And a river Naher went forth out of Eden, namely from the supernal triad, to water the garden (the rest of the Sephiroth), and from thence it was divided into four heads in Daath, whence it is said: “In Daath the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down dew.” 27 The first head is Pison, which flows into Geburah (whence there is gold.) It is the river of fire. The second head is Gihon, the river of waters, flowing into Chesed. The third is Hiddekel, the river of air, flowing into Tiphareth, and the fourth which receiveth the virtues of the other three, is Phrath, Euphrates, which floweth down upon the earth. This river going forth out of Eden is the river of the Apocalypse, the waters of life, clear as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb, on either side of which was the Tree of Life, bearing twelve manner of fruits. And thus do the rivers of Eden form a cross, and on that cross the great Adam, the Son who was to rule the nations with a rod of iron, is extended from Tiphareth and his arms stretch out to Gedulah and Geburah, and in Malkuth is Eve, mother of all, the completion of all, and above the universe she supporteth with her hands the eternal pillars of the Sephiroth. As it was said to you in the thirtieth Path, “And above the shoulders of that great goddess is nature in her vastness exalted.”
HIERO: The Three equals Eight grade of Practicus is referred to the Sephirah Hod and the thirtieth and thirty-first Paths, those of Resh and Shin, are bound thereto.
The sign of this grade is given thus. With the hands together, raise the arms till the elbows are level with the shoulders. With the thumbs and forefingers make a triangle on your breast thus (showing it)—a triangle apex downwards. This represents the element of water, to which this grade is attributed.
The grip or token is the general grip of the First Order. The grand word is a name of ten letters, Elohim Tzabaoth, which means lord of hosts. The mystic number is thirty-six, and from it is formed the password of this grade which is Eloah, one of the divine names. It should be lettered separately when given thus—Aleph, Lamed He. Unto this grade, and unto the Sephirah Hod, the eighth Path of the Sepher Yetsirah is referred. It is called the absolute or perfect intelligence, because it is the mean of the primordial, which hath no root to which it may be established, except in the penetralia of that Gedulah (Magnificence) which emanate from the subsisting properties thereof.
The distinguishing badge of this grade, which you are now entitled to wear, is the sash of the Theoricus with the addition of a purple cross above the white cross and the numbers three and eight within a circle and a square respectively, left and right of its summit—and below the number thirty-two, the numbers thirty and thirty-one in purple between two narrow purple lines.
This grade is especially referred to the element of water and therefore the great watchtower or tablet of the west forms one of its principal emblems.
Hierophant and Theoricus turn towards it.
It is known as the second or great western quadrangle or tablet of water, and it is one of the four great tablets delivered unto Enoch by the great angel Ave. From it are drawn the three holy secret names of God—MPH ARSL GAIOL—which are borne upon the Banner of the West, and numberless divine and angelic names which appertain unto the element of water. The meanings of the tablets of earth and air were explained to you in the preceding grades.
Turning to the altar, Hierophant indicates the cross and triangle.
HIERO: The cross above the triangle represents the power of the spirit of life rising above the triangle of the waters and reflecting the triune therein, as further marked by the lamps at the angles; while the cup of water placed at the junction of the cross and triangle represents the maternal letter Mem.
Hierophant returns to his throne in the east. Hegemon indicates the seat west of the altar to Theoricus, who sits down. Hegemon comes round the altar and removes the diagram stand, placing it in the southwest, and returns to his place. All are seated.
The portals in the east and southeast are those of the Paths which conduct to higher grades, while that in the south leads to the Four equals Seven of Philosophus, the highest grade in the First Order.
This grade of Practicus is especially related to the planet Mercury, whose kamea, or mystical square, together with seals and names formed from it, is shown in the east. The symbol of Mercury when inscribed on the Tree of Life is also shown. It embraces all but Kether. The horns spring from Daath, which is not properly a Sephirah, but rather the conjunction of Chokmah and Binah.
I now congratulate you on having passed through the ceremony of the Three equals Eight grade of Practicus, and in recognition thereof, I confer upon you the mystic title of Monocris de Astris, which means “Unicorn from the Stars;” and I give you the symbol of Mayim which is the Hebrew name for water. (Knocks.) In the name of Elohim Tzabaoth, I now proclaim that you have been duly advanced to the Three equals Eight grade of Practicus, and that you are lord of the thirtieth and thirty-first Paths.
Closing of the 3° = 8 Grade
HIERO: (Knocks) Assist me to close this temple in the Three equals Eight grade of Practicus.
All rise. The new Practicus is signed to rise.
Honoured Hegemon, see that the temple is properly guarded. (Done.)
HEG: Very honoured Hierophant, the temple is properly guarded.
HIERO: Let us adore the Lord and King of Water! (Knocks)
All face east.
HIERO: Let Elohim Tzabaoth be praised unto the countless ages of time, Amen!
Hegemon removes the seat of Practicus to the north, and leads Practicus to the east of altar, where he stands facing west. Hierophant goes to the west before the tablet of water. All face west—members arranging themselves in balanced disposition, facing west.
HIERO: (Knocks) Let us rehearse the prayer of the undines or water spirits!
“Terrible king of the sea, Thou who holdest the keys of the cataracts of heaven, and who enclosest the subterranean waters in the cavernous hollows of earth. King of the deluge and of the rains of spring. Thou who openest the sources of the rivers and of the fountains; Thou who commandest moisture which is, as it were, the blood of the earth, to become the sap of the plants. We adore Thee and we invoke Thee. Speak Thou unto us, Thy mobile and changeful creatures, in the great tempests, and we shall tremble before Thee. Speak to us also in the murmur of the limpid waters, and we shall desire Thy love.
O vastness! Wherein all the rivers of being seek to lose themselves—which renew themselves ever in Thee! O Thou ocean of infinite perfection! O height which reflectest Thyself in the depth! O depth which exhalest into the height! Lead us into the true life, through intelligence, through love! Lead us unto immortality through sacrifice, that we may be found worthy to offer one day unto Thee, the water, the blood, and the tears, for the remission of sins! Amen.”
Hierophant makes with his sceptre the banishing circle and pentagrams in the air before the tablet.
Depart ye in peace unto your habitations. May the blessing of Elohim Tzabaoth be upon you. Be there peace between us and you, and be ye ready to come when ye are called! (Knocks)
All return to their places—Practicus being directed to west of altar, facing west.
HIERO:
HIEREUS:
HEG:
Hegemon leads out the new Practicus. They give the Neophyte sign as they pass
Hierophant.
[contents]
21. Note by JMG: This is a stylized image of an eagle’s head; see note 56.
22. Note by JMG: These are properly spelled MPH ARSL GAIOL and RAAGIOSL.
23. Note by JMG: That is to say, a tetrahedron made of four equilateral triangles.
24. Note by JMG: The three Kabiri or Cabeiri—Axieros, Axiokersos, and Axiokersa—were the deities of the Samothracian Mysteries of ancient Greece.
25. Note by JMG: These are four Hebrew words used to represent fire: , and .
26. Note by JMG: See color insert page 1.
27. Note by JMG: Proverbs 3:20.
CEREMONY OF THE 4° = 7 GRADE OF PHILOSOPHUS
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Philosophus Temple 1
Arrangement of the temple for the opening and for the Path of Qoph. There are three officers—Hierophant, Hiereus, and Hegemon. The throne of the Hierophant, beside which is a cup of water and the Banner of the East, is placed before the dais in the northeast. The seat of the Hegemon is before the dais in the southeast, that of Hiereus in the west. Each officer has a cup of water. The pillars are placed about three feet in front of Hegemon’s seat, and behind her is displayed the letter Qoph. The altar in the centre of the hall is supplied with a candle on either side. On it is the tarot key of the Path—the Moon. The elemental lights are lit. Incense is burning in the south. This sign represents one knock. The grade knock is .
Opening of the 4° = 7 Grade
Members are assembled and clothed. Hierophant knocks. All rise.
HIERO: (Knocks) Honoured fratres and sorores, assist me to open the temple in the
4° = 7 grade of Philosophus. Honoured Hegemon, see that the temple is properly guarded. (Done.)
HEG: Very honoured Hierophant, the temple is properly guarded.
HIERO: Honoured Hiereus, see that none below the grade of Philosophus is present.
HIEREUS: Honoured fratres and sorores, give the signs of the 4° = 7 . (Done.) Very honoured Hierophant, all present have attained the grade of Philosophus.
HIERO: Honoured Hegemon, to what particular element is this grade attributed?
HEG: To the element of fire.
HIERO: Honoured Hiereus, to what planet does this grade especially refer?
HIEREUS: To the planet Venus.
HIERO: Honoured Hegemon, what Paths are attached to this grade?
HEG: The twenty-ninth, twenty-eighth, and twenty-seventh Paths of Qoph, Tzaddi, and Peh.
HIERO: Honoured Hiereus, to what does the twenty-ninth Path allude?
HIEREUS: To the reflection of the sphere of Pisces.
HIERO: Honoured Hegemon, to what does the twenty-eighth Path allude?
HEG: To the reflection of the sphere of Aquarius.
HIERO: Honoured Hiereus, to what does the twenty-seventh Path allude?
HIEREUS: To the reflection of the sphere of Mars.
HIERO: (Knocks) Let us adore the Lord and King of Fire.
Yod He Vau He Tzabaoth. Blessed be Thou—leader of armies is Thy name, Amen!
All salute. Hierophant quits his throne and goes to the south. Hegemon stands behind him in the southeast, Hiereus in the southwest. Hierophant makes the invoking pentagrams in a circle before the fire tablet.
And Elohim said, “Let us make Adam in our own image, after our own likeness, and let them have dominion.” In the name of Elohim, mighty and ruling, and in the name of Yod He Vau He Tzabaoth, spirits of fire, adore your Creator!
Hierophant takes incense from before fire tablet, and makes the sign of Leo in the air before it.
In the name of Michael, the great archangel of fire, and in the sign of the lion, spirits of fire, adore your Creator!
Makes cross with incense.
In the name and letters of the great southern quadrangle revealed unto Enoch by the great angel Ave, spirits of fire, adore your Creator!
Holds incense on high.
In the three great secret names of God borne upon the Banner of the South—OIP TEAA PEDOCE—spirits of fire, adore your Creator! In the Name of EDEL PERNAA,28 great king of the south, spirits of fire, adore your Creator!
Replaces incense and returns to place. All return to places.
In the name of Yod He Vau He Tzabaoth, I declare this temple opened in the 4° = 7 grade of Philosophus.
HIERO:
HIEREUS:
HEG:
Ceremony of Advancement in the Path of Qoph
HIERO: Fratres and sorores, our Frater (name) having made such progress in the paths of occult science as has enabled him to pass the examination in the requisite knowledge, and further, having been a member of the 3° = 8 grade of Practicus for a period of three months, is now eligible for advancement to the grade of Philosophus, and I have duly received a dispensation from the greatly honoured Chiefs of the Second Order to advance him in due form. Honoured Hegemon, superintend the preparation of the Practicus and give the customary alarm.
Hegemon rises, salutes Hierophant with the grade sign, quits the temple, and sees that the Practicus is robed and wearing the sash of the 3° = 8 grade. She hoodwinks him and places in his hand the admission badge, the Calvary Cross of twelve squares. She leads him to the temple door and gives the alarm saying, as they enter:
HEG: And the Ruach Elohim moved upon the face of the waters.
Hiereus admits them and returns to his place. Hegemon leads Practicus to the south by the tablet of fire, faces him east, and takes away cross.
HIERO: Give the Hegemon the signs and words of the Practicus grade.
HEG: Give me the sign of the 3° = 8 grade. The grip or token—the grand word—the mystic number and the password of the grade of Practicus.
HIERO: Give me also the mystic title and symbol you received in that grade.
This done, Hegemon faces Practicus to the fire tablet.
Frater Monocris de Astris, do you solemnly pledge yourself to maintain the same strict secrecy regarding the mysteries of the twenty-ninth, twenty-eighth, and twenty-seventh Paths and of the 4° = 7 grade of Philosophus which you have already sworn to maintain respecting those of the preceding grades?
PRACTICUS: (Prompted if necessary) I do.
HIERO: Then you will stretch your arms above your head to their full limit and say: “I swear by the torrent of fire.”
Practicus repeats words.
Let the hoodwink be removed.
Done. Hegemon gives Practicus the incense from before the tablet.
Wave the incense before the tablet of fire and say: “Let the powers of fire witness my pledge.”
Done. Practicus repeats words. Hegemon replaces incense.
Conduct the Practicus to the east and place him between the mystic pillars. (Done.) Before you are the portals of the thirty-first, thirty-second, and twenty-ninth Paths as in the grade of Zelator. The two former you have already traversed, and the portal of the twenty-ninth Path leading to the grade of Philosophus is now open to you. Take in your right hand the Calvary Cross of twelve squares and follow your guide through the Path of the Waters.
Hegemon circumambulates temple once with Practicus, having given him the Calvary Cross to carry. As they approach the east for the second time, Hierophant rises, holding up cup of water. Hegemon and Practicus halt.
The priest with the mask of Osiris spake and said: “I am water, stagnant and silent and still, reflecting all, concealing all. I am the past—I am the inundation. He who riseth from the great water is my name. Hail unto ye, dwellers of the land of night! For the rending of darkness is near.”
Hegemon leads Practicus round to Hiereus who rises, cup in hand, as they approach. Hegemon and Practicus halt before him.
HIEREUS: The priest with the mask of Horus spake and said: “I am water, turbid and troubled. I am the banisher of peace in the vast abode of the waters. None is so strong that can withstand the great waters—the vastness of their terror—the magnitude of their fear—the roar of their thundering voice. I am the future, mist-clad and shrouded in gloom. I am the recession of the torrent. The storm veiled in terror is my name. Hail unto the mighty powers of nature and the chiefs of the whirling storm!”
Hegemon takes Practicus round to his own seat, takes up cup, and says:
HEG: The priestess with the mask of Isis spake and said: “The traveller through the gates of Anubis is my name. I am water, pure and limpid, ever flowing on toward the sea. I am the ever-passing present that stands in the place of the past. I am the fertilised land. Hail unto thee, dwellers of the wings of the morning!”
Hegemon replaces cup, leads Practicus to a seat west of the altar, and returns to place.
HIERO: (Rising) I arise in the place of the gathering of the waters, through the roll
ed back cloud of night. From the Father of waters went forth the spirit, rending asunder the veils of darkness. And there was but a vastness of silence and of depth in the place of the gathering waters. Terrible was the silence of that uncreated world—immeasurable the depth of that abyss. And the countenances of darkness half-formed arose—they abode not—they hasted away—and in the darkness of vacancy, the spirit moved and the lightbearers existed for a space.
I have said darkness of darkness—are not the countenances of darkness fallen with kings? Do the sons of the night of time last for ever? And have they not yet passed away? Before all things are the waters and the darkness and the gates of the land of night. And the chaos cried aloud for the unity of form—and the face of the Eternal arose. Before the glory of that countenance the night rolled back and the darkness hasted away. In the waters beneath was that face reflected, in the formless abyss of the void. From those eyes darted rays of terrible splendour which crossed with the currents reflected. That brow and those eyes formed the triangle of the measureless heavens—and their reflections formed the triangle of the measureless waters. And thus was formulated the eternal hexad—the number of the dawning creation.
Hegemon conducts the Practicus to the foot of Hierophant’s throne—handing to Hierophant the Calvary Cross of twelve squares.
HIERO: The Calvary Cross of twelve squares fitly represents the zodiac which embraces the waters of Num as the ancient Egyptians called the heavens, the waters which be above the firmament. It also alludes to the eternal river of Eden, divided into four heads which find their correlations in the four triplicities of the zodiac.
The Golden Dawn Page 27