7.4. Group Formation Scripts⁑
Unlike induction into an already-established group which is to take place immediately prior to a Katharsis, forming a group should be done when not immediately prior to a ceremony so as to allow the new group to establish itself with elections for offices, schedules, and other concerns of the group; as such, no reference to the Kanones is made for inductions into a new group.
It is to be taken for granted that all those who participate in the forming of a group will not reject undertaking any of the Principles, Rules for Members, or Rules for Groups, as one should already be aware of them leading towards the group formation and establishment. As such, there is no process for rejection at this point once the process of forming and inducting into a new group begins, but if anything should happen, the process is to be immediately aborted and resumed at a later time whenever possible to do so with whomever possible to do so.
7.4.1. If No Founding Members are Prior Members of Any Group⁑
If a new group is being formed with no founding member being a prior member of another group of the Hermetic Synaxis, then all founding members (A) are to recite the Principles, Rules for Members, and Rules for Groups together as one with one voice.
Once all are gathered at an agreed-upon place and date and time, everyone is to gather in a circle, arranged by greatest physical age descending (clockwise in the northern hemisphere, counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere), and each person is to announce who they are to everyone else by name with the formula: “My name is NN., and I am here; may you live in wholeness and health!”, to which everyone else is to then respond “May you live in wholeness and health!”. Once everyone has announced themselves and greeted each other, the forming of the group may begin.
7.4.1.1. Declaration of Intention⁑
A: We gather here today on this <date> to establish a new hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis so that we may walk on the Way of Hermēs together. To do so, we undertake to hold ourselves and each other to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis with one voice.
7.4.1.2. Undertaking the Principles⁑
A: We now undertake to hold ourselves and each other to the Arkhai of the Hermetic Synaxis, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey.A: We will show devotion to divinity and cherish heaven.A: We will join reverence and knowledge together.A: We will learn the works of the Divine and the workings of Nature.A: We will discover and apply the skillful arts of everything that is good.A: We will do works of charity and justice for our society and the world.A: We will end ignorance, abandon error, and cease evil.A: We will go forth to the Life, Light, and Goodness of God.
7.4.1.3. Undertaking the Rules for Members⁑
A: We now undertake to hold ourselves and each other to the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireia.A: We will maintain our honesty and integrity in the hetaireia.A: We will be respectful towards one another and the hetaireia as a whole.A: We will support each other and the hetaireia as a whole.A: We will keep the trust, faith, and secrecy of others in the hetaireia.A: We will communicate clearly with the hetaireia, especially for coordination and collaboration.A: We will focus on the work of the hetaireia while with the hetaireia.A: We will attend all events of the hetaireia as much as possible, but especially the Synodos for fellowship and community as much as spirituality and communion.
7.4.1.4. Undertaking the Rules for Groups⁑
A: We now undertake to hold ourselves and each other to the Entolai for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis.A: We will be welcoming towards all people so long as they come in good faith.A: We will uphold and encourage the spiritual development of hetaireiōtai equally and fairly.A: We will do everything in this hetaireia oriented towards and for the sake of the Way of Hermēs.A: We will keep to and keep doing the ceremonies and events prescribed by the Hermetic Synaxis.A: We will reach out to and maintain good relationships with other hetaireiai of the Hermetic Synaxis.A: We will not affiliate with or rely on other organizations outside of the Hermetic Synaxis in an official capacity in this hetaireia.A: We will support our broader community with charity and justice as reasonable.
7.4.1.5. Establishment of the Group⁑
A: We have undertaken to hold ourselves and each other to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis in the company of each other and as witnesses for each other. In such company and being so witnessed, we declare ourselves to be synktistai and hetaireiōtai of our hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis that we have formed on this <date>.A: May we live in wholeness and health, and may we walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!
7.4.2. If All Founding Members are Prior Members of a Group⁑
If a new group is being formed with all founding members being prior members of another group of the Hermetic Synaxis, then all founding members (A) are to recite a communal affirmation of the Principles, Rules for Members, and Rules for Groups so as to declare the formation of a new group.
Once all are gathered at an agreed-upon place and date and time, everyone is to gather in a circle, arranged by seniority descending (clockwise in the northern hemisphere, counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere), and each person is to announce who they are to everyone else by name with the formula: “My name is NN., and I am here; may you live in wholeness and health!”, to which everyone else is to then respond “May you live in wholeness and health!”. Once everyone has announced themselves and greeted each other, the forming of the group may begin.
7.4.2.1. Declaration of Intention⁑
A: We gather here today on this <date> to establish a new hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis so that we may walk on the Way of Hermēs together. We who have previously undertaken to hold ourselves and each other to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis reaffirm our will to do so as we continue our work with one voice.
7.4.2.2. Reaffirmation of the Principles and Rules⁑
A: We will hold ourselves to our Arkhai, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey, as others hold us to them.A: We will hold ourselves to our Entolai for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireia, as others hold us to them.A: We will hold ourselves to our Entolai for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis, as others hold us to them.
7.4.2.3. Establishment of the Group⁑
A: We have reaffirmed our will to hold ourselves and each other to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis in the company of each other and as witnesses for each other. In such company and being so witnessed, we declare ourselves to be synktistai and hetaireiōtai of our hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis that we have formed on this <date>.A: May we live in wholeness and health, and may we walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!
7.4.3. If At Least One but Not All Founding Members are Prior Members of a Group⁑
If a new group is being formed with at least one, but not all, founding members being prior members of another group of the Hermetic Synaxis, the seniormost prior member is to act as inductor (I) to administer an abbreviated induction for all founding members who are not prior members of another group (NP), while any other prior members (PP) present act as witnesses. All those being inducted are to respond together as one.
Once all are gathered at an agreed-upon place and date and time, all prior members are to stand to one side in a row with all non-prior members facing them in a row, with the seniormost prior member standing in the center of their row. Each person is to announce who they are to everyone else by name with the formula: “My name is NN., and I am here; may you live in wholeness and health!”, to which everyone else is to then respond “May you live in wholeness and health!”. Any prior members should go first according to seniority, followed by those who are not prior members according to physical age. Once everyone has announced themselves and greeted each other, the forming of the group may begin.
7.4.3.1. Declaration of Intention⁑
I: We gather here today on this <date> to establish a new hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis so that we may walk on the Way of Hermēs together.
7.4.3.2. Reaffirmation of the Principles and Rules for Prior Members⁑
7.4.3.2.1. If There is Only One Prior Member⁑
I: I who have previously undertaken to hold myself to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis reaffirm my will to do so as I continue my work.I: I will hold myself to our Arkhai, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey, as others hold me to them.I: I will hold myself to our Entolai for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireia, as others hold me to them.I: I will hold myself to our Entolai for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis, as others hold me to them.I: I have reaffirmed my will to hold myself to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis in the company and witness of you all who come to join me on the Way of Hermēs. As I continue to hold myself to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis, so too do I invite you now who shall undertake the same to begin the same work. As your eisagōgeus, answer me honestly to what I ask.
7.4.3.2.2. If There are More than One Prior Members⁑
I: We who have previously undertaken to hold ourselves and each to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis reaffirm our will to do so as we continue our work with one voice.PP: We will hold ourselves to our Arkhai, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey, as others hold us to them.PP: We will hold ourselves to our Entolai for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireia, as others hold us to them.PP: We will hold ourselves to our Entolai for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis, as others hold us to them.I: We have reaffirmed our will to hold ourselves and each other to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis in the company of each other and as witnesses for each other, and in the company and witness of those who come to join us on the Way of Hermēs. As we continue to hold ourselves and each other to the Arkhai, the Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and the Entolai for the hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis, so too do we invite you now who shall undertake the same to begin the same work. As your eisagōgeus, answer me honestly to what I ask.
7.4.3.3. Administering the Principles⁑
I: We of the Hermetic Synaxis hold ourselves and each other to our Arkhai, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey. I will ask you of our Arkhai: you shall tell me if you will hold yourself to them as we do ourselves.I: Will you show devotion to divinity and cherish heaven?NP: I will show devotion to divinity and cherish heaven.I: Will you join reverence and knowledge together?NP: I will join reverence and knowledge together.I: Will you learn the works of the Divine and the workings of Nature?NP: I will learn the works of the Divine and the workings of Nature.I: Will you discover and apply the skillful arts of everything that is good?NP: I will discover and apply the skillful arts of everything that is good.I: Will you do works of charity and justice for your society and the world?NP: I will do works of charity and justice for my society and the world.I: Will you end ignorance, abandon error, and cease evil?NP: I will end ignorance, abandon error, and cease evil.I: Will you go forth to the Life, Light, and Goodness of God?NP: I will go forth to the Life, Light, and Goodness of God.I: You have told me that you hold yourself to our Arkhai as we do ourselves; this is good.
7.4.3.4. Administering the Rules for Members⁑
I: We of the Hermetic Synaxis hold ourselves to a set of rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireia. I will ask you of our Entolai for hetaireiōtai: you shall tell me if you will hold yourself to them as we do ourselves.I: Will you maintain your honesty and integrity in the hetaireia?NP: I will maintain my honesty and integrity in the hetaireia.I: Will you be respectful towards others in the hetaireia and the hetaireia as a whole?NP: I will be respectful towards others in the hetaireia and the hetaireia as a whole.I: Will you support others in the hetaireia and the hetaireia as a whole?NP: I will support others in the hetaireia and the hetaireia as a whole.I: Will you keep the trust, faith, and secrecy of others in the hetaireia?NP: I will keep the trust, faith, and secrecy of others in the hetaireia.I: Will you communicate clearly with the hetaireia, especially for coordination and collaboration?NP: I will communicate clearly with the hetaireia, especially for coordination and collaboration.I: Will you focus on the work of the hetaireia while with the hetaireia?NP: I will focus on the work of the hetaireia while with the hetaireia.I: Will you attend all events of the hetaireia as much as possible, but especially the Synodos for fellowship and community as much as spirituality and communion?NP: I will attend all events of the hetaireia as much as possible, but especially the Synodos for fellowship and community as much as spirituality and communion.I: You have told me that you hold yourself to our Entolai for hetaireiōtai as we do ourselves; this is good.
7.4.3.5. Administering the Rules for Groups⁑
While the administering of the principles and rules for members were intended only for those being inducted to respond collectively as individuals (“I will…”), when responding to the Rules for Groups, all present including other prior members (A) should recite them in unison (“We will…”). The inductor, however, is to continue addressing those who were not prior members alone.
I: We of the Hermetic Synaxis hold ourselves to a set of rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis. I will ask you of our Entolai for the hetaireia: you shall tell me if you will hold yourself to them as we do ourselves.I: Will you be welcoming towards all people so long as they come in good faith?NP/A: We will be welcoming towards all people so long as they come in good faith.I: Will you uphold and encourage the spiritual development of hetaireiōtai equally and fairly?NP/A: We will uphold and encourage the spiritual development of hetaireiōtai equally and fairly.I: Will you do everything in this hetaireia oriented towards and for the sake of the Way of Hermēs?NP/A: We will do everything in this hetaireia oriented towards and for the sake of the Way of Hermēs.I: Will you keep to and keep doing the ceremonies and events prescribed by the Hermetic Synaxis?NP/A: We will keep to and keep doing the ceremonies and events prescribed by the Hermetic Synaxis.I: Will you reach out to and maintain good relationships with other hetaireiai of the Hermetic Synaxis?NP/A: We will reach out to and maintain good relationships with other hetaireiai of the Hermetic Synaxis.I: Will you not affiliate with or rely on other organizations outside of the Hermetic Synaxis in an official capacity in this hetaireia?NP/A: We will not affiliate with or rely on other organizations outside of the Hermetic Synaxis in an official capacity in this hetaireia.I: Will you support your broader community with charity and justice as reasonable?NP/A: We will support our broader community with charity and justice as reasonable.I: You have told me that you hold yourself to our Entolai for the hetaireia as we do ourselves; this is good.
7.4.3.6. Establishment of the Group⁑
Note
Where indicated by “NN.”, use either one’s own name.
7.4.3.6.1. If the Inductor is the Only Prior Member⁑
I: You have undertaken our Arkhai, our Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and our Entolai for the hetaireia in the company of myself of the Hermetic Synaxis who is your witness who forms a hetaireia with you. In such company and being so witnessed, I, NNI., as your eisagōgeus declare us all to be synktistai and hetaireiōtai of our hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis that we have formed on this <date>.I: May you live in wholeness and health, and may you walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!
7.4.3.6.2. If There are Other Prior Members⁑
I: You have undertaken our Arkhai, our Entolai for hetaireiōtai, and our Entolai for the hetaireia in the company of others of the Hermetic Synaxis who are your witnesses who form a hetaireia with you. In such company and being so witnessed, I, NNI., as eisagōgeus to the new and epaneisagōgeus to the old declare us all to be synktistai and hetaireiōtai of our hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis that we have formed on this <date>.I/PP: May you live in wholeness and health, and may you walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!