The Sixth  Day
by Jack Courtis

Next morning, after we had awakened one another, we sat together to discourse upon what events might come to pass. Some were of opinion that the corpses would all find life again together. Others contradicted this as the act of dying by the ancients was not only to restore life, but to increase the life and vitality of the young ones. Some imagined that they were not put to death, but that others were beheaded in their stead. Having talked together for a long time, an old man came in, and first saluting us, cast about to see if all things were ready, and the processes finished. Having behaved ourselves, he could find no fault with our diligence. He placed all the glass containers together, and put them into a case. In a moment, certain youths entered, bringing with them ladders, ropes, and large wings, which they laid down before us, and departed. Then the old man began thus: "My dear sons, one of these three things must each of you this day constantly bear with him. Now it is free for you to either to make a choice of one of them, or to cast lots about it." We replied that we would choose. "Nay," said he, "let it rather go by lot." Hereupon he made three little schedules. On one he wrote Ladder, on the second Rope, on the third Wings. These he placed in a hat, and each man was to draw, and whatever he happened upon, that was to be his.

After a discussion on the meaning of the sacrificial deaths, the guardian of the mysteries divides the candidates into 3 groups. They have different means of rising to higher levels: ladders, ropes or wings. This reminds us that there are 3 orientations to God: knowledge, love and sacrificial action. The selection is made by lot, but we should not be deceived into thinking this is a completely random and therefore meaningless process. It is in fact the use of intuition.

Those who got the ropes, imagined themselves to be in the best case, but I chanced on a ladder, which hugely afflicted me, for it was twelve-foot long and quite heavy. I would be forced to carry it, whereas the others could handsomely coil their ropes about them. And as for the wings, the old man joined them so neatly on to the third sort as if they had grown them from themselves. Hereupon he turned the cock, and then the fountain ran no longer, and we were pleased to move it out of the way.

The 12 foot ladder of CRC is heavy, but so are the 12 Disciplines. Nevertheless, this is a strong and secure means of ascent. But why is the fountain stopped?

After all things were moved to the side, he took the casket with the glasses and left, locking the door fast after him, so that we imagined nothing else but that we had been imprisoned in this Tower. But it was hardly a quarter of an hour before a round hole at the very top was uncovered, where we saw our Virgin, who called to us, and bade us good morrow, desiring us to come up. They with the wings were instantly above through the hole. Only they with the ropes were in evil plight. For as soon as ever one of us was up, he was commanded to draw up the ladder to him. At last each man’s rope was hung on an iron hook, so each man was able to climb up by his rope as well as he could, which indeed was not compassed without blisters. Now as soon as we were through the opening the hole was again covered, and we were received in friendship by the Virgin.

The 3 methods of ascent are used and a higher level is achieved. We should pause and consider that it is the feminine principle that is drawing CRC up.

This room encompassed the whole breadth of the Tower. There were six very stately vestries a little raised above the room, to be entered by the ascent of three steps. In these vestries we were distributed, there to pray for the life of the King and Queen. Meanwhile the Virgin went in and out of the little door a, until we had done. For as soon as our process was absolved, there was brought in, and placed in the middle through the little door, by twelve persons (which were formerly our musicians) a wonderful thing of an elongated shape, which my companions took only to be a fountain. But I observed that the corpses lay in it, for the inner chest was of an oval figure, so large that six persons might lay side by side. After which they again went forth, fetched their instruments, and conducted in our Virgin, together with her she-attendants, with a most delicate music. The Virgin carried a little casket, but the rest only branches and small lamps, and some lighted torches as well. The torches were immediately given into our hands, and we were to stand about the fountain in this order.

The numbers are all significant. This is the 2^nd level of the 7-fold tower. There are 6 vestries supplemented by the fountain, as the 7^th object. This is brought in by the 12 musicians. The oval inner chest reminds us of the mystical symbol, the vesica piscis. This is the womb of the Void and hence the doorway to life and death. That is why the corpses lay in it. The candidates are given inner light (the torches) and made to stand in a pattern.

First stood the Virgin A with her attendants in a ring with the lamps and branches. Next we stood with our torches b. The musicians c were in long rank. The last group were the rest of the virgins d who positioned themselves in another long rank. Now from where the virgins came from, or if they dwelled in the castle, or whether they were brought in during the night, I know not, for all their faces were covered with veils of delicate white linen and I could not recognise any of them.

The formation is obviously significant but its meaning shall remain obscure until we match CRC’s efforts. However, it seems there are only 5 candidates and this matches the 5 stages of the Great Work. The fountain reminds us of the waters of life mentioned in the Apocalypse ch 22 v 1.

Hereupon the Virgin opened the casket, in which there was a round thing wrapped up in a piece of green double tarrata. This she laid in the uppermost kettle, and then covered it with the lid, which was full of holes, and had besides a rim, on which she poured in some of the water which we had the day before prepared, whence the fountain began immediately to run, and through four small pipes to drive into the little kettle.

The kettle reminds us of copper and the Lady Venus. So does the colour green, for that is her colour. The water prepared by the candidates now flows through 4 pipes and the fountain begins to run. An alchemical process is under way.

Beneath the bottom kettle there were many sharp points, on which the virgins stuck their lamps, that so the heat might come to the kettle, and make the water seethe. Now the water beginning to simper, by many little holes at a, it fell upon the bodies, and was so hot, that it dissolved them all, and turned them into liquor. As to what the above said round thing was, my companions knew not, but I understood that it was the Moor’s head, from which the water conceived with such a great heat. At b encircling the great kettle, there were again many holes, in which they stuck their branches. Now whether this was done of necessity, or only for ceremony, I know not. However, these branches were continually besprinkled by the fountain, whence it afterwards dropped somewhat of a deeper yellow into the kettle. This lasted for near two hours, but the fountain never ceased to flow forth; but yet the longer it flowed, the fainter it was.

The Water of Life dissolves the corpses. If they represent the alchemical process of putrefaction, then this is the process of dissolution. The lamps and branches are the mechanism of this stage. As usual, it is driven by polarity.

Meantime the musicians went their way, and we were able to walk up and down the room. Truly the room was so interesting, that we had opportunity enough to pass away our time. For images, there were paintings, clock-works, organs, springing fountains, and the like. I have forgotten nothing

It is important that the 12 musicians, that is the 12 Disciplines, are involved. In fact, we can never relax, we must constantly practise them, just as an orchestra must always practise.

When the fountain ceased and would run no longer, the Virgin commanded that a round golden globe be brought. At the bottom of the fountain there was a tap, by which she let out all the matter that was dissolved by those hot drops (whereof certain quarts were then very red) into the globe. The rest of the water which remained above in the kettle was poured out. And so this fountain (which was now become much lighter) was carried away. Whether it was opened abroad, or whether there was anything of further use within, I dare not say with certainty. But this I know, that the water that was emptied into the globe was much heavier than sin and it took many of us to bear it, notwithstanding that for its bulk it should have been easy for one man. Now this globe being with much ado gotten out of doors, we again sat alone, but I, perceiving a trampling overhead had an eye to my ladder.

There are 7 processes, but only 5 stages of the Great Work. Black is the colour of the first stage and red is the colour of the second. Here, the red liquid is put into the golden globe. What is the relationship between the 7 processes and the 5 stages? It is explained by the Tree of Life. There are 7 levels on the Tree and 5 sefirot on the middle pillar when it has reconciled the left and right pillars:

One might here take notice of the strange opinions my companions had concerning this fountain. For imagining that the bodies still lay in the garden of the castle, they knew not what to make of this kind of working, but I thanked God that I awakened in so opportune a time, and saw that which helped me the better in all the Virgin’s business. After one quarter of an hour the cover above was again lifted off, and we were commanded to come up, which was done as before with wings, ladders and ropes. It did not a little vex me, that whereas the virgins could go up another way, we were fain to labour so intensely. I could well judge there must be some special reason in it, and we must leave somewhat for the old man to do. For even those with the wings had no advantage by them but when they were to mount through the hole.

Now another level is climbed and it is hard work for everyone. CRC observes that he has awakened at an "opportune" time. This is a reference to inner time or non-linear time. The 3 means of ascent are again mentioned and correlate with the 3 pillars of the Tree of Life.

Now being gotten up thither also, and the hole shut again, I saw the globe hanging by a strong chain in the middle of the room. In this room was nothing else but mere windows, and still between two windows there was a door, which was covered with only a great polished looking-glass; and these windows and looking-glasses were so optically opposed one to another, that although the sun (which now shone exceeding bright) beat only upon one door, yet (after the windows towards the sun were opened, and the doors before the looking-glasses drawn aside) in all quarters of the room there was nothing but suns, which by artificial refraction beat upon the whole golden globe hanging in the midst, and for as much as the same (besides that brightness) was polished, it gave such a luster, that none of us could open our eyes, but were forced to look out the windows until the globe was well heated, and brought to the desired effect.

Is this the work of the sun mentioned in the Emerald Tablet? It is also the alchemical process of distillation. The globe symbolises the inner sun of Tiferet. The looking glasses are the enhanced capacity for seeing truth directly

Here I may well avow that in these mirrors I have seen the most wonderful spectacle that ever Nature brought to light, for there were suns in all places, and the globe in the middle shined yet brighter, so that but for one twinkling of an eye, we could no more endure it than the sun itself. At length the Virgin commanded to close the looking-glasses again, and to make fast the windows, and so let the globe cool a little. This was done about seven of the clock, wherefore, we thought it to be good, since we might now have the leisure to refresh ourselves with a breakfast.

Distillation occurs when a heated liquid is allowed to cool. That this is the 7^th hour, is significant.

This treatment was again right philosophical, and we had no need to be afraid of Virgin intemperance, yet we had no want. And the hope of the future joy (with which the Virgin continually comforted us) made us so jocund that we regarded not any pains, or inconvenience. And this I can truly say concerning my companions of high quality, that their minds never ran after kitchen or table, but their pleasure was only to attend upon this adventurous physic, and hence to contemplate the Creator’s wisdom and Omnipotency. After we had taken our food, we again settled ourselves to work, for the globe was sufficiently cooled, which with toil and labour we were to lift off the chain and set upon the floor. Now the dispute was how to get the globe in sunder, for we were commanded to divide the same in the midst. The conclusion was that a sharp pointed diamond would best do it. Now when we had thus opened the globe, there was nothing of redness more to be seen, but a lovely great snow-white egg.

This is the white stage of the Great Work. The product of distillation is the kosmic egg, born from the kosmic womb of the globe. This point is reinforced by CRC’s comment that "this treatment was right philosophical". He is referring to an alchemical process.

It most mightily rejoiced us, that this was so well brought to pass. For the Virgin was in perpetual care, in case the shell might still be too tender. We stood round about this egg as merry as if we ourselves had laid it. But the Virgin presently had it carried forth, and she departed from us again, and (as always) locked the door after her. But what she did abroad with the egg, or whether it were some fashion privately handled, I know not, neither do I believe it. My companions and I passed another quarter of an hour in rest, until the third hole were opened, and we by means of our instruments were come upon the fourth stone or floor. In this room we found a great copper kettle filled with yellow sand, which was warmed with a gentle fire. Afterwards the egg was raked up in it, that it might therein come to perfect maturity. This kettle was exactly square; upon one side stood these two verses, writ in great letters.

CRC ascends to the 4^th level and hence commences the 4^th process. It is also the yellow stage of the Great Work. The square kettle (of the 4 elements) contains the egg (Quintessence).

O.BLIO.TO.BIT.MI.LI.KANT.I.VOLT.BIT.TO. GOLT.

On the second side were these three words.

SANITAS.NIX.HASTA. {Health, Snow. Lance.}

The third had no more but this one word.

F.I.A.T. {It be!}

But on the hindermost part stood an entire inscription running thus.

QUOD
Ignis: Aer: Aqua: Terra:
SANCTIS REGUM ET
REGINARUM NOSTR:
Cineribus Eripere non potuerunt.
Fidelis Chymicorum Turba
IN HANC URNAM
Contulit.
A.D.

WHAT
Fire: Air; Water: Earth
Were unable to rob
From the holy ashes
OF OUR KINGS AND QUEENS
Was gathered, by the faithful flock
of Alchymists
IN THIS URN
A.D.
{1459}

The meaning of these inscriptions, is reserved for initiates of the rank of CRC. However, the 4 elements of alchemy are related to the ashes of the King and Queen. This is a step in the Great Work, because the ashes are gathered by alchemists and placed in the urn, which is a symbol for the physical body. The date, 1459 can be taken as a reference to, the 1^st sefira Keter, the 4^th sefira Chesed, the 5^th sefira Gevurah and the 9^th sefira Yesod. On the Tree, they form a cross. The date is in Arabic the mysterious language and the language of mysteries.

Now whether the sand or egg were hereby meant, I leave to the learned to dispute, yet I will do my part, and omit nothing from my exposition. Our egg being now ready was taken out, but it needed no cracking, for the bird that was in it soon freed himself, and showed himself very jovial, yet he looked very bloody and unshapen. We first set him upon the warm sand, so the Virgin commanded that before we gave him food to eat, we should be sure to bind the bird well, otherwise he would give us all work enough. This being done, the food was brought to him, which surely was nothing else than the blood of the beheaded, diluted again with prepared water.

We are not told what kind of bird this is, but can infer that it is the phoenix; the bird of resurrection. It is fed blood, About which we can again make an inference. It is congealed blood (although diluted with the Water of Life) and hence this is the alchemical process of coagulation.

Having eaten of this, the bird grew so fast under our eyes, that we well saw why the Virgin gave us such warning of him. He bit and scratched so devilishly about him, that could he have had his will upon any one of us, he would soon have dispatched him. Now he was wholly black, and wild, wherefore other meat was brought him, perhaps the blood of another of the Royal Persons, whereupon all his black feathers molted again, and instead of them there grew out snow-white feathers. He grew less wild too, and suffered himself to be more obedient. Nevertheless we did not yet trust him. At the third feeding his feathers began to be so curiously coloured, that in all my life I never saw the like of these colours. Such beauty! He was also now exceeding tame, and behaved himself so friendly with us, that (the Virgin consenting) we released him from his captivity.

The bird rapidly goes through the black and white stages again and on its 3^rd feeding, goes into the 4^th stage of the Great Work, usually described as the "Peacock" stage because of the brilliant colours that it produces. This stage being completed, the bird is released.

"It is now reason," began our Virgin, "since by your diligence, and our old man’s consent, the bird has attained both his life, and the highest perfection, that he be also joyfully consecrated by us." Herewith she commanded to bring dinner, and that we should again refresh ourselves, since the most troublesome part of our work was now over, and it was fit we should begin to enjoy our passed labours. We began to make ourselves merry together. Howbeit we had still all our mourning clothes on, which seemed somewhat reproachful to our mirth. Now the Virgin was perpetually inquisitive, perhaps to find which of us her future purpose might prove serviceable. But her discourse was for the most part about Melting; and it pleased her when one seemed expert in such compendious manuals as such knowledge commends an artist. This dinner lasted only three quarters of an hour, which we spent with our bird, whom we were ready constantly to feed with his meat, but he still continued much at the same growth.

When the virgin speaks of "melting" is she referring to the alchemical process of solution? Notice how the bird is constantly fed and how it grows.

After dinner we were not long suffered to digest our meat, but after that the Virgin together with the bird left us. The fifth room was set open to us, whither we got into after the former manner, and tendered our service. In this room a bath was prepared for our bird, which was so coloured with a fine white powder, that it had the appearance of milk. Now it was at first cool when the bird was set into it. He was mighty well pleased with it, drinking of it, and pleasantly sporting in it. But after it began to heat by reason of the lamps that were placed under it, we had much difficulty keeping him in the bath. We therefore clapped a cover on the kettle, and suffered him to thrust his head out through a hole, until he had through this process lost all his feathers in this bath, and was as smooth as a new-born child, yet the heat did him no further harm, at which I much marvelled, for in this bath the feathers were quite consumed, and the bath was thereby tinged with blue. At length we removed the lid, giving the bird air. He bounded out of the kettle, and was so glitteringly smooth, that it was a pleasure to behold it. But because he was still somewhat wild, we were fain to put a collar and chain about his neck, and with this, we led him up and down the room. Meantime a strong fire was made under the kettle, and the bath sodden away until it all came to a blue stone, which we took out, and having first pounded it, we were afterwards pleased to grind it on a stone, and finally with this colour to paint the bird’s whole skin over. Now he looked much more strangely, for he was all blue, except the head, which remained white.

Having gone to the 5^th level, the alchemical process of solution is now performed and the bird goes through more colour changes. This includes the alchemical process of calcinating the blue stone. The procedure also includes giving the bird a bath and placing it inside the kettle. These are further alchemical steps. Why the collar and chain around its neck? Is there something about this alchemical process that must be kept under strict control?

Herewith our work on this story was performed, and we (after the Virgin with her blue bird again departed from us) were called up through the hole to the sixth story, where we were mightily troubled. For in the midst, there sat a little altar and in every way it was like unto that King’s hall above described. Upon which stood the six aforementioned particulars, and he himself (the bird) made the seventh. First of all the little fountain was set before him, out of which he drunk a good draught. Afterwards he pecked upon the white serpent until she bled mightily. This blood we were to receive into a golden cup, and pour it down the bird’s throat, who was mighty averse from it. Then we dipped the serpent’s head in the fountain, upon which she again revived, and crept into her deaths-head, so that I saw her no more for a long time after. In the meantime, the sphere turned constantly on, until it made the desired conjunction. Immediately the watch struck one, upon which there was a movement to another conjunction. Then the watch struck two. Finally, while we were observing the third conjunction, and the same was indicated by the watch, the poor bird of himself submissively laid down his neck upon the book, and willingly suffered his head (by one of us thereto chosen by lot) to be smitten off. Howbeit he yielded not one drop of blood, until he was opened on the breast, and then the blood spun out so fresh and clear as if it had been a fountain of rubies. His death went to the heart of us, and yet we might well judge that a naked bird would stand us in little stead. So we let it rest, and removed the little altar away and assisted the Virgin to burn the body (together with the little tablet hanging by) to ashes with fire kindled at the little taper; afterwards to cleanse the same several times, and to lay them in a box of cypress wood.

On the 6^th level, the bird is added as the 7^th object, to the others on the altar. This paragraph should be read very carefully, because it describes the process of transformation in great detail. We must reach our own individual understanding. However, note the death and burning of the phoenix. Its resurrection is inevitable. Further, the process is timed by 3 astrological conjunctions. This demonstrates the unity of the Above with the Below.

Here I cannot conceal what a trick I and three more were served. After we had thus diligently taken up the ashes, the Virgin began to speak thus: "My lords, we are here in the sixth room and have only one more before us, in which our trouble will be at an end, and then we shall return home again to our castle, to awaken our most gracious Lords and Ladies. Now albeit I could heartily wish that all of you, as you are here together, had behaved in such manner, that I might have given you commendations to our most renowned King and Queen, and you should have obtained a suitable reward, yet because, contrary to my desire, I have found among you these four (herewith she pointed at me and three more) lazy and sluggish labourers and chymists. Yet according to my good-will to all and every one, I am not willing to deliver them up to punishment; however, that such negligence may not remain wholly unpunished, I will thus concerning them, that they shall only be excluded from the future seventh and most glorious action of all the rest, and so too they shall incur no further blame from their Royal Majesties." In what mood we now were at this speech I leave others to consider, for the Virgin so well knew how to keep her countenance, that the water soon ran over our baskets, and we esteemed ourselves the unhappiest of all men. After this the Virgin by one of her maids (whereof there were many always at hand) caused the musicians to be fetched, who were with cornets to blow us out of doors with such scorn and derision that they themselves could hardly sound for laughing. But it did particularly afflict us that the Virgin so vehemently laughed at our weeping, anger and impatience, and that there might well perhaps be some among our companions who were glad of this our misfortune.

CRC plus 3 others are singled out as lazy and are to be removed from the rest of the candidates. This is to conceal their true status. We should remember that in the Fama Fraternitatis, CRC begins the Rosicrucian Order with himself and 3 others.

But it proved otherwise, for as soon as we were come out at the door, the musicians bid us be of good cheer and follow them up the winding stairs. They led us up to the seventh floor under the roof, where we found the old man, whom we had not hitherto seen, standing upon a little round furnace. He received us friendly, and heartily congratulated us, that we were hereto chosen by the Virgin; but after he understood the fear we had conceived, his belly was ready to burst with laughing, that we had taken such good fortune so heinously. "Hence," said he, "my dear sons, learn that man never knoweth how well God intended him." During this discourse the Virgin also with her little box came running in, who (after she had sufficiently laughed at us) emptied her ashes into another vessel, and filled hers again with other matter, saying she must now go cast a mist before the other artist’s eyes. We in the meantime should obey the old lord in whatsoever he commanded us, and not give up our former diligence. Herewith she departed from us into the seventh room calling our companions to her. Now what she first did with them, I cannot tell, for they were not only most earnestly forbidden to speak of it, but we too by reason of our business, dared not peep on them through the ceiling.

CRC is now on the 7^th and highest level. He is led there by the 12 musicians and this reminds us that the 12 Disciplines must always be with us. Significantly, the feminine principle departs and the final process is in the hands of the masculine principle.

But this was our work. We were to moisten the ashes with our fore-prepared water until they became altogether like a very thin dough, after which we set the matter over the fire, until it was well heated. Then we cast it thus hot as it was into two little forms or molds, and so let it cool a little (here we had leisure to look for a while upon our companions through certain crevices made in the floor). They were now very busy at a furnace, and each was himself working to blow up the fire with a pipe, and they stood thus blowing about it, as if they were herein wondrously preferred before us. And this blowing lasted so long until our old man roused us to our work again, so that I cannot say what was done afterwards. We having opened our little forms there appeared two beautiful bright and almost transparent little images, the like to which man’s eyes never saw, a male and a female, each of them only four inches long, and that which most mightily surprised me was that they were not hard, but limber and fleshy, like other human bodies, yet they were lifeless; so that I do most assuredly believe the Lady Venus’s image was also made after some such way.

The Great Work now produces a new polarity in the form of tiny male and female beings. Being 4 inches long, reminds us of the perfection of the 4 elements. They are still lifeless because they lack a Divine Spark.

These angelically fair babes we first laid upon two little satin cushions, and beheld them a good time, until we were almost drunk with the exquisiteness of the object. The old lord warned us to forbear, and continually to instill the blood of the bird (which had been received into a little golden cup) drop after drop into the mouths of the little images, from whence they apparently to the eye increased; and whereas they were before very small, they were now (according to proportion) much more beautiful, so that worthily all illuminators of manuscripts ought to have been here, and if honest, they would have been ashamed of their art in respect of these productions of nature. Now they began to grow so big that we lifted them from the little cushions, and were willing to lay them upon a long table, which was covered with white velvet. The old man also commanded us to cover them over up to the breast with a piece of the fine white double tarrata, which because of their unspeakable beauty, almost went against us. But that I may be brief, before we had in this manner quite spent the blood, they were already in their perfect full growth. They had gold-yellow curled hair, and the above-mentioned figure of Venus was nothing to them. But there was not yet any natural warmth, or sensibility in them. They were dead figures, yet of a lively and natural colour, and since care was to be taken that they grew not too great, the old man would not permit any more to be given them, but quite covered their faces too with the silk, and caused the table to be stuck round about with torches. Here I must warn the reader that he imagine not these lights to have been of necessity, for the old man’s intent hereby, was only that we should not observe when the soul entered into them, as indeed we should not have taken notice of it, in case I had not twice before seen the flames. However, I permitted the other three to remain in their belief, neither did the old man know that I had seen anything more. Hereupon he bid us sit down on a bench over against the table.

This paragraph should also be read carefully for an understanding of the process. We shall not fully appreciate it until we have reached the same stage as CRC. Note that the point of the process is to bring the soul into the body.

Presently the Virgin came in too with the music and all furniture, and carried two curious white garments, the like to which I had never seen in the castle, neither can I describe them, for I thought that they were pure crystal, but they were gentle, and not transparent, so that I cannot speak of them. These she laid down upon a table, and after she had disposed her virgins upon a bench round about, she and the old man began many legerdemain tricks about the table, which was done only to blind us. This (as I told you) was managed under the roof, which was wonderfully formed, for on the inside it was arched into seven hemispheres, of which the middlemost was somewhat the highest, and had at top a little round hole, which was nevertheless closed, and was observed by none else. After many ceremonies, there came in six virgins, each of which had a large trumpet, which were rounded with a green, glittering, burning material like a wreath.

This room has 7 hemispheres. The topmost has a small hole that only CRC notices. There are 7 vertical paths on the Tree of Life. The topmost ends at Keter and above that, is the AIN SOF AUR. No wonder the hole is closed up.

The old man took one, and after he had removed some of the lights at top, and uncovered their faces, he placed one of the trumpets upon the mouth of one of the bodies in such manner, that the upper and wider part of it was directed just against the aforementioned hole. Here my companions always looked upon the images, but I had other thoughts, for as soon as the foliage or wreath about the shank of the trumpet was kindled, I saw the hole at top open, and a bright stream of fire shooting down the tube, and passing into the body, whereupon the hole was again covered, and the trumpet removed. With this device my companions were deluded, so that they imagined that life came into the image by means of the fire of the foliage, for as soon as he received the soul he twinkled with his eyes, howbeit he scarce stirred. The second time he placed another tube upon its mouth, and kindled it again, and the soul was let down through the tube. This was repeated upon each of them three times, after which all the lights were extinguished and carried away. The velvet carpets of the table were cast together over them, and immediately a travelling bed was unlocked and made ready, into which thus wrapped up they were born, and so after the carpets were taken off them, they were neatly laid by each other, where with the curtains drawn before them, they slept a good while.

The guardian of the mysteries uses a trumpet 3 times on each body, to bring it to life. Only CRC sees the bright stream of fire coming from the hole in the roof. We can infer that the Divine Spark (stream of fire) comes from the AIN SOF AUR and it energises the 3 vehicles of consciousness of the man and woman.

Now was it also time for the Virgin to see how our other artists behaved themselves. They were well pleased because, as the Virgin afterwards informed me, they were to work in gold, which is indeed an ingredient of this art, but not the most principal, not even the most necessary and best. They had also a part of these ashes, so that they imagined no other but that the whole bird was provided for the sake of gold, and that life must thereby be restored to the deceased.

Whereas CRC had been bringing the king and queen to life, the other initiates had been making gold. Here is a subtle point. Most alchemists believe that gold making is the highest form of their Art. It is not. In fact, CRC and his 3 companions have performed the Great Work.

Meantime we sat very still, attending when our married couple would awake. Thus about half an hour was spent. For then the wanton Cupid presented himself again, and after he had saluted us all, flew to them behind the curtain, tormenting them so long until they awaked. This happened to them with very great amazement, for they imagined no other but that they had hitherto slept from the very hour in which they were beheaded. Cupid, after he had awaked them, and renewed their acquaintance one with another, stepped aside a little, and permitted them both somewhat better to recruit themselves, meantime playing his tricks with us, and at length he had the music played merrier. Not long after the Virgin herself came in, and after she had most humbly saluted the young King and Queen (who found themselves somewhat faint) and kissed their hands, she brought them the two aforementioned curious garments, which they put on, and so stepped forth.

Finally, it is Cupid who awakens the couple. Again, we should be careful not to misunderstand this as mere sentimentality. A profound kosmic principle is involved. Why should the couple think they had been asleep since their beheading? Is this a reincarnational memory?

There were already prepared two very curious chairs, wherein they placed themselves, and so were by us with most profound reverence congratulated, for which the King in his own person most graciously returned his thanks, and again re-assured us of all grace. It was already about five o’clock. They could no longer stay, but as soon the chief of their furniture could be laden, we were to attend the young Royal Persons down the winding stairs, through all doors and watches unto the ship, in which they embarked themselves, together with certain virgins and Cupid, and sailed so mighty swift that we soon lost sight of them, yet they were met (as I was informed) by certain stately ships. Thus in four hours time they had made many leagues at sea. After five of the clock the musicians were charged to carry all things back again to the ships, and to make themselves ready for the voyage.

The royal couple and all their possessions are conveyed down the 7 levels of the tower into the ships and they depart. Cupid goes with them. It seems fairly clear that Cupid is an animating principle.

Because this was a lengthy chore, the old lord commanded forth a party of his concealed soldiers, who had hitherto been planted in the wall, so that we had taken no notice of any of them, whereby I observed that this Tower was well provided against opposition. Now these soldiers made quick work with our stuff, so that no more remained further to be done but to go to supper. Now the table being completely furnished, the Virgin brought us to our companions where we were to carry ourselves as if we had truly been in a lamentable condition, and forbear laughing. But they were always smiling one upon another, howbeit some of them too sympathized with us. At this supper the old lord was with us too, who was a most sharp inspector over us, for none could propound any thing so discreetly, but that he knew how either to confute it, or amend it, or at least to give some good document upon it. I learned most by this lord. It would be well if each one would apply himself to him, and take notice of his procedure, for then things of this world would not so often go awry.

The old guardian gives profound instruction to all his students, during a form of "last supper".

After we had taken our nocturnal reflection, the old lord led us into his closets of rarities, which were here and there dispersed among the bulwarks. We saw such wonderful productions of Nature, and other things to which man’s wit in imitation of Nature had invented, that a year would be insufficient to survey them. Thus we spent a good part of the night by candlelight. At last, because we were more inclined to sleep than see many rarities, we were lodged in rooms in the wall, where we had not only costly good beds, but also extraordinarily handsome chambers. This made us the wonder why we were the day before forced to undergo so many hardships. In this chamber I had good rest, and being for the most part without care, and weary with continual labour, the gentle rushing of the sea helped me to a sound and sweet sleep, for I continued in one dream from eleven of clock until eight in the morning.

The instruction continues until CRC finally goes to sleep and dreams for 9 hours. Why 9? There are 9 sefirot that are metaphysical and are therefore perceived as if in a dream. Only the 10^th sefira, Malkhut is objective, that is, here and now and perceived in "waking" consciousness.

Copyright © 1998 by Stepney Nominees Pty Ltd (ACN 008 869 485) Trustee for Courtis No4 Trust

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