Córdoba, Spain
‘The Disciple said, “Why do we not rest at once?”
The Lord said, “When you lay down these burdens!”’
In the middle of the circle a ceremonial oil lamp flickered a wavering light. The outdated mode of lighting was intentional, the gentle flame it produced an important part of the ritual. The bodies surrounding it swayed in rhythmic motion, each clad in an identical velvet robe of a dark crimson, almost black. A low, bass tone was sustained by some of the participants, while the others joined in the words of the familiar incantation, drawn from their copy of the Book.
‘The Disciple said, “How does the small join itself to the great?”
The Lord replied, “When you abandon the works which cannot follow you, then you will rest.”’
The ancient words, uttered in reverent monotone by the practised tongues of their devotees, resonated through the dimly lit space. Only through careful focus could the initiate see the symbols chalk-drawn onto the floor, surrounding the lamp. Two snakes, entwined in a loop – the oldest of their images, the ouroboros, employed since the beginning. It was also the most familiar, worn by each member in the form of a silver ring on their left ring finger, where others put wedding bands. On the floor it was surrounded by celestial spheres, arranged in careful hierarchy. A sun, cresting a tree. All ancient images, faithfully recreated, representing the journey towards illumination into which he was about to be joined.
This man sat, cross-legged like all the others, but stripped bare except for a pair of white shorts. Only when the Initiation Incantation was complete would he be clothed in the robe of the Knowers and drawn into a greater truth than any he had yet experienced. Only then would he discover the self beyond himself, the spirit beyond body.
‘The Traitor cried, “How is the spirit apparent?”
The Lord replied, “How is the sword apparent?”’
As the sacred words continued, a messenger in lay clothes appeared at the fringe of the circle. Hesitantly, he made his way around its edge until he came to the hooded figure of its local Leader, seated in the incantation ring with the rest of the members. It was all but unheard of to interrupt an incantation, especially an initiation, but the circumstances at hand were not ordinary. The Spanish Leader would want to know. Even if it meant a momentary distraction.
Crouching down, the messenger leaned in close to the hooded figure’s ear. ‘Mi señor,’ he whispered during a momentary lull in the chanting. In the circumstances formal titles were required. The seated figure inclined his head towards him.
‘Master,’ the messenger reported, ‘the manuscript has been obtained. Our brothers are on their way to the Great Leader as we speak.’
Beneath his heavy hood, the regional Leader allowed himself a contented lift of his eyebrows. This was the news he had been waiting to hear.
‘Very well. The time has come to put our plan into action,’ he said softly. He lifted his right hand, calmly placing his open palm on the courier’s chest. The ancient, intimate gesture was reserved for significant moments of parting, and this moment qualified.
‘Contact the brethren abroad, tell them it’s time to begin the exodus.’ Then, recognizing that the event commanded a more formal remark, he sat firmly upright and spoke with reverence.
‘It is time for them to come into the light.’
Having received his charge, the messenger inclined his head and stepped away from the sacred scene.
Exhaling a long, satisfied breath, the Leader turned his attention back to the matter of the moment. The Initiation Incantation was at its climax, and he joined his words to those of his brethren as they united a new life to their midst.
‘The Disciple asked, “How is the light apparent?”
And the Master replied, “Only when you are bathed in it forever.”’