The Equinox (Volume I, Number II)

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING a cubical altar. In his left hand, which points downwards, he holds a lighted torch, and in his right hand, which is elevated, a horn of water. The cubical Altar represents the Universe. The whole figure shows the gross generating powers of nature on the material plane, and is analogous to the Pan of the Greeks and the Egyptian Goat of Mendes. As his hands bear the torch and the horn, the symbols of Fire and Water, so does his form unite the Earth in his hairy and bestial aspect, and the Air in his bat-like wings. The whole would be an evil symbol were it not for the Pentagram of Light above his head which regulates and guides his movements. The figure of Pan is then explained, after which the Hierophant Inductor shows the Philosophus the 14th Key of the Tarot. The more ancient form shows us a female figure crowned with a crown of five rays symbolising the five Principles of Nature, the Concealed Spirit and the four Elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. About her head is a halo of Light. On her breast is Vasito Interiora Terre Rectificando the Sun of Tiphereth. The five-rayed tnvevies Occulkaw Lapiden crown further alludes to the five Sephiroth Vovam Medict: of Kether, Chokmah, Binah, Chesed and =p Meckelnary Geburah. Chained to her waist are a lion VT RIOLUM. and an eagle, between which is a large 4224547 cauldron whence arise steam and smoke, VAT.RIO.L, The Lion represents the Fire of Netzach, S.U.A.RHUR. the Blood of the Lion; and the Eagle MERCURY. represents the Water of Hod, the Gluten of the Eagle; whose reconcilement is made by the Air in Yesod uniting with the volatilised Water rising from the cauldron through the influence of the Fire beneath it. The chains which link the Lion and the Eagle to her waist are symbolic of the paths of 5 and y, Scorpio and Capricornus as shown by the Scorpion and the Goat in the background. In her right hand she bears the torch of solar fire, elevating and volatilising the Water in Hod by the fiery influence of Geburah ; AV AVY Sublills Agua Lux Terres SALT FIAT LUX Flatus Ignis Aqua Terra. v DiaGRAM 54. The Symbolic Latin Names. while with her left hand she pours from a vase the waters of Chesed to temperate and calm the fire of Netzach. This explanation being ended, the Associate Adept places the red lamp, from the altar, in the right hand of the Philosophus and the cup of water in his left, and says: “Let this remind you once more that only in and by the reconciliation of opposing 287