"Opening of the Eyes"- Initiation Into the Mystery (2nd Degree)
The ritual of initiation helps to uncover one's personal involvement in the Mystery of Life, Death, and Rebirth. It brings to conscious awareness the various masks or personae that we assume in order to function in daily life. Through this ritual, we are presented with choices to accept or reselect those things that are really important to us; we are made aware of what really defines our identity. We become more awake and responsible in our daily lives.
The following ritual is based primarily on the Second Degree initiation published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's "A Witches Bible", with emphasis paid especially to the lessons of the Descent to the Underworld. The Charge of Ereshkigal in ritual step #30 is also borrowed from the Farrar's "A Witches Bible", from the Third Degree initiation rite.
This initiation should not be attempted until the candidate is well prepared. The candidate should already hold a first degree initiation, or its equivalent.
The ritual follows the model of Inanna's Descent into the Underworld. Elements to note include:
The Guide through the Gates to the Underworld: Ninghizhidda, the horned serpent, the hermaphroditic Ruler of the Magick Wand. Ninghizhidda fills the role of Sponsor or Guide for the Initiate, and presents the challenges at each Gate.
The Guardian of the Body, who is the Beloved, the opposite-sex "shadow" of the Initiate. This astral twin is represented by a "soul doll" that has been prepared previously, and dedicated to the Initiate. The Beloved will be the Initiate's proxy in the Underworld after the Initiate's return to the World Above, for once you go Below, you cannot return alive again in the same body. When the Initiate chooses to go Below again, the Beloved will come Above to guard the Initiate's body while the Initiate is Below.
The Seven Jewels that symbolize the various Personae that make up the Initiate's sense of Identity.
The Seven Gates, at which a different Jewel is shed, finally leaving the Initiate naked and defenseless.
The "binding" or "exorcism" of the Initiate, making the Initiate into a "corpse".
The "display", where the corpse is left to sit for all to see.
The Food and Water of Life are fed to the corpse.
Ereshkigal embraces her sister, who has passed the challenges. The Dark Queen gives her sister a Jewel to signify the special relationship they have begun.
The return through the Gates, this time accompanied by Ninghizhidda and Ereshkigal, and the reclaiming of the Jewels (or their transformation and presentation by Ereshkigal to the Initiate).
The final return to the Earth, when Ereshkigal must take the "shadow" or proxy back to the Underworld, until the next time the Initiate must go Below.
The Seven Jewels
The Jeweled Robes, which represent the physical form and vitality.
The Bracelets, which represent physical skill.
The Jeweled Belt or Girdle , which represents sexuality and the ability to procreate.
The Brooch, which represents intimate relationships and the ability to love.
The Necklace, which represents religious, ideological, and belief devotions or dedications.
The Wand, which represents good works, acts, and accomplishments.
The Crown, which represents the profession and material accomplishments.
Preparations for the Ritual
Apart from the normal tools needed to cast the circle, the following items should be prepared in advance and ready within the circle for the ritual:
The "soul doll" for the Initiate, and a stool or pillow for the doll to sit on by the altar.
Jeweled Robes, prepared and kept as special magickal robes for rituals such as this. The Robes can be a special nightgown or housecoat, preferably open at the front and fastened by a waist tie-cord. The Robes should be embroidered and embellished with laces, gauzy material, sequins, and costume jewelry if at all possible.
Two Bracelets that can easily be slid onto the wrists over the hands, or fastened easily by another. Since the Bracelets represent physical skill, it would be appropriate for the Bracelets to be charm-bracelets, with small charms on them that indicate skills the Initiate might have or desire.
A Brooch, a quartz or other semi-precious crystal attached to a fastening pin. The Brooch could be in the shape of a serpent or other totem animal, if desired.
The Girdle can actually be a large, studded belt. It should be elaborate, with sequins and costume jewelry embellishments.
A Necklace, preferably one with a pendant of religious significance for the Initiate.
The Wand can be as elaborate as the Initiate wants; it should be one of the Initiate's own.
The Crown can be a tiara, which are often available at costume stores, or it can be home-made. If possible, it should have some pagan symbols on it.
A small bowl of ice, or frozen reusable ice cubes, for the anointing with cold.
Two "shrouds", one of bed sheet size, preferably of silk, and another one the size of a scarf to cover the head.
Cords to tie the wrists, and another set to tie the feet.
A soft strip of cloth (such as the tie-cord from a housecoat) to use as a gag.
A soft blindfold, perhaps a dark cloth or scarf.
The Water of Life can be fruit juice, milk, wine, or mineral water. It should be in accord with the ethics and morals of the Initiate; alcohol should never be served to an abstainer.
The Food of Life can be fruit, bread, cake, or biscuits. A bit of honey dripped on the Food is nice, and of mythological significance.
A special ring, purchased and consecrated by the Guide as a gift to the Initiate. It should display pagan symbolism if appropriate, and can be as plain or fancy as the Initiate or Guide desires.
The Ritual
The Initiate must have a private ritual bath and meditate immediately before attempting the ritual Descent.
The Initiate is led into the ritual area by the Guide, where the Seven Jewels are already at hand. The Initiate's " soul doll " should be sitting in a prepared place of honor in front of the altar, to participate in the ritual. The Initiate is to stand in the circle and allow the others to do the "work." For the purposes of this ritual, the Initiate must enter the circle naked except for a simple robe, which will be removed and replaced by the ritual Jeweled Robes. Alternatively, the Initiate may be dressed in the Jeweled Robes and the other six Jewels by the Guide, prior to the start of the ceremony. If the latter choice is made, the ritual should commence with the circle being cast, and then should proceed immediately to the proclamation.
The circle is cast, and the Initiate is to stand in the center, facing the altar.
The helpers, led by the Guide, begin by removing the Initiate's robe, and then clothing the Initiate with the Jeweled Robe. The Guide says: The Jeweled Robes are your physical form, your age, your beauty, your strength and vitality. They are your health, your very ability to live.
The Bracelets are placed on the Initiate's wrists, while the Guide says: These Bracelets are your ability to do, to act, in the world. They embody your skills of hand and mind.
The Belt or Girdle is placed about the Initiate's waist and hips, while the Guide says: The Jeweled Girdle represents your sexual drive, your ability to conceive and bring forth new life. It is your ability to enjoy sensual pleasures, and to share in primal love.
The Brooch is pinned to the Robe, at or near the area of the Heart, on the left breast. The Guide says: The Brooch is your ability to feel love, and holds the essence of your intimate love commitments with family, friends, and lovers.
The Necklace is placed around the Initiate's neck. The Guide says: The Necklace is your faith, your belief, your knowledge, understanding and wisdom in this world. It is your knowledge of relationships, people, and things.
The Wand is placed in the Initiate's power hand (left hand if the Initiate is left-handed, etc.) The Guide says: The Wand stands for your actions, your selfless acts, your accomplishments in the world, your ability to do to help yourself and others.
The Crown is placed on the Initiate's head. The Guide says: The Crown shows your position in this life, your importance in your career and worldly connections. It lets all see your status and influence, your material wealth and success in the world of the Living.
The Guide and the others present take positions around the circle so the Initiate is surrounded on all sides. The Guide should be in front, facing the Initiate. The Guide leads the helpers in the proclamation:
The Initiate goes to the altar and takes up the soul doll in a warm embrace. The Initiate presents the doll to the circle, naming him or her, and introduces the doll to the others present.
The Initiate places the doll back in its place of honor, and tells it: Sweet (doll's name ), My dark, hidden half, watch my body, guard me, while I travel below to seek wisdom to learn from the Dark Queen of the Deep. Blessed be!
The Initiate turns to the Guide, and says: I am ready for the Journey. I am ready to seek the Dark Queen of the Dead. I am ready to face the mystery of Life, Death, and Rebirth.
The Guide answers: The Journey will be long, and filled with trials that you must pass. You will face the loss of your earthly possessions, your position and identity in the world of the Living. Are you truly ready to undergo the Descent?
The Initiate answers Yes or No. If the answer is No, then the Guide should comfort the Initiate, and assure them that they will find the strength when the time comes for their journey. The ritual should then skip to a meditation, perhaps divination, and then open up the circle, and end the ritual.
If the Initiate answers Yes, the Guide should direct the Initiate to kneel in the center of the circle, facing the altar. The Initiate should sit quietly, with eyes closed, and begin fourfold breathing to ease into trance. The Guide says: Close your eyes, (Initiate's name), and soothe your mind. Feel the ground under your feet, the air around your body. Feel the warmth of the candles and bodies around you. Smell the incense, the melting wax, the perfumes and aromas that permeate this place. Calm your breathing, and calm your mind.
The Guide continues with the ritual induction to trance: Your shadow, your other self, is here to guard your body from all harm. The circle is strong about you, and you have many friends both physical and spiritual to keep you safe. Relax, lower your defenses, and let your astral body slip free to travel. I am your Guide, the spirit of Ninghizhidda fills and surrounds me. I have flown from the highest realms of the stars, to the deepest pits of the worlds Below, and have seen all that is in Between. The sap of the tree Zi-Kum runs through my veins, I am clothed with the leaves and bark of the Tree that spans the Realms. I am a Serpent who sheds my skin, and I can change my form with the blink of an eye. I wield the Magick Wand of Ninghizhidda, and no door is closed to Me. I can lead you to the court of the Dark One, the dread Ereshkigal, but only you can make the choices that will confront us on the journey. I can give you aid in your tasks, but it is you who must act. The power of Inanna is yours. (Pause.) Feel yourself go deeper and deeper into trance. With every breath you take, you feel yourself slip deeper and deeper into trance. You are going deeper and deeper into the astral state of awareness. When your astral body is ready to begin your journey, your physical body will rise to its feet and stand in the center of the circle. When your physical body is standing, we will know that you have truly begun your journey Below. Take your time, breathe, and go deeper. We will know when you are ready.
The Guide will help the Initiate to breathe and relax until the Initiate has freed the astral form. If necessary, the Initiate can be given a sip of ritual wine, and meditative incense can be lit and wafted around the circle to encourage trance. When the Initiate has risen to stand, the Guide will know that the journey has begun. If the Initiate indicates a need to move to act out the journey, the Guide should lead the Initiate around the circle so that no harm is done. Some Initiates may perform the whole journey in their astral form, with little movement of the physical body.
The Crown is taken from the Initiate's head, and set by the altar. Guide: Without your Crown, you may pass through the Gate. You have passed the first test. The passageway is larger beyond the Gate, and the walls much less smooth. You can see cracks in the walls, and moisture glistens over the surface of the rock. The steps are still smooth and dusty, leading ever downwards into the depths below. You go down. Deeper and deeper, deeper into the earth than you ever though was possible, you descend a step at a time to the world below. You walk on for what seems an eternity, feeling your way in the dim light, until you notice a faint bluish-purple light down the passage, farther below than where you are now. You move on, closer and closer to the purple light. The indigo light illuminates a second landing, where a huge door faces you across the space. This door, too, is made of wood, but is more expertly carved than the first. It is a solid, one-piece door, with no visible seams between planks. It, like the first, has no handle and opens towards the other side. This is the Second Gate, and here you must leave your Wand, your power to act selflessly for the good of yourself as well as others. You cannot bring tales of your charity, for in the eyes of the Queen of the Dead all are equal; none require sympathy Below. As you lay down your Wand, the door opens, and you pass through to go farther Down.
The Wand is taken and placed on the altar by the Guide or helpers. Pause. The steps here are much rougher, and the walls seem to be more natural than carved from the body of the Earth. It gets dark again, and you feel you way down, ever down, to whatever waits Below. You leave behind the indigo light of the Gate above. You move on into the darkness, moving on for an eternity, until you see a faint blue glow ahead and below. As you move closer, you see the Third Gate.
The Necklace is removed and placed on the altar near the Wand. Without your Necklace, the Gate is open. You pass through and continue to go down. Down, down, down, ever down, you journey on to the court of the Queen of the Dead. You are growing weary, yet you know you must continue. You walk on, down the rough stone steps, feeling your way in the dark, until you see the green glow of the light at the next Gate. You come to the Gate, and see that this Door is like the last, hammered metal. However, as you inspect it more closely, you see that there are etchings of dragons, serpents, and fabulous beasts twisting and twining around the edge near the frame. Out of the corner of your eye, you can almost catch them moving in the flickering light. You step back, take a deep breath, and prepare for the challenge of the Gate. Here you must remove your Brooch, the symbol of your love and commitment to others. The journey to the World Below is a lonely one, and you cannot bring your family and loved ones with you. All must eventually travel this way, but all come essentially alone. You remove your brooch, set it down, and this Gate opens to receive you like the ones before.
The brooch is removed, and set on the altar. You move down, down, ever down, into the dark world below. You feel your way along the rough stone steps, carefully proceeding on your way down. After a long while, you being to see the glow of a yellow light ahead and below. You move down to the next Gate, the fifth on Path. The passage opens onto a landing, with a gentle yellow light suffusing the space. It illuminates a heavy golden door which faces you across the landing. You move to the door, marveling at its immense weight and the intricate scrollwork engraved on its surface. It, too, portrays fabulous creatures, but this time in a coherent picture. When you step back, you can see the whole picture as it fills the whole space of the door. Here you must give up your Jeweled Girdle, your sexual vitality and ability to procreate. Base pleasures are for the living, and have no place in the land of the Dead. You unbuckle the Girdle, and set it on the floor, and as you do so the Door swings slowly inward. You step forward, and pass through.
The Girdle is removed andplaced on the altar. You go down, down, ever down, leaving behind the comforting warmth of the yellow light at the last Gate. You proceed through the darkness, feeling your way down the rough steps for an eternity, until you see ahead and below a faint orange light. You move on to this, the Sixth Gate. The Sixth Gate is a gem-studded metal door, with the fancy stones forming a simple pattern on the heavy door. You take a deep breath, and wait for the challenge. Here you must leave your Bracelets, your ability to do and act in the world. You must lay aside all that you have learned in body and mind, for your skills can not be carried to the world Below. You remove your bracelets, set them down on the dusty floor, and then walk through the opened door.
The bracelets are removed and placed on the altar. Down, down, ever down. The journey is very long, and the goal does not seem any closer. What else do you have to give away? How much longer can you go on? The darkness surrounds you, more complete and blinding than you have ever known. You walk carefully down the smooth slope that remains of the steps, until you see a very faint red glow ahead. You move slowly, wearily, into the circle of red light that fills the cave of the Seventh Gate. This Gate is a door of sparkling colors, that shimmer and reflect a rainbow from the many gems that encrust the surface. The gems seem to move and shift; the light dancing around the cave dazzles your eyes. You step forward, head bowed, and listen for the challenge. Here you must take off your Jeweled Robes, and leave behind your physical form, your beauty, your vitality and health. This last vestige of life must be shed, and you may proceed as a corpse, for only the dead can come to the Mother Below. You slip out of your robes, like a serpent shedding its skin, and stand naked and defenseless before the Seventh Gate. You are ready to go to Death as you came to Life, naked and innocent as a child.
The Robes are removed, then folded and left by the altar. The last Gate is open, and you go through to meet the Dark Queen of the Dead. You walk on in the darkness, no longer afraid, because you have nothing left to lose. You sense the presence of a Power, the Queen to whom all must come. You feel hands on you, holding you still, and then the cold touch of the Queen. You knew you could not hear the voice of the Queen, but you could sense Her words, like a whisper that is never voiced.
The helpers gently hold the Initiate by the arms, holding the Initiate standing in place. The Guide takes the ice water or ice pack, and touches the Initiate at the appropriate places, while a helper gently binds the Initiate on cue. She says to you: Your eyes are bound that you may see. (The eyes are "anointed" with cold, then a blindfold is placed on the Initiate.) Your mouth is bound that you might speak. (The mouth is "anointed" with cold, then a gag is placed lightly on the Initiate.) Your heart is bound that you might feel. (The heart area is "anointed" with cold.) Your sex is bound that you might know pleasure. (The genitals are gently "anointed" with cold.) Your hands are bound that you might act. (The hands are gently tied in front of the body.) Your feet are bound that you might walk on the path of the Mother of All. (The feet are loosely tied.) Your body is bound, that you might live. (A large, cool sheet, preferably silk, is draped over the shoulders of the Initiate, and wrapped loosely around the body, like a shroud but with the head uncovered. A second smaller sheet is draped over the head to cover the face.) The body, cold and lifeless, is laid out and left to decompose.
The helpers lay the Initiate down to lie on the back. The Guide and helpers begin a low hum, like the noise of bees, which they maintain for about two minutes. Then the Food and Water of Life are brought, the shroud is removed from the Initiate's face, and the Initiate is fed on cue. But the Queen knew that this one was special, that this one had made the journey while still alive. She wept, recognizing the mark of Her sister, Inanna. She summoned forth her companions, the Kurgarru, spirits of Earth, guardians of the Food of Life, and the Kalaturru, spirits of sea and lake and stream, guardians of the Water of Life. She bid them nourish the corpse that lay before them. The spirits knelt down, and did as their Mistress commanded. (The helpers gently lift the Initiate's head, and feed a taste of sweet wine and bread dipped in honey. They hum.) Taste this, the Waters of Life. Eat of the Food of Life, and know the Dark Mother's love. All are reborn, and all come back to life again, but few come back in the same body twice. You are a special one, a charmed and protected one, who has made this journey in the flesh and will return to the World Above in the flesh. You have visited the Mystery of Death and will live to remember. Very few are so fortunate, and so loved.
The sheet is removed, the cords, gag, and blindfold are removed. Rise and be free! You are alive! You bore the touch of the Dark Queen, the Dread One, and now rise in the flesh, more alive and awake than the living!
The Initiate is helped to stand, facing the altar. The Guide kneels at the feet of the Initiate, and recites the Charge of Ereshkigal, the Song of the Regenerator.
The Guide performs the Fivefold Kiss and surmounting Triangle Kiss, thus:
The Guide says:
The Guide continues:The Queen of the Dead, the Queen of Rebirth, bids you to return to the Upper World to work in Her name. The time has come for you to go up, higher and higher through the passages and caves, back through the Gates, to the world of the Living. This, your first visit to the Court of Ereshkigal, need not be your last, for now you are welcome and do not need to face the same challenges on the journey Down. The ring you now wear is a sign to the Guardians, the Watchers below and above, that you are blessed and allowed free passage. You will always have the aid of the Queen's minions should you require help.
The Jeweled Robes are placed on the Initiate's shoulders. Your Jeweled Robes are now composed of the finest threads, and the glittering stones that encrust the folds dazzle and fascinate the eye. You realize that by the Lady's magick, your earthly life will be filled with more vitality and good health than you would have thought possible. In fact, the outer appearance of the Robes have metamorphosed to expose the core of inner beauty that you now hold. With a sweeping wave of Her arm, the Queen lifts you and the Guide up, and the three of you are again flying upwards through the dark caverns. You move on for a time, upwards, higher, closer to the next Gate. You see the glow of orange light, and suddenly you are at the next Gate. Here, you see your Bracelets waiting to be reclaimed. The Queen lifts the Bracelets, and in a twinkle they, too, have transformed. They are now covered with the most exquisite scrollwork, and are studded with many tiny gems that sparkle in the light. Your skills are sharpened, and more appropriate for the tasks that will lie ahead of you in life. The Queen puts the Bracelets around your wrists, and with a wave of Her arm, you are again flying up through the darkness.
The Bracelets are placed on the Initiate's wrists. You fly up through the Earth to the next Gate, where the yellow light awaits. You alight on the landing, and the Queen lifts up the Jeweled Girdle to place around your waist.
The Girdle is fastened around the Initiate's waist. You feel your body flood with a renewed sense of sexual vitality. Your whole body tingles, your genitals flush and you know that your sex life will provide you with regenerative pleasure. A premonition glints in your mind, that when you choose to have a child, your life will be filled with unimaginable joy. The Queen signals again, and you lift into the air after Her. You fly on, up to the next Gate, to reclaim your Brooch. The green light of the Gate surrounds you, and sparkles invitingly on the Brooch where you left it for the Guardian. The Queen lifts it up, and a flash of light transforms it into a precious gem fastened to a silver pin. The Queen fastens it to your Robes, and you hear Her whisper in your mind: Your love is so strong, that not even Death can dim it's glow.
The Brooch is fastened to the Initiate's Robes over the left breast. She waves Her arm, and you rise up. The darkness opens to the blue glow of the next Gate, and you find yourself standing before the door, while the Queen holds aloft your Necklace, where it shines with an inner light of its own. As She places it around your neck, you notice that the gems have become more clear, and more defined in their appearance.
The Necklace is placed around the Initiate's neck. Your ideals and dedication to the Goddess are clearer, too, and you can understand more easily your duty to Her in Her many forms. You find yourself rising up, up through the dark, following the Queen of the Underworld, with your Guide close behind you. You move on through the dark, until you see an indigo light, which surrounds you as you alight on the landing before the second-to-last Gate. The Queen picks up the Wand that waits there, and as She takes it up, it fills with a brilliant astral Light. By its glow, everything that She has transformed glows in response. You notice that the mystic Pentacle and Triangle you were anointed with glow under the astral Light.
The Wand is handed to the Initiate. The Queen hands you the Wand, and in your mind you hear Her whisper: Use your power wisely. And then, you are flying up to the last of the Gates. (Pause.) You fly up, up, ever up, close behind the Queen of the Dead, with your faithful Guide close behind you. You suddenly burst into a cavern of pure violet light, the place of the final Gate. You land, and you know that your flying journey has come to an end. The Queen Ereshkigal will not go with you beyond this Gate. The Queen picks up your Crown, and at Her touch a glowing symbol appears on the front: a glowing, ever swirling spiral, that twists in and out of itself in a never-ending dance. You look from the Crown to the Queen's face, and before your eyes you see Her aged wrinkles smooth, Her face becoming that of the Maiden. Her silver-gray hair becomes black, then chestnut brown, then blonde, then fiery red, and every color in between. As you watch Her face, you see Her age again to Crone, then back again to Maiden. Through all Her changes, She is always, unmistakably, the Queen. She places the Crown on your head, and you acknowledge in your secret, silent voice your responsibility to honor Her. As you look up again, you see that She is smiling at you.
The Crown is placed on the Initiate's head. The final Gate lies open for you, and through the opening you can see into the Circle between the Worlds where you began. You turn one last time to the Queen, and She whispers to you: You cannot go back, although you must. None may come Below and return Above in the same flesh. So neither can you, unless there is someone else who will take your place willingly. You must choose now: call another to come below while you are Above, or remain here with Me. You call out the name of your Soul Twin, who has promised to be your Proxy in the Court of Ereshkigal. Your Proxy appears before you in spirit form, and you pass through the Gate, exchanging places with him/her. The Queen blesses you both, and the Gate closes and is gone. (Pause for three heartbeats.) The Gates are all closed, the light that surrounds you is the comforting clean light of the Circle. You are safe and secure, back in the realm of the Living.
The Guide and the helpers all gather around the Initiate, who stands while the others all bow low and call out:
The circle is closed, and the rite is concluded. A celebratory meal is appropriate after this ordeal.
Ecce (initiate's name)!
Ecce (name)!
Ecce (name)!
By the powers of the Sky Above,
And the Earth Below,
And the Waters that surround us all,
Blessed be, (name)!
(For a male initiate)
Ecco (initiate's name)!
Ecco (name)!
Ecco (name)!
By the powers of the Sky Above,
And the Earth Below,
And the Waters that surround us all,
Blessed be, (name)!
Initiate: My dear (name of doll), I would like to introduce you to (name of covener).
Covener: Hail, and welcome, (name of doll)! Blessed be!
The Guide continues: Before you is a passageway, with steps leading down into the earth. You go into this passageway, down the steps, one at a time at your own pace. The walls of the passage are stone, but carefully carved, smooth and clean. The walls are light in color, gradually getting darker and darker as you go deeper and deeper into the ground. The steps are dry and slightly dusty; you get the feeling that this is a passageway that is seldom used. As you go deeper and deeper and deeper, the sounds and feelings of the upper world diminish as they get farther away. A peaceful hush gathers around you, only your breath and my voice accompanies you on your journey. (Pause) It feels as though you have been walking down these stairs for an eternity now. The passage is very dark, and you are progressing more by touch than by sight. As you peer ahead into the gloom, you notice a faint violet light far below. You move carefully down, deeper and deeper, towards the violet light.
As you get closer to the light, you see that it is coming from torches set into the wall around an open landing, and on either side of an imposing wooden door that faces you across the landing. In the purple light you see that the door is made up of wide, roughly hewn planks, held together by bands of dull brass studded with shiny nail heads. The door has no handle or latch, and apparently opens towards the inside. (Pause for three heartbeats) This is the First Gate to the Underworld. Through it, only the dead may go, for none come back alive to the world above. At this door, you must leave your Crown, for you can not bring worldly status and material wealth to the Crone. To give up your Crown now shows the Queen that you are willing to sacrifice to reach Her, and learn wisdom.
This Gate is a metal door, hammered and polished to reflect the blue light. It has a slightly rippled surface, and feels very solid. When you touch it, it feels cool and dry. Here you must leave your Necklace, the sign of your faith, knowledge, and understanding of the world. In the World Below all things are manifest, there is no understanding except through Her. Take off your Necklace, and the Third Gate will open.
O Secret of Secrets,
That art hidden in the being of all lives,
Not thee do we adore,
For that which adoreth is also thou.
Thou art That, and That am I.
(The Guide kisses the Initiate's feet.)
I am the flame that burns in every heart that feels,
And in the core of every star.
I am life, and the giver of life.
Yet the knowledge of me is the knowledge of death.
I am alone, the Force within all,
Whose name is Mystery of Mysteries.
Pentagram
1. Above the pubic hair;
2. Right foot;
3. Left knee;
4. Right knee;
5. Left foot;
6. Above the pubic hair again.
Triangle
1. Lips;
2. Left breast;
3. Right breast;
4. Lips.
(The Guide rises, and embraces the Initiate.)
Blessed be, sister/brother of the Dark!
Your Light is welcome here.
You are kindred with spirits unseen,
Forces of the Deep,
Angels of the bright Heavens!
Our treasures are your treasures,
Our secrets are your secrets.
And as a sign of our faith in you,
We pledge our loyalty to you,
Symbolized and made concrete in this ring,
A talisman that will seal the bond between us.
(The Guide presents the ring, and places it on the middle finger of the Initiate's power hand.)
All hail (Initiate's name), Witch and High Priest/ess!
Blessed be!
(Pause for three heartbeats.)
Queen Ereshkigal accompanies you, your Guide behind and the Lady before you. The Queen is a huge dark shadow, outlined in a faint silver light; her soft robes brush your face as you fly upwards through the underground passages. You fly through the darkness, then suddenly you see the familiar red glow of the last Gate where you left your Jeweled Robes. The Lady brings you all to a halt, and you rest at the Gate. The kind Queen lifts up the Robes to your shoulders, and you wrap yourself in the familiar cloth. But your things are changed, the Jewels are not what they once were. By the power of the Queen of the Dark, Lady Ereshkigal, they have been transformed into precious Gems more suited to you.
(For a female Initiate)
Ecce (Initiate's name)!
Ecce (Initiate's name)!
Ecce (Initiate's name)!
High Priestess and Witch!
(Or, for a male Initiate)
Ecco (Initiate's name)!
Ecco (Initiate's name)!
Ecco (Initiate's name)!
High Priest and Witch!