p. 142Order of Heptasophs or Seven Wise Men

This Order, an offspring of Greek Letter College societies, was founded in 1852 by a prominent Freemason in New Orleans, La. Its ceremonial is based on the Magi of old and the doctrine of Zoroaster. Ormisda and Ahriman are introduced at the initiation to instruct the candidate; the name of God is “Supreme Archon of the Universe.” The Seven Wise Men or Magi of ancient Persia are the sponsors for the name. The historian of the Order tells us that “the Order gives no adherence to any religious creed, but requires from its candidates the profession of a belief in a Supreme Being. It bears aloft the motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ admitting to its mysteries both the Jew and Christian on the common ground of mutual dependence and universal brotherhood under the Fatherhood of God. To this end it inculcates the principles of ‘Wisdom, Truth, and Benevolence.’ Masonic traditions and principles are also manifested in the ceremonial and symbolism: a seven-pointed star enclosing a seven-branched candlestick, the All-Seeing Eye, the ark and altar, its group of seven, etc.”

I quote from the ritual:

“The property and paraphernalia of this Order are:”

“First Degree—A platform consisting of seven descending steps, a long narrow box, hoodwink, sponges, chains, etc.”

“Second Degree—The same platform as in first degree, reversed when in use, a table or stand with movable legs, rods, chains, hoodwinks, etc.”

“Third Degree—A movable stool or platform on castors, scroll or book, hoodwinks, pen, ink, etc.”

The meetings are called conclaves; Archon, whose title is “Most Eminent,” Herald, Provost, Chancellor, Warden, are the names of the officials. The candidate for initiation is blindfolded and conducted into the conclave, where standing in front of the Provost, who is addressed as Venerable Astrologer, by whom he is instructed: “In my capacity as Astrologer … I have studied the wisdom of the stars and the silent moving of the spheres; that … consulting the horoscope I found no unfavorable omen, otherwise I would have forbidden your entrance here. But if you have entered these portals with the hope that our mysteries would be imparted to you, loosely and thoughtlessly, or without any farther ordeal than the slight one you were made to pass through on your first admission into our Order, be assured now, as you will presently be convinced, that your hope is a vain one.”

“An old adage says that ‘Truth is to be found at the bottom of a well.’ We are apt to value too lightly the experience, knowledge, or, in fact, any other acquisition, that is gained too easily.”

“You will be caused to pass down a narrow, rough and toilsome descent. As the passage narrows, you will have to bow your head, to avoid dangerous overhanging cliffs, and jutting rocks. One defiant step, one disobedient whim, may dash your brains to atoms as you pass down the treacherous abyss. Be cautious, be calm, be resolute, but obey your conductors in all things, as you value your life.”

“This ordeal is necessary, not only to satisfy us of the existence of those qualities of faith and fortitude, without which it is impossible for one to be a worthy member of this Order, but to detect any hidden or unfavorable omen, which my divination may have failed to discover previous to your admission here.”

(The candidate is blindfolded and made to pass down a rough descent. He is to imagine that he is in a dark cavern, which narrows and becomes narrower as it descends; he has to get on his knees to pass through; and finally on his hands and feet he has to pass through a short and narrow passage. This may be made by two chairs thrown down and set back to back (a barrel or box may be used): wet sponges and chains may be placed in the passage way. Having emerged, the candidate is placed upon his feet and brought quietly to the station of the Provost, and stands with his back to that station.)

Inspector General: “Venerable Astrologer, the candidate has thus far passed the ordeal in safety.”

Provost: “Having emerged from the cave of mysteries, you are now on the bank of a dark, deep and silent stream, which it is necessary to leap over. One false step may cost you your life. Have faith, have courage. Place your hope beyond the stream; do not fall within its destructive vortex. Remember, if you fail it is the River Lethe, the River of Death. Leap, now, leap with all your might.”

The candidate leaps as far as he can on the floor, and is caught as he alights by the conductors, who prevent him from falling.

Ins. Gen.: “Venerable Astrologer, the candidate has passed in safety.”

Provost: “Then I pronounce him worthy. Let him be conducted to our Most Eminent Archon.”

(He is conducted twice around the conclave room and then halted before the Archon’s station.)

Archon: “Let the bandage be removed from the eyes of the candidate, and let him be clothed with a blue apron and seated before me, to receive the instructions of the first degree.”

“The legend of this degree gives an example of integrity unpersuaded and unawed, and an instance of its proper recognition and due appreciation.”

“It appears that Kai el Ko-az, king of Persia, being taken captive in Mazanderan, while invading that country, was beset by entreaties from some, as well as threats from others, to impart the secrets of the Seven. The High Priest of Zahma, who besought these instructions, was so struck with the answer of Kai el Ko-az refusing to impart them, that he recommended the king of Mazanderan to spare the life of so wise and noble a prisoner, though he came as an invading enemy, which was accordingly done.”

(I pass over the other part of the instructions for want of space.)

In the second degree the candidate when brought before the Provost is addressed thus:

Provost: “Candidate, do you solemnly promise to preserve and keep the instructions of the second degree, and never impart them unlawfully?”

Candidate: “I do.”

Provost: “Before receiving the mysteries of the second degree, it will be necessary for you to pass through another ordeal. In the first degree, your courage and constancy, against impediments, and in the hour of adverse vicissitude, were tested. Now you will be made to show how you will deport yourself amid the giddy heights of ambition. Your ascent will be quick and rapid; you may imagine yourself upon the lofty peaks of the Himalaya Mountains. It is well that you are blindfolded so that the narrow defiles and hair-breadth contiguity to steep precipices, may not be apparent to your eyes, and cause you to shudder, tremble and fall. My parting advice to you is to ‘look aloft’; let your thought ever be upward; for if you realize your danger, and waver for a moment, a terrific descent awaits you.”

(… The construction of apparatus for the second degree’s initiation may be left to the fancy of the members; a series of rough, but not dangerous, ascents and quiet descents may be made, terminating by a sort of bridge, or any other contrivance which breaks down noisily but safely. When the candidate shall have attained the top of the ascent, he is allowed to halt, and is thus addressed:)

Ins. Gen.: “Be not over-elated at your success in thus attaining to a position of lofty grandeur, for ambition blinds us in danger, vanity conceals from us our own weakness, and pride ever precedes a fall.” The candidate moves on, the trap is sprung, and he is made to come down suddenly.

Ins. Gen. (In a loud voice): “The candidate has passed the ordeal in safety.”

Provost: “Then let him be conducted to our Most Eminent Archon,”

(Candidate is taken twice around the room, and halted near the Archon’s station.)

Archon: “Let the bandages be removed from the eyes of the candidate, and let him be clothed with a green apron and seated before me to receive the instructions of the Second Degree.”

“The legend of the Second Degree presents to us a beautiful story of gratitude. It appears that a short time after the occurrence related in the First Degree, Rostram, a victorious Persian warrior, having invaded Mazanderan and taken captive the King of that country, brought him, in turn, before Kai el Ko-az. The latter out of gratitude, ordered his immediate release.”

(Here follows a similar instruction by the Chancellor as in the First Degree.)

The Third Degree is conferred in similar manner as the other two, till at a certain point in the initiation the Provost says to Candidate:

Provost: “I will now put you in charge of Ormisda, who will be your guide. You have nothing to fear as long as you listen to him and follow his directions.”

( … Ormisda now takes the candidate in charge, and conducts him around the room a number of times, delivering the following address to the candidate as he passes slowly along:)

Ormisda: “The path of life is thought dull by many when pursued with a grave sense of the object of the journey. But there are lessons of wisdom to be gathered, and we may sow our pathway with good deeds as we pass along. It is the object of our Order to awaken the mind to the leading principles and duties of life. It is strange that its greatest purposes are most frequently lost sight of, while they should be its greatest pleasure.”

“I am not a favorite with those who journey this way, and can only stay with such as find me welcome. I perceive that my discourse does not interest you, and that, like most of the travelers, you find me a dull companion. Henceforth Ahriman will conduct you. His guidance you will find more congenial.”

He is taken in charge by Ahriman, who strikes the candidate on the shoulder and conducts him on around the room, addressing him as follows:

Ahriman: “Rejoice, my friend, that you are now rid of the guide Ormisda. He is an old sober-sides, always preaching. It is strange that some people are neither content to enjoy themselves, nor let others do so. For what is the world, if it be not for our enjoyment? What is the use of always preaching morality, and that sort of thing? Trust to the impulses of your own heart, and all will be right. What he has been saying is all fol-de-rol; a little philosophy will soon teach you to set it at naught. Come, my friend, let us grapple with the world as we find it.”

(The candidate is halted before the Archon. He either stands upon the floor or a moveable platform. The latter is better.)

Archon: “In your progress, thus far, you have doubtless thought this to be a purely charitable Order. Well, it is charitable; that is, charity amongst ourselves. But at this period of your advancement, it is time to present some other ideas to you, which have hitherto been withheld. They were withheld because we first wished to know more about you. We wished to know whether you would do to tie to. Charity, my friend, is a good thing; but charity won’t always do; charity won’t buy the baby a frock, or put bread and butter upon the table. It is true that we make use of charity and other such things, as a cloak for our designs. Nothing can be done now-a-days, except under some cloak of that sort. Our object is, first, the teaching of philosophy—plain, practical philosophy, that teaches you as a first principal, to take care of number one. Secondly, to help your fellow-members in all their schemes and purposes, right or wrong, against the rest of the world. We are associated as an Order for our own individual purposes. We are bound to assist each other in distress; that is a small matter; and we must, each one of us, be at all times ready to do for a brother whatsoever he may demand. We must know nothing beyond the interests and necessities of the Order. Thus far, our hearts must ever be open fountains, whence continually should flow aid and comfort for our brethren. Show your appreciation of the grand object of the Order, and gladden us by your unquestioning acquiescence in our requests. Be seated, and let your resolution of maintaining the good of this Order be firm as the rock which now unyielding lends you its support. Here, set your name to this scroll, in testimony of your sincerity and good fellowship.”

(The candidate is placed upon a rock, in the centre of the room, pen and ink handed him, the bandage is removed and he is directed to sign his name to the sheet, whereon has been written (or is afterwards written above his signature), unknown to him, a draft for $100, or some onerous obligation, which is placed in a book, the obligation being hidden or folded under. If he refuses to sign, the members all shout aloud:)

Members: “He refuses—he is unworthy of fellowship in our Order. Away with him.”

(If he consents, they express their gratification. The bandages are then replaced and the Archon says:)

Archon: “You have been fully enlightened as to the aim of our brotherhood, and it is now necessary for you to kneel and take an obligation to assist your fellow-members in all their purposes, public or private, without inquiring whether they be right or wrong—provided they are not against your own interest.” (Kneels.)

(This is a plain proposition to do a wrong thing. The candidate may consent or not. It is, of course, no intention of the Order to permit any member to take a wrongful obligation. The degree is a lesson against temptation. Those candidates who consent, of course, will kneel, the others will remain standing.)

Archon: “Brothers, you know your duty.”

(The candidate or candidates will now be rushed upon by the members, whether they consent or not; those who consent will be rushed on for the purpose of giving them a lesson for such thoughtless and wrongful yielding to temptation; those who refuse, will be rushed upon at the same time, as if it were the intention of the members to punish them for their obstinacy. (If the candidates are on a moveable platform it will be made to shake like an earthquake for a while, before they are rushed upon.) They will be hastened around the room amid demoniac noises, clashing of swords, thunder, lightning and rain. At length they will be halted before the Chancellor’s chair. Those who have consented will be seated on the left; those who refused will be seated on the right. The bandages are taken from the candidates’ eyes. After a pause the Chancellor proceeds:)

Chancellor: “It was never our intention that a candidate should be permitted to take a wrongful obligation. What you have just passed through was intended as a lesson against temptation.”

“The Order of Heptasophs, or Seven Wise Men, teaches nothing that can conflict with the most sacred duties. On the contrary; it seeks to enforce those duties which in the hardening struggle of life, men are too prone to forget. Be ever firm and watchful, and ever adhere to principles. Is this your signature?”

(The document is shown to candidate and its contents read aloud.)

“You should never do an act without counting seven times, and know what you are doing. See the evidence of the onerous charge which you have so thoughtlessly assumed.”

(The Chancellor burns the paper.)

“Let the remembrance of this flame ever be bright in your memory, lest you be brought down to bewail misery and desolation, induced by recklessness and folly.”

Chancellor’s address to the candidate on the right:

(This address is given only to the candidate or candidates who refused. If none refused, this address is omitted.)

Chancellor: “You have had the self-possession and courage to discern the advances of false philosophy—and to resist them. I congratulate you, and have only to add, that what you have passed through is simply a lesson showing in the rugged path you were made to pass over, as a punishment by your resistance of temptation, how the evil are ever seeking to throw obstacles and difficulties in the way of virtue and integrity.”

Address to candidates on the left:

(This is omitted if there be no candidates present who consented.)

Chancellor: “To you who failed to perceive the snare into which you are being led, we have no censure to offer. Many of us have been alike thoughtless and inconsiderate.”

“We are happy to know, from the character you have sustained, and which has shown you worthy of admission and advancement in our Order, that yours has been an error of want of thought and attention, and not of principle. But let the lesson sink deep into your heart. Error is honey-tongued, artful and persuasive. Let us not suffer ourselves to be beguiled by it. Conduct the candidate to the Eminent Archon.”

(The Archon now addresses the Inspector General, as follows:)

Archon: “Inspector General, you will now see that the candidate is clothed in a crimson apron, and again seated before me for instructions.”

Instruction of Third Degree

Archon: “In the ancient mystic teachings, two beings, or principles, were represented as controlling the entire universe. These were Ormisda and Ahriman, who represent the good and the evil principle, the right and the wrong. The choice of the right or the wrong, is ever before us and within us. It depends upon ourselves which shall obtain mastery. If we lend a willing ear to the latter, we will find its subtleties artful and persuasive and its reasonings and arguments plausible and seductive. To err is human. It therefore behooves us to be guarded and cautious whenever any proposition is made to us, either from within or without, involving anything not strictly conforming to the moral sense. By remembering this caution, and refusing to yield to false philosophy, however ingenious, much evil may be avoided.”

“You will now take your seat among the members of the Conclave, and I proclaim you to be a Third Degree member of this Order.”

The Improved Order of Heptasophs is an offspring of this Order and was founded in 1878.

Though in both orders we do not find the oath and prayers, as in many other societies, still it is obvious from the foregoing, taken verbatim from the ritual, that the Order of Seven Wise Men falls under the ban of the church, and that no Catholic can belong to the same and retain his membership in the church.