Lodge of Perfection

As we saw in the last chapter, each degree develops a specific myth and story. Some are connected, others not. Some are using myths from the Bible. In others, the rituals seems more connected to the Ancient Mysteries, like Mithraism, Eleusian, etc. These higher degrees can be seen as developing and deepening the three first degrees, which are complete in themselves.

These myths are performed in the Masonic lodges, chapters, councils, or consistories as initiatic rituals. This is an important process that allows the candidate to receive a deep experience of the hidden meanings. Of course, these rituals contain lectures, and other more theatrical elements. Participation in these symbolic and maybe sacred ceremonies one helps to go further in one’s understanding of the Craft. They are opportunities to progress in the moral and symbolic explanations of the Masonic way.

These rituals are generally used in groups. However, the most important of them have an esoteric structure, which is able to be used privately in order to integrate this spiritual process. Most of the time this framework is hidden. It can be seen in a useful way only with the help of the Hermetic principles I already explained. So don’t worry if in some cases you don’t recognize the progression. Undoubtedly, you will be able to see it clearly and immediately with the ritual work. The intention of these esoteric individual practices has never been to replace the group’s ritual. The purpose is always to create a strong link between the initiate and the egregore of the Scottish Rite with the opportunity to improve this relationship with the heart of the system. With this help, the connection will be stronger for the betterment of the initiate, the Scottish Rite, and humanity.

The Royal Arch of Solomon (13th Degree)

The 13th degree of the Scottish Rite may be linked with the 14th degree that uses the same Qabalistic principles. This degree also has many symbols in common with the Royal Arch high degrees.[1]

the individual practice

Prepare your sacred space for the individual practice just as you did for the Masonic meditation (Chapter Six).

On your altar, place the representation of the Hermetic Tree of Life. You will find this drawing in the appendix.

You will need ten tealight candles. Place one candle on each of the circles. The circles represent the ten spheres (Sephiroth) of the Hermetic Tree of Life. Incense is optional.

Put the symbol of the degree (a triangle with the letter Yod at its center) on the east side of your altar or on the eastern wall. (See the illustration next to this text). If you have an apron or collar of this degree, you may wear them.

When everything is ready, sit down on your chair and relax for a while. Remain in this position for a few moments, breathing quietly, with your eyes closed or slightly closed. Be attentive to your breathing; listen to your breath flow in and out. Watch your chest rise and fall. Remain quiet, breathing gently in and out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Continue relaxing for a while.

Maintain your state of relaxation. Make sure you are comfortably seated, and that your back is as straight as possible. Place your hands flat on your thighs. Continue your rhythmic breathing. Light the candle that is closest to the east, in the upper circle. Sit down with your hands on your thighs and meditate. When you feel that the time is right (five minutes maximum), open your eyes and look at the symbolic representations of the Qabalistic Tree. Remaining completely relaxed, simply look at this diagram without focusing on any particular thought.

Put your right forefinger very close to the easternmost candle (candle number 1 in the chart below). Exclaim the sacred word. (See the list of sacred names in the table below. They are numbered according to the candle they are to be used with. Note that you will not light any more candles at this juncture).

Move your right forefinger close to the candle at the center of the second circle and pronounce the second word. Repeat this sequence for the other eight circles.

Meditate for a few moments. Relax and listen to the sound of your own breathing. After breathing quietly for a little while, visualize a triangle of gold, engraved with the four sacred letters of the divine name (the Tetragrammaton) directly in front of you:

Yod (), He (), Vav (), He ()

Listen to the sound of your breath as it flows in and out, while you continue to focus your attention on these four letters.

When you feel ready, light each of the candles in ascending order, as explained in the chart below. Each time you light a candle, you must pronounce (or vibrate) the corresponding sacred word, which is on the right side of the chart. You will do the same for the ten spheres.

Meditate until you feel ready to continue. Breathe deeply, rhythmically, and empty your mind.

Now imagine that you are standing in front of an altar of white marble that is two cubits high. On the top of this altar you see a triangle of agate engraved with the four letters of the Tetragrammaton (described above). Contemplate this jewel until you feel ready to continue, and then cease all visualizations.

Imagine that you are looking up at the sky. Visualize the starry arch of the heavens as the ceiling of your temple. The vast expanse of this starry arch is the vaulted ceiling that surmounts all beneath it. This is the first veil. Maintain this visualization and pronounce the words:

Eïn Soph Aor

Visualize yourself penetrating the veil. Continue your journey across this starry expanse, on to the next veil. When you are directly in front of it, pronounce the words:

Eïn Soph

Imagine yourself penetrating this veil. Continue on until you reach the third veil. When you are directly in front of it, pronounce the word:

Eïn

Imagine that you are now floating in a vault of empty and silent space. Your respiration is the only thing that connects you to your physical body. Meditate on this feeling and experience for as long as you like. When you feel your concentration on this experience decreasing, bring your attention to the sensations of your body and open your eyes.

Take the candle snuffer and extinguish the candles in the order shown in the chart below. When you extinguish a candle, pronounce the word and visualize the color associated with this sphere (see table below). Take your time moving through this sequence, gradually progressing from one sphere to the next. The duration of your stay at one sphere may differ from your stay at the next sphere. This is normal and it is a good indication of the work you are doing. This work is connected to your spiritual and invisible bodies, and different aspects of your spiritual and physical bodies need a different amount of time to accomplish the necessary work.

When all the candles are extinguished, breathe deeply and meditate briefly with your eyes closed. Begin to enjoy this darkness, recognizing it as benevolent. You realize that there is an eternal flame inside you. This inner light can never be extinguished. Enjoy the sensation of your breathing gently in and out; listen to your heartbeat; experience all the sensations emanating from your physical body.

When you feel finished enjoying this inner peace, pronounce the sacred names in ascending order, as indicated in the table below. As you pronounce the name, visualize the associated color.

After you have completed the pronunciation of the ten sacred words, relax for a few moments. When you feel ready to begin the closing, remove the candles and the representation of the Qabalistic Tree. Use your notebook to record your feelings, comments, and any ideas you received during this ritual.

the symbolic story of this degree

It might be interesting for you to know the myth that is related to this degree. The information in this myth will help you to understand the relationship of some of the history of the world with the individual practice of this degree.

A long time after the deaths of Hiram, Solomon the King of Jerusalem, and all the people of their generation; after the armies of Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the kingdom of Judah and the city of Jerusalem; after they had razed the Temple to the ground and taken the survivors into captivity; when the mountain of Zion was no more than an arid desert where a few skeletal goats grazed, three travelers arrived one morning, riding their camels. They were magi, initiates from Babylon, and members of the universal priesthood, who came to this place on a pilgrimage, to explore the ruins of the ancient sanctuary.

After a frugal meal, these pilgrims began to walk around this devastated place. The ancient walls and columns that had fallen on the ground helped them to imagine the borders of the Temple. They started to look more closely at the engravings on the capitals, and to examine some of the stones that were strewn about, trying to find special inscriptions and symbols.

As they were searching under an overturned wall in the middle of a huge network of brambles, they discovered a hole in the ground. The hole was located in the southeast corner of the Temple. They immediately began to clear away the brambles around this opening. After a period of work, the eldest, who appeared to be their leader, lay down on his stomach and peered into the hole.

Figure 39: Structure of the well in the Royal Arch
Degree in the Scottish Rite

It was midday, the Sun shone at its zenith, and its rays of light penetrated almost vertically into the well. The magus saw something that looked like a shiny object at the bottom of the well. He called his companions to check this glimmer of light reflecting up from the earth. As the elder had done, they, too, laid down and looked. Undoubtedly, something was sparkling beneath them, flashing with fire like a sacred jewel. The three pilgrims decided one of them should go down into the well. To make a rope so the chosen member could climb down, they undid their belts, linked them together, and threw one end into the well. Two of them then held one end of this leather rope, helping the third to climb down into what now seemed like a very dark cave. Their leader disappeared into the shadows.

Using his hands and feet, the magus rappelled into the depths of the cave. As he progressed, he noticed that the wall was divided into several cylinders or columns that were each made of stones of many different colors. The dimension of these different stones was around a cubit each in height. When he finally reached the floor of the well, he realized that there were ten rings. He looked around at the floor. At the center of this circular floor, he saw what he recognized as the jewel of Hiram. Picking it up, he looked at it more closely and saw with a flood of emotion that the holy sacred name was engraved in it. As a perfected initiate, he recognized this sacred word. In order to prevent his companions from seeing this word (because they had not yet received the full initiation necessary), he placed the jewel on his chest, with the engraved side touching his skin, thus hiding the engraved side, as had Master Hiram.

He looked around and saw a gap in the wall that seemed large enough to walk through. He entered, stumbling in the darkness like a blind man. His hands touched a surface that he imagined was made of bronze. He moved back and called his companions to help him climb out of the well.

Seeing the jewel on the chest of their chief, both magi bowed to him, guessing that he had just received an important initiation. He explained to them what he had seen and spoke about the bronze door. They thought that a holy mystery was connected with this place and decided that all of them would climb down into the well.

They put one end of the rope made of the three belts under a flat stone near the well. On this stone, the word Jachin was engraved. They rolled a broken column over to the other side. The word Boaz was engraved on this column.

Two of the men made a sacred fire by rolling a stick of hard wood between their hands. The stick was set into a hole one of them had made in a soft piece of wood. Tinder was set around the wood. When the friction of this action on the wood caused sparks to ignite the tinder, they blew on it to increase the flame. Meanwhile, the third man lit one of the three torches of resin they had brought with them, and used it to scare away any wild animals near the mouth of the well. Next, each of the torches was successively ignited with the sacred fire. Each magus, holding a torch in his hand, used the rope to descend to the bottom of the well.

Once there with their chief, they entered the hall and made their way to the bronze door. The old magus raised his torch and attentively examined the door. At its center, he saw a raised pattern that looked like a royal crown. A circle of twenty-two points surrounded the crown.

The magus closed his eyes and meditated deeply on this image for some time. Opening his eyes, he looked at the door and pronounced the word Malkuth. Suddenly the door opened.

The explorers were standing in front of a staircase that led down into the earth. They began to descend, counting the stairs as they went. After three stairs, they encountered a triangular floor. On their left, they saw another staircase. They continued to progress in this fashion, and, after five stairs, found themselves on another triangular floor, of the same form and dimensions as the first. Another staircase appeared on their right, where they noticed seven steps continuing down into the earth.

Having crossed the third floor, they next descended nine stairs where they stopped in front of a second bronze door.

The old initiate took a look at it and saw that there was also a raised pattern on this door. It was composed of a right angle set in stone at the center of circle formed by twenty-two points. He vibrated the word Yesod and the door opened.

The magi entered into a large vaulted circular space. On the walls, nine lines were engraved that formed rays from the center of the vault to the outer edge of the circular floor. They looked around to see if there was another door, but they were unable to find anything. Looking more carefully between the lines, the old initiate saw a new gate in the darkness of the cave and the symbol of a shining sun at the center of a circle of twenty-two points. Powerfully, he pronounced the word Hod and the door opened onto a second room. Successively, the explorers crossed through five other hidden doors, always discovering another crypt beyond each new door.

On one of these doors, there was a wonderful engraving of a moon, and thereafter, the head of lion, a soft and gracious curve, a ruler, a scroll of the law, an eye, and, finally, a royal crown.

At every door the wise initiate successively pronounced the words Netzach, Tiphareth, Geburah, Chesed, Binah, Chokmah, and Kether. When they entered the ninth arch, the magi stopped—surprised, dazzled, and scared. The other passages had been dark. By contrast, this place was brilliantly lit. At the center of the ninth arch, there were three candleholders with candles in them, each eleven cubits high. Each candle had three branches. These lamps, which must have burnt for all the intervening centuries since the destruction of the holy Temple, shone with a wonderful brightness. They illuminated the entire area with a soft yet intense light, revealing all the details of its marvelous architecture. The vault was carved directly into the rock.

The pilgrims extinguished their torches, setting them by the door. They removed their shoes, as one does in a holy place, and then they moved forward, bowing nine times toward the colossal candles.

At the base of the triangle formed by the three candelabra rose a cubic altar two cubits high, made of white marble. On the right side, near the summit of the triangle, the tools of the Craft were represented in gold: the ruler, the compass, the square, the level, the trowel, and the mallet. On the left side, there were geometric symbols: the triangle, the square, the five-pointed star, and the cube. On the right side, numbers were engraved: 27, 125, 343, 729, and 1331. Finally, on the remaining side, the symbolic Acacia was represented. On top of this altar, a stone of agate was set. Its dimensions were three palms wide. At its base, the letters of the word Adonaï were engraved in gold.

Both the younger magi bowed before the name of God. But the elder initiate raised his head and said to them: “It is now time for you to receive the last teaching. This initiation will transform you into perfect initiates. You must remember that this name is also a vain symbol, which does not express the concept of supreme understanding.”

Figure 40: The Tetragrammaton

Holding the stone of agate in his two hands, he turned round to face to his companions and said to them: “Behold! The supreme understanding is here. You stand at the center of this understanding.”

The followers spelled out the letters of the words that make up the Tetragrammaton, Yod, Heh, Waw, Heh, and began to open their mouths to pronounce the final word. But the old initiate stopped them, saying: “Silence! This is the ineffable word, which must not be pronounced.”

Then he put the stone of agate on the altar, took the jewel of Master Hiram from his chest, and showed them that the same signs were also engraved on it. “Now you must know,” said the Master, “that it was not Solomon who created this hypogeum, nor did he create the other eight rooms, nor is it he who hides the sacred stone. This holy symbol was put here by Enoch, the first of all initiates, the master initiator, who did not die, but survives in all his spiritual sons. Enoch lived a long time before Solomon, even before the flood. Nobody knows when the first eight arches were built, nor when this one was dug directly in the rock.”

However, the new grand initiates were looking all around this room, eager to understand the secrets and sacred teachings of this place. They walked up to a carefully hidden door, on which they saw the symbol of a broken vase. They called their master and said to him: “Open this door for us. There must be another new mystery behind it.”

“No,” he answered them, “we should not open this door. There is a mystery there, but it is a terrible mystery, the mystery of death.”

“Aha,” they said. “You want to hide something from us, to keep it for yourself. But we want to know everything. We will open this door ourselves.” They started to pronounce all the words that they had heard from the mouth of their master. As these words had no effect, they began to pronounce all the words they could remember. These, too, had no effect. Just when they were about to give up, one of them said, “We cannot continue like this ad infinitum.” He spoke one more word.

At the sound of this word, En Soph (in Hebrew), the door opened violently and the two new initiates were knocked across the floor. A howling wind blew in the arch and the magical lamps were blown out. The master rushed to the door, calling to his followers to help. They ran to him and united their efforts to close the door again. The door did not close, and the lights did not relight.

The young magi stood in the deepest darkness, impossible to imagine. They heard the voice of their master saying: “Alas, this terrible event, the consequence of your imprudence, was written of long ago. Now we are all at a terrible risk of perishing in these unknown, underground caverns. Let us try to leave this place. We must cross the eight arches and go back up through the well by which we came down. We must form a chain with our hands in order to make it safely to the exit. We must search for the gate in every room until we arrive at the foot of the staircase of twenty-four stairs. Let us hope that we will reach it in safety.”

They began the tedious and frightening journey back. Hour after hour they toiled in fearful unity toward their goal. They were filled with fear at every step, struggling to find their way. At last, they arrived in front of the staircase of twenty-four stairs. They climbed slowly upward by counting nine, seven, five, and three until they stepped out, once again at the bottom of the well. It was midnight. The stars shone in the firmament. The rope of belts was still there.

Before they began the climb to freedom, the master showed his companions the circle of the sky created by the edges of the well. He said to them: “The ten circles we saw in this well also represent the arcs of the staircase. This last circle corresponds to the number 11, where the wind of disaster blew. It is the infinite sky, the lights we can never hold in our hands.”

The three initiates climbed up out of the well. They once again rolled the column from its place, without seeing the word Boaz that was carved on it. They detached their belts and, without exchanging a word, began a deep, silent meditation under the starry sky. In the middle of this nocturnal silence, they rode their camels back to Babylon.

Figure 41: Representation of the Rose-Cross symbol in a plate from Kunrath

Chapter of Rose Croix

Knight of the Rose-Croix (18th Degree)

In the last chapter, I revealed the names of several Rose-Cross orders that existed in the past. Historically, in Freemasonry, several rituals are more or less related to the Rose-Cross. The 18th Degree, Knights of the Rose-Croix, developed in several versions, according to the influences, understanding, and goals in different countries. Those details that were of lesser importance ultimately disappeared. The individual practice found here is rooted in the most accurate and effective origins, so that you will achieve an immediate and powerful connection with this egregore and spirit.

For this practice, it will be necessary to use certain images related to this ritual, which you will be able to find in the appendix, and some required images will be placed beside the relevant part in reduced size, in order to fit the page.

Prepare your room for the practice as you did for the Masonic meditation (Chapter Six).

On your altar, place two items: (1) a printed representation of a pentagram surrounded by Hebrew letters, crowned by a triangle, with the Tetraktys at the center, and (2) a black veil large enough to cover your head. (If you don’t have one, you can visualize it during the practice.) Optional items to place on the altar are a bell or five tealight candles (place one candle on each of the points of the pentagram).

Put the symbol of this degree (the compass, rose-cross, and pelican) to the east of your altar or on the eastern wall. If you have the apron or collar of this degree, you may wear them.

When everything is prepared, sit down on your chair and relax for a while. Remain in this position for a few moments, breathing quietly, with your eyes closed or slightly closed. Be attentive to your breathing; listen to the flow of your breath, in and out. Watch your chest rise and fall. Remain quiet, breathing gently in and out. Breathe in through your nose and out of your mouth. Relax for a while until you are deeply comfortable.

Maintain your state of relaxation. Make sure you are comfortably seated and that your back is as straight as possible. Place your hands flat on your thighs, breathing quietly for a little while.

After a moment of silent relaxation, stand up. Put the palm of your right hand on your solar plexus and exclaim: “O thou who art the creator, the preserver, and the father of all mankind, O beneficent and merciful one, please guard us in thy holy keep; guide our footsteps, that we may not stray from thy truth into the paths of error! If we, in our hearts, desire of thee anything whatsoever that is not good for us to have, deny it unto us! If we fail to ask for anything that we ought to ask at thy hands, give it unto us, we beseech thee, out of thy exceeding goodness. Chasten us for our sins, that we may, by thy discipline, learn wisdom. Make us useful unto others and content with the lot which thou assignest unto us; and may we so labor here and elsewhere, as to deserve thy favor and benefit our fellows. So mote it be!”

Relax your arms and sit down. Put the veil on your head, covering your face and your eyes. Visualize a dark place all around you. The light is just adequate for you to see the details of the place where you stand. The floor is strewn with broken columns and fragments of Masonic working tools. There is a pillar in front of you, to the east. The word Faith is engraved on it in violet paint. On your right, to the south, another column is engraved with the word Hope painted in scarlet red. On your left, to the north, the third column is engraved with the word Charity painted in sky-blue.

In front of you, to the east, an altar is covered with a black cloth strewn with white flames. On the altar in your mind, visualize the symbol you placed on the altar at the beginning of this practice. Pick up the bell with your right hand, or just use the palms of your hands to clap, making a sharp noise, similar to a knock. This is a “battery.”

While you hold the visualization of this place in your mind, knock thirty-three times. Stand up, remove the veil from your eyes, and light the five small candles clockwise, beginning with the candle nearest you on the left.

With your body, you will form a pentagram by lifting your arms so they are on the horizontal plane, with your palms facing the floor. (Your legs should be shoulder width apart.) Visualize your solar plexus filling with a bright rose-colored light. Feel the vibrations coming from your solar plexus, the light and heat.

Visualize the five Hebrew letters on the five parts of your body: Yod— (red): left foot; He— (blue): left hand; Shin— (bright white light): head; Vav— (yellow): right hand, He— (dark brown): left foot. If you are unable to visualize the Hebrew letters, hold the colors and their positions on your body in your mind. Feel the presence and power of each center.

Breathe deeply and relax. Increase the intensity of your visualization.

Holding this position, pronounce (vibrate) the first letter Yod. Pronounce this letter five times. During each inhalation, increase the visualization of the letter. If you are unable to visualize the letter precisely, just stay focused on the feeling in that part of your body.

Figure 42: Pentagram and the invocation direction

Repeat this process for each of the following letters, with five vibrations of each letter. The order is: Yod, Heh, Shin, Vav, Heh.

When this sequence is complete, relax your arms on either side of your body, with your legs in contact, or very close together. Breathe normally for a while, without visualization. Remove the black veil from your head.

With your right forefinger in front of you, draw a clockwise pentagram of invocation beginning with the top point of the pentagram. During this movement, pronounce the sacred name “Yeshua” (Yod-He-Shin-Vav-He). The pronunciation must start when you begin the pentagram and stop before you complete it.

Turn right to face south. Draw the same pentagram, pronouncing the same sacred name.

Proceed in the same way, turning to the west, and then the north. Face east to complete and close the circle. You have drawn four pentagrams to the four directions. These invocations have increased the light of your aura and the subtle light of this place.

Place your right hand on your solar plexus, and your left hand on top of your right hand.

Vibrate the same sacred name “Yeshua” six times.

Visualize your aura increasing in brightness. After you have completed these six vibrations, lower your arms and relax them, then kneel.

Figure 43: Symbolic representation
of the Rite Rose Cross developed in
this part of the book

Visualize again a dark place all around you. You are in a small, square room. The walls are black. You feel a frightening aura and the presence of human skeletons all around you. Breathe slowly and focus on your inner soul, the essential and immortal part of your being.

Cross your arms on your chest, left over right, the palms of your hands in contact with your body. Your eyes are closed. After a short period of silence and meditation, pronounce each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. At the same time, visualize the creation of a wall of light all around you, revolving clockwise. If you don’t know the alphabet, just read this list, with your eyes slightly closed. (The letters are: Alef, Bet, Gimel, Dalet, Heh, Vav, Zayin, Cheth, Tet, Yod, Kaf, Lamed, Mem, Nun, Samekh, Ayin, Peh, Tsadi, Qof, Resh, Shin, Tav.) Don’t worry about pronouncing the letters correctly. Focusing on the alphabet and the wall of light will be enough to create this subtle reality on the spiritual plane.

Meditate in this place of light for a while, and then stand up.

Resume your seat and breathe in silence.

Visualize the chamber of the chapter created by your last invocations. Imagine that the hangings surrounding the chamber are crimson red. The chamber is lit by thirty-three candles. Three candlesticks each hold eleven candles, and these candlesticks are placed to the east, south, and west, respectively.

To the east, you see the image of the compass, the rose cross, and the pelican. Take your time and focus on each symbol. Imagine that your altar is covered with a white cloth, or look at your altar with your eyes slightly closed. Visualize the symbols you placed on it.

Exclaim: “More than any other, a Knight of the Rose-Cross must know himself—he must find his inner balance and renounce all disgraceful behavior. May the divine powers help me to clearly see the secret of my being!”

Pause.

Exclaim: “May the divine powers be invoked by their sacred names, sealing my deep and true desire!”

Invoke the four sacred names:

1- “Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh Eloah Vedaat”

2- “Raphael”

3- “Malachim”

4- “Chemech”

Visualize the lights of the candles increasing.

Focus for a while longer on the symbol of the pelican, then say: “Lux e Tenebris” [“Light out of darkness”].

Pause.

Pronounce the Greek words, which are keys of this degree: Pistis [faith], Elpis [hope], and Agape [charity, love].

Breathe rhythmically and relax.

When you feel ready to continue, stand up and return to the pentagram posture. With your arms on the horizontal, turn your palms to face the east. Close your eyes and breathe rhythmically. After a moment of silence, exclaim: “In hoc signo vinces!”

After a short pause, continue:

“As true Knight of the Rose-Cross, I will always put my higher ideals before everything else. I know the weakness of my human nature. I know that desire and will are the only powers allowing me to progress beyond my physical limitations. In order to become the Knight of the Rose-Cross that I truly want to be, I understand that self-sacrifice must be at the core of my dedication. At every moment of my life, I need to learn a way to live simultaneously in this world and in the spiritual world, illuminating the one by the divine fire of the other.”

Lower your arms and relax them. Visualize a rose as large as you are, directly before you. Imagine that the rose progressively surrounds you. You are at its center, and this mystical flower illuminates your aura. Feel its energy and peace.

With your right forefinger, draw a horizontal line in front of you from left to right while you exclaim: “Ego Leukothea Eïmi!” Feel this balanced power deeply within your aura.

With your right forefinger, draw a vertical line in front of you from top to bottom (approximately the same size as the first line) as you exclaim: “Ego Melanotheos Eïmi!” Feel deeply that you are on the vertical axis between the earth and sky.

Breathe rhythmically and relax.

Place your hands on your solar plexus. Visualize the heart of the rose (your own heart) becoming more and more luminous. You are surrounded by rays of light. In front of you, the pelican and the surrounding scene comes alive, receiving the sunlight of your hidden rose, the light of your noble desire.

Breathe rhythmically and relax for a while, holding on to this feeling and visualization in your mind. Exclaim: “Igne Natura Renovatur Integra!” [My entire nature is renovated by fire!]

Visualize the light increasing again. Exclaim: “Ego Agathodaïmon Eïmi!”

Spread your arms out wide on either side of your body, with your palms open and facing the sky. Exclaim: “May the rose of my soul illuminate the cross of my body!”

Maintain this position for a few moments.

Relax your arms and be seated for a moment of silent meditation. When you feel ready to stop, open your eyes and blow out the candles. Remove your apron if you have one. Record your feelings, remarks, experiences, and thoughts about this practice in your notebook (which must be reserved for this purpose).

Council of Kadosh

Knight of the Sun (27th Degree)

Numerous books and studies have been published in several languages regarding the Knight of the Sun (27th Degree). It is considered to be one of the most significant degrees, with regard to understanding the Ancient Mysteries. Although it is possible to find many lesser influences that are associated with this degree, over the centuries Mithraism has become increasingly established as the major tradition from which it sprang. In the first few chapters, I established the importance of this tradition for Freemasonry. Freemasonry and Mithraism are very closed allied.

The worship of light (the Sun) is one of the central elements of Mithraism. The Sun is called Sol Invictus, which means “Sun undefeated.” The journey of the soul through the seven veils of the planets, as described in the Ancient Mysteries, is present in the structure and meaning of this degree.

This respectable tradition is very old. Evidence of its existence and character may be found in the recorded history of the Chaldean civilization. Some time after the Renaissance, the scale used in Mithraism was associated with the Qabalistic Tree of Life and the spheres called Sephiroth. The soul’s journey was described in Mithraic mythology as being constituted during its descent into the material world. As the soul descended through the heavens, each of the seven planets, consecutively, added its influence in the form of the symbolic “clothing” that is uniquely related to each of those planets. Thus, each planet gives the soul a specific influence characteristic of that planet, and the unique combination of these seven influences yields the human personality. In this way, the incarnated soul is composed of the various powers acting on it.

In Mithraism, there is both a theological and Esoteric justification for astrology. Its origin in this ancient religion demonstrates its value as much more than a simple predictive art. Astrology is also rooted in the Hermetic tradition. Thus, the goal is not to learn astrology in order to know your destiny in some passive way. You can learn how to use these astrological symbols in order to have a dynamic influence on your life. At every moment of your life, you receive influences from your external circle of friends, family, and associates—your outer world. At the same time, on the inner planes, there are many influences coming through your unconscious mind that deeply affect your everyday life. For psychologists, the unconscious is composed of memories that are hidden from us from birth. Other theories, such as the theory of hypnotic regression, demonstrate that you do have memories that predate your birth, and perhaps even predate the current incarnation of the soul and the appearance of this individual consciousness. For esotericists, the early memories are composed of specific, precise influences that are balanced somewhat differently for each incarnate human being. Of course, these influences may also be seen as hidden memories. This notion is compatible with the astrological theory that emphasizes the existence of symbolic inner characters that are represented by the planetary divinities. The Hermetic Tradition accepts this occult structure of the human being and has devised a special method that allows the initiate to be aware of these influences in order to balance them. From a passive position, the initiate become an actor of his own destiny. This knowledge was transmitted under the veil of symbols, which was introduced early on into the Masonic Tradition.

Regarding the influence of Hermeticism in the Italian Renaissance, the (then) new Academia Platonica, which was established in Florence by Marsilio Ficino, was directly responsible for developing this aspect. The esoteric science called theurgy was used to develop a good inner balance between all the influences received during one’s journey and descent. To accomplish that, they used the theory of correspondences and signatures. I partly developed these concepts in the section on symbols in order to convey that the material world retains footprints (signatures) of the invisible influences with which it has had contact. There is a connection between that which is above and that which is below. A perfume, a color, or a stone really can be linked to spiritual and divine spheres and divinities. A yellow flower and a gold nugget are inevitably connected to the Sun, as well as the gods Helios and Apollo. No gap can exist in this vision of a global universe or a global planet. In this we see that such ideas are really very modern, and they are currently in use as part of some of the most advanced scientific theories of our time. (They are used to explain global warming, and are central to the concept that is called the butterfly effect).

These signatures and symbols are the foundation of the Hermetic rituals that were developed in the Renaissance. By using these secret ceremonies, early Hermetists were able to balance their invisible bodies. Since the invisible body also has an effect on the physical body, this ritual work was also used to heal physical illnesses. This relationship between the invisible body and physical body and the doctrine of signatures was associated with special diets and a real hermetic regimen was composed and developed. As a physician, Marsilio Ficino, who was also the Chief of the Academy, was well aware of such necessities. His vision is a primary principle in the Hermetic way: work to improve both the outer and the inner self in order to have a long and healthy life. These rules, as developed by Ficino, are well deserving of a complete study in and of themselves.

Using these laws of universal interrelatedness, those early initiates also worked to ascend to the spiritual planes, and thereby to return to their divine origin. Happiness in this material world is possible by achieving balance in this inner dimension.

These symbolic and ritual elements were a part of the amazing heritage of Freemasonry. The heart of this 27th Degree is on the border between theurgy and symbolic ritual. The practice I will provide for you here will allow you to achieve much more progress, so that you will be able to feel and to increase your inner connection to the archetypes present in your unconsciousness. In order for you to continue your progress, it would be necessary to perform a more complete ritual, including a group ritual.

Visualization, meditation, and the vibration of sacred words are used in the same way in this practice as in the previous practices. These practical keys will enable you to establish immediate contact with the archetypal and divine entities. Remember that these classical divinities are just aspects of the different manifestations that originate with the Great Architect of the Universe, the hidden One. Yet these powers will have an immediate, deep, and lasting effect on you.

Of course, you must not expect a complete and immediate transformation, nor a miracle. This practice will affect you, just as a drop of water falling regularly on a stone will ultimately change the stone that you are. Even a hard rock can be pierced by persistent action. If you persist, these practices will bring you to the center of your stone and they will show you the way to see the pure light from which you came.

the individual practice

To begin, I will present several correspondence charts that are intimately connected to the esoteric practices of this Masonic degree. Don’t be surprised by the differences you will find between the rituals and symbolic attributions (such as colors or names) that you are used to and those provided here. There are many versions of ritual texts and the charts I have provided offer very traditional associations rooted in the most ancient traditions. They will establish the coherence needed for this kind of work.

Set up the ritual space just as you did for the Masonic meditation (Chapter Six). In the appendix, you will find the image of the hexagram and the planets. You will need to copy these and place the hexagram on your altar. You will also need seven tealight candles; place one candle on, or next to, the symbol of the planet on the hexagram. You may also use incense if you like. To the east of your altar or on the eastern wall, place the symbol of this degree: the pentagram surrounded by an ouroboros. If you have the apron or collar of this degree, you may wear it.

When everything is ready, be seated, and just relax for a while. Remain in this position for a few moments, breathing quietly, with your eyes closed or slightly closed. Be attentive to your breathing; listen to your breath flow in and out. Watch your chest rise and fall. Remain quiet, breathing gently in and out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax for a while longer, until you feel comfortable.

Maintain your state of relaxation. Make sure you are comfortably seated, and that your back is as straight as possible. Place your hands flat on your thighs, breathing quietly for a while.

Begin to think about the journey of your soul, when it began its journey earthward for this incarnation, passing through each of the seven planets.

Relax and continue to breathe rhythmically.

Stand up and move both arms in front of you, with your forearms on the horizontal plane and your palms facing the heavens. Your back must be straight, your shoulders relaxed, your eyes turned up to look at the sky. Hold this position and exclaim:

“From the depth of my being, my soul desires to return to the light where it was at the beginning. I am meditating in order to know myself. I am studying the sacred book of nature. I am progressing toward the light. I already know that the Sun, which is the origin of daylight, along with the practice of virtue, is the safe guide who aids me in this ascent.”

Breathe deeply for a while and say: “Divine power who animates this world and my being, hear my voice and help me to ascend from this cave. Ex Tenebris Lux!”

Relax your arms and light the first tealight candle (the one closest to you). This is the symbol of the Moon. Continue to light the candles by following the order given below.

Visualize a violet light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Then light the first candle. When the first candle has been lit (representing the Moon), focus on the image of Selene. Exclaim: “O shining and sure guide through the illimitable realm of dreams, most gracious opener of the way to those who venture into worlds unseen! Thou maker and destroyer of illusions, thou who knows the tides of ocean, the furthest distances of the mind and the dark places of unreason: hail to thee!”

Visualize the color violet becoming more intense. After a time, allow the color to disappear gradually into a light mist.

Visualize an orange light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the second candle (to Mercury; see numbered chart above). Focus on the image of Hermes. Exclaim: “O thou swift and unconstrained traveler in the ways between the worlds, divine imparter of secret tidings to the gods and humankind, bountiful bestower of aid in the art of magick! Knowledge and skill, rite and high result are thine to impart! Thine are the tongues and the numbers, thine the signs and the sigils and the words of power. Thine it is to heal, and to teach, and to watch upon the way. Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color orange becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a green light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the third candle (to Venus; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Aphrodite. Exclaim: “O thou radiant giver of love, ruler of the forces of life, divinely robed in light and girded with invincible beauty! Perfect harmony and concord are as the perfumes of thy presence, and thou it is who dost create those rhythms whose pulsations call into life the sacred dance. O thou who ever sendest forth all delight, hail to thee!”

Visualize the color green becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a yellow light surrounding you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the fourth candle (to the Sun; see chart above for placement). Focus on the image of Helios. Exclaim: “Far-riding ruler of days, all-seeing arbiter of the planetary powers! Thine is the wisdom of prophecy, the rapture of music and poetry, the upward surging force of mystical endeavor. Thine is the vision which sees beyond all change and chance, and the clear perception of truth which dispels all shadow. In the rising and in the incomparable luster of the Day-Star, thou givest a sacred image to magical ascendence, even as thy power enkindles a glory within us and elevates us to accomplish that which we seek. Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color yellow becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a red light surrounding you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the fifth candle (to Mars; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Ares. Exclaim: “All-powerful defender of justice and truth, thou noble inspirer of courage and endurance and of bold resolve! Inculcator of loyalty, giver of the joy which springs from shared endeavor. Thou divine patron of fruitful debate and of good order, thou who dost confirm the steadfast heart and the unfaltering hand! Thou mighty adversary of the powers adverse, hail to thee!”

Visualize the color red becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a blue light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the sixth candle (to Jupiter; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Zeus. Exclaim: “Royal and magnanimous giver of abundance from a cup unfailing, shepherd of the golden stars, lord of the tides of fortune! Glorious dispenser of mercy, divine patron of paternal and filial love! Thou dost bless peace and amity between all beings; thou great father of benevolent rule and of priesthood, and of that loving wisdom which sublimates authority! Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color blue becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize an indigo light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the seventh candle (to Saturn; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Cronus. Exclaim: “Sublime and shadowed one, austere awakener of high aspiration and mystic hope! Thou art giver of the silent will to endure, thou art patron of the spirit’s creativity and of the forces of preservation and of renewal. In thy keeping are alike the scythe of the reaper and the instruments of the builder in stone; thine, too, is the open scroll of the past, and thine the sealed scroll which holds the mysteries of the future. Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color indigo becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Be seated as before and meditate on this ascent. Above your head, visualize a starry sky. Imagine that you grow in size until your consciousness ascends into this mystical vault. Your spiritual body grows larger and larger, until it includes the whole universe. From your heart there is an outpouring of rays of an intense light of pure gold. Your entire body is irradiated by this divine light. Breathe deeply and relax, totally illuminated by this intense light. Invite your feelings, thoughts, etc.

When you feel the moment is right, stand up and exclaim: “A true initiate of the Sun cannot remain in contemplation. He must take action and return to the world to help his fellow human beings in their difficult task of achieving material and spiritual happiness. May the work I undertook at the creation of the world be accomplished this day.”

Use the candle snuffer (or whatever you use to extinguish the candles) and extinguish the candles in the reverse order from which they were lit, following the chart on the next page.

Before extinguishing the candle of Saturn, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Cronus, represented by the Pater, allow his balanced indigo light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Omega must be vibrated as the letter o as in only]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the first candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of Jupiter, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Jupiter, represented by Leo, allow his balanced blue light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Upsilon must be vibrated as the German letter ü, which sound like the eu in eunuch]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of Mars, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Ares, represented by Miles, the warrior, allow his balanced red light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Omicron must be vibrate as the o in hot]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of the Sun, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Helios, represented by Heliodromus, messenger of the Sun, allow his balanced light of pure gold to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound I[the letter Iota must be vibrated as the ee in meet]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of Venus, exclaim: May the power of the divine Aphrodite, represented by Nymphus, the fiancée, allow her balanced green light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Eta must be vibrated as the a in care]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle. Before you extinguish the candle of Mercury, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Hermes, represented by Corax, the crow, allow his balanced orange light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred word [the letter Epsilon must be vibrated as the e in set]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of the Moon, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Selene, represented by Perses, the Persian, allow her balanced violet light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred word [the letter Alpha must be vibrated as the a in father]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Breathe rhythmically, relaxing inwardly.

Place your right hand on your solar plexus, and your left hand on top of the right hand. Breathe quietly for a while, then exclaim: “A Knight of the Sun promises to be a tireless worker, to always fight for the triumph of the light, to persist in maintaining right thoughts, right words, and right actions in every part of his life. May the love of beauty, truth, and justice be established in every moment of my life, under the aegis of the powerful divinities that I have just invoked in this sacred rite. So mote it be!”

Meditate for a few more moments. When you feel ready, remove your apron if you have one. Record your feelings, remarks, experiences, and thoughts about this practice in your notebook (which must be reserved solely for this purpose).

the myth of mithra

Mithra was associated with the Sun very early on in the history of mankind. Eastern mythology described the god Mithra as appearing suddenly out of the starry sky, which was symbolically connected with the rocky vault of a cave. In other versions of this story, Mithra appeared from a stone, with a Phrygian cap on his head, a knife in one hand, and a torch in the other. Darkness cannot enter him.

The shepherds who witnessed his birth worshipped him as a child of the divine and brought him the first pick of their herds and the first fruits of the land. They dressed him in fig leaves they cut for that purpose. Dressed in those leaves, Mithra began his journey to fight the evil powers that are in the world.

His first adversary was the god of the Sun. The solar power was obliged to withdraw in the presence of the invincible strength of the young Mithra. Magnanimous, Mithra crowned the solar god with a brighter crown. From that day forward, the Sun continued to wear the crown that Mithra gave him, during his daily journey across the skies. After that, Mithra sealed the bargain with the Sun, their hands joined in friendship.

Figure 44: Representations of an initiation in the Mithraic Mysteries

Mithra’s most important feat was his fight with a giant bull. This wild and powerful animal was grazing in the mountains. Mithra found him, grabbed his horns, and jumped on his back. Furious, the bull stampeded, but Mithra resisted, holding on to his horns until the bull fell, totally exhausted. Lifting the bull by its legs, he brought it to a cave, but the bull escaped into the countryside. The Sun god asked a crow to be his messenger and carry this message to Mithra: catch the bull and kill it.

Figure 45: Mithra and Sol

Fearfully, our hero obeyed his ally, the Sun god. Once again he found the bull and caught it. Controlling it with one hand on its snout, Mithra stabbed the bull in its shoulder with his hunter’s knife. From the cadaver of the bull, many herbs and useful plants appeared, spreading across the countryside. From its spinal column came cereal grains, which would be used for the bread eaten during spring celebrations. Its blood was changed into wine and became the sacred beverage of the land. In order to put a stop to these beneficent actions of Mithra, the spirit of evil sent various impure animals to poison the source of the bull’s life force: a scorpion, an ant, and a snake tried to eat the bull’s testicles and to drink its blood. But the evil spirit failed. The Moon, who is the wife of the Sun, purified the bull’s sperm in order to create from it many useful animals. The bull’s soul ascended to the divine plane and became a protective divinity for all the cattle of the earth. Thus, because of his prowess as a hunter, Mithra became the creator of all the plants and animals living on our planet, and from this killing came a beneficent outcome: a new, more abundant and rich life for all.

Around this same time, the god Ahura Mazda had created the first humans. He gave Mithra the task of protecting humanity. The powers of evil attempted to destroy Mazda’s creation by sending diseases and suffering to humanity. However, Mithra was alert to these attacks. The evil powers opposed him by sending famine and starvation, killing the crops with drought. Mithra shot an arrow into a rock and a fountain of water gushed forth, giving a new life to all the dying creatures. But the flow of water became cataclysmic, flooding every country on the planet. Fortunately, the gods informed someone, who built an ark and saved a male and female of each animal. With this construction, humanity and all the animals were saved. Mithra succeeded in the mission he had been charged with by the supreme being, and when his feats were completed, he met with his friend the Sun for a last solemn meal. When the meal was finished, Mithra ascended to the heavens where he resides to this day, watching over his initiates and protecting them from evil creatures.

Consistory

Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret (32nd Degree)

mysterious heredom

The 32nd Degree (which is the second of the Consistory degrees) summarizes all the preceding degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite into a single coherent “holy doctrine” based on the fundamental truths and symbols common to major cultures throughout the ages.

Albert Pike connected this degree to the ancient spiritual traditions of the Vedas in India and the Zend-Avesta of pre-Islamic Persia. Of course it was impossible for him to know the different contemporary Hermetic and symbolic documents.[2] A complete study of the Hermetic and classical sources of this degree would shine a wonderful light on those symbolic elements that have always been a part of the tradition, even if they are less emphasized today. This is a good indication of the presence at the higher level of the Scottish Rite of several interesting spiritual elements of the Western Tradition. You will notice some of these elements in the individual practice of this degree (provided later in this chapter).

Figure 46: Symbolic representation
of the 32nd Degree called the “Camp”

It may be interesting to the reader to focus on some of the issues surrounding the origins of this degree, which are connected both to Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol and the esoteric dimension of this initiation.

The first “Regulations and Constitutions of the Sublime Knights of the Royal Secret, Princes of Masonry” were established in Bordeaux, France in the eighteenth century by the “Order of the Emperors of the East and West,” with a view to aggregating selected and independent degrees within the Rite of Perfection, a.k.a. the Rite of Heredom. The current 32nd Degree was, then, the supreme degree, which held the highest authority over the whole Scottish Rite.

The Rite of Heredom (of Kilwinning) has many Hermetic and Rose-Cross influences. You must also remember that the Royal Order of Heredom was equivalent to the higher degree of Masonry in Scotland. It is clear that Dan Brown used these elements in placing this word Heredom at the top of his mysterious pyramid.

Figure 47: Symbolic representation of the nine-pointed star, center
of the symbolic representation from Kircher

Figure 48: Detail of the frontispiece of a book from the Qabalist Athanasius Kircher

This mysterious name Heredom was first connected to the medieval Latin word hoeredum, signifying “heritage.” As Edward L. Hawkins noted in the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry,[3] the most plausible derivation is one given in 1858. Heredom is a word composed of two Greek words: Ieros, “holy,” and Domos, “house.” Consequently, Heredom means that (symbolically) Masonry is the holy house or the temple. As Hawkins wrote, the title of “Rose-Croix of Heredom” would signify the “Rosy Cross of the Holy House of Masonry.”

The study of such definitions is interesting on the etymological level. Still, even more can be learnt from some of the elements that are present in the practice itself. I previously stated that the 32nd Degree was the highest degree of the Rite of Heredom. This means there is a strong connection between these elements and the belief that this 32nd Degree is the holy house, which summarizes the entire Masonic system. A thorough analysis of this degree shows clearly that this is actually the case. Its central symbol, which is called “the camp,” presents the complete Masonic structure and leads the new initiate through the different degrees he has already received. You will recall the previous mention in this text of the ancient practice called “the art of memory.” This practice gave birth to an important part of the rituals and the initiatic progression in Freemasonry. Every room (degree) contains different symbols that are connected to its meaning, goal, and purpose. The visualization and memorization allows the candidate to deeply integrate these unique archetypes in his psyche, so that he may be able to achieve another level of transformation. In the original art of memory, the orator mentally visits each room of the house during his oration. Every Masonic degree is likened to a single room in this house. At this juncture, the initiate has been raised to this high degree, into the holy house of Freemasonry, the 32nd Degree. His hidden abilities have been developed and he is able to visit the complete building, in its entirety, as a whole. This kind of mental control is not easy, but if the esoteric practices of each degree have been well learned, he is now able to maintain his awareness during this special journey. The control of this inner meditation will allow him to balance every aspect of his character and every element proper to each degree. This is not an inspection. This is a reminder, a balancing of forgotten parts, a real fulfillment of potential. It is clear that such a highly esoteric level must be practiced several times, as a complete Masonic meditation, before one could expect to achieve an actual victory in this matter.

Now you understand that Freemasonry can be understood and used as a deeply powerful initiatic system, which is not limited to its surface appearances. Just as you will find various dark-sounding portents in various sacred texts, including the Bible, there are similar “dark sayings” in Freemasonry. I do not wish to develop all the details of the occult level of this degree in this text, but I will provide you with some of the important exercises and teachings that will enable you to partially open this mystical gate.

The symbolic representation of this degree shows us various different geometrical elements, which are connected to both the Masonic building and the structure of the cosmos. Such representations (pictures, images) come directly from an esoteric tradition of the Hermetic representation called the mandala in the Eastern traditions. In the Western tradition there is a clear statement of the origin of this hidden teaching. The frontispiece of a book by Athanasius Kircher (1665) called Arithmologia reveals a precious key to us. Kircher gives us indications that convey the elements in images that are clearly geometric, arithmetic, and spiritual. The representation of the cosmos in the Arithmologia is consistent with the same design in the Hermetic Tradition. From the center of the central sphere (which is a symbol of Earth) and extending outward, there are the seven planets, the ogdoad composed of stars in the night sky, followed by the divine level, the ennead. In this design, it is interesting to see an ennead design that is so similar in design to the one composed by Albert Pike, when he wrote of a union of three triangles, which are precisely numbered. At the center of this union of three triangles, there is another triangle (just as we find in the symbol of the 32nd Degree) and a central eye. At each center of the triangle, there are two Hebrew letters that are often used to write the sacred name of the Great Architect: Yod, He. In the symbols used in the 32nd Degree, the equivalent symbol shows us a crow, a phoenix, and a dove.

Figure 49: Frontispiece of a book from the Qabalist Athanasius Kircher

Another interesting key is shown in the magical square in the upper-right side of the drawing. This kamea is composed of the nine numbers, from 1 to 9. These numbers correspond to the ennead of “the camp” and the divinity expressed by the ennead. Thus, you have the seven planets, the ogdoad (represented by the number 8), and then the Great Architect (the number 9), which is the divine manifestation of the One, and is above all, even the ogdoad. This kamea reveals a Qabalistic key to us, because the number of vertical and horizontal lines adds up to 15. This number in Hebrew is written with two letters: Yod, Heh (which, as I mentioned above, is a reference to the Grand Architect). Of course, the letters Yod and Heh are a confirmation of the ineffable presence at the center of the inner triangle. However, the supreme central point must not be overlooked: the eye. There is an interesting connection here between the eye at the supreme central point and the eye at the center of the pyramid (triangle), which is connected with the representation of the unfinished pyramid (also on the dollar bill). The spiritual meaning is the same in both cases and we are reminded of this fact by the numbers at the bottom, which define the divine Tetraktys (1–2–3–4) and show that the Tetraktys is always geometrically represented on the shape of a triangle, (which brings forward its relationship to the pyramid.

Now I will pick up the thread I started at the beginning, with the idea that this degree is connected to the Rite of Heredom. The jewel of the 32nd Degree is a Teutonic cross of gold with arms frosted. At the center of this jewel are the letters “XXXII,” surrounded by a green wreath. Different variations of this cross are found in several previous degrees. However, it is important to emphasize that this cross was called the Hermetic cross in the Rite of Heredom. In that instance, the purpose is explained and connected to a precise symbolism. As the texts of this rite explain, the “Hermetic cross is very precious because, in the clearest way possible, it explains the elements we must know in order to perform the Great Work.” The teachings of this rite explain that the Hermetic cross (see the image above) may be associated with Saint Andrew’s cross. There are some very interesting elements in this image. Note the central eye, as well as the mention of the three mysterious animals present at the center of the degree: the crow, the dove, and the phoenix.� These three birds represent the most important spiritual and initiatic Western traditions that formed the heritage received by Freemasonry: the Egyptian Tradition, the Mithraic Tradition, and the Biblical Tradition. The Egyptian Tradition is represented by the phoenix, which is mentioned many times in the Hermetic Egyptian teachings. The crow is the symbol of the first step in the Mithraic Tradition, which is always connected with the caduceus. The last one is the dove, which is present in Genesis and in Christianity as the manifestation of the divine fire.

Figure 50: Representation of the Hermetic Cross from old documents in the Rite of Heredom

I hope it is increasingly obvious to the reader that the 32nd Degree is a wonderful example of what Freemasonry is able to offer the aspirant at the highest level: a beautiful fusion of the kaleidoscopic aspects of this ancient tradition, combined with the necessary keys to continue one’s progress along the spiritual path.

the individual practice

Prepare your room for this ritual just as you did for the Masonic meditation (Chapter Six), then prepare your altar in the following manner. Cover the altar with a purple cloth. At the center place of the altar, set or draw three intertwined equilateral triangles of gold forming a nine-pointed star, with a triangle at the center. Optional items to use are a bell and nine tealight candles (you will place one candle on top of each of the points of the star).

Put the symbol of the degree (the camp) to the east of your altar, or on the eastern wall. If you have the apron of this degree, you may wear it. If you have the cross of this degree (or even a printed representation), also place it on your altar.

When all is ready, sit down on your chair, and then relax for a while. Remain in this position for a few moments, breathing quietly, with your eyes closed or slightly closed. Be attentive to your breathing; listen to your breath flow in and out. Watch your chest rise and fall. Remain quiet, breathing gently in and out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Continue relaxing until you feel ready to begin.

Maintain your state of relaxation throughout the ritual. Make sure you are comfortably seated, and that your back is as straight as possible. Place your hands flat on your thighs, breathing rhythmically for a while.

After a moment of silent relaxation, stand up, and exclaim: “May the spiritual journey of the 32nd Degree, under the auspices of the Great Architect of the Universe, begin!” (You may proceed to the Masonic journey in your reading of the text, or you may make a recording of that part and listen to it at the appropriate moment, or you may proceed with your memorization of the whole process.)

Visualize yourself immersed in blue light. Breathe and feel this light inside of you, permeating every cell of your being and completely surrounding you. You are in the first room of the holy house of Freemasonry, of Heredom, which is the foundation of the whole pyramid. Visualize the altar at the center of the lodge. The book of the sacred law is closed and set upon it. On the book you can see the compass and the square.

Imagine you are standing right in front of this altar. Open the book and then intertwine the square and the compass as you did in the 1st Degree. Continue to feel the blue light within you and all around you.

Place your right hand on the three lights (the square, the compass, and the book) and say: “May the first step in Freemasonry be accomplished!”

Feel your right hand in contact with this powerful Masonic symbol. Remove your hand.

Visualize yourself intertwining the square and the compass as before in the 2nd Degree. Again, put your right hand on them and proceed in the same way with the second declamation: “May the second step in Freemasonry be accomplished!”

Visualize yourself modifying the position of the tools again, so that they are in the position of the 3rd Degree. Proceed in the same way for the third declamation: “May the third step in Freemasonry be accomplished!”

Stand up, then perform the symbolic signs of this degree. (Alternatively, instead of these signs, you may remain seated and knock.) If you are standing, sit down again.

Visualize the blue light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a green light. Just as you did in the first room, breathe rhythmically, relax, and hold this precise color in your mind for a while.

You are in the second room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Secret Masters, and the Perfected Masters, who are there in order to protect the secrets of the 4th and 5th degrees.

While you focus on the green light, place your right hand on your solar plexus and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the sacred word, may the mysteries of the second room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the green light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a mixture of red and green lights. You are in the third room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Intimate Secretaries, and the Provost and Judges in order to protect the secrets of the 6th and 7th degrees.

While you focus on the mixture of red and green lights, place your right hand on your solar plexus, and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the sacred word, may the mysteries of the third room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the red and green lights becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a mixture of red and black lights. You are in the fourth room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Intendants of the Building, in order to protect the secrets of the 8th Degree.

Be focused on the mixture of red and black lights, put your right hand on your solar plexus, and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the sacred word, may the mysteries of the fourth room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the mixed red and black lights becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a dark light. You are in the fifth room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Elus of the Nine, the Elus of the Fifteen, and the Elus of the Twelve, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 9th, 10th, and 11th degrees.

While you focus on the dark light, place your right hand on your solar plexus, and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the sacred word, may the mysteries of the fifth room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the dark light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a mixture of red and black lights. You are in the sixth room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Master Architects, and the Royal Arch of Solomon, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 12th and 13th degrees.

While you focus on the mixture of red and black lights, place your right hand on your solar plexus, and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the sacred word, may the mysteries of the sixth room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the red and black lights becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a red light. You are in the seventh room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Perfect Elus in order to protect the secrets of the 14th Degree.

While you focus on the red light, place your right hand on your solar plexus, and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the Sacred Word, may the mysteries of the seventh room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the red light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a pale green light. You are in the eighth room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Knights of the East, and the Princes of Jerusalem, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 15th and 16th degrees.

While focusing on the pale green light, place your right hand on your solar plexus, and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the sacred word, may the mysteries of the eighth room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the pale green light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a pale white light. You are in the ninth room of Heredom. Here are gathered the Knights of the East and West, and the Knights of the Rose Croix, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 17th and 18th degrees.

While you focus on the pale white light, place your right hand on your solar plexus, and exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the power of the sacred word, may the mysteries of the ninth room of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Breathe and relax for a while, keeping in mind the first step of this spiritual journey. All these powers have been sealed in the secret of your heart and they will grow in good balance.

Now you may open your eyes (or keep them slightly closed) and stand up. (If present, light the nine tealight candles surrounding the nonagon in the sequence indicated by the numbers.) Exclaim: “May the powers of the Great Architect of the Universe be manifested in the nine rooms of Heredom!”

Close your eyes and meditate for a while.

Exclaim: “The cosmos was created in seven days and organized by seven divine [planetary] powers. From the highest level of the divine, our soul descended through seven veils, receiving each of their influences in its descent. All these powers have been sealed in my invisible and visible bodies and are sometimes unbalanced. By the help of the immortal divinities and the supreme being, may this inner and essential balance be restored!”

Breathe in silence for a while, and then declaim (in a low voice) the seven sacred Greek vowels [O-U-O-I-H-E-A]. Each time you pronounce a vowel, touch each point of the heptagon, with your right forefinger, moving in a clockwise direction. During this invocation, imagine feeling that you are moving closer to the center of your being.

Be seated. Breathe rhythmically in silence. Relax. Do not focus on any ideas during this period.

Visualize the red light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a pale green light. Exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the name of Amariah, guardian of the first upper region of Heredom, may the mystical gates be opened!”

Visualize the Ark of the Covenant directly in front of you, set on a stone altar. The ark is surrounded by two lit torches and two palms. Here are gathered the Grand Pontifs, and the Masters of the Symbolic Lodge, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 19th and 20th degrees. Exclaim: “By the power of the sacred word Yod, may the mysteries of the first upper region of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the pale green light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a golden light. Exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the name of Garimont, guardian of the second upper region of Heredom, may the mystical gates be opened!”

Visualize a black ox directly in front of you. Here are gathered the Noachites, and the Knights of the Royal Axe, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 21st and 22nd degrees. Exclaim: “By the power of the sacred word Heh, may the mysteries of the second upper region of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the golden light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a green light. Exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the name of Mahuzem, guardian of the third upper region of Heredom, may the mystical gates be opened!”

Directly in front of you, visualize a silver double-headed eagle with a gold crown, a sword in its right talon and a bleeding heart in its left. Here are gathered the Chiefs of the Tabernacle, the Princes of the Tabernacle, and the Knights of the Brazen Serpent, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 23rd, 24th, and 25th degrees. Exclaim: “By the power of the sacred word Shin, may the mysteries of the third upper region of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the golden light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a white light. Exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the name of Ooliab, guardian of the fourth upper region of Heredom, may the mystical gates be opened!”

Directly in front of you, visualize a flaming heart with two wings and a crown of laurel. Here are gathered the Princes of Mercy, the Knights of the Sun, and the Knights Commander of the Temple, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 26th, 27th, and 28th degrees. Exclaim: “By the power of the sacred word Vav, may the mysteries of the fourth upper region of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Visualize the white light becoming brighter and brighter. This color is progressively replaced by a blue light. Exclaim mentally (or in a low voice): “By the name of Bezaleel, guardian of the fifth upper region of Heredom, may the mystical gates be opened!”

Directly in front of you, visualize a gold lion with a gold key in its mouth and a gold collar on which “SQS” is written. Here are gathered the Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew, and the Knights Kadosh, who are here in order to protect the secrets of the 29th and 30th degrees. Exclaim: “By the power of the sacred word Heh, may the mysteries of the fifth upper region of Heredom be unveiled!” (Hold a short pause in silence before continuing.) “So mote it be!”

Knock once.

Breathe and relax for a while, while holding the first step of this spiritual journey in your mind.

Stand up and open your eyes (or keep them slightly closed).

Visualize a sphere of subtle energy all around you. Feel this special and radiant energy.

Directly in front of you, using your right forefinger, draw a triangle beginning at the uppermost point and continuing in a clockwise direction. As you draw this figure, you may pronounce the sacred word IAO. Exclaim: “Here are gathered the visible and invisible guardians of the Masonic tradition. May the higher superstructure of Heredom be opened!”

Within the triangle points, you will now visualize the three mysterious birds: the dove, the phoenix, and the crow. Breathe and relax for a while. Pick up the cross on your altar, hold it in the palm of your hands facing the heavens, and exclaim: “By the power of the four directions, may this cross manifest my dedication to the Great Work! May the divine powers bless me as I swear to participate in the enlightenment of humanity! So mote it be!”

Either in your visualization or in actual reality, place the cross upon your solar plexus and sit down.

Meditate for a moment.

When you feel ready, extinguish the candles and remove your apron if you have one. Record your feelings, remarks, experiences, and thoughts about this practice in your notebook (which must be reserved for this purpose).

[contents]

[1]. The individual practice of the Royal Arch of Solomon was published in French in the book ABC d’ésotérisme maçonnique by Jean-Louis De Biasi, (Paris: Grancher Publications, 2008). This excerpt is used here with the permission of Grancher Publications.

[2]. In the texts found in Nagh Hammadi, for example, there is a remarkable text called “The Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth,” which is very helpful to your understanding of the dark sayings of this degree.

[3]. The Encyclopedia was supervised by Albert G. Mackey.