The History of the Esoteric School 1904–1914, Volume Two

GA 265

Notes for the Opening Ceremony for the Fifth Degree

Text based on the original manuscript by Marie Steiner
Note sheet Archive number 6971/72

Royal Arch 5th degree

Grand Master: My venerable brothers, may our soul be filled with what the 6th day of creation has done to the 5th. Your duty?

Michael: To see if the doors are closed on all sides, the high chapter covered, no profane, no Johannesmaurer and no Wartemaurer are present.

Grand Master: Fulfill your duty.

Michael (does so): I announce to the honorable Grand Master that the high chapter can work in the deepest secret, under full cover.

Grand Master: What is the goal of our work?

Michael: In the 4

Grand Master: What are the 4?

Michael: Learn to be silent and you will acquire power. Give up power and you will acquire might. Give up might and you will acquire will. Give up will and you will acquire knowledge.

Grand Master: Where do you arrive at through these 4?

Michael: To the realization of the 7

Grand Master: Draw the 7

Michael: (draws)

Grand Master: Where do you see the 7 realized?

Michael: In the 4

Grandmaster: Name the 4

Michael: The astral, the animal, the vegetable, the mineral.

Grandmaster: What binds the 4?

Michael: The lost word binds the 4

Grand Master: How do you know the lost word? Michael: Under the sign

Grand Master: Draw it.

Michael:

Grand Master: Give the chapter sign

Michael: (gives it)

Grand Master: What is the grip?

Michael: Into the four.

Grand Master: The sacred word?

Michael: I am that I am. Yahweh.

Grand Master: The chapter password?

Michael: Ressurrectus.

Grand Master: What is your assignment?

Michael: To form the mercurial soul in pure salt through the purifying sulfur fire.