The four Ancients are seated at the centre of the Temple behind their pillars, each facing his own cardinal point, the backs of their chairs almost touching thus forming the Cosmic Cross of the Four Elements. (Appendix 1). The Ancients' Symbols (lamp, fan, bowl of earth, & bowl of water) are required as in the Grade of Zelator.
Whenever possible, although this may be varied by permission of the Supreme Magus. or a Chief Adept, there should be not more than three Candidates for Grades II. Should circumstances render it necessary to have more than the stated number of candidates one should be selected to be the ' Representative', and he alone will be blindfolded. All will enter together, but when the time comes (after the prayer) for the perambulation, those other than the Representative should be told to be seated (in the North-West), and to participate mentally in the perambulation, which is made by the Conductor and Representative only.
All candidates should be called on to rise to join in the responses to the Exponent 's questions, and should then follow the Representative to the East, where the blindfold is removed from the Representative.
The Zelator-Aspirant is blindfolded before admission, and must carry in his right hand, the Cross of the Grade which is a cross, composed of four coloured and equal arms of yellow, red, blue and black. Each of these arms is presented to the appropriate Ancient in turn.
When he seeks admission at the Portal of the Temple, he must give the Knocks of a Zelator, three and two.
The Knocks of the Grade of Theoricus are four and one.
When an Officer is addressing the Celebrant he should give the sign of this Grade.
Rituals for Candidates are placed near the Celebrant.
Opening in the Grade of Theoricus
Celebrant knocks once, all rise. Guardian and Herald stand beside the Portal.
Celebrant: Fratres, assist me to open the Temple in the Grade of Theoricus.
Celebrant: Frater Herald, assure yourself that the Acolyte is without, and that the Portal is closed and the Temple guarded.
Guardian opens/closes door and the Herald complies.
Herald: Very/Right Worth y Celebrant, the Temple is closed and the Portal is safely guarded by the Acolyte.
Celebrant: I declare the Temple is duly open in the Grade of Theoricus.
Celebrant gives four and one knocks.
Celebrant: Be seated, Fratres.
Celebrant: Very Worth y Exponent, what are the objects of our assembly in this Second Grade of Theoricus?
Exponent: Very/Right Worthy Celebrant, we are assembled here to study the constitution of the Universe and the structure of our world, and to seek to understand the relations which exist between the soul of man and his body; and we investigate as far as we are able the sources and effects of the elemental farces known to us as heat, light, sound and electricity as they act upon the gaseous, liquid and solid matter of our earth.
Celebrant: I acknowledge the correctness of your statement of the work and duties of the Theorici, let us be earnest in the fulfilment of them. We must also be careful to receive among us only those Zelatores who have performed their duty well in the First Grade. The Officers of the College have reported to me favourably upon the work of Frater ..., who is a Zelator, and I have resolved to receive him into the Second Grade, and to confer upon him the rights and privileges, as well as the secret knowledge, of a Theoricus.
Exponent: Very/Right Worthy Celebrant, we rejoice that another Zelator has made such progress, we will assist you in the Reception, and will give him all the help we can to ensure his further progress.
Celebrant: Frater Herald, ascertain if Frater ... is in attendance, and if so, let him be properly prepared by the Acolyte.
Herald complies.
Reception of a Theoricus
Herald: Very/Right Worthy Celebrant, Frater ..., who has been invited to attend for Reception into the Second Grade, is waiting in the ante-chamber duly prepared. The Acolyte has duly prepared him.
Celebrant: Frater Herald, you will leave the Temple and instruct the Aspirant to knock as a Zelator. Assure yourself that he is able to give the Sign, Pass Word and Grand Word and let him carry the Cross of the Four Elements, in his right hand.
Herald complies, knocks are heard. (Three and Two).
Guardian: Very/Right Worthy Celebrant there is an alarm of a Zelator at the portal of our Temple.
Celebrant: Frater Conductor, you will admit the Herald and the Zelator whom he brings with him.
The Conductor admits them, and they stand within the Portal.
Herald: Very/Right Worthy Celebrant, I present to you Frater ..., a Zelator of the Society of the Rose and Cross. He has done the work required of him in the First Grade and received your approval. He now seeks to participate in the studies of the Second Grade, and to gain our secret knowledge.
The Herald returns to his seat and the Conductor takes charge of the Zelator.
Celebrant: Frater Zelator, I call upon you to give us the Sign and also the Pass Word and the Grand Word which were communicated to you upon your admission to our Society.
The Zelator gives them accordingly.
Celebrant: We acknowledge you to be a well instructed Zelator in the First Grade. Before undertaking any duty of importance, it has always been the custom of the Fratres of the Society of the Rose and Cross to invoke the blessing of God upon their proceedings. Kneel, therefore, upon bath knees and join in our supplications.
To Order Fratres for prayer
The Candidate kneels
Celebrant (or Chaplain): O God our Father, source of light and truth, pour down upon us the continual dew of Toy Blessing, and prepare our hearts for the reception of a knowledge of the mysteries which surround us, so that we may be able to benefit mankind and fit ourselves fora dwelling in Toy Heavenly Kingdom.
All: Amen and Amen.
Celebrant: In the name of God, who is our Creator and Preserver, you may rise, and the Conductor will lead you around our Temple in search of more Light upon the mysteries of our being.
Fratres, be seated.
All except the Conductor and Zelator resume seats.
The Conductor leads the Zelator once around the Temple, and places him beside the Exponent in the West.
Conductor: Very/Right Worthy Celebrant, our Frater seeks further the Lux of our Mystic Science.
Celebrant: Frater Zelator, I commend your desire for knowledge and remind you that the Lord of Life and Light will assist and protect those who truly seek His Glory and the welfare of their fellow men. Are those your objects in seeking reception into this Grade?
Zelator (prompted by the Conductor): They are my objects, Very/Right Worthy Celebrant.
Celebrant: Prompted by such sentiments you may safely advance. Guided by God's word, assisted by the Light of Reason and a love of knowledge, you may hope to attain your desires. Yet, before you can participate in the secrets of the Grade of Theoricus you must assent to the questions which will be put to you by the Exponent.
Conductor turns the Zelator towards the Exponent, other Candidates to rise and join in the responses.
Exponent: Will you promise to study with zeal the mysteries of our art and science?
Zelator: I will.
Exponent: Will you promise to attend in our Temple once in every year, when summoned, or write to the Secretary a valid excuse for your absence?
Zelator: I will.
Exponent: Do you give us a solemn promise to conceal the secret knowledge of this Grade from all persons who have not been regularly received into it?
Zelator: I do.
Conductor and Zelator turn to face the Celebrant.
Exponent: Very/Right Worthy Celebrant, the Zelator has given the promises which it is our custom to require, and I now present him to you in all love and humility as being worthy to participate with us of our Sacred Treasures.
Celebrant: Frater Conductor, you will lead our Frater Zelator once again around our Temple, and place him before the Altar.
This is done (i.e. a half circuit).
Celebrant: Let Light be restored to our Frater.
This is done by the Conductor and all clap their hands four times and once.
Celebrant: The Cross of the Four Elements which you carry must now be shown to each of the Four Ancients who in return will give you certain instruction.
Frater Conductor lead the Zelator four times around the Temple, each time stopping before one of the Ancients: first to the Pillar of Air in the East then in succession to the Pillars of Fire, Water and Earth. Take care that the Zelator shows to each Ancient the appropriate arm of the Cross of the Elements which he carries in his right hand.
The Conductor and Zelator pass once around the Temple and stop at the Pillar of Air in the East. The Zelator presents the Yellow arm of the Cross, and the Ancient stands and holds it in his left hand waving a fan with his right hand.
Second Ancient: I set in motion with this fan waves of Air which, although unseen by our eyes, are yet essential to all life on earth. The Mystic Fan was an emblem used in all Ancient Initiations to represent the Spirit of God and the Spiritual essence in man.
You must labour for the treasured knowledge you hope for; ask not of anyone where the true way lieth only follow your Guide who will bring you to the Pillars of Wisdom and having prepared yourself by prayer, arm yourself with courage and a clear conscience, and fear nothing. Be circumspect and persevering.
I give you the Pass Word - Favonius.
The Zelator repeats the Pass Word.
The Zelator is now led by the Conductor once again around the Temple, they stop at the Pillar of Fire in the South upon which a lamp is burning. The Zelator presents the Red arm of the Cross and the Ancient stands and holds it in his left hand, waving a flame with his right hand.
Fourth Ancient: This Flame typifies the Light of God in Nature which burns ever unseen by mortal eye. Every natural body carries a spark within it, but the light is eclipsed by the grossness of matter. According to the presence of the Lux of Life, all things flourish, or as it fails, they decay. We know that within us, so long as life doth last, there is a continual burning, and as we lay our hands on our frames we feel the natural heat, which can proceed only from the Fire enclosed within us, a spark of the blessed fire-light with which we are impregnated from above.
Seek then for the true Lux, the Divine Light, which will warm your soul with the Love of God, without which you will not obtain the rich treasure of a true Rosicrucian. You may now proceed and seek further knowledge.
I give you the Pass Word of the South - Ignigena.
The Zelator repeats the Pass Word.
The Zelator is now led by the Conductor once more around the Temple and they stop at the Pillar of Water in the West upon which is a bowl of water. The Zelator presents the Blue arm of the Cross, and the Ancient stands and holds it in his left hand, sprinkling water around him with his right hand.
Third Ancient: Water is the menstruum or solvent of the world. Without it Man and all animal life would cease to exist, and all vegetation would fail, no blood would flow in our veins, no sap in the vessels of plants.
Water farms by far the largest constituent of our bodies, of our blood, of our drink and also of all our food. Without Water there could be neither growth nor decay, and none of the beneficial changes arising from fermentation. The common water of the earth is tinctured with fire in its natural warmth, it is impregnated with air, and earth is bath suspended and dissolved in it. My Frater, I ask you to seek the Living Water, which is the Water of Eternal Life; if you find it, drink of it freely that your sins may be purged and your iniquity washed away. Cleanse your soul in the laver of Regeneration and turn to our Elohim, Who will abundantly pardon.
Having now unveiled to your mind some portion of our treasures of knowledge, I give you the Pass Word - Aquaticus.
The Zelator repeats the Pass Word and is then led by the Conductor once more around the Temple and they stop at the Pillar of Earth in the North upon which is a platter of earth. The Zelator shows the Black arm of the Cross, and the Ancient of Earth stands and holds it in his left hand, sprinkling earth with his right hand around and upon the Zelator.
First Ancient: The Element Earth is typical of the cold and dry nature and is considered passive and fixed. Material earth is the basis of all bodies in which other principles reside. Man was formed from the dust of the earth says the Book of Genesis, and to the earth must his body return after death. Man has been called a Little World having within him the types of all the elements and farces which surround him. Remember that Fire preserves the Earth from being destroyed by Water, and Water saves the Earth from destruction by Fire; the Air preserves the Fire from extinction, and Earth provides a meeting place for the several elemental forces and forms of matter where all must remain in equilibrium or else the universe might be destroyed if any Element became dominant, and Man 's destiny would be changed. Man being composed of these Essences exists in a state of probation in this corporeal life and as this terminates in acts of piety or profanity so shall follow the retribution of an impartial Judge in everlasting duration.
The Pass Word of the North is Terrigena.
The Zelator repeats the Pass Word.
First Ancient: The Exponent will now address you.
The Conductor leads the Zelator around the Temple to the Exponent.
There is an alternative address written by Westcott in 1882 included in Appendix 3 which can be used.
Exponent (see also Appendix 3): Observe then, my Frater, that Man is a complex being, and that even his body is formed of many elements and exposed to many forces; we judge, then, that man's sojourn here on earth is but a passing visit intended to be a period of probation. The Body of man is but the coat of skin enveloping the sentient, thinking, acting being who may rise or fall according to his birthright, his surroundings and the use he makes of his will and conscience. Let us further consider the constitution of a Man as a type of all humanity.
Man is composed of a Body, Soul and Spirit. The Body is formed from the Material World and is the vehicle wherein all the higher aspects reside. The Soul of Man from the Celestial World dwells in the Body and is illuminated by the Divine Spirit from above.
The Soul of Man may be considered as of two aspects; the higher Rational Soul, which gives the understanding mind, the intellect and the human will, and the lower or Animal Soul which gives the vital powers and the passions.
The Spirit of Man is a Ray from the Celestial World of God and His Angels.
At the death of Man, the Spirit returns unto God Who gave it, the Soul passes to the Judgment Hall for reward or punishment, and the Body returns to the dust from which it was formed.
The ancient Philosophers spoke of a Macrocosm and of a Microcosm; these names referred to the Celestial World and to the Soul. The Macrocosm was the Created Universe, the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Stars; the Microcosm was the Soul of Man; it was deemed to be influenced by the heavenly bodies, and so intimate relations between the stars and man' s organs and capabilities were traced and explained.
Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, dreamed, we are told, that the Sun, Moon, and Stars corresponding to the Zodiacal signs appeared to him, bowing down before him and bestowing their hidden influences upon the soul.
The Signs we call Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces have been allotted severally to the brothers of Joseph, viz., Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Zebulon, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin.
Joseph considered these Celestial bodies as Vice-Regents of the Great Supreme, Jehovah, and as he watched them pathing the Heavens in ceaseless round, he identified a harmony between them and man, and from this consideration the belief in the Planets as related to men' s character and destiny has followed.
Celebrant: Frater Conductor, lead the Zelator to the East and present him to me.
The Conductor does so.
Celebrant: Hand me the Cross which has secured to you the knowledge granted by the Four Ancients.
This Cross is named the Cross of the Elements; it consists of a central white square and four arms of equal length around it.
They are coloured Red, Blue, Yellow and Black; the Red of Fire is above, the Black of Earth is below; the Blue of Water is on the right, and the Yellow of Air is on the left; this is the position of the four Ancients in the Temple in this Grade. The four colours are emblems of the four letters of the Holy Name, I.H.V.H. (Yod Heh Vau Heh), which we now call Jehovah.
The Yod of the Hebrews is Fire; the first Heh is Water; the Vau is Air and the final Heh is Earth. They also refer to the Four Worlds of Existence, the Divine, Angelic, Formative and Material.
You, my Frater, are a Temple of God, and may the Spirit of God always send you Light. Fear and love God, honour our Society and respect yourself; only so can you be prepared to exchange this earthly life for a realm beyond the reach of sin and sorrow.
The Pass Words which you have received were Favonius, Ignigena, Aquaticus and Terrigena and their initials form the first Word of the great dictum of the Creator, FIAT.
The Grand Word is Zaphnath Paaneah meaning A Revealer of Secrets.
The Celebrant rises.
Celebrant: The Sign is to place the left hand so as to cover the face as in reverence of the Spirit within Man.
The Grip is given by the right hand with the thumb and two fingers only.
By the Sign and the Grip thus given, I declare to the Fratres that you are a perfected Theoricus of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia.
I present you with a copy of the Ritual of this Grade. You should continue to wear the Jewel of the Society suspended by a plain green ribbon, as before.
Be seated, Frater, and attend to the Lecture on Colours.
The Lecture on Colours
During the primaeval Chaos which existed before the creation of our world, in the absence of light there was darkness and gloom, and this darkness was Blackness. And God said, "Let there be Light!" and there was Light and this was Whiteness. Now this White glory of the Beginning was soon diversified, the light being reflected in a myriad rays from the air, fire, water, and earth of the material world, and Man having at the last appeared to dwell here in this world of beauty became conscious of Colours.
The glorious rainbow in the heavens showed him the complete series of colours at one glance, and he was soon able to distinguish seven most evident tints, which have received names in all the languages of the earth. We know them as Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.
These colours of the rainbow are also seen by us on the earth as well as in the heavens; we see them in our flowers, our fruits, on our hills and in our valleys, in our metals, and on the animals around us. Of the seven colours of the rainbow, there are three which are by common consent most clearly perceived-they are Red, Yellow, and Blue, and there are some wild tribes which can distinguish no others. White is the result of a combination of all colours in due proportion; in nature we see it most clearly on the face of the moon in a clear sky. Black is the absence of Light and Colour; black objects are such as absorb all light and colours and reflect none. All nations and all religions have attributed White Light to God, by whatever name He may be called; it is an emblem of God, and refers to Unity and Purity. The priests and ministers of almost all faiths have been clothed in white garments in token of their high office.
In the Old Testament we read of the white robes of Aaron and the sons of Levi, and the New Testament refers to white garments as symbols of Christian aims and practice. White robes were worn by the priests of Isis, Osiris, and Amon Ra of Ancient Egypt, and by those who ministered to Buddhism or in Brahmin Temples; by the Magi of Chaldea and Persia, and by the Celtic Druids. The Mohammedans also use only white in their religious devotions.
White is a symbol of the beatific combination of love, innocence, and faith, which lead to purity, peace, and perfection, of which the Diamond is the emblem.
Black symbolises evil and the antithesis of all that is beautiful and true; it refers to loss, despair, and death.
The three primary colours-Red, Yellow, and Blue-have also been attributed to the three Great Divine qualities, viz.-Red to His Omnipotence, Yellow to His Omniscience, and Blue to His Omnipresence, or, in other words, to His Power, Wisdom, and Universality.
In relation to Man the colour Red denotes courage, will, and force, hence to dominion and royalty; to war and to each man's fight with his passions.
Yellow refers to intellect and knowledge, and thus to wisdom; it is emblematical also of calm, peace, and gladness.
Blue refers to honour, love, truth, friendship, and fidelity, hence to benevolence, and is so properly exhibited by the Freemasons.
In the World around us we associate the colour Red with fire, and with blood and wine, and with the Ruby. Yellow with the sun's rays, giving life to all animal and vegetable life, and to gold, com, and oil, and with the Topaz. Blue with the vault of the cloudless heaven, the deep sea beneath it, and with the Sapphire.
These three colours again predominate in the flowers of the plants and trees of the vegetable world, and are supplemented by orange, purple, and violet.
Green is the almost universal colour of the leaves and growing shoots of all vegetation, and in symbolism green refers to hope, progress, evolution, and regeneration; it is typified by the Emerald.
Purple, which is formed of a union of Red and Blue, has become associated with Imperial Rule and dignity from its combination of power and love; its emblem is the Amethyst.
Orange has been referred to zeal and enthusiasm, and to mental and moral development and self-control.
Violet is the colour referred to penitence, and Grey to humility.
Brown is associated with durability, firmness, constancy and self abnegation, it is the colour of a large part of the solid earth on which we dwell.
Even so do the varied colours by which we are surrounded mainly suffice to typify our conception of God, and of ourselves, as well as to describe the details of the world we see around us.
Closing in the Grade of Theoricus
Celebrant rises, Knocks once. All rise.
Celebrant: Fratres, you will rise and assist me to close the Temple in the Grade of Theoricus.
Celebrant: Join with me in giving the Sign and speaking the Word.
This is done by all.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks and pray.
All turn to the East and assume an attitude of prayer.
Chaplain (or Celebrant): O God our Creator, we thank Thee for our preservation and for the knowledge we have already acquired; be pleased to grant unto us mercy and peace, and continue to favour us with health and strength so that we may be enabled to make further progress in the path which leads to wisdom and to personal perfection. We seek these blessings through the Name of INRI, the Great Redeemer.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Fratres, our duties in this Grade being concluded, I now close the Temple by giving four knocks and one. Benedictus benedicat nos ad finem. (May the Blessed One bless us to the end).
Celebrant gives four and one knocks.
All: Amen and Amen.
Exponent: The Temple is closed until duly reformed by the Very/Right Worthy Celebrant or his successor
The College is rearranged and then resumed in the Grade of Zelator.
