The Equinox (Volume I, Number II)

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING in order to warn the evil and uninitiated to retire so that the Triangle may be formulated upon the Altar. The Hierophant then calls upon all present to assist him in opening the Hall of the Neophytes, and bids the Kerux see that the Hall is properly guarded. The Fratres and Sorores of the Order then give the sign of the Neophyte, after which the Hiereus explains that the names of the three chief officers commence with “the letter of breath” H. But that in the name Osiris, the H is silent, and concealed, as it were shrouded in O. In the name Horus it is manifested and violently aspirated ; while in the name Themis it is partly one and partly the other. The Hiereus having explained the meaning of the letter H, then recapitulates the stations and duties of the officers, thus occultly affirming the establishment of the temple so that the Divine Light may shine into the Darkness. In explaining his own station the Hierophant says: “« My place is on the throne of the East, which symbolises the rise of the Sun of Life and Light. My duty is to rule and govern this hall in accordance with the laws of the Order. The red colour of my robe symbolises Light: my insignia are the sceptre and the Banner of the East, which signify Power and Light, Mercy and Wisdom: and my office is that of the Expounder of the Mysteries.” Then follows the purification of the Hall and the members by water and by fire, after which the Hierophant orders the Mystic Circumambulation to take place in the Path of Light. The procession of officers and members is then formed in the North, in readiness for the Mystic Circumambulation in the Path of Light. It is formed in the North beginning from the station of the Stolistes, the symbol of the waters of creation attracting the Divine Spirit, and therefore alluding to the creation of the world. Whilst the « Reverse Circumambulation ” has its rise from the station of the Dadouchos, symbolic of the ending and judging of the world by fire. But also the Circumambulation commences with the Paths w and 9, as though bringing into action the solar fire; whilst the reverse commences by those of ) and ¥ as though bringing the watery reflux into action. This is the Order of the Circumambulation; first cometh Anubis, the watcher of the Gods ; next Themis, the Goddess of the Hall of Truth ; then Horus ; then the remaining members in order of precedence ; and lastly, the Goddesses of the Scales of the Balance, as though a vast wheel were revolving, as it is said : “One wheel upon the Earth beside the Kerub.” And also note the Rashish ha-Gilgalim.* Of this wheel the ascending side commenceth from below the pillar of Nephthys, and the descending side from below the pillar of Isis, but in the * Reverse Circumambulation ” * The beginning of Whirling Motions, Primum Mobile. 251