Editor’s Note, December 2021 - The following paper was discovered in 2020 among the papers of Ashara Laszewski by Ayat Kindschi and passed on to Pir Shabda Kahn. Murshida Vera Corda had left this and other papers for safe keeping with Ashara who was a senior student and collaborator in Murshida’s work. 

The paper consists of 66 double-sided hand written pages by Murshid Samuel Lewis detailing aspects of his work with Murshida Vera Corda teaching young Sufi mureeds in late 1940 at the Kaaba Allah in Fairfax, California, the Khankah Kaaba Allah of Murshida Rabia Martin. Much of the paper seems to have been written specifically for Murshida Vera and was clearly not intended for publication. It also contains diary entries and some prophecy. The line drawings herein were drawn by Murshid Sam and his complete handwritten pages are included at the end of this paper.

The Book of Preparation for the Re-Opening of the Mysteries

On Tuesday afternoon November 26,1940 did I fall asleep for two hours after the noon-meal and on awakening I asked why it was that I had not slept for the past three weeks other than in performing hierarchical and sacred duties. The response came in the words of the Golden Verses of Pythagoras “Let not sleep e’en close thy tired eyes.” Then I asked the meaning of that and immediately there was a response loud in the spirit: PREPARE FOR THE RE-OPENING OF THE MYSTERIES.

Then the voice said: Samuel is the Hierophant and Vera is the Matrona. (3 times). The five virgins represent the five parts of the star and the Qualities: Unity, Perfection, Love, Harmony and Beauty. Hierophant is the heart, Matrona is the crescent. The light of the sun illuminating the moon shall brighten the stars. For the wings. – Jon and Arjuna. Thus completing the connection between the Sufi Symbol and the first mystery tableau.

DIRECTIONS (From commentary on healing Service)

DIRECTIONS FOR PAINTING EMBLEM: The mureed who is to do this is given a concentration on the Sufi Symbol of not less than half an hour for a period of ten days or more until they can visualise the emblem and even see it on the cloth. The cloth is held in front of them and after the period of concentration they take 101 breaths exhaling HU upon it.

The painting should be done in one sitting and preferably in the room where the practices have been given in a Khankah or some sacred house. The artist keeps in Darood during the work (mind on Allah) and should not be disturbed. This will magnetise the cloth and symbol and they will help in healing. After a while one even gazing at such a cloth will be helped.

DIRECTIONS FOR EMBROIDERY: In this case the talib will hold the cloth on the lap for ten successive days during concentration on the symbol for half an hour and at the time of concentration in-breathe YA SHAFEE and exhale YA KAFEE (in thought) with no change of rhythm unless it comes naturally and watch the magnetism go out of the finger tips onto the cloth.

The work of embroidery may begin on the eleventh day with thirty minutes to an hour each day devoted to this purpose, until finished, keeping the same period as has been used in the above concentration. Silence requisite and the mureed should keep in Darood as far as possible while embroidering. This work is to be considered as a concentration and there will be no other concentration until the embroidery is completed.

(end of copied direction).

TRANSMISSION: Vera is to have two robes, one in golden yellow as Sheikha of the Sufi Order, and one in white as the Matrona. 

Samuel and Vera are to have white robes in the ancient Hellenic (Grecian) style as near as possible like those of the High Priestess and Hierophant of those times. The girls may be dressed like the Vestals even as to their hair (if they wish and only if they wish) during ceremonies.

The Guardians (Jon and Arjuna) are to wear Grecian or other robes.* The robes of the men should be wool – which is saf or Suf in Persian and one source of derivation for the word Sufi. The vestals preferably may be in linen. The Matrona may wear any white cloth, even silk.

*For purposes of economy the role of Jon may be Egyptian and that of Arjuna Hindu so that in pageant without further expense the Guardians and Hierophant could portray the part of the three Magi of the Adoration of the Infant. Besides there were mysteries in each of those lands which we may well restore.

DIRECTIONS: The cloth should be immediately blessed or magnetised by Vera and kept in her studio ten days before any work is begun in general accordance with the above directions. To facilitate matters there will be a special dedication and blessing of her studio as soon as possible. Even when the work is done elsewhere on the cloth for costumes and ceremonies should be left in the studio there ten days and so blessed.

Samuel will give Vera instructions on blessing, magnetisation etc and she in turn will give them to others in accordance to their needs.

In blessing canvasses and other materials to be painted or tiles to be fashioned etc, the same ten-day period should be observed wherever practicable.

NAIDINE’S HOUSE AND GARDEN. The importance of this cannot be overstressed no matter how poor the beginning. Neither the writing of a book for Peggy nor the construction of a home for Naidine is a main work. All things have to have a beginning. Let the real beginning be in the power of the blessing not the perfection of accomplishment.

This will also be true in the instruction of the young in art, etiquette and morality - from one to the other. The power of the blessing at the beginning will be all important. The flower will take time to unfold.

All the land thereabout is to be terraced. Some of the fertile soil may be removed specifically for sacred places (not for the kitchen or practical gardens). In the spring Vera should take Naidine (and others if she wish) to Sutro Forest and obtain wood-forget-me-knots or any wood flowers for transplanting. All that part of the grounds should be utilized.

Low walls may be occasionally needed to buttress the terraces. If so use the rocks from THE ROCK. They have been blessed. Do not use them for the barbecue pit. The barbecue pit shall wait and be of brick or tile. It may even be constructed with the symbol or glazed. No hurry.

DIARY: After receiving the above I went to the top of Hillside Drive to get my skates back from Doris (11 or 12). Mrs Galbraith was home and we talked about an hour and a half. I learned our religious views were nearly identical. Later she said that Frances (about 10) was interested in drawing and painting. So it is arranged that when Vera comes next she will be introduced to these girls. (The history of their lives is remarkably parallel to that of Shireen and Naidine. Chief difference. They just have a baby half-brother, the girls have a half-sister). The visit was justified. - Time out - typing paper “The Kiss.”

Sleep again was not last night. And the morning paper gave the same report of the progress of the Greek army as was received in spirit.

The letters received today from Ruth Allen and Naidine Phelps are excellent in the extreme. Both point in the same direction as these notes. Gaining the hearts of young women here and there; will the young men come also? The outer work also progresses.

Nov. 28

Preparation for Jon’s return.

This will be a most important event especially if carried out properly. For his appointment as a Guardian of the Mysteries may come as a surprise to him altho quite in rhythm and place from Vera’s point of view. There may be two gatherings. The first maybe for the 5 Doves, the Guardians, Matrona and Hierophant, in or out of costume and preferably with few or no others – parents being possible exceptions.

The second may be more formal also in or out of costume altho for the Tableaux it would be marvellous if some kind of costumes be prepared. These do not have to be along the lines suggested for the Mystery-Tableaux. They may be symbolic or not. This is in Vera’s hands.

We have a mighty task – “Peace Through Art and Beauty”. Too much attention has been paid to war and peace. The thought of peace is still the thought of war with polarity reversed. Thus there is conflict not only between warring nations but also between militarists and pacifists everywhere. The other column of the Temple has been neglected which is that of wisdom and beauty. Now we desire to erect that column.

There is a warning, however, that sentiment and attachment to some personality in this may render the whole venture useless. Harmony without consideration of the Divine Will is senseless appeasement. It may be that even the bird and dog fit into the tableau better than other people. Even young lads not associated with the Message or other people or blessed children like Virginia have no business in the one welcoming of Jon.

Then there may be a general gathering in San Francisco or Fairfax. If Jon comes suddenly at New Year’s still there should be the gathering of the Tableaux for future preparation. We must be patient and at the same time we should lose no opportunity. The meeting of even a few on earth may not only symbolize, not only confirm the meeting of many in heaven, it may facilitate it. The little that we accomplish is magnified manifold in the higher spheres.

WHO ARE TO BE ADMITTED TO THE MYSTERIES 

At first there will be no institution, not even fixed rites. There will be a Tableaux and perhaps in certain instances additions to it, but more likely not, nor will it always be possible to have the complete tableau. And there must be great caution about substitutes.

WHO MAY WITNESS CEREMONIES

1. All members of the Sufi Order.
2. Members of the Movement and their families.
3. Worthy people especially among the young.

Initiation will be formally given to members of the tableau by the Hierophant and Matrona. They will assist in the initiation of others formally. But it may be a while before others join. In the meanwhile, the Tableau will instruct each other in the arts, in rituals and ceremonies and in costume parties.

Nov 29

One of the first lessons to teach the young is the value of the seasons. We can follow the solar phases and the lunar phases. Both have their values. Around the 23rd of each month there is a solar electric charge which corresponds to those influences associated with the signs of the Zodiac. By being willing to be out in nature one can feel and appreciate them. Of course fear of exposure to cold and rain is a detriment.

Pleasures will follow the sun and ceremonies the moon. One can have the twelve pleasures of the twelve signs only by direct enjoyment; there can be nothing vicarious here. One has to do it oneself, not by or through another. Thus instinct is born and intuition nourished. Thus the influx and growth of physical, mental, moral and spiritual magnetism. Thus the growth of the heart. Thus the basis of the Greater Mysteries. Finally joy.

Many rituals and ceremonials however will follow the moon. Also sowing and planting and even verbal instructions. The minds of the young girls will be as the moon, expressive from full to new and responsive from the new to full moon. Planting below the “ground” during the expressive period, planting above the “ground” during the expressive periods. Instruction when there is receptivity, creation when there is expression.

Here there may be substitution. All cannot fit in the tableaux. This increases psychic magnetism and power and increases the content of the mind and consciousness. Thus is opened the door to the Lesser Mysteries. Let those who hath an ear heareth.

Outdoor activities. By the sea. In the Park, Around Sutro Forest. At Kaaba Allah. In the Marin Hills and Valleys. Let the Matrona lead. Once a month if possible. More often is not advisable as the Matrona has other duties. Not more often than once a three-month may the Hierophant lead – but not as a substitute. Other outings not to be hierarchal. Spotty may come and even Shep but elders must past tests. No inharmonies from elders. They must be as the young or stay away.

Let the young get the feeling and the magnetism of the seasons. Soon there will be restoration of the festivals in connection therewith. Be in no hurry.

Transmission: The importance of the mysteries cannot be overestimated. The world has been longing and waiting for them – hence wars and revolutions. Masonry has held no real place for womenkind, having been revived during an age of inequality while preaching the doctrines of liberty, equality and fraternity. These doctrines are excellent as are all the doctrines and teachings of Masonry. But they do not atone for the lack of the place for womenkind. At the same time the attacks and criticisms offered by women in this regard are as likely as not based upon selfishness and short sightedness and so do not provide for the corrective.

In the Mysteries are full places for men and women each in accordance with the faculties that God has given them as individuals, as groups and as sexes. Nothing is omitted and yet nothing is so fixed as to congeal love and wisdom. Truth fits into no mould but can follow canons of beauty for the benefit and upliftment of human hearts.

The inculcation of strength into women and beauty into men directly and indirectly can be achieved toward perfection and at the same time may there be found a preventative and cure for all forms and aspects of perversion. Better understanding and the proper education of children in accordance with cosmic and spiritual principles will lead to general human emancipation.

Dec 1, 1940

OBSTACLES: The first obstacle to face will be curiosity on the part of elders. Firmness will have to be used even from the beginning. The parents do not go to the grade schools nor to the art classes. Even more must elders and especially those not parents, be excluded from the Spiritual Studio which is to be established in the Clark home.

It is said that Sufism is freedom from mixtures so one must not mix atmospheres and very different vibrations. The young will not always know whom to follow. Girls must and boys may obey the color photography.

This is important. Take a photo and let some learn to color it as it stands during the four seasons. Later some of these will go on exhibition. This is a separate art. However it fulfils in part the principles presented above.

Arts. No new ideas but pursuit of all that has been given.

Dancing. This will follow.

Costume making: The principles have been presented. This course can easily be pursued during the rainy season if the cloth-stuffs are available.

Any suggestions in the works on Spiritual Education for the young may be applied. This comes under the domain of the Matrona. But dreams, visions and ecstasies should be reported to the Hierophant. Instruction to the Matrona, initiation to the Hierophant. Even the boys should not be guided by the Hierophant if someone else is available.

DIARY: Cleaned the symbol today in addition to other work. It seemed alive and all but spoke. However I was not yet prepared to listen fully. Tomorrow will work more on roots. A very busy day in all.

Waiting for Phyllis to close the cycle. Her birthday tomorrow. There must be a representative for music and harmony. I wait. But learn. There is a knowledge of rhythm from the earth just as there is a knowledge of melody from heaven. Together they produce music. The world knows as little of true music as it knows of true art.

Nov 30. DIARY. Last night not only continued the concentration against Italy and for Greece but heard the words which proved to be identical with the morning report.

Gave the sign of blessing to Irene last night and received it back from both Marie and June. This is the best sign yet given from the young people here. Bob Hunt has shown a remarkable change of attitude. Altogether I am obtaining tremendous materials for “Spiritual Music.”

On returning home from the skating rink I felt the call to go to the Tabernacle. It was a clean starlit night, not so cold as the previous ones. I faced the east first, then the west, repeating wazifas (mantrams). Then I looked to the west upward and saw a star falling. It was a symbol: success.

Matrona: This is an absolute principle. It is better to have boys and girls together than matrons and maids. The boys will both stimulate and receive the sexual and vital forces but the elders can only deprive the young of blessings unless they themselves have proven to be pure.

Equally is this harmful to the elders who will want to forsake the paths upon which they have been travelling. They have been set upon those paths by the Grace of God or because of the insight of the Teacher. If self-will urges them to some other method, this self-will may in the end lead them to destruction. There can be no compromise on this.

Actors have to have private rehearsals. Even more so will the Tableau have to keep their peace and their confidences. When there are girls other than those in the Tableau in the studio the Matrona must be there otherwise even the Hierophant and Guardians are to be excluded. The must be a bridge of grades of vibrations. Socially this may not be necessary. In connection with Spiritual Art – with the mysteries all factors must be given consideration and nothing may be rightfully overlooked.

Of course there may be some elders needed to cooperate in sewing, dancing and other aspects of the work. This will be as Matrona sees fit. The Matrona is not restricted; it is the elders worthy or unworthy who have to be watched. And especially if the worthy restrain themselves and are restrained then the mysteries may be open to the public. This is not an exclusive performance, it is only an exclusive preparation. The purer the start, the purer the continuance.

The new moon brings joy, the new moon brings blessing. This Christmas will be a mighty and holy festival, praise be to God.

Dec 3 Night. There will be the Greater Mysteries and the Lesser Mysteries. One may wonder why nothing has been said of the place of the Chief Director of the Sufi Movement in the Tableau. So far as the Lesser Mysteries are concerned they are chiefly for the public, for candidates and interested people and are open automatically children and dependents of mureeds who are under 21, also automatically to all mureeds under 25.

The Greater Mysteries are for initiates only who have passed through the Lesser Mysteries but all Sheikhs of the Sufi Order are entitled to One, all Khalifs three and all Murshids 5 and the Pir-O-Murshid all Seven degrees of the Greater Mysteries if the plan goes through to have Three Degrees in the Lesser and Seven in the Greater Mysteries. Only there must be patience, caution and deliberation in working these things out.

Ziraat, the ceremonial Masonry by Inayat Khan will be only for mureeds or children of mureeds and there must be caution also in instituting it. But the more all three, The Greater and the Lesser Mysteries and Ziraat depend on tests the better it will be for all the world.

Dec 4 Night Diary: Today wrote two important letters to Rosita [Surname illegible] and Anne Mundstock.

Transmission: The Lesser Mysteries which will be open to the worthy among the public and to those who have suitable credentials will be based upon ceremonies which follow mystical and symbolical principles, which will not be primarily for psychic or aesthetic edification though they bring both. There may not be the same fixity in ceremonials as we find in Masonry at first. Trial, error and assurety of the value of each step may necessitate the passage of time and even the departure of this generation before the canon is fixed. 

We do not desire to inflict here the same fixed form which may be desirable in religious rites or yoga practices. Besides the presence of the Oracle will always assure the renewal of inspiration which in this respect must be left free to flow. In this sense Lula and others will assume their proper posts either when they visit Kaaba Allah or assist in the institution of the Mysteries elsewhere.

The Greater Mysteries may be also based upon ceremonials but of a more austere character. Some of the higher degrees may be inner, or, after the completion of the three and seven there may be two others respectfully for Nabi and Rassoul although generally these may be included in the last of the seven or come concurrently with them, there being a sort of union between the subjective and objective experience or even the transcendence of both.

At first the beginnings must be simple, with the Tableau. Sewing, designing and other arts which may not be of such importance afterwards will be required at the beginning. But as there may be more than one instrument of transmission unity of execution as well as of planning is needed. Be assured beloved, that the Supreme Wisdom will never divide those who are heartfully devoted to Its Cause.

Dec 5. The Moral Instruction of the Young.

All the elements for the moral instruction of the young appear in “Education”, “Moral Culture”, Rasa Shastra” and companion works in the teachings. And these are based on the effort to increase life. Even when there are apparent restrictions and disciplines as in seclusion and silence the object is always to increase life blessing and magnetism. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTACES MAY PURITANICAL RESTRICTIONS AND INFLUENCES BE IMPOSED.

We have instructions regarding modesty, innocence and other subjects which are in accordance with the general religious traditions. But if there is advantage in these things it must come from the positive aspect of life, not the negative. Modesty preserves sweetness, beauty and what has been called loveliness. Therefore promiscuous intermingling of the sexes ought to be avoided and also separation should be avoided. Shyness is not necessarily modesty.

There are also means of developing physical and psychic magnetism. These come to fruition in the Oracle. The dreams and visions of the young can be of utmost importance when youth are under spiritual guidance.

The sweet girls who together or alone represent starlight can develop in themselves the light of the moon. This means that they can have clear visions. All the girls will not have visions or even dreams. They must learn to confide in the Matrona and she on her part must attain the insight to distinguish sacred from sexual or physical impulses.

There will be a companion instruction for the boys. For them action may be more important than vision. Whether as Knights of King Arthur or in some other form it may not matter. Ultimately they will want to become Knights of the Grail. But this is a very delicate matter and it is unwise to scatter our focus in action or planning lest magnetism be lost in speculation.

There are so many aspects of training. The Message will undoubtedly unfold and bring in a time sense the consciousness of a response to beauty without effecting slavishness in that direction. Therefore the Christmas celebration and the dedication ceremonies and parties at Vera’s house are most important.

Now as to the elders. There is always a danger of their taking advantage of the impressionability and willingness of the young to impose their personal wishes upon either as to ideas or tasks or ideals. If this habit is abused it will become necessary to separate the young from the aged upon a regular system. The same may apply to some Sufi celebrations. For instance if the elders after many years of instruction in Sufism continue to have personal and intellectual reactions to holy invocations this will turn a blast over the sacred transmissions.

We are at the cross-roads of the world in the highest sense. There is no respect without surrender. Otherwise it is a kind of formal attitude through which the young and innocent can clearly see. Besides it interferes with the whole transmission of the Message both in this world and the world to come. After leaving the earth plane they will be no different. All habits will stand out more clearly unless there is deep heart-feeling and attunement. 

Dec 6 – THE MYSTERIES AND THE GARDEN OF INAYAT (Transmission –  I K)

These two things go together; the one cannot be considered without the other. The mysteries of Bacchus, Apollo and Astarte were always given in groves. The oracle of the Zeus at Dodona was stationed under the sacred oak; the Priestess of Apollo and also the priest made use of the bay-laurel. Here at Kaaba your grove is mostly Bay and Oak. The brown-shrub may be removed entirely; it has no special place in the sacred scene. (Here scene is used in the original sense – it began with a tent or hut where the participants dressed for the mysteries. It became a sacred spot for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Thus scene is skēnē in Greek; Shekinah in Hebrew.)

But it is useless to place before mureeds any study of the Garden of Inayat. Discussions are pointless and what is worse, fruitless. You do not permit any mureeds of long standing to challenge the Universal Worship; why permit them or anybody right to challenge. These divisions in the past have caused endless difficulties and tortures. We cannot establish Sufism or spread the Message by conforming to various whims of even the best intentioned persons. We depend upon Divine Transmission and upon nothing else. LA ELLAHA EL ALLAHU.

If there is any compromise in form or even in spirit upon this point the baraka for the New Year will be withdrawn. There is no particular sacredness in human will. The conflict between human will and divine will has caused all your difficulties. It is hoped this lesson will be learned.

All the directions for the Garden have been given. What is more, to some and particularly to (Drawing of a triangle) Samuel-Vera-Shireen the chain of transmission has been clarified. It is unfortunate that when financial blessings were given there was no insight. Atonement on this point presents a difficulty. The greater obstacle to atonement is compromise for the sake of harmony and peace -- then neither is atonement achieved nor harmony and peace realised. 

Note

“For I have always instinctively desired to spiritualise the things that have been counted low and material if not disgusting; and when others have seen all things secular, I have seen all things sacred.” Havelock Ellis

Program for 1941.This a dangerous subject to introduce if it interferes with the free expression of human effort. But there is one thing which has interfered more with human effort and this has been the spreading out of ego-agitation. This is your basic enemy and it is far from dead. Mureeds given or assuming authority or wastefully and even criminally expending funds have done more to stop the message in Europe and America than all external, even all political and religious opposition.

Each year at the beginning has the key note been given, often in sacredness and solemnity. Each year has the music of life been distributed to mureeds. Each year have some refused to play that music, even played other music. Each year has dissemblation and compromise been permitted. So Baraka has not spread and civilization is being destroyed, influenza now in a mild form, later in a virulent form spreads and the Ark of the Covenant is closed. Few enter the Kingdom of Blessedness and even these are sometimes held to small account.

It is “awful” to have the Center near a house of prostitution altho Buddha did that.

It is “awful” to practise nudity altho Sadhus did that.

It is “awful” to associate with publicans and sinners altho Christ did that.

It is “awful” the way some mureeds behave altho they attend the classes, learn the lessons and practise the teachings; still their behavior is “awful”.

This attitude coupled by a habitual refusal, now so deeply embedded in the personality as to be almost ineradicable, of certain mureeds to accept the ideas, inspirations and suggestions of other mureeds is no longer destroying the Sufi Order; it is destroying civilization itself. The young have already rescued the Order. They will establish brotherhood and will acclaim a New Age. But they can neither respect nor follow their quarrelsome elders nor see anything in those who see “awfulness” in unimportant matters, losing thereby the whole Message of Love, Brotherhood and Beauty. It is the young who built the Seat of Friendship. The elders with $50,000 never even conceived it.

This gives the key to the New Age. We want the Garden of Inayat. And we should soon welcome prostitutes, publicans, drunkards and nudists than see mureeds continue to “think” in negatives before one another. For their thoughts are as apparent in the unseen as their words in the seen world.

There can be no compromise over surrender. Murshida talks about disciplines in the East. Let Samuel try even the smallest and a complaint reaches her ears and there is a compromise in spirit. Samuel is ethically wrong though the disciplined mureed is brought ten steps closer to God and some other line of action is sometimes justified though the person become the veritable slave of Iblis. THIS MUST NO LONGER BE. The reign of destruction is surely at hand.

Altho the value of silence and the value of surrender (with its concomitant “acceptance”) have been fully stressed, the practice is not always forthcoming. So this mureed is ill and that mureed breaks down and the teacher is blamed. In the next world these will have to accuse me openly as they now do covertly in these criticisms of Our instruments. You cannot have compromise and salvation.

So the Christmas celebration approaches and this is spiritually in Vera’s hand. An appeal is a compromise, surrender is salvation. The appealing mureed should not be permitted to come. We want no unnecessary disharmony in Vera’s home and in the atmosphere of that home. The Christmas festival should be for the glory of God and the Message, not for the edification of mureeds and others.

Christmas celebration is no more incumbent upon mureeds than observance of Yom Kippur or Holi or Wesak or Ramadan. Customs have nothing to do with it; we transcend customs even while observing them. And if any mureed think it is a punishment or a discipline not to be invited then I should prefer to have that mureed excluded also from New Year’s. If heart breaking opens the door to God and salvation, what harm? And if continual edification is not followed by spiritual awakening, what good? Shall we continue to destroy the spirit of the Divine Message and the words of the Psalmist by making God a respecter of special, privileged persons?

Dec 6 Night. If we go over the notes and records we shall find first of all that in the Series of Gathas entitled “Etekad, etc” or “Superstitions, Customs and Beliefs” many things are written between the lines some of which have been clarified in the commentaries. “The Book of Social Directions” and “The Garden of Inayat” altho not directly commentary literature can well be called addenda for they surely complement the Gathas and sacred studies. The institution of the Universal Worship did not of itself erect the temple and the writing of the Gathas did not restore the Mysteries. But the implication is there in each.

Most important from the inner standpoint is the restoration of the functions of oracle, seer and prophet, each in their own field and of their own right and at the same time all complementary. We might start on an institutional base. The healing service performs impersonally what one or two may effect of themselves and likewise psychic and cosmic powers may be worked through rites and ceremonials based upon sacred symbols properly enlivened.

But scientific occultism no matter how valuable must be regulated by beauty and beauty of itself without rhythm or design or both is empty. In other words there must be beauty with a purpose. The Christmas celebration is therefore really a starting place for more than it may seem to be. The course laid down thereon should be pursued diligently but not slavishly, carefully avoiding compulsion on one hand and lack of intelligence on the other.

But as the world today especially needs beauty, so long as one avoids the poison lurking in unbalanced beauty there can be no danger even in daring. We have to break down all sorts of congestions, many of which are not apparent, sometimes being veiled as modesty or shyness without being true modesty or shyness.

Thus the world will become the sacred classroom for sacred studies and the whole of daily life will become an extension of the classroom. This will restore Hierarchy to the world and the world to Hierarchy.

Dec 7 The Sex Problem

It is far preferable to face a problem in the beginning when even the very attempt to grapple with it will enable you to solve ten problems afterwards with ease. If we began with perfect youngsters they would be even more worthy than we are, of such high spiritual evolution that it might even be wiser to be entrusted to their care than they to ours.

It is not wrong for the Matrona to impart even physical and physiological information to her wards. Knowledge is always better than restriction or discipline. Nevertheless girls should learn that it is not always wise to associate too much with boys during their periods of menstruation. Virginity provides a certain lunar magnetism which is dissipated when the sexes comingle and lost or destroyed when full intercourse is indulged in.

For those who are Oracles or who are being trained therefore it is more important to observe physical and psychic facts. They ought to have at least one period of seclusion during the year and periods of silence. When silent however they may work in the garden, wait on tables and perform other tasks as well as attend classes. They may of course break speech if they leave the grounds but this should be limited during the menstrual period. This will bring added strength, magnetism and beauty.

Besides this objective, ideal and proper tasks and concentrations will provide a purpose of life which will draw the attention in part from sex and provide a degree of sublimation. In the studies on the sublimation of life-force there are several suggestions which might be adopted in this regard.

Purity has a positive value. There are many hidden values in life the demonstration of which often comes only when their loss is observed. This makes logical suasion most difficult. So many girls and boys have thrown away their most precious heritage for what they consider life which likely as not partakes equally as much of death as of life. But it is useless to wrangle endlessly. If the young will not conform they simply cannot partake of the Mysteries or study spiritual art in any form.

Murshida in the Mysteries: She will come veiled as Isis herself.

Dance of the Veils: This was originally a mystical dance. It may be explained but does not have to be restored.

Oracles: The training of the Oracle will be the most serious thing connected with the mysteries. Altho her training will mostly be by the Matrona her specific functions will largely be under the leadership of the Hierophant who will present to her the positive power, altho without intellectual intrusion. This ought to brighten the light of the moon, so to speak, and clarify the transmissions.

It is only the matured Oracle, however, who can publicly function outside of any part she may have in Tableaux or in ceremonies. So it may take generations to restore the Mysteries in their fullness. And this, after all, is not my concern. Our duty is to begin the work and carry it on as far as practicable.

There are within the orbit of Sufism several methods by which divination can safely and sacredly be practised. Within the Sufi Order the Oracle need not be young, even at the beginning of her office and she need not have any direct part in the Mysteries. But the Oracle of the Mysteries is also being prepared for higher duties within the Sufi Order. Marriage might and generally will interfere with the former and seldom with the latter.

Christmas Pageant. A final word. The program should be kept on record. There is going to be a test for Hazel whether she can be entrusted to be the historian of the Mysteries, or whether this duty will be transferred to one of the younger generation. All costumes, of course, will be kept altho there is nothing which will compel their preservation in any particular form. They may be kept for a particular purpose or for several purposes or they may be altered or even taken apart. In other words the thing of highest value is the blessing which went originally into the cloth. We do not start at perfection and we have to be practical.

But the importance of the event still stands out whosoever comes or whosoever participates. In any case the blessing is assured and the inspiration awaited.

Joy. This is an important topic. The soul seeks joy and also seeks peace, the union of the two forming bliss, the ultimate state of Nirvana. But psychologically speaking joy is best for the young, peace for the old. Also it is much easier mostly for the young to experience joy, for the old to attain to peace.

Joy is not only the desire of many, it also provides the solution to many problems. Such suggestions as instilling a response to and appreciation of the seasons will further the experience of joy and a natural though somewhat external ecstasy. The proper guarding of maidens at certain stated times (close to menstruation) will strengthen the state of joy and even make it contagious. Then music, art, acting and many other avenues will add further to it.

Joy will enable the young to transmute and sublimate the vital power which stimulates sex. Sex is a manifestation of the universal force through prakriti (nature). This same force also manifests in the spirit. The spiritual ecstasy may become continual, steady, balancing and self-depending. Mostly sex attraction operates spasmodically, unsteadily, unbalancing and is non-self-depending. Nevertheless as it is necessary to rise above self-limitation sex can be and is a door to life. If it is properly united to joy it becomes a further door to life; otherwise it is really a door to death, whether worthily or unworthily so.

We have the state of true joy which is spiritual, the state a shadow-joy associated with sex; also the state of no-joy. These are truly sattvic, rajasic and tamasic states. The sattvic person partakes of joy, the rajasic person of passion but the tamasic person usually exhibits perversion or dependence on alcohol or drugs. The tamasic person loses all awareness of both joy-expression and sex-expression and takes to by-paths.

Thus we can see that joy will bring the crown of light greater than all shadows and will even terminate that morbidity, that gloom, that decentralization of life which produces homosexualism and perversion. Joy is a flame and fun is a spark while pleasure is only a reflection. Once this is understood we shall transcend the Scylla and Charibdis of flaming use: over-indulgence and flights.

Dec 8. Joy of the Seasons: The basis of this has already been given, that one has to get outdoors and appreciate the atmosphere at the different times. The first and easiest to be understood is the joy of the awakening of spring. This is especially evident in the young but to attach too much importance to it is to make youth appear greater than life itself and to suggest indirectly that the period of youth is the most important period of life.

No doubt for some it is true, that there is more joy and exhilaration of youth. This is so because of the artificial life we lead. If we had natural lives there is nothing to indicate that there would be any more joy in one period than in another. Robert Browning has said, “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.” Which is more important: planting, cultivating or reaping? None may stand out yet there is usually more joy in the rec blossom than the rose cutting and the butterfly stage comes at the end of the caterpillar’s life, not at the beginning. On the other hand the queen bee has its joy before it is imprisoned in the hive.

There is another joy in the storm and this is usually appreciated by more mature persons who have been buffeted by obstacles or who are willing to face opposition. Those who can face the storm will ultimately overcome the air element and assimilate its virtues. The air element properly assimilated will promote the experience of joy at all times in life.

It is a pity that the cold and accompanying or related afflictions are blamed so much on air currents. This comes from the common habit of looking outside for the cause of our troubles. No doubt heat and cold do accentuate conditions – this is different for heat or cold belong to the activity of the fire, not the air element. But such things as going out in the storm (one can be properly clad) and breathing the different atmospheres helps to attune one to the universal breath.

Enjoying the rain is another experience, very simple in itself yet often having a greater significance than is supposed. The very persons who will go slightly clad into a warm or cold swimming pool where many mingle and where the water, even in its purest state, has not the blessing, will shun the rainfall with its magnetism, its purity, its healthfulness. Generally speaking ocean bathing is better than pool swimming but dipping in fresh rain water is still better because of its inherent magnetism. Warm rain water especially is valuable but there should be little fear about going outside in the rain.

The thunder and lightning bring the joy of the fire magnetism once fear is overcome. The movements of heat and cold from the fire element do not generally affect the joy-consciousness for the magnetism has been turned into heat. In lightning the process has been reversed and the heat of the fire is transformed into electricity. This electricity does not have to be communicated in a physical form. It can be assimilated through breath and even through mind.

Then there is another joy in the snow which has several aspects such as the beauty of snow-flakes, the complete clarification of the atmosphere, the physical handling of certain types of snow, the ability to use snow as an avenue of creative artistic genius, together with play.

Autumnal joy is different. In Spring it is the magnetism that brings joy and ecstasy, in Autumn it is often the color sense that is exhilarating. The joy of Spring is usually enhanced in the solitude; one can and does by oneself enjoy the warm rain, the sunshine, the clear sky, the song of birds, the greenery. In Autumn there is social enjoyment in the harvest, in cornhusking, in cooperative effort. This is the season for the outer dance whereas in Springtime it is the dance of the soul which is evident.

The joy of summer is different and this is not usually a season of joy unless one take into consideration the joy of the seashore, mountains and woods. This transports us into the second class of joys, the joys of Nature.

Joys of Nature. (1) Joys of the mountains. The first and perhaps the most important item in this regard is that as even physical elevation takes us above the denseness of the earth the soul feels a certain weight lifted and especially if one has no difficulty in breathing in a rarefied atmosphere the joy is often automatic. Indeed it is a tonic which can even be a drug, not a harmful drug but a sort of psychological herb. There have been instances, e.g. Madame Roerich, of people who have become so accustomed to the mountains that they feel enslaved if not imprisoned by any descent into heavy lowlands.

There are three or four aspects of mountain scenery. First the rocks and these rocks have a certain magnetism which is very pure except that when too cold they have a negative effect and when too warm they are the receptacle of extreme vibrations which the body does not always assimilate. But these vibrations are on the whole exceptions and do not constitute norms.

Mountain-lakes and streams have been regarded as especially holy. This is true today in India and Thibet and in ancient times was held by the Greeks and Persians and to a lesser extent by all peoples. Lakes and streams all had their guardian-spirits which were really the personifications of the baraka they held. There is no limit to this aspect of joy. So long as there is no pollution or contamination the blessing therefrom equals if it does not surpass that from the rain-water.

The exhilaration from the mountain forest will be discussed under the joy of the forest in general. Mountain flowers bring their own blessings. The color source of ecstasy is much greater than the odor source. Generally odors increased with heat and rainfall but colors are more vivid in out of the way places.

Finally the mountain offers a degree of solitude and freedom, not the extreme but enough to free one from narrowness and from artificiality. This is basic. The best commentary thereupon is the direct experience.

Joy of the Seashore. This is to be distinguished from the joy of rain and mountain lakes, The sea represents in physical form the embodiment of the Holy Spirit and of the World Mother. She holds all in her bosom and is the Great Protector even of savage fishes and monsters. But considered as a whole she brings a blessing to which nothing can be compared.

The joy of the ocean has two aspects, dipping and watching. Dipping includes wading, swimming and even fishing and boating where one depends directly upon the water. But the joy of boating either depends upon the air element also – as in sailing or else upon the mechanical power of muscle and machine. This is a mixed joy of the ecstasy of air and water combined.

Ocean swimming does not bring the same joy as that of the rain water, but if one does not go too much to the public beaches, confining oneself to solitary stretches, then the World Mother will confirm her blessing. Both sand and salt-water if pure convey their virtues.

Listening, watching and smelling the ocean all bring degrees of ecstasy. Many sailors and sea-captains (e.g. Masefield and Conrad) have reached the true mystical attitude concerning the Ocean. To experience it to the full, however, some meditation, concentration or attunement is necessary. These in turn lead to toward the purification of the water-breath. Such words as Neptune, Poseidon, Noah and Krishna all have deep significance in this regard.

Dancing on the seashore may be by design and intention or it may be spontaneous. In any case it is beneficial.

Joy of the Forest. In “In an Eastern Rose Garden” there are many teachings and suggestions, too many to be assimilated in the short life-span of a mature person who approaches the threshold of mysticism. Commentaries have been written upon certain sections of this. [What is desirable, of course, is to build a real eastern rose garden. This may be done either at Muzafer old rose garden or else at the new landscaped section. The plot of the Moon below the upper house where the young may study under the Matrona.]

The joy of the forest is noticeable at three times: (a) the freshness of spring, (b) the relative stillness in the summer between two or more distinct periods of sound (c) the quiescence of autumn with the indrawing of the spirit. None of these need be overemphasized at the expense of the other.

Generally tall trees mean majesty and rounded or umbrella trees beauty. But the virtue of the forest is in a sense distinct from that of the trees or groves of trees. Ferns, mosses, lichens, wild flowers and bushes of all sorts play their part. Thus the forest is the community of the vegetable kingdom, its veritable “municipium” is what we should call “city” or even metropolis.

The grove represents the village and is most valuable when composed of a few species and those of symbolical character such as oak, beech, acacia, myrtle, ash, bay, olive, fig la ficus generally, etc. The grove however is not the place for responsiveness and meditation alone, it is also for expression and activity – so far as the attainment of joy is concerned.

Joy Through the Senses. – This subject is being expanded in Cosmic Aesthetics, a work which may require some time to complete. We consider only the five senses because the response to heat and cold is usually independent of the joy-experience and is not truly a sense in the traditional meaning of the term.

Taste. – While there is some joy in food one must avoid response to stimuli such as alcohol and tobacco. Rain water, fruit juices and fresh fruits and to a limited degree the vitamins supply this. Fresh raw milk also often produces it but in some there an opposite effect.

Touch. One has to be very careful about this because on the one hand it brings the highest elevation and on the other hand it can prove most insidious. Touch of flowers, trees, and of song birds are often elevations but that of metals should be avoided where possible. But there are specific exercises for touching all objects.

The human touch can be positively elevating and almost as positively degrading. It is the highest heaven and deepest hell of the sensorium. This subject is however dealt with elsewhere.

The odor sense, although it also has its “hells” produces ecstasies. Thus the use of soaps, perfumes, toilet waters, flower and tree fragrances and even some birds and people emit scents which are positively elevating. The deva-nature is especially fed through this sense as one can read in the Upanishads and even some works upon spirit communication.

The joy of hearing is experienced through listening to speech, music and poetry, through the drama, opera, song and also through sensitive-attunement to nature. This subject will be described further under the arts.

Likewise the sense of sight generally brings joy through color or love or grandeur; or through artistic response. This brings joy through color.

Joy Through Color and Light: There are three aspects of color, that associated with light, that associated with pigment and that associated with life although we cannot entirely separate or distinguish them, most is it necessary for we are more concerned with response than with stimulus.

The first aspect of color comes in the rainbow, sunset and sunrise which have their definite effects. This is the distinct vibrational movement only slightly admixed with atomic phenomena. The opposite atomic phenomena is seen in the crystals and jewels. The diamond is the light of the atomic world and is made of carbonic, the perfected earth-element containing the seed of life-mould. There is always a deep principle involved in even the most selfish desires of persons for certain jewels.

The next more mixed phenomena comes in the effect of colored lamps and rays as in stage-lighting and on the other hand mountain-glows and the sudden apparent transformation of landscapes large or small. In the same class are the shimmerings in water reflections.

The colors of birds, fishes, flowers and leaves all produce joy and ecstasy in certain forms, mild or great. Peacock feathers are contrary to certain erroneous traditions, not only emblematic of the perfection of color in the animal world but also contain valuable psychic and healing vibrations.

Now all these colors belong to Nature, not to Art. In art we make use of pigments either drawn from nature (the best) or laboratory products (not so good.) Just as there are vitamins in foods so there are virtues in natural pigments which are absent in coal-tar dye products. As has been explained in “Spiritual Art” oils are better than watercolors and these better than the derivative materials.

Clothing, draperies, furnishings, upholsteries, wall materials and many other productions of man appeal to his color-sense.

Then there is response to design but design like melody in music is primarily intellectual and only secondarily aesthetic. Of course there are definite spiritual patterns which promote ecstasy but even these are usually dependent on the light-and-color implications of the art.

Joy Through Sound. There are three aspects of this which come in drama, poetry and music. Drama includes declamation, acting – all prose repetition with emotional intent which are stimulating and elevating. Poetry depends far more on rhythm and is invariably emotional. Drama may require artificial settings while poetry more often may make use of natural scenery.

But the greatest source of joy comes with the sweet sounds of music. Music, poetry or sacred phrases and the dance together form a trinity-in-unity which have through the ages been used to produce a state of joy. It has wrongly been called trance or self-hypnosis. In all events the ancients and the later Sufis found a great source in music so used.

There will most definitely be a course of training in this regard and when the young are caught in this spirit they will have those transcendental experiences which will transmute the vital life-force and elevate the inner spirit. This will lead to the dawn of a new day for the youth, who having passed the portal will afterwards see so much less in sexual-stimulation they will not want to return thereto. 

The ocean of love is so vast and so marvellous and once it has been reached that a new personality seems to arise therefrom. There is a saying “Let joy be unconfined.” This is far from “letting pleasure be unconfined” or indulging in “fun”. It means a new awakening first for youth and then for all.

The awakening through music is mostly for the young. The other avenues are for all sensitive and responsive souls. Joy is not only the way for youth it is the way of return to the spirit of youth but only in the highest and finest sense.

Dec 11 New Year’s Eve

The celebration of the coming of the New year commends itself as the next undertaking after the Christmas pageant. There will probably be one important difference, that is, that the young will not take a leading part in it altho there is nothing in the teachings which would exclude them. However we are here concerned mostly as to how that evening will contribute to the re-instituting of the Mysteries.

The reappearance of Jon in the grounds will undoubtedly require some conferences. If possible these should be after the beginning of the year. You may urge him to attend the lecture of January and at the T. S. where things will be kept in the background. Meanwhile some efforts will be made to awaken interest in spiritual matters so as to encourage Vera to continue her work.

If Khalifa’s robe is available it may be re-made for Vera temporarily altho her full investiture may not be until the summer. Nevertheless her position on the right of Murshida and Samuel on the left that night will have significance, the three together representing Hierarchy.

The next part is one of caution. People are admitted into the Lesser Mysteries who are of good moral character but they may not come in through curiosity. It is far better to trust an unworthy stranger who will offer faith than an acquaintance of years lacking in that faith. Mothers do not account for their sons nor daughters for their fathers. Within the Mysteries there may be any kind of brotherhood excepting family-relationships. Of course if a parent forbid a child that is one thing but if both parent and child are admitted they cannot and do not come as parent and child. There is to be but one Single Brotherhood and that in the Fatherhood of God.

There is no room for compromise here or in other matters. You may compromise, yes. Then also God will compromise and not reveal to you the next stages of His Mysteries, and after all, they are His Mysteries in which mankind is about to be initiated. Besides there is the Way of Beauty in which science, mysticism and aesthetics will have their part.

Outlook for 1941. – We have to consider this from many points of view, often with hope and not with too much assurance of the fulfilment thereof. Unfortunately in former years the rejection of the then secretary without reproof of the transmissions which were sent, caused a contamination in the minds of hearts of many which may not only not be clarified, in some instances while they are on earth but which will be continued long into the hereafter carried by the weight of their karma, besides that of the universal karma which tends always to oppose transmissions of any sort and which tends toward either a fatalistic or a mixed materialistic-realistic view both of which will continue the chaos and ignorance of the world.

It is easy to see the cooperation of Hierarchy in Albania and Africa, parts of the world which have either been partly purified or which are at this age and during this season not so burdened by destructive karma. This makes their defense easier and is confusing the minds of the selfish invaders who come on no high mission and may not only be battling hostile armies but their own consciences as well.

We may look for an alleviation of the worst conditions in Scandinavia also because there too the karma is lighter the invasions have been unjustified and there has been some slight accommodation for Hierarchy. But neither wishing nor over-optimism will bring that about. There has to be a careful and tender surrender.

There ought to be a re-purification of Europe. The conquest of Greece, land of many of the best known Mysteries, would have made this impossible. The moral repercussions often manifest physically if for no other reason than that the force of tyranny, injustice and diabolism is soon spent. Devils cannot live on blessed soil even when they are unopposed. They have to have it desecrated first in a very literal sense.

No doubt there will be a time when some of you will go to Hellas (Greece) to Dodona and Delphi and Eleusis and the young virgins will give faith utterances and the youths dream dreams. This will be a most fortunate time for you first and then for the whole of humanity. For there is no assurance that Christianity will persist in any of its Orthodox forms if they compromise will, evil and bless wickedness.

Dec 12 Transmission: The news from North Africa at least has been in strict concord with both the meditations and the directions. Farther from the Holy Places the sons of Iblis flee: Pause. Now we re-open the book of Cosmic Prophecy (Material written therein). Long ago we would have permitted all mureeds to share in these blessings but lack of faith on the part even of one or two may cause repercussions of which they are unaware, of which they have hardly dreamed.

Altho there is necessarily this negative note of victory over enemies internal and external it only means that the positive note must be emphasized. The destruction of society and the probably numerical superiority of womankind as a result of war will further drive, if not draw, the collectivity toward “The Social Directions” and “The Garden of Inayat.” Furthermore many superior mental men have been persecuted or turned mad and superior physical men killed or weakened from warfare. This will naturally promote the superior women and lead toward the restoration the Matriarchate and the Mysteries. Let no one be confused.

Dec 13. The news from Egypt and especially from Albania is a continued proof of our manifest wishes. You may expect to learn that other Italian regiments will be annihilated, other generals captured and the end is not yet. In the land of Cush shall come sorer trials and still harder karma must come to Il Duce. Haile Selassie surely shall be avenged. The Lord hath spoken.

But we have our great work and the Mysteries will be more successful in a new social order. Therefore it may be that the day of great cities is going. From the standpoint of defence they are targets and from the standpoint of beauty they are blemishes. In “The Garden of Inayat” an anti-urban view is taken. The general prophecies of H. G. Wells and Thomas Edison also point in the same direction. An artificial society can only promote artificiality. So the German destruction of the great British cities as well as the British destruction of the great German cities both point to a new order aesthetically whatever they may mean socially.

The new aesthetic order could not come by planning and wishing. The cost of the removal of ugliness would have been too great. We now have real slum clearance. Money is of no avail. If precautions are not taken against typhus then the epidemics shall come and greater epidemics than influenza shall come.

The “Thesmophoria” was a social cleansing associated with the Mysteries given on a large scale actually whereby the “initiates” which means all partakers of symbolically as well as actually went through a cleansing ceremony. The lower grades of Sufism are connected with purification. As this purification has been confined to a few and as the needs are of the many another method is being instituted or rather re-instituted with this view. There is no fear of mistake but you can always improve upon your initial efforts. 

The preparation for the “Thesmophoria” will be partly conscious, partly unconscious. All this season’s celebrations are opening the way for it. Also the garden planting and the Spring planting and the landscaping and building are steps in this particular direction. There are esoteric aspects of Lent and of Passover which make it needless to restore any ancient Greek festival as such. In the very first place you would be accused of paganism. Then your attention would be turned to the past. Finally it would disrupt any synthetic efforts such as are suggested in the Universal Worship.

At the same time it might be wise to turn to much of the past for costumery, ritual and pageant and symbols. You would be putting new life into these things just as the Sufis have done before you. The steps would be progressive, not reactionary. After a while your knowledge of color would enable you to transcend ancient costumery altho white will always have its place. The main objection to white is of course the difficulty of maintaining it and the need for cleansing and laundering or else having innumerable replacements as with cheese cloth, cellophane etc., etc.

THE DANCE. Go slow and draw it from the ritual and pilgrimages. Suggestions will come by themselves and the girls will offer ideas. Accept them when you can.

RITUAL. This will also suggest itself but some will come inwardly. Therefore be watchful. Watchfulness, silence and even secrecy will be most valuable allies. Even in the first rituals the value of silence will be taught. After all the word MYSTERY is derived from the Greek My which is the same as MU, meaning to close the mouth (hence mu-te, mumble, etc. Lips should be sealed. This will even help God to speak. Secrets are most valuable which result in spiritual happenings.

BRINGING PEACE. This will be automatic if we bear in mind

1. Peace really means “perfection in action.”
    
2. Peace exclusive of the will of God is the negation of without being the antithesis of war.
    
3. Any unnecessary activity of mind – and most activities of mind are unnecessary – stands as a bar before peace. Speech control is even more important.
    
4. Foresight cannot be developed without control and restraint of speech, thoughts and to some degree activity. The realm of Nufsaniat can only be subjected when all doors of escape are properly closed and retreat cut off. 

Instruction: A warning is a direction that when there is too much of a pleasant nature to be on guard. The opposite is the bearing up with patience because there are difficulties as there are now, that these may be followed by blessings. The historical events of the day bode well in this direction. You may take them for signs of universal good will. Therefore be not dismayed by little obstacles. Enormous good fruit will be yours in the end.

Note: Now is not the time for any Armistice unless the Italians give many guarantees and armies in Africa surrender unconditionally. Otherwise there will be treachery and deceit. It should also include the surrender of Mussolini himself as hostage and a few of his closest colleagues but no punishment of the people. Better for the war to continue and the best of allies, winter take its full toll. With winter’s aid the Greeks will surely win. With God’s aid righteousness will win everywhere. But destruction of property must continue in Britain until the Bank of England is not.

THE MYSTERIES

Degreeless Rituals. These may be open to the public but preferably upon invitation. They will begin with the Tableau and often will be associated with the Tableau. The festivals of any religion may be celebrated thereby or pageants or mystery plays portrayed or displayed. The audience never participates in these whether lessons are inferred, demonstrated or offered.

Preparation for the Degree Rituals. Seven degrees are suggested which represent in order, Contraction, Expansion, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Programs may begin as pageants and evolve until such time as the ceremonial and instruction canon is closed. Whenever possible the lessons and passages should be drawn from the Great Scriptures including however Egyptian and Gnostic texts. Passages from Sufism should be avoided. Those by Firdausi, Rumi and Omar Khayyam, because of their universal appeal can be included. Passages from Inayat Khan are for the Greater Mysteries. The works of Nargis however may be quoted in all three: the Degreeless, Lesser and Greater Mysteries.

FIRST DEGREE. This is the degree of Contraction and of Not-Being. It is therefore to be known as the degree of Night. With it you may, if you wish, associate death and darkness, but what is more important is to teach about the false self and the need of purification and release from it. The Dot and Circle is its symbol.

The ritual should be at night, either on the evening of the new moon or as close as possible to it. The Tableau are to wear black cowls (dark robes with hoods) which may cover their ordinary clothes and the services may be indoors in half-light or out of doors in suitable places, which may have enough illumination to be free from psychic intrusion.

The principles of concentration, unity, silence and response may be given together with the need for purity.

SECOND DEGREE. The is the degree of expansion and of Day. You may therefore draw from the Egyptian rituals - the first degree representing Amenti, the second the coming forth into day. Its symbols are sun and star. 

The black cowls may be on in the beginning and taken off to represent the coming of day. The ritual should if possible be given in the daytime as close to the Full Moon as possible but before never after it. If indoors there should be plenty of light.

White robes are to be worn by the tableau which may be the same as those of the introductory Tableau and in the degreeless rituals. The lessons concern our true being, true expression and intuition, expansion, giving, cheerfulness and even in a sense, joy. Light must be stressed.

THIRD DEGREE. This is the degree of Earth whose symbol is the square but also the crescent and bull (horns of bull as crescent) may be used. Yellow is its color. It is associated with Agriculture. Its ceremonies should be held when the sun is in an earth sign upon the most conveniently propitious days.

The lessons of earth are to be given: service, work, sowing and harvesting, the value of various foods, the blessings of earth. There will be magnetisation of earth and some instruction in earth healing as by stones, clay, mud, sand and soil. These may be conferred naturally rather than philosophically but in all this we must remain open during this period so that nothing become too fixed. Here however the principles are given.

FOURTH DEGREE. This is the degree of water and green vestments and green coloring ought to be used as far as possible. Green coloring if green vestments are inconvenient or expensive. The water symbols of serpent and man may be used. Man represents the lustrator or baptizer. All water in these ceremonies must be magnetised. 

The mysteries of the sea, rivers, springs and rainfall may be depicted. Also the softening of the heart and those moral qualities associated with water are to be transmitted. The meaning of flood, ark and sea may or may not be offered. Thus there may be many rituals or mysteries as plays, pageants or tableaux with each degree.

FIFTH DEGREE. This is the degree of the mystery of fire and warmth and also the introduction into Agni Yoga. The symbol is the triangle, the color red. But red robes do not have to be worn only proper red colors or use of fire.

This is in a sense a degree of higher purification. The Hierophant should if possible have a lion or a tiger skin. The ceremony should be in a “fire” month. Each degree should be held under the suitable sign. The constructive and destructive aspects of fire may be offered. 

SIXTH DEGREE. This is the degree of air, of breath. Blue color may be used. The cross may be a symbol in place of the zigzag. The dualistic aspect of breath is to be communicated. The lessons of joy can be offered on this degree. Purification through breath is vital and important. This in a sense is a degree of life.

The real symbol is the Egyptian Lardi, circle, serpents and wings.

SEVENTH DEGREE. This is the degree of Ether and the Sphere or Egg may be used as its symbol. Altho its real color is grey because it is the source of both light and darkness, it is actually transcendent and white may be used. This ritual may be held at any time but preferably on the holy days of some religion or on the Universal Worship holidays.

This is the degree of silence and of peace. No questions are asked of the celebrants who must keep quiet. For this is the degree of the mystic, the silent, or veiled one. The Priestess of Isis may be present veiled. She does not appear in the lesser rituals. The Oracle should be included and may even function. There must be a degree of austerity and awe, not too overpowering but sufficient to elevate the participants.

This in rough draft outline gives the first blessing and first idea of the ritual degrees. But as we have much work such as the preparation of the persons and materials for the tableaux, the blessing and magnetisation of all clothing, materials, symbols and objects these will all have to be considered.

No doubt all branches of this work will go on side by side. Even tho progress may outwardly seem so, actually it will not be. You are really hastening and cooperating the best you can, all things considered.