~1be~im of t~je

~‘orieta~3R~o~irruriana in ~ngIia

The aim of the Society is to afford mutual aid and

encouragementin working out the greatproblems ofLife,
and in searching out the Secrets ofNature; to facilitate
the study of the system ofPhilosophy founded upon the
Kabbalah and the doctrine of Hermes Trismegistus,
which was inculcated by the original Fratres Rosae
Crucis, AD 1450, and to investigate the meaning and
symbolism of all that now remains of the wisdom, art
and literature of the ancient world.

Ceremonies and Ritual

General Points

Opening The Temple should be opened at the time stated on the Summons,
-

and any preliminary meeting (such as Adept Grade or College Committee)

should be called for a time sufficiently early to permit the College to start
punctually. Ideally, the D.C. should arrange for all Officers to report to him
fifteen minutes before the opening of the College, to enable him to rehearse
theAncients in their movements, and to find replacements should any Officers
be absent. Where a rehearsal is to be held, it is desirable that a note to this
effect be placed on the Summons.

All Officers will remember that, in the obligation to which they assented at
the installation of the Celebrant, they undertook to give ‘timely notice’ to
the Celebrantand Secretary if ‘necessarily absent’. Except in emergency at
least one week’s notice should be given, so that appropriate replacements
may be arranged. The Secretary should ensure that the D.C. and Assistant
D.C. are advised of any expected absentees among the Officers, and of any
arrangements already made by the Celebrant to co-opt stand-in Officers.
The D.C. himself should be present in the Temple in good time before such
‘rehearsal time’, to check that all required equipment is ready, that the lights
on the Altar are in their correct places (diagrams will be found in the
Appendix), and to ensure that the Torchbearer is given instructions for
lighting them.
Grade 11/4 1
 FewColleges have large numbers ofmembers, so that any Frater may expect
to be called on at short notice to take office in the ceremony of any grade
through which he has passed. Every Frater should, therefore, read and
understand the rituals for those grades, so that, even if he has to read the
ritual, he can do so with meaning and understanding.

Acolyte—This Officer’s place is immediately outside the door ofthe Temple,

and he should be instructed that he is not to wander away while the Temple
is open. He should be familiar with the knocks of all Grades, and for seeing
that reports of latecomers are given as necessary. He should inform such
latecomers of the Grade in which the College is open, and satisfy himself
that nobody below that Grade enters. For the Opening of the College, as
this is in Grade I, all Fratres should be allowed to enter, even if the College
work is to be in a higher Grade, those below the Grade to be worked will be
askedby the Celebrantto leave at the appropriate time. The Acolyte should
be reminded ofhis responsibility for lighting the Censer in good time, where
this is required for the Grade to be worked.

Titles A member is ‘Frater’ (not Fratre), and in the plural ‘Fratres’ (not
—

Fraters). The prefixes W, VW, RW and MW refer to ‘Worthy’ (not

Worshipful) Fratres and the D.C. should do all in his power to ensure that
only the correct prefixes are used at all times (including by the Secretary in
reading the Minutes). If considered necessary, a general reminder may be
given to all Fratres immediately before the College is opened. When a
member of the Third Order is occupying the Chair, it is particularly important
to remember to address him as ‘Right Worthy Celebrant’.

Grades IL III & IV If any of these Grades are to be worked, the College
—

must be adjourned in the Grade of Zelator with thewords ‘Fratres. I adjourn

the College in the Grade of Zelator’, followed by the knocks XXX XX, and
the Celebrantthen calls on all below the Grade to be worked, including the
candidates for that Grade, to retire. Any alterations to the furniture and
lights will then be made, before the College is opened in the Higher Grade.
Grade IV should be worked before Grade III, Grade III before Grade II,
and Grade II before Grade I, to avoid having to send out of the Temple a
Candidate who hasjust taken a lower Grade while a higher Grade is worked,
and to avoid the risk of a breach of Ordinance 1.3, final paragraph, by
inadvertently conferring two Grades on any Candidate on the same day. In
each case, after closing the College in a higher Grade, the furniture and
lights are altered to those applicable to the lower Grade, and then the
Guardian is instructed to admit any eligible Fratres, before the College is
opened in such lower Grade or resumed in the Grade of Zelator, as
appropriate. The D.C. should ensure that any equipment peculiar to the
Q
higher Grade is removed from view before Fratres of a lower Grade are
2 Grade 11/4
 admitted. In all cases (other than where the Ritual requires Candidates to
salute in their existing Grade), the sign of the Grade in which the College is
open should be used when a sign is required, in particular, the sign of a
Zelator should not be used by an Officer in Grades 11-N. Once the Grade of
Zelator has been adjourned, NO signs should be given until the College has
been opened in a higher Grade.

Signs Masonic signs are inappropriate in SRIA working. Agreat variety of

-

‘signs of prayer’ may be seen in Colleges. The only such sign specified in
the Society’s Ritual is that given in the Consecration of a new College, and
this should be used at all times during prayers, except in the Opening and
Closing of the Temple. This sign is given by crossing the arms on the chest,
right over left. Fratres do not normally kneel for prayers. Aspirants (and the
Celebrant-Elect) kneel where required by the Ritual. All Fratres should stand
for the last verse of the Exponent’s reading from the Revelation of St John
the Divine in the Zelator ceremony, but give no sign of prayer. No sign is to
be given during the various Pledges.

Use ofRituals Prayers should be read, but this is not very convenient in
-

the Opening and Closing, where both hands are occupied, these prayers
should, therefore, be committed to memory. For the other prayers, the
Celebrant or Chaplain should have studied these in advance, so that they
can be read sensibly and with meaning. Extracts from scripture should
similarly be read(from the Holy Bible, not from theRitual), as may Lectures
(always subject to the foregoing point that the reader should have studied
them first), but a Lecturer may, if able, recite the Lecture from memory.
Apart from these items, the Ritual should have been committed to memory,
but Officers may have their Ritual books conveniently to hand to prompt
themselves if necessary, to avoid awkward pauses and oral prompts. It is
especially important that the Conductor and the Ancients should know their
portions ofthe Ritual, reading by these Officers is not acceptable. Otherwise
no Ritual books should be in evidence, Fratres not in office should NOT be
permitted to follow the ceremony from their books, as this can be distracting
to the Officers.

Number of Candidates Whenever possible, although this may be varied

—

by permission of the S.M. or a Chief Adept, there should be only a single

candidate for a Zelator ceremony, and never more than three, except to
allow for the rapid build-up of a new College. In Grades I and II, no matter
how many candidates there are, all must undergo the Tests of the Elements
by theAncients, the Conductor must so group them at the Ancients’ pedestals
that the Ancient can in each case reach all the candidates. For that part of
the Zelator ceremony where the candidates are blindfolded, it may be found
helpful for the Conductor to lead two candidates, followed by the D.C. with
Grade 11/4
3
 the next two, and if necessary theA.D.C. or a Cellarius with the remainder.

Robes All High Council Officers, Chief Adepts and Suffragans should at
-

all times wear the robes of their Offices. All other members of 90, and all
High Council Representatives should wear HC robes, and all other Past
Celebrants should should wear PC robes.

RitualBooksfor Candidates In all Grades, Candidates shouldbe presented

—

with a copy of the Ritual (in Grade I also the Ordinances) at the end of the
ceremony,and the D.C. should ensure that the necessary booklets are placed
within easy reach of the Celebrantbefore the College is opened in the Grade
concerned. Each College will need to have a small working stock of the
First Order sets (Binder, Ritual, Entrance to the M... C... and Ordinances).
(Under the present regulations the First Order fee covers all the Grades and
Rituals.)

Progress of Fratres to Grade IV—This must take into account the ability,
attendance record and work ofeach individual, but the aim should be to get
all who deserve it as far as Grade IV within four years of admission, to
facilitatewhich it should be planned to work each of Grades II, 111, and IV
at least once a year. It is suggested that the Celebrant-Elect, as soon as
possible after election, should drawup an outline programme for the ensuing
year, and that all Fratres of the College should have the information.

Presentation of Grade Certificates It is usual to ask the Chief Adept, if

—

present, to present Grade Certificates, and. in particular, the Zelator

Certificate and to welcome the new Zelator to the Society. When the SM,
SSM, JSM or a Commissioner is present he should be asked to present all
the Grade Certificates. The College D.C. collects them from the Secretary,
who calls out the names of theFratres to receive them, and hands them all to
the D.Ci of C., who then hands them Grade by Grade to the SM etc.

Papers Bearing in mind that in most Colleges there is a fairly steady

—

stream of new entrants, many ofwhom may know little of suchbasic subjects
as the Kabbala and the Fama it is recommended that at one meeting a year
in the College a short paper on a basic subject should be read. Where the
College operates a Study Group, this ‘basic’ paper could be given at such
Group, possibly at the first meeting ofthe session. Papers on more abstruse
subjects would continue to be given at other meetings, where this is the
custom, and is to be recommended, to comply with the aims of the Society.

Summonses: Deaths ofFratres Where it is the custom to show any death

—

on the next Summons, this should be done under the heading ‘Mors Janua
Vitae’, and not ‘In memoriam’ or ‘Obituary’ or similar heading.
4 Grade 11/4
 Equipment

The Convocations of a College are held in a suitableTemple which must be

furnished with an Altar. Superaltar and black cross, roses, star, taper for
Torchbearer, and thirty-three candles. There must also be four pillars for
the Ancients, equipped with elements: First bowl of earth, second fan,
- -

third bowl of water, fourth lighted candle or lamp. A bible is required for
- -

the Exponent’s pedestal. and due accommodation for the Officers and
Members. The positions of the Officers are shown in the plans included in
this ritual.

The Holy Bible should be provided for the Exponent, and should be on a
pedestal or lectern in front of him. It should have a ribbon marker with one
end through the Gospel according to St John. Chapter 1, and the other through
the Revelation of St John the Divine, Chapter 7, verse 9 (or two separate
markers) so that the Exponent can easily turn to the passages to be read.
The readings should be from the Holy Bible, and not from Ritual
books. The Holy Bible should be opened at St John Chapter 1 before the
Opening ceremony, and should remain open until after the Closing of the
Temple.

The Altar The Superaltar should be arranged in accordance with the

—

diagram in the Appendix. the candles being on three ‘steps’, with the Cross
above. Candles 4,23 and 29 should be raised on blocks.

All 33 candles should be lit immediately before the College is opened, if

the only ceremonial work to be carried out is Grade I or Installation. Ifthe
College is meeting purely to transact administrativebusiness and/or to hear
a paper read, or if the first ceremony to be worked is Grade II, Ill or IV, it is
acceptable for candles 4, 23 and 29 (only) to be lit before the opening, but
all 33 must be lit before Grade I or Installation commences.

For the second part of the Zelator ceremony, candles 4, 23 and 29 are lit,
and the remainder need not berelit after this ceremony if no other ceremonial
work is to follow. The arrangements of the candles for Grades II, III & IV
are shown in the appropriate Appendix.

The Calvary Cross above the Altar is the same for Grades I, II & 1111: black,
bearing a gold star and a scroll inscribed ‘INRI’, with a wreath of roses,
ideally passing behind the upper arm of the Cross and in front of the other
three arms, so that it is held in place by the two side arms. Care should be
taken to ensure that the wreath does not obscure the star or scroll.

5
Grade 11/4
 Censer— This is required in Grades I and IV. It should be lit by the Acolyte
well before it is required, with the incense being added just before it is
brought into the Temple. Itmay be found convenient to place a tile (about 6
inches square) on the floor in front of theAltar to give a firm base on which
to place the Censer, particularly if there is a thick carpet, and to protect the
carpet. Far too often there is virtually no smoke to be seen rising from the
Censer, and it is desirable for the D.C. to instruct and rehearse the Acolyte
in getting it burning well; it is important, particularly in Grade I, that smoke
can be seen to be rising from the censer. The time to light the censer will
depend on the type of charcoal used, with thecircular cakes of ‘self-igniting’
charcoal which are now in fairly common use, 20 to 30 minutes should
prove to be about right, with the censer being swung several times during
this period to ensure that it is well alight.

Blindfolds One is required for each candidate in Grade I, and, subject to

-

the earlier comments about a Representative Candidate, for one or two

candidates in Grade II. The expression ‘hoodwink’ should be avoided, in
view of its alternative meaning of ‘deceiv& (as is used in another Grade).

Candle-Snufferifaper is required by the Torchbearer in all First-Order Grades

for attending to the lights on the Altar.

Lecture on Numbers A large book, or similar, with the diagrams for the
-

Lecture on Numbers is required for the Zelator working.This lecture should

always be given.

Floorcloth A floorcloth or board, representing the symbolic centre of the

-

Universe, is required for the second part of the Zelator working.

Ancients’ Symbols (lamp, fan, bowl of earth, & bowl of water) are required
for Grades I & II, and should also be on the pedestals in Grades Ill & IV, as
they are the essential symbols of the Elements represented by the Ancients.
The Fourth Ancient’s lamp (for convenience this is sometimes a candle)
should be lit before the Temple is opened, and kept lit until after the Temple
has been finally closed.

Token A Token is required for each Candidate in Grade I and should be

—

placed within convenient reach of the Celebrant before the ceremony

commences. These tokens should be circular in shape, and prepared from
light tissue that burns easily with minimum ash; they are obtainable from
the Secretary-General.

6 Grade 11/4
 GRADE I

Censer The Torchbearer brings this into the Temple as indicated

—

in the Ritual: he precedes the Conductor and candidate slowly,

swinging the censer backwards and forwards at his right side, at the
full length of the chain. He places it on a tile in front of the Altar, or
on a proper thurible stand, and returns to his seat. When the candidate
retires at the end of Part I, the Torchbearer takes the censer out.

Music If there is a proficient Precentor in the College, it is in order

-

to have ‘All ye works of the Lord...’ sung in the pause before the
Aspirant is taken round the four Ancients, with ‘0 let the Earth bless
the Lord...’, ‘0 ye Winds of God bless ye the Lord...’ etc as each
Ancient is approached, ‘Glory be to The Father...’ before the
Torchbearer deals with the Token in Part 2, and ‘Praise God...’ (The
Old Hundredth) when the Aspirant has taken his seat after the end of
the ceremony. Any of these may be sung by all the Fratres if desired.

FIRST GRADE: ZELATOR

Opening

Cel. Fratres of the Rose and Cross assist me to form the Mystic
Circle.

The fratres rise and form the Mystic Circle, clasping each other’s
hands. The Celebrant in the East, the Exponent in the West, the 4th.
and 2nd. Ancients turn left to leave their pedestal and move to the
left of the Exponent The 3rd. and 1st. Ancients turn right to leave
theirpedestal and move to the right of the Exponent. The Chaplain
remains at his seat, Guardian stands at the door of the Temple.

Cel. Very Worthy Exponent, what are the objects of our assembly?

Exp. The diffusion of Light and the advancement of Science.

Cel. How do we hope to accomplish the aims we have in view?

Grade 11/4 7
 Exp. By prayer and perseverance in the paths of knowledge and
virtue.

Cel. Before we pray to Heaven, Very Worthy Exponent, let us

assure ourselves that the Fratres are in possession of the Mystic
Word.

Exp. Fratres, I pass the Mystic Word by letters to the East. (INR I)

The Fratres on the left of the Exponent comply.

The Celebrant, in the East, finding the word correct, proceeds.

Cel. The Mystic Word being correct, I return it to the West. (INR
I)

Cel. Fratres, let us pray. ~

~t~w4~

Cel. (or Chaplain) Fountain of Light and Glory of the Universe,

we humbly adoreThee. (Hereall bow) (pause) Bless the Union
of our hearts, symbolized by the joining of our hands, and
illuminate our spirits with the brightness of Thy perfection.
Sanctify our desires and purify our thoughts, so that we may
become worthy to commune with the Holy Ones whom Thou
hast created, and finally grant us an everlasting inheritance in
the dominions illuminated by the rays of wisdom from Thine
unapproachable Throne.
All bow and say or sing Amen.

Cel. In the name of I N R I, I declare this Temple duly opened, the

Mystic Circle of Fratres of the Rose and Cross duly formed,
and the Chain of Union complete.

All clap with their right upon their left hand. The Celebrant takes
the Chair in the South East, the Exponent in the West, and all the
Fratres return to their seats. The Exponent opens the bible at John
1.1.
8
Grade 11/4
 Reception of a Zelator (First Part)

The Secretary meets the Aspirant in the Anteroom and hands to him
two copies of the Pledge of Fidelity. The Aspirant must read and
sign them, and must add a Latin Motto (not one which has already
been chosen by a Frater ofthe College), by which he may be known
as a FraterRose Cross. Rituals etc. should be availablefor Celebrant
to hand toAspirant. TheAcolyteblindfolds theAspirantand instructs
him to give one knock on the portal of the Temple. The Secretary
takes back both copies. (Retains one for his records and one for
High Council).

Gdn. Right (or Very) Worthy Celebrant there is an alarm.

Cel. Youwill ascertain the cause.

Gdn. (after ascertaining) Right (or Very) Worthy Celebrant, Brother

a qualified Master Mason who hasduly read and signed
the Pledge of Fidelity, now seeks to be received as a Member
of this College in order to study the doctrines taught by the
Society of the Rose and Cross.

Cel. Let him be admitted and received by the Conductor.

The Guardian admits theAspirant, who is received by the Conductor

who takes him by the hand. Ifmore than one Candidate seep4 and
PS.

Con. (or Precentor to sing) I will go unto the Altar of God, even
unto God who giveth joy to my youth.

The Conductor leads the Aspirant to the West of the Temple.

Cel. What is your desire?

Con. (speakingfor the Aspirant) I desire to go out of darkness into

Grade 11/4
9
 the pure light of knowledge, to learn the doctrines of Nature
and to discover the wondrous principles by which the Universe
is governed.

Cel. My Brother, your desires are most laudable, but we are mortals
like yourself, why come to us?

Con. Because I believe that among you are practised many great
virtues, and that the growth of ages has added to your stores
of learning. I desire to be received into the Society of the
Rose and Cross.

Cel. We acknowledge and appreciate your faith, but must remind

you that the road to learning is long and the life of man is
short. Remember, therefore, that what the heart conceives is
but seldom accomplished, and build no hopes upon our Society.
Our aim is to be good, our desire to be humble, our study to
be wise. Wealth, honours and power we leave to the worldling,
pleasure and indolence to the vicious, and we cast in our lot
with the virtuous and the pure, pressing forward in the pursuit
of wisdom. Our objects are mutual aid and encouragement in
working out the great problems of life, the advancement of
science, the propagation of knowledge, and the diffusion of
that glorious revelation, whose cardinal precepts are:

(This may be said, chanted, or sung all rise) Glory to God in

-

the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. (All

resume their seats.)

Cel. My Brother, ofyour sincerity we are assured but ofyour zeal

I demand some proofs.

Con. I am ignorant of God, of Nature, and of myself. I am

surrounded with spiritual doubt and darkness. I claim, I —

command to be received.

Cel. You have spoken truly, a bold heartmay command anything,

Grade I 1/4
 and faith can remove the mountains of ignorance and vice.
Prepare therefore to undergo the Elemental Proofs required
by the laws of our Society.

Precentor sings, o a pause.

Cel. Let the Aspirant be conducted to the Gate of Life, where the
Four Ancients will unfold to him by the Elemental Proofs the
primary secrets of Nature and Truth.

If there is more than one candidate, they must all participate in the
Proofs, the Ancients taking the hands of all the Aspirants, and
speaking their parts once only, addressed to all, and applying the
tests to each Aspirant in turn.

The Conductor leads the Aspirant around the Temple and places
him at the left hand ofthe First Ancient

Precentor sings 1st. verse of ‘0 All Ye Works of The Lord’.

lA. (rises, takes right hand ofAspirant in his own left hand and
applies the test ofEarth by sprinkling earth (dry soil or sand)
upon his palm, saying) The First Ancient said, Harken, 0
Aspirant, Death is the gate of life, fear not to entertherein, for
in dust are sown the seeds of immortality; and the Word is
‘Immortal’. (Aspirant repeats). Ancient resumes his seat.

The Conductor leads the Aspirant again around the Temple and
places him at the lefthand ofthe Second Ancient.
Precentor sings 2nd. verse of ‘0 All Ye Works of The Lord’.

2A. (rises, takes right handofAspirant in his own left hand, applies
the test ofAirby applying air withfan upon his palm, saying)
And the Second Ancient said, Behold, the very air we breathe
is full of mysteries, but the love of God surpasses all things
visible and invisible, and hope is the inheritance of man on
earth; and the Word is ‘Hope’. (Aspirant repeats). Ancient
resumes his seat.
11
Grade 11/4
The Conductor leads the Aspirant again around the Temple, and
places him at the lefthand ofthe Third Ancient.

Precentor sings 3n1. verse of ‘0 All Ye Works of The Lord’.

3A. (rises, takes right hand ofAspirant in his own left hand and
applies the test of Water by dipping his right forefinger into
water and making a cross on Aspirantsforehead, saying) And
the Third Ancient said. Let us approach withjoy the House of
Sanctification with clean hands and purified hearts, for our
strength is in the Most High God; and the Word is
‘Strengthens’. (Aspirant repeats). Ancient resumes his seat.

The Conductor leads the Aspirant again around the Temple, and
places him at the lefthand ofthe Fourth Ancient.

Precentor sings 4th. verse of ‘0 All Ye Works ofThe Lord’.

4A. (rises, takes right hand ofAspirant in his own left hand and
applies the test of Fire by applying fire near enough to
Aspirants right hand to allow it to be felt, saying) And the
Fourth Ancient said. Let us therefore enter the Temple of
Perfection, and shrinic not from the ordeal of fire, for the wrath
of God consumeth only the impious and impenitent man. The
Word is ‘Virtue’ and the four words make the sentence
‘Immortal Hope Strengthens Virtue’. (Aspirant repeats).
Ancient resumes his seat.

The Aspirant is again conducted to the West.

An anthem or voluntary may now be performed.

Cel. My Brother, the trials through which you have successfully

passed were ordained to test your patience and perseverance.
In ancient times the knowledge of the Most High was not
revealed without due preparation on the part of the Aspirant
for the sacred mysteries. His initiation was preceded by four
purifications, viz by Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, as well as by

Grade 11/4
 signal proofs of his morality, prudence and zeal. Having
submitted with cheerfulness to the required tests, are you
likewise willing to assure us of your good faith by a pledge of
fidelity, vows not being exacted from the members of this
Grade?

Asp. lam.

Cel. Do you therefore pledge your honour as a Master Masonnever

to reveal the secret Ceremonial of the Mystic Circle, except
in strict conformity with our Ordinances?

Asp. Ido.

Cel. Do you promise to prosecute with zeal the study of our

mysteries, to yield a ready obedience to your superiors in the
Society, and to assist and defend your Fratres ofthe Rose and
Cross when occasion requires it?

Asp. Ido.

Cel. Fratres, are you satisfied with the answers given by the
Aspirant?

The Fratres all clap their hands once as a sign ofassent.

Cel. Conduct the Aspirant to the foot of the Altar.

The Conductor leads the Aspirant to the Altar~ preceeded by the

Torchbearer with a lighted censer

The censer is placed immediately infront ofthe Altar~ in as central a

position as possible, and the Thrchbearer resumes his seat.

Cel. As true Rosicrucianswe respect the decrees of the Most High

andbend the knee to Him from Whom we derive our existence.
Let the Aspirant kneel. (done) Let us pray.
Otade 11/4
13
 The Conductor assists the Aspirant to kneel before the Altar

All stand and cross arms on the breast, right over left.

Cel. (or Chaplain) We supplicate Thine eternal and most just

goodness, 0 Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Author ofLight and
Truth, on behalf of this Thy servant, that Thou wouldst
vouchsafe to illumine him with the Light of Thy wisdom;
cleanse him and sanctify him; give unto him true knowledge,
that being made worthy of the grace of Thy baptism, he may
retain firm hope, right counsel and holy doctrine.
All the Fratres say (or sing) Amen.

The Exponent reads from the bible the first five verses of the first
chapter of the Gospel according to St. John:

Exp. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by Him; and without Him was not
anything made that was made.
In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness
comprehended it not.

Cel. Rise my Brother, and receive the light of our Mystic Temple.

The Conductor raises the Aspirant from the kneeling stool and
removes the blindfold, at which moment all the Fratres clap their
hands once.

Cel. The Lord’s Light be with you.

Exp. And with thy spirit.

The Celebrant stands beside the Aspirant, facing East.

14 Oradell/4
 Cel. Worthy Brother, on being restored to vision you stand before
the Altar which we raise to commemorate the spotless life of
Him who was the manifested glory of Yod He Vau He -

Jehovah. Above the Altar are inscribed the initials of that

Sacred Name and Title which were traced in burning letters
upon the Cross of the Redeemer. Treasure in your heart, my
beloved Brother, the remembrance of the Word I N R I.

Forget not that for thiny-diree years He laboured on earth in

meekness and humility, a period represented by the thirty-
three lights on the Altar. The Roses allude to the beauty and
grandeur of His Resurrection from the dead, and are typical
of the eternal glory of the Rose of Sharon. The Five-pointed
Star reminds us of the five points of felicity, which are to
walk with, to intercede for, to assist, to love, and to pray for
our Brethren, so as to be united with them in heart and mind.
The incense, which rises towards the luminous Star, is a
symbol of prayer which proceeds directly to the Throne of
God.
Learn to fulfil the Law, for it is pleasant, and all its paths are
peace.

The Conductor~ or D.C., hands a white robe to the Celebrant, who

then invests the Aspirant with it, the Exponent reciting:

Exp. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment

(Rev iii, 5).

Cel. Receive this white garment, and see thou carry it without stain
before the tribunal of the world, of your Fratres and of our
Master, for so thou mayest have eternal life.

The First & Fourth Ancients step up and stand behind the Aspirant,
and, with the Celebrant, all three place their right hand on his head,
and all three say:

Cel. We receive thee as a Frater of the Society of the Rose and

Cross.
Grade 11/4
15
The Fratres form the Mystic Circle, as in the Opening.

Cel. You will now be placed in the Mystic Circle, and will join
with us in repeating the initials of the Mystic Word.

The Aspirant is placed in the Mystic Circle by the Conducto, on the

immediate right ofthe Celebrant.

The Celebrantpasses the Mystic Word to the West, and the Exponent
returns it to the East.

Cel. The Mystic Word is correct. I declare the Mystic Circle to be

perfect, and the Chain of Union complete.

All clap hands once and return to their places.

Music, anthem, voluntary or choral singing.

All resume their seats.

Cel. You will now be conducted to the outer chamber to enable

you to reflect upon the solemn ceremony through which you
have just passed. Let me, therefore, strictly enjoin you to a
deportment consistent with the honour and dignity of this
Society of the Rose and Cross into whose circle you have
been this day received, a day which should be ever considered
as one of the most memorable periods of your life, inasmuch
as you have voluntarily dedicated your soul to the service of
Truth and Virtue. The initials forming the Mystic Word, with
which you have been entrusted, will ensure your readmission
to the Mystic Circle.

The Celebrant hands to the Aspirant a Mystic Token. The Conductor

tells the Aspirant, in a whispe to put the token into his pocket, then
leads the Aspirant out of the Temple.

Otade 11/4
 Zelator: Second Part

After the Aspirant has left the Temple at the end of Part 1, the
Torchbearer~ having disposed of the Censer~ puts out all candles
except Nos 4, 23 and 29. The Ancients move their pedestals (with
symbols) and chairs to their new positions (1 in North, 2 in East, 3
in West and 4 in South) alifacing East. They should be arranged in
the form of a Cosmic Cross (ie one with equal arms), allowing
sufficient spacefor the D.C. to place the fioorcloth, symbolizing the
Centreofthe Universe, described in Clavicula Rosicruciana No. VI,
in the centre of the square bounded by the Ancients. (If the Hall is
too narrow the Pillars may be removed to the four corners, provided
that the correctpositions are subsequently explained to theAspirant.)

In the Anteroom the Aspirant, instructed by the Acolyte. writes the

initials of his Latin Motto upon the Mystic Token, and awaits in a
period ofcontemplation the orderfor his readmission.

Reception of a Zelator (Second Part)

When all isprepared the Guardian informs theAcolyte, who instructs

the Aspirant to carry the Mystic Token and to knock three times on
the Portal.

Gdn. Right (or Very) Worthy Celebrant, there is an alarm.

Cel. You will ascertain the cause.

Guardian opens door~ sees who seeks admission, and reports to the
Celebrant.

Gdn. A Frater who has been chosen seeks readmission.

Cel. Frater Conductor, you will receive our Brother, and if you
find that the Mystic Token is signed in due form, you will
admit him.
17
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The Guardian admits the Aspirant, who is received by the Conductor
The Mystic Token is examined by the Conductor and, ifit is approved,
returned to the Aspirant. The Conductor ensures that the Aspirant
puts the token in his pocket, convenient to recover later in the
ceremony, and then leads him to the northwest of the Temple.

Con. The Aspirant brings with him the Mystic Token duly signed;
he has meditated upon the precepts of the Society and craves
to be permitted to make further progress.

Cel. What does he now desire?

Con. Light.

Cel. That he has already received. What more is his request?

Con. More Light.

Cel. You will lead the Aspirantto the centre of our Temple by the
seven steps of Wisdom.

Before the seven steps are taken, the Aspirant is placed in front of
ThirdAncient’spedestal; the steps are seven completed steps (ie not
‘marching steps’), and are taken due Eastwards, thefeet being placed
naturally at the completion ofeach step, and not in any ritualposition.
Limitations ofspace will probably mean that the steps must be very
short. The Conductor instructs the Aspirantto place hisfeet together
and then to step forward with the left foot, then bringing the right
foot level with it, seven times, stepping into the centre ofthefioorcloth
on the seventh and last step. Once in the centre ofthefioorcloth the
Aspirant is instructed by the Conductor to raise both arms to the
sides, hands level with the shoulders, palmsfacingforward.If there
is more than one Candidate, all but the last should, after a short
pause on the central circle, be moved awayfrom the centre to allow
the next Candidate to take the steps. An alternative method oftaking
the seven steps, which allows longer steps, is to begin them from
outside the cosmic cross -from the southwest ornorthwest, according
to the location ofthe Portal, andjust within the Temple. The Aspirant
Grade 11/4
 is making progress from the darkness outside the cross to the light
within. The necessarily curved path symbolizes that the journey to
light is not easy or straightforward, but gentle and controlled, not a
headlong rush.

Cel. Worthy Brother, whence come you?

Con. (for the Aspirant) I come from a land of shadows, where the
rays of Wisdom do but rarely penetrate.

Cel. Where do you now stand?

Con. In the symbolic centre ofthe Universe; my arms are extended

from North to South, my desire is to approach the radiant
East and to rejoice in the Light of Perfection.

Cel. You are worthily inspired, my Frater, I approve and commend

your zeal, but your progress to the goal of truth must be slow
and gradual, as the mysteries of nature are not to be unfolded
to all who seek her shrine, but only to the strong in faith and
the humble in spirit.

Conductor instructs Aspirant to lower arms.

Celebrant, or a Magus, rises.

Cel. (or Magus) Behold me therefore approaching you from the

radiant East to communicate those secrets which have long
been cherished by the Fratres of our Society.

The Celebrant (or Magus) stands in front of the Altar facing West,
and says:

Cel. (or Magus) The Sign of a Zelator of the Society of the Rose
(~) and Cross is thus given: raise both hands to the forehead palms
forward, and then cross the index fingers, 1 over r..

Grade I 1/4 19
 The Pass Word is Lux, which signifies Light. The figure of a
cross is equivalent to the word Lux as it exhibits the letters of
which that Word is composed.

On the continent of Europe the Pass Word was not spoken,

but was given by the fingers thus making L, U, X with the
fingers.
The Pass Word leads to the Grand Word composed of the
Four Mystic Letters I N R I which represent the Everlasting
Son, Who is the true Light of the World and the Glory of the
Father.

To obtain admission to the temple, a Zelator must give Three

and Two knocks on the Portal. The number Three refers to
The Trinity, and the number Two to the ancient Hermetic
maxim ‘As above, so it is below’.

You will nowtake your seat while the Exponent reads a portion
of the Revelation of St John the Divine.

Aspirant is conducted to a seat in N.E. Conductor sits next to him.

Celebrant (or Magus) resumes his seat.

The Exponent stands and readsfrom the bible Revelations cVII vv 9-

12.

Exp. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude which no man
could number, of all nations, and kindreds and people, and
tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed
with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried out with a loud voice, saying. Salvation to our God
which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about
the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on
their faces, and worshipped God.
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and
20
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 thanksgiving, and honour, and power and might, be unto our
God for ever and ever. Amen.

Exponent sits.

The following Address is then delivered by the Celebrant, or by a

Frater chosen by him.

Address

Frater, having passed through the various trials required by our

Ordinances and having knelt before the Altar of Light, you are now
permitted tojoin in the mystic labours of the Society. This privilege is
conferred only upon discreet and worthy men, to whom the revelation
of Theosophy and Hermetic Science may be safely confided. In the
ceremony through which you have been voluntarily conducted this
evening, you will doubtless have observed a similarity to certain rites
practised in the Ancient Mysteries. It is thus that we hope to lead the
sincere Aspirant to the radiant realms of intellectual Truth, and to the
Court of the Everlasting Jod He Vau He Jehovah.
-

The significance of our symbols is a most important branch of the

studies which you have promised to prosecute with zeal. This
engagement which your tongue pronounced and, we trust, your heart
approved, can be fulfilled only by diligence and perseverance. We
trace the growth of our philosophy in the perpetual advent of Sages
through the remotest avenues of Time, a grand and spiritual procession
of Teachers illuminating the earth with their wisdom. All the great
and wise men of old have kindled their lamps at the Sacred Fire in
which we now rejoice. Among the secrets of Nature, which it is now
your duty to investigate, are the mysteries of the Kabalists, which
include the demonstration of the Eternal Essence of God, the key to
the govermnent of the Universe and the powers and properties of
Numbers.

With reference to the interpretation of Numerals, I maybriefly explain

the primary meaning attributed to each.
Grade 11/4 21
 No. 1 represents God, the Unity of the DivineBeing, and the generative
principle of Nature; it is typified by the central point within a circle.

No. 2 is called the Dyad; it denotes the active and passive qualities of
Nature, male and female, Light and Darkness, Life and Death.

No. 3 is called the Majestic number, as it refers to the Trinity, the

Triple Essence of the Deity; its emblem is the equilateral triangle,
which in ancient Egypt was called the SacredDelta; it was symbolical
ofOsiris, Isis and Horus, and the Hierophant in the mysteries ofOs iris
required all Candidates to take the oath of secrecy with both hands
extended over this Divine Symbol. Brahma, Vishnu and Siva form
the Trinity of the Hindoos.

No. 4 is the Mystic number, and indicates the operative influence of

the four elements. Under this number, or the geometrical square,
Pythagoras communicated the ineffable Name of God to his chosen
disciples.

No. 5 is the emblem of Health and Safety; it is also denominated the

Occult number, the Pentagram was a famous talisman; it represents
Spirit and the four Elements. In our Society the Pentagram should
always appear pointing upwards, the dowupointing Pentagram being
an emblem of ill omen.

No. 6 is considered an epitome of Nature, as it presents to our view

the dimensions of all things, adding to the four cardinal or superficial
points, the two lines of height and breadth; the Hexagram representing
the Planets was also a notable talisman.

No. 7 is the Perfect number, also termed the most venerable, since it
refers to the creation of the world according to the Mosaic cosmogony.

No. 8 designates the primitive law of Nature, being the first cube, and
points out that all men are born equal; it is also esteemedthe number
most to be desired, being the number of Justice.

No. 9 is called the Triple Ternary and refers to the perfection of the
spheres. It is the first square of an odd number.

22 Grade 11/4
 No. 10 is the most sublime, as it contains the Monad or Unity which
created all things, and also the Zero, a symbol of Chaos, out of which
the world was formed. It is the foundation of the Divine Sephiroth of
the Theosophical Kabalah of the Hebrews.

No. 11 is called the Evil number; it is an omen of Defeat or Death.

No. 12 alludes to the 12 Apostles of the Messiah, and to the 12 signs

of the Zodiac, expressing the cosmogony of Nature, spiritually and
materially. The square of 12 namely 144 is the limit of each
- -

Rosicrucian circle, and reminds us of the 72 attributes of God, which

form the names of the 72 angels who occupy the 72 rounds of the
ladder of Jacob, which is said mystically to reach from earthto heaven.

The Aspirant is again conducted to the centre of the Temple. After

the Lecture, the Aspirant must be taken back to his former place in
the symbolic Centre of the Universe between the Ancients for the
exhortation.

S.M., ChiefAdept, Magus (Senior present), or Celebrant:

Falter not therefore, my Frater, because the way seems long

and the soul is weary, but toil on towards the utmost pinnacles
of wisdom. Life itself is imaged in this, our opening ceremony;
difficulties have been placed in your path, and perils have
beset you, even as obstacles present themselves in our worldly
career. Let us remember, however, that knowledge is power,
and that the Source of all wisdom will sustain our feeble steps
on the journey that leads to eternal life. (All rise) Be ready to
exclaim like the martyrs of old: HA-Ab, v’habben, v’ haRuach
ha Kodesh. ‘Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to Thee be all the
glory.’

An Anthem may now be sung by the Precentor~

Thenewly-admitted Fraterisplaced before theAltar and the Fratres

resume their seats.

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Grade 11/4
 The TorchBearerproceeds to thenewly-admittedFrater andplaces a lighted
taper in his hand. The Mystic Token is burnt by the Torch Bearer who also
asks the Aspirant to extinguish the tapei and then says:
Tbr. As the light of this taper, so shall your light be extinguished
from among us if you fail.

The Celebrant, or by prior arrangement a Past Celebrant, then

explains the Jewel and invests the Aspirant, all from the floor in
front of the Celebrant’sseat/pedestal.

Cel. I now exhibit to you and shall shortly invest you with the
Jewel of the Society. It consists of a cross, the arms of equal
length, on a shield having the form of a lozenge or rhombus.
The arms of the Cross exhibit four times 18, that is 72, lines,
having reference to the 72 rounds of the Ladder of Jacob; in
the centre is a square, representing the Square of the Universe;
and in the midst of the square is a Pentagram, that mysterious
device which has always been considered by ancients and
modems as a potent emblem. The Cross is overlaid with Red
enamel, surrounded by a Golden line; while the shield is of
White enamel with a girding line of Gold. The jewel is
suspended by a Green ribbon from a Golden bar on which are
inscribed the letters S R I A.

I now invest you with the Jewel. (Done)

I exhibit to you the Warrant under which the Convocations of

this College are held.

I present to you copies of the Ordinances of the Society, the

By-Laws of the Province and this College, the Ritual of the
Grade and Entrance to the Mystic Circle.

I congratulate you upon your receptionas a Zelator and express

the hope that you will in due course gain such knowledge of
our mysteries as will merit youradvancement to a higher grade.

You may now take a seat in the Temple among your Fratres.

The Ancients resume their original ‘in-line ‘position.

24 Grade 11/4
 Closing

Cel. Very Worthy Exponent, havingsatisfactorily laboured to diffuse

the Light, what is our reward?

Exp. The consciousness of having performed our duty to God and

man, and more particularly to our Fratres of the Rose and Cross.

Cel. With this guerdon let us be content. Aid me to dissolve the

Mystic Circle and hermetically to seal up our secrets in the
chambers of our souls.

All rise andform the Mystic Circle as in the Opening.

Chaplain remains at his seat.

Guardian stands at door of Temple.

The Mystic Word ispassed East to West and retuned West to East.

Cel. Let us pray.

Cel. (or Chaplain) In the Light of Thy countenance, 0 Father of

angels and men, we rejoice and are glad. (All bow) May we
leave Thy footstool with purer hearts and clearer consciences,
and may we be spared to assemble again in this Temple of
Truth. Hasten, we beseech Thee, the coming of that day when
Thy knowledge shall cover the earth, and the fullness of Thy
glory be revealed to all mankind.

All bow twice, and say (or sing) Amen.

Cel. By the Mystic Word I N R I, I dissolve this Mystic Circle and

declare the Chain of Union imperfect until again united by the
power of the Mystic Word.

All break offand clap hands once.

Cel. The Temple is closed.

Exponent closes bible.

Grade 11/4
25
 APPENDIX 3

19 9 18 33 \~‘

20 9 2 6 17 32
I,

21 10 3 4 5 16 31

22 11 12 13 14 15 30
A,
23 24 25 26 27 28 V
29/

The Altar— The Superaltar should be arranged in accordance

with the diagram, the candles being on three ‘steps’, with the Cross
above. Candles 4, 23 and 29 should be raised on blocks.

All 33 candles should be lit immediately before the College is

opened. if the only ceremonial work to be carried out is Grade I or
Installation. If the College is meeting purely to transact administra-
tive business and/or to hear a paper read, or if the first ceremony to
be worked is Grade II, III or IV, it is acceptable for candles 4, 23 and
29 (only) to be lit before the opening, all 33 must be lit before Grade
I or Installation commences.

For the second part of the Zelator ceremony, candles 4, 23 and

29 are lit, and the remainder need not be relit after this ceremony if
no other ceremonial work is to follow.

The Calvary Cross above the Altar is the same for Grades I, II
& Ill: black, bearing a gold star and a scroll inscribed ‘INRI’, with a
wreath of roses, ideally passing behind the upper arm of the Cross
and in front of the other three arms, so that it is held in place by the
two side arms. Care should be taken to ensure that the wreath does
not obscure the star or scroll.

28 Grade 11/4