Chapter XVIII
The Eleusinian Mysteries
Among the ancient Greeks the most famous secret society was that of the Eleusinian mysteries. According to Clemens of Alexandria the Egyptian Melampus introduced them into Greece. They were celebrated in honor of Ceres, the Isis of Greece; while Osiris appears as Proserpine, for the death of Osiris and the carrying off of Proserpine to the infernal regions symbolizes the same thing, viz: the sun’s disappearance during the winter season.
The applicant for admission was rigorously examined as to his bodily health, mental capacity and mode of life. If these were satisfactory he was made to take a solemn oath to conceal whatever he would see or hear within the hallowed precincts; and he who violated the obligation was not only put to death, but devoted to the execration of all posterity. Crowned with myrtle, and enveloped in robes, which from that day were preserved as sacred relics, the neophyte was conducted beyond the boundary impassable to the rest of men. Lest any should be introduced not sufficiently prepared for the rites, the Herald proclaimed: “Far from hence the profane, the impious, all who are polluted by sin.” If any such were present and did not at once depart, death was the penalty. The candidate was then presented naked to signify his dependence; a calf skin was thrown over his shoulders and the skin of new-slain victims put under his feet. During this time he heard beautiful music and the singing of hymns in honor of Ceres. Suddenly the whole scene changes; utter darkness surrounds him; a low deep sound rose from the earth; the lightning flashed, mighty winds were heard, terrific thunder broke forth, and spectres glided through the vast obscurity, moaning, sighing and groaning. Mysterious shades, the messengers of the infernal deities—Anguish, Madness, Famine, Disease and Death—flitted around; and the explanation of the Hierophant, delivered in a solemn voice, added to the horrors of the scene. This was intended as a representation of the infernal regions, where misery has its seat. As they advanced amidst the groans which issued from the darkness were distinguished those of the suicides—thus punished for cowardly deserting the post which the gods had assigned them in this world. Suddenly the bursting open of two vast gates, with a terrific sound, dimly displayed to his sight and bore to his ears, the torments of those whose state was everlasting punishment and despair. Onward proceeded the novice and was soon conducted into another region that of eternal bliss, the sojourn of the just—of those who had been purified and whose minds had been enlightened by the “Holy Doctrine.” This was Elysium—the joys of which were equally unutterable, equally incomprehensible, to mortals not admitted into the mysteries. Here was the statue of Ceres surrounded by a dazzling light. The candidate renewed his oath and the secrets of the Order were imparted to him.
