Ceremoy of the
2=9
Grade of Theoricus
Officers:
Hierophant, Hiereus, Hegemon, Keryx.
Required:- In the
east: pentacle, Banners of the East and West.
- On the
altar: fan, lamp, cup, salt, surrounding the altar diagram of the universe.
- For the
Zelator: hoodwink, cubical cross (first point), caduceus (second point)
Temple arranged as in diagram for the thirty-second Path. Members
assembled and clothed. Lamp on altar lighted. Members present, but not
taking office, rise at the words “Let us adore the Lord and King of Air”
and face east, remaining so to the end of the invocation. They do the same
at the closing, but otherwise do not move from their places. (✊ = one knock)
12Fratres and sorores of the Order of the Stella Matutina
in
the outer, assist me to open the temple in the Theoricus grade.
13Frater Keryx, see that the temple is properly guarded.
14goes to door, sees that it is closed and knocks ✊
15Very honoured Hierophant, the temple is properly guarded.
17Honoured Hiereus, see that none below the grade of Theoricus is present.
18Fratres and sorores, give the signs of the 2=9
Grade. (Done.)
19Very honoured Hierophant, all present have attained the grade of Theoricus.
21Honoured Hegemon, to what particular element is this grade attributed?
23Honoured Hiereus, to what planet does this grade especially refer?
25Honoured Hegemon, what Path is attached to this grade?
26The thirty-second Path of Tau.
27Honoured Hiereus, to what does it allude?
28To the universe as composed of the four elements - to the Kerubim
(כְּרוּבִים), the Qlipoth (קליפות / קְלִפּוֹת) and the astral plane, and the reflection
of the sphere of Saturn.
31Let us adore the Lord and King of Air!
32makes circle with sceptre towards east.
33Shaddai El Chai (שַׁדַּי אֵל חַי), almighty and everlasting — ever-living be Thy
name, ever magnified in the life of all. Amen.
36advances to west of altar.
37advance and stand at the outer sides of the pillars.
39makes invoking pentagrams within a circle before the air tablet.
40And the Elohim (אלוהים / אֱלֹהִים) said, “Let us make Adam in our image,
after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fowl of the
air”. In the name Yod He Vau He (יהוה) and in the name of
Shaddai El Chai (שַׁדַּי אֵל חַי), spirits of air, adore your Creator!
41takes up pentacle and at the words “head of the man” makes the sign
Aquarius before tablet.
♒
42In the name of Raphael (רָפָאֵל), the great archangel of air, and in the
sign of the head of the man zaqua, spirits of air, adore your Creator!
43makes cross with pentacle.
44In the names and letters of the great eastern quadrangle, revealed
unto Enoch by the great angel Ave, spirits of air, adore your Creator!
45holds pentacle on high.
46In the three great secret names of God,
borne on the Banner of the East, ORO IBAH AOZPI, spirits of air, adore
your Creator! In the name of BATAIVAH, great king of the east, spirits of
air, adore your Creator!
49In the name of Shaddai El Chai (שַׁדַּי אֵל חַי), I declare this temple opened
in
2=9
grade of Theoricus.
Ceremony of Advancement in the Path of Tau
56Fratres and sorores, our Frater (Soror)
(Candidate's Motto),
having made such progress in the paths of occult knowledge as has
enabled him to pass an examination in the requisite of knowledge,
is now eligible for advancement to the grade of Theoricus, and I
have duly received a dispensation from the greatly honoured Chiefs
of the Second Order, to advance him in due form.
57Honoured Hegemon, superintend the preparation of the Zelator and give
the customary alarm.
58rises and saluting, quits the temple. He prepares the Zelator
by seeing he is robed and wearing his sash, presents him with Greek cubical
cross, hoodwinks him, and comes to the door, giving the knock.
59meanwhile, places fan by Hierophant, lamp by Hegemon, cup byHiereus, and salt by his own place.
60on hearing the alarm, opens the door and allows Hegemon to enterwith Zelator, and then closes it.
61Quit the material and seek the spiritual.
62Conduct the Zelator to the east.
Zelator is led between the pillars to Hierophant’s throne,
66takes cubical cross from him.
67ready to prompt if necessary to help with answers below.
68Give me the step and sign of a Zelator. (Done.)
Give me the grip or token. (Done.)
Give me the grand word, mystic title, and the mystic number of a Zelator.
What is the password formed from the mystic number?
This is done, Hegemon prompting if necessary.
69Frater Periclinus de Faustis, do you solemnly pledge yourself to
maintain the same strict secrecy regarding the mysteries of the thirty-
second Path and the
2=9
grade of Theoricus, which you have already
sworn to maintain regarding those of the preceding grades?
71gives back cross to Zelator.
72Then you will stretch out your hand, holding the cubical cross
towards heaven, and say: “I swear by the Firmament of Heaven.”
73holds cross high and repeats the words.
74Let the hoodwink be removed.
Done.
76returns to his place in the south.
77is now in charge of Zelator.
78Stretch forth your right hand, holding the cubical cross towards the
east, in the position of the Zelator sign, saying: “Let the powers of air
witness my pledge.”
79does so and repeats the words.
81Facing you are the portals of the thirty-first, thirty-second, and
twenty-ninth Paths leading from the grade of Zelator to the
three other grades which are beyond. The only Path now open to you,
however, is the thirty-second, which leads to the
2=9
grade
of Theoricus, and which you must traverse before arriving at that grade.
82Take in your right hand the cubical cross and in your left the Banner of
Light (gives it to him) and follow your guide, Anubis the Guardian, who
leads you from the material to the spiritual.
83Anubis the Guardian said to the aspirant, “Let us enter the presence of
the Lord of Truth. Arise and follow me.”
84turns to the right and leads Zelator round the hall once slowly,
while Hiereus reads.
85rises with Banner of the West in left hand, fan in right.
86The sphinx of Egypt spake and said: “I am the synthesis of the
elemental forces. I am also the symbol of man. I am life and I am death. I
am the child of the night of time.”
88bars the way with the Banner of the West and fan.
89The priest with the mask of Osiris spake and said: “Thou canst not
pass the gate of the eastern heaven unless thou canst tell me my name.”
90Thou art Nu, goddess of the Firmament of Air.
Thou art Hormaku, lord of the eastern sun.
91In what signs and symbols do ye come?
92In the letter Aleph ("א"), in the Banner of Light, and the symbol of the
equated forces.
93stands back and makes sign of Aquarius ♒ before Zelator with fan.
94In the sign of the man, child of air, thou art purified. Pass thou on.
95hands over Zelator and the Banner of the West to the Keryx.
96leads Zelator on and hands the banner to Hegemon in passing.
98I am Osiris, the soul in twin aspect, united to the higher by
purification, perfected by suffering, glorified through trial. I have come
where the great gods are, through the power of the mighty name.
99have now reached Hegemon
100bars their way, lamp in right hand, the Banner of the West in left hand.
101The priest with the mask of the lion spake and said: “Thou canst not
pass by the gate of the southern heaven unless thou canst tell me my
name.”
102Mau the lion, very powerful, lord of fire, is thy name. Thou art
Ra, the sun in his strength.
103In what signs and symbols do ye come?
104In the letter Shin ("ש"), in the Banner of the East, and the symbol of the
cubical cross.
105stands back and makes the sign of Leo ♌ before Zelator with lamp.
106 In the sign of the lion, child of fire, thou art purified. Pass thou on.
107replaces lamp and takes the place of Keryx
108returns to his seat in the north.
109leads Zelator past Hiereus, to whom he hands the Banner of the West.
111reads for the third time (see below).
112being careful to lead Zelator slowly round the temple, returning to
Hiereus when the speech is finished.
113(As they go round the third time) I have passed through the gates
of the firmament. Give me your hands, for I am made as ye, ye lords of
truth! For ye are the formers of the soul.
114puts down sword and stands with cup in right hand, the Banner
of the West in left; barring the way of Hegemon and Zelator.
115The priest with the mask of the eagle spake and said: “Thou
canst not pass the gate of the western heaven unless thou canst tell me
my name.”
116Heka, mistress of Hesur, ruler of water, is thy name. Thou art Toum,
the setting sun.
118In what signs and symbols do ye come?
119In the letter Mem ("מ"), in the Banner of Light, and the symbol of the
twenty-two letters.
120stands back and making sign of eagle’s head1
over Zelator with cup. Footnotes
- JMG: The ordinary symbol of Scorpio is not used here, but rather a
simple image of an eagle’s head, representing the highest of the three
manifestations of Scorpio.
121In the sign of the eagle, child of water, thou art purified.
Pass thou on.
122gives the Banner of the West to Hegemon
123takes banner and continues to circumambulate with Zelator,
giving the Banner of the West to Keryx as he passes him.
125reads as they go round the fourth time
126rises with salt in his right hand, the Banner of the West in left.
127(As they go round) O Lord of the Universe, Thou art above all things and
Thy name is in all things; and before Thee, the shadows of night
roll back and the darkness hasteth away.
128bars the way with salt and the Banner of the West.
129The priest with the mask of the ox spake and said: “Thou canst not pass
the gate of the northern heaven unless thou canst tell me my name.”
130Satem in the abode of Shu, the bull of earth, is thy name. Thou art
Khephra, the sun at night.
131In what signs and symbols do ye come?
132In the Letters Aleph ("א"), Mem ("מ"), and Shin ("ש"),
and in the symbols of banner and cross.
133stands back, and makes the sign of Taurus ♉ over Zelator with salt.
134In the sign of the head of the ox, child of the elements, thou art
purified. Pass thou on.
135leads the Zelator to Hierophant between the pillars.
136accompanies them with the Banner of the West, which he hands to
Hierophant.
137replaces Banner of the West on its stand.
138hands up the Banner of the East, which Zelator has been holding.
Banner is replaced.
140hands cubical cross to Hierophant.
141collects the fan, lamp, cup, and salt and replaces them in their right
places on the altar, round the diagram.
142(Holding cubical cross.) The cubical cross is a fitting emblem of the equilibrated and
balanced forces of the elements. It is composed of twenty-two squares
externally, thus referring to the twenty-two letters that
are placed thereon. Twenty-two are the letters of the eternal voice, in the
vault of heaven; in the depth of earth; in the abyss of water; in the all-
presence of fire. Heaven cannot speak their fullness — earth cannot utter it.
143Yet hath the Creator bound them in all things. He hath mingled them in
water. He hath whirled them aloft in fire. He hath sealed them in the air of
heaven. He hath distributed them through the planets. He hath assigned
unto them the twelve constellations of the universe.
145The thirty-second Path of the Sepher Yetzirah, which answereth unto the
letter Tau ("ת"), is called the administrative intelligence, and it is so
called because it directeth and associateth in all their operations, the
seven planets, even all of them in their own due courses. To it, therefore,
is attributed the due knowledge of the seven abodes of Assiah (עֲשִׂיָּה), the
material world, which are symbolised in the Apocalypse by the seven churches1.
Footnotes
- JMG: The equation of the seven palaces of Assiah with the seven churches
of Asia is a staple of Christian Qabalah.
146It refers to the universe as composed of the four elements, to the Kerubim
(כְּרוּבִים), to the Qlippoth (קליפות / קְלִפּוֹת), and to the astral plane.
It is the reflection of the sphere of Saturn. It represents the connecting
and binding link between the material and formative worlds, Assiah (עֲשִׂיָּה)
and Yetsira (יְצִירָה), and necessarily passes through the astral plane,
the abode of the elementals and the shells of the dead. It is
the rending of the veil of the tabernacle, whereon the Kerubim and the palm
trees are depicted. It is the passing of the gate of Eden.
147rises and leads Zelator to the west of altar. He draws attention to the
key of the Universe.
149These ideas are symbolically resumed in the representation of the
twenty-first key of the tarot in front of you. Within the oval formed of the
seventy-two circles, is a female form, nude save for a scarf that floats
round her. She is crowned with the lunar crescent of Isis and holds in her
hands two wands. Her legs form a cross. She is the bride of the
Apocalypse, the Kabbalistic queen of the Canticles, the Egyptian Isis or
great feminine Kerubic angel Sandalphon on the left hand of the mercy
seat of the ark.
150The wands are the directing forces of the positive and negative currents.
The seven pointed heptagram or star alludes to the seven palaces of Assiah;
the crossed legs to the symbol of the four letters of the name1.
Footnotes
- JMG: That is, YHVH, the Tetragrammaton.
151The surmounting crescent receives alike the influences of Geburah (גְּבוּרָה)
and Gedulah (גְדוּלָה). She is the synthesis of the thirty-second Path,
uniting Malkuth (מְלָכוֹת) to Yesod (יְסוֹד).
152The oval of the seventy-two smaller circles refers to the Schemhamphoresch
(השם המפורש / הַשֵּׁם הַמְּפֹרָשׁ),
or seventy-twofold name of the deity. The twelve larger
circles form the zodiac. At the angles are the four Kerubim (כְּרוּבִים), which are
the vivified powers of the letters of the name Yod He Vau He (יהוה) operating in
the elements, through which you have just symbolically passed in the preceding
ceremony.
153The fan, lamp, cup, and salt represent the four elements themselves, whose
inhabitants are the sylphs, salamanders, undines, and gnomes.
154Be thou, therefore, prompt and active as the sylphs, but avoid frivolity and
caprice. Be energetic and strong as the salamanders, but avoid irritability
and ferocity. Be flexible and attentive to images, like the undines, but avoid
idleness and changeability; be laborious and patient like the gnomes, but
avoid grossness and avarice.
155So shalt thou gradually develop the powers of thy soul, and fit thyself to
command the spirits of the elements.
156The altar, as in the preceding degree, represents the material universe. On
its right is symbolically the garden of Eden, represented by the station of
Hegemon, while on its left is symbolically Gehenna (גהנא), the abode of shells,
represented by the station of Keryx.
157returns to his throne.
158steps forward and stands at Zelator’s left hand.
159I have much pleasure in conferring on you the title of Lord of the
thirty-second Path. You will now quit the temple for a short time, and on
your return the ceremony of your reception into the
2=9
grade of
Theoricus will be proceeded with.
Ceremony of Reception into the
2=9
Grade
Temple arranged as in diagram.
165takes up caduceus badge.
166Frater Keryx, you have my commands to instruct the Zelator in the
proper alarm, and to present him with the necessary admission badge.
167Honoured Hegemon, guard the portal and admit them on giving the proper
alarm.
168takes caduceus admission badge and brings Zelator to the door to
give the knocks.
169opens the door and leads Zelator in a little way and faces him to
Hierophant.
170Frater Periclinus de Faustis, as in the Zelator grade there were
given the symbolical representations of the Tree of Knowledge of Good
and of Evil, of the gate of Eden, and of the holy place, so in this grade of
Theoricus, the sanctum sanctorum with the ark and the Kerubim (כְּרוּבִים) is shown,
as well as the garden of Eden with which it coincides; while in the thirty-
second Path leading hereunto, through which you have just symbolically
passed, the Kerubic guardians are represented, and the palm trees or trees
of progression in the garden of Eden.
171Honoured Hegemon, conduct the Zelator to the west, and place him thus
before the portal of the thirty-second Path of Tau ("ת") by which he has
symbolically entered.
172takes Zelator to west, before the portal.
175By what symbol dost thou enter herein?
176By the peculiar emblem of the Keryx, which is the caduceus of Hermes.
178turns it towards Zelator, and reads:
179The Tree of Life and the three mother letters are the keys wherewith
to unlock the caduceus of Hermes. The upper point of the wand
on Kether (כֶּתֶר), and the wings stretch out to Chokmah (חׇכְמָה) and
Binah (בִּינָה), the three supernal Sephiroth (סְפִירוֹת). The lower seven
are embraced by the serpents, whose heads fall upon
Chesed (חֶסֶד) and Geburah (גְּבוּרָה).
180 They are the twin serpents of Egypt — the currents of the Astral Light.
Furthermore, the wings and top of the wand form the letter Shin (ש),
the symbol of fire; the heads and upper halves of the serpents form
Aleph ("א"), the symbol of air; while their tails enclose Mem ("מ"),
the symbol of water. The fire of life above, the waters of creation
below, and the air symbol vibrating between them.
181comes to the east of altar.
182directs Zelator to face him from the west of the altar, and then returns
to his place.
Tree of Life184The symbols before you represent alike the garden of Eden and the
holy of holies. Before you stands the Tree of Life formed of the
Sephiroth (סְפִירוֹת) and their connecting Paths. Into its complete symbolism,
it is impossible to enter here, for it is the key of all things when
rightly understood. Upon each Sephira (סְפִירָה) are written in Hebrew letters
its name, the divine names, and those of angels and archangels
attributed thereto.
The connecting Paths are twenty-two in number and are distinguished by
the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, making with the ten
Sephiroth (סְפִירוֹת) themselves the thirty-two Paths of Wisdom of the
Sepher Yetzirah (סֵפֶר יְצִירָה).
Sword and Serpent (TODO own image)186The course of the Hebrew letters, as placed on the Paths, forms as
you see, the symbol of the serpent of wisdom, while the natural succession
of the Sephiroth forms the flaming sword, and the course of the lightning
flash, as shown in the drawing below. The cross within the triangle, apex
downwards, placed upon the altar at the base of the Tree of Life, refers to
the four rivers of paradise, while the angles of the triangles refer to the
three Sephiroth — Netzach (נֶצַח), Hod (הוֹד), and Yesod (יְסוֹד).
The two pillars, right and left
of the Tree, are the symbols of active and passive, male and female, Adam
and Eve. They also allude to the pillars of fire and cloud which guided the
Israelites in the wilderness, and the hot and moist natures are further
marked by the red lamp and the cup of water.
187The pillars further represent the two Kerubim of the ark — the right,
Metatron, male, and the left, Sandalphon, female.
188Above them ever burn the lamps of their spiritual essence, of which they
are partakers in the eternal uncreated One.
189stands in the sign of Theoricus.
190Glory be unto Thee, Lord of the Land of Life, for Thy splendour
filleth the universe.
191pauses shortly, comes to the west of the altar, and says:
192The
2=9
grade of Theoricus is referred to Yesod (יְסוֹד), as the Zelator
grade is to Malkuth (מַלְכוּת). The Path between them is assigned to the
letter Tau ("ת"), whose portal you now see in the west, and through
which you have just symbolically passed.
193To this grade, as to those preceding it, certain signs and tokens
are attributed. They consist of a sign, token, grand word, mystic
number, and password formed therefrom.
194The sign is thus given. Stand with feet together and raise both arms
upwards and back, palms up, as if supporting a weight, thus (makes sign). It
represents you in the Path of Yesod (יְסוֹד), supporting the pillars of mercy and
severity. It is the sign made by the Greek god Atlas, who supported the
universe on his shoulders and whom Hercules was directed to emulate. It is
the Isis of nature, supporting the heavens.
195The grip is that of the First Order, which you received in the preceding
grade.
196The grand word is a name of seven letters, Shaddai El Chai
(שַׁדַּי אֵל חַי), which means the almighty and living one.
197The mystic number is forty-five, and from it is formed the password which
is Mem He, the secret name of the world of formation. It should be lettered
separately when given.
198Unto this grade and unto the Sephirah Yesod, the ninth Path of the Sepher
Yetzirah is referred. It is called the pure and clear intelligence, and it is
so called because it purifieth and maketh clear the Sephiroth, proveth and
emendeth the forming of their representation, and disposeth their duties or
harmonies, wherein they combine, without mutilation or division.
199The distinguishing badge of this grade, which you are now entitled to
wear, is the sash of the Zelator, with the addition of a white cross above the
triangle and the numbers two and nine in a circle and square respectively,
left and right of its summit — and beneath the triangle, the number
thirty-two between two narrow parallel white lines.
200returns to east and sits down.
201guides Zelator to him.
202The three portals facing you are the gates of Paths leading from
this grade. That on the right connects with the grade of Philosophus, that
on your left with the grade of Practicus, while the central one leads to the
Portal.
203This grade especially refers to the element of air, and therefore the great
watchtower or terrestrial tablet of the east forms one of its principal
emblems. It is one of the four great tablets delivered unto Enoch by the great
angel Ave.
204From it are drawn the three holy secret names of God, ORO IBAH AOZPI, which
are borne upon the Banner of the East, and numberless
divine and angelic names which appertain unto the element of air.
205To the moon, also, is this grade related. Its kamea or mystical square is
shown in the east, with seals and names appropriate thereto.
206It is also shown inscribed upon the Tree of Life, whereon its crescent in
increase represents the side of mercy—in decrease the side of severity,
while at the full it reflects the sun of Tiphareth (תִּפְאֶרֶת).
207conducts Zelator to a seat west of the altar.
208I now congratulate you on having attained the grade of Theoricus
and in recognition thereof, I confer upon you the mystic title of Poraios
de Rejectis which means “brought from among the rejected,” and I give you
the symbol of ruach (רוּחַ), which is the Hebrew name for air.
210Frater Keryx, you have my command to declare that the Zelator
has been duly advanced to the grade of Theoricus.
211In the name of Shaddai El Chai (שַׁדַּי אֵל חַי), and by command of the very
honoured Hierophant, hear ye all that I proclaim that our Frater
(Candidate's Motto), having made sufficient progress in the study of
occult science, has been duly advanced to the
2=9
grade of Theoricus,
lord of the thirty-second Path, and that he has received the mystic
title of Poraios de Rejectis, and the symbol of ruach (רוּחַ).
212Frater
(Candidate's Motto), before you are eligible for advancement to the next
grade, you must be perfect in certain subjects, a manuscript of which will
be supplied to you.
216Assist me to close the temple in the grade of Theoricus.
218Frater Keryx, see that the temple is properly guarded. (Done.)
220Very honoured Hierophant, the temple is properly guarded.
222Let us adore the Lord and King of Air.
New Theoricus is directed to stand facing east.
225Shaddai El Chai (שַׁדַּי אֵל חַי), almighty and ever-living, blessed be Thy name
unto the countless ages. Amen.
227form in the east as in opening.
229remains standing just behind new Theoricus.
231Let us rehearse the prayer of the sylphs or air spirits.
232“Spirit of life! Spirit of wisdom! Whose breath
giveth forth and withdraweth the form of all things:
“Thou, before whom the life of beings is but a shadow which changeth,
and a vapour which passeth:
“Thou, who mountest upon the clouds, and who walkest upon the wings
of the wind.
“Thou, who breathest forth Thy breath, and endless space is peopled:
“Thou, who drawest in Thy breath, and all that cometh from Thee,
returneth unto Thee!
“Ceaseless motion, in eternal stability, be Thou eternally blessed!
“We praise Thee and we bless Thee in the changeless empire of created
light, of shades, of reflections, and of images;
“And we aspire without cessation unto Thy immutable and imperishable
brilliance.
“Let the ray of Thy intelligence and the warmth of Thy love penetrate even
unto us!
“Then that which is volatile shall be fixed; the shadow shall be a body; the
spirit of air shall be a soul; the dream shall be a thought.
“And no more shall we be swept away by the tempest, but we shall hold
the bridles of the winged steeds of dawn.
“And we shall direct the course of the evening breeze to fly before Thee!
“O Spirit of Spirits! O eternal Soul of Souls!
“O imperishable breath of life! O creative sigh! O mouth which breathest
forth and withdrawest the life of all beings, in the flux and reflux of thine
eternal Word, which is the divine ocean of movement and of truth!”
233makes with sceptre the banishing circle and pentagrams in
the air before the tablet.
234Depart ye in peace unto your habitations. May the blessing of Yod
He Vau He (יהוה) rest with ye. Be there peace between us and you, and be
ye ready to come when ye are called.
235return to their places.
236In the name of Shaddai El Chai, I declare this temple closed in the
2=9
grade of Theoricus.
240leads out new Theoricus.