The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

IN AMERICA. 203
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aspirant was formally protruded, and was received by a
shouting multitude in the open air as a person regenerated
or born again. 46
During the secret celebration of the rites, the females
without, divesting themselves of the little clothing which
they usually wore, sang and danced47 in a state of nudity
like the frantic Bacchantes. 43 This dance they repeated
three times ; after which they welcomed the new-born
aspirant at his deliverance from the sepulchral process of
initiation, and gave themselves up to boundless licen-
49 tiousness and prostitution. The most outrageous acts
of indecency were now committed and tolerated; and
the services misnamed sacred, were stained with every
species of impurity. 50 And thus were closed the primary
initiations of this savage race.
However the general doctrines of this religion might be
communicated to the initiated, there were certain degrees
of information respecting the most occult rites which
were absolutely unattainable, except by the priests ; and
not even by them until they were qualified to receive
the distinguished appellation of Ministers of sacred things
by the sacrifice of a human victim 51 and this ;
dignity
once attained, they were eligible to the highest offices of
the priesthood. An hour was chosen for the performance
46
This was undoubtedly the Pastes of the eastern mysteries, and
constitutes an additional proof that they were all derived from one
common source ; for the cavern symbolized the Ark, and the chasm
the door through which the great Father proceeded into the renovated
world, and was hence said to be a second time born.
47 The quadrangle in which the temple of Vitzliputzli was situated
was so extensive, that "eight or ten thousand persons used to dance
therein on solemn days with the greatest ease." (Univ. Dis., vol. i.,
p. 187.)
48 Purch. Pilg., b. 8, c. 4.
49 Rel. Cer. of Var. Nat., p. 289.
50 Purchas (ut supra) tells us that the young females prostituted
themselves without ceremony from 14 or 15 to about 20 years of
age, when they were considered eligible to enter into the marriage
state !
51 Prisoners of rank, or approved courage, had a faint chance afforded
them of escaping the horrid rite of immolation, by publicly c:
fighting
six Mexican warriors in succession. If the prisoner were fortunate
enough to conquer them, his liberty was granted, and he was permitted
to return to his own country on the ; if, contrary, he sunk under the
strokes of one of his adversaries, a priest called Chalchiuhtepehua
dragged him, dead or living, to the altar, and tore out his heart."
(Humb. Ees., vol. i,. p. 267.)