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THE ADDIrI'1c)NAL RITUALS OF THE ROSY CROSS.

THE THIRD ORDER OF THE ROSY CROSS.


WORLD OF CREATION.

PART

V.

THE PONTIFICAL CEREMONY OF CELEBRATING THE FESTIVALS OF THE WINTER AND


SUMMER SOLSTICE.
PARS PRIhIA: Q U E EST PARS NAGNA SECRETA.

MYSTERIUhI DAATH.
Tho arrangenrmrt of the House fcNows the unwritten #reccdents. Thc Door of the Sanctuary is oper, to its fuCl cxtcrt. The High Priest of the Sanctuary is discovered within, at the Eastern a d , i n full vestwds utrd regalia. 0 ; the circulur Altar thcrr is 8 Placed a Chalice containing Sacramet~tal 1Vit~ca d covncd by a Paten, 011 which is Unleavcnd Bread.

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A w h i k cloth i s laid over these Vesscls, The Fratrcs ct Sorores of the 7 - 4 Degrcc are assctnblcd and clothed. Fratcr Ciuis Rcgni Supnni, Spokcsntan of r h Adtpti Errrlpli, has hb scat in jrot~tof th8 Brrthrcn, bearing his Wand. Hc gives a Battery of onr knock-

The High Priest.--In the Name of the Three Supernals : in the Holy and Undivided Name. The Lord is the part of mine inheritance: the Lord is the Bread of Life. He giveth Bread to them that fear Him. The Lord is the part of my Chalice : He giveth the Chalice of Salvation. The Wine is ecstasy, containing in itself all sweetness. Fratcr Civis Rcgni Supcrni giver a Battery of one knock - 7 4 s d aN rise.

The High Priest.-Assist me to open, 0 Lord, this Consecrated Temple in the Grade which is above all Grades, in the Mystery which has not been declared. I open it as a Door in CHESED for the descent of Supernal Influences from the Light of the Crown, from the Face of Eternal Beauty, on which all the choirs of sanctity have desired to look from the beginning. I open i t as a Door for the Descent of Divine Influence from Thee, 0 Father of Wisdom, by Whom the worlds were made, and from Thee, 0 Mother of Understanding, Holy, Holy Bride. Glory be unto the Three Supernals in the place where no evil enters, the place of the Tree of Life. There are T h e e that bear witness in Heaven, these Three are One. llereof is the Bond of U ~ ~ i o n d t w e e n all who desire below and all who are blessed above, from heliceforth and for ever. Glory be unto the T h e e Supernals, glory in the place of peace, praise from the Mercy suspiring in CHESED and receiving as a

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free gift the Compassion abiding in KETHER, world without end. Glory be unto the Three Supernals in the Sepulchre of hlysticrl Death ; and from those who are asleep in GEBURAH, looking for resurrection in GOD, be there praise till the Day of Renewal. Glory be unto the Three Supernals, glory t o the Eternal Beauty, ever ancient and ever new ; glory from the place of the living, the Ilouse of the Second Birth and the Temple of TIPHERETH, the Beauty of the Life which is in or Christ. DAATH is an Open D o and DAATH the channel of reflection. Amen. I t derives to the SEPHIROTH below, even unto Thee, 0 MALKUTH. Lift up thine eyes therefore, Thou Mother in manifestation, because of the redemption that is a t hand, and the Light of the Supernals upon Thee through the ages and ages. He then adds with moving l i p s but not in an audible voice : The High Priest.-By the power in me vested, I raise this Fellowship of the Rosy Cross, from the World of Benignity in TIPHERETH, to the Threshold of Ineffable Mystery, the unseen Portal in DAATH. ( A n d thctr as he raises his hotids on high.) Lift up mine arms, lest they fail, 0 J EHOVAIi ELOHIhl-Holy Fatlicr, Holy Mother. May mine eyes in their desire be uplifted : may I see the Supreme Crown of KETHER and the Glory of the First Hypostasis.

The High Priest raises the Elentcttls i n the sight of the Holv Assonbly :bid the veil i s stiN over thetrr. Fmter Civis Regni SuPer~rigives a Batfery of o m knock

-1-

Frater Givis Regni Superni.-And Melclrisedek King of Salem brought forth Bread and Wine.

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The High Priest uncovers the Elements. Frater Civis Regni Supnni.-And he was the Priest

of the Most High GOD.


Them is a Vessd of Comecrated W a t n and there i s an Aspergillus on the Pillar ot the Northerti side of tha Sanctuary Door. Opr the Pillar at the Southern side there is a Vessel of Comec~atedFire from which the fume of Incense rises. Frater Chis Regni Supnni passes to the Northern Pillar, jrom which he takes the Lavacruttr and Aspergillus. Following the Sufr, he goes before the Adcpti Excnrpti, nlakcs the Kabalistic Sign of the Cross wiih the Aspergilltrs and sprinkles Water thrice. Fratw Civis Regni Superni.-Do Thou purify us, 0 -&ordlfrom stain, that we may look with our own eyes upon the Symbols of T h y Great Mysteries.

Reptacing the Vessd of Water, he tukcs tha Thuribulum from the Southern Pillar and olpcrs Inccnse in the sama manner.
Fratcr Civis Regni Supcrni.-With Incense from Thine Altar which is above, and with Supernal Fire, do Thou consecrate our hearts and our reins, that we may be present when T h y Hidden Things are declared in the Land of the Living. The Thuribulum btitrg restored to lhe Southern Pillar and Frater Civis Rcgni Supcrni having returned to his #&ca : -

Ths High Priest (spcaking henceforth aiuiibly) Symbols of the Life which is Eternal, be unto us a channel for the communication of Eternal Life.

.-

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T h c High Priest bemls his head over the Elevietlts, a t J there i s the pause of a tnon~cnt. Frater Civis Regwi Superni gives a Ballcry of o t u ktrock-I-and kneels dowtr, w i f h the Ade#ti Exenrfti in the body of the Tetr+lc. T h e High Priest removes lhc Palm frot~r' ths Chulics attd having laid it on the Altar he extends his hatads over the Bread. T h e High Priest,--Be thou seed of the Fruit of Life, and when placed in prepared ground, do thou give increase in due season, even twelve manners of fruit, for the glory in adornment of the garden, for the nourishment of elect nations, the grace of the World to Come and the descent of the Kingdom. He extettds his hands over the Chalice. T h c High Priest.-The bond between man and GOD is the lift of the Chalice of Salvation. Be thou the Sign of that Covenant, an open and plenary channel for the communication of Divine Essence, substance of the world within and Life of the life of man. There i s here the patcsc of a t ~ o t ~ t e ~ t . T h e High Priest.-Tile Food of Angels is in CHESED. That Food is too light for our sustenance : give us therefore, 0 Lord, the wells of nourishment wluch are concealed in Tliy linlitleks light.

11s proccccls to the Corrsccr~it:'orr the Elements i n the of tcrrm of the M A S S O F U-VIOIV, speakirlg inaudibly throughouf. Thcrcafder h6 adds slowly and clearly.
Bread is the Bread of Heaven : this Bread is Heaven in its sweetness. The Wine is the Wine of Heaven : this Wine is ecstasy.

Tha High Priest.-The

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He t u k ~ s ona o the Hosts. up f

Tho High Priast.-Thou hast drawn me through the Gate of Death; I have dwelt in the Palace of Thy Clemency ; I have traversed the Path of TETH.
He breaks t h s Host and places ons o the pariiclcs i n the f Chalice. The High Priest.-The fraction of the body of this world : the Mystery of Divine Substance communicated to the soul of man. One thing I have desired in my heart, and that is Thou.

...

He consumes what ranaains o the Host. f


Thc High Priest.-I desire to be dissolved and to he lth Thee. The Life of life is Thy union, The V)rstery of Divine Life communicated to the soul of man.
He Partakes o/ the Chalice and then, having bowed his head i n recoltcction,for a few motncnts : -

The High Priest.-The Lord shall b e . unto me an everlasting light, and my GOD shall be my glory.
He rePLaces the Paten on the Chalice, and following the Strtt passes outside the Saractuary to the AIhr i f t the ,,riddle place of the Ter~rple,sayittg in the course o/ his $rogrcss : TIM High Priest.-This is the place of the clean oblation : the place is prepared and meet : the'Temple pure and holy. This is the place of unspotted offerings, -the place of the offerings of life. Thrice holy is the Temple of Thy service, 0 Lord, my GOD, in the life which henceforth and for ever is ours, 0 Father, in Thee, and this the life of resurrection.

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He has reached the Eastern sidc o the Altar. I n the f trrcan tir)~e,Prater Civis Regrri Super~riapproaches &ha Adeptus E X C ~ I ~ ~ Uhas been chosen to scrve who S i n the Ttrtplc as Celebrant-in-Chief durirg the c n s u i q twclve tnonihs, and leads him to the Wcszern sidc o the Altar. Orher Adepti arc smtul? f The High Priest.-And after years of famine, 0 Brethren of the Rose and Cross, milk in the land and honey, corn in the land and wine. Lift up your hearts therefore, as cups at a feast are lifted. Lift u p your branches of myrtle. I am the Messenger of the Supernals, and I pronounce separation for ever between the good and evil. The Tree of Knowledge becometh the Tree of Life ; the Grace of the Knowledge of Goodrlcss filleth the heart entirely. Frattr Cjvis Regni Sarpcrni assists the Celelra~rt-inChief Elect to kneel at the Western side of the A h r and then resuws his scat. The High Priest.-Who Who is athirst 3 is hungry for the Lord ?

The Celebrant-in-Chief Elecl says, with bowed head a trd clasped hutrds : Celebra ni-irr-Chief Elect.-Behold the Servant of the Lord, and the Servant of the Servants of GOD, in the House of my COD gnd b r d , . i n His Holy Temple. The High Priest.-That l ~ u u g xis Justice : may the Three Which bear witr~essin Heaven deal with you in Etcrnal Justice and fced you.
In tho Ceremony of the Sumrner Solstice il is lhc Ctlcbmnt-in-Chid who comes forwud-but without official vatmenu and inrignia-to rrccive the &meal&

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The High Priest lifts irp o n e of thc Hosts and placrs it in the mouth of the Celebrant-in-Chief Elect, who raiscs his head lo receive it and again bows it.

The High Priest.-That thirst is Righteousness. May you gather grapes in living vineyards and tread the Wine-Press of Salvation. May the Keeper of the Eternal Vineyard bring you Wine of Life in great flagons, in cups running over.
The Celebrant-in-Chief Elect raises his head ;the Chalice i s placed to his lips and ire drittks thcrcof. Again he bows his hcad. The Priest rcplaccs the Paten on lire Chalice and covcrs ihcnr with the whitc cloth.*

Tha High Priest.-Frater Elec tus ex Millibus (vcl norncn aliud), Merciful and Exempt Adept, like other graduates in the House of the Holy Spirit and its School of Sanctity, you have gone forth in scarch of that light which enters into the heart of those who have put aside the burden of their birth according to the will of flesh and the will of man, that they might be reborn in COD. You have followed the life of rebirth, which is also a life of crucifixion in respect of all that is below. In the sleep of mystical death, you have realised the Divine within by an union a t tile centre, as a marriage with the Life of life. In the Glorious Mysteries of Resurrection, you have entered into the life of union, which is wedded life in GOD. By these and all other memorials of your everlasting spirit, I bid you arise, my Brother (tho High Priest leans across the Altar, lakes him by tha huo hands and raises him), as one who is clothed in peace, and the Light of the Supernals be
to

In rbr Catcrncr~,, . the Sunimer Solstice the Celtbmnt-In-Chid g a r b c k hir place ;tho High Priest returns dirtct to th. Sanauuy and procecdr with the work tbaoie

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upon you for ever and ever. I commission and warrant you to represent in the Third Order of the Rosy Cross the Ineffable Mercy of GOD toward those who are called to partake in this 'la~npleand Sanctaury of the hIysteries which lead into salvation. Bring those who have been prepared and consecrated in the Lower Grades of the Fellowship by a straight and narrow path t o the Portal of TIPHERETH. So shall you reach down into NETZACH and draw all things after you from YESOD. Bring them into the Sanctuary of Adepts, that they may hear the Divine Voice speaking of the Divine in the universe and the self-knowing spirit testifying concerning itself and the hf ystery of Attainment in Christ. Give unto them their sleep in GEBURAH and after the ecstasy of union do thou raise them in the glory of CHESED. Salutation and peace and joy, all grace and holiness of l~eart,be with you now and henceforward during the twelve-months' work of your Office. So let your light be extended in the heaven of this Holy Temple that you may be worthy t o depart in peace a t the end of your stewardship. The Cdcbrant-in-Chief Elect says, with crossed arms :-Cdebrant-in-Chief Elect.-I go forth in the power of thy Warrant, carrying the tidings of salvation and the Living Symbols of the Word.. .
The High Priest relrrrm direct to the Sawtuary attd there facilig West at the E ~ s t t r nside of the anterior Altar, hc says with outstretched o r v ~ s and open hands : -

Ths High P fiest.-The Light of the Supernal~be upon you, the grace of the Supernals enter and abide

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in your hearts, with the blessing of all blessings, leading through the knowledge of Goodness to Divine Understanding, the Sum of Wisdom and the Glorious Crown of Life.

T k a is hers the +use of a moment, The High Priest.--By the power in me vested, I close this Holy Temple in the Grade which is above all Grades, in the Mystery which has not been declared.
And then with moving lips only :-The High P r i e d - I n the Name of the Three Supernals, in the Holy and Undivided Name, I who am the Priest of DAATI-I, at the Sacred Portal thereof, do restore this Third Order of the Rosy Cross-CHESED, GEBURAH and TIPHERETH-from the Threshold of Ineffable Mystery to its proper place in the First Reflected Triad.
Ths Cclcbrant Ekct refurtts to his scat. The High Priest Passes with the Sun through the Door of the Sanctuary, which he doses behind him. He takes his #roper place in the body of the Temple.

Hns ends fhs Mystery of DAATH.

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PARS SECUNDA.

MYSTERIUhI CHESED.
The Tctnpk i s opened in full according to tlic Ritual of th8 Grad8 of AdtPttds Exen1Pt1is by the Celebmtttitr-Chief and thr hZosC Holy Priestess. Th6 Fratrcs tt Sororts are seated. The Ushcr of the Grade g o o to the 6ustern side o f the ACrar and them upli/Cs his
Wand.

Frater Civis Regtri Superrli.-Summer and winter shall not cease. Fratres et Sorores, Merciful and Exempt Adepts, I proclaim the High Festival of the Winter Solstice.

Hc rcturtrs io his #ace.


Adtptars Exe))tptus.-The House of the Holy Spirit is open in the Grade of CHESED for the commemmoration of the event and the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries attached thereto.* Give me grace, 0 Lord, to end my task in peace, that-having been manifested in the mystical body of this life which I draw from
la the Ceremony of tha Summer Solstice the apecch of the Celebrant-inChief ends at this point, with the addition of the following words :-Tltu LIU or Rrrsu~vrcTIoN16 7 r l L SOLSTICS ETEYNAL oY SUMYLR. H e put* awde his Wand and procerds to t t ~ aWestern end of the Altar. facing East. 'I'l~at l ~ g h Prlert, rising in his place and nnndmg thereat. inquires : W I ~ E N Ccuuo you, I P ~ A TUILECTISSIYK? Ceremony proceeds br in the k r t above, with tho E~ The to this yucstiun. and after m i l i n g the Thrice-Great Pledem of Fidelity, lire -wet Celebrant returns to his seal, rcsutncs his M'aad, und the Cloring is Laken.tortl~witb in the Grade of Adeptus Ercmptus.

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Thee-I

may pass into the hidden refuge of Thy more fect union. I have served Thee, my King and GOD, in those Grades of salvation by which the Fellowship of the Rosy Cross is bound upon the Tree of Life. I have drawn those whom Thou hast given me from the deeps below MALKUTH. I have brought them from the sphere of YESOD, by a straight way, to the Portal of the Third Order, and thence into the life of the Cross. I have put them to rest in GEBURAH, and a t the end I have raised them gloriously when Easter dawned in their sods. Set upon my forehead the seal of Thine unchanging simplicity. Bid me go inward. Take me to the still rest of the Active centre, into the World of Ascension in DAATH.
The Priestess.-Frater Civis Regni Superni, where is -.e Faithful Witness who shall testify in the Coming time 3 The Usher of the Grade proceeds with the Sutr to the place o the Celebrant Elect, whom hc brings to tha f Western side of the Altar, looking toward the East, and returns to his own place.

Adeptus Exemptus.-Art do we look for another 7

thou he that is to come, or

The Cdebrant Elect.-O Adepti Exempti, in virtue of the warrants which I cany, receive the perfect Signs.
H c gives the Sign of a Neophyte.

Celebratit Elect.-The Sign of him who, standing the threshold of the Path, bears witness to the Mystery of the Tree.

He gives the Sign of a Zdator.

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T h e Cdebrattt Elect.-The Sign of him who, passing between the Pillars, receives the blessing of the Quest. He gives the S i g n of a Fraler Thtoreticws. T h e Cdebratrt Elect.-The Sign of him who enters the Path of Attainment, and the Mystery of the Tree of Life is rooted in his part of mind. H e giues the Sign of a Practicus.
Ths Celebrant Elect.-The Sign of Him whose heart is in the Holy Quest and the Tree of Life is rooted in the heart of him.

Ha gives the Sign of a Philosophus.


Sign of him in whom the Tree of Life overshadows the whole personality and the will of his inmost being is directed to the end in GOD.

Ths Cdebrant Elect.-The

Ha gives the Sign of a n Adeptus Minor.


T h s Cclebrant Elect.-The Sign of Messias extended on the Tree of Life, and the Sign of the Cllrist Mystical abiding in the life of the heart. H e gives the Sign of an Adeptus Major.
T h e Celebrant Elect.-The Sign of the inward state of him who has died in Christ, of the soul dissolved in the spirit by an ecstasy of love, of the Word quickened

in the s o d by the central realisation thereof.


T h e Most Holy Priestess rises from in scat between ths Pillars, pa'sses about the Altar and facts tho Celet Elect frotn the Easfcrn side.

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The Celebrant Elcct ~ i v t rthc Sign of an Adcp~us Examptus. The Ccl~brant Elect.- The Sign of resurrection in Christ, of the Word manifest in risen Life and expounding the Mystery of the Tree. The Most Holy Priestess and the Celebrant Etect exchange the Grip of the Grade of CHESED across the Altar. The Priestess.--The perfect testimony of perfect Signs is given and received, 0 Brother of the Rosy Cross.
She rdrrrtrs
kr

hcr place. come you, Frater

A deptus Exemptus.--Whence i-lectissime ?

The Czlcbratst Elect.-I have been in search of my spirit through the ages. I have reached the term of quest. I have come with the glad tidings, to bear my faithful witness in all the Holy Houses of the Rosy Cross. A dcpttts Excnt~ttrs.-What manner of glad tidings, 0 Merciful and Exempt Adept 7
The Celebrant Elect.-Tidings of the trinity which enters into unity, of a t tainn~cntin self-knowing spirit, of ineffable union in spirit, soul and flesh. I testify concerning the deep things of experience declared i l l the way of truth, seeing that the work of redemption tevolves on those who have sought and obtained redemption. On my own part, and as vicegerent and spokesman of all Adepti Exempti under the obedience of this Rite, I look to carry unto the bounds and ends of the mystical earth my glad tidings concerning the

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glorious resurrection of Adeptship t o the new life which is hidden and manifested in GOD. So far as I may fail in this high and holy task, may nly peers and coheirs concnr with n~ysclf in a t one~nen that nothing t, may be stinted or restricted of that which has been put into my charge, so only that the prescribed order is maintained duly and that which belongs to the Sanctuary is reserved thereto. Hcreof is the faithful witness of every Exempt Adept in the Grade of CHESED. The High Priest rises arid passes to thc Easlern side of the Cubical A l h r i n the tniddh #lace of the Tcnrplc. The High Priest.-Frater Electus ex millibus (vcl norrrcn aliud), before the A:tar in this House of the Lord there must be a pledge between us and you, and GOD shall watch upon the covenant for ever. May that which we do. in your person, collectively and individually, be ratified in DAATlI, wherein is the life of Ascension ; and the power of the Supernals attest it for ever and ever. I say unto you, lift up your llands, and the testimony which 1 utter on my own part in the fulness of the manifested Word, you shall now recite not only in the secret soul and the innlost heart but with the lips of hinl whose mouth is opened in the Grade of Exempt Adept. a The Ushn of the ~tadc'gives Bectcry of o m kttock--and al'l risa. The High Pri'esl ir~rposcsthe Thrice 'rea: PC,cd.;c of F i d t h t y , utid it is rcpeutcd by the Celebraut Llect. The High Priest rctrrrrts io iris place, atid the Brcthrctc ure seutcd. lVhile sfill standittg a! the Altar :

Adcptus Exorlpttts.-May

lie that comes after me so

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work and so achieve that he shall be preferred before me and thdt tile latchet of his shoes I shall be called unworthy to loose,

The Cdcbrant Elect.- 0 Lord and Master of all, vouchsafe to look with pity on these Adepti Exempti, exalted and merciful, who are placed in my charge for the sacred and glorious Offices of this Hidden Temple devoted to Thy service, May that which is here and now to them ascribed in symbolism be effectually and redly imparted ; and may those whom I bring during the tenn of my Office into the Mysteries of the Grade of CHESED be integration in the Life of the Tree, by the dispensation of Thy Divine Mercy.

The Celebrant Elect returns to his scat.

Tho Closing is taken in the Grads of Adefitus ~xcm)fur. Hcra ends the Mystery of CHESED.

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PARS TERTIA,
bIYSTERIUM GEBURAH,

Ths Adepti nlajorcs arc adnritted. The Temple i s opetred i n full accorditrg lo the Ritual of the Grade of Adept us Major by the Celebrotrts of thai Grade. The Fratres el Sorores are seated. The Usher of the Grade goes to the Eastern side of Ihc Attur atrd there upl$s his w aNd.
Fratcr Peregri~rus Vallis,-Sumnler and Winter sllall not cease. Fratrcs et Sorores, Adepti hlajores, 1 proclaim the High Festival of the Winter Solstice. H e rcturns to his place. Adeplus Exe~rrpius.-The House of the Holy Spirit is open in the Grade of GEl3URAH for the commemoration of the event and the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries attachcd thereto.* I have watched for more
10 the Grcmony of the Summu Solstice therpeech of the Celcbrant-inChief ends at this point. The Second Celebrant puta u i d c his Wand and proceeds to tho Western end of the Altar, facing L r t . The High Pnert. rising In his placa and standing therut, inquirer: W I I C N ~ covr YOU. FRAT&. K o~~ucr~ss~ur? Ibe Ceremony proceeds u 'a the text above, omitting the addnri of the Adcptur Eacmptw beginning : MrrcltuL E x e u ~ r o c l r , mr A rrnr A N D MY SUCCESM~-and Grip being txch~ngedbetween the Second the md First Celebrant, who gotr to the Eastern ride of tho Altar fur this purpose, .nd hen mturna to his place. Thereafter the Iligh Priest i m p u t l ~ e ) b l ~ y ~ t ~ o n C of the Grada on the Second C c l e h n t . At the end they return to their placer, the Adeptus Major rcsumu hir Wand, rod tbo Closing L rrrkea forthwith in ylcnuy
form.

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than one hour in the vigil of holy souls. Tlie day has been given me for labour; the night remains for contemplation ; and both are offices of love. Give unto me henceforth, 0 Lord, more perfect knowledge of Thy love in the ineffable wonder of Thy silence. I have brought those wlwm Thou hast given me from the world of regenerated life to a Portal which opens on the centre, to the valley of mystical darkness and the union of souls therein. 0 Lord, my task is done. Remember Thy Sabbath and tlie promise of that narrow path wlhdl leads to the Crown. I desire t o put off mortality and to be clothed in Thee. Rdtpfus Major.-Fra ter Peregrinus Vallis, where is the Faithful Witness on whom the task devolves ?

The Usher of the Grade proceeds with the Sun to the $&we of the Cefcbratzt Elect, whour he britlgs to the 1Vesfcrn side of the Alfur, looki~rgtoward the East, and relttrr~s lo his pfucc.
rldepttrs Exe~~rptrrs.--Art thou he that is to come, or do we look for another ? The Cclcbraaf Elect.-0 Adcpti hlajores, in virtue of the warrants wliich I carry, receive tlie sacred testimony. I have cast out the images of matter, the illusory tcstilnony of the senses, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. I have put away the dcsircs of the body. I have cast out the symbols of the mind : I have set aside tlie desires tlweof. Tlie cnd Iias dawncd in the silence. The emotions of the soul are transinutcd ; the desire of human will is absorbed in the purpose of GOD. The spirit and the soul are one : the life of the soul is hidden with Christ in GOD.

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Adrphls hfajor.--llereof

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is tile hlpstery that we cclebrate. Be it given uuto lrim who thus puts off mortality to assume the Hody of Cllrist.
Excrrrf>trrs.-lj'llence dilcctisime ?
Adeptus

come

you,

Fratcr

Thd Cckbrclnt Elect.--From the House of Love a~rclof


the SOU! going to its bridal ; fl-om a Tcmplc of Holy Espousals ; fro111 a place of pcacc, a d tlrurc is the Voice of the Silence ; from a world within, stilled in the lt'atcrs o Contemplation-and f t h t w arc. \Vaters of Lovc. I have h o w l ; the mystic m i u n of thc Lover and Ueloved. I come forth with the glad ticiitlgs, and I will bear my faithful witness in the lloly Temples,

rl1ajor.-lVliat ilianncr of glad tidings, 0 Traveller in the Valley of Death ?


Ad+us

Ths Cdcbrht Elt.it.-Tidings of ineffable expericnce wllch lit's witllin the hlystery of Dcatll, of tlre ligllt withi11 wllich exceeds all liglr t ~vitlwut,and tllc coming of the Pace~ilakcr. 1 Iiavc lrcard the call of the u h t l , the still s~llallvoice speaking in the l w r t of 101igi1lg, and the Ce~ltt-c: 113s dr;~\v~i Lack. I testify t11;~t l w tile t Eternal COD is inu~la~lcnt crcatiw, 3s a GTCAIArchiin tect hidden within n Sanctuary of Ifis own building. I testify to the Ilivine imnmwnt in the soul of nran and that the 1)ivinc awakens witlkin it. 0 \\'andcrers in the Valley of S.lcncc, Kcelwrs of tlm Ilalls of GEUURAII, \\'atclrc~.s i n tlrc Itock-lIcwn S q ~ ~ l c l ~ r c , I h v c known tlic sanctity of dcatll buyorid t l ~ c Setting Sun. As vic'cgcrc'ut and slidicmrim, I testify on pour p r t and on t ! ~ ; ~ of Adc1)ti hliijorcs, w l ~ r c i o c v c rast wmblcd undvr tlrc obctlic~iccof t l ~ i sItilc, tt~it-(;OD wil\ing--we dcsirc to bc dissolvad and lwrcclurtll to

20 THE SOLEM?: FESTIVAL OF THE SOLSTICE

I on my own part be uplifted into abide in Him. the Divine Purpose, tliat all whom I conurnend in t l ~ i s Grade into tlle hands of GOD may be united with the Living Power of t l ~ e N'ord and the Light tl~ercuf. M'l~ensocver IIe shall call, I will enter the Great hlystcry imploring peace upon t l ~ e world. IIereof is the faithfuf wit~less of every Adcptus Major in the Grade ol GEUURAH.
Adeptus Exetnpttrs.-Plierciful A Adept, m y pecr and my successor, go forth in the power of your Warrant and complete this IIigh Cerelnony of the Winter Solstice, that when the Holy Order of the l h y Cross is withdrawn for one moment of time from tlie World of Regencrated Life in the Grade of TIY~iliIUiTH, it may be formulated once more in beauty. The Celebrartts rise atld exchar~gc with the Celclrutrt Elect the Grip of the Grade.

The Cdebrat~tsr d w n to their pluces. The Ushcr L,/ the Grudr: leads ilte C ~ l e l r a ~ Elect to the Ddor of 111s rt //a Sdricttrary a r ~ dctr rises lrirrr to turn If'esiuurd. t h w goes l a c k to his plr~cc. The High Priest covrcs forward and fuccs llre Celebrant Elect. The Iligh Prlt.st.-1;ratcr Electus cx nlillibus ( r d norwtr aliitd), before the Sanctuary in t l ~ i sliouse of tlre Lord tliere must be a pledge between us a d you, i ~ r ~ c f G01) sliall watch upun tlre Covenant for evcr. h1,1y that wlkich we do in your person, collectively a ~ 111d dividually, be ratified in ClIESED, wherein is tlw l ~ t e

of Resurrcctioll ; and t l ~ eI)U\\IT of t l ~ c Supcrna11; attebt it for ever a n d cvcr. So 5ta11d t l ~ c s ~ f ~ r c I~~ ~ u t l i c r , niy with arnls cxtct~dcdin tlrc Sacred C~.uc.iformSign, ; I I ~ say in your I w r t of lwarts that which you utter with

your lips.

22 THESOLEMN FESTIVAL OF TIIE SOLSTICE

PARS QUARTA.

MYSTERI U M TIPHERETH.
The arrange??rent of the Tenrptc ~ O ~ ~ O theS utrwrilten W fmmdents. T h e Auxiliary Frater Adeptus assuwes his vcst?ncttts and insistria. The Hortoura blc Frater Custos Litnitlis has chnrge of a Thuriblc, frot~r which incense rises. Thc Celebrants repair to their placcts. T h e lights of the T e ~ u p t eare extingrrishd, wifh th6 exception of three carldles burning orr tlre Altar atrd sy~nbolisitrgthe Ofices o/ the Cdebrants. The Adelti b f i m r e s arc adnriited and take their scats. As U s t w of the Grade, the Hottoutablc Frater Ctrstos Lirjlitiis goes to the Eastern side o tha Circular Altar and f thcrc irpli/ls his I V a t d . Fratcr Custos Litnitris.-Sun~mer and Winter shall not cease. Fratres et Sorores, Adepti hlinores, I proclaim the High Festival of the Winter Solstice. Adeptus Exonptus.--The House of the Holy Spirit is open in the Grade of TIPHERETH for the commemoration of the event and the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries attached thereto. It is opened in darkness for the Office of a Sacred Watch, awaiting the Light of 3e Word and the Glory of the Lord manifested in this Temple devoted to 111. service by the Fellowship

of the Rosy Cross.

The Usher o j the Grade returns to his proper place.

TI~E SOLEMN IXSTIVAL


Adeptus Major.--Quench the wit hrlrawing thereof.
Auxiliary Frater

OF THE

SOLSTICE 23

not the light of ,Israel in

Adeptus.-He

bringeth out

t ~ ,light

from the darkuess, even the shadow of death.

A deplus A hjoy.-When tlre Chief Sllepl~erd shall appear, may we receive a Ct 3tr.n of Glory that fadeth not away.
shall be as the light of the morning, even a morning wirhut clouds.
Auxiliary Frater Adeptus.-He

Alcptus Major.-This shall be day of our deliverance, Thy day, 0 Lord and hiaster, tlre day of saving grace, wherein all things shall be renewed.

an end, 0 Lord, to the darkness, and let not Thine Order be suspended.
Auxiliary Frater Adeptrts.-Set

is the darkness of material things ; above is the light of the Spirit ; between them are the gifts and the graces which are nlanifested by the Spirit in the heights to the soul awakening in man. kelow is the reflected light of the Lesser hlysterics, comprised by the Lower Grades of the Rosy Cross ; ahnvc are the Greater hlystelws ; between them lies the ltegenerated Life of TIPHERETII, beneath the Everlasting N'ings of the Holy One, looking toward Divine Experience in the Mystic Death of the Adcpt, and thereaf '.er ! the Life of l<esurrection, wlwn tile o Spirit of Christ within shall ru!e our consecrated elunwn ts.
Adeptus .Exevaplus.-Wow

have watcl~cd it1 all Grades of the Order, expecting Thy coming, bccausc of Thy most sure promises. \Ve gave our bodies to 'fhy service in the cunsecrat ions of tihe SEPllllZA hlA L 1 UTkI, ; and Thy rellected light slwne tlu-ou(;h the kingdom

Auxiliary Frutcr Adep1rrs.-We

24
L

Tiie SOLEMN FESTIVAL OF TUE SOLSTICE


,w.

The SH EKINAI1 testified concerning Thee, and the vestiges of Grace from the Crown fed us a t IIoly Tables. Thy House is a House of Prayer, but the spirit of this world had made it a den of thieves. In the hope of Thy coming we cast out from the Temple of Mind those traffickers in wares which have no part on Thine Altars, Our Temple was filled with constant thought of Thee. The shadow of Thy Presence abode therein ; and a sacred fear which is the beginning of wisdom inspired us in the SEPHIRA YESOD, as in a Holy of Holies. But i t was surely Thine own voice over the troubled sea of emotion, passion and desire h? the heart. 1. 'lich uttered that : Peace, be still ; and a q u ~ e t like the perfect end fdl upon the flux of the soul. A glory like iy glory was declared in the SEPHIRA HOD. We m~lievecl that the time was nigh, even a t the doors ; and we made ready for Thine advent in NETZACII, where the will within us turned to Thy Holy Ends. Thereafter a way was opened to the second birth of being and the life of regeneration in TIPHERETII, where all Thy speaking symbols testify by true signs concerning Thy Presence. hlay the high light shine in our souls and the spirit prophesy within. May we know Thee, 0 Christ, within and be nourished by Thy Divine. Substance, wherein is life everlasting.
Adeptus Exerraptus.-Way the day of expectation be also the day of union, and in this House of the Holy Spirit give unto us reintegration in Thee.

The Auxiliary Frater Adeptus rises and draws near to the Alfar on the Eastern side. He l@s up the
light aftributed to his Ofice it, the Altar syr~ibolisrn and, vaisirrg it to his fureluad, circunuanabulates the Tttnplc slctuly, fluusing at the lour quarters.

Trr~SOLEMN FESTIVAL

OF THE

SOLSTICE 25

Auxiliary Frater Adeptus (at the Sortfh).-I know that my Redeemer liveth and that He shall statld at the latter day upon the earth. (At the 1Vcst.) Ile will redeem us with stretched out arm and with great jiidgrnellts. (At the Nurth.) We have remembered that COD is our Rock, and the High GOD is our Redermer. ( U s refurtrs to the East, which he fitces.) In the soul's famine, He shall redeem the soul from death ; He s t d l redeem it from the grave ; He shall draw nigh unto the soul and save it ; He shall save the souls of His servants. (]la turns IVestward.) 0 Lord, Thou hast pleaded the cause of our souls ; Thou hast ransomed our life. All flesh shall know the Saviour. Blessed bc the Lord Who bath not left us this day without a Redeemer.

lfc r c t u r ~ s the Alfar atrd iherc extirrgrtishcs I r r a to sayirrg : -

rbb;/'t,

~ u x a l i h yFrater Adcpfus.--I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ.

H e rePIaces his ertiqyrishd light on ihe A k r a d gors direct to his seat, where he h y s dowtr his ofliciul vzstt s a i s i g i a H e slatuis tjow at his scat, f u c i q West. Auxiliary Fratcr Adept 14s.-As a vesture shalt Thou change us and we shall bc changed. I have assumed vestments for Thy glory ; 1 put them off for Thy praise. Give me in Tliine own good time the whole armour of salvation. l i e tlrovcs rourrd the Altar with the S u n arrd tctkcs his placs in the body of the Trrrple, atuotig umfficiul A dcpti hlirrores.
Adeptus hfujor.-Thou hast made us in the likeness of the universe, as a Garden that is entered a t birth,

26

T m SOLEMN 'FESTIVAL'OF r n SOLSTICE ~

and we have found in T l ~ y high consecrations a secret )r which opens from eartllly into spiritual life, as a Paradise of the Soul within. We have dwelt in.Thy light in that Garden and the Second Birth in Thee has sanctified all its ways. The growth of Nature becometh the growth of Grace. The earth is the root of that kingdom which cometh from heaven above ; the air is a breath of Paradise ; the rain that waters the Garden is the life-giving rain of love, and the rays of the SUII that warms it are rays of Thy Divine Life. But in the Garden, 0 Master of all, we have found another bnd more secret door, which leads from regenerated life to a mystical death at the centre. In the Valley of the Shadows, in the Underworld of Being, give unto those who desire Thee the blessed victory of death, the vision 0 ' the dark night, the IIystery of Union therein and the .ernal Word of Life. Adeptus Exo~ptzts.-If a man shall keep this testimony alive in the Temple of his heart, he sllall not see death for ever. May neitllcr death nor life divide us from Thy love, 0 COD. The Adeptus h h j o r rises a?td draws ncor to the Altar on its E a s t t m side. H e lifts 14p the light attributed to his Ofice i n the Altar syntbolism afrd, raising it to his forclrrad, circrona~~tbulatcs Tet~$le slowly, p a u s i ~ ~ g the ut tire /our quarters.
Adefitits Major (at the Sorrlh).-I have commended rnv soul intoThy hands, 0 GOD. ( A t the West.) I t : 1 be given me to see Thee outside the flesh of my body ; I shall see Thee and no other : I shall behold Thee with mine eyes. ( A l the North.) I am least among the sons of election, but I have gone down into

THESOLEhlN FESTIVAL

OF THE

SOLSTICE 21

the Valley of Sl~adows, to be judged in Thy Love therein. ( I l e r e h m to the Lust, which Ire Jcces.) I have seen Thee in the Valley of Vision. Thy light was upon all the ways. I war;, safe under the covert of Thy wings in the Mystic Tomb. Thou hast opcncd Fountains in the midst of the Valleys. ( I l e trrfrrs 1 V ~ s t ward,) 1 have been tllrougl~the inmost distance n ~ d through the great deep. I n p a c e ; in tllat I llavc: slcpt and I have rested.
,

He rcturtis to the Altar and there ertitrguishes his lighl, sayitrg :


shalt deliver our souls and our life s l d l scc Thy light. Do Thou enlighten us with the light of the living.
Ahfitus Major.-Thou
11,

,dp.pkrces his exliqpishul light o n the Altar a d goes direct to his seut, where he lays Jowts his ogicid vcstrwds urrd irrsigtria. H e stulids now at his scat, facing IVest.

AJr,bttts hlujor.-Thy priests are clothed with salvation ; Thy saints rejoice in goodness. Blesscd is I N that watclletl~ and keepeth his gamlcnts. \Vhcn the Lord unclothes liitn, the same shall give true accouut of his stewardship. Clothe me, 0 Master, in Thy good time with the perfect body of resurrection.

Adeptus Exmptus.--Fratres et Sorores of the Fullow-

28 THESOLEMN FESTIVAL OF t i i ~ SOLSTICE

ship of the Rosy Cross, in the covenant of everlasting priesthood, I leave my spirit with you in those who ,ome after me.

Hs

The Usher of thc Grade gives a Battery of one knock-patad all rise.
turns Eusfward.

Adetzcs Exesptus.--Thou hast given us many deliverers and many precursors of salvation, and Thou bast permitted even me to testify in the symbolism of this Thy Holy Temple concerning Thine Advent. My task is done. I came in Thy Name, 0 Lord. Do Thou come in Thine own with power, or send him whom Thou willest to maintain the faithful witness. I am called to go inward. Lord. now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace. In the opening of the Path of YOD, I return whence I came. (He now fucrs West.) -he peace of GOD be with you, 0 Brethren of the Rosy Cross ; and be He realised within you Who is all days with us, even to the consun~n~ation the world. of

Thc Celebrant-in-Chic/ rcnloves his o&cial vestsu~rts and insignia, which arc reccivcd by the U s h n of fhr Grade, who conics up for this purpose, and havitrg h i d them on the scat of ths Celebrant he returns fo his place.
A d q t u s Exetnpius.-Thou hast compassed me with holy garments. I lay down those which I have worn in the Temple of Thy service. I would put off all mortal clothing and receive that which is immortal, confessing Thy Name, 0 GOD, in the unity of Supernal KnowIge. Cover me with Thy light, as with a garment.

The CJcbrant-in-Chief druws ttear to the Altar on its Eastern side. Hb li/Ls UP the light attributed to his

TIIESOLEMN FESTIVAL

OF ~ i l sSOLSTICE

29

O f i e in the Altar sy~ubolism and, trrrt~itlg East,.I, passes to the Door o f the Sartctuary, which he sets ope91 a d Pauses U ~ O ~the threshold. I

..

The Sanciuury i s in ulter durk~lcss. The Cross 01 Obligation i s i r r t l ~ ecerrtre thereof, atid the Crlelrntrt-

irr-Chief Elect i s orr his knees before it, his head bowed deekly . T h e High Priest starrds at tlrc Easterlr t d , with extat~ded artus. The High Priest.-I will raise me u p a faithful priest, w h o shall do according to that which is in mine heart and i n my mind : and be sllall walk before mine anointed for ever. T h e otrtgoirtg Celebrant mlers fhe S a ~ c t u a r yattd stands at fhe Northern side of ihe Cross, b a r i n g his light. T h e High Priest colrres rortrrd to Ihc Sortthern sids and bends avtt the Cclebrrrrtt Elect. T h e High Priest.--The Son of Man cometh not to receive ministry but to minister, wearing in liumility tile likeness of the Lord of Glory.

He raises the Celebrant-Elect, sayirrg : T h e High Priest.-It is written : He that taketh not bfs cross, and followeth after me, is not w o r t h y of me.
%!
f

H I phcw him against the' Ctciss u n j corna forward to the Door of tho Samturrry.

T h e High PriLst.-He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he that is Chief as he that doc1 serve.

80 T i i ~ SOLEMN FESTIVAL OF THX SOLSTICE

The High Priest.-That the world may be crucified unto thee, do thou cnrcify thyself unto the world.

Tho Crlcbrant-Elect extends his arms upon the Cross.


Thr Cclebrarrt-Elcct.1 am made and vowed as you are, and the burden of your dedication is upon me, that I shall not leave you in the heat of the day or in the hour of trial, but that 1 m a y give an account of my stewardship. I testify concerning myself, that you may bear witness in turn. 011behalf of you who are my Brethren, I set myself upon the Cross of Obligation, to renew my pledges and your own in the presence of the wh01e Order,

The High Priest binds the Celchant-Ekct to

th8

Cross.

The High Priest.-May that which we do in thy peron, collectively and individually, on this sacred day of our renewal, be ratified in GEUURAH, wherein is the victory of death ; be it recorded in CIIESED,wherein is the life of resurrection ; and t l ~ e Power of the Supernals at test it for ever and ever.
He admi~ristersthe Obligafio~ro/ the Grade 0 Adcptrcs 1 Mitror lo lhc C~hbraltf-ElecC, whom it i s rcpwted by a d i b l y . Thereafter, the Brethren having res fr tned their scuts and ths Celebnct~bElcclbeing still bourul upon the Cross :-

Thr Cdebrad-Elect.-May the Brethren of this Holy Order be confirmed and strengthened in me. May they die t6 themselves with me in the lower part of their nature. May they descend with me from the Glorious ,ross of TIPHEICETH aud pass to the ineffable experience of the Greater Mysteries. As 1.give expression for testimony in the whole personality of Adepti

THESOLEMN FESTIVAL OF

THE

SOLSTICE 31

Idinores under the obedience of this Sacred Rite, so may its high end be realised in tllem and so also in me. h h y I U~us-who am uplifted on tlle Cross-draw all who are mine unto me. Into Thy llands, 0 Lord, lor this , Thy work in the Order, I co~lr~ne~td will of IAIY spirit the in the uttermost conformity.
H6 bows his head.

Thc U d c r o/ the Grade cotms /orward and closes tlta Door of the Sattchary. T h e body of the Te~nplei s now i n cotrrplete dark,tess. The High Priest uttlirrds the Cdebra?~t-EJ~'ct.

Ths High Priest.-Descend, 0 hlerciful Exempt Adept, from the Glorious Cross of TI P I l E l E T H , for the dclivcrance of the Souls of the Just from earthly into spiritual Life, from places of purification to the place of the Second Birth and from the life of Iiegencration in GOD to the risen life wliich is in I-f inl.
T h r outgoitrg Celcbratrt hatads the light lo his successor.

The Outgoiq Cclebrarrt.-May peace be with thee, Brother, and do thou carry the tidings of peace. lVhilr this hus taken +lace in the Satrcluary, the Ushrr o the Grade, sta~lding his place Br h c body o ihc f at f Temple, repzals the versi~4dso/ the liftre. Frater Cuslos Litnitris.-(I) Let Thy messenger appear in his place. . (2) IIe shall sit as a priest upon his Throne. . (3) T e ccwse! cf !)is peace shall be h upon us. (1; He !11a11 bc 3s t le light of morning, when the sun nscth, even a l n o r ~ ~ i r ~ g without clouds. . ( 5 ) Come quickly therefore, we pray thee : enter into our hearts and lives, the promised Deliverer.

. ..

32 THE SOLEMN FESTIVAL OF

TIIE

SOLSTICE

W h i l e these versicles rtre reciled slowly atid clearly, the High Priest arrd the Outgoitrg Cclebrarrt hnve issued frotn the Snrrctuary by a secrel door at the fitrther crrd. T h e former takes up his $lace at the Sortth-IVest atlgle of the Sattctriary orr its outer side and the laftcr occupies a n y vacat~tseut in the body of the Temple. A l l this i s dorrc quietly, so that they nray trot bc distingtrislred itr the darktless.

A great light shines teitilin the Sarrcfuary.

have loved Thee, 0 Lord, Fratcr Custos 1-ivrinis.-I my Priest and King of my Salvation. Great things are spoken of the Kingdom, because of Thy day.
T h e Battery of the 5 - 6 GrcrJe i s soutrded within the It i s rcpcatcd by the Usher S a ttcfua ry-I of the Grade a s Spokt.snla?l o/ A d t P l i Jf itrorcs. T h e Cdcbratrt-irr-Chief comes forth frorrt the Surtctrtnry carryitrg the light of his Ojice. All lights i,r the body of the T e m p l e are tlcrtred o n at tIte sarjre nrorrient. Ail presctrt rise up. T h e Celebrant-iri-Chief dcposits his light o n the Altar. T h e H i g h Priest cot~lcs forward and places the New Celebrant at a grriddlc #oi?tt bchvccrr the Sa)tctarary and the Allar, still f a r i q East. T h c vestwettts a ~ r dirasignia of the Celebrarrt a r s brought up by the Usher of the Grade, who hands t h e m szcccessivcly to the High Priest a n d assists generally at the clothirlg.

7 1-1 1-

T h e High Priest (irtvesting with the violet habit).--\Vash thee in the heart and anoint thee in the spirit. ( I + veslirrg with the violet c f w k . ) Put the raiment of thy redeemed body upon thee. ( I n v e s f i ~ r gwith the Xoseo ) I t is written : I will clothe my priests with salvation. (Investing with the biretta.) The saints shall

54

THE SOLEMN FESTIVAL

OF THE

SOLSTICE

sacred duties of Mighty Adeptus Major during the coming revolution of the Sun, you are held-symbolically speaking-to have been warranted from the Grade of GEUL'IIAII ; but GEI3UlCAII is asleep in tlle Lord and its rest is not brol~en. 13y the power to nle committed in tllc height of t l ~ e Third Order, and as a hlerciful Exempt Adept, I give you your titles from CIIESIiD hereby and herein. Receive the vestments of your Office, ( l l e rises a d clothes the AdcPltts hfujor.) I have put rigliteousness upon you, and it shall clothe you. Receive also your lamina. When you carry it in the great Rites, remernber t l u t the Death of the Cross is truly the Gate of Life. I present you with the Wand of your Ofice. The Cross returns into the Cube, the Word made flesh is hidden in the rock-hewn sepulchre, and our life is withdrawn in GOD, The Allcpttrs hlujor passes to the Altar a ~ lights his d synibolical catrdle /rum /hat o/ the Celcbrurtt-irr-(;/rlc/, ulho i h t IcaJs him l o his proper seat, atrd reswrrcs his own. Adcptus Exewpttts.--I call upon the Ilonourable Frater L u x sempcr in Cwlis (vel ?town uliud), who has bccn clioscln by the lfeaddlip of the Third Order to receive at my hands the benefit of installation in the Oltice of Auxiliary ITra t cr Adeptus.

The Brother thtts cited i s brought rrp by the Usher of the Grude, who assists ULSO i n his clothing.
Adcpltts Exttnfitus.-Frater Lux semper in C d i s (vcl n o t r u n aliud), your warrant is delivered in T I PIIElET1 I, but it derives from the source of authority which rules and teaches in CIIESED. Ilereby and herein I pro-

'I~E SOLEMN FESTIVAL

OF T ~ I ESOLSTICE

35

daim your lawful titles. I\teceivc the vcst~nents uf


y o w O f f a . ( H e rises C I O I I ~ C S the rirt~ililrvyI*'rlitcr Ad+ur.) N a y your rairnc~rt be as light about yotl

and rn gold shining in t l ~ c S~lrl. May you spread your C vestments in the way ~ I I L ~ I I I ~ I.ord of flosts cu111c5. R m i v e also your lamina, a~rtlw l ~ c nyuu carry it i l l t l ~ e Great Rite of TIP11 ERIC'l'I I , rcnlct~il>ert11;lt t l ~ elife of the Crods is the Way of tile hIy,tcry of GOD. I present you with the Wand of your Office. I t proclaitns that the IVord is made flesh and manifested in human life.

T k High Pri~sl.--Raise up, we beseech Tlree, 0


Nastcr of all our ways, tilt: spiritual life of this 0 1 d c r : lift it into t l ~ e wliic11 is etcri~al.. . hIay tllc l ~ u ~ r life and the grace and the glory of Thy Nust I loly S1)irit remain in this Iiouse of tlle Spirit, May all p r o f ; i ~ ~ a ~ i o ~ l of t d and the hands uf the unconsecrated kcvp fLlr from our Sanctuary and its precincts. May tliosc \vlro enter herein be those wlro are b ~ r nfor tlre light, ;tnd may the high ligllt abidc witlrin tllcln-a witi~cssin tlre mu1 ,and the heart. So slrall we dwell i n Tlly pruscllcc, in the sanctity of regenerated life, i n the 1iber;ition of our l;leep in Tlrec, and in tlw peace of the \Vorld to C U I I I ~ , whidl is the \Vorld of tlrc lluly One, the \Vorld uf liesumtion in Thee and of union with Christ the Sl)ii'it.

36 THE SOLEAIN FESTIVAL OF

T ~ I ESOLSTICE

T h c Celebrant-in-Chief passes to the Eastern side of the A h r atrd u w o w r s rhc Sacred Vessels. H e lifts up the Pator and says : Adeptus Exonptus.-Give unto us Divine Substance-communicated to the Soul of man. Hc lqts
ttp

the Chalice a t d says : -

PJcfitus Exetnptus.-Give unto us Divine Life for the maintenance of the Soul in Thee, Under the Guidance of the Usher of the Grade, acting as Director of Cert.8 ~rties, the Fratres et Sorores contc forward, begitinirig w i f h the Oficiat AdcPti, the Uigh Priest exceptud. The Paten i s Passed round and they fiartake of tlre Hosts, each rcpeatitrg rhs Sacred Fornrula. T h e Pate98 is rcplaced on th6 Altar. T h e Chalice i s also passed routrd, a t d the Brethren drink thereof, repeating the Sacred Formula. T h e Chalice i s replaced o n the Altar a n d the E1c)rrcnfs arc reveikd. T h e Usher of the Crnde i s the lust to $artuRt of each. T h e Celebrants retirrn to their Thrones. All present havitig rcsumed their s w t s , the High Pricst rises irt his p h c e , Tlrc Hiqh Priest.-Tile Life of life is Thy love. I t is written : Ijehold, I an1 with you all days, even to tlre consummation of the world. . . . I 11ave descended to TIP11 EIt13TII, bringing the glad tidings. . . ( I l e lifis trp his arjrrs.) The peace of GOD and the knowledge of life everlasting, and the consciousness of the selfknowing part in the Eternal Spirit, be with you, wo~lci without end.

Thc Altar i s replaced i,r ihc V a u l t .

h~a SOLEMN FESTIVAL

OF THE

SOLSTICE 87

Ad+tvs Eximptus.-Ilonourable Fratres et Sororcs, by the power to me c ~ n l l n i t t c c l ,I proclairn that tllc Sun ha^ entered Cayxicorn, t ! sign of the Winter Sirlstice. ~

Light from the Eternal and Glury of Everlasting \\'orhip b with US for ever a t ~ d ever.

H a r ends the hlystcry of TIPHERETII

Has

ends the Solct~rrr Ccrerrtotry o celebralitlg f

Tk

Fcstivul o the IVirrter Solstice. f

38

T~IE SOLENN FESTIVAL

OF THE

SOLSTICE

THE CEREMONY OF THE SUhlllIER SOLSTICE IN


THE GRADE OF TIPHERETH.

The T e t ~ p l e oPe)ied in ihe light accordhig to the Rittral is of the 5 - 6 Grade. The Fmtcr Custos L i u l i ~ i i sproctaiim !he Solstice, a d the Celebrant-in-Chiej proceeds as follows : Adeptus Exer)tfitirs.--The I Iouse of the Holy Spirit is opened i n tlle Grade of TI I'EIERETH for the commemoration of the cvcnt and the celebration of ;:,L Sacred Mysteries attached thereto. The Sun a t its grcatcst elevation is a n external type or fore-shadowing of the Christ-Life in tlie Soul a t the 1,idlrest realisation of spiritual consciousness. I t is the day of our a t tainlnent, .Thy day, 0 Lord and 3Ioster, wirereill all things are renewed. I t is tlie noonday splendour of tlie Sun of Righteoysness, the kingdom, the power a n d the glory. The counsel is, Stand tl~erefore the fulness of the light, in as the Sun stands a t tlle zenith.

Adeptus nlnjor.-The l k t i v a l of the \\'inter Solstice commemorates the advent of the Christ of Palestine, u t especially the beginning of the three years of ~ n i o i a t r y . 1t conarne~noratesthe conling also of the Cosn~icClrrist hs into the heart of the Rosy Cross. T i is the opening of the Mysteries, a n d the light shineth in darkness.

'Ika S O W N FESTIVAL OF

Tire

SOLSTICE 89

A wxiliary F r a h AdePfus.-The Festival of the Summer Solstice comrr~cn~orates the fulness of xnani, featation in Palestine, when tire Risen Christ sent His Apodtles into the world, that they might teach all nations. It signifies also the coming of the Paraclcte into the heart of the Itosy Cross, This is the apex of the Nysteries, and there is light in the place of light.

The

Ceremony proceeds a s i n the Wititer Solsfice, bcginning with the speech of fhc Adeptus Exerrrpttrs : Below is the darkness of material things, etc., utrd folfowccl by that of ihc Auxiliary Frater AtlcPfus, who describes the circle o tlie $lace uttd recit~sthe f proper vcrsiclcs, replacing his light on !Ire Altar without cxtirtgrrishiq it a d thcrt tukijrg his scat toiihoud wrclolhi~rg. The same procdure is obscrvcJ by the Second Cdclrattt ;a d tlicrctiJtcr thc Cclcbrutrtin-Chief rises, with uplified 1Vamf.

AdcPtrrs Exeirrptus.-Tlre peaco of GOD be with yuu, 0 Brethren of the Rosy Cross ; and be He realiscd within you, \Vho is at1 days with us, even t o the consunrnration of the world.

Hs procceJs lo tire Et~slcr~t of llie Alfrir, Iqis rrb the side


light o j his Ofice a d dsssriles the circle of flu fltrie, reciting the Proper versiclzs. Thercclftcr Ire rc/daces his light om the Altar ( J ~ I L ~ to his irivaritrblr: s,.. ' goes

A tr tiliary Frutcr A dtpl rrs.-The Light of t hc Lord leadeth us : the Lord is an Everlasting Light : it] l ' l ~ y Light let us see light, shining from tlie l'alacc a t tile Gntrc, shining from 1111: inmost lieart, O King of the

40 THE SOLEMN FESTIVAL OF Trm

SOLSTICE

Greater Mysteries. Thy commandment is a Lamp ; Secret Law is Light : herein is the light of the eyes. I i l a t light sllineth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. But as for us we will walk with Thee in the light of the living, the light upon the Israel . of the elect, the Glory of the Rosy Cross. Thc Cde6ra rtf-in-Ch i e a d thc Second Celcbranl huvs ariserr a d set oPcn fhc Door of the Sa~tctuary. i ' h Cross of Obligation in tha Centre i s under the j4U light of the Rose,

Thc High Priest.-Frater

Lux semper in Cmlis (veL

nomen alitd), on the Cross in this Sanctuary of the Lord . h r e must be a pledge between us and you, and GOD shall watch upon the Covenant for ever.

The Auxiliary F r a f n Adeptus proceeds to the Door of thr Sanctrtury, wherc he lays aside his W a d JJL i s tukerz in charge by the High Pricst, who leads him withirl the Sattctuary. They frtrn JVestward at the Cross which is now inmtediutdy behird the Auxiliary Fratcr Adcpttrs, who cxterrds his artrrs thereon. Atrriliary Frater Ade+tus.-On behalf of you who are my Hretllren and on my own part, I set myself upon the Cross of Obligation, to renew my pledges and your own in the presence of the whole Order.

The Iligh Priest binds hit)r to tlrc Cross.


that which we do in your Tire High Priest.-)fay person, collectively and individually, be ratified in "EUURAII, wherein is the victory of death ; be it xecorded in CHESED, wherein is the life of resurrection ; and the Power of the Supernals attest it for ever and ever.

THESOLEXN FESTWAL

OF T I I E

SOLSTICE 441

Auxiliary Fratcr Adtbtrrs (wkil6 ~ ~ i L o t i d tr/lort the ll Cross).--May the lhtllren of this IIoly 01-der be confirmed and strcngtlrened in me ; and 8s 1 give ex~)rcssiun for testimony in tile wlrolc: personality of Adcpti hlinurcs under the obedience of this Sacred ltite, so may its high

end be realiseci in then1 and so also in me.


Priest.-Descend, Auxiliary Frater Adept us, from the Cross of Glory in TIPIIEIIETII, and tlrc majesty of its light be with you from henceforth and f ever, a

T b High

He unbinds ths Third Celelrar~tattd leuds hi111 to the Door o thb Sat~ctuary. A S they pause o n the tlrrcsf
hold : ; -.

Ths High Priest.-Fratres et Sorores, in this liouse of the Holy Spirit, ren~crubert l ~ a tthe life of the Cross b the Way of the hIystery of GOD.

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