AKT MAGIC. to or describe subject.
The
it,
inasmuch
as
it
189
may throw
light
upon our
special
Goddesses, good and evil spirits, the soul, and its transmigrations for purand purification, the magical union between the heavens and the earth, the influences of the sidereal heavens upon nature and human destiny, the fall of the spirit from a condition of innocence and bliss, and its ultimate restoration through long series of probationary states the spiritual powers once enjoyed by the primeval man, now lost, or held latent, and in part only, restored by the practice of a divine life and initiation into the sacred mysteries; these were the main ideas which underlaid Egyptian Theosophy, and connected its speculative science with its magical practices. belief in Gods,
immortality of the poses of probation
human
—
The
history of the "Sun-God, the worship of the powers of nature, the trials, discipline, probationary states, purification of the human soul and its ultimate restoration to Deity, were the doctrines taught through gorgeous dramatic representations, in the famous mysteries of Isis and Osiris, to obtain a complete knowledge of which many a valuable life was vainly sacrificed. The full sum of magical knowledge was limited to the Kings and Priests, and the latter, according to their worthiness and different grades of rank, were instructed in all that appertained to the subject. The rite of circumcision was an absolute prerequisite to initiation, hence foreigners, who, having arrived at adult age, when this rite might, as it often did, prove fatal, feared to encounter its hazards, and were seldom admitted to the mysteries. The rite of circumcision was symbolized by a circle, and the Egyptian priests wore a consecrated ring in memory of its performance.
The ceremonies
of initiation into these mysteries are not,
would-be mystics of the present day imply, so entirely unknown to this generation. Those who really understand the esoteric meaning of Free Masonry, and the Apocalypse, might discover therein a clue to the ancient mysteries, which few merely as the
dream of. In the present limited treatise we can do no more than
exoteric or superficial thinkers
cate the general tenor of their conduct.
They were
indi-
as follows:
The Neophyte upon being presented to the attendant priest, after having undergone a preliminary series of purifications by bathing, fasting and prayer, was conducted before a masked tribunal, each member of which was arrayed in funeral robes. On every side of the vast hall of assemblage were emblems of death, and sculptures representing the judgment through which de-