Initiation into the Ancient Secret Society of Egyptian Priests

The more steadfastly he endured this temptation Referring to the trials of the senses and the serpent ritual described on the previous page., the greater the praise he received upon his acceptance.

He was then led again to two tall pillars, between which was seen a bird of prey, a griffin, rolling a wheel before itself 23).

They explained to him that these pillars signify the East and the West. The griffin represented the sun, and the wheel with four spokes signified the four seasons.

Soon thereafter, they taught him the art of setting up water balances water balances original: "водяные вѣсы" (vodyanyye vesy). These were early leveling instruments or hydrostatic devices used in engineering and architecture to ensure surfaces were perfectly horizontal.. They also showed him Geometry and Architecture, and he began to train—

23. A representation of this is found in the book called the Great Roman Cabinet original: "Большой Кабинетъ Римской" (Bolshoy Kabinet Rimskoy). Likely a reference to "Le Grand Cabinet Romain" (1706) by Michel Ange de La Chausse, a famous collection of engravings of Roman antiquities.. Page 94.