Ceremony for the degree of Sage of Mythras, 64°
Dit Amerikaanse rituaal dateert uit de tweede helft van de negentiende eeuw.
Officers
There ate 11 Dignitaries,
1. Grand Pontiff (or S.D.);
2 and 3, the two Mystagogues;
4. the Odos, or Orator;
5. the Hierostolista or Secretary;
6. the Zacoris, or Treasurer;
7. the Cyrice or Expert;
8. the Pliste or Hospitaller;
9. the Hydranos, or M. of Cer.;
10. the Cistophore or Archivist;
11. the Thesmophores or Guard of Consistory.
Arrangement
In the Centre are 3 Circles to represent the p!anetary system, with the Sun
in the Centre. There should be 7 chambers, or caverns of Initiation, and 7 doors
of 7 Metals. In the South is the transparency of a Sun rising over a tomb. Near
to it is a Myrtle, and some astronomical instruments.
Opening
G.P., knocks once with triangle headed mallet: Silence Brothers!
Brother 1st Mystagogue, what is your duty in this temple of truth?
1st Myst.: It is to protect the inviolability of our Mysteries
against profane intrusion.
G.P.: Brother Ceryce, assure yourself that the entrance is
guarded.
Ceryce, after going to the door to see: Grand Pontiff, the avenues
of the temple are deserted, its echoes are silent, none can overhear us.
G.P.: Since we are covered, arise to order, My 1st and 2nd
Mystagogues, examine your columns, and assure yourselves that all are Brothers.
1st Myst.: Grand Pontiff, all the Brothers present are members of
the degree.
G.P.: 2nd Mystagogue, your place in this Temple of Truth?
2nd Myst.: In the Angle of the Column to the North.
G.P.: Why?
2nd Myst.: To see that order is maintained, and to the perfect
execution of the work. To foresee and transmit to the 1st Mystagogue, any
difficulties that may arise, and obtain the solution which may be necessary, to
the perfect development of the questions submitted to our brothers.
G.P.: Brother 1st Mystagogue, where is your place?
1st Myst.: At the Angle of the Column in the South West.
G.P.: Why?
1st Myst.: To aid the Grand Pontiff in developing the work of this
degree.
G.P.: Where is the Grand Pontiff’s place?
1st Myst.: In the East, to open the labour, and spread. the rays
of light and truth.
G.P.: Brother 1st Mystagogue, at what hour do we assemble?
1st Myst.: At seven in the evening, Grand Pontiff.
G.P.: What hour is it, Brother 2nd Mystagogue?
2nd Myst.: The hour of labour, Grand Pontiff.
G.P.: Join me, my Brothers, in Prayer. Omnipotent God, Author of
all good, Source of all Clemency, Spread Thy blessings over our labours, fortify
us with the bonds of Fraternal affection. We prostrate ourselves before the
eternal laws of Thy Wisdom, we invoke Thy name for we are Thy children.
Dissipate the darkness of our souls; continue to spread over us Thy protecting
hand, and lead us constantly towards goodness, of which the perfection resides
only in Thee. Glory to Thee, O! Lord; Glory to Thy Name; Glory to Thy Works.
To the Glory of The Supreme Architect of the Universe the Consistory is Open.
Attend to me, my Brothers.
All give the Battery, ******* ******* *******
******* ******* ******* *******
, and Sign.
Reception
The Knights wear a white Sash, Saltire wise, from which is suspended a plate
in form of a triangle; on one side is engraven the name 'Jehovah', is is
surrounded by the words 'Virtue, Wisdom, Science'. On the other side is a
Serpent coiled in circle within which is the Lion, of a degree of Mithras. The
triangle symbolises divinity; the serpent and Lion are the emblems of Wisdom and
Strength.
G.P., knocks once: To your places, My Brothers.
Ceryce repeats the knock.
Hydranos knocks ******* *******
******* ******* ******* ******* ******* for Aspirant.
Thesmophores admits Aspirant. Door closes. Claps of Thunder.
Neophyte finds himself surrounded with fire. Brilliant light.
G.P.: What dost thou demand, and what has brought thee amongst us?
Neophyte: I seek to penetrate the Arcana of Nature.
G.P.: What hast thou done to obtain this favor?
Neophyte: I have studied the signification of Symbols.
G.P.: That is something but more is required from thee. What means
the Pyramid, with the Sun over it?
Neophyte: It is a Symbol which gives us the idea of perfection,
and reminds us of the acquirement of Art; the virtues we propose, and the
labours of the Hierophant and the two Mystagogues. In attending to the three
Fires, as Guardian in the 60° , we learn these
inscriptions:
- Practise virtue and fly vice, be docile to the voice of nature, reason, and
conscience.
- Seek in the visible marvels of the Universe the Knowledge of the Supreme
Architect of the Universe and His perfcctions.
- Love thy Kind, Seek to be useful to them, and thine own interest in the
common well being Such tasks are but the pure doctrine of our divine Master
whose teaching, in the lapse of ages, has been disfigured by ignorance,
superstition and avarice.
G.P.: Give me an explanation of the three Symbolic fires?
Neophyte: We see the goddess Isis with her son Horus seated upon
her knees, and these three fires burning upon three Altars before her; Man is
body, Soul and Spirit. Each of the three elements which constitute our body is
ternary, and offers the general emblems of nature, as Symbols to our Spirit.
G.P.: How do you look on the voice from the burning bush?
Neophyte: As a figure of speech. It expresses the fire of
intelligence, the voice of conscience, which permits no man to oppress his
brothers.
G.P.: What idea have you formed of the record of a man and a woman
living in a Garden of Eden; or in a State of innocence, and their expulsion?
Neophyte: It is an allegory which expresses the obedience which
man owes to the Jaws of nature, in justice and humanity. When he forgets these
laws he renders himself unhappy, infirm, ignorant; he destroys the rights of
society, and overthrows the laws which the Supreem Architect of the Universe has
imprinted on creation.
G.P.: Brother Odos, I give you the parole.
Odos: My brother, the instruction of this grade ascends to the
highest antiquity. The Magi who were its founders in Persia, arose in Asia, in
the primitive ages, and carried their science to the Gymnosophists and to me
Brahmins. They had anciently in the Chaldean town of Hypernium a celebrated
school, where all human virtue was concentrated, and which spread civilization
over the world, but it was more especially in Media that these Illustrious
Masons, as we have long used the word, celebrated their Mysteries and taught
those forms and principles, which spread to Rome and thence to Britain, those
waves of light and truth which the Supreme Architect of the Universe had placed
in the hearts of the Hierophants of learned Egypt. Even the Jews, in their
captivity profited largely by the learning of the Magi. The City of Ecbatana, in
imitation of the tower of Babel, was protected by seven circular walls within
each other, each higher than the last, and were coloured so as to represent the
seven planets known to all the ancients.
The principal aim of this order is the perfectionment of man, and his
reapproachment towards that source whence it emanated; that is to say his
rehabilitation and reintegration in his primitive rights. The occult schools
term it Union with Deity. Contemporaneously with this dogma, as a consequence,
is born the principle of Spirit communion; the doctrine of a dual nature in man,
exemplified in magnetism, somnambulism, dreams, prescience, sympathies and
antipathies, and above all ecstasy, and yoga. These doctrines were all well
known to the ancient Sages, and at one time, Pythagoras was their most
celebrated interpreter, and was followed by the almost divine Plato. In our
times Swedenborg and St. Martin have pushed them to their limits, and have had
numerous and enlightened disciples; and besides these there were divers orders
of Illuminati such as those of Stockholm, which followed St. Martin.
When man by a new and exemplary life of active good work is conducted to his
primite dignity, he approaches his creator, is animated by a divine breath and
is Initiated. By this acquirement he becomes a Master of the Occult Sciences,
the secrets of nature, high-chemistry, entology, and astronomy.
The Secrets of this degree can only be acquired by prescribed studies, and
severe trials, which were in reality a course of religion, and morality divested
of Superstition. It was necessary for admission to unite elevation of mind to
great moral purity, which was enforced by a terrible oath in the new life on
which they entered.
The festival of the Order was a celebration of the triumph of light over
darkness, and during they fed, with veneration, a pure flame in a brazier; this
symbol was used by the greatest nations: the Egyptians, Chaldeans, Persians,
Peruvians, etc., but the full explanation was possessed only by the Hierophants.
The Constitution of this degree is based upon the law of Horn, according to
the Zend Avesta, this Law announced one Eternal Supreme Being, whence proceeded
two opposing principles. The ceremonies of this Law, called Pariokesh, were very
simple and intended to recall the origin and arrangement of the Universe. The
aim was to render to the Supreme Architect of the Universe that homage which is
his due, raising man, by leading them to abandon their passions, which so often
trouble, their existence, to the highest perfection.
G.P.: Having now given you a general idea, of the nature and
principles of this degree, I require to know whether you still desire to
proceed?
Neophyte: It is my sincerest desire.
G.P.: Do you promise that you will faithfully conform to the laws
of the order, that you will be obedient to your superiors therein, and that you
will conceal the mysterious instruction that you will receive, with the same
strict caution, as in the other degrees which have been conferred upon you?
Neophyte: I promise it, and I swear it.
G.P., giving him a Myrtle branch, and a Baton on which is a Serpent:
With this Symbolic Myrtle, you will be able to penetrate the cavern where is
concealed the Sacred Delta, and the Incommunicable Name. This symbolic Baton
will guide you in your search. Go, my Brother, and may the Supreme Architect of
the Universe aid you.
Thesmophorus leads the Neophyte to a Vestibule lighted by an antique lamp. In
the middle of the side to the right is a folding door guarded by Silence and
Charity; upon the frieze is a Globe surrounded by a Serpent and sustained by two
vultures wings, spread out at the two sides. Upon the door are these words in
hieroglyphical characters: 'Do good upon this earth, or dread to be accursed'.
The Neophyte places his offering in the alms-box. The door opens and he enters
with the Thesmophorus a large Hall designated:
The Sanctuary of Spirits
Neophyte enters it, supported on the arm of the Guide. But what a grevious
ruin! The silence of death rests upon the crumbling stones, seen by the pale
light of the Moon. Overturned Capitals obstruct the entrance; pillars, here and
there, are seen standing erect; but sustain only the air, and are no longer the
marvellous erections on which Sculptors had engraven the Mysteries of Science,
and the annals of history.
Neophyte: I think, with bitterness, that the hand of man has
contributed more than the elements to the destruction of the innumerable
monuments, which civilization has spread with such profusion.
Thesmophores: The Egyptians, Persians, and other primitive
peoples, were in the habit of symbolising in stone the grand accidents of
nature, and their high philosophic speculations. The common people understood
these emblems literally, for the symbolic doctrine was taught only to Initiates.
The Egyptians, for instance, symbolised, nature by Isis, and her mysteries by
the Veil which enveloped the Statue of the goddess, a Veil which fell not even
before the eyes of the Hierophant. It was thus, again, that the Greeks
symbolised high Science by the Sacred Curtain of the Temple of Apollo. Dost thou
understand the Ammonite language?
Neophyte: No. I am but an Initiate of the Minor Mysteries, and
unable to comprehend this Mysterious language.
Thesmophores: Look upon this Obelisk, mutilated by the hands of
barbarians, It still preserves the Mysterious characters traced by the hands of
our ancestors. Behold the meaning: 'Mortal! Apply thyself to conceive some great
and noble idea; consecrate thy life to its realization, and, thy passage upon
earth will not be barren of good. Thou wilt thus fulfill a providential mission,
if thou but proposes an aim useful to humanity'.
It is only by return to the worship of the Unity that mankind may one day
arrive at a termination of antagonistic sentiment and discord.
Besides this half overthrown column, thou seest a griflin pushing a wheel
before it. What does this emblem signify?
Neophyte: I consider the Griffin to be an emblem of the Sun; and
that the wheel which is parted by four spokes, represents the four seasons.
Thesmophores: And this cross called the Diagamma?
Neophyte: It is formed of four gammas, joined at their points, and
represents the apparent revolution of the Sun.
Thesmophores: And this figure holding forth the left hand?
Neophyte: It represents good-faith.
Thesmophores: And this semi-nude figure, with head thrown to the
right?
Neophyte: The sun is never entirely covered at the same time to
all the world.
Thesmophores: Why is the hair shorn off, even to the roots?
Neophyte: It points out this inextinguishable star has the faculty
of rebirth.
Thesmophores: What signifies the wings, the urn, and augurial
baton?
Neophyte: The wings point out the rapidity of the Suns course; the
urn in the right hand announces that it is the source of all good; and the
Augurial baton in the left hand is a happy emblem of the solicitude with which
it forestalls the needs of mankind.
Thesmophores: Behold this framed symbol to the right, what does it
signify?
Neophyte: Two objects capable of softening the Supreme Architect
of the Universe, the tongue for prayer, and the hand for offerings.
The Neophyte now advances to the Symbolic tomb, when two masked, and black
robed brothers, bar his passage, and demand the word.
Neophyte: Amoun.
A Voice to Neophyte: Consider, that if long labours, profound
studies, and rude trials, are required for the Exoteric degrees, how much more
is required for those of Esoteric Nature. No assistance, no council, no
encouragement is given to him who dares venture to penetrate the Inner Secret.
It is only by force of spirit, and divine inspiration, that this can be done.
There are Mysteries within Mysteries.
Neophyte advances with prudence, but nothing indicates an entry by which he
can descend into the vault. After much search he discovers a trap door and,
without thinking of danger, he prepares to descend into the Cavern.
A Voice to Neophyte: Whoever shall penetrate into this vault alone
will be purified he will come out perhaps from the bosom of the earth, and his
Soul will be prepared for the revelation of the Mysteries. Child of Earth, sound
the most secret corners of thy heart, Know Thyself. This Knowledge is the grand
principle of all our dogmas; thy soul is a rough stone, which thou must polish
in order to carve thereon the perfect plan ... Be good, sweet, humane,
charitable, love thy kind, console the afflicted, pardon those who give offence
May the Supreme Architect of the Universe protect thee
Thesmophores: Hast thou courage to forlow out this adventure to
the end?
Without reply, the Neophyte hastens to descend the vault. He thus finds
himself led onward by a gentle slope into a cavern where he espies a Labyrinth
which is terminated by a double door of Ledd, which opens of itself, without
producing the least Noise. Upon this door is the word Beababa (resignation).
A stifling atmosphere, charged with vapor oppresses the lungs and he hastens
his march in dread of suffocation. Following some windings he finds himself
before a second door of Tin, upon which is written Mathok (sweetness).
A Voice: Child of Earth, labour to perfect thy body, and thy soul;
strip off the Vices which a profane world hath created. Break the chains with
which prejudice hath bound thee, and thou wilt become the cherished Son of our
Order; of creation; and the first light of intelligence. Strike this door with
thy Baton. It will open to thee the passage which leads from, the East to the
West; it points out the beginning and end of human life, and it is the course
which the Sun overruns daily.
The Neophyte acts as the Voice directs him, and, marching resolutely arrives
before a third door of Copper, on which he reads the word Serrel (intelligence).
This door opens of itself, and hears a sonorous
Voice: Know that amongst all the good things which the Supreme
Architect of the Universe hath bestowed on Man the pleasures of reason, and the
joys of the senses, consist in these things: health, peace, necessaries. Health
can only be obtained by temperance; peace is the appanage of virtue; Good and
bad men are equally able to acquire the gifts of fortune, but the pleasures of
enjoyment are diminished in proportion to the wickedness by which they have been
obtained.
The Neophyte comes to a fourth door of Iron, on which is 'Emounah' (Strength)
and hears a strong
Voice: What are thy views on Morality?
Neophyte: Morality is the point at which all human sentiment
unites. It is the good way; the assured means of a happy life; the faithful
mirror of virtue; and the interpreter of conscience. Without it all else is
vain; with it all things become useful and profitable; as man approaches that
point he presents himself under a new and interesting aspect; the moral
sentiment raises him towards the Author of all; he sees himself surrounded by
men who resemble himself, of whom he has need, and whom he can assist. It is a
precious knowledge, and the intimate conviction of his duty towards God, his
neighbor, and himself; it is the Sum of all his obligations.
The Voice: I am satisfied. Continue thy journey, with courage and
perseverance.
A door opens of itself, and the Neophyte advances as chance leads him. He
hears a noise like that of heavy bars of iron rolled upon an uneven pavement. He
perceives a light, towards which he advances carefully, and finds himself before
a heavily barred vault, with a door of bronze (or mixed metal) upon which is
written the words Coh-er-Elvah, (Love of God). He opens the door, and also a
pannel of the stone wall before him. Upon this three armed men, with swords
present themselves before him, one says:
First Brother: We are not here to retard thy progress. Presents
a book bound in red Morocco Write here thy name, age, and thy Masonic
qualifications. He does so.
Second Brother: Pardon everything to others, nothing to thyself.
Third Brother, presenting a Mirror: Behold! It reflects thy past,
seeks motives of hope in it for the future. In following the Voice of nature
thou mayest obtain happiness; it is a quality of celestial origin, which all the
world may obtain; for to obtain it we support life, and yet fear not death. It
offers good things to us, but we must not seek it in extremes; to acquire it we
must act in a sensible spirit with an upright heart.
The Universal Cause acts by general laws; and gives true happiness; order is
the first of heaven’s laws; this teaches us that happiness should apply
equally to all, and to reach it man must be sociable; forget it not. Pursue thy
route, it will lead thee to the Temple of Truth.
The Neophyte walks painfully along a rough road, until he arrives at the
sixth door of Silver, and he knocks with his Baton. Upon it is the word Tsedakah
(Justice). It opens with a great noise. He penetrates this Assylum of death,
and, at the same instant, two lions, of terrible grandeur, advance, put out
their paws, and make a frightful roar (effected by mechanism). ‘Be at rest’.
His courage is unshaken by this trial. He advances, holding the branch of myrtle
in his right hand, which is a symbol of strength governed by prudence. In the
midst of this room is a Column of brass in which is deposited the Sccred Coffre,
and the Book of Traditions. Near it burns spirits of wine upon an antique
tripod, the bluish-white flames of which resemble the warm hue of an igneus
meteor. He hears himself addressed by a manly and deep
Voice: Who comes here?
Neophyte: A Neophyte, who aspires to wisdom.
Voice: In order to arrive at Wisdom, it is necessary to face
without terror the Mystery of death.
He is questioned, out of our Lectures, on the first, the Mediate, the moral
cause, space, duration, life, death, liberty, the will etc.
Voice: Purify thy heart; sow in the world words of wisdom. Teach
mankind to love each other; lead, back those who stray from virtue, instruct the
ignorant, relieve those who suffer. Strike with thy branch, which is the symbol
of Initiation, upon this brazen column.
Neophyte does so, and a small door opens, which shows a golden casket and a
book.
Voice: Take up this coffre, which encloses a golden delta, and the
book is that of the Grand Mysteries. Thou wilt be permitted to place them upon
the Altar in the Temple of Truth. Adieu, my brother, may the Spirit of the
Supreme Architect of the Universe rest ever upon thee.
Neophyte journies, in complete silence, ‘til he arrives at the foot of a
splendid Portico. He ascends the seven steps and knocks at a gold or gilded
door, according to the battery of the grade. Upon the door is the words
Shor-Laban (Purity). Here he is introduced by the Thesmophores to the outer
Courts of the Temple.
Thesmophores: I will now go and request admittance for thee to the
Assylum of Truth.
Temple of Truth
Thesmophores: Grand Pontiff, I come from the Neophyte to request
that he may enter the Temple of Truth.
G.P.: Hydramos, will you introduce the Neophyte.
Hydramos, goes, an shortly knocks *******
******* ******* ******* ******* *******
*******.
G.P.: Arise to order, my Brothers.
They do so. Doors open mechanically. The Neophyte advances with his Guide.
The Standard unrolls before him its glorious folds, and he reads thereon
"Architect of all worlds, to thee be glory and praise, Thy will controlls
all things with unerring regularity, Only in thee rests the power to banish all
our ills, To thee we consecrate the humble tribute of our labours."
The Stars in Sacred number, and Mystic order, burn in the East. Incense burns
upon the Altar of Oaths; and harmony celebrates the entrance of the Neophyte.
G.P.: Advance and give me that Coffre. Thou comest to acquire the
right of Knowledge. Listen! Guard thee against passion and prejudice, for their
indulgence will draw thee from the true way to be happy. To govern thy heart and
feelings, fix thy thoughts upon the Divine being. If thou wouldst learn to
travel the true road to felicity listen to the voice of conscience, and it will
enlighten thee with that true Inner Light which will conduct thee in the way of
truth. Listen to the voice of sympathy, and thou wilt walk in sentiments of
virtue. Thou hast vanquished all the trials to which thou hast been subjected.
Come! Child of Celestial labours and researches. Come and receive the new life
prepared for thee! Swear obedience and submission to the Rules of our ancient
and venerated Institution, and promise never to reveal the secrets which will be
submitted to thee.
Neophyte, placing right hand on Sacred Book: I swear it.
Four brothers then advance to the foot of the Altar, and place their Glaives
on his head.
G.P., raises the flaming sword and says: To the Glory of the
Supreme Architect of the Universe, I receive and Constitute thee, a Sage of
Mythras. I give thee this sword. Forget not that it is the Symbol of honour, and
that we are the Evangelists of sympathy. In sign of Adoption I invest thee with
this Insignia, sacred to us. (opens coffre and takes
out the Sacred Delta). Receive this purple Cordon with the Sacred
Delta upon which is engraven the Ineffable Name. It gives thee the right of a
Seat among us, and thou ought never to present thyself in the Temple of Truth
without it. I will now explain to you our Secret Mode of Recognition in this
degree.
Sign: place right hand upon the heart, then look to right, to left, and raise
right hand the eyes to heaven.
Touch: join left hands, release them, join the right.
Password: same as in previous degrees.
Secret Word: Tsne-Lao (aged child, as an emblem of life and death.)
Battery: ******* ******* ******* *******
******* ******* *******.
Jewel and Symbol: a delta, in the middle of which is a paralellogram, with
seven points.
G.P.: Conduct the Aspirant to the Hierostolista, ‘that he may be
instructed in our Secret Cypher, after which let him be seated.
The Hydranos takes him to the Hierostolista.
Hiero.: Our Ammanian Alphabet is that of the ancient Egyptian
Priests, and formed out of three diagrams, 1st the D
the origin of all things; 2nd the ˜ , or sign of
truth; 3rd the X, which was the N
These signs may again be united in one thus which they preserved in Sparta
under the name of Decona or the Royal Building Beam. Some term it the Sign of
Castor. If you take the sides of this figure to pieces you have these letters:
You will now take your seat.
The Hydranos leads him and he is then
Proclaimed
G.P.: To the Glory of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and
in the name of the Grand Hierophant, Sublime Master of Light, I proclaim, for
the present and for always, Member of the Grand Consistory of Sages of Mythras
Thrice Illustrious Brother ... and request you to recognise him in that
capacity, and, to aid and protect him. Join me, Illustrious Brothers, in
felicitating ourselves upon the happy acquisition which we have this day made.
To me. All give Sign and Battery.
Closing
G.P.: Brother 1st Mystagogue, What is the aim of our labours?
1st Myst.: To teach virtue and combat vice.
G.P.: What are the main principles of this degree?
1st Myst.: To know, obey, and command. To know in piety, hope, and
love. To obey in truth, justice and humanity. To command according to reason,
wisdom and virtue.
G.P.: Brother 2nd Mystagogue, has the hour to suspend arrived?
2nd Myst.: Yes, Grand Pontiff, it is 9 o'clock in the morning.
G.P.: Then it is the hour to suspend our labours. Join me, my
Brothers, in this proceeding.
Passes the word etc., to Hydranos, who carries same to 1st and 2nd
Mystagogues.
G.P.: Supreme Architect of the Universe, kindle in our hearts the
sacred love of man. kind. Inspire in our hearts the desire of unrelaxing work
for the good of humanity which is the constant aim of our Sublime Institution.
Preserve in our consciences the purity which Thou hast placed there; and keep
far from all things which might be injurious. So be it to us; so be it to all
mankind! Continue to direct our labours, more and more towards perfection. Glory
to Thee O Lord! Glory to Thy Name. Glory to Thy Works. To the Glory of the
Supreme Architect of the Universe the labours are suspended. Let us retire in
peace, my Brothers and may the spirit of God perpetually watch over us. Battery
To me, my Brothers All give the Sign and the Battery.