Initiation into the Ancient Secret Society of Egyptian Priests

If the student could not be frightened by anything at that point, then the MeniesIn the context of the Crata Repoa ritual, the Menies serves as the "Reader of the Laws" or the one who recites the statutes to the candidate. or the reader of the laws would read to him the ordinances of the Crata RepoaThe Crata Repoa is a famous 18th-century German text that claimed to reveal the secret seven-degree initiation rites of the ancient Egyptian priests. It had a profound influence on high-degree Freemasonry., which he was required to confirm.

After he had completely surrendered himself to these ordinances, the ThesmophoreThe guide or "law-bringer" who conducted the candidate through the various stages of the ritual. led him to the Hierophant, before whom he was required to kneel on one bared knee. Placing the point of a sharp sword to his breast, he had to promise loyalty and silence, calling upon the sun, moon, and stars 12) as witnesses to the truth.

After this oath, the student’s eyes were uncovered, and he was placed between two pillars called BaetylsFrom the Greek baitylos, referring to sacred stones believed to be of divine origin (often meteorites). In this ritual context, they represent symbolic four-sided pillars., which were four-sided 13).

12. Alexander ab Alexandro, Book V, Chapter 10.Referring to the Genialium Dierum (Genial Days) by the 16th-century Italian humanist Alexander ab Alexandro, an encyclopedic work on ancient customs.
13. Eusebius, Proof of the Gospel, Book I.Referring to the Demonstratio Evangelica by the early Christian historian Eusebius of Caesarea.