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Opening of the Hall of the Neophytes
(TODO: diagram)
(TODO: officers, required)
✊ - This sign represents one knock made by rapping the base or shaft of wand or the pommel of a sword on the table.
🕈 Hierophant4
Waits until all members assembled and robed, then ✊
Members5
Sit in proper places
All-officers6
Rise
Members7
Do not rise except for adorations to the east or when asked for the signs.

Stand when Hierophant says "Let us adore the Lord of the universe and space" and face east until end of adoration.

Do not circumambulate with officers, but when moving for other purposes, do so in the direction of the sun and make the Neophyte signs on passing the Throne of the East whether the Hierophant is there or not. The sign is always made in direction of movement except: 1) When entering or leaving the hall: made towards the east. 2) When asked to give the signs: towards the altar.
🕈 Hierophant8
✊
☤ Keryx9
On hearing the ✊, goes to the northeast, to the Hierophant's right, facing west, and raises lamp and wand
10
Hekas! Hekas! Este bebeloi!"Begone! Begone! Ye profane ones!" in Greek. Traditionally announced that the ancient Greek Mysteries were about to be celebrated.
11
Returns to his/her place
🕈 Hierophant12
Rises and ✊
13
Fratres and sorores of the (name) Temple of the Order of the Stella Matutina, assist me to open the hall of the Neophytes. Frater Keryx, see that the hall is properly guarded.
☤ Keryx14
Goes to the door and ✊
𓂀 Sentinel15
Replies with ✊
☤ Keryx16
Very honoured Hierophant, the hall is properly guarded.
17
Salutes the Hierophant's throne and remains by the door
🕈 Hierophant18
Honoured Hiereus, guard the hither side of the portal and assure yourself that all present have witnessed the Stella Matutina.
Hierius19
Goes to the door and stands before it with sword erect
☤ Keryx20
Stands to the right of Hiereus with with lamp and wand
▲ Hiereus21
Fratres and Sorores of the Order of the Stella Matutina, give the signs of a Neophyte.
All22
Give Neophyte signs
▲ Hiereus23
Give the signs towards Hierophant
24
Very honoured Hierophant, all present have been so honoured.
Hiereus,keryx25
Return to your place
🕈 Hierophant26
Give Sign of the Enterer towards the west, but not the Sign of Silence.
27
Let the number of officers in this degree and the nature of their offices be proclaimed once again, that the powers whose images they are may be awakaned in the spheres of those present and in the sphere of this order, for by names and images are all powers awakened and reawakened.
28
Make the Sign of Silence
29
Honoured Hiereus, how many chief officers are there in this grade?
▲ Hiereus30
There are three chief officers: the Hierophant, the Hiereus, and the Hegemon
🕈 Hierophant31
Is there any pecularity in these names?
▲ Hiereus32
They all commence with the letter "H".
🕈 Hierophant33
Of what is this letter a symbol?
▲ Hiereus34
Of life, because the letter "H" is our mode of representing the ancient Greek aspirate or breathing, and breath is the evidence of life.
🕈 Hierophant35
How many lesser officers are there?
▲ Hiereus36
There are three beside the Sentinal: the Kerux, the Stolistes, and the Dadouchos. The Sentinel is without the portal of the hall and has a sword in his hand to keep out intruders. It is his duty to prepare the candidate.
🕈 Hierophant37
Frater Dadouchos, your station and duties?
卍 Dadouchos38
My station is in the south to symbolise heat and dryness, and my duty is to see that the lamps and fires of the temple are ready at the opening, to watch over the censer and the incense and to consecrate the hall and the fratres and sorores and the candidate with fire.
🕈 Hierophant39
Frater Stolistes, your station and duties?
🏆 Stolistes40
My station is in the north to symbolise cold and moisture, and my duties are to see that robes and collars and insignia of the officers are ready at the opening, to watch over the cup of lustral water, and to purify the hall and the fratres and sorores and the candidate with water.
🕈 Hierophant41
Frater Kerux, your station and duties?
☤ Keryx42
My place is within the portal. My duties are to see that the furniture of the hall is properly arranged at the opening, to guard the inner side of the portal, to admit the fratres and sorores, and to watch over the reception of the candidate; 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.
🕈 Hierophant43
Honoured Hegemon, your station and duties?
✝ Hegemon44
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 reception, and I lead him in the path that conducts from darkness to light. The white colour of my robe is the colour of purity, my ensign of office is a mitre-headed sceptre to symbolise religion which guides and regulates life, and my office symbolises those higher aspirations of the soul which guide its action.
🕈 Hierophant45
Honoured Hiereus, your station and duties?
▲ Hiereus46
Holds sword and banner
47
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 robe is an image of the darkness that was upon the face of the waters. I carry the Sword of Judgement and the Banner of the Evening Twilight, which is the Banner of the West, and I am called fortitude by the unhappy.
🕈 Hierophant48
Stand holding the sceptre and Banner of the East
49
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 order, as He whose image I am, is the master of all who work for the hidden knowledge. My robe 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 and abundance, and I am the expounder of the Mysteries.
50
Sits down
51
Frater Stolistes and Frater Dadouchos, I command you to purify and consecrate the hall with water and fire.
Stolistes,dadouchos52
Perform your respective tasks below simultaneously.
🏆 Stolistes53
Goes to the east, faces Hierophant, and making a cross in the air with his cup, sprinkles a few drops of water three times towards the east. Passes to the south, west and north, repeating the purification in each quarter, then returns to the east to complete the circle.
54
Holds the cup high
55
I purify with water.
卍 Dadouchos56
Follows Stolistes when he goes to the east, and when Stolistes has gone to the south, Dadouchos faces east, raises his censer, and swings thrice towards the east. Then goes south, west and north, repeating the cesnsing at each quarter, and returns to the east to complete the circle.
57
Raises the censer
58
I consecrate with fire.
Stolistes,dadouchos59
Return to their places
🕈 Hierophant60
Let the mystic circumambulation take place in the pathway of light.
61
Stands holding the sceptre in his right hand, the Banner of the East in his left.
☤ Keryx62
Goes to the northeast with lamp and wand
✝ Hegemon63
Follows
▲ Hiereus64
Follows with banner and sword
🏆 Stolistes65
Follows with cup
卍 Dadouchos66
Follows with censer
𓂀 Sentinel67
Follows with sword
☤ Keryx68
Leads procession past Hierophant, making the signs of Horus and Harpocrates as he passes.
Hegemon,hiereus,stolistes,dadouchos69
Follows, doing the same
▲ Hiereus70
Falls out as soon as he reaches his throne
✝ Hegemon71
Returns to his place after passing Hierophant twice
Stolistes,dadouchos,sentinel,keryx72
Passes the Hierophant 3 times and then take their place as they come to them.
🕈 Hierophant73
The mystical circumambulation symbolical of the rise of light is accomplished. Let us adore the Lord of the Universe and space.
All74
Stand, face east and make the saluting or the enterer (Horus) sign following the lead of Hierophant. The Sign of Silence is made at the end of the prayer.
75
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)
Hierophant,hiereus,hegemon76
Raise wands / sword in salute, and sink them.
All77
Face as usual but remain standing
🕈 Hierophant78
Frater Keryx, in the name of the Lord of the Universe, I command you to declare that I have opened the hall of the Neophytes.
☤ Keryx79
Goes northeast, faces west, and raises wand
80
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.
81
Returns to his place
🕈 Hierophant82
✊
▲ Hiereus83
✊
✝ Hegemon84
✊
The ✊'s are given before the words are said.
🕈 Hierophant86
(✊) Khabs.
▲ Hiereus87
(✊) Am.
✝ Hegemon88
(✊) Pekht.
▲ Hiereus89
(✊) Konx.
✝ Hegemon90
(✊) Om.
🕈 Hierophant91
(✊) Pax.
✝ Hegemon92
(✊) Light.
🕈 Hierophant93
(✊) In.
▲ Hiereus94
(✊) Extension.
All95
Make signs towards the altar and sit down
☤ Keryx96
Removes the rose, cup, paten of bread and salt, and the lamp from the altar, leaving the cross and triangle only. He sees that a hassock is in readiness at the west for the candidate to kneel on.
Initiation of the 0=0 Grade
🕈 Hierophant98
Fratres and sorores of the (name) Temple of the Order of the Stella Matutina, I have received a dispensation from the greatly honoured chiefs of the Second Order, to admit (Candidate's Name) to the 0=0 degree of Neophyte. Honoured Hegemon, bid the candidate prepare for the cermeony of his admission, and superintend his preparation.
✝ Hegemon99
Rises and removes his chair from between the pillars and goes out.
𓂀 Sentinel100
Follows carrying the hoodwink and rope
✝ Hegemon101
Sees that the candidate is properly robed and hoodwinked and that the rope goes three times around his waist. He then leads the candidate to the door and gives one ✊
☤ Keryx102
One ✊ from within
103
The candidate seeks for entrance.
🕈 Hierophant104
I give permission to admit (Candidate's Name) who now loses his name and will henceforth be known among us as (Candidate's Motto). Let the Stolistes and the Dadouchos assist in the reception.
☤ Keryx105
Faces the entrances, ready to open the door
Stolistes,dadouchos106
Stands behind Keryx
🤠 Candidate107
Enters (to well within the hall)
Stolistes,dadouchos,keryx108
Stands before candidate in triangular formation.
𓂀 Sentinel109
Stands behind candidate.
✝ Hegemon110
Inheritor of a dying world, arise and enter the darkness.
🏆 Stolistes111
The mother of darkness hath blinded him with her hair.
卍 Dadouchos112
The father of darkness hath hidden him under his wings.
🕈 Hierophant113
His limbs are still weary from the wars which were in heaven.
☤ Keryx114
Unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter our sacred hall.
🏆 Stolistes115
Comes forward and dipping his thumb in the lustral water, makes with it a cross on the candidate's brow and sprinkles him three times.
116
I purify thee with water.
卍 Dadouchos117
Comes forward and makes a cross over candidate with his censer, and waves it 3 times.
118
I consecrate thee with fire.
🕈 Hierophant119
Conduct the candidate to the foot of the altar. Inheritor of a dying world, why seekest thou to enter our scared hall? Why seekest thou admission to our order?
✝ Hegemon120
Speaks for candidate.
121
My soul wanders in darkness and seeks the light of the hidden knowledge, and I believe that in this Order knowledge of that light may be obtained.
🕈 Hierophant122
We hold your signed pledge to keep secret everything that relates to this Order. I now ask you, are you willing to take a solemn obligation in the presence of this assembly, to keep the secrets and mysteries of our Order inviolate?
✝ Hegemon123
Prompts candidate to say: "I am"
🤠 Candidate124
I am.
🕈 Hierophant125
There is nothing contrary to your 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. 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?
✝ Hegemon126
Prompts candidate.
🤠 Candidate127
I am ready.
🕈 Hierophant128
Then you will kneel on both your knees.
129
Comes to east of the altar with sceptre.
✝ Hegemon130
Assists candidate to kneel and stands right of candidate.
▲ Hiereus131
Stands to the left.
Keryx,stolistes,dadouchos132
Complete the hexagram of officers.
Hexagram of officers
🕈 Hierophant134
Give me your right hand which I place upon this holy symbol. Place your left hand in mine, bow your head, repeat your full name by which you are known on Earth, and say after me:
135
Prompts candidate
Candidate,hierophant136
I, (Candidate's 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 Order of the Stella Matutina, regularly assembled under warrant from the greatly honoured chiefs of the Second Order, do, of my own free will, hereby and hereon, most solemnly promise to keep secret this Order, its name, the names of its members, and the proceedings that take place at its meetings, from every person in the world who has not been initiated into it; nor will I discuss them with any member who has not the password for the time being, or who has resigned, demitted, or been expelled.
137
I undertake to maintain a kindly and benevolent relation with all the fratres and sorores of this Order.
138
I solemnly promise to keep secret any information I may have gathered concerning this Order before taking this oath.
139
I solemnly promise that any ritual or lecture placed in my care or any cover containing them shall bear the official label of this Order.
140
I will neither copy, nor allow to be copied, any manuscript, until I have obtained permission of the Second Order, lest our secret knowledge be revealed through my neglect.
141
I solemnly promise not to suffer myself to be placed in such a state of passivity, that any unitiated person or power may cause me to lose control of my words or actions.
142
I solemnly promise to persevere with courage and determination in the labours of the divine science, even as I shall persevere with courage and determination through this ceremony which is their image - and I will not debase my mystical knowledge in the labour of evil magic at any time tried or under any temptation.
143
I swear upon this holy symbol to observe all these things without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation, under the penalty of being expelled from this order for my perjury and my offense. Furthermore, if I break this, my magical obligation, I submit myself, by my own consent, to a stream of power, set in motion by the divine guardians of this Order, who live in the light of their perfect justice, and before whom my soul now stands.
All144
Whisper close to Candidate.
145
They journey as upon the winds—
They strike where no man strikes—
They slay where no man slays—
▲ Hiereus146
At words "bow my neck" below, places the flat of his sword on the nape of the candidate's neck.
Candidate,hierophant147
and, as I bow my neck under the sword of the Hiereus, so do I commit myself unto their hands for vengence or reward.
148
So help me my mighty and secret soul, and the Father of my soul who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express.
🕈 Hierophant149
Rise, Neophyte, of the 0=0 grade of the Order of the Stella Matutina.
150
Returns to his throne
▲ Hiereus151
Removes hassock and returns to his throne
✝ Hegemon152
Assists candidate to rise
Solistes,dadouchos,keryx153
Resume their seats
🕈 Hierophant154
Honoured Hegemon, you will now place the Neophyte in the northern part of the hall - the place of forgetfulness, dumbness, and necessity, and of the greatest symbolical darkness.
✝ Hegemon155
Takes candidate to the north and faces him east
☤ Keryx156
Goes with lamp and wand to the northeast
Stolistes,dadouchos157
Stand ready to follow the procession
🕈 Hierophant158
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."
159
And the voice of the ages answered to my soul: "I am He who formulates in darkness — the light that shineth in darkness, yet the darkness comprehendeth it not."
160
Let the mystical circumambulation take place in the path of knowledge that leadeth unto light, with the lamp of hidden knowledge to guide us.
☤ Keryx161
Leads forward
✝ Hegemon162
Follows leading Candidate
🤠 Candidate163
Follows.
Stolistes,dadouchos164
Follow
🕈 Hierophant165
✊ just as candidate passes
Keryx,hegemon,stolistes,dadouchos166
Pass on by the south, west
▲ Hiereus167
✊ as candidate passes
Keryx,hegemon,stolistes,dadouchos168
Pass on by the north, east
🕈 Hierophant169
✊ as candidate passes
☤ Keryx170
Stops in the south after second passing of Hierophant and bars the way with his wand.
171
Unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the path of the west!
🏆 Stolistes172
Comes forward and, dipping his thumb in water, makes a cross on candidate's brow and sprikles three times
173
I purify thee with water.
卍 Dadouchos174
Comes forward, censes in the form of a cross, waves incense three times
175
I concecrate thee with fire.
Stolistes,dadouchos176
Step back to their places in the procession
✝ Hegemon177
Child of Earth, twice purified and twice consecrated, thou mayest approach the gateway of the west.
☤ Keryx178
Leads the procession to throne of Hiereus
✝ Hegemon179
Raises the hoodwink for a moment
▲ Hiereus180
Stands threatening with his sword
181
Thou canst not pass by me, saith the guardian of the west, unless thou canst tell me my name.
✝ Hegemon182
Darkness is thy name, thou great one of the paths of the shades.
▲ Hiereus183
Thou hast known me now, so pass thou on. Fear is failure so be thou without fear. For he who trembles at the flame and at the flood and at the shadows of the air, hath no part in God.
☤ Keryx184
Leads on
Hegemon,candidate,stolistes,dadouchos185
Follows
🕈 Hierophant186
✊ as they pass
▲ Hiereus187
✊ as they pass
☤ Keryx188
Halts in the north and raises his wand
189
Unpurified and unconsecrated, thou canst not enter the path of the east!
🏆 Stolistes190
Cross and sprinkling as before
191
I purify thee with water.
卍 Dadouchos192
Cross and censing as before
193
I consecrate thee with fire.
✝ Hegemon194
Child of Earth, thrice purified and thrice consecrated, thou mayest approach the gateway of the east!
☤ Keryx195
Leads the procession forward to Hierophant
Hegemon,candidate,stolistes,dadouchos196
follows
🕈 Hierophant197
Stands threatening with his sceptre
✝ Hegemon198
Raises the hoodwink for a moment
🕈 Hierophant199
Thou canst not pass by me, saith the guardian of the east, unless thou canst tell me my name.
✝ Hegemon200
Light dawning in darkness is thy name, the light of a golden day!
🕈 Hierophant201
Unbalaced power is the ebbing away of life. Unbalanced mercy is weakness and the fading out of will. Unbalanced severity is cruelty and the barrenness of mind. Thou hast known me now, so pass thou on to the cubical altar of the universe.
✝ Hegemon202
Replaces hoodwink
☤ Keryx203
Leads processing to the altar
✝ Hegemon204
Place candidate exactly west of the altar
205
Stands to the right of the candidate
▲ Hiereus206
Stands to the left of the candidate
Keryx,stolistes,dadouchos207
Form a supporting triangle behind candidate.
🕈 Hierophant208
Holds sceptre in his right hand and the Banner of the East in his left, advances between the pillars and comes to the east of the altar.
209
I come in the power of the light.
I come in the light of wisdom.
I come in the mercy of the light.
The light hath healing in its wings.
All-officers210
Form a hexagram round the altar
▲ Hiereus211
Holds his sword in his right hand, the Banner of the West in his left
All-officers-except-hierophant212
Kneel down
✝ Hegemon213
Assists candidate to kneel
🕈 Hierophant214
Stands, raising his hands, holding sceptre and Banner for the Invocation as follows
215
Lord of the Universe - the vast and the mighty one! Ruler of the light and of the darkness! We adore Thee and we invoke Thee! Look with favour on this Neophyte who now kneeleth before Thee, and grant Thine aid unto the higher aspirations of his soul, so that he may prove a true and faithful frater Neophyte among us. To the glory of Thine ineffable name. Amen!
All216
Rise
✝ Hegemon217
Assists candidate to rise, brings close to the altar
Hierophant,hiereus,hegemon218
Raise their wands and sword to touch each other over the head of the candidate.
✝ Hegemon219
Inheritor of a dying world, we call thee to the living beauty.
☤ Keryx220
At the word "darkness" (below), removes the hoodwink.
▲ Hiereus221
Wanderer in the wild darkness, we call thee to the gentle light.
☤ Keryx222
Removes the hoodwink (at the word "darkness", above)
🕈 Hierophant223
Long hast thou dwelt in darkness —quit the night and seek the day.
Hierophant,hegemon,hiereus224
(Together) We receive thee into the Order of the Stella Matutina.
🕈 Hierophant225
Khabs.
▲ Hiereus226
Am.
✝ Hegemon227
Pekht.
▲ Hiereus228
Konx.
✝ Hegemon229
Om.
🕈 Hierophant230
Pax.
✝ Hegemon231
Light.
🕈 Hierophant232
In.
▲ Hiereus233
Extension.
All-officers234
Take down their sceptres and sword.
☤ Keryx235
Moves to northeast of the altar and raises his lamp.
🕈 Hierophant236
Points to the lamp to direct candidate's attention.
237
In all thy wandering in darkness, the lamp of the Keryx went before thee, though it was not seen by thine eyes. It is a symbol of the light of the hidden knowledge.
Hiereus,keryx,stolistes,dadouchos238
Return to their places.
🕈 Hierophant239
Returns to his throne.
Hegemon,candidate240
Remain West of the altar.
🕈 Hierophant241
Let the Neophyte be led to the east of the altar.
✝ Hegemon242
Places him to the east, near but not between the pillars, and he takes his place outside the white pillar.
🕈 Hierophant243
Honoured Hiereus, give the Neophyte the secret signs, token, and words, together with the present password of the 0=0 grade of the Order of the Stella Matutina. Place him between the mystical pillars and superintend his fourth and final consecration.
▲ Hiereus244
Passes by the north to the black pillar, comes round to the east.
✝ Hegemon245
Advances to meet Hiereus and take from him his sword and banner.
▲ Hiereus246
Gives sword and banner to Hegemon and step between the pillars, facing the candidate.
247
Frater (Candidate's Motto), I shall now proceed to instruct you in the secret step, signs, grip and words of this grade.
248
Firstly, advance your left foot a short space, as if entering a portal. This is the step.
249
The signs are two. The first or saluting sign is given thus: Lean forward and stretch both arms out thus: (make Neophyte do this). It alludes to your condition in a state of darkness, groping for light. The second sig is the Sign of Silence, and is given by placing the left forefinger on your lip thus (make Neophyte do this). It is the position shown in many ancient statues of Harpocrates, and it alludes to the silence you have sworn to maintain concerning everything connected with this Order. The first sign is always answered by the second.
250
The grip or token is given thus: advance your left foot touching mine, toe and heel, extend your right hand to grasp mine, fail, try again, and then succeed in touching the fingers only. It alludes to the seeking guidance in darkness.

The grand word is Har-Par-Krat, and it is whispered in this position mouth to ear, in syllables. (They exchange the word.) It is the Egyptian name for the god of silence, and shoould always remind you of the strict silence you have sworn to maintain.
251
The password is (word). It is periodically changed each equinox, so that a member who has resigned, demitted, or been expelled, may be in ignorance of the existing password.
252
I now place you between the two pillars of Hermes and of Solomon in the symbolical gateway of occult wisdom.
✝ Hegemon253
Ready the Hiereus' sword to give back to him
▲ Hiereus254
Leads Neophyte forward and then takes back the sword and banner. He stands northeast of the black pillar and says:
255
Let the final consecration take place.
Stolistes,dadouchos256
Come forward and purify and consecratethe hall as in the opening
🏆 Stolistes257
On returning East, turns round to Neophyte,makes a cross of water on his brow, and sprinkles three times
258
I purify thee with water.
卍 Dadouchos259
Turns round from the east, makes a cross and censes 3 times
260
I consecrate thee with fire.
Stolistes,dadouchos261
Return to their places
🕈 Hierophant262
Honoured Hegemon, I command you to remove the rope, last remaining symbol of the path of darkness, and to invest our frater with the badge of this degree.
▲ Hiereus263
Ready to receive Hegemon's sceptre and ritual
✝ Hegemon264
Comes forward and hands his sceptre and ritual to Hiereus. Removes the rope and puts on the sash over the left shoulder
265
By command of the very honoured Hierophant, I invest you with the badge of this degree. It symbolises light dawning in darkness.
▲ Hiereus266
Returns sceptre, etc, to Hegemon
✝ Hegemon267
Takes sceptre, etc, and returns to white pillar
🕈 Hierophant268
Let the mystical circumambulation take place in the pathway of light.
☤ Keryx269
Goes to the northeast
✝ Hegemon270
Takes candidate behind the black pillar, and stands behind Keryx
Hiereus,stolistes,dadouchos271
Follow
🕈 Hierophant272
Stands holding sceptre and banner as in the opening
☤ Keryx273
Leads off
All-except-hierophant274
Salute on passing Hierophant
▲ Hiereus275
Drops out on reaching his throne
✝ Hegemon276
Returns to between the pillars after passing Hierophant twice. Directs Neophyte to follow Keryx
Remaining officers pass the Hierophant thrice.
🕈 Hierophant278
Waits for third passing
279
Take your place northwest of the Stolistes.
☤ Keryx280
Indicates this and goes on
🏆 Stolistes281
Follows and falls out in the north and returns to his place
✝ Hegemon282
Replaces his chair between the pillars and sits down
☤ Keryx283
Replaces the rose, lamp, cup and paten in their proper places on the altar.
All284
Take their seats.
Hierphant285
The threefold cord bound about your 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 far-wondering soul; and the hoodwink was an image of the darkness, of ignorance, of morality that has blinded men to the happiness and beauty their eyes once looked upon.
286
The double cubical altar in the centre 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 thigs 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 being created to happiness. It is described in the Sepher Yetzirah, or the Book of Formation, as "an abyss of height" and as "an abyss of depth", "an abyss of the east" and "an abyss of the west", "an abyss of the north" and "an abyss of the south". The altar is black because, unlike divine beings who unfold in the element of light, the fires of created beings arise from darkness and obscurity.
287
On the altar is a white triangle to be the image of that immortal light, that triune light, which moved in darkness and formed the world of darkness and out of darkness. There are two contending forces and one always uniting them; and these three have their image in the threefold flame of our being and in the threefold wave of the sensual world.
🕈 Hierophant288
Stands in the form of a cross.
289
Glory be to Thee, Father of the undying. For Thy glory flows out rejoicing to the ends of the earth!
Heirophant290
Reseats himself.
🕈 Hierophant291
The red cross above the white triangle is an image of Him who was unfolded in the light. At its east, south, west and north angles are a rose, fire, cup of wine, and bread and salt. These allude to the four elements: air, fire, water, earth.
292
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.
293
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 the 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 outpouring and inpouring of the heart of God.
294
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 tither of the serpent — is the straight and narrow way between them.
295
It was because of this that I passed between them, when you came to the light, and it was because of this that you were placed between them to receive the final consecration.
296
Two contending forces and one which unites them externally. Two basal angles of the triangle and one which forms the apex. Such is the origin of creation — it is the triad of life.
297
My throne at the gate of the east is the place of the guardian of the dawning sun.
298
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.
299
The throne of the Hegemon seated between the columns is the place of balanced power, between the ultimate light and the ultimate darkness. These meanings are shown in detail and by the colour of our robes.
300
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.
301
The seat of the Stolistes at the gate of the north is the place of the guardian of the couldron and the well of water - of cold and moistures. 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.
302
Frater Keryx, I command you to declare that the Neophyte has been initiated into the mysteries of the 0=0 grade.
☤ Keryx303
Advances to the northeast, faces west and raises his wand.
304
In the name of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express, and by command of the very honoured Hierophant, hear ye all, that I proclaim that (Candidate's Name), who will henceforth be known to you by the motto (Candidate's Motto), has been duly admitted to the 0=0 grade as a Neophyte of the Order of the Stella Matutina.
305
Returns to his place.
🕈 Hierophant306
Honoured Hiereus, I delegate to you the duty of pronouncing a short address to our frater on his admission.
▲ Hiereus307
Frater (Candidate's Motto), it is my duty to deliver this exhortation to you. Remember your obligation in this Order to secrecy — for strength is in silence, and the seed of wisdom is sown in silence and grows in darkness and mystery.
308
Remember that you hold all religions in reverence, for there is none but contain a ray from the ineffable light that you are seeking. Remember the penalty that awaits the breaker of his oath. Remember the mystery that you have received, and that the secret of wisdom can be discerned only from the place of balanced powers.
309
Study well the great arcanum of the proper equilibrium of severity and mercy, for either unbalanced is not good. Unbalanced severity is cruelty and opression; unbalanced mercy is but weakness and would permit evil to exist unchecked, thus making itself, as it were, the accomplice of evil.
310
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.
311
Remember that God alone is our light and the bestower of perfect wisdom, and that no mortal power can do more than bring you to the path 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 unsupportable light which is in Him.
312
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.
313
Therefore, we invoke Him. Therefore even the Banner of the East falls in adoration before Him.
🕈 Hierophant314
Before you can ask to pass to a higher grade, you will have to commit certain rudiments of occult knowledge to memory. A manuscript lecture in these subjects will be supplied to you by the chief in whose charge they are. When you can pass an examination in this elementary Qabalistic knowledge, you will inform the member in whose charge you are, and arrangements will be made for you to sit for examination. If you are found perfect you will then apply for admission to the next degree. Remember, that without a dispensation from the Second Order, no person can be admitted or advance to a grade of the First Order.
☤ Keryx315
Conducts Neophyte to his table and gives him one of the small dishes of solution to hold
316
Nature is harmonious in all her workings, and that which is above is as that which is below. Thus also, the truths which by material science we investigate, are but special examples of the all-pervading laws of the universe. So, within this pure and limpid fluid, lie hidden and unperceived of mortal eyes, the elements bearing the semblance of blood, even as within the mind and brain of the initiate lie concealed the divine secrets of the hidden knowledge. Yet if the oath be forgotten, and the solemn pledge broken, then that which is secret shall be revealed, even as this pure fluid reveals the semblance of blood.
317
Adds fluid from the other dish
318
Let this remind thee ever, O Neophyte, how easily by a careless or unthinking word, thou mayst betray that which thou hast sworn to keep secret and mayst reveal the hidden knowledge imparted to thee, and planted in thy brain and in thy mind. And let the hue of blood remind thee that if thou shalt fail in this thy oath of secrecy, thy blood may be poured out and thy body broken; for heavy is the penalty exacted by the guardians of the hidden knowledge from those who will wilfully betray their trust.
🕈 Hierophant319
Comes to the table
The register is signed.
🕈 Hierophant321
Resume your seat, and remember that your admission to this Order does not give you the right to initiate any other person without a dispensation from the greatly honoured chiefs of the Second Order.
☤ Keryx322
Directs Neophyte to his seat
🕈 Hierophant323
Returns to the dais
Closing of the 0=0 Grade
🕈 Hierophant325
✊
☤ Keryx326
Goes to the northeast, faces west, raises lamp and wand.
327
Hekas! Hekas! Esti bebeloi.
328
Returns to place.
🕈 Hierophant329
Fratres and sorores of the (name) Temple of the Order of the Stella Matutina, assist me to close the hall of the Neophytes.
All330
Rise.
🏆 Stolistes331
Directs Neophyte to rise
Neophyte332
Rises
▲ Hiereus333
✊
✝ Hegemon334
✊
☤ Keryx335
✊
𓂀 Sentinel336
✊
🕈 Hierophant337
Frater Keryx, see that the hall is properly guarded.
☤ Keryx338
The hall is properly guarded, very honoured Hierophant.
🕈 Hierophant339
Honoured Hiereus, assure yourself that all present have beheld the Stella Matutina.
▲ Hiereus340
Fratres and sorores, give the signs.
All-except-hierophant341
Perform signs.
▲ Hiereus342
Very honoured Hierophant, all present have been so honoured.
🕈 Hierophant343
Let the hall be purified by water and by fire.
🏆 Stolistes344
Purifies as in the opening.
345
I purify with water.
卍 Dadouchos346
Consecrates as in the opening.
347
I consecrate with fire.
🕈 Hierophant348
Let the mystical reverse circumambulation take place in the pathway of light.
☤ Keryx349
Goes by the south to the southeast.
✝ Hegemon350
Goes to the north and leads the new Neophyte by the west and south, directing him to follow Hegemon in the procession.
▲ Hiereus351
Follows Neophyte.
🏆 Stolistes352
Follows Hiereus.
Dadouches353
Accompanies or follows Stolises.
𓂀 Sentinel354
Ends the procession.
🕈 Hierophant355
Stands and holds the Banner of the East in his left hand, sceptre in his right.
All-except-hierophant356
Make the Neophyte signs when passing the Hierophant.
▲ Hiereus357
Drops out when his throne is reached.
✝ Hegemon358
Passes Hierophant twice and then takes his place between the pillars, directing Neophyte to follow Keryx.
☤ Keryx359
After the third passing of the Hierophant, directs Neophyte to his seat.
All-except-hierophant,hiereus,hegemon,keryx360
Drop out as their places reached.
🕈 Hierophant361
The mystical circumambulation is accomplished. It is the symbol of fading light. Let us adore the Lord of the Universe.
All362
Turn east.
🏆 Stolistes363
Directs Neophyte to rise and face east.
🕈 Hierophant364
Faces East, making salute at each adoration.
All-except-hierophant365
Repeat after Hierophant.
All366
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 the darkness! (Sign of Silence)
🕈 Hierophant367
Nothing now remains but to partake together in silence, of the mystic repast, composed of the symbols of the four elements, and to remember our pledge of secrecy.
All368
Are seated.
🕈 Hierophant369
Puts down his sceptre and returns the Banner of the East to its place. He goes to the west of the altar and facing east gives the saluting sign but not the Sign of Silence, and takes up the rose
370
I invite you to inhale with me the perfume of this rose, as a symbol of air.
371
Smells rose
372
To feel with me the warmth of this sacred fire.
373
Spreads his hands over it.
374
To eat with me this bread and salt as types of earth.
375
Dips bread in salt and eats.
376
And finally to drink with me this wine, the consecrated emblem of elemental water.
377
Makes a cross with the cup and drinks.
378
Puts down the cup between cross and triangle. Comes east of the altar and faces west.
Praemonstrator379
Comes to the west of the altar and makes the saluting sign.
🕈 Hierophant380
Replies with Sign of Silence.
381
Gives Praemonstrator the rose
Praemonstrator382
Smells and returns rose
383
Feels the warmth of the lamp
384
Eats the bread and salt
🕈 Hierophant385
Gives Praemonstrator the cup
Praemonstrator386
Takes cup and makes a cross, drinks and returns it
🕈 Hierophant387
Passes by west and south to his throne
Praemonstrator388
Comes to the east of the altar
Imperator389
Comes to the west, exchanges signs and partakes. Returns to his place after serving Cancellarius
Cancellarius390
Repeat and serve Past Hierophant
PastHierophant391
Repeat and serve Hiereus
▲ Hiereus392
Repeat and serve Hegemon
✝ Hegemon393
Repeat and serve Stolistes
🏆 Stolistes394
Repeat and serve Dadouchos
卍 Dadouchos395
Repeat and serve remaining Inner Order members in order of seniority
Remaining Inner Order members in order of seniority partake but without waiting for instruction. If there is a pause, one comes forward.
✝ Hegemon397
(Or other appointed officer) Ready to pilot Neophytes in next step.
Repeated by members of the Outer Order in the same manner. Philosophi, Practici, Theorici, Zelatores, Neophytes.
✝ Hegemon399
Directs Neophyte to return to his place as soonas Keryx takes the cup (in next step)
☤ Keryx400
Waits for last Neophyte to stand east of the altar,comes to the west, exchanges the signs and partakes.
401
Receives cup, drains it and inverts it.
402
It is finished!
403
Replaces his cup and returns to his place.
All404
Rise
🕈 Hierophant405
✊ Tetelestai!
▲ Hiereus406
✊
✝ Hegemon407
✊
🕈 Hierophant408
✊ Khabs
▲ Hiereus409
✊ Am.
✝ Hegemon410
✊ Pekht.
▲ Hiereus411
✊ Konx.
✝ Hegemon412
✊ Om.
🕈 Hierophant413
✊ Pax.
✝ Hegemon414
✊ Light.
🕈 Hierophant415
✊ In.
▲ Hiereus416
✊ Extension.
All417
Make signs towards the altar.
🕈 Hierophant418
May what we have partaken maintain us in our search for the quintessence, the stone of the philosophers, true wisdom, perfect happinesss, the summum bonum.
ⒾLatin, "sum of good".
☤ Keryx419
Leads out the Neophyte
All-officers-except-keryx420
Remain in the temple