Neophyte Ritual of the Golden Dawn

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On the Dais (The Stage in the East of the Temple)

Imperator. Cancellarius. Praemonstrator. Past Hierophant.

These officers represent the Second Order and are present mostly symbolically.

Required Materials

For the Altar: 

Cross and Triangle
Red Rose
Red Lamp
Cup of Wine
Paten of Bread and Salt

For the Candidate: 

Black Gown
Red Shoes
Hoodwink
Rope
Sash
Chemicals to change clear water to red -- the color of blood.

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OPENING OF THE NEOPHYTE GRADE 0=0

When the members are assembled and clothed, Hierophant gives one knock and the Officers rise.

Members do not rise except for Adorations to the East or when asked for the signs. Nor do they circumambulate with the Officers. When they do have occasion to move in the Temple, they 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 Grade sign is made in the direction of movement except when entering or leaving the Hall, when it is made toward the East.

The knock is made by rapping the base or shaft of Wand or the pommel of Sword on a Table.

Hiero: (Knock) (All members assembled wearing regalia. Kerux goes to the right of Hierophant, faces West and proclaims: )

Kerux: HEKAS, HEKAS, ESTE BEBELOI! (Returns to place.)

Hiero: (Knock) Fratres and Sorores of the Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer, assist me to open the Hall of the Neophytes of the (Name the) Temple (All rise.) Frater Kerux see that the Temple is properly guarded.

Kerux: (Knock) (Answered by Sentinel) Very Honored Hierophant, the Hall is properly guarded.

Hiero: Very Honored Hiereus, assure yourself that all present have witnessed the Golden Dawn.

Hiereus: Fratres and Sorores of the Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer give the signs of a Neophyte (done). Very Honored Hierophant (saluting) all present have been so honored.

Hiero: Very Honored Hiereus, how many chief officers are there in this grade?

Hiereus: Three, Very Honored Hierophant. Namely, the Hierophant, Hiereus and Hegemon.

Hiero: Is there any peculiarity in these names?

Hiereus: They all commence with the letter H.

Hiero: Of what is this letter the symbol?

Hiereus: Of life, because the character H is one Mode of representing the ancient Greek aspirate; Breathing and Breath, are the evidence of life.

Hiero: How many assistant officers are there in this grade?

Hiereus: Three, besides the Sentinel, namely, the Kerux, the Stolistes, and Dadouchos.

Hiero: The situation of the Sentinel?

Hiereus: Without the Portal of the Hall.

Hiero: His duty?

Hiereus: Armed with a sword to keep out intruders, and to prepare the Candidate.

Hiero: Frater Dadouchos, your situation?

Dad: In the South, Very Honored Hierophant, to symbolize heat and dryness.

Hiero: Your duty?

Dad: I attend to the censer and the incense, and I assist in the purification and consecration by Fire of the Hall, of the Members, and of the Candidate.

Hiero: Frater Stolistes, your situation?

Stol: In the North, Very Honored Hierophant, to symbolize cold and moisture.

Hiero: Your duty?

Stol: I see that the robes, collars and insignia of the Officers are ready before the opening; I attend to the cup of lustral water and I assist in the purification and consecration by water, of the Hall, of the Members, and of the Candidate.

Hiero: Frater Kerux, your situation?

Kerux: Within the Portal of the Hall, Very Honored Hierophant.

Hiero: Your duty?

Kerux: I see that all the furniture of the Hall is properly arranged before the opening. I guard the inner side of the Portal. I admit Fratres and Sorores of the Order. I assist in the reception of the Candidates. I attend to the Lamp of my office. I lead the mystic circumambulation and make all announcements and reports.

Hiero: What do your Lamp and Wand symbolize?

Kerux: The Light of Occult Science and directing power.

Hiero: Honored Hegemon, your station?

Heg: Between the two pillars of Hermes and Solomon facing the cubical altar of the Universe, Very Honored Hierophant.

Hiero: Your duty?

Heg: I preside over the symbolic gateway of Occult Science. I am the reconciler between light and darkness. I immediately follow the Kerux in the mystic circumambulations. I superintend the preparation of the Candidate; lead him through the path of darkness into light, and assist in his reception, and I aid the other officers in the execution of their duties.

Hiero: What does the white color of your robe symbolize?

Heg: Purity.

Hiero: Your peculiar ensign of office?

Heg: The mitre-headed scepter.

Hiero: What does it symbolize?

Heg: Religion, to guide and regulate life.

Hiero: What does your office symbolize?

Heg: Those higher aspirations of the soul, which should guide its actions.

Hiero: Honored Hiereus, your station?

Hiereus: On the throne of the West, Very Honored Hierophant.

Hiero: What does the throne of the West symbolize?

Hiereus: Increase of darkness; decrease of light.

Hiero: Your duty?

Hiereus: I preside over twilight and darkness, which encompass us in the absence of the Sun of Life and Light. I guard the gate of the West. I assist in the reception of the Candidate and I superintend the inferior officers in the execution of their duties.

Hiero: What does the black color of your robe symbolize?

Hiereus: Darkness.

Hiero: Your peculiar insignia of office?

Hiereus: The Sword and Banner of the West.

Hiero: What does the Banner of the West symbolize?

Hiereus: Twilight.

Hiero: What does the Sword symbolize?

Hiereus: Severity and Judgment.

Hiero: What does your office symbolize?

Hiereus: Fortitude.

Hiero: My place is on the Throne of the East, which symbolizes the rise of the Sun of Life and Light -- my duty is to rule and govern this Hall in accordance with the laws of the Order. The red color of my robe symbolizes Light: my insignia are the Scepter and the Banner of the East, which signify power and light, mercy and wisdom, and my office is that of Expounder of the Mysteries. Frater Stolistes, I command you to purify the Hall and the members by Water.

Stol: (Does so, saying) I consecrate with water.

Hiero: Frater Dadouchos, I command you to purify the Hall and the members by fire.

Dad: (Does so, saying) I consecrate with fire.

Heg: (Goes to the North and faces East.)

Hiero: (Rising with Scepter and Banner) Let the mystic circumambulation take place in the path of light. (Done in due form; Kerux first, then Hegemon, Hiereus, other members and Stolistes and Dadouchos last. They pass three times around from East by South to West. After first round Hiereus returns to his place. After second round Hegemon, after third remaining members. Each as he passes the throne of the East salutes and lowers insignia, except the Hierophant.)

Hiero: The mystic circumambulation symbolic of the rise of the Light is accomplished. Let us adore the Lord of the Universe.

(ADORATION)

Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe.
Holy art Thou, whom Nature hath not formed.
Holy art Thou, The Vast and Mighty One.
Lord of the Light and of the Darkness.

(All Salute.) Frater Kerux, in the name of the Lord of the Universe, I command you to declare that I have opened the Hall of the Neophytes.

Kerux: (Going to the right of the Hierophant as usual) In the name of the Lord of the Universe, I declare that the Sun hath arisen, and that the Light shineth in the Darkness.

Kerux: (Knock)

Hiereus: (Knock)

Heg: (Knock)

(All resume their seats.)

Hiero: (Knock) KHABS.

Hiereus: (Knock) AM.

Heg: (Knock) PEKHT.

Hiereus: (Knock) KONX.

Heg: (Knock) OM.

Hiero: (Knock) PAX.

Heg: (Knock) LIGHT.

Hiero: (Knock) IN.

Hiereus: (Knock) EXTENSION.

CEREMONY OF ADMISSION

(The Candidate is not to be told the name of the Order until his admission.)

Hiero: (Knocks) Fratres and Sorores of the Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer, I have received a dispensation from the Greatly Honored Chiefs of the Second Order to admit (name of aspirant) to the Grade of Neophyte. Honored Hegemon instruct (name of aspirant) to hold himself (or herself) in readiness for the ceremony of his (or her) admission and superintend his (or her) preparation. (Hegemon removes his chair from between the Pillars, salutes Hierophant, quits Temple and prepares Candidate as follows: The Candidate is Hoodwinked and a rope tied thrice around the waist.)

Heg: Child of Earth, arise and enter the Path of Darkness.

Kerux: (Knocks) Very Honored Hierophant, is it your pleasure that the Candidate be admitted?

Hiero: It is. Admit (name of aspirant) in due form, who will hereafter be known by the motto XYZ. Fratre Stolistes and Dadouchos assist the Kerux in the reception. (They join Kerux at door. Kerux opens door but bars the entrance.)

Kerux: Child of Earth, unpurified and unconsecrated thou canst not enter our Sacred Hall.

Stol: (Signing a Cross on Candidate's forehead) Child of Earth, I purify thee with Water.

Dad: (Censing the Candidate) Child of Earth, I consecrate thee with Fire.

Hiero: Conduct the Candidate to the foot of the altar. Child of Earth, why dost thou request admission into this Order?

Cand: (Prompted by Hegemon) My soul is wandering in darkness seeking for the Light of Occult Knowledge, and I believe that in this Order the knowledge of that Light may be obtained.

Hiero: (Name of aspirant) I hold in my hand your signed pledge to keep secret all relating to this Order, but to confirm it I now ask if you are willing in the presence of this assembly to take a great and solemn obligation to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of our Order? Let me however assure you that this obligation contains nothing incompatible with your civil, moral or religious duties.

Cand:  I am. (Banners left behind at Thrones. Hierophant advances between Pillars to Eastern side of Altar. Hiereus stands on Candidate's left, Hegemon on Candidate's right.)

Hiero: Thou wilt kneel on both knees, give me your right hand, which I place on this sacred and sublime symbol (Places Candidate's right hand on the center of the triangle.) Place your left hand in mine, bow your head, repeat your full name at length and say after me (All rise).

THE OBLIGATION

I, (name of aspirant), in the presence of the Lord of the Universe and of this Hall of Neophytes of the Order of The Golden Dawn in the Outer, regularly assembled under warrant from the Greatly Honored Chiefs of the Second Order, do of my own free will and accord hereby and hereon most solemnly pledge myself to keep secret this Order, its name, the name of its members, and the proceedings which take place at its meetings, from all and every person in the whole world who is outside the pale of the Order, and not even to discuss these with initiates, unless he or they are in possession of the password for the time being; nor yet with any member who has resigned, demitted or been expelled, and I undertake to maintain a kind and benevolent relation with all the Fratres and Sorores of the Order.

I furthermore promise and swear that I will keep any information relative to this Order, which may have become known to me prior to the completion of the Ceremony of my admission and I also pledge myself to divulge nothing whatsoever concerning this Order to the outside world in case either of my resignation, demission or expulsion therefrom, after the completion of my admission. I will not seek to obtain any ritual or lecture pertaining to the Order without due authorization from the Praemonstrator of my Temple, nor will I possess any ritual or lecture unless it be properly registered and labeled by him.

I further undertake that any such ritual or lecture and any case, cover or box containing them shall bear the official label of the Golden Dawn. I will not copy myself, nor lend to any other person to be copied, any ritual or lecture, until and unless I hold the written permission of the Praemonstrator to do so, lest our secret knowledge be revealed through my neglect or error.

Furthermore, I undertake to prosecute with zeal the study of Occult Sciences, seeing that this Order is not established for the benefit of those who desire only a superficial knowledge thereof. I will not suffer myself to be hypnotized, or mesmerized, nor will I place myself in such a passive state that any uninitiated person, power, or being may cause me to lose control of my thoughts, words or actions.

Neither will I use my Occult powers for any evil purposes and I further promise to persevere with firmness and courage through the ceremony of my admission, and these points I generally and severally, upon this sacred and sublime symbol, swear to observe without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind whatsoever; under the no less penalty on the violation of any or either of them of being expelled from this Order, as a willfully perjured wretch, void of all moral worth, and unfit for the society of all right and true persons, and in addition under the awful penalty of voluntarily submitting myself to a deadly and hostile current of will set in motion by the chiefs of the Order, by which I should fall slain and paralyzed without visible weapon as if slain by the lightning flash. (Hiereus here suddenly lays the blade of his sword on the nape of the Candidate's neck and withdraws it again).

So help me the Lord of the Universe and my own higher soul.

Hiero: Rise, newly obligated Neophyte of the Golden Dawn in the Outer. Place the Candidate in the Northern part of the Hall, the place of the greatest symbolic darkness. (Done. Candidate faces to the East, Hierophant and Hiereus return to their thrones.)

Hiero: The voice of my higher soul said unto me, Let me enter the Path of Darkness, peradventure thus shall I obtain the Light. I am the only being in an abyss of darkness. From the darkness came I forth ere my birth, from the silence of a primal sleep, and the Voice of Ages answered unto my soul, I am he that formulates in darkness. Child of Earth; the Light shineth in the darkness, but the darkness comprehendeth it not.

Let the mystic circumambulation take place in the path of darkness with the symbolic Light of Occult Science to guide the way. (Kerux leads with Light and Wand, Hegemon guides the Candidate, Stolistes and Dadouchos follow, thrice round. First time Hierophant (Knocks), and Hiereus (Knocks), Second time Hierophant (Knocks) They halt in the South.)

Kerux: Child of Earth, unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the path of the West.

Stol: (Signing a Cross on Candidate's forehead) Child of Earth, I-purify thee with water.

Dad: (Censing Candidate) Child of Earth, I consecrate thee with fire.

Heg: Child of Earth, twice consecrated, thou mayest approach the gate of the West. (They move to the West, facing Throne and halt. Hiereus rises, takes Banner in left hand, menaces Candidate with sword and says as the Hegemon slips up the Candidate's hoodwink.)

Hiereus: Thou canst not pass by me saith the Guardian of the West unless thou canst tell me my name.

Heg: Darkness is thy name, the Great One of the Paths of the Shades.

Hiereus: (Slowly sinking point of sword) Child of Earth, fear is failure. Therefore be without fear, for in the heart of the coward virtue abideth not. Thou hast known me, so pass thou on. (Hoodwink slipped down again. They move to the North and halt.)

Kerux: Child of Earth, unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the Path of the East.

Stol: (Signing a Cross on the Candidate's forehead) Child of Earth, I purify thee with water.

Dad: (Censing the Candidate) Child of Earth, I consecrate thee with fire.

Heg: Child of Earth, thrice consecrated, thou mayest approach the gate of the East. (They move to the East facing Throne and halt. Hierophant rises, takes Banner in left hand and raises Scepter as if to strike. Hegemon slips up Candidate's hoodwink.)

Hiero: Thou canst not pass by me saith the Guardian of the East, unless thou canst tell me my name.

Heg: LIGHT dawning in darkness is thy name, the LIGHT of a Golden Day.

Hiero: (Slowly lowering Scepter) Child of Earth, remember that- unbalanced force is evil, unbalanced mercy is but weakness, unbalanced severity is but oppression. Thou hast known me, so pass thou on unto the Cubical Altar of the Universe. (Hoodwink slipped down and Candidate taken to West of Altar. Hierophant leaves Throne and stands between the pillars, facing Candidate with Scepter in right hand and Banner in left.)

Hiero: 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.

(Hegemon on Candidate's right, Kerux behind Candidate, Stolistes and Dadouchos right and left of Kerux. The officers are now forming a Hexagram around the Altar. Hierus holds sword in the right hand with the Banner of the West in left.)

Hiero: Let the Candidate kneel while I invoke the Lord of the Universe (Candidate kneels). 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 favor upon 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 among us unto the Glory of Thy Ineffable Name. Amen.

Let the Candidate rise. (Candidate is assisted to rise and is brought close to the Altar. Hierophant, Hiereus, and Hegemon raise Wands and Sword touching over the head of Candidate. At the word "Darkness" Kerux removes hoodwink).

Hegemon: Inheritor of a dying world we call thee to the living beauty.

Hiereus: Wanderer in the wild darkness we call thee to the gentle light. (Hoodwink removed).

Hiero: Child of Earth, long hast thou dwelt in darkness. Quit the night and seek the day. (All members present clap hands. Hierophant, Hiereus, Hegemon say together): 

Hiero: Hiereus: Heg: (Said together) Frater XYZ we receive thee into the Order of the Golden Dawn.

Hiero: (Knocks) KHABS.

Hiereus: (Knocks) AM.

Heg: (Knocks) PEKHT.

Hiereus: (Knocks) KONX.

Heg: (Knocks) OM.

Hiero: (Knocks) PAX.

Heg: (Knocks) LIGHT

Hiero: (Knocks) IN.

Hiereus: (Knocks) EXTENSION.

Hiero: In all your wanderings through darkness the lamp of the (Kerux advances and raises his lamp) Kerux went before you, though you saw it not. It is the symbol of the Hidden Light of Occult Science. Let the Candidate be conducted to the East of the Altar. Honored Hiereus, I delegate to you the duty of entrusting the Candidate with the secret signs, grip, grand word and present password of the Neophyte Grade of the Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer, of placing him between the mystic pillars and of superintending his fourth and final consecration. (Hierophant returns to Throne, Hiereus takes his place between the pillars, Candidate is conducted by Hegemon to the East of the Altar facing Hiereus. Hiereus giving Sword and Banner to Hegemon to hold.)

Hiereus: Frater XYZ, I now proceed to instruct you in the secret signs, grip and token, grand word and password for the present time for this Grade. Firstly, advance your left foot about six inches: this is called the step of the grade. The sign is two-fold; the Saluting Sign and Sign of Silence. The first should always be answered by the second. The Saluting Sign is given by thrusting both arms horizontally forward, palms downwards, as if groping your way and bow your head. It alludes to your condition in a state of darkness unillumined by the Lamp of Occult Knowledge and groping your way blindly in the search for truth. The Sign of Silence is given by placing the left first finger on the mouth. It alludes to the strict silence inculcated on you by your obligation regarding all proceedings of the Order. The grip or token is given in the following manner: Advance your left foot about six inches touching mine, side to side and toe to heel. Now extend your right hand as if to grip mine, but miss it intentionally; again extend it and seize mine by the fingers only. It alludes to the seeking for guidance in darkness. The Grand Word is HAR-PAR-KRAT whispered by alternate syllables mouth to ear thus. It is the title of the Egyptian God of Silence and should ever remind you of the strict silence you have sworn to maintain. The password is (blank) which will be periodically changed at each Equinox so that a member who has resigned, demitted or been expelled from the Order, may be in ignorance of the existing password. I now place you between the two pillars of Hermes and Solomon in the symbolical Gateway of Occult Science. (Hiereus draws Candidate forward between the pillars and unclasps hands. He receives sword and banner from Hegemon, stands at the latter's left, all facing Candidate.)

Hiereus: Let the final consecration of the Candidate take place.

Kerux: (Goes to the North and faces East. Stolistes signs a Cross on Candidate's forehead, bows to Hierophant and sprinkles East and says): Frater XYZ, I purify thee finally with water.

Dad: (Censing as Stolistes has done) Frater XYZ, I consecrate thee finally with fire.

Hiero: Honored Hegemon, the final consecration of the Candidate having been performed, I command you to remove the rope from his waist, the last remaining symbol of the path of darkness, and to invest him with the distinguishing badge of the grade.

Heg: (Doing so) By the command of the Very Honored Hierophant, I invest you with the distinguishing badge of the grade. It symbolizes Light dawning in darkness.

Hiero: Let the mystic circumambulation take place in the path of Light. (Kerux goes to the North East. Hegemon takes Candidate behind Black Pillar, and stands behind Kerux. Hiereus comes next, followed by Stolistes and Dadouchos. Kerux leads off, all salute on passing Hierophant who stands holding Scepter and Banner as in the Opening. Hiereus drops out on reaching his Throne. Hegemon returns to between the Pillars after passing Hierophant twice. He directs Neophyte to follow Kerux who with the other Officers passes Hierophant thrice. After the third passing).

Hiero: Take your place North West of the Stolistes. (Kerux indicates this and goes on followed by Stolistes who falls out in the North and returns to his place. Hegemon replaces his chair between the Pillars and sits down. Kerux replaces the Rose, Lamp, Cup and Paten in their proper places on the Altar. All are seated.) The Three Fold Cord bound about your waist, was an image of the three-fold bondage of Mortality, which amongst the Initiated is called earthly or material inclination, that has bound into a narrow place the once far-wandering Soul; and the Hood-wink was an image of the Darkness, of Ignorance, of Mortality that has blinded men to the Happiness and Beauty their eyes once looked upon. The Double Cubical Altar in the center 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 things 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 Beings 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. 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 three-fold Flame of our Being and in the threefold wave of the sensual world. (Hierophant stands in the form of Cross, saying: ) Glory be to Thee, Father of the Undying. For Thy Glory flows out rejoicing, to the ends of the Earth! (He reseats himself.) 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. 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 Kerux. 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 I7th and the I25th 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 out-pouring and in-pouring of the Heart of God. 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 thither of the Serpent - is the straight and narrow way between them. 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. Two contending Forces and one which unites them eternally. Two basal angles of the triangle and one which forms the apex. Such is the origin of Creation, it is the Triad of Life. My Throne at the Gate of the East is the Place of the Guardian of the Dawning Sun. 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. 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 color of our robes. The Wand of the Kerux is the Beam of Light from the Hidden Wisdom, and his Lamp is an emblem of the everburning Lamp of the Guardian of the Mysteries. The Seat of the Stolistes at the Gate of the North is the Place of the Guardian of the Cauldron 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.

Hiero: Honored Frater Kerux, I command you to declare that the Neophyte has been initiated into the Mysteries of the Neophyte Grade. (Kerux advances to the North East, faces West, raises his Wand and says: )

Kerux: In the name of the Lord of the Universe and by command of the Very Honored Hierophant, hear all ye that I proclaim that (name of aspirant) who will hereafter be known unto you by the Motto XYZ, has been admitted in due form to the Neophyte grade of the Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer. (All clap hands.)

Hiero: Very Honored Hiereus, I delegate to you the duty of pronouncing a short address to our Frater on his admission.

Hiereus: As you have now passed through the ceremony of your admission, allow me to congratulate you on being admitted a member of this ancient and honorable Order, whose professed object and end is the practical study of Occult Science. Let me therefore advise you to remember this day as a marked one in your existence and to adopt and cultivate a mental condition worthy of this Order. To this end let me first earnestly recommend you never to forget due honor and reverence to the Lord of the Universe, for as the whole is greater than its parts, so is He far greater than we, who are but as sparks derived from that unsupportable Light which is in Him. It is written that the borders of his Garment of Flame sweep the ends of the Universe and unto Him all return. Therefore do we adore Him; therefore do we invoke Him; therefore in adoration to Him sinks even the Banner of the East. (Done) Secondly, let me advise you never to ridicule or cast obloquy upon the form of religion professed by another, for what right have you to desecrate what is sacred in his eyes? Thirdly, never let the seal of secrecy regarding the Order be absent from your recollection, and beware that you betray it not by a casual or unthinking word. Fourthly, study well that Great Arcanum, the proper equilibrium of mercy and severity, for either unbalanced is not good; unbalanced severity is cruelty and oppression; unbalanced mercy is but weakness and would permit evil to exist unchecked, thus making itself as it were the accomplice of that evil. Lastly, do not be daunted by the difficulties of Occult Study and remember that every obstacle can at length be conquered by perseverance.

Hiero: Before you can pass on to the next Higher Grade of this Order you will have to make yourself perfect in the following: I) The names and alchemical symbols of the four elements. 2) The names, astrological symbols and elemental attribution of the twelve signs of the Zodiac. 3) The names and astrological symbols of the seven planets, also their houses, exaltation and triplicity in the Zodiac. 4) The names, characters and numerical values of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 5) The names and English meanings of the ten Qabalistic Sephiroth. A MSS. lecture on these subjects of study may be obtained on application. When you know these thoroughly you must signify the same by letter to the Cancellarius or Scribe. You will then be examined and if found perfect you will be eligible for admission to the next higher grade, should the higher powers approve your application.

Kerux: (Conducts Candidate to his table, gives him a solution and tells him to pour a few drops on the plate before him). As this pure and limpid fluid is changed into the semblance of blood, so mayest thou perish if thou betrayest thine oath of secrecy to this Order by word or deed.

Hiero: Resume your seat and remember that your admission to this Order gives you no right to initiate any other person without dispensation from the Grand High Chiefs of the Second Order.

CLOSING

Kerux: (As in opening) HEKAS, HEKAS, ESTE BEBELOI.

Hiero: (Knocks) Fratres and Sorores of the Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer assist me to close this Hall in the Grade of Neophyte. (All rise).

Hiereus: (3 Knocks)

Heg: (3 Knocks)

Hiero: (3 Knocks) Frater Kerux, see that the Hall is properly guarded.

Kerux: (Having done so) Very Honored Hierophant, the Hall is properly guarded.

Hiero: Honored Hiereus, assure yourself that all present have witnessed the Golden Dawn.

Hiereus: Fratres and Sorores of the Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer, give the signs of a Neophyte. (Done) Very Honored Hierophant (saluting), all present have been so honored.

Hiero: Frater Stolistes, I command you to purify the Hall and the members by water. (Done as in opening.)

Hiero: Frater Dadouchos, I command you to purify the Hall and the members by fire. (Done as in opening.)

Hiero: Let the mystic circumambulation take place in the Path of Light. (Kerux goes by the South to the South East. Hegemon goes to the North and leads the new Neophyte by West and South, directing him to follow Hegemon in the Procession. Hiereus follows Neophyte and Stolistes follows Hiereus, accompanied or followed by Dadouchos, and Sentinel ends the procession. As they pass the Hierophant, who is standing and holding the Banner of the East in his left hand, the Scepter in his right, they make the Neophyte Signs. Hiereus drops out when his Throne is reached. Hegemon passes Hierophant twice and then takes his place between the Pillars, directing Neophyte to follow Kerux who, after the third passing of Hierophant, directs Neophyte to his seat, the other Officers dropping out as their places are reached.) The Mystical Reverse 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 the salute at each adoration, the others, Officers and Members repeating it also.)

Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe!
Holy art Thou, Whom Nature hath not formed!
Holy art Thou, the Vast and the Mighty One!
Lord of the Light and of the Darkness!

Kerux: It is finished! (Kerux replaces the Cup and returns to his place. All rise.)

Hiero: (Knocks) TETELESTAI!

Hiereus: (Knocks)

Heg: (Knocks)

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 Scepter 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 taking up the Rose says: ) I invite you to inhale with me the perfume of this Rose, as a symbol of air. (Smells Rose). To feel with me the warmth of this sacred Fire. (Spreads his hands over it). To eat with me this Bread and Salt as types of Earth. (Dips bread in Salt and eats). And finally to drink with me this Wine, the consecrated emblem of Elemental Water. (Makes a Cross with the Cup and drinks. Hierophant puts down the Cup between the Cross and Triangle. He comes East of the Altar and faces West. The Praemonstrator then comes to the West of the Altar and makes the Saluting Sign. Hierophant replies with the sign of Silence and then hands the Elements, beginning with the Rose which Praemonstrator smells and returns; then feels the warmth of the Lamp, eats the Bread and Salt and receives from the Hierophant the Cup with which he makes a Cross, and having drunk, returns it. Hierophant then passes by West and South to his Throne. Praemonstrator then comes to the East of the Altar. Imperator comes to the West, exchanges Signs and partakes. He returns to his place, after serving Cancellarius who in turn serves the Past Hierophant. After the Chiefs, the Officers partake in this order: Hiereus, Hegemon, Stolistes, Dadouchos. When all the Officers except Kerux have partaken, the Inner Members in order of seniority of admission, partake but do not wait for instruction in this. If there is a pause, one comes forward. Next come the members of the Outer in the same manner - the Neophytes coming last piloted by Hegemon or any Officer appointed. The Order of procedure for Outer members is: Philosophi, Practici, Theorici, Zelatores, Neophytes. When the last Neophyte stands East of the Altar, Kerux comes to the West, exchanges the Signs and partakes. Hegemon directs Neophyte to return to his place as soon as Kerux takes the Cup. Kerux, on receiving the Cup, drains it, inverts it, and says: )

Hiero: (Knocks) KHABS.

Hiereus: (Knocks) AM.

Heg: (Knocks) PEKHT.

Hiereus: (Knocks) KONX

Heg: (Knocks) OM.

Hiero: (Knocks) PAX.

Heg: (Knocks) LIGHT

Hiero: (Knocks) IN.

Hiereus: (Knocks) EXTENSION.

(All make the Signs towards the Altar.)

Hiero: May what we have partaken maintain us in our search for the QUINTESSENCE, the Stone of the Philosophers. True Wisdom, Perfect Happiness, the SUMMUM BONUM. (Officers remain in the Temple while the new Neophyte is led out by Kerux.)