THE EQUINOX
the High Altar, and brings it to her. She robes
the PRIEST in his Robe of scarlet and gold.
Be the flame of the Sun thine ambience, O thou PRIEST
of the SUN!
The Deacon brings the crown from the High Altar.
(The crown may be of gold or platinum, or of
electrum magicum; but with no other metals, save
the small proportions necessary to a proper alloy.
It may be adorned with divers jewels, at will. But
it must have the Uraeus serpent twined about it,
and the cap of maintenance must match the scarlet
of the Robe. Its texture should be velvet.)
Be the Serpent thy crown, O thou PRIEST of the LORD!
Kneeling, she takes the Lance, between her open
hands, and runs them up and down upon the shaft
eleven times, very gently.
Be the LORD present among us!
All give the Hailing Sign.
THE Peopte. So mote it be.
IV
OF THE CEREMONY OF THE OPENING
OF THE VEIL
Tue PRIEST. Thee therefore whom we adore we also in-
voke.
By the power of the lifted Lance!
He raises the Lance. All repeat Hailing Sign.
A phrase of triumphant music.
The PRIEST takes the Priestess by her right hand
with his left, keeping the Lance raised.
I, PRIEST and KING, take thee, Virgin pure without
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