Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

102 SELF-INfTIATION INTO THE GoLDEN DAWN TRADITION
Archangelic Forms of the Zelator Grade
SAMAEL: (Hebrew meaning poison ofGod) Although described in the Zelator Ritual
as an Archangel, Samael is more often described as an Archdemon, or as the
Qlippotic force of the Sephirah of Hod on the black pillar. In this ritual Samael is
portrayed as the guardian of the Path of Evil who prevents the candidate from
journeying upon the Path of Darkness. Samael may be visualized as a black
winged bird-like entity with glowing eyes. He wears a robe, tabard and nemyss,
all black. He holds a large black sword.
METATRON: (Hebrew. Possible Greek meaning: near thy throne) Metatron
is usually described as the most powerful Archangel of Kether. In the Zelator ceremony,
Metatron is the Guardian of the Path of Good, and the Kerub of the righthand
pillar. He bars the candidate from entering the Path of Good. Metatron is
visualized as a horned male figure with dark hair and beard. He is dressed in a
robe, tabard and nemyss, all white. He holds a miter-headed scepter.
SANDALPHON: (Hebrew. Possible Greek meaning: Lordeof Height) Sandalphon
is described as the Archangel of Malkuth and the Kerub of the left-hand
pillar. In the Zelator ceremony, she is the Reconciler for Earth, mediating between
Good and Evil on behalf of the candidate. Sandalphon is visualized as a tall
horned female figure dressed in a black robe. She wears a tabard in the four colors
of Malkuth and a white nemyss. She bears a crown-headed scepter.
In the months that follow the 1 = 10 initiation, the aspirant must strive to
thoroughly absorb knowledge which relates to the Element of Earth. Much of this
is presented in the Second Knowledge Lecture given in this chapter, along with
other material for the Zelator to study, including sections on the Astrological
houses, Alchemy, Geomancy, gemstones and metals, and the Qabalistic hierarchies.
The task of the Zelator is to thoroughly assimilate this knowledge and to
awaken the stabilizing Element of Earth within, so that further spiritual transmutation
of the psychic Elements can take place. The aspirant must never forget the
potent statement given in the Ceremony of the 1 = 10: "Except Adonai build the
house, theirlabor is but lost thatbuild it..."(r
THE ZELATOR CEREMONY
Temple setup: The aspirant will need to set up the Hall beforehand in accordance
with the temple diagram. The black cubical altar is placed in the center of the
room. Upon it are the symbols of the cross and triangle (the red cross is within the
white triangle). A red lamp or candle is placed on the Eastern side of the altar. On
the front of the altar should be a large diagram of the Flaming Sword and the
Kerubim. Just in front of the altar on the floor should be a diagram of the cross
within the triangle. The pillars are placed just West of the altar. The three Hebrew
letters of Shin, Tau and Qoph are shown on large plaques in the East. Inthis ritual,