Prospectus for the Student Grade
Jul. 28th, 2022 02:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ecosophia
This is the first paper to be studied once members of the Fellowship of the Hermetic Rose have performed the 3° initiation, which was posted last week. It summarizes the work ahead. I've added another chapter of the Kybalion, and the first of several introductory papers from another of John Gilbert's orders, the Modern Order of Essenes. 4° Overview
Welcome Student! Once you have completed the studies of the previous grades grades and performed the initiation rituals of the Seeker, Sojourner, Server, and Student grades, you are an initiate of the 4° grade of Student. By this point you have a good deal of experience with the work of the Fellowship and should find the lessons of this grade relatively straightforward.
The requirements you must fulfill to complete the work of the Server grade and proceed to the next stage, the 5° grade of Teacher, are as follows:
1. Continued daily practice of a protective ritual (Sphere of Protection, Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram, or Judson exercise), discursive meditation, and some form of divination;
2. Continued weekly practice of the ritual for opening and closing the temple;
3. Study of several papers assigned to the Student grade;
4. Study of at least four additional books on some aspect of occultism;
5. Practice of a series of scryings of the element of Fire;
6. Making (or purchase) and consecration of a wand of Fire.
Once you complete these requirements, you will be able to perform the self-initiation ritual for the 5° grade of Teacher. This uses the same equipment as the pervious initiations, though you will need the red candle, and you will also need your wand of Fire. At least three months should elapse between your Student and Teacher initiations; you may take as much additional time as you find useful.
A few comments on some of the requirements for the grade may be helpful at this point. You are expected to learn three methods of divination over the course of your training; if you’ve been following the instructions in previous overviews, you’ve now worked with two of them. This might be a good time to start work on the third.
The books you read to fulfill requirement #4 may be literally any book on any occult topic, so long as you have not previously read them. They can be good books, indifferent books, or really dreadful books, as there is something to learn from each of these. To become a capable occultist you will need to know your way around the literature of occultism, so you might as well get started. If you’re short on money, remember that most public libraries have some books on occultism—in the Dewey decimal system used in most US libraries, they’re near the beginning of the nonfiction section at Dewey number 133. You can also search archive.org using keywords such as “occult” and “divination,” or visit the IAPSOP collection of classic out-of-copyright occult books at iapsop.com/ssoc/ and download texts to your heart’s content. If you can’t find something from any of those sources that interests you, check to see if you still have a pulse.
Scrying is the receptive use of the imagination, as creating astral forms is the active use. In scrying, you imagine yourself entering another realm of being and experiencing things there. You don’t have to be good at visualizing to practice scrying, though it’s an advantage if you are. The FHR, like John Gilbert’s Magickal Order of the Golden Dawn before it, uses its own distinctive set of elemental symbols as symbols for scrying. You have already explored the practice of scrying, and in this grade you will proceed to scry the element of Fire.
The Wand, as mentioned in a previous paper, is the working tool of the element of Fire. More detailed instructions for obtaining and consecrating the wand of Fire will be given in a later paper.
* * * *
At this stage the fourth chapter of The Kybalion may be studied with advantage.
CHAPTER IV: The All
Symbolism:
Grade: 5°, Teacher
Emerald Table: “The father thereof is the Sun; its Mother is the Moon.”
Cabala: Malkuth to Netzach, Path of Reason
Tarot: Arcanum IV, the Emperor
Geomancy: Fortuna Major—Sun in Leo
Text:
“Under, and back of, the Universe of Time, Space and Change, is ever to be found The Substantial Reality–the Fundamental Truth.”–The Kybalion.
“Substance” means: “that which underlies all outward manifestations; the essence; the essential reality; the thing in itself,” etc. “Substantial” means: “actually existing; being the essential element; being real,” etc. “Reality” means: “the state of being real; true, enduring; valid; fixed; permanent; actual,” etc.
Under and behind all outward appearances or manifestations, there must always be a Substantial Reality. This is the Law. Man considering the Universe, of which he is a unit, sees nothing but change in matter, forces, and mental states. He sees that nothing really IS, but that everything is BECOMING and CHANGING. Nothing stands still–everything is being born, growing, dying–the very instant a thing reaches its height, it begins to decline–the law of rhythm is in constant operation–there is no reality, enduring quality, fixity, or substantiality in anything–nothing is permanent but Change. He sees all things evolving from other things, and resolving into other things–a constant action and reaction; inflow and outflow; building up and tearing down; creation and destruction; birth, growth and death. Nothing endures but Change. And if he be a thinking man, he realizes that all of these changing things must be but outward appearances or manifestations of some Underlying Power–some substantial Reality.
All thinkers, in all lands and in all times, have assumed the necessity for postulating the existence of this Substantial Reality. All philosophies worthy of the name have been based upon this thought. Men have given to this Substantial Reality many names–some have called it by the term of Deity (under many titles); others have called it “The Infinite and Eternal Energy”; others have tried to call it “Matter”–but all have acknowledged its existence. It is self-evident–it needs no argument.
In these lessons we have followed the example of some of the world's greatest thinkers, both ancient and modern–the Hermetic Masters–and have called this Underlying Power–this Substantial Reality by the Hermetic name of “THE ALL,” which term we consider the most comprehensive of the many terms applied by Man to THAT which transcends names and terms.
We accept and teach the view of the great Hermetic thinkers of all times, as well as of those illumined souls who have reached higher planes of being, both of whom assert that the inner nature of THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE. This must be so, for naught by THE ALL itself can comprehend its own nature and being.
The Hermetists believe and teach that THE ALL, “in itself,” is and must ever be UNKNOWABLE. They regard all the theories, guesses and speculations of the theologians and metaphysicians regarding the inner nature of THE ALL, as but the childish efforts of mortal minds to grasp the secret of the Infinite. Such efforts have always failed and will always fail, from the very nature of the task. One pursuing such inquiries travels around and around in the labyrinth of thought, until he is lost to all sane reasoning, action or conduct, and is utterly unfitted for the work of life. He is like the squirrel which frantically runs around and around the circling treadmill wheel of his cage, travelling ever and yet reaching nowhere–at the end a prisoner still, and standing just where he started.
And still more presumptuous are those who attempt to ascribe to THE ALL the personality, qualities, properties, characteristics and attributes of themselves, ascribing to THE ALL the human emotions, feelings, and characteristics, even down to the pettiest qualities or mankind, such as jealousy, susceptibility to flattery and praise, desire for offerings and worship, and all the other survivals from the days of the childhood of the race. Such ideas are not worthy of grown men and women, and are rapidly being discarded.
(At this point, it may be proper for me to state that we make a distinction between Religion and Theology–between Philosophy and Metaphysics. Religion, to us, means that intuitional realization of the existence of THE ALL, and one's relationship to it; while Theology means the attempts of men to ascribe personality, qualities, and characteristics to it; their theories regarding its affairs, will, desires, plans, and designs; and their assumption of the office of “middle-men” between THE ALL and the people. Philosophy, to us, means the inquiry after knowledge of things knowable and thinkable; while Metaphysics means the attempt to carry the inquiry over and beyond the boundaries and into regions unknowable and unthinkable, and with the same tendency as that of Theology. And consequently, both Religion and Philosophy mean to us things having roots in Reality, while Theology and Metaphysics seem like broken reeds, rooted in the quicksands of ignorance, and affording naught but the most insecure support for the mind or soul of Man. We do not insist upon our students accepting these definitions–we mention them merely to show our position. At any rate, you shall hear very little about Theology and Metaphysics in these lessons.)
But while the essential nature of THE ALL is Unknowable, there are certain truths connected with its existence which the human mind finds itself compelled to accept. And in examination of these reports form a proper subject of inquiry, particularly as they agree with the reports of the Illumined on higher planes. And to this inquiry we now invite you.
“THAT which is the Fundamental Truth–the Substantial Reality–is beyond true naming, but the Wise Men call it THE ALL. “–The Kybalion.
“In its Essence, THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE.”–The Kybalion.
“But, the report of Reason must be hospitably received, and treated with respect.”–The Kybalion.
The human reason, whose reports we must accept so long as we think at all, informs us as follows regarding THE ALL, and that without attempting to remove the veil of the Unknowable:
1. THE ALL must be ALL that REALLY IS. There can be nothing existing outside of THE ALL, else THE ALL would not be THE ALL.
2. THE ALL must be INFINITE, for is nothing else to define, confine, bound, limit or restrict THE ALL It must be Infinite in Time, or ETERNAL,–it must have always continuously existed, for there is nothing else to have ever created it, and something can never evolve from nothing, and if it had ever “not been,” even for a moment, it would not “be” now,–it must continuously exist forever, for there is nothing to destroy it, and it can never “not-be,” even for a moment, because something can never become nothing. It must be Infinite in Space–it must be Everywhere, for there is no place outside of THE ALL–it cannot be otherwise than continuous in Space, without break, cessation, separation, or interruption, for there is nothing to break, separate, or interrupt its continuity, and nothing with which to “fill in the gaps.” It must be Infinite in Power, or Absolute, for there is nothing to limit, restrict, restrain, confine, disturb or condition it–it is subject to no other Power, for there is no other Power.
3. THE ALL must be IMMUTABLE, or not subject to change in its real nature, for there is nothing to work changes upon it; nothing into which it could change, nor from which it could have changed. It cannot be added to nor subtracted from; increased nor diminished; nor become greater or lesser in any respect whatsoever. It must have always been, and must always remain, just what it is now–THE ALL–there has never been, is not now, and never will be, anything else into which it can change.
THE ALL being Infinite, Absolute, Eternal and Unchangeable it must follow that anything finite, changeable, fleeting, and conditioned cannot be THE ALL. And as there is Nothing outside of THE ALL, in Reality, then any and all such finite things must be as Nothing in Reality. Now do not become befogged, nor frightened–we are not trying to lead you into the Christian Science field under cover of Hermetic Philosophy. There is a Reconciliation of this apparently contradictory state of affairs. Be patient, we will reach it in time.
We see around us that which is called “Matter,” which forms the physical foundation for all forms. Is THE ALL merely Matter? Not at all! Matter cannot manifest Life or Mind, and as Life and Mind are manifested in the Universe, THE ALL cannot be Matter, for nothing rises higher than its own source–nothing is ever manifested in an effect that is not in the cause– nothing is evolved as a consequent that is not involved as an antecedent. And then Modern Science informs us that there is really no such thing as Matter–that what we call Matter is merely “interrupted energy or force,” that is, energy or force at a low rate of vibration. As a recent writer has said “Matter has melted into Mystery.” Even Material Science has abandoned the theory of Matter, and now rests on the basis of “Energy.”
Then is THE ALL mere Energy or Force? Not Energy or Force as the materialists use the terms, for their energy and force are blind, mechanical things, devoid of Life or Mind. Life and Mind can never evolve from blind Energy or Force, for the reason given a moment ago: “Nothing can rise higher than its source–nothing is evolved unless it is involved–nothing manifests in the effect, unless it is in the cause.” And so THE ALL cannot be mere Energy or Force, for, if it were, then there would be no such things as Life and Mind in existence, and we know better than that, for we are Alive and using Mind to consider this very question, and so are those who claim that Energy or Force is Everything.
What is there then higher than Matter or Energy that we know to be existent in the Universe? LIFE AND MIND! Life and Mind in all their varying degrees of unfoldment! “Then,” you ask, “do you mean to tell us that THE ALL is LIFE and MIND?” Yes! and No! is our answer. If you mean Life and Mind as we poor petty mortals know them, we say No! THE ALL is not that! “But what kind of Life and Mind do you mean?” you ask. The answer is “LIVING MIND, as far above that which mortals know by those words, as Life and Mind are higher than mechanical forces, or matter–INFINITE LIVING MIND as compared to finite Life and Mind.” We mean that which the illumined souls mean when they reverently pronounce the word: “SPIRIT!”
“THE ALL” is Infinite Living Mind–the Illumined call it SPIRIT!
* * * * *
In this grade the introductory work of another of John Gilbert’s initiatory orders is included, so that initiates of the FHR have the chance to explore other occult traditions and gain certain useful skills. The tradition to be sampled at this stage is the Modern Order of Essenes.
The Modern Order of Essenes was founded in 1948 by Rev. Matthew William Shaw, who was at that time a minister in the Universalist Church and four years later went on to become one of the founders of the Universal Gnostic Church. Shaw was inspired by the example of the ancient Essenes, an order of mystics and healers who lived a semi-monastic life near the Dead Sea in the land of Judea. They were active during the life of Jesus of Nazareth and it has been suggested by many scholars that both Jesus and John the Baptist received instruction and initiation from the Essenes.
Shaw’s intention in founding the Modern Order of Essenes was to create a fellowship in which people of good will could learn, teach, and practice spiritual healing and take up a more spiritual approach to life. As of this writing the Modern Order of Essenes is dormant, but its spiritual healing practices are fully compatible with the teachings of the FHR. I intend to make the teachings of the Modern Order of Essenes available to students in their entirety once the complete FHR curriculum has been published.
This first installment covers some of the basic teachings of the Modern Order of Essenes.
Essene Beliefs
What follows is an outline of the spiritual teachings that all modern Essenes are expected to understand. You are not required to believe these teachings, but it will help you to understand the practical teachings of the modern Essenes if you take the time to think about the ideas below and consider how they relate to your own experience of the world—and of yourself.
1. The Divine is Everything
The Divine is everything. There is no thought, no thought form, no holographic projection, no illusion that is not a part of the Divine. We are a part of the Divine. We exist in the Divine Mind just as everything in existence does. There is nothing that is not a part of the Divine, contained within the Divine Mind.
The Divine is all matter and all forms created from matter. The Divine is all energy and all expressions of force created by matter and energy. The Divine is Light and this light is a symbol of knowledge. The Divine is Sound, Vibration, Light, Energy and Matter because all these things are mind stuff. The Divine is Love because love is a decision and the Divine chooses to love just as the Divine chooses to create. The creation itself is an expression of love.
The problem is that to choose to love means there is something opposite to love that can also be chosen. The Divine created love just as it created to opposite to love. The Divine created all emotions and the opposite to each and every one. It is because of this duality the Divine has the ability to choose. It is because of this duality that everything in the creation has the ability to choose.
2. The Divine Created All That Exists
The Divine conceived everything that is. There is nothing that is not conceived by the Divine. That means everything is created by the Divine. Love and hatred, abundance and poverty, health and illness, light and darkness, knowledge and ignorance, freedom and bondage are all part of the creation. So are you and I.
We were created by the Divine and we were empowered by the Divine to choose how we would live our own lives. This freedom of choice is the same freedom expressed by the Divine. This right to choose is a part of the creation because the Divine thought the creation into existence in this way. It could have been different, but it is exactly as the Divine created it to be.
3. We Create Our Own Lives
As a Child of the Divine we all have the right to create our own lives according to our own will. The problem is we’re a very complex creation and we live in a world of complex creatures all doing what they want to do. Sometimes what they want to do impacts us for good or ill. So we create and recreate our own lives many times each lifetime.
We also have to heal ourselves when other people impact us for ill, when others cause us injury of some kind. We heal ourselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally, psychologically and physically to the best of out ability all the time. As we mature spiritually we heal ourselves better and better. This is how we create ourselves over and over, how we create our own lives.
4. Healing is Creation
If we become aware something needs to be healed, intend to heal it and believe we can heal it, we will manifest healing in our life. This is the basis of all spiritual healing. All healing starts with the awareness something that is currently wrong and that can be made right. Once we intend to heal it and believe it can be healed, healing will become manifest in whatever requires healing.
All of Creation is a matter of first an intention, secondly a belief and finally the manifestation of this intention and belief.
The Essence Of Deity
All healing depends upon the essence of Deity. The essence of Deity is unconditional love. This unconditional love is the key to how we create our own lives and how we heal ourselves. Unconditional love is expressed as acceptance, forgiveness and love. The creative and healing power of the universe is the essence of Deity.
The Divine is unconditionally loving, all-accepting and all-forgiving. Divine Acceptance allows us to accept ourselves and others. Divine Forgiveness allows us to forgive ourselves and others. Thus we learn how to love in our own lives.
Learning to love ourselves and others is a natural consequence of accepting and forgiving ourselves and others. Loving ourselves and others is the key to all spiritual healing, because the Divine is unconditional love and the Divine heals all things. We become an instrument for the Divine Love of the Divine when we help other people heal themselves.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-07-28 08:48 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-07-28 09:36 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-07-29 12:22 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-07-29 12:31 am (UTC)I've been following along as an interested, but non-participating, observer. Looking forward to when I might have the chance to work through this material, and many thanks for sharing such a wealth of occult teaching.
Cheers,
Jeff