APPENDIX I
An Initiation Ritual of the FOGC .: 99 :.
The ritual contained in this appendix is drawn from typescripts produced by Professor Hemberger and made available to me by Jananda (Walter Jantschik). This material was later reworked and issued in a treatment by Christopher Wolfenstein in 1998.
A Brother who has proposed a Neophyte [or Petitioner] is called a Sponsor or Guarantor. This Guarantor now leads the Neophyte into a room draped in black and illuminated with a single candle. At the appointed time the Master of Ceremonies (without ceremonial jewels) now enters the room and summons the guarantor to leave. The Master of Ceremonies forewarns the Neophyte that he is to consider the answers to three questions:
The Master of Ceremonies lights three additional candles and provides the Neophyte with pen and parchment, upon which the answers to these questions are to be written. Before it is known whether the Petitioner is worthy to be accepted, the Lodge cannot be opened. If the answers are found to be acceptable, the Master of the Chair summons the Brothers into the Lodge. Now the Master of Ceremonies, accompanied by the Brother Speaker who wears Masonic vestments (with ceremonial jewels), approaches the Petitioner and in a few words he explains the Laws of the Lodge (Basic Laws). Prior to this, however, he explains that the Neophyte can still back out if he has any doubts. He further explains that this withdrawal would have no consequences and that everything would remain secret. Only after this does the actual ceremony begin.
Preparatory Brother:
“Sir! All actions that attend your reception from now on, everything that you are directed to do, has a deep symbolic meaning! You know that differences of rank and riches have no significance among Brothers and therefore I request that you relinquish all articles of jewelry and valuables, even your coat.”
(The Petitioner removes his coat, vest, rings, watch, etc. The Speaker takes these objects and leaves.)
Preparatory Brother:
“Now begins the way to the portal of the temple, but without assistance and a leader you will never make your way to the temple of wisdom. For this reason it is necessary, in order to test your unconditional trust, that I remove the light from you for a short while and place this blindfold over your eyes. With courage and trust you will be led by the hand of friendship—through power to the light.”
(The Petitioner puts the blindfold on.)
Preparatory Brother:
“You are now in darkness and will wander through those early stages and pathways that shall lead you to your goal. When you stand before your goal, this blindfold will fall away if you desire the Light. And now grasp my hand, for unsteady and tenuous are the steps of the one who seeks the day alone and in darkness. Fear neither death nor hell, as the leader will guide you safely over the abyss.”
(Solemn music accompanies the path of the seeker. When the Master of Ceremonies knocks on the doors, all sound ceases.)
Master of Ceremonies:
“The initial steps in the life of a person occur in spiritual darkness, just as you now do so in physical darkness. The child does not recognize the goal of the path he is going down. But the steps of a child gradually lead him out of the dark of ignorance to the starlight of knowledge. As it is with the child, thus it also is with individuals and with nations. Many wear the blindfold of darkness through eons. It is not meant for people to wear this blindfold forever. It is rather the duty of every man of knowledge to remove the deceptive imagery from the blind man, to guide his steps toward independent development, and slowly accustom his eyes to the light of freedom.”
(Before the door of the temple)
Master of Ceremonies:
“Stretch out your hand, you stand before a closed door! Obtain entry yourself by means of three knocks with your fist in right measure!”
(Within the temple room, the lodge is opened as soon as it is determined that the Neophyte is to be accepted.)
Master of the Chair:
(Three knocks with the hammer. Gong!)
“I herewith open, by the power of my office, a solemn lodge in the apprentice grade. By the presence of three Masters, several journeymen, and apprentices, it is a perfect and legitimate lodge of the Order of the Golden Centurium.”
(Loudly): “OM!” (Hammer knock! Gong!)
Master of the Chair:
“Dear Brothers! The main purpose of our work today is the reception of the Petitioner (name of Petitioner). At this moment he is in the outer chamber. He has answered the questions posed to him and so I request that the First Warden read out his answers to all those present.”
(This is done.)
Master of the Chair:
“I now request that the assembly show its approval by means of applause [= rapping on wood].”
Master of the Chair:
“Brother Master of Ceremonies, proceed, together with your Brother Speaker, to the Petitioner, so that he can be made more aware of the basic principles of our lodge. Challenge him again to prove himself. If he insists on his intention to enter our Order, then lead him to the portal of the temple without his jewelry and coat.”
(This occurs.)
Second Warden:
“Honorable Master! A stranger is knocking at the door!”
Master of the Chair:
“Go and see, who is knocking?”
Second Warden:
“It is Brother Master of Ceremonies with the Petitioner.”
Master of the Chair:
“Ask him, whether the Petitioner is a free man, whether he is of good reputation among his fellow citizens.”
Second Warden:
(Repeats the questions.)
Master of the Chair:
“Yes, he is!”
Master of the Chair:
“Is he determined to submit voluntarily to the prescribed tests?”
Preparatory Brother or Master of the Chair:
“He is!”
Master of the Chair:
“Is he prepared as the Law requires?”
Preparatory Brother:
“He is!”
Master of the Chair:
“Who vouches for him?”
Preparatory Brother: (Says the name of the sponsor.)
Master of the Chair:
“Brother (name), do you confirm your sponsorship?”
Sponsor stands up and says:
“A man knows a man. I believe the Petitioner is worthy of my sponsorship!”
Master of the Chair:
(Hammer knock.)
“Very well, my Brothers! Now allow the Petitioner to enter!”
(Music: “In diesen heil’gen Hallen” by Mozart. The Petitioner is led in and remains standing at the threshold.)
Master of Ceremonies:
“Until this point I have led you safely—from now on, I have to remand you to another leader. Trust in his ability.”
Master of the Chair:
“Neophyte! No human eye can gaze into your heart. Whatever motivation brought you to us—to discover a secret, to penetrate into the wisdom of the ancients, be it high magic, be it alchemy, the power over psychological or physical forces—our covenant leads you by a master’s hand along the way of the adept, which you yourself have chosen. However stony or thorny this path may ever be, the Brotherhood will stand by your side in a helpful way, as long as you respect and keep the laws of the Order. If you now wish to embark on this path, trusting in our guiding hand, then answer with a forceful and clear YES!”
(The Petitioner answers YES and places his right hand over his heart as an affirmation.)
Master of the Chair:
“Only a human being, created out of the four elements, is in a position to work toward his self-perfection. The path toward this is hemmed in with dangers. Brother Second Warden, let the Petitioner try his courage and strength against the tests that he now must pass.”
(The Brothers seat themselves.)
Second Warden:
“In the ancient covenants of mystery, the neophytes were put to the most strenuous and hardest of tests, which brought danger to body and soul. Even in the ancient schools of prophets and mysteries, the neophytes were submitted to hard tests. According to tradition we have retained this custom. The tests to which you will be submitted are symbol and truth at the same time. The Order educates its students in this manner because it impresses its teachings by means of symbolic actions. You are wandering in unknown places in the dark and are in need of a leader. He who has a friend in this world who is a knowledgeable leader may consider himself lucky. So follow me then, my arm is your arm—I will escort you safely.”
(The Second Warden leads the Neophyte around the tapis [working table] in the following manner: from the west, via the northern side to the east, and then via to the south back to the west.)
Second Warden:
“Suns and planets orbit in a circle. But the eternal center is the Unique One that stands behind all things. The Architect of all the worlds. Above and Below. Black and White in One. Human conceptions of this One are diverse. One worships the one Above, the other worships the one Below. But it is always the same Unified Eternal!”
THE FIRST TEST
(The journey begins and leads off with a loud gong sound that is struck with a surprising volume. The candidate is then led to a step, which, because of the blindfold, he cannot recognize. The Leader waits until the candidate steps off into empty space. Then he jerks him back.)
“Without your eyesight you would have fallen into an abyss, if the hand of your friend had not held you back. Thus the blindfold over your eyes symbolizes nothing other than the ignorance of not recognizing the danger that now awaits you on your chosen path. Seek the hand and advice of your friend whenever you find that your knowledge and know-how is imperfect.”
(They stop in front of the altar where a red flame is burning.)
Second Warden:
“Bow! Here the Guardian of the Ritual and the Law has his place.”
(A burning torch is held closely to the face of the Petitioner, until he retreats in fear.)
Second Warden:
“You sought the Light, now you have fallen into an all-consuming burning fire. Many seekers have found their deaths in the wild fires of their own drives or been blinded by deceptive teachings. Guard yourself against all teachings that darken the Light of Thought. Fear not! Remain steadfast no matter what temptations might threateningly swirl around your head—even if hate hurls its lightning bolts toward you. Hold fast to the Law and acknowledge it openly and courageously.”
(The candidate is urged to walk faster.)
Second Warden:
“Make haste, the initial tests are over. There is more of the path to be traversed.”
(The candidate arrives in the West. Music: “In diesen heil’gen Hallen” by Mozart.)
Second Warden:
“Honorable Master! This man has passed the initial tests by my hand.”
Master of the Chair:
“The goal has not yet been reached. Troublesome and thorny is the way that a student of our Order must tread. Submit him to further tests.”
Second Warden:
“Up spring the cold winds from the North and the hot breath of the desert comes scorching from the South. The magical person makes use of the forces of nature. Arise! Let us find the path onward. Bow your head before all-powerful nature and her forces, and call for her help to come into your arms and hands.”
(Turn the student in the directions named.)
“Trace a cross with your right hand toward the North!
Trace a pentagram toward the East!
Trace a hexagram toward the West!
And now again a cross toward the North!”
(The Grand Master suddenly throws a bowl of cold water into the face of the Petitioner.)
Second Warden:
“Just as the power of water purifies your skin, so too shall your soul be purified of all impure motives. Make haste forward, the spirit protects the value of this time.” (Leads the Petitioner to the stairs again and throws him down them. Everything is fitted out with thick pillows and covers.)
Second Warden:
“A fall threatens that man who does not understand how to drink the ice-clear water of knowledge.”
(Helps him up and offers him a goblet with water.)
“Drink!”
(Gives him bitter water.)
“Bitter is the taste of the Knowledge of life and death. Drink!”
(Gives him sweet wine.)
“Sweet is the reward for the one who overcomes the fear of life and death. Honorable Master! This struggling man has passed the second test. What is your judgment?”
Master of the Chair:
“Whoever recognizes his own shortcomings and failures has made the first step toward the goal of a new path in life. However, the Petitioner has not yet reached the goal. He is to be put to the third test!”
Second Warden:
“Courage! Fire hardens steel and melts gold. Fire hardens your character. The body of man comes from the earth, and to the earth it will return. Therefore, do not too much underestimate this earthly body, for it is the seat and the instrument of the immortal spirit created by that Great Master Architect of the worlds. Wealth, power and the advantages of rank and position are transitory, are leaves that the rough north wind blows away. Therefore, we do not strive to kill off our bodies, but rather to equip and arm them for the pathway toward the Light. To the bright Light for the one; to the dark Light for the other!”
(Over a staircase the Petitioner is led into a musty vault draped in black. There he is laid in a coffin in front of which there are eight skeletons standing dimly illuminated by candle light. Then the Leader suddenly removes the blindfold from the eyes of the Petitioner so that he can perceive the scene and then the blindfold is quickly put back over his eyes.)
Second Warden:
“Death! Humanity’s big brother. He who put an end to all earthly trifles. Helper in need, disgrace and suffering, angel of the great One, be Thou proven. To Thee bow down the poor and rich, high and low, when the time is come that the sand in the hourglass has run out. Man, have no fear of the terrors of death. Gaze into his eye calm and determined. ANATHOR EM! ANATHOR RAM! ANATHOR HUM!”
(He goes off with the Petitioner into another room that is draped in red and illuminated with a red light. In this room the image of the goat is found before an altar upon which a large phallus has been placed. On a red divan there is a naked woman lying on it. He takes the blindfold off the Petitioner.)
Second Warden:
“Behold, Neophyte, great is the earthly temptation, are you able to resist it? See, I will leave you alone for a half an hour, I will lock the room. Do whatever you feel is right.”
(The woman now tries to seduce the Neophyte and coax him into sexual pleasure. After the allotted time the Petitioner is retrieved, the blindfold is again put over his eyes, and he is led back into the temple.)
Second Warden:
“Honorable Master, the Petitioner has passed all three tests. What is your judgment? May he approach the altar and trust in your protection?”
THE CONSECRATION
Master of the Chair:
“You are my friend perpetually and persistently—and soon to be my Brother. The possibility of withdrawing still exists. Consider well that after your reception by means of the completion of the Chemical Marriage, withdrawal is no longer possible. There is still time, you are still at liberty to withdraw. If you resign from our ranks after this it will mean your death within a span of three days; the earth is not big enough to grant the turncoat any refuge. Do you therefore continue to persist in seeking reception among us? Are you prepared to submit unconditionally to the laws and rites of the Order, and, when the hour comes for you to die for it, to answer with I WILL?!”
(Answer of the one being received.)
RITUAL SACRIFICE FOR THE LODGE DAEMONIUM
Master of the Chair:
“Brother Warden! Bring the symbols and signs for the taking of the oath to the Petitioner.”
(He is to lay his hand on these and his lower left arm is bared.)
Master of the Chair:
(Hammer knock!)
“Very well, my Brothers!”
First Warden:
“Rise, my Brothers!”
Master of the Chair:
“Great Architect of the Worlds, ignite in the hearts of these men here in the temple the fire of the free and exalted spirit. My friend! In this hour we require the grave oath of silence and inviolable loyalty. Repeat the words of the oath after me:
(Oath:)
I (name) swear and vow to maintain inviolable loyalty to the Freemasonic Order of the Golden Centurium, to honor its laws, rites, and rituals, without objection or doubt. I vow to preserve the secrets of the covenant and I am aware that I must pay for any betrayal with my life. I swear it (places his right hand on the insignia) by the Lord Above and Below. I swear it! I swear it! I swear it!”
(The blindfold is taken from his eyes and the membership book is laid before him.)
(The Master of Ceremonies takes a quill and a dagger. He makes a cut in the lower arm of the new Brother, dips the quill in the blood of the newcomer and with it writes his name and his code word, which is now communicated to him along with the fraternal grip, in the book. The FOGC grip is the same for all Brothers and is performed by a mutual grasping around each other’s wrists.)
Master of the Chair: (ecstatically)
“Y-ALLAH! Y-ALLAH! Y-ALLAH!”
(Everyone performs the hand-grip to the throat.)
The Lodge Egregore is called forth from a niche, which is illuminated with a violet light, with two bowls of fire to its right and left of the niche that burn with red flames. The Egregore of the FOGC lodge is said to be the planetary daemonium of Mars, Barzabel. The entities Astaroth, Belial, Asmodeus, and Belphegor are also mentioned in this context. At the conclusion of the evocation, the entity is said to become physically manifest in the lodge space and interacts with the Brothers.
During the ritual the Brothers form a chain around the altar, fire, and disciple and Master. After the invocation the evocation is performed. The entity that has been called upon touches the Neophyte on the forehead, heart, and solar plexus. Then the Master of Ceremonies hands the Neophyte a sealed book and indicates to him that he should break the seal and show it to the entity that is present. The entity places the book over his seal. The connection between the Brother and the Lodge Egregore is sealed by this action. The book contains magical seals and signs about which the entity speaks. (The Lodge Egregore is given license to depart—9x gong!) The Master of Ceremonies hangs the insignia of his grade around his neck, then he leads him to his prepared seat. (Everyone sits down.)
Master of the Chair:
“My Brother! You are now tested within the circle of the Brothers of the Order. Brother Master of Ceremonies, explain to the new Brother the symbols of our tapis and explain the temple to him.”
Master of Ceremonies:
“Our Temple is the symbol of the cosmos. Lights stand in the East, West, South, and North. In the East sits the Master and in the East stand the lights of knowledge. In the East sits the Honorable Master of the lodge called the Orient. In the West sit the two Wardens. They possess the hammer, gong, and bell. In the South is the seat of the Speaker who is to ignite the fire of knowledge in us by means of the Word. The tapestry with its ancient symbols lies before the altar. On it stand three pillars with three small lights. Thus the light of the most exalted wisdom shines in the East, and in the West the lights of strength and beauty. The altar with the image of the Lodge Egregore stands behind the tapestry in the East. The Egregore is the protective spirit of the lodge and is honored in a special ritual. A spiritus familiaris stands by the side of each Brother, this entity provides him with High Wisdom. The square is the Masonic law, it determines the direction of our thought and action. The compass is the community of Brothers that encompasses the globe. The dagger is the weapon used against enemies who may attack out of the darkness. The sword defends the Brotherhood, protects the Arcanum and the mysteries. It kills the traitor as a symbol of the flaming righteousness and power. The death’s head reminds us that everything terrestrial is transitory and that only the spirit has eternal value. All skulls look the same, those of the high and low. Sign, word, and grip are the signs of recognition. Each degree has its special signs of recognition. Yours is this:”
(Shows the hand-grip and sign of the Brother, then he turns to the Master.)
“Honorable Master! Recte dixit?”
Master of the Chair:
“Recte dictum est!”
First Warden:
“Let us enter into the Chain of Brotherhood.”
Master of the Chair:
“We are a cosmic unity! We are one will! We are one power! Great Architect of all the worlds, be gracious and send us Thy force. In the name of the Above and Below. Yamur, Yamur, Yamur, Cheire, Kyrie, Pangenetor. Iam! Ram! Vam! Hum! Phat! OM!”
(Music: Mozart, “O Isis und Osiris.”)
First Warden: “Very well, my Brothers!”
(Everyone makes his sign.)
Master of the Chair:
“Brother Warden, what time is it?”
First Warden:
“It is past midnight and the work is completed.”
Master of the Chair:
(Three hammer knocks.)
“Thus I close the lodge, let each man go his own way and guard the secret.”
Everyone:
“So be it! OM!”
(To the sounds of the “Ave verum corpus,” the Brothers leave the lodge space two by two with interlocked arms.)