LESSON 16
Rite of Expiation
This rite is designed to promote self-criticism (an important part of knowing yourself) and the ability to recognize that you can never be immune to the action and influence of the Tormentors as long as you live as an individual in the lower cosmos. The rite also helps to strengthen the power of the Fifth Ruler in the psyche, combating the overconfidence and conceit that are characteristic influences of the Tormentor of Injustice. Performing this rite correctly depends on a confessional attitude, reporting to the Godhead a vital part of your personal experience in logoic sacrifice. In conjunction with the Rite of Protection, this rite will produce an increasingly strong shielding against the powers of the Tormentors.
Preparation
Mark the Star of the Rulers with the symbol for the Fifth Ruler, reciting its motto. Light the Operative Candle and place it on the Star if it is not already like that. Stand facing your Oratory.
In the Performance below, you will specify which Tormentor (T.) has injured you with its power or Vice (V.).
Performance
Join hands in the attitude of prayer. Recite the following, while gazing at the Seal of the Godhead:
In the name of God, superior to all praise!
I pray to you to command the Ruler of the Fifth Zone to bless me with its Virtue, which is Justice, in order that I may be protected from the Tormentor of Injustice.
With help and support from the Fifth Ruler, I hope to unburden my soul of the energy of the Fifth Zone, which is Unholy Daring.
I pray that my recent mistakes and my imperfections do not stand as stones blocking my journey down the path of truth; I have been influenced by the power of T., which is the Vice of V., and despite my best intentions I have committed the following error: (describe the error).
Hold up the Operative Candle in your left hand and point to the ground with your right hand. Recite:
I reject the influence of T. and will not follow its bad counsel and the impulses of its Vice. Despite my lapse of judgment, I swear to resume my advancement in the path of justice with good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
In the name of God, superior to all praise!
Vision
Following the pattern of visualizations and feelings in the other rites, make sure that there is a continuous link between the Godhead and the power of the Tormentor you need to isolate yourself from. Keep an attitude of constriction throughout this rite, accompanied by a growing feeling that God is sending you the consolation of its mercy. At the initial prayer, visualize divine light descending into the light of the candle. When you point down to the ground, visualize that light flowing down your arms from the candle to the ground. Firmly imagine that the divine light is pushing away the power of the Tormentor and preventing it from reaching you.