Golden Chain and the Lonely Road.pdf

The Golden Chain and the Lonely Road:

a typological study of Initiatory Transmissions within the Sabbatic

Tradition

by Andrew D. Chumbley

Initiation, the passing -on of power, the step of the mortal foot across the

threshold of the gods, the hearing of the watchword, the reception of the

book, the dreaming-draught sipp'd at midnight, the lonely stand in the heart

of the Wild....many are the ways of induction into the Circle of the Sabbat,

many the waymarks - the moments of realisation - that lead the Spirit

through the winding ways of all ecstasy!

In its essence, initiation is the entrance of an individual into a Mystery

and the ingress of that Mystery into the individual; it is a simultaneous

rarefaction and reification; a nuptial union of Self and Other in the

mirror'd circle of Gnosis. Whilst the essence of the matter may be 'pointed

to' by such a description, the truth of initiation is of necessity a secret

that cannot be divulged; it is the Grand Arcanum, the Mysterium that forever

dwells beyond... in Silence profound and deep. And yet, by considering the

outward appearances of initiation, the forms which it assumes in terms of

perceptible manifestation, we may enter into discussion and endeavour to

arrive at a comprehension of its diverse arcana.

If justice would be done to its subtleties the manifold complex of

initiatory 'forms', as extant within contemporary Cunning Craft praxis,

deserves a broad and detailed study. In the following pages an attempt will

be made to accomplish this, to distinguish between the 'types' of initiation

which may occur for a Seeker upon the Path of the Elder Craft, and

furthermore to define the various strands of magical transmission which may

be considered as 'lineages' or 'chains of g nosis' in and of themselves. In

attempting to do this I shall admittedly be drawing directly from my own

experience, specifically from that which I have gained as the present

Magister of the Cultus Sabbati. Consequently, a subjective delimitation of

the topic is inevitable. Indeed, because the 'Tradition' of the Elder Craft

is of so many guises and localised variations, no definitive account of

initiatory processes may even be tenable. Undoubtedly omissions and

generalisations will occur and for these I offer an apology in advance.

Nonetheless, it is hoped that the broad schemata as given below will serve

to clarify and to deepen an awareness of the matter in ways hitherto

unexplored. With this intent the following article is offered as a

stepping-stone to the wiser future of the Way and its children.

Passing the Fire-brand of Tubalo-Lucifer: Ritual Initiation

The customary method of entrance into the Sabbatic Tradition is via formal

ritual induction. This can take various forms, ranging from the simplest act

of ritual 'authorisation' to the so-called 'Grand Array' of the full

Sabbatic ceremony. Within the Cultus Sabbati there are various concurrent

lineal streams, and it is from their example that I shall draw in the

discussion below.

The founding lineage of the Cultus is that of 'The Red Snake', descended

from a Buckinghamshire stream of Cunning-craft practice and folk magic. In

terms of its outward expression through ritual practice it has changed with

each successive generation, but at its core a body of sorcerous principles

is maintained and it is upon this 'Alphabet of Arcana' that each generation

'fleshes out' its own particular mode of practice. In terms specific to

ritual initiation, the principles informing the general process are

observation, dedication, formal tuition, and ritual focus. In manifestation

these principles combine in a process lasting a minimum of twenty-one

months, culminating in the focal apotheosis of a final initiatory ceremony.

From the previous Magister of this lineage I was taught that a candidate is

chosen by signs and omens, and that it was forbidden for any outsider to ask

directly for initiation. The omen-chosen candidate is firstly 'watched' for

a period of time, no less than nine lunar months. During this time, called

'The Gestation', the candidate is observed for clear indications of the

requisite skills and characteristics which the Path will demand. If deemed

suitable, the candidate is then asked to undergo a ceremony called 'The Rite

of Dedication'. This formally acknowledges their aspiration and magically

'places the step' onto the Path.

After the Dedication Rite a period of formal instruction begins, lasting one

year and one day. During this time the novitiate and initiator embark on a

pilgrimage which leads both full-circle around the horizon of the Sabbatic

Mysteries. For the candidate, the deed of walking the circle becomes a

journey around the perimeter of the soul, a microcosmic quest to ensorcel

the All-Possible of his or her own Self-existence. Having successfully

passed through the period of tuition and the various ordeals and austerities

which it demands, the novitiate is 'summoned' - formally entreated to

undergo the Rite of Initiation.

The Initiation Rite is 'the Seal of the Mysteries' and serves as the

focusing context for all that has passed between the aspirant and the

Initiating Power (the Initiator in all its forms: the physical teacher, the

spiritual guide, the familiars and guardian-spirits of the path, the diverse

lessons of praxis, the dreams, visions, and solitary realisations, et alia).

All that constitutes the 'Initiator' confronts the Seeker and guides him

into the True Circle of the Arte Magical. In the singular magical act called

'The Passing-On of Power' all is drawn within the One; the Initiate,

Initiator, and the Mystery of the Rite itself are aligned to open the way

for the 'new-born child of Witchblood'. The act of the 'Passing-On' confers

the 'power' of all the Tradition, its knowledge, customs, and craft. Once

this 'Power' has been received, it is the task of the newborn initiate to

realise the arcana for himself - to realise his own autonomy and to go forth

anew according to the signs and omens of the way.

In summary, this is the way in which initiation occurs within our own circle

of practise. The exact details of its process will doubtless vary from one

instance to the next, but the core principles are maintained; for they are

the very manner in which 'the firebrand' is passed from one generation to

the next. In the fulfilment of his 'Making' the initiand is ritually

'authorised' to act as an autonomous participant and representative of the

Tradition. His or her name is entered into the Book of Lineages and the

names of fellow brethren are communicated.

Within the ambit of the lineage in which the above process is actuated there

are no grades or degrees beyond the principal initiation ritual, although it

must be stated that some traditional lineages, such as The Black Boar and

The Serpent-Cross, do utilise graded structures. In the case of the Black

Boar lineage, for example, a Three Degree system is operated, broadly based

upon the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master grades of Freemasonry and

medieval Craftsmans' Guilds. In this system the First Degree corresponds to

the Dedication Rite; the Second Degree marks a mid-way stage - suitable if

someone does not possess the requisite ability to receive the full

empowerment; and the Third Degree corresponds to the final Rite of

Initiation.

Although it may be affirmed that in the Cultus Sabbati there are no

additional grades of attainment that apply to all individuals, it must

paradoxically be stated that a strict hierarchical division of roles is

traditionally operated. The offices of Elder, Magister, Maid, Priest,

Priestess, Summoner, Seeress, Verdelet, Chronicler and Ward, are based

wholly upon the skills that individuals possess and demonstrate; the

'raising' of an individual to any such position is furthermore subject to

the consent of both Brethren and Spiritual Patrons.

As aforesaid, within the Cultus different 'lineages' of Craft observance

operate concurrently, sometimes crossing, sometimes remaining categorically

distinct. What is it that distinguishes one lineage from another? It is

primarily the particular knowledge and characteristic customs of a

particular Master-Pupil chain of transmission which marks one from another.

Because of this, a single practitioner may study under different teachers to

receive different bodies of knowledge and to receive to 'power' of distinct

lineal paths of the Sabbatic Gnosis. So long as each lineage is appreciated

for its own autonomous integrity, an individual can possess authority in a

number of different streams without compromise. A broad experiential basis

is commendable, but it is the unique transmission (see below) which

validates the path of such a wayfaring Journeyman.

Of all the diverse aspects involved in the process of formal ritual

initiation it is the focal role of the final apotheotic Rite and the ability

of its central deed, the Passing-On, to act as the 'Seal of Power' for all

initiatory relations which is of paramount importance. For those of the

Path, the reception of the 'Power' activates the spiritual bloodline: the

legacy of the Fire-brand from the Elder Gods, from Old Tubalo the

Light-bringer, through the Race of the Watchers and the Companie of Faerie,

down through the golden chain of hand-to-hand-to-hand....to now.

Midnight's Lightning: the Lineage of Unique Transmission Vision

An Omen-bearing Bolt of Light held in the hands of the Daemonic

Gods: an intercession trespassing fates, a revelation that brings forth to

flesh the link between the visible heart of Man and the Invisible Heart of

the Mysteries. Such is the Way of Midnight's Lightning!

The Spirit-bestowed Vision that reveals itself to the Mind of the Seeker

incepts and passes the Power for the Lineage which we may call: 'The Unique

Transmission'. Whether within the conclaves of a formal ritual catena of

initiates or in the subtil 'cavern' of solitary practice, whether called

forth by intent or made manifest by a sudden epiphany of the Gods, the Power

of Revelation is bestowed solely to its chosen vehicle, the divinely-elected

individual, and there-in it 'incarnates' - as a faculty, an opening of the

inner eye that directly apprehends the Mysteries.

For certain individuals there is an innate capacity to comprehend the

Mysteries of the Witanic Path, to understand without learning. Such may be

an indication of rebirth within the transcarnational lineage of Witchblood,

or a sign of new dispensation: a Master of the Lonely Road. For there are

some to whom all outward rites are but a blessing, a confirmation of that

which has been attained by interior disposition. Such individuals enjoy a

rapport with the Gods and possess a clarity of Vision that cannot be learned

or taught, such souls are born into the House of Cain and bear His Mark

within.

Moment by moment, the Way of Midnight's Lightning is a tortuous path for its

adherent. One is dependent upon divine favour and openness of heart to

maintain the continuity of inspiration, and yet its blessings far outweigh

its bane. For there is a Solitude in this Path, 'a Marriage that divorceth

all Other', in which Perfect All-oneliness may be realised.

Within the ambit of 'Unique Transmission' one may consider that an appointed

individual may receive entire bodies of lore, whole Rites and Mysteries. In

such instances, the ritual authority to teach others and to incept a lineage

for a specific corpus of knowledge is divinely sanctioned. Whilst any man or

woman may claim to have received a 'vision', the motives of such claims are

made apparent by certain external signs; as the Gospel teaches: 'one must

test all things and hold fast to that which is good'. If your path leads you

to meet with a true beholder of the Mysteries, an initiate without mortal

intercessor, then consider yourself blessed indeed. To learn from such a

person could reveal more of the Craft than any store of knowledge

accumulated through the passage of years. From experience I would counsel

caution and prudence, but if truth be found then I believe we should respect

those who have gained the favour of the Divine.

To speak boldly, I consider that the Lineage of Unique Transmission, as

incepted by the self-recognition of one's innate 'seed of light', is a

prerequisite for all who practise the Arte Magical. Perchance all Beings may

possess that spark within themselves, but the rubicon between initiate and

uninitiate is the self-recognition of that spiritual seed. For unless that

inchoate germ of the magical life awakens to itself there can be no growth,

no quickening of the soul-fire. The Unique Transmission is Old Fate's

blessing: the secret rapport between the Gods and the Soul; no other may

tell of it. Its outward signs are inspiration and knowing, married in an

indefinable state whereby a man becomes Mage.

Within the Cultus Sabbati 'the Way of the Flaming Torch' and 'the Way of the

Lightning-bolt' are known as 'The Dragon's Horns'. It is considered a worthy

aspiration for a Wayfarer to realise the union of the twain: the non-dual

path of the Double-way. Because of this dual emphasis, it is considered that

only those with the capacity for receiving teachings and who bear the marks

of 'unique transmission' - whatever the degree of manifestation - should be

invited into the formal sodality. A witch born to the Path may still spend

many years struggling to make manifest that which lies within and yet by

vertu of the Traditional Rites an uncommon fate may be swiftly seized; unto

such individuals the process of tuition is in truth a Path of Remembrance: a

reclamation of ancient birthright.

Mystery Rites: the Lineages of Magistry

A customary demonstration of 'Attaining the Dragon's Horns' (the Union of

Unique Transmission and Lineal Empowerment) is for an initiate to compose a

Grand Mysterium or Mystery-rite. Such rites are comprised of diverse

'oracular' utterances, magical ordeals, and highly specialised modes of

initiation into specific 'states' of magical rapport with powers and

entities. The composer of a Mystery-rite is known as its Master or Mistress,

and it is at their behest that the rite is performed or its textual form is

transmitted to others. In and of themselves Mysteria of this kind are Grand

Initiations serving to convey the lineages of certain spiritual entities or

magical techniques.

Within the higher body of our magical lore, known as 'The Gnosis of the

Crooked Path', there are numerous examples of such advanced workings. For

example, 'The Rite of the Turnskin'. This is an initiatory procedure

Plik z chomika:

Inne pliki z tego folderu:

Inne foldery tego chomika: