RUSHUMA

Self-Baptism Rite from the Ancient Nazorean Essenes

Here is one form of the ancient self baptism rite, the Rushuma or "signing".

Bahram was the teacher (Rabai) of Anush, who was the teacher of Yuhana
(John Baptist), as well as one of Yeshu's (Jesus') instructors. The Yardna means
flowing water):

Approach water:
In the name of Great Life,
I bless the great Yardna of Living Water.

Wash hands:
In the name of the Great Life,
Purify my hands in righteousness and my lips in faith, Let them utter the speech of
Light and make my ablutions potent by thoughts of light.

Wash face:
I bless thy name, Praised is thy name, My Lord Gnosis of Life I bless thee!
Be praised that great Self-manifested Countenance of Splendor.

Sign forehead (right to left ear):

I , so and so, sign myself with the sign of Life. The name of the Living Ones,
and the name of Gnosis of Life are uttered upon me.

Wash ears:
May my ears hear the Call of Life!

Wash lower body:

My sign is the great Yardna of Living Water, Which one cannot attain on
one’s own strength. The name of the Living Ones, and the name of Gnosis of Life
are mentioned over me.

Rinse mouth (spit to the left):

 May my mouth be filled with the prayer of praise!

Wash knees:
May my knees bless and worship the Great Living Ones!

Wash legs:
May my legs follow the ways of right and faith!

Palms down, hands together, fingers immersed:

I have baptized myself with the baptism of the Great Bahram, son of the
mighty ones, My baptism will guard me and elevate me to the source, And the
name of Gnosis of Life are pronounced upon me.

Dips right foot twice, left once:

May the planets and the zodiac not have dominion over my feet. The name
of Life and the name of Gnosis of Life descend upon me.