Initiation into the Ancient Secret Society of Egyptian Priests

After enduring this temptation, the Thesmophore Thesmophore original: "Тесмофоресъ" (Thesmophores). From the Greek meaning "law-bearer," this was a ritual official who presided over the transition between degrees and administered the oaths. returned to him once more and posed certain questions.

Upon receiving the correct answers from the Neocoris, they led him into the assembly. The Stolistes Stolistes original: "Столиста" (Stolista). An Egyptian priest-official responsible for sacred vestments and the ritual purification of candidates with water., or water-bearer, poured water over him. Following this, he was required to provide assurance of his chaste and blameless life. Upon the completion of this act, the Thesmophore rushed toward him holding a live snake, threw it upon his body, and then removed it again through the ritual law 21) This refers to a symbolic ritual where the serpent was passed under the initiate's robe, representing a spiritual rebirth or "god through the bosom.".

The entire place of assembly was likewise filled with snakes to strike terror into the Neocoris 22).

21. Julius Firmicus Maternus original: "Юлій Фирмикъ Матернъ." A 4th-century Roman author and Christian convert whose work "On the Error of Profane Religions" provides a critical but detailed account of ancient mystery cults. in chapter 2 states that it was a manufactured and gilded snake.
22. The Egyptians even today possess the art of extracting venom from snakes. However, they keep this as a great secret, revealing it to no one who is not a member of their particular sect.