Summary
The text delves into the mystical significance of the Two Pillars, referred to as the Pillars of Hermes, Seth, and Solomon, drawing parallels to the Pillars of Shu in the Ritual of the Dead. These pillars represent the reconciliation of opposing forces, such as light and darkness, which are essential for the balance and dynamism of visible nature. The black cubical bases symbolize darkness and matter, the foundation upon which the spirit formulates the Ineffable Name, a Name that resonates through the universe, preceding time itself. The flaming red triangular capitals atop the pillars embody the Triune manifestation of the Spirit of Life, aligning with the Three Mothers of the Sepher Yetsirah and the Alchemical Principles of Nature: Sulphur, Mercury, and Salt.
Each Pillar is crowned with its own light-bearer, concealed from the material world, while Lotus flowers, symbols of regeneration and metempsychosis, rise from their bases. The archaic illustrations adorning the pillars are derived from the Egyptian Book of the Per-em-Hru, or the Book of Coming Forth into the Day, one of the world's oldest known texts. The text references various recensions of this ritual found in different historical periods, emphasizing the need for a scholar with both mystical understanding and Egyptological expertise to provide a satisfactory translation.
The Ritual of the Dead, generally, is a collection of hymns and prayers designed to unite the individual with Osiris, the Redeemer. This union transforms the individual, symbolically identifying them with Osiris. This concept echoes in the New Testament, illustrating a soul purified from sin and united with the divine. The suffering, opposition, and self-sacrifice lead to regeneration, mirroring the core theme of the Egyptian Ritual.
A significant portion is dedicated to exploring the 17th and 125th chapters of the Theban recension of the Ritual. The 17th Chapter discusses the exaltation of the Glorified Ones and their ability to navigate the Divine Domain, emphasizing transformation and the perception of natural forces. The rubric emphasizes the transformative power of recitation and the fulfillment of the Adept's words. A paraphrase is provided to aid modern understanding, expressing the Egyptian concept of the Soul of Man becoming one with Osiris.
The text then transitions to the 125th Chapter, which intricately details an initiate's entry into the Hall of the Two Columns of Justice. It opens with a symbolic description of death as a journey from earthly barrenness to a glorious afterlife. The chapter describes the Hall, presided over by a deity and adorned with symbols of justice and power. The initiate must confront the 42 Judges of the Dead, denying the sins over which they preside. The initiate's journey includes purification, symbolic acts, and the recitation of passwords. The initiate encounters the Pillars, names them, and satisfies the Guardian of the Gateway. Finally, having overcome all obstacles and demonstrated purity, the initiate is welcomed by Thoth and proclaimed to have overcome earthly limitations, granting access to eternal feasts and union with the Infinite.
The two chapters, represented visually on the Pillars, symbolize the soul's purification and its union with Osiris, the Redeemer. This union signifies a transfiguration into the Golden Dawn of Infinite Light, empowering the soul with complete knowledge and potential, as it merges with the Eternal God. The text concludes with mystical pronouncements: KHABS AM PEKHT, KONX OM PAX, and LIGHT IN EXTENSION!