Commentaries on the Chymical Wedding of C.R.C.

Herewith we came to the first gate where the Porter with the blue clothes waited. He had in his hand a supplication. Now as soon as he spied me even with the King, delivered me the supplication, most humbly beseeching me to mention his ingenuity before the King. Now in the first place I demanded of the King, what the condition of this porter was? The King answered me in a friendly manner, recounting that the porter was a very famous and rare astrologer, and always in high regard with the Lord his Father, but having on a time committed a fault against Venus, and beheld her in her bed of rest, this punishment was therefore imposed upon him, that he should so long wait at the first gate, until some one should release him from thence. I replied, "May he then be released?" "Yes," said the King, "if any one can be found that hath as highly transgressed as himself, he must stand in his stead, and the other shall be free."

The gatekeeper of the mysteries is now revealed as having committed the same act as CRC - he has seen Isis Unveiled. To be a gatekeeper is a very humble position, but to get there we must penetrate the most closely guarded mystery. What must we do to go higher?

This word went to my heart, for my conscience convinced me that I was the offender, yet I held my peace, and herewith delivered the supplication. As soon as he had read it, he was mightily terrified, so that the Queen who, with our virgins, and that other Queen besides, of whom I made mention at the hanging of the weights, and who were riding just behind, observed it as well. They asked what this letter might signify. But he had no mind that he should take notice of it, but putting up the paper, began to discourse of other matters, until in about three hours time we came to the castle, where we alighted, and waited upon the King into his hall. Immediately the King called for the old Atlas to come to him in a little closet, and showed him the writing, who made no long tarrying, but rode out again to the Porter to take better cognizance of the matter, after which the young King and his spouse, and other lords, ladies and virgins, sat down. Then began our Virgin highly to commend the diligence we had used, and the pains and labour we had undergone, requesting we might be royally rewarded, and that she henceforward might be permitted to enjoy the benefit of her commission. Then the old lord stood up too, and attested that all that the Virgin had spoken was true, and that it was but equity that we should on both parts be contented. Hereupon we were to step forward, and it was concluded that each man should make some possible wish, and accordingly obtain it, for it was not to be doubted, but that those of understanding would also make the best wish.

The gatekeeper’s petition to be released, is being considered at the same time as CRC’s reward. The two are intimately connected.

So we were to consider of it until after supper. Meantime the King and Queen for recreation sake, began to play a game together. It looked not unlike chess, only it had other laws; for it was the Virtues and Vices one against another, where it might ingeniously be observed with what plots the Vices lay in wait for the Virtues, and how to re-encounter them again. This was so properly and artfully performed, that we wished that we might play the game as well.

In chess, there are 8 major pieces on either side. Here the game is polarised into vice against virtue, therefore 8 black pieces against 8 white pieces. This is the game of life that we play continuously, no matter how far we have advanced with the 8 steps of the Emerald Tablet and the 8 paths to Tiferet. Yet again a small detail. The game of life is performed "artfully". This is a reference to alchemy as the Art. That is, life can be lived in a consciously directed manner that can produce the right result.

During the game, Atlas returned, and made his report in private, yet I blushed all over, for my Conscience gave me no rest. The King gave me the appeal to read and the contents were much to this purpose. First he wished the King prosperity, and increase; that his seed might be spread abroad far and wide. Afterwards he remonstrated that the time was now accomplished, wherein according to the royal promise he ought to be released, because Venus was already uncovered by one of his guests, for his observations could not lie to him. And that if his Majesty would please to make a strict and diligent inquiry, he would find that she had been uncovered, and in case this should not prove to be so, he would be content to remain before the gate all the days of his life. Then he sued in the most humble manner, that upon peril of body and life he might be permitted to be present at this evening’s supper. He was in good hopes to identify the offender and obtain his wished freedom. This was expressly and handsomely indicated, by which I could well perceive his ingenuity. It was too sharp and painful for me and I could have endured never to have seen it. Now I was casting in my mind whether he might perchance be helped through my wish, so I asked the King whether he might not be released some other way. "No," replied the King, "because there is a special consideration in the business. However, for this night, we may well gratify him in his desire". So he sent forth one to fetch him in.

The gatekeeper’s petition is clearly aimed at CRC. There can be no escape from responsibility, no matter how hard he tries. Do always accept responsibility for our actions without hesitation?

Meantime the tables were prepared in a spacious room, in which we had never been before, which was so complete, and in such manner contrived, that it is not possible for me to begin to describe it. Into this hall, we were conducted with singular pomp and ceremony. Cupid was not at this time present, for (as I was informed) the disgrace which had happened to his mother, had somewhat angered him. In brief, my offence, and the supplication which was delivered were an occasion of much sadness, for the King was in perplexity how to make inquisition among his guests, and the more because thus even they too, who were yet ignorant of the matter, would come to the knowledge of it. So he caused the Porter himself, who already arrived, to make his strict observation, and showed himself as pleasant as he was able. Eventually, they began again to be merry, and to talk with one another and many recreative and profitable discourses were to be heard. As to the other ceremonies which were then performed, it is not necessary to declare, since it is neither the reader’s concern, nor serviceable to my design. But all exceeded more in art, and human invention, and not merely because we were overcharged with drinking. And this was the last, and noblest meal at which I was present.

Here, at the last Spiritual Discipline of celebration, the gatekeeper is brought in to identify CRC. That is because this is both a beginning and an ending. A new cycle is coming.

After the banquet the tables were suddenly taken away, and certain curious chairs placed in a circle, in which we together with the King and Queen, both their old men, the ladies and virgins, were to sit. After which a very handsome page opened the above-mentioned glorious little book, when Atlas immediately placed himself in the midst, began to speak to us of the ensuing purpose. His Royal Majesty not having yet committed to oblivion the service we had done him, and knowing how carefully we had attended our duty, he therefore by way of retribution had elected each of us a Knight of the Golden Stone. It was therefore further necessary not only once again to oblige ourselves towards his Royal Majesty, but to make our vows upon the following articles, and then his Royal Majesty would likewise know how to behave himself towards his liege people. Upon which he caused the page to read over the articles, which were these.

Everyone sits in a circle for the final step in the initiatory process - the taking of the oath. No matter what a candidate has done to get to this point, he must seal his actions with a complete moral commitment. This is the Discipline of service. The reward for service, is more service.

I.  You my lords, the Knights, shall swear that you shall at no time ascribe your order either unto any devil or spirit, but only to God your Creator, and his hand-maid Nature.

There is to be no allegiance to entities contacted by channelling and similar practices.

II.  That you will abominate all whoredom, incontinence and uncleanness, and not defile your order with such vices.

This is most important for us today, given our almost complete disregard for personal responsibility.

III.  That you through your talents will be always ready to assist all that are worthy, and have need of them.

Interestingly, only those worthy, will receive. What we want and what we need, are different.

IV.  That you desire not to employ this honour to worldly pride and high authority.

The values of the spiritual life are different from those of the world.

V.  That you shall not be willing to live longer than God will have you.

We must accept the kosmic order and God's will. We must not oppose God.

At this last article we could not choose but laugh sufficiently, and it may well have been placed after the rest, only for a conceit. We accepted these vows upon the power of the King’s sceptre. We were afterwards with the usual ceremonies installed as Knights, and among other privileges set over Ignorance, Poverty, and Sickness, to handle them at our pleasure. And this was afterwards ratified in a little chapel (whither we were conducted in procession) and thanks returned to God for it, where I also at that time to the honour of God hung up my golden fleece and hat, and left them there for an eternal memorial. And because every one was there to write his name, I wrote thus:

Freemasons will recognise the final installation ceremony. Note that CRC leaves his golden fleece and hat in the chapel as an eternal memorial. He has created a permanent record in the akashic records.

Summa Scientia nihil Scire,
Fr. CHRISTIANUS ROSENCREUTZ.
Eques aurei Lapidis.
Anno 1459

The Highest Wisdom is to know Nothing
Frater Christian Rosencreutz
Knight of the Golden Stone
The Year 1459 A.D.

This is the equivalent of the formal signing of the oath of obligation. It is no mere formality. It is a final and irrevocable step. We should not even contemplate breaking our word. And the Nothing that is the highest wisdom? It is above Keter. It is the AIN SOF AUR.

Others wrote likewise, and truly each as seemed good to him. After which we were again brought into the hall, where having sat down, we were admonished quickly to give thought as to what every one would wish. But the King and his party retired into a little closet, there to give audience to our wishes. Now each man was called in separately, so that I cannot speak of any man’s proper wish. I thought nothing could be more praise-worthy than in honour of my order to demonstrate some laudable virtue, and found too that none at present could be more famous, and cost me more trouble than Gratitude. Wherefore not regarding that I might well have wished somewhat more dear and agreeable to myself, I vanquished myself, and concluded, even with my own peril, to free the Porter, my benefactor. Wherefore being now called in, It was first of all demanded that having read the supplication whether I had observed or suspected anything concerning the offender? Upon which I began undauntedly to relate how all the business had passed. How through ignorance I fell into that mistake, and so offered myself to undergo all that I had thereby demerited. The King, and the rest of the lords wondered mightily at this unhoped for confession, and so wished me to step aside a little.

At this stage, true to his word, CRC has no choice but to admit that he has seen the Lady Venus. It is an act of sacrifice, but it is the only way in which he can now conduct himself. He is no longer capable of deceit or falsehood. What about each of us?

Now as soon as I was called for again, Atlas declared to me, that although it were grievous to the King’s Majesty, that I whom he loved above others, was fallen into such mischance, yet because it was not possible for him to transgress his ancient usages, he knew not how else to absolve me, but that the other must be at liberty, and I placed in his stead, yet he would hope that some other would be apprehended, that so I might be able to go home again. However, no release was to be hoped for, until the marriage feast of his future son. This sentence had near cost me my life, and I first hated myself and my twatling tongue, in that I could not hold my peace, yet at last I took courage, and because I considered there was no remedy, I related how this Porter had bestowed a token on me, and commended me to the other, by whose assistance I stood upon the scale, and so was made partaker of all the honour and joy already received. And therefore now it was but equal that I should show myself grateful to my benefactor, and because the same could be done in no other fashion, I returned thanks for the sentence. I was willing and glad to sustain some inconvenience for his sake, who had been helpful to me in coming to such a high place. But if by my wish any thing might be effected, I wished myself at home again, and that so he by me, and I by my wish might be at liberty. Answer was made me, that the wishing stretched not so far. However I might well wish him free. Yet it was very pleasing to his Royal Majesty that I had behaved myself so generously herein, but he was afraid I might still be ignorant into what a miserable condition I had plunged myself through this my curiosity. Hereupon the good man was pronounced free, and I with a sad heart was willing to step aside.

CRC sets the old gatekeeper free and takes his place. In turn, CRC can only be freed when someone else sees Isis Unveiled. That can only be when the next Hermetic Marriage takes place. Thus the true purpose of the Marriage is at last revealed. It is the training of a gatekeeper. As humble a task as it is possible to imagine. Are we prepared to do what CRC did, in order to stand outside the door of the mysteries? What must we do to get inside?

After me the rest were called for and they came merrily out, which was still more to my smart, for I imagined no other, but that I must finish my life under the gate. I had also many pensive thoughts running up and down in my head, that I should yet undertake, and wherewith to spend the time. At length I considered that I was now old, and according to the course of nature, had few years more to live. And that this anguish and melancholy life would easily dispatch me, and then my doorkeeping would be at an end, and that by a most happy sleep I might quickly bring myself into the grave. I had a variety of these thoughts. Indeed it vexed me that I had seen such gallant things only to be robbed of them.

We can surely sympathise with CRC’s regrets. We would feel the same.

Sometimes it rejoiced me that before my end I had been accepted to all joy, and should not be forced so shamefully to depart. This was the last and worst shock that I sustained. During these my cogitations the rest were ready. Wherefore after they had received a good night form the King and lords, each one was conducted into his lodging. But I most wretched man had nobody to show me the way, and yet must moreover suffer myself to be tormented. Knowing of my certain future function, I was ready to put on the ring, which the other had before worn. Finally, the King exhorted me, that since this was now the last time I would see him in this manner, I should behave myself according to my place, and not against the order. Upon which he took me also in his arms, and kissed me, all which I so understood as if in the morning I must sit at my gate. Now after they had all said a friendly word to me, and at last presented their hands, committing me to the divine protection, I was by both the old men, the Lord of the Tower and Atlas, conducted into a glorious lodging, in which stood three beds, and each of us lay in one of them, where we yet spent almost two, &c.

After the last farewell, CRC and his companions retire to the 3 beds for the initiatory sleep. When the awake, a new cycle of the Great Work will begin and a new Chymical Marriage must be prepared.

Here are wanting about two leaves in quarto, and he (the author hereof),

whereas he imagined he must in the morning be door-keeper, returned home.

The last two pages are missing because we must each write our own ending. Each of us is on the path. Each must see the Lady Venus unveiled, so we can participate in the Marriage and replace CRC. He is waiting for us to awaken him. Are we ready?