Tara - III. Portal of Gemini: Introduction & Rites

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III. Portal of Gemini

Introduction: Roll-over

Rite 1. Wheels within Wheels

Rite 2. White Sun, Black Twin

Fellowship of Isis Liturgy

Olivia Robertson

Tara of the Oracles

The Alchemical Twins Face the Fates

The Octagonal Temple of Alchemy

III. Portal of Gemini: Introduction to Rituals One and Two

Roll-Over

My sister-in-law, Pamela, had a dachshund called Carpet, whom she trained to do “roll-overs’ when she commanded “Die for Germany!” She felt that this was correct, as he was German. Actually, Dachshunds are French. However, the general idea of the Twentieth Century was to die for something. During the Piscean Age, the outgoing arrow of Mars, of heroes, had become the Sacred Heart of Venus, the arrow turning inwards, piercing the red heart from which blood flowed, into a chalice.

I remember having a fierce argument with a Hindu friend who, when I objected to the God Rama putting his wife on a fire twice - to test her virtue - (she survived) - said that the great glory of Woman was self-sacrifice. I noted this was to give power to men - husbands and sons. We in the West were taught to honour the chaste Roman Lucrèce, who, on having been raped, first told her husband that he might avenge his honour (his honour), then conveniently stabbed herself, thus saving her husband from the disgrace of having a raped wife.

Men did not escape this Roll-Over indoctrination. I remember an Irish girl saying to me during the Second World War: “I don’t care what army a man is in as long as he’s fighting.” As for me, like millions of women, I was overwhelmed with admiration for women Maquis - who endured torture and death for France. The test of course was on the correctness of your choice of ideals. Or was it? The over-riding passion of the last century was to lie and die for some ideal, whatever it was! No wonder our planet is in such danger from genocidal weapons.

There is a gender difference in our behaviour regarding Roll-Over. It used to be a primary requirement for women in their relationship to fathers, husbands and sons. I used to wonder why women were subject to the care of large families, when men had superior strength - and control also of the family income. Roll-over - obedience - was a case of survival for oneself and one’s helpless children.

Now the situation is changing. A woman can use a gun. We have legal protection in many countries. All over the world women, gay men and women, and persecuted racial minorities defend themselves.

Ah, but how and when? On a personal level, do we dare report cases of cruelty to animals - to children - to immigrant workers? Do we fear our neighbors? On a greater scale, when do we go to war, to protect persecuted minorities - in order to hand them Democracy?

My father, architect and town-planner, created a character called ‘Seleeno’, and wrote a book with my illustrations. It is still in manuscript somewhere around. I now turn back to his idea for guidance! Why? Because ‘Seleeno’, connected to the moon, had a splendid solution for this problem - To Act or not to Act?

He advocated the Path of Inconsistency. He declared that humans wavered like a drunkard from one side of life (or road) to the other, from left to right. On the left the drunkard would flounder into a ditch. On the right he would fall over a cliff! The solution was to change from one side to another according to mood and the weather. Waking up in the morning the happy traveller would allow whim rather than schedule to create his (or her) day.

Practitioners of the Way of Inconsistency would bewilder their opponents - as Mahatma Ghandi did, who received Divine Guidance every morning. His political opponents could never guess what he was going to do … Nor did he, until the day itself. What a creative way to live!

I remember a painful choice I had to make when attending a funeral for a citizen of Clonegal. The Wake was the usual solemn affair, with mourning relatives, the corpse reverently on view, shrouded, with candles and Holy Pictures. I was ushered in to sit in a circle round the body, to pay silent respect, and to leave after a proper interval for refreshments.

Oh ghastly happening! As I gazed at the corpse with his closed eyes and folded hands - I DISTINCTLY SAW HIM MOVE! What was I to do? Could I let him be buried alive? I recalled horrific accounts of corpses being dug up - revealed as pushing with skeleton arms against the coffin lids.

Yes, I did the right thing. A friend drove me three miles to Bunclody, where resided the “deceased’s” Doctor. He listened to my account, and at once drove with me to the village. He explained his presence to the relatives: “Miss Olivia has seen the body move.”

His examination took place before all, and lasted a very short while. THE BODY WAS MOST CERTAINLY DEAD. What Miss Olivia had seen was a muscular contraction that can occur after death. Miss Olivia slunk away, without refreshments.

Ah - Reader - What would you have done?

Note: The name of Lucrèce is also written as Lucretia.

Tara of the Oracles

The Alchemical Twins Face the Fates

Fellowship of Isis Liturgy by Olivia Robertson

III. Portal of Gemini

Wheels within Wheels

Ritual No. 1

Have Moral Courage and You Stand Alone

The Octagonal Temple of Alchemy

Priestess Alchemist: (To Twin Apprentices, Aiden & Elaine) To gain the Hermetic wisdom that is your true Ruler, you need to invoke the Goddess Juno, Queen of Heaven.

Priest Alchemist: (Raises Staff) Divine Goddess Juno, Queen of starry constellations and of every atom, bring us to your eternal Heaven.

ORACLE OF THE GODDESS JUNO

You have enclosed yourselves in the Wells of Persephone of the Piscean era. In these pools you find security in those spiritual dogmas you hold to be safe and possibly true! But at the end of this age of material knowledge, your pools have become stagnant. Your turn to the transient knowledge given by exact sciences of your physical world. Neither received religions nor practical sciences fulfill your hunger for spiritual reality.

The onrushing waters of Aquarius, pouring through the Portals of the Stars, terrify many of you! But have courage! If you dare to stand on your own truth you will discover your Inner Being. And that Being is of Deity, and none should trample upon it. So open up your pools to the Divine Inspiration that comes from this new aeon of the Goddess within! By Her, is the Divine Presence of the God. Open your circles so that they form spirals that open to the starry heavens, and to the reflective planetary realms that you fear as your past.

I am the Goddess of the rainbow of communion with all that is. My rainbow is not closed to any who truly seek Me. My circles are as open as the eyes of My Peacock. Come! Join the cosmic dance of the spheres, for at last your earth is awakening.

Priest Alchemist: We give thanks to the Goddess Juno for Her Oracle.

Priest Alchemist: (To Elaine) Elaine, you find within yourself an ever increasing responsibility for the care for others. Yet you do no know when to act, nor how to know Truth from Falsehood. Are you willing to undergo the Awakening of Juno of the Starry Maze?

Elaine: I accept the challenge. I sorely need understanding.

The Company Performs the Magic of Juno

Priestess Alchemist: (Show Elaine Tarot Card from Altar) Describe this card!

Elaine: This is from the Marseille deck and is numbered III. It shows “L’Imperatrice.” I feel the Empress relates to Gemini, for she holds a heraldic shield depicting a gold eagle on her right arm. Her left hand holds the emblem of earthly sovereignty, a mace surmounted by a globe. Above it is an equal-armed cross representing the four elements. Behind her are wings, or two supports of a throne. Her blue over-mantle is worn over a scarlet robe, and she wears a gold pectoral. She represents earthly Power of the Goddess.

Priest Alchemist: A clear exposition. You will now enter trance to begin your quest. We shall be with you but may not help you.

Trance Journey

Elaine: I climb the Hill and enter the Temple of the Zodiac. I pass through the simple Gemini Gateway. Now at last I am beginning to understand! When I am in trance aI project into somebody else, who accepts me. I suffer yet cannot alter things - unless the person I am with is willing to act. And that I now realise is extremely difficult. I am a Guardian Angel. Well, I hope angelic …

Yes, this is again the future. Easier to change than the past. I am with a charming girl living in a very pleasing future. I realise that humanity is now safe and far smaller, as if people were living in cultural islands. It is really very relaxing. I do like this girl. She is much better than me - kindly, peaceful - really good. I never feel like that … I keep walking on people’s toes.

Ah - this is a special day. I really feel the Empress is a beneficial card, and that this will be an easy and happy experience. Yes - I am now her. A pleasure to be so good for once. I am looking forward humbly, overcome with gratitude, to initiation into the Inner Circle of the Hierarchal Web. What an honour! I am robed in a beautiful white robe like a Bride’s, and my hair is drawn into a coronet gleaming with pearls on silver. My mother is so proud of me! She is giving me last minute instructions. She is an Elder, and wears deep violet with amethysts in her crown.

“This is the last time you will be an ordinary girl,” she says. “You will be a Psyche today. You will be guided by the Elders with your fellow candidates to the Divine Presence of Eros, God of Love. You will need to shield your eyes from His Light. With Him will be the Fates, the Goddess Demeter, Juno and Venus, also shining brightly. They will put you through various tests to judge your worthiness to join the Web. To pass will be to enjoy all you crave for - success, untold wealth, love and respect from us all.

I ask tremulously: “And if I fail?”

“Oh nothing dreadful,” my mother replies evasively. “You will be found some occupation out of sight. But remember all I told you. Repeat!”

I find myself reciting: “I must believe and trust in the Blessed Deities, who will be present through the forms of the Priesthood. I must obey them at all times. All that I experience must be kept secret, for I am to be entrusted with the GREAT SECRET.”

“Do you know the Great Secret, mother?“

“No one save the Adepti knows it,” replies my mother. “But even studying it has given me this gorgeous house, a powerful Ruler as a husband and you, my dear Daughter.”

I feel very pleased. I really am good at last. But even as I think this my mother looks apprehensive. “Chloé,” she says sharply. “I feel an alien Presence in you. You know what happens to those who harbour Entities. You mind will be made as blank as a child of two by the Hierarchical psychotherapists. Their injections are extremely effective.”

“When I get initiated,” I ask, “Will it hurt? What happens? I notice a queer mark on the left temple of the Psyches. Are they going to do things to my brain?”

My mother puts her arm round me. “Don’t be afraid,” she says. “They just put a wonderful implant in your brain that makes you part of the Web of the New Human Race, far superior to the old. You enjoy your mobile and computer? This will just be inside you.”

Suddenly I am on my guard. The welfare of this girl is in my hands. I must not let my presence by detected, so I veil myself with silver light … The girl is led forth in procession with other candidates to the Temple of Light.

How superbly produced all this is! The music is high and pure and we are watched by silent crowds, who are curiously expressionless. The Psyches, preceded by Heralds, are led up a very long and high white stairway to the lofty pillared Portico.

Within the Temple are ranged the Hierarchy, magnificently crowned and robed. Above them on a dais, are enthroned the God Eos and the Three Fates, the Goddesses Juno, Ceres and Venus. Their light is dazzling - but the light is not from their auras. They are cleverly spot-lighted from a concealed energy source.

I scan the area psychically, and become aware of dark clouds of hatred emerging from the uninitiated outside the Temple precincts. They are enraged by the monopoly of power and wealth, controlled by members of the Hierarchy. They really have a Secret - how to control their victims by manipulation of their minds and emotions.

I pray to Juno. The Goddess advises me to wait until the exact moment of my Initiation. It will be dangerous. These people are no fools. I accept the offer of Juno to manifest through me. The girl regards me as an angel, and also accepts divine help.

A bell tools and alone I advance before the so-called Deities. I kneel. I endure their mind probe. I open myself to Deity.

A miracle happens! Emerging from the darkness of the Matrix there descends the Lightning Flash of Juno through my mind and heart.

I speak: “Your time is over. For too long you have put upon you the usurped robes of the Deities. This lightning has destroyed all these cunning devices you have implanted into your followers. From henceforth each of you shall find within yourselves your own innate Divinity.”

I have my answer! I share in this new-found freedom, as all my conditioning falls away from me. I am Elaine. I am Me.

I leave a scene of pandemonium behind me - somehow I often do this. I am back and honour each one of you. Only in your difference from others do you show for the Queen of Heaven!

End of Trance

Elaine returns from trance elated, her problems solved. She has received her alchemical degree. Thanks are given to the Deities and reports are shared.

End of Rite

Sources: “Homeric Hymns and Homerica,” Hesiod, translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White, William Heinemann, London, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1936. “Theogeny: Works and Days. Testimonia,” Hesiod, translated, edited by Glenn W. Most, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2006. “On Divination,” Cicero, translated by Falconer, Harvard University Press, London and Cambridge, Loeb Classical Library series, volume no. 154, 1992. “The Golden Ass,” (Story of Eros and Psyche), Apuleius, translated by Robert Graves, Penguin Classics Books, London, 1950. “Eleusis: Archetypal Image of Mother and Daughter,” C. Kerenyi, translated by Ralph Manheim, Routledge Kegan Paul, London, 1967. “An Enemy of the People,” a play by Henrik Ibsen, J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., London, E. P. Dutton and Co., Inc., New York, from the Everyman's Library series volume no. 552, 1949. “The Demi-Gods,” James Stephens, Macmillan and Co., Ltd., London, 1914. The Marseilles Tarot is used in all rites, originally produced in 1748, published by B.P. Grimaud. Paris,1930.

Tarot of Marseilles (French: Ancien Tarot de Marseille), earliest known variants dating possibly to fifteenth and no later than seventeenth century. A standard Marseille Tarot deck first issued by B. P. Grimaud, 1930, Paris, France, is the version used for these rites.

Tara of the Oracles

The Alchemical Twins Face the Fates

Fellowship of Isis Liturgy by Olivia Robertson

III. Portal of Gemini

White Sun, Black Twin

Ritual No. 2

Life and Death are One to the Eye of Vision

The Octagonal Temple of Alchemy

Priest Alchemist: (To Twin Apprentices, Aiden and Elaine) There is not a soul that does not fear Death. But to enter into a greater sphere of being you need to pass through the portals of death. To endure this ordea you need to invoke the Goddess Melusina of the two Dragons of Light and Darkness.

Priestess Alchemist: (Raises Wand) I invoke the Goddess Melusina, Bringer in of ecstasy, Bringer in of Death.

ORACLE OF THE GODDESS MELUSINA

Dear friends, without death you would have no life: without deep sleep you would not awaken into greater realms of being. Around my tree of immortality are My two dragons. One descends its black coils from Divine Reality into the abyss. The other rises from the abyss into ever increasing spheres of Light.

When these two dragons cross - they flow into a Portal of Non-being. Through this portal are other spheres of Divinity. Do not fear! Every dark tunnel you face leads to the Light. And when you are blinded by too much light into false ego - you fall into the dark arms of my death.

You never lose by death bravely endured. Rather do you gain the discovery of your own Divinity. For time and space are eternal. You imagine they change, time passes: that space alters. It is you who pass through them! Your physical reality is only a solidified form of the energy you adore in the shining Deities.

As you wander through the cosmic maze, experiencing the flow of the dragons of duality - in reality you are walking in your sleep, discovering your originality, which is your divine Self. When the time comes for you to awaken - you will find you have always been in Heaven! But do not forget your adventures in the realms of delusion. These give you the fruits of your life’s pilgrimage.

Priest Alchemist: We give thanks to the Goddess Melusina for her Oracle.

Priestess Alchemist: (to Aiden) Are you willing to undertake the Ordeal of Melusina’s two Dragons?

Aiden: Gladly do I accep the challenge.

Priestess Alchemist: (Shows Him a Tarot Card) Describe this card.

Aiden: This is number XVIII, “Le Soleil.” It is nice that the yellow sun has a face! It has rays of the 5 elements, red, blue, yellow, green and white. These form drops that fall upon twins wearing cords round their necks, bare torsos and blue loin-cloths. The card depicts the constellation of Gemini.

Priest Alchemist: When you enter trance, we shall be with you, but may not help you.

Trance Journey

Aiden: I climb the Hill of the Temple of the Zodiac full of apprehension. I really don’t understand the Oracle. What about free will if everything is there already? I soon find the Portal of Gemini. It is just as Elaine described it - Plain with two pillars. Disappointing - I hoped for some pictures. I pass through ***

I find myself in woodland - somehow I think I am in Europe - because I see a French style castle. This is a bit dull - no danger - just a quiet landscape. I might even be in Los Angeles with a fake French château - but no. The castle is showing colored flags and it is painted a glaring white. The roofs are bright red and its windows have colored woodwork. My mind is very clear - I can work out what century by the architecture. Twelfth century. Perhaps I shall meet Knights Templar and discover their secret. I feel so superior, being from the future! Do I amaze them by predicting an eclipse? Or show them my mobile phone? Or enjoy their wonder at my digital watch?

Ah - yes - here are peasants approaching. This is fantastic! I’m in shining armour, with a tabard showing three dragons heads! I shall enjoy this adventure. Just show me the Princess and I’ll deal with the dragon!

I can understand them fairly well, though this is mediaeval French. I am expected. Their Magician, Avogardis, had predicted a saviour - obviously me! I feel helpful, compassionate. I find my trusty steed - a rather stocky square animal with mane braided with ribbons. Quite easy to ride. This is fun! Off we go …

The castle is exactly as I imagined it - with a spacious hall richly embellished with tapestries of unicorns and damsels, and a table rich with food. I look around for the Princess. But of course! She must be imprisoned by a dragon …

Suddenly the atmosphere changes, I feel oppression. A double door opens and a procession of black-robed monks files in. At first I feel reassured. These must be Dominicans who will help me in my rescue. But no - my heart turns to ice. These are no human monks. They watch me with eyes that are alien - cold - cruel - contemptuous. And from their waists hang very futuristic weapons. I am in danger - of my soul. They establish telepathic communion.

Their words are direct and clear: “These people are a primitive human race. We are using them for our biological researches. We transmute energy into matter. We are not to be disturbed. Leave here.”

Suddenly by my side is most beautiful woman in long flowing white robes, her long hair falling in golden waves nearly to her feet. She is followed by her maidens who also have long flowing hair, black, red, yellow and white. They also are not human. This Queen is an Angel! She gazes deep into my eyes with her own sapphire eyes and I am one with Her. Her voice is soft and entrancing.

“My dear friend, long have I awaited you. I am daughter to the Divine Medusa, our Mother. What these evil creatures wish to do is to draw on Her all-powerful rays of the White Sun and to draw them into their own Black Void that swallows up all that is alive. I am helpless. Save these people by drawing aside the Veil of Medusa!”

The French nobility and their serfs are standing around me, and plainly cannot see either the black procession of monks as evil, nor the Queen and her followers as good. All they see are their local monks and their Queen and her ladies. Not having the gifts of clairaudience, they cannot discriminate as I can between good and evil. They incline to support the monks and distrust their Queen.

The Father Superior of these terrifying monks speaks to me. “Do not be deceived by this woman,” he says, “who is a daughter of the infamous Medusa, the Gorgon who kills anyone who lifts Her veil. We wish to destroy the Gorgon’s power and use the energy flow to maintain our Galactic Federation. This is a battle between good and evil. We are of pure Mind, Nirvana, the Void. Lose yourself in our ultimate nothingness and you will attain Peace Eternal.”

This is metaphysicall attractive; to be a dewdrop losing myself in the Sea of Non-Being … The Ultimate Void. I might try it. But could I get out again?

I feel the beautiful influence of the Queen. “Oh yes, these monks are correct in one respect. This is a battle of good against evil. They stand for annihilation of personality, the destruction of the individual soul - the dissolution of all Gods and Goddesses. Fight with us and unveil My Mother. She will destroy them utterly.”

How true this is! It is evil to destroy our souls by denying their existence - to break up all Divine Forms - Never! Her form is too lovely to destroy. The monks are urging these mediaeval fools to burn the Queen as a witch. I must save her! I make up my mind. I’m here to rescue a Princess. Here she is! “Show me the Medusa,” I cry to her.

In a dark alcove in a chapel is a shield which is veiled. There is a dark glow around it. Shall I do this? What shall I release? A power that will destroy the monks but maybe everyone else as well? But I must be a true knight and rescue the Queen. I withdraw the veil.

Oh glory! I am in ecstasy! The alcove, the Queen and her followers - the monks and the mediaeval crowd - have vanished. And my own body is lying dead. My Spirit is filled with heavenly light. Melusina appears to me with long flowing hair like the waves of the Sea. With Her Right arm she holds a golden dragon that descends in luminous coils of galaxies through the spheres to the abyss. In Her left hand she draws forth a black dragon that rises in the dark coils of space upwards to shining constellations. I hear her voice, gentle, loving. “Aiden,” she says, “Thank you so much for rescuing me! That is what all this is about. You did what you believed to be good.” Her voice now sounds far away.

I am falling down a pit into an abyss. Yet there is light at the end - not from a glorious sun - but from one small candle on our altar in our little Temple. I am back. I am happy.

End of Trance

As Aiden returns slowly from trance all agree he has earned his degree. Reports are shared. Thanks are given to the Deities.

End of Rite

Sources: “Don Quixote,” Miquel de Cervantes, J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd., London, E. P. Dutton & Co, New York, volumes one and two, Everyman‘s Library series volumes no. 385 and 386, 1975. “Le Comte de Gabalis,” Abbe N. Montfaucon de Villars, Paul de la Tenaille, Cologne, 1670, 1681, 1684, 1691. “Mélusine, Une Fée venue du Fond des Temps,” published in Troyes, 1677, Biblioteque Nationale, Paris. “Egyptian Magic (Studies in Hermetic Tradition),” Florence Farr, The Aquarian Press, Northamptonshire, 1983. The Marseilles Tarot is used in all rites, originally produced in 1748, published by B.P. Grimaud. Paris,1930.

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