| THE GREAT RITE |
| Continued |
| Assist me to erect the ancient altar, at which in days past all worshiped; The altar of all things. For in old time, Woman was the altar. Thus was the altar made and placed, And the sacred place was the point within the center of the Circle. As we have of old been taught that the point within the center is the origin of all things, Therefore should we adore it; Therefore whom we adore we also invoke. O Circle of Stars, Whereof our father is but the younger brother, Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space, Before whom time is ashamed, the mind bewildered, and the understanding dark, Not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be love. Therefore by seed and stem, root and bud, And leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke thee, O Queen of Space, O Jewel of Light, Continuous on of the heavens; Let it be ever thus That men speak not of thee as One, but as None; And let them not speak of thee at all, since thou art continuous. For thou art the point within the Circle, which we adore; The point of life, without which we would not be. And in this way truly are erected the holy twin pillars; In beauty and strength were they erected To the wonder and glory of all men. |
| The High Priest bending over her body kisses the High Priestess on the lips, and continues: |
| Altar of mysteries manifold, The sacred Circle's secret point Thus do I sign thee as of old, With kisses of my lips anoint. |
| The High Priest bending over her body kisses the High Priestess on the lips, and continues: |
| Open for me the secret way, The pathway of intelligence, Beyond the gates of night and day, Beyond the bounds of time and sense. Behold the mystery aright The five true points of fellowship . . . |
| The High Priestess then lays herself down, face upwards, with her arms and legs outstretched to form the Pentagram. The High Priest he then kneels facing her, with his knees between her feet. The High Priest delivers the invocation: |