Invocation of the Great Rite

Assist me to erect the ancient altar

At which in days past all worshipped

The great altar of all things

For in times of old, woman was the altar

Thus was the altar made and placed

And the sacred place was the point within the center of the circle

As we have of old been taught

That the point within the center is the origin of all things

Therefore should we adore it

Therefore whom we adore we also invoke

O circle of stars

 

Whereof our Father is but the younger brother

Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space

Before whom time is ashamed

The mind bewildered, and the understanding dark

Not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be love

Therefore by seed and root, and stem and bud

And leaf and flower and fruit, do we invoke thee

O Queen of Space, O Jewel of Light

Continuous One of the Heavens

 

Let it be ever thus

That man speak not of thee as One, but as None

And let them not speak of thee at all

Since thou art continuous

For thou art the point within the Circle, which we adore

The point of life without which we would not be

And in this way truly are erected the holy pillars

In beauty and in strength were they erected

To the wonder and glory of all men

 

Altar of mysteries manifold, the sacred circle’s secret point

Thus do I sign thee as old, with kisses of my lips anoint

Open for me the secret way, the pathway of intelligence

Beyond the gates of night and day, beyond the bounds of time and sense

Beyond the mysteries aright, the five true points of fellowship

Here where the Lance and Grail unite

And feet, and knees, and breast, and lip.

 

Stewart and Janet Farrar �?1984.