction for the Conferences that the degree illustrates the
sources and vile desires of Man. Nine perfect columns are formed by peeling away
the bad portions. The Neophyte reads some useful inscriptions which are
explained by a search for the true basis of the great work.
Sign: place right hand on the heart and say 'Faith'.
Touch: join right hands and balance nine times.
Password: Cabiric (Cabiric seven Gods).
Secret Word: Sadyk (the Just, father of the Cabin).
Battery: ******* ******* ******* *******
******* ******* *******.
Jewel and Symbol: the Square and Compasses, interlaced with an even balance.