Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

226 SELF-INITIATION INTO THE GoLDEN DAWN TRAOmON
grade and swear an oath. Between the spheres of Malkuth and Yesod lies the 32nd
Path of Tau, a journey through the subconscious mind and the astral plane, which
the aspirant undertakes at this time. On this Path, the candidate is confronted by
the four Kerubim, the group of Angels assigned to Yesod. (As the presidents of the
Elemental forces, the four Kerubim are each assigned one of the letters of the
Divine Name YHVH, and they operate in and through the four astral Elements in
Yesod before these Elements are formulated into the physical world ofMalkuth.) In
the ritual, the Kerubim perform Elemental purifications on the aspirant, which aid
the overall process of Alchemic transmutation. (Note: here the candidate also
learns that the Elemental Spirits are to be invoked through the power and governance
of the Kerubim and their Zodiacal symbols.) After completing the 32nd Path,
the candidate is shown the Tarot card of The Universe and other symbolism. Equilibrium
of the Elements is stressed.
The later half of the ritual involves the initiate's entry into the temple of
Yesod. During this time the aspirant is shown further symbolism concerning the
Garden of Eden and the Theoricus Hall. The secrets of the 2 = 9 grade are
divulged, until at length, the Air Powers are released.
There are only four officers stationed in the Theoricus Hall (besides the Dais
officers), including the three Middle Pillar officers and the Keryx. The Phylax,
Dadouchos and Stolistes havebeendropped at this point. The stations of the officers
are symmetrically positioned at the four quarters. This harmonious arrangement
suggests the reconciling Element of Air mediating between all the opposing energies
within the Hall, resulting in perfect equilibrium. The number four, associated
with the sphere of Chesed (the first Sephirah of manifestationbelow the Abyss) also
refers to the firm foundation or matrix of the four Elements inherent within the
sphere of Yesod-which later manifest in Malkuth during the course of the Qabalistic
Lightning Flash. Ifyou consider the central point of the Hall, the position of the
altar, you obtain the number five, the fifth Element and the esoteric Lunar number.
Since the Kerubim play such an important role in this grade itis suggested
that the student of this course become familiar with them:
The Kerubic Forms of the Theoricus Grade
The Kerubim listed here are given Hebrew names but their appearance is primarily
Egyptian.
ADAM: (Hebrew meaning: man) Man-headed or rather human-headed.
Often portrayed as feminine rather than masculine, Adam is the Kerub of Air. This
Kerub is stationed in the East and is visualized as an upright winged figure wearing
a nemyss and tunic in the colors of yellow and violet. Adam is crownedby the
lunar crescent and the solar disk, and can be visualized as carrying either the
Lotus Wand and ankh, or the yellow Air fan.
ARYEH: (Hebrew meaning: lion)Aryeh is the Kerub of Fire. This Kerub is
stationed in the South and is visualized as an upright lion-headed winged figure
wearing a nemyss and tunic in the colors of red and green. Aryeh can be visualized
as carrying either the Lotus Wand and ankh, or the red lamp.