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Initiation Third Degree
Magus: "Ere we proceed with
this sublime degree, I must beg purification at thy hands."
High Priestess binds Magus
and ties him down to the altar. She circumambulates three
times, and scourges Magus with three, seven, nine, and 21
strokes. She then unbinds him and helps him to his feet. Magus
now binds the High Priestess and ties her down to the altar.
He circumambulates, proclaiming to the four quarters, "Hear,
ye mighty Ones, the twice consecrate and Holy (name), High
Priestess and Witch Queen, is properly prepared and will now
proceed to erect the Sacred Altar." Magus scourges High Priestess
with three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes. Cakes and wine may
now be taken [see "Cakes and Wine"].
Magus: "Now I must reveal
to you a great Mystery." [kiss].
Note: if High Priestess has
performed this rite before, omit these words. High Priestess
assumes Osiris position.
Magus: "Assist me to erect
the Ancient Altar, at which in days past all worshipped, the
Great Altar of all things. For in the old times a woman was
the Altar. Thus was the altar made and so placed [Priestess
lies down in such a way that her vagina is approximately at
the center of the circle], and the sacred place was the point
within the center of the circle, as we of old times have been
taught, that the point within the center is the origin of
all things. Therefore should we adore it." [kiss]
"Therefore, whom we adore,
we also invoke, by the power of the lifted lance." Invokes.
"O circle of stars [kiss], whereof our Father is but the younger
brother [kiss], "Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite
space, before whom time is ashamed, the mind bewildered and
understanding dark, not unto thee may we attain unless thine
image be of love [kiss].
"Therefore, by seed and root,
and stem and bud and leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke
thee, O, Queen of space, O dew of light, O continuous one
of the Heavens [kiss]. "Let it be ever thus, that men speak
not of Thee as one, but as none, and let them not speak of
thee at all, since thou art continuous, for thou art the point
within the circle [kiss], which we adore [kiss], the fount
of life without which we would not be [kiss]. "And in this
way truly are erected the Holy Twin Pillars Boaz and Joachim
[kisses breasts]. In beauty and strength were they erected,
to the wonder and glory of all men."
(Eightfold Kiss: 3 points,
Lips, 2 Breasts and back to lips; 5 points)
"O Secrets of secrets that
art hidden in the being of all lives. Not thee do we adore,
for that which adoreth is also thou. Thou art that and That
am I [kiss].
"I am the flame that burns
in every man, and in the core of every star [kiss].
"I am Life and the giver of
Life, yet therefore is the knowledge of me the Knowledge of
Death [kiss].
"I am alone, the Lord within
ourselves whose name is Mystery of Mysteries [kiss].
"Make open the path of intelligence
between us. For these truly are the 5 points of fellowship
[on the right appears an illuminated diagram of the point-up
triangle above the pentacle, the symbol for the third degree],
feet to feet, knee to knee, groin to groin, breast to breast,
arms around back, lips to lips, by the Great and Holy Names
Abracadabra, Aradia, and Cernunnos.
Magus and High Priestess:
"Encourage our hearts, Let thy Light crystallize itself in
our blood, fulfilling us of Resurrection, for there is no
part of us that is not of the Gods."
(Exchange Names.)
Closing the Circle High Priestess
Circumambulates, proclaiming, "The twice consecrate High Priestess
greets ye Mighty Ones, and dismisseth ye to your pleasant
abodes. Hail and Farewell."
She draws the banishing pentacle
at each quarter.
Next: Cakes and Wine
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