Thelemagick Library - Golden Dawn - The Adeptus Major Initiation Ritual

SHEKINAH or MATRONA: rose-coloured tunic, long black veil, alabaster lamp with oil, spray of acacia.

CHIEF ADEPT: KING OF SALEM: blue and purple nemyss and robe, ankh, winged sphere wand and lamen.

SECOND ADEPT: EXCELLENT PRINCE OF THE HORIZON: red and orange nemyss and robe, ankh, phoenix wand and lamen.

POSTULANT: (in 1st point) black cowl (in 2nd point) purple cloak, red slippers.

THIRD ADEPT: NOBEL LORD OF EVENTIDE: yellow and rose robe and nemyss, ankh, lotus wand and lamen.

THE VAULT is entirely draped in red. The pastos in black stands uncovered, with the head to the north. Pedestal at the head. Light veiled.

In PORTAL: two pillars, red ankh holding brazier at south. Blue tat holding bowl of water at north. Outer side of the vault door covered with blue curtain on which is orange Sol on cross. Strip of emerald-green cloth up the centre of the floor. White and gold altar divided middle. Thirty-three lights, 2 extinguishers.

The three Adepti sit in triangle facing the vault. The Postulant must receive full instructions as to silence, knocks and gestures beforehand. Bell (used in opening, location, who rings it not mentioned), candle for Chief Adept to take into vault. Censer. Tarot keys of Justice and the Hanged Man for 2nd point. Strip of linen to bind Postulant in 2nd point. Hierophant’s lamen for 1st point. Scales with heart and feather for second point. Preparation of the “Light” by Shekinah: She pours the olive oil into the alabaster lamp and says: “The oil is the life of the Tree, let the Tree give its life.” She mingles her blood with the oil and says: “The blood is the life of the man, let the man give his life.” As she kindles the light in the oil, she says: “The light is the life of the world, let all the living rejoice.”

Ch. Ad. + 2nd Ad.: in unison Benedictus Dominus Deus Noster. All present, led by 3rd Ad.: Que dedit nobis Hoc Signum.

Ch. Ad.: Very honoured Adepti Majores, assist me to open the Vault of the Adepti in the exalted grade of Geburah.

Ch. Ad.: Excellent Prince of the Horizon, see that all present have been admitted to the mystery.

Ch. Ad.: Grant us thy strength, oh Lord! Excellent Prince of the Horizon, what is the mystic number formed therefrom?

Ch. Ad.: In the strength of Elohim Gibor, let us with tranquil minds and recollected hearts enter into the Valley of the Shadow.

3rd Ad.: The Night cometh and also the day; if ye will return, return ye. Turn down the light in the vault.

They place their wands with the ends resting within the pastos and raise their ankhs joining them above wands.

Ch. Ad.: Say then, my brother, what is the emblem which we raise above the grave?

2nd Ad.: It is the symbol of life; the union of the girdle of the Great Mother with the Tau cross of death; it is the emblem of that eternal life of spirit which the Divine Ones pour forth among men, delivering him from the body of Death.

Ch. Ad.: Verily thou hast answered well, my brother. Let us then entreat the Great Mother thus to raise us all from the death of the soul to life in the spirit.

They turn to the north east, still keeping their wands in the pastos but separating their ankhs, which they raise in invocation. They sink on one knee. 3rd Ad. also kneels and rises without ankh.

Ch. Ad.: Mother of life, hidden home of the Fire of the Spirit, grant to us thy life. Mother of all, Matrona, we would be even as the burning bush, which was not consumed – a sign to those who may have eyes to see. Star of the Sea, in thy hands is the lamp of understanding, show us, if for an instant, a ray of that Light Divine. Rose of the world, vouchsafe to us breath of thine ineffable fragrance. Tower of ivory, enclose us in thy protecting purity. Give us, we beseech thee, this day and hour, thine aid in the high purpose for which we are here assembled. Strengthen the Postulant, who seeketh enlightenment through the gates of darkness; that passing through the valley of bitterness, he may therein find the Wells of Living Water. Reflect upon his soul those visions of the Spirit which will awaken the understanding and beckon us to the Pisgah Heights of Holiness. There may he find the Pearl of Great Price which is the Lodestone of the Wise. SHEKINAH!

The vault, which was in darkness at first, gradually becomes lighter, revealing the figure of Shekinah, holding a lamp under her veil. At the last word she holds forth the lamp in silence, letting the light shine on the Adepti in turn. They bow their heads a moment. Shekinah withdraws silently. The Adepti rise and quit the vault in silence.

Vault light out. Vault door is closed. Adepti seated in triangle. Postulant has been previously instructed in knocks, etc. He is robed in white, with black cord round waist, black cowl overhead, black slippers. He carries Hierophant’s lamen. 3rd Ad. goes out and sees that he is duly prepared, then returns, leaving door slightly ajar. Postulant knocks once, hesitatingly. Inside a bell sounds twice.

2nd Ad.: The hour of night approaches; the shades of evening close in; he who hath wandered far, travelling through the heat and burden of the day, seeketh rest.

Ch. Ad.: Let us then redeem the time. Excellent Prince of the Horizon, where is the place of rest?

2nd Ad.: East of the Sun and west of the Moon. (Postulant knocks more firmly) Rest after toil doth greatly please.

2nd Ad.: By a faithful obedience to the rules of our order; by that bodily purification which reflects the purity for which we strive; by the observation of abstinence and silence for a period of 20 hours; in token whereof we impose upon him the final test before admitting him within the portal. He turns to 3rd Ad. and says: Noble Lord of Eventide, before admitting the Postulant ascertain that his pledge is duly maintained. Postulant knocks thrice urgently.

3rd Ad.: opens door but bars the way saying: By what right seekest thou entrance to these sacred precincts?

3rd Ad.: takes the lamen and stands aside to let Postulant in and then the 3rd Ad. says: Merciful King of Salem, I have tested the Postulant and silence is maintained.

“Who then is it?” until at the last “what then is this?” They are at the top of the steps facing the door of Vault.

Ch. Ad.: The hour cometh and even now is when the Son of Man shall appear. Art thou therefore prepared to discard the vestments of the flesh, that the soul unfettered may go forth to meet Him in the Air?

Postulant gives Sign of Osiris Slain. 2nd Ad. removes the black cowl standing behind Postulant. Ch. Ad. & 2nd Ad. rise and turn towards him. Ch. Ad. raises wand and ankh on high.

Ch. Ad.: Oh ye Divine Ones, who are in the presence of the supreme, grant me your arms, for I am he who shall come into being among you.

Ch. Ad.: Yesterday is Osiris and tomorrow is Ra; I am the Only One, the Ruler of That Which is Made. Who, then, is this?

2nd Ad.: I am the Phoenix, the Living Present, arising from the ashes of the dead past; I am the Keeper of the Volume of the Book of Things which shall Be. Eternity is the Day and Everlastingness is the Night.

2nd Ad.: I am Thooth, the scribe of the Holy Offerings; I am he who riseth in his place, who cometh into the Holy City. I have made an end of my shortcomings and I have put away my faults.

2nd Ad.: It is the loosening in the corruptible in the body of Osiris, victorious before all the Gods; all his faults are driven out; it is the purification of Osiris on the day of his birth.

Ch. Ad.: I pass over the way; I know the Head of the Pool of Truth, even the Pool of Siloam, which is the Pool of Healing.

Ch. Ad.: It is the Northern Gate of the Underworld, even the Door of the Tomb whereon thou mayest behold the Sun in his Nadir, crucified between the Pillars of the Tree of Life. All face east.

Ch. Ad.: Homage unto Thee, oh Thou Lord of Light and Truth, oh Sovereign Prince who doest away with sin. Destroy Thou the faults that are within me, that with a clean heart I may approach when Thou dost say “Come therefore hither.”

A pause. Ch. Ad. turns to Postulant, who has been lead slowly forward during the forthgoing and now stands close to the door of the Vault.

Already, Frater ***, a triple obligation rests upon thy soul; in Malkuth were thy feet bound, that they might keep in the Path of Judgment and Equity; on the Path of the Arrow thy loins were girt by the bonds of purity and self-restraint; in Tiphareth was thy heart bound by the threefold cord of love, service and sacrifice. Keep, therefore, the commandments of the Lord; bind them about thy neck; when thou goest they shall lead thee; when thou sleepest they shall keep thee; when thou wakest they shall talk with thee. Art thou then prepared having thus bound thy body with the spoken word, so now to bind thy soul with the silence from which thou art not yet loosed? If thou dost with thy mind assent, signify the same with the Sign of Light.

Postulant makes LVX signs in silence; 2nd Ad. & 3rd Ad. place him back against door of Vault with arms outstretched, supporting arms.

Ch. Ad.: He that findeth his soul shall loose it; and he that loseth his soul for My sake shall find it.

2nd Ad.: He that taketh not his Cross and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.

Ch. Ad. recites the words and at the end of each clause the Postulant bows his head in silence.

3rd Ad. brings censor to Ch. Ad. who censes Postulant in the form of a pentagram. Head, right foot, left hand, left right hand and up to head again. 2nd Ad. & 3rd Ad. lead him from the portal in science.

	(i)	(iii)	(ii)		(iv)	(v)	(i)
One	Two	Four	Four		One	Four	Two	One
Blue	Brown	Green	Red (vi)	(v)	Red (vi)	Green	Brown	Blue
			Three	Seven	Three
			Yellow	Violet	Yellow

The white altar is placed midway between the entrance and the door to the Vault. Upon it are arranged the coloured candles, unlit. West of this is an aisle supporting the Tarot keys of Justice and the Hanged Man, concealing the candles from the Postulant. Ch. Ad. & 2nd Ad. are seated on either side of the altar: the door of the vault is open. 3rd Ad. remains in the west. Postulant now has bare feet except, for scarlet slippers and a purple cloak is thrown around him. The admission badge is a pair of scales with a heart in one scale and a feather on the other. 3rd adept goes to fetch the Postulant: As they enter, 5 bells sound. 3rd Ad. puts aside the scales.

2nd Ad.: I have trodden the winepress alone and of all the people there was none with me; and I looked and there was none to help and I wondered why there was none to uphold.

Ch. Ad.: It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord, for he will not cast off for ever, for though he cause grief, yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. Wherefore let us now pray to Him that thy footsteps fail not in thy passage through the Valley of Death.

Ch. Ad.: Oh Lord of Strength, Elohim Gibor, in all humility of spirit we invoke Thy blessing. Look down, we implore Thee, upon this Postulant, who now kneeleth before Thee and knocketh at the gates of the grave. Grant him Thine aid, oh God of Israel, who givest power unto Thy people. Pour forth Thy benediction, we beseech Thee. Oh Thou Fire-hearted One, who dost send death that we may attain unto life everlasting; Thou at whose Word the thunders roll and the darting lightning flashes forth, grant that in the midst of storm we may find peace. Master of the Diadems of Fire, crown him with light, that, emerging from the darkness of the tomb, he may enter upon the dawn of endless day! AMEN.

A pause. All rise and chief adept points to the tat pillar from which 3rd Ad. takes bowl of water to place in Postulant’s hands.

Ch. Ad.: Thus far, oh Postulant, hast thou climbed the Mountain of Abiegnus, even the sacred mountain of initiation. Thy feet have trodden paths, steep indeed and narrow, yet clearly marked by those who have gone before thee. At every step, friendly hands have been stretched out, ready to aid thee; friendly voices have spoken encouragement in thine ear. Now must thou step forward alone into the darkness of the grave, remembering that it hath been said, “I have trodden the winepress alone.” To each one who seeketh the Light cometh the period of darkness–that Dark Night of the Soul of which the saints have warned us. To each cometh a time when the soul must receive the purification of absolute negation before she can hear the command “Enter thou into the joy of Thy Lord;” that purification of which the piscina of our earlier ceremonies is the foreshadowing. Noble Lord of Eventide, place the bowl of water in the hands of the Postulant, that he may behold his face as in a glass darkly.

3rd Ad. does so, instructing postulant to bend his face and look steadily at the reflection.

Ch. Ad.: Behold then, my frater, thyself submerged, even as of old the postulant was held beneath the waters of baptism until he entered the gates of death, emerging then, and then only, purified from the stains of Earth. Thus must thou also purify thyself, body and soul, in darkness and in silence before thou canst pass along the path of Purgatorial Fire, of which the Southern Pillar is the emblem, to that resurrection which we in patience hope for. No man liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself; rather each gathereth in the life of his fellows, even as a mirror gathereth images of all around it. The still mirror reflects truly and the living mirror perfects the unequal image. No troubled image finds therein its rest; for it restores that which was broken and that which it sends forth again is Peace. But to send forth Peace, first we must overcome, and herein lieth the watery of the double letters, as thou wast told that one letter and one Planet denote opposites. For in the Path of Mars indeed is found war and destruction, but in the Palace of Mars, which is Geburah, thou mayest find Peace.

2nd Ad.: Herein, my Frater, you may perceive somewhat of the same symbolism, under another similitude. In our system of correspondences the Tarot key of the Hanged Man is attributed to the Path of Mem, and in the teaching concerning the Tarot which you have already received, you have learned that the signification of this key is sacrifice. But there are other and deeper significations than this, since the Hanged Man (under which title we may remember that our Lord was “hanged upon a Tree”) is also entitled the Drowned Giant, and in this likeness may be said to refer to the Adam Kadmon of the Kabbalists – the ideal man who reflects the image of God, even as thy face was but now reflected in the bowl of water. And herein is a great mystery, for in each of us is submerged that image, but oftentimes so distorted by the waves of tempestuous passion that it is unrecognisable save to the discerning eye of the Adept, whose vocation it is to utter the word of Power, “Peace, be still.” In the act of Creation, it may be said that the Supreme sacrificed Himself by imposing certain limits, whereby He was thenceforward bound in manifestation, even as the Word conformed to the limitations of humanity in His incarnation.

Therefore must we also offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. The 23rd Path of Mem is called the Stable Intelligence, and it is so called because it has the virtue of consistency among all numerations.

2nd Ad. returns to his seat and Ch. Ad. comes forward and points to the key of Justice.

Ch. Ad.: The path of Lamed, you have already learnt, is attributed to the Tarot key of Justice, which leads from the Beauty of Tiphareth to the Severity of Geburah, and it may thus be said to denote the equilibrium between emotion and will. It represents, as you see, a queen seated upon her throne, her foot resting upon a fox, her hands grasping a sword and a pair of scales. Thus shall the Soul, upheld by the firm will, tread underfoot the desires of the flesh, and rule her kingdom by the Light of the Spirit. “Mercy and Truth have met together, Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other,” and in that embrace shall spring the Perfected Man, ready to face with tranquil mien whatsoever the day may bring forth, life or death, joy or sorrow. The 22nd Path of the Sepher Yetzirah is known as the Faithful Intelligence, and it is so called because by it, spiritual virtues are increased and all dwellers on Earth are nearly under its shadow.

The Ch. Ad. moves to east of altar. 2nd Ad. hands him the censer. 3rd adept slips cowl over postulant’s eyes and lights the 33 candles. Remove Tarot keys. 2nd Ad. & 3rd Ad. take their places south and north of altar, each with an extinguisher. The temple is in darkness save for the candles. 3rd Ad. removes cowl and cloak (from Postulant).

N.B. The following four paragraphs given by the Ch. Ad. explaining the symbolism of the altar and the thirty three candles are considered optional.

Ch. Ad.: Behold how the mystery of the 33 lights upon the white gold Altar. The Altar itself, as you may perceive, is of rhomboidal form, implying thereby that you have consecrated your whole being to the Divine Inspiration. The five lights in the midst are the five senses and their red colours donated the passions of which they have been in the past been the vehicle, while their exalted position signifies their purification through sacrifice.

The two pairs of brown candles are the somatic divisions, while the two sets of four are the four Zoa and the four Angels of Revelation which have their counterparts in the Yetiziratic and Briatic worlds, as green is the ethereal counterpart of earth.

The two-three symbolise the six divisions of the RUACH in the Qabbalistic divisions of the soul, the logos or Microprosopus.

The seven are the seven Chakras, the seven steps to Throne. And finally, the three single lights are the three divisions of the Higher Soul or Spirit: Neschamah, Chiah and Yeschidah.

Ch. Ad.: I am the Great One, Son of the Great One; I am the Fire, the Son of Fire: I have knit Myself together, I have made Myself whole and complete; I have renewed My youth: I am Osiris, the Lord of Eternity. Thirty-three are the centres of Life in My Body, thirty-three were the years of My Life upon Earth; at the end thereof did I relinquish My material life upon the Cross of Tiphareth. I am the Word spoken in silence. I am the Anointed of the Lord. Nine are the letters of My Name.

2nd Ad.: Homage unto Thee, oh Lord of the Starry Skies: and of the Aeons of the Bornless beyond. Thou art more glorious than the Sun in its rising, Thou who didst sacrifice the life of the flesh.

3rd Ad.: Oh grant unto me a path whereon I may pass in peace, for I am just and true. I have not spoken lies wittingly, nor have I done aught with deceit. 2nd Ad. & 3rd Ad. put out four brown candles.

Ch. Ad.: He that believeth on Me believeth not on Me but on Him that sent Me. And he that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me.

2nd Ad.: Homage unto Thee, oh Soul of Everlastingness; Thou Soul Who dwellest in Eternal Light. Thou art Lord of life and death, for Thou hast died unto the passions.

Ch. Ad.: I am come a Light unto the world, that whosoever believeth in Me should not abide in darkness.

2nd Ad.: Homage unto Thee in Thy dominion over the luminaries; the Diadem of Fire encircleth Thy brows; Thou art the One who maketh the strength which protecteth us, and Thou dwellest in peace above all, for Thou hast died unto the Body of the Stars.

3rd Ad.: Oh grant unto me a path whereon I may pass in peace, for I am just and true. I have not spoken lies wittingly, nor have I done aught with deceit. 2nd Ad. & 3rd Ad.: put out four green candles.

Ch. Ad.: I am the Vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me and I in Him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing.

2nd Ad.: Homage unto Thee, oh Lord of the Vineyard; Thou turnest back the worker in evil and causet the vine to bear fruit: for Thou hast shed the blood of Thy desires.

3rd Ad.: Oh grant unto me a path whereon I may pass in peace, for I am just and true. I have not spoken lies wittingly, nor have I done aught with deceit. 2nd Ad.: puts out red light in centre.

Ch. Ad.: I have glorified Thee on Earth, I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do: the glory which Thou gavest me I have given them, that they may be one.

2nd Ad.: Homage unto Thee, who art beautiful at morn and at eve: the never resting stars sing hymns of praise unto Thee; the stars which never fail glorify Thee, for Thou art dead unto sin.

Ch. Ad.: I have declared unto them Thy Name and will declare it, that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.

2nd Ad.: Homage unto Thee who art crowned King of Kings, oh the Divine Substance. Thou sendest forth the Word and the Earth is flooded with silence at Thy Renunciation.

Ch. Ad.: These things have I spoken unto you that in Me ye might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.

2nd Ad.: Homage, unto Thee, Thou Prince of Peace; the souls of the east pay homage unto Thee, and when they meet Thy Majesty they say “Come, come in Peace.”

3rd Ad.: Oh grant unto me a path whereon I may pass in peace, for I am just and true. I have not spoken lies wittingly, nor have I done aught with deceit.

2nd Ad.: puts out 4 green candles (above this was done by 2nd Ad. & 3rd Ad. together).

Three candles now remain alight. Ch Ad. takes the white one and faces east, still swinging the censer; one blue one at each side remain. 2nd Ad. & 3rd Ad. lift aside all the rest, leaving space for postulant to pass through. Ch Ad. leads the way into vault, places light on pedestal and gives censer to 3rd Ad. and cloak. Ch Ad. passes to south. Postulant stands west of the pastos. 2nd Ad. stands beside him, takes strip of linen and winds it slowly round him as Ch Ad. recites sentences, binding brow, lips, heart, solar plexus and hips. Six bells sound.

Ch. Ad.: (for brow) Be not curious in unnecessary matters, for more things are shown thee than thou canst understand.

(for lips) Be silent, oh man, before the Lord, for He is raised up out of His holy habitation.

(for heart) Woe be to the fearful heart and faint hands, and to him that goeth two ways.

(for solar plexus) The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord.

(for hips) To know the Lord is perfect righteousness; yea, to know His power is the root of immortality.

The bandage being now on, Ch. Ad. and 2nd Ad. assist postulant into the pastos and lay him down, head to north, hands crossed at wrists, palms up, above his head. They sprinkle salt over him.

Ch. Ad.: Oh Thou who makest perfected souls to enter into the everlasting glory, cause now, we beseech Thee, the perfected soul of this our Frater to be victorious over death. Having ears, may he hear with understanding; having eyes, may he perceive the spirit; having lips, may he speak the truth; having a heart, may he love righteousness. Quicken in him, oh Divine Creator, the Life Divine, draw him with cords that he may run after Thee, bind him to the Altar that he may evermore serve Thee. Amen.

They withdraw from the Vault, leaving the door slightly ajar. The Vault is in darkness, save for the candle. The hours are sounded and sentences for the 36 hours are read outside.

1. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for Thou, Lord, makest me to dwell in safety.

2. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, for he trusteth in Thee.

4. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid, yea thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet.

5. Though a man shut his eyes to the last, still cometh Death, the Render of the Veil.

6. If thou hadst known how to suffer, thou wouldst have had the power not to suffer.

7. The Place of Rest, the Home of Peace, is in truth the very Cross itself, the firm foundation, on which the whole creation rests.

8. I have torn myself asunder, I have brought unto them the mysteries of light to purify them, for they are the purgation of all matter.

9. Blessed is the man who crucifieth Malkuth and doth not allow Malkuth to crucify him.

10. Blessed is the man who knoweth the Word, for he hath brought down Heaven and bound the Earth and raised it heavenwards; and he becometh the midst.

14. The heart sleepeth; who shall wake it? The wind of dawn hath stirred the night, day is near.

15. The morning is my messenger; rise thou up and greet Me; the night is also from Me, bless Me and rest.

16. Of the Universal Aeons there are two growths, without beginning or end, springing from one root, which is the Power of Silence, invisible, inapprehensible.

17. The Mystery which is beyond the World, whereby all things exist, because of it all Mysteries exist and all their regions.

18. Cease not to seek, day and night, until thou hast found the purifying mysteries.

21. Before the voice can speak in the presence of the Masters, it must have lost its power to wound.

22. Before the feet can stand in the presence of the Masters, they must be bathed in the heart’s blood.

23. One is the nature below, which is subject to death; and one is the race without a King which is born above.

24. And he cried “A Lion”. Behold I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am in my ward whole nights.

25. And He said,” I am thou and thou art I, and wheresoever thou art, I am there I am, in ALL am I sown.

26. Wheresoever thou willest thou gatherest Me, and gathering Me, thou gatherest thyself.

28. Rejoicing, I come to Thee, Thou Cross, the Life-Giver, Cross whom I know now to be mine; I know Thy Mystery, for Thou hast been planted in the world to make fast things unstable.

29. Until the day break and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the Mountain of Myrrh and the Hill of Frankincense.

30. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great Light; they that dwell in the Land of the Shadow of Death, upon them hath the light shined.

32. He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces.

33. Who is this that leadeth them but she that dwelt in darkness and in silence? Whose coming is as the beauty of the beloved when the Sun shineth out from clouds.

34. Pilgrim of the day, go forth and meet in every face the Risen One. If He wake, He will greet thee, and thy portion shall be double; if He slumber, hail Him in silence; wake Him not. He knoweth His own hour and God is over all!

35. Thy dead men shall live; together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs.

36. Hold no longer silence, cry ye aloud for the beauty of the Divine Mother; for in Her is Peace.

There is a pause. Shekinah appears from behind the curtain in the northeast with the alabaster lamp and spray of acacia. She bends over Postulant and kisses him on the brow, saying;

Shek.: Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

3rd Ad.: turns up lights. Shekinah lays acacia on postulant’s breast, then anoints him on his feet, solar plexus, lips, brow, and palms of hands, saying:

Lips: The Life of the Word is thine – utter and love. Brow: The Life of the World is thine – receive the spirit. Palms: The Life of the Stars is thine–be filled with joy.

There is a pause, then Shekinah removes acacia, moves to the foot of the pastos and says:

Shek.: The place of hiding is opened, thy place of hiding is revealed. Behold, thy soul hath dwelt in darkness; let her now return unto light. Thy spirit withdrew unto the stars, which never diminish, return to bring power to thy soul. Thy brow is like unto the King’s, thy lips are opened, thy heart is upon its throne. Thou hast knowledge, yea movement is restored unto thy hands and feet. Thy Father dwelleth in thee, oh son of the most high. Thou art the Son of the Great One and thou hast seen the hidden things. Thou shalt not die a second time, for thou hast gained the mastery. Arise, then, and come forth, that in the Power of Silence thou mayest save mankind. I send thee forth, fail not, nor falter, but remember that which thou hast received.

Turn up light in vault. Shekinah withdraws. Ch Ad. & 2nd Ad. enter vault. Ch Ad. goes to the east, 2nd Ad. stands at west. They bend down and take Postulant’s hands, placing their free hands behind his shoulders and thus assist him out of the pastos. 2nd Ad. removes the bandages, while the Ch Ad. says:

Ch. Ad.: Hail, hail unto thee who hast died; rise up ...... thou hast embraced thy bones, thou hast gathered together thy flesh and blood; Elohim Gibor guardeth thee; Elohim Gibor strengthened they hands; yea He guideth thy feet; thy lips are opened, thou hast received thy head; thou hast received thy soul, and thy spirit hath returned to thee from the stars which never diminish.

They lead postulant out of the vault so that he stands just outside door, Ch. Ad. at south, 2nd Ad. at north. Shekinah comes to door behind him. Water drops from her raised hands onto his head.

2nd Ad.: Happy is he who hath looked upon the place of rest; the waters shall not overwhelm him. (Doulos Siges) Parapedemes de Vallis, Server of Silence, shall be his name. Ch. Ad.: I am the Lord of those who are raised up, who came forth, out darkness.

Postulant: (as prompted by the 2nd Ad.) I have entered in as one who hath no understanding. I have come forth as Lord of Life through the beautiful Law.

Ch. Ad.: & 2nd Ad. turn and face Postulant. 2nd Ad. shows two signs.

2nd Ad.: Behold, thou shalt turn away nine eyes from evil, even as Nephthys turned away her face from the Destroyer of Osiris; and thus shalt thou withdraw thy soul from temptation, even as Isis, withdrew from darkness.

Ch. Ad.: (shows the grip) Herein is reflected the five powers which have been restored to thee. It is the Sign of the Mighty One – Blessed be He–even of Elohim Gibor, the Lord of Strength. Twenty is the number of his name.

They turn to the Postulant, facing east and all kneel at the door of the Vault. Shekinah stands within the door holding the butter, honey and milk. As she offers butter and honey, they all make the sign of Nephthys; as she offers milk the officers make the sign of Isis.

Shek.: Butter and honey shall ye eat, that ye may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. Desire ye the sincere Milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.

They remain kneeling in silence. Shekinah withdraws to the east. Long pause. Turn out the vault light. Light fades.

Ch. Ad.: In the name of Elohim Gibor, depart in peace, for the Shekinah hath withdrawn Herself. He faces east and exclaims: Shekinah, Thou Queen of the East, forget not thy sons. Tabanu, Taboona, dwell in our souls. Queen of the Dawnland, Bath Qol, speak to our spirits, that we might go with thy blessing. Oh thou, Beautiful Daughter of Light!

After a long pause, Ch. Ad. stoops and raises the Postulant in silence and the 2nd Ad. leads him out.

6°=5° Adeptus Major Initiation Ritual

CEREMONY OF THE GRADE OF ADEPTUS MAJOR