La Iniciación (GIDEE) — Vol. 1, No. 3 — July 1942

La Iniciación Vol. 1, No. 3 - July 1942: Document 1 of 10

Title Page and Editorial Context

Original Title: La Iniciación - Año 1, Julio de 1942, Nº 3

Monthly Publication of the Independent Group of Esoteric Studies

Mensuario del Grupo Independiente de Estudios Esotéricos

Montevideo, Uruguay

Translation Document 1 of 10

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La Iniciación Vol. 1, No. 3 - July 1942: Document 2 of 10

The Venerable Personality of Master AMO (Continuation)

The Humble Christian Mystic and His Extraordinary Powers

By Jehel S.I.

"My Spiritual Master": that is the expression with which PAPUS, Doctor, Magus, Initiate and Initiator, the "Balzac of Occultism," the "Master of clarity," designates with INFINITE HUMILITY, Master AMO.

Who was that Master, before whom values like PAPUS, STANISLAS DE GUAITA, BARLET, DURVILLE, PHANEG and so many others bowed reverently?

He was a modest, silent man, a TRUE CHRISTIAN MYSTIC who, thinking of SERVING others, did so with marvelous powers brought from the cradle and which he cultivated daily, PUTTING THEM AT THE SERVICE OF THE NEEDY, whoever they might be; for in his luminous life he attended, not only the powerful like the tsar of all the Russias, but humble people whose gratitude still today lives over his name like a luminous aureole.

THE HUMBLE ORIGINS

His civil name was Philippe Nizier, or simply PHILIPPE, as he liked to be called.

Born in a modest home, in Lyon (France) he had to struggle to study; for to be able to use legally the DIVINE GIFTS that he brought, it was necessary to be a doctor. To be able to study, he worked. Every morning he went around the homes of a butcher's clients and delivered the meat.

I have known many "spiritualists" who when they passed fifty meters from a butchery already felt "their aura disturbed and that could bother them in their spiritual works." For AMO, working thus did not prevent him from being a Master, a Doctor and a Saint.

THE MEDICAL SCHOOL MIRACLES

When he was taking first year of medicine (relates Papus) he one day resurrected a person who, according to the unanimous affirmations of the doctors, had died shortly before. That was enough for them to take a dislike to him that grew to the point of preventing him from graduating in France, due to the "fraternal" opposition of some graduates.

Another time, visiting the ward of the Hospital, AMO looked at the sick and they improved so rapidly that everyone was amazed. On one occasion the doctors were discussing about the form of rheumatism that was causing the headaches and earaches of a patient. AMO, present in the discussion, said that the patient had a tumor of the internal ear (with abscess of the mastoid), which provoked the laughter of those present; but AT THAT MOMENT the patient's ear began to discharge pus and shortly after was cured, confirming AMO's diagnosis.

THE THEURGICAL SCHOOL OF LYON

THE THEURGICAL SCHOOL OF LYON

AMO became the Chief of the school of Theurgy of Lyon; but with his cures he had many difficulties with the doctors and the authorities, being prosecuted many times for the illegal practice of medicine. He thought without doubt that his duty was to continue, because he never stopped doing good, even so.

His small office on the street of "Tête d'Or" in Lyon, was always full of people who came to seek counsel, help and cure for themselves or for their relatives. In that small office extraordinary things happened, of which I am going to refer these to you:

THE AKASHIC RECORDS REVELATION

When PAPUS, for example, analyzing the life of certain persons, believed he saw some injustice of destiny and, sincere researcher, came to expose his preoccupation to the Spiritual Master, the latter said to him simply: "Come, I am going to ask the FRIEND to show you the Truth."

And in AMO's little reserved room, rapidly, AMO's invocation permitted the parade of the clichés of the ASTRAL LIGHT, in which PAPUS saw developing the preceding life or lives of that individual and the ANTERIOR CAUSES of his PRESENT DESTINY became clear and logical like everything NATURAL.

And Papus, sincere as always, relates that, at the end of each of those experiences, he bowed more devotionally before the Wisdom of the Universe and before the Knowledge and Power of his Master.

THE INSTANT HEALING OF THE FAITHFUL

Many times, if a woman of the people, finding the Master on the street, came to supplicate him for the salvation of her dying son and AMO said to her "Go, woman, you are richer by your courage and by your constant service than the rich of the earth; go, your child is cured," upon returning to her house, the poor and good woman verified the "miracle" that disconcerted and irritated the doctors.

J. Bricaud, ex Grand Master of the Martinist Branch of Lyon, relates that he knew many persons cured by AMO; that certain cures seemed truly miracles and that a worker whose gangrenous leg they wanted to cut off, healed in less than an hour through the Master's work.

THE TEACHING OF PERFECT HUMILITY

AMO lived very retired, surrounded by a circle of friends and disciples. When he was questioned about who he was and from where his strange or terrible powers came, he answered:

"I AM LESS THAN A STONE, THERE ARE SO MANY BEINGS ON THIS EARTH WHO HAVE THE CERTAINTY OF BEING SOMETHING, THAT I AM HAPPY TO BE BARELY NOTHING."

And he taught to obtain the certainty that, he who knows that he knows nothing, is only beginning to understand science..., that he who only possesses a mattress and lends it to one who doesn't have it, is richer than all the rich of the earth.

THE THREE TYPES OF DISEASES

AMO taught that there are three species of diseases: the physical, the astral and the spiritual.

The physical are of the domain of allopathic medicine.

THE THREE TYPES OF DISEASES

AMO taught that there are three species of diseases: the physical, the astral and the spiritual.

The physical are of the domain of allopathic medicine.

The astral should be treated by homeopathy, magnetism and the processes of the ancient occultists.

The spiritual diseases could only be treated by prayer and by theurgy.

THE MIRACULOUS CHILD HEALING

A typical example of the powers and teachings of Master AMO can be seen in the following cure:

In AMO's house there were some twenty or thirty people, among them PAPUS and two other doctors. A lady who, when a girl had already been saved from grave illness by the Master, brings her little child, two or three years old, in a comatose state, and asks the Master for pity and health for the little one.

AMO asks that the doctors examine the child. The diagnosis is unanimous: tuberculous meningitis, of rapid evolution. Death should come inexorably in a few hours.

"Well then, said AMO, this child can be SAVED. Do you all wish to commit yourselves to remain TWO MONTHS without speaking of the absent ones?"

None of those present acceded, and Papus—a Master also or almost, in that epoch—said that it seemed difficult to him to remain more than two hours without speaking ill of his neighbor.

AMO smiled probably satisfied with the SINCERITY of all and said: "Very well, you will try to remain two hours without speaking or thinking ill of anyone."

He took the child to the little reserved room and, at two hours, brought him back walking, with his little hand in the Master's hand. He was totally and integrally cured, as the doctors present verified.

THE CONTINUING POWER OF MASTER AMO

I CAN ASSURE YOU that, until today, nothing has changed in the manner of working of Master AMO. I have been able to verify that never has a disciple or a well-intentioned person asked him for a cure or an improvement without it being effected rapidly, in THE EXACT PROPORTION OF THE STRENGTH AND SINCERITY OF THE REQUEST and of the effort made by the one who asked to GIVE SOMETHING, for the cure of others, disinterestedly.

And if some, well-intentioned, would become accustomed to maintaining a serene attitude, never getting angry, not speaking harshly of anyone and thinking principally in HOW THEY CAN SERVE OTHERS, they would remain astonished at the protection that Master AMO would give to their altruistic desires and HOW EASY IT IS TO HAVE POWERS when one has REALLY the intense and exclusive desire to do good with them, without vanity or desire for personal progress.

The difficult thing about the matter is that we can deceive our fellow beings, we can even come to deceive ourselves, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to deceive the Master. For that reason, he who sees himself as he really is, never is surprised at having received little; on the contrary, he always has the impression of HAVING RECEIVED MORE THAN HE DESERVED.

THE IMPERIAL MARTINIST LODGE

For that reason, he who sees himself as he really is, never is surprised at having received little; on the contrary, he always has the impression of HAVING RECEIVED MORE THAN HE DESERVED.

THE IMPERIAL MARTINIST LODGE

It was Master AMO who founded the Martinist Lodge that functioned in the Imperial Court of Russia in circumstances that I will tell you on another opportunity. It was he who predicted the future of the well-known writer H. Durville (also Martinist later) when, after the latter formed his home, upon the birth of his first child, Philippe accepted to be the godfather and moved to Paris to attend the ceremony (let us note in passing that, therefore, he was not FANATIC NOR INTOLERANT IN RELIGIOUS MATTERS).

THE PROPHETIC PENETRATION

Upon personally meeting H. Durville, AMO said to him: "Currently you don't believe in anything, but later you will believe." Indeed Durville, who followed the school of mesmerian-fluidic magnetism, without accepting at that time, the superior and mystical part of the Traditional Teachings, was later a complete Initiate.

The baptism ceremony was performed in the Church of Sainte Marie in Paris, and upon arriving there with Durville, Papus and others, AMO, approached a beggar who was at the door of the church and said to him: "It is dangerous that they steal the eight thousand five hundred francs in gold that you have in the mattress and so much more in such a place."

The beggar left astonished and frightened that a stranger should reveal to him thus the reality of his false poverty.

CEDAÏOR'S INTRODUCTION TO AMO

Facts like this and others more instructive are very numerous in the life of the Master; I will tell you some more in the next number. For now, I will finish relating how CEDAÏOR met AMO.

Being still almost a child (twelve to thirteen years), Cedaïor, to go from Valencia to Paris, had to pass through Lyon and remain there some days. A friend of his family took him to the presence of AMO who, having looked at the child, asked him if he would like to help a very sick lady.

The child Cedaïor, of very good heart, said yes; then AMO put his hand on his head and gave instructions to the gentleman who accompanied him so that Cedaïor should be taken daily to a clinic and there leave his hand one hour on the chest of a lady, which the good child did with all pleasure and constancy for some days, at the end of which THE CANCER of the breast from which the lady suffered had disappeared.

Thus was how our brother Cedaïor met AMO and made his first service of healing through good will, compassion and constancy in Serving.

THE TWO ESSENTIAL VIRTUES

AMO taught that there were two unique virtues indispensable to progress: GOODNESS and TOLERANCE.

Let us meditate on these words of the Master, who was so calumniated that his disciples united more closely than ever in his defense. It was from Him that Papus learned what he expresses in the following words:

Let us meditate on these words of the Master, who was so calumniated that his disciples united more closely than ever in his defense. It was from Him that Papus learned what he expresses in the following words:

"FAITHFUL TO OUR DUTY, ABOVE ALL CALUMNY AND ALL FLATTERY"

(To be continued)

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THE DEEPER SIGNIFICANCE OF MASTER AMO'S EXAMPLE FOR WARTIME SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

This extraordinary continuation of Maître Philippe's biography appears in July 1942 when humanity desperately needs understanding of how authentic spiritual authority operates through humility and service rather than domination and self-aggrandizement. The systematic presentation provides the exact model needed to prevent the kind of authoritarian disasters that have devastated the twentieth century.

The Infinite Humility Recognition: The description of how PAPUS, despite being "Doctor, Magus, Initiate and Initiator," designates AMO as "My Spiritual Master" with "INFINITE HUMILITY" demonstrates that authentic greatness recognizes greater authenticity rather than competing with it. During wartime, when false leaders maintain power through suppressing rivals, understanding how genuine authority enhances rather than diminishes others becomes essential.

The Service Orientation: AMO's dedication to "SERVING others...PUTTING THEM AT THE SERVICE OF THE NEEDY, whoever they might be" provides the fundamental principle for authentic leadership during any crisis period. The inclusiveness—serving "not only the powerful like the tsar of all the Russias, but humble people"—demonstrates that genuine spiritual authority transcends class and political divisions.

The Practical Humility: The account of Philippe working as a butcher's delivery boy to fund his medical education while maintaining spiritual development demonstrates that authentic spirituality enhances rather than avoids practical responsibility. The contrast with "spiritualists" who felt their "aura disturbed" by passing near a butchery reveals how false spirituality creates artificial separation between sacred and ordinary activities.

The Medical School Persecution: The dramatic account of Philippe resurrecting a person during his first year of medicine, leading to "fraternal opposition" that prevented his graduation, provides understanding of how institutional authorities often oppose rather than support genuine competence that transcends their limitations. During wartime, when authentic leaders face persecution from established but corrupted institutions, this example provides inspiration for continuing service despite official opposition.

During wartime, when authentic leaders face persecution from established but corrupted institutions, this example provides inspiration for continuing service despite official opposition.

The Diagnostic Superiority: The hospital incident where AMO correctly diagnosed a mastoid abscess while trained doctors were wrong, followed by immediate confirmation through spontaneous discharge of pus, demonstrates how authentic spiritual perception enhances rather than replaces technical knowledge. During periods when conventional expertise proves inadequate for unprecedented challenges, integrating spiritual insight with technical competence becomes essential.

The Legal Persecution Response: AMO's continued practice despite being "prosecuted many times for the illegal practice of medicine" because "he thought without doubt that his duty was to continue" provides guidance for maintaining authentic service when official permission is denied or withdrawn. During wartime, when legal systems may become corrupted or inadequate, understanding the higher law of service becomes crucial for authentic leaders.

The Akashic Records Demonstration: The extraordinary account of AMO showing PAPUS "the parade of the clichés of the ASTRAL LIGHT" revealing "the preceding life or lives" and "ANTERIOR CAUSES" of present circumstances demonstrates how authentic spiritual authority operates through access to information beyond ordinary perception. This capability enables understanding the deeper karmic patterns underlying apparent injustices, providing hope that ultimate justice operates through spiritual laws even when human institutions fail.

The Instant Street Healings: The accounts of AMO healing dying children through brief encounters with their mothers on the street, verified as "miracles" by medical professionals, demonstrate how authentic spiritual power operates through love and faith rather than complex techniques or lengthy treatments. During wartime, when conventional medical resources may be inadequate or unavailable, understanding how healing operates through spiritual rather than merely material mechanisms becomes essential.

The Perfect Humility Teaching: AMO's response when questioned about his powers—"I AM LESS THAN A STONE...I AM HAPPY TO BE BARELY NOTHING"—provides the psychological foundation for wielding extraordinary power without corruption. The teaching that true wealth consists in sharing one's only possession with someone who has none demonstrates the economic principles that prevent spiritual authority from becoming material exploitation.

The teaching that true wealth consists in sharing one's only possession with someone who has none demonstrates the economic principles that prevent spiritual authority from becoming material exploitation.

The Three Disease Classification: The systematic teaching about physical, astral, and spiritual diseases with their appropriate treatments provides complete healthcare methodology that integrates rather than conflicts with conventional medicine. During wartime, when complex trauma affects multiple levels simultaneously, understanding how different therapeutic approaches serve different aspects of healing becomes crucial for effective recovery.

The Collective Purification Requirement: The miraculous healing of the child with tuberculous meningitis through requiring collective commitment to "remain TWO MONTHS without speaking of the absent ones" demonstrates how individual healing often requires community purification. The reduction to "two hours without speaking or thinking ill of anyone" when the longer commitment proved impossible shows how spiritual work adapts to actual rather than ideal conditions while maintaining essential principles.

The Proportional Response Principle: The teaching that healing occurs "in THE EXACT PROPORTION OF THE STRENGTH AND SINCERITY OF THE REQUEST and of the effort made by the one who asked to GIVE SOMETHING, for the cure of others, disinterestedly" provides precise understanding of how spiritual assistance operates through reciprocity rather than arbitrary grace. This prevents both presumption and despair by establishing clear relationship between inner development and outer blessing.

The Impossible Deception: The recognition that "we can deceive our fellow beings, we can even come to deceive ourselves, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to deceive the Master" provides understanding that authentic spiritual authority operates through direct perception rather than social manipulation or self-delusion. This prevents the kind of spiritual corruption that occurs when external recognition becomes more important than inner reality.

The Religious Tolerance: The notation that AMO served as godfather in a Catholic ceremony despite his own spiritual development demonstrates how authentic spirituality transcends sectarian boundaries while respecting traditional forms. During wartime, when religious divisions often become militarized, understanding how genuine spiritual development enhances rather than opposes religious observance becomes essential for maintaining social cohesion.

The Prophetic Penetration: AMO's prediction that Durville would eventually believe despite current skepticism demonstrates how authentic spiritual vision perceives potentials rather than merely current conditions. The beggar incident—revealing hidden wealth through direct perception—provides concrete evidence of capabilities that transcend ordinary human limitations.

The beggar incident—revealing hidden wealth through direct perception—provides concrete evidence of capabilities that transcend ordinary human limitations.

The Childhood Training: The account of twelve-year-old Cedaïor being trained to heal cancer through simply placing his hand on the patient demonstrates how spiritual power operates through innocence and good will rather than complex technical knowledge. This provides hope that ordinary people can serve extraordinary purposes when properly guided and motivated by genuine compassion.

The Essential Virtues: The identification of GOODNESS and TOLERANCE as the "two unique virtues indispensable to progress" provides complete ethical foundation for spiritual development that transcends cultural and religious divisions. During wartime, when hatred and intolerance dominate public discourse, these simple principles provide practical tools for maintaining spiritual development despite adverse circumstances.

THE WARTIME RELEVANCE

This account provides essential guidance for:

Authentic Leadership Recognition: Understanding how genuine authority operates through service rather than dominance, enabling identification of true leaders during crisis periods when false authorities proliferate

Institutional Reform: Recognizing how authentic competence often conflicts with established but inadequate institutions, providing guidance for supporting genuine rather than merely official expertise

Community Healing: Understanding how individual spiritual development serves collective recovery through the principle that personal purification contributes to communal wellbeing

Crisis Navigation: Applying spiritual principles to practical challenges through integration of transcendent vision with material competence rather than choosing between spiritual and practical approaches

Persecution Response: Maintaining authentic service despite official opposition or social persecution through recognition of higher duty that transcends human approval or disapproval

This extraordinary biography demonstrates how authentic spiritual authority provides practical tools for conscious leadership during humanity's most challenging periods—exactly the kind of understanding needed for preventing rather than merely responding to civilizational catastrophes through individual transformation serving collective evolutionary advancement.

Document 2 Complete

Next: Document 3 - The Apprentice Mason Degree: Sacred Tools and Temple Symbolism

La Iniciación Vol. 1, No. 3 - July 1942: Document 3 of 10

Commentary on the First Degree of Martinism (Continuation)

The Apprentice Mason Degree: Sacred Tools and Temple Symbolism

Teaching of Jehel

1, No. 3 - July 1942: Document 3 of 10

Commentary on the First Degree of Martinism (Continuation)

The Apprentice Mason Degree: Sacred Tools and Temple Symbolism

Teaching of Jehel

And it is within the Temple described previously that the new Apprentice is going to "work." Let us see under what conditions. We have said in preceding articles that they had made him take an oath. To do so they made him kneel—so that he would understand that before the Universal or Divine Forces, we must all be humble, which we little are really—and they put a compass over his heart, saying to him: "learn to regulate the beats of your heart," which can be understood in three ways:

THE THREE LEVELS OF HEART REGULATION

1st: The Yogic Science Level

Science "yoga" of respiration and control of the respiratory and cardiac rhythm, which are united and without whose management there are no possibilities of CONSCIOUS psychism.

2nd: The Moral Plane Level

Feel and understand the impulses of your heart, free yourself from the passions and be a "man of well-formed heart."

3rd: The Spiritual Plane Level

The entire universe pulses like a human heart; to know how to measure and apply that universal diastole and systole, is to have made oneself master of the Great Magical Agent from all points of view, and to have understood that LOVE is the Universal Law that works under the names of Attraction and Repulsion, Flow and Reflux, Involution and Evolution, Incarnation and Disincarnation, etc...

THE SACRED OATH AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

In such position the oath taken by the Apprentice is to be faithful in his work and silent about initiatic secrets; and the sign of Apprentice made with the right hand open in square over the throat recalls that oath and explains that the Apprentice has taken the commitment to speak with rectitude and to be silent with prudence.

It also recalls that the laryngeal plexus is one of those that must be developed to be able to be a real and conscious servant of the Higher Planes. It symbolizes, in this aspect, the Human Verb, conceived as Creative Verb, reflection of the Divine Verb.

THE SACRED APRON AND ITS PROFOUND SYMBOLISM

Having finished such oath they give to the Apprentice, besides the gloves of which we have already spoken, an "apron" or leather apron of white whose form is that of a rectangle over which there is a triangle.

It is one of the most profound symbols and least known by the masons, who give the explanation, morally only, that "apprentices, less experienced than companions and masters, need more protection and for that reason wear the apron with the flap (triangular part) raised."

Such explanation is, without doubt, a beautiful symbol of the greater protection that, really, the ignorant, the beginner, the less evolved needs, must have, has the RIGHT to receive. But the symbol of the apron goes much further, since its form, as I said before, is that of a quadrilateral over which there is a triangle.

But the symbol of the apron goes much further, since its form, as I said before, is that of a quadrilateral over which there is a triangle.

It suffices to think a little to see that it is the summary of all Masonic doctrine: the triangle of the Spirit, of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, OVER the QUADRILATERAL of MATTER, of the World of Forms, and, in other words, the very constitution of the Human Being with its FOUR inferior principles: Physical Body, Vitality, Vital Body and Passional or Animal Soul or concrete mind and its THREE superior principles: Human Soul or abstract mind, Angelic or Spiritual Soul and Superior or Divine Spirit.

Such apron represents, then, very well, the human being in the involutive state preceding "sin," when the superior principles were still "outside and above" the inferior ones; the reception of knowledge was made by the intuitive, direct and unconscious route. It is the image of the Lemurian race, to a certain point.

THE SACRED WORD AND ITS EGYPTIAN CONNECTION

They also give the apprentice a "Sacred Word," and it is curious to note that it is the only Masonic degree that has a single word; the sacred one. This suffices for "those who know" to show the connection with the Egyptian mysteries, in which the aspirant or Apprentice not having permission to LEAVE THE TEMPLE, knew only the Sacred Word to put himself in communication with the other Initiates within the Temple; but did not know the Word of passage that permitted him to leave and return to it.

Such sacred word varies according to the Rites, but is always that of the name of the column on which, according to the Rite, the Apprentice sits. It is, then, in the majority of the Rites, the word B.O.A.Z., given in response to the touch of the Apprentice.

Such word signifies as we already know: Beauty, Form, PASSIVE AND RECEPTIVE ACTIVITY of the Apprentice to receive the inspiration and instruction of his superiors, visible and INVISIBLE.

THE MASONIC TOUCH SYSTEM

The touch of Apprentice is given, generally, by question and answer. He who asks, presses once with the right thumb on the last phalanx of the index finger of the interrogated one.

The interrogated one responds giving, in the same form and in the same place, three spaced touches, as in the Scottish Rite. Sometimes they are two and one in certain Rites, like in the modern French.

Then, comes the recognition by the sacred word. But I cannot teach this in a magazine; thus, LACKING SOMETHING, no profane reader will be able to make himself unduly recognized as a mason.

Such touch with the finger and its response signifies that the Apprentice is requested to indicate (three touches) WHY, WHEN AND WHERE he should act; that is, he should prove his knowledge of the Triple Law that I have expounded since the beginning of this teaching and that forms the base of this Masonic degree.

THE SYMBOLIC AGE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

THE SYMBOLIC AGE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The age of the Apprentice Mason, symbolically speaking, is three years, significant age of the TERNARY COMPOSITION OF MAN, BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT, and also image of the age at which the important "life of relation" begins for the child, who already walks, speaks and begins to live in relation with the environment; and Masonry very correctly wants to signify with this that all the base and all the consequences of our life depend, almost totally, on the USE that we make of our faculties (Words and Actions) within the environment in which we act.

THE RITUAL ENTRY PROCEDURE

Finally the Apprentice, upon returning at each meeting to the Temple, cannot be there as in any profane place. The correct form is the following:

Placed on the outside, in front of the closed Door of the Temple, his right foot should be linked behind the left. Then, with the closed right hand, he will knock three times (in triangle) on said door. When it opens, he puts his hand "to the order," that is, making a square over the throat, while the arm forms another square with the body and the feet, in turn, are also put in square.

There remains, simply said, the following: rectitude and service PHYSICAL (feet); MORAL (arm and chest) and MENTAL or SPIRITUAL (throat, head).

With the left foot in front, the Apprentice then takes three equal steps. Sliding three times said left foot without lifting it and joining the right at each step. It must be noted that, walking thus, he never leaves the CENTRAL LINE OF THE TEMPLE, and that means that he walks obediently and passively (left foot without lifting it) on the Path of the Masters, (central line) until he is permitted to begin his personal experiences.

THE WORKING TOOLS AND THEIR SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

We have seen, also, that they made him work on the Rough Stone—image of himself, of imperfect man—with the MALLET and the CHISEL. It must be taken into account that said MALLET, strong and active instrument, is in the right hand and symbolizes strength, physical and moral strength and, above all, STRENGTH OF WILL.

The CHISEL, sharp and penetrating instrument is in the passive, receptive hand and symbolizes PERCEPTION by Intelligence and Intuition.

Let us note that both instruments are completely useless for working the Rough Stone, if the Apprentice does not "bring" both hands in front of the median line of his body, to strike the chisel with the mallet. He does it three times.

This profound symbol signifies the following: without union of the will with intelligence and with intuition, there is no possible progress either in the physical (first blow), nor in the moral (second blow) nor in the spiritual (third and last blow).

We must still meditate on the fact that, WITHOUT THE MALLET, the chisel does not penetrate the stone, does not change it and it remains ROUGH.

We must still meditate on the fact that, WITHOUT THE MALLET, the chisel does not penetrate the stone, does not change it and it remains ROUGH.

That means that all intellectual, intuitive or any kind of knowledge, gives no result if it is not APPLIED with the will (mallet) and by repeated times (blows).

As you realize, this symbolism is very beautiful and very profound, and the entire Degree of Apprentice is destined to examine the applications of the ternary principle, from the most elevated to the most human.

SYNTHESIS OF THE APPRENTICE DEGREE IN ALMOST ALL RITES

Universal Plane

The Universe is composed of three planes; of Wisdom, of Strength and of Form, that is of a Divine World, an Astral World and a Physical World.

Human Plane

The human Being is also ternary in his constitution, "made in the image of his Creator" and has for that reason, SPIRIT, SOUL and BODY.

Technical-Philosophical Plane

Everything passes from Thought to word and to Act; correspondence of application of Spirit, Soul and Body.

Moral Plane

The human being to "polish his rough stone," has to care for his constitution, treating his body through the Strength of the Will and superior Intelligence. That is, he should develop a healthy body, a pure soul and a spirit cultured in the true sense, according to universal laws.

Social Plane

Everything is hierarchical, everything is governed by Wisdom, and power is no more than the means of action on form, which only thus can be beautiful and just. To put the physical (brute force) in first place, is to invert the natural order. To put moral or passional force in first place is to pervert the natural order by halves and to put superior force, alone, in first place, is also to create a sterile fanaticism.

Initiatic Plane

First: Learn – Then: COMPARE – Finally, Apply silently.

Summary of the old phrase: KNOW, WILL, DARE and BE SILENT.

Pure Philosophical Plane

The Universe is mental. Religion, Science, Philosophy and Art are the four manifested aspects of the same thing; Universal Life.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS AND THEIR SPIRITUAL CORRESPONDENCE

Body

That is, manual, material works and all the physical means of action, from tools to capitals, form the Social Body.

Soul

That is, artistic, ethical, aesthetic functions and their cultural professions and results or of cults form the Social Soul, that is, they educate and orient the FEELING of the collectivity. For that reason it is profoundly just and exact to say: Christian civilization or Confucian civilization.

Spirit

The real and superior knowledge of the collectivity, from which comes the Moral Authority of its civilization, superior Science and Philosophy, represented by its most eminent thinkers.

THE SYNTHESIS OF AUTHENTIC INITIATION

Spirit

The real and superior knowledge of the collectivity, from which comes the Moral Authority of its civilization, superior Science and Philosophy, represented by its most eminent thinkers.

THE SYNTHESIS OF AUTHENTIC INITIATION

SYNTHESIS: The synthesis of a collectivity are its Initiates, for they are the only ones who embrace knowledge from a viewpoint NOT SECTARIAN, NOT INTOLERANT, being able, for that reason, to be COMPREHENSIVE of the different religions, of the different scientific, philosophical and artistic points of view of the collectivity at a determined moment.

For that reason, Masonry, if it were well exercised, would always be, as was its true finality, a neutral terrain of understanding and synthesis of all the sectors of human thought and tending toward a profoundly gnostic end, that is, synthetic in every sense; material, moral and spiritual.

We will see later that the Martinist doctrine is even clearer and expresses this through symbols that go even deeper into these problems that Masonry already puts so beautifully under the eyes of the Apprentices, to accustom them to meditate without reaction before all the facts and to draw from them all the postulates useful for individual and collective progress.

End of the Apprentice Degree.

(To be continued)

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THE DEEPER SIGNIFICANCE OF MASONIC APPRENTICE SYMBOLISM FOR WARTIME RECONSTRUCTION

This systematic analysis of Masonic symbolism appears in July 1942 when understanding the principles of authentic reconstruction becomes essential for preparing post-war rebuilding based on spiritual rather than merely material foundations. The detailed instruction provides complete methodology for organizing society according to universal principles rather than temporary political arrangements.

The Heart Regulation Teaching: The compass placed over the heart with instruction to "learn to regulate the beats of your heart" provides three-level understanding essential for wartime spiritual development. The yogic level (respiratory control) offers practical stress management, the moral level (passion regulation) prevents reactive behavior, and the spiritual level (cosmic rhythm attunement) enables working with rather than against universal forces during crisis periods.

The Sacred Oath Integration: The combination of faithfulness in work with silence about initiatic secrets demonstrates how authentic spiritual development requires both active service and discriminating communication. During wartime, when loose talk can have fatal consequences while important work must continue, understanding the balance between appropriate speech and necessary silence becomes essential for effective spiritual service.

During wartime, when loose talk can have fatal consequences while important work must continue, understanding the balance between appropriate speech and necessary silence becomes essential for effective spiritual service.

The Laryngeal Plexus Development: The recognition that the throat chakra "must be developed to be able to be a real and conscious servant of the Higher Planes" provides understanding that authentic spiritual communication requires energetic as well as intellectual development. The concept of Human Verb as reflection of Divine Verb demonstrates how individual speech can serve universal rather than merely personal purposes when properly developed.

The Profound Apron Symbolism: The geometric analysis of the apron as triangle over rectangle—representing spirit over matter and the human constitution with four lower and three higher principles—provides complete understanding of individual development and social organization. The recognition of the pre-fall state when "superior principles were still outside and above the inferior ones" offers hope that current material domination of spiritual values represents temporary rather than permanent condition.

The Egyptian Mystery Connection: The explanation that the Apprentice knows only the Sacred Word for internal temple communication but not the Word of passage for entering and leaving demonstrates graduated spiritual authority based on competence rather than mere democratic equality. During wartime, when leadership selection often depends on political rather than spiritual qualification, understanding authentic hierarchical principles becomes essential for post-war reconstruction.

The BOAZ Column Significance: The Sacred Word representing "Beauty, Form, PASSIVE AND RECEPTIVE ACTIVITY" demonstrates that authentic learning requires receptivity to inspiration and instruction from "superiors, visible and INVISIBLE." During periods when external teachers may be unavailable or unreliable, developing capacity for receiving guidance from transcendent sources becomes essential for continued spiritual development.

The Touch Recognition System: The finger pressure system requiring knowledge of "WHY, WHEN AND WHERE" to act demonstrates that authentic spiritual authority must understand purpose, timing, and appropriate application rather than merely following rules or orders. During wartime, when circumstances change rapidly and standard procedures may prove inadequate, developing discriminative judgment becomes essential for effective service.

During wartime, when circumstances change rapidly and standard procedures may prove inadequate, developing discriminative judgment becomes essential for effective service.

The Three-Year Symbolic Age: The correspondence between the Apprentice's age and the beginning of "life of relation" for children demonstrates that spiritual development parallels natural psychological maturation. The teaching that "all the base and all the consequences of our life depend...on the USE that we make of our faculties (Words and Actions) within the environment in which we act" provides practical guidance for spiritual development during any circumstances.

The Ritual Entry Procedures: The detailed description of proper temple entry—right foot behind left, three triangular knocks, hand positions forming squares—demonstrates how physical actions can express spiritual principles. The requirement to maintain "rectitude and service PHYSICAL (feet); MORAL (arm and chest) and MENTAL or SPIRITUAL (throat, head)" provides complete integration of body-soul-spirit development.

The Central Line Walking: The instruction that the Apprentice "never leaves the CENTRAL LINE OF THE TEMPLE" while walking "obediently and passively...on the Path of the Masters" until permitted "to begin his personal experiences" demonstrates the progression from guided learning to independent application. During wartime, when premature independence can prove fatal while excessive dependence prevents necessary development, understanding this graduated approach becomes essential.

The Working Tools Integration: The profound analysis of mallet (will) and chisel (intelligence/intuition) requiring coordination for effective stone polishing provides complete understanding of individual development methodology. The teaching that "without union of the will with intelligence and with intuition, there is no possible progress" prevents both intellectual speculation without practical application and willful action without adequate understanding.

The Triple Application: The three blows representing physical, moral, and spiritual development demonstrates that authentic progress must occur simultaneously on all levels rather than developing one aspect while neglecting others. During wartime, when extreme circumstances can cause individuals to focus exclusively on survival (physical), emotional processing (moral), or spiritual escape (spiritual), maintaining balanced development becomes essential for long-term effectiveness.

During wartime, when extreme circumstances can cause individuals to focus exclusively on survival (physical), emotional processing (moral), or spiritual escape (spiritual), maintaining balanced development becomes essential for long-term effectiveness.

The Seven-Fold Social Synthesis: The systematic analysis of Universal, Human, Technical-Philosophical, Moral, Social, Initiatic, and Pure Philosophical planes provides complete framework for understanding individual development within social context. The recognition that authentic Initiates provide synthesis by being "NOT SECTARIAN, NOT INTOLERANT" while remaining "COMPREHENSIVE of different religions, different scientific, philosophical and artistic points of view" offers the educational vision necessary for post-war international cooperation.

The Social Functions Correspondence: The identification of Body (material means), Soul (cultural education), and Spirit (superior knowledge) as forming complete social organism demonstrates how individual development serves collective function. During reconstruction periods, when social institutions must be rebuilt or reformed, understanding these correspondences enables creating structures that support rather than oppose spiritual development.

The Masonic Mission Restoration: The vision of Masonry as "neutral terrain of understanding and synthesis of all the sectors of human thought...tending toward a profoundly gnostic end, that is, synthetic in every sense" provides the institutional model needed for post-war educational and cultural institutions that serve universal rather than merely national purposes.

La Iniciación Vol. 1, No. 3 - July 1942: Document 4 of 10

Practical Course in Judicial Astrology (Continuation)

The Four Elements and Planetary Domiciles System

Teaching of Surya, S.I.

PAPUS continues still:

"The ancients taught that the heaven had a dominant action over the physical forces, living beings and the states of matter on Earth. For this reason they gave the name of Earth to everything that was found in the solid state, the name of Water to everything liquid, the name of Air to everything gaseous and the name of Fire to all the manifestations of Force.

It is, therefore, a very gross error to believe that these terms designated the Earth in itself, or terrestrial Water, or atmospheric Air or the Fire of the oven or the stove. The terms antimony earth, water of life, air (or spirit) of wine, philosophical fire, etc., would serve, if necessary, to clarify the concept to the profane.

THE FOUR ELEMENTAL TRIANGLES

These various states of matter were indicated symbolically by triangles:

FIRE by a triangle with the apex upward

AIR by a triangle also with the apex upward but cut in its upper part by a transverse line, whose origin we will understand later

WATER by a triangle with the apex downward and not cut

EARTH by a triangle with the apex downward and cut transversally

Contemplating the figure that follows one will understand perfectly what we explain and its hieroglyphic origin; each one of the Astrological Houses corresponds to one of these four elements:

THE HOUSE CORRESPONDENCES

Houses 1, 5, 9 are IGNEOUS and correspond to the Fire element. Connecting the middle of said houses by a straight line inscribes the triangle of Fire in the heaven.

Houses 2, 6, 10 correspond to Earth and form in the heaven the triangle of the Earth of the Living.

Houses 3, 7, 11 form the triangle of Air.

Houses 4, 8, 12 form the triangle of Water or of the Great Celestial Waters.

The triangles of Earth and Water cut each other forming a hexagram or Star of Solomon. The same happens with the triangles of Fire and Air.

Study well, in this respect, the preceding figures.

PLANETARY INFLUENCES - THE ASTEROIDS - URANUS AND NEPTUNE

The planets exercise a very great influence, according to astrologers, some over others. The Earth suffers an influence from its neighbors, and that influence manifests according to two principal factors: the size and proximity of the planets.

Thus, the Moon, simple satellite, but very nearby star, has a real and positive influence over terrestrial events, while numerous asteroids situated between Mars and Jupiter count for nothing in astrological calculations.

The planetary influence does not belong, in effect, astrologically, to the planet properly speaking, but to its zone of influence, which is represented by the distance between said planet and its nearest neighbor. The asteroids are distributed, then, between the influence of Mars and of Jupiter and cannot be taken into special account.

PAPUS'S REJECTION OF URANUS AND NEPTUNE

And now, let me be permitted to give a very personal opinion (it is Papus who speaks) and that should not compromise anyone but myself. I pretend that it is by a lamentable error that contemporary astrologers have introduced into their calculations the influence of Neptune and Uranus, the two planets situated beyond Saturn. I am going to explain why.

Jupiter is 1300 times more voluminous than Earth and is distant from it only 155 million leagues. Its influence is evident. Uranus is great only as 75 Earths and is distant 673 million leagues from our Earth. Neptune which is 86 times greater than Earth, is only distant 1073 million leagues.

In my opinion, those two planets and others that will be discovered later, are intermediaries between our solar system and the neighboring solar system. The sense of their rotation indicates it, moreover, for those who know how to observe.

One should, then, connect the influence of Uranus and of Neptune to the influence of Saturn which is worth 864 Earths and which is separated 268 million leagues.

The sense of their rotation indicates it, moreover, for those who know how to observe.

One should, then, connect the influence of Uranus and of Neptune to the influence of Saturn which is worth 864 Earths and which is separated 268 million leagues.

Because, in any case, if contemporary astrologers want to show that they take much account of astronomical discoveries, they will then have to take into account also the existence of the asteroids that circulate between Mars and Jupiter, or leave aside the distant influences of Neptune and Uranus connecting them to the calculations of the sphere or zone of Saturn.

It is for this reason that I do not take into account at all those two planets in this astrological alphabet.

THE PLANETARY DOMICILE SYSTEM

PAPUS concludes saying:

"We have already seen the houses and the fixed signs of the Zodiac. Each house possesses, for the astrologer, a Lord, a Governor, which is one of the seven planets. Each planet, except the Sun and the Moon, has two domiciles: one positive or diurnal and another negative or nocturnal.

The Moon has its unique domicile in the 4th house, in the sign of CANCER.

The Sun has its unique domicile in the 5th house in the sign of LEO.

Mercury has its diurnal or positive domicile in the 3rd house (GEMINI) and its negative or nocturnal domicile in the 6th house, that is in the sign of VIRGO.

Venus: diurnal domicile in TAURUS (2nd house) and nocturnal in LIBRA (7th house).

Mars: diurnal domicile in ARIES (1st house) and nocturnal in SCORPIO (8th house).

Jupiter: diurnal domicile in PISCES (12th house) and nocturnal in SAGITTARIUS (9th house).

Saturn: diurnal domicile in AQUARIUS (11th house) and nocturnal in CAPRICORN (10th house)."

All of which remains clearly summarized in the following figure:

Thus we finish the long and very interesting citation we made from Master Papus to show the bases that, in the Initiatic temples of Antiquity were given to the student of Astrology so that he would be understanding simultaneously, not only the horoscopic side of Astrology, but and very principally its value as key of the symbolism and of the reality of the Universal Laws or Cosmobiology, whose expression through the science of the stars, would be called Astrosophy.

THE ASPECTS SYSTEM

When two planets are between themselves at distances that, translated into degrees of signs of the Zodiac, are multiples of 30 degrees and sometimes of their half, 15 degrees, they form aspects that have been classified by Astrology into favorable and unfavorable.

Besides there exist neutral aspects, which are favorable if they are produced between two benefic planets, regular if they are produced between a benefic and a malefic; and clearly unfavorable if they are produced between two planets called malefic.

Let us classify, then, first the planets:

BENEFICS - Jupiter, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon.

MALEFICS - Saturn, Mars.

Let us classify, then, first the planets:

BENEFICS - Jupiter, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon.

MALEFICS - Saturn, Mars.

There are, besides, Uranus and Neptune, modern, whose influence is disputed, but which are considered rather, Uranus as malefic and Neptune, as benefic. There are diverse opinions.

THE COMPLETE ASPECTS TABLE

Summarizing we have:

| ASPECT | DISTANCE | CLASSIFICATION |

|------------|--------------|-------------------|

| CONJUNCTION | 0° | Major and neutral aspect |

| SEMISEXTILE | 30° | Minor and favorable aspect |

| SEMISQUARE | 45° | Minor and unfavorable aspect |

| SEXTILE | 60° | Major and favorable aspect |

| SQUARE | 90° | Major and unfavorable aspect |

| TRINE | 120° | Major and favorable aspect |

| SESQUISQUARE | 135° | Minor and unfavorable aspect |

| QUINCUNX | 150° | Minor and favorable aspect |

| OPPOSITION | 180° | Major and unfavorable aspect |

ASPECT NOTATION SYMBOLS

The notation of the aspects is made through conventional signs originating from their own measure "inscribed" in the circle, and which are the following:

(To be continued)

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THE DEEPER SIGNIFICANCE OF CLASSICAL ASTROLOGICAL INSTRUCTION FOR WARTIME COSMIC UNDERSTANDING

This systematic astrological teaching appears in July 1942 when understanding cosmic forces becomes essential for navigating unprecedented global challenges requiring cooperation with rather than opposition to universal principles. The detailed instruction provides tools for working with natural laws rather than attempting to overcome them through purely material force.

The Four States of Matter Teaching: The explanation that Earth, Water, Air, and Fire represent "states of matter" rather than literal elements demonstrates how ancient wisdom encoded scientific understanding in symbolic form. The examples—antimony earth, water of life, spirit of wine, philosophical fire—show how traditional alchemical language described chemical and physical processes long before modern scientific terminology. During wartime, when scientific resources may be limited or misdirected, understanding how traditional knowledge preserves practical information becomes essential.

The Symbolic Triangle System: The geometric representation of the four elements through upward and downward triangles, with and without transverse lines, provides precise symbolic language for cosmic forces. The Fire triangle (apex up, uncut) and Air triangle (apex up, cut) represent ascending forces with different qualities, while Water (apex down, uncut) and Earth (apex down, cut) represent descending forces with corresponding variations. This system demonstrates how spiritual knowledge operates through exact rather than vague symbolism.

This system demonstrates how spiritual knowledge operates through exact rather than vague symbolism.

The House-Element Correspondence: The assignment of houses 1-5-9 to Fire, 2-6-10 to Earth, 3-7-11 to Air, and 4-8-12 to Water creates systematic framework for understanding how cosmic influences manifest through different life departments. The formation of triangular patterns connecting these houses demonstrates geometric relationships underlying astrological interpretation. During wartime, when understanding the timing and nature of various challenges becomes crucial, this systematic approach provides reliable methodology for practical application.

The Hexagram Formation: The explanation that Earth and Water triangles intersect to form the Star of Solomon, as do Fire and Air triangles, reveals how opposing forces create stable geometric patterns. This demonstrates the principle that apparent conflicts often represent complementary aspects of higher unity—essential understanding during periods when international conflicts obscure underlying human solidarity.

The Planetary Size-Distance Relationship: The systematic analysis of planetary influences based on both size and proximity provides scientific foundation for astrological practice. The Moon's powerful influence despite being "simple satellite" due to proximity, versus asteroids having no influence despite being numerous, demonstrates that spiritual laws operate through natural rather than arbitrary principles. This prevents superstitious approach to astrology while maintaining recognition of genuine cosmic influences.

The Zone of Influence Concept: The teaching that planetary influence belongs not to "the planet properly speaking" but to "its zone of influence...represented by the distance between said planet and its nearest neighbor" provides sophisticated understanding of how cosmic forces operate through spatial relationships rather than mere physical properties. This concept enables precise astrological calculation while maintaining scientific respectability.

Papus's Uranus-Neptune Rejection: The detailed argument against including Uranus and Neptune in astrological calculations—based on their extreme distance (673 and 1073 million leagues respectively) compared to their relatively small size (75 and 86 Earth volumes)—demonstrates discriminative approach to astrological tradition. The suggestion that these planets serve as "intermediaries between our solar system and the neighboring solar system" shows how spiritual understanding can anticipate scientific discoveries about galactic structure.

The suggestion that these planets serve as "intermediaries between our solar system and the neighboring solar system" shows how spiritual understanding can anticipate scientific discoveries about galactic structure.

The Consistency Principle: Papus's argument that if modern planets are included, then asteroids must also be considered, or else distant influences should be "connected to the calculations of the sphere or zone of Saturn," demonstrates logical consistency in astrological methodology. During wartime, when systematic thinking becomes essential for effective planning and action, this approach provides model for maintaining intellectual integrity under pressure.

The Seven-Planet Traditional System: The return to the classical seven-planet system (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) demonstrates how traditional knowledge often proves more practical than modern complications. The systematic assignment of domiciles—luminaries (Sun, Moon) having single houses, other planets having dual diurnal/nocturnal domiciles—creates manageable yet complete system for practical application.

The Domicile Logic: The arrangement where each planet rules signs that reflect its essential nature—Sun in Leo (royal), Moon in Cancer (maternal), Mercury in Gemini (communicative) and Virgo (analytical), Venus in Taurus (sensual) and Libra (harmonious), Mars in Aries (initiating) and Scorpio (penetrating), Jupiter in Sagittarius (philosophical) and Pisces (compassionate), Saturn in Capricorn (structural) and Aquarius (limiting)—demonstrates how astrological correspondences reflect natural rather than arbitrary relationships.

The Initiatic Temple Connection: The emphasis that this instruction comes from "the bases that, in the Initiatic temples of Antiquity were given to the student of Astrology" establishes connection with authentic traditional transmission rather than mere modern speculation. The integration of "horoscopic" practical application with understanding of "Universal Laws or Cosmobiology" through "Astrosophy" demonstrates how spiritual science serves both practical and theoretical purposes.

The Aspect Classification System: The systematic arrangement of planetary aspects from conjunction (0°) through opposition (180°) in multiples of 30° and 15° provides geometric foundation for understanding planetary relationships. The classification into major/minor and favorable/unfavorable categories creates practical framework for interpretation while maintaining recognition of neutral aspects that depend on the planets involved.