The Heart of the Master

MOHAMMED. Next was a name sore blurred: SIR EDWARD KELLY, with one writ in cipher . . . . . . . . . . . and in the centre of all, within the emblem of a ruby rose of five petals upon a golden cross was engraved: CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ (For so were the Brethren discreet to conceal his true name). After whom came three names Great and Terrible that I write not in this place. Lastly appeared this newly-writ hieroglyph of the Lion, and the Name of that Brother was hidden from me. Then was I shewn the Mystery of the Words: how in the first period of recorded history men thought that life came from Woman alone, and worked by the Formula of Isis, worshipping Nature chaste and kindly, not understanding Death, or the Arcanum of Love. So, when the time was ripe, appeared the Brethren of the Formula of Osiris, whose word is I A O; so that men worshipped Man, thinking him subject to Death, and his victory dependent upon Resurrection. Even so conceived they of the Sun as slain and reborn with every day, and every year. Now, this great Formula being fulfilled, and turned into abomination, this Lion came forth to proclaim the Aeon of Horus, the crowned and conquering child, who dieth not, nor is reborn, but goeth radiant ever upon His Way. Even so goeth the Sun: for as it is now known that night is but the shadow of the Earth, so Death is but the shadow of the Body, that veileth his Light from its bearer. Of this Prophet the Word is ¸ µ»· ¼± Many and marvelous are the mysteries of this Word, and of the Numeration thereof! Nor may I declare them, save this the simplest, for the sake of little children: “Love is the law, love under will.” The chart was suddenly furled close, and mine Instructor bade me turn: for there had come into that place a maiden like a golden rose, with curling locks and ruddy, and her breasts were of bright ivory, and her gait the gait of a young lioness. Upon her brows flamed a Star Sapphire, and on her cheek was a stark scar, a circle deep and splendid. In whose hands was a writing; and smiling she put it into mine. Now I knew not by what name to thank her for this courtesy: which understanding, she told me: “My name is The Star of the North.”