The Golden Dawn
Page 32
CH. AD: In the letter Heh. (Does same with incense.)
HEG: In the letter Resh. (Does same with rose leaves.)
CH. AD: In the letter Vau. (Does same with incense.)
3RD AD: In the letter Peh. (Does same with water.)
CH. AD: In the letter Heh. (Does same with incense.)
2ND AD: In the letter Kaph. (Does same with incense.)
CH. AD: In the letter Yod. (Does same with incense.)
ALL: In the letter Shin. (Philosophus drops in motto.)
Chief Adept makes spirit pentagrams over the whole, then stretching out sceptre touches Philosophus on the breast.
CH. AD: May this offering be as the offering of Abel, which ascended unto God.
Philosophus lowers his arms. Chief Adept sits down.
CH. AD: Stretch out your left hand to touch the black pillar, (done) the pillar of the First Degree, wherein all was as yet in the darkness of the Path of Tau. This was a period of restriction and of groping, as was shown by the black sash, the sign of the First Degree. Among its symbols were the cross, upon which meditate, that the mysteries of growth and change may become revealed.
Stretch out now your right hand to touch the white pillar, (done) the pillar of the Second Degree, wherein is the fire of the Path of Samekh. Its token in our Order is the white sash. Standing thus you are in the point of equilibrium, master of both, lord of the Second Degree, lord of the Paths of the Portal of the Vault of the Adepti—wherefore, in recognition of your achievement, I confer upon you the white sash of probation. (Third Adept puts on white sash). The grip of this degree is the grip of the First Order, but given with the left hand, and represents the Sephirah Chesed, and the white pillar. The sign is given thus—(gives it) and symbolizes the rending asunder of a curtain or Veil. The answering sign is given by the converse thus. (Gives it.) The password is, as you have been told, Paroketh, which is the Veil of the Tabernacle, and is exchanged by letter thus:
CH. AD: Peh.
PHIL: (Prompted) Resh.
CH. AD: Kaph.
PHIL: Tau.
CH. AD: Further, I give you the word Eth, which crowns the pyramid of the four elements in the 4° = 7 grade, and is one symbol of the spirit which converts the cross into the pentagram. Wherefore above my throne is this tablet (points to the Tablet of Union) which is called the Tablet of Union, and binds together the four tablets into one under the presidence of the spirit.
Thus far by work of the intellect, and by aid of our rites, have you come. Now must you labour to establish the pentagram in yourself. That it be the pentagram of good, upright and balanced, not the evil and reversed pentagram of the goat of Mendes; to make yourself truly a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm whose symbolic hexagram of Tiphareth presides above you.
This degree is in one sense attributed to Yesod, base of the Path of probation, Sagittarius. In Yesod is the sphere of Luna, who in her fullness reflects the sun of Tiphareth. The number given to the moon in the 2° = 9 is nine, but in a more esoteric sense the number of Luna is five, the number of the pentagram and the microcosm.
Chief Adept rises with sceptre and white lamp. Second Adept places the Tablet of Union on the altar in readiness. Hegemon places two forms of temperance west of the altar. Chief Adept puts white lamp on altar. Officers replace elements before their respective tablets and return to form a cross round the altar.
Old Tarot Key 14, Temperance
CH. AD: This drawing represents the more ancient form of the fourteenth key of tarot, for which the latter and more usual form of Temperance was soon substituted, as better representing the natural symbolism of the Path of Sagittarius. The earlier figure was considered not so much a representation of this Path alone, as the synthesis of that and the others conjoined. The later figure, therefore, is better adapted to the more restricted meaning. The more ancient form shows a female figure crowned with the crown of five rays, symbolizing the five principles of nature, the concealed spirit and the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire. About her head is a halo of light. On her breast is the sun of Tiphareth. The five-rayed crown further alludes to the five Sephiroth Kether, Chokmah, Binah, Chesed, and Geburah. Chained to her waist are a lion and an eagle, between which is a large cauldron whence arise steam and smoke. The lion represents the fire in Netzach—the blood of the lion—and the eagle represents the water in Hod, the gluten of the eagle—whose reconcilement is made by the air in Yesod, uniting with the volatilised water arising from the cauldron through the influence of the fire beneath it. The chains which link the lion and the eagle to her waist are symbolic of the Paths of Scorpio and Capricornus as shown by the scorpion and the goat in the background. In her right hand, she bears the torch of solar fire elevating and volatilising the water in Hod by the fiery influence of Geburah, while with her left hand, she pours from a vase the waters of Chesed to temper and calm the fires of Netzach.
New 14th Key of Tarot, Temperance
This later form is the usual figure of Temperance, symbolizing in a more restricted form than the preceding, the peculiar properties of this Path. It represents an angel with the solar emblem of Tiphareth on her brow and wings of the aerial and volatilising nature, pouring together the fluidic fire and the fiery water—thus combining, harmonising, and temperating those opposing elements.
One foot rests on dry and volcanic land, in the background of which is a volcano whence issues an eruption. The other foot is in the water by whose border springs fresh vegetation, contrasting strongly with the arid and dry nature of the distant land. On her breast is a square, the emblem of rectitude. The whole figure is a representation of that straight and narrow way of which it is said “few there be that find it” which alone leads to the higher and glorified life. For to pursue that steady and tranquil mean between two opposing forces, is indeed difficult, and many are the temptations to turn aside either to the right or to the left—wherein, remember, are but to be found the menacing symbols of Death and the Devil.
The twenty-fifth Path of the Sepher Yetzirah to which the tarot key of Temperance is referred, is called the intelligence of probation, and it is so called because it is the primary temptation by which the Creator tries all righteous persons. That is, that in it, there is ever present the temptation to turn aside to the one hand or the other.
Second and Third Adepts give cup and red lamp to Philosophus and prompt him to hold them in form of Tau cross.
CH. AD: Let this remind you once more, that only in and by the reconciliation of opposing forces is the pathway made to true occult knowledge and practical power. Good alone is mighty and truth alone shall prevail. Evil is but weakness and the power of evil magic exists but in the contest of unbalanced forces, which in the end will destroy and ruin him who hath subjugated himself thereto. As it is said, “Stoop not down, for a precipice lieth beneath the earth—a descent of seven steps; and therein is established the throne of an evil and fatal force. Stoop not down unto that dark and lurid world. Defile not thy brilliant flame with the earthy dross of matter. Stoop not down, for its splendour is but seeming, it is but the habitation of the sons of the unhappy.”
Second and Third Adepts take back red lamp and cup and restore them to their tablets. On the altar is the white lamp and the Tablet of Union. Philosophus is seated west of altar. Second and Third Adepts return to places. Hiereus goes to north, Hegemon to south. Chief Adept returns to throne in east, takes up the Banner of the East and Hierophant’s lamen.
CH. AD: Seeing that you are now lord of the Paths of the Portal of the Vault of the Adepti, and are entered into the Second Degree, approaching the Second or Inner Order, it is fitting that you should have the knowledge of these emblems to complete, as far as may be, your understanding of the powers of the officers of the First or Outer Order. Both refer in natural succession of numbers to the six following the five. Thus all progress is by steps, gradual and secure. The inner revelation may come suddenly to some, even in the twinkling of an eye or it may be after long waiting—a slow a
nd gradual process from the beginning, yet ever the liquid must be prepared to the point of saturation.
The Hierophant’s lamen is a synthesis of Tiphareth, to which the Calvary Cross of six squares, forming the cube opened out, is fitly referred. The two colours, red and green, the most active and the most passive, whose conjunction points out the practical application of the knowledge of equilibrium, are symbolic of the reconciliation of the celestial essences of fire and water, for the reconciling yellow unites with blue in green, which is the complementary colour to red, and with red in orange, which is the complementary colour to blue. The small inner circle placed upon the cross alludes to the rose that is conjoined therewith in the symbolism of the Rose and the Cross of our Order.
The field of the Banner of the East is white, the colour of light and purity. As in the previous case, the Calvary Cross of six squares is the number six of Tiphareth, the yellow cross of solar gold, and the cubical stone bearing in its centre the sacred Tau of life, and having bound together upon it the form of the macrocosmic hexagram, the red triangle of fire and the blue triangle of water—the Ruach Elohim and the waters of creation. The six angles of the hexagram described upon the Tree of Life will give the planets referred to it as follows: Daath, Saturn; Chesed, Jupiter; Geburah, Mars; Netzach, Venus; Hod, Mercury; Yesod, Luna—while in the centre is the sun of Tiphareth.
Upon my breast is a symbol, which, O lord of the Paths of the Portal of the Adepti, is as yet unknown to you. It is no symbol of the Order of the Stella Matutina, nor of the First or Outer Order, nor even of your degree. It is the symbol of the red rose and the cross of gold, uniting the powers of the four and five and of the six within itself; but to learn its full meaning, it is needful that you be admitted to the fellowship of that other Order to which the Stella Matutina is one of the Veils. Of this matter, you have no right to speak to any below your degree.
Admission further can be earned no more by excellence in intellectual learning alone, though that also is required of you. In token that all true knowledge cometh of grace, not of right, such admission is granted, not on demand, but at the discretion of the greatly honoured chiefs of the Second Order. Moreover, an interval of nine months must elapse before the Portal is again opened to you. Nine is the number of Luna in Yesod, nine lunar months are the period of gestation before birth. Five is the number of the pentagram of the Microcosm, the esoteric lunar number—the number of the spirit and the four elements—of the soul entering the body. Nine multiplied by five yields forty-five, the number of Yesod, and the supreme number of the square of Saturn, as the triad expanded into matter.
Closing of the Portal Grade
CH. AD: (Knocks) Very honoured fratres and sorores, assist me to close the Portal of the Vault of the Adepti.
All rise.
Honoured Hiereus, see that the entrance is properly guarded.
HIEREUS: Very honoured Chief Adept, the entrance is properly guarded.
CH. AD: Very honoured fratres and sorores, give the signs of the Neophyte, Zelator, Theoricus, Practicus, and Philosophus. Give the Sign of the Rending of the Veil. Give the Sign of the Closing of the Veil. Very honoured Second Adept, what is the word?
2ND AD: Peh.
CH. AD: Resh.
2ND AD: Kaph.
CH. AD: Tau.
2ND AD: The whole word is Paroketh, which is the Veil of the Tabernacle.
CH. AD: In and by that word, I declare the Portal of the Vault of the Adepti duly closed.
Chief Adept draws curtain. Officers take up their stations before elemental tablets. Chief Adept stands west of the altar, facing east. Philosophus stands behind him.
CH. AD: In the power of the name Yod Heh Vau Heh and in the might of the concealed name Yeheshua, in the symbol of the Tablet of Union and by the word Eth, spirits of the five elements, adore your Creator.
At the word “depart” below each officer simultaneously makes banishing pentagram of his own element before the tablet, ending with grade sign.
CH. AD: Depart in peace unto your habitations. May there be peace between us and you, and be ye ready to come when you are called.
Chief Adept makes banishing pentagram of spirit and gives L.V.X. signs. All face east and make Qabalistic cross all saying together:
ALL: Unto Thee, Tetragrammaton, be ascribed Malkuth, Geburah, Gedulah, unto the ages, Amen.
CH. AD:
2ND AD:
3RD AD:
HIEREUS:
HEG:
[contents]
1. Note by JMG: John 3:5.
2. Note by JMG: This Enochian invocation is again written out in a form suitable for pronunciation. The correct spelling is: Ol sonf vorsag goho iad balt. Lexarph comanan tabitom. Odo cicle qaa piap piamol od vaoan. See the Book of the Concourse of the Forces, pages 787–792, for details.
3. Note by JMG: That is, removes the Veil from it so that it shines freely. This is done by Philosophus with each of the elemental lamps.
4. Note by JMG: That is, six can be divided evenly into 1, 2, and 2 parts, and 1 + 2 + 3 = 6. Number properties of this kind were much used in ancient, medieval, and Renaissance magic.
5. Note by JMG: That is, the sum of the Hebrew letters of the word “Malkuth” is 496, and this number is also equal to the sum of its factors.
6. Note by JMG: An interesting echo of older versions of the ritual work; in the ritual of the twenty-seventh Path as presented by Regardie, the vision of Nebuchadnezzar does not appear.
7. Note by JMG: Psalm 103:13.
8. Note by JMG: Psalm 103:5.
CEREMONY OF THE 5° = 6 GRADE
OF ADEPTUS MINOR
Adeptus Minor Temple, First Point
Officers Required—
Chief Adept: 7° = 4, Merciful Exempt Adept
Second Adept: 6° = 5, Mighty Adeptus Major
Third Adept: 5° = 6, Associate Adeptus Minor
Introducer of the Candidate: Hodos Chamelionis
These officers should have attained at least these ranks and may be of higher grade. Men and women are equally eligible for any of these offices. The ordinary members are entitled very honoured fratres et sorores.
This ceremony is divided into three points.
Robes:
Chief Adept (blue and purple, with winged sphere wand)
Second Adept (red and orange, with phoenix wand)
Third Adept (yellow and rose pink, with lotus wand)
All may wear yellow shoes or shoes to match robes. Candidates should have crossed sashes, declaration, and recommendation signed by two chiefs. Admission badges are the lamen of Hiereus and the sword and serpent.
List of requirements—
For candidates: black sash and white sash, black robe and cords, admission badges, attestation of examinations and recommendations.
On altar: ¾ cup of wine, candle, crucifix, chain, dagger, crook and scourge, incense, cross.
Each officer carries a crux ansata on his left wrist.
Crux Ansata: Each section of the Crux Ansata is coloured according to the Queen Scale of the Sephiroth.
Opening of the 5° = 6 Grade
Chief Adept knocks. All rise.
CH. AD:
2ND AD:
3RD AD:
CH. AD:
3RD AD:
2ND AD:
CH. AD: Avete, Fratres et Sorores.
2ND AD: Roseae Rubeae.
3RD AD: Et Aureae Crucis.
CH. AD: Very honoured fratres et sorores, assist me to open the Tomb of the Adepti. Associate Adeptus Minor, see that the Portal is closed and guarded.
Third Adept does so and salutes.
3RD AD: Merciful Exempt Adept, the Portal of the Vault is closed and guarded.
CH. AD: Mighty Adeptus Major, by what sign hast thou entered the Portal?
2ND AD: By the Sign of the Rending Asunder of the Veil. (Gives it.)
CH. AD: Associate Adeptus Minor, by what sign hast thou closed the Portal?
3RD AD: By the Sign of the Closi
ng of the Veil. (Gives it.)
2ND AD: Peh.
3RD AD: Resh.
2ND AD: Kaph.
3RD AD: Tau.
3RD AD: Which is the Veil of the Sanctum Sanctorum.
2ND AD: The mystic number of this grade is twenty-one.
CH. AD: Associate Adeptus Minor, what is the password formed therefrom?
3RD AD: Aleph.
CH. AD: Heh.
3RD AD: Yod.
CH. AD: Heh.
3RD AD: Eheieh.
2ND AD: The Tomb of the Adepti is the symbolic burying place of Christian Rosenkreutz, which he made to represent the universe.9
3RD AD: He is buried in the centre of the heptagonal sides and beneath the altar, his head being towards the east.
2ND AD: He is buried in the centre because that is the point of balanced forces.
3RD AD: The mystic name of Christian Rosenkreutz signifies the Rose and Cross of Christ—the fadeless rose of creation, the immortal cross of light.
2ND AD: This place was entitled by our still more ancient fratres and sorores, the tomb of Osiris Onnophris, the justified one.
3RD AD: The shape of the tomb is that of an equilateral heptagon, a figure of seven sides.
2ND AD: The seven sides allude to the seven lower Sephiroth, the seven palaces, and the seven days of creation. Seven is the height above. Seven is the depth beneath.
3RD AD: The tomb is symbolically situated in the centre of the earth, in the mountain of the caverns, the mystic mountain of Abiegnus.
3RD AD: The meaning of this title of Abiegnus—Abi-Agnus, lamb of the Father. It is by metathesis Abi-Genos, born of the Father. Bia-Genos, strength of our race, and the four words make the sentence: Abiegnus Abi-Agnus Abi-Genos Bia-Genos. “Mountain of the lamb of the Father, and the strength of our race.” I.A.O. Yeheshua. Such are the words.
All salute with 5° = 6 signs.
CH. AD: Mighty Adeptus Major, what is the key to this tomb?