Neophyte Self-Initiation Ritual

This ritual is taken from Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero's, "Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition" . First edition by Llewellyn Publications, 1995.

The ceremonies in this book are challenging in the respect that a certain amount of the ritual work presented is physical and a certain amount is astral. Among the physical temple implements that the student will have to provide are the altar, cross and triangle, pillars, banners, chalice, censer of incense, Elements for the altar, five candles in the Elemental colors, a sword, lamp, wands for the Hierophant, Hegemon, and Keryx, and the lamens of all the officers.

The stations of all of the officers are to be marked within the temple by the placement of the cardboard lamens. Most of the ritual work dealing with the officers and the godforms who govern them is done on the astral level. The aspirant will required to visualize each godform and be able to maintain the visualization for as long as it is called for. The student will also be required to visualize the various officer-forms within the temple-these forms are not the same as the godforms, although they are lesser extensions of them. (The officer-form of the Hierophant would appear as just that-a human being dressed in the robes and insignia of a Hierophant. The same is true for all of the officer-forms.) As stated earlier, it is the officer-forms who carry out specific functions within the temple, not the godforms themselves, that are assumed by the solitary initiate. When assuming an officer-form, the student inaugurates a separation of a particular godform and its corresponding officer-form. The two are clairvoyantly seen to be separated, although an etheric link between them remains. The officer-forms are returned to the dominion of their respective godforms when not in active use by the aspirant. When this is the case, the godform can be seen to absorb or overshadow the lesser form of the officer.

To summarize, a large part of the initiation rites in this book are to be carried out on a physical level, with actual temple symbolism (banners, lamens, altar, wands, etc.), to be constructed by the student. The astral work performed in these rituals revolve entirely around visualization of the godforms, officer-forms and certain guided meditations.

Temple Set-up: The aspirant will need to set up the Hall beforehand in accordance with the temple diagram. The black cubical altar is to be placed in the center of the room. Upon it are the symbols of the cross and triangle (the red cross is above the triangle). The pillars are to be placed just East of the Altar. The Banner of the East and The Banner of the West are placed in their respective quarters. A cup of Water should be placed in the North, and a censer of incense belongs in the South.

Around the circumference of the room are to be placed four candles: yellow in the East, red in the South, blue in the West, black in the North. In the Easternmost part of the temple should be placed a white candle. The aspirant should try to obtain glass candle holders which have two parts: a bottom which holds a colored votive candle and a glass cover (colored or opaque) with a hole in the top which acts to shade the candlelight.

A lantern should be placed in the Southwest. The four Elements of the Mystic Repast are to be placed on top of the altar near their respective quarters: a rose in the East, a red candle in the South, a chalice of wine in the West, and a paten of bread and salt in the North. The aspirant will need to have constructed beforehand the Hierophants Wand, the Hegemons Wand, and the Keryxs Wand. A convenient sword should also be procured for the station of Hiereus. The aspirant will need a finished Neophyte Grade Sash placed in the East of the temple. Elemental symbols may be placed in the four quarters. (See Neophyte Self-Initiation Temple Diagram ).

Ritual Preparations: It is suggested that the aspirant fast for a period of 12 hours prior to the ritual. A ritual bath is required, after which the aspirant may put on the black Tau robe and red sandals or slippers. A black cord is to be wrapped three times around the waist. The aspirant must then spend a period of time (10 to 20 minutes) in a darkened room or antechamber to the temple seated in quiet mediation while wearing a hoodwink or blindfold. During this period of time, darkness and silence are to be maintained. The aspirant should imagine him/her self under the watch of Anubis of the West. After this period of silence, the hoodwink may be folded under the black cord tied around the waist. The aspirant may then enter the temple and begin the ritual. As you enter the temple, imagine that you are leaving your physical body outside as a sentinel to guard the temple-your spiritual self is free to receive initiation.

Part 1: The Opening

Enter the temple and walk clockwise to the East. With the sword, perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.

Give one knock with the pommel of the sword against the floor or altar and say HEKAS HEKAS ESTE BEBELOI! (Hey-kass, Hey-kass, es-tay Bee-beh-loi).

Put the sword aside and go to the West of the temple, facing East. Kneel down and invoke the godform of THME (pronounced Tah-may) as follows. Vibrate Strongly:

THME! THME! THME! Lady of the Feather by which all souls are measured! Thou daughter and eye of RA! Lady of Heaven, Queen of Earth and mistress of the Underworld! Great Lady of all the gods and goddesses. Thou whose name is MAAT! Lady of Truth! Goddess of Justice and Order! Mediator between Darkness and Light, Chaos and Order! THME! THME! THME! Great Lady whose name rules this temple-the Hall of the Dual Manifestation of MAAT, goddess of Truth! Thou who assesseth the heart of every man and woman in the Hall of Judgment before Ousiri and the assembly of the gods. Thou who art the eye and heart of balance! THME! THME! THME! I invoke thee!

Visualize the Image of the goddess THME before you, with human head and yellow-gold skin. She wears a black and white nemyss and a white linen gown. She Carries the mitre-headed scepter of the Hegemon. Above her head is the glowing white outline of the cross and triangle, the symbol of the Outer Order of the Golden Dawn.

Slowly and with much feeling, perform the Qabalistic Cross, Drawing the light down from the Kether of the universe into the Kether at the crown of your head as you continue the QC (Saying "ATAH, MALKUTH, VE-GEBURAH, VE-GEDULAH, LE-OLAHM, AMEN"). Strongly visualize the cross of Light you have formed in the center of your body. Trace within your heart the Hebrew Letters of the name THME in glowing white. Project a white ray of thought from your heart toward the image of THME you have created before you. See the figure breath in life as your thought-ray animates it. Address the form:

THME! Beautiful One of the Feather of Truth! I beseech thee to act upon my behalf in this my quest for the Light Divine! Guide me, O thou who art none other but my own Higher Self. Aid me and escort me in this Hall of Judgment. I am a true and willing Seeker of Light and Knowledge. Act as my overseer and reconciler. Speak to me amidst the assembly of the gods and the guardians of this temple. My intentions are honest. I am ready to undergo test and trial. I wish to be purified and consecrated to the Light. Grant that my heart is made MAAT! Grant that my Will is made MAAT! Merciful THME! Let me be judged aright! Grant that this humble aspirant before you be not turned away from that resplendent Light which resides in the East. Award me entrance into the Hall of Two Truths! Let me penetrate the Threshold in the Path of the Enterer!

THME speaks to you in your own mind:

I am the representative of your Higher and Holy Self. It is only through my intervention that thou canst even approach this sacred Hall. The higher must arbitrate on behalf of the lower, elevating it by virtue of association. In this Hall I am thy tongue, thy heart, and thy eye. Fear not, for I shall speak for thee in this assembly of the gods and the current of the Light.

Imagine the goddess THME communicating in silence with the energies in the East. She is the representative of your Higher Self, interceding on your behalf with the Guardians of the Hall. You hear her voice as she calls out the names of other godforms in the East of the Temple: ESE, NEBETHO, THOOUTH and another, HOOR OUER. You have a vague impression of four figures in the East, seated before a veil. As THME continues to address the figures, the scene becomes hazy, and it appears that the goddess stands not before the seated figures in the East, but before the gigantic form of Thoth-Djehoti the ibis-headed god of Wisdom. THME continues a silent discussion with the god. After a few moments THME turns toward you, salutes with the Neophyte Signs toward the West and says silently:

Thou mayest proceed, O aspirant; thou art MAAT.

(Rise and salute with the Projection Sign and say: I ask that the number of officers in this degree and the nature of their offices be proclaimed, that the Powers whose images they are may be reawakened in my sphere and in the sphere of this current-for by Names and Images are all Powers awakened and reawakened. (Give the Sign of Silence.)

THME again gives the Signs. She then holds out the palm of her hand, upon which rests a single white feather. The goddess of Truth inhales sharply and breathes upon the feather, which drifts lightly through the air toward you. The feather is absorbed into your heart center. Say:

Breath is a symbol of Life. The letter "H" is a symbol of the ancient Greek aspirate or breathing, and breath is the evidence of Life. There are three chief officers in this grade, and they all commence with the letter "H": the Hierophant, the Hiereus, and the Hegemon. There are three lesser officers besides the Phylax; the Keryx, the Stolistes, and the Dadouchos.

THME takes you by the hand and leads you clockwise to the North, where she traces the figure of the cross and triangle with the miter-headed wand. As she does so, you vibrate the name, "AURAMOOUTH" (ow-rah-maht). The beautiful astral form of Auramoouth takes shape before you. She bears a blue cup. Visualize the figure strongly. The godform of Auramoouth traces in the air before you the figure of a cup. She then hands you her chalice of Water. Picking up the Water cup in the North, you take on the office of Stolistes that the goddess has bestowed upon you and turn to face the altar. Say:

I am the Stolistes of the temple. My station is in the North to symbolize cold and moisture. My duties are to watch over the cup of lustral Water and to purify the Hall and the candidate with Water.

As the Stolistes, go clockwise to the East of the Hall. With the cup, trace a cross in the air toward the East. Then sprinkle Water thrice in the form of an invoking Water triangle (tracing clockwise starting with the bottom point of the triangle). Trace this same figure in all four quarters, going clockwise around the room. Upon returning to the East hold the cup on high and say "I purify with Water." Return the cup to the North. Step out of the office of Stolistes and return the officer-form to the dominion of Auramoouth.

THME again takes you by the hand and leads you clockwise to the South. Once there she used the miter-headed wand to trace the figure of the cross and triangle while you vibrate the name of, "THAUM-ESH-NEITH" (Thom-Aesh-Nay-eet). The goddess begins to formulate in the South. Neith bears a red censer. Visualize the figure strongly. The goddess Thaum-Esh-Neith traces in the air before you the figure of the swastika or Fylfot Cross. She then hands you her censer. Picking up the censer in the South, you take on the office of Dadouchos that the goddess has bestowed upon you and turn to face the altar. Say:

I am the Dadouchos of the temple. My station is in the South to symbolize heat and dryness. My duty is to watch over the lamps and Fires of the temple, to watch over the censer and the incense, and to consecrate the Hall and the candidate with Fire.

As the Dadouchos, go clockwise to the East of the Hall. With the censer trace a cross in the air toward the East. Then wave the censer thrice in the form of an invoking Fire triangle (tracing clockwise starting with the top point of the triangle). Trace this same figure in all four quarters, going clockwise around the room. Upon returning to the East hold the censer on high and say "I consecrate with Fire." Return the censer to the South. Step out of the office of Dadouchos and return the officer-form to the dominion of Thaum-Esh-Neith.

THME again takes your hand and leads you clockwise to the Southwest. Once there she uses the wand to trace the figure of the cross and triangle while you vibrate the name of "ANOUP EMPEIEBET" (Ah-noop-em-pay-yeh-bet). Anubis of the East begins to formulate there in the Southwest. The jackal-headed Anubis carries the Khi? Wand or Caduceus and a violet lamp containing a red Yod of Flame. Visualize the figure strongly. The god Anubis traces in the air before you the figure of the Caduceus. He then hands you his wand and lamp. Picking up the Caduceus Wand and lantern in the Southwest, you take on the office of Keryx that the god has bestowed upon you, and turn to face the altar. Say:

I am the Keryx of the temple. My place is within the portal. I am the guardian within as the Phylax who represents ANOUP EMPEMENET (Ahnoop- em-pay-men-et) is the guardian without. I watch over the reception of the candidate. My duties are to lead all Mystic Circumambulations carrying the lamp of my office, and to make all reports and announcements. My lamp is the symbol of the Hidden Knowledge and my wand is the symbol of its directing Power.

Return the lamp and wand to the Southwest. Step out of the office of the Keryx and return the officer-form to the dominion of Anubis.

THME takes you clockwise to her own station between the two pillars. Once again you vibrate the name of, "THME" as she makes the sign of the cross and triangle on herself. The goddess THME traces in the air before you the figure of a cross. She then hands you her miter-headed wand. Picking up the wand between the pillars, you take on the office of Hegemon that the goddess has bestowed upon you, and turn to face the altar. Say:

I am the Hegemon of the temple. My station is between the two Pillars of Hermes and Solomon and my face is towards the Cubical Altar of the Universe. My duty is to watch over the gateway of the Hidden Knowledge, for I am the reconciler between Light and Darkness. I watch over the preparation of the candidate and assist in his (her) reception and I lead him (her) in the path that conducts from Darkness to Light. The white color of my mantle is the color of purity, my ensign of office is a miter-headed scepter to symbolize religion which guides and regulates life, and my offices symbolize those higher aspirations of the soul which should guide its actions.

Return the wand. Step out of the office of the Hegemon and return the officer-form to the dominion of THME. The goddess of Truth leads you clockwise to the West. Again she traces with her wand the figure of the cross and triangle as you vibrate the name of "HOOR" (Hoor or Hoh-or). Horus appears in the West. The hawk-headed god bears a red sword. Visualize the form strongly. The god traces in the air before you the figure of a triangle. He then hands you his sword. Picking up the sword and The Banner of the West, you take on the office of Hiereus that the god Horus has bestowed upon you and turn to face the altar. Say:

I am the Hiereus of the temple. My station is on the throne of the West and is a symbol of increase of Darkness and decrease of Light, and I am the Master of Darkness. I keep the gateway of the West and watch over the reception of the candidate and over the lesser officers in the doing of their work. My black mantle is an image of the Darkness that was upon the Face of the Waters. I carry the Sword of Judgment and The Banner of the West, and I am called Fortitude by the unhappy.

Return the sword and the banner to the West and step out of the office of Hiereus. THME then takes you to the Eastern part of the Hall where she traces the symbol of the circled cross. Vibrate the name of "OUSIRI" (Oo-seer-ee) as the godform begins to formulate in the East. The mummy-wrapped Osiris wears a tall white Stenu crown and bears a white crown-headed scepter. Visualize the form strongly. The god traces in the air before you the figure of the cross and circle. He then hands you his scepter. Picking up the wand and the banner, you take on the office of Hierophant that Osiris has bestowed upon you, and turn to face the altar. Say:

I am the Hierophant of the temple. My station is on the throne of the East in the place where the Sun rises, and I am the Master of the Hall, governing it according to the laws of the current, as he whose image I am is the Master of all who work for the Hidden Knowledge. My mantle is red because of uncreated Fire and created Fire, and I hold the banner of the morning light which is The Banner of the East. I am called Power and Mercy and Light in Abundance, and I am the Expounder of the Mysteries.

The goddess THME returns to her place between the pillars as Hegemon. Replace the banner but retain the wand. Turn to face the East. Give the Sign of the Spiraling light. Say, "Let the white brilliance of the Divine Spirit Descend!" Feel a flood of Divine light course through your body by performing the Qabalistic Cross, loudly vibrating the Hebrew names. Then replace the crown-headed wand. Step out of the office of Hierophant and return the officer-form to the dominion of Osiris. Go clockwise to the Southwest and take up the lantern and wand there. Step into the office of Keryx. Walk deosil (clockwise) to the Northeast and say:

The visible Sun is the dispenser of Light to the Earth. Let me therefore from a vortex in this chamber that the invisible Sun of Spirit may shine therein from above.

Circumambulate the temple three times, carrying the equilibrated light with you around the temple. Salute the banner of the East with the Neophyte Signs for each circumambulation. After the third pass, return to the West and give the Projection Sign at the symbols upon the altar. Visualize the Divine Light that you have circulated around the temple flowing from your heart center and entering the red cross and the white triangle-empowering them with the divine current. Say:

The Mystic Circumambulation symbolic of the Rise of Light is accomplished.

Perform the Adoration of the Lord of the Universe, saluting after the first three lines with the Projection Sign. After the final line, give the Sign of Silence.

Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe! (Salute.)
Holy art Thou, Whom Nature hath not Formed! (Salute.)
Holy art Thou, the Vast and the Mighty One! (Salute.)
Lord of the Light and of the Darkness! (Sign of Silence)

Imagine the three astral officer/godforms of the Hierophant, Hiereus and the Hegemon, raising their implements in a salute to the Light and then slowly lowering them. Still in the office of Keryx, go to the Northeast with wand and lamp. Hold the implements high and proclaim:

In the Name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express, I declare that the Sun has arisen and the shadows flee away!

Return the implements to the Southwest and step out of the office of Keryx. Return control of the officer-form to Anubis. Walk to the West of the altar facing East. Give three knocks. Then repeat the following words, giving a knock before each work is spoken:

KHABS AM PEKHT KONX OM PAX LIGHT. IN. EXTENSION.

Give the Neophyte Signs toward the altar.

Part 2: The Initiation

Before continuing, take the rose, red candle, cup of wine, and bread and salt off the altar and place them in their associated quarters. Visualize all the astral officer/godforms at their respective stations. Give one knock. Still standing West of the altar say: "This candidate seeks for entrance." Give a second knock and say:

I vow that within this mystic sphere, I shall henceforth lose my name and be known in this temple as (state magical motto). I am the inheritor of a dying world, arisen and entered into Darkness. The Mother of Darkness hath blinded me with her hair. The Father of Darkness hath hidden me under his wings. My limbs are still weary from the wars which were in Heaven.

Anubis of the East speaks to you within your mind:

Unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter our Sacred Hall.

Go clockwise to the station of Stolistes in the North. Visualize Auramoouth holding out the chalice of Water for you. She traces the sigil of the cup. Take up the cup and dip your thumb or index finger into the Water. Trace a cross upon your forehead. Then trace the Water triangle upon your brow, starting with the bottom point of the triangle. Say, "I am purified with Water." Return the cup.

Go clockwise to the station of Dadouchos in the South. Visualize Thaum-Esh-Neith holding out the censer for you. She traces the sigil of the Swastika. Take up the censer and trace with it a cross in front of your forehead. Then trace the Fire triangle in front of your brow, starting with the top point of the triangle. Say, "I am consecrated with Fire." Return the censer and walk to the West of the altar facing East.

Visualize the goddess THME appearing at your right side. Also imagine the god form of Osiris in the East. In your mind you hear him ask:

Inheritor of a Dying World, why seekest thou to enter our Sacred Hall?

(You answer) My soul wanders in Darkness and seeks the Light of the Hidden Knowledge. I believe that in this sacred temple of the Mysteries, knowledge of that Light may be obtained. I am truly willing to take a solemn obligation in the presence of this assembly to uphold the sacred Mysteries and the current of the Light.

I understand that there is nothing contrary to my civil, moral or religious duties in this obligation. Although the magical virtues can indeed awaken into momentary life in the wicked and foolish hearts, they cannot reign in any heart that has not the natural virtues to be their throne.

Osiris speaks to you:

He who is the fountain of the Spirit of man and of things, came not to break, but to fulfill the law. Are you ready to take this oath?

Say: "I am ready to take this oath." Kneel down and place your right hand on the cross and triangle on the altar. Imagine the astral forms of the six primary officer/godforms gathering around you to form a hexagram. The Hegemon is already at your right. The Hierophant as Horus the Elder comes down from the East, pinning a black serpent under his foot as he comes to the East of the altar. Hiereus appears at your left. Behind you are Stolistes, Keryx and Dadouchos. The Hierophant, who has taken on the godform of HOOR OUER takes your left hand in his.

At this point in the ritual you are aware that the Hall seems much more crowded now with godforms than before-godforms that you can barely perceive. In the East the colossal form of Thoth remains in the Sign of the Enterer. Winged Kerubic deities mark the four cardinal points of the temple. Additional Egyptian figures are stationed at the sub-quarters. But you are mostly aware of forty-two silent figures who line all sides of the temple walls. However your attention is captured by the four colored candles which designate the boundaries of your temple circle. In their place are four enormous pillars of fire and cloud. The pillar to your right and the one in front of you are dual pillars of light, The pillar to your left and the one behind you are the twin pillars of Darkness. After a pause, repeat the oath:

I (legal name) in the Presence of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express, and in this Hall of the Neophytes of the current of the Golden Dawn, do, of my own free will, hereby and hereon, most solemnly promise by and on this holy symbol of the Light, to dedicate my life to the pursuit of the mysteries of the Golden Dawn tradition of Magic and to the completion of the Great Work. I solemnly promise to persevere with courage and determination in the labors of the Divine Science, even as I shall persevere with courage and determination through this ceremony which is their image. I pledge from this day forward to strive with enthusiasm and devotion, in the study of the Hermetic Arts, seeing that such teachings are not given to those who wish only a cursory knowledge thereof.

I undertake to maintain a kindly and benevolent relation with all true seekers of the Light. I will respect all religions, seeing that all faiths contain a ray of the ineffable Light which I seek.

I pledge that I will not suffer myself to be placed in such a state of passivity, that any person, power, or being may cause me to lose control of my words, thoughts, or actions.

I vow that I will not debase my mystical knowledge in the labor of Evil magic at any time tried or under any temptation.

I solemnly promise not to flaunt or parade any knowledge I may acquire to those who are not seekers of the Light, lest our sacred Knowledge be profaned through my error, vanity, or neglect.

I swear upon this holy symbol to observe all these things without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation. Furthermore, if I break this my magical obligation, I submit myself by my own consent, to a punitive stream of power, set in motion by the Divine Guardians of this current, who live in the Light of their perfect justice, and before whom my soul now stands.

Hierophant, Hegemon and Hiereus officer/godforms whisper:

They journey upon the winds, they strike where no one strikes, they slay where no one slays...

(Say:) And as I bow my neck under the sword of the Hiereus, (Visualize the sword on the nape of your neck) so do I commit myself unto their hands for vengeance or reward. So help me my mighty and secret Soul, and the Creator of my Soul who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express. (Give a knock.)

Rise Neophyte of the 0=0 grade of the Golden Dawn.

Visualize the officer/godforms returning to their stations. In the East the colossal figure of Thoth gives the Sign of Silence. Take up the cup of Water and the censer. THME takes your hand and leads you to the North facing East. Anubis comes forward with wand and lamp to the Northeast. Say:

The voice of my undying and secret Soul said unto me - "Let me enter the path of Darkness and, peradventure, there shall I find the Light. I am the only being in an abyss of darkness; from an abyss of Darkness came I forth ere my birth from the silence of a primal sleep."

And the Voice of Ages answered unto my Soul - "I am he who formulates in Darkness-the Light that shineth in Darkness, yet the Darkness comprehendeth it not."

Let the Mystical Circumambulation take place in the Path of Knowledge that leadeth unto the Light, with the lamp of Hidden Knowledge to guide me.

Visualize the Keryx and the Hegemon leading you sunwise around the temple. As you pass the Hierophant for the first time, imagine a loud knock and mentally intone the name of "BINAH." As you pass the Hiereus in the West, you also hear a loud knock. The second time you pass the Hierophant in the East, imagine a loud knock and mentally intone the name of "CHOKMAH." As you reach the South, the Keryx stops you. Anubis speaks:

Unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the Path of the West!

Auramoouth steps forward and draws the sigil of the cup before you. With the Water, mark your forehead with the symbols of the cross and Water triangle as before. Say: "I am purified with Water."

Thaum-Esh-Neith steps forward and draws the sigil of the Swastika before you. Wave the censer in front of your forehead in the figures of the cross and Fire triangle. Say: "I am consecrated with Fire."

THME speaks:

Child of Earth, twice purified and twice consecrated, thou mayest approach the gateway of the West.

Continue to the West where the fierce form of the Hiereus stands. The fiery-eyed Horus with red sword and black banner bars your advance:

Thou canst not pass by me, sayeth the Guardian of the West, unless thou canst tell me my name.

(Say:) Darkness is thy name, thou great one of the Paths of the Shades. Before all things are the Chaos and the Darkness and the gates of the land of Night. Thou art he whose name is Darkness. Thou art the Exorcist in the midst of the Exorcism. I stand before thee without trepidation, for fear is failure, and I am without fear.

Horus speaks:

Thou hast known me now, so pass thou on. Fear is truly failure, and he who trembles at the flame and at the flood and at the shadows of the Air, hath no part in God.

Give a knock. Visualize the Keryx and the Hegemon continuing to lead you in the procession. As you pass the Hiereus in the West, imagine a loud knock. When you pass the Hierophant, another knock is heard, and you mentally intone the name of "KETHER." As you reach the North, the Keryx stops you again. Anubis speaks:

Unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the path of the East!

Auramoouth steps forward and traces the symbol of the cup in the air before you. With the Water, mark your forehead with the symbols of the cross and Water triangle as before. Say: " I am purified with Water."

Thaum-Esh-Neith steps forward and draws the sigil of the Swastika before you. Wave the censer in front of your forehead in the figures of the cross and Fire triangle. Say: " I am consecrated with Fire."

THME speaks:

Child of Earth, thrice purified and thrice consecrated, thou mayest approach the gateway of the East.

Continue to the East where the form of the Hierophant stands. The great god Osiris with crown-headed wand and white banner bars your advance:

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

(Say:) Light dawning in Darkness is thy Name, the Light of a Golden Day. After the formless and the void and the Darkness, then cometh the knowledge of the Light. Thou art that Light which ariseth in Darkness. Thou art the Exorcist in the midst of the Exorcism. Unbalanced Power is the ebbing away of life. Unbalanced Mercy is weakness and the fading out of the Will. Unbalanced Severity is cruelty and the barrenness of mind. Thou art the wielder of the forces of Balance.

Osiris speaks:

Thou hast known me now, so pass thou on to the Cubical Altar of the Universe.

Return the cup and the censer to the stations in the North and South. THME leads you to the West of the altar facing East. She remains on your right side. Hiereus comes to your left side. Stolistes, Keryx and Dadouchos form a triangle behind you. The Hierophant descends from the East in the godform of HOOR OUER, Horus the Elder. He holds the crown-headed wand and The Banner of the East. As the godform advances between the pillars, say:

Come thou in the Power of the Light. Come Thou in the Light of Wisdom.
Come Thou in the Mercy of the Light. The Light hath healing in its Wings.

Kneel down and visualize all the officer/godforms except the Hierophant doing likewise. For a moment, close your eyes and visualize before you the godform of HOOR-PEKHROTI (Hoor-Pay-Khro-tee) the child-god of Silence seated upon a white lotus. The Hierophant then gives a knock. Say the following invocation and imagine all the godforms repeating the invocation along with you.

Lord of the Universe - the Vast and the Mighty one! Ruler of the Light and 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 (her) soul, so that s/he may prove a true and faithful Frater (Soror) Neophyte. To the glory of Thine Ineffable Name. Amen.

Rise and envision the officer/godforms doing likewise. Visualize the three main officers crossing their implements over your head. They speak:

Inheritor of a dying world, we call thee to the living beauty. Wanderer in the wild Darkness, we call thee to the gentle Light. Long hast thou dwelt in Darkness - Quit the Night and seek the Day! We receive thee into the current of the Golden Dawn.

(Say:) KHABS. OM. PEKHT. KONX. OM. PAX. LIGHT. IN. EXTENSION.

Feel a white Light forming over your head in the shape of a triangle. The officers take down their implements.

(Say:) In all my wandering the lamp of the Keryx went before me, though it was not seen by mine eyes. It is the symbol of the Light of the Hidden Knowledge.

THME leads you to the East of the altar, where you visualize that you are treading down a black serpent, a symbol of your own evil and unbalanced persona. THME remains on the outside of the white pillar. The astral form of Horus steps forward between the pillars to instruct you in the step, signs, grip, and words of a Neophyte.

Prompted by the godform, you give the step, by advancing your left foot a short space, as if entering a portal. Then give the First or Saluting sign (Projection Sign) which alludes to your condition in a state of Darkness.

Give the Sign of Silence by placing the left forefinger on your lip, in the position of Harpocrates. (The First Sign is always answered by the Second.)

Exchange the grip or token with the officer/godform by advancing your left foot to touch his, toe and heel. Extend your hand to grasp his, fail and try again, succeeding in touching the fingers only (referring to your seeking guidance in Darkness). Give the Grand Word HAR-PAR-KRAT by whispering it to the astral officer, mouth to ear in exchanged syllables. It refers to the Egyptian god of Silence. Horus then places you between the pillars. He takes up a position on the outside of the black pillar. You reach out to touch the columns. After a pause, say: "Let the final consecration take place."

Go to the station of the Stolistes. Auramoouth again traces the sigil of the cup before you. Take up the cup of Water. Return sunwise to the East of the temple and trace a cross in the Air with the implement. Sprinkle Water thrice towards the East in the form of the invoking Water triangle. Go clockwise around the temple and repeat in all four quarters. Upon returning to the East, step between the pillars and face East. Dipping into the Water, mark your forehead with the cross and Water triangle. Hold the cup high and say: " I am purified with Water."

Return the cup to the North and walk deosil to the South-the station of the Dadouchos. Thaum-Esh-Neith traces the sigil of the Fylfot Cross before you. Take up the censer and walk to the East. With the censer, trace in the air the symbol of the cross and the invoking Fire triangle. Do this in all four quarters. Upon returning to the East, step between the pillars and face East. In front of your forehead, trace with the censer the symbols of the cross and the Fire triangle. Hold the censer high and say: " I am consecrated with Fire." Return the censer to the South and stand once more between the pillars. Visualize the four pillars surrounding you again, but this time they are strongly seen and felt.

Remove the black cord and hoodwink that was previously tied around your waist and throw them aside. Say: "The last remaining symbols of the Path of Darkness are removed." Pick up the Neophyte sash and put it on over your left shoulder. Say:

In and by the actions of my Higher and Divine Self, I hereby invest myself with the badge of this degree. It symbolizes Light dawning in Darkness. Let the Mystic circumambulation take place in the pathway of Light.

Visualize all the astral officer/godforms except the Hierophant (who stands holding wand and banner) lining up in the Northeast. The Hegemon takes you behind the black pillar to stand in the procession. Following the lead of the Keryx, the circumambulation begins. All salute with the Signs when passing The Banner of the East. As you pass the station of the Hierophant, imagine the figure of a red cross formulating above your head-over the white triangle formed upon your brow. The Hiereus drops out after one pass of the East, and the Hegemon drops out of the procession after two passes. You and the visualized forms of the others follow the Keryx in a third pass. All the astral officers return to their places.

At this point, you replace the rose, red candle, cup of wine, and bread and salt to the top of the altar. Stand West of the altar. Again imagine the godform of Hoor peKhroti. Repeat the following:

The threefold cord which was bound about my waist was an image of the threefold bondage of mortality, which amongst the initiated is called earthly or material inclination, that has bound into a narrow place the once farwandering Soul; and the hoodwink was an image of the Darkness, of ignorance, of mortality that has blinded men and women 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 of the Book of Formation, as, " An Abyss of Height" and " 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, the Triune Light, which moved in Darkness and formed the world of Darkness and out of Darkness. There are two contending forces and one always uniting them. And these three have their image in the threefold flame of our Being and in the threefold wave of the sensual world.

Stand in the form of the Tau Cross and say: " Glory be to thee, Father of the undying. For Thy glory flows out rejoicing, to the ends of the Earth!" Put your arms down and continue the speech as before:

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, and 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 Keryx.

East of the Double Cubical Altar of created things are the pillars of Hermes and of Solomon. On these are painted certain Hieroglyphics from the 17th and 125th chapters of the Book of the Dead. They are the symbols of the two powers of day and night, love and hate, work and rest, the subtle force of the lodestone and the eternal 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 stepped between the Pillars to receive the Light and to receive the fourth and 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.

The throne of the Hierophant 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.

The wand of the Keryx is the beam of Light from the Hidden Wisdom, and his lamp is an emblem of the ever-burning lamp of the Guardian of the Mysteries.

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.

Go to the Southwest to face the astral figure of Anubis of the East. The god traces the sigil of the Caduceus before you. Take up the Caduceus Wand and the lantern. Walk deosil to the Northeast and say:

In the name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express, hear ye all, that I (give magical motto) proclaim to have duly initiated myself into the Golden dawn current of magic as Neophyte of the 0=0 grade.

Replace the wand and the lamp in the Southwest. Return to the West of the altar. Say:

I shall remember my obligation to keep secret this knowledge from those who are not Seekers of the Light-for strength is in silence, and the Seed of Wisdom is sown in silence and grows in darkness and mystery.

I will hold all religions in reverence, for there is none but contains a ray from the ineffable Light which I seek. I will remember the penalty that awaits the breaker of the oath, and the mystery I have received, and that the secrets of Wisdom can only be discerned from the place of Balanced Powers. I shall study well the Great Arcanum of the proper equilibrium of Severity and Mercy, 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.

I shall remember that things Divine are not attained by mortals who understand the body alone, for only those who are lightly armed can attain the summit.

YHVH alone is our Light and the bestower of perfect Wisdom. No mortal power can do more than bring one to the pathway of that Wisdom, which he could if it so pleased him, put into the heart of a child. For as the whole is greater than the part, so are we but sparks from the insupportable Light which is in the Godhead. The ends of the Earth are swept by the borders of his garment of Flame-from him all things proceed and unto him all things return. Therefore I invoke him. Therefore even The Banner of the East falls in adoration before him.

Visualize Horus coming around to the East of the altar. You hold out your right hand to him. Imagine that the godform pricks the tip of your finger with his sword, causing a small drop of blood to appear. Stand in the position of the Tau Cross and say:

If my oath be forgotten and my solemn pledge broken, let the hue of blood remind me that if I fail in this my oath, my blood may be poured out and my body broken, for heavy is the penalty exacted by the Guardians of the Hidden Knowledge from those who willfully betray their trust.

Part 3: The Closing

Give one knock. Go to the Northeast and say: "HEKAS HEKAS ESTE BEBELOI!" Return to the West of the altar and give four knocks. Give the Neophyte Signs.

Walk to the station of Stolistes in the North where Auramoouth traces the sigil of the cup before you. Take on the office of the Stolistes. Pick up the cup of Water. Go clockwise to the east of the Hall. With the cup trace a cross in the air toward the East. Then sprinkle Water thrice in the form of an invoking Water triangle. Trace this same figure in all four quarters, going clockwise around the room. Upon returning to the East hold the cup on high and say: "I purify with Water." Replace the cup in the North, and return control of the officer-form to Auramoouth.

Walk to the station of Dadouchos in the South where Thaum-Esh-Neith traces the sigil of the Fylfot cross before you. Pick up the censer. Take on the office of Dadouchos. Go clockwise to the East of the Hall. With the censer trace a cross in the air toward the East. Then wave the censer thrice in the form of an invoking Fire triangle. Trace this same figure in all four quarters, going clockwise around the room. Upon returning to the East hold the censer on high and say: "I consecrate with Fire." Replace the censer in the South and return control of the officer-form to Thaum-Esh-Neith. Stand once more by the west of the altar. Say:

Let the Mystical reverse Circumambulation take place in the pathway of the Light.

All of the astral officer/godforms except the Hierophant (who stands holding wand and banner) line up in the Southeast. The Hegemon takes you by the West and South to stand in the procession. Following the lead of the Keryx, the counterclockwise circumambulation begins. All salute with the Signs when passing The Banner of the East. Imagine the Light that had been drawn into the temple slowly beginning to fade. The Hiereus drops out after one pass of the East, and the Hegemon drops out of the procession after two passes. You and the others, follow the Keryx in a third pass. Perform the Reversal Sign of the Spiraling Light. All the astral officers return to their places.

When finished, return to the East. Osiris traces the sigil of the cross and circle in the air before you. You step into the office of Hierophant that Osiris has bestowed upon you and take up the crown-headed scepter. Imagine the divine Light that you have brought into the temple being withdrawn from the symbol upon the altar-back into your heart center and toward the Kether of the Universe. Perform the Qabalistic Cross to equilibrate the energies within you. Say:

The Mystical Reverse Circumambulation is accomplished. It is the symbol of the Fading Light.

Facing East, perform the Adoration of the Lord of the Universe, saluting after the first three lines with the Projection Sign. After the final line, give the Sign of Silence.

Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe! (Salute)
Holy art Thou, Whom Nature hath not Formed! (Salute)
Holy art Thou, the Vast and the Mighty One! (Salute)
Lord of the Light and of the Darkness! (Sign of Silence)

Imagine the three officers (Hierophant, Hiereus, and the Hegemon) raising their implements in a salute to the Light and then slowly lowering them. Step out of the office of Hierophant, returning the officer-form to the authority of Osiris. Say:

Nothing now remains but to partake of the Mystic Repast, composed of the symbols of the Four Elements.

Go to the West of the altar, facing East. The goddess THME comes to the East of the altar, facing West. You give the Sign of the Enterer. THME answers with the Sign of Silence. Say:

I invite all Beings present to inhale with me the perfume of this Rose, as a symbol of Air. (Smell the Rose)
To feel with me the warmth of this sacred Fire. (put your hand over the flame.)
To eat with me this bread and salt as types of Earth. (Dip the bread into the salt and eat.)
And finally to drink with me this wine, the consecrated emblem of Elemental Water. (Make a cross in the air with the cup and drink the wine.)

Once the wine is finished, place the cup upside-down between the cross and triangle. Say: "It is finished!" THME returns to her station between the pillars.

Give one knock and say: "Tetelestai!" Give two more knocks. Then repeat the following words, giving a knock before each word is spoken: "KHABS. AM. PEKHT. KONX. OM. PAX. LIGHT. IN. EXTENSION." Give the Neophyte Signs toward the altar. Say:

May what I have partaken maintain me in my search for the Quintessence, the Stone of the Philosophers. True Wisdom, Perfect Happiness, the Summum Bonum.

THME comes to your side once more. The both of you walk to the South where THME traces the form of the cross and triangle. The godform of Thaum-Esh-Neith salutes with the Projection Sign, THME answers with the sign of Silence. The godform of Thaum-Esh-Neith slowly fades away. In this same manner she releases all the astral godforms in the hall: Auramoouth, Anubis, and Horus. She releases Osiris, and even the great form of Thoth in the East by tracing the symbol of the circled cross. All the astral beings in the hall begin to fade from view.

THME herself is the last to dissolve. You thank the goddess for her beneficent guidance and trace the figures of the cross and triangle before her. She salutes you with the Projection Sign. You answer with the Sign of Silence. Withdraw the white ray which had activated THME back into your heart center. Perform the Qabalistic Cross to equilibrate the energy.

Take up the sword and perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. Say:

I now declare this temple duly closed. So mote it be!

This page is referenced by: Golden Dawn Probationary Work,  Rituals

Created by: Amadeus last modification: Tuesday 02 of August, 2005 [22:27:34 UTC] by Amadeus