The Equinox (Volume I, Number II)

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING Now the Imperator governeth, because in Netzach—which is the highest grade of the First Order—is the fire reflected from Geburah. The Preemonstrator is second, because in Hod is the water reflected from Chesed. The Cancellarius is third, because in Yesod is the air reflected from Tiphereth, But in each Temple these three chiefs are coeternal and coequal, thus figuring the Triad in Unity, yet are their functions different: The Imperator to command. The Pramonstrator to instruct. The Cancellarius to record. ‘« Even as the Flaming Fire doth overcome, and the still Waters reflect all images, and the all-wandering Air receiveth sound.” The synthesis of the Three Chiefs may be said to be in the form of Thoth who cometh from behind the veil. Yet also the Imperator may be referred unto the Goddess Nephthys from his relation- ship unto Geburah. The Premonstrator unto Isis from Chesed. And the Cancellarius unto Thoth in his position as recorder. OF THE STATIONS OF THE INVISIBLES. THE GODS OF THE ELEMENTS Their stations are at the four cardinal points of the Hall without, as invisible guardians of the limits of the temple: and they are placed according to the winds, viz.: behind the stations of the Hierophant, Dadouchos, Hiereus and Stolistes. Between them are placed the stations of the four vicegerents of the Elements; and they are situated at the four corners of the Temple, at the places marked by the four rivers of Eden in the Warrant,* which latter represents the temple itself; of which the guardians are the Kerubim, and the vicegerents in the palaces of the rulers Ameshet at the N.E., Thoumathph at the S.E., Ahephi or Ahapshi at the S.W., Kabetznuph at the N.W. OF THE PLACE OF THE EVIL TRIAD This is the place of Yesod, it is termed the Place of the Evil One, of the Slayer of Osiris. He is the Tempter, Accuser and Punisher of the Brethren. Wherefore is he frequently represented in Egypt with the head of a Water-Dragon, the body of a Lion or Leopard, and hindquarters of a Water-Horse. He is the administrator of the Evil Triad, whereof the members are: Apophrasz. The Stooping Dragon. Satan-Typhon. The Slayer of Osiris. Besz. The brutal power of demoniac force. * A document which by some of the members of the G .-. D .-. was considered to be forged. It purported to be signed by S.D.A. and others, and authorised the founding of the Temple. Vide chapter called «« The Magician.” 247