Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

The Theoricus Grade 227
NESHER: (Hebrew meaning: eagle) Nesher is the Kerub of Water. This
Kerub is stationed in the West and is visualized as an upright eagle-headed
winged figure wearing a nemyss and tunic in the colors of blue and orange.
Nesher can be visualized as wearing upon his head the disk encircled by a serpent
and carrying either the Lotus Wand and ankh, or the cup of Water.
SHOR: (Hebrew meaning: bull) Shor is the Kerub of Earth. This Kerub is
stationed in the West and is visualized as an upright bull-headed winged figure
wearing a nemyss and tunic in the colors of black and white. Shor can be visualized
as wearing upon his head the disk encircled by a serpent and carrying either
the Crook and Scourge, or the platter of Salt.e
Following the 2 = 9 initiation, the task of the Theoricus is to completely
absorb all knowledge related to the Element of Air and the Planet Luna. The bulk
of this is contained in the Third Knowledge Lecture, which also contains additional
information on aspects, erecting a horoscope, plants, Alchemical processes
and more. As in the previous chapter, ritual work and exercises are provided that
are appropriate to the grade, including a pathworking visualization for the 32nd
Path of Tau. We advise the student of the Theoricus grade to heed the statement
given in the 2 = 9 ceremony: "Quit thematerial andseek theSpiritual!"¢
THE THEORICUS 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 a fan, platter of salt, red lamp or candle, and a cup of Water in
their respective quarters. In the center of these items is the 21st Key of the Tarot,
The Universe. 63 On the front of the altar should be a large diagram of the Flaming
Sword and the Kerubim (from the Zelator grade). The pillars are placed just East
of the altar. The three Hebrew letters of Shin, Tau and Qoph are shown on large
plaques in the East. Both Banners of the East and West are located in the East as in
the Zelator Ritual. The Enochian Tablet of Earth is placed in the North, and the
Tablet of Air is situated in the East. Alarge pentagram is also to be located in the
East behind the Hierophant. Place the lamens in accordance with the temple diagram/
in the positions of the officer-forms. Arrange the implements of the officers
next to their respective lamens.
As in the previous ritual, all of the Elemental candles should be placed
around the circumference of the room, with a white candle in the East. The yellow
Air candle is to be placed before the Enochian Tablet of the East. The lights on the
pillars should be unshaded. A censer of burning incense should be placed in the
South. The following diagrams are optional but may be employed if the candidate
63 From The New Golden DawnRitual Tarot.