Book of Saphah

Mithra said: You who invoke me, the Swift, Shining, with sword uplifted. Invoke me on the Tablet of the sun, and the world, and the crown, high raised. Bow down low and say:

Behold, the rose, deep rooted in the earth. Jehovih rises in majesty of All Light. His colors no man makes, nor does any man know the cause. This subtle perfume, where does it come from, and where does it go? What power creates it, and propels it?

O You unseen Om! Is my Spirit like perfume? Where does it come from, and where does it go? Give me of Your Mithra, O Om!

Make my heart look upward to You, Who are All Pure, Heavenly! Wife, Spouse and Mother! You, Who comes, I adore You!

The corporeal world You have, O Jehovih, placed in the midst of the lowest places, bringing forth. Do not bind my soul to it, You All Going-forth.

My heart no longer looks downward; my corporeal passions I have subdued. Yes, even the diamond, the highest shining corporeal thing, does not bind me.

You, O Corporeal Sun, burning and full of flame, that brings forth the corporeal, growing harvests, hear me proclaim the All Eye that creates, making the souls of men. You, O Corporeal Sun, that makes of the things that are made, what a glory is yours! But farther and nearer than you are, O Sun, is Jehovih, Who creates without things that are made; the All First Creator. He goes forth, Jehovih. He comes, Om, the Bride and Mother, nursing with full breasts.

And you, O Moon, hear my upward soul, aspiring above all corporeal things! You, my Love, Majestic, ruler of waters and winds, I adore you. But a greater, the All Great Om, fed you. From Her breasts you were, O moon, high upraised. Eolin, the Mighty, touched you with His little finger and you have sped on. Come to me, O Om, spouse of the Seen and Unseen.

O you Stars, full of shining in the high heavens. Who can measure your distant places? Who can see your great corporeal majesty? O what a glory is yours, thrown in the high heavens! There, far, the souls of my forefathers roam, full of praise and prayer. Make me all pure, O Om, so that I may ascend.

Send forth Your Crown, O Eolin, Creator of all moving things. O You Incomprehensible and full of glory! Make me oblivious to all corporeal things, and fill me with Your going-forth forever.

Make me to look, not backward nor to myself, but to perceive You, O Jehovih, and Your Lords and Gods, strong in majesty, and spirit high-soaring, forever! Amen! Sun Degree Ceremony of Chine and Zerl [Initiation Ceremony of the Magi –ed.] INTERPRETATION