3 = 8
Practicus Grade
Part I
TEMPLE OFFICERS
Hierophant: Red Robe, R&W Nemyss, Gold Shoes, White
Collar, Lamen, Scepter.
Hiereus: Black Robe, B&W Nemyss, Red Shoes, Red Collar, Lamen,
Sword.
Hegemon: White Robe, White Nemyss, Black Collar, Red Shoes, Lamen,
Scepter.
Candidate: Black Robe, Red Shoes, Sash, Red Rope, Hoodwink.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
FOR THE ALTAR
2 Blue Tapers
Red Tetrahedron
20th Key of the
Tarot
REQUIRED MATERIALS
FOR THE TEMPLE
Part I
Banners Of The East And West
Temple Pillars
Hebrew
Letters: Shin
Diagram Of 7 Heavens In Assiah
10 Adverse
Sephiroth
Enochian Water Tablet
3 Red Lamps
Censer
4
Chairs
2 Sephirotic Tablets
Tablet Of 10 Sephiroth In 7 Palaces
4
Worlds Of The Tree Of Life
4 Worlds Of The Tree Of Life Showing 4 Holy
Names
Macroprosopus Diagram
Cup of Water
Part I
OPENING
(Arrange the Temple for the 31st Path. Members are assembled and Robed.)
Hiero:
(Knocks) Fraters and Sorors of the
Order of the Golden Dawn in the Outer, assist me to open this Temple in
the Grade of Practicus. Honored Hegemon, see that the Temple is properly
guarded.
(Done.)
Heg:
Very Honored Hierophant, the Temple is
properly guarded.
Hiero:
Honored Hiereus, see that none below the
Grade of Practicus is present.
Hiereus:
Fraters and Sorors give the Sign of
Practicus.
(Done)
Hiereus:
(Saluting.) Very Honored
Hierophant all present have attained the Grade.
Hiero:
Honored Hegemon, to what particular Element
is this Grade attributed?
Heg:
To the Element of Water.
Hiero:
Honored Hiereus, to what Planet does this
Grade especially refer?
Hiereus:
To the Planet Mercury.
Hiero:
Honored Hegemon, what Paths are attached to
this Grade?
Heg:
The 31st and 30th Paths
of Shin and Resh.
Hiero:
Honored Hiereus to what does the
31st Path refer?
Hiereus:
To the reflection of the Sphere of Fire.
Hiero:
Honored Hegemon, to what does the
30th Path allude?
Heg:
To the reflection of the Sphere of the Sun.
Hiero:
Gives one knock.
All rise and face East.
Hiero:
(Knocks) Let us adore the Lord and
King of Water. ELOHIM TZABDOTH, Elohim of Hosts, Glory be unto the RUACH
ELOHIM who moved upon the face of the Waters of Creation. Amen
All salute.
Hiero:
Quits his throne and proceeds to the West.
Gives one knock.
All face West.
Hiero:
Standing before the Tablet of Water, he
makes with his Scepter the invoking circle and Pentagrams before it in the
Air.
Hiero:
And the Elohim said, Let us make Adam in
our Image, after our Likeness, and let them have dominion over the Fish of
the Sea. In the Name of EL, Strong and Powerful, and in the name of Elohim
Tzabaoth, Spirits of Water adore your Creator.
Hiero:
Taking Cup of Water from before Tablet and
making therewith the Sign of the Eagle in the Air before it.
Hiero:
In the Name of Gabriel, the Great Archangel
of Water, and in the Sign of the Eagle, Spirits of Water adore your
Creator. (Making the Cross with Cup of Water) In the Names
and Letters of the Great Western Quadrangle revealed unto Enoch by the
Angel Ave, Spirits of Water adore your Creator. (Holding Cup on
high.) In the three Great Secret Names of God, borne on the
Banners of the West, EMPEH ARSOL GAIOL, Spirits of Water adore your
Creator. In the Name of Pa AGIOSEL Great King of the West, Spirits of
Water adore your Creator.
Hiero:
Replaces Cup and returns to place.
All face East.
Hiero:
In the Name of Elohim Tzabaoth I declare
this Temple opened in the Grade of Practicus.
Hiero:
(Knocks 1, 3, 1, 3)
Hiereus:
(Knocks 1, 3, 1, 3)
Heg:
(Knocks 1, 3, 1, 3)
THE RITUAL OF THE 31st PATH
(Temple arranged for Ritual of 31st Path. The Temple is darkened).
Hiero:
Fraters and Sorors our Frater (Soror) XYZ
having made such progress in the Path of Occult Science as has enabled him
(her) to pass the Examinations in the requisite knowledge is now eligible
for advancement to the Grade of Practicus, and I have duly received a
dispensation from the Greatly Honored Chiefs of the Second Order, to
advance him in due form. Honored Hegemon, superintend the preparation of
the Theoricus and give the customary alarm.
Heg:
Rises, salutes the Hierophant, quits the
Temple and sees the Theoricus is thus prepared. Wearing sash of Theoricus,
hoodwink and with the solid triangular pyramid formed of4 elements in
right hand, Hegemon takes Theoricus by left hand and gives an alarm of 8
Knocks.
Heg:
His throne was like a fiery Flame, and the
wheels as burning Fire.
Hiereus:
Opens door and admits them, returns to his
place.
Heg:
Conducts Theoricus to the North West facing
the seat of Hiereus. Hegemon takes pyramid.
Hiereus:
Give me the Sign, Grip or Token, Grand
Word, Mystic Number and Password of the Grade of Theoricus.
Theor:
Word SHADDAI EL CHAI, No. 45, Password
Mah.
Hiereus:
Give me also the Mystic title and symbol
which you received in that Grade.
Theor:
Poraios de Rejectus. Ruach.
Hiereus:
Frater XYZ do you solemnly pledge
yourself to maintain the same strict secrecy regarding the Mysteries of
the 31st and 30th Paths, and of the Grade of
Practicus which you have sworn to maintain respecting those of the
preceding Grades?
Theor:
I do.
Hiereus:
Then you will stretch forth your hands in
the position of the saluting sign of a Neophyte and say I swear by the
Abyss of the Waters.
Candidate Repeats
Heg:
Removes Hoodwink. Places in his hand the Cup
of Water from before the Tablet.
Hiereus:
Sprinkle with your hand a few drops of
Water towards the Tablet of Water in the West and say, Let the Powers of
Water witness my Pledge.
Heg:
Replaces Cup.
Hiereus:
Conduct the Theoricus to the East and
place him before the Mystic Pillars.
Hiero:
(Knocks) Before you are the Portals
of the 31st, 32nd and 29th Paths. Of
these as you already know, the central one leads from the Zelator Grade to
the Theoricus Grade. The one on the left hand now open to you is the 31st
which leads from the Grade of Zelator to the Grade of Practicus. Take in
your right hand the Pyramid of Flame and follow your Guide AXIOKERSA the
KABIR who leads you through the Path of Fire.
Heg:
Leads the Theoricus between the Pillars turns
to right and circumambulates hall once.
Hiero:
As they approach, takes Red Lamp in his hand
and rises. Hegemon and Theoricus halt before him.
Hiero:
Axieros the First Kabir spake to Kasmillos
the Candidate and said I am the Apex of the Triangle of Flame. I am the
Solar Fire pouring forth its beams upon the lower world. Life giving.
Light producing. By what symbol dost thou seek to pass by?
Heg:
By the Symbol of the Pyramid of Flame.
Hiero:
Hear thou the Voice of Axieros the First
Kabir. The Mind of the Father whirled forth in re-echoing roar,
comprehending by invincible Will Ideas omniform, which flying forth from
that one fountain issued; for the Father alike was the Will and the End;
by which yet are they connected with the Father, according to alternating
Life, through varying vehicles. But they were divided asunder, being by
Intellectual Fire distributed unto other Intellectuals. For the King of
all previously placed before the polymorphous world, a type intellectual,
incorruptible, the imprint of whose form is sent forth through the World,
by which the Universe shone forth decked with ideas all various of which
the foundation is one, One and Alone. From this the others rush forth
distributed and separated through the various bodies of the Universe, and
are borne in swarms through its vast Abysses, ever whirling forth in
illimitable radiation. They are Intellectual Conceptions from the Paternal
Fountain, partaking abundantly the brilliance of fire in the culmination
of unresting Time. But the primary self-perfect fountain of the Father
poured forth these primogenial Ideas. These being many ascend flashingly
into the shining Worlds, and in them are contained the three Supernals.
Because it is the Operator, because it is the Giver of Life-bearing Fire;
because it filleth the Life producing bosom of Hecate; and it instilleth
into the Synoches the enlivening strength of Fire, embued with mighty
power. The Creator of all formed the World, and there was a certain mass
of fire and all these self-operating He produced, so that the Kosmic body
might be completely conformed, so that the Kosmos might be manifest and
not appear membranous. And he fixed a vast multitude of inwandering Stars,
not by a strain laborious and hurtful, but to uphold them with a stability
void of movement, forcing Fire forward into Fire. Hereunto is the Speech
of Axieros.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus round to seat of Hiereus in
N.W.
Hiereus:
As they approach takes Red Lamp in his
hand, rises.
Hegemon and Theoricus halt before him.
Hiereus:
Axiokersos the Second Kabir spake to
Kasmillos the Candidate and said: I am the left Basal Angle of the
Triangle of Flame. I am fire volcanic and terrestrial, flashingly flaming
through the Abysses of Earth; Fire rending Fire penetrating, tearing
asunder the curtain of Matter; Fire constrained, Fire tormenting, raging
and whirling in lurid storm. By what Sign dost thou seek to pass by?
Heg:
By the Symbol of the Pyramid of Flame.
Hiereus:
Hear thou the Voice of Axiokersos the
Second Kabir: For not in matter did the fire which is the beyond first
enclose his power in acts, but in Mind; for the Former of the Fiery World
is the Mind of Mind, who first sprang from Mind, clothing the one fire
with the other Fire, binding them together so that he might mingle the
Fountainous Craters while preserving unsullied the Brilliance of his own
Fire. And thence a fiery whirlwind drawing down the brilliance of the
Flashing Flame penetrating the Abysses of the Universe, for thence from
downwards all extend their wondrous rays, abundantly animating Light,
Fire, Ether and the Universe. From Him leap forth all relentless thunders,
and the whirlwind wrapped, storm enrolled bosom of the All Splendid
strength of Hecate, Father begotten and He who encircleth the Brilliance
of Fire, and the strong Spirit of the Poles, all Fiery beyond. Hereunto is
the Speech of Axiokersos.
Hiereus:
Leads Theoricus round to Hegemon's seat in
South West.
Heg:
Takes Red Lamp and thus addresses Theoricus.
Heg:
Axiokersa the Third Kabir spake to Kasmillos
the Candidate and said I am the Right Basal Angle of the Triangle of
Flame; I am the Fire Astral and Fluid, winding and coruscating through the
firmament. I am the Life of Beings, the vital heat of Existence. By what
Sign dost thou seek to pass by?
Hiereus:
Prompts Theoricus and then returns to his.
Hiereus:
(For Theoricus) By the Symbol of
the Pyramid of Flame.
Heg:
Hear thou the Voice of Axiokersa the Third
Kabir. The Father hath hastily withdrawn Himself, but hath not shut up his
own Fire in His intellectual Power. All things are sprung from that one
Fire. For all things did the Father of all things perfect, and delivered
them over unto the Second Mind, whom all races of men call First. The Mind
of the Father riding on the subtle girders which glitter with the tracings
of inflexible and relentless Fire. The Soul being a brilliant Fire, by the
Power of the Father remaineth Immortal, and is mistress of Life, and
filleth up the many recesses of the Bosom of the World. The channels being
intermixed therein she performeth the works of incorruptible Fire.
Hereunto is the Speech of Axiokersa.
Heg:
Places Theoricus in a seat in the West between
himself and Hiereus and facing Hierophant, takes Pyramid from him.
Hiero:
Stoop not down into the darkly splendid
world, wherein continually lies a faithless Depth, and Hades wrapped in
clouds, delighting in unintelligible Images, precipitous, winding, a black
ever rolling abyss ever espousing a body unluminous, formless and void.
Nature persuadeth us that there are pure Demons, and that even the evil
germs of Matter may alike become useful and good. But these are mysteries
which are evoked in the profound Abyss of the Mind. Such a Fire existeth
extending through the rushings of Air or even a Fire Formless whence comes
the Image of a Voice or even a flashing Light abounding, revolving,
whirling forth, crying aloud. Also there is the vision of the Fire
flashing Courser of Light, or also a Child borne aloft on the shoulders of
the Celestial Steed, fiery or clothed with gold, or naked or shooting with
the bow shafts of light, and standing on the shoulders of the horse. But
if thy meditation prolongeth itself thou shalt unite all these Symbols in
the form of the Lion. Then when no longer are visible unto thee the Vault
of the Heavens, the mass of the Earth, when to thee the stars have lost
their Light and the Lamp of the Moon is veiled when the Earth abideth not,
and around thee is the Lightening Flame, then call not before thyself the
Visible Image of the Soul of Nature. For thou must not behold it ere thy
body is purged by the sacred Rites. Since ever dragging down the Soul and
leading it from Sacred things, from the confines of matter, arise the
terrible dog-faced Demons, never showing a true image unto mortal gaze.
So, therefore, first the Priest who governeth the works of Fire must
sprinkle with the Lustral Water of the Loud resounding Sea. Labor thou
around the Strophaios of Hecate, when thou shalt see a terrestrial demon
approaching cry aloud, and sacrifice the Stone MNIZOURIN. Change not the
barbarous names of Evocation for they are Names Divine having in the
Sacred Rites a Power ineffable. And when after all the Phantoms are
banished thou shalt see that Holy and Formless Fire, that Fire which darts
and flashes through the hidden depths of the Universe Hear thou the Voice
of Fire. Hereunto is the speech of the Kabiri.
Heg:
Turns up Lights and then conducts Candidate to
foot of Hierophant's throne, and hands Theoricus the solid Triangular
Pyramid.
Hiero:
The solid Triangular Pyramid is an
appropriate hieroglyph of Fire. It is formed of 4
Hierophant, Hegemon and Theoricus come
to West of Altar.
Hiero: Hiero: Heg: Hiereus: Hiereus: Heg: Heg: Heg: Heg: Hiero: TEMPLE OFFICERS Part II Hierophant: Red Robe, R&W Nemyss, Gold Shoes, White
Collar, Lamen, Scepter. Hiereus: Black Robe, B&W Nemyss, Red Shoes, Red Collar, Lamen,
Sword. Hegemon: White Robe, White Nemyss, Black Collar, Red Shoes, Lamen,
Scepter. Candidate: Black Robe, Red Shoes, Sash. REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR THE ALTAR: 2 Blue Tapers REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR THE TEMPLE: Banners Of The East And West Part II
Before you upon the Altar is the
20th Key of the Tarot, which symbolically resumes the ideas. To
the uninitiated eye it apparently represents the Last Judgement, with an
angel blowing a trumpet and the Dead rising from the tombs. But its
meaning is far more occult and recondite than this, for it is a glyph of
the Powers of Fire. The Angel encircled by a Rainbow whence leap
coruscation’s of Fire, and crowned with the Sun, represents Michael, the
great Archangel, the Ruler of Solar Fire. The Serpents which leap in the
rainbow are symbols of the Fiery Seraphim. The trumpet represents the
influence of the Spirit descending from Binah, while the Banner with the
Cross refers to the four rivers of Paradise and the letters of the Holy
Name. He also is Axieros, the first of the Samothracian Kabiri, as well as
Zeus and Osiris. The left hand figure below, rising from the Earth is
Samael, the Ruler of Volcanic Fire. He is also Axiokersos, the
2nd Kabir, Pluto and Typhon. The right hand figure below is
Anadl, the Ruler of the Astral Light. She is also Axiokersa, the third
Kabir, Ceres and Proserpina, Isis and Nephthys. She is therefore
represented in a duplicate form and rising from the Water. Around both
these figures dart flashes of lightning. These 3 principal figures form
the Fire Triangle, and further represent Fire operating in the other three
Elements of Air, Earth, and Water. The central lower figure with his back
turned and his arms extended in the Sign of Theoricus is Arel the Ruler of
Latent Heat, he is rising from the Earth, as if to receive and absorb the
properties of the other three. He is also Kasmillos the Candidate in the
Samothracian Mysteries, and the Horus of Egypt. He rises from the rock
hewn cubical tomb, and also alludes to the Candidate who traverses the
Path of Fire. The three lower Figures represent the Hebrew Letter Shin to
which fire is especially referred. The 7 Hebrew Yods allude to the
Sephiroth operating in each of the Planets and to the Schem-hamphorasch.
Returns to his place.
Leads Theoricus to West.
Comes forward and explains the two
Sephirotic Tablets.
The Tablet before you represents the 10
Sephiroth combined in seven palaces. The first Palace contains Kether,
Chokmah and Binah, the 2nd Chesed, the 3rd Geburah,
the 4th Tiphareth, the 5th Netzach, the
6th Hod, the 7th Yesod and Malkuth. This second
Tablet represents the attribution of the 10 Sephiroth to the 4 letters of
the Holy Name. Kether as you will observe, is not included therein, but it
is symbolized by the uppermost point of Yod. it is MACROPROSOPUS or ARIKH
ANPIN, the Vast Countenance. Chokmah is attributed to Yod, or the Father
Abba; Binah is attributed to Heh or Aima, the Mother; Vau embraces the six
next Sephiroth, which together form MICROPROSOPUS or ZAUIR ANPIN, the
Lesser Countenance. Malkuth is referred to the Heh final or the Bride of
the Apocalypse.
Leads Theoricus to Tablet of 7 Heavens of
Assiah in South.
These are the 7 Heavens of Assiah, the
1st is Ghereboth, referred to Chesed, wherein are the Treasures
of Blessings. The 2nd is Mekon referred to Geburah, wherein are
the Treasures of the Spirit of Life. The 3rd is Maghon referred
to Tiphareth, wherein are Angels. The 4th is Zebel, referred to
Netzach, wherein is the Supernal Altar, whereon Michael the great High
Priest sacrificeth the Souls of the Just. The 5th is Shachaqim
referred to Hod, wherein is the manna. The 6th is Raquie
wherein are the Sun and Moon, the Stars and Planets and all the 10
Spheres; it is referred to Yesod. The 7th is Velun referred to
Malkuth. Following this is Shamayim containing 18,000 Worlds, and also
Gehennah, and the Garden of Eden. The 9th is 18,000 more Worlds
wherein abide Shekinah and Metatron. And the 10th is Thebel
wherein standeth the earth, between Eden and Gehennah.
Leads Theoricus to Tablet of 10 Averse
Sephiroth in North.
Before you are the 10 Averse and Evil
Sephiroth of the Qlippoth or Shells, collected into 7 Palaces wherein is
the Apocalyptic mystery of the 7 heads and 10 horns. The Qlippoth of
Kether are called Thaumiel or the two contending Forces, the Shells of
Chokmah are the Ghogiel, or Hinderers. Those of Binah are the Satariel or
Concealers. Those of Chesed are the Gagh Shekelah or Breakers in pieces.
To Geburah belong the Golahab or Burners. To Tiphareth the Tagariron or
Disputers. To Netzach the Gharab Zereq or Ravens of Death, dispersing all
things. To Hod the Samael or deceivers, to Yesod the Gamaliel or Obscene.
And the Shell of Malkuth is Lilith the Evil woman. But these have also
many other appellations.
I have much pleasure in conferring upon you
the Title of Lord (Lady) of the 31st Path. You will now quit
the Temple for a short time, and on your return the ceremony of your
passage of the 30th Path will take place.
Greek Cross Of 13 Cubes
19th Key Of The
Tarot (Sun)
Temple Pillars
Hebrew
Letters: Resh
Astrological Symbols Of Planets
Diagram Of Tarot Cards
To Hebrew Letters
Enochian Water Tablet
3 Red Lamps
Censer
4
Chairs
Table Of Geomantic Figures And Ruling
Intelligences
Telesmatic Symbols To Each Geomantic Figure
Kamea Of
Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury And Moon
PATH 30 ADVANCEMENT
Hiero:
Honored Hegemon, you have my command to
present the Theoricus with the necessary admission Badge and to admit him
(her).
Heg:
Rises, goes to door, opens it, presents
Theoricus with the Greek Cross of the 13 squares and admits him.
Heg:
Behold he hath placed his Tabernacle in the
Sun.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus to North East and places him
before and facing the Pillars.
Hiero:
(Knocks) Frater XYZ (Sorer) before
you in the East are the Portals of the 30th, 25th,
and 26th Paths, leading from the Grade of Theoricus to those
Grades which are beyond. Of these the only one now open to you is the
30th which leads to the Grade of Practicus. Take in your right
hand the Solar Greek Cross, and follow your guide through the path of the
Sun. Unto the Intellectual whirlings of Intellectual Fire all things are
subservient, through the Will of the Father of All.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus between Pillars turns to right
and halts at foot of Hierophant's throne.
Hiero:
Rises and takes Red Lamp in his hand.
Hiero:
Axieros the First Kabir spake to Kasmillos
the Candidate and said I am the Sun in greatest elevation, bringing upon
the Earth the ripening Heat, fructifying all things, urging forward the
growth of vegetable Nature. Life giving, Light producing, crowning summer
with the golden harvest and filling the lap of plenteous Autumn with the
purple vintage of the Vine. Thus far is the voice of Axieros.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus round to seat of Hiereus and
halts before him in the N.W.
Hiereus:
Rises with Red Lamp in his hand.
Hiereus:
Axiokersos the Second Kabir spake to
Kasmillos the Candidate and said, I am the Sun in greatest depression
beneath the Equator, when Cold is greatest and heat is least, withdrawing
his light in darkening Winter, the dweller of Mist and the Storm. Thus far
is the Voice of Axiokersos.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus round to his own seat in the
West and takes Red Lamp.
Heg:
Axiokersa the Third Kabir spake to Kasmillos
the Candidate and said I am the Sun at Equinox initiating Summer and
heralding Winter, mild and genial in operation, giving forth or
withdrawing the vital heat of life. Thus far is the Voice of Axiokersa.
Heg:
Places Theoricus in a seat in West between
himself and Hiereus, facing Hiereus and takes from him Solar Greek Cross.
Hiero:
The Father of all congregated the 7
Firmaments of the Kosmos circumscribing the Heaven with Convex form. He
constituted a Septenary of wandering existences suspending their disorder
in well disposed zones. He made them 6 in number and for the 7th he cast
into the midst thereof the Fire of the Sun; into that center from which
all lines are equal. That the swift Sun may come round that center,
eagerly urging itself towards that center of resounding Light. As rays of
Light his locks flow forth, stretching to the confines of space. And of
the Solar Circles, and of the Lunar clashings and of the Aerial recesses;
the Melody of Ether, and of the Sun and of the passages of the Moon, and
of the Sun is in the Supramundane Orders, for therein a solar world and
endless Light subsist. The Sun more true measureth all things by time, for
he is the time of time. And his disc is in the Starless above, the
Inerratic Sphere, and he is the center of the Triple World. The Sun is
Fire and the Dispenser of Fire. He is also the channel of the Higher Fire,
Aether, Sun, and the Spirit of the Moon, ye are the Leaders of Air. And
the Great Goddess bringeth forth the Vast Sun and the Brilliant Moon, and
the wide Air, and the Lunar course and the Solar Pole. She collecteth it
receiving the Melody of Ether, and of the Sun, and of the Moon, and of
whatsoever is contained by Air. Unwearied doth Nature rule over the worlds
and works, so that the periods of all things may be accomplished. And
above the shoulders of that Great Goddess is Nature in her vastness
exalted. Thus far the Voice of the Kabiri.
Heg:
Conducts Theoricus to Hierophant's Throne and
hands to Theoricus the Solar Creek Cross.
Hiero:
The Solar Creek Cross is formed of 13
squares, which fitly refer to the Sun's motion through the Zodiac. These
signs being further arranged in the arms of the cross according to the
four Elements with the Sun in the center, represent that luminary as the
center of the The 30th Path of the Sepher Yetzirah. Which
answereth unto the letter Resh is called the Collecting Intelligence, and
it is so called because from it astrologers deduce the judgement of the
stars, and of the celestial signs, and the perfections of their science
according to the rules of their revolutions. It is therefore, the
reflection of the sphere of the Sun, and the Path connecting Yesod with
Hod, Foundation with Splendor.
Hierophant, Theoricus and Hegemon come to West of Altar.
Hiero:
Before you upon the Altar is the
19th Key of the Tarot which symbolically resumes these Ideas.
The Sun has 12 principal rays which represent the 12 signs of the Zodiac,
they are alternatively waved and salient, as symbolizing the alternation
of the masculine and feminine natures. These are again subdivided into 36
rays representing the 36 Decanates or sets of 10 degrees in the Zodiac,
and these again into 72 typifying the 72 Quinaries or sets of 5 degrees
and the 72 fold name SHEM- HA-MEPHORASCH. Thus the Sun itself embraces the
whole Creation in its rays. The·7 Hebrew Yods on each side falling through
the air, refer to the Solar influence descending. The wall is the circle
of the Zodiac and the stones are its various degrees and divisions. The
two children standing respectively on Water and Earth, represent the
generating influence of both brought into action by the rays of the Sun.
They are the two Inferior or passive Elements, as the Sun and the Air
above them are the Superior and Active Elements, of Fire and Air.
Furthermore, these two children resemble the sign Gemini, which unites the
Earthly sign of Taurus with the Watery sign of Cancer and this sign was by
the Greeks and Romans referred to Apollo or the Sun.
Hiero:
Returns to place.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus to West.
Hiereus:
(Showing 1st Tablet)
The Astrological symbols of the planets are derived from the 3 primary
forms of the circle, the crescent and the cross, either singly or in
combination. The circle denotes the Sun and gold, the crescent the Moon
and silver, respectively, analogous to the Red and the White alchemical
natures. The cross is the symbol of corrosion and the corrosion of metals
is usually of the complementary color to that which they naturally
approximate. Thus, copper which is reddish becomes green in verdigris etc.
Mercury is the only one which unites these primary forms in one symbol.
Saturn is composed of the Cross and the Crescent, showing that lead is
corrosive externally and Lunar internally. Jupiter is the reverse, Mars is
solar internally while Venus is the opposite, for Copper is externally of
the nature of Gold, but internally corrosive. Wherefore, also the Name of
the Sphere of Venus Nogah, denotes External Splendor.
Heg:
Shows Theoricus the 2nd Tablet.
Heg:
This shows the true and genuine attribution
of the Tarot trumps to the Hebrew alphabet which has long been a secret
among the Initiates and which should be carefully concealed from the outer
world. As a MSS. lecture on this subject is circulated among the Members
of the Grade of Practicus, I shall not further enter into its explanation.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus to Tablet in the South.
Heg:
Before you is the Tablet of the Olympic or
Aerial Planetary Spirits with their Seals, Arathror of Saturn, Bethor of
Jupiter, Phalegh of Mars, Och of the Sun, Hagith of Venus, Ophiel of
Mercury and Phul of the Moon.
Heg:
Leads Theoricus to Tablet in the North.
Heg:
This shows you the Geomantic Figures with
their ruling Intelligences, and Genii; also the talismanic Symbols
allotted to each Geomantic figure. These are derived from them by drawing
lines to the points composing them, so as to form mathematical figures
therefrom. A MSS. lecture on Geomancy is circulated among the Members of
Practicus Grade.
Hiero:
I have much pleasure in conferring upon you
the Title of Lord (Lady) of the 30th Path. You will now quit
the Temple for a short time and on your return the Ceremony of your
reception into the Grade of Practicus will take place.
TEMPLE OFFICERS
Part III
Hierophant: Red Robe, R&W Nemyss, Gold Shoes, White Collar, Lamen, Scepter.
Hiereus: Black Robe, B&W Nemyss, Red Shoes, Red Collar, Lamen, Sword.
Hegemon: White Robe, White Nemyss, Black Collar, Red Shoes, Lamen, Scepter.
Candidate: Black Robe, Red Shoes, Sash.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
FOR THE ALTAR:
Red Cross And White Triangle
3 Red Lamps At Corners Of
Triangle
Cup Of Water
Diagram Of Eden Before The Fall
Diagram Of
Eden After The Fall
Lamen Badge Of Water
REQUIRED MATERIALS
FOR THE TEMPLE:
Banners Of The East And West
Temple Pillars
Hebrew
Letters: Shin, Resh, Mem, Peh, Ayin
Kamea Of Mercury
2 Diagrams Of
Daath
Enochian Water Tablet
7 Planes Of Tree Of Life To 7
Planets
Diagram Of 4 Worlds And Letters Of Holy Names
Alchemical
Symbols Of Mercury, Sulphur, And Salt
Mercurial Figures
Censer
4
Chairs
Cup Of Water
Part III
CEREMONY OF THE GRADE OF PRACTICUS
Hiero:
Honored Hegemon, instruct the Theoricus in
the proper alarm, present him with the necessary
admission badge and admit him (her).
(Done)
Hiero: Heg: (Done)
Hiero: Heg: (Done)
Heg: Hiereus: Heg: Hiereus: Heg: Hiereus: Hiero: Hiero: Hiero: Hiero: Heg: Hiereus: Heg: Heg: Heg: Heg: Heg: Hiero: CLOSING Hiero: (Done.)
Heg: Hiero: (Knocks)
All face East.
Hiero: Hiero: All face West.
Hiero: Hiero: Hiero: Hiero: All face East.
Hiero: Hiero: Hiereus: Heg:
Place the Theoricus before the Portal of
the 31st Path, by which he (she) has symbolically entered this
Grade, from the Grade Zelator.
Leads Theoricus to N.W. corner of Temple.
Place the Theoricus now before the Portal
of the 30th Path by which he has symbolically entered this
Grade from the Grade of Theoricus.
Leads Theoricus to S.W. corner of Temple.
Leads Theoricus S.W. then forward to Hiereus.
By what symbol dost thou enter herein?
By the peculiar emblem of the Stolistes,
which is the Cup of Water.
The Cup of the Stolistes partakes in part
of the symbolism of the Laver of Moses and the Sea of Solomon. On the Tree
of Life it embraces nine of the Sephiroth, exclusive of Kether. Yesod and
Malkuth form the Triangle below, the former the apex the latter the base.
Like the Caduceus it further represents the 3 elements of Water, Air and
Fire. The crescent is the Water which is above the firmament, the circle
is the Firmament and the Triangle the consuming fire below, which is
opposed to the Celestial Fire symbolized by the upper part of the
Caduceus.
Places Admission badge aside and leads
Theoricus to Hierophant and then returns to his place.
Heg:
Rise and face inwards towards the
Altar.
(Rising and facing inwards to the
Altar.) Before you is represented the symbolism of the Garden of
Eden. At the summit are the Supernal Sephiroth summed up and contained in
Aima Elohim, the Mother Supernal, the Woman of the 12th chapter
of the Apocalypse clothed with the Sun and the Moon under her feet and
upon her head the Crown of 12 Stars, Kether. And whereas the Name
Tetragrammaton is joined to the Elohim when it is said Tetragrammaton
Elohim planted a Garden Eastward in Eden so this represents the power of
the Father joined thereto in the Glory from the face of the Ancient of
Days. And in the Garden were the Tree of Life, and the Tree of the
Knowledge of good and Evil, which latter is from Malkuth, which is the
lowest Sephira between the rest of the Sephiroth and the Kingdom of the
Shells, which latter is represented by the Great Red Dragon coiled
beneath, having 7 heads (the 7 infernal Palaces) and ten horns (the 10
Averse Sephiroth contained in the 7 Palaces). And a River Nahar went forth
out of Eden, (namely the Supernal Triad) to water the Garden (the rest of
the Sephiroth) and from thence it was divided into four heads in DAATH
whence it is said In Daath the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop
down dew. The first head is Pison which flows into Geburah where there is
Gold, it is the River of Fire. The second head is Gihon the river of
Waters, flowing into Chesed. The third is Hiddekel the River of air
flowing into Tiphareth. And the fourth River which receiveth the virtue of
the other three is Euphrates which floweth down upon Malkuth, the Earth.
This River going forth out of Eden is the River of the Apocalypse, of
Waters of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the Throne of God and
the Lamb on either side of which was the Tree of Life bearing 12 manner of
Fruit. And thus do the Rivers of Eden form the Cross, and on that cross
the great Adam the Son who was to rule the Nations with a rod of Iron is
extended from Tiphareth and his arms stretch out to Gedulah and Geburah,
and in Malkuth is Eve, the completion of all, the Mother of All, and above
the Universe she supporteth with her hands the Eternal Pillars of the
Sephiroth. As it was said to you in the 30th Path. And above
the shoulders of that great Goddess is Nature in her Vastness exalted. The
grade of Practicus is referred to the Sephira Hod, and the 30th
and 31st Paths which are those of Resh and Shin are bound
thereto. The sign of this Grade is thus given; stand with the heels
together, raise the arms till the elbows are level with the shoulders
bring the hands across the chest touching the thumbs and tips of fingers
thus forming a triangle apex downwards. This represents the element of
Water to which this Grade is attributed, and the Waters of Creation. The
Grip or token is the general grip of the First Order. The Grand Word is
Elohim Tzabaoth which means the Elohim of Hosts and of Armies. The mystic
number is 36 and from it is formed the Pass Word of this Grade, which is
Eloah, one of the Divine Names. It should be lettered separately when
given. Unto this Grade and unto the Sephira Hod, the Eighth Path of the
Sepher Yetzirah is referred. It is called the Absolute or Perfect Path
because it is the means of the Primordial which hath no root to which it
may be established, except in the Penetralia of that Gedulah
(Magnificence) which emanates from the subsisting properties thereof. The
distinguishing badge of this Grade which you will now be entitled to wear
is the sash of a Theoricus with the addition of a purple or violet cross
above the white cross and the numbers 3 and 8 within a circle and a
square, respectively, left and right of its summit, and below the numbers
32, the numbers 30 and 31 in purple or violet, between narrow parallel
purple lines. This grade is especially referred to the element of Water
and therefore, the great Watch Tower or Terrestrial Tablet of the West
forms one of its principal emblems. (Hierophant goes to West in
front of Water Tablet followed by Theoricus.) It is known as the
second or Great Western Quadrangle, or Tablet of Water, and it is one of
the four Great Tablets delivered unto Enoch by the great Angel Ave. From
it are drawn the 3 Holy secret names of God EMPEH ARSEL GAIOL which are
borne upon the Banners of the West. And numberless divine and angelic
names which appertain unto the Element of Water. The meaning of the Tablet
of Earth and Air were explained to you in the preceding Grades.
Theor:
Proceed to East. Hierophant
indicates Cross and Triangle on the Altar.
The Cross above the Triangle represents the
power of the Spirit of Life rising above the Triangle of the Waters, and
reflecting the Triune therein, as further marked by the Lamps at the
angles. While the Cup of Water placed at the junction of the Cross and
Triangle represents the maternal letter Mem. The Portals in the East and
South East are the Paths which conduct to the Higher while that in the
South leads to the Grade of Philosophus, the highest Grade of the First
Order. This Grade is also related to the planet Mercury. Its Kamea or
mystical square is formed of 64 squares containing the numbers from 1 to
64 arranged so as to show the same sum each way. Its ruling numbers are 8,
84, 260 and 2080. This Tablet (indicating it) shows the
mystical seals and Names drawn from the Kamea of Mercury. The seals are
formed from lines drawn to certain numbers upon the square. The name
answering to 8 is Asboga, those answering to 64 Din, Judgement and Doni,
that answering to 260 is Tiriel the Intelligence of Mercury and lastly,
that answering to 2080 is Taphthartharath the name of the Spirit of
Mercury. On this Tablet (indicating it) is shown the meaning
of the symbol of Mercury when inscribed upon the Tree of Life. It embraces
all but Kether and the horns spring from Daath, which is not properly
speaking a Sephira, but rather the conjunction of Chokmah and Binah.
Resumes his seat.
Leads Theoricus to Hiereus and they·go forward
to West.
(Indicating it) This Tablet before
you shows the 7 Planes of the Tree of Life answering to the 7 Planets.
Thus, Saturn answers to Kether, Jupiter to Chokmah, and Binah; Mars to
Chesed and Geburah; The Sun to Tiphareth; Venus to Netzach and Hod,
Mercury to Yesod and Luna to Malkuth. While this second Tablet
(indicating it) shows the Four Planes corresponding to the
elements; the four Worlds and the letters of the Holy Name.
Leads Theoricus to Tablet in South.
This Tablet shows you the meaning of the
alchemical Mercury on the Tree of Life of the first form of the Alchemical
Sephiroth. Here again it embraces all but Kether. The Radix Metallorum,
the triple foliation at the bottom of the Cross refers to Fire symbolized
by the addition of the sign Aries thereto; and it further alludes to the 3
principles of Sulphur, Mercury and Salt.
Leads Theoricus to Tablet in the North.
The Tablet before you represents the symbol
the Planets resumed in a Mercurial Figure. In gradual descent we obtain
Luna, Mars, Sol, Venus, and below Saturn and Jupiter, right and left.
Places Theoricus in a seat in West facing
Hierophant and returns to his own place.
I now congratulate you on having passed
through the ceremony of the Grade of Practicus and in recognition thereof
I confer upon you the Mystic title of Monokeros de Astris which means the
Unicorn of the Stars, and I give you the symbol of Mayim which is the
Hebrew Name for Water. Take your seat in the South. (Knocks)
In the Name of Elohim Tzabaoth I now declare that you have been duly
advanced to the Grade of Practicus, and Lord (Lady) of the 30th
and 31st Paths. Before you are eligible for advancement to the
Grade of Philosophus you must be thoroughly and genuinely perfect in
certain subjects, and have been at least 3 months engaged in the
contemplation of the mysteries revealed in this Grade. When you are
thoroughly and genuinely perfect, you must signify the same by letter to
the Scribe as in the preceding Grade. A MSS. lecture on those subjects is
circulated among the members of this Grade.
(Knocks) Assist me to close the
Temple in the Grade of Practicus. Honored Hegemon see that the Temple is
properly guarded.
Very Honored Hierophant, the Temple is
properly guarded.
Let us adore the Lord and King of Water.
Let Elohim Tzabaoth be praised unto the
Countless Ages of Time. Amen.
Quits his place and goes to Tablet of Water
in West.
Let us rehearse the Prayer of the Undines
or Water Spirits. (Knocks) Terrible King of the Sea, Thou
who holdest the Keys of the Cataracts of Heaven and who enclosest the
subterranean Waters in the cavernous hollows of Earth; King of the Deluge
and of the Rains of Spring; Thou who openest the sources of the Rivers and
of the Fountains, Thou who commandest moisture which is as it were the
blood of the earth, to become the sap of the plants, we adore Thee and we
invoke Thee. Speak thou unto us Thy mobile and changeful creatures in the
great Tempests of the Sea, and we shall tremble before Thee. Speak to us
also in the murmur of the limpid waters and we shall desire thy love. O
Vastness wherein all the Rivers of Being seek to lose themselves, which
renew themselves ever in Thee, O Thou Ocean of infinite perfections, 0
Height which reflectest Thyself in the Depth, O Depth which exhalest
thyself into the Height, lead us into the true Life through Intelligence,
through Love. Lead us unto Immortality through sacrifice, so that we may
be found worthy to offer one day unto Thee, the Water, the Blood and the
Tears, for the remission of Sins. Amen.
Makes Banishing Circle and Pentagrams in the
Air in front of Tablet with his scepter.
Depart ye in peace unto your abodes and
habitations, may the blessing of EL be upon you. Be there ever peace
between us and you, and be ye ready to come when ye are called.
Knocks and returns to place.
In the Name of Elohim Tzabaoth I declare
this Temple closed in the Grade of Practicus.
(Knocks 1, 3, 1, 3)
(Knocks 1, 3, 1, 3)
(Knocks 1, 3, 1, 3)
