PRAXIS:

A part of our work concerns the notion whereby "...we proposed that simple evaluations be given members in an effort to reveal whether they are more Mars than Venus, more Mercurial than Jovial, etc and to create frameworks both formal (and ceremonial) as well as informal." In other words, we can use our device to create an "Engine of Initiation". We coin that term here to describe any contrived milieu in which accelerated personal growth can take place. In fact, such a milieu might not need to be contrived by human agencies--unless we wish to consider all of Life Itself to be an engine of initiation (and it surely is.) For the sake of clarity, let us here keep our focus to those organizational structures invented by humans to serve the noble purpose of attempting to turn them into better humans. In the ancient past, most readers will be aware, there were a variety of mystery-cults, secret societies--from Mud-men to Masons--all serving about the same stated purpose: the business of making better men. Now days, of course we are sufficiently enlightened to at least notice that half of us aren't men at all but women, and so we must envision an institution that reflects this better understanding. We believe that the system of thought that went into the Glyph project can be readily adapted to fit this bill.

Of course, no engine of initiation is as automatic as its name implies. At the very best, we can hope to create an ongoing situation through self-examination, drama and prose whereby an individual can optimize his or her opportunity for growth. Consider this a bit like a role-playing game with a specific focus upon inner alchemy. Our game is played upon the field of the Glyph and it proceeds through three stages, not unlike those suggested by the alchemical reference above. In brief, the three stages, or "Circles" are here described:

The First Circle consists of (a the study of the basic literature, to get the initial enthusiast up to speed; (b the study of the zodiac, including participation in a simple exercise; c) the study of elemental magick, including the construction of a series of rites to address elemental entities and d) work with others upon the Glyph. In order to pass from this ring to the next, one must craft the badge of his office and apply for recognition.

The Second Circle itself consists of three separate stages, the first being that of Recognition into the circle, the second being an evaluation process while the actual work occurs in the third stage. Recognition is as simple as presenting one's badge of office, then attending the Rite of Passage from Ring 3 to Ring 2.

The Evaluation is essentially a personality inventory, abstracted from a variety of psychiatric tests and administered fairly casually. Individuals undergoing this evaluation meet with other members of the lodge and discuss in frank terms what they wish to get out of this sort of work and how that will come about.

But what are we looking for? In a word, balance. Let us envision a paradigm where the psyche can be described in terms of the relationships obtaining between planetary archetypes and in their pairing within our figure: i.e.: Saturn/Luna, Mars/Venus and Jupiter/Mercury. The seventh "planet" Sol represents a state of balance, of harmony, and can be seen as being obtained through corrective balancing of the other six. Therefore, we might utilize a three-fold, two-axes sort of scoring system that would give us a general idea of where each candidate's headspace was leaning, so to speak. Ficino considered himself (and other scholarly types) to be more Saturnine for the most part and felt that such folk would do well to cultivate those parts of their personality that were somewhat opposite their accustomed nature.

Once armed with this information, a member moves on to stage 3 and has an opportunity to consciously "work on himself" so to speak, as a part of attending a series of planetary rites which help graphically illustrate the nature of the planet in question. In addition, he or she will be called upon to participate in any number of functions within these rites, each an opportunity to strengthen perceived areas of weakness or to explore other aspects of his or her strengths.

There is a "central rite" for planetary work, just as there is for general Glyph work, and the person in the third stage of the second ring (and from here on out) will use it in connection with most glyph activities. Parts of it are custom-tailored to the individual, while some parts must be supplied by his or her own invention.

Aside from this personal practice, one must proceed, in concert with other members of the lodge, thru the collection of planetary magick ceremonies that form the heart of the work upon the Glyph. Another badge of office is crafted and the petition is made to the 3rd ring, if desired.

Entrance to the 3rd ring is made after what is probably the largest scale event typically performed upon the Glyph--the making of a Glyph Magician. The third ring is place where one moves beyond the confines imposed by the magick of the planets and into the magick of self-realization. For those of us operating in an Aurum Solis mode, we use the rites of Transubstantiation, The Magician and the Gnostic, but there are similar cognates from other traditions. We prefer those which are transcendent of planetary or elemental principals and tend towards the alchemy of the soul in the simplest terms. To this, we add the study of Music and the study of Healing, as these go hand in hand with any matter that would begin and end in the Sun.

Having done all this, a soul is prepared for what, exactly? Supreme secrets of self-mastery? Maybe. It is our principle aim to produce competent magicians who can perpetuate the work of the glyph magicians and who can learn to use our system as a tool for self transformation. Along the way, we think that a given person of average diligence with a small amount of spare time can learn the basic precepts behind the Western Tradition; learn enough about astrology to interpret a chart determining the suitability of various works; get more than ankle-deep in the Qabalah hopefully add something new and worthwhile to whatever will become the magickal traditions of the 21st century.