2=9: The Hall of the Theorici v.2

Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn

Het Nuit Redaction — Public Release Version 1.0, February, 2003

Edited by Frater Osiris November 2004

MATERIALS:

Diagrams: Enochian Tablets, Tree with Serpent of Wisdom, Kamea of Moon with Seal, Luna on the Tree of Life

Tarot Card: The Universe

Letters: Shin, Tau, Qoph, Resh, Samekh, Tzaddi

Admission Badges: Cubical Cross, Caduceus Badge

Temple arranged as in diagram for the 32nd Path. Members assembled and clothed. Lamp on Altar lighted. Members present, but not taking office, rise at the words "Let us adore the Archon of Air" and face East, remaining so to the end of the invocation. They do the same at the closing, but otherwise do not move from their places. Alter genders as appropriate. (! = one knock) Grade signs are always made toward the East unless otherwise specified. Officers move deosil around the temple.

Opening the 2=9 Hall

Hiero: (knocks) Fratres and Sorores of the Temple of Light and Darkness, please assist me to open the Hall of the Theorici. Soror Kerux, please see that the Temple is properly guarded.

Kerux goes to door, sees that it is closed, knocks, and says:
Kerux: Frater Hierophant, the Temple is properly guarded. (Returns to her place)

Hiero: Frater Hiereus, please see that the Theorici are assembled.

Hiereus: Fratres and Sorores, give the Signs of the 2=9 Grade. (All rise and give 2=9 sign towards altar.)
Frater Hierophant, the Theorici are assembled.

Hiereus salutes with 2=9 sign toward east. All sit.

Hiero: Soror Hegemon, to what particular Element is this Hall attributed?

Heg: To the Element of Air.

Hiero: Frater Hiereus, to what Planet does this Hall especially refer?

Hiereus: To the Moon.

Hiero: Soror Hegemon, what path is attached to this Hall?

Heg: The 32nd Path of Tau

Hiero: Frater Hiereus, to what does it allude?

Hiereus: To the Universe as composed of the Four Elements - to the KERUBIM, the QLIPPOTH and the Astral Plane, and the reflection of the sphere of SATURN.

Hiero: (knocks) (All rise and face East) Let us invoke the Archon of Air!

Hierophant makes circle and cross with scepter towards East

Hiero: SHADDAI EL CHAI, Almighty and Everlasting - Ever-Living be Thy name, Ever Magnified in the Life of All.

All salute with 2=9 sign. Hiero remains facing East. Hiereus advances to West of Altar. Hegemon and Kerux advance and stand at the outer sides of the Pillars, forming a Tau cross. All face East. Hiero makes invoking Pentagrams (Spirit & Air) within a circle before the Air Tablet.

Hiero: One mounteth unto the Crown by the moon and by the Sun, and by the arrow, and by the Foundation, and by the dark home of the stars from the black earth. In the Name ASHERAH and in the Name of SHADDAI EL CHAI, Spirits of Air, Rise up and awake!

Hiero. takes up Pentacle and at the words "Head of the Man" makes the sign Aquarius before Tablet.

Hiero: In the Name of RAPHAEL, the Great Archangel of Air, and in the Sign of the Head of the Human (signing AQUARIUS), Spirits of Air, Rise up and awake! (Making Cross with Pentacle) In the Name and Letters of the Great Eastern Quadrangle, revealed unto ENOCH by the Great Angel AVE, Spirits of Air, Rise up and awake! (Holding Pentacle on High) In the Great Name of Power, borne on the Banners of the East, OROIBAHAOZPI, Spirits of Air, adore your Creator! In the Name of BATAIVAH, Great King of the East, Spirits of Air, Rise up and awake!

Hiero replaces Pentacle. All give 2=9 sign, then return to places.

Hiero: In the Name of SHADDAI EL CHAI, I declare this Temple opened in the 2=9 Hall of the Theorici.

Hiero: !!! !!! !!!

Hiereus: !!! !!! !!!

Heg: !!! !!! !!!

CEREMONY OF ADVANCEMENT IN THE PATH OF TAU

Hiero: (knocks) Fratres and Sorores, our Frater ______ having made such progress in the Paths of Occult Knowledge as has enabled him to pass an examination in the requisite knowledge, is now eligible for advancement into the Hall of the Theorici. Therefore, by our power to wield a current of initiation I would undertake to advance him in due form. What is your Will?

All: Love is the Law, Love under Will.

Hiero: Soror Hegemon, please superintend the preparation of the Zelator and give the customary alarm.

Hegemon rises, salutes with 2=9 sign, and quits the Temple. She prepares the Zelator by seeing he is robed and presents him with Greek Cubical Cross. She hoodwinks him and comes to the door, giving the knock (333-333-333).

Kerux meanwhile, places FAN behind Hierophant; LAMP behind Hegemon; CUP behind Hiereus; SALT behind her own place (all were on central altar). Kerux, on hearing the alarm, opens the door and allows Hegemon to enter with Zelator, and then closes it.

Heg: Quit the Material and seek the Spiritual.

Hiero: Conduct the Zelator to the East.

Zelator is led between the Pillars to Hierophant's Throne, Kerux standing on his right, Hegemon on his left. Kerux takes Cubical Cross from him.

Hiero: Give me the Step and Sign of a Zelator. (done)
Give me the Grip or Token. (done)
Give me the Grand Word. (Adonai ha Aretz)
Mystic Title (Periclinus de Faustis)
and the Mystic Number of a Zelator. (55)
What is the Pass Word formed from the Mystic Number? (Nun Heh)
This is done, Hegemon prompting if necessary.

Hiero: Frater Periclinus de Faustis, do you solemnly pledge yourself to aspire to penetrate the Mysteries of the 32nd Path and of the 2=9 Hall of the Theorici, as you have already sworn regarding those of the preceding Halls?

Zelator: I do.

Kerux gives back Cross to Zelator.

Hiero: Then you will stretch out your hand(s), holding the Cubical Cross towards the heavens and say: "I swear by the Vault of the Body of Nuit".

This is done, Zelator repeating the words.

Hiero: Let the Hoodwink be removed.

Kerux removes hoodwink. Hegemon returns to her place in the South. Kerux now takes charge of Zelator.

Hiero: Stretch forth your right hand, holding the cubical cross towards the East, in the position of the Zelator Sign, saying: "Let the Powers of Air witness my pledge." (Done)

Hiero: (knocks) Facing you are the Portals of the 31st, 32nd, and 29th Paths leading from the Hall of the Zelatori to the three other Halls which are beyond. The Path now open to you, however, is the 32nd, which leads to the 2=9 Hall of the Theorici, and which you must traverse before arriving at that Hall. (Hiero gives Banner of the east to Zelator.) Take the Cubical Cross in your right hand and the Banner of Light in your left and follow your Guide, Anubis, the Opener of the Way, who leads from the material to the spiritual.

Kerux: Anubis the Guide said to the Aspirant, "Let us enter the Presence of the Lord of Truth. Arise and follow me."

Kerux turns to the right, and leads Zelator round the Hall once slowly, while Hiereus reads. Hierophant rises with Banner of West in left hand, Fan in right.

Hiereus: The Sphinx of Egypt spake and said:
"I am the synthesis of the Elemental Forces.
I am also the symbol of Humanity.
I am Life and I am Death.
I am the Child of the Night of Time."

As Kerux and Zelator approach the East, Hierophant bars the way with Banner of the West and Fan.

Hiero: The Priest with the Mask of the HUMAN spake and said: "Thou canst not pass the Gate of the Eastern Heaven unless thou canst tell me my Name."

Zelator: Thou art SHU, God of the Firmament of Air. (assisted) Thou art KHEPERA, Lord of the Eastern Sun.

Hiero: In what Signs and Symbols do ye come? What Letter is the Key of my Element?

The aspirant is given some time to remember the Hebrew Letter learned in the Zelator Hall attributed to the element. Aspirant is only assisted if truly stumped.

Zelator: The Letter Aleph. I come in the Banner of Light, (assisted) and the symbol of the Equated Forces.

Hierophant stands back and signs AQUARIUS before Zelator with FAN.

Hiero: In the Sign of the HUMAN, Child of AIR, thou art purified. Pass Thou on.

Gives Banner of the West to Kerux who leads Zelator on, and hands the Banner to Hegemon in passing, while Hiereus again reads:

Hiereus: I am AUSAR UN NEFER, the Soul in twin aspect,
united to the Higher by purification,
perfected by suffering, glorified through trial.
I have come where the Great Gods are,
through the Power of the Mighty Name.

After Hiereus' speech Kerux and Zelator continue around until reaching Hegemon who bars their way Lamp in right hand, Banner of West in left hand.

Heg: The Priest with the mask of the LION, spake and said: "Thou canst not pass by the Gate of the Southern Heaven unless thou canst tell me my Name."

Zelator: MAU the Lion, Very Powerful, Lord of FIRE, is Thy Name. (assisted) Thou art SEKHMET, the Sun in her Strength.

Heg: In what Signs and Symbols do ye come? What Letter is the Key of my Element?

The aspirant is given some time to remember the Hebrew Letter learned in the Zelator Hall attributed to the element. Aspirant is only assisted if truly stumped.

Zelator: The Letter Shin; and I come in the banner of the East, (assisted) and the Symbol of the Cubical Cross.

Heg: (standing back and signing LEO before Zelator with Lamp) In the Sign of the LION, Child of Fire, thou art purified. Pass thou on.

She replaces Lamp and takes the place of Kerux, who returns to her seat in the North. Hegemon leads Zelator past Hiereus, to whom she hands Banner of the West. Meanwhile, Hiereus reads for the third time, Hegemon being careful to lead Zelator slowly round the Temple, returning to Hiereus when the speech is finished.

Hiereus: (as they go around for the third time)
I have passed through the gates of the Firmament.
Give me your hands, for I am made as ye,
Ye Lords of Truth! For Ye are the formers of the Soul.

Hiereus puts down Sword and stands with CUP in right hand, Banner of West in left, barring the way of Hegemon and Zelator.

Hiereus: The Priest with the Mask of the EAGLE spake and said: "Thou canst not pass the Gate of the Western Heaven, unless thou canst tell me my Name."

Zelator: Nun, the Infinite Waters, is Thy Name. (assisted) Thou art ATUM, the setting Sun.

Hiereus: In what Signs and Symbols do ye come? What Letter is the Key of my Element?

Aspirant is given time to remember the Hebrew Letter learned in the Zelator Hall attributed to the element. Aspirant is only assisted if truly stumped.

Zelator: The Letter Mem; in the banner of the East, (assisted) and I come in the Symbol of the Cubical Cross.

Hiereus: (standing back and making sign of SCORPIO over Zelator with CUP) In the Sign of the EAGLE art thou purified, Child of Water. Pass thou on.

She gives Banner of West to Hegemon who continues to circumambulate with Zelator, giving Banner of West to Kerux as she passes her. Hiereus reads as they go round the fourth time, while Kerux rises with SALT in her right hand, the Banner of the West in left.

Hiereus: (as they go around) O Lord of the Universe-
thou art above all things and Thy Name is in all things;
and before Thee, the Shadows of Night roll back
and the Darkness hasteth away.

Kerux: (barring the way with SALT and Banner of West) The Priest with the Mask of the OX spake and said: "Thou canst not pass the gate of the Northern Heaven, unless thou canst tell me my Name."

Zelator: (assisted) GEB, the Bull of Earth, is Thy Name. Thou art AUSAR, the Sun at Night.

Kerux: In what Signs and Symbols do ye come? What Letter is the Key of my Element?

The aspirant is given some time to remember the Hebrew Letter learned in the Zelator Hall attributed to the element. Aspirant is only assisted is truly stumped.

Zelator: (assisted) The Letters Aleph, Mem, and Shin, and I come in the symbols of the Banner and Cross.

Kerux: (standing back, and signs TAURUS over Zelator with Salt) In the Sign of Head of the OX, Child of the elements, thou art purified. Pass thou on.

Hegemon leads the Zelator to Hierophant between the Pillars, Kerux accompanies them with Banner of West, which she hands to Hierophant to replace on stand. Hegemon then hands Hierophant Banner of East which Zelator has been holding. This is also replaced. Hegemon takes Cubical Cross from Zelator, gives it to Hierophant, and sits. Kerux collects the Fan, lamp, Cup and salt and replaces them in their right places on the Altar, around the Diagram. Kerux returns to station and sits.

Hiero: (holding Cubical Cross) The Cubical Cross is a fitting emblem of the equilibrated and balanced forces of the Elements. It is composed of 22 squares externally, thus referring them to the 22 letters that are placed thereon. Twenty-two are the letters of the Eternal Voice, in the Vault of Heaven, in the Depth of Earth; in the Abyss of Water; in the All-Presence of Fire. Heaven cannot speak their fullness; Earth cannot utter it. Yet, the Creator-Creatrix has bound them in all things. They are mingled in the Water. They are whirled aloft in Fire. They are sealed in the Air of Heaven. They are distributed through the Planets. They are assigned unto the Twelve Constellations of the Universe. (Places Cross aside.) The 32nd Path of the Sepher Yetzirah, which answers to MALKUTH and the Letter TAU, is called the Administrative Intelligence, remember this, for it directs and associates all of the operations of the Heavens.

Hiero rises and leads Zelator to the West of the Altar, drawing attention to the Key of the Universe.

Hiero: These Ideas are symbolically united in the Twenty First Key of the Tarot, before you. Study this and all the symbolism of this Hall, both here and in the classic text. This knowledge will continually prove its worth during your magical study. The Fan, Lamp, Cup and Salt represent the four Elements themselves whose inhabitants are the Sylphs, Salamanders, Undines, and Gnomes. Be thou, therefore, prompt and active as the Sylphs, but avoid capriciousness. Be thou energetic and strong as the Salamanders, but avoid irritability. Be flexible and attentive to images, like the Undines, but avoid indolence. Be laborious and patient like the Gnomes, but avoid avarice. So shalt thou gradually develop the powers of thy soul and fit thyself to wield the Spirits of the Elements.

Hiero returns to throne.

Hiereus: The Sphinx of Egypt again spake and said: "I am the synthesis of the Elemental Forces and four are my Powers."

Hiero: To Know! (Knocks)

Heg: To Will! (Knocks)

Hiereus: To Dare! (Knocks)

Kerux: and to Keep Silent! (Knocks and makes sign of silence)

Hiero: I have much pleasure in conferring on you the Title of Lady/Lord of the 32nd Path. You will now quit the Temple for a short time and on your return your reception into the 2=9 Hall of the Theorici will commence.

Kerux leads Zelator out.

SECOND PART

Hiero: Soror Kerux, please instruct the Zelator in the proper alarm, and present him with the necessary admission Badge. Soror Hegemon, please guard the Portal and admit them upon giving the proper alarm.

Kerux takes Caduceus Admission Badge and quits the temple. She gives Zelator the Admission Badge and brings Zelator to the door to give the knocks: 333-333-333. Hegemon opens the door and leads Zelator in a little way and faces him towards Hierophant.

Hiero: Frater Periclinus de Faustis, as in the Zelator Hall there were given symbolic representations of the Paths of Light, of Darkness and of Balance in the Outer Temple, so in this Hall of the Theorici, the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Inner Temple is shown; while in the 32nd Path leading hereunto and through which you have symbolically passed, its Guardians, the Kerubs, are represented. Soror Hegemon, please conduct the Zelator to the West, and place him before the Path of TAU by which he has symbolically entered this Hall.

This is done so that the Zelator is standing before the Hiereus and facing east. Kerux returns to place.

Hiereus: By what symbol dost thou enter herein?

Zelator: (Hegemon prompting) By the emblem of the Kerux, which is the Caduceus of Hermes.

Zelator hands it to Hiereus, who turns it towards the Zelator and says:
Hiereus: The Tree of Life and the Three Mother Letters are the Keys with which to unlock the Caduceus of Hermes and the Caduceus of Hermes is the Key with which to unlock this Hall.

Hiero comes East of the Altar. Heg directs Zelator to face Hiero from the West of the Altar, between pillars, and returns to her throne.

Hiero: The symbols before you represent alike the Inner Temple and the Holy of Holies, and this is the Tree of Life. This diagram shows the Tree of Life in all of its Glory, the Hebrew Names of God, Archangels and Choirs of Angels are represented in the Sephiroth, while the Letters are upon the Paths between them. Here also is the descending Lightning Flash which is also the Flaming Sword, marking the natural succession of the Sephiroth, and the ascending Serpent of Wisdom, touching all of the Paths in order. The Tree of Life is the Structure upon which our rituals and myths are built. It shows the Way of Creation and is the Union of Heaven and Earth enabling the Mage to ascend to the utmost heights. The Cup and Flame represent the Pylons of the Middle Way through which you passed upon entering the Temple in the Hall of the Zelatori and which guide you in your Journey. (And then standing in the Sign of Shu, say:)

Hiero: Glory be unto Thee, Giver of Life, for Thy Splendor fills the Universe! The sacrament of this hall is the living experience of the Tree of Life. This can be received in many ways. Today we invite you to receive into yourself the Light of the Tree by joining us in the invocation of the Middle Pillar by the Divine Names of the Sephiroth.

All stand and join in the vibration of Divine Names, visualizing the spheres in the appropriate colors manifesting on the body of the Zelator:

All: 1-Eheieh (AY-HAY-YAY) Crown-White.
2-Elohim (EL-OH-HEEM) Throat-Lavender.
3-IAO (EE-AH-OH) Solar Plexus-Yellow.
4--Shaddai El Chai (SHAH-DYE-EL-KYE) Groin-Violet.
5--Adonai Ha-Aretz. (AH-DOH-NYE-HA-AH-RETZ) Feet-Black.

Pause, sit, and then Hiero comes West of Altar to instruct.

Hiero: The 2=9 Hall of the Theorici is referred to YESOD, as the Zelator Hall is to MALKUTH, The Path between them is assigned to the Letter TAU, whose portal you now see in the West, and through which you have just symbolically passed.
To this Grade, as to those preceding it, certain signs and tokens are attributed. They consist of a Sign, Token, Grand Word, Mystic Number, and Password formed there from.
The sign is thus given: Stand with feet together and raise both arms upwards and back, in line with the shoulders, palms up, as if supporting a weight. It represents you in the Path of YESOD, supporting the Pillars of Mercy and Severity. It is the Sign of Shu, the Egyptian God of Air who separates Heaven and Earth and holds up the Sky.
The grip is that of the First Order which you received in the previous Grade of Zelator.
The Grand Word is a name of sever letters, SHADDAI EL CHAI, which means the Almighty and Living One.
The Mystic Number is 45, and from it is formed the Password which is MEM-HE, the Secret Name of the World of Formation. It should be lettered separately when given.
Unto this Hall and the Sephira YESOD, the Ninth Path of the Sepher Yetzirah is referred. It is called the Pure and Clear Intelligence; remember this, for it purifies and clarifies all of the Sephiroth, proving and amending the forming of their representation, and disposes their duties or harmonies in their combinations without mutilation or division.

Hiero brings Zelator to the East of the Hall.

Hiero: The three Portals facing you are the Gates of the Paths leading from this grade. The Portal on the right connects it with the 4=7 Grade of Philosophus, while that on your left with the 3=8 Grade of Practicus. The central Portal leads to the Higher. This Hall especially refers to the Element of Air and therefore the Great Watchtower or Terrestrial Tablet of the East forms one of its principle emblems. It is the First or Great Eastern Quadrangle or Air Tablet, and it is one of the four Great Tablets of the Elements said to have been given to Enoch by the Great Angel Ave. It is divided within itself into four lesser angles. The Letters upon it form various Divine and Angelic Names in what our tradition calls the Angelic secret language. From it are drawn the Three Holy Secret Names that are borne upon the Banners of the East, ORO IBAH AOZPI, and there are also numberless names of Angels, Archangels, and spirits of the Nature of Elemental Air.
This Grade is also related to the Moon. Its Kamea or Magical Square is shown in the East, with seals and names appropriate thereto.
On this Tablet are shown the meanings of the Lunar symbol when inscribed upon the Tree of Life. Its crescent in increase represents the side of Mercy; and its crescent in decrease the side of Severity; while at full it reflects the Sun of Tiphareth.

Hegemon seats Zelator in the Northwest.

Hiero: I now congratulate you on having attained to the Hall of the Theorici and in recognition thereof I confer upon you the Mystic Title PORAIOS DE REJECTUS (Por-eye-us Day Ray-yek-tos), which means "Brought from among the Rejected," and I give you the Symbol of RUACH, which is the Hebrew name for Air. (knocks ) Soror Kerux, please declare that the Zelator has been duly advanced to the Hall of the Theorici.

(Kerux goes to northeast, turns west and says: )
Kerux: In the name of SHADDAI EL CHAI, and by the power of the initiatory current that we wield, here ye all that I proclaim that our Frater/Soror _______, having made sufficient progress in the Study of Occult Science, has been duly advanced to the Grade of 2=9 of Theoricus, Lord/Lady of the 32nd Path, and that he has received the Mystic Title of PORAIOS DE REJECTUS (Por-eye-us Day Ray-yek-tos), and the symbol of RUACH.

Hiero: Soror ______, before your advancement to the next Hall lies the task of committing certain rudiments of Occult knowledge to memory. When you have satisfied yourself with your attainment, arrangements will be made for you to sit for examination. Upon passing you will be ready at your discretion for the next Degree.

CLOSING

Hiero: (knocks) Assist me to close the Temple in the Hall of the Theorici. Soror Kerux, please see that the Temple is properly guarded.

Kerux: (goes to door and knocks) Frater Hierophant, the Temple is properly guarded.

Hiero: (knocks) Let us adore the Archon of AIR.

All stand facing East. Hiereus directs new Theoricus to stand facing east.

Hiero: SHADDAI EL CHAI, Almighty and Everliving, blessed be Thy Name unto the countless ages.

All salute. Officers form in the East as in Opening. Members stand facing East. Hiereus remains standing just behind new Theoricus.

Hiero: (knocks) Let us join with the Sylphs in their continual Prayer-
SPIRIT OF LIFE! Spirit of wisdom!
Whose breath giveth forth and withdraweth
the form of all things: THOU, before Whom the life of beings is but a shadow which changeth, and a vapor which passeth:
THOU, Who mountest upon the clouds,
and Who walkest upon the Wings of the Wind.
THOU, Who breathest forth Thy Breath, and endless space is peopled:
THOU, Who drawest in Thy Breath, and all that cometh from Thee, returneth unto Thee!
CEASELESS MOTION, in Eternal Stability, be Thou eternally blessed!
We praise Thee and we bless Thee in the Changeless Empire of Created Light, of Shades, of Reflections, and of Images.
And we aspire without cessation unto Thy Immutable and Imperishable Brilliance.
Let the ray of Thy Intelligence and the Warmth of Thy Love penetrate even unto us!
Then that which is Volatile shall be Fixed;
the shadow shall be a body;
the Spirit of Air shall be a Soul;
the Dream shall be a Thought.
And no more shall we be swept away by the Tempest, but we shall hold the Bridles of the Winged Steeds of Dawn.
And we shall direct the course of the Evening Breeze to fly before Thee!
O SPIRIT of Spirits! O Eternal Soul of souls!
O IMPERISHABLE Breath of Life! O Creative Sigh!
O mouth which breathest forth and withdrawest the life of all beings, in the flux and reflux of Thine Eternal Word, which is the Divine Ocean of Movement and of Truth

Hierophant makes with Scepter the Banishing Circle and Pentagrams in the air before the Tablet.

Hiero: Depart in peace unto your habitations. May the blessing of ASHERAH go with you. Be there peace between us and you, and be ye ready to come when ye are called. All give 2=9 sign and return to their places. In the Name of SHADDAI EL CHAI, I declare this temple closed in the 2=9 Hall of the Theorici.

Hiero: !!! !!! !!!

Hiereus: !!! !!! !!!

Heg: !!! !!! !!!

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