The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

180 HISTORY OF INITIATION.
the distinction between lord and vassal ; and, at length,
a code of directions became necessary to regulate the
practice ; and the distinction of a painted shield was
limited to the families of princes and heroes. 2
The sacred sign of the Cross was then impressed upon
him ; and, as a concluding ceremony, a Ring was delivered
to him as a symbol of the divine protection, which
he was enjoined to preserve as an invaluable amulet, the
This ring, he was told, was
gift of Balder the good. 3
not only capable of affording him protection in times of
4 imminent danger and adversity, but it was also to be considered
as an inexhaustible fund, whence riches, honours,
and all other benefits would undoubtedly flow.
The whole system of creation and providence, as far as
it was understood by this people, was now unfolded to
the aspirant's view; he was taught mysterious doctrines
wrapped up in hieroglyphical symbols ; the art of magic,
and the important secret of preparing amulets and incan-
tations. And, as a final charge, he was solemnly enjoined
to make himself perfect in athletic exercises f and was
assured that the sole method of being translated to the
2 This may, probably, have been the origin of patrimonial badges and
armorial bearings with the northern nations of Europe, although it is
had armorial distinctions
well known that the Gauls and Germans .
long before, Diodorus says (1. v.). the Gauls used long shields,
distinguished by particular marks ; and Tacitus (de mor. Germ., s.
6) tells us, that the Germans distinguished their shields by different
colours.
'" Diodorus Siculus adduces a corresponding custom in Egypt ; and
among the Greeks we observe that the shield of Agamemnon bore a
lion's head ; that of Alcibiades, a serpent ; that of Cadmus, a dragon ;
and that of Ulysses, a dolphin." (Wait's Antiq., vol. i., p. 149.)
More anciently, the distinguishing symbols were placed upon the
helmet. Thus, the crest of Osiris was a hawk ; of Horus, a lion ; &c.
3 It is said in the Runic mythology, that when Hermod descended
into hell to search for Balder, he found the murdered deity occupying
a distinguished situation in the palace of Death; and failing, through
the artifices of Loke, to procure his return to Valhall, the supernal
palace of the gods, he bore a ring to Odin, as a token of remembrance,
from his deceased friend, which possessed the miraculous power of
producing, every ninth night, eight rings of equal weight and utility.
4 Plin. Nat. Hist., 1. xxxiii., c. 1.
5 These were, "to fight valiantly; to sit firmly on horseback ; to
inure himself to swimming and skating; to dart the lance, and to
become skilful at the oar." (Ode of Harold the Valiant, in Mai.
North. Ant., vol. ii., p. 237.)