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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/17182-h.zip b/17182-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..56adadf --- /dev/null +++ b/17182-h.zip diff --git a/17182-h/17182-h.htm b/17182-h/17182-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f648f75 --- /dev/null +++ b/17182-h/17182-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2941 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Within the Temple of Isis, by Belle M. Wagner. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .errata {border-bottom: 1px dotted #cccccc;} + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Within the Temple of Isis, by Belle M. Wagner + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Within the Temple of Isis + +Author: Belle M. Wagner + +Release Date: November 29, 2005 [EBook #17182] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITHIN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes, Cori Samuel and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a> +WITHIN<br /> +THE TEMPLE OF ISIS.</h1> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2><span class="smcap">Belle M. Wagner</span>.</h2> + +<p class="center">Denver, Colorado:<br /> +ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.,<br /> +1899.<a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1899, +By Henry Wagner, M.D.</span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a>DEDICATION.</h2> + +<p class="center">TO MY HUSBAND,</p> + +<p class="center">Henry Wagner, M.D.,</p> + +<p class="center">IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIS TRUE WORTH AS A WARRIOR<br /> +IN THE CAUSE OF TRUTH, AND HIS DEVOTION TO THE<br /> +BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD OF MAN, AND THE<br /> +FATHERHOOD AND MOTHERHOOD OF GOD, I<br /> +DEDICATE THIS BOOK.</p> + +<p class="center">BY THE AUTHORESS.</p> + +<p> <br />[Transcriber's Note: Small errors in this text have been corrected. <br />This is +indicated by dotted underlining - the original printing can be seen by a 'mouseover' of such +lines.]</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>PUBLISHER'S PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>We are safe in saying that "Within The Temple of Isis" is unique and +stands alone. There is no other book in print like it, and if +Solomon of old had not said, "There is nothing new under the sun," +we would be inclined to contradict him.</p> + +<p>"Within the Temple of Isis" God's word was law as interpreted by his +Hierophants; their oneness with the fountain of Being made them +conscious of Nature's secret operations, and enabled them, as it +does the wise ones of to-day, to enter the Temple of Isis and +observe the hidden mysteries concealed behind the veil.<a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a></p> + +<p>Purity of motive and sincerity of purpose brought its own reward to +them of old as it does to those of to-day who purify themselves +before seeking for the knowledge and wisdom hidden within the "Holy +of Holies"—"The Temple of Isis."</p> + +<p>Isis means Mother of all, while Osiris means Father of all.</p> + +<p>The Temple of Two Truths as matter and spirit must be realized +within.</p> + +<p>The Polar Opposites are those of sex dually expressed as two poles +of one law or principle as taught by Hermetic Philosophy before the +law of polarization of spirit into matter, and matter back into +spirit, can be understood.</p> + +<p>The Alchemist and the Astrologer, alike, possess this wisdom, and it +was this knowledge that made the Priests Kings of<a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a> Egypt, so justly +famous as Magicians or Wise Men.</p> + +<p>They still exist in spirit realms and can transmit to this plane of +earth their wisdom, that would make earth a veritable paradise if +only the race could be made to realize its magical powers.</p> + +<p>Scientific inventions of great moment to the race are thus projected +to the earth, and spiritual Adepts in occult laws will again revive +the "Wisdom Religion" upon earth in all its beauty and grandeur as +the western race becomes fitted intellectually and spiritually to +receive it.</p> + +<p>Nature ever repeats herself in cycles of time on the spiritual and +mental, as well as the physical planes of life.</p> + +<p>End, there is none. Time and eternity are the ever-present Now, so +far as the spirit is concerned. Therefore, the readers <a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a>of this +strange occult book will some day realize its truths as realities of +natural law on the spiritual planes of life. It is a clear, +practical statement of Soul Marriage and of Soul Transfer from one +earthly temple to that of another.</p> + +<p>Nature's laws are ever the same; therefore, the same experiences +herein narrated are applicable to Neophytes seeking soul initiation +to-day as they were in the days of The Temple of Isis, and if the +veil of Isis could be raised for one single moment the world would +be startled by the mysterious revelations disclosed.</p> + +<p>To the Seers and the Occult Initiates alike, this book will appeal +with magical force. Its truths are those of the soul and spirit, and +can await the reader's soul development for verification.</p> + +<p>Truth needs no apology; therefore, <a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a>none will be offered as an +excuse for this publication. It is our desire that our readers may +some day know for themselves that Truth is indeed stranger than +Fiction.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>INTRODUCTION.</h2> + + +<p>In presenting this little volume to our readers we ask them to +accept it, not as fiction, but as divine truth as to the laws herein +revealed.</p> + +<p>Not a statement is made that is not possible to the divine will of +man. Although it can not be proven to your outward knowledge, do not +reject and declare it is not true.</p> + +<p>History will teach you there actually existed a "Temple of Isis," +and the translations thereof, although many of them are very +incorrect, of the wonderful magic therein performed, lead one to +think there was some Wisdom issued from that Tem<a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>ple that is yet +beyond the human family, as a whole, to understand.</p> + +<p>"The Temple of Isis" exists no more in external form, and the +Hierophants of that Temple have passed from this to the spiritual +planes above. But, need we think by that, the blind forces of Nature +can no more be controlled? The forces are just the same to-day, but +man's mind fails to grasp the truth that history repeats itself.</p> + +<p>Mighty Hierophants are upon the earth to-day, in embryo, and when +the time comes that points favorably for active spiritual work on +the Western Continent, they will be called forth and Egypt will not +be ashamed of her true children nor their works.</p> + +<p>The Wisdom Religion of Egypt still exists and we can contact that +Wisdom <a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>by the development of our souls. Even do the Wise Men of the +East, that was, exert their spiritual influence upon us to-day if we +but knew it.</p> + +<p>The trouble lies with us not with them. They will never conceal it +from the honest soul truly seeking for Light, Life and Love.</p> + +<p>Follow us carefully to the end, without prejudice, and when you have +finished, if you still think it fiction, strive to prove its falsity +and stop not until you have reached that stage of soul unfoldment +that will enable you to occupy that plane whereby you can stand +beside the great Hierophants of "The Temple of Isis."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Authoress</span>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>WITHIN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS.</h2> + +<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> + +<h4>THE REVELATION OF THE ASTROLOGER.</h4> + + +<p>Although the hour was very late, near midnight, the Priestess had +just retired to her apartments for repose.</p> + +<p>The Rites of the day had been extremely long and fatiguing, as they +always were for a Priestess of Isis attendant upon the burial +service of one in high rank; and a great nobleman of the land, as +well as a near relative of the Priestess herself, had been buried +that day.</p> + +<p>Thus personal sorrow had mingled <a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>with and added weight to the +impressive and solemn grandeur of the occasion, yet, strangely +enough her mind was neither with the events of the day nor the dead, +but her thoughts were resting now where they had wandered many times +throughout the day, namely, to her little handmaid and special +attendant, as well as Vestal in the Temple, Sarthia.</p> + +<p>Sarthia, who at the very beginning of the Chants and Litany, had +failed in her part and had, with such a pitiable moan and beseeching +glance at her, been hastily withdrawn from the assembly and assisted +to the private courts.</p> + +<p>Poor child, she thought, the strain upon her emotions, the solemn +occasion, was too great for her in view of the crisis, which all +unknown to her, must be now impending. However, upon learn<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>ing from +an attendant that the young girl was resting quietly and apparently +not ill, she had not herself personally visited her, but concluded +to wait until morning.</p> + +<p>Once, twice, thrice, just as the Priestess had, as it were, passed +the border-land of sleep the pale face, with its pleading eyes and +plaintive cry, had started her back to vivid consciousness.</p> + +<p>"Ah! this will never do," she said, springing to her feet. +"Something is indeed wrong," and taking up her mantle she glided +swiftly through the corridors, and a few moments later was bending +over the silent and motionless form of Sarthia.</p> + +<p>Noiseless as had been the approach of the Priestess some interior +vibration had informed Sarthia of her coming and, with <a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>a quivering +and swift movement, she sprang from her couch and threw herself +impulsively into the arms of the Priestess.</p> + +<p>"Ah! sweet Mother, well beloved of our blessed and divine Isis, hear +me and help me," said the girl, in a whisper, tense and low, so low +as only to reach the listening ear of the Priestess.</p> + +<p>"Speak child," answered the Priestess, caressingly clasping Sarthia +to her bosom with one strong arm, and with the other making soft, +mesmeric passes over her trembling body.</p> + +<p>"Ah! thank you, sweet Mother; this is so good and kind of you to +come to me to-night. I have suffered so all day from your thought; +you have been disappointed in your Sarthia and with reason, too. A +Vestal, who all but faints at the sight of death, is not made of the +stuff re<a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>quired in the Temple Service. But, believe me, dear +Priestess, the trouble is far deeper than appears upon the surface. +The Ritual this morning but furnished the occasion or, rather, +hastened some crisis that was already near at hand. For some time +now I am haunted by most potent premonitions of a violent death. +Night after night, dark apparitions hang around my bed, and only +last night I awoke to find the Bird of Nu, the Owl, from out the +inner Sanctuary of the Temple, perched upon my pillow and shaking +his head and croaking at me most mournfully."</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed the Priestess. "The Bird of Nu. Ah! this is indeed +very serious. The matter must be investigated at once. But, my +child, if all these portents prove true, do you fear <a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>death? Have +all our teachings been in vain? Have you made so little progress in +knowledge and the philosophy of existence as to be overcome by dark +shadows and grow faint in the presence of the sentiment and show of +an external ceremony? The pageantry, which appeals so overwhelmingly +to the emotions of the outside world, is the necessary means of +teaching the people these awful and stupendous mysteries of life and +death. But the Initiate should be sustained by actual experiences +within these hidden realms and possess a knowledge of their inner +nature which places him on a plane far above the reach of Fear; +besides being endowed with that burning love for wisdom which calmly +discerns good in evil, and immortal life in the shadow, called +death. Do not think I am <a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>chiding you, my child. I am only seeking +to recall my real Sarthia, who is incapable of Fear, back to this +physical expression called body.</p> + +<p>"There, already the bright soul shines again with its usual clear +light. Hold it firmly and do not let it flicker so again, and now I +must leave you to seek an interview with the chief of the +Astrologers. The record and Horoscope of your birth must be +carefully looked up, and the meaning of these portents determined. +Good-night, my child."</p> + +<p>With a kiss, fond and maternal, the Priestess withdrew. She +proceeded leisurely and thoughtfully toward a distant part of the +Temple, having first dispatched a messenger before her to announce +her coming, seeking an audience, well knowing that at this now early +hour <a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a>of morning the Astrologer Priests would all be in the midst of +their busiest studies, calculations and most profound observations.</p> + +<p>But Sarthia, when left alone, although marvelously calmed and +comforted by the tender presence and lofty words of her idolized +Priestess could not compose herself to sleep. Instead, she soon +floated into a state of restful contemplation, drifting from one +topic to another, until suddenly she found herself confronted by a +most intensely vivid and startling vision. "Can it be?" Yes, true +enough, there sat the venerable Astrologer holding in his hand +before him, her chart of birth. Beside him, engaged in completing +the necessary calculations, sat the scribe and youthful Astrologer +Priest, Hermo. There was a strange pallor over <a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>his face and a +compression of the lips which betrayed unusual emotion. The +Priestess was partially facing them, composed, yet with a serious +thoughtfulness <span class="errata" title="Printed: of mein">of mien.</span></p> + +<p>At last, Hermo, looking up, said, "The directions for the present +year of life are made out, and the fatal arc carefully computed, +Venerated Master," and handed his work to the Astrologer who took +it, studied a moment briefly, and turned to the Priestess.</p> + +<p>"What is the result, Venerated Father?" she asked gently.</p> + +<p>The Astrologer slowly shook his head and replied impressively, +"According to all the laws of our Science, and you know how true +they are, the physical organism of Sarthia can not survive this +present cycle of yonder fair Goddess of the night."<a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a> And, with a +majestic move, he pushed aside a curtain, revealing the Moon now low +in the west.</p> + +<p>"So short a time," said the Priestess. "To-morrow night will be the +full, and must we indeed lose our Sarthia before another new Moon? +What is the nature of these evil influences?"</p> + +<p>"The planets, in their configurations, indicate sudden and violent +dissolution," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Ah, now," said Sarthia to herself resolutely, at this point turning +away from the vision, "now I understand it all," and with a feeling +of amaze at her newly-attained clairvoyance she fell into a deep and +refreshing sleep.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>CHAPTER II.</h3> + +<h4>IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HIEROPHANT.</h4> + + +<p>With the first waking moments a sharp pang recalled to Sarthia the +vision and its revealments of the previous night. But her mind had +fully recovered its philosophic tone and she proceeded about her +customary routine of duties, calm and firm, and, as is often the +case, in view of some inevitable and stupendous catastrophy close at +hand, life only seemed larger, more intensely real. So, when later +in the day she received summons to meet the great Hierophant and +High Priest, what, at any other time, would have seemed a most +momentous event, <a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>appeared now only in the light of the expected and +necessary.</p> + +<p>As she was ushered into the presence of the Holy Father the whole +apartment seemed pervaded by an atmosphere of genial warmth and +electrical-giving life which somehow emanated from the inner nature +of the Priest himself, radiating also spiritual and mental, as well +as physical force.</p> + +<p>For some moments the Hierophant regarded the young Vestal in +silence, but Sarthia was conscious that he was reading her inmost +thought and motive like an open book, even down to her vision of the +Astrologer and his fatal announcement regarding her life.</p> + +<p>"My child," he said at length, "are you ready for the great change +now already at hand?"<a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a></p> + +<p>"No, Father, not ready but resigned to what seems to be the +inevitable decrees of the planets that rule my physical destiny."</p> + +<p>"Thou hast well said thou art not ready. Your life has yet but only +begun for you. Its experiences, its many lessons and duties, are all +unlearnt and you would pass to the spirit world immatured. Your +young soul, like fruit plucked from the tree too soon, would ripen +slowly, losing many of its flavors and never attaining certain of +its best and highest qualities, for as you well know, progress in +the next stage of existence depends upon the attainments in this.</p> + +<p>"Thou art not ready, yet say you are willing to bow to the +inevitable. This is wise, still have you not heard it said many +times that man is the arbiter of his <a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>own destiny and that the soul +was the inheritor of God-like powers by which it could rise to the +plane whereby it ruled, instead of obeying the blind or planetary +forces of Nature?"</p> + +<p>"True, O Venerated Father, I have indeed heard all this, but I am +very ignorant. Are there such possibilities for my soul?" and +somehow imperceptibly hope began to dawn within her heart and +quicken the life forces.</p> + +<p>"Ruling the blind forces of Nature is very like ruling the wild +beast, although the beast is much stronger than man and capable of +tearing him to pieces, yet man, by forethought, can evade or trap +and chain or otherwise overcome him. So my child, there are ways +wherein man, assisted by his own knowledge, and by the instruction +of departed spirits; aye, by <a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>the immortal Gods themselves, can +evade even the malefic planets in their devastating course.</p> + +<p>"To my clairvoyant vision, as I now at this moment look at you, +every minute atom of your physical organism is in the subtle process +of depolarization from unity toward chaos and disintegration. You +are not yourself conscious of this condition only as it has been +revealed to you, for your soul is so alive that it has become almost +unconscious of its physical expression and for this very reason the +shock of dissolution would be all the greater when it did come; for +example, witness your unexpected collapse yesterday morning. Ah! +sudden death is a most deplorable calamity, and your pitiable state +of mind was but a foretaste of what would be the state of your soul +for <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>many long years, if you had died then, and will yet be, to a +less extent now, unless this swift-coming blow can be evaded.</p> + +<p>"However, in case the worst comes to worst, you have about ten days +more of this external life and under our special care and +preparation you can live years of experience in hours of physical +time, and your soul thus equipped may courageously enter upon its +journey to the spirit world. Rest assured, my child, everything +possible shall be done for you."</p> + +<p>"Ah, thank you; thank you, kind and good Father," exclaimed Sarthia, +casting herself at the feet of the Hierophant and, with tears +streaming from her eyes, kissing the hem of his robe.</p> + +<p>"But, truly life is sweet, especially to the young, is it not, my +child?" said the Priest, gently raising Sarthia to his side <a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>and +holding her trembling form in a firm clasp. "Happily, there is an +alternative which we have to offer for your most careful +consideration and decision.</p> + +<p>"Listen now, and give me your closest attention. Know you the young +Princess Nu-nah?" Sarthia bowed assent.</p> + +<p>"For now these many weeks she lies in a semi-conscious condition, +the soul hovering about its earthly temple uncertain whether to go +or stay. In some respects her condition corresponds with your own, +only that with you, as dissolution approaches, your soul grows +brighter and more active, while hers becomes more and more latent; +this result being largely the difference of environment—a contrast +of the soul unfoldment possible in Temple life and that amid the +distractions of the outside world.<a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a></p> + +<p>"To-night, the night of the full Moon, the Princess Nu-nah will be +brought to the Temple and the Rites performed initiatory to the +soul's great change. You, also, my child, must bear her company. The +same journey lies before you both and you can go hand in hand +through the dark valley of the shadow of death.</p> + +<p>"And now, right here is a point where all will depend upon <i>your</i> +decision. It is possible for us, by aid of the arts of Magic known +to us, to bring your two souls in such magnetic rapport that at a +certain point the vibrations of the two will, for a single instant +of time, be in unison. At that momentous instant the polarity of the +two souls can be interchanged so that the subsequent vibrations of +your soul will draw you toward Nu-nah's body, while<a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a> Nu-nah's soul +will be drawn toward your organism, and thus will be accomplished +the first great step in the drama.</p> + +<p>"This great change will hasten the physical crisis in each organism. +But your soul, while connected with Nu-nah's body, can easily +overcome the malefic planetary influences which would destroy it if +she were there; while her soul in your body renders <i>nil</i>, by its +very non-resistance, the influences which would be absolutely fatal +were you still there when the evil descends. And thus do you evade +the blind forces of Nature. Two lives are spared for the duties and +experiences of this world. This will be the second part of the +drama, and now comes the third and last point to consider, the +Result.</p> + +<p>"In just the proportion as this is a <a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>most stupendous change in your +soul life, so indeed, perhaps, even appalling to your present +comprehension, will be the effect.</p> + +<p>"After your soul has once entered its new temple it will be obliged +to remain there polarized by the new forces set in operation while +passing the crisis. Then, Sarthia, our bright and well-beloved +Vestal, will henceforth be known as Princess Nu-nah, and will be +obliged for a time to live the life and perform the duties of the +Princess.</p> + +<p>"On the other hand, the Princess Nu-nah will put on the external +body of our Vestal Sarthia and enter upon the life of the Temple +Service, but with this difference; that while this change is +consciously made by you, Nu-nah will probably never know it until +she passes finally to the spirit world. Her past life has <a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>already +faded from memory while consciousness of the new life will dawn +gradually as upon an infant, and therefore, since she can not be +consulted in the matter, the decision rests solely with you.</p> + +<p>"To-night, at midnight, your answer will be required. Until then, +fare thee well, and God be with you."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>CHAPTER III.</h3> + +<h4>THE MIDNIGHT OF THE FULL MOON.</h4> + + +<p>It yet lacked several hours of the fateful midnight, as Sarthia, her +body perfumed and annointed, according to the prescribed rites, was +borne by faithful attendants from the bath into the courts of the +Sanctuary and placed upon a couch beside another, upon which already +rested the unconscious form of the lovely Princess Nu-nah.</p> + +<p>But Sarthia, although to an external, observer as unconscious as the +fair Nu-nah, was never more intensely awake, every atom of her being +and soul alert to all transpiring about her and conveyed to her +through her marvelous new gifts of clairvoyance and clairaudience.<a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a></p> + +<p>Never, with the external eye, had she seen more vividly the vista +upon vista of columns and corridors winding in and about the +Sanctuary, now illuminated by the full-orbed Queen of the Night, +which she could see shining through a certain archway, and her heart +thrilled as she counted the number of archways fair Luna must pass +until, at midnight, she would shine down through the one just above +her.</p> + +<p>Already had begun the weird chants, interspersed with solos of +exquisite harmonies of stringed and wind instruments—responses and +echoes.</p> + +<p>Incense burned and perfumes arose and blended in an indescribable +union with melody and motion, while as the fragrant vapors from the +burning censers wafted and wreathed about the colonnades <a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>and +porticoes, Spirit forms added their presence to the sublime scene, +bringing with them flowers, aromas and harmonies from the divine +abodes of the very Gods themselves.</p> + +<p>Oblivious of the passage of time, while intently absorbed in every +minutest detail of the wonders passing about her, Sarthia was almost +becoming drowsy, when suddenly, the Moon looked in upon her, fast +nearing the final archway, and yet she was undecided. She turned and +gazed upon her companion, mentally asking, "Can I become Nu-nah?"</p> + +<p>Nu-nah was very beautiful and a Princess. But Sarthia was also +beautiful and the blood in her veins was royal, though of a +different branch from the present ruling House.</p> + +<p>Nu-nah was cold and haughty, accustomed to rule and be obeyed.<a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a></p> + +<p>Sarthia was humble externally, a Vestal of the Temple, but in her +mind and soul as imperious as a Queen of the realm of Heaven. +Passionately devoted to the pursuit of Wisdom and the possibilities +of obtaining knowledge, even Magic was open to her, in the Temple +Service. Could she leave her Temple home, her opportunities for +growth, her idolized Priestess, to go into the environments of +Nu-nah?</p> + +<p>The thought seemed to her worse than death itself. "Every one has to +die," she mused, "and I may as well die one time as another."</p> + +<p>Then another thought came into her mind—Hermo. He had begun to +teach her the mysteries of his science of Astrology. Hermo, for whom +she had a pure <a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>sisterly regard and who was so proud of her swift +proficiency in his favorite study. And then she recalled the vision +of the previous night when Hermo had shown to her clairvoyant eye +his agitation at her impending doom.</p> + +<p>"But if I become Nu-nah and Nu-nah becomes Sarthia, Hermo will never +know the difference and thus be spared the pain of loving his young +sister. And furthermore, Nu-nah has a lover to whom she is betrothed +and would have married, ere this, but for her lingering malady, the +superb young Prince Rathunor, whom I have never seen."</p> + +<p>Ah! here was indeed a most dire complication. Love was a most +mysterious and unknown emotion to her. She might hate Prince +Rathunor and "then we would both wish I had died," and she half +<a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>laughed to herself at the domestic comedy thus presented to her +mind.</p> + +<p>At this period, either as a reaction from the light thrown, or +lighter thought upon her overwrought nature, or possibly from some +subtle, potent influence emanating from the censer burning near her, +Sarthia lapsed into sudden and most profound unconsciousness.</p> + +<p>A few moments later—it seemed to Sarthia as if ages had +intervened—she began a fierce struggle to awake. "Why, how is +this?" she thought. She seemed enveloped in a dead wall of some +kind. The brain, the heart, the infinite ramification of nerves in +no way responded to her will and her utmost effort. Almost worn out +with the unequal battle it began to dawn upon her that she was +really endeavoring to animate the other body. "Am I <a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>becoming +Nu-nah?" Yes, in the excitement of the moment she raised herself +upon her couch and, resting upon her elbow, gazed upon the rigid +form of what a moment before had been herself.</p> + +<p>But her movement had startled a form beside the couch, some one who +had approached, unobserved by Sarthia, during the interval of +unconsciousness.</p> + +<p>A young man who seemed to her the most God-like being she had ever +beheld and perceiving her glance, with a low exclamation of joy, +sprang toward her, clasped her hand in his, and turning her face +upward, gazed with most passionate tenderness into her eyes.</p> + +<p>"My Nu-nah, you will live," he <span class="errata" title="Printed: murmered">murmured</span>. "Do you know your +Rathunor?"</p> + +<p>Thrilled to suffocation by the love in his eyes, every atom of her +soul vibrating <a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>to a new-born and overwhelming emotion, she felt +herself slowly but surely losing control of her new body. With, +however, one supreme effort she pressed the hand holding hers and +returning the look in his eyes she gave one deep, quivering sigh and +was gone.</p> + +<p>When again she regained consciousness she was within her own body. +Rathunor had vanished and the first slanting rays of the Moon were +descending the last aperture.</p> + +<p>It was midnight, and she found herself in communication with the +Hierophant, who, from a different portion of the Sanctuary, was +seriously regarding her and again reading her inmost thoughts.</p> + +<p>A few moments before she had all but decided that she could not be +Nu-nah, that death now, here in this Holy Sanctuary <a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a>were better far +than hundreds of years as a Princess of the realm of materiality. +But, a new factor had now entered her being. A force, more subtle +than all Wisdom,—more potent than life or eternity itself,—had +transfused her soul—Love! Love, the first, the highest, the +all-embracing force of the mighty Universe, and with this new love +had been ushered also into being, Jealousy.</p> + +<p>"Rathunor loved Nu-nah! Am I not a strange interloper? Was it not +worse by my decision to rob Nu-nah of her lover than to deprive her +of continued physical life?"</p> + +<p>For, it seemed to her now, that life without love would be more than +the agonies of the lowest hells. Then again, to live with Rathunor +as his wife, while he all the time thought her to be Nu-nah, <a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>would +be an incessant torture, keener and more intense than if she were +chained by, as a third person, to behold him loving the actual +Nu-nah in her own body.</p> + +<p>"Holy Father and revered Hierophant," she moaned, "help me, I can +not decide."</p> + +<p>"My child," came the mental response to her call, <span class="errata" title="Printed: 'if you could">"if you could</span> be +assured that Rathunor would love <i>you</i> in Nu-nah's body, would the +decision be easy?"</p> + +<p>"Aye, indeed, dear Father."</p> + +<p>"Then rest assured it will be as you desire. We give you our sacred +word that Rathunor will love <i>you</i>."</p> + +<p>Then, raising his arm, as in benediction, he slowly repeated thrice, +like an incantation, the words, "Rest in Peace," and, ere the echoes +of his voice had died away, the soul of Sarthia had left forever its +earthly abode and Temple.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h3> + +<h4>WITHIN THE ADYTUM.</h4> + + +<p>For several days, after floating from her body into the Astral +world, Sarthia remained in a state of profound, dreamless slumber +and then gradually passed into a condition of semi-consciousness +with occasional fitful gleams of memory until one day she realized +herself in close proximity to two persons engaged in earnest +conversation and became fully aware of the momentous events that had +just transpired and her present disembodied situation. And with a +thrill indescribable she recognized the voice of Rathunor addressing +the Hierophant.</p> + +<p>"And so, most revered Father, <span class="errata" title="Printed: al">all</span><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a> things are progressing favorably +and toward a satisfactory culmination?" he said.</p> + +<p>"Even so, my son," was the reply. <span class="errata" title="Printed: "And yet, continued the prince, save">"And yet," continued the Prince, +"save</span> the one momentary gleam of recognition, upon the first night +of the ceremonies, the soul of the Princess Nu-nah, to all outward +appearance, has left entirely. The body is sustained, apparently, by +some magical process, the nature of which I do not understand."</p> + +<p>"True, my son, but that need not disquiet you. The resources of +Nature are many and far from being exhausted. But then, youth is +naturally <span class="errata" title="Printed: impatient. "Did">impatient. Did</span> you so deeply love the Princess?"</p> + +<p>At this point Sarthia would have withdrawn but she found that her +desire to stay chained her to the spot, and glancing at the +Hierophant she realized that <a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>her presence was known to him and that +he wished her to remain.</p> + +<p>The Prince mused thoughtfully for a few moments before replying and +then said with a half sigh, "You know, O Father, that I myself did +not particularly desire that marriage. From my earliest childhood I +have been fond of my cousin and playfellow. As she matured I have +admired, with family pride, her perfect beauty of form, her haughty +spirit and her ability to rule. And yet, as you, who can so easily +read the innermost secrets of the heart, must know I have not been +able to discern the happiness for myself in this union that my soul +would crave, or that you led me to expect in wedded love. If my +ambition irresistibly impelled me to fill the external destinies of +mankind, to become a monarch of unsur<a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>passed power and magnificence, +then <span class="errata" title="Printed: would Nunah">would Nu-nah</span> be the royal consort absolutely adapted for such +pride and pomp. But, you know, O Father, all these things are as +empty bubbles and child toys to one aspiring to become a Priest +King, to him who hungers and thirsts, day and night for wisdom, for +knowledge of the more inner secrets of Nature, guarded so jealously +by the Priesthood but revealed by the very Gods themselves to those +worthy to know and fit to use and assist in carrying out the plans +and orderly workings of the very Universe itself.</p> + +<p><span class="errata" title="Printed: In form">"In form</span> and feature Nu-nah's image meets my highest ideal, but when +I would speak of the thoughts and ambitions upon which my soul +dwells, then her cold look of incomprehension appalls me with the +vast difference in our natures. Her <a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>thoughts can never penetrate +the realm wherein my life-forces are all centered. Never have I +experienced from her the response my love would crave."</p> + +<p>"Have you then never at any time felt that Nu-nah's love for you +could be trained and in time evolved to the plane whereby she would +respond to you?"</p> + +<p>"Nu-nah does not seem capable of the love of soul. She accepts me as +a lover due her, and whose attention and presence gratify her pride +and vanity. Never once, or perhaps only once, have I ever seen or +imagined I saw a recognition of love, and that was the night of the +full Moon, during the recent ceremonies. As, with your permission, I +for a moment drew near the couch on which she reposed, she suddenly +raised to a half-sitting position and seemed strangely startled by +my pres<a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>ence. With a thrill of hope, that finally love was +awakening, I sprang forward and spake anxiously and fondly to her. +For the first time in all my life her glance vibrated to my heart's +very core. My brain reeled with intoxication as she pressed my hand, +and the love from her eyes burns now into my soul as I recall that +one second of bliss. But, alas! she fell back into her former +lifeless state and lingers so until I am in doubt if after all it +were not some illusion connected with the wonderful Magic of that +night."</p> + +<p>"Nay," said the Hierophant, "I can assure you that what you +experienced was <i>real</i> and that if this matter reaches a successful +issue you will henceforward find in Nu-nah all that your soul +desires, that ever will her eager spirit lead yours in the pursuit +of knowledge and the highest wisdom."<a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a></p> + +<p>Then the Hierophant turning, mentally addressed Sarthia, the unseen +witness of the interview, "Am I not right in making this pledge for +you to Rathunor? Think you we have also fulfilled our promise that +Rathunor shall love you?"</p> + +<p>But her heart was too full to reply. He then directed her attention +to her location and surroundings and for the first time she became +aware with amazement, almost terror, that she was within "<span class="smcap">the +sacred adytum—the holy of holies,</span>" while the Hierophant and +Rathunor were within an adjoining court and private apartment of the +High Priest.</p> + +<p>"My child," said the Hierophant in reply to her speechless inquiry +as to the meaning of this wonder, "there are no barriers to the +disembodied soul. This place, so religiously guarded, so +inacces<a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>sible to the ordinary mortal, is open to any soul having +passed a certain grade of initiation into the divine mysteries of +Nature and attained unto that purity of heart whereby man may see +his God.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow night, on the occasion of the new Moon, will be +consecrated within this Holy Chamber, the union of your soul with +that of Rathunor's and here also will be consummated that mystic +transfer between your soul and that of Nu-nah's.</p> + +<p>"And now, I leave you here while I accompany Rathunor. As you +gradually lapse into the sweet silence of this Holy place, observe +the meaning of some of the stupendous mysteries of Nature revealed +here openly to the one having eyes to see and possessing the gift of +understanding."</p> + +<p>Her first sensation on being left alone <a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>was, that she was floating +like the vapor of a breath upon the swaying wreaths of burning +incense, and as she reclines thus in blissful repose there dawned +upon her vision a view of the vast Temple in its absolute entirety. +It assumed the strange outline of a gigantic human body, all its +intricacies becoming orderly correspondencies of the human organism +in its multitudinous ramifications. Then all the vast ceremonial of +this body passed in review before her mind, each rite symbolic of +some function, physical, mental and spiritual, and she marveled at +the adaptability of the parts to each other and then to the grand +whole.</p> + +<p>But, above all, was she impressed by the depth in depths of meaning +of this Sacred Adytum in its symbolic relation to the whole +structure. However, ere she <a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>could tarry to reflect, the nature of +the vision changed as if her eye had been turned suddenly from the +lense of a Microscope to that of an immense Telescope. Before her +view stretched the starry Zodiac, in outline, the same as its +prototype, the human body—the Grand Temple. The Sun and its solar +system corresponding to various vital functions in the human +organism, but the crowning wonder of all came as she comprehended +the relation which our planet, mother Earth, bore to the Grand Man +of the skies, and her soul was overwhelmed as all the implications +of this relation rushed in upon her being.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>CHAPTER V.</h3> + +<h4>THE TRANSFER.</h4> + + +<p>According to the calculations made by the chief Astrologer Priest it +was just at midnight that the conjunction of the luminaries took +place in the Zodiacal sign belonging to the Moon. This union of the +luminous orbs of the day and night is powerfully magical in its +results.</p> + +<p>The vibrations, set in motion by this mighty union of the positive +and negative forces of Nature, react, not only upon the waters and +the Earth, but the human family. Not only does the mighty ocean obey +this wonderful influence in the ebb and flow of its tides, but the +Earth, as she <a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>rotates upon her axis, obeys this mighty power and +manifests in her depths and heights in her serpentine movement about +the Sun.</p> + +<p>Nature's laws are very exact and man, to become the Arbiter of his +own destiny, must blend his energies in harmony with those of +Nature.</p> + +<p>Agreeable to appointment and the arrangements to be made it was +necessary for the Hierophant and the Holy men of the Temple to +assemble at an early hour, although the Transfer was not to take +place until midnight.</p> + +<p>Much preparation was necessary as a most momentous ceremony was to +be performed this night; one that rarely ever was performed, owing +to the fact that few of the Temple Priests were initiated into these +sacred Magical Rites. They were <a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>too Sacred and Holy to be imparted +to many, too dangerous for possible failures, too infinite in +responsibilities accompanying such undertakings. Only those where +the mind, soul and spirit, blended as one in their organism, were +ever entrusted with the interior knowledge of the Sacred Adytum—The +Holy of Holies.</p> + +<p>Only the invocations were to be made, the chants and ceremonies +belonging to the Holy Sanctuary were to be observed. The air was +ladened with the sweet fragrance of incense and those subtle +perfumes that are so delightful and enticing to the soul. Hours +before the solemn Rites were to be performed, every part of the Holy +Temple must be permeated with their magical and mystical influence.</p> + +<p>The bodies of both Sarthia and Nu-nah lay in state before the Altar +in the Holy<a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a> Sanctuary, both robed and perfumed as if for burial.</p> + +<p>The Hierophant of the Temple, the Priests and the Lay Priests, and +the Priestesses with their Vestal Virgins, were now assembled in +their respective places.</p> + +<p>The hour of midnight had arrived. The chants now begun, set in +vibration the spiritual forces that appeal only to the soul and +spirit.</p> + +<p>The subtle, silent will of the High Priest mentally commanded the +presence of the departed spirit of Sarthia. At his bidding, she came +floating toward him, and when within a certain distance from her +inanimate body, she remained hovering over it. Most willingly and +joyfully she came, knowing the promise of the High Priest would be +realized when she became able to animate and control the body and +mind of what was still Nu-nah's.<a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a></p> + +<p>Rathunor was present at the urgent request of the Priest. He little +dreamed why his presence was so much desired, and how he, who was so +ignorant of the Temple rules and service, could be of any +assistance.</p> + +<p>A spark had been kindled within his very soul, the night that +Sarthia found herself in Nu-nah's temple and for a moment +consciously remembered and spoke, that had been burning deeper and +deeper until now, it was ready to burst forth as an ever-living +flame at the first breath of hope that this new emotion was of the +soul—real and immortal.</p> + +<p>Did he dare for a moment listen to the whispering of the interior +self? Fear alone made him drive back and quell the monitions that +sprang from within, for O, if they were only vain hopes could he +sur<a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a>vive the disappointment? The thought was crushing, and better, +he thought, not to hope than believe an illusion.</p> + +<p>The magnetic chord that yet held Nu-nah to her frail, prostrated +body had not yet been severed. The unconscious soul hung or rather +floated about its temple, apparently waiting for a stronger force +from the interior realm to call it away.</p> + +<p>The Hierophant stepped to the front of the Altar and, raising his +hands, invoked the presence of the Gods and their assistance in this +Sacred ceremony of making that Transfer of the spiritual life-line +that binds the spirit to soul, and soul to body.</p> + +<p>As the two souls hung suspended by these magnetic life-chords above +their own bodies, through the magical influ<a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>ences of the Priests, +the chants and music came closer and closer, as if drawn together by +some strong magnetic attraction.</p> + +<p>Sarthia, now, as well as Nu-nah, was unconscious of what was taking +place. Nu-nah's was the natural unconscious state of an undeveloped +soul in passing from the physical temple to the realms beyond, while +Sarthia's was purposely induced by the magical will of the Operator.</p> + +<p>The middle of the mystical hour had just been reached when the two +life-lines met and blended for one single instant, then separated +and, obeying the powerful wills of the Priests, became polarized in +each other's body.</p> + +<p>The magical invisible agency that had been animating the body of +Sarthia was now withdrawn, and the soul of Nu-nah's <a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>gradually but +faintly began to supply the animating force to revive and control +the apparently lifeless form.</p> + +<p>Sarthia's spiritual consciousness was not immediately allowed to +return. The awakening must be gradual to her, for knowing what was +being done, the joy and ecstacy of a prolonged life in the holy +bonds of pure love with Rathunor would be disastrous if suddenly +conveyed to her consciousness.</p> + +<p>The High Priest, turning to Rathunor, said, "Our beloved pupil, +return now to your usual duties, but fail not to return to the +Temple a little before twelve o'clock to-morrow night."</p> + +<p>Now the bodies of Sarthia and Nu-nah were removed to another part of +the Temple. The Priestesses and Vestals, <span class="errata" title="Printed: with the chori">with the choir and</span> +musicians, were dis<a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>missed as the first part of the solemn and +sacred Rites was over, but the Priests remained, never stopping in +their magical work, for yet the vibrations of the new-born souls +were not of sufficient strength and power to remain unassisted, +especially that of Nu-nah's.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h3> + +<h4>THE AWAKENING.</h4> + + +<p>The constant presence of some of the Priests of the Temple had been +near the bodies of Nu-nah and Sarthia continuously for the last +twenty-four hours, and by their magic assistance the vibrations of +the souls to their new tenements grew stronger and quite harmonious.</p> + +<p>The hour of midnight was again near at hand. The reviving forms of +the two young girls were again brought into the Holy Sanctuary of +the Temple and placed in front of the Altar and the Hierophant who +had already taken his position.</p> + +<p>The Priestesses of the Temple with <a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>their Vestals were quietly and +solemnly wending their way to their usual places. The choir had +begun to chant the opening service when Rathunor with one of the +Priests approached with slow and measured strides as if a false +movement would disturb the solemnity of this midnight's mystic +silence.</p> + +<p>As they approached the spot where the two bodies lay, there was a +perceptible movement, as of consciousness in the silent form of +Nu-nah.</p> + +<p>Just as the distant chimes pealed forth their announcement of the +midnight hour the Hierophant arose and stepped forth to the front of +the Altar and, at a silent signal, there broke forth, as of one +voice, the low-distant strains of the most enchanting music. The +voices and the tones from the musical instruments were <a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>so +harmoniously and wonderfully blended that the result was magically +effective. The strains increased in volume—they seemed to approach +nearer and nearer—until the whole edifice resounded and re-echoed +as though filled with one vast orchestra sounding forth the Anthem +of Creative Life, "We Praise Thee, O God."</p> + +<p>This enchanting music continued for some time, then gently died away +until only the breathings of music could be heard, when the +Hierophant raised his hands as if in supplication. The solemn, awful +stillness of the hour was awe-inspiring.</p> + +<p>Once, twice, thrice, the voice of the Hierophant resounded +throughout the Sanctuary as he thus spoke to their souls:</p> + +<p>"Arise, O ye daughter of Isis, come forth and again enter the daily +lives of <a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>a Vestal and a Princess. Many years now are granted to +your service, and now that you have both been beyond the dividing +line of this and the other plane, your lives henceforth should be +guided and influenced by that experience."</p> + +<p>At this he descended from the Altar and took the helpless hand of +Sarthia to magically convey to the silent, lifeless body the +electric forces of life.</p> + +<p>Turning to Rathunor, who stood near, beckoning him to his side, he +took his hand and led him to that which <i>was</i> Nu-nah's body, and +gently raising the apparently lifeless hand of the silent form +placed it within that of Rathunor's. The effect was indeed magical.</p> + +<p>Rathunor was held spell-bound, the thrilling sensations, the +emotions that sprang forth from the heart were electri<a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>fying. He +could feel the tense vibrations passing from his hand to that of her +body, the source of which he could not fathom nor understand, and +little did he care at that moment when he perceived the slight +tremor that was creeping over the heretofore lifeless form of his +Princess Nu-nah.</p> + +<p>Here, Rathunor would have been overcome by his emotions of joyful +bliss and thrown himself prostrate at the feet of the Priest in +thankful gratitude for the restoration to life of his lovely Nu-nah, +had not the Hierophant just at this moment laid his hand upon +Rathunor's shoulder saying, "My child, have you become unconscious +of the place and the occasion, and the solemn promise you gave me to +bravely follow my instructions without a show of weakness. Let not +an outward manifestation of your feelings <a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>escape you again. Are you +yourself again?"</p> + +<p>With a mighty effort of his will Rathunor commanded an outward calm +at least, but he could not speak, he could only bow his head in +assurance and being told to retain the hand of Nu-nah, the Priest +continued audibly, "In the name of the Almighty and ever-living God +I now join these two souls as one. May their consciousness of this, +their soul-union, dawn upon their outward memory as time proceeds, +and then journey together in conscious union on the eternal path of +progress to the Divine Throne of God. Amen! Amen!"</p> + +<p>Rathunor heard but did not understand and being overcome by the +silent over-powering influence surrounding him, fell insensible to +the floor beside the reviving form of Nu-nah.<a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a></p> + +<p>As soon as he had been conveyed to an outer court, the Hierophant +again continued. Turning his attention to Sarthia, mentally he +called three times, "Nu-nah, Nu-nah, Nu-nah, henceforth you shall be +known as Sarthia the Vestal. May the guardian angels that have been +placed over your reviving body, keep and hold the soul with it until +health of body and strength of mind returns. God bless our new-found +Vestal. Amen."</p> + +<p>As the last echo of the Priest's voice died away the music burst in +a joyful song of praise, and continued until the bodies of each of +the young girls were removed. Sarthia's to that formerly occupied by +the Vestal, and Nu-nah's to that of the home of the Princess.</p> + +<p>Rathunor soon revived in the fresh air of the outer court and now +being sum<a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>moned by a messenger from the Hierophant presented himself +again before him.</p> + +<p>"My son," said the High Priest, "go to the home of the Princess and +remain, either with, or near her until three cycles of seven shall +pass by. At the end of twenty-one days you may return to your own +home and enter the accustomed life of a Prince, until that time +shall come when the Prince of the world shall enter the path that +leads to a King of Wisdom," and with a <span class="errata" title="Printed: ervent">fervent</span> press of the hand and +a benediction for his soul's welfare he bid him good-night and +retired from the Holy Sanctuary.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h3> + +<h4>A VISIT TO THE CHIEF ASTROLOGER.</h4> + + +<p>A few weeks after the preceding ceremonies, a messenger announced to +the Astrologer Priest that the Priestess sought an interview.</p> + +<p>Hermo was at his post making the usual, daily calculations for the +Priest. As the Priestess entered, Hermo arose, and was about to +withdraw, when the Priestess, by a wave of her hand, gave him to +understand his presence was required.</p> + +<p>The Priestess began, "O, most Venerated Father, I come again to ask +assistance, with your astrological knowledge, <a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>in behalf of Sarthia. +The memory of the past seems to be entirely blotted out. Is there +any aspect showing that memory will return, and if not, at what time +do the planets indicate a commencement of the training of the mind +that will bring a successful issue in spiritual things? We will have +to commence with her as a child and train the body, mind and soul to +Vestal Service."</p> + +<p>The Astrologer turned to Hermo and said, "Hear you the request of +our Priestess here? Make note, and see at what time the planets +point favorably to the initiation of our new Sarthia into the Temple +Service of Isis."</p> + +<p>"How is our new Sarthia?" inquired the Priest.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, as yet," answered the Priestess, "But that does not +disturb my hope <a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>and faith that she will become all that we wish and +desire of her, and instead of having but one Vestal we shall have +two, for ere long Nu-nah will also be numbered among our Vestals, +and Rathunor as one of our Priests."</p> + +<p>Thanking the Priest for his promised service the Priestess withdrew.</p> + +<p>The Astrologer returned to his studies and was soon absorbed with +them, when, suddenly he turned to Hermo and said, "Hermo, I shall +place Sarthia under your special tutelage as soon as she is ready to +commence her studies in Astrology."</p> + +<p>The suddenness of the Priest's remarks quite confused the young +scribe and set him to seriously thinking. Strange thoughts came into +his mind, "why should Sarthia <i>not</i> continue her studies with me, +why would she become a special and <i>not</i> a fellow student?"<a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a></p> + +<p>He could not account for these strange thoughts that had been +excited within his mind, and the rest of the hours of work did not +show the usual amount accomplished.</p> + +<p>At an early hour the next night, before Hermo had arrived for his +night's work, the Astrologer Priest sent for the Priestess. She +hastily responded to the summons feeling there was some very +important news to be received. As soon as she entered the Priest +said, "Most noble Priestess, I find by the calculations made, that +not before another month may our infant child, Sarthia, be +initiated, as a pupil, into the Temple of Isis. Two days before the +full Moon the spiritual rays will be most active and potent, and +being of so harmonious a nature we may hope for the most +satisfactory results. The <a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>task will be slow and require much +patience, my Priestess, for the hereditary tendencies of the brain, +that have so far influenced that soul's life and experiences, will +have to be polarized in other channels and gradually awakened to +consciousness. The life of the body it has been animating in past +years was not of such a nature as to mature a healthy soul.</p> + +<p>"The work now, with our new Sarthia, is with the Soul, to make it +equal to the brain that has been cultivated and enlarged in +spiritual ways; while with Nu-nah, the work will be in arousing and +developing that brain to the conscious response of the matured soul. +Do I make myself plain to you? In my young pupil, Hermo, we will +have a most valuable assistant in our work with Sarthia, for I have +discovered that the divine relation <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>of brother and sister exists +between them. They are blest with being the emanations from the same +divine state and children of the same spiritual parents. I spoke to +Hermo of Sarthia last night, at the same time <i>willing</i> that my new +discovery might be imparted to his soul, which I could see had been +partially accomplished.</p> + +<p>"We will allow them often in each other's society, and that holy +love of brother of sister, and sister of brother, which can only be +kindled in the outer heart when this spiritual relation exists.</p> + +<p>"This will soon be recognized by each of them, and this alone will +be a most potent influence in nourishing and teaching the soul of +Sarthia. Nothing lies in Sarthia's path that portends serious evil +for many years to come. Therefore, my good Priestess, take new hope +and cour<a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>age, and not many Moons will grow and wane before an inward +pride will be born for your new Vestal."</p> + +<p>The Priestess retired after thanking him most cordially, and could +hardly conceal her emotions of joy and rapture until she was safe in +her own apartments, where she could give full vent, in tears and +cries of joy and gratitude.</p> + +<p>As soon as all traces of the effects, which this knowledge had +produced, were erased, and she became perfectly calm and composed, +she sought Sarthia's chamber. The young girl was reclining upon a +couch that had been drawn near the window, apparently much absorbed +in studying the heavens. Scarcely did she notice the presence of the +Priestess until she knelt beside her and said, "What thoughts are +being born in my Sarthia's <a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>mind as she views the mighty heavens +above with its millions of silent monitors, awaiting our pleasure to +read and understand? Are they speaking to my darling child? Do you +hear their silent voices and feel their subtle and powerful +influences upon you?"</p> + +<p>The young girl did not reply immediately. The body was still very +weak and feeble, the mind was as one just awakening from a prolonged +slumber.</p> + +<p>"My beloved Priestess, did you speak to me of the stars, those +loving lights in the heavens? They do seem to speak, but I can not +understand and know what they say. Do you, dear Mother, and can you +tell me?"</p> + +<p>This first ray of awakening memory was more radiant to the Priestess +than a thousand stars could have produced if all their rays could +have blended into one.<a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a> But calmness was her external bearing. +Seldom any manifestation of an unusual emotion, was permitted to +find an outward expression either in manner or speech. She had +attained that perfect command of herself that neither joy nor +sorrow, good nor evil, praise nor blame, could unbalance the perfect +poise and tranquillity of her developed Soul.</p> + +<p>"My Sarthia," replied the Priestess, "I can not know what they are +saying to <i>you</i>, but they do speak to me. They tell me that life is +immortal, that the growth and the progress of the soul are eternal, +that we may know and read their language while in these bodies if we +try; then as we draw nearer and nearer to them, as our souls grow +and become familiar with their teachings, we can know them as well, +if not better, than our Astrologer Priests do, also as well as your +brother Hermo is learning to do."<a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a></p> + +<p>"My—brother—Hermo," and there was a perceptible light of +intelligence in the eyes for a moment.</p> + +<p>The Priestess was not speaking to the mind, but to the soul, at the +same time willing to find a response there. The mere words availed +nothing to her, only in so much as they expressed the longings and +desires of the interior self.</p> + +<p><span class="errata" title="Printed: As Sartha said">As Sarthia said</span> no more, the Priestess arose and, moving quietly +about the room, gave a few directions and cautions to those in +attendance, then presently withdrew.</p> + +<p>That night was passed by the Priestess in her own private chamber, +not in sleep and rest, but actively and earnestly engaged in silent +prayer for her new-born children, Nu-nah, Sarthia and Rathunor.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h3> + +<h4>PRINCESS NU-NAH.</h4> + + +<p>The morning following the Priestess' visit to Sarthia's apartments, +she sent a messenger to inquire for the welfare of Princess Nu-nah.</p> + +<p>She was reported to have slept well, seemed much stronger, but a +peculiar change had taken place during her almost fatal illness. She +spoke strangely, almost weirdly at times, which excited much comment +and anxiety amongst her immediate friends and relatives.</p> + +<p>The Princess had been a general favorite and much admired by those +occupying the same station in life with herself; but by those who +were subject to her com<a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>mands and rule, she was looked upon as cold, +stern, and heartless, kind in her way when obeyed, but the slightest +disobedience brought scornful reproaches and often punishment.</p> + +<p>The Priestess, knowing the source of the peculiar change spoken of, +felt that all was well. No other attention than the presence of +Rathunor was needed. The developed soul of the Vestal Sarthia would +soon come into control of the brain she was now trying to find +expression through.</p> + +<p>Then, too, the organs of the brain that Sarthia's soul would +naturally vibrate, had never become active, nor developed; they, as +it were, were dormant, fast asleep, awaiting the pulsating +vibrations of the spiritual influx to give them life and usefulness. +While those that <a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a>had been so fully developed in the brain, by the +life of the Princess, found no corresponding vibrations from the +soul.</p> + +<p>Truly, a strange commingling of the two opposing forces, and one in +which time was required to bring about perfect adjustment.</p> + +<p>The High Priest had commanded all visitors to be excluded, except +Rathunor, who was to have access at all times, and as the +Hierophant's word was that of God to them, so, purely from a +religious standpoint, they were strictly obeyed. While the Priestess +and others of the Temple knew the secret of the Priest's strict +injunctions, they likewise knew that none of Sarthia's associates +dared approach, lest their presence would too suddenly awake to +consciousness the slumbering soul, before the brain had yet <a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>fully +responded and vibrated to the new animating spark of life.</p> + +<p>Rathunor, most of all, observed the change in the Princess; at the +slightest touch there was a response within—his very presence +struck the chords of sympathy that existed between them. This was, +to him, a very unaccountable change. In all his life association +with Nu-nah these emotions, that now seemed to spring from the soul, +had never before been experienced. He was very much inclined to +attribute it to an abnormal sympathy aroused by her sickness and +terrible suffering. Still, the words of the High Priest haunted him +and the feelings born from within, on the night of the solemn Rites +at the Temple, could not be vanished by any amount of reasoning; +still he would not allow such thoughts to <a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>be nourished by the +slightest hope—much less be watered by the spirit of faith and +allowed to grow. Although Rathunor was brave in external pain, and +daringly courageous in acts of chivalry, he was an infant when +subject to disappointment. Here was the battle of self going on.</p> + +<p>"Have I the strength and manly courage to bear the disappointment +born from a delusive hope? Not yet." So he suffered and heeded not +the whisperings from within, until he could not endure it any +longer, when he sought the presence of the Hierophant for advice and +enlightenment. Scarcely able to hold in check his impatience he +burst forth without the recognition due the superior presence of a +High Priest.</p> + +<p>"O, most Holy and Revered Father, tell me, am I wrong in not +listening to <a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a>the monitions that are racking my inmost being? May I +hope the love that is growing within my soul will be surely +recognized and reciprocated by Nu-nah on her return to physical +health? Is this love a vain delusion on my part, an imagination born +from sympathies that will vanish as soon as health is restored and +we enter the whirl of the social world again? If it is in thy power, +O Father, tell me the truth. Repeat thy assuring words once more, +and I will be guided by them in the future, and never again allow +the shadow of doubt to cross the threshold of my mind."</p> + +<p>"My child," said the High Priest, "once more I assure you of the +loving response of Nu-nah's soul and mind, as soon as she is herself +again. But, mark you well, at the return of consciousness, <a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>be not +rash in any of your words or acts; remember, her return to life is +as a new-born babe—weak, tender and easily impressed by stronger +minds and wills than its own. You are the stronger at present, and +all patience and indulgence are exacted from you. Let her +imaginations and fancies play as they will for awhile; yours must be +calm, loving, sympathetic and unwavering in hope and faith that all +will eventually be well; and again, I assure you that not many years +shall pass before you will enter the path and the life your soul is +now longing for. Princess Nu-nah will more than compensate you for +all the kind attentions you now bestow upon her in the guiding, +teaching and leading your soul in the paths to spiritual knowledge +and the spiritual life, while still inhabiting the physical form.<a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a></p> + +<p>"The hungerings of your soul shall be more than satisfied by her +ministering spirit. The interior consciousness will gradually dawn +upon you both, but to Nu-nah first." Then, taking Rathunor by the +hand, he continued, "Doubt no more, my child, have faith in the +Infinite Wisdom that guides and directs the struggling soul through +the intricate ways of evolution up to the final consciousness of +Immortal Life. God be with and bless you."</p> + +<p>Rathunor had no words to express his gratitude. But they would have +been useless to the Hierophant, for the new-born light that shone +forth, though dimly, was more to the Priest than a world of words.</p> + +<p>He merely looked, bowed, and with a fervent pressure of the hand, +was gone <a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>from the presence of the Holy Priest. As he retraced his +steps toward the home of Princess Nu-nah, a holy calm pervaded his +whole being; his doubts fled as an enemy; his excitement was +transformed into tranquil earnestness; a sublime sense of the +realities of life filled his brain, and a willingness to await the +progress and development, that time would bring forth and mature, +possessed him, until he was so changed that he scarcely recognized +himself.</p> + +<p>Was this change volitional?</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h3> + +<h4>THE INITIATION.</h4> + + +<p>Days of weary watching, and toilsome care that the new-born Vestal +would not be misled in her awakening thoughts, were necessary. The +body needed but little care other than the proper nourishment and +attention of any one in usual health. Sarthia's physical organism +had not become depleted by disease and suffering, and the +disorganization that had commenced was checked by the magical agent +that had been placed over it, even before Sarthia had entirely left +it.</p> + +<p>The lethargy was more mental than physical. It was that +semi-consciousness that precedes sleep, or that one some<a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>times +experiences when awakened suddenly out of a deep, profound slumber.</p> + +<p>The Priestess visited her many times throughout the day when she +could spare the time from her duties in the Temple. In the course of +a few days Sarthia was able to be assisted in short walks about the +halls and corridors, but took little heed of things about her. Day +by day, the body grew stronger and a new light began to dawn in the +eyes and shone upon the countenance of the fair young girl.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Hermo had been apprised by the Astrologer Priest of +the true relation existing between himself and Sarthia. His joy knew +no bounds, for neither his heart nor soul had ever thrilled with the +love of mother, sister, or kindred. It had been his misfortune to +<a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>be deprived of his parents before his young mind and heart could be +moved by the tender emotions of love, but now it needed no more than +the Priest's revelations to kindle into flaming fires that +something, he knew not what, that had been smoldering in his bosom +all his life.</p> + +<p>Now, the Astrologer's words were clear and the cause of the strange +thoughts that were excited in his mind was revealed. Over and over +he asked himself, "Can I wait to see my beloved sister?"</p> + +<p>His impatience became equal with his joy, and days that had before +passed as moments now seemed as ages. One morning, much to the +Priestess' surprise, a messenger announced that Hermo desired an +interview with her in the waiting-room below. The Priestess +descended <a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>to where Hermo was waiting and, with a questioning look +in her face, clasped his hand in a firm but anxious manner, +inquired, "Is all well with our young Astrologer, Hermo, this +morning. Does he bring tidings from our revered Father? Has any new +testimony been given by the stars that portends evil to our +Sarthia?"</p> + +<p>Hermo stood in mute astonishment. "How could the Priestess receive +such forebodings from his presence when his whole being was +throbbing with pulsations of unbounded happiness," he thought.</p> + +<p>"Nay, my dear Priestess, quite the reverse. Has not our worthy +Father acquainted you with my new-found joy, my Love—my Sister? +Know you not the divine relation that exists between Sarthia and +myself? The hours have seemed <a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a>days since this knowledge was +revealed to me and I now beg to see my new sister and walk with her +and yourself upon the lawn in the private grounds of the Temple. Can +my request be granted, O Priestess?"</p> + +<p>She still retained his hand and, again pressing it warmly between +her own, said, "Our brave and noble Hermo deserves this blessing as +a reward for his honest toil alone in his struggle for Truth and +Knowledge. Yes, my dear Hermo, I was made aware of the relation +between you and our new Sarthia and have been anxious for this +moment to arrive when you would be sent to escort Sarthia in her +daily walks about the grounds, but I caution you to be guarded in +your words. Remember she is yet but an infant and must be taught as +a child. Remain here <a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a>and I will go and bring Sarthia thither and we +will walk together."</p> + +<p>It was not long before the Priestess, Sarthia and her attendant +appeared. The Priestess was leading Sarthia and as they approached +Hermo placed her hand in that of his saying, "Sarthia, I place you +in the care and protection of your brother Hermo."</p> + +<p>"Hermo! Hermo!! My brother Hermo?" said Sarthia.</p> + +<p>To the penetrating eyes of the Priestess and Hermo the light of +consciousness was <span class="errata" title="Printed: mometarily">momentarily</span> seen and to the clairvoyant vision of +the Priestess a startling scene was beheld. The vibrations of soul +to soul, the love that had been kindled in Hermo's heart and soul +went out with such intensity that it aroused into a vivid activity +the slumbering soul of Sarthia, <a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>and the brain, being already so +finely tuned to the higher vibrations of the Spirit, responded at +once.</p> + +<p>The fresh air, the green grass, the beautiful flowers and shrubbery, +with the inspiring presence of Hermo, were like magic to quicken the +pulsations of body and mind and bring to her cheek and eyes the +flush of health and life. Not much of the conversation was directed +to Sarthia, but when reference to the stars was made, she instantly +inquired, "Brother Hermo, do the stars speak to you, and do you know +what they say? Our lovely Priestess here can read them, and how much +I would love to speak with them, too."</p> + +<p>"I will teach you how some day, my sister, as soon as you are able +to commence your studies."</p> + +<p>"Will that be soon?"<a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a></p> + +<p>"Yes, in a short time; so soon as you become an attendant in The +Temple of Isis."</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>Sarthia was silent, and the Priestess reminded them it was time to +return,—Sarthia to her room and Hermo to his studies, while the +Priestess' presence was required in the Temple.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>These walks continued daily with most satisfactory results to the +Priestess and the Hierophant. All fears of the perfect harmonizing +of the new soul to the body of Sarthia were allayed. The animating +spark of life was growing stronger and the vibrations from soul to +body were complete; not with consciousness, but that involuntary +vibratory exchange that exists with the majority of the people that +make up the earth's human family.<a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a> As only the higher portion of the +brain of Sarthia had been active the soul must necessarily manifest +itself through those organs. Often, were the much beloved Priestess, +Hermo and Sarthia's attendants, surprised at her expressions and +profound questions on spiritual subjects.</p> + +<p>It was nearing the time when Sarthia was to take her initiatory step +as a Vestal in the Temple of Isis. In fact, only one more day +intervened before the ceremony was to take place. As the incidents +relative to the transfer were known to all the Temple attendants, it +was looked forward to with much silent rejoicing and gratitude that +they had not been robbed of their lovely Vestal who always was held +in sacred esteem by them all.</p> + +<p>All had been notified to prepare for the Initiatory service—the +music, chants, <a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>and ceremonies sacred to this occasion, must be in +readiness. The night had arrived; the fair Goddess of the night +shone forth in all her radiant splendor, seemingly conscious, that +she was shedding forth the magnetic influence necessary for the +sacred Rites now about to be performed. It had almost reached the +Zenith when the solemn march of the Priestesses, Vestals and +attendants that were to conduct Sarthia to the Holy Sanctuary of the +Temple started. The Priestess walked beside Sarthia. Sarthia was +clothed in pure spotless linen, her head was bare with the exception +of a wreath of laurel leaves that rested lightly upon her flowing +hair. In her hands she carried a white-bound volume which contained +the songs, chants, litany and regime for the Vestals of the Temple.<a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a></p> + +<p>Just as they reached the door, the High Priest arose, and +simultaneously the music burst forth in joyful strains that spoke +welcome, courage and love to the heart of Sarthia. When they reached +the foot of the altar, where stood the Hierophant, Sarthia knelt +upon a velvet cushion at his feet. The music ceased while the High +Priest stood with uplifted hands in silent prayer. At a signal, the +choir began chanting the Litany. Sarthia was bidden to rise, when +the Priest, in measured and solemn tones, addressed her:</p> + +<p>"Do you come to pledge yourself to Temple Service? Is it your desire +to become a Vestal of Isis? Do you take the pledge of celibacy to +the virgin Rites of the Temple; your time, energy and purpose to be +devoted to the duties that devolve upon a Vestal?"<a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a></p> + +<p>The low, clear voice of Sarthia was heard throughout the Sanctuary +as she bowed and answered in assent.</p> + +<p>"So be it, my holy virgin. I now commit your soul to the Guardian +Angels of this Sacred Sanctuary to guide, guard and protect your +budding soul to perfect at-one-ment with its divine center, that you +may inherit immortal life while yet with us. Amen!"</p> + +<p>Sarthia opened the book within her hands and, kissing its pages +which she had already subscribed to, handed it to the High Priest. +He took it, and held it in his left, while he placed his right hand +upon her head, and said:</p> + +<p>"I bid thee welcome, my Vestal Sarthia, and commend thy soul to the +Gods above, that ever keep watch o'er the children of earth. God +bless thee. Amen! Amen!"<a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a></p> + +<p>Then, as if they were voicing the words of the Hierophant, the +chants grew louder, the music poured forth in grander tones as +though to join the invisible hosts above in praise to God most high.</p> + +<p>The ceremony was over and Sarthia was conducted back to her chamber, +a Vestal of The Temple of Isis. The occult powers that had been +evoked in behalf of Sarthia soon became manifest in her daily life. +The zeal and zest with which she pursued her studies and the +understanding of their interior meanings were sufficient evidence of +her teacher's inspiring influence. She was soon placed under her +brother Hermo's instruction in astronomical and astrological lore, +and here also displayed a proficiency in learning that surprised +Hermo and delighted the Astrologer Priests. At Temple Serv<a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>ice she +was all devotion and, as an Attendant, ever true and faithful. The +brother and sister became devotedly attached to each other and the +Priestess often observed this attachment, which sent a pang through +her heart, lest such joy and happiness might not be granted Hermo +for the remainder of his life. Then instantly would she offer a +silent prayer that such supreme happiness would be theirs throughout +eternity.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>CHAPTER X.</h3> + +<h4>THE PRINCESS' WEDDING.</h4> + + +<p>The Princess' recovery was very slow, owing to the great depletion +of the physical body during her recent illness. Much care and +attention were bestowed upon her by her royal friends. All the +luxury which wealth alone could procure, and the kindly influences +of loving associates were brought to bear to speedily hasten the +restoration of their Princess to her former health and spirits. +Health was slowly but surely gaining the ascendency, but the spirits +of heart and mind were not of that buoyant, external nature that she +formerly displayed.</p> + +<p>With her return to health, demands of <a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a>a social nature were made +upon her. She enjoyed pleasures but a seriousness attended her every +movement that much annoyed her friends. The attendants and servants +were excited to wonder at her kind and thoughtful interests of +them—while many thought it was due to her weak physical condition, +others remarked, how much the Princess' sickness had improved her. +Those that before feared her, now began to love and seek to please +and serve her.</p> + +<p>Rathunor was a daily visitor, and remembering the advice and +instructions of the Hierophant he was calm, silent, and patient in +his attentions to her and apparently took no heed of her fancies and +strange conversation. She would constantly plan amusements and +social entertainments on a grand scale, but with <a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a>such a seriousness +of purpose that it quite annoyed Rathunor at times and caused him to +wonder if this was really his former Nu-nah.</p> + +<p>While the annoyance came purely from the external, there was an +interior attraction that was, irresistibly, holding him spell-bound +to her side. His happiness now was greatest when they sat, rode or +walked in silence. Little did he dream, while in that silence which +so enraptured him, the soul of Nu-nah was blending and drawing the +electric life-essence from his own to hers. That interchange was +going on wherein there is no robbery, but an inter-blending of the +magnetic and electric life-forces that cause to spring into activity +the harmonious vibrations of a complete whole, and the reaction upon +both brain and the physical organism <a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>was health, contentment and +happiness that rises above all external cares, sorrows and discords.</p> + +<p>Although the soul of the, now known, Princess was highly developed +it could find but few responsive echoes from the dormant spiritual +organs of the brain. These she must arouse to sensitiveness and +action. It was this that gave rise to the peculiar ideas, expressed +in her conversation, that so mystified her friends. Visitors soon +began to pour in upon her congratulations, presents and invitations +to once again enter the gilded salons of fashion and the round of +amusements that are the daily life of a favorite Princess. To all +she gave a modest, quiet reply, neither accepting nor rejecting +their attentions, which left them in wondering doubt at times of her +sanity.<a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a></p> + +<p>In the midst of some grand occasion she would be suddenly missed and +on being sought out would be found concealed in some pleasant nook, +or even out in the open air, or beside an open window, absorbed in +meditation or gazing into the heavens. When her attention was +attracted she would start and, with a strange, far-away look in her +eyes that would indicate to a superficial observer she had been +asleep, would allow herself to be led back and enter the festivities +of the hour.</p> + +<p>With all their efforts they could not enthuse her with the +excitement and merriment surrounding her. But, if any one should +become serious and express thoughts that appealed to the interior, +she was all attention and the questions that were so ready when such +an opportunity <a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>afforded showed plainly that, although present in +body, the soul and interests were in other realms and spheres than +this.</p> + +<p>No one but Rathunor could hold her attention for any length of time. +With him she was animated, and charmingly beautiful and joyous and +would, with some enthusiasm, enter into the pleasantries of the hour +which brought to her face the charming attraction of natural beauty. +Behind those orbs of vision there seemed to shine forth a light that +was more radiant than the gorgeously brilliant illuminations of the +salons. Her beautiful face, her perfect form and bearing, made her +the center of attraction and she was much sought after. But, as soon +as she was induced to leave Rathunor's side, that which made her +<a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a>presence so irresistibly attractive and radiant before, faded out.</p> + +<p>Thus time passed on, and as health returned, Prince Rathunor pressed +his suit. There was now, no apparent reason why he could not claim +his promised bride and make the Princess Nu-nah his own. His more +earnest friends cautioned him to wait further developments and, in +an undertone, reminded him of the peculiar and unnatural bearing of +the Princess at times. They were sure, in time, their once lovely +Princess would be herself again. Rathunor listened, knowing their +kindly interest sprang from good motives, but he was silent—he +could not speak for none would understand. The yearnings of his +heart and soul would not be quelled by any outward show.</p> + +<p>While to the world Nu-nah was a <a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>source of mystical wonder, to +Rathunor she was his stay and comfort. He needed no further evidence +and assurance of Nu-nah's love for him. Too often had he experienced +the response from within to her silent pleadings for light, truth +and wisdom. The attraction of the outer world was losing its +fascination for him, the longings from within grew stronger and more +clamorous for outward expression until, one day, he advanced the +subject of astrology to the Princess Nu-nah. For an instant, her +whole being was illuminated by that mysterious light—for a single +moment the soul arose to the supremacy of the brain and found a +faint glimmering expression that was visible to Rathunor's +ever-watchful eye.</p> + +<p>"Astrology, my Rathunor, fascinates <a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>me with its name and the +wonders and mysteries it is said to reveal. Do you think those +Astrologer Priests of the Temple know whereof they speak, and do +they read the stars and gain from them the wisdom they are said to +possess?"</p> + +<p>Here was the first opportunity to present these sacred subjects to +Nu-nah's mind. He tried to think and, feeling that the present +excitement of the brain's higher organs, was of a temporary nature, +he was really at a loss what to say that would be most effective and +impress itself indelibly upon her awakening brain.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my dear Nu-nah, I believe they do possess the knowledge they +claim and, I also am convinced that much of that wisdom and +knowledge is gained through their understanding the laws of +astrology. Those celestial bodies <a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>in our heavens were not placed +there by our Divine Creator without a purpose. I believe they have +an influence upon us that can be learned, defined and utilized by +those who study and know this influence through astronomy and +astrology. Nu-nah what is that which produces the interior longings +to know? Is it not that there is something to know—something that +our common brains can not grasp and analyze? Do you not think that +silent, yet persistent, monitor which lies concealed somewhere +within our being is excited to action from some source other than +our outward selves, and that longing to go out must be accounted for +by a something without that calls and attracts us to it? May this +not be the stars that we see twinkling and motioning to us as we +gaze into the midnight heavens?"<a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a></p> + +<p>He stopped, wondering what the effect of his words would be, when, +to his amazement, there appeared a more vivid consciousness in her +eyes and features than he had ever seen since her return to physical +health and, taking new hope from this manifestation, he continued, +"Do you love the social world longer? Is there not that longing, +too, within your bosom for something more real, more ennobling than +the pastimes of worldly pleasures?"</p> + +<p>At the mention of the worldly things, the light from her eyes died +out and was gone. Rathunor said no more but silently thanked God +that he had for those few moments assisted the soul of Nu-nah to +vibrate, too; and had set in motion the vitalizing currents to the +spiritual portion of the brain and earnestly prayed that this might +be the beginning of many opportunities that were to follow.<a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a></p> + +<p>Realizing that only he could arouse the dormant organs of her +spiritual brain, he became more anxious than ever to have her +constantly in his company. He again pressed his suit and the day for +the wedding-nuptials was to be at once submitted to the Astrologer.</p> + +<p>Rathunor again sought the Astrologer Priest for advice. He wished to +know when the stars would point most favorably toward such a +momentous event. This, the Astrologer was not long in finding out +and soon conveyed the news to Rathunor that at an early date such +might be consummated. As the Prince arose to go the Priest took his +hand and said, "My child, in taking the Princess Nu-nah as your +wife, you obey the holy intuitions of the soul and not only will you +be united in soul but in body and <a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>mind. I wish you the eternal +bliss that attends all who are truly mated. Farewell, my child; my +blessings go with you."</p> + +<p>Rathunor was too much absorbed in other things to understand the +mysterious words of the Priest, but notwithstanding this the seed +had been again sown that would sometime spring up unannounced and +unexpected.</p> + +<p>The announcement of the wedding was soon made and invitations sent +out, far and near. Congratulations poured in from every source, +although some would have refused, had they been true to their own +sentiments, for the remarkable and unaccountable change which had +taken place during her terrible malady was too evident to be +altogether right and should be righted before the Prince should make +the Princess his wife.<a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a></p> + +<p>Rathunor was satisfied, never forgetting the Hierophant's sacred +words, and none other need be consulted. In their silent hearts they +wished the wedding might be private and the holy ceremony of the +Temple be performed by the High Priest. This, of course, could not +be owing to the station and position they occupied in life, for the +lives of a Princess and Prince are not wholly their own, so to the +public they must bow and pay obeisance.</p> + +<p>Preparations for the wedding commenced at once, for it was to be a +grand affair. Nothing was to be spared that would add beauty and +grandeur to the occasion. Extravagant expenditures were indulged in, +until money seemed at a loss to supply more. The trousseau was +exquisitely magnificent and, on the wedding night, the beaming +radiance of the counte<a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a>nance of the Princess was neither dimmed by +the rich silks, nor the rare, priceless laces and lovely jewels that +glittered and sparkled with the living spark of life within them, +that adorned her form.</p> + +<p>Never a bride so fair; never a couple so happy. It was that quiet, +subtle happiness, which permeates the very atmosphere about them and +leaves its traces in every susceptible heart that breathes it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h3> + +<h4>THE RETIREMENT.</h4> + + +<p>After the wedding the Prince and Princess were, from necessity, +drawn within the whirl of social pleasures with attentions in the +way of entertainments, court suppers, balls, drawing-room +receptions, etc. The interior longings were compelled to creep into +the background until the external was gratified to exhaustion. The +Princess' seriousness departed for a time and they were very happy +in the round of pleasures that were planned for them. But as time +sped on they began to grow weary of the show, pomp and shallowness +of external life. The seeds that had been sown in Rathunor's heart +<a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>and brain, and that which he had aroused in Nu-nah's slumbering, +spiritual organs of her brain, had taken root and now began to +spring forth into activity, first as weariness of the superficial +pleasures of society, then a desire to gradually withdraw from this +life into a more quiet and secluded one, where they might listen to +the inner voices and gain pleasure, as well as knowledge, from this +source.</p> + +<p>The Prince anxiously awaited another opportunity for speaking to +Princess Nu-nah on spiritual subjects. The Hierophant had given him +to understand that at no distant day Nu-nah would become interested +in spiritual things and be his teacher. He had not been made aware +of the transfer—that was to be revealed to him by Nu-nah herself. +He had begun to wonder how and where Nu-nah's spirit<a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a>ual awakening +would take place when an opportunity presented itself in a most +unexpected manner.</p> + +<p>One lovely evening they were taking a stroll about the grounds of +their castle, when the full Moon arose in a flood of light, it rose +higher, fuller, until the whole world seemed bathed in her magical +beauty and in order to longer enjoy her light and magnetic influence +the Prince suggested a longer walk. Unconsciously they chose the +path that led them towards the Temple, which was only a short +distance from their home. As they neared the Temple distant strains +of music attracted their attention. They listened, and it seemed to +speak in the plaintive tones of a hungering soul; they hastened +their steps until they had quite reached the private grounds of the +Temple of Isis,<a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a> Nu-nah was in advance of Rathunor, being +irresistibly drawn by some invisible power, when she suddenly +stopped and clasping his arm, as within a vice, cried out, "My +Rathunor, do you hear that music; what is it? I have heard it +before, but where, O, where? How came I to know the chants and music +of the Temple Service?"</p> + +<p>They were held spell-bound to the spot, when the Prince was warned, +by the trembling and the gradual loosening of Nu-nah's hand upon his +arm, to quit the spot at once. The Prince placed his arm about her +waist to support her as he urged their return home, but she stood +immovable apparently chained by the magical power of some invisible +force.</p> + +<p>Stronger grew the mystical power of the spell until the Princess +seemed <a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a>compelled to rush madly on and into the Temple, if the +Prince had not held her back in a firm grasp, and at the same time +trying to attract her attention by his words. "Come, my darling, let +us retrace our steps and as we walk I will tell you all I know about +what you have heard."</p> + +<p>"O, my Rathunor, speak to me quickly before I have time to forget. I +can not remember this long, yet it as a recurrence of a vivid dream. +Tell me while I am awake, where I have been. I saw, and felt, and +know I was there—there in the Sacred Sanctuary of that Temple. O, +that I might go again and remain there forever to listen to that +enchanting music and the solemn heavenly voices of that choir."</p> + +<p>A quiver ran through her whole frame <a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>and with a mournful cry she +fell fainting in the arms of Rathunor. Here his innate born courage +and bravery sustained him, and instantly there flashed into his mind +the words he had once heard the High Priest use while passing his +hands over an insensible form. So, gently laying her inanimate body +upon the grass, he repeated in slow, but firm and commanding tones +these words:</p> + +<p>"Return, O soul, to thy physical body. Return, I command thee, and +reanimate this lifeless tenement of your soul. Come, come, I command +thee, come."</p> + +<p>Scarcely had the last words been uttered when a movement of the +hands and limbs announced to Rathunor the return of life. She was +soon able to rise and, being supported by the Prince, they slowly +wended their way back to the castle. She <a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>walked as in a dream, but +as her step was stately and firm, the Prince did not become alarmed +until he had her safe in her room, when the extent of the occurrence +dawned upon him and then he hurriedly called her maid and sent at +once to dispatch a servant for their physician. Nu-nah had become +quite herself before the Doctor came and after he had administered a +little palliative, withdrew saying, "The Princess will soon be well. +It was only the result of fatigue induced by the constant excitement +of social pleasures."</p> + +<p>The Prince was silent and, seeing the Princess was so comfortable, +he retired to his own apartments with strict injunctions, he should +be notified at once if any symptoms of the prostration should +appear. When once within his private chamber he threw himself down +in a chair and fell <a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>into a profound study. Over and over he +reviewed the incidents of the evening. "What was there in that music +that so enchanted Nu-nah? What did she see and hear that revived a +faint memory of something in the past? What magical force was it +that drew her so irresistibly toward the Temple? What produced that +quiver which preceded her falling insensible into his arms?"</p> + +<p>He was half inclined to blame the Priests for it all, for he knew +something of the power of magic and its psychologic effect. The more +he reasoned the farther he wandered from a solution. Now he mused, +"If that had been the beautiful Vestal, Sarthia, I could understand +why she would be so powerfully attracted to the Temple, but Nu-nah, +who had never entered the Holy Sanctuary except for <a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>those sacred +Rites that are administered to all who are supposed to be bordering +on the land of the spiritual world; only those two nights, to his +knowledge, had she ever been in the Sacred Sanctuary; there was +something in those ceremonies that he had not as yet understood; +there must have been some mystical, magical power employed to +restore the frail, feeble, unconscious Nu-nah to life and health +and, to him."</p> + +<p>He thought and reasoned until his brain was on fire, and still no +solution of the mystery was presented to his understanding.</p> + +<p>"Well," he at last exclaimed, so loud that he startled himself, "I +will have to accept it as a mystery and patiently wait time's own +pleasure for the explanation."</p> + +<p>He began to prepare for retiring, but <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>he could not calm himself—a +restlessness took possession of him that he could not quell; he +walked the floor, tried to read, and resorted to many ways to +restore his tranquillity, but all in vain.</p> + +<p>"I must see my Nu-nah once more before I can sleep," and, hurriedly +readjusting the clothing he had removed, he repaired to the +Princess' private room. A gentle knock brought the attendant to the +door.</p> + +<p>"Is the Princess quiet and sleeping," he inquired in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"No," answered the servant. "She is awake and feeling well, and just +now remarked, that if she thought you were not sleeping she would +have you called for she had something she wished to tell you."</p> + +<p>His presence was at once made known <a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>to the Princess, and, with a +low cry of delight, she called him to her side. A signal sent the +attendant from the room, when the Princess began, "My Rathunor, my +beloved husband, I am so glad you came. I have something to tell you +that I might forget before morning. To-night, when we came within +the sound of the music in the Temple, I felt as if I left my body +and you, and by some unknown power was drawn into the Sacred +Sanctuary. I saw the High Priest, the lovely Mother Priestess, the +Vestals, the choir and musicians, all earnestly engaged in some holy +ceremony. The music, the heavenly spiritual influence of the +atmosphere, the exquisite fragrance of incense and perfumes, with +the purity reflected by the Vestal attendants, so enraptured and +enthralled me that the thought that I would ever have <a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>to leave its +sacred boundaries caused me to lose consciousness and, when I awoke, +you were bending over me."</p> + +<p>Seeing a strange look in Rathunor's eyes and interpreting it to mean +jealousy, she continued, "but that was not all, my Rathunor; you +were there, too, for awhile. I tried to keep you, but could +not—something drew you away from <i>me</i> and I, for an instant, +suffered the same pangs that are torturing your heart now. I thought +you would rather go than stay, and a feeling of jealousy entered my +heart, but the strange fascination of the place was more to me at +that instant than you, my Rathunor, so I longed to stay but could +not. I have been trying to think what it all means. You must help me +for already I feel the memory of the event passing away."<a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a></p> + +<p>She ceased speaking, and in a few moments was fast asleep. The +Prince kissed the hand he held, then gently laid it by her side and +quietly left the room fully conscious that the mystery had been +partially revealed, and that now the Princess would sleep for the +rest of the night. After returning to his rooms he again flung +himself into an easy chair determined to seriously think and arrive, +that night, at some immediate steps to take his Nu-nah from the +excitement she had been subjected to for so long, so that a +recurrence of the sad event might not be repeated. Before another +Sun arose the Prince had decided upon his future course. "I will +take Nu-nah away, ostensibly on a long tour of the country for +pleasure. Aye, for pleasure, but not the kind we have submitted to +since our marriage."<a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a></p> + +<p>The next morning, as soon as the Princess could see him, he +requested her presence at once. He met her at the door and with a +loving inquiry as to her health, led her to an easy chair beside the +open window where the rays of the morning Sun could fall upon her as +they penetrated the delicate lace which hung at the window. Drawing +a chair to her side he began to unfold his plans, at the same time +watching every motion and expression of the face to see what effect +they would have upon her. She did not betray her thoughts until he +said his object was not so much for travel as to retire to some +quiet, pleasant nook, where they could be excluded from the world, +and those they knew, for awhile, and instead of spending their time +in the superficial pleasures of the world they could enjoy <a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>each +other's society and learn something about the invisible mysteries +that surrounded them.</p> + +<p>When the motives of his plans were mentioned a <span class="errata" title="Printed: preceptible">perceptible</span> change +flashed across her countenance and a light appeared in her eyes that +he had not seen for some time and, by the time he had finished, her +whole face was beaming with an inward delight, that urged the Prince +to further reveal the plans that he had laid during his midnight +reasonings. The Princess raised not a single exception to his +schemes but, on the contrary, entered into them with a zest that +surprised even the Prince.</p> + +<p>"O, to be alone, Rathunor, where we could think and study that which +we choose has been the longing of my very soul these many weeks; can +not we go at <a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a>once, to-day if possible." She felt she could not wait +the necessary time for the preparations to be made.</p> + +<p>There was a duty toward their friends that must be fulfilled. The +devoted attentions that had been showered upon them for so long must +not be ignored. So, it was decided to give a farewell reception, +before taking their departure for an indefinite stay in strange +lands.</p> + +<p>Accordingly invitations were issued to a grand state occasion, when +the Prince and Princess would bid their friends and associates +Farewell. Ah! farewell. Little did those who were of that brilliant +assembly dream, as they clasped the hands of the Princess and Prince +in cordial and sincere good-by, that it was indeed a Farewell to +all. Neither did they conceive for a moment what those Farewells +<a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a>meant to the Princess and Prince. It was hard for them to conceal +their happiness as every minute of time brought their departure +nearer, and what their guests took for the happiness of their +presence, was really induced by the thoughts of the future.</p> + +<p>They were soon off and we can only follow them in thought for a +time. Let those thoughts be kind, for, knowing thoughts are potent, +send them out lovingly toward the awakening mind of Princess Nu-nah.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h3> + +<h4>THE RETURN TO A NEW LIFE.</h4> + + +<p>Several years have elapsed since we bade our Prince and Princess +farewell. Only at long intervals had they communicated with their +friends. The outer world had almost forgotten them, but not so with +the Hierophant and the Priestess of the Temple. Daily, had their +prayers gone in behalf of their souls' welfare. Although not in +communication with them in body they were in spirit, and from this +source they knew all was well. The High Priest, in his astral +visits, could see the growing power of the soul over the +slowly-evolving brain of the Princess, and with the electric +soul-force, the great nourisher <a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a>and renewer of life, though +unconscious to him, the rounding out was fast nearing completion of +the soul's mastery over the brain and body of Nu-nah.</p> + +<p>They had settled in distant lands, near a little country village +that lay just at the foot of the mountains. It was made up of the +simple peasantry, where life was free from cant, suspicions, +criticism and morbid curiosity. Here they could live and follow the +bent of their minds, undisturbed and unobserved if they so wished. +They kept their identity unknown yet the villagers knew from the +Princess' delicate beauty of form and features she belonged to some +noble family and station in life, but her kind, thoughtful bearing +towards them won their love and esteem at once, and equally did they +esteem the Prince for he was <a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a>ever lavish with his money and +attention to those who appealed to him for assistance. The mountains +soon became their favorite resort. Long walks were taken daily, and +rests made in the quiet nooks on the mountain side. One place +particularly, became a very dear retreat to them, for never did they +stop there but that some inspirations were born. It was here that +Nu-nah took her first lesson from Rathunor; it was in this sacred +spot that Rathunor gently but cautiously revealed to her the +Initiatory Rites of the Temple that had been performed over her +unconscious body. This excited an intense curiosity, if not deep +interest, in Nu-nah's mind. She began to question and think and, as +she thought, there came a vague, glimmering memory of the past, and +when Rathunor would inquire the <a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>cause of her almost unconscious +moods, she would raise her hand to silence his voice, and whisper, +"I am dreaming—O, something so grand, so solemn, so sacred haunts +my mind; just wait and it will all come by and by," then her dark +eyes seemed to grow larger and larger and to burn with a +concentrated fire.</p> + +<p>The Prince's delight knew no bounds as these expressions led him to +believe they sprang from deep desires and interests, so the time +seemed to shorten for the day to come when their whole time and +attention would be turned to the study of Nature's mysteries and the +secrets of life be revealed to them, thus satisfying that inward +longing for the realities of life. Also, he knew, the new love that +had been born in Nu-nah's heart for him was more than that love that +the <a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a>external only can know. Its depths he could not fathom nor its +source pursue, so he was content to wait that promised time, +predicted by the Astrologer, that Nu-nah would lead, guide and teach +him these spiritual truths and reveal to his already awakening soul +the laws of the spirit.</p> + +<p>Now, a new joy was revealed to the Prince when the Princess made him +aware that a new soul had been entrusted to their tender care and +keeping. The thoughts of maternity filled her heart with bliss. +Blessed privilege, to bring to this plane of existence a soul +awaiting incarnation in human form, to live, grow and experience on +this planet the last grand objective existence that the soul can +know. What care, what pleasure would she take in training that +little <a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a>soul to know its God and the mysteries of life and in +maturity stand forth to teach mankind Wisdom and Truth.</p> + +<p>The pleasure in preparing for its advent made days pass as minutes. +Time, borne on the wings of love, passed quickly. Her soul had +gained that control over the mind that it was full with pure, holy +and spiritual thoughts. Her mind could not get beyond her husband +and the young soul that had been transmitted to her keeping. The +divine joy of love was singing in her soul. Rathunor left her alone +in her happiness, knowing that in her condition any great effort on +his part to draw her mind—thoughts into new channels might lead to +dire results.</p> + +<p>At last the Natalday arrived. The magnetic, as well as the physical, +period of gestation being completed, to them a <a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a>son was born. Never +was there a human soul greeted with greater love and welcome than +this one. Not only was it the offspring of the physical union, but +that of the souls. Welcome, thrice welcome, to the children born of +such love. The physical condition of the Princess was very critical +for several days. The Prince's grief and anxiety was almost +unbearable; neither sleep nor food took a moment of his time during +her severe illness, and often did he think that again Nu-nah's soul +would take its flight and wend its way to the realms above.</p> + +<p>The eighth day after confinement was one of stupor and +unconsciousness. Not a moment passed unheeded. It was near midnight +when, the attendants having retired for a short rest, and Rathunor +sat alone by her bedside, her eyes suddenly <a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a>opened and bent their +gaze upon him. Beautiful, calm, divine Nu-nah, her wonderful eyes +shone with a surprising brilliancy and they were so riveted upon him +that he dare not move, much less speak. The minutes that intervened +between her waking and speaking seemed as an eternity to Rathunor.</p> + +<p>"My darling husband, are you beside me—are you where I can speak to +you, and are we alone?"</p> + +<p>Only by a gentle pressure of the hand could he respond, and, gently +laying his right hand upon her brow, he assured her by this act of +his presence. She began speaking—her voice was low, yet clear and +distinct, "My Rathunor, my true-soul companion, I have returned with +the knowledge I now impart to you. While you so patiently and +tenderly watched <a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a>beside my frail and almost lifeless body, my soul +was away gaining knowledge and experience in the soul-world. There I +learned who I am and my relation to you. Do you know, O my Rathunor, +that our souls sustain that divine relation to each other that makes +us immortal, because of being complete? The whole, the two rays of +the Divine Ego, are joined and blended as one in our union. Can you +hear me further?"</p> + +<p>The agitation of his grief began to assuage and he could now listen +calmly and without emotion to her words.</p> + +<p>"Yes, go on. What you have already said has been indelibly burned +upon my mind and soul. Let me hear all you have to impart."</p> + +<p>"Know you that this body was Nu-nah's and this soul that of +Sarthia's?"<a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a></p> + +<p>It was here that only by a mighty effort of his will was he able to +keep in abeyance the emotions of his heart, but the superior and +God-like power of an invisible Presence sustained him. The Princess +took no heed of his silence and continued her revelations.</p> + +<p>"Do you know that on the night of the full Moon, the solemn and +sacred Rites performed over the unconscious bodies of Sarthia and +Nu-nah in the Sacred Sanctuary of the Temple of Isis, our souls were +transferred by the magical power of the High Priest and the +invisible assistants? Nu-nah's soul was polarized in Sarthia's +physical temple and that of Sarthia's in this of mine. Both were +prostrated, even to dissolution by the malefic influence of +planetary arcs, and this method was resorted to, <a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a>that both our +lives might be spared to round out our necessary physical existence +while yet in these bodies, and also for your sake was this +undertaken by our Holy Father that you might have that love which +you so much craved and the longings of your soul might be satisfied +with the knowledge it thirsted for. This will explain to you the +great change observed at times in your Nu-nah, and the unnatural, +dreamy moods that possessed me sometimes. The brain was slow to +respond to the wonderfully developed soul of Sarthia and it was at +those times that the soul gained the supremacy, that the greatest +change would manifest. You now have the true devoted love of your +soul companion and the lovely form of Nu-nah for your wife. My +Rathunor, are you satisfied? If a pang of disap<a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a>pointment cross your +heart, our darling child here may blot that out as he grows and +learns our mystic lore and become also a soul companion of his +fathers in climbing the ladder to higher wisdom and spheres than +ours."</p> + +<p>The Prince could not speak. He sank on his knees beside the bed and +buried his face in her bosom. Here silence was more profound and +spoke deeper wisdom and contentment than ever words could do; how +long he remained in this humble attitude and poured forth his +gratefulness in prayer he knew not; but when he arose the Princess +was sleeping quietly, the breathing, though feeble, was deeper and +more even. He gently crossed her hands upon her bosom, adjusted the +clothing carefully and left her side, full of a new hope he had had +for many days.<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a> Life again appeared in all its glory, not a shadow +appeared upon its horizon; weariness and anxiety forsook him and he +went about as if walking on air, but not a word escaped his +lips—nor an act betrayed his new-born joy.</p> + +<p>When the nurses returned they at once remarked the change in the +Princess. They, too, became hopeful and assured the husband that his +wife would soon be well. The Princess recovered rapidly, and it was +not long before her gentle presence and noble influence shed its +effulgence in the home as she moved about it.</p> + +<p>As soon as Rathunor could spare the time from Nu-nah's side he sent +the Natal hour of his first-born to the Astrologer Priest. Anxiously +did he await the reading of the stars and what they <a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a>indicated for +his child. The calculations were made, the judgment submitted in +writing, but "Shall I transmit them to the Prince and Princess, can +they yet receive and philosophically accept the revelations therein +made?"</p> + +<p>He left the study-room and repaired to the apartments of the High +Priest to seek advice and instructions. Then, by the exercise of his +potent will, he made the necessary observations to see if it were +wise to convey the knowledge of the predictions to his children, +Nu-nah and Rathunor.</p> + +<p>"Not yet will we send the reading. Our Nu-nah has not sufficiently +recovered to bear any unpleasant news."</p> + +<p>Rathunor became impatient and thought, at times, he would write +again—the letter must have been lost—but some<a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a>thing +<span class="errata" title="Printed: witheld">withheld</span> him. +At last strange forebodings haunted him. He knew too well the +promptness of the Astrologer Priest; there must be something that +could not be revealed to Nu-nah. He thought he was strong enough to +bear resignedly all that might come, but when it did come all his +forebodings had not prepared him to receive it. It was only a +letter—no calculations—no reading, as indicated by the stars, was +in it. The letter had been dictated by the Priest and transcribed by +the scribe Hermo, and read thus:</p> + +<p>"Our darling children, Rathunor and Nu-nah, bear bravely the news I +now impart to you. Your first born, the offspring of true +inspiration and soul-love, can not remain with you long in the +physical form. The stars deny a prolonged life, and my interior +knowledge of the planetary influ<a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a>ence, also tells me his life upon +our Earth's plane will be of short duration. His already matured +soul does not need much of Earth's experience to round out its +objective existence, before entering the true life in the spiritual +realm; there it will remain, my dear children, ever beckoning you +on, and contributing to you that energy that will ever spur you to +greater effort to realize while yet in the physical form Immortal +Life. Tend it carefully, but when the Great Powers that Be summon +its soul to go, do not try to hold it here, but add the strength of +your united prayers to its flight and bid it depart to its home in +the spiritual realms above. God bless and give you the strength, my +children, is the prayer of your devoted Father. Amen! Amen!"</p> + +<p>The strength of spiritual force that <a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>seemed to accompany the letter +and his loving advice imparted courage to their hearts, and instead +of giving way to grief, began to philosophically reason and console +themselves that God's ways were wiser than man's.</p> + +<p>Not many months did their lovely spiritual child remain with them +until its soul took its flight to realms beyond, where truly it +became as a beacon-light to the souls of its parents. Its departure +left the Prince and Princess sad and lonely for a time and their +struggle to reconciliation was great—but this was of the heart and +not of the soul. Time healed the external wound and the interior +vacancy was filled by study, investigation and the development to +external consciousness of the knowledge within.</p> + +<p>Again, they became restless and plans <a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a>were laid to leave their +happy home near the mountains, and the devoted friends they had made +among the villagers who were sorry to part with them and, as memento +to their honest, noble friendship, they distributed their household +and personal effects among them. They revealed to no one where they +were going. They disappeared as mysteriously as they came, but +where? Only one place on Earth could tempt them to leave that sacred +home, where such extreme joy and sorrow were known, and that was the +former home of the soul of Nu-nah, The Temple of Isis. Nu-nah was to +enter as an aspirant to a Priestess, and Rathunor as a Priest King.</p> + +<p>The Return to a New Life, was hailed with joyful welcomes from all +of the Attendants of the Temple. Rathunor and<a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a> Nu-nah soon passed +the ceremonial Rites of the Temple and none were more faithful in +their efforts and studies than these new-born children—the especial +care of the High Priest and the Priestess.</p> + +<p>We leave them here, wishing them the progress, the happiness and +that Divine Peace and Understanding that comes to all Perfected +Souls. God be with them.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a>BOOK REVIEWS.</h2> + +<p class="center"><b>CELESTIAL DYNAMICS.</b></p> + +<p><b><span class="smcap">Celestial Dynamics</span></b> is a course of astrometaphysical study +particularly well adapted to new beginners in the consideration of +occult forces—it being so simply, yet so forcefully written, that +it carries conviction to the mind of the student without mental +effort on his part. Published by the Astro-Philosophical Publishing +Company of Denver, Colo.—<i>Banner of Light</i>.</p> + +<p><b><span class="smcap">Celestial Dynamics</span></b>, by the author of "The Light of +Egypt," etc. Cloth, Price, $1.00. This is an excellent treatise upon +those subtle or Occult Influences of Nature—that Solar Force or +Planetary Influence, which lies at the basis of Astrological +Science, and which is generally known under the broad name of +"Vibration." The work is divided into twelve chapters, of which the +following is an epitome. Chapter I, treats upon the Occult Forces of +Nature; II, the Language of the Starry Heavens; III, Vital Force; +IV, the Temperament, Physical and Magnetic; V, the Mental and +Intellectual Powers; VI, the Financial Prospects; VII, Love and +Marriage; VIII, Friends and Enemies; IX, Celestial Dynamics in +Operation; X, the Diagnosis of Disease; XI, the Treatment of +Disease; XII, Man, and His Material Destiny, etc. Altogether, the +book is a very valuable <i>Vade mecum</i> to those who are interested in +Occult Studies; particularly that of Astrology.—<i>The Morning Star</i>.</p> + +<p><b><span class="smcap">Celestial Dynamics</span></b>. A course of Astro-Metaphysical Study, +by the author of the "Language of the Stars," and the "Light of +Egypt." Price, $1.00, cloth bound.</p> + +<p>"This is a metaphysical work which deals with the elucidation of the +hidden powers of nature, and will interest the thoughtful +everywhere, and cause them to study the occult sciences and help +them in so doing."—<i>The Philosophical Journal</i>.</p> + +<p>THE ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY</p> + +<p>1609 <span class="smcap">Downing Ave., Denver, Colo.</span><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a></p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center"><b>"THE LANGUAGE OF THE STARS,"</b></p> + +<p class="center">A New and Important Book (50 Cents), for Everybody.</p> + +<p class="center">BY THE AUTHOR OF</p> + +<p class="center">"THE LIGHT OF EGYPT," "CELESTIAL DYNAMICS," ETC.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>A Master of Esoteric Masonry</i>.</p> + +<p>A work that no Mental Healer, Christian Scientist or Magnetic +Physician can afford to be without, if they would become the real +masters of their profession in the study of man and the healing art +divine.</p> + +<p><i>A Primary Course of Lessons in Celestial Dynamics</i>.</p> + +<p>This important primary work is the first practical exposition of the +Astro-Magnetic forces of Nature—in their relation to man—that has +yet been issued by the American Press. It contains fourteen special +lessons, embracing each department of human life, in such plain, +simple language, that a child can understand the elementary +principles laid down. And in addition to these lessons there is an +Appendix, containing a full explanation of all technical and +scientific terms in general use upon the subject, thus forming a +brief, yet practical Astro Dictionary. This work is illustrated with +special plates.</p> + +<p>PRICE, ONLY 50 CENTS, <span class="smcap">Post Free</span>.</p> + +<p><b>—FOR SALE BY—</b></p> + +<p> +Astro-Philosophical Pub. Co., 1609 Downing Ave., Denver, Colo.<br /> +Banner of Light Pub. Co., No. 9 Bosworth St., Boston, Mass.<br /> +The Progressive Thinker, No. 40 Loomis St., Chicago, Ills.<br /> +The Bancroft Book Co., 1126-1128 16th St., Denver. Colo.<br /> +<br /> +: : : ALSO : : :<br /> +RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE,<br /> +1429 Market St., San Francisco, Cal.<br /> +<a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a></p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center"><b>"The Light of Egypt;"</b></p> + +<p class="center">—OR—</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">The Science of the Soul and the Stars.</span></p> + +<p class="center">FOURTH EDITION.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>In Two Parts. Price, Cloth, $2; Paper, $1.</i></p> + +<p class="center"><b>By an Initiate in Esoteric Masonry.</b></p> + +<p>FINELY ILLUSTRATED WITH EIGHT FULL-PAGE ENGRAVINGS.</p> + +<p>It is claimed that this book is not a mere compilation, but +thoroughly original.</p> + +<p>It is believed to contain information upon the most vital points of +Occultism and Theosophy that cannot be obtained elsewhere.</p> + +<p>It claims to fully reveal the most recondite mysteries of man upon +every plane of his existence, both here and hereafter, in such +plain, simple language that a child can almost understand it.</p> + +<p>The secrets and Occult mysteries of Astrology are revealed and +explained for the first time, it is affirmed, since the days of +Egyptian Hieroglyphics.</p> + +<p>An effort is made to show that the science of the Soul and the +science of the Stars are the twin mysteries which comprise <span class="smcap">The +One Grand Science of Life</span>.</p> + +<p>The following are among the claims made for the work by its friends.</p> + +<p>To the spiritual investigator this book is indispensable.</p> + +<p>To the medium it reveals knowledge beyond all earthly price, and +will prove in real truth, "a guide, philosopher and friend."</p> + +<p>To the Occultist it will supply the mystic key for which he has been +so long earnestly seeking.</p> + +<p>To the Astrologer it will become a "divine revelation of Science."</p> + +<p> <br />OPINIONS OF PRESS AND PEOPLE.</p> + +<p>"A noble, philosophical and instructive work."—<i>Mrs. Emma Hardinge +Britten</i>.</p> + +<p>"A work of remarkable ability and interest."—<i>Dr J.R. Buchanan.</i></p> + +<p>"A remarkably concise, clear and forcibly interesting work. * * * It +is more clear and intelligible than any other work on like +subjects."—<i>Mr. J.J. Morse</i>.</p> + +<p>"A careful reading of <span class="smcap">The Light of Egypt</span> discovers the +<a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a>beginning of a new sect in Occultism, which will oppose the +grafting on Western Occultists the subtile delusive dogmas of Karma +and Re-incarnation."—<i>New York Times</i>.</p> + +<p>"It is a volume likely to attract wide attention from that class of +scholars interested in mystical science and occult forces. But it is +written in such plain and simple style as to be within the easy +comprehension * * * of any cultivated, scholarly reader." <i>The +Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean</i>.</p> + +<p>"However recondite his book, the author certainly presents a theory +of first causes which is well fitted to challenge the thoughtful +readers' attention and to excite much reflection."—<i>Hartford Daily +Times</i>.</p> + +<p>"Considered as an exposition of Occultism, or the philosophy of the +Orient from a Western standpoint, this is a remarkable production. * +* * The philosophy of the book is, perhaps, as profound as any yet +attempted, and so far reaching in its scope as to take in about all +that relates to the divine ego-man in its manifold relation to time +and eternity—the past, present and future."—<i>The Daily Tribune, +Salt Lake City, Utah</i>.</p> + +<p>"This work, the result of years of research and study, will +undoubtedly create a profound sensation throughout the philosophic +world."—<i>The Detroit Commercial Advertiser.</i></p> + +<p>"It is an Occult work but not a Theosophical one. * * * It is a book +entirely new in its scope, and must excite wide attention."—<i>The +Kansas City Journal</i>.</p> + +<p>"The book is highly interesting and very ably written, and it comes +at an opportune time to eliminate from the "Wisdom Religion," +re-incarnation and other unphilosophical superstitions of the +otherwise beautiful structure of Theosophy."—<i>Kansas Herald.</i></p> + +<p>"What will particularly commend the book to many in this country is +that it is the first successful attempt to make the truths of +Theosophy plain and clear to any one not a special student, and it +lays bare the frauds of the Blavatsky school."—<i>San Francisco +Chronicle.</i></p> + +<p> <br />Beautifully printed and illustrated on paper manufactured for this +special purpose, with illuminated and extra heavy cloth binding. +Cloth, $2.00; Paper, $1.00.</p> + +<p>For sale, wholesale and retail, by <span class="smcap">Astro-Philosophical +Publishing Co.</span>, 1609 Downing Ave., Denver, Colo.; <span class="smcap">Banner of +Light Publishing Co.</span>, No. 9 Bosworth St., Boston, Mass.; +<span class="smcap">The Progressive Thinker</span>, No. 40 Loomis St., Chicago, Ills.; +<span class="smcap">The Bancroft Book Co.</span>, 1126-1128 16th St., Denver, Colo.; +Also, <span class="smcap">Religio-Philosophical Publishing House</span>, 1429 Market +St., San Francisco, Cal.<a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a></p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center"><b>CELESTIAL DYNAMICS.</b></p> + +<p class="center">BEING</p> + +<p class="center">A NORMAL COURSE OF STUDY</p> + +<p class="center">—IN—</p> + +<p class="center"><b>THE ASTRO-MAGNETIC FORCES OF NATURE.</b></p> + +<p class="center">BY THE AUTHOR OF</p> + +<p class="center">"THE LIGHT OF EGYPT," "THE LANGUAGE OF THE STARS," ETC.</p> + +<p>A magnificent and complete course of Astro-metaphysical study +embodying <span class="smcap">Vital Principles of Life, Mental Force, Sickness and +Disease</span>. With the only true and really Scientific method of +treating the sick successfully.</p> + +<p>Mental Healers, Metaphysicians, and all who practice the healing Art +Divine, should give "Celestial Dynamics" a thorough and impartial +study and thus learn the real cause of their frequent failures.</p> + +<p>No Astro Student can afford to be without this work, if he would +understand the Metaphysics of Astrology.</p> + +<p>The <span class="smcap">Price, One Dollar</span>, is within the reach of all who seek +for light. Orders accompanied by cash, will be filled immediately. +Apply early, as the edition is limited. Address,</p> + +<p><b>THE ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUB. CO.</b></p> + +<p>1609 <span class="smcap">Downing Ave., Denver, Colo.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>N.B.—This work has been specially prepared for publication to + meet the demands of a large and very earnest class of people who + cannot afford to pay for a regular course of instruction under a + qualified teacher. And those who can afford this privilege will + find the work an invaluable text book to their studies.</p><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a></div> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center">THE DUALITY OF TRUTH;</p> + +<p class="center">—OR—</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">The Occult Forces of Nature</span>.</p> + +<p class="center">Reviewed from the Standpoint of <span class="errata" title="Printed: Heimetic">Hermetic</span> Philosophy</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By Henry Wagner</span>, M.D.</p> + +<p>This is a clear, practical statement of Nature's dual forces, and +will prove of great value to Occult students. A rare treat is in +store for you on The Sphinx and Pyramids of Egypt. Symbolism and +Correspondence alone are worth many times the cost of this unique +book.—<i>Zanoni.</i></p> + +<p>CLOTH, PRICE $1.00.</p> + +<p><b>THE ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.,</b></p> + +<p>1609 <span class="smcap">Downing Ave., Denver, Colo.</span></p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center">"WITHIN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS."</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By</span> BELLE M. WAGNER.</p> + +<p>This is an Occult Novel of rare value, as it contains a vast deal of +Occult lore on many subjects. Soul Transfer and Soul-Marriage are +especially dealt with in a scientific manner. Everybody should read +it.—<i>Zanoni.</i></p> + +<p>CLOTH, PRICE 75 CENTS.</p> + +<p><b>THE ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.,</b></p> + +<p>1609 <span class="smcap">Downing Ave., Denver, Colo</span>.</p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Within the Temple of Isis, by Belle M. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Within the Temple of Isis + +Author: Belle M. Wagner + +Release Date: November 29, 2005 [EBook #17182] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITHIN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes, Cori Samuel and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +WITHIN +THE TEMPLE OF ISIS. + +BY + +BELLE M. WAGNER. + +Denver, Colorado: +ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO., +1899. + +COPYRIGHT, 1899, +BY HENRY WAGNER, M.D. + + + + +DEDICATION. + +TO MY HUSBAND, + +Henry Wagner, M.D., + +IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIS TRUE WORTH AS A WARRIOR +IN THE CAUSE OF TRUTH, AND HIS DEVOTION TO THE +BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD OF MAN, AND THE +FATHERHOOD AND MOTHERHOOD OF GOD, I +DEDICATE THIS BOOK. + +BY THE AUTHORESS. + + +[Transcriber's Note: Small errors, mainly in punctuation, have been +corrected in this version. To see where corrections have been made, +please view the HTML version.] + + + + +PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. + + +We are safe in saying that "Within The Temple of Isis" is unique and +stands alone. There is no other book in print like it, and if +Solomon of old had not said, "There is nothing new under the sun," +we would be inclined to contradict him. + +"Within the Temple of Isis" God's word was law as interpreted by his +Hierophants; their oneness with the fountain of Being made them +conscious of Nature's secret operations, and enabled them, as it +does the wise ones of to-day, to enter the Temple of Isis and +observe the hidden mysteries concealed behind the veil. + +Purity of motive and sincerity of purpose brought its own reward to +them of old as it does to those of to-day who purify themselves +before seeking for the knowledge and wisdom hidden within the "Holy +of Holies"--"The Temple of Isis." + +Isis means Mother of all, while Osiris means Father of all. + +The Temple of Two Truths as matter and spirit must be realized +within. + +The Polar Opposites are those of sex dually expressed as two poles +of one law or principle as taught by Hermetic Philosophy before the +law of polarization of spirit into matter, and matter back into +spirit, can be understood. + +The Alchemist and the Astrologer, alike, possess this wisdom, and it +was this knowledge that made the Priests Kings of Egypt, so justly +famous as Magicians or Wise Men. + +They still exist in spirit realms and can transmit to this plane of +earth their wisdom, that would make earth a veritable paradise if +only the race could be made to realize its magical powers. + +Scientific inventions of great moment to the race are thus projected +to the earth, and spiritual Adepts in occult laws will again revive +the "Wisdom Religion" upon earth in all its beauty and grandeur as +the western race becomes fitted intellectually and spiritually to +receive it. + +Nature ever repeats herself in cycles of time on the spiritual and +mental, as well as the physical planes of life. + +End, there is none. Time and eternity are the ever-present Now, so +far as the spirit is concerned. Therefore, the readers of this +strange occult book will some day realize its truths as realities of +natural law on the spiritual planes of life. It is a clear, +practical statement of Soul Marriage and of Soul Transfer from one +earthly temple to that of another. + +Nature's laws are ever the same; therefore, the same experiences +herein narrated are applicable to Neophytes seeking soul initiation +to-day as they were in the days of The Temple of Isis, and if the +veil of Isis could be raised for one single moment the world would +be startled by the mysterious revelations disclosed. + +To the Seers and the Occult Initiates alike, this book will appeal +with magical force. Its truths are those of the soul and spirit, and +can await the reader's soul development for verification. + +Truth needs no apology; therefore, none will be offered as an +excuse for this publication. It is our desire that our readers may +some day know for themselves that Truth is indeed stranger than +Fiction. + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +In presenting this little volume to our readers we ask them to +accept it, not as fiction, but as divine truth as to the laws herein +revealed. + +Not a statement is made that is not possible to the divine will of +man. Although it can not be proven to your outward knowledge, do not +reject and declare it is not true. + +History will teach you there actually existed a "Temple of Isis," +and the translations thereof, although many of them are very +incorrect, of the wonderful magic therein performed, lead one to +think there was some Wisdom issued from that Temple that is yet +beyond the human family, as a whole, to understand. + +"The Temple of Isis" exists no more in external form, and the +Hierophants of that Temple have passed from this to the spiritual +planes above. But, need we think by that, the blind forces of Nature +can no more be controlled? The forces are just the same to-day, but +man's mind fails to grasp the truth that history repeats itself. + +Mighty Hierophants are upon the earth to-day, in embryo, and when +the time comes that points favorably for active spiritual work on +the Western Continent, they will be called forth and Egypt will not +be ashamed of her true children nor their works. + +The Wisdom Religion of Egypt still exists and we can contact that +Wisdom by the development of our souls. Even do the Wise Men of the +East, that was, exert their spiritual influence upon us to-day if we +but knew it. + +The trouble lies with us not with them. They will never conceal it +from the honest soul truly seeking for Light, Life and Love. + +Follow us carefully to the end, without prejudice, and when you have +finished, if you still think it fiction, strive to prove its falsity +and stop not until you have reached that stage of soul unfoldment +that will enable you to occupy that plane whereby you can stand +beside the great Hierophants of "The Temple of Isis." + +THE AUTHORESS. + + + + +WITHIN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS. + +CHAPTER I. + +THE REVELATION OF THE ASTROLOGER. + + +Although the hour was very late, near midnight, the Priestess had +just retired to her apartments for repose. + +The Rites of the day had been extremely long and fatiguing, as they +always were for a Priestess of Isis attendant upon the burial +service of one in high rank; and a great nobleman of the land, as +well as a near relative of the Priestess herself, had been buried +that day. + +Thus personal sorrow had mingled with and added weight to the +impressive and solemn grandeur of the occasion, yet, strangely +enough her mind was neither with the events of the day nor the dead, +but her thoughts were resting now where they had wandered many times +throughout the day, namely, to her little handmaid and special +attendant, as well as Vestal in the Temple, Sarthia. + +Sarthia, who at the very beginning of the Chants and Litany, had +failed in her part and had, with such a pitiable moan and beseeching +glance at her, been hastily withdrawn from the assembly and assisted +to the private courts. + +Poor child, she thought, the strain upon her emotions, the solemn +occasion, was too great for her in view of the crisis, which all +unknown to her, must be now impending. However, upon learning from +an attendant that the young girl was resting quietly and apparently +not ill, she had not herself personally visited her, but concluded +to wait until morning. + +Once, twice, thrice, just as the Priestess had, as it were, passed +the border-land of sleep the pale face, with its pleading eyes and +plaintive cry, had started her back to vivid consciousness. + +"Ah! this will never do," she said, springing to her feet. +"Something is indeed wrong," and taking up her mantle she glided +swiftly through the corridors, and a few moments later was bending +over the silent and motionless form of Sarthia. + +Noiseless as had been the approach of the Priestess some interior +vibration had informed Sarthia of her coming and, with a quivering +and swift movement, she sprang from her couch and threw herself +impulsively into the arms of the Priestess. + +"Ah! sweet Mother, well beloved of our blessed and divine Isis, hear +me and help me," said the girl, in a whisper, tense and low, so low +as only to reach the listening ear of the Priestess. + +"Speak child," answered the Priestess, caressingly clasping Sarthia +to her bosom with one strong arm, and with the other making soft, +mesmeric passes over her trembling body. + +"Ah! thank you, sweet Mother; this is so good and kind of you to +come to me to-night. I have suffered so all day from your thought; +you have been disappointed in your Sarthia and with reason, too. A +Vestal, who all but faints at the sight of death, is not made of the +stuff required in the Temple Service. But, believe me, dear +Priestess, the trouble is far deeper than appears upon the surface. +The Ritual this morning but furnished the occasion or, rather, +hastened some crisis that was already near at hand. For some time +now I am haunted by most potent premonitions of a violent death. +Night after night, dark apparitions hang around my bed, and only +last night I awoke to find the Bird of Nu, the Owl, from out the +inner Sanctuary of the Temple, perched upon my pillow and shaking +his head and croaking at me most mournfully." + +"What!" exclaimed the Priestess. "The Bird of Nu. Ah! this is indeed +very serious. The matter must be investigated at once. But, my +child, if all these portents prove true, do you fear death? Have +all our teachings been in vain? Have you made so little progress in +knowledge and the philosophy of existence as to be overcome by dark +shadows and grow faint in the presence of the sentiment and show of +an external ceremony? The pageantry, which appeals so overwhelmingly +to the emotions of the outside world, is the necessary means of +teaching the people these awful and stupendous mysteries of life and +death. But the Initiate should be sustained by actual experiences +within these hidden realms and possess a knowledge of their inner +nature which places him on a plane far above the reach of Fear; +besides being endowed with that burning love for wisdom which calmly +discerns good in evil, and immortal life in the shadow, called +death. Do not think I am chiding you, my child. I am only seeking +to recall my real Sarthia, who is incapable of Fear, back to this +physical expression called body. + +"There, already the bright soul shines again with its usual clear +light. Hold it firmly and do not let it flicker so again, and now I +must leave you to seek an interview with the chief of the +Astrologers. The record and Horoscope of your birth must be +carefully looked up, and the meaning of these portents determined. +Good-night, my child." + +With a kiss, fond and maternal, the Priestess withdrew. She +proceeded leisurely and thoughtfully toward a distant part of the +Temple, having first dispatched a messenger before her to announce +her coming, seeking an audience, well knowing that at this now early +hour of morning the Astrologer Priests would all be in the midst of +their busiest studies, calculations and most profound observations. + +But Sarthia, when left alone, although marvelously calmed and +comforted by the tender presence and lofty words of her idolized +Priestess could not compose herself to sleep. Instead, she soon +floated into a state of restful contemplation, drifting from one +topic to another, until suddenly she found herself confronted by a +most intensely vivid and startling vision. "Can it be?" Yes, true +enough, there sat the venerable Astrologer holding in his hand +before him, her chart of birth. Beside him, engaged in completing +the necessary calculations, sat the scribe and youthful Astrologer +Priest, Hermo. There was a strange pallor over his face and a +compression of the lips which betrayed unusual emotion. The +Priestess was partially facing them, composed, yet with a serious +thoughtfulness of mien. + +At last, Hermo, looking up, said, "The directions for the present +year of life are made out, and the fatal arc carefully computed, +Venerated Master," and handed his work to the Astrologer who took +it, studied a moment briefly, and turned to the Priestess. + +"What is the result, Venerated Father?" she asked gently. + +The Astrologer slowly shook his head and replied impressively, +"According to all the laws of our Science, and you know how true +they are, the physical organism of Sarthia can not survive this +present cycle of yonder fair Goddess of the night." And, with a +majestic move, he pushed aside a curtain, revealing the Moon now low +in the west. + +"So short a time," said the Priestess. "To-morrow night will be the +full, and must we indeed lose our Sarthia before another new Moon? +What is the nature of these evil influences?" + +"The planets, in their configurations, indicate sudden and violent +dissolution," was the reply. + +"Ah, now," said Sarthia to herself resolutely, at this point turning +away from the vision, "now I understand it all," and with a feeling +of amaze at her newly-attained clairvoyance she fell into a deep and +refreshing sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HIEROPHANT. + + +With the first waking moments a sharp pang recalled to Sarthia the +vision and its revealments of the previous night. But her mind had +fully recovered its philosophic tone and she proceeded about her +customary routine of duties, calm and firm, and, as is often the +case, in view of some inevitable and stupendous catastrophy close at +hand, life only seemed larger, more intensely real. So, when later +in the day she received summons to meet the great Hierophant and +High Priest, what, at any other time, would have seemed a most +momentous event, appeared now only in the light of the expected and +necessary. + +As she was ushered into the presence of the Holy Father the whole +apartment seemed pervaded by an atmosphere of genial warmth and +electrical-giving life which somehow emanated from the inner nature +of the Priest himself, radiating also spiritual and mental, as well +as physical force. + +For some moments the Hierophant regarded the young Vestal in +silence, but Sarthia was conscious that he was reading her inmost +thought and motive like an open book, even down to her vision of the +Astrologer and his fatal announcement regarding her life. + +"My child," he said at length, "are you ready for the great change +now already at hand?" + +"No, Father, not ready but resigned to what seems to be the +inevitable decrees of the planets that rule my physical destiny." + +"Thou hast well said thou art not ready. Your life has yet but only +begun for you. Its experiences, its many lessons and duties, are all +unlearnt and you would pass to the spirit world immatured. Your +young soul, like fruit plucked from the tree too soon, would ripen +slowly, losing many of its flavors and never attaining certain of +its best and highest qualities, for as you well know, progress in +the next stage of existence depends upon the attainments in this. + +"Thou art not ready, yet say you are willing to bow to the +inevitable. This is wise, still have you not heard it said many +times that man is the arbiter of his own destiny and that the soul +was the inheritor of God-like powers by which it could rise to the +plane whereby it ruled, instead of obeying the blind or planetary +forces of Nature?" + +"True, O Venerated Father, I have indeed heard all this, but I am +very ignorant. Are there such possibilities for my soul?" and +somehow imperceptibly hope began to dawn within her heart and +quicken the life forces. + +"Ruling the blind forces of Nature is very like ruling the wild +beast, although the beast is much stronger than man and capable of +tearing him to pieces, yet man, by forethought, can evade or trap +and chain or otherwise overcome him. So my child, there are ways +wherein man, assisted by his own knowledge, and by the instruction +of departed spirits; aye, by the immortal Gods themselves, can +evade even the malefic planets in their devastating course. + +"To my clairvoyant vision, as I now at this moment look at you, +every minute atom of your physical organism is in the subtle process +of depolarization from unity toward chaos and disintegration. You +are not yourself conscious of this condition only as it has been +revealed to you, for your soul is so alive that it has become almost +unconscious of its physical expression and for this very reason the +shock of dissolution would be all the greater when it did come; for +example, witness your unexpected collapse yesterday morning. Ah! +sudden death is a most deplorable calamity, and your pitiable state +of mind was but a foretaste of what would be the state of your soul +for many long years, if you had died then, and will yet be, to a +less extent now, unless this swift-coming blow can be evaded. + +"However, in case the worst comes to worst, you have about ten days +more of this external life and under our special care and +preparation you can live years of experience in hours of physical +time, and your soul thus equipped may courageously enter upon its +journey to the spirit world. Rest assured, my child, everything +possible shall be done for you." + +"Ah, thank you; thank you, kind and good Father," exclaimed Sarthia, +casting herself at the feet of the Hierophant and, with tears +streaming from her eyes, kissing the hem of his robe. + +"But, truly life is sweet, especially to the young, is it not, my +child?" said the Priest, gently raising Sarthia to his side and +holding her trembling form in a firm clasp. "Happily, there is an +alternative which we have to offer for your most careful +consideration and decision. + +"Listen now, and give me your closest attention. Know you the young +Princess Nu-nah?" Sarthia bowed assent. + +"For now these many weeks she lies in a semi-conscious condition, +the soul hovering about its earthly temple uncertain whether to go +or stay. In some respects her condition corresponds with your own, +only that with you, as dissolution approaches, your soul grows +brighter and more active, while hers becomes more and more latent; +this result being largely the difference of environment--a contrast +of the soul unfoldment possible in Temple life and that amid the +distractions of the outside world. + +"To-night, the night of the full Moon, the Princess Nu-nah will be +brought to the Temple and the Rites performed initiatory to the +soul's great change. You, also, my child, must bear her company. The +same journey lies before you both and you can go hand in hand +through the dark valley of the shadow of death. + +"And now, right here is a point where all will depend upon _your_ +decision. It is possible for us, by aid of the arts of Magic known +to us, to bring your two souls in such magnetic rapport that at a +certain point the vibrations of the two will, for a single instant +of time, be in unison. At that momentous instant the polarity of the +two souls can be interchanged so that the subsequent vibrations of +your soul will draw you toward Nu-nah's body, while Nu-nah's soul +will be drawn toward your organism, and thus will be accomplished +the first great step in the drama. + +"This great change will hasten the physical crisis in each organism. +But your soul, while connected with Nu-nah's body, can easily +overcome the malefic planetary influences which would destroy it if +she were there; while her soul in your body renders _nil_, by its +very non-resistance, the influences which would be absolutely fatal +were you still there when the evil descends. And thus do you evade +the blind forces of Nature. Two lives are spared for the duties and +experiences of this world. This will be the second part of the +drama, and now comes the third and last point to consider, the +Result. + +"In just the proportion as this is a most stupendous change in your +soul life, so indeed, perhaps, even appalling to your present +comprehension, will be the effect. + +"After your soul has once entered its new temple it will be obliged +to remain there polarized by the new forces set in operation while +passing the crisis. Then, Sarthia, our bright and well-beloved +Vestal, will henceforth be known as Princess Nu-nah, and will be +obliged for a time to live the life and perform the duties of the +Princess. + +"On the other hand, the Princess Nu-nah will put on the external +body of our Vestal Sarthia and enter upon the life of the Temple +Service, but with this difference; that while this change is +consciously made by you, Nu-nah will probably never know it until +she passes finally to the spirit world. Her past life has already +faded from memory while consciousness of the new life will dawn +gradually as upon an infant, and therefore, since she can not be +consulted in the matter, the decision rests solely with you. + +"To-night, at midnight, your answer will be required. Until then, +fare thee well, and God be with you." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE MIDNIGHT OF THE FULL MOON. + + +It yet lacked several hours of the fateful midnight, as Sarthia, her +body perfumed and annointed, according to the prescribed rites, was +borne by faithful attendants from the bath into the courts of the +Sanctuary and placed upon a couch beside another, upon which already +rested the unconscious form of the lovely Princess Nu-nah. + +But Sarthia, although to an external, observer as unconscious as the +fair Nu-nah, was never more intensely awake, every atom of her being +and soul alert to all transpiring about her and conveyed to her +through her marvelous new gifts of clairvoyance and clairaudience. + +Never, with the external eye, had she seen more vividly the vista +upon vista of columns and corridors winding in and about the +Sanctuary, now illuminated by the full-orbed Queen of the Night, +which she could see shining through a certain archway, and her heart +thrilled as she counted the number of archways fair Luna must pass +until, at midnight, she would shine down through the one just above +her. + +Already had begun the weird chants, interspersed with solos of +exquisite harmonies of stringed and wind instruments--responses and +echoes. + +Incense burned and perfumes arose and blended in an indescribable +union with melody and motion, while as the fragrant vapors from the +burning censers wafted and wreathed about the colonnades and +porticoes, Spirit forms added their presence to the sublime scene, +bringing with them flowers, aromas and harmonies from the divine +abodes of the very Gods themselves. + +Oblivious of the passage of time, while intently absorbed in every +minutest detail of the wonders passing about her, Sarthia was almost +becoming drowsy, when suddenly, the Moon looked in upon her, fast +nearing the final archway, and yet she was undecided. She turned and +gazed upon her companion, mentally asking, "Can I become Nu-nah?" + +Nu-nah was very beautiful and a Princess. But Sarthia was also +beautiful and the blood in her veins was royal, though of a +different branch from the present ruling House. + +Nu-nah was cold and haughty, accustomed to rule and be obeyed. + +Sarthia was humble externally, a Vestal of the Temple, but in her +mind and soul as imperious as a Queen of the realm of Heaven. +Passionately devoted to the pursuit of Wisdom and the possibilities +of obtaining knowledge, even Magic was open to her, in the Temple +Service. Could she leave her Temple home, her opportunities for +growth, her idolized Priestess, to go into the environments of +Nu-nah? + +The thought seemed to her worse than death itself. "Every one has to +die," she mused, "and I may as well die one time as another." + +Then another thought came into her mind--Hermo. He had begun to +teach her the mysteries of his science of Astrology. Hermo, for whom +she had a pure sisterly regard and who was so proud of her swift +proficiency in his favorite study. And then she recalled the vision +of the previous night when Hermo had shown to her clairvoyant eye +his agitation at her impending doom. + +"But if I become Nu-nah and Nu-nah becomes Sarthia, Hermo will never +know the difference and thus be spared the pain of loving his young +sister. And furthermore, Nu-nah has a lover to whom she is betrothed +and would have married, ere this, but for her lingering malady, the +superb young Prince Rathunor, whom I have never seen." + +Ah! here was indeed a most dire complication. Love was a most +mysterious and unknown emotion to her. She might hate Prince +Rathunor and "then we would both wish I had died," and she half +laughed to herself at the domestic comedy thus presented to her +mind. + +At this period, either as a reaction from the light thrown, or +lighter thought upon her overwrought nature, or possibly from some +subtle, potent influence emanating from the censer burning near her, +Sarthia lapsed into sudden and most profound unconsciousness. + +A few moments later--it seemed to Sarthia as if ages had +intervened--she began a fierce struggle to awake. "Why, how is +this?" she thought. She seemed enveloped in a dead wall of some +kind. The brain, the heart, the infinite ramification of nerves in +no way responded to her will and her utmost effort. Almost worn out +with the unequal battle it began to dawn upon her that she was +really endeavoring to animate the other body. "Am I becoming +Nu-nah?" Yes, in the excitement of the moment she raised herself +upon her couch and, resting upon her elbow, gazed upon the rigid +form of what a moment before had been herself. + +But her movement had startled a form beside the couch, some one who +had approached, unobserved by Sarthia, during the interval of +unconsciousness. + +A young man who seemed to her the most God-like being she had ever +beheld and perceiving her glance, with a low exclamation of joy, +sprang toward her, clasped her hand in his, and turning her face +upward, gazed with most passionate tenderness into her eyes. + +"My Nu-nah, you will live," he murmured. "Do you know your +Rathunor?" + +Thrilled to suffocation by the love in his eyes, every atom of her +soul vibrating to a new-born and overwhelming emotion, she felt +herself slowly but surely losing control of her new body. With, +however, one supreme effort she pressed the hand holding hers and +returning the look in his eyes she gave one deep, quivering sigh and +was gone. + +When again she regained consciousness she was within her own body. +Rathunor had vanished and the first slanting rays of the Moon were +descending the last aperture. + +It was midnight, and she found herself in communication with the +Hierophant, who, from a different portion of the Sanctuary, was +seriously regarding her and again reading her inmost thoughts. + +A few moments before she had all but decided that she could not be +Nu-nah, that death now, here in this Holy Sanctuary were better far +than hundreds of years as a Princess of the realm of materiality. +But, a new factor had now entered her being. A force, more subtle +than all Wisdom,--more potent than life or eternity itself,--had +transfused her soul--Love! Love, the first, the highest, the +all-embracing force of the mighty Universe, and with this new love +had been ushered also into being, Jealousy. + +"Rathunor loved Nu-nah! Am I not a strange interloper? Was it not +worse by my decision to rob Nu-nah of her lover than to deprive her +of continued physical life?" + +For, it seemed to her now, that life without love would be more than +the agonies of the lowest hells. Then again, to live with Rathunor +as his wife, while he all the time thought her to be Nu-nah, would +be an incessant torture, keener and more intense than if she were +chained by, as a third person, to behold him loving the actual +Nu-nah in her own body. + +"Holy Father and revered Hierophant," she moaned, "help me, I can +not decide." + +"My child," came the mental response to her call, "if you could be +assured that Rathunor would love _you_ in Nu-nah's body, would the +decision be easy?" + +"Aye, indeed, dear Father." + +"Then rest assured it will be as you desire. We give you our sacred +word that Rathunor will love _you_." + +Then, raising his arm, as in benediction, he slowly repeated thrice, +like an incantation, the words, "Rest in Peace," and, ere the echoes +of his voice had died away, the soul of Sarthia had left forever its +earthly abode and Temple. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +WITHIN THE ADYTUM. + + +For several days, after floating from her body into the Astral +world, Sarthia remained in a state of profound, dreamless slumber +and then gradually passed into a condition of semi-consciousness +with occasional fitful gleams of memory until one day she realized +herself in close proximity to two persons engaged in earnest +conversation and became fully aware of the momentous events that had +just transpired and her present disembodied situation. And with a +thrill indescribable she recognized the voice of Rathunor addressing +the Hierophant. + +"And so, most revered Father, all things are progressing favorably +and toward a satisfactory culmination?" he said. + +"Even so, my son," was the reply. "And yet," continued the Prince, +"save the one momentary gleam of recognition, upon the first night +of the ceremonies, the soul of the Princess Nu-nah, to all outward +appearance, has left entirely. The body is sustained, apparently, by +some magical process, the nature of which I do not understand." + +"True, my son, but that need not disquiet you. The resources of +Nature are many and far from being exhausted. But then, youth is +naturally impatient. Did you so deeply love the Princess?" + +At this point Sarthia would have withdrawn but she found that her +desire to stay chained her to the spot, and glancing at the +Hierophant she realized that her presence was known to him and that +he wished her to remain. + +The Prince mused thoughtfully for a few moments before replying and +then said with a half sigh, "You know, O Father, that I myself did +not particularly desire that marriage. From my earliest childhood I +have been fond of my cousin and playfellow. As she matured I have +admired, with family pride, her perfect beauty of form, her haughty +spirit and her ability to rule. And yet, as you, who can so easily +read the innermost secrets of the heart, must know I have not been +able to discern the happiness for myself in this union that my soul +would crave, or that you led me to expect in wedded love. If my +ambition irresistibly impelled me to fill the external destinies of +mankind, to become a monarch of unsurpassed power and magnificence, +then would Nu-nah be the royal consort absolutely adapted for such +pride and pomp. But, you know, O Father, all these things are as +empty bubbles and child toys to one aspiring to become a Priest +King, to him who hungers and thirsts, day and night for wisdom, for +knowledge of the more inner secrets of Nature, guarded so jealously +by the Priesthood but revealed by the very Gods themselves to those +worthy to know and fit to use and assist in carrying out the plans +and orderly workings of the very Universe itself. + +"In form and feature Nu-nah's image meets my highest ideal, but when +I would speak of the thoughts and ambitions upon which my soul +dwells, then her cold look of incomprehension appalls me with the +vast difference in our natures. Her thoughts can never penetrate +the realm wherein my life-forces are all centered. Never have I +experienced from her the response my love would crave." + +"Have you then never at any time felt that Nu-nah's love for you +could be trained and in time evolved to the plane whereby she would +respond to you?" + +"Nu-nah does not seem capable of the love of soul. She accepts me as +a lover due her, and whose attention and presence gratify her pride +and vanity. Never once, or perhaps only once, have I ever seen or +imagined I saw a recognition of love, and that was the night of the +full Moon, during the recent ceremonies. As, with your permission, I +for a moment drew near the couch on which she reposed, she suddenly +raised to a half-sitting position and seemed strangely startled by +my presence. With a thrill of hope, that finally love was +awakening, I sprang forward and spake anxiously and fondly to her. +For the first time in all my life her glance vibrated to my heart's +very core. My brain reeled with intoxication as she pressed my hand, +and the love from her eyes burns now into my soul as I recall that +one second of bliss. But, alas! she fell back into her former +lifeless state and lingers so until I am in doubt if after all it +were not some illusion connected with the wonderful Magic of that +night." + +"Nay," said the Hierophant, "I can assure you that what you +experienced was _real_ and that if this matter reaches a successful +issue you will henceforward find in Nu-nah all that your soul +desires, that ever will her eager spirit lead yours in the pursuit +of knowledge and the highest wisdom." + +Then the Hierophant turning, mentally addressed Sarthia, the unseen +witness of the interview, "Am I not right in making this pledge for +you to Rathunor? Think you we have also fulfilled our promise that +Rathunor shall love you?" + +But her heart was too full to reply. He then directed her attention +to her location and surroundings and for the first time she became +aware with amazement, almost terror, that she was within "THE +SACRED ADYTUM--THE HOLY OF HOLIES," while the Hierophant and +Rathunor were within an adjoining court and private apartment of the +High Priest. + +"My child," said the Hierophant in reply to her speechless inquiry +as to the meaning of this wonder, "there are no barriers to the +disembodied soul. This place, so religiously guarded, so +inaccessible to the ordinary mortal, is open to any soul having +passed a certain grade of initiation into the divine mysteries of +Nature and attained unto that purity of heart whereby man may see +his God. + +"To-morrow night, on the occasion of the new Moon, will be +consecrated within this Holy Chamber, the union of your soul with +that of Rathunor's and here also will be consummated that mystic +transfer between your soul and that of Nu-nah's. + +"And now, I leave you here while I accompany Rathunor. As you +gradually lapse into the sweet silence of this Holy place, observe +the meaning of some of the stupendous mysteries of Nature revealed +here openly to the one having eyes to see and possessing the gift of +understanding." + +Her first sensation on being left alone was, that she was floating +like the vapor of a breath upon the swaying wreaths of burning +incense, and as she reclines thus in blissful repose there dawned +upon her vision a view of the vast Temple in its absolute entirety. +It assumed the strange outline of a gigantic human body, all its +intricacies becoming orderly correspondencies of the human organism +in its multitudinous ramifications. Then all the vast ceremonial of +this body passed in review before her mind, each rite symbolic of +some function, physical, mental and spiritual, and she marveled at +the adaptability of the parts to each other and then to the grand +whole. + +But, above all, was she impressed by the depth in depths of meaning +of this Sacred Adytum in its symbolic relation to the whole +structure. However, ere she could tarry to reflect, the nature of +the vision changed as if her eye had been turned suddenly from the +lense of a Microscope to that of an immense Telescope. Before her +view stretched the starry Zodiac, in outline, the same as its +prototype, the human body--the Grand Temple. The Sun and its solar +system corresponding to various vital functions in the human +organism, but the crowning wonder of all came as she comprehended +the relation which our planet, mother Earth, bore to the Grand Man +of the skies, and her soul was overwhelmed as all the implications +of this relation rushed in upon her being. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE TRANSFER. + + +According to the calculations made by the chief Astrologer Priest it +was just at midnight that the conjunction of the luminaries took +place in the Zodiacal sign belonging to the Moon. This union of the +luminous orbs of the day and night is powerfully magical in its +results. + +The vibrations, set in motion by this mighty union of the positive +and negative forces of Nature, react, not only upon the waters and +the Earth, but the human family. Not only does the mighty ocean obey +this wonderful influence in the ebb and flow of its tides, but the +Earth, as she rotates upon her axis, obeys this mighty power and +manifests in her depths and heights in her serpentine movement about +the Sun. + +Nature's laws are very exact and man, to become the Arbiter of his +own destiny, must blend his energies in harmony with those of +Nature. + +Agreeable to appointment and the arrangements to be made it was +necessary for the Hierophant and the Holy men of the Temple to +assemble at an early hour, although the Transfer was not to take +place until midnight. + +Much preparation was necessary as a most momentous ceremony was to +be performed this night; one that rarely ever was performed, owing +to the fact that few of the Temple Priests were initiated into these +sacred Magical Rites. They were too Sacred and Holy to be imparted +to many, too dangerous for possible failures, too infinite in +responsibilities accompanying such undertakings. Only those where +the mind, soul and spirit, blended as one in their organism, were +ever entrusted with the interior knowledge of the Sacred Adytum--The +Holy of Holies. + +Only the invocations were to be made, the chants and ceremonies +belonging to the Holy Sanctuary were to be observed. The air was +ladened with the sweet fragrance of incense and those subtle +perfumes that are so delightful and enticing to the soul. Hours +before the solemn Rites were to be performed, every part of the Holy +Temple must be permeated with their magical and mystical influence. + +The bodies of both Sarthia and Nu-nah lay in state before the Altar +in the Holy Sanctuary, both robed and perfumed as if for burial. + +The Hierophant of the Temple, the Priests and the Lay Priests, and +the Priestesses with their Vestal Virgins, were now assembled in +their respective places. + +The hour of midnight had arrived. The chants now begun, set in +vibration the spiritual forces that appeal only to the soul and +spirit. + +The subtle, silent will of the High Priest mentally commanded the +presence of the departed spirit of Sarthia. At his bidding, she came +floating toward him, and when within a certain distance from her +inanimate body, she remained hovering over it. Most willingly and +joyfully she came, knowing the promise of the High Priest would be +realized when she became able to animate and control the body and +mind of what was still Nu-nah's. + +Rathunor was present at the urgent request of the Priest. He little +dreamed why his presence was so much desired, and how he, who was so +ignorant of the Temple rules and service, could be of any +assistance. + +A spark had been kindled within his very soul, the night that +Sarthia found herself in Nu-nah's temple and for a moment +consciously remembered and spoke, that had been burning deeper and +deeper until now, it was ready to burst forth as an ever-living +flame at the first breath of hope that this new emotion was of the +soul--real and immortal. + +Did he dare for a moment listen to the whispering of the interior +self? Fear alone made him drive back and quell the monitions that +sprang from within, for O, if they were only vain hopes could he +survive the disappointment? The thought was crushing, and better, +he thought, not to hope than believe an illusion. + +The magnetic chord that yet held Nu-nah to her frail, prostrated +body had not yet been severed. The unconscious soul hung or rather +floated about its temple, apparently waiting for a stronger force +from the interior realm to call it away. + +The Hierophant stepped to the front of the Altar and, raising his +hands, invoked the presence of the Gods and their assistance in this +Sacred ceremony of making that Transfer of the spiritual life-line +that binds the spirit to soul, and soul to body. + +As the two souls hung suspended by these magnetic life-chords above +their own bodies, through the magical influences of the Priests, +the chants and music came closer and closer, as if drawn together by +some strong magnetic attraction. + +Sarthia, now, as well as Nu-nah, was unconscious of what was taking +place. Nu-nah's was the natural unconscious state of an undeveloped +soul in passing from the physical temple to the realms beyond, while +Sarthia's was purposely induced by the magical will of the Operator. + +The middle of the mystical hour had just been reached when the two +life-lines met and blended for one single instant, then separated +and, obeying the powerful wills of the Priests, became polarized in +each other's body. + +The magical invisible agency that had been animating the body of +Sarthia was now withdrawn, and the soul of Nu-nah's gradually but +faintly began to supply the animating force to revive and control +the apparently lifeless form. + +Sarthia's spiritual consciousness was not immediately allowed to +return. The awakening must be gradual to her, for knowing what was +being done, the joy and ecstacy of a prolonged life in the holy +bonds of pure love with Rathunor would be disastrous if suddenly +conveyed to her consciousness. + +The High Priest, turning to Rathunor, said, "Our beloved pupil, +return now to your usual duties, but fail not to return to the +Temple a little before twelve o'clock to-morrow night." + +Now the bodies of Sarthia and Nu-nah were removed to another part of +the Temple. The Priestesses and Vestals, with the choir and +musicians, were dismissed as the first part of the solemn and +sacred Rites was over, but the Priests remained, never stopping in +their magical work, for yet the vibrations of the new-born souls +were not of sufficient strength and power to remain unassisted, +especially that of Nu-nah's. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE AWAKENING. + + +The constant presence of some of the Priests of the Temple had been +near the bodies of Nu-nah and Sarthia continuously for the last +twenty-four hours, and by their magic assistance the vibrations of +the souls to their new tenements grew stronger and quite harmonious. + +The hour of midnight was again near at hand. The reviving forms of +the two young girls were again brought into the Holy Sanctuary of +the Temple and placed in front of the Altar and the Hierophant who +had already taken his position. + +The Priestesses of the Temple with their Vestals were quietly and +solemnly wending their way to their usual places. The choir had +begun to chant the opening service when Rathunor with one of the +Priests approached with slow and measured strides as if a false +movement would disturb the solemnity of this midnight's mystic +silence. + +As they approached the spot where the two bodies lay, there was a +perceptible movement, as of consciousness in the silent form of +Nu-nah. + +Just as the distant chimes pealed forth their announcement of the +midnight hour the Hierophant arose and stepped forth to the front of +the Altar and, at a silent signal, there broke forth, as of one +voice, the low-distant strains of the most enchanting music. The +voices and the tones from the musical instruments were so +harmoniously and wonderfully blended that the result was magically +effective. The strains increased in volume--they seemed to approach +nearer and nearer--until the whole edifice resounded and re-echoed +as though filled with one vast orchestra sounding forth the Anthem +of Creative Life, "We Praise Thee, O God." + +This enchanting music continued for some time, then gently died away +until only the breathings of music could be heard, when the +Hierophant raised his hands as if in supplication. The solemn, awful +stillness of the hour was awe-inspiring. + +Once, twice, thrice, the voice of the Hierophant resounded +throughout the Sanctuary as he thus spoke to their souls: + +"Arise, O ye daughter of Isis, come forth and again enter the daily +lives of a Vestal and a Princess. Many years now are granted to +your service, and now that you have both been beyond the dividing +line of this and the other plane, your lives henceforth should be +guided and influenced by that experience." + +At this he descended from the Altar and took the helpless hand of +Sarthia to magically convey to the silent, lifeless body the +electric forces of life. + +Turning to Rathunor, who stood near, beckoning him to his side, he +took his hand and led him to that which _was_ Nu-nah's body, and +gently raising the apparently lifeless hand of the silent form +placed it within that of Rathunor's. The effect was indeed magical. + +Rathunor was held spell-bound, the thrilling sensations, the +emotions that sprang forth from the heart were electrifying. He +could feel the tense vibrations passing from his hand to that of her +body, the source of which he could not fathom nor understand, and +little did he care at that moment when he perceived the slight +tremor that was creeping over the heretofore lifeless form of his +Princess Nu-nah. + +Here, Rathunor would have been overcome by his emotions of joyful +bliss and thrown himself prostrate at the feet of the Priest in +thankful gratitude for the restoration to life of his lovely Nu-nah, +had not the Hierophant just at this moment laid his hand upon +Rathunor's shoulder saying, "My child, have you become unconscious +of the place and the occasion, and the solemn promise you gave me to +bravely follow my instructions without a show of weakness. Let not +an outward manifestation of your feelings escape you again. Are you +yourself again?" + +With a mighty effort of his will Rathunor commanded an outward calm +at least, but he could not speak, he could only bow his head in +assurance and being told to retain the hand of Nu-nah, the Priest +continued audibly, "In the name of the Almighty and ever-living God +I now join these two souls as one. May their consciousness of this, +their soul-union, dawn upon their outward memory as time proceeds, +and then journey together in conscious union on the eternal path of +progress to the Divine Throne of God. Amen! Amen!" + +Rathunor heard but did not understand and being overcome by the +silent over-powering influence surrounding him, fell insensible to +the floor beside the reviving form of Nu-nah. + +As soon as he had been conveyed to an outer court, the Hierophant +again continued. Turning his attention to Sarthia, mentally he +called three times, "Nu-nah, Nu-nah, Nu-nah, henceforth you shall be +known as Sarthia the Vestal. May the guardian angels that have been +placed over your reviving body, keep and hold the soul with it until +health of body and strength of mind returns. God bless our new-found +Vestal. Amen." + +As the last echo of the Priest's voice died away the music burst in +a joyful song of praise, and continued until the bodies of each of +the young girls were removed. Sarthia's to that formerly occupied by +the Vestal, and Nu-nah's to that of the home of the Princess. + +Rathunor soon revived in the fresh air of the outer court and now +being summoned by a messenger from the Hierophant presented himself +again before him. + +"My son," said the High Priest, "go to the home of the Princess and +remain, either with, or near her until three cycles of seven shall +pass by. At the end of twenty-one days you may return to your own +home and enter the accustomed life of a Prince, until that time +shall come when the Prince of the world shall enter the path that +leads to a King of Wisdom," and with a fervent press of the hand and +a benediction for his soul's welfare he bid him good-night and +retired from the Holy Sanctuary. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +A VISIT TO THE CHIEF ASTROLOGER. + + +A few weeks after the preceding ceremonies, a messenger announced to +the Astrologer Priest that the Priestess sought an interview. + +Hermo was at his post making the usual, daily calculations for the +Priest. As the Priestess entered, Hermo arose, and was about to +withdraw, when the Priestess, by a wave of her hand, gave him to +understand his presence was required. + +The Priestess began, "O, most Venerated Father, I come again to ask +assistance, with your astrological knowledge, in behalf of Sarthia. +The memory of the past seems to be entirely blotted out. Is there +any aspect showing that memory will return, and if not, at what time +do the planets indicate a commencement of the training of the mind +that will bring a successful issue in spiritual things? We will have +to commence with her as a child and train the body, mind and soul to +Vestal Service." + +The Astrologer turned to Hermo and said, "Hear you the request of +our Priestess here? Make note, and see at what time the planets +point favorably to the initiation of our new Sarthia into the Temple +Service of Isis." + +"How is our new Sarthia?" inquired the Priest. + +"Nothing, as yet," answered the Priestess, "But that does not +disturb my hope and faith that she will become all that we wish and +desire of her, and instead of having but one Vestal we shall have +two, for ere long Nu-nah will also be numbered among our Vestals, +and Rathunor as one of our Priests." + +Thanking the Priest for his promised service the Priestess withdrew. + +The Astrologer returned to his studies and was soon absorbed with +them, when, suddenly he turned to Hermo and said, "Hermo, I shall +place Sarthia under your special tutelage as soon as she is ready to +commence her studies in Astrology." + +The suddenness of the Priest's remarks quite confused the young +scribe and set him to seriously thinking. Strange thoughts came into +his mind, "why should Sarthia _not_ continue her studies with me, +why would she become a special and _not_ a fellow student?" + +He could not account for these strange thoughts that had been +excited within his mind, and the rest of the hours of work did not +show the usual amount accomplished. + +At an early hour the next night, before Hermo had arrived for his +night's work, the Astrologer Priest sent for the Priestess. She +hastily responded to the summons feeling there was some very +important news to be received. As soon as she entered the Priest +said, "Most noble Priestess, I find by the calculations made, that +not before another month may our infant child, Sarthia, be +initiated, as a pupil, into the Temple of Isis. Two days before the +full Moon the spiritual rays will be most active and potent, and +being of so harmonious a nature we may hope for the most +satisfactory results. The task will be slow and require much +patience, my Priestess, for the hereditary tendencies of the brain, +that have so far influenced that soul's life and experiences, will +have to be polarized in other channels and gradually awakened to +consciousness. The life of the body it has been animating in past +years was not of such a nature as to mature a healthy soul. + +"The work now, with our new Sarthia, is with the Soul, to make it +equal to the brain that has been cultivated and enlarged in +spiritual ways; while with Nu-nah, the work will be in arousing and +developing that brain to the conscious response of the matured soul. +Do I make myself plain to you? In my young pupil, Hermo, we will +have a most valuable assistant in our work with Sarthia, for I have +discovered that the divine relation of brother and sister exists +between them. They are blest with being the emanations from the same +divine state and children of the same spiritual parents. I spoke to +Hermo of Sarthia last night, at the same time _willing_ that my new +discovery might be imparted to his soul, which I could see had been +partially accomplished. + +"We will allow them often in each other's society, and that holy +love of brother of sister, and sister of brother, which can only be +kindled in the outer heart when this spiritual relation exists. + +"This will soon be recognized by each of them, and this alone will +be a most potent influence in nourishing and teaching the soul of +Sarthia. Nothing lies in Sarthia's path that portends serious evil +for many years to come. Therefore, my good Priestess, take new hope +and courage, and not many Moons will grow and wane before an inward +pride will be born for your new Vestal." + +The Priestess retired after thanking him most cordially, and could +hardly conceal her emotions of joy and rapture until she was safe in +her own apartments, where she could give full vent, in tears and +cries of joy and gratitude. + +As soon as all traces of the effects, which this knowledge had +produced, were erased, and she became perfectly calm and composed, +she sought Sarthia's chamber. The young girl was reclining upon a +couch that had been drawn near the window, apparently much absorbed +in studying the heavens. Scarcely did she notice the presence of the +Priestess until she knelt beside her and said, "What thoughts are +being born in my Sarthia's mind as she views the mighty heavens +above with its millions of silent monitors, awaiting our pleasure to +read and understand? Are they speaking to my darling child? Do you +hear their silent voices and feel their subtle and powerful +influences upon you?" + +The young girl did not reply immediately. The body was still very +weak and feeble, the mind was as one just awakening from a prolonged +slumber. + +"My beloved Priestess, did you speak to me of the stars, those +loving lights in the heavens? They do seem to speak, but I can not +understand and know what they say. Do you, dear Mother, and can you +tell me?" + +This first ray of awakening memory was more radiant to the Priestess +than a thousand stars could have produced if all their rays could +have blended into one. But calmness was her external bearing. +Seldom any manifestation of an unusual emotion, was permitted to +find an outward expression either in manner or speech. She had +attained that perfect command of herself that neither joy nor +sorrow, good nor evil, praise nor blame, could unbalance the perfect +poise and tranquillity of her developed Soul. + +"My Sarthia," replied the Priestess, "I can not know what they are +saying to _you_, but they do speak to me. They tell me that life is +immortal, that the growth and the progress of the soul are eternal, +that we may know and read their language while in these bodies if we +try; then as we draw nearer and nearer to them, as our souls grow +and become familiar with their teachings, we can know them as well, +if not better, than our Astrologer Priests do, also as well as your +brother Hermo is learning to do." + +"My--brother--Hermo," and there was a perceptible light of +intelligence in the eyes for a moment. + +The Priestess was not speaking to the mind, but to the soul, at the +same time willing to find a response there. The mere words availed +nothing to her, only in so much as they expressed the longings and +desires of the interior self. + +As Sarthia said no more, the Priestess arose and, moving quietly +about the room, gave a few directions and cautions to those in +attendance, then presently withdrew. + +That night was passed by the Priestess in her own private chamber, +not in sleep and rest, but actively and earnestly engaged in silent +prayer for her new-born children, Nu-nah, Sarthia and Rathunor. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +PRINCESS NU-NAH. + + +The morning following the Priestess' visit to Sarthia's apartments, +she sent a messenger to inquire for the welfare of Princess Nu-nah. + +She was reported to have slept well, seemed much stronger, but a +peculiar change had taken place during her almost fatal illness. She +spoke strangely, almost weirdly at times, which excited much comment +and anxiety amongst her immediate friends and relatives. + +The Princess had been a general favorite and much admired by those +occupying the same station in life with herself; but by those who +were subject to her commands and rule, she was looked upon as cold, +stern, and heartless, kind in her way when obeyed, but the slightest +disobedience brought scornful reproaches and often punishment. + +The Priestess, knowing the source of the peculiar change spoken of, +felt that all was well. No other attention than the presence of +Rathunor was needed. The developed soul of the Vestal Sarthia would +soon come into control of the brain she was now trying to find +expression through. + +Then, too, the organs of the brain that Sarthia's soul would +naturally vibrate, had never become active, nor developed; they, as +it were, were dormant, fast asleep, awaiting the pulsating +vibrations of the spiritual influx to give them life and usefulness. +While those that had been so fully developed in the brain, by the +life of the Princess, found no corresponding vibrations from the +soul. + +Truly, a strange commingling of the two opposing forces, and one in +which time was required to bring about perfect adjustment. + +The High Priest had commanded all visitors to be excluded, except +Rathunor, who was to have access at all times, and as the +Hierophant's word was that of God to them, so, purely from a +religious standpoint, they were strictly obeyed. While the Priestess +and others of the Temple knew the secret of the Priest's strict +injunctions, they likewise knew that none of Sarthia's associates +dared approach, lest their presence would too suddenly awake to +consciousness the slumbering soul, before the brain had yet fully +responded and vibrated to the new animating spark of life. + +Rathunor, most of all, observed the change in the Princess; at the +slightest touch there was a response within--his very presence +struck the chords of sympathy that existed between them. This was, +to him, a very unaccountable change. In all his life association +with Nu-nah these emotions, that now seemed to spring from the soul, +had never before been experienced. He was very much inclined to +attribute it to an abnormal sympathy aroused by her sickness and +terrible suffering. Still, the words of the High Priest haunted him +and the feelings born from within, on the night of the solemn Rites +at the Temple, could not be vanished by any amount of reasoning; +still he would not allow such thoughts to be nourished by the +slightest hope--much less be watered by the spirit of faith and +allowed to grow. Although Rathunor was brave in external pain, and +daringly courageous in acts of chivalry, he was an infant when +subject to disappointment. Here was the battle of self going on. + +"Have I the strength and manly courage to bear the disappointment +born from a delusive hope? Not yet." So he suffered and heeded not +the whisperings from within, until he could not endure it any +longer, when he sought the presence of the Hierophant for advice and +enlightenment. Scarcely able to hold in check his impatience he +burst forth without the recognition due the superior presence of a +High Priest. + +"O, most Holy and Revered Father, tell me, am I wrong in not +listening to the monitions that are racking my inmost being? May I +hope the love that is growing within my soul will be surely +recognized and reciprocated by Nu-nah on her return to physical +health? Is this love a vain delusion on my part, an imagination born +from sympathies that will vanish as soon as health is restored and +we enter the whirl of the social world again? If it is in thy power, +O Father, tell me the truth. Repeat thy assuring words once more, +and I will be guided by them in the future, and never again allow +the shadow of doubt to cross the threshold of my mind." + +"My child," said the High Priest, "once more I assure you of the +loving response of Nu-nah's soul and mind, as soon as she is herself +again. But, mark you well, at the return of consciousness, be not +rash in any of your words or acts; remember, her return to life is +as a new-born babe--weak, tender and easily impressed by stronger +minds and wills than its own. You are the stronger at present, and +all patience and indulgence are exacted from you. Let her +imaginations and fancies play as they will for awhile; yours must be +calm, loving, sympathetic and unwavering in hope and faith that all +will eventually be well; and again, I assure you that not many years +shall pass before you will enter the path and the life your soul is +now longing for. Princess Nu-nah will more than compensate you for +all the kind attentions you now bestow upon her in the guiding, +teaching and leading your soul in the paths to spiritual knowledge +and the spiritual life, while still inhabiting the physical form. + +"The hungerings of your soul shall be more than satisfied by her +ministering spirit. The interior consciousness will gradually dawn +upon you both, but to Nu-nah first." Then, taking Rathunor by the +hand, he continued, "Doubt no more, my child, have faith in the +Infinite Wisdom that guides and directs the struggling soul through +the intricate ways of evolution up to the final consciousness of +Immortal Life. God be with and bless you." + +Rathunor had no words to express his gratitude. But they would have +been useless to the Hierophant, for the new-born light that shone +forth, though dimly, was more to the Priest than a world of words. + +He merely looked, bowed, and with a fervent pressure of the hand, +was gone from the presence of the Holy Priest. As he retraced his +steps toward the home of Princess Nu-nah, a holy calm pervaded his +whole being; his doubts fled as an enemy; his excitement was +transformed into tranquil earnestness; a sublime sense of the +realities of life filled his brain, and a willingness to await the +progress and development, that time would bring forth and mature, +possessed him, until he was so changed that he scarcely recognized +himself. + +Was this change volitional? + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THE INITIATION. + + +Days of weary watching, and toilsome care that the new-born Vestal +would not be misled in her awakening thoughts, were necessary. The +body needed but little care other than the proper nourishment and +attention of any one in usual health. Sarthia's physical organism +had not become depleted by disease and suffering, and the +disorganization that had commenced was checked by the magical agent +that had been placed over it, even before Sarthia had entirely left +it. + +The lethargy was more mental than physical. It was that +semi-consciousness that precedes sleep, or that one sometimes +experiences when awakened suddenly out of a deep, profound slumber. + +The Priestess visited her many times throughout the day when she +could spare the time from her duties in the Temple. In the course of +a few days Sarthia was able to be assisted in short walks about the +halls and corridors, but took little heed of things about her. Day +by day, the body grew stronger and a new light began to dawn in the +eyes and shone upon the countenance of the fair young girl. + +In the meantime, Hermo had been apprised by the Astrologer Priest of +the true relation existing between himself and Sarthia. His joy knew +no bounds, for neither his heart nor soul had ever thrilled with the +love of mother, sister, or kindred. It had been his misfortune to +be deprived of his parents before his young mind and heart could be +moved by the tender emotions of love, but now it needed no more than +the Priest's revelations to kindle into flaming fires that +something, he knew not what, that had been smoldering in his bosom +all his life. + +Now, the Astrologer's words were clear and the cause of the strange +thoughts that were excited in his mind was revealed. Over and over +he asked himself, "Can I wait to see my beloved sister?" + +His impatience became equal with his joy, and days that had before +passed as moments now seemed as ages. One morning, much to the +Priestess' surprise, a messenger announced that Hermo desired an +interview with her in the waiting-room below. The Priestess +descended to where Hermo was waiting and, with a questioning look +in her face, clasped his hand in a firm but anxious manner, +inquired, "Is all well with our young Astrologer, Hermo, this +morning. Does he bring tidings from our revered Father? Has any new +testimony been given by the stars that portends evil to our +Sarthia?" + +Hermo stood in mute astonishment. "How could the Priestess receive +such forebodings from his presence when his whole being was +throbbing with pulsations of unbounded happiness," he thought. + +"Nay, my dear Priestess, quite the reverse. Has not our worthy +Father acquainted you with my new-found joy, my Love--my Sister? +Know you not the divine relation that exists between Sarthia and +myself? The hours have seemed days since this knowledge was +revealed to me and I now beg to see my new sister and walk with her +and yourself upon the lawn in the private grounds of the Temple. Can +my request be granted, O Priestess?" + +She still retained his hand and, again pressing it warmly between +her own, said, "Our brave and noble Hermo deserves this blessing as +a reward for his honest toil alone in his struggle for Truth and +Knowledge. Yes, my dear Hermo, I was made aware of the relation +between you and our new Sarthia and have been anxious for this +moment to arrive when you would be sent to escort Sarthia in her +daily walks about the grounds, but I caution you to be guarded in +your words. Remember she is yet but an infant and must be taught as +a child. Remain here and I will go and bring Sarthia thither and we +will walk together." + +It was not long before the Priestess, Sarthia and her attendant +appeared. The Priestess was leading Sarthia and as they approached +Hermo placed her hand in that of his saying, "Sarthia, I place you +in the care and protection of your brother Hermo." + +"Hermo! Hermo!! My brother Hermo?" said Sarthia. + +To the penetrating eyes of the Priestess and Hermo the light of +consciousness was momentarily seen and to the clairvoyant vision of +the Priestess a startling scene was beheld. The vibrations of soul +to soul, the love that had been kindled in Hermo's heart and soul +went out with such intensity that it aroused into a vivid activity +the slumbering soul of Sarthia, and the brain, being already so +finely tuned to the higher vibrations of the Spirit, responded at +once. + +The fresh air, the green grass, the beautiful flowers and shrubbery, +with the inspiring presence of Hermo, were like magic to quicken the +pulsations of body and mind and bring to her cheek and eyes the +flush of health and life. Not much of the conversation was directed +to Sarthia, but when reference to the stars was made, she instantly +inquired, "Brother Hermo, do the stars speak to you, and do you know +what they say? Our lovely Priestess here can read them, and how much +I would love to speak with them, too." + +"I will teach you how some day, my sister, as soon as you are able +to commence your studies." + +"Will that be soon?" + +"Yes, in a short time; so soon as you become an attendant in The +Temple of Isis." + + * * * * * + +Sarthia was silent, and the Priestess reminded them it was time to +return,--Sarthia to her room and Hermo to his studies, while the +Priestess' presence was required in the Temple. + + * * * * * + +These walks continued daily with most satisfactory results to the +Priestess and the Hierophant. All fears of the perfect harmonizing +of the new soul to the body of Sarthia were allayed. The animating +spark of life was growing stronger and the vibrations from soul to +body were complete; not with consciousness, but that involuntary +vibratory exchange that exists with the majority of the people that +make up the earth's human family. As only the higher portion of the +brain of Sarthia had been active the soul must necessarily manifest +itself through those organs. Often, were the much beloved Priestess, +Hermo and Sarthia's attendants, surprised at her expressions and +profound questions on spiritual subjects. + +It was nearing the time when Sarthia was to take her initiatory step +as a Vestal in the Temple of Isis. In fact, only one more day +intervened before the ceremony was to take place. As the incidents +relative to the transfer were known to all the Temple attendants, it +was looked forward to with much silent rejoicing and gratitude that +they had not been robbed of their lovely Vestal who always was held +in sacred esteem by them all. + +All had been notified to prepare for the Initiatory service--the +music, chants, and ceremonies sacred to this occasion, must be in +readiness. The night had arrived; the fair Goddess of the night +shone forth in all her radiant splendor, seemingly conscious, that +she was shedding forth the magnetic influence necessary for the +sacred Rites now about to be performed. It had almost reached the +Zenith when the solemn march of the Priestesses, Vestals and +attendants that were to conduct Sarthia to the Holy Sanctuary of the +Temple started. The Priestess walked beside Sarthia. Sarthia was +clothed in pure spotless linen, her head was bare with the exception +of a wreath of laurel leaves that rested lightly upon her flowing +hair. In her hands she carried a white-bound volume which contained +the songs, chants, litany and regime for the Vestals of the Temple. + +Just as they reached the door, the High Priest arose, and +simultaneously the music burst forth in joyful strains that spoke +welcome, courage and love to the heart of Sarthia. When they reached +the foot of the altar, where stood the Hierophant, Sarthia knelt +upon a velvet cushion at his feet. The music ceased while the High +Priest stood with uplifted hands in silent prayer. At a signal, the +choir began chanting the Litany. Sarthia was bidden to rise, when +the Priest, in measured and solemn tones, addressed her: + +"Do you come to pledge yourself to Temple Service? Is it your desire +to become a Vestal of Isis? Do you take the pledge of celibacy to +the virgin Rites of the Temple; your time, energy and purpose to be +devoted to the duties that devolve upon a Vestal?" + +The low, clear voice of Sarthia was heard throughout the Sanctuary +as she bowed and answered in assent. + +"So be it, my holy virgin. I now commit your soul to the Guardian +Angels of this Sacred Sanctuary to guide, guard and protect your +budding soul to perfect at-one-ment with its divine center, that you +may inherit immortal life while yet with us. Amen!" + +Sarthia opened the book within her hands and, kissing its pages +which she had already subscribed to, handed it to the High Priest. +He took it, and held it in his left, while he placed his right hand +upon her head, and said: + +"I bid thee welcome, my Vestal Sarthia, and commend thy soul to the +Gods above, that ever keep watch o'er the children of earth. God +bless thee. Amen! Amen!" + +Then, as if they were voicing the words of the Hierophant, the +chants grew louder, the music poured forth in grander tones as +though to join the invisible hosts above in praise to God most high. + +The ceremony was over and Sarthia was conducted back to her chamber, +a Vestal of The Temple of Isis. The occult powers that had been +evoked in behalf of Sarthia soon became manifest in her daily life. +The zeal and zest with which she pursued her studies and the +understanding of their interior meanings were sufficient evidence of +her teacher's inspiring influence. She was soon placed under her +brother Hermo's instruction in astronomical and astrological lore, +and here also displayed a proficiency in learning that surprised +Hermo and delighted the Astrologer Priests. At Temple Service she +was all devotion and, as an Attendant, ever true and faithful. The +brother and sister became devotedly attached to each other and the +Priestess often observed this attachment, which sent a pang through +her heart, lest such joy and happiness might not be granted Hermo +for the remainder of his life. Then instantly would she offer a +silent prayer that such supreme happiness would be theirs throughout +eternity. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE PRINCESS' WEDDING. + + +The Princess' recovery was very slow, owing to the great depletion +of the physical body during her recent illness. Much care and +attention were bestowed upon her by her royal friends. All the +luxury which wealth alone could procure, and the kindly influences +of loving associates were brought to bear to speedily hasten the +restoration of their Princess to her former health and spirits. +Health was slowly but surely gaining the ascendency, but the spirits +of heart and mind were not of that buoyant, external nature that she +formerly displayed. + +With her return to health, demands of a social nature were made +upon her. She enjoyed pleasures but a seriousness attended her every +movement that much annoyed her friends. The attendants and servants +were excited to wonder at her kind and thoughtful interests of +them--while many thought it was due to her weak physical condition, +others remarked, how much the Princess' sickness had improved her. +Those that before feared her, now began to love and seek to please +and serve her. + +Rathunor was a daily visitor, and remembering the advice and +instructions of the Hierophant he was calm, silent, and patient in +his attentions to her and apparently took no heed of her fancies and +strange conversation. She would constantly plan amusements and +social entertainments on a grand scale, but with such a seriousness +of purpose that it quite annoyed Rathunor at times and caused him to +wonder if this was really his former Nu-nah. + +While the annoyance came purely from the external, there was an +interior attraction that was, irresistibly, holding him spell-bound +to her side. His happiness now was greatest when they sat, rode or +walked in silence. Little did he dream, while in that silence which +so enraptured him, the soul of Nu-nah was blending and drawing the +electric life-essence from his own to hers. That interchange was +going on wherein there is no robbery, but an inter-blending of the +magnetic and electric life-forces that cause to spring into activity +the harmonious vibrations of a complete whole, and the reaction upon +both brain and the physical organism was health, contentment and +happiness that rises above all external cares, sorrows and discords. + +Although the soul of the, now known, Princess was highly developed +it could find but few responsive echoes from the dormant spiritual +organs of the brain. These she must arouse to sensitiveness and +action. It was this that gave rise to the peculiar ideas, expressed +in her conversation, that so mystified her friends. Visitors soon +began to pour in upon her congratulations, presents and invitations +to once again enter the gilded salons of fashion and the round of +amusements that are the daily life of a favorite Princess. To all +she gave a modest, quiet reply, neither accepting nor rejecting +their attentions, which left them in wondering doubt at times of her +sanity. + +In the midst of some grand occasion she would be suddenly missed and +on being sought out would be found concealed in some pleasant nook, +or even out in the open air, or beside an open window, absorbed in +meditation or gazing into the heavens. When her attention was +attracted she would start and, with a strange, far-away look in her +eyes that would indicate to a superficial observer she had been +asleep, would allow herself to be led back and enter the festivities +of the hour. + +With all their efforts they could not enthuse her with the +excitement and merriment surrounding her. But, if any one should +become serious and express thoughts that appealed to the interior, +she was all attention and the questions that were so ready when such +an opportunity afforded showed plainly that, although present in +body, the soul and interests were in other realms and spheres than +this. + +No one but Rathunor could hold her attention for any length of time. +With him she was animated, and charmingly beautiful and joyous and +would, with some enthusiasm, enter into the pleasantries of the hour +which brought to her face the charming attraction of natural beauty. +Behind those orbs of vision there seemed to shine forth a light that +was more radiant than the gorgeously brilliant illuminations of the +salons. Her beautiful face, her perfect form and bearing, made her +the center of attraction and she was much sought after. But, as soon +as she was induced to leave Rathunor's side, that which made her +presence so irresistibly attractive and radiant before, faded out. + +Thus time passed on, and as health returned, Prince Rathunor pressed +his suit. There was now, no apparent reason why he could not claim +his promised bride and make the Princess Nu-nah his own. His more +earnest friends cautioned him to wait further developments and, in +an undertone, reminded him of the peculiar and unnatural bearing of +the Princess at times. They were sure, in time, their once lovely +Princess would be herself again. Rathunor listened, knowing their +kindly interest sprang from good motives, but he was silent--he +could not speak for none would understand. The yearnings of his +heart and soul would not be quelled by any outward show. + +While to the world Nu-nah was a source of mystical wonder, to +Rathunor she was his stay and comfort. He needed no further evidence +and assurance of Nu-nah's love for him. Too often had he experienced +the response from within to her silent pleadings for light, truth +and wisdom. The attraction of the outer world was losing its +fascination for him, the longings from within grew stronger and more +clamorous for outward expression until, one day, he advanced the +subject of astrology to the Princess Nu-nah. For an instant, her +whole being was illuminated by that mysterious light--for a single +moment the soul arose to the supremacy of the brain and found a +faint glimmering expression that was visible to Rathunor's +ever-watchful eye. + +"Astrology, my Rathunor, fascinates me with its name and the +wonders and mysteries it is said to reveal. Do you think those +Astrologer Priests of the Temple know whereof they speak, and do +they read the stars and gain from them the wisdom they are said to +possess?" + +Here was the first opportunity to present these sacred subjects to +Nu-nah's mind. He tried to think and, feeling that the present +excitement of the brain's higher organs, was of a temporary nature, +he was really at a loss what to say that would be most effective and +impress itself indelibly upon her awakening brain. + +"Yes, my dear Nu-nah, I believe they do possess the knowledge they +claim and, I also am convinced that much of that wisdom and +knowledge is gained through their understanding the laws of +astrology. Those celestial bodies in our heavens were not placed +there by our Divine Creator without a purpose. I believe they have +an influence upon us that can be learned, defined and utilized by +those who study and know this influence through astronomy and +astrology. Nu-nah what is that which produces the interior longings +to know? Is it not that there is something to know--something that +our common brains can not grasp and analyze? Do you not think that +silent, yet persistent, monitor which lies concealed somewhere +within our being is excited to action from some source other than +our outward selves, and that longing to go out must be accounted for +by a something without that calls and attracts us to it? May this +not be the stars that we see twinkling and motioning to us as we +gaze into the midnight heavens?" + +He stopped, wondering what the effect of his words would be, when, +to his amazement, there appeared a more vivid consciousness in her +eyes and features than he had ever seen since her return to physical +health and, taking new hope from this manifestation, he continued, +"Do you love the social world longer? Is there not that longing, +too, within your bosom for something more real, more ennobling than +the pastimes of worldly pleasures?" + +At the mention of the worldly things, the light from her eyes died +out and was gone. Rathunor said no more but silently thanked God +that he had for those few moments assisted the soul of Nu-nah to +vibrate, too; and had set in motion the vitalizing currents to the +spiritual portion of the brain and earnestly prayed that this might +be the beginning of many opportunities that were to follow. + +Realizing that only he could arouse the dormant organs of her +spiritual brain, he became more anxious than ever to have her +constantly in his company. He again pressed his suit and the day for +the wedding-nuptials was to be at once submitted to the Astrologer. + +Rathunor again sought the Astrologer Priest for advice. He wished to +know when the stars would point most favorably toward such a +momentous event. This, the Astrologer was not long in finding out +and soon conveyed the news to Rathunor that at an early date such +might be consummated. As the Prince arose to go the Priest took his +hand and said, "My child, in taking the Princess Nu-nah as your +wife, you obey the holy intuitions of the soul and not only will you +be united in soul but in body and mind. I wish you the eternal +bliss that attends all who are truly mated. Farewell, my child; my +blessings go with you." + +Rathunor was too much absorbed in other things to understand the +mysterious words of the Priest, but notwithstanding this the seed +had been again sown that would sometime spring up unannounced and +unexpected. + +The announcement of the wedding was soon made and invitations sent +out, far and near. Congratulations poured in from every source, +although some would have refused, had they been true to their own +sentiments, for the remarkable and unaccountable change which had +taken place during her terrible malady was too evident to be +altogether right and should be righted before the Prince should make +the Princess his wife. + +Rathunor was satisfied, never forgetting the Hierophant's sacred +words, and none other need be consulted. In their silent hearts they +wished the wedding might be private and the holy ceremony of the +Temple be performed by the High Priest. This, of course, could not +be owing to the station and position they occupied in life, for the +lives of a Princess and Prince are not wholly their own, so to the +public they must bow and pay obeisance. + +Preparations for the wedding commenced at once, for it was to be a +grand affair. Nothing was to be spared that would add beauty and +grandeur to the occasion. Extravagant expenditures were indulged in, +until money seemed at a loss to supply more. The trousseau was +exquisitely magnificent and, on the wedding night, the beaming +radiance of the countenance of the Princess was neither dimmed by +the rich silks, nor the rare, priceless laces and lovely jewels that +glittered and sparkled with the living spark of life within them, +that adorned her form. + +Never a bride so fair; never a couple so happy. It was that quiet, +subtle happiness, which permeates the very atmosphere about them and +leaves its traces in every susceptible heart that breathes it. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE RETIREMENT. + + +After the wedding the Prince and Princess were, from necessity, +drawn within the whirl of social pleasures with attentions in the +way of entertainments, court suppers, balls, drawing-room +receptions, etc. The interior longings were compelled to creep into +the background until the external was gratified to exhaustion. The +Princess' seriousness departed for a time and they were very happy +in the round of pleasures that were planned for them. But as time +sped on they began to grow weary of the show, pomp and shallowness +of external life. The seeds that had been sown in Rathunor's heart +and brain, and that which he had aroused in Nu-nah's slumbering, +spiritual organs of her brain, had taken root and now began to +spring forth into activity, first as weariness of the superficial +pleasures of society, then a desire to gradually withdraw from this +life into a more quiet and secluded one, where they might listen to +the inner voices and gain pleasure, as well as knowledge, from this +source. + +The Prince anxiously awaited another opportunity for speaking to +Princess Nu-nah on spiritual subjects. The Hierophant had given him +to understand that at no distant day Nu-nah would become interested +in spiritual things and be his teacher. He had not been made aware +of the transfer--that was to be revealed to him by Nu-nah herself. +He had begun to wonder how and where Nu-nah's spiritual awakening +would take place when an opportunity presented itself in a most +unexpected manner. + +One lovely evening they were taking a stroll about the grounds of +their castle, when the full Moon arose in a flood of light, it rose +higher, fuller, until the whole world seemed bathed in her magical +beauty and in order to longer enjoy her light and magnetic influence +the Prince suggested a longer walk. Unconsciously they chose the +path that led them towards the Temple, which was only a short +distance from their home. As they neared the Temple distant strains +of music attracted their attention. They listened, and it seemed to +speak in the plaintive tones of a hungering soul; they hastened +their steps until they had quite reached the private grounds of the +Temple of Isis, Nu-nah was in advance of Rathunor, being +irresistibly drawn by some invisible power, when she suddenly +stopped and clasping his arm, as within a vice, cried out, "My +Rathunor, do you hear that music; what is it? I have heard it +before, but where, O, where? How came I to know the chants and music +of the Temple Service?" + +They were held spell-bound to the spot, when the Prince was warned, +by the trembling and the gradual loosening of Nu-nah's hand upon his +arm, to quit the spot at once. The Prince placed his arm about her +waist to support her as he urged their return home, but she stood +immovable apparently chained by the magical power of some invisible +force. + +Stronger grew the mystical power of the spell until the Princess +seemed compelled to rush madly on and into the Temple, if the +Prince had not held her back in a firm grasp, and at the same time +trying to attract her attention by his words. "Come, my darling, let +us retrace our steps and as we walk I will tell you all I know about +what you have heard." + +"O, my Rathunor, speak to me quickly before I have time to forget. I +can not remember this long, yet it as a recurrence of a vivid dream. +Tell me while I am awake, where I have been. I saw, and felt, and +know I was there--there in the Sacred Sanctuary of that Temple. O, +that I might go again and remain there forever to listen to that +enchanting music and the solemn heavenly voices of that choir." + +A quiver ran through her whole frame and with a mournful cry she +fell fainting in the arms of Rathunor. Here his innate born courage +and bravery sustained him, and instantly there flashed into his mind +the words he had once heard the High Priest use while passing his +hands over an insensible form. So, gently laying her inanimate body +upon the grass, he repeated in slow, but firm and commanding tones +these words: + +"Return, O soul, to thy physical body. Return, I command thee, and +reanimate this lifeless tenement of your soul. Come, come, I command +thee, come." + +Scarcely had the last words been uttered when a movement of the +hands and limbs announced to Rathunor the return of life. She was +soon able to rise and, being supported by the Prince, they slowly +wended their way back to the castle. She walked as in a dream, but +as her step was stately and firm, the Prince did not become alarmed +until he had her safe in her room, when the extent of the occurrence +dawned upon him and then he hurriedly called her maid and sent at +once to dispatch a servant for their physician. Nu-nah had become +quite herself before the Doctor came and after he had administered a +little palliative, withdrew saying, "The Princess will soon be well. +It was only the result of fatigue induced by the constant excitement +of social pleasures." + +The Prince was silent and, seeing the Princess was so comfortable, +he retired to his own apartments with strict injunctions, he should +be notified at once if any symptoms of the prostration should +appear. When once within his private chamber he threw himself down +in a chair and fell into a profound study. Over and over he +reviewed the incidents of the evening. "What was there in that music +that so enchanted Nu-nah? What did she see and hear that revived a +faint memory of something in the past? What magical force was it +that drew her so irresistibly toward the Temple? What produced that +quiver which preceded her falling insensible into his arms?" + +He was half inclined to blame the Priests for it all, for he knew +something of the power of magic and its psychologic effect. The more +he reasoned the farther he wandered from a solution. Now he mused, +"If that had been the beautiful Vestal, Sarthia, I could understand +why she would be so powerfully attracted to the Temple, but Nu-nah, +who had never entered the Holy Sanctuary except for those sacred +Rites that are administered to all who are supposed to be bordering +on the land of the spiritual world; only those two nights, to his +knowledge, had she ever been in the Sacred Sanctuary; there was +something in those ceremonies that he had not as yet understood; +there must have been some mystical, magical power employed to +restore the frail, feeble, unconscious Nu-nah to life and health +and, to him." + +He thought and reasoned until his brain was on fire, and still no +solution of the mystery was presented to his understanding. + +"Well," he at last exclaimed, so loud that he startled himself, "I +will have to accept it as a mystery and patiently wait time's own +pleasure for the explanation." + +He began to prepare for retiring, but he could not calm himself--a +restlessness took possession of him that he could not quell; he +walked the floor, tried to read, and resorted to many ways to +restore his tranquillity, but all in vain. + +"I must see my Nu-nah once more before I can sleep," and, hurriedly +readjusting the clothing he had removed, he repaired to the +Princess' private room. A gentle knock brought the attendant to the +door. + +"Is the Princess quiet and sleeping," he inquired in a whisper. + +"No," answered the servant. "She is awake and feeling well, and just +now remarked, that if she thought you were not sleeping she would +have you called for she had something she wished to tell you." + +His presence was at once made known to the Princess, and, with a +low cry of delight, she called him to her side. A signal sent the +attendant from the room, when the Princess began, "My Rathunor, my +beloved husband, I am so glad you came. I have something to tell you +that I might forget before morning. To-night, when we came within +the sound of the music in the Temple, I felt as if I left my body +and you, and by some unknown power was drawn into the Sacred +Sanctuary. I saw the High Priest, the lovely Mother Priestess, the +Vestals, the choir and musicians, all earnestly engaged in some holy +ceremony. The music, the heavenly spiritual influence of the +atmosphere, the exquisite fragrance of incense and perfumes, with +the purity reflected by the Vestal attendants, so enraptured and +enthralled me that the thought that I would ever have to leave its +sacred boundaries caused me to lose consciousness and, when I awoke, +you were bending over me." + +Seeing a strange look in Rathunor's eyes and interpreting it to mean +jealousy, she continued, "but that was not all, my Rathunor; you +were there, too, for awhile. I tried to keep you, but could +not--something drew you away from _me_ and I, for an instant, +suffered the same pangs that are torturing your heart now. I thought +you would rather go than stay, and a feeling of jealousy entered my +heart, but the strange fascination of the place was more to me at +that instant than you, my Rathunor, so I longed to stay but could +not. I have been trying to think what it all means. You must help me +for already I feel the memory of the event passing away." + +She ceased speaking, and in a few moments was fast asleep. The +Prince kissed the hand he held, then gently laid it by her side and +quietly left the room fully conscious that the mystery had been +partially revealed, and that now the Princess would sleep for the +rest of the night. After returning to his rooms he again flung +himself into an easy chair determined to seriously think and arrive, +that night, at some immediate steps to take his Nu-nah from the +excitement she had been subjected to for so long, so that a +recurrence of the sad event might not be repeated. Before another +Sun arose the Prince had decided upon his future course. "I will +take Nu-nah away, ostensibly on a long tour of the country for +pleasure. Aye, for pleasure, but not the kind we have submitted to +since our marriage." + +The next morning, as soon as the Princess could see him, he +requested her presence at once. He met her at the door and with a +loving inquiry as to her health, led her to an easy chair beside the +open window where the rays of the morning Sun could fall upon her as +they penetrated the delicate lace which hung at the window. Drawing +a chair to her side he began to unfold his plans, at the same time +watching every motion and expression of the face to see what effect +they would have upon her. She did not betray her thoughts until he +said his object was not so much for travel as to retire to some +quiet, pleasant nook, where they could be excluded from the world, +and those they knew, for awhile, and instead of spending their time +in the superficial pleasures of the world they could enjoy each +other's society and learn something about the invisible mysteries +that surrounded them. + +When the motives of his plans were mentioned a perceptible change +flashed across her countenance and a light appeared in her eyes that +he had not seen for some time and, by the time he had finished, her +whole face was beaming with an inward delight, that urged the Prince +to further reveal the plans that he had laid during his midnight +reasonings. The Princess raised not a single exception to his +schemes but, on the contrary, entered into them with a zest that +surprised even the Prince. + +"O, to be alone, Rathunor, where we could think and study that which +we choose has been the longing of my very soul these many weeks; can +not we go at once, to-day if possible." She felt she could not wait +the necessary time for the preparations to be made. + +There was a duty toward their friends that must be fulfilled. The +devoted attentions that had been showered upon them for so long must +not be ignored. So, it was decided to give a farewell reception, +before taking their departure for an indefinite stay in strange +lands. + +Accordingly invitations were issued to a grand state occasion, when +the Prince and Princess would bid their friends and associates +Farewell. Ah! farewell. Little did those who were of that brilliant +assembly dream, as they clasped the hands of the Princess and Prince +in cordial and sincere good-by, that it was indeed a Farewell to +all. Neither did they conceive for a moment what those Farewells +meant to the Princess and Prince. It was hard for them to conceal +their happiness as every minute of time brought their departure +nearer, and what their guests took for the happiness of their +presence, was really induced by the thoughts of the future. + +They were soon off and we can only follow them in thought for a +time. Let those thoughts be kind, for, knowing thoughts are potent, +send them out lovingly toward the awakening mind of Princess Nu-nah. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +THE RETURN TO A NEW LIFE. + + +Several years have elapsed since we bade our Prince and Princess +farewell. Only at long intervals had they communicated with their +friends. The outer world had almost forgotten them, but not so with +the Hierophant and the Priestess of the Temple. Daily, had their +prayers gone in behalf of their souls' welfare. Although not in +communication with them in body they were in spirit, and from this +source they knew all was well. The High Priest, in his astral +visits, could see the growing power of the soul over the +slowly-evolving brain of the Princess, and with the electric +soul-force, the great nourisher and renewer of life, though +unconscious to him, the rounding out was fast nearing completion of +the soul's mastery over the brain and body of Nu-nah. + +They had settled in distant lands, near a little country village +that lay just at the foot of the mountains. It was made up of the +simple peasantry, where life was free from cant, suspicions, +criticism and morbid curiosity. Here they could live and follow the +bent of their minds, undisturbed and unobserved if they so wished. +They kept their identity unknown yet the villagers knew from the +Princess' delicate beauty of form and features she belonged to some +noble family and station in life, but her kind, thoughtful bearing +towards them won their love and esteem at once, and equally did they +esteem the Prince for he was ever lavish with his money and +attention to those who appealed to him for assistance. The mountains +soon became their favorite resort. Long walks were taken daily, and +rests made in the quiet nooks on the mountain side. One place +particularly, became a very dear retreat to them, for never did they +stop there but that some inspirations were born. It was here that +Nu-nah took her first lesson from Rathunor; it was in this sacred +spot that Rathunor gently but cautiously revealed to her the +Initiatory Rites of the Temple that had been performed over her +unconscious body. This excited an intense curiosity, if not deep +interest, in Nu-nah's mind. She began to question and think and, as +she thought, there came a vague, glimmering memory of the past, and +when Rathunor would inquire the cause of her almost unconscious +moods, she would raise her hand to silence his voice, and whisper, +"I am dreaming--O, something so grand, so solemn, so sacred haunts +my mind; just wait and it will all come by and by," then her dark +eyes seemed to grow larger and larger and to burn with a +concentrated fire. + +The Prince's delight knew no bounds as these expressions led him to +believe they sprang from deep desires and interests, so the time +seemed to shorten for the day to come when their whole time and +attention would be turned to the study of Nature's mysteries and the +secrets of life be revealed to them, thus satisfying that inward +longing for the realities of life. Also, he knew, the new love that +had been born in Nu-nah's heart for him was more than that love that +the external only can know. Its depths he could not fathom nor its +source pursue, so he was content to wait that promised time, +predicted by the Astrologer, that Nu-nah would lead, guide and teach +him these spiritual truths and reveal to his already awakening soul +the laws of the spirit. + +Now, a new joy was revealed to the Prince when the Princess made him +aware that a new soul had been entrusted to their tender care and +keeping. The thoughts of maternity filled her heart with bliss. +Blessed privilege, to bring to this plane of existence a soul +awaiting incarnation in human form, to live, grow and experience on +this planet the last grand objective existence that the soul can +know. What care, what pleasure would she take in training that +little soul to know its God and the mysteries of life and in +maturity stand forth to teach mankind Wisdom and Truth. + +The pleasure in preparing for its advent made days pass as minutes. +Time, borne on the wings of love, passed quickly. Her soul had +gained that control over the mind that it was full with pure, holy +and spiritual thoughts. Her mind could not get beyond her husband +and the young soul that had been transmitted to her keeping. The +divine joy of love was singing in her soul. Rathunor left her alone +in her happiness, knowing that in her condition any great effort on +his part to draw her mind--thoughts into new channels might lead to +dire results. + +At last the Natalday arrived. The magnetic, as well as the physical, +period of gestation being completed, to them a son was born. Never +was there a human soul greeted with greater love and welcome than +this one. Not only was it the offspring of the physical union, but +that of the souls. Welcome, thrice welcome, to the children born of +such love. The physical condition of the Princess was very critical +for several days. The Prince's grief and anxiety was almost +unbearable; neither sleep nor food took a moment of his time during +her severe illness, and often did he think that again Nu-nah's soul +would take its flight and wend its way to the realms above. + +The eighth day after confinement was one of stupor and +unconsciousness. Not a moment passed unheeded. It was near midnight +when, the attendants having retired for a short rest, and Rathunor +sat alone by her bedside, her eyes suddenly opened and bent their +gaze upon him. Beautiful, calm, divine Nu-nah, her wonderful eyes +shone with a surprising brilliancy and they were so riveted upon him +that he dare not move, much less speak. The minutes that intervened +between her waking and speaking seemed as an eternity to Rathunor. + +"My darling husband, are you beside me--are you where I can speak to +you, and are we alone?" + +Only by a gentle pressure of the hand could he respond, and, gently +laying his right hand upon her brow, he assured her by this act of +his presence. She began speaking--her voice was low, yet clear and +distinct, "My Rathunor, my true-soul companion, I have returned with +the knowledge I now impart to you. While you so patiently and +tenderly watched beside my frail and almost lifeless body, my soul +was away gaining knowledge and experience in the soul-world. There I +learned who I am and my relation to you. Do you know, O my Rathunor, +that our souls sustain that divine relation to each other that makes +us immortal, because of being complete? The whole, the two rays of +the Divine Ego, are joined and blended as one in our union. Can you +hear me further?" + +The agitation of his grief began to assuage and he could now listen +calmly and without emotion to her words. + +"Yes, go on. What you have already said has been indelibly burned +upon my mind and soul. Let me hear all you have to impart." + +"Know you that this body was Nu-nah's and this soul that of +Sarthia's?" + +It was here that only by a mighty effort of his will was he able to +keep in abeyance the emotions of his heart, but the superior and +God-like power of an invisible Presence sustained him. The Princess +took no heed of his silence and continued her revelations. + +"Do you know that on the night of the full Moon, the solemn and +sacred Rites performed over the unconscious bodies of Sarthia and +Nu-nah in the Sacred Sanctuary of the Temple of Isis, our souls were +transferred by the magical power of the High Priest and the +invisible assistants? Nu-nah's soul was polarized in Sarthia's +physical temple and that of Sarthia's in this of mine. Both were +prostrated, even to dissolution by the malefic influence of +planetary arcs, and this method was resorted to, that both our +lives might be spared to round out our necessary physical existence +while yet in these bodies, and also for your sake was this +undertaken by our Holy Father that you might have that love which +you so much craved and the longings of your soul might be satisfied +with the knowledge it thirsted for. This will explain to you the +great change observed at times in your Nu-nah, and the unnatural, +dreamy moods that possessed me sometimes. The brain was slow to +respond to the wonderfully developed soul of Sarthia and it was at +those times that the soul gained the supremacy, that the greatest +change would manifest. You now have the true devoted love of your +soul companion and the lovely form of Nu-nah for your wife. My +Rathunor, are you satisfied? If a pang of disappointment cross your +heart, our darling child here may blot that out as he grows and +learns our mystic lore and become also a soul companion of his +fathers in climbing the ladder to higher wisdom and spheres than +ours." + +The Prince could not speak. He sank on his knees beside the bed and +buried his face in her bosom. Here silence was more profound and +spoke deeper wisdom and contentment than ever words could do; how +long he remained in this humble attitude and poured forth his +gratefulness in prayer he knew not; but when he arose the Princess +was sleeping quietly, the breathing, though feeble, was deeper and +more even. He gently crossed her hands upon her bosom, adjusted the +clothing carefully and left her side, full of a new hope he had had +for many days. Life again appeared in all its glory, not a shadow +appeared upon its horizon; weariness and anxiety forsook him and he +went about as if walking on air, but not a word escaped his +lips--nor an act betrayed his new-born joy. + +When the nurses returned they at once remarked the change in the +Princess. They, too, became hopeful and assured the husband that his +wife would soon be well. The Princess recovered rapidly, and it was +not long before her gentle presence and noble influence shed its +effulgence in the home as she moved about it. + +As soon as Rathunor could spare the time from Nu-nah's side he sent +the Natal hour of his first-born to the Astrologer Priest. Anxiously +did he await the reading of the stars and what they indicated for +his child. The calculations were made, the judgment submitted in +writing, but "Shall I transmit them to the Prince and Princess, can +they yet receive and philosophically accept the revelations therein +made?" + +He left the study-room and repaired to the apartments of the High +Priest to seek advice and instructions. Then, by the exercise of his +potent will, he made the necessary observations to see if it were +wise to convey the knowledge of the predictions to his children, +Nu-nah and Rathunor. + +"Not yet will we send the reading. Our Nu-nah has not sufficiently +recovered to bear any unpleasant news." + +Rathunor became impatient and thought, at times, he would write +again--the letter must have been lost--but something withheld him. +At last strange forebodings haunted him. He knew too well the +promptness of the Astrologer Priest; there must be something that +could not be revealed to Nu-nah. He thought he was strong enough to +bear resignedly all that might come, but when it did come all his +forebodings had not prepared him to receive it. It was only a +letter--no calculations--no reading, as indicated by the stars, was +in it. The letter had been dictated by the Priest and transcribed by +the scribe Hermo, and read thus: + +"Our darling children, Rathunor and Nu-nah, bear bravely the news I +now impart to you. Your first born, the offspring of true +inspiration and soul-love, can not remain with you long in the +physical form. The stars deny a prolonged life, and my interior +knowledge of the planetary influence, also tells me his life upon +our Earth's plane will be of short duration. His already matured +soul does not need much of Earth's experience to round out its +objective existence, before entering the true life in the spiritual +realm; there it will remain, my dear children, ever beckoning you +on, and contributing to you that energy that will ever spur you to +greater effort to realize while yet in the physical form Immortal +Life. Tend it carefully, but when the Great Powers that Be summon +its soul to go, do not try to hold it here, but add the strength of +your united prayers to its flight and bid it depart to its home in +the spiritual realms above. God bless and give you the strength, my +children, is the prayer of your devoted Father. Amen! Amen!" + +The strength of spiritual force that seemed to accompany the letter +and his loving advice imparted courage to their hearts, and instead +of giving way to grief, began to philosophically reason and console +themselves that God's ways were wiser than man's. + +Not many months did their lovely spiritual child remain with them +until its soul took its flight to realms beyond, where truly it +became as a beacon-light to the souls of its parents. Its departure +left the Prince and Princess sad and lonely for a time and their +struggle to reconciliation was great--but this was of the heart and +not of the soul. Time healed the external wound and the interior +vacancy was filled by study, investigation and the development to +external consciousness of the knowledge within. + +Again, they became restless and plans were laid to leave their +happy home near the mountains, and the devoted friends they had made +among the villagers who were sorry to part with them and, as memento +to their honest, noble friendship, they distributed their household +and personal effects among them. They revealed to no one where they +were going. They disappeared as mysteriously as they came, but +where? Only one place on Earth could tempt them to leave that sacred +home, where such extreme joy and sorrow were known, and that was the +former home of the soul of Nu-nah, The Temple of Isis. Nu-nah was to +enter as an aspirant to a Priestess, and Rathunor as a Priest King. + +The Return to a New Life, was hailed with joyful welcomes from all +of the Attendants of the Temple. Rathunor and Nu-nah soon passed +the ceremonial Rites of the Temple and none were more faithful in +their efforts and studies than these new-born children--the especial +care of the High Priest and the Priestess. + +We leave them here, wishing them the progress, the happiness and +that Divine Peace and Understanding that comes to all Perfected +Souls. God be with them. + + + + +BOOK REVIEWS. + +CELESTIAL DYNAMICS. + + +=CELESTIAL DYNAMICS= is a course of astrometaphysical study +particularly well adapted to new beginners in the consideration of +occult forces--it being so simply, yet so forcefully written, that +it carries conviction to the mind of the student without mental +effort on his part. Published by the Astro-Philosophical Publishing +Company of Denver, Colo.--_Banner of Light_. + +=CELESTIAL DYNAMICS=, by the author of "The Light of +Egypt," etc. Cloth, Price, $1.00. This is an excellent treatise upon +those subtle or Occult Influences of Nature--that Solar Force or +Planetary Influence, which lies at the basis of Astrological +Science, and which is generally known under the broad name of +"Vibration." The work is divided into twelve chapters, of which the +following is an epitome. Chapter I, treats upon the Occult Forces of +Nature; II, the Language of the Starry Heavens; III, Vital Force; +IV, the Temperament, Physical and Magnetic; V, the Mental and +Intellectual Powers; VI, the Financial Prospects; VII, Love and +Marriage; VIII, Friends and Enemies; IX, Celestial Dynamics in +Operation; X, the Diagnosis of Disease; XI, the Treatment of +Disease; XII, Man, and His Material Destiny, etc. Altogether, the +book is a very valuable _Vade mecum_ to those who are interested in +Occult Studies; particularly that of Astrology.--_The Morning Star_. + +=CELESTIAL DYNAMICS=. 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It contains fourteen special +lessons, embracing each department of human life, in such plain, +simple language, that a child can understand the elementary +principles laid down. And in addition to these lessons there is an +Appendix, containing a full explanation of all technical and +scientific terms in general use upon the subject, thus forming a +brief, yet practical Astro Dictionary. This work is illustrated with +special plates. + +PRICE, ONLY 50 CENTS, POST FREE. + +--FOR SALE BY-- + +Astro-Philosophical Pub. Co., 1609 Downing Ave., Denver, Colo. +Banner of Light Pub. Co., No. 9 Bosworth St., Boston, Mass. +The Progressive Thinker, No. 40 Loomis St., Chicago, Ills. +The Bancroft Book Co., 1126-1128 16th St., Denver. Colo. + +: : : ALSO : : : +RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, +1429 Market St., San Francisco, Cal. + + +"=The Light of Egypt=;" + +--OR-- + +THE SCIENCE OF THE SOUL AND THE STARS. + +FOURTH EDITION. + +_In Two Parts. Price, Cloth, $2; Paper, $1._ + +=By an Initiate in Esoteric Masonry.= + +FINELY ILLUSTRATED WITH EIGHT FULL-PAGE ENGRAVINGS. + +It is claimed that this book is not a mere compilation, but +thoroughly original. + +It is believed to contain information upon the most vital points of +Occultism and Theosophy that cannot be obtained elsewhere. + +It claims to fully reveal the most recondite mysteries of man upon +every plane of his existence, both here and hereafter, in such +plain, simple language that a child can almost understand it. + +The secrets and Occult mysteries of Astrology are revealed and +explained for the first time, it is affirmed, since the days of +Egyptian Hieroglyphics. + +An effort is made to show that the science of the Soul and the +science of the Stars are the twin mysteries which comprise THE +ONE GRAND SCIENCE OF LIFE. + +The following are among the claims made for the work by its friends. + +To the spiritual investigator this book is indispensable. + +To the medium it reveals knowledge beyond all earthly price, and +will prove in real truth, "a guide, philosopher and friend." + +To the Occultist it will supply the mystic key for which he has been +so long earnestly seeking. + +To the Astrologer it will become a "divine revelation of Science." + + * * * * * + +OPINIONS OF PRESS AND PEOPLE. + +"A noble, philosophical and instructive work."--_Mrs. Emma Hardinge +Britten_. + +"A work of remarkable ability and interest."--_Dr J.R. Buchanan_ + +"A remarkably concise, clear and forcibly interesting work. * * * It +is more clear and intelligible than any other work on like +subjects."--_Mr. J.J. Morse_. + +"A careful reading of THE LIGHT OF EGYPT discovers the +beginning of a new sect in Occultism, which will oppose the +grafting on Western Occultists the subtile delusive dogmas of Karma +and Re-incarnation."--_New York Times_. + +"It is a volume likely to attract wide attention from that class of +scholars interested in mystical science and occult forces. But it is +written in such plain and simple style as to be within the easy +comprehension * * * of any cultivated, scholarly reader." _The +Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean_. + +"However recondite his book, the author certainly presents a theory +of first causes which is well fitted to challenge the thoughtful +readers' attention and to excite much reflection."--_Hartford Daily +Times_. + +"Considered as an exposition of Occultism, or the philosophy of the +Orient from a Western standpoint, this is a remarkable production. * +* * The philosophy of the book is, perhaps, as profound as any yet +attempted, and so far reaching in its scope as to take in about all +that relates to the divine ego-man in its manifold relation to time +and eternity--the past, present and future."--_The Daily Tribune, +Salt Lake City, Utah_. + +"This work, the result of years of research and study, will +undoubtedly create a profound sensation throughout the philosophic +world."--_The Detroit Commercial Advertiser_ + +"It is an Occult work but not a Theosophical one. * * * It is a book +entirely new in its scope, and must excite wide attention."--_The +Kansas City Journal_. + +"The book is highly interesting and very ably written, and it comes +at an opportune time to eliminate from the "Wisdom Religion," +re-incarnation and other unphilosophical superstitions of the +otherwise beautiful structure of Theosophy."--_Kansas Herald_ + +"What will particularly commend the book to many in this country is +that it is the first successful attempt to make the truths of +Theosophy plain and clear to any one not a special student, and it +lays bare the frauds of the Blavatsky school."--_San Francisco +Chronicle_ + + * * * * * + +Beautifully printed and illustrated on paper manufactured for this +special purpose, with illuminated and extra heavy cloth binding. +Cloth, $2.00; Paper, $1.00. + +For sale, wholesale and retail, by ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL +PUBLISHING CO., 1609 Downing Ave., Denver, Colo.; BANNER OF +LIGHT PUBLISHING CO., No. 9 Bosworth St., Boston, Mass.; +THE PROGRESSIVE THINKER, No. 40 Loomis St., Chicago, Ills.; +THE BANCROFT BOOK CO., 1126-1128 16th St., Denver, Colo.; +Also, RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE, 1429 Market +St., San Francisco, Cal. + + +CELESTIAL DYNAMICS. + +BEING + +A NORMAL COURSE OF STUDY + +--IN-- + +THE ASTRO-MAGNETIC FORCES OF NATURE. + +BY THE AUTHOR OF + +"THE LIGHT OF EGYPT," "THE LANGUAGE OF THE STARS," ETC. + + * * * * * + +A magnificent and complete course of Astro-metaphysical study +embodying VITAL PRINCIPLES OF LIFE, MENTAL FORCE, SICKNESS AND +DISEASE. With the only true and really Scientific method of +treating the sick successfully. + +Mental Healers, Metaphysicians, and all who practice the healing Art +Divine, should give "Celestial Dynamics" a thorough and impartial +study and thus learn the real cause of their frequent failures. + +No Astro Student can afford to be without this work, if he would +understand the Metaphysics of Astrology. + +The PRICE, ONE DOLLAR, is within the reach of all who seek +for light. Orders accompanied by cash, will be filled immediately. +Apply early, as the edition is limited. Address, + +THE ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUB. CO. + +1609 DOWNING AVE., DENVER, COLO. + + N.B.--This work has been specially prepared for publication to + meet the demands of a large and very earnest class of people who + cannot afford to pay for a regular course of instruction under a + qualified teacher. And those who can afford this privilege will + find the work an invaluable text book to their studies. + + +THE DUALITY OF TRUTH; + +--OR-- + +THE OCCULT FORCES OF NATURE. + +Reviewed from the Standpoint of Hermetic Philosophy + +BY HENRY WAGNER, M.D. + +This is a clear, practical statement of Nature's dual forces, and +will prove of great value to Occult students. A rare treat is in +store for you on The Sphinx and Pyramids of Egypt. Symbolism and +Correspondence alone are worth many times the cost of this unique +book.--_Zanoni_ + +CLOTH, PRICE $1.00. + +=THE ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.,= + +1609 DOWNING AVE., DENVER, COLO. + + * * * * * + +"WITHIN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS." + +BY BELLE M. WAGNER. + +This is an Occult Novel of rare value, as it contains a vast deal of +Occult lore on many subjects. Soul Transfer and Soul-Marriage are +especially dealt with in a scientific manner. Everybody should read +it.--_Zanoni_ + +CLOTH, PRICE 75 CENTS. + +=THE ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.,= + +1609 DOWNING AVE., DENVER, COLO. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Within the Temple of Isis, by Belle M. Wagner + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITHIN THE TEMPLE OF ISIS *** + +***** This file should be named 17182.txt or 17182.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/1/8/17182/ + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes, Cori Samuel and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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