Member
More Variables
Officers
- On the dais:Imperator, Cancellarius, Past Hierophant, Praemonstrator. Hierophant (red cloak, lamen, sceptre).
- In the hall:
- Hiereus (black cloak, lamen, sword)
- Hegemon (white cloak, lamen, sceptre)
- Keryx (lamen, lamp, and wand).
- Stolistes (lamen, cup of lustral water).
- Dadouchos (lamen, thurible).
- Sentinel (lamen, sword)
Required
- For the altar: red cross and white triangle, red rose, red lamp, cup of wine, paten of bread and salt.
- For the candidate: black robe and red shoes, hoodwink, rope, Neophyte sash.
- For the temple: chemical change1.
Footnotes
- John Michael Greer: Two glasses half full of water, one containing sodium salicylate, the other ferric ammonium sulfate. Both solutions are transparent, but when poured together, a chemical reaction turns the water blood red.
✊ - This sign represents one knock made by rapping the base or shaft
of wand or the pommel of a sword on the table.
Hierophant
Waits until all members assembled and robed, then ✊
Member
Sit in proper places
All-officers
Rise
Member
Do not rise except for adorations to the east or when asked for the
signs.
Stand when Hierophant says "Let us adore the Lord of the universe and space" and face east until end of adoration.
Do not circumambulate with officers, but when moving for other purposes, do so in the direction of the sun and make the Neophyte signs on passing the Throne of the East whether the Hierophant is there or not. The sign is always made in direction of movement except: 1) When entering or leaving the hall: made towards the east. 2) When asked to give the signs: towards the altar.
Stand when Hierophant says "Let us adore the Lord of the universe and space" and face east until end of adoration.
Do not circumambulate with officers, but when moving for other purposes, do so in the direction of the sun and make the Neophyte signs on passing the Throne of the East whether the Hierophant is there or not. The sign is always made in direction of movement except: 1) When entering or leaving the hall: made towards the east. 2) When asked to give the signs: towards the altar.
Hierophant
✊
Keryx
On hearing the ✊, goes to the northeast, to the Hierophant's right, facing west,
and raises lamp and wand
17
Hekas! Hekas! Este bebeloi!
"Begone! Begone! Ye profane ones!" in Greek. Traditionally announced that the ancient Greek Mysteries were about to be celebrated.18
Returns to his/her place
Hierophant
Rises and ✊
20
Fratres and sorores of the
(name)
Temple of the
Order of the Stella Matutina, assist
me to open the hall of the Neophytes. Frater Keryx, see that the hall is
properly guarded.
Keryx
Goes to the door and ✊
Sentinel
Replies with ✊
Keryx
Very honoured Hierophant, the hall is properly guarded.
24
Salutes the Hierophant's throne and remains by the door
Hierophant
Honoured Hiereus, guard the hither side of the portal and assure yourself that
all present have witnessed the
Stella Matutina.
Hiereus
Goes to the door and stands before it with sword erect
Keryx
Stands to the right of Hiereus with with lamp and wand
Hiereus
Fratres and Sorores of the Order of the Stella Matutina, give the signs of a Neophyte.
All
Give Neophyte signs
Hiereus
Give the signs towards Hierophant
31
Very honoured Hierophant, all present have been so honoured.
HiereusKeryx
return to their places.
Hierophant
Give Sign of the Enterer towards the west, but not the Sign of Silence.
34
Let the number of officers in this degree and the nature of their offices be
proclaimed once again, that the powers whose images they are may be reawakened in
the spheres of those present and in the sphere of this order, for by names and
images are all powers awakened and reawakened.
35
Make the Sign of Silence
36
Honoured Hiereus, how many chief officers are there in this grade?
Hiereus
There are three chief officers: the Hierophant, the Hiereus, and the Hegemon
Hierophant
Is there any pecularity in these names?
Hiereus
They all commence with the letter "H".
Hierophant
Of what is this letter a symbol?
Hiereus
Of life, because the letter "H" is our mode of representing the ancient Greek
aspirate or breathing, and breath is the evidence of life.
Hierophant
How many lesser officers are there?
Hiereus
There are three beside the Sentinal: the Kerux, the Stolistes, and the
Dadouchos. The Sentinel is without the portal of the hall and has a sword in
his hand to keep out intruders. It is his duty to prepare the candidate.
Hierophant
Frater Dadouchos, your station and duties?
Dadouchos
My station is in the south to symbolise heat and dryness, and my duty is to see
that the lamps and fires of the temple are ready at the opening, to watch over
the censer and the incense and to consecrate the hall and the fratres and
sorores and the candidate with fire.
Hierophant
Frater Stolistes, your station and duties?
Stolistes
My station is in the north to symbolise cold and moisture, and my duties are to
see that robes and collars and insignia of the officers are ready at the
opening, to watch over the cup of lustral water, and to purify the hall and the
fratres and sorores and the candidate with water.
Hierophant
Frater Kerux, your station and duties?
Keryx
My place is within the portal. My duties are to see that the furniture of the
hall is properly arranged at the opening, to guard the inner side of the portal,
to admit the fratres and sorores, and to watch over the reception of the
candidate; to lead all mystic circumambulations carrying the lamp of my office,
and to make all reports and announcements. My lamp is the symbol of the hidden
knowledge, and my wand is the symbol of its directing power.
Hierophant
Honoured Hegemon, your station and duties?
Hegemon
My station is between the two pillars of Hermes and Solomon and my face is
towards the cubical Altar of the Universe. My duty is to watch over the gateway
of the hidden knowledge, for I am the reconciler between light and darkness. I
watch over the preparation of the candidate and assist in his reception, and I
lead him in the path that conducts from darkness to light. The white colour of
my robe is the colour of purity, my ensign of office is a mitre-headed sceptre
to symbolise religion which guides and regulates life, and my office symbolises
those higher aspirations of the soul which should guide its action.
Hierophant
Honoured Hiereus, your station and duties?
Hiereus
Holds sword and banner
54
My station is on the Throne of the West and is a symbol of increase of Darkness
and decrease of Light and I am the Master of Darkness. I keep the Gateway of
the West and watch over the reception of the Candidate and over the lesser
Officers in the doing of their work. My black Robe is an image of the Darkness
that was upon the face of the Waters. I carry the Sword of Judgement and the
Banner of the Evening Twilight, which is the Banner of the West, and I am called
Fortitude by the Unhappy.
Hierophant
Stand holding the sceptre and Banner of the East
56
My Station is on the Throne of the East, in the place where the Sun rises,
and I am the Master of the Hall, governing it according to the laws of
the Order, as He whose image I am, is the Master of all who work for
the Hidden Knowledge. My Robe is red because of Uncreated Fire and
Created Fire, and I hold the Banner of the Morning Light which is the
Banner of the East. I am called Power and Mercy and Light and Abundance,
and I am the expounder of the Mysteries.
57
Sits down
58
Frater Stolistes and Frater Dadouchos, I command you to purify and consecrate
the Hall with Water and Fire.
StolistesDadouchos
Perform your respective tasks below simultaneously.
Stolistes
Goes to the east, faces Hierophant, and making a cross in the air with his cup,
sprinkles a few drops of water three times towards the east. Passes to the
south, west and north, repeating the purification in each quarter, then returns
to the east to complete the circle.
61
Holds the cup high
62
I purify with water.
Dadouchos
Follows Stolistes when he goes to the east, and when Stolistes has gone to
the south, Dadouchos
faces east, raises his censer, and swings thrice towards the east. Then goes
south, west and north, repeating the cesnsing at each quarter, and returns to
the east to complete the circle.
64
Raises the censer
65
I consecrate with fire.
StolistesDadouchos
Return to their places
Hierophant
Let the Mystic Circumambulation take place in the Pathway of Light.
68
Stands holding the sceptre in his right hand, the Banner of the East in his
left.
Keryx
Goes to the northeast with lamp and wand
Hegemon
Follows
Hiereus
Follows with banner and sword
Stolistes
Follows with cup
Dadouchos
Follows with censer
Sentinel
Follows with sword
Keryx
Leads procession past Hierophant, making the signs of Horus and Harpocrates as
he passes.
HegemonHiereusStolistesDadouchos
Follows, doing the same
Hiereus
Falls out as soon as he reaches his throne
Hegemon
Returns to his place after passing Hierophant twice
StolistesDadouchosSentinelKeryx
Passes the Hierophant 3 times and then take their place as they come to them.
Hierophant
The Mystical Circumambulation symbolical of the Rise of Light is
accomplished. Let us adore the Lord of the Universe and Space.
All
Stand, face east and make the saluting of the enterer (Horus) sign
following the lead of Hierophant. The Sign of Silence is made at the
end of the prayer.
82
Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe! (salute)
Holy art Thou, Whom nature hath not formed! (salute)
Holy art Thou, the vast and the mighty one! (salute)
Lord of the light and of the darkness! (Sign of Silence)
Holy art Thou, Whom nature hath not formed! (salute)
Holy art Thou, the vast and the mighty one! (salute)
Lord of the light and of the darkness! (Sign of Silence)
HierophantHiereusHegemon
Raise wands / sword in salute, and sink them.
All
Face as usual but remain standing
Hierophant
Frater Keryx, in the name of the Lord of the Universe, I command you to declare
that I have opened the hall of the Neophytes.
Keryx
Goes northeast, faces west, and raises wand
87
In the name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom naught
but silence can express, I declare that the sun has arisen and the shadows flee
away.
88
Returns to his place
Hierophant
✊
Hiereus
✊
Hegemon
✊
The ✊'s are given before the words are said.
Hierophant
(✊) Khabs.
Hiereus
(✊) Am.
Hegemon
(✊) Pekht.
Hiereus
(✊) Konx.
Hegemon
(✊) Om.
Hierophant
(✊) Pax.
Hegemon
(✊) Light.
Hierophant
(✊) In.
Hiereus
(✊) Extension.
All
Make signs towards the altar and sit down
Keryx
Removes the rose, cup, paten of bread and salt, and the lamp from the altar,
leaving the cross and triangle only. He sees that a hassock is in readiness at
the west for the candidate to kneel on.
Hierophant
Fratres and sorores of the
(name)
Temple of the
Order of the Stella Matutina,
I have received a Dispensation from the Greatly Honoured Chiefs of the
Second Order, to admit
(Candidate's Name)
to the
0=0
degree of Neophyte.
Honoured Hegemon, bid the Candidate prepare for the Ceremony of his
admission, and superintend his preparation.
Hegemon
Rises and removes his chair from between the Pillars and goes out.
Sentinel
Follows carrying the Hoodwink and Rope
Hegemon
Sees that the candidate is properly robed and hoodwinked and that the rope goes
three times around his waist. He then leads the candidate to the door and gives
one ✊
Keryx
One ✊ from within
110
The Candidate seeks for entrance.
Hierophant
I give permission to admit
(Candidate's Name)
who now loses his name and
will henceforth be known among us as
(Candidate's Motto). Let the
Stolistes and the Dadouchos assist in the reception.
Keryx
Faces the entrances, ready to open the door
StolistesDadouchos
Stands behind Keryx
🤠
Candidate
Enters (to well within the hall)
StolistesDadouchosKeryx
Stands before candidate in triangular formation.
Sentinel
Stands behind candidate.
Hegemon
Inheritor of a Dying world, arise and enter the Darkness.
Stolistes
The Mother of Darkness hath blinded him with her hair.
Dadouchos
The Father of Darkness hath hidden him under his wings.
Hierophant
His limbs are still weary from the wars which were in heaven.
Keryx
Unpurified and Unconsecrated, thou canst not enter our Sacred Hall.
Stolistes
Comes forward and dipping his thumb in the lustral water, makes with it
a cross on the Candidate's brow and sprinkles him three times.
123
I purify thee with Water.
Dadouchos
Comes forward and makes a cross over Candidate with his censer,
and waves it 3 times.
125
I consecrate thee with Fire.
Hierophant
Conduct the candidate to the foot of the altar. Inheritor of a
Dying World, why seekest thou to enter our Scared Hall? Why
seekest thou admission to our Order?
Hegemon
Speaks for candidate.
128
My Soul wanders in Darkness and seeks the Light of the Hidden Knowledge,
and I believe that in this Order, Knowledge of that Light may be
obtained.
Hierophant
We hold your signed pledge to keep secret everything that relates to
this Order. I now ask you, are you willing to take a solemn
Obligation in the presence of this Assembly, to keep the secrets and
mysteries of our Order inviolate?
Hegemon
Prompts candidate to say: "I am"
🤠
Candidate
I am.
Hierophant
There is nothing contrary to your civil, moral or religious duties
in this Obligation. Although the Magical virtues can indeed awaken
into momentary life in the wicked and foolish hearts, they cannot
reign in any heart that has not the natural virtues to be their
throne. He who is the Fountain of the Spirit of Man and of Things,
came not to break, but to fulfill the law. Are you ready to take
this Oath?
Hegemon
Prompts candidate.
🤠
Candidate
I am ready.
Hierophant
Then you will kneel on both your knees.
136
Comes to east of the altar with sceptre.
Hegemon
Assists candidate to kneel and stands right of candidate.
Hiereus
Stands to the left.
KeryxStolistesDadouchos
Complete the hexagram of officers.
Hexagram of officers
Hierophant
Give me your right hand which I place upon this holy symbol.
Place your left hand in mine, bow your head, repeat your full
name by which you are known on Earth, and say after me:
142
Prompts candidate
🤠
CandidateHierophant
I,
(Candidate's Name), in the presence of the Lord of the Universe,
Who works in Silence and whom naught but Silence can express, and in
this hall of the Neophytes of the
Order of the Stella Matutina, regularly assembled
under Warrant from the Greatly Honoured Chiefs of the Second Order,
do, of my own free will, hereby and hereon, most solemnly promise to
keep secret this Order, its Name, the Names of its Members, and the
proceedings that take place at its meetings, from every person in the
world who has not been initiated into it; nor will I discuss them with
any Member who has not the Password for the time being, or who has resigned,
demitted, or been expelled.
144
I undertake to maintain a kindly and benevolent relation with all
the Fratres and Sorores of this Order.
145
I solemnly promise to keep secret any information I may have
gathered concerning this Order before taking this Oath.
146
I solemnly promise that any ritual or lecture placed in my care or
any cover containing them shall bear the official label of this
Order.
147
I will neither copy, nor allow to be copied, any manuscript, until
I have obtained permission of the Second Order, lest our Secret
Knowledge be revealed through my neglect.
148
I solemnly promise not to suffer myself to be placed in such a
state of passivity, that any unitiated person or power may cause
me to lose control of my words or actions.
149
I solemnly promise to persevere with courage and determination
in the labours of the Divine Science, even as I shall persevere
with courage and determination through this Ceremony which is
their Image - and I will not debase my mystical knowledge in the
labour of Evil Magic at any time tried or under any temptation.
150
I swear upon this Holy Symbol to observe all these things without
evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation, under the penalty of
being expelled from this Order for my perjury and my offense.
Furthermore, if I break this, my Magical Obligation, I submit
myself, by my own consent, to a Stream of Power, set in motion by
the Divine Guardians of this Order, Who live in the Light of their
Perfect Justice, and before Whom my Soul now stands.
All
Whisper close to Candidate.
152
They journey as upon the winds—
They strike where no man strikes—
They slay where no man slays—
They strike where no man strikes—
They slay where no man slays—
Hiereus
At words "bow my neck" below, places the flat of his sword
on the nape of the candidate's neck.
🤠
CandidateHierophant
and, as I bow my neck under the Sword of the Hiereus, so do I commit
myself unto their hands for vengence or reward.
155
So help me my Mighty and Secret soul, and the Father of my Soul
Who works in Silence and Whom naught but Silence can express.
Hierophant
Rise, Neophyte, of the 0=0
grade of the
Order of the Stella Matutina.
157
Returns to his throne
Hiereus
Removes hassock and returns to his throne
Hegemon
Assists candidate to rise
StolistesDadouchosKeryx
Resume their seats
Hierophant
Honoured Hegemon, you will now place the Neophyte
in the Northern part of the Hall - the place of Forgetfulness, Dumbness,
and Necessity, and of the Greatest symbolical Darkness.
Hegemon
Takes candidate to the North and faces him East
Keryx
Goes with lamp and wand to the northeast
StolistesDadouchos
Stand ready to follow the procession
Hierophant
The voice of my Undying and Secret Soul said unto me:
"Let me enter the Path of Darkness and, peradventure, there shall I
find the Light. I am the only Being in an Abyss of Darkness; from
an Abyss of Darkness came I forth ere my birth, from the Silence of a
Primal Sleep."
166
And the Voice of the Ages answered to my Soul:
"I am He who formulates in Darkness —
the Light that shineth in Darkness, yet the Darkness comprehendeth it not."
167
Let the Mystical Circumambulation take place in the Path of Knowledge that
leadeth unto Light, with the Lamp of Hidden Knowledge to guide us.
Keryx
Leads forward
Hegemon
Follows leading Candidate
🤠
Candidate
Follows.
StolistesDadouchos
Follow
Hierophant
✊ just as candidate passes
KeryxHegemonStolistesDadouchos
Pass on by the south, west
Hiereus
✊ as candidate passes
KeryxHegemonStolistesDadouchos
Pass on by the north, east
Hierophant
✊ as candidate passes
Keryx
Stops in the south after second passing of Hierophant and bars
the way with his Wand.
178
Unpurified and Unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the Path of the West!
Stolistes
Comes forward and, dipping his thumb in water, makes a cross
on Candidate's brow and sprikles three times
180
I purify thee with water.
Dadouchos
Comes forward, censes in the form of a cross, waves incense three times
182
I concecrate thee with fire.
StolistesDadouchos
Step back to their places in the procession
Hegemon
Child of Earth, twice purified and twice consecrated, thou mayest
approach the Gateway of the West.
Keryx
Leads the procession to throne of Hiereus
Hegemon
Raises the hoodwink for a moment
Hiereus
Stands threatening with his Sword
188
Thou canst not pass by me, saith the Guardian of the West,
unless thou canst tell me my Name.
Hegemon
Darkness is thy Name, thou Great One of the Paths of the Shades.
Hiereus
Thou hast known me now, so pass thou on.
Fear is failure so be thou without fear.
For he who trembles at the Flame and at the Flood and at the Shadows
of the Air, hath no part in God.
Keryx
Leads on
🤠
HegemonCandidateStolistesDadouchos
Follows
Hierophant
✊ as they pass
Hiereus
✊ as they pass
Keryx
Halts in the North and raises his Wand
196
Unpurified and Unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the
Path of the East!
Stolistes
Cross and sprinkling as before
198
I purify thee with water.
Dadouchos
Cross and censing as before
200
I consecrate thee with fire.
Hegemon
Child of Earth, thrice purified and thrice consecrated,
thou mayest approach the Gateway of the East!
Keryx
Leads the procession forward to Hierophant
🤠
HegemonCandidateStolistesDadouchos
follows
Hierophant
Stands threatening with his Sceptre
Hegemon
Raises the hoodwink for a moment
Hierophant
Thou canst not pass by me, saith the Guardian of the
East, unless thou canst tell me my Name.
Hegemon
Light dawning in Darkness is thy Name, the Light of a Golden Day!
Hierophant
Unbalaced Power is the ebbing away of Life.
Unbalanced Mercy is weakness and the fading out of Will.
Unbalanced Severity is cruelty and the barrenness of Mind.
Thou hast known me now, so pass thou on to the Cubical Altar of
the Universe.
Hegemon
Replaces hoodwink
Keryx
Leads processing to the Altar
Hegemon
Place candidate exactly west of the altar
212
Stands to the right of the candidate
Hiereus
Stands to the left of the candidate
KeryxStolistesDadouchos
Form a supporting triangle behind Candidate.
Hierophant
Holds Sceptre in his right hand and the Banner of the East
in his left, advances between the Pillars and comes to the
East of the Altar.
216
I come in the Power of the Light.
I come in the Light of Wisdom.
I come in the Mercy of the Light.
The Light hath Healing in its Wings.
I come in the Light of Wisdom.
I come in the Mercy of the Light.
The Light hath Healing in its Wings.
All-officers
Form a hexagram round the altar
Hiereus
Holds his sword in his right hand,
the Banner of the West in his left
All-officers-except-hierophant
Kneel down
Hegemon
Assists candidate to kneel
Hierophant
Stands, raising his hands, holding sceptre and
Banner for the Invocation as follows
222
Lord of the Universe - the Vast and the Mighty One!
Ruler of the light and of the Darkness!
We adore Thee and we invoke Thee!
Look with favour on this Neophyte who now kneeleth before Thee,
and grant Thine aid unto the higher aspirations of his Soul,
so that he may prove a true and faithful Frater Neophyte among us.
To the glory of Thine Ineffable name. Amen!
All
Rise
Hegemon
Assists candidate to rise, brings close to the altar
HierophantHiereusHegemon
Raise their wands and sword to touch
each other over the head of the candidate.
Hegemon
Inheritor of a Dying World, we call thee to the Living Beauty.
Keryx
At the word "darkness" (below), removes the hoodwink.
Hiereus
Wanderer in the Wild Darkness, we call thee to the Gentle Light.
Keryx
Removes the hoodwink (at the word "darkness", above)
Hierophant
Long hast thou dwelt in Darkness —quit the Night and seek the Day.
HierophantHegemonHiereus
(Together)
We receive thee into the
Order of the Stella Matutina.
Hierophant
Khabs.
Hiereus
Am.
Hegemon
Pekht.
Hiereus
Konx.
Hegemon
Om.
Hierophant
Pax.
Hegemon
Light.
Hierophant
In.
Hiereus
Extension.
All-officers
Take down their Sceptres and Sword.
Keryx
Moves to North East of the Altar and raises his Lamp.
Hierophant
Points to the lamp to direct Candidate's attention.
244
In all thy wandering in Darkness, the Lamp of the
Keryx went before thee, though it was not seen by thine eyes. It
is a Symbol of the Light of the Hidden Knowledge.
HiereusKeryxStolistesDadouchos
Return to their places.
Hierophant
Returns to his throne.
🤠
HegemonCandidate
Remain West of the altar.
Hierophant
Let the Neophyte be led to the East of the Altar.
Hegemon
Places him to the East, near but not between the Pillars,
and he takes his place outside the White Pillar.
Hierophant
Honoured Hiereus, give the Neophyte the secret signs,
token, and words, together with the present password of the
0=0
grade of the
Order of the Stella Matutina.
Place him between the Mystical Pillars and superintend his fourth
and final consecration.
Hiereus
Passes by the North to the Black Pillar, comes round to the East.
Hegemon
Advances to meet Hiereus and take from him his Sword and Banner.
Hiereus
Gives Sword and Banner to Hegemon and steps between the
Pillars, facing the Candidate.
254
Frater (Candidate's Motto), I shall now proceed to instruct you
in the secret Step, Signs, Grip and Words of this Grade.
255
Firstly, advance your left foot a short space, as if entering a portal.
This is the Step.
256
The Signs are two. The First or Saluting Sign is given
thus: Lean forward and stretch both arms out thus:
(make Neophyte do this). It alludes to your condition in a state of Darkness, groping for Light.
The second Sign is the Sign of Silence, and is given by placing the left
forefinger on your lip thus
(make Neophyte do this). It is the position shown in many ancient statues of Harpocrates,
and it alludes to the silence you have sworn to maintain concerning
everything connected with this Order. The first sign is always answered
by the second.
257
The Grip or Token is given thus: advance your left foot touching mine,
toe and heel, extend your right hand to grasp mine, fail, try again,
and then succeed in touching the fingers only. It alludes to the
seeking guidance in darkness.
258
The Grand Word is Har-Par-Krat, and it is whispered in this position
mouth to ear, in syllables.
(They exchange the word.)
It is the Egyptian Name for the God of Silence, and should always
remind you of the strict silence you have sworn to maintain.
259
The Password is
(word). It is periodically changed each Equinox, so that a Member who has
resigned, demitted, or been expelled, may be in ignorance of the
existing Password.
260
I now place you between the two Pillars of Hermes and of Solomon
in the symbolical Gateway of Occult Wisdom.
Hegemon
Ready the Hiereus' sword to give back to him
Hiereus
Leads Neophyte forward and then takes back the Sword and Banner.
He stands North East of the Black Pillar and says:
263
Let the final consecration take place.
StolistesDadouchos
Come forward and purify and consecratethe hall as in the opening
Stolistes
On returning East, turns round to Neophyte,makes a cross of water on his brow, and sprinkles three times
266
I purify thee with water.
Dadouchos
Turns round from the east, makes a cross and censes 3 times
268
I consecrate thee with fire.
StolistesDadouchos
Return to their places
Hierophant
Honoured Hegemon, I command you to remove the Rope,
last remaining symbol of the Path of Darkness, and to invest our
Frater with the Badge of this Degree.
Hiereus
Ready to receive Hegemon's sceptre and ritual
Hegemon
Comes forward and hands his sceptre and ritual to
Hiereus. Removes the rope and puts on the sash over the left
shoulder
273
By command of the Very Honoured Hierophant, I invest
you with the Badge of this degree. It symbolises Light dawning in
Darkness.
Hiereus
Returns Sceptre, etc, to Hegemon
Hegemon
Takes Sceptre, etc, and returns to White Pillar
Hierophant
Let the Mystical Circumambulation take place in the Pathway of Light.
Keryx
Goes to the North East
Hegemon
Takes Candidate behind the Black Pillar, and stands behind Keryx
HiereusStolistesDadouchos
Follow
Hierophant
Stands holding Sceptre and Banner as in the opening
Keryx
Leads off
All-except-hierophant
Salute on passing Hierophant
Hiereus
Drops out on reaching his throne
Hegemon
Returns to between the Pillars after passing Hierophant
twice. Directs Neophyte to follow Keryx
Remaining officers pass the Hierophant thrice.
Hierophant
Waits for third passing
287
Take your place North West of the Stolistes.
Keryx
Indicates this and goes on
Stolistes
Follows and falls out in the north and returns to his place
Hegemon
Replaces his chair between the Pillars and sits down
Keryx
Replaces the Rose, Lamp, Cup and Paten in their proper places on the altar.
All
Take their seats.
Hierophant
Stands.
294
The Threefold Cord bound about your waist was an image of the
threefold bondage of Mortality, which amongst the Initiated is
called earthly or material inclination, that has bound into a
narrow place the once far-wondering Soul; and the Hoodwink was an
image of the Darkness, of Ignorance, of Morality that has blinded
men to the Happiness and Beauty their eyes once looked upon.
295
The Double Cubical Altar in the centre of the Hall is an emblem of
visible Nature or the Material Universe, concealing within herself
the mysteries of all dimensions, while revealing her surface to the
exterior senses. It is a double cube because, as the Emerald
Tablet has said, "The thigs that are below are a reflection of the
things that are above." The world of men and women created to
unhappiness is a reflection of the World of Divine Being created to
Happiness. It is described in the
Sepher Yetzirah, or the
Book of Formation, as "an Abyss of Height" and as "an Abyss of Depth",
"an Abyss of the East" and "an Abyss of the West",
"an Abyss of the North" and "an Abyss of the South". The altar is
Black because, unlike Divine Beings who unfold in the Element of Light,
the Fires of Created Beings arise from Darkness and Obscurity.
296
On the Altar is a White Triangle to be the Image of that Immortal
Light, that Triune Light, which moved in Darkness and formed the
world of Darkness and out of Darkness. There are two contending
Forces and One always uniting them; and these Three have their
Image in the threefold Flame of our Being and in the threefold wave
of the sensual world.
297
Stands in the form of a cross.
298
Glory be to Thee, Father of the undying.
For Thy glory flows out rejoicing to the ends of the earth!
299
Reseats himself.
300
The Red Cross above the White Triangle is an Image of Him Who was
unfolded in the Light. At its East, South, West and North angles
are a Rose, Fire, Cup of Wine, and Bread and Salt. These allude to
the Four Elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth.
301
The Mystical Words —
Khabs Am Pekht
— are ancient Egyptian, and are the origin of the Greek "Konx Om Pax"
which was uttered at the Eleusinian Mysteries. A literal translation
would be "Light Rushing Out In One Ray", and they signify the same
form of Light as that symbolized by the Staff of the Keryx.
302
East of the Double Cubical Altar of created things are the Pillars
of Hermes and of Solomon. On these are painted certain Hieroglyphics
from the 17th and the 125th chapters of the Book of the Dead. They
are the symbols of the two powers of Day and Night, Love and Hate,
Work and Rest, the subtle force of the Lodestone and the Eternal
outpouring and inpouring of the Heart of God.
303
The Lamps that burn, though with a veiled light, upon their summits
show that the Pathway to Hidden Knowledge, unlike the Pathway of
Nature — which is a continual undulation, the winding hither and
tither of the Serpent — is the straight and narrow way between them.
304
It was because of this that I passed between them, when you came
to the Light, and it was because of this that you were placed between
them to receive the final consecration.
305
Two contending Forces and one which unites them externally.
Two basal angles of the triangle and one which forms the apex.
Such is the origin of Creation — it is the Triad of Life.
306
My throne at the Gate of the East is the Place of the Guardian of
the Dawning Sun.
307
The Throne of the Hiereus at the Gate of the West is the Place of
the Guardian Against the Multitudes that sleep through the Light and
awaken at the Twilight.
308
The Throne of the Hegemon seated between the Columns is the Place of
Balanced Power, between the ultimate Light and the ultimate Darkness.
These meanings are shown in detail and by the colour of our Tabards.
309
The Wand of the Keryx is the Beam of Light from the Hidden Wisdom,
and his Lamp is an emblem of the Ever-burning Lamp of the Guardian
of the Mysteries.
310
The Seat of the Stolistes at the Gate of the North is the Place
of the Guardian of the Couldron and the Well of Water - of Cold
and Moisture. The Seat of the Dadouchos at the Gate of the South is
the Place of the Guardian of the Lake of Fire and the Burning Bush.
311
Frater Keryx, I command you to declare that the Neophyte has been
initiated into the Mysteries of the
0=0
Grade.
Keryx
Advances to the North East, faces West and raises his Wand.
313
In the Name of the Lord of the Universe, Who works in
Silence and Whom naught but Silence can express, and by command of
the Very Honoured Hierophant, hear ye all, that I proclaim that
(Candidate's Name), who will henceforth be known to you by the Motto
(Candidate's Motto), has been duly admitted to the
0=0
Grade as a
Neophyte of the
Order of the Stella Matutina.
314
returns to his place.
Hierophant
Honoured Hiereus, I delegate to you the duty of
pronouncing a short address to our Frater on his admission.
Hiereus
Frater (Candidate's Motto), it is my duty to deliver this
exhortation to you.
Remember your Obligation in this Order to secrecy — for
Strength is in Silence, and the Seed of Wisdom is sown in Silence
and grows in Darkness and Mystery.
317
Remember that you hold all Religions in reverence, for there is
none but contain a Ray from the Ineffable Light that you are
seeking. Remember the penalty that awaits the breaker of his
Oath. Remember the Mystery that you have received, and that the
Secret of Wisdom can be discerned only from the place of Balanced
Powers.
318
Study well the Great Arcanum of the proper equilibrium of Severity
and Mercy, for either unbalanced is not good. Unbalanced Severity
is cruelty and opression; unbalanced Mercy is but weakness and
would permit Evil to exist unchecked, thus making itself, as it
were, the accomplice of Evil.
319
Remember that things Divine are not attained by mortals who understand
the Body alone, for only those who are lightly armed can attain the summit.
320
Remember that God alone is our Light and the Bestower of Perfect
Wisdom, and that no mortal power can do more than bring you to the
Pathway of that Wisdom, which He could, if it so pleased Him, put into
the heart of a child. For as the whole is greater than the part, so
are we but Sparks from the unsupportable Light which is in Him.
321
The ends of the Earth are swept by the Borders of His Garment of
Flame — from Him all things proceed, and unto Him all things return.
322
Therefore, we invoke Him. Therefore even the Banner of the East falls
in adoration before Him.
Hierophant
Before you can ask to pass to a higher Grade, you will have to commit
certain rudiments of Occult Knowledge to memory. A manuscript lecture
in these subjects will be supplied to you by the Chief in whose charge
they are. When you can pass an examination in this elementary
Qabalistic knowledge, you will inform the Member in whose charge you are,
and arrangements will be made for you to sit for examination. If you
are found perfect you will then apply for admission to the next
Degree. Remember, that without a Dispensation from the Second Order, no
person can be admitted or advance to a Grade of the First Order.
Keryx
Conducts Neophyte to his table and gives him one of the small dishes
of solution to hold
325
Nature is harmonious in all her workings, and that which is above is
as that which is below. Thus also, the Truths which by material
Science we investigate, are but special examples of the all-pervading
Laws of the Universe. So, within this pure and limpid fluid, lie hidden
and unperceived of mortal eyes, the elements bearing the semblance of
blood, even as within the mind and brain of the initiate lie concealed
the Divine Secrets of the Hidden Knowledge. Yet if the Oath be
forgotten, and the solemn pledge broken, then that which is secret
shall be revealed, even as this pure fluid reveals the semblance of
blood.
326
Adds fluid from the other dish
327
Let this remind thee ever, O Neophyte, how easily by a careless or
unthinking word, thou mayst betray that which thou hast sworn to
keep secret and mayst reveal the Hidden Knowledge imparted to thee,
and planted in thy brain and in thy mind. And let the hue of blood
remind thee that if thou shalt fail in this thy Oath of Secrecy, thy
blood may be poured out and thy body broken; for heavy is the
penalty exacted by the Guardians of the Hidden Knowledge from those
who will wilfully betray their trust.
Hierophant
Comes to the table
The register is signed.
Hierophant
Resume your seat, and remember that your admission
to this Order does not give you the right to initiate any other person
without a dispensation from the greatly honoured chiefs of the
Second Order.
Keryx
Directs Neophyte to his seat
Hierophant
Returns to the dais
Hierophant
✊
Keryx
Goes to the North East, faces West, raises Lamp and Wand.
336
Hekas! Hekas! Esti bebeloi.
337
Returns to place.
Hierophant
Fratres and sorores of the
(name)
Temple of the
Order of the Stella Matutina,
assist me to close the hall of the Neophytes.
All
Rise.
Stolistes
Directs Neophyte to rise
🤠
Candidate
Rises
Hiereus
✊
Hegemon
✊
Keryx
✊
Sentinel
✊
Hierophant
Frater Keryx, see that the Hall is properly guarded.
Keryx
The Hall is properly guarded, Very Honoured Hierophant.
Hierophant
Honoured Hiereus, assure yourself that all present have beheld the
Stella Matutina.
Hiereus
Fratres and Sorores, give the signs.
All-except-hierophant
Perform signs.
Hiereus
Very Honoured Hierophant, all present have been so honoured.
Hierophant
Let the Hall be purified by Water and by Fire.
Stolistes
Purifies as in the opening.
354
I purify with water.
Dadouchos
Consecrates as in the opening.
356
I consecrate with fire.
Hierophant
Let the Mystical Reverse Circumambulation take place
in the Pathway of Light.
Keryx
Goes by the South to the South East.
Hegemon
Goes to the North and leads the new Neophyte by the
West and South, directing him to follow behind.
Hiereus
Follows Neophyte.
Stolistes
Follows Hiereus.
Dadouchos
Accompanies or follows Stolistes.
Sentinel
Ends the procession.
Hierophant
Stands and holds the Banner of the East in his left
hand, Sceptre in his right.
All-except-hierophant
Make the Neophyte signs when passing the Hierophant.
Hiereus
Drops out when his throne is reached.
Hegemon
Passes Hierophant twice and then takes his place
between the pillars, directing Neophyte to follow Keryx.
Keryx
After the third passing of the Hierophant, directs
Neophyte to his seat.
All-except-hierophantHiereusHegemonKeryx
Drop out as their places reached.
Hierophant
The Mystical Circumambulation is accomplished. It is
the symbol of Fading Light. Let us adore the Lord of the Universe.
All
Turn East.
Stolistes
Directs Neophyte to rise and face East.
Hierophant
Faces East, making salute at each adoration.
All-except-hierophant
Repeat after Hierophant.
All
Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe! (salute)
Holy art Thou, Whom nature hath not formed! (salute)
Holy art Thou, the vast and the mighty one! (salute)
Lord of the light and the darkness! (Sign of Silence)
Holy art Thou, Whom nature hath not formed! (salute)
Holy art Thou, the vast and the mighty one! (salute)
Lord of the light and the darkness! (Sign of Silence)
Hierophant
Nothing now remains but to partake together in silence, of the Mystic
Repast, composed of the symbols of the Four Elements, and to remember
our pledge of secrecy.
All
Are seated.
Hierophant
Puts down his sceptre and returns the Banner of the
East to its place. He goes to the west of the Altar and facing East
gives the Saluting Sign but not the Sign of Silence, and takes up the
Rose
379
I invite you to inhale with me the perfume of this
Rose, as a symbol of Air.
380
Smells rose
381
To feel with me the warmth of this sacred Fire.
382
Spreads his hands over it.
383
To eat with me this bread and salt as types of Earth.
384
Dips bread in salt and eats.
385
And finally to drink with me this Wine, the
consecrated emblem of Elemental Water.
386
Makes a Cross with the cup and drinks.
387
Puts down the Cup between Cross and Triangle.
Comes East of the Altar and faces West.
Praemonstrator
Comes to the west of the altar and makes the saluting sign.
Hierophant
Replies with Sign of Silence.
390
Gives Praemonstrator the Rose
Praemonstrator
Smells and returns Rose
392
Feels the warmth of the Lamp
393
Eats the Bread and Salt
Hierophant
Gives Praemonstrator the Cup
Praemonstrator
Takes Cup and makes a Cross, drinks and returns it
Hierophant
Passes by West and South to his throne
Praemonstrator
Comes to the East of the Altar
Imperator
Comes to the West, exchanges Signs and partakes.
Returns to his place after serving Cancellarius
Cancellarius
Repeat and serve Past Hierophant
()
Past Hierophant
Repeat and serve Hiereus
Hiereus
Repeat and serve Hegemon
Hegemon
Repeat and serve Stolistes
Stolistes
Repeat and serve Dadouchos
Dadouchos
Repeat and serve remaining Inner Order members in
order of seniority
Remaining Inner Order members in order of seniority partake but
without waiting for instruction. If there is a pause, one comes
forward.
Hegemon
(Or other appointed officer) Ready to pilot Neophytes in next step.
Repeated by members of the Outer Order in the same manner.
Philosophi, Practici, Theorici, Zelatores, Neophytes.
Hegemon
Directs Neophyte to return to his place as soonas Keryx takes the Cup (in next step)
Keryx
Waits for last Neophyte to stand East of the Altar,comes to the West, exchanges the Signs and partakes.
410
Receives Cup, drains it and inverts it.
411
It is finished!
412
Replaces his Cup and returns to his place.
All
Rise
Hierophant
✊ Tetelestai!
Hiereus
✊
Hegemon
✊
Hierophant
✊ Khabs
Hiereus
✊ Am.
Hegemon
✊ Pekht.
Hiereus
✊ Konx.
Hegemon
✊ Om.
Hierophant
✊ Pax.
Hegemon
✊ Light.
Hierophant
✊ In.
Hiereus
✊ Extension.
All
Make Signs towards the Altar.
Hierophant
May what we have partaken maintain us in our search for the
Quintessence, the Stone of the Philosophers, True Wisdom,
Perfect Happinesss, the Summum Bonum.
Ⓘ
Latin, "sum of good".Keryx
Leads out the Neophyte
All-officers-except-keryx
Remain in the temple