Ancient and Modern Initiation

BY

MAX HEINDEL

[1865-1919]

THE ROSICRUCIAN FELLOWSHIP

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

MT. ECCLESIA

P.O BOX 713

OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA, 92054, U.S.A.

Part I

Part II

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FORWARD

Within the pages of this little volume are to be found some of the most

priceless gems belonging to the deepest phases of the Christian religion.

These gems are the result of the spiritual investigations of that inspired

and illumined Seer, Max Heindel, the authorized messenger of the Elder

Brothers of the Rose Cross, who are working to disseminate throughout the

Western World the deeper spiritual meanings which are both concealed and re-

vealed within the Christian religion.

The various important steps as outlined in the life of our Savior, Christ

Jesus, form the general plan of Initiation for humanity. Max Heindel in

this work gives a deeper and more mystic insight into this alchemical pro-

cess as it takes place in the body of man himself. For we are but "a little

lower than the angels...and it doth not yet appear what we shall be."

This volume will be a welcome addition to the libraries of many ministers

and church organizations throughout the world. It will sound a new note of

inspiration and encouragement to all those who labor in His name.

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The Rosicrucian School has a priceless heritage in the opportunity to

promulgate, during this crucial time in the spiritual evolution of men and

nations, the esoteric teachings belonging to the Christian Church. "Unto

whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Therefore it is

in the spirit of reverence and humility that the Rosicrucian Fellowship

dedicates the priceless teachings contained within this little book to the

service of all humanity.

May its Truth enlighten, its Wisdom guide, and its Love enfold all those

who come to partake of its Waters of Life. And may each one who comes find

the Illumined Way that is outlined herein.

"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls.

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he

had and bought it."

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

THE TABERNACLE IN THE WILDERNESS

Chapter Page

I.--The Atlantean Mystery Temple............................. 9

II.--The Brazen Altar and Laver...............................17

III.--East Room of the Temple..................................28

IV.--The Ark of the Covenant..................................36

V.--The Sacred Shekinah Glory................................46

VI.--The New Moon and Initiation..............................54

PART II

THE CHRISTIAN MYSTIC INITIATION

I.--The Annunciation and Immaculate Conception...............63

II.--Mystic Rite of Baptism...................................75

III.--The Temptation...........................................84

IV.--The Transfiguration......................................91

V.--The Last Supper and Footwashing.........................102

VI.--Gethsemane, the Garden of Grief.........................109

VII.--The Stigmata and the Crucifixion........................114

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ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

The Tabernacle in the Wilderness (Frontpiece)

The Brazen Laver...............................................22

The Holy Place and the Holy of the Holies......................33

The Tabernacle in the Wilderness

"The Shadow of Good Things to Come".........................51

Christian Mystic Initiation: The Path Through the Heart........59

The Nine Steps of the Christian Mystic Initiation..............65

The Process of Transfiguration.................................94

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PART ONE

THE TABERNACLE

IN THE WILDERNESS

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