Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Turkish Freemasonary
Turkish Freemasonary
Compiled by
Baron Rudolf von Sebottendorf
[1924]
art of this book, either in part or Dedicated to the Memory of the Former Secretary of the
~,..r~uced, transmitted or utilized in Turkish Embassy in Bern, Mr. P. Schwidtal
ans electronic, photographic or
otocopying, recording, or by any
retrieval system, without the
m the Publisher, except for brief
literary articles and reviews .
_;: 1-885972-14-8
Published by
A-RAVEN PRESS
P.O. Box 557
'ille, Texas 78957
Introduction ............................................... 1
I. Practice ................................................ 5
II. Theory ................................................. 19
III. Theory and Practice ................................. 35
Conclusion ................................................ 49
Translator's Notes ....................................... 51
Introduction
I
PRACTICE
f
Islam means submission, that is, submission to the will
of God. The believer can just commend himself to the will
of God simply because it is the will of God. He feels
secure and does not ask why this is so and that is
different- he fulfills the divine law simply because it is the
revealed law of God. He accepts his fate as being
immutable and at the most attempts by means of prayer to
implore for mercy from God when the burden becomes too
great for him. But the sign of the true believer will
consistently be that he does not ask for release from the
burden, but rather for the strength to the bale to bear it.
"Lead us in the way of those who do not err," the Prophet
prescribes to those who pray.
5
This faithful condition is what is most worthy to strive The formulas are presen·
after according to all religious systems. Actually he is also letters,cs) the meaning of \\ · ·
the most happy, it is he who the Prophet values most ists as well as different
highly and he represents this as his only goal- and opinion that these letter
therefore his religion is called Islam. certainly originated under · ·
Now beside the belief there is something else that makes Prophet dictated some, o
it equally possible for a person to yield to his fate; it is no wrote them down, still o
longer faith but knowledge- knowledge of the divine laws. memory. Upon collecting
The one who knows no longer fulfills this law blindly, but ated the originator of the
rather knowingly. The truly wise one is very near to the now without their meaning.
believer, but he is superior to the believer. Some European scholar
The Prophet created a very wise institution to open the letters represent notes by th
way to knowledge for everyone who truly seeks it. ed to mean: amara li muham
According to this system in the Koran he provided explicit me to write.
signs which point the way to knowledge and which have to Arabic commentator
reveal the law of creation to someone who gains abbreviations. Thus ALM m
knowledge from within his own being. The highest form is good - or as another thinks:
of knowledge will always lead the wise to yield to Divine God who knows.
Providence without complaint- that is, to Islam through For others the letters are
knowledge. sense. Certainly all the Sur
In what follows we will concern ourselves with this contain definite indication
path. How the Prophet himself came into possession of special to say.
this knowledge is told in the form of the following legend. The Arabic language, li ··
Not far from Mecca there lived at the time of does not write the voweL.
Mohammed an aged hermit, Ben Chasi, who was teaching letters as such, but rather as ·.1
the Prophet. When the lesson was over he gave him a For this reason people have
metallic plate upon which were engraved formulas, the over the meaning of these le
meaning of which the then 30-year old Prophet had just the secret formulas conceale · ·
learned. Soon thereafter the hermit died, but Mohammed who knows the truth can no
kept on teaching the secret of these formulas in the most All of these formulas are com
intimate circles. Abu Bekr, the first calif, inherited the one or several consonants.
plate and the knowledge which only spread within a small Now the secret doctrine ~
circle after the death of the Prophet: this is the secret the formula occurs specifie
knowledge of the oriental Freemasons. system the given formula i
In order to ensure against the loss of the formulas the the Prophet appears as follows.
Prophet distributed them throughout the Koran according
to a precise key. The key is known, and the formulas are
preserved in the Koran, such that the possibility remains
for reconstructing the system at any time.
6 7
hat is most worthy to strive The formulas are preserved in the so-called abbreviated
- -ystems. Actually he is also letters,cs) the meaning of which is debated among oriental-
o the Prophet values most ists as well as different commentators. Some are of the
his as his only goal- and opinion that these letters are signatures. Individual Suras
Islam. certainly originated under highly variable conditions: the
e is something else that makes Prophet dictated some, others he recited while friends
"" n to yield to his fate; it is no wrote them down, still others were recorded later from
-knowledge of the divine laws. memory. Upon collecting the Suras the letters which indic-
=e!" fulfills this law blindly, but ated the originator of the Sura would have remained, but
. vise one is very near to the now without their meaning.
o the believer. Some European scholars are of the view that these
• r wise institution to open the letters represent notes by the scribe. Thus ALM is suppos-
eryone who truly seeks it. ed to mean: amara li muhamed- Mohammed commanded
e Koran he provided explicit me to write.
knowledge and which have to Arabic commentators view these letters as holy
·on to someone who gains abbreviations. Thus ALM mean: allah Iatif madshid- God
own being. The highest form is good - or as another thinks: ana lahu alamu- I am the
the wise to yield to Divine God who knows.
·nr- that is, to Islam through For others the letters are to be interpreted in a cabalistic
sense. Certainly all the Suras in which these letters occur
oncern ourselves with this contain definite indications that they have something
self came into possession of special to say.
form of the following legend. The Arabic language, like all the Semitic languages,
ere lived at the time of does not write the vowels. If one does not read these
. Ben Chasi, who was teaching letters as such, but rather as words, they yield no meaning.
--n was over he gave him a For this reason people have been scratching their heads
·ere engraved formulas, the over the meaning of these letters. But in actuality these are
0-year old Prophet had just the secret formulas concealed in the letters which someone
ermit died, but Mohammed who knows the truth can now easily read and pronounce .
. . these formulas in the most All of these formulas are compounds of the vowel A with
he first calif, inherited the one or several consonants.
· h only spread within a small Now the secret doctrine shows that the Sura in which
Prophet: this is the secret the formula occurs specifies the number of days in the
-~ emasons.
system the given formula is to be practiced. The table of
the loss of the formulas the the Prophet appears as follows:
ughout the Koran according
·nown, and the formulas are
that the possibility remains
any time.
7
And because Cancer fo
Number of the Sura Name of the Sura Formula It bound itself by hea
2 The Cow alam
3 Amran's Family alam Through stations twemy-ei:=
7 El Araf alamas It positions itself in opr -
10 Jonah alar Then it shrivels up like
11 Houd alar As God ordained, who i
12 Joseph alar
13 Thunder alamar Contemlates this corre
14 Abraham alar Understands it wll, there
15 A-hijr alar Seek only in the Koran.
19 Mary kaha ya as
20 Taha taha
Whoever can't find ith
26 The Poet tasam Astrologically the zodia
27 The Ant tas the Moon, which represen
28 The Narration tasam used for the human body. T'~
29 The Spider alam
30 The Greeks alam soul through the secret table o
31 The Wise alam the way of the Moon- eveD'
32 Adoration alam span in which a formula is eJ
36 Yasin yas is the two-day exercise
38 Sad sa
40 The Believer cham likewise the three-day exer
41 Revelations Well Expounded cham the seven-day exercise of al
42 Consultation chamasak This is the path the De
43 Gold Adornments cham taking. This not only ha
44 Smoke cham
45 Kneeling cham knowledge, but they also ane
46 AI ahqaf cham by means of a special practice
50 Qaf ka the Dervishes are the pe ~
68 The Feather na
knowledge, and from whom
822 days 14 different formulas will be drawn.
If they pass the time of testin=
days, then they will receive hig
capable and if they have the
they receive a more special :
The number of days result in 25 lunar months in which certain magical characteristh......
three days are missing. On these three days the one who capabilities they just remai
was dedicating himself to these exercises was occupied order.
doing something else, to which we will return later. This higher initiation i
The formulas are present in 29 Suras. For those who do and it is, as we will see later.
not know anything about astrology it is noted that and Rosicrucians.
astrology knows of 28 mansions of the Moon, which
amounts to the 29-day synodical rotation of the Moon. The *The twenty-ninth station i
Persian mystic Mahmud Shebisteri, a Mel Mevlevi path, the return of the soul to
Dervish says in the gulshen ras: body has become more spiri
8 9
And because Cancer found itself related to the Moon
Formula It bound itself by head and tail to the Moon
alam
alam Through stations twenty-eight goes its course
alamas It positions itself in opposition to the Sun's light
alar Then it shrivels up like a date-stalk
alar
alar
As God ordained, who is alone the one who wisely
alamar Contemlates this correctly, as a perfect man
alar Understands it wll, there is nothing vain about it
alar Seek only in the Koran, there you will find the plan
kahaya as
taha
Whoever can't find ithas weak insight.
tasam Astrologically the zodiacal sign Cancer is the house of
tas the Moon, which represents the soul. Here the house is
tasam used for the human body. The 28 stations which run the
alam
alam soul through the secret table of the Prophet corresponds to
alam the way of the Moon- every station is equal to the time
alam span in which a formula is exercised. Thus the first station
yas is the two-day exercise of alam, the second station
sa
cham likewise the three-day exercise of alam, the third station
cham the seven-day exercise of alamas, etc.*
chamasak This is the path the Dervish order is accustomed to
cham
cham
taking. This not only has to do with a general sort of
cham knowledge, but they also attempt to acquire special powers
cham by means of a special practice. However, for the most part
ka the Dervishes are the people who strive after higher
na
knowledge, and from whom the spiritual leaders of Islam
14 different formulas will be drawn.
If they pass the time of testing, which usually lasts 825
days, then they will receive higher initiation, if they are
capable and if they have the desire. Or, on the other hand,
they receive a more special instruction in order to attain
lt in 25 lunar months in which certain magical characteristics. If they show no further
these three days the one who capabilities they just remain in the lower grades of the
·hese exercises was occupied order.
h we will return later. This higher initiation is the exercise of Freemasonry,
29 Suras. For those who do and it is, as we will see later, the work of the alchemists
astrology it is noted that and Rosicrucians.
ions of the Moon, which
Jical rotation of the Moon. The *The twenty-ninth station is then the completion of the
hebisteri, a Mel Mevlevi path, the return of the soul to a higher stage, the house, the
body has become more spiritualized.
9
These exercises are characterized by the use of the three
signs or recognition· employed by modern Freemasons: II. The Chest-grip
sign, grip and word- except these are not signs of This grip is performed
recognition, not mere symbols in the best case, but rather right hand. The correct heic
magical operations designed to induct the finer radiation of one places the angled right
the primordial power - to incorporate them into the body positions the angled left han · ·
and thereby make the body more spiritual, to give the just touches the little finger o
balance of power to the spirit over the body. the right height. The grip i
The signs are three different positions of the hand, the four fingers just touch t
known by the vowels which are indicated by them. lying on the left breast. Th
thumb is drawn over to the
I. The I-sign touching the right side of the
The right hand is in a fist and from the fist the index
finger is extended straight out; the hand is put in such a III. The Middle-grip
position that the finger is directed straight upward into the Present-day Masonry no .
heights so that the letter I is represented. performed somewhat lower d
right position is found when
II. The A-sign hand in the manner of the che~L- =
The hand is held in such a way that all the fingers lay in the angled left hand in such
a flat plane; the thumb is now extended so that it forms an thumb just touches the little fL =
angle of 90 degrees, a right angle with the line of the index
finger. IV. The Master- or Belly-grip
This grip is positioned the
III. The 0-sign lower than the Middle-grip .
One is to bend the fingers and thumb of the angled hand navel up over the solar plexuu.
in such a way that the tip of the thumb just touches the tip manner similar to the previou _
of the index finger. The thumb, index finger and the part The words have already been =
of the hand between these two digits form a circle, an 0. Before these formulas can be us
The grips are performed in proximity to different parts the three vowels:
of the body. I A
and later the compounds:
si sa
I. The Neck-grip I and Si are only used in
One lays the angled hand on the neck in such a way that A and Sa only in connecti-..:
the thumb touches the right carotid artery, the index finger 0 and So only in connect!, 1
lies on the larynx and the other fingers are in a flat plane
with the index finger. The angled hand is withdrawn A question is posed to anyone
sharply with the index finger moving across the larynx. which he has to answer in a time
until the hand is situated in a position equal in height to the the answer to this question de
right shoulder, then it is allowed to drop down. must undergo further instru
10 11
.........erized by the use of the three
_,ed by modern Freemasons: II. The Chest-grip
'" ""cept these are not signs of This grip is performed over the chest with the angled
Is in the best case, but rather right hand. The correct height of the grip is obtained when
o induct the finer radiation of one places the angled right hand in the neck-grip and then
orporate them into the body positions the angled left hand in such a way that the thumb
. more spiritual, to give the just touches the little finger of the right hand. That is just
· · over the body. the right height. The grip is so positioned that the tips of
rent positions of the hand, the four fingers just touch the left arm, so that the palm is
~ are indicated by them. lying on the left breast. The hand with the outstretched
thumb is drawn over to the right until the finger tips are
touching the right side of the body.
and from the fist the index
t; the hand is put in such a III. The Middle-grip
ted straight upward into the Present-day Masonry no longer uses this grip, which is
represented. performed somewhat lower down than the chest-grip. The
right position is found when one places the angled right
hand in the manner of the chest-grip and then again places
., ay that all the fingers lay in the angled left hand in such a way that the outspread
. ~.- extended so that it forms an thumb just touches the little finger of the right hand .
angle with the line of the index
IV. The Master- or Belly-grip
This grip is positioned the breadth of the angled hand
lower than the Middle-grip. It is moved from below the
d thumb of the angled hand navel up over the solar plexus, and thus performed in a
e thumb just touches the tip manner similar to the previous grips. -
b. index finger and the part The words have already been given in the Koranic table.
digits form a circle, an 0. Before these formulas can be used, however, one first uses
.n proximity to different parts the three vowels:
I A 0
and later the compounds:
si sa so
I and Si are only used in connection with the I-sign,
the neck in such a way that A and Sa only in connection with the A-sign and
. . = otid artery, the index finger 0 and So only in connection with the 0-sign.
r fingers are in a flat plane
ngled hand is withdrawn A question is posed to anyone taking on these exercises
moving across the larynx. which he has to answer in a time span of three days. Upon
ition equal in height to the the answer to this question depends whether the student
to drop down. must undergo further instruction or whether he can
11
immediately enter into the exercises. These exercises can Then one immediately fo r
last for from between three to twenty-five months; this the same way. The Oriental.
depends entirely on the student. There are actually very solitude of his tecke, i.e. of
precise signs by which one can tell whether one can feel definite signs of the kin
proceed, or whether one must start over from the Occidental, who will do tb
beginning. The first condition which must be met upon 10 minutes in the momine
beginning the exercises is patience, the second days longer.
perseverance, and the third courage. As soon as the warming
The numbers I give here represent the shortest times, form the I and animate the f:
which should be compared to the numbers on the table on feels that is becoming warm.
page 45. Above all one should notice that the work should and immediately forms the }• .
not be rushed. "The Devil is mixed up in a hurried shop," hand with Sa, Sa, Sa and afte
says a Turkish proverb. his neck, makes the hand gri
The indispensable condition upon entering the exercises inducted rarified forces of na·
is faith in GOD, the awareness that the individual is one he constantly thinks Sa, Sa,
with GOD. I repeat this reminder for those who wish to hand and forms the 0, which.
begin these exercises, which in no case can cause harm to the syllable So, So, So, he
anyone who has a selfless spirit. But they may be harmful the Master-grip after a while.
to anyone who undertakes them with the selfish intention This preliminary works en
to delve into secrets which he is not supposed to know. In days, that is: three days of
the best case he will perform the exercises without success vowel sounds and seven day., ,
and will become annoyed at having spent money on such a the vowel compounded with S.
worthless book.
The work is divided into three parts: The Main Work
I. the Preliminary work Daily 5 to 10 minutes. Repe
II. the Main work the preliminary work for seven
III. the Pursuant work move the index finger of your
been animated by Sa, to your
sulphurous odor, you can proce
The Preliminary Work you must exercise for seven day
Daily 10 minutes, 14 day
One stands upright, forms the I -sign and concentrates animated by Si, Si, Si. When ·
his whole attention on the uplifted finger while continuing dropped and the A is formed.
to think of nothing other than I, I, I. One will soon notice alam. The hand is moved into
that the finger begins to become warm in a most peculiar constantly repeating the formula.
fashion. When this warming becomes noticeable one hand sharply. Then the 0 is fo
allows the hand to fall, and after a while the A-sign is 14 days the bitter taste of m
formed. One should attempt to vivify the A in a similar perceived if the index finger o:
way until one feels a dry warmth in the thumb. on the tongue.
12 13
... . ercises. These exercises can Then one immediately forms the 0 and animates it in
o twenty-five months; this the same way. The Oriental, who sequesters himself in the
udent. There are actually very solitude of his tecke, i.e. of a Dervish establishment, will
'"e can tell whether one can feel definite signs of the kind indicated on the first day, the
must start over from the Occidental, who will do the exercise no more than about
· · n which must be met upon 10 minutes in the morning or evening, will need a few
is patience, the second days longer.
urage. As soon as the warming takes place, the student must
represent the shortest times, form the I and animate the finger with Si, Si, Si until be
the numbers on the table on feels that is becoming warm. He then lets his band drop
notice that the work should and immediately forms the A. He animates the angled
·- mixed up in a hurried shop," band with Sa, Sa, Sa and after a while guides his hand to
his neck, makes the band grip, and thereby conducts the
· · n upon entering the exercises inducted rarified forces of nature to his neck. During this
that the individual is one he constantly thinks Sa, Sa, Sa, then sharply removes his
minder for those who wish to band and forms the 0, which, after he has animated it with
in no case can cause harm to the syllable So, So, So, he moves to his solar plexus in
irit. But they may be harmful the Master-grip after a while.
em with the selfish intention This preliminary works encompasses a time span of ten
- -e is not supposed to know. In days, that is: three days of animation with the simple
the exercises without success vowel sounds and seven days with the syllable made up of
aving spent money on such a the vowel compounded with S.
nonchalantly over his left shoulder, approximately where "My brothers. ·.~ ·
the Chest-grip starts. If he is in great distress he will lift knowled ge . I
the angled hand over his head; often he will also lift both are you ?"
arms up and hold out both hands. It is a duty to rush at The warden answers: "\1
once to the aid of a brother who gives this sign. and stone."
Another sign of recognition is the so-called Fire-sign, Then the Master: ''H .
which is made when one wishes to greet a brother from a acknowledge: There is no G~-..
distance. One holds the left hand stretched out flat, lays the Messenger of God." 1\o ..
the right hand on it, likewise flat, and now moves the right star-sign on his chest, where
hand quickly and energetically along the back of the left repeated simultaneously by
hand. goes on: "God bless him an
The so-called Star-sign, which is made in the lodge, is words of the holy Sura:
formed with the right hand by holding the two middle "In the name of God the
fingers together, spreading apart the small and index Cham osak. Therefore God ·~
fingers, with the thumb spread out as well. his revelation to you and tho
The words of recognition are: key, water, fire, level, It is the 42nd Sura which
black, white, red, rose, stone. As will be understood later, he concludes with the words:
these words describe the entire work. Among the Oriental Prophet, God bless him and ==
Masons the work is called the Science of the Key: Ilm el warden, what are the Sun and ~
miftach and the Masons themselves often refer to "Allah wad din." That m
themselves as Beni el Mim- Sons of the Key. religion and faith." Din is am· ·
At meetings the oldest sheikh presides and a warden, a is one of the main questions cf
steward and a runner are appointed. The warden has to All those present repeat th"'
ensure that the meeting is conducted undisturbed; the thereby complete the star- si c ~·
steward takes care of the guests, supervises the servants "To worship God and to
and at the conclusion of the gathering collects an offering our effort." All present answer
which is divided between the warden and the servants. The subject of the evening i
runner supports the warden and the steward. conclusion of the official ..,
The sheikh opens the session with the Fire-sign and the usually takes place.
word alam, which the Beni el Mim actually use to mean: The greatest discretion is r
"Let's begin ... " After the questions to the warden, the However, in order to forest
steward and the runner, as to whether everything is in book is any sort of betrayal, i;
order, the sheikh says: "My brothers, we are secure, we written by command of the chi
16 17
are provided for, and we are served. The Sun is shining,
bowl and an open compass let us open heaven. Brother runner, hast thou the key?"
you can be certain that you "Worthy Master, I am the I"
te. "Brother Warden, hast thou the key?"
ms the aid and counsel of a "Worthy Master, I am the A."
or: where he knows no one, he "Brother Steward, hast thou the key?"
laces his angled right hand "Worthy Master, I am the 0."
-;noulder, approximately where "My brothers, without the key there is no
- ~ is in great distress he will lift knowledge. I am water, fire and level. What
d; often he will also lift both are you?"
hands. It is a duty to rush at The warden answers: "We are black, white, red, rose
ho gives this sign. and stone."
· ion is the so-called Fire-sign, Then the Master: "Holy is our science. Let us
ishes to greet a brother from a acknowledge: There is no God but God and Mohammed is
eft hand stretched out flat, lays the Messenger of God." Now everyone present makes the
· flat, and now moves the right star-sign on his chest, whereupon the confession of faith is
· ally along the back of the left repeated simultaneously by all. Then the presiding member
goes on: "God bless him and give him salvation. Here the
.~·hich is made in the lodge, is words of the holy Sura:
by holding the two middle "In the name of God the most merciful, the gracious.
· g apart the small and index Cham osak. Therefore God the Powerful, the Wise, gives
d out as well. his revelation to you and those who were before you."
· n are: key, water, fire, level, It is the 42nd Sura which the Master recites and which
e. As will be understood later, he concludes with the words: "True are the words of the
tire work. Among the Oriental Prophet, God bless him and give him salvation. Brother
the Science of the Key: Ilm el warden, what are the Sun and Moon?"
themselves often refer to "Allah wad din." That means: "God and soul or also
- Sons of the Key. religion and faith." Din is ambiguous, and so the question
neikh presides and a warden, a is one of the main questions of the brotherhood.
ppointed. The warden has to All those present repeat the answer of the warden and
:s conducted undisturbed; the thereby complete the star-sign. The Master goes on:
=uests, supervises the servants "To worship God and to make the faith great, is always
gathering collects an offering our effort." All present answer with "alam," and now the
e warden and the servants. The subject of the evening is entered upon. After the
and the steward. conclusion of the official segment, a convivial meal
ion with the Fire-sign and the usually takes place.
! el Mim actually use to mean: The greatest discretion is required of the Beni el Mim.
questions to the warden, the However, in order to forestall the idea that the present
- to whether everything is in book is any sort of betrayal, it must be said that it has been
y brothers, we are secure, we written by command of the chiefs of the order. The reason
17
is as follows: The so-called civilized world has been
overcome by a great organization of infidels - monstrous
in extent - and religious institutions have already been
undermined by this to such a degree that they are not able
to mount any unified resistance. In this emergency the
Islamic brothers remembered that the tradition says that in
earlier times the science was known in Europe. They
sought and investigated - and found - in the writings of
the Rosicrucians and those of the alchemists that these
exemplified the Science of the Key in their books
perfectly. The assignment is to make people aware of this
and to show seekers the way; the requirements of the times
allows any consideration against publication to vanish.
May the truth of the process of victory begin and the
clouds of darkness slowly, but all the more surely,
disperse.
"alam."
18 19
ivilized world has been
·z:uion of infidels - monstrous
· titutions have already been
degree that they are not able
·ance. In this emergency the
that the tradition says that in
known in Europe. They
d found - in the writings of
of the alchemists that these II
of the Key in their books THEORY
make people aware of this
r(pJ
. ; the requirements of the times
a.gainst publication to vanish.
of victory begin and the
but all the more surely,
I Leo
V~go
Libra
Mercury
Venus
Cancer
Geminii
Khunrath indicates the wa_
"Consider why you have com
know GOD, yourself and the
I
Taurus at this-
Scorpio Mars Aries I. through prayer in
Sagittarius Jupiter Pisces II. through work in th
Capricorn Saturn Aquarius That is the highest philosoph_
J
An illustration which sho
represented by the hands is fo
Here the goal of human development is presented in this same work.
ordering of the zodiacal signs in the simplest and most The fourth table illustrate
foreground who are showing ·
*Okkulte Chemie. Theosophisches Verlagshaus, Leipzig. art. The wise man to the left 1
one to the right forms an A w1
22 23
uni ty, manifested as spirit and conceivable form. Each person must undergo this
esses this by saying that every development, however, the free will of the human being
ed by a different vibratory rate makes it possible to accelerate this development. One way
. Even j ust 20 years ago it was to spiritualize matter is the Science of the Key.
~ .he smallest thing and was I is the creative principle, the first unity. From the I
.:ht that in the atom a certain arises the A, spirit and the 0, matter. By means of the
e around a fixed nucleus. The three vowels spiritual currents are stimulated. We very
number of these electrons frequently find these two signs, I and A, represented in
matter. * images in ancient Freemasonic literature, and less
o f this primeval matter is frequently the 0.
' us. but its first apparent forms Two very good illustrations of the vowels are found in
os mic forces designated by the 1619 Hannover edition of Heinrich Khunrath' s
::ire, water, air and earth. By Amphitheatrum Sapientiae Aeternae. Khunrath was a
forces which play a role in physician in Dresden. He already secured imperial
permission to publish the book from the then mint-master
· the Spirit (Moon) and Matter- of the elector by the name of Sebottendorf in 1598,
latter are manifest in the four although the work did not appear until three years after
--·. Earth (Venus), Air (Mercury), Khunrath's death. His lodge-brother, Erasmus Wolfart,
trology a zodiacal sign is provided for the publication. The three vowels are found
rces as a diurnal and nocturnal on the first table which shows two crossed torches in the
acal signs as nocturnal houses middle: the A, over these is an owl, as a symbol of
of spirit, while the sequence wisdom. The owl is wearing glasses: the 0. To the right
Mesent the spiritualization of and left are two lights, which indicate the I. The
inscription below reads:
What's the use of torches, light or glasses
Moon If the people don't want to see?
Khunrath indicates the way in the following words:
Cancer "Consider why you have come into the world: to learn to
Iercury Geminii know GOD, yourself and the spiritual world." You arrive
Venus
I
Taurus at this-
. Iars Aries I. through prayer in the oratory
up iter Pisces II. through work in the laboratory
a turn Aquarius That is the highest philosophy.
An illustration which shows us how the vowels are
represented by the hands is found on another page of the
•elopment is presented in this same work.
· gns in the simplest and most The fourth table illustrates two wise men in the
foreground who are showing the crowd the entrances to
uu.uisches Verlagshaus, Leipzig. art. The wise man to the left is clearly forming an I, the
one to the right forms an A with his right hand and an 0
23
with his left. An epigram makes the symbols even more From the plethora of ma.
clear; it says: Capiat et sapiat qui capere et sapere potest, two more examples whi-~
qui non vel taceat vel discat aut abeat aut talis, qua/is est, demonstrate the way in
maneat. "Grasp and use it, whosoever can grasp and use wisdom.
it, whosoever can not do so, to be silent and learn, or In the book: von dem g rt?,
remove himself, or remain as he is." viel tausend Me ister an_·
In the holdings of the Munich Staatsbibliotek there is a haben,(6 ) published for
prayer book of the French Freemason Jacques Coeur, philosophy by Johannes I"!!-
which is especially instructive, and which contains copious the author gives us a clue : .
illustrations of the three vowels. Franz Boll presented a tractate of the Benedictine .
study of this prayer book in 1902. * 1550). It goes like this: For
Jacques Coeur was a merchant from Bourges who was should, of all things, under·
often in Damascus, and who perhaps learned the Science the heavenly scale- r
of the Key there. He supported the campaign of Joan of mountain-goat. On the othe
Arc, was the advisor of king Charles VII, and died in 1456 you should put the twin.
on the island of Chios. His two houses in Montpellier and maiden. Then make sure that
Bourges are famous in the context of cultural history as we womb of the virgin, so tha
find in both a number of Freemasonic emblems and that side of the scale. Then 1e
epigrams. The house in Bourges is set off with two towers, come into opposition with
one of which portrays an index finger, the other a thumb. conjunction and connection
Especially instructive are the hand-positions of the will occur so that the greatest
figures in the vestibule of the cathedral in Freiburg. The least will become the greate-·
series is derived from Albertus Magnus who makes us We write the Latin name
aware of the entire system of ancient Freemasonry by usual way one under the other
means of descriptions of the same things in his Mineralium
libri quinque. For example, he describes the form of the A Libra
as follows:** Cassiope est Virgo sedens in Cathedra Caper ars
habens manus erectas et cancellatas. "Cassiopeia is a Taurus
Virgin, sitting in an arm-chair with her hands erect and Cancer
crossed." From the sentences which follow it then Scorpio ros
becomes clear that the A is only made with the right hand. Aries
Much information is made available in the books of Louis
Herre concerning the vestibule cycle of sculptures and the
Masonic interpretation of the Freiburg cathedral. This The solution results in ars
literature is easy to obtain. dew] from is, as or the art of
We find the second proof ·
Rosicrucians, which were rep
* Zeitschrift for Biicherfreunde Vol. VI:2 (1902). in Altona in 1785. I do not rec
** Opera omnia Parisiis, Vol V (1890), Lib II Tract III, the reprint issued by Barsdorf E
Chap. V, page 54. of which is Aureum seculurr:
24 25
makes the symbols even more From the plethora of material I wish to present there :rr
rpiat qui capere et sapere potest, two more examples which are especially instructive: the_
cat aut abeat aut talis, qualis est, demonstrate the way in which the wise concealed the1
· . whosoever can grasp and use wisdom.
o. to be silent and learn, or In the book: von dem groflen Stein der uralten daran so
he is." viel tausend Meister anfangs der Welt hero gemacht
~ - ~unich Staatsbibliotek there is a haben,(6) published for the benefit of the sons of
h Freemason Jacques Coeur, philosophy by Johannes ThO! den, Hessen, Zerbst 1602 -
~ . . r.ive, and which contains copious the author gives us a clue by means of a riddle from the
:owels . Franz Boll presented a tractate of the Benedictine Basilius Valentinus (around
in 1902. * 1550). It goes like this: For a final departure from here you
rchant from Bourges who was should, of all things, understand that you should weigh on
;J. ho perhaps learned the Science the heavenly scale- ram, bull, crab, scorpion and
orted the campaign of Joan of mountain-goat. On the other side of the scale, however,
· g Charles VII, and died in 1456 you should put the twin, archer, water-bearer, fish and
·- two houses in Montpellier and maiden. Then make sure that the gold-rich lion enters the
ontext of cultural history as we womb of the virgin, so that the balance will be tipped to
.. of Freemasonic emblems and that side of the scale. Then let the twelve signs of heaven
('urges is set off with two towers, come into opposition with the Pleiades, thus a final
· dex finger, the other a thumb. conjunction and connection of all the colors of the cosmos
1.... are the hand-positions of the will occur so that the greatest will become the least and the
'" the cathedral in Freiburg. The least will become the greatest of all.
ertus Magnus who makes us We write the Latin names of the zodiacal signs in the
m of ancient Freemasonry by usual way one under the other and read the final letters:
arne things in his Mineralium
, he describes the form of the A Libra Gemini
est Virgo sedens in Cathedra Caper ars Arcitenens is
· cancellatas. "Cassiopeia is a Taurus Amphora
-t..hair with her hands erect and Cancer Pisces as
rences which follow it then Scorpio ros Vir-Leo-go
· only made with the right hand. Aries Pleiades OS
available in the books of Louis
ule cycle of sculptures and the
the Freiburg cathedral. This The solution results in ars ros is os as. Art is a tau [=
dew] from is, as or the art of the rose is is, as os.
We find the second proof in the secret figures of the
Rosicrucians, which were reprinted in German translation
nde Vol. VI:2 (1902). in Altona in 1785. I do not recall whether it is contained in
"ol V (1890), Lib II Tract III, the reprint issued by Barsdorf (Berlin, 1918), the first part
of which is Aureum seculum redivivum von Henricus
24 25
Madathanus, theosophus, medicus et tandem dei gratia
aureae crucisfrater.o> Madathan says: "The number of my book, who had incorrect!_
name is MDCXI, in which my whole name has been distorted drawings are al
written secretly in the book of nature with 11 dead and 7 of 1645 and 1666.
living things. Additionally, the fifth letter is the Concerning the Seal. c
fifth part of the eighth and the fifth part of the twelfth. Let expression comes from the .
yourself be satisfied with this. phrophetissa - Arnold of
The name HENRICVS MADATHANVS consists of quod ignis primi grad
eleven consonants and seven vowels. If the letters which putrefactionem, solutione
can also stand for Roman numerals are read the date 1611 dicitur per quandam sim ilituuu~
results.(B) The fifth letter is I, the eighth S, the twelfth A. est res temperata, non inte
r sed calure remisso- "Like\·
If we write the S in an angular manner thus ::J then I is the first fire, which onl y e
fifth part of S and the fifth part of A, which with its cross- dissolution and mortificatio
bar actually consists of five parts. So Madathan also gives result of a certain bath of ·
us the two vowels i and a and the consonantS- is and as moderate thing, neither bar
- as guideposts. rather relaxed in its warmth.··
The Masonic neck-grip is found very frequently in old Before I go on to a discu
sculptures; a reproduction is given by Guido von List in to quote yet another passage.
his Bilderschrift der Ario-Germanen, besides this there is a now unknown author. It is tt
also Louis Herre in his books on the Freiburg cathedral. Compositione et Operarione. T
In alchemistic literature this neck-grip is referred to as of 56 short chapters and i -
the seal of Hermes, or merely as the Seal, or the Bath of Freemasonic writings which
Mary. The Venetian physician Laurentius Ventura writes:* Gratrolus of Bergamo campi
Stude ergo ad inveniendum hoc sigillum secretum: quia 1561. The title of this col
sine illo magisterium perjici non potest, et hoc est duplex Metallicae Doctrina Certusque
modus: primus per torturam calli, that is: " ... therefore
concern yourself with finding this secret seal, because Cap. XXXV Primum opus: Eli.: •
without that mastery cannot be attained. And there is a
doubled method of practice: the first is by means of Item de vera composm
encircling(9) the neck." primus opus, dicitur a p
On the seventh page of the previously mentioned work quae est vera, ubique rep
by Basilius Valentinus we find a man who is holding a homine est et apudquemli
scale in his left hand, and the right hand encompasses a Adam secum apportavit e
bottle with the neck-grip. The level of importance the mortuus fuit, ipsam sec
translator ThOlde places on this drawing can be seen in his sepultus fuit: Et pro
polemic which he directed at a greedy reprinter of his Allegoria, quod ist res est
sol subri.
*De Lapide Philosophorum ch. XVII printed in the
Theatrum Chemicum, Strassburg. * De Decoctione Lapidis Philos.
26
2
medicus et tandem dei gratia
I.Hauathan says: "The number of my book, who had incorrectly reproduced the drawings. The
· h my whole name has been distorted drawings are also found in the Strassburg editions
· of nature with 11 dead and 7 of 1645 and 1666.
Hy, the fifth letter is the Concerning the Seal, or the Bath of Mary - the
he fifth part of the twelfth. Let expression comes from the Alexandrian alchemist, Maria
IS. phrophetissa - Arnold of Villanova writes:* item nota,
... IADATHANVS consists of quod ignis primi gradus qui pertinet solum ad
en vowels. If the letters which putrefactionem, solutionem, mortificationem corporis,
~ numerals are read the date 1611 dicitur per quandam similitudinem balneum, quia balneum
... is I, the eighth S, the twelfth A. est res temperata, non intensa in calore nee etiam rigida
r sed calure remisso- "Likewise notice that the degree of the
- gular manner thus :J then I is the first fire, which only extends to the putrefaction,
part of A, which with its cross- dissolution and mortification of the body, is said to be the
e parts. So Madathan also gives result of a certain bath of similarity, because the bath is a
nd the consonantS- is and as moderate thing, neither harsh in its warmth, nor cold, but
rather relaxed in its warmth."
· found very frequently in old Before I go on to a discussion of the work itself, I want
is given by Guido von List in to quote yet another passage, which I take from a book of
o-Germanen, besides this there is a now unknown author. It is the Liber de Magni Lapidis
cs on the Freiburg cathedral. Compositione et Ope ratione. The small work is made up
-e this neck-grip is referred to as of 56 short chapters and is found in the collection of
ely as the Seal, or the Bath of Freemasonic writings which the Italian physician Guielmus
· ian Laurentius Ventura writes:* Gratrolus of Bergamo compiled and published in Basel in
m hoc sigillum secretum: quia 1561. The title of this collection is Verae Alchemiae
'ci non potest, et hoc est duplex Metallicae Doctrina Certusque Modus.
am calli, that is: " ... therefore
ding this secret seal, because Cap. XXXV Primum opus: Elixir ubique reperiri
ot be attained. And there is a
:-e: the first is by means of Item de vera compositione Elixiris, quod est
primus opus, dicitur a philosophis quod illa res
he previously mentioned work quae est vera, ubique reperitur, quia in quodlibet
fi nd a man who is holding a homine est et apudquemlibet hominem reperitur: et
the right hand encompasses a Adam secum apportavit eam de Paradiso et cum
The level of importance the mortuus fuit, ipsam secum reportavit et com ea
Lhi s drawing can be seen in his sepultus fuit: Et pro tanto dicit sapientum
at a greedy reprinter of his Allegoria, quod ist res est
sol subtiliatus
XVII printed in the
* De Decoctione Lapidis Philosophorum .
.:..6
27
is est arum subtiliatum et conversum in virtute
maxima minerali: unde dicitur in libra de hoc auro, contain gold in th
ex gumma nostra et pauco auro multa emimus. Sed he also says that it i
secundum Albertum in libra de Mineralibus dicitur Albertus says and pro
et probatur, quod aurum ubiqueest et reperitur, quia mineral power is in ,
non est aliqua res ex quatuor elementis elementata, head between the teeJ_.
in qua non inveniatur aurum in ultima affinatione found in the grave -
natura/iter. Et quia idem Albertus dicit ibidem et their teeth on the surf,
probat, quod maxima virtus mineralis est in which, as he says. ''
quodlibet homine et maxime in capite inter dentes mineral-power were !!O
ita quod in sepulchris antiquorum mortuorum inter which is also in the E
dentes aurum in granis minutis et oblongis suerius mentioned. For this re
inventum est in suo tempore, ut ipse dicit, quod is in every person, an
esse non posset, nisi in homine esset ista virtus have seen and understo
mineralis, quae virtus mineralis est in Elixiri nostro subject.
praedicto, vel composito. Et pro tanto dicitur quod We shouldn't think badl.
hie lapis est in quodlibet homine et quod, Adam, shakes his head over such u
etc. His visis et intellectis ad propositum redeamus. aside. It is meant even less for
him as well as the super:
In the future I will not provide the Latin texts, but will philosopher quotes an old b
limit myself to their translations. and wishes thereby to convey
to be understood according tc ....
Chapt. 35 First Work: The Elixir is to be found it. he quotes Albertus, but ·
everywhere. does not take the trouble to rea
wrong path.
Likewise the philosophers tell of the composition of The gold between the tee
the elixir, which is the first work, that is that thing, according to the Gospel of J
which is right and found everywhere, because it is The kernels of gold (syllable
in every person and is found with every person. "pointed" and "broad lengthv ·
Adam took it with him from paradise, he bore it the body (gum), the little g
back when he died and he was buried with it. For rarified solar power.
this reason the allegory of the wise says that this Artefius teaches us in his C'
thing is the rarified Sun, that is rarified gold art ''facere descendere spin
brought to the highest power of the mineral: following forms in which the _
Therefore, it is said in a book about this gold: we V X 0 through L. Here we hav
buy much from our gum and from little gold. are two forms of the A, the
According to Albertus, in a book about minerals, it about when the thumb is not
is said, and proven, that gold is present and can be the breadth which is the right an~
found everywhere, because there is nothing made of The L means a level and a sq
the four elements which does not quite naturally We find very significant piM
Italian physician Janus Laciniu
28
29
=- -
--
1atum et conversum in virtute contain gold in the most extreme purity. Therefore,
de dicitur in libra de hoc aura, he also says that it is found everywhere. The same
- pauco aura multa emimus. Sed Albertus says and proves right there that the greatest
in libra de Mineralibus dicitur mineral power is in every person and mainly in the
ubiqueest et reperitur, quia head between the teeth, so that in his time gold was
x quatuor elementis elementata, found in the graves of long-dead persons between
r aurum in ultima affinatione their teeth on the surface in fine elongated kernels,
· idem Albertus dicit ibidem et which, as he says, would not be possible if that
rima virtus mineralis est in mineral-power were not in the person, a power
; maxime in capite inter dentes which is also in the Elixir or composition we
is antiquorum mortuorum inter mentioned. For this reason it is said that this stone
is minutis et oblongis suerius is in every person, and that Adam, etc. After we
'O tempore, ut ipse dicit, quod have seen and understood this, we will return to our
isi in homine esset ista virtus subject.
mineralis est in Elixiri nostro We shouldn't think badly of a modern person if he
sito. Et pro tanto dicitur quod shakes his head over such utterances and puts this book
dlibet homine et quod, Adam, aside. It is meant even less for the curious- it will confuse
'lectis ad propositum redeamus. him as well as the superficial individual. The old
philosopher quotes an old book: the allegory of the wise,
rovide the Latin texts, but will and wishes thereby to convey that the expression "gold" is
ons. to be understood according to the way the wise understood
it. he quotes Albertus, but incorrectly in fact. Whoever
Elixir is to be found does not take the trouble to read closely will go down the
wrong path.
The gold between the teeth is the word out of which,
rs tell of the composition of according to the Gospel of John, everything was created.
first work, that is that thing, The kernels of gold (syllables) are minutis and oblongis-
nd everywhere, because it is "pointed" and "broad lengthwise." I and A which animate
is found with every person. the body (gum), the little gold that is necessary is the
·m from paradise, he bore it rarified solar power.
he was buried with it. For Artefius teaches us in his Clavis Majoris Sapientiae the
::: ry of the wise says that this art ''facere descendere spiritum"oo) and provides the
Sun, that is rarified gold following forms in which the spirit willingly overflows. I
t power of the mineral: V X 0 through L. Here we have the I and the 0; V and X
· a book about this gold: we are two forms of the A, the so-called point which comes
::: um and from little gold. about when the thumb is not spread in a right-angle and
in a book about minerals, it the breadth which is the right angle.
gold is present and can be The L means a level and a square.
... use there is nothing made of We find very significant pictures in the treatise of the
does not quite naturally Italian physician !anus Lacinius from Calabria: Metallorum
29
in me/ius mutationem Typus Methodusque (Venice, 1546). The first figure shows the r
The first illustration shows a king, who draws attention to a well masked hand is exteh ...
his extended index finger- it is the beginning of the royal The thumb is indicated by a J
art. Another work is appended to this tractate, which is top of the third hill. Onl_
also very instructive: Pretiosa mararita novella by Petrus shown, the other fingers can
Bonus Ferrariensis. saying of the Rosicruci ans
Even more important for us is the short work left behind "Whoever is not equipped wi
by the unfortunate Seton, and which Sendivogius has to take common quicksil
published. Orthelius annotated this piece of writing: they mean the angled hand-
Novum Lumen Chemicum. Here there are twelve figures has to take common quicksilYe
which clearly show where the way leads. should keep his hands off.
Before I go on, it should be mentioned that Seton was Another drawing shows us a
an adept seduced by vanity who wanted to make use of his furnace. The drawing is surro
wisdom to manufacture gold from ignoble metals. He was seven are shown on the leng
arrested by the Saxon Elector, Christian II, and cruelly shown on the above and belo
tortured without ever betraying his secret. Sendivog freed large diagram that should be
him from prison, but unfortunately too late, as he died middle of the diagram a fla
three months later- after he had shared out the elixir to his vertical mark- an I. Next to the
wife and Sendivog. Sendivogius married his widow and so small grate, the cover of a vent ti
came into possession of the entirety of the elixir. work has 24 fields- the 2~ I
Afterward he passed himself off as an adept without, Orthelius provides the comme
however, being able to produce the elixir himself. connected to a finger.
Whoever has diligently followed my discussion will I wish to explain a few more
already have understood that the production of the stone is the diagrams of Seton are i
only possible for someone who has mastered the Science because the art of this adept i
of the Key. This science is, however - at least according a man who is irreproachable in
to the notions of the world - so childish that Seton would derive anything from the No
prefer to have himself tortured and killed rather than otherwise he would have m
surrender it. He wouldn't have been believed. At the Schmieder's assertion.
conclusion I will give an example where this is made Surya writes in volume XI
clear. If you are interested in the special field of the Medizin: "Setonius left behin
alchemists of the art of making gold, I recommend to you treatise in Latin under the title Co.
the book by Schmieder, Geschichte der Alchemie (Halle, chymicum. It concerns the sto
1832). You will derive much information from it. chapters, which the author rna_
We find Orthelius' commentary in volume VI of the mind with the twelve gates of Ri
Theatrum Chemicum(Strassburg, 1661 ). This edition concerning the secret is to be ex
corresponds completely to the book I am referring to: made absolutely clear by the
ovum Lumen Chymicum Michaelis Sendivogii Polni XII remarks of the author. One who
Figuris in Germania reperitis illustratum, 1624. of disputation or under torture wil
circumspect at his writing de
30 31
Methodusque (Venice, 1546). The first figure shows the following: From the upper left
king, who draws attention to a well masked hand is extended toward the bottom right.
is the beginning of the royal The thumb is indicated by a small elongated cloud over the
ed to this tractate, which is top of the third hill. Only the index finger is clearly
~.. sa mararita novella by Petrus shown, the other fingers can not be seen. There is an old
saying of the Rosicrucians, which I will translate:
us is the short work left behind "Whoever is not equipped with the golden rod for fishing
on . and which Sendivogius has to take common quicksilver." By "the golden rod"
rated this piece of writing: they mean the angled hand- the A. By the expression "he
. Here there are twelve figures has to take common quicksilver" they mean to say that he
e way leads. should keep his hands off.
be mentioned that Seton was Another drawing shows us a chemical laboratory with a
. who wanted to make use of his furnace. The drawing is surrounded by 20 circles, of these
:=old from ignoble metals. He was seven are shown on the lengthwise sides, and three are
tor, Christian II, and cruelly shown on the above and below. On the furnace there is a
. . . _. ing his secret. Sendivog freed large diagram that should be commented upon. In the
ortunately too late, as he died middle of the diagram a flask is shown with a small
had shared out the elixir to his vertical mark- an I. Next to the furnace at the bottom is a
;:,ius married his widow and so small grate, the cover of a vent for ashes or air. The grate-
f the entirety of the elixir. work has 24 fields- the 24 letters. Concerning this
- -elf off as an adept without, Orthelius provides the commentary that the I is to be
ro duce the elixir himself. connected to a finger.
ollo wed my discussion will I wish to explain a few more of the diagrams because
the production of the stone is the diagrams of Seton are important to me precisely
·:ho has mastered the Science because the art of this adept is doubtless solid and because
ts. however - at least according a man who is irreproachable in all things, Surya, could not
- so childish that Seton would derive anything from the Novum Lumen Chymicum,
.• ured and killed rather than otherwise he would have made some comment on
~ · t have been believed. At the
Schmieder's assertion.
example where this is made Surya writes in volume XI of the collection Okkulte
in the special field of the Medizin: "Setonius left behind only a single alchemical
ung gold, I recommend to you treatise in Latin under the title Cosmopolitae Novum Lum
Ge -clzichte der Alchemie (Halle, chymicum. It concerns the stone of the wise in twelve
information from it. chapters, which the author may have associated in his
entary in volume VI of the mind with the twelve gates of Ripey. That no disclosure
'""~sb urg, 1661). This edition
concerning the secret is to be expected from this work is
the book I am referring to: made absolutely clear by the previously quoted oral
ficha elis Sendivogii Polni XII remarks of the author. One who betrays nothing in the heat
· illustratum, 1624. of disputation or under torture will certainly be even more
circumspect at his writing desk. This treatise was
31
published after his death by Sendivogius and appeared in The two waters are me
different editions. animated A. They are con
Seton knew the time had not yet come, and he paid for vessel, that is the angled h
this knowledge with his life. In his work he clearly set hand is stretched out so th ·
down the science for those who possess the key. But the of the aether. The expressi
cursed hunger for gold made them all go astray. supposed to indicate the ae
We know that the Sun represents God and the Moon in this way so as to animate ·~
represents the spirit, and the soul as well, since the soul mixed with the animated h
and the spirit are the same thing: the soul is the immortal like rain. Once the hand i
spirit which struggles back toward its primeval source. The spiritual water, one procee
medieval Latin alphabet of 20 letters had four vowels: A E neck-grip.
I 0 . The U was expressed by V. In addition there were 16 The water is defined as '·o
consonants. Based on this scholastic division the vowel A not wet our hands, not no
was often expressed by the number 17. Now we see on the rainwater."
left side of the illustration a two-handled wash-tub with I wish to describe one last fi ~
soil in it, on the right side the soil has disappeared and alchemist who is holding the r r.
there appears something akin to the finger-tips of a hand. javelin, in his left hand with
In the sky above shine the Moon and the Sun. The Moon wash-tub. The tub is empty.
is surrounded by 17 stars, of which 16 are quite clearly this has noting to do with act
shown, while the 17th is indicated more faintly. Here the making a grasping gesture. 0
letters are ascribed to the first emanation of God. It should vessel with water, and if one car~
also be indicated that these letters are to be spoken aloud. a small hand can be seen to ha .
The Sun shows that the letters are to be fulfilled by means With this I believe I have :
of divine spirit. As the accompanying text emphasizes, this providing proof that the secrer
only concerns the 17th letter, the A. The explanation is the in the vowels connected to sign.
following: The soil in the wash-tub on the left is the Terra conclude that, as I will quote c r~
Adamica, the human being. The left segment of the figure the words which the much mi ~
is meant to indicate that the human being is the object of Basel, Leonhardt Thumeisser.
alchemy. The right segment provides us with the actual as a conclusion. In 1586 Th
means for the work- the letter A, the spirit and the hand. Reformed and Lutheran lodge
The Moon and the stars, illuminated by the Sun in the sky Fama of 1614 acknowledge
in the upper part of the segment on the right, symbolize Rosicrucians and also mention" '"'
the spiritually animated letter A. The hand stretches itself with the writings of Paracelsu
down toward the A, ready to grasp it. The text belonging only known in lodge-circles and
to this figure says: "The aforementioned spiritual water is few copies. One bears the title:
taken up and both waters are blended in a single vessel and Onomasticum Interpretatio oder
put outside under a clear, starry sky. Then the celestial Thurneyssers zum Thurm ii
rays are mixed with them. When, however, rain falls you vnbekannten Worter in den
can operate. The longer it is set out, the better it is." Peracelsi.(Il) It is 95 pages long .:J
in 1574. The last two pages coc
32 33
endivogius and appeared in The two waters are the spoken and the spiritually
animated A. They are connected to each other in a single
not yet come, and he paid for vessel, that is the angled hand, and put outside- that is, the
life. In his work he clearly set hand is stretched out so that it can draw spiritual water out
rho possess the key. But the of the aether. The expression "under a clear, starry sky" is
·- them all go astray. supposed to indicate the aether. When the hand is extended
~~ represents God and the Moon in this way so as to animate the A in it, aetherical rays are
oul as well, since the soul mixed with the animated hand and they flow forth into it
ill.ing: the soul is the immortal like rain. Once the hand is sufficiently saturated with this
-~toward its primeval source. The spiritual water, one proceeds on to the operation- the
t:' 20 letters had four vowels: A E neck-grip.
: V. In addition there were 16 The water is defined as "our heavenly water which does
holastic division the vowel A not wet our hands, not normal water, yet almost like
number 17. Now we see on the rainwater."
a two-handled wash-tub with I wish to describe one last figure. We see on this one an
the soil has disappeared and alchemist who is holding the tragula aurea, the golden
,;n to the finger-tips of a hand. javelin, in his left hand with which he is pointing to a
loon and the Sun. The Moon wash-tub. The tub is empty, whereby it is indicated that
-s, of which 16 are quite clearly this has noting to do with actual water. His right hand is
· "icated more faintly. Here the making a grasping gesture. On the chair stands a smaller
- .... t emanation of God. It should vessel with water, and if one carefully examines this vessel
. etters are to be spoken aloud. a small hand can be seen to have been drawn in .
· ~s are to be fulfilled by means With this I believe I have fulfilled my assignment of
mpanying text emphasizes, this providing proof that the secret of the alchemists is hidden
. the A. The explanation is the in the vowels connected to signs and grips. I will therefore
h-tub on the left is the Terra conclude that, as I will quote other masters later on, with
- g. The left segment of the figure the words which the much misunderstood Freemason of
-:. ~ human being is the object of Basel, Leonhardt Thumeisser, directed toward his readers
t provides us with the actual as a conclusion. In 1586 Thumeisser forged a union of
••er A, the spirit and the hand. Reformed and Lutheran lodges into one great league. The
·nated by the Sun in the sky Fama of 1614 acknowledges him as the father of the
.::: ~e n t on the right, symbolize Rosicrucians and also mentions his two dictionaries along
r A. The hand stretches itself with the writings of Paracelsus. These dictionaries were
grasp it. The text belonging only known in lodge-circles and probably only survive in a
rementioned spiritual water is few copies. One bears the title: Hermeneia, das ist ein
tended in a single vessel and Onomasticum Interpretatio oder erklerunge Leonhardt
- -tarry sky. Then the celestial Thurneyssers zum Thurm iiber die frebden vnd
en, however, rain falls you vnbekannten Worter in den schriften Theophrasti
· out, the better it is." Peracelsi.oo It is 95 pages long and was printed in Berlin
in 1574. The last two pages contain a rhymed poem to the
33
reader as a conclusion to the work. In this Thurneisser
represents the viewpoint that Freemasonic practices will
lead to better and higher knowledge than going to the
greatest universities. Our hand-grips, he says, reveal the
truth to us much better and more clearly than any book.
Also all obscure writings will become clear by these
means, and whatever we do not understand in Paracelsus
will be easily understood when we connect the question to
a hand-grip. We inquire with the chest-grip and god
provides the answer in our hearts. The concluding words
read: III
THEORY A:."\1)
Viel Kunst sind geschrieben, wenig wahr
Handgriff zeigt die Prob, Labor machts klar.
Praxis bewahrt ding, die geschriben sind.
Handgriff all Kunst, so durch arbeidt sind.
Der handtgriff ist ein Instrument
In what has already been .. •
Durch das 's Gemiit all sein Anschlag endt.
that the system of the Rosi ~ .
Die Natur dem Gemiit sein bgird ersatt
only be understood when sig- -
Wem handgriff s Werk verrichtet hat.
We are now going to go thro ~=
Doch geschieht der keins ohn handtgriff nit
Der EinfluB wirkt unsichtbar mit of the Science of the Key. Ple
additional examples of proof
Derhalb was ich nicht lesen kann
Das greif ich mit den hen den an here. The system according t
not completely perfect, as the
Und hab Gott lob mit ausgericht
Was hundert tun mit lesen nicht grip and a series of the form
west. All systems which
Drum mich Neids schwetzen nit an ficht.
dovetail into the system o
contradiction.
The wish, and the hope, of
task of writing this book ·
individuals will want to undert
building an unbreakable chai
against all the powers of
misunderstandings, I would liKe~
formation of any lodge, and
bothered by letters. I will not
me from my astrological writ!
to say is so clear that a child
understand it can not be helped
shall find," but this does not
be handed out on a silver platte•.
34 3-
- ---- -
e work. In this Thurneisser
Freemasonic practices will
owledge than going to the
d-grips, he says, reveal the
more clearly than any book.
ill become clear by these
not understand in Paracelsus
n we connect the question to
with the chest-grip and god
arts. The concluding words III
THEORY AND PRACTICE
'- -=eben, wenig wahr
. Labor machts klar.
geschriben sind.
durch arbeidt sind.
-uument
¢
In what has already been written I have provided proof
ein Anschlag endt. that the system of the Rosicrucians and alchemists can
--in bgird ersatt only be understood when signs, grips and words are used.
errichtet hat. We are now going to go through the whole system in light
· ~ ohn handtgriff nit of the Science of the Key. Please allow me to give a few
tbar mit additional examples of proof from Rosicrucian writings
n kann here. The system according to which Westerners work is
en an not completely perfect, as the Middle-grip, the Closing-
~oericht
0
grip and a series of the formulas were not known to the
n nicht west. All systems which were exercised, however,
tzen nit an ficht. dovetail into the system of the Beni el Mim without
contradiction.
The wish, and the hope, of those who assigned me the
task of writing this book is that a great number of
individuals will want to undertake these exercises, thus
building an unbreakable chain which is the best defence
against all the powers of the shadow. To avoid any
misunderstandings, I would like to stress that I reject the
formation of any lodge, and I request also that I not be
bothered by letters. I will not answer, as those who know
me from my astrological writings can attest. What I have
to say is so clear that a child can grasp it. Whoever can't
understand it can not be helped. It is written: "Seek and ye
shall find," but this does not mean that everything should
be handed out on a silver platter.
35
The exercises can harm no one. But one condition must and by thinking of the le
be met-they can not be interrupted. Missing one day will human is an inert rna.,.,. .
cause a setback of weeks and calls the whole endeavor into increasingly more materi
question. And the most important thing is the prayer-the the spiritual water a brea
prayer for admission. matter bas to be stimulate
The exercises, especially in the beginning, should not be letter I, by which the ele
overdone, otherwise a few complaints might arise. These discussed in Geschichte der
would not be dangerous, but they would be uncomfortable. rune, which is associated wi
I will provide further explanations of these. You should belongs to Jupiter (water
practice when you are alone and undisturbed. Anyone can (air).
sequester himself ten minutes a day for this. You should In order to animate the I
keep quiet about your exercises and only speak about in an erect position so tba-
them, once your goal is met, to someone you recognize as form of the I. One stretcbe-
an equal brother-for then it is easy. sky and makes a fist. Then m...
"What mode of life must I maintain?" I hear people ask. upward. It should rise up ne
I would like to answer this as well. Whoever studies the slender minaret beside the
lives of the alchemists and Rosicrucians will find that they J achy a remarks in his sma:I
were married and that they lived as every other person thinking the vowel I the fi .. ~
lived. True wisdom automatically avoids any excess. The instructions say: Take the · ·
Oriental generally lives modestly. A sheep is only index finger) and strike the sci
slaughtered on festival days, otherwise he consumes milk, second steel (the thumb) an
cheese, bread and fruit. This is perhaps not possible in the into action, which attracts the
colder latitudes, but the consumption of meat should be you the water for which you · ·
limited in a reasonable way. Alcohol in every form is It will soon be found that
forbidden to the Muslim. Now a glass of wine or beer warm, and then by an act
when you are in a happy mood won't hurt anything, but conducted throughout the who
distilled liquors are strenuously warned against. Whoever stimulated by the A. This can
gets to the end of the exercises will know precisely what is care should be taken not to i
to be given up. remain free, otherwise a d an ~
It is best to undertake the exercises early in the morning could ensue. During the gra
right after rising- they will not take any more than ten current would automatically
minutes a day. During the day, when you are alone, you we consciously block entrance
can do a short repetition, and in the evening as well. neck-grip. If we form the A-
I will not give a prescription concerning this prayer. first take in spiritual fire, b
Each individual will have to settle that for himself. element of earth, which car:
Whosoever asks, to him shall be given- according to dryness at the base of the th
the measure he has. Whoever understands this idea been sufficiently prepared i· ·
correctly knows what is meant by it. We read that finer spiritual water.
forces can be attracted by the index finger held vertically
36 3-
-
o one. But one condition must and by thinking of the letter I. The body of the ordin _
terrupted. Missing one day will human is an inert mass, which, left to itself will become
d calls the whole endeavor into increasingly more material. In order to be able to absorb
.portant thing is the prayer-the the spiritual water a breach must first be opened and the
matter has to be stimulated. This happens by means of the
_. in the beginning, should not be letter I, by which the element of fire is stimulated. As I
,, complaints might arise. These discussed in Geschichte der Astrologie (vol. I) I is the is-
t they would be uncomfortable. rune, which is associated with Mars (fire); the rune ar or as
lanations of these. You should belongs to Jupiter (water) and the othal-rune to Mercury
ne and undisturbed. Anyone can (air).
utes a day for this. You should In order to animate the I correctly one places one's self
,,.ercises and only speak about in an erect position so that the whole body is given the
et, to someone you recognize as form of the I. One stretches one's arm straight up to the
it is easy. sky and makes a fist. Then the index finger is extended
r I maintain?" I hear people ask. upward. It should rise up next to the closed fist like a
· · as well. Whoever studies the slender minaret beside the dome of a mosque, as sheikh
d Rosicrucians will find that they Jachya remarks in his small book Charam el din. By
ey lived as every other person thinking the vowel I the finger is animated. Some old
tically avoids any excess. The instructions say: Take the philosophical steel (Chalyb's
modestly. A sheep is only index finger) and strike the scintilla (sparks). Then take the
_ . otherwise he consumes milk, second steel (the thumb) and put the magnet (the A-sign)
tis is perhaps not possible in the into action, which attracts the elements and conducts to
~onsumption of meat should be you the water for which you thirst.
-~·ay. Alcohol in every form is It will soon be found that the finger will start to become
ow a glass of wine or beer warm, and then by an act of will, this current can be
_ mood won't hurt anything, but conducted throughout the whole body, as can the current
ously warned against. Whoever stimulated by the A. This can be done without injury, but
ises will know precisely what is care should be taken not to influence the head- it must
remain free, otherwise a dangerous state of intoxication
e exercises early in the morning could ensue. During the gradual course of the work the
.•:ill not take any more than ten current would automatically make its way into the head,
~ e day, when you are alone, you we consciously block entrance to the head by means of the
and in the evening as well. neck-grip. If we form the A-sign and animate it, we will
ription concerning this prayer. first take in spiritual fire, but also some of the spiritual
. :. •:e to settle that for himself. element of earth, which can be noticed by a certain
hall be given- according to dryness at the base of the thumb. If the angled hand has
oever understands this idea been sufficiently prepared it will begin to absorb the
eant by it. We read that finer spiritual water.
e index finger held vertically
36 37
the fire element- which
We supply spiritual air to the solar plexus by means of means of the vowel i. F
the 0-sign. Here I would like to mention an experiment strong that fire flames f
which my teacher conducted. He ordered a student to form and creates a sulphurous a~ ·
the A and to think of the 0. After a while he cried out: clearly perceive when v. e
"0, sheikh, look, it's impossible, they are warping Most old writings remark
automatically." "My son, Mehemed Rafi said, "you see the sulfur. Flamel writes a
that it is impossible to mix up the signs and the words. was looking for, which I r. . ....... =
You can only think of the A in the A-sign and not the 0, smell. When I had that, I e
if you think of 0, your fingers will automatically try to This sulfurous smell is :
close up. You see that the signs are not chosen arbitrarily, Only he who perceives it
but rather lie founded in nature. It is our assignment in life the experience of a current
to seek the spirit, but we always work in harmony with flow that the ancients very
nature. You also see, however, my son, that spirit acts This is the water of life o
acutely in our bodies as it forms the body according to its about, the aqua vitae of the
image. It is not only the I, the A and the 0 which animate smell the dissolution ha
the body, all vowels and consonants have this ability. The alchemy. The ancient writin=
1-spirit provides the breadth, dignity, and resilience, the texts, fix a minimal length c
0-spirit imparts life and movement." result must be obtained. A f,
It was at the beginning of my study when I heard these declare, however, that it wou
words which sheikh Mehemed Rafi spoke to the Baktashi- complete the first degree.
dervish, whom he was introducing to the Ilm el miftach, I The petrefactio, or deca~. '"
was very impressed- no astrologer could have defined the disciple of the art glimpses a
effects of the planetary forces more simply. head of the alchemists.
Approximately ten days are necessary for the During this time we are c
preparatory work. Nothing will be harmed if the simple the body by means of the n
vowels and syllables are exercised longer-development characteristic of dissolving
will take place faster that way. When the preparation is course. Hand in hand with f
over, transition is made into the main work, which is the another one which builds thin=
actual chemical process. In the preparatory work the spirit person are conditioned in
is held in the fetters of matter and is stimulated, or as the awakened. Ancient Freema
alchemists express it, the materials are made ready, the birth of the spiritual man to
soil, the earth is tilled, in order to be able to receive the shadow the disciple sees wi
seed. By means of the limited spiritual animation of the evolving spiritual man. Nm
finger, aether is absorbed and conducted to the body. The neck-grip, the one the ancien
manifestations we observe are: the body breaths really care should be given to maki
freely, and the body seems to become lighter.
As we go further in the work we will become aware that *Albert Poisson, Nikolas Fla
an increasing warmth is developing in the index finger. ses oeuvres, suivi de la reimpr,
Because of its form, this pointed member attracts more of Paris (1893), p. 173.
38 39
the fire element- which should also be brought about b _.
the solar plexus by means of means of the vowel i. Finally the warmth becomes so
like to mention an experiment strong that fire flames forth from the point of the finger
.....-~d. He ordered a student to form and creates a sulphurous acridity with the air which we can
- ~ 0. After a while he cried out: clearly perceive when we hold our finger to our nose.
impossible, they are warping Most old writings remark first of all on the preparation of
. .1ehemed Rafi said, "you see the sulfur. Flamel writes about this: At last I found what I
· up the signs and the words. was looking for, which I recognized at once by its strong
__ in the A -sign and not the 0, smell. When I had that, I easily perfected my mastery.*
- gers will automatically try to This sulfurous smell is the fist milestone on the path.
gns are not chosen arbitrarily, Only he who perceives it can go further. He will then have
e. It is our assignment in life the experience of a current flowing into the angled hand, a
·ays work in harmony with flow that the ancients very pointedly compared to water.
:er. my son, that spirit acts This is the water of life our folktales are so enthusiastic
-n~ms the body according to its about, the aqua vitae of the alchemists. With the sulfurous
A and the 0 which animate smell the dissolution has begun, the putrefactio of
onants have this ability. The alchemy. The ancient writings, in agreement with oriental
. dignity, and resilience, the texts, fix a minimal length of 40 days in which a certain
ment." result must be obtained. A few other Freemasonic texts
my study when I heard these declare, however, that it would take 70 or even 90 days to
_, Rafi spoke to the Baktashi- complete the first degree.
ing to the Ilm el miftach, I The petrefactio, or decay, comes to an end when the
wger could have defined the disciple of the art glimpses a blackish shadow, the raven's
ore simply. head of the alchemists.
are necessary for the During this time we are conducting the water of life into
·11 be harmed if the simple the body by means of the neck-grip. This water has the
rcised longer--developmen haracteristic of dissolving and disintegrating anything
_.-. \Vhen the preparation i ourse. Hand in hand with this disintegrating effect goes
e main work, which is the another one which builds things up. The finer forces in the
reparatory work the erson are conditioned in such a way that they can be
and is stimulated, or . awakened. Ancient Freemasons very often compared the
erials are made read. irth of the spiritual man to physical birth. The blackish
~aer to be able to receive .... -hadow the disciple sees with his spiritual eye is the
piritual animation volving spiritual man. Now with the application of the
onducted to the bod_,. eck-grip, the one the ancients called the Balneum Mariae.
: the body breath .:are should be given to making this sign precisely. ··cut
orne lighter.
~,. "'e will become a Albert Poisson, Nikolas Flamel: Sa vie, ses fondations.
ooing in the inde es oeuvres, suivi de la reimpression du livre des figure~.
member attm aris (1893), p. 173.
39
off the neck of the beast," says an old text. The grip asceticism and withdri:l ·'
should not be overdone, however, so that a slow annealing naturally only one possi
results. It can happen, and the ancient Freemasons completed a whole change ·
describe this process often, that the fire element breaks out a false mortification ensue~.
and anneals the vertebra. If this occurs do not be afraid, from the world leads, in
just bow your head and wait for the affliction to be over- which the pilgrim becomes e
the terrible flame will go out after a few minutes. If you influence. More than a fe'.'·
are prepared for the manifestation you have nothing to way become the victims of -
fear. As a rule, however, this annealing occurs slowly and True mortification lies in
gradually without being noticed. If the flame breaks out, the unio mystica, in be
it is as if a terrible demon is grabbing the person by the unification begins with t
scruff of the neck and taking him down to the ground. wherein the mortification o
After approximately two weeks of this exercise no one and the resurrection of the d
will be able to doubt any longer that the neck-grip has however, the goal we wish : •
caused chemical changes in the neck. Now the time has and can achieve.
come when the poisonous taste of mercury is perceived on Once we have arrived at tne
the tongue when the tongue is touched with the index feel that our earthly bodie
finger of the angled hand. Then later the taste of salt is strange, we are growing bey
developed. About this Seton says: "Therefore, the fire become dust and ashes. This .
began to affect the air and generated sulfur. For its part the reached when we are surrou nd-~
air began to affect the water and generated quicksilver, and death. For this reason tl
also the water began to affect the earth and generated salt." took courageous men into th ·
This process is described and concealed by alchemists in the candidate had to underg
the most manifold ways. I do not wish to speak about the and perseverance were the m
basis of the usage of the consonants, and why the vowels have.
work in this way, that would lead us astray and make this Our work is aimed at a ·
book too bulky. If you want to be informed on this further, death. Usually the human scul
see my Geschichte der Astrologie. So The formulas should upon death. We do not wan·
be understood as they are intended: means to develop the lives. We want to undergo avo
spiritual body. of our lives. The weakling will
When our spiritual eye glimpses the blackish shadow the of our undertaking. We can o _
purification is concluded, and now the main point becomes of nature- the lower by me
the unfolding of the evolving spiritual body- a work that nature. We remain strictly
takes varying lengths of time. The neck grip, or the Bath spiritual/natural universe.
of Mary, only works from the lower stratum out of which A person of little faith co
the spiritual person, free of the fetters of the body, should God, of lacking necessary h
lift himself. The earthly body must be mortified so that the submits to in the natural cour
spiritual body can rise up. Here a note needs to be added. to it. I answer him by saying
This mortification has been much misunderstood. It was of life which lies in the essence
believed that the body had to be killed by means of that this way is also clearly ·
40 41
t. ·• says an old text. The grip asceticism and withdrawal from the world. ThL
owever, so that a slow annealing naturally only one possible path if the pilgrim h
. and the ancient Freemasons completed a whole change in consciousness. Without thL
n. that the fire element breaks out a false mortification ensues. Asceticism and withdra
. If this occurs do not be afraid, from the world leads, in most cases, to a dissolu tion i
ait for the affliction to be over- which the pilgrim becomes easy prey for every type of evL
::: ~ out after a few minutes. If you influence. More than a few black magicians have in thi
ifestation you have nothing to way become the victims of the Prince of the Shadow.
, this annealing occurs slowly and True mortification lies in sublimation, in unification, in
:::: noticed. If the flame breaks out, the unio mystica, in becoming one with God. The
on is grabbing the person by the unification begins with the change in consciousne
· g him down to the ground. wherein the mortification of the small ego is completed
o weeks of this exercise no one and the resurrection of the divine ego takes place. That L ,
~· longer that the neck-grip has however, the goal we wish to achieve- which we must
in the neck. Now the time has and can achieve.
taste of mercury is perceived on Once we have arrived at the end of our exercise we will
::::ue is touched with the index feel that our earthly bodies are becoming more and more
,. . ,., . Then later the taste of salt is strange, we are growing beyond it, we clearly feel it has
ton says: "Therefore, the fire become dust and ashes. This is the deepest point which is
generated sulfur. For its part the reached when we are surrounded by the terrors of darkness
.. -.': ater and generated quicksilver, and death. For this reason the ancient Freemasons only
·e ct the earth and generated salt." took courageous men into their community, and the tests
and concealed by alchemists in the candidate had to undergo were very severe. Courage
. : do not wish to speak about the and perseverance were the most noble virtues he had to
onsonants, and why the vowels have.
d lead us astray and make this Our work is aimed at anticipating and overcoming
to be informed on this further, death. Usually the human soul parts from its body only
~rologie. So The formulas should upon death. We do not want such a conclusion to our
.ntended: means to develop the lives. We want to undergo a voluntary death in the middle
of our lives. The weakling will be terrified by the boldness
==.impses the blackish shadow the of our undertaking. We can only conquer nature by means
d now the main point becomes of nature- the lower by means of the higher, spiritual
m g spiritual body- a work that nature. We remain strictly in conformity with the
· e. The neck grip, or the Bath spiritual/natural universe.
the lower stratum out of which A person of little faith could accuse me of tempting
the fetters of the body, should God, of lacking necessary humility, which he voluntarily
. must be mortified so that the submits to in the natural course of affairs, as we are used
. Here a note needs to be added. to it. I answer him by saying that I am pointing to a path
much misunderstood. It was of life which lies in the essence of every true religion and
to be killed by means of that this way is also clearly recognizable in the New
-0 41
Testament. Most modern people, unfortunately, have not person who is making
read the holy scriptures of their religion. Those who have things here, but some wi:.!
followed me to this point, but who now recoil, are advised Many of our brothers t~
to read no further- for what I bring is not milk for the have ascended from stage
weak, but food for the strong. are in a position to proje
All religions teach the sevenfold constitution of the the life-force, thus spli ... - =
body. Precise knowledge can best be obtained on this by phenomenon of the double n
studying the Rosicrucian lessons of Heindel, I can only back to this ability- a
offer a brief sketch here. The designations are of archaic phenomena and occult e.
origin, the translations render the approximate meanings: projection of the fluid b od~
the earthly body by mea
connection is very loose. T
The the powers of the shadO\'
Immortal
Part
strike.
1. Atma, the self, god in us Sun For this reason it is most i
2. Buddhi, the heavenly soul Moon leaving the plane of effect
3. Buddhi-Manas, reason, causal body Mercury is provided- this is wha
The
Mortal
danger looses its terror a
Part will not cease our work. \Ve
4. Kama-Manas, intellect Venus toward true life. The bod
5. Kama-body (astral body), desire Mars and ashes when we are frni
6. Prana, life-force (aetheric-body-
Linga-Bhuta Jupiter grip. Thus the writings of the
7. Sthula-Bhuta, body Saturn cinerem ne vilipendas.(12 ) T-·
with great care, for we need ·
Apparently this table of correspondences is at variance new, spiritual body. It i
with the version generally used in Theosophy. However, developed the shadow of
those who have worked intensively with planetary forces give it color, form and thu
will recognize that this difference is not an essential one.
With the addition of Uranus and Neptune these two higher After Death - Life
octaves of Mercury and Venus are assigned to a second For the development of the
principle- but here we are not looking at the more other grips and in addition use
developed person, rather we are only concerned with one Before I go on I would like
who is just beginning to evolve. Saturn stands there at the previously cited Flamel: " An\;
threshold, it is assigned to the Kama-Manas, for us it is the more, even if you work wi
representative of the most dense form of matter. the beginning, after you ha
The last quadrad is called "the animal in us" by philosophical egg - that is a
Paracelsus. The Science of the Key gives us the way to upon it - you do not see
conquer this animal in us and to ascend to the causal black blackness, you must
plane. This is all the more necessary as the powers of philosophical egg is the bo .
darkness are already working to make a noose out of the mixtures of the elements whi
42
pie, unfortunately, have not person who is making such progress. I can only allude to
ir religion. Those who have things here, but some will understand what I mean.
who now recoil, are advised Many of our brothers have advanced so far that they
t I bring is not milk for the have ascended from stage seven to the sixth stage and they
are in a position to project the fluid-body, whose vessel is
~ -venfold constitution of the the life-force, thus splitting themselves in two. The
~ ... :m best be obtained on this by phenomenon of the double (Doppelganger) can be traced
ons of Heindel, I can only back to this ability- as can many other spiritualistic
designations are of archaic phenomena and occult experiences. Now during the
Jer the approximate meanings: projection of the fluid body this body remains connected to
the earthly body by means of a cord. However, this
connection is very loose. This is the point of attack where
the powers of the shadow will strike, where they must
strike.
Sun For this reason it is most important that the possibility of
Moon leaving the plane of effects to gaze upon the causal plane
Mercury is provided- this is what my teachers desire. Every
danger looses its terror as soon as it is understood. But we
will not cease our work. We press forward through death
Venus toward true life. The body will also appear to us as dust
Mars and ashes when we are finished with the work of the neck-
Jupiter grip. Thus the writings of the ancient Freemasons warn us:
Saturn cinerem ne vilipendas.(I2) We regard the ashes, the body,
with great care, for we need it for the construction of the
rrespondences is at variance new, spiritual body. It is not enough that we have
ed in Theosophy. However, developed the shadow of the spiritual body- we must
nsively with planetary forces give it color, form and thus an independent life.
-~ renee is not an essential one.
d Neptune these two higher After Death - Life
are assigned to a second For the development of the spiritual body we employ the
... e not looking at the more other grips and in addition use the formulas of the Prophet.
e only concerned with one Before I go on I would like to quote a passage from the
:e. Saturn stands there at the previously cited Flamel: "And truly, I say to you once
~ ~ Kama-Manas, for us it is the more, even if you work with the correct materials, if, at
e form of matter. the beginning, after you have put the mixtures into the
d "the animal in us" by philosophical egg - that is a while after the fire has acted
Key gives us the way to upon it - you do not see this raven's head, this deep-
to ascend to the causal black blackness, you must start all over again." The
essary as the powers of philosophical egg is the body, the mixtures are the fine
make a noose out of the mixtures of the elements which we conducted to the body
43
by means of the neck-grip. Therefore, it is of the greatest
importance that this shadow is seen. If it appears, you are Work Rosari
on the right track. This raven's head is mentioned by all
alchemists and writers, and the colors which start to appear
are correspondingly described by all. The main colors are: Preparation 14
black, white, red. Between white and red there are a Neck-grip 12
number of other colors- especially a citrine color. The Chest-grip 100
spiritual body is developed in these colors, the natural Middle-grip 70
order of which can be disturbed by a fire that is too strong Master-grip 140 '
- or as we like to express it - by an excessive frequency Closing-grip 28 "
in the use of the chest-grip. This grip should not be made
more than five times a day. Even if the old texts say "Boil,
boil unceasingly," they mean by this that one should not Days 476
loose patience. Here I will collate the table of Rosarius Lunar months 17
minor and the table of the Prophet so that the apprentice
will have reference points for the time periods for the
exercises. But first the translation of this old text that It can be seen that the differ
demonstrates the process of the work most clearly. they are even greater in reality.
And this alone I reveal: Through such a regime upon the talent of the individu
you will have completed the Purification in 124 in a week will take another a
days. Blackness is, however, the recognized sign There are disciples graced by e
of Purification. Furthermore, you will, by means path in three months.
of the aforesaid regime, have a second sign, Ancient Freemasons called ~·
which will be a redness that abides for 30 days While the neck-grip develop
and develops completely in these days. The third grip causes the unfolding of a
sign is, however, a green that is completed in 70 the following will be experien
days by means of warmth. Between the third and animated by the formula, the
fourth signs all colors that can be conceived of fist is made and the thumb of •
will appear. Then the marriage will be con- upon the left side of the chest. .
summated- the union and blending of spirit and opened and the chest-grip i
soul, for then the two will rule together, while colors that show themselves d
previously each ruled for itself under its own sign. from a light blue, through re :
Actually in the first sign the body ruled, in the called by the alchemists the f:
second the spirit and in the third the soul. The contrast to the purple color d
time of blending will be completed during a they saw the green they wo
regularly increasing regime of 70 days. Now the viriditas." (13)
fourth sign will appear, which is the profitable As melted gold appears to
Azymation- 140 days will go by and then the opinion of people who see the al
sign of whiteness will be seen. of making gold was once mor
joyous cry had nothing to do
44 45
-==•ip. Therefore, it is of the greatest
ow is seen. If it appears, you are Work Rosarius Minor Table of the Prophet
~ '"'ven ' s bead is mentioned by all
,., d the colors which start to appear
·· ed by all. The main colors are: Preparation 14 days 46 days
~-, een white and red there are a Neck-grip 124 II 58 II
46 47
IV
Conclusion
k
I have said everything that is to be said. We must only
further discuss the pronunciation of the Arabic words.
They are to be pronounced as they are written, the tran-
scription is very precise. The S is pronounced like a Z, as
is the Z also. So one does not say natzim but rather nazim.
With words of more than on syllable the emphasis is on
the second syllable, alam - alam. The CH is a guttural
which may cause some difficulties. It is harder than the ch
in German aclz, and tends more toward the k-sound.
In Arabic the Science of the Key is also called the
Science of the Scale: Ibn el Nazan. One also finds lim el
Quimiya, the Science of Chemistry. This is extremely
ancient material. Around 900 AD we find it in Venice,
where the cornerstone of Freemasonry was laid when the
Science assimilated the Syrian legend of Hiram Abif and
linked the individual grades to the construction of the
Temple of Solomon- and thus the Science became a
monopoly of the lodge.
The ancient Freemasons never thought of looking at it
like that, as by that time the alchemistic books were too
widely dissiminated. They placed great weight on secrecy,
however, because it was feared that by giving up the secret
they would expose themselves to to the mockery of the
people. Now people can mock!
49
From an old treatice of the Austrian Freemason
Lampspring, who lived around the middle of the 14th
century, these words are given, which I had promised:
If you understand me right and well
(1) "Books should have their
Then you will be free of error, (2) The First World War
Nothing is more important then this one thing, (3) The Turkish Empire coU ...
In which everything else is concealed. quickly and forcefully rear=
Therefore, do not tum your mind away.
Cooking, time and patience are necessary, Republic under the dictato'"
If you wish to pick the most noble fruit. resisted efforts by the allie
Time and work should not displease you Turkey, and were even able ·
For seed and metal may only be cooked constantly and moderately, Istanbul.
From day to day, and perhaps all week long,
Then you will, in this unpretentious thing, (4) G. W. Surya =Demeter
Find and perfect the whole work of philosophy, (5) Arabic Al-Muqatta, See
Which certainly appears impossible to most men, Qur'an (n.p.: Muslim Stude
Because it concerns such a simple and easy work-
If we showed and made it known to others
ed.), pp. 118-120.
Certainly we would be mocked by men, women and children (6) Concerning the great st
So be discreet and silent many thousands of master
Then you will live in pease and be without trouble the beginning of the world.
Not only with your neighbor, but also with God
Who gives the art and wishes to know it secretly.
(7) The Golden Age renewe
theosopher, physic-ian and fi
Alchemy is traced back to Hermes Trismegistus- one brother of the golden cross.
of his sayings is given in conclusion, and with it the (8) These letters would be. \.. -
explanation that a modern researcher gives: (= 1.100.5.1000. 500.5 = 161
"If you do not take the corporeal condition from bodies, (9) Sebottendorf translates d:Jr,
and if you do not reformulate the non-corporeal substances pressing."
into bodies, you will not obtain what you expect." If you (10) "of causing to descend i
have read this book to its conclusion you will know what (11)Hermeneia that is an 0
is meant by this- and how Berthelot was mistaken when explanations of Leonbardl
he explained: "If one does not remove the metallic concerning the foreign and
condition from metals and if one does not extract metals of Tbeopbrastus Peracelsuu.
from non-metallic materials, the transmutation of metals (12)"You are not to bold ash~
will not succeed." (13) "0 blessed green-color
50
of the Austrian Freemason
ound the middle of the 14th
Translator's Notes
•en. which I had promised:
(1) "Books should have their own destinies:·
(2) The First World War (1914-1918)
(3) The Turkish Empire collapsed in September 19 L .
quickly and forcefully reorganized itself as the Turt-:~,
Republic under the dictator Mustafa Kemal. The T
resisted efforts by the allies to carve up the heartlan
Turkey, and were even able to hold onto Constantino
Istanbul.
(4) G. W. Surya =Demeter Georgievitz-Weitzer
(5) Arabic Al-Muqatta, See A. Yusuf Ali, The Ho
Qur'an (n.p.: Muslim Students' Association, 197
er
ed.), pp. 118-120.
n. women and children (6) Concerning the great stone of the ancients whi
many thousands of masters have heroically pursue · -
the beginning of the world.
(7) The Golden Age renewed by Heinrich Mad
theosopher, physic-ian and finally by the grace of G
Hermes Trismegistus- one brother of the golden cross.
onclusion, and with it the (8) These letters would be, when put in order: I
earcher gives: (= 1.100.5.1000. 500.5 = 1611).
oreal condition from bodies, (9) Sebottendorf translates durch Press en: "by m
_...... the non-corporeal substances pressing."
ain what you expect." If you (10) "of causing to descend into the spirit."
onclusion you will know what (ll)Hermeneia that is an Onomasticum Interpre
Berthelot was mistaken when explanations of Leonhardt Thurneisser zum.
not remove the metallic concerning the foreign and unknown words in the
·- one does not extract metals of Theophrastus Peracelsus.
e transmutation of metals (12)"You are not to hold ash in slight regard.''
(13) "0 blessed green-color (by association. · ··
50
51