Masonic & Egyptian Rite of Mer Nefer – Mysteries of Osiris
Ritual of the First Degree – Entered Apprentice

 
2019  

Temple Organization
 
Tomb of Osiris - On a high platform, an Egyptian coffer is placed in the East. It is the place of the Right Worshipful Master.
The Gate of Time - Is a large painting representing an open gate to the cosmos in which the Udjat eye appears. It is placed behind the Tomb.
Altar of Incenses - Erected in the East, in front of the Tomb, on which the eternal Lamp is placed.
Two Columns - Representing Lower and Upper Egypt rise near the entrance (papyriform and lotiform columns).
Pillars of Creation - Three Egyptian pillars stand in the middle of the Lodge, topped with candles. In the center, on the floor, is placed a pyramid.
Functions - The Idan, meaning "Second at board", corresponds to the Senior Warden in other masonic Rites. He is placed in the North. The Sayou, meaning "Warden'', corresponds to the Junior Warden in other masonic Rites. He is placed in the South. The Scribe performs the function of Secretary and Orator. He is placed in the South side, close to the columns. The Gatekeeper stands on the North side, near the entrance. The Widow who is responsible for almsgiving and fellowship in the Lodge.
The Three Great Lights -The Twelve Knot Rope, the Book of Gates, the Mystical Bag.
Masonic Working Tools - The Right Worshipful Master holds in his hand the stick Was, with which he hits the ground, the Idan carries the flaming Sceptre on his right shoulder and the Warden holds in his hand the Teka (lantern).
Clothing - Each member of the Lodge, male or female, wears a white tunic, a belt (color of the degree), a veil (color of the degree) and white gloves.
 
 
Preparative
 
The Sayou is responsible for controlling the installation of the Temple. The place is dark, and the Venerable Tomb is covered with flowers or vegetation. The Three Great Jewels with the Onion are placed in the North, on the Tomb of Osiris.
On the Idan station, are placed: the Flaming Sceptre, the Seal, the Clay, a Bond of Ra£a.
On the Sayou station, are placed: the Teka (lantern), a small candle, and three small slates to extinguish the stars. The veil oflsis is at his disposal.
On the Altar of Incense, are placed: the Scarab, the Eternal Lamp, the pot of incense, a lighter, a lit coal in the censer.
The Pillars of Creation are arranged appropriately, The R:.W:.M:. hands over the Chen to the Sayou.
 
 
Sacredness of the Temple
 
The Sayou, covered with his veil is alone in the Temple.
He goes to the Scribe Station, holding the Chen on his hand above the station, saying:
"Let all our words come from above"
He goes to the Sayou station and does the same, saying:
"That all our actions are inspired by the past"
He goes to the Idan station and does the same, saying:
"May all our thoughts be directed towards the future"
He goes to the Tomb and does the same, saying:
"May all our energies take root from below"
He goes to the Altar and does the same, saying:
"Because now the light shines in the darkness"
At this moment, he places the Chen on the Altar; he lights the Eternal Lamp and the Teka (candlestick). He goes to the porch, holding the Teka.
 
 
On the Porch
 
Sayou: Sagar, Sagar, Sagar! Chemsou, I ask you for deep silence. Before entering the House of Life, get rid of metals, except for the Widow's obol. Leave the worries of the world outside and cross the threshold, remembering this word from the Book of Gates: "I have been initiated into the Mysteries. In truth, I will never repeat what I have heard. I won't reveal anyone what I have seen." Right Worshipful Master, everything is ready.
Right Worshipful Master: You can start, Sayou.
Sayou: Chemsou, clothed in your s1gns, enter the sacred precinct.
Music. They enter the precinct at the step of scarab, cover themselves and go to their places, standing.
 
 
Opening of the Lodge’s Work
 
Sayou: Be upstanding to receive the Right Worshipful Master!
Music. The Sayou holding the Teka will stand just in front of the Tomb. The !dan holding the Sceptre on his right shoulder precedes the R:.W:.M:.
They enter the Temple. When the R:.W:.M:. arrives in the East, the Sayou gives way to him and goes to his station. The Idan does the same. If dignitaries are present, they are welcomed by the R:.W:.M:..
Right Worshipful Master: Chemsou, be seated. Idan, would you like to place the Perfectible Sign at the foot of the pillars.
The R:.W:.M:. gives him the Perfectible Sign which he places in front of the Pillars of the Creation. He goes back to his place.
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, what does this Sign mean?
Sayou: It symbolizes the way of Perfection because the onion perfects itself twice to grow.
Right Worshipful Master: Why this Sign?
Sayou: It indicates to the Chemsou that our work is secret and reminds those who dare to peel the Onion in front of profanes that they will cry.
Right Worshipful Master: Knowing this, we will open the Mysterious Gates. Idan, how many Gates open in the First Degree of Initiation?
Idan: Three Gates open before the Chemsou, Right Worshipful Master: the Gate of Time, the Gate of the Djed and the Gate of the Eye.
Right Worshipful Master: What Mysterious Gate can we open now?
Idan: The Gate of the Djed, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Why the Djed?
Idan: Because the Djed is the foundation of the Temple, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: What is the Temple?
Idan: This is the place where the Mysteries are worked out and where we receive our wages for our Work, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, can we enter the Temple without fear?
Sayou: Only if the way is open, Right Worshipful Master, because the Lion prowls around to devour us.
Right Worshipful Master: And what can be done so that he is no longer on its watch ?
Sayou: We must purify our bodies, remove the worries of the world from ourselves, let us abandon the impurity of the First Work and light the secret fire of fraternity, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: And if so, will the passage open?
Sayou: Only if we are covered, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: In that case, Sayou, by virtue of your function in the Work and the Great Light which accompanies you, will you make sure of it.
The Sayou, with the Teka in his right hand, is given the Weight by the R:.W:.M:. which he holds in his left hand He walks through the Two Lands, then places it on the Altar. He returns to his seat, sits down and says:
Sayou: We are covered by the Weight, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, is the passage open?
Idan: The Light of the First Work has illuminated the way, Right Worshipful Master, but the passage is still not open.
Right Worshipful Master: What should we do to open it?
Idan: We have to be sure that all of those who are here are Chemsou and are in union with the Sacred Way.
Right Worshipful Master: In this case, Idan, by your function in the Work and the Great Light which accompanies you, do you want to make sure of it and you, Chemsou, make yourself recognized by the Sign, by standing up to his passage.
The Idan with the Sceptre on his right shoulder receives the R:.W:.M:. Cord which he holds in his left hand He travels through the Two Lands, then places it on the Altar of Incense. He returns to his seat, sits down and says:
Idan: Right Worshipful Master, they are all Chemsou and are bound to the Sacred Way by the Cord of Straightness.
Right Worshipful Master: Since we are covered by the Weight and bounded by the Cord, let us persevere in the Sacred Way. Idan, is the passage to the Temple open?
Idan: The Light of the Second Work has already illuminated the Way, but the confirmation by your function in the Work and the Great Light that accompanies you is missing, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: So, that this ultimate Great Light illuminates our Way.
The R:.W:.M:. holding the Book, travels through the Two Lands, then he places it on the Altar of Incense.
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, is the passage that leads to the Temple free and open?
Sayou: Yes, Right Worshipful Master, the Lion is sleeping, and we can pass safely.
Right Worshipful Master: So let's enter the Sacred Way, because everything was created by Weight, Number and Measure.
May Wisdom preside over the construction of the Pyramid *.
May Strength support it *.
May Beauty adorn it *.
The Sayou takes the Light from the Eternal Lamp and comes to light each of the Orion Stars on the Pillars. He returns to his seat and sits down.
Worshipful Master: Chemsou, be seated. Idan, is everything correct?
Idan: Yes, Right Worshipful Master; three Lights enlighten us and Three Stars guide us.
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, what are we doing inside the Sacred Temple?
Sayou: We are working with the ardour of our age.
Right Worshipful Master: And how old are you?
Sayou: I am over three years old, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Where is your place in the Temple?
Sayou: In the South, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Why are you placed so?
Sayou: To observe the shadow left by the Pyramid and to know the time.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan where is your place in the Temple?
Idan: In the North, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Why are you placed so?
Idan: To prevent the enemies of the North from approaching the Pyramid, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: And who are these enemies of the North?
Idan: The Lion and the Slaves of Ignorance, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, where is the place of the Right Worshipful Master in the Temple?
Idan: In the East, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Why in the East?
Idan: Because the Risen One appears in the East, Right Worshipful Master. He rises from the tomb as Ra rises from the horizon to shine his day.
Right Worshipful Master: At what time do the Chemsou usually start the Work?
Sayou: When the shade is reduced and it is noon, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: And what time is it now?
Sayou: Noon, Right Worshipful Master, high noon.
Right Worshipful Master: Since the hour has come, we are of age, and everyone holds their place, Idan announces to everyone that I will open the Mysterious Second Gate.
Idan: Sayou, the Right Worshipful Master announces to everyone that he is going to open the Second Mysterious Gate.
Sayou: Chemsou, the Right Worshipful Master will open the Mysterious Second Gate.
 
 
Unity of the Egregore
 
Right Worshipful Master: Chemsou, stand up at the Sign.
We all have been through the Mysterious First Gate; let us now enter the Second one. Man is one, yet he has two ears to hear the same sound, two eyes to perceive the same object, two hands to execute the same act; likewise, the Sacred Way is double and one at the same time. This is the way of below and also the way of above. Below is the knowledge that can be learned, taught, and given. Above cannot be learned, cannot be taught, cannot be given; it arises when we are not expecting it, it illuminates us when we are no longer expecting it. So, let us join our forces to assemble what is below with what is above, to accomplish the Djed and make from the All only one thing.
The R:.W:’M:. spreads the incense on the incense pot and incenses the Jour directions. Then he gives the incense pot to the Sayou who incenses the temple by going around. He places the incense pot on his station.
Right Worshipful Master: May our Egregore then established itself with power and lightness and, like this incense, may it rise towards the horizon that no profane can contemplate. Together, let's say the formula to come out into the light:
"The Gates of heaven have opened for me. The Gates of the earth have opened for me. The Gueb's locks have opened for me. The Celestial Vault of Nout has opened for me. The one who was keeping me untied me, the one who had tied his arm to me untied him. I have the use of my heart again, the use if my arms. The use of my legs, the use of my mouth, the use of my whole body. I can dispose of the offerings, the water, the River. To dispose of those who act against me in the Kingdom of the dead, To dispose of the orders decreed against me on earth. I lift up on my left side and stand on my right side; I lift up on my right side and stand on my left side. I sit down, I stand up, I shake my dust. My tongue and my mouth are some able guides.
Whoever knows this prayer can come out into the daylight and he cannot perish, ever. This has proven effective for millions of years. "
Right Worshipful Master: Chemsou, as below, so above.
We are one, united and without sharing. By forming the Djed, let us call the strength of KA in all its Light in order to obtain the depth of thought, the height of intelligence and the breadth of knowledge.
To the glory of the Neter Neterou,
Great Architect of the Universe *.
By the wisdom of the Risen One *.
Under the Auspices of the Initiatic Order of the Sacred Way *.
By virtue of the powers that I have been given *.
I am opening, according to the rite, the Second Mysterious Gate *.
Here and above, in this Temple on the Horizon of ... *.
Everything must happen *.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, will you break the clay seal and open the scroll of the Book.
Idan breaks the clay seal and opens the scroll of the Book.
Idan: The second seal is broken; the Book is open.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, now measure the Temple.
He raises the Sceptre to the sky and circles the Pillars of the Creation, marking the angles, then he returns to the initial place, lowers his tool to the ground and says:
Idan: The Temple is right and perfect in Weight and Measure, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: The Second Mysterious Gate is open; we are no longer in the profane world. We have left the vile metals outside this sacred enclosure, and the Temple is right and perfect in Weight and Measure. Together let us raise the Djed and let our eyes turn to the Light. To me, Chemsou by the Sign ... / ... the Ban ... / ... and the Acclamation ... / ....
They make the Sign, beat the Ban with three blows and say the triple Egyptian acclamation "Noun, Noun, Noun!" (He is alive!), extending the right hand.
 
 
Works
 
Right Worshipful Master: Chemsou, be seated. Scribe, you will read the agenda.
Scribe: Here is the agenda of the Respectable Loge … on the Horizon of .... Held in the First Degree, this noon of the ... day, of the ... month, Anno Lucis 12 49 ... of the, that is to say the ... of the vulgar era: ... / ...
He reads the agenda.
Right Worshipful Master: Scribe, what should the agenda begin with?
Scribe: By the attendance, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: In that case, do you want to check the attendees and may the Widow come to us moaning to collect obols.
She circulates with a mourning veil and travels through the Two Lands.
Right Worshipful Master: Scribe, what's on the agenda?
Scribe: The agenda calls the Tracing Board from Chemsou ….
 
 
Tracing Board
 
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, invite Chemsou ... to present his Tracing Board.
Sayou: Chemsou ... the Right Worshipful Master invites you to go to the Scribe station in order to speak.
He leads him to the Scribe's station where he traces his Board.
Right Worshipful Master: We thank you for this Tracing Board.
The R:.W:.M:. makes comments.
Right Worshipful Master: Chemsou, does anyone among you want to add a stone to the construction of the Pyramid?
The word circulates.
Sayou: The floor is requested in Upper (Lower) Egypt.
Right Worshipful Master: Give the floor to whoever asks.
Sayou: The Right Worshipful Master gives you the floor ... / ...
If no one else asks to speak:
Sayou: Right Worshipful Master, silence reigns over the Two Lands.
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, accompany the Chemsou back to Upper (Lower) Egypt.
 
 
Thot Teaching
 
Right Worshipful Master: Scribe, what's on the agenda now?
Scribe: The agenda calls for the Teaching of Thot.
Sayou: Chemsou, pay attention!
Idan: Chemsou, open your minds with heart and reason.
Sayou: Chemsou, pay attention!
Idan: The Right Worshipful Master is going to teach.
The R:.W:.M:. deals here with hermetic subjects.
 
 
Closing of the Lodge’s Work
 
Right Worshipful Master: Scribe what's on the agenda now?
Scribe: It's the end of the agenda, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Before closing the Mysterious Gate and sealing the scroll of the Book, I give the floor to whoever has aught to propose for the good of Freemasonry in general or of this Lodge in particular.
Sayou: The floor is requested in Upper (Lower) Egypt.
Right Worshipful Master: Give the floor to whoever asks.
Sayou: The Right Worshipful Master gives you the floor.
The R:.W:.M:. can put the proposal to the vote. If no one else asks to speak:
Sayou: Right Worshipful Master, silence reigns over the Two Lands.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, where do the Chemsou get their share?
Idan: Nearby the tomb, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, at what time do the Chemsou stop their work?
Sayou: When the shadow has spread all over the Earth and it is midnight, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: And what time is it now?
Sayou: Midnight, Right Worshipful Master, High midnight.
Right Worshipful Master: So now is the hour. Chemsou, stand up and at the Sign *.
The Sayou extinguishes the Stars, one by one, with the slates and returns to his station.
Right Worshipful Master: May peace reign on earth *. May love reign among men *.
May joy be in hearts *.
Fortified by Neter Neterou,
Grand Architect of the Universe *.
Awakened by the wisdom of the Risen One *.
Comforted by the bond that unites us *.
Here and above our works are closed *.
It is finished *.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, will you roll up the Book and put a new clay seal on it.
The Idan does it, then he hands the Book to the R:.W:.M:., saying:
Idan: The Book is closed; the Second Seal is affixed.
Right Worshipful Master: Break the Sign. The work is now complete. All we have to do is take our very old oath and lock up our secrets in a safe and sacred place. Let us take Oath of help and assistance to the Chemsou of our Order, swear to support the one who falls and to raise up the one who has fallen. Let us all observe the law of silence.
Sayou: Chemsou, hold your hand over the heart.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, by your function in the Work and the Great Light which accompanies you, collect the oaths.
Idan, holding the Sceptre in his right hand, takes the Cord of Straightness on the Altar in his left hand, he comes lightly striking the head of the Chemsou with his tool Each one touches the Cord with the left hand, raises the right hand while saying: "I swear it" and takes off his veil Then he hands the Cord back to the R:.W:.M:., goes back to his seat, sits down and says:
Idan: The oaths are tied by the knots of the Cord of Straightness, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, by your function in the Work and the Great Light which accompanies you, will you tell me if the Temple is discovered?
Holding the Teka, the Sayou takes the Weight on the Altar in the left hand, he traverses the Two Lands and hands it over to the R:.W:.M:..
He returns to his seat, sits down and says:
Sayou: This place is weightless and the Temple is uncovered.
Right Worshipful Master: It is finished. To me, Chemsou, by the Sign ...  the Ban ... and the Acclamation ....
Right Worshipful Master: Before we withdraw, let us join our hands and receive our part by forming the Chain of Union.
The R:.W:.M:. transmits the password. Each Chemsou crosses the left arm over the right arm, forms a ring with the thumb and forefinger which comes together with the one of the neighbour.
 
 
Chain of Union
 
Right Worshipful Master: Far above the worries of material life, the vast domain of the Sacred Way opens up for Initiated Freemasons. It is a secret passage that has revealed itself in the heart of Man to deliver him from Time and lead him to the stars. The Sacred Way connects what is above with what is below and makes as below so above, making it all of one thing. It opens to make room for the Structure which emerges with the lightness of a breath and with the violence of a storm. It is yesterday, It is today, It is tomorrow and comes to gather and unite what is scattered. (Pause) Chemsou, just as our hands join together to form strong links, so let our hearts come together to ignite in the fire of the same desire. For the time has come to see circulating among us the Mysterious Cup, the one that has been forged in a metal more unalterable than gold and which pours out its waves of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. (Pause) And may our thoughts now turn to those who have come before us in the Chain, the visible and hidden Masters who form the Pillar of Righteous Truth. (Pause) May they support us with their Love and help us build the Temple. (Pause) May they inspire our conduct in the profane world. (Pause) May they keep us in the Light and guide us on the Sacred Way. (Pause) Chemsou, let's stop the Chain. Let's open the Chain in the usual shape without ever breaking it.
One by one, they come out of the Chain, making a complete turn of the Pillars. The Chain gradually closes until the R:.W:.M:., Idan and Sayou form a round of three turns. They open it and go back to their places.
 
 
Exit
 
Right Worshipful Master: Sayou, does peace reign outside, is the world safe?
The Sayou goes to the porch, then he returns to the Temple, regains his place, sits down and says:
Sayou: The world is uncertain, Right Worshipful Master, our enemy is on the lookout and he is waiting for his prey.
Right Worshipful Master: Can we escape it?
Sayou: We have learned to use tools to fight it, Right Worshipful Master.
Right Worshipful Master: Idan, will we have the strength?
The Sayou gives the veil of Isis to R:.W:.M:..
Idan: Yes, Right Worshipful Master, our strength lies in the one who said: "I am all that has been, and is, and shall be; and my veil no mortal has yet uncovered."
Right Worshipful Master: And who is this woman?
Idan: This is the Widow, Right Worshipful Master.
The R:.W:.M:. covers the Altar with the Isis veil.
Right Worshipful Master: Do you have a secret to share with us?
Idan: Yes, Right Worshipful Master. The ancient prophecy announces that the Widow is the Mother of the East. She has the Light to break the chains that hinder the world.
Right Worshipful Master: So let us keep intact this Light which is given to us and let it continue to shine within us and on the outside, to advance humanity. The hour of the world has come with its attendant uncertainties; let us leave this enclosure with the Perfectible Sign Hadjou.
Idan recovers the Perfectible Sign and followed by the R:.W:.M:. they exit, while the Sayou stands in front of the Venerable Tomb, Teka in hand, as at the start. The Guardian of the Threshold brings out all the Chemsou.
 
 
Desecration
 
When there is no one left in the Temple, the Sayou desecrates the place.
He extinguishes the Eternal Lamp on the Altar of Incense and the Teka. He traces the sign of the Ankh cross with the Chen in front of the Venerable Tomb. Back on the forecourt, he hands it to the R:.W:.M:., whispering the sacred word (N .... T) in his ear.
Then he says out loud:
Sayou: The Temple has regained its profane aspect.
We peel and cut the onion and distribute the pieces. Everyone takes it and eats it, saying: "This sign is mine".