Secrets and Practices of the Freemasons: Sacred Mysteries, Rituals and Symbols Revealed - Jean-Louis de Biasi 2011

Council of Kadosh
Practice of The Individual Rituals of The High Degrees

Knight of the Sun (27th Degree)

Numerous books and studies have been published in several languages regarding the Knight of the Sun (27th Degree). It is considered to be one of the most significant degrees, with regard to understanding the Ancient Mysteries. Although it is possible to find many lesser influences that are associated with this degree, over the centuries Mithraism has become increasingly established as the major tradition from which it sprang. In the first few chapters, I established the importance of this tradition for Freemasonry. Freemasonry and Mithraism are very closed allied.

The worship of light (the Sun) is one of the central elements of Mithraism. The Sun is called Sol Invictus, which means “Sun undefeated.” The journey of the soul through the seven veils of the planets, as described in the Ancient Mysteries, is present in the structure and meaning of this degree.

This respectable tradition is very old. Evidence of its existence and character may be found in the recorded history of the Chaldean civilization. Some time after the Renaissance, the scale used in Mithraism was associated with the Qabalistic Tree of Life and the spheres called Sephiroth. The soul’s journey was described in Mithraic mythology as being constituted during its descent into the material world. As the soul descended through the heavens, each of the seven planets, consecutively, added its influence in the form of the symbolic “clothing” that is uniquely related to each of those planets. Thus, each planet gives the soul a specific influence characteristic of that planet, and the unique combination of these seven influences yields the human personality. In this way, the incarnated soul is composed of the various powers acting on it.

In Mithraism, there is both a theological and Esoteric justification for astrology. Its origin in this ancient religion demonstrates its value as much more than a simple predictive art. Astrology is also rooted in the Hermetic tradition. Thus, the goal is not to learn astrology in order to know your destiny in some passive way. You can learn how to use these astrological symbols in order to have a dynamic influence on your life. At every moment of your life, you receive influences from your external circle of friends, family, and associates—your outer world. At the same time, on the inner planes, there are many influences coming through your unconscious mind that deeply affect your everyday life. For psychologists, the unconscious is composed of memories that are hidden from us from birth. Other theories, such as the theory of hypnotic regression, demonstrate that you do have memories that predate your birth, and perhaps even predate the current incarnation of the soul and the appearance of this individual consciousness. For esotericists, the early memories are composed of specific, precise influences that are balanced somewhat differently for each incarnate human being. Of course, these influences may also be seen as hidden memories. This notion is compatible with the astrological theory that emphasizes the existence of symbolic inner characters that are represented by the planetary divinities. The Hermetic Tradition accepts this occult structure of the human being and has devised a special method that allows the initiate to be aware of these influences in order to balance them. From a passive position, the initiate become an actor of his own destiny. This knowledge was transmitted under the veil of symbols, which was introduced early on into the Masonic Tradition.

Regarding the influence of Hermeticism in the Italian Renaissance, the (then) new Academia Platonica, which was established in Florence by Marsilio Ficino, was directly responsible for developing this aspect. The esoteric science called theurgy was used to develop a good inner balance between all the influences received during one’s journey and descent. To accomplish that, they used the theory of correspondences and signatures. I partly developed these concepts in the section on symbols in order to convey that the material world retains footprints (signatures) of the invisible influences with which it has had contact. There is a connection between that which is above and that which is below. A perfume, a color, or a stone really can be linked to spiritual and divine spheres and divinities. A yellow flower and a gold nugget are inevitably connected to the Sun, as well as the gods Helios and Apollo. No gap can exist in this vision of a global universe or a global planet. In this we see that such ideas are really very modern, and they are currently in use as part of some of the most advanced scientific theories of our time. (They are used to explain global warming, and are central to the concept that is called the butterfly effect).

These signatures and symbols are the foundation of the Hermetic rituals that were developed in the Renaissance. By using these secret ceremonies, early Hermetists were able to balance their invisible bodies. Since the invisible body also has an effect on the physical body, this ritual work was also used to heal physical illnesses. This relationship between the invisible body and physical body and the doctrine of signatures was associated with special diets and a real hermetic regimen was composed and developed. As a physician, Marsilio Ficino, who was also the Chief of the Academy, was well aware of such necessities. His vision is a primary principle in the Hermetic way: work to improve both the outer and the inner self in order to have a long and healthy life. These rules, as developed by Ficino, are well deserving of a complete study in and of themselves.

Using these laws of universal interrelatedness, those early initiates also worked to ascend to the spiritual planes, and thereby to return to their divine origin. Happiness in this material world is possible by achieving balance in this inner dimension.

These symbolic and ritual elements were a part of the amazing heritage of Freemasonry. The heart of this 27th Degree is on the border between theurgy and symbolic ritual. The practice I will provide for you here will allow you to achieve much more progress, so that you will be able to feel and to increase your inner connection to the archetypes present in your unconsciousness. In order for you to continue your progress, it would be necessary to perform a more complete ritual, including a group ritual.

Visualization, meditation, and the vibration of sacred words are used in the same way in this practice as in the previous practices. These practical keys will enable you to establish immediate contact with the archetypal and divine entities. Remember that these classical divinities are just aspects of the different manifestations that originate with the Great Architect of the Universe, the hidden One. Yet these powers will have an immediate, deep, and lasting effect on you.

Of course, you must not expect a complete and immediate transformation, nor a miracle. This practice will affect you, just as a drop of water falling regularly on a stone will ultimately change the stone that you are. Even a hard rock can be pierced by persistent action. If you persist, these practices will bring you to the center of your stone and they will show you the way to see the pure light from which you came.

the individual practice

To begin, I will present several correspondence charts that are intimately connected to the esoteric practices of this Masonic degree. Don’t be surprised by the differences you will find between the rituals and symbolic attributions (such as colors or names) that you are used to and those provided here. There are many versions of ritual texts and the charts I have provided offer very traditional associations rooted in the most ancient traditions. They will establish the coherence needed for this kind of work.

Set up the ritual space just as you did for the Masonic meditation (Chapter Six). In the appendix, you will find the image of the hexagram and the planets. You will need to copy these and place the hexagram on your altar. You will also need seven tealight candles; place one candle on, or next to, the symbol of the planet on the hexagram. You may also use incense if you like. To the east of your altar or on the eastern wall, place the symbol of this degree: the pentagram surrounded by an ouroboros. If you have the apron or collar of this degree, you may wear it.

When everything is ready, be seated, and just relax for a while. Remain in this position for a few moments, breathing quietly, with your eyes closed or slightly closed. Be attentive to your breathing; listen to your breath flow in and out. Watch your chest rise and fall. Remain quiet, breathing gently in and out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax for a while longer, until you feel comfortable.

Maintain your state of relaxation. Make sure you are comfortably seated, and that your back is as straight as possible. Place your hands flat on your thighs, breathing quietly for a while.

Begin to think about the journey of your soul, when it began its journey earthward for this incarnation, passing through each of the seven planets.

Relax and continue to breathe rhythmically.

Stand up and move both arms in front of you, with your forearms on the horizontal plane and your palms facing the heavens. Your back must be straight, your shoulders relaxed, your eyes turned up to look at the sky. Hold this position and exclaim:

“From the depth of my being, my soul desires to return to the light where it was at the beginning. I am meditating in order to know myself. I am studying the sacred book of nature. I am progressing toward the light. I already know that the Sun, which is the origin of daylight, along with the practice of virtue, is the safe guide who aids me in this ascent.”

Breathe deeply for a while and say: “Divine power who animates this world and my being, hear my voice and help me to ascend from this cave. Ex Tenebris Lux!”

Relax your arms and light the first tealight candle (the one closest to you). This is the symbol of the Moon. Continue to light the candles by following the order given below.

Visualize a violet light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Then light the first candle. When the first candle has been lit (representing the Moon), focus on the image of Selene. Exclaim: “O shining and sure guide through the illimitable realm of dreams, most gracious opener of the way to those who venture into worlds unseen! Thou maker and destroyer of illusions, thou who knows the tides of ocean, the furthest distances of the mind and the dark places of unreason: hail to thee!”

Visualize the color violet becoming more intense. After a time, allow the color to disappear gradually into a light mist.

Visualize an orange light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the second candle (to Mercury; see numbered chart above). Focus on the image of Hermes. Exclaim: “O thou swift and unconstrained traveler in the ways between the worlds, divine imparter of secret tidings to the gods and humankind, bountiful bestower of aid in the art of magick! Knowledge and skill, rite and high result are thine to impart! Thine are the tongues and the numbers, thine the signs and the sigils and the words of power. Thine it is to heal, and to teach, and to watch upon the way. Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color orange becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a green light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the third candle (to Venus; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Aphrodite. Exclaim: “O thou radiant giver of love, ruler of the forces of life, divinely robed in light and girded with invincible beauty! Perfect harmony and concord are as the perfumes of thy presence, and thou it is who dost create those rhythms whose pulsations call into life the sacred dance. O thou who ever sendest forth all delight, hail to thee!”

Visualize the color green becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a yellow light surrounding you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the fourth candle (to the Sun; see chart above for placement). Focus on the image of Helios. Exclaim: “Far-riding ruler of days, all-seeing arbiter of the planetary powers! Thine is the wisdom of prophecy, the rapture of music and poetry, the upward surging force of mystical endeavor. Thine is the vision which sees beyond all change and chance, and the clear perception of truth which dispels all shadow. In the rising and in the incomparable luster of the Day-Star, thou givest a sacred image to magical ascendence, even as thy power enkindles a glory within us and elevates us to accomplish that which we seek. Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color yellow becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a red light surrounding you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the fifth candle (to Mars; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Ares. Exclaim: “All-powerful defender of justice and truth, thou noble inspirer of courage and endurance and of bold resolve! Inculcator of loyalty, giver of the joy which springs from shared endeavor. Thou divine patron of fruitful debate and of good order, thou who dost confirm the steadfast heart and the unfaltering hand! Thou mighty adversary of the powers adverse, hail to thee!”

Visualize the color red becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize a blue light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the sixth candle (to Jupiter; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Zeus. Exclaim: “Royal and magnanimous giver of abundance from a cup unfailing, shepherd of the golden stars, lord of the tides of fortune! Glorious dispenser of mercy, divine patron of paternal and filial love! Thou dost bless peace and amity between all beings; thou great father of benevolent rule and of priesthood, and of that loving wisdom which sublimates authority! Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color blue becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Visualize an indigo light all around you. Hold this visualization in your mind for a while. Light the seventh candle (to Saturn; see chart above for placement). Focus on the representation of Cronus. Exclaim: “Sublime and shadowed one, austere awakener of high aspiration and mystic hope! Thou art giver of the silent will to endure, thou art patron of the spirit’s creativity and of the forces of preservation and of renewal. In thy keeping are alike the scythe of the reaper and the instruments of the builder in stone; thine, too, is the open scroll of the past, and thine the sealed scroll which holds the mysteries of the future. Hail to thee!”

Visualize the color indigo becoming more intense for a while, and then allow it to disappear into a light mist.

Be seated as before and meditate on this ascent. Above your head, visualize a starry sky. Imagine that you grow in size until your consciousness ascends into this mystical vault. Your spiritual body grows larger and larger, until it includes the whole universe. From your heart there is an outpouring of rays of an intense light of pure gold. Your entire body is irradiated by this divine light. Breathe deeply and relax, totally illuminated by this intense light. Invite your feelings, thoughts, etc.

When you feel the moment is right, stand up and exclaim: “A true initiate of the Sun cannot remain in contemplation. He must take action and return to the world to help his fellow human beings in their difficult task of achieving material and spiritual happiness. May the work I undertook at the creation of the world be accomplished this day.”

Use the candle snuffer (or whatever you use to extinguish the candles) and extinguish the candles in the reverse order from which they were lit, following the chart on the next page.

Before extinguishing the candle of Saturn, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Cronus, represented by the Pater, allow his balanced indigo light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Omega must be vibrated as the letter o as in only]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the first candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of Jupiter, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Jupiter, represented by Leo, allow his balanced blue light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Upsilon must be vibrated as the German letter ü, which sound like the eu in eunuch]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of Mars, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Ares, represented by Miles, the warrior, allow his balanced red light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Omicron must be vibrate as the o in hot]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of the Sun, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Helios, represented by Heliodromus, messenger of the Sun, allow his balanced light of pure gold to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound I[the letter Iota must be vibrated as the ee in meet]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of Venus, exclaim: May the power of the divine Aphrodite, represented by Nymphus, the fiancée, allow her balanced green light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred sound [the letter Eta must be vibrated as the a in care]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle. Before you extinguish the candle of Mercury, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Hermes, represented by Corax, the crow, allow his balanced orange light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred word [the letter Epsilon must be vibrated as the e in set]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Before you extinguish the candle of the Moon, exclaim: “May the power of the divine Selene, represented by Perses, the Persian, allow her balanced violet light to remain with me as I go about my day. By the power of the sacred word [the letter Alpha must be vibrated as the a in father]. So mote it be!”

Extinguish the candle.

Breathe rhythmically, relaxing inwardly.

Place your right hand on your solar plexus, and your left hand on top of the right hand. Breathe quietly for a while, then exclaim: “A Knight of the Sun promises to be a tireless worker, to always fight for the triumph of the light, to persist in maintaining right thoughts, right words, and right actions in every part of his life. May the love of beauty, truth, and justice be established in every moment of my life, under the aegis of the powerful divinities that I have just invoked in this sacred rite. So mote it be!”

Meditate for a few more moments. When you feel ready, remove your apron if you have one. Record your feelings, remarks, experiences, and thoughts about this practice in your notebook (which must be reserved solely for this purpose).

the myth of mithra

Mithra was associated with the Sun very early on in the history of mankind. Eastern mythology described the god Mithra as appearing suddenly out of the starry sky, which was symbolically connected with the rocky vault of a cave. In other versions of this story, Mithra appeared from a stone, with a Phrygian cap on his head, a knife in one hand, and a torch in the other. Darkness cannot enter him.

The shepherds who witnessed his birth worshipped him as a child of the divine and brought him the first pick of their herds and the first fruits of the land. They dressed him in fig leaves they cut for that purpose. Dressed in those leaves, Mithra began his journey to fight the evil powers that are in the world.

His first adversary was the god of the Sun. The solar power was obliged to withdraw in the presence of the invincible strength of the young Mithra. Magnanimous, Mithra crowned the solar god with a brighter crown. From that day forward, the Sun continued to wear the crown that Mithra gave him, during his daily journey across the skies. After that, Mithra sealed the bargain with the Sun, their hands joined in friendship.

Figure 44: Representations of an initiation in the Mithraic Mysteries

Mithra’s most important feat was his fight with a giant bull. This wild and powerful animal was grazing in the mountains. Mithra found him, grabbed his horns, and jumped on his back. Furious, the bull stampeded, but Mithra resisted, holding on to his horns until the bull fell, totally exhausted. Lifting the bull by its legs, he brought it to a cave, but the bull escaped into the countryside. The Sun god asked a crow to be his messenger and carry this message to Mithra: catch the bull and kill it.

Figure 45: Mithra and Sol

Fearfully, our hero obeyed his ally, the Sun god. Once again he found the bull and caught it. Controlling it with one hand on its snout, Mithra stabbed the bull in its shoulder with his hunter’s knife. From the cadaver of the bull, many herbs and useful plants appeared, spreading across the countryside. From its spinal column came cereal grains, which would be used for the bread eaten during spring celebrations. Its blood was changed into wine and became the sacred beverage of the land. In order to put a stop to these beneficent actions of Mithra, the spirit of evil sent various impure animals to poison the source of the bull’s life force: a scorpion, an ant, and a snake tried to eat the bull’s testicles and to drink its blood. But the evil spirit failed. The Moon, who is the wife of the Sun, purified the bull’s sperm in order to create from it many useful animals. The bull’s soul ascended to the divine plane and became a protective divinity for all the cattle of the earth. Thus, because of his prowess as a hunter, Mithra became the creator of all the plants and animals living on our planet, and from this killing came a beneficent outcome: a new, more abundant and rich life for all.

Around this same time, the god Ahura Mazda had created the first humans. He gave Mithra the task of protecting humanity. The powers of evil attempted to destroy Mazda’s creation by sending diseases and suffering to humanity. However, Mithra was alert to these attacks. The evil powers opposed him by sending famine and starvation, killing the crops with drought. Mithra shot an arrow into a rock and a fountain of water gushed forth, giving a new life to all the dying creatures. But the flow of water became cataclysmic, flooding every country on the planet. Fortunately, the gods informed someone, who built an ark and saved a male and female of each animal. With this construction, humanity and all the animals were saved. Mithra succeeded in the mission he had been charged with by the supreme being, and when his feats were completed, he met with his friend the Sun for a last solemn meal. When the meal was finished, Mithra ascended to the heavens where he resides to this day, watching over his initiates and protecting them from evil creatures.