Initiation

The first trial consists in obtaining a clearer comprehension of the corporeal attributes of lifeless things, then of plants, of animals, of human beings (in the way that the average person possesses them). This does not mean what is commonly called “scientific knowledge;” with that it has no connection, but it has to do with intuition. What occurs is usually that the Initiate discloses to the candidate how the objects of nature and the essence of living things reveal themselves to the spiritual and mental hearing and sight. In a certain way these things then lie revealed—naked—before the beholder. Attributes and qualities which are concealed from, physical eyes and ears can then be seen and heard. Heretofore they have been enwrapped as in a veil, and the falling away of this veil for the candidate, occurs at what is called the Process of Purification by Fire. The first trial is therefore known as the “Fire-Trial.”