The Practice of the Ancient Turkish Freemasons

The Key to the Understanding of Alchemy

A Presentation of the Ritual, Doctrine and Signs of
Recognition
among the Oriental Freemasons

Compiled by
Baron Rudolf von Sebottendorf

[1924]

Translated from the German

by
Stephen E. Flowers
- n Copyright © 2000
· -Raven Press

art of this book, either in part or Dedicated to the Memory of the Former Secretary of the
~,..r~uced, transmitted or utilized in Turkish Embassy in Bern, Mr. P. Schwidtal
ans electronic, photographic or
otocopying, recording, or by any
retrieval system, without the
m the Publisher, except for brief
literary articles and reviews .

... the serialization, condensation, or

.,. Publisher at the address below.

_;: 1-885972-14-8

Published by
A-RAVEN PRESS
P.O. Box 557
'ille, Texas 78957

nited States of America

 Contents

Introduction ............................................... 1
I. Practice ................................................ 5
II. Theory ................................................. 19
III. Theory and Practice ................................. 35
Conclusion ................................................ 49
Translator's Notes ....................................... 51
 Introduction

Libelli habeant sua fata (t)- the manuscript belongs to

the book. The manuscript of this book had already been
completed in another version at the beginning of the war,(2)
but all sorts of opposing events prevented its appearance.
Now a not completely voluntary stay in Switzerland is
giving me the opportunity to revise the manuscript and
prepare it for the press.
And it was good that the book did not appear earlier.
Souls have become more receptive. There is one discovery
after another now, and each is a death-blow to the
materialistic philosophy and bogus monism. Just yesterday
I read that they were successful in splitting the nitrogen
atom, dividing it into hydrogen and helium.
Whoever has been paying attention to events in the
Orient over the last few years must continually ask himself
in amazement: "How is it possible that a people such as
the Turks, who aren't even a homogenous people, have
been able to develop such perseverance, turn it against a
world of enemies, and eventually carry it to victory?
Whoever knew how exhausted the people already were by
the on-going burdens of war, which only a Muslim can
bear, when they entered the world war must also be
amazed at their patience and endurance under the most
difficult conditions. What is then the difference between
Germany, which has almost had to succumb under the
yoke of a horrendous peace, and Turkey, which rejected a
similar peace and fought on to obtain different
conditions?(3)
1
 The modern intellectual, schooled in materialism, will only enters into it when a
thanklessly strive to find the underlying reason for this core.
because he is always focusing on externalities. He can in The exercises of the orie ...
no way understand that it is the spiritual guidance and other than work on one's se
training alone, which every Muslim strives after from his acquisition of higher kn
youth forward, which have born him through these hard explanations it will become
times. We are experiencing the shameful spectacle of a secret of the Rosicrucians an
great part of the German people throwing themselves into the preparation of the stone
the arms of the Bolsheviks expecting every sort of benefit longing for.
from those who have declared materialism to be God, and I said: Nothing more- but
we see that Turkey, this small weakened land, certainly unique thing which the seeker
made use of the aid the Bolsheviks afforded them, but that after. I will not require faith ·
they were far from throwing themselves into the arms of but rather I will prove my ex~
Bolshevism, on the contrary, it finds no place among oriental Freemasonry authem:.:
them. the ancient doctrines of
We see that one folk, which had been counted as one of Freemasonry bas forgotten, for ·
the most intellectually advanced, wanted to make just such beginning that the Freemasoni
a step backward, while another folk- previously scorned detour from the right way.
as being inferior - clearly recognized this step as ruinous Laws made from the out
and declined to participate, and not only rejected the step salvation of humanity. These
in its particulars, but in its entirety as well. obliterated by other laws an
"Just tether your ass and commend it to God," goes a replaced by other laws- but rat
Turkish proverb. The West has always been of the belief inside out alone which can b1.
that Islam is stagnant as a religion. Nothing is further from can consciously live accordin::o
the truth; Islam is more viable than the Christian religion. perceive this as a duty and not
It has proven its viability. The following exploration he will act for the highest bene-
clearly shows us the well-spring of the power of Islam, it actually be the highest benefi·
is up to us to make the well-spring useful to the Christian The divine laws are, however, a
religion as well. It was living water from this well-spring The only requirement I make
that brought everything to fruition in the early period of aware of their unity within G
the Church, and which produced the most glorious the exercises are useless. Whoe
flowering of the Middle Ages; only rationalism and monism, such as propagated .
materialism blocked this well-spring. just requested, if he is indeed
I will not be committing any sacrilege or profanation if I read without prejudice an op
uncover this well-spring. Whoever reads through this book Surya: Wahrer und Falscher Mo ·
attentively, and resolves to do the exercises shown here, And now go forth, you h
can in no way misuse the powers acquired, for only the auspicious. I began this intr'
one who is upstanding, courageous and determined will be February 1924 at 12:30 mid-day ·
able to persevere to the end and profit from the exercises. 9° east longitude. Righteously
By profit I do not mean, of course, external success, that multitude through true knowledge
2 3
 -- ~ooled in materialism, will
e underlying reason for this
::: on externalities. He can in
- the spiritual guidance and
.~Iuslim strives after from his
om him through these hard
=the shameful spectacle of a
le throwing themselves into
..pecting every sort of benefit
materialism to be God, and
all weakened land, certainly
sneviks afforded them, but that
· :g themselves into the arms of
ary. it finds no place among
h had been counted as one of
d, wanted to make just such
er folk - previously scorned
recognized this step as ruinous
d not only rejected the step
tirety as well.
ommend it to God," goes a
always been of the belief
~ gion. Nothing is further from
e than the Christian religion.
. . The following exploration
-.:nring of the power of Islam, it
-spring useful to the Christian
ng water from this well-spring
fruitio n in the early period of
~ roduced the most glorious
Ages; only rationalism and
-cpnng.
_. sacrilege or profanation if I
ver reads through this book
the exercises shown here,
~ ers acquired, for only the
rageous and determined will be
d profit from the exercises.
- course, external success, that
only enters into it when a person has become good in his
core.
The exercises of the oriental Freemasons are nothing
other than work on one's self, for ennobling, and for the
acquisition of higher knowledge. From the later
explanations it will become clear that they contain the
secret of the Rosicrucians and alchemists, and demonstrate
the preparation of the stone which is what the seeker is
longing for.
I said: Nothing more- but that is the highest, the most
unique thing which the seeker for knowledge can strive
after. I will not require faith in my words from the reader,
but rather I will prove my explanations; I will prove that
oriental Freemasonry authentically preserves to this day
the ancient doctrines of wisdom, which modern
Freemasonry has forgotten, for it must be said here at the
beginning that the Freemasonic constitution of 1717 was a
detour from the right way.
Laws made from the outside cannot provide for the
salvation of humanity. These laws are always being
obliterated by other laws and are always having to be
replaced by other laws- but rather it is the work from the
inside out alone which can bring us salvation. Whoever
can consciously live according to the divine laws will
perceive this as a duty and not as something coerced and
he will act for the highest benefit of mankind, which will
actually be the highest benefit to the individual as well.
The divine laws are, however, absolutely unambiguous.
The only requirement I make of readers is that they be
aware of their unity within God. Without this awareness
the exercises are useless. Whoever still believes in the old
monism, such as propagated by Buckner and Hackel, is
just requested, if he is indeed seeking true knowledge, to
read without prejudice an opponent of this view, e.g.
Surya: Wahrer und Falscher Monismus.(4)
And now go forth, you little book, the hour is
auspicious. I began this introduction on the third of
February 1924 at 12:30 mid-day on 46° north latitude and
9° east longitude. Righteously bring salvation to the
multitude through true knowledge.
3
 - -'

I
PRACTICE

f
Islam means submission, that is, submission to the will
of God. The believer can just commend himself to the will
of God simply because it is the will of God. He feels
secure and does not ask why this is so and that is
different- he fulfills the divine law simply because it is the
revealed law of God. He accepts his fate as being
immutable and at the most attempts by means of prayer to
implore for mercy from God when the burden becomes too
great for him. But the sign of the true believer will
consistently be that he does not ask for release from the
burden, but rather for the strength to the bale to bear it.
"Lead us in the way of those who do not err," the Prophet
prescribes to those who pray.
5
 This faithful condition is what is most worthy to strive The formulas are presen·
after according to all religious systems. Actually he is also letters,cs) the meaning of \\ · ·
the most happy, it is he who the Prophet values most ists as well as different
highly and he represents this as his only goal- and opinion that these letter
therefore his religion is called Islam. certainly originated under · ·
Now beside the belief there is something else that makes Prophet dictated some, o
it equally possible for a person to yield to his fate; it is no wrote them down, still o
longer faith but knowledge- knowledge of the divine laws. memory. Upon collecting
The one who knows no longer fulfills this law blindly, but ated the originator of the
rather knowingly. The truly wise one is very near to the now without their meaning.
believer, but he is superior to the believer. Some European scholar
The Prophet created a very wise institution to open the letters represent notes by th
way to knowledge for everyone who truly seeks it. ed to mean: amara li muham
According to this system in the Koran he provided explicit me to write.
signs which point the way to knowledge and which have to Arabic commentator
reveal the law of creation to someone who gains abbreviations. Thus ALM m
knowledge from within his own being. The highest form is good - or as another thinks:
of knowledge will always lead the wise to yield to Divine God who knows.
Providence without complaint- that is, to Islam through For others the letters are
knowledge. sense. Certainly all the Sur
In what follows we will concern ourselves with this contain definite indication
path. How the Prophet himself came into possession of special to say.
this knowledge is told in the form of the following legend. The Arabic language, li ··
Not far from Mecca there lived at the time of does not write the voweL.
Mohammed an aged hermit, Ben Chasi, who was teaching letters as such, but rather as ·.1
the Prophet. When the lesson was over he gave him a For this reason people have
metallic plate upon which were engraved formulas, the over the meaning of these le
meaning of which the then 30-year old Prophet had just the secret formulas conceale · ·
learned. Soon thereafter the hermit died, but Mohammed who knows the truth can no
kept on teaching the secret of these formulas in the most All of these formulas are com
intimate circles. Abu Bekr, the first calif, inherited the one or several consonants.
plate and the knowledge which only spread within a small Now the secret doctrine ~­
circle after the death of the Prophet: this is the secret the formula occurs specifie
knowledge of the oriental Freemasons. system the given formula i
In order to ensure against the loss of the formulas the the Prophet appears as follows.
Prophet distributed them throughout the Koran according
to a precise key. The key is known, and the formulas are
preserved in the Koran, such that the possibility remains
for reconstructing the system at any time.

6 7
 hat is most worthy to strive
- -ystems. Actually he is also
o the Prophet values most
his as his only goal- and
Islam.
e is something else that makes
"" n to yield to his fate; it is no
-knowledge of the divine laws.
=e!" fulfills this law blindly, but
. vise one is very near to the
o the believer.
• r wise institution to open the
eryone who truly seeks it.
e Koran he provided explicit
knowledge and which have to
·on to someone who gains
own being. The highest form
the wise to yield to Divine
·nr- that is, to Islam through
oncern ourselves with this
self came into possession of
form of the following legend.
ere lived at the time of
. Ben Chasi, who was teaching
--n was over he gave him a
·ere engraved formulas, the
0-year old Prophet had just
ermit died, but Mohammed
. . these formulas in the most
he first calif, inherited the
· h only spread within a small
Prophet: this is the secret
-~ emasons.
the loss of the formulas the
ughout the Koran according
·nown, and the formulas are
that the possibility remains
any time.
The formulas are preserved in the so-called abbreviated
letters,cs) the meaning of which is debated among oriental-
ists as well as different commentators. Some are of the
opinion that these letters are signatures. Individual Suras
certainly originated under highly variable conditions: the
Prophet dictated some, others he recited while friends
wrote them down, still others were recorded later from
memory. Upon collecting the Suras the letters which indic-
ated the originator of the Sura would have remained, but
now without their meaning.
Some European scholars are of the view that these
letters represent notes by the scribe. Thus ALM is suppos-
ed to mean: amara li muhamed- Mohammed commanded
me to write.
Arabic commentators view these letters as holy
abbreviations. Thus ALM mean: allah Iatif madshid- God
is good - or as another thinks: ana lahu alamu- I am the
God who knows.
For others the letters are to be interpreted in a cabalistic
sense. Certainly all the Suras in which these letters occur
contain definite indications that they have something
special to say.
The Arabic language, like all the Semitic languages,
does not write the vowels. If one does not read these
letters as such, but rather as words, they yield no meaning.
For this reason people have been scratching their heads
over the meaning of these letters. But in actuality these are
the secret formulas concealed in the letters which someone
who knows the truth can now easily read and pronounce .
All of these formulas are compounds of the vowel A with
one or several consonants.
Now the secret doctrine shows that the Sura in which
the formula occurs specifies the number of days in the
system the given formula is to be practiced. The table of
the Prophet appears as follows:
7
 And because Cancer fo
Number of the Sura Name of the Sura Formula It bound itself by hea
2 The Cow alam
3 Amran's Family alam Through stations twemy-ei:=
7 El Araf alamas It positions itself in opr -
10 Jonah alar Then it shrivels up like
11 Houd alar As God ordained, who i
12 Joseph alar
13 Thunder alamar Contemlates this corre
14 Abraham alar Understands it wll, there
15 A-hijr alar Seek only in the Koran.
19 Mary kaha ya as
20 Taha taha
Whoever can't find ith
26 The Poet tasam Astrologically the zodia
27 The Ant tas the Moon, which represen
28 The Narration tasam used for the human body. T'~
29 The Spider alam
30 The Greeks alam soul through the secret table o
31 The Wise alam the way of the Moon- eveD'
32 Adoration alam span in which a formula is eJ
36 Yasin yas is the two-day exercise
38 Sad sa
40 The Believer cham likewise the three-day exer
41 Revelations Well Expounded cham the seven-day exercise of al
42 Consultation chamasak This is the path the De
43 Gold Adornments cham taking. This not only ha
44 Smoke cham
45 Kneeling cham knowledge, but they also ane
46 AI ahqaf cham by means of a special practice
50 Qaf ka the Dervishes are the pe ~
68 The Feather na
knowledge, and from whom
822 days 14 different formulas will be drawn.
If they pass the time of testin=
days, then they will receive hig
capable and if they have the
they receive a more special :
The number of days result in 25 lunar months in which certain magical characteristh......
three days are missing. On these three days the one who capabilities they just remai
was dedicating himself to these exercises was occupied order.
doing something else, to which we will return later. This higher initiation i
The formulas are present in 29 Suras. For those who do and it is, as we will see later.
not know anything about astrology it is noted that and Rosicrucians.
astrology knows of 28 mansions of the Moon, which
amounts to the 29-day synodical rotation of the Moon. The *The twenty-ninth station i
Persian mystic Mahmud Shebisteri, a Mel Mevlevi path, the return of the soul to
Dervish says in the gulshen ras: body has become more spiri
8 9
 And because Cancer found itself related to the Moon
Formula It bound itself by head and tail to the Moon
alam
alam Through stations twenty-eight goes its course
alamas It positions itself in opposition to the Sun's light
alar Then it shrivels up like a date-stalk
alar
alar
As God ordained, who is alone the one who wisely
alamar Contemlates this correctly, as a perfect man
alar Understands it wll, there is nothing vain about it
alar Seek only in the Koran, there you will find the plan
kahaya as
taha
Whoever can't find ithas weak insight.
tasam Astrologically the zodiacal sign Cancer is the house of
tas the Moon, which represents the soul. Here the house is
tasam used for the human body. The 28 stations which run the
alam
alam soul through the secret table of the Prophet corresponds to
alam the way of the Moon- every station is equal to the time
alam span in which a formula is exercised. Thus the first station
yas is the two-day exercise of alam, the second station
sa
cham likewise the three-day exercise of alam, the third station
cham the seven-day exercise of alamas, etc.*
chamasak This is the path the Dervish order is accustomed to
cham
cham
taking. This not only has to do with a general sort of
cham knowledge, but they also attempt to acquire special powers
cham by means of a special practice. However, for the most part
ka the Dervishes are the people who strive after higher
na
knowledge, and from whom the spiritual leaders of Islam
14 different formulas will be drawn.
If they pass the time of testing, which usually lasts 825
days, then they will receive higher initiation, if they are
capable and if they have the desire. Or, on the other hand,
they receive a more special instruction in order to attain
lt in 25 lunar months in which certain magical characteristics. If they show no further
these three days the one who capabilities they just remain in the lower grades of the
·hese exercises was occupied order.
h we will return later. This higher initiation is the exercise of Freemasonry,
29 Suras. For those who do and it is, as we will see later, the work of the alchemists
astrology it is noted that and Rosicrucians.
ions of the Moon, which
Jical rotation of the Moon. The *The twenty-ninth station is then the completion of the
hebisteri, a Mel Mevlevi path, the return of the soul to a higher stage, the house, the
body has become more spiritualized.
9
 These exercises are characterized by the use of the three
signs or recognition· employed by modern Freemasons: II. The Chest-grip
sign, grip and word- except these are not signs of This grip is performed
recognition, not mere symbols in the best case, but rather right hand. The correct heic
magical operations designed to induct the finer radiation of one places the angled right
the primordial power - to incorporate them into the body positions the angled left han · ·
and thereby make the body more spiritual, to give the just touches the little finger o
balance of power to the spirit over the body. the right height. The grip i
The signs are three different positions of the hand, the four fingers just touch t
known by the vowels which are indicated by them. lying on the left breast. Th
thumb is drawn over to the
I. The I-sign touching the right side of the
The right hand is in a fist and from the fist the index
finger is extended straight out; the hand is put in such a III. The Middle-grip
position that the finger is directed straight upward into the Present-day Masonry no .
heights so that the letter I is represented. performed somewhat lower d
right position is found when
II. The A-sign hand in the manner of the che~L- =
The hand is held in such a way that all the fingers lay in the angled left hand in such
a flat plane; the thumb is now extended so that it forms an thumb just touches the little fL =
angle of 90 degrees, a right angle with the line of the index
finger. IV. The Master- or Belly-grip
This grip is positioned the
III. The 0-sign lower than the Middle-grip .
One is to bend the fingers and thumb of the angled hand navel up over the solar plexuu.
in such a way that the tip of the thumb just touches the tip manner similar to the previou _
of the index finger. The thumb, index finger and the part The words have already been =
of the hand between these two digits form a circle, an 0. Before these formulas can be us
The grips are performed in proximity to different parts the three vowels:
of the body. I A
and later the compounds:
si sa
I. The Neck-grip I and Si are only used in
One lays the angled hand on the neck in such a way that A and Sa only in connecti-..:
the thumb touches the right carotid artery, the index finger 0 and So only in connect!, 1
lies on the larynx and the other fingers are in a flat plane
with the index finger. The angled hand is withdrawn A question is posed to anyone
sharply with the index finger moving across the larynx. which he has to answer in a time
until the hand is situated in a position equal in height to the the answer to this question de
right shoulder, then it is allowed to drop down. must undergo further instru
10 11
 .........erized by the use of the three
_,ed by modern Freemasons:
'" ""cept these are not signs of
Is in the best case, but rather
o induct the finer radiation of
orporate them into the body
. more spiritual, to give the
· · over the body.
rent positions of the hand,
~ are indicated by them.
and from the fist the index
t; the hand is put in such a
ted straight upward into the
represented.
., ay that all the fingers lay in
. ~.- extended so that it forms an
angle with the line of the index
d thumb of the angled hand
e thumb just touches the tip
b. index finger and the part
digits form a circle, an 0.
.n proximity to different parts
the neck in such a way that
. . = otid artery, the index finger
r fingers are in a flat plane
ngled hand is withdrawn
moving across the larynx.
ition equal in height to the
to drop down.
II. The Chest-grip
This grip is performed over the chest with the angled
right hand. The correct height of the grip is obtained when
one places the angled right hand in the neck-grip and then
positions the angled left hand in such a way that the thumb
just touches the little finger of the right hand. That is just
the right height. The grip is so positioned that the tips of
the four fingers just touch the left arm, so that the palm is
lying on the left breast. The hand with the outstretched
thumb is drawn over to the right until the finger tips are
touching the right side of the body.
III. The Middle-grip
Present-day Masonry no longer uses this grip, which is
performed somewhat lower down than the chest-grip. The
right position is found when one places the angled right
hand in the manner of the chest-grip and then again places
the angled left hand in such a way that the outspread
thumb just touches the little finger of the right hand .
IV. The Master- or Belly-grip
This grip is positioned the breadth of the angled hand
lower than the Middle-grip. It is moved from below the
navel up over the solar plexus, and thus performed in a
manner similar to the previous grips. -
The words have already been given in the Koranic table.
Before these formulas can be used, however, one first uses
the three vowels:
I A 0
and later the compounds:
si sa so
I and Si are only used in connection with the I-sign,
A and Sa only in connection with the A-sign and
0 and So only in connection with the 0-sign.
A question is posed to anyone taking on these exercises
which he has to answer in a time span of three days. Upon
the answer to this question depends whether the student
must undergo further instruction or whether he can
11
immediately enter into the exercises. These exercises can Then one immediately fo r
last for from between three to twenty-five months; this the same way. The Oriental.
depends entirely on the student. There are actually very solitude of his tecke, i.e. of
precise signs by which one can tell whether one can feel definite signs of the kin
proceed, or whether one must start over from the Occidental, who will do tb
beginning. The first condition which must be met upon 10 minutes in the momine
beginning the exercises is patience, the second days longer.
perseverance, and the third courage. As soon as the warming
The numbers I give here represent the shortest times, form the I and animate the f:
which should be compared to the numbers on the table on feels that is becoming warm.
page 45. Above all one should notice that the work should and immediately forms the }• .
not be rushed. "The Devil is mixed up in a hurried shop," hand with Sa, Sa, Sa and afte
says a Turkish proverb. his neck, makes the hand gri
The indispensable condition upon entering the exercises inducted rarified forces of na·
is faith in GOD, the awareness that the individual is one he constantly thinks Sa, Sa,
with GOD. I repeat this reminder for those who wish to hand and forms the 0, which.
begin these exercises, which in no case can cause harm to the syllable So, So, So, he
anyone who has a selfless spirit. But they may be harmful the Master-grip after a while.
to anyone who undertakes them with the selfish intention This preliminary works en
to delve into secrets which he is not supposed to know. In days, that is: three days of
the best case he will perform the exercises without success vowel sounds and seven day., ,
and will become annoyed at having spent money on such a the vowel compounded with S.
worthless book.
The work is divided into three parts: The Main Work
I. the Preliminary work Daily 5 to 10 minutes. Repe
II. the Main work the preliminary work for seven
III. the Pursuant work move the index finger of your
been animated by Sa, to your
sulphurous odor, you can proce
The Preliminary Work you must exercise for seven day
Daily 10 minutes, 14 day
One stands upright, forms the I -sign and concentrates animated by Si, Si, Si. When ·
his whole attention on the uplifted finger while continuing dropped and the A is formed.
to think of nothing other than I, I, I. One will soon notice alam. The hand is moved into
that the finger begins to become warm in a most peculiar constantly repeating the formula.
fashion. When this warming becomes noticeable one hand sharply. Then the 0 is fo
allows the hand to fall, and after a while the A-sign is 14 days the bitter taste of m
formed. One should attempt to vivify the A in a similar perceived if the index finger o:
way until one feels a dry warmth in the thumb. on the tongue.
12 13
 ... . ercises. These exercises can
o twenty-five months; this
udent. There are actually very
'"e can tell whether one can
must start over from the
· · n which must be met upon
is patience, the second
urage.
represent the shortest times,
the numbers on the table on
notice that the work should
·- mixed up in a hurried shop,"
· · n upon entering the exercises
that the individual is one
minder for those who wish to
in no case can cause harm to
irit. But they may be harmful
em with the selfish intention
- -e is not supposed to know. In
the exercises without success
aving spent money on such a
the I -sign and concentrates
._..lifted finger while continuing
. I, I. One will soon notice
orne warm in a most peculiar
e becomes noticeable one
after a while the A-sign is
vivify the A in a similar
th in the thumb.
Then one immediately forms the 0 and animates it in
the same way. The Oriental, who sequesters himself in the
solitude of his tecke, i.e. of a Dervish establishment, will
feel definite signs of the kind indicated on the first day, the
Occidental, who will do the exercise no more than about
10 minutes in the morning or evening, will need a few
days longer.
As soon as the warming takes place, the student must
form the I and animate the finger with Si, Si, Si until be
feels that is becoming warm. He then lets his band drop
and immediately forms the A. He animates the angled
band with Sa, Sa, Sa and after a while guides his hand to
his neck, makes the band grip, and thereby conducts the
inducted rarified forces of nature to his neck. During this
he constantly thinks Sa, Sa, Sa, then sharply removes his
band and forms the 0, which, after he has animated it with
the syllable So, So, So, he moves to his solar plexus in
the Master-grip after a while.
This preliminary works encompasses a time span of ten
days, that is: three days of animation with the simple
vowel sounds and seven days with the syllable made up of
the vowel compounded with S.
The Main Work
Daily 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat the indicated exercises of
the preliminary work for seven days. After the sixth day
move the index finger of your angled hand, after it has
been animated by Sa, to your nose. If you smell a slight
sulphurous odor, you can proceed. If such is not the case,
you must exercise for seven days longer.
Daily 10 minutes, 14 days long. The I is formed and
animated by Si, Si, Si. When warmth is felt the hand is
dropped and the A is formed, animated by the formula
alam. The hand is moved into the Neck-grip at the neck,
constantly repeating the formula. After a while remove the
hand sharply. Then the 0 is formed again as before. After
14 days the bitter taste of mercuric chloride will be
perceived if the index finger of the angled hand is placed
on the tongue.
13
 Daily 10 minutes, 14 days. The student forms the 1- The colors that the stuae
sign, which he animates with Si, then the A-sign, which of the blackish shadow ev;:;
he animates with: soon fades into a pale gree
two days Alam to day. Once the green a
two days alamas finished.
seven days alar The student changes to
three days alamar formulas alam , y as , sa .
After the first four days there will be a perceptible slaty developing colors show an ·
taste when one puts the index finger of the angled hand on fade into a yellowish white.
the tongue. Then it is time to sharpen one's vision. If the and the formulas: cham , ch a
student perceives a black shadow, this part of the work is white is transformed into
finished. mystics of the Orient cannot
Concerning the next phase of work, the table of the
Prophet indicates a time-span of 696 days. Depending on The Pursuant Work ...
the individuals involved, it fluctuates between this
maximum term and the minimum of three lunar months. shall turn this white into a
On page 45 I compare the data of the Rosarius minor the Prophet indicates that t
Table with that of the Prophet. No exact time-span can be short na. This grip is call
set, it all depends on obtaining certain the results. When Masters because it is used at ·
these are obtained, the student goes on, otherwise he session. It is begun to the !e
repeats the exercise until the indicated color appears. Once drawn back over the navel. T
the student has glimpsed the blackish shadow, this day is grey, out of which, after a sC.
to be celebrated as the beginning of a new life- the student red, after having been yellO\' ..
receives his lodge-name. With this the work of the Ori
In the next period of time the Chest- and Middle-grip work upon one's self). From
come into use. The student animates the 1-sign for a short become a cubical one.
while and then immediately shifts into A, which he This curriculum is to be un
animates with the indicated formula. Since he has to report not leave out a single day. ~
to his teacher everyday what he sees, verification is easy. have only progressed thr ou ~
If the learner attains the color being aimed for early, the conclusion of which the
other formulas are just left out and he goes on to the next communicated.
exercise. Once one has animated the A -sign it is then These consist of certain wor
incorporated into the body by means of the Chest-grip. not known to them because 0
The formulas to be practiced during this period of work other by offering their hand
are: gentleman might be "a brother..
by extending one's index fin ~
other one sees it: the second o
Alar, Kaha ya as, taha, tasam, tas tasam. the thumb of his right hand.
have proven themselves to eac
the circle , the 0.
14 1-
~: 5. The student forms the 1-
. · Si, then the A -sign, which
.r_-re will be a perceptible slaty
'inger of the angled hand on
harpen one's vision. If the
- .1now, this part of the work is
- ~ -e of work, the table of the
of 696 days. Depending on
it fluctuates between this
· ·mum of three lunar months.
data of the Rosarius minor
.. , o exact time-span can be
g certain the results. When
ent goes on, otherwise he
~~ ; ~dicated color appears. Once
lackish shadow, this day is
·ng of a new life- the student
rhe Chest- and Middle-grip
· ates the I -sign for a short
_.· shifts into A, which he
rmula. Since he has to report
he sees, verification is easy.
:::r being aimed for early, the
and he goes on to the next
ted the A -sign it is then
y means of the Chest-grip.
u during this period of work
a. tasam, tas tasam.
The colors that the student slowly begins to see are: out
of the blackish shadow evolves a blue, then a light red that
soon fades into a pale green that becomes fresher from day
to day. Once the green appears very clearly, this work is
finished.
The student changes to the Middle-grip, with which the
formulas alam, yas, sa, cham come into use. The
developing colors show an intricate interplay and finally
fade into a yellowish white. By means of the Master-grip
and the formulas: cham, cham asak, ka this yellowish
white is transformed into a brilliant white, which the
mystics of the Orient cannot praise enough.
The Pursuant Work ...
shall turn this white into a magnificent red. The table of
the Prophet indicates that the only formula for this is a
short na. This grip is called the Closing-grip by the
Masters because it is used at the end of the whole working
session. It is begun to the left of the navel and is then
drawn back over the navel. The white fades into a dirty
grey, out of which, after a short time, develops into a full
red, after having been yellow.
With this the work of the Oriental Mason is finished (the
work upon one's self). From a raw, uneven stone he has
become a cubical one.
This curriculum is to be uninterrupted. The student may
not leave out a single day. Most of the Oriental Masons
have only progressed through the lesser work, at the
conclusion of which the signs of recognition are
communicated.
These consist of certain words and signs. Hand grips are
not known to them because Orientals do not greet each
other by offering their hands. If one suspects that a
gentleman might be "a brother" then one makes the 1-sign
by extending one's index finger horizontally so that the
other one sees it: the second one responds by spreading out
the thumb of his right hand. It is demonstrated that both
have proven themselves to each other when they both form
the circle , the 0.
15
 are provided for, and we
If you find a candle, a round bowl and an open compass let us open heaven. Broth
on the table of an oriental man you can be certain that you "Worthy Master.
are in the presence of an initiate. "Brother W arde~ . .
If an Oriental Mason wants the aid and counsel of a "Worthy Master. I
brother in a social situation where he knows no one, he "Brother Stewar~.
will find a brother if he places his angled right hand "Worthy Master. £

nonchalantly over his left shoulder, approximately where "My brothers. ·.~ ·
the Chest-grip starts. If he is in great distress he will lift knowled ge . I
the angled hand over his head; often he will also lift both are you ?"
arms up and hold out both hands. It is a duty to rush at The warden answers: "\1
once to the aid of a brother who gives this sign. and stone."
Another sign of recognition is the so-called Fire-sign, Then the Master: ''H .
which is made when one wishes to greet a brother from a acknowledge: There is no G~-..
distance. One holds the left hand stretched out flat, lays the Messenger of God." 1\o ..
the right hand on it, likewise flat, and now moves the right star-sign on his chest, where
hand quickly and energetically along the back of the left repeated simultaneously by
hand. goes on: "God bless him an
The so-called Star-sign, which is made in the lodge, is words of the holy Sura:
formed with the right hand by holding the two middle "In the name of God the
fingers together, spreading apart the small and index Cham osak. Therefore God ·~
fingers, with the thumb spread out as well. his revelation to you and tho
The words of recognition are: key, water, fire, level, It is the 42nd Sura which
black, white, red, rose, stone. As will be understood later, he concludes with the words:
these words describe the entire work. Among the Oriental Prophet, God bless him and ==
Masons the work is called the Science of the Key: Ilm el warden, what are the Sun and ~
miftach and the Masons themselves often refer to "Allah wad din." That m
themselves as Beni el Mim- Sons of the Key. religion and faith." Din is am· ·
At meetings the oldest sheikh presides and a warden, a is one of the main questions cf
steward and a runner are appointed. The warden has to All those present repeat th"'
ensure that the meeting is conducted undisturbed; the thereby complete the star- si c ~·
steward takes care of the guests, supervises the servants "To worship God and to
and at the conclusion of the gathering collects an offering our effort." All present answer
which is divided between the warden and the servants. The subject of the evening i
runner supports the warden and the steward. conclusion of the official ..,
The sheikh opens the session with the Fire-sign and the usually takes place.
word alam, which the Beni el Mim actually use to mean: The greatest discretion is r
"Let's begin ... " After the questions to the warden, the However, in order to forest
steward and the runner, as to whether everything is in book is any sort of betrayal, i;
order, the sheikh says: "My brothers, we are secure, we written by command of the chi
16 17

bowl and an open compass
you can be certain that you
te.
ms the aid and counsel of a
or: where he knows no one, he
laces his angled right hand
-;noulder, approximately where
- ~ is in great distress he will lift
d; often he will also lift both
hands. It is a duty to rush at
ho gives this sign.
· ion is the so-called Fire-sign,
ishes to greet a brother from a
eft hand stretched out flat, lays
· flat, and now moves the right
· ally along the back of the left
.~·hich is made in the lodge, is
by holding the two middle
· g apart the small and index
d out as well.
· n are: key, water, fire, level,
e. As will be understood later,
tire work. Among the Oriental
the Science of the Key: Ilm el
themselves often refer to
- Sons of the Key.
neikh presides and a warden, a
ppointed. The warden has to
:s conducted undisturbed; the
=uests, supervises the servants
gathering collects an offering
e warden and the servants. The
and the steward.
ion with the Fire-sign and the
! el Mim actually use to mean:
questions to the warden, the
- to whether everything is in
y brothers, we are secure, we
are provided for, and we are served. The Sun is shining,
let us open heaven. Brother runner, hast thou the key?"
"Worthy Master, I am the I"
"Brother Warden, hast thou the key?"
"Worthy Master, I am the A."
"Brother Steward, hast thou the key?"
"Worthy Master, I am the 0."
"My brothers, without the key there is no
knowledge. I am water, fire and level. What
are you?"
The warden answers: "We are black, white, red, rose
and stone."
Then the Master: "Holy is our science. Let us
acknowledge: There is no God but God and Mohammed is
the Messenger of God." Now everyone present makes the
star-sign on his chest, whereupon the confession of faith is
repeated simultaneously by all. Then the presiding member
goes on: "God bless him and give him salvation. Here the
words of the holy Sura:
"In the name of God the most merciful, the gracious.
Cham osak. Therefore God the Powerful, the Wise, gives
his revelation to you and those who were before you."
It is the 42nd Sura which the Master recites and which
he concludes with the words: "True are the words of the
Prophet, God bless him and give him salvation. Brother
warden, what are the Sun and Moon?"
"Allah wad din." That means: "God and soul or also
religion and faith." Din is ambiguous, and so the question
is one of the main questions of the brotherhood.
All those present repeat the answer of the warden and
thereby complete the star-sign. The Master goes on:
"To worship God and to make the faith great, is always
our effort." All present answer with "alam," and now the
subject of the evening is entered upon. After the
conclusion of the official segment, a convivial meal
usually takes place.
The greatest discretion is required of the Beni el Mim.
However, in order to forestall the idea that the present
book is any sort of betrayal, it must be said that it has been
written by command of the chiefs of the order. The reason
17
is as follows: The so-called civilized world has been
overcome by a great organization of infidels - monstrous
in extent - and religious institutions have already been
undermined by this to such a degree that they are not able
to mount any unified resistance. In this emergency the
Islamic brothers remembered that the tradition says that in
earlier times the science was known in Europe. They
sought and investigated - and found - in the writings of
the Rosicrucians and those of the alchemists that these
exemplified the Science of the Key in their books
perfectly. The assignment is to make people aware of this
and to show seekers the way; the requirements of the times
allows any consideration against publication to vanish.
May the truth of the process of victory begin and the
clouds of darkness slowly, but all the more surely,
disperse.
"alam."

SUMMARY OF THE WORK So far we have been intro

Islamic Freemasonry, now we
Preparation: show that the Science of
Animation of the signs I, A, 0 through the vowels i, a o. preparation of the Philosophe ·
Animation of the signs through Si, Sa, So. the mystery of the Rosicrucian
Main work: Whoever is knowledgeable
Neck-grip, formulas: alam, alamas, alar, alamar. recognize the connections with
Chest-grip, formulas: alar, kaha ya, taha, tasam, tas, as to think that such a recogni··
tasam. the dogma or opinion that one
Middle-grip, formulas: alam, yas, sa, cham. do not undertake to oppose such
Stomach-grip, formulas: cham, cham, asak, ka. be a useless beginning. I con
once read somewhere:
Pursuant-Work: The philosopher Pyth
Closing-grip: formula: na. A new doctrine, and
Since he was, of cour
A thousand sacrificial
Is it now no wonder, i
As soon as they get wi
What I am revealing here is
cannot be credited with having ,,
only the means to an end, the t
long enough against revealing t

18 19
 ivilized world has been
·z:uion of infidels - monstrous
· titutions have already been
degree that they are not able
·ance. In this emergency the
that the tradition says that in
known in Europe. They
d found - in the writings of
of the alchemists that these
of the Key in their books
make people aware of this
. ; the requirements of the times
a.gainst publication to vanish.
of victory begin and the
but all the more surely,
OFTHEWORK
· -· 0 through the vowels i, a o.
--"Qh Si, Sa, So.
, alamas, alar, alamar.
r. kaha ya, taha, tasam, tas,
m. yas, sa, cham.
am, cham, asak, ka.
II
THEORY
r(pJ
So far we have been introduced to the practice of
Islamic Freemasonry, now we must present evidence to
show that the Science of the Key is actually the
preparation of the Philosophers' Stone, the magnum opus,
the mystery of the Rosicrucians and alchemists.
Whoever is knowledgeable about these writings will
recognize the connections with ease, if he is not so stupid
as to think that such a recognition is detrimental - that is,
the dogma or opinion that one already knows everything. I
do not undertake to oppose such an opinion, for that would
be a useless beginning. I console myself with a verse I
once read somewhere:
The philosopher Pythagoras conceived
A new doctrine, and so he brought -
Since he was, of course, still a heathen -
A thousand sacrificial bulls to the Gods.
Is it now no wonder, if the oxen tremble
As soon as they get wind of a new truth?
What I am revealing here is old, primeval, knowledge. I
cannot be credited with having discovered the secret, I am
only the means to an end, the tool. And this tool struggled
long enough against revealing this secret. It was supposed
19
 to be revealed only to a small circle in my History of The column Jachin is tne
Astrology; I confess that that was a conceit of mine. just as still today all mi
for those who are not familiar with the mode of teaching compared to index fingeL.
and symbolism of the Rosicrucians, I will give the The column Boas is the
necessary explanations. Additionally, there are enough the apprentice is to work c
books in the Theosophical Publishing House where more from the point to the line
detailed information can be found. It is likewise with the compass (A) to a perfect cir~
symbols and signs of recognition of the Freemasons. the letter G, which me
Modern Freemasonry has truly preserved one thing, and Masonic Degree.
that is a great deal of the symbolism still used in the And what does the Thir
lodges, even though the meaning might have been lost or day Mason? He receives th
another external meaning might have been applied. I once grip, but he does not knm
presented this years ago in magical writings under the true by means of the grip,
pseudonym Lessing the Younger. (Conversations Ernst ashes the full redness of the r
and Falk.) through the black shadow _r
Modern Freemasonry, which since the Constitution of its complete unfoldment.
1717 was developed into worldwide Freemasonry, both is It is telling enough that m
and is not the continuation of the old Freemasonry of the reject Rosi-crucianism and .
Middle Ages. It is so as far as outward appearances are it was precisely these whi
concerned, but as it concerns the nature and content of the masonry.
teaching it has entirely abandoned the ways of ancient If we trace our way ba~··
Masonry. It has placed itself on a purely humanistic basis connections. In my second ·-
and views salvation as a matter of external progress Astrologie I will pursue these
moving from the outside inward. Ancient Masonry views, one also finds the basis of the
or rather viewed, its assignment as the ennobling of the and numbers, which I can on .
individual. It taught a system whereby the individual being We will become familiar -
had to begin to become better and it hoped that this person Rosicrucian writers in the f
would then function like leavening in the mass of the concerned with demonstratin.:
people. This hope was justified as long as there remained a proof that the exercises of th
religious unity in the western world. As soon as this unity "Great Work" which the Rosi
began to crumble, the powers of the shadow started to win described as the highest of aL
the game and the emerging Enlightenment gradually the understanding of these thi _
overwhelmed the old sources completely such that the can enter upon it. Doubtless f
meanings of the symbols were forgotten. more suitable than I myself
Modern Masonry has no system of exercises such as but I know that for many thi
ancient Masonry did. The word [Jakin], which is imparted H is ancient secret knowle
to the apprentice, signifies nothing to him other than it is a world - that the whole uni ver ~
sign of recognition of the First Degree- that, however, the matter, and that matter as we ._
two vowels I and A are contained in this word, and that form of this primeval matter
these are the work of the First Degree, has been forgotten. primeval matter aether, and t
20 21
 mall circle in my History of
·as a conceit of mine.
·liar with the mode of teaching
Rosicrucians, I will give the
itionally, there are enough
Publishing House where more
fo und. It is likewise with the
ognition of the Freemasons.
truly preserved one thing, and
e symbolism still used in the
aning might have been lost or
= .::night have been applied. I once
:.n magical writings under the
: ounger. (Conversations Ernst
hich since the Constitution of
rldwide Freemasonry, both is
of the old Freemasonry of the
ar as outward appearances are
the nature and content of the
ndoned the ways of ancient
lf on a purely humanistic basis
matter of external progress
ward. Ancient Masonry views,
=nment as the ennobling of the
m whereby the individual being
er and it hoped that this person
leavening in the mass of the
tied as long as there remained a
rn world. As soon as this unity
, ers of the shadow started to win
... ging Enlightenment gradually
urces completely such that the
· ere forgotten.
o system of exercises such as
.,·ord [Jakin], which is imparted
nothing to him other than it is a
First Degree- that, however, the
~~ ntained in this word, and that
!fSt Degree, has been forgotten.
.-0
The column Jachin is the upward pointing index finger,
just as still today all minarets around the mosques are
compared to index fingers.
The column Boas is the thumb. In the Second Degree
the apprentice is to work on the A and the 0. He is to go
from the point to the line (1), from the line through the
compass (A) to a perfect circle (0). This is the meaning of
the letter G, which means geometry, of the Second
Masonic Degree.
And what does the Third Degree mean to the present-
day Mason? He receives the master-word and the master-
grip, but he does not know that he has to make this word
true by means of the grip, so that out of the discolored
ashes the full redness of the rose can be engendered. Only
through the black shadow of death can the spirit attain to
its complete unfoldment.
It is telling enough that most historians of Freemasonry
reject Rosi-crucianism and alchemy as aberrations; but no,
it was precisely these which embodied ancient Free-
masonry.
If we trace our way back we will find significant
connections. In my second volume of Die Geschichte der
Astrologie I will pursue these connections. It is there that
one also finds the basis of the teachings concerning letters
and numbers, which I can only touch on here.
We will become familiar with numerous alchemical and
Rosicrucian writers in the following presentation. I am
concerned with demonstrating from these writings the
proof that the exercises of the Beni el Mim embody the
"Great Work" which the Rosicrucians and alchemists have
described as the highest of all. I want to open the way to
the understanding of these things so that even the doubter
can enter upon it. Doubtless further investigations by men
more suitable than I myself am will increase the proofs,
but I know that for many this will not be necessary .
H. is ancient secret knowledge that everything in the
world - that the whole universe - consists of a primeval
matter, and that matter as we know it is only an apparent
form of this primeval matter. The ancients called this
primeval matter aether, and they taught that God, the
21
 ultimate, incomprehensible unity, manifested as spirit and conceivable form . Ea
aether. Modern science expresses this by saying that every development, however. the ·
form of matter is determined by a different vibratory rate makes it possible to accelen·
of the primeval matter. Even just 20 years ago it was to spiritualize matter is the
taught that the atom was the smallest thing and was I is the creative princi
indivisible; today it is taught that in the atom a certain arises the A, spirit and the 0
number of electrons circulate around a fixed nucleus. The three vowels spiritual curr
·direction of motion and number of these electrons frequently find these two s! =
determine the nature of the matter.* images in ancient Freell!
To know the nature of this primeval matter is frequently the 0.
conceptually impossible for us, but its first apparent forms Two very good illustratio
are recognizable. These are cosmic forces designated by the 1619 Hannover editio
the ancients as elements: fire, water, air and earth. By Amphitheatrum Sapientiae
means of these the seven forces which play a role in physician in Dresden . He
astrology are fixed. permission to publish the boo
God (Sun) is manifest in the Spirit (Moon) and Matter- of the elector by the name
Aether (Saturn). Spirit and Matter are manifest in the four although the work did not a
cosmic forces: Fire (Mars), Earth (Venus), Air (Mercury), Khunrath's death. His lodge-
and Water (Jupiter). In astrology a zodiacal sign is provided for the publication.
ascribed to each of these forces as a diurnal and nocturnal on the first table which sho
house. The sequence of zodiacal signs as nocturnal houses middle: the A, over these
represent the materialization of spirit, while the sequence wisdom. The owl is wearing =
of the diurnal houses represent the spiritualization of and left are two lights,
matter. inscription below reads:
What's the use of tor·
Sun Moon If the people don 't

I Leo
V~go
Libra
Mercury
Venus
Cancer
Geminii
Khunrath indicates the wa_
"Consider why you have com
know GOD, yourself and the

I
Taurus at this-
Scorpio Mars Aries I. through prayer in
Sagittarius Jupiter Pisces II. through work in th
Capricorn Saturn Aquarius That is the highest philosoph_
J
An illustration which sho
represented by the hands is fo
Here the goal of human development is presented in this same work.
ordering of the zodiacal signs in the simplest and most The fourth table illustrate
foreground who are showing ·
*Okkulte Chemie. Theosophisches Verlagshaus, Leipzig. art. The wise man to the left 1
one to the right forms an A w1
22 23
 uni ty, manifested as spirit and
esses this by saying that every
ed by a different vibratory rate
. Even j ust 20 years ago it was
~ .he smallest thing and was
.:ht that in the atom a certain
e around a fixed nucleus. The
number of these electrons
matter. *
o f this primeval matter is
' us. but its first apparent forms
os mic forces designated by
::ire, water, air and earth. By
forces which play a role in
· the Spirit (Moon) and Matter-
latter are manifest in the four
--·. Earth (Venus), Air (Mercury),
trology a zodiacal sign is
rces as a diurnal and nocturnal
acal signs as nocturnal houses
of spirit, while the sequence
Mesent the spiritualization of
Moon
Cancer
Iercury Geminii
Venus
I
Taurus
. Iars Aries
up iter Pisces
a turn Aquarius
•elopment is presented in this
· gns in the simplest and most
uu.uisches Verlagshaus, Leipzig.
conceivable form. Each person must undergo this
development, however, the free will of the human being
makes it possible to accelerate this development. One way
to spiritualize matter is the Science of the Key.
I is the creative principle, the first unity. From the I
arises the A, spirit and the 0, matter. By means of the
three vowels spiritual currents are stimulated. We very
frequently find these two signs, I and A, represented in
images in ancient Freemasonic literature, and less
frequently the 0.
Two very good illustrations of the vowels are found in
the 1619 Hannover edition of Heinrich Khunrath' s
Amphitheatrum Sapientiae Aeternae. Khunrath was a
physician in Dresden. He already secured imperial
permission to publish the book from the then mint-master
of the elector by the name of Sebottendorf in 1598,
although the work did not appear until three years after
Khunrath's death. His lodge-brother, Erasmus Wolfart,
provided for the publication. The three vowels are found
on the first table which shows two crossed torches in the
middle: the A, over these is an owl, as a symbol of
wisdom. The owl is wearing glasses: the 0. To the right
and left are two lights, which indicate the I. The
inscription below reads:
What's the use of torches, light or glasses
If the people don't want to see?
Khunrath indicates the way in the following words:
"Consider why you have come into the world: to learn to
know GOD, yourself and the spiritual world." You arrive
at this-
I. through prayer in the oratory
II. through work in the laboratory
That is the highest philosophy.
An illustration which shows us how the vowels are
represented by the hands is found on another page of the
same work.
The fourth table illustrates two wise men in the
foreground who are showing the crowd the entrances to
art. The wise man to the left is clearly forming an I, the
one to the right forms an A with his right hand and an 0
23
 with his left. An epigram makes the symbols even more From the plethora of ma.
clear; it says: Capiat et sapiat qui capere et sapere potest, two more examples whi-~
qui non vel taceat vel discat aut abeat aut talis, qua/is est, demonstrate the way in
maneat. "Grasp and use it, whosoever can grasp and use wisdom.
it, whosoever can not do so, to be silent and learn, or In the book: von dem g rt?,
remove himself, or remain as he is." viel tausend Me ister an_·
In the holdings of the Munich Staatsbibliotek there is a haben,(6 ) published for
prayer book of the French Freemason Jacques Coeur, philosophy by Johannes I"!!-
which is especially instructive, and which contains copious the author gives us a clue : .
illustrations of the three vowels. Franz Boll presented a tractate of the Benedictine .
study of this prayer book in 1902. * 1550). It goes like this: For
Jacques Coeur was a merchant from Bourges who was should, of all things, under·
often in Damascus, and who perhaps learned the Science the heavenly scale- r
of the Key there. He supported the campaign of Joan of mountain-goat. On the othe
Arc, was the advisor of king Charles VII, and died in 1456 you should put the twin.
on the island of Chios. His two houses in Montpellier and maiden. Then make sure that
Bourges are famous in the context of cultural history as we womb of the virgin, so tha
find in both a number of Freemasonic emblems and that side of the scale. Then 1e
epigrams. The house in Bourges is set off with two towers, come into opposition with
one of which portrays an index finger, the other a thumb. conjunction and connection
Especially instructive are the hand-positions of the will occur so that the greatest
figures in the vestibule of the cathedral in Freiburg. The least will become the greate-·
series is derived from Albertus Magnus who makes us We write the Latin name
aware of the entire system of ancient Freemasonry by usual way one under the other
means of descriptions of the same things in his Mineralium
libri quinque. For example, he describes the form of the A Libra
as follows:** Cassiope est Virgo sedens in Cathedra Caper ars
habens manus erectas et cancellatas. "Cassiopeia is a Taurus
Virgin, sitting in an arm-chair with her hands erect and Cancer
crossed." From the sentences which follow it then Scorpio ros
becomes clear that the A is only made with the right hand. Aries
Much information is made available in the books of Louis
Herre concerning the vestibule cycle of sculptures and the
Masonic interpretation of the Freiburg cathedral. This The solution results in ars
literature is easy to obtain. dew] from is, as or the art of
We find the second proof ·
Rosicrucians, which were rep
* Zeitschrift for Biicherfreunde Vol. VI:2 (1902). in Altona in 1785. I do not rec
** Opera omnia Parisiis, Vol V (1890), Lib II Tract III, the reprint issued by Barsdorf E
Chap. V, page 54. of which is Aureum seculurr:
24 25
 makes the symbols even more
rpiat qui capere et sapere potest,
cat aut abeat aut talis, qualis est,
· . whosoever can grasp and use
o. to be silent and learn, or
he is."
~ - ~unich Staatsbibliotek there is a
h Freemason Jacques Coeur,
~ . . r.ive, and which contains copious
:owels . Franz Boll presented a
in 1902. *
rchant from Bourges who was
;J. ho perhaps learned the Science
orted the campaign of Joan of
· g Charles VII, and died in 1456
·- two houses in Montpellier and
ontext of cultural history as we
.. of Freemasonic emblems and
('urges is set off with two towers,
· dex finger, the other a thumb.
1.... are the hand-positions of the
'" the cathedral in Freiburg. The
ertus Magnus who makes us
m of ancient Freemasonry by
arne things in his Mineralium
, he describes the form of the A
est Virgo sedens in Cathedra
· cancellatas. "Cassiopeia is a
-t..hair with her hands erect and
rences which follow it then
· only made with the right hand.
available in the books of Louis
ule cycle of sculptures and the
the Freiburg cathedral. This
nde Vol. VI:2 (1902).
"ol V (1890), Lib II Tract III,
24
From the plethora of material I wish to present there :rr
two more examples which are especially instructive: the_
demonstrate the way in which the wise concealed the1
wisdom.
In the book: von dem groflen Stein der uralten daran so
viel tausend Meister anfangs der Welt hero gemacht
haben,(6) published for the benefit of the sons of
philosophy by Johannes ThO! den, Hessen, Zerbst 1602 -
the author gives us a clue by means of a riddle from the
tractate of the Benedictine Basilius Valentinus (around
1550). It goes like this: For a final departure from here you
should, of all things, understand that you should weigh on
the heavenly scale- ram, bull, crab, scorpion and
mountain-goat. On the other side of the scale, however,
you should put the twin, archer, water-bearer, fish and
maiden. Then make sure that the gold-rich lion enters the
womb of the virgin, so that the balance will be tipped to
that side of the scale. Then let the twelve signs of heaven
come into opposition with the Pleiades, thus a final
conjunction and connection of all the colors of the cosmos
will occur so that the greatest will become the least and the
least will become the greatest of all.
We write the Latin names of the zodiacal signs in the
usual way one under the other and read the final letters:
Libra Gemini
Caper ars Arcitenens is
Taurus Amphora
Cancer Pisces as
Scorpio ros Vir-Leo-go
Aries Pleiades OS
The solution results in ars ros is os as. Art is a tau [=
dew] from is, as or the art of the rose is is, as os.
We find the second proof in the secret figures of the
Rosicrucians, which were reprinted in German translation
in Altona in 1785. I do not recall whether it is contained in
the reprint issued by Barsdorf (Berlin, 1918), the first part
of which is Aureum seculum redivivum von Henricus
25
 Madathanus, theosophus, medicus et tandem dei gratia
aureae crucisfrater.o> Madathan says: "The number of my book, who had incorrect!_
name is MDCXI, in which my whole name has been distorted drawings are al
written secretly in the book of nature with 11 dead and 7 of 1645 and 1666.
living things. Additionally, the fifth letter is the Concerning the Seal. c
fifth part of the eighth and the fifth part of the twelfth. Let expression comes from the .
yourself be satisfied with this. phrophetissa - Arnold of
The name HENRICVS MADATHANVS consists of quod ignis primi grad
eleven consonants and seven vowels. If the letters which putrefactionem, solutione
can also stand for Roman numerals are read the date 1611 dicitur per quandam sim ilituuu~
results.(B) The fifth letter is I, the eighth S, the twelfth A. est res temperata, non inte
r sed calure remisso- "Like\·
If we write the S in an angular manner thus ::J then I is the first fire, which onl y e
fifth part of S and the fifth part of A, which with its cross- dissolution and mortificatio
bar actually consists of five parts. So Madathan also gives result of a certain bath of ·
us the two vowels i and a and the consonantS- is and as moderate thing, neither bar
- as guideposts. rather relaxed in its warmth.··
The Masonic neck-grip is found very frequently in old Before I go on to a discu
sculptures; a reproduction is given by Guido von List in to quote yet another passage.
his Bilderschrift der Ario-Germanen, besides this there is a now unknown author. It is tt
also Louis Herre in his books on the Freiburg cathedral. Compositione et Operarione. T
In alchemistic literature this neck-grip is referred to as of 56 short chapters and i -
the seal of Hermes, or merely as the Seal, or the Bath of Freemasonic writings which
Mary. The Venetian physician Laurentius Ventura writes:* Gratrolus of Bergamo campi
Stude ergo ad inveniendum hoc sigillum secretum: quia 1561. The title of this col
sine illo magisterium perjici non potest, et hoc est duplex Metallicae Doctrina Certusque
modus: primus per torturam calli, that is: " ... therefore
concern yourself with finding this secret seal, because Cap. XXXV Primum opus: Eli.: •
without that mastery cannot be attained. And there is a
doubled method of practice: the first is by means of Item de vera composm
encircling(9) the neck." primus opus, dicitur a p
On the seventh page of the previously mentioned work quae est vera, ubique rep
by Basilius Valentinus we find a man who is holding a homine est et apudquemli
scale in his left hand, and the right hand encompasses a Adam secum apportavit e
bottle with the neck-grip. The level of importance the mortuus fuit, ipsam sec
translator ThOlde places on this drawing can be seen in his sepultus fuit: Et pro
polemic which he directed at a greedy reprinter of his Allegoria, quod ist res est
sol subri.
*De Lapide Philosophorum ch. XVII printed in the
Theatrum Chemicum, Strassburg. * De Decoctione Lapidis Philos.
26
2
 medicus et tandem dei gratia
I.Hauathan says: "The number of my
· h my whole name has been
· of nature with 11 dead and 7
Hy, the fifth letter is the
he fifth part of the twelfth. Let
IS.
... IADATHANVS consists of
en vowels. If the letters which
~ numerals are read the date 1611
... is I, the eighth S, the twelfth A.
r sed calure remisso- "Likewise notice that the degree of the
- gular manner thus :J then I is the
part of A, which with its cross-
e parts. So Madathan also gives
nd the consonantS- is and as
· found very frequently in old
is given by Guido von List in
o-Germanen, besides this there is
cs on the Freiburg cathedral.
-e this neck-grip is referred to as
ely as the Seal, or the Bath of
· ian Laurentius Ventura writes:*
m hoc sigillum secretum: quia
'ci non potest, et hoc est duplex
am calli, that is: " ... therefore
ding this secret seal, because
ot be attained. And there is a
:-e: the first is by means of
he previously mentioned work
fi nd a man who is holding a
the right hand encompasses a
The level of importance the
Lhi s drawing can be seen in his
at a greedy reprinter of his
XVII printed in the
.:..6
book, who had incorrectly reproduced the drawings. The
distorted drawings are also found in the Strassburg editions
of 1645 and 1666.
Concerning the Seal, or the Bath of Mary - the
expression comes from the Alexandrian alchemist, Maria
phrophetissa - Arnold of Villanova writes:* item nota,
quod ignis primi gradus qui pertinet solum ad
putrefactionem, solutionem, mortificationem corporis,
dicitur per quandam similitudinem balneum, quia balneum
est res temperata, non intensa in calore nee etiam rigida
first fire, which only extends to the putrefaction,
dissolution and mortification of the body, is said to be the
result of a certain bath of similarity, because the bath is a
moderate thing, neither harsh in its warmth, nor cold, but
rather relaxed in its warmth."
Before I go on to a discussion of the work itself, I want
to quote yet another passage, which I take from a book of
a now unknown author. It is the Liber de Magni Lapidis
Compositione et Ope ratione. The small work is made up
of 56 short chapters and is found in the collection of
Freemasonic writings which the Italian physician Guielmus
Gratrolus of Bergamo compiled and published in Basel in
1561. The title of this collection is Verae Alchemiae
Metallicae Doctrina Certusque Modus.
Cap. XXXV Primum opus: Elixir ubique reperiri
Item de vera compositione Elixiris, quod est
primus opus, dicitur a philosophis quod illa res
quae est vera, ubique reperitur, quia in quodlibet
homine est et apudquemlibet hominem reperitur: et
Adam secum apportavit eam de Paradiso et cum
mortuus fuit, ipsam secum reportavit et com ea
sepultus fuit: Et pro tanto dicit sapientum
Allegoria, quod ist res est
sol subtiliatus
* De Decoctione Lapidis Philosophorum .
27
 is est arum subtiliatum et conversum in virtute
maxima minerali: unde dicitur in libra de hoc auro, contain gold in th
ex gumma nostra et pauco auro multa emimus. Sed he also says that it i
secundum Albertum in libra de Mineralibus dicitur Albertus says and pro
et probatur, quod aurum ubiqueest et reperitur, quia mineral power is in ,
non est aliqua res ex quatuor elementis elementata, head between the teeJ_.
in qua non inveniatur aurum in ultima affinatione found in the grave -
natura/iter. Et quia idem Albertus dicit ibidem et their teeth on the surf,
probat, quod maxima virtus mineralis est in which, as he says. ''
quodlibet homine et maxime in capite inter dentes mineral-power were !!O
ita quod in sepulchris antiquorum mortuorum inter which is also in the E
dentes aurum in granis minutis et oblongis suerius mentioned. For this re
inventum est in suo tempore, ut ipse dicit, quod is in every person, an
esse non posset, nisi in homine esset ista virtus have seen and understo
mineralis, quae virtus mineralis est in Elixiri nostro subject.
praedicto, vel composito. Et pro tanto dicitur quod We shouldn't think badl.
hie lapis est in quodlibet homine et quod, Adam, shakes his head over such u
etc. His visis et intellectis ad propositum redeamus. aside. It is meant even less for
him as well as the super:
In the future I will not provide the Latin texts, but will philosopher quotes an old b
limit myself to their translations. and wishes thereby to convey
to be understood according tc ....
Chapt. 35 First Work: The Elixir is to be found it. he quotes Albertus, but ·
everywhere. does not take the trouble to rea
wrong path.
Likewise the philosophers tell of the composition of The gold between the tee
the elixir, which is the first work, that is that thing, according to the Gospel of J
which is right and found everywhere, because it is The kernels of gold (syllable
in every person and is found with every person. "pointed" and "broad lengthv ·
Adam took it with him from paradise, he bore it the body (gum), the little g
back when he died and he was buried with it. For rarified solar power.
this reason the allegory of the wise says that this Artefius teaches us in his C'
thing is the rarified Sun, that is rarified gold art ''facere descendere spin
brought to the highest power of the mineral: following forms in which the _
Therefore, it is said in a book about this gold: we V X 0 through L. Here we hav
buy much from our gum and from little gold. are two forms of the A, the
According to Albertus, in a book about minerals, it about when the thumb is not
is said, and proven, that gold is present and can be the breadth which is the right an~
found everywhere, because there is nothing made of The L means a level and a sq
the four elements which does not quite naturally We find very significant piM
Italian physician Janus Laciniu
28
29
=- -
--
 1atum et conversum in virtute
de dicitur in libra de hoc aura,
- pauco aura multa emimus. Sed
in libra de Mineralibus dicitur
ubiqueest et reperitur, quia
x quatuor elementis elementata,
r aurum in ultima affinatione
· idem Albertus dicit ibidem et
rima virtus mineralis est in
; maxime in capite inter dentes
is antiquorum mortuorum inter
is minutis et oblongis suerius
'O tempore, ut ipse dicit, quod
isi in homine esset ista virtus
mineralis est in Elixiri nostro
sito. Et pro tanto dicitur quod
dlibet homine et quod, Adam,
'lectis ad propositum redeamus.
rovide the Latin texts, but will
ons.
Elixir is to be found
rs tell of the composition of
first work, that is that thing,
nd everywhere, because it is
is found with every person.
·m from paradise, he bore it
he was buried with it. For
::: ry of the wise says that this
Sun, that is rarified gold
t power of the mineral:
· a book about this gold: we
::: um and from little gold.
in a book about minerals, it
gold is present and can be
... use there is nothing made of
does not quite naturally
contain gold in the most extreme purity. Therefore,
he also says that it is found everywhere. The same
Albertus says and proves right there that the greatest
mineral power is in every person and mainly in the
head between the teeth, so that in his time gold was
found in the graves of long-dead persons between
their teeth on the surface in fine elongated kernels,
which, as he says, would not be possible if that
mineral-power were not in the person, a power
which is also in the Elixir or composition we
mentioned. For this reason it is said that this stone
is in every person, and that Adam, etc. After we
have seen and understood this, we will return to our
subject.
We shouldn't think badly of a modern person if he
shakes his head over such utterances and puts this book
aside. It is meant even less for the curious- it will confuse
him as well as the superficial individual. The old
philosopher quotes an old book: the allegory of the wise,
and wishes thereby to convey that the expression "gold" is
to be understood according to the way the wise understood
it. he quotes Albertus, but incorrectly in fact. Whoever
does not take the trouble to read closely will go down the
wrong path.
The gold between the teeth is the word out of which,
according to the Gospel of John, everything was created.
The kernels of gold (syllables) are minutis and oblongis-
"pointed" and "broad lengthwise." I and A which animate
the body (gum), the little gold that is necessary is the
rarified solar power.
Artefius teaches us in his Clavis Majoris Sapientiae the
art ''facere descendere spiritum"oo) and provides the
following forms in which the spirit willingly overflows. I
V X 0 through L. Here we have the I and the 0; V and X
are two forms of the A, the so-called point which comes
about when the thumb is not spread in a right-angle and
the breadth which is the right angle.
The L means a level and a square.
We find very significant pictures in the treatise of the
Italian physician !anus Lacinius from Calabria: Metallorum
29
in me/ius mutationem Typus Methodusque (Venice, 1546). The first figure shows the r
The first illustration shows a king, who draws attention to a well masked hand is exteh ...
his extended index finger- it is the beginning of the royal The thumb is indicated by a J

art. Another work is appended to this tractate, which is top of the third hill. Onl_
also very instructive: Pretiosa mararita novella by Petrus shown, the other fingers can
Bonus Ferrariensis. saying of the Rosicruci ans
Even more important for us is the short work left behind "Whoever is not equipped wi
by the unfortunate Seton, and which Sendivogius has to take common quicksil
published. Orthelius annotated this piece of writing: they mean the angled hand-
Novum Lumen Chemicum. Here there are twelve figures has to take common quicksilYe
which clearly show where the way leads. should keep his hands off.
Before I go on, it should be mentioned that Seton was Another drawing shows us a
an adept seduced by vanity who wanted to make use of his furnace. The drawing is surro
wisdom to manufacture gold from ignoble metals. He was seven are shown on the leng
arrested by the Saxon Elector, Christian II, and cruelly shown on the above and belo
tortured without ever betraying his secret. Sendivog freed large diagram that should be
him from prison, but unfortunately too late, as he died middle of the diagram a fla
three months later- after he had shared out the elixir to his vertical mark- an I. Next to the
wife and Sendivog. Sendivogius married his widow and so small grate, the cover of a vent ti
came into possession of the entirety of the elixir. work has 24 fields- the 2~ I
Afterward he passed himself off as an adept without, Orthelius provides the comme
however, being able to produce the elixir himself. connected to a finger.
Whoever has diligently followed my discussion will I wish to explain a few more
already have understood that the production of the stone is the diagrams of Seton are i
only possible for someone who has mastered the Science because the art of this adept i
of the Key. This science is, however - at least according a man who is irreproachable in
to the notions of the world - so childish that Seton would derive anything from the No
prefer to have himself tortured and killed rather than otherwise he would have m
surrender it. He wouldn't have been believed. At the Schmieder's assertion.
conclusion I will give an example where this is made Surya writes in volume XI
clear. If you are interested in the special field of the Medizin: "Setonius left behin
alchemists of the art of making gold, I recommend to you treatise in Latin under the title Co.
the book by Schmieder, Geschichte der Alchemie (Halle, chymicum. It concerns the sto
1832). You will derive much information from it. chapters, which the author rna_
We find Orthelius' commentary in volume VI of the mind with the twelve gates of Ri
Theatrum Chemicum(Strassburg, 1661 ). This edition concerning the secret is to be ex
corresponds completely to the book I am referring to: made absolutely clear by the
ovum Lumen Chymicum Michaelis Sendivogii Polni XII remarks of the author. One who
Figuris in Germania reperitis illustratum, 1624. of disputation or under torture wil
circumspect at his writing de
30 31
 Methodusque (Venice, 1546).
king, who draws attention to
is the beginning of the royal
ed to this tractate, which is
~.. sa mararita novella by Petrus
us is the short work left behind
on . and which Sendivogius
rated this piece of writing:
. Here there are twelve figures
e way leads.
be mentioned that Seton was
. who wanted to make use of his
:=old from ignoble metals. He was
tor, Christian II, and cruelly
. . . _. ing his secret. Sendivog freed
ortunately too late, as he died
had shared out the elixir to his
;:,ius married his widow and so
f the entirety of the elixir.
- -elf off as an adept without,
ro duce the elixir himself.
ollo wed my discussion will
the production of the stone is
·:ho has mastered the Science
ts. however - at least according
- so childish that Seton would
.• ured and killed rather than
~ · t have been believed. At the
example where this is made
in the special field of the
ung gold, I recommend to you
Ge -clzichte der Alchemie (Halle,
information from it.
entary in volume VI of the
'""~sb urg, 1661). This edition
the book I am referring to:
ficha elis Sendivogii Polni XII
· illustratum, 1624.
The first figure shows the following: From the upper left
a well masked hand is extended toward the bottom right.
The thumb is indicated by a small elongated cloud over the
top of the third hill. Only the index finger is clearly
shown, the other fingers can not be seen. There is an old
saying of the Rosicrucians, which I will translate:
"Whoever is not equipped with the golden rod for fishing
has to take common quicksilver." By "the golden rod"
they mean the angled hand- the A. By the expression "he
has to take common quicksilver" they mean to say that he
should keep his hands off.
Another drawing shows us a chemical laboratory with a
furnace. The drawing is surrounded by 20 circles, of these
seven are shown on the lengthwise sides, and three are
shown on the above and below. On the furnace there is a
large diagram that should be commented upon. In the
middle of the diagram a flask is shown with a small
vertical mark- an I. Next to the furnace at the bottom is a
small grate, the cover of a vent for ashes or air. The grate-
work has 24 fields- the 24 letters. Concerning this
Orthelius provides the commentary that the I is to be
connected to a finger.
I wish to explain a few more of the diagrams because
the diagrams of Seton are important to me precisely
because the art of this adept is doubtless solid and because
a man who is irreproachable in all things, Surya, could not
derive anything from the Novum Lumen Chymicum,
otherwise he would have made some comment on
Schmieder's assertion.
Surya writes in volume XI of the collection Okkulte
Medizin: "Setonius left behind only a single alchemical
treatise in Latin under the title Cosmopolitae Novum Lum
chymicum. It concerns the stone of the wise in twelve
chapters, which the author may have associated in his
mind with the twelve gates of Ripey. That no disclosure
concerning the secret is to be expected from this work is
made absolutely clear by the previously quoted oral
remarks of the author. One who betrays nothing in the heat
of disputation or under torture will certainly be even more
circumspect at his writing desk. This treatise was
31
 published after his death by Sendivogius and appeared in The two waters are me
different editions. animated A. They are con
Seton knew the time had not yet come, and he paid for vessel, that is the angled h
this knowledge with his life. In his work he clearly set hand is stretched out so th ·
down the science for those who possess the key. But the of the aether. The expressi
cursed hunger for gold made them all go astray. supposed to indicate the ae
We know that the Sun represents God and the Moon in this way so as to animate ·~
represents the spirit, and the soul as well, since the soul mixed with the animated h
and the spirit are the same thing: the soul is the immortal like rain. Once the hand i
spirit which struggles back toward its primeval source. The spiritual water, one procee
medieval Latin alphabet of 20 letters had four vowels: A E neck-grip.
I 0 . The U was expressed by V. In addition there were 16 The water is defined as '·o
consonants. Based on this scholastic division the vowel A not wet our hands, not no
was often expressed by the number 17. Now we see on the rainwater."
left side of the illustration a two-handled wash-tub with I wish to describe one last fi ~
soil in it, on the right side the soil has disappeared and alchemist who is holding the r r.
there appears something akin to the finger-tips of a hand. javelin, in his left hand with
In the sky above shine the Moon and the Sun. The Moon wash-tub. The tub is empty.
is surrounded by 17 stars, of which 16 are quite clearly this has noting to do with act
shown, while the 17th is indicated more faintly. Here the making a grasping gesture. 0
letters are ascribed to the first emanation of God. It should vessel with water, and if one car~
also be indicated that these letters are to be spoken aloud. a small hand can be seen to ha .
The Sun shows that the letters are to be fulfilled by means With this I believe I have :
of divine spirit. As the accompanying text emphasizes, this providing proof that the secrer
only concerns the 17th letter, the A. The explanation is the in the vowels connected to sign.
following: The soil in the wash-tub on the left is the Terra conclude that, as I will quote c r~
Adamica, the human being. The left segment of the figure the words which the much mi ~
is meant to indicate that the human being is the object of Basel, Leonhardt Thumeisser.
alchemy. The right segment provides us with the actual as a conclusion. In 1586 Th
means for the work- the letter A, the spirit and the hand. Reformed and Lutheran lodge
The Moon and the stars, illuminated by the Sun in the sky Fama of 1614 acknowledge
in the upper part of the segment on the right, symbolize Rosicrucians and also mention" '"'
the spiritually animated letter A. The hand stretches itself with the writings of Paracelsu
down toward the A, ready to grasp it. The text belonging only known in lodge-circles and
to this figure says: "The aforementioned spiritual water is few copies. One bears the title:
taken up and both waters are blended in a single vessel and Onomasticum Interpretatio oder
put outside under a clear, starry sky. Then the celestial Thurneyssers zum Thurm ii
rays are mixed with them. When, however, rain falls you vnbekannten Worter in den
can operate. The longer it is set out, the better it is." Peracelsi.(Il) It is 95 pages long .:J
in 1574. The last two pages coc
32 33
 endivogius and appeared in
not yet come, and he paid for
life. In his work he clearly set
rho possess the key. But the
·- them all go astray.
~~ represents God and the Moon
oul as well, since the soul
ill.ing: the soul is the immortal
-~toward its primeval source. The
t:' 20 letters had four vowels: A E
: V. In addition there were 16
holastic division the vowel A
number 17. Now we see on the
a two-handled wash-tub with
the soil has disappeared and
,;n to the finger-tips of a hand.
loon and the Sun. The Moon
-s, of which 16 are quite clearly
· "icated more faintly. Here the
- .... t emanation of God. It should
. etters are to be spoken aloud.
· ~s are to be fulfilled by means
mpanying text emphasizes, this
. the A. The explanation is the
h-tub on the left is the Terra
- g. The left segment of the figure
-:. ~ human being is the object of
t provides us with the actual
••er A, the spirit and the hand.
·nated by the Sun in the sky
.::: ~e n t on the right, symbolize
r A. The hand stretches itself
grasp it. The text belonging
rementioned spiritual water is
tended in a single vessel and
- -tarry sky. Then the celestial
en, however, rain falls you
· out, the better it is."
The two waters are the spoken and the spiritually
animated A. They are connected to each other in a single
vessel, that is the angled hand, and put outside- that is, the
hand is stretched out so that it can draw spiritual water out
of the aether. The expression "under a clear, starry sky" is
supposed to indicate the aether. When the hand is extended
in this way so as to animate the A in it, aetherical rays are
mixed with the animated hand and they flow forth into it
like rain. Once the hand is sufficiently saturated with this
spiritual water, one proceeds on to the operation- the
neck-grip.
The water is defined as "our heavenly water which does
not wet our hands, not normal water, yet almost like
rainwater."
I wish to describe one last figure. We see on this one an
alchemist who is holding the tragula aurea, the golden
javelin, in his left hand with which he is pointing to a
wash-tub. The tub is empty, whereby it is indicated that
this has noting to do with actual water. His right hand is
making a grasping gesture. On the chair stands a smaller
vessel with water, and if one carefully examines this vessel
a small hand can be seen to have been drawn in .
With this I believe I have fulfilled my assignment of
providing proof that the secret of the alchemists is hidden
in the vowels connected to signs and grips. I will therefore
conclude that, as I will quote other masters later on, with
the words which the much misunderstood Freemason of
Basel, Leonhardt Thumeisser, directed toward his readers
as a conclusion. In 1586 Thumeisser forged a union of
Reformed and Lutheran lodges into one great league. The
Fama of 1614 acknowledges him as the father of the
Rosicrucians and also mentions his two dictionaries along
with the writings of Paracelsus. These dictionaries were
only known in lodge-circles and probably only survive in a
few copies. One bears the title: Hermeneia, das ist ein
Onomasticum Interpretatio oder erklerunge Leonhardt
Thurneyssers zum Thurm iiber die frebden vnd
vnbekannten Worter in den schriften Theophrasti
Peracelsi.oo It is 95 pages long and was printed in Berlin
in 1574. The last two pages contain a rhymed poem to the
33
 reader as a conclusion to the work. In this Thurneisser
represents the viewpoint that Freemasonic practices will
lead to better and higher knowledge than going to the
greatest universities. Our hand-grips, he says, reveal the
truth to us much better and more clearly than any book.
Also all obscure writings will become clear by these
means, and whatever we do not understand in Paracelsus
will be easily understood when we connect the question to
a hand-grip. We inquire with the chest-grip and god
provides the answer in our hearts. The concluding words
read: III
THEORY A:."\1)
Viel Kunst sind geschrieben, wenig wahr
Handgriff zeigt die Prob, Labor machts klar.
Praxis bewahrt ding, die geschriben sind.
Handgriff all Kunst, so durch arbeidt sind.
Der handtgriff ist ein Instrument
In what has already been .. •
Durch das 's Gemiit all sein Anschlag endt.
that the system of the Rosi ~ .
Die Natur dem Gemiit sein bgird ersatt
only be understood when sig- -
Wem handgriff s Werk verrichtet hat.
We are now going to go thro ~=
Doch geschieht der keins ohn handtgriff nit
Der EinfluB wirkt unsichtbar mit of the Science of the Key. Ple
additional examples of proof
Derhalb was ich nicht lesen kann
Das greif ich mit den hen den an here. The system according t
not completely perfect, as the
Und hab Gott lob mit ausgericht
Was hundert tun mit lesen nicht grip and a series of the form
west. All systems which
Drum mich Neids schwetzen nit an ficht.
dovetail into the system o
contradiction.
The wish, and the hope, of
task of writing this book ·
individuals will want to undert
building an unbreakable chai
against all the powers of
misunderstandings, I would liKe~
formation of any lodge, and
bothered by letters. I will not
me from my astrological writ!
to say is so clear that a child
understand it can not be helped
shall find," but this does not
be handed out on a silver platte•.
34 3-
- ---- -
 e work. In this Thurneisser
Freemasonic practices will
owledge than going to the
d-grips, he says, reveal the
more clearly than any book.
ill become clear by these
not understand in Paracelsus
n we connect the question to
with the chest-grip and god
arts. The concluding words
'- -=eben, wenig wahr
. Labor machts klar.
geschriben sind.
durch arbeidt sind.
-uument
ein Anschlag endt.
--in bgird ersatt
errichtet hat.
· ~ ohn handtgriff nit
tbar mit
n kann
en an
~oericht
0
n nicht
tzen nit an ficht.
III
THEORY AND PRACTICE
¢
In what has already been written I have provided proof
that the system of the Rosicrucians and alchemists can
only be understood when signs, grips and words are used.
We are now going to go through the whole system in light
of the Science of the Key. Please allow me to give a few
additional examples of proof from Rosicrucian writings
here. The system according to which Westerners work is
not completely perfect, as the Middle-grip, the Closing-
grip and a series of the formulas were not known to the
west. All systems which were exercised, however,
dovetail into the system of the Beni el Mim without
contradiction.
The wish, and the hope, of those who assigned me the
task of writing this book is that a great number of
individuals will want to undertake these exercises, thus
building an unbreakable chain which is the best defence
against all the powers of the shadow. To avoid any
misunderstandings, I would like to stress that I reject the
formation of any lodge, and I request also that I not be
bothered by letters. I will not answer, as those who know
me from my astrological writings can attest. What I have
to say is so clear that a child can grasp it. Whoever can't
understand it can not be helped. It is written: "Seek and ye
shall find," but this does not mean that everything should
be handed out on a silver platter.
35
 The exercises can harm no one. But one condition must and by thinking of the le
be met-they can not be interrupted. Missing one day will human is an inert rna.,.,. .
cause a setback of weeks and calls the whole endeavor into increasingly more materi
question. And the most important thing is the prayer-the the spiritual water a brea
prayer for admission. matter bas to be stimulate
The exercises, especially in the beginning, should not be letter I, by which the ele
overdone, otherwise a few complaints might arise. These discussed in Geschichte der
would not be dangerous, but they would be uncomfortable. rune, which is associated wi
I will provide further explanations of these. You should belongs to Jupiter (water
practice when you are alone and undisturbed. Anyone can (air).
sequester himself ten minutes a day for this. You should In order to animate the I
keep quiet about your exercises and only speak about in an erect position so tba-
them, once your goal is met, to someone you recognize as form of the I. One stretcbe-
an equal brother-for then it is easy. sky and makes a fist. Then m...
"What mode of life must I maintain?" I hear people ask. upward. It should rise up ne
I would like to answer this as well. Whoever studies the slender minaret beside the
lives of the alchemists and Rosicrucians will find that they J achy a remarks in his sma:I
were married and that they lived as every other person thinking the vowel I the fi .. ~
lived. True wisdom automatically avoids any excess. The instructions say: Take the · ·
Oriental generally lives modestly. A sheep is only index finger) and strike the sci
slaughtered on festival days, otherwise he consumes milk, second steel (the thumb) an
cheese, bread and fruit. This is perhaps not possible in the into action, which attracts the
colder latitudes, but the consumption of meat should be you the water for which you · ·
limited in a reasonable way. Alcohol in every form is It will soon be found that
forbidden to the Muslim. Now a glass of wine or beer warm, and then by an act
when you are in a happy mood won't hurt anything, but conducted throughout the who
distilled liquors are strenuously warned against. Whoever stimulated by the A. This can
gets to the end of the exercises will know precisely what is care should be taken not to i
to be given up. remain free, otherwise a d an ~
It is best to undertake the exercises early in the morning could ensue. During the gra
right after rising- they will not take any more than ten current would automatically
minutes a day. During the day, when you are alone, you we consciously block entrance
can do a short repetition, and in the evening as well. neck-grip. If we form the A-
I will not give a prescription concerning this prayer. first take in spiritual fire, b
Each individual will have to settle that for himself. element of earth, which car:
Whosoever asks, to him shall be given- according to dryness at the base of the th
the measure he has. Whoever understands this idea been sufficiently prepared i· ·
correctly knows what is meant by it. We read that finer spiritual water.
forces can be attracted by the index finger held vertically
36 3-
-
 o one. But one condition must
terrupted. Missing one day will
d calls the whole endeavor into
.portant thing is the prayer-the
_. in the beginning, should not be
,, complaints might arise. These
t they would be uncomfortable.
lanations of these. You should
ne and undisturbed. Anyone can
utes a day for this. You should
,,.ercises and only speak about
et, to someone you recognize as
it is easy.
r I maintain?" I hear people ask.
· · as well. Whoever studies the
d Rosicrucians will find that they
ey lived as every other person
tically avoids any excess. The
modestly. A sheep is only
_ . otherwise he consumes milk,
tis is perhaps not possible in the
~onsumption of meat should be
-~·ay. Alcohol in every form is
ow a glass of wine or beer
_ mood won't hurt anything, but
ously warned against. Whoever
ises will know precisely what is
e exercises early in the morning
.•:ill not take any more than ten
~ e day, when you are alone, you
and in the evening as well.
ription concerning this prayer.
. :. •:e to settle that for himself.
hall be given- according to
oever understands this idea
eant by it. We read that finer
e index finger held vertically
36
and by thinking of the letter I. The body of the ordin _
human is an inert mass, which, left to itself will become
increasingly more material. In order to be able to absorb
the spiritual water a breach must first be opened and the
matter has to be stimulated. This happens by means of the
letter I, by which the element of fire is stimulated. As I
discussed in Geschichte der Astrologie (vol. I) I is the is-
rune, which is associated with Mars (fire); the rune ar or as
belongs to Jupiter (water) and the othal-rune to Mercury
(air).
In order to animate the I correctly one places one's self
in an erect position so that the whole body is given the
form of the I. One stretches one's arm straight up to the
sky and makes a fist. Then the index finger is extended
upward. It should rise up next to the closed fist like a
slender minaret beside the dome of a mosque, as sheikh
Jachya remarks in his small book Charam el din. By
thinking the vowel I the finger is animated. Some old
instructions say: Take the philosophical steel (Chalyb's
index finger) and strike the scintilla (sparks). Then take the
second steel (the thumb) and put the magnet (the A-sign)
into action, which attracts the elements and conducts to
you the water for which you thirst.
It will soon be found that the finger will start to become
warm, and then by an act of will, this current can be
conducted throughout the whole body, as can the current
stimulated by the A. This can be done without injury, but
care should be taken not to influence the head- it must
remain free, otherwise a dangerous state of intoxication
could ensue. During the gradual course of the work the
current would automatically make its way into the head,
we consciously block entrance to the head by means of the
neck-grip. If we form the A-sign and animate it, we will
first take in spiritual fire, but also some of the spiritual
element of earth, which can be noticed by a certain
dryness at the base of the thumb. If the angled hand has
been sufficiently prepared it will begin to absorb the
spiritual water.
37
 the fire element- which
We supply spiritual air to the solar plexus by means of means of the vowel i. F
the 0-sign. Here I would like to mention an experiment strong that fire flames f
which my teacher conducted. He ordered a student to form and creates a sulphurous a~ ·
the A and to think of the 0. After a while he cried out: clearly perceive when v. e
"0, sheikh, look, it's impossible, they are warping Most old writings remark
automatically." "My son, Mehemed Rafi said, "you see the sulfur. Flamel writes a
that it is impossible to mix up the signs and the words. was looking for, which I r. . ....... =
You can only think of the A in the A-sign and not the 0, smell. When I had that, I e
if you think of 0, your fingers will automatically try to This sulfurous smell is :
close up. You see that the signs are not chosen arbitrarily, Only he who perceives it
but rather lie founded in nature. It is our assignment in life the experience of a current
to seek the spirit, but we always work in harmony with flow that the ancients very
nature. You also see, however, my son, that spirit acts This is the water of life o
acutely in our bodies as it forms the body according to its about, the aqua vitae of the
image. It is not only the I, the A and the 0 which animate smell the dissolution ha
the body, all vowels and consonants have this ability. The alchemy. The ancient writin=
1-spirit provides the breadth, dignity, and resilience, the texts, fix a minimal length c
0-spirit imparts life and movement." result must be obtained. A f,
It was at the beginning of my study when I heard these declare, however, that it wou
words which sheikh Mehemed Rafi spoke to the Baktashi- complete the first degree.
dervish, whom he was introducing to the Ilm el miftach, I The petrefactio, or deca~. '"
was very impressed- no astrologer could have defined the disciple of the art glimpses a
effects of the planetary forces more simply. head of the alchemists.
Approximately ten days are necessary for the During this time we are c
preparatory work. Nothing will be harmed if the simple the body by means of the n
vowels and syllables are exercised longer-development characteristic of dissolving
will take place faster that way. When the preparation is course. Hand in hand with f
over, transition is made into the main work, which is the another one which builds thin=
actual chemical process. In the preparatory work the spirit person are conditioned in
is held in the fetters of matter and is stimulated, or as the awakened. Ancient Freema
alchemists express it, the materials are made ready, the birth of the spiritual man to
soil, the earth is tilled, in order to be able to receive the shadow the disciple sees wi
seed. By means of the limited spiritual animation of the evolving spiritual man. Nm
finger, aether is absorbed and conducted to the body. The neck-grip, the one the ancien
manifestations we observe are: the body breaths really care should be given to maki
freely, and the body seems to become lighter.
As we go further in the work we will become aware that *Albert Poisson, Nikolas Fla
an increasing warmth is developing in the index finger. ses oeuvres, suivi de la reimpr,
Because of its form, this pointed member attracts more of Paris (1893), p. 173.
38 39

the solar plexus by means of
like to mention an experiment
.....-~d. He ordered a student to form
- ~ 0. After a while he cried out:
impossible, they are warping
. .1ehemed Rafi said, "you see
· up the signs and the words.
__ in the A -sign and not the 0,
- gers will automatically try to
gns are not chosen arbitrarily,
e. It is our assignment in life
·ays work in harmony with
:er. my son, that spirit acts
-n~ms the body according to its
A and the 0 which animate
onants have this ability. The
. dignity, and resilience, the
ment."
my study when I heard these
_, Rafi spoke to the Baktashi-
ing to the Ilm el miftach, I
wger could have defined the
ore simply.
are necessary for the
·11 be harmed if the simple
rcised longer--developmen
_.-. \Vhen the preparation i
e main work, which is the
reparatory work the
and is stimulated, or .
erials are made read.
~aer to be able to receive ....
piritual animation
onducted to the bod_,.
: the body breath
orne lighter.
~,. "'e will become a
ooing in the inde
member attm
the fire element- which should also be brought about b _.
means of the vowel i. Finally the warmth becomes so
strong that fire flames forth from the point of the finger
and creates a sulphurous acridity with the air which we can
clearly perceive when we hold our finger to our nose.
Most old writings remark first of all on the preparation of
the sulfur. Flamel writes about this: At last I found what I
was looking for, which I recognized at once by its strong
smell. When I had that, I easily perfected my mastery.*
This sulfurous smell is the fist milestone on the path.
Only he who perceives it can go further. He will then have
the experience of a current flowing into the angled hand, a
flow that the ancients very pointedly compared to water.
This is the water of life our folktales are so enthusiastic
about, the aqua vitae of the alchemists. With the sulfurous
smell the dissolution has begun, the putrefactio of
alchemy. The ancient writings, in agreement with oriental
texts, fix a minimal length of 40 days in which a certain
result must be obtained. A few other Freemasonic texts
declare, however, that it would take 70 or even 90 days to
complete the first degree.
The petrefactio, or decay, comes to an end when the
disciple of the art glimpses a blackish shadow, the raven's
head of the alchemists.
During this time we are conducting the water of life into
the body by means of the neck-grip. This water has the
haracteristic of dissolving and disintegrating anything
ourse. Hand in hand with this disintegrating effect goes
another one which builds things up. The finer forces in the
erson are conditioned in such a way that they can be
awakened. Ancient Freemasons very often compared the
irth of the spiritual man to physical birth. The blackish
-hadow the disciple sees with his spiritual eye is the
volving spiritual man. Now with the application of the
eck-grip, the one the ancients called the Balneum Mariae.
.:are should be given to making this sign precisely. ··cut
Albert Poisson, Nikolas Flamel: Sa vie, ses fondations.
es oeuvres, suivi de la reimpression du livre des figure~.
aris (1893), p. 173.
39
 off the neck of the beast," says an old text. The grip asceticism and withdri:l ·'
should not be overdone, however, so that a slow annealing naturally only one possi
results. It can happen, and the ancient Freemasons completed a whole change ·
describe this process often, that the fire element breaks out a false mortification ensue~.
and anneals the vertebra. If this occurs do not be afraid, from the world leads, in
just bow your head and wait for the affliction to be over- which the pilgrim becomes e
the terrible flame will go out after a few minutes. If you influence. More than a fe'.'·
are prepared for the manifestation you have nothing to way become the victims of -
fear. As a rule, however, this annealing occurs slowly and True mortification lies in
gradually without being noticed. If the flame breaks out, the unio mystica, in be
it is as if a terrible demon is grabbing the person by the unification begins with t
scruff of the neck and taking him down to the ground. wherein the mortification o
After approximately two weeks of this exercise no one and the resurrection of the d
will be able to doubt any longer that the neck-grip has however, the goal we wish : •
caused chemical changes in the neck. Now the time has and can achieve.
come when the poisonous taste of mercury is perceived on Once we have arrived at tne
the tongue when the tongue is touched with the index feel that our earthly bodie
finger of the angled hand. Then later the taste of salt is strange, we are growing bey
developed. About this Seton says: "Therefore, the fire become dust and ashes. This .
began to affect the air and generated sulfur. For its part the reached when we are surrou nd-~
air began to affect the water and generated quicksilver, and death. For this reason tl
also the water began to affect the earth and generated salt." took courageous men into th ·
This process is described and concealed by alchemists in the candidate had to underg
the most manifold ways. I do not wish to speak about the and perseverance were the m
basis of the usage of the consonants, and why the vowels have.
work in this way, that would lead us astray and make this Our work is aimed at a ·
book too bulky. If you want to be informed on this further, death. Usually the human scul
see my Geschichte der Astrologie. So The formulas should upon death. We do not wan·
be understood as they are intended: means to develop the lives. We want to undergo avo
spiritual body. of our lives. The weakling will
When our spiritual eye glimpses the blackish shadow the of our undertaking. We can o _
purification is concluded, and now the main point becomes of nature- the lower by me
the unfolding of the evolving spiritual body- a work that nature. We remain strictly
takes varying lengths of time. The neck grip, or the Bath spiritual/natural universe.
of Mary, only works from the lower stratum out of which A person of little faith co
the spiritual person, free of the fetters of the body, should God, of lacking necessary h
lift himself. The earthly body must be mortified so that the submits to in the natural cour
spiritual body can rise up. Here a note needs to be added. to it. I answer him by saying
This mortification has been much misunderstood. It was of life which lies in the essence
believed that the body had to be killed by means of that this way is also clearly ·
40 41
 t. ·• says an old text. The grip
owever, so that a slow annealing
. and the ancient Freemasons
n. that the fire element breaks out
. If this occurs do not be afraid,
ait for the affliction to be over-
::: ~ out after a few minutes. If you
ifestation you have nothing to
, this annealing occurs slowly and
:::: noticed. If the flame breaks out,
on is grabbing the person by the
· g him down to the ground.
o weeks of this exercise no one
~· longer that the neck-grip has
in the neck. Now the time has
taste of mercury is perceived on
::::ue is touched with the index
,. . ,., . Then later the taste of salt is
ton says: "Therefore, the fire
generated sulfur. For its part the
.. -.': ater and generated quicksilver,
·e ct the earth and generated salt."
and concealed by alchemists in
. : do not wish to speak about the
onsonants, and why the vowels
d lead us astray and make this
to be informed on this further,
~rologie. So The formulas should
.ntended: means to develop the
==.impses the blackish shadow the
d now the main point becomes
m g spiritual body- a work that
· e. The neck grip, or the Bath
the lower stratum out of which
the fetters of the body, should
. must be mortified so that the
. Here a note needs to be added.
much misunderstood. It was
to be killed by means of
-0
asceticism and withdrawal from the world. ThL
naturally only one possible path if the pilgrim h
completed a whole change in consciousness. Without thL
a false mortification ensues. Asceticism and withdra
from the world leads, in most cases, to a dissolu tion i
which the pilgrim becomes easy prey for every type of evL
influence. More than a few black magicians have in thi
way become the victims of the Prince of the Shadow.
True mortification lies in sublimation, in unification, in
the unio mystica, in becoming one with God. The
unification begins with the change in consciousne
wherein the mortification of the small ego is completed
and the resurrection of the divine ego takes place. That L ,
however, the goal we wish to achieve- which we must
and can achieve.
Once we have arrived at the end of our exercise we will
feel that our earthly bodies are becoming more and more
strange, we are growing beyond it, we clearly feel it has
become dust and ashes. This is the deepest point which is
reached when we are surrounded by the terrors of darkness
and death. For this reason the ancient Freemasons only
took courageous men into their community, and the tests
the candidate had to undergo were very severe. Courage
and perseverance were the most noble virtues he had to
have.
Our work is aimed at anticipating and overcoming
death. Usually the human soul parts from its body only
upon death. We do not want such a conclusion to our
lives. We want to undergo a voluntary death in the middle
of our lives. The weakling will be terrified by the boldness
of our undertaking. We can only conquer nature by means
of nature- the lower by means of the higher, spiritual
nature. We remain strictly in conformity with the
spiritual/natural universe.
A person of little faith could accuse me of tempting
God, of lacking necessary humility, which he voluntarily
submits to in the natural course of affairs, as we are used
to it. I answer him by saying that I am pointing to a path
of life which lies in the essence of every true religion and
that this way is also clearly recognizable in the New
41
Testament. Most modern people, unfortunately, have not person who is making
read the holy scriptures of their religion. Those who have things here, but some wi:.!
followed me to this point, but who now recoil, are advised Many of our brothers t~
to read no further- for what I bring is not milk for the have ascended from stage
weak, but food for the strong. are in a position to proje
All religions teach the sevenfold constitution of the the life-force, thus spli ... - =
body. Precise knowledge can best be obtained on this by phenomenon of the double n
studying the Rosicrucian lessons of Heindel, I can only back to this ability- a
offer a brief sketch here. The designations are of archaic phenomena and occult e.
origin, the translations render the approximate meanings: projection of the fluid b od~
the earthly body by mea
connection is very loose. T
The the powers of the shadO\'
Immortal
Part
strike.
1. Atma, the self, god in us Sun For this reason it is most i
2. Buddhi, the heavenly soul Moon leaving the plane of effect
3. Buddhi-Manas, reason, causal body Mercury is provided- this is wha
The
Mortal
danger looses its terror a
Part will not cease our work. \Ve
4. Kama-Manas, intellect Venus toward true life. The bod
5. Kama-body (astral body), desire Mars and ashes when we are frni
6. Prana, life-force (aetheric-body-
Linga-Bhuta Jupiter grip. Thus the writings of the
7. Sthula-Bhuta, body Saturn cinerem ne vilipendas.(12 ) T-·
with great care, for we need ·
Apparently this table of correspondences is at variance new, spiritual body. It i
with the version generally used in Theosophy. However, developed the shadow of
those who have worked intensively with planetary forces give it color, form and thu
will recognize that this difference is not an essential one.
With the addition of Uranus and Neptune these two higher After Death - Life
octaves of Mercury and Venus are assigned to a second For the development of the
principle- but here we are not looking at the more other grips and in addition use
developed person, rather we are only concerned with one Before I go on I would like
who is just beginning to evolve. Saturn stands there at the previously cited Flamel: " An\;
threshold, it is assigned to the Kama-Manas, for us it is the more, even if you work wi
representative of the most dense form of matter. the beginning, after you ha
The last quadrad is called "the animal in us" by philosophical egg - that is a
Paracelsus. The Science of the Key gives us the way to upon it - you do not see
conquer this animal in us and to ascend to the causal black blackness, you must
plane. This is all the more necessary as the powers of philosophical egg is the bo .
darkness are already working to make a noose out of the mixtures of the elements whi
42
 pie, unfortunately, have not
ir religion. Those who have
who now recoil, are advised
t I bring is not milk for the
~ -venfold constitution of the
~ ... :m best be obtained on this by
ons of Heindel, I can only
designations are of archaic
Jer the approximate meanings:
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
rrespondences is at variance
ed in Theosophy. However,
nsively with planetary forces
-~ renee is not an essential one.
d Neptune these two higher
are assigned to a second
... e not looking at the more
e only concerned with one
:e. Saturn stands there at the
~ ~ Kama-Manas, for us it is the
e form of matter.
d "the animal in us" by
Key gives us the way to
to ascend to the causal
essary as the powers of
make a noose out of the
person who is making such progress. I can only allude to
things here, but some will understand what I mean.
Many of our brothers have advanced so far that they
have ascended from stage seven to the sixth stage and they
are in a position to project the fluid-body, whose vessel is
the life-force, thus splitting themselves in two. The
phenomenon of the double (Doppelganger) can be traced
back to this ability- as can many other spiritualistic
phenomena and occult experiences. Now during the
projection of the fluid body this body remains connected to
the earthly body by means of a cord. However, this
connection is very loose. This is the point of attack where
the powers of the shadow will strike, where they must
strike.
For this reason it is most important that the possibility of
leaving the plane of effects to gaze upon the causal plane
is provided- this is what my teachers desire. Every
danger looses its terror as soon as it is understood. But we
will not cease our work. We press forward through death
toward true life. The body will also appear to us as dust
and ashes when we are finished with the work of the neck-
grip. Thus the writings of the ancient Freemasons warn us:
cinerem ne vilipendas.(I2) We regard the ashes, the body,
with great care, for we need it for the construction of the
new, spiritual body. It is not enough that we have
developed the shadow of the spiritual body- we must
give it color, form and thus an independent life.
After Death - Life
For the development of the spiritual body we employ the
other grips and in addition use the formulas of the Prophet.
Before I go on I would like to quote a passage from the
previously cited Flamel: "And truly, I say to you once
more, even if you work with the correct materials, if, at
the beginning, after you have put the mixtures into the
philosophical egg - that is a while after the fire has acted
upon it - you do not see this raven's head, this deep-
black blackness, you must start all over again." The
philosophical egg is the body, the mixtures are the fine
mixtures of the elements which we conducted to the body
43
 by means of the neck-grip. Therefore, it is of the greatest
importance that this shadow is seen. If it appears, you are Work Rosari
on the right track. This raven's head is mentioned by all
alchemists and writers, and the colors which start to appear
are correspondingly described by all. The main colors are: Preparation 14
black, white, red. Between white and red there are a Neck-grip 12
number of other colors- especially a citrine color. The Chest-grip 100
spiritual body is developed in these colors, the natural Middle-grip 70
order of which can be disturbed by a fire that is too strong Master-grip 140 '
- or as we like to express it - by an excessive frequency Closing-grip 28 "
in the use of the chest-grip. This grip should not be made
more than five times a day. Even if the old texts say "Boil,
boil unceasingly," they mean by this that one should not Days 476
loose patience. Here I will collate the table of Rosarius Lunar months 17
minor and the table of the Prophet so that the apprentice
will have reference points for the time periods for the
exercises. But first the translation of this old text that It can be seen that the differ
demonstrates the process of the work most clearly. they are even greater in reality.
And this alone I reveal: Through such a regime upon the talent of the individu
you will have completed the Purification in 124 in a week will take another a
days. Blackness is, however, the recognized sign There are disciples graced by e
of Purification. Furthermore, you will, by means path in three months.
of the aforesaid regime, have a second sign, Ancient Freemasons called ~·
which will be a redness that abides for 30 days While the neck-grip develop
and develops completely in these days. The third grip causes the unfolding of a
sign is, however, a green that is completed in 70 the following will be experien
days by means of warmth. Between the third and animated by the formula, the
fourth signs all colors that can be conceived of fist is made and the thumb of •
will appear. Then the marriage will be con- upon the left side of the chest. .
summated- the union and blending of spirit and opened and the chest-grip i
soul, for then the two will rule together, while colors that show themselves d
previously each ruled for itself under its own sign. from a light blue, through re :
Actually in the first sign the body ruled, in the called by the alchemists the f:
second the spirit and in the third the soul. The contrast to the purple color d
time of blending will be completed during a they saw the green they wo
regularly increasing regime of 70 days. Now the viriditas." (13)
fourth sign will appear, which is the profitable As melted gold appears to
Azymation- 140 days will go by and then the opinion of people who see the al
sign of whiteness will be seen. of making gold was once mor
joyous cry had nothing to do
44 45
 -==•ip. Therefore, it is of the greatest
ow is seen. If it appears, you are Work Rosarius Minor Table of the Prophet
~ '"'ven ' s bead is mentioned by all
,., d the colors which start to appear
·· ed by all. The main colors are: Preparation 14 days 46 days
~-, een white and red there are a Neck-grip 124 II 58 II

- especially a citrine color. The Chest-grip 100 II 149 II

d in these colors, the natural Middle-grip 70 II 236 II

· urbed by a fire that is too strong Master-grip 140 II 311 II

~s it - by an excessive frequency Closing-grip 28 II 68 II

- ==~ip. This grip should not be made

_. Even if the old texts say "Boil,
ean by this that one should not
ill collate the table of Rosarius
e Prophet so that the apprentice
for the time periods for the
... ~ translation of this old text that
of the work most clearly.
.. . ""al : Through such a regime
red the Purification in 124
wever, the recognized sign
ermore, you will, by means
.::ime, have a second sign,
..ness that abides for 30 days
ely in these days. The third
.::reen that is completed in 70
'rmth. Between the third and
rs that can be conceived of
he marriage will be con-
·~ ·~ and blending of spirit and
o will rule together, while
·or itself under its own sign.
ign the body ruled, in the
in the third the soul. The
·u be completed during a
rpgime of 70 days. Now the
. which is the profitable
will go by and then the
44
Days 476 868
Lunar months 17 31
It can be seen that the differences are considerable, and
they are even greater in reality, because it depends entirely
upon the talent of the individual- what one accomplishes
in a week will take another a month, or several months.
There are disciples graced by god who have completed the
path in three months .
Ancient Freemasons called the chest-grip the "cooking."
While the neck-grip develops a gentle warmth, the chest-
grip causes the unfolding of a powerful fire. With this grip
the following will be experienced: After the angled hand is
animated by the formula, the spiritual water is absorbed, a
fist is made and the thumb of the closed hand is placed
upon the left side of the chest. Now the hand is angled and
opened and the chest-grip is done and drawn off. The
colors that show themselves during this operation develop
from a light blue, through red to green. This red was
called by the alchemists the false red, the false redness in
contrast to the purple color during the closing work. If
they saw the ·g reen they would cry: "0 benedicta
viriditas .''(t3)
As melted gold appears to have a green shimmer, the
opinion of people who see the alchemical process as the art
of making gold was once more led astray by this. The
joyous cry had nothing to do with gold, but rather the
45
Freemason was happy to have glimpsed the sign that
proved to him that he was on the right-path. Saturn ....... .... .
The green color becomes fresher day by day, and when Jupiter ........ .. .
it has become like the green of a meadow in spring this Mars . . . . . . . . . .. .
part of the work can be broken off and the rest of the work Sun ....... .. ... .
continued with. Venus . . . . . . . . . .. .
You are now to make the transition to the Middle-grip Mercury ....... .. .
with its corresponding formulas. The procedure is the Moon ........ ... .
same as with the chest-grip. The colors which develop
present a true symphony of colors. Blue, yellow, red are The Sun is in the middle
represented in every shade. The ancients characterized this Saturn above, the Moon belo··
play of color as a peacock's tail. By and by the colors fade These chakras, or little fl
and by the end of the work a yellowish white remains. the organs of the spiritual bo~_..
The grip should not be done more than five times a day. Valentinus speaks of them in
It is better to do it only three times, as too much can king wandered through six
endanger the whole work. It should be repeated that it is frrmament, but in the seventh he
impossible to speed things up with more intensive work. the investigations of Staudenma.
In his book, Die Magie als exper,,·
Patience is desirable at work proves that various nerve
A quiet spirit is busy for years, stimulated and special effect
Only time makes the fine bevel strong. spiritual forces to these easily
build the spiritual body.
At this point I would like to discuss the chakras briefly. Once the yellowish white i
The word comes from Sanskrit and means "wheel" into a brilliant white by mean
(chakram, plural chakrani). Jung Stilling characterizes correct formulas.
them as small flames because they are in constant flaming I close with the words of Hei
motion. The ancient Freemasons called them by the names own eyes I saw the gold- not · ...
of the seven planets. If they used this terminology for of the philosophers- with m_
other things as well this only seems to be a contradiction. my tongue I tasted it, with m_
As I indicated for the constitution of mankind, so too can wondrous is God in his works:·
individual constitutions be accordingly designated by the
planets. Their relationship to each other is described by
Abbot Johannes Tritheim. * In the texts we usually find the
following schema, which is inscribed in concentric circles.
I am representing it in another form, because I wish to
avoid symbols.

* Tractatus chemicus in volume IV of the Theatrum

chemicum.
46 47
 ave glimpsed the sign that
the right-path.
fres her day by day, and when
_ en of a meadow in spring this
·en off and the rest of the work
e transition to the Middle-grip
- rmulas. The procedure is the
-::;rip. The colors which develop
f colors. Blue, yellow, red are
. The ancients characterized this
· · ~ tail. By and by the colors fade
~l· a yellowish white remains.
one more than five times a day.
hree times, as too much can
It should be repeated that it is
up with more intensive work.
~irableat work
~busy for years,
es the fine bevel strong.
=··e to discuss the chakras briefly.
Sanskrit and means "wheel"
i). Jung Stilling characterizes
use they are in constant flaming
ons called them by the names
lhey used this terminology for
ly seems to be a contradiction.
titution of mankind, so too can
accordingly designated by the
to each other is described by
. In the texts we usually find the
1s inscribed in concentric circles.
other form, because I wish to
olume IV of the Theatrum
46
Saturn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pineal gland
Jupiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forehead
Mars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thyroid
Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heart
Venus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pit of the stomach
Mercury . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navel
Moon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sexual parts
The Sun is in the middle of the concentric circles .
Saturn above, the Moon below.
These chakras, or little flames, are nothing other than
the organs of the spiritual body. The Benedictine Basilius
Valentinus speaks of them in the following words: "the
king wandered through six cities in the heavenly
firmament, but in the seventh he beheld his seat." Here too
the investigations of Staudenmayer should be mentioned.
In his book, Die Magie als experimentale Wissenschaft, he
proves that various nerve bundles can be specially
stimulated and special effects produced. We conduct
spiritual forces to these easily stimulated places and thus
build the spiritual body.
Once the yellowish white is obtained, you transform this
into a brilliant white by means of the master-grip and the
correct formulas.
I close with the words of Heinrich Khunrath: "With my
own eyes I saw the gold- not the common kind but that
of the philosophers- with my hands I touched it, with
my tongue I tasted it, with my nose I smelled it. How
wondrous is God in his works."
47
 IV
Conclusion

k
I have said everything that is to be said. We must only
further discuss the pronunciation of the Arabic words.
They are to be pronounced as they are written, the tran-
scription is very precise. The S is pronounced like a Z, as
is the Z also. So one does not say natzim but rather nazim.
With words of more than on syllable the emphasis is on
the second syllable, alam - alam. The CH is a guttural
which may cause some difficulties. It is harder than the ch
in German aclz, and tends more toward the k-sound.
In Arabic the Science of the Key is also called the
Science of the Scale: Ibn el Nazan. One also finds lim el
Quimiya, the Science of Chemistry. This is extremely
ancient material. Around 900 AD we find it in Venice,
where the cornerstone of Freemasonry was laid when the
Science assimilated the Syrian legend of Hiram Abif and
linked the individual grades to the construction of the
Temple of Solomon- and thus the Science became a
monopoly of the lodge.
The ancient Freemasons never thought of looking at it
like that, as by that time the alchemistic books were too
widely dissiminated. They placed great weight on secrecy,
however, because it was feared that by giving up the secret
they would expose themselves to to the mockery of the
people. Now people can mock!
49
 From an old treatice of the Austrian Freemason
Lampspring, who lived around the middle of the 14th
century, these words are given, which I had promised:
If you understand me right and well
(1) "Books should have their
Then you will be free of error, (2) The First World War
Nothing is more important then this one thing, (3) The Turkish Empire coU ...
In which everything else is concealed. quickly and forcefully rear=
Therefore, do not tum your mind away.
Cooking, time and patience are necessary, Republic under the dictato'"
If you wish to pick the most noble fruit. resisted efforts by the allie
Time and work should not displease you Turkey, and were even able ·
For seed and metal may only be cooked constantly and moderately, Istanbul.
From day to day, and perhaps all week long,
Then you will, in this unpretentious thing, (4) G. W. Surya =Demeter
Find and perfect the whole work of philosophy, (5) Arabic Al-Muqatta, See
Which certainly appears impossible to most men, Qur'an (n.p.: Muslim Stude
Because it concerns such a simple and easy work-
If we showed and made it known to others
ed.), pp. 118-120.
Certainly we would be mocked by men, women and children (6) Concerning the great st
So be discreet and silent many thousands of master
Then you will live in pease and be without trouble the beginning of the world.
Not only with your neighbor, but also with God
Who gives the art and wishes to know it secretly.
(7) The Golden Age renewe
theosopher, physic-ian and fi
Alchemy is traced back to Hermes Trismegistus- one brother of the golden cross.
of his sayings is given in conclusion, and with it the (8) These letters would be. \.. -
explanation that a modern researcher gives: (= 1.100.5.1000. 500.5 = 161
"If you do not take the corporeal condition from bodies, (9) Sebottendorf translates d:Jr,
and if you do not reformulate the non-corporeal substances pressing."
into bodies, you will not obtain what you expect." If you (10) "of causing to descend i
have read this book to its conclusion you will know what (11)Hermeneia that is an 0
is meant by this- and how Berthelot was mistaken when explanations of Leonbardl
he explained: "If one does not remove the metallic concerning the foreign and
condition from metals and if one does not extract metals of Tbeopbrastus Peracelsuu.
from non-metallic materials, the transmutation of metals (12)"You are not to bold ash~
will not succeed." (13) "0 blessed green-color

50
 of the Austrian Freemason
ound the middle of the 14th
•en. which I had promised:
er
n. women and children
Hermes Trismegistus- one
onclusion, and with it the
earcher gives:
oreal condition from bodies,
_...... the non-corporeal substances
ain what you expect." If you
onclusion you will know what
Berthelot was mistaken when
not remove the metallic
·- one does not extract metals
e transmutation of metals
50
Translator's Notes
(1) "Books should have their own destinies:·
(2) The First World War (1914-1918)
(3) The Turkish Empire collapsed in September 19 L .
quickly and forcefully reorganized itself as the Turt-:~, ­
Republic under the dictator Mustafa Kemal. The T
resisted efforts by the allies to carve up the heartlan
Turkey, and were even able to hold onto Constantino
Istanbul.
(4) G. W. Surya =Demeter Georgievitz-Weitzer
(5) Arabic Al-Muqatta, See A. Yusuf Ali, The Ho
Qur'an (n.p.: Muslim Students' Association, 197
ed.), pp. 118-120.
(6) Concerning the great stone of the ancients whi
many thousands of masters have heroically pursue · -
the beginning of the world.
(7) The Golden Age renewed by Heinrich Mad
theosopher, physic-ian and finally by the grace of G
brother of the golden cross.
(8) These letters would be, when put in order: I
(= 1.100.5.1000. 500.5 = 1611).
(9) Sebottendorf translates durch Press en: "by m
pressing."
(10) "of causing to descend into the spirit."
(ll)Hermeneia that is an Onomasticum Interpre
explanations of Leonhardt Thurneisser zum.
concerning the foreign and unknown words in the
of Theophrastus Peracelsus.
(12)"You are not to hold ash in slight regard.''
(13) "0 blessed green-color (by association. · ··
51