The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

INTO THE GOTHIC MYSTERIES. 171
the reception of the celestial gods. Hence arose the
veneration of the initiated for these grottos. The enthu-
siastic recollections which the ceremonies of initiation
never failed to inspire, joined with the splendid appearance
exhibited in the sacellum on these occasions, which
is described in the Edda 22 as glittering with burnished
gold, could scarcely fail to leave an indelible impression
on the mind of the astonished candidate, who, before
this time, had, perhaps, never entered an which displayed
ence.
apartment
any appearance of comfort or conveni-
This palace was the residence of Thor, the Sun. This
of adoration in all
luminary was a conspicuous object
the ancient mysteries, particularly those of Persia, the
great model on which the Scandinavian system was
founded; the one being consecrated to Thor-As, and
the other to Mi-Thr-As; the same god, possessed of the
same attributes and almost the same name and ; alike
esteemed by their respective votaries, as the first begotten
Son, and a Mediator, as well as
visibly represented
23
the Sun.
by
It was situate in the kingdom of Thrudwanger ; the literal
meaning of which, according to M. Mallet, is a place of
refuge from terror. Now the great Hall of this palace,
or, in language less metaphorical, the sacellum of the
grotto of initiation, literally answered this description ;
for the candidates w'ere not introduced int.o it until the
rites were all finished ; and, consequently, at the portal
of this sacellum, their fears would naturally subside.
And when introduced into the sacred presence, called,
by way of eminence, Gladheim, or the abode of joy, 24
they saw the twelve Drottes, seated on as many thrones,
habited like the twelve celestial gods, in robes of ex-
quisite richness, shining with gold, and jewels, and pre-
25
cious stones ; they might naturally fancy themselves in
28 Fab. 1. Mai. North. Ant, vol. ii., p. 2.
23
1 doubt not, though the Eddas are wholly silent on the subject,
but in the principal Hall of this palace or place of initiation, divided,
probably, into twelve compartments, in reference to the twelve Signs
of the Zodiafc, the god was designated by a Plate of burnished gold
placed conspicuously in the centre of the roof, and strongly illuminated
by flaming torches.
M 26
Edda. Fab. 7.
Ibid., Fab. 1.