Initiation

Welcome to the blog of the Ordo Hermeticus Mysteriorum. We look forward to cultivating this cozy little corner of space as a new venue in which to share inspiration, perspectives, experiences, expositions, and wax philosophical within the realm of Hermetic and Esoteric philosophy and practice.

As an established order of the Western Mystery Tradition, we hope to not only present ideas and give perspectives on the history, philosophy and mechanics of the Mysteries, but also share in the study, practical application and transformative experiences of those Mysteries.

As we explore the broad and rich tapestry of Hermetic Philosophy, Tarot, the Qabalah, Alchemy, Sacred Number and Geometry, Meditation, Astrology, Magic, Ritual, and Transformation, we look forward to having you join us as we begin this new virtual venture on our collective path of Initiation.

And speaking of Initiation… that sounds like a great place to begin, (pun intended), as we take the first step in this venture by briefly exploring language, word and definition as a medium, and as a key, in which to consider some of the dynamics of Initiation.

The word initiate (as a verb) derives from the latin initiare meaning “beginning or commencement” and initium, “to begin, start or the origin”. The latin intrare, also as parentage of the word, conveys the meaning of “to go into or enter”, or “ to penetrate”. It is on these latter etymological connotations that we’ll focus our lens in this post.

Be it the first commitment to and commencement of a formal or ages old Initiation process of an established or lineaged organization; taking the steps toward self-initiation; dedicating oneself to psychological or physical transformation or a new personal adventure; or the opening to and dawn of a necessary paradigm shift—the genesis of Initiation can be a charged experience and a true watershed moment. The word intrare, holds not only the signification that Initiation is that first step into a rite of passage and the galvanizing process that begins from taking that first step; it also offers a key as to how one may approach it.

Intrare, as to “enter into”, implies intention, willingness, readiness and effort. Think of the entrance exams necessary for admittance into college or other institutions. Or of wedding ceremonies when each partner is asked if they enter into the union freely or without equivocation. Or the use of the word “enter” as a stage direction—as in enter stage left—when the actor comes on stage, thus becoming part of the scene, and their character comes alive in its relationship with the story, the environment and the other performers.

Like a college entry exam, Initiation may admit us into realms which direct, mold, illuminate and transform. Initiation, as a rite of unification and dedication, can put us on a path of integration, wholeness, service and devotion, all the while daring us to become more than who we are. And Initiation can be that which directs us: “enter stage left!”, encouraging us to become a more purposefully living and essential part of a most compelling story.

As a another meaning of intrare, beyond the obvious reproductive connotations, the word “penetrate” can be defined as “to discover the inner contents or meanings of”, and “the entering of something by overcoming resistance”. Both definitions hold within them a rather sublime elucidation of the Initiatory journey.

The first, “to discover inner content or meaning”, presents not only an obvious way of interpreting Initiation, but a thoughtful one as well, doing so perhaps by simply inviting us to continually examine and ask questions—whether we are only now embarking upon the adventure, or have been on a dedicated Initiatory Path for years.

What is the method of discovery? What is this “inner content” and would I, or do I, even recognize it? What defines this discovery as “inner”? Where is this inner place, and is it within me or does it transcend me? What meaning can I take from it and how might I apply or express this meaning?

And as insightful as this discovery of meaning may be, in both abstraction or practice, it is the latter definition of “penetrate” that provides a most poignant interpretation.

To enter into something by overcoming resistance…

This alone alludes to that which may very well be what sparks our readiness to begin the Initiation process in the first place— a resistance overcome. This idea then becomes that which provides direction (“take five steps forward”) and guidance (“remember to breathe”) when one is in the thick of it. And perhaps most significantly, it is also that which reveals a truth as to the impact and effect of the process itself.

Initiation offers us an invitation to break through the resistance and move past the outworn forms or rigid paradigms that no longer serve us. And perhaps it is not we alone who penetrate, who probe, who break through, or who discover… It is also that which is on the other side of the breakthrough, that which invites us to make the ultimate discovery, and invites the Ultimate to discover us.

The Fool Card, first card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot, illuminates this dynamic quite well. Our Fool, ever on an abiding path of discovery, (literally the Fool’s Journey), follows a course in faith and optimism, lacking in resistance and open to all possibility. But this is not only the eternal youth, full of all-potential and no substance, who is unfailingly seeking and faithfully stepping forth into the unknown. The Fool is also the Ancient of Days, and that which is perpetual in timeless wisdom, and ever entering into the story on a quest for actualization and re-discovery—not merely open to all possibility, but in true possession of it.

In closing, (and in acknowledgment that it’s pretty clear reading the dictionary is fun), let it be said that as we take the first steps, igniting the process of Initiation and the subsequent progression upon the Path, we not only break down the resistance and discover new parts of ourselves, we activate them. For Initiation doesn’t just reward us by handing over the keys, abilities and knowledge so highly sought after— the true reward might be the transformation into beings who know how to hold onto those things, how to use them, and how to become something more in service to the whole. And with the reward of resistance transformed, and progress and gains made, let it be remembered that on this journey we may also leave something behind—even if all that’s let go of is just the part of ourselves that ever resisted at all.

A quote by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho beautifully illustrates this: “Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so that you can be who you were meant to be in the first place”.