6.3. Hypsōsis⁑

The yearly ritual of exaltation and dedication to the Way of Hermēs is to be done when the planet Mercury is in 14° Virgo while the Sun is rising above the horizon (i.e. between sunrise and solar noon) while Mercury is direct, most preferably as the Sun itself rises over the horizon. If Mercury goes retrograde over this degree, then it should only be done once, preferably the second time after Mercury has stationed direct again. While this time happens once or twice a year sometime between August and October, due to the brief duration of Mercury being in this degree, not all locations on Earth may have a suitable time for this ritual every year. In such a case, one should attempt to travel to a location where this would be the case; otherwise, or if one is unable to perform the Hypsōsis during this time exactly, they should try to do this at the first available opportunity while Mercury is direct in Virgo after its exaltation degree while the Sun is rising above the horizon. If even that is not possible, performing the Hypsōsis while Mercury is direct in Virgo while the Sun is in upwards motion even if before sunrise may be used. However, these should be considered progressively more relaxed time considerations in case making the proper time is not feasible; whenever and if at all possible, the proper time should be used.

If Mercury is in the degree of its exaltation but undergoes a particular motion otherwise celebrated as a Stilbōneia:

  • Conjoins the Sun exactly: the Hypsōsis should be done instead of or immediately before the Enkardeia.

  • Stations retrograde: the Anapodismeia should be done instead of the Hypsōsis, and the Hypsōsis postponed until after Mercury stations direct and returns to its degree of exaltation.

  • Stations direct: the Propodismeia should be done first and the Hypsōsis done afterwards.

If done in a group, unlike other ceremonies where non-members may attend if the group agrees to it, this ritual should only be attended by group members. Otherwise, this ritual should be done alone.

This ritual involves an oath. If one is unwilling to undertake this oath for any reason, then they should not do the Hypsōsis. Instead, they are encouraged to only make the Hypsōmeia offering to Hermēs Trismegistos within this same time window as an alternative ceremony rather than performing the Hypsosis itself, which also involves such an offering at its end. However, if one has already performed the Hypsōsis in past years, they should continue performing the Hypsōsis in future years to renew the oath unless they are unable to do so due to extenuating circumstances.

Performing the Hypsōsis expects one to have engaged in communion with the seven planets with the Koinōnia ritual at least once per planet before performing this ritual, along with doing the Katharsis and Iasis rituals in the month leading up to this ritual. If one has not done so, they are encouraged to only make the Hypsōmeia offering to Hermēs Trismegistos within this same time window as an alternative ceremony.

6.3.1. Supplies and Tools Required⁑

  • A vessel of honey

    • 45–60mL (3–4 tablespoons) of honey per person for the ritual.

    • A small glass cup is sufficient, so long as it can hold the honey required.

    • Avoid black or red vessels, as well as porous vessels.

    • If one cannot have honey, then date syrup, maple syrup, agave nectar, or golden syrup may be used instead. Avoid malted or grain-based syrups.

  • Eight lights in holders

    • Narrow candles (e.g. tapers) or wide candles (e.g. tealights, votives) are equally acceptable, as are oil lamps.

    • Candles, or oil and wicks, should be new and be left to burn out on their own.

  • A book or hard copy of the Discourse on the Eighth and the Ninth, or a book or hard copy of a collection of Hermetic texts that contain at least that text

    • A book or copy of the Hermetic texts reserved for ceremonial use is ideal.

  • A lighter or matches

  • A bell (optional)

    • To be used if the ritual is done in a group.

    • Ideally something that can be struck once, like a singing bowl, gong, or chime.

  • A clean cup

    • If multiple people are present, there should be one cup per person, ideally one that they can take with them; if not, they should provide their own container to carry liquid back with them.

  • A basin, pitcher, mixing bowl, or punchbowl

  • Water for making melikraton

    • 0.5–1L (4–6 cups) of water per person for the ritual.

  • Other ingredients for making melikraton (optional and as desired)

  • Offerings to Hermēs Trismegistos

    • Light, whether candles or oil lamps

    • Incense

    • Water, wine, and other drinks as available

    • Figs and other food as available

    • Other offerings as desired

6.3.2. Preparation⁑

Before the ritual, follow the Kanones of hygiene (full bathing required), clothing, and abstinence (both lax and strict required); because of the holiness and importance of this particular ritual, a longer period of following the Kanones is encouraged, e.g. three to seven days. A hormos is required for this ritual, but is not to be worn until a certain point in the ritual; the hormos may be new if one already has a hormos of their own, or they may use their existing hormos. This ritual requires a bōmos; one’s permanent bōmos should be used if at all possible.

Place the text of the Discourse on the Eighth and the Ninth on the bōmos in the center, with four lights arranged in a column to the left and four lights arranged in a column to the right, forming an aisle with the lykhnon at the far end of it; if the text is a book containing the Discourse, the book may be left closed or open to the Discourse as one chooses. Put the vessel of honey on top of the text. If alone, put the hormos curled up loosely in a ring around the vessel of honey such that it can be easily picked up without having to remove the vessel of honey; if in a group, everyone should put their hormos tightly curled up in a separate coil around the vessel of honey, with the coil closest to the front of the bōmos belonging to the ritual leader.

6.3.3. Melikraton⁑

The minimum requirement for melikraton is an unfermented mixture of honey (or an acceptable substitute) and water, thin enough to drink comfortably but with enough honey for the taste to be distinct.

However, if possible, the following recipe is encouraged:

  • 60mL (4 tablespoons) whole barley grains

  • 2 8cm (3 inch) stick cinnamon, broken into parts

  • 3 green cardamom pods, crushed open

  • 1.5L (6 cups) water

  • 60mL (4 tablespoons) honey

    • If one cannot have honey, then date syrup, maple syrup, agave nectar, or light molasses may be used instead. Avoid grain-based syrups.

    • If the Hypsōsis ritual is done, the honey will be prepared separately for use in the ritual.

Before the Hypsōsis ritual, up to one day in advance:

  1. In a pan on medium heat, toast the barley, cinnamon, and cardamom until slightly darkened and fragrant, tossing continuously for 5–10 minutes.

  2. Add water, turn the heat to high, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, and boil for one minute.

  3. Remove mixture from heat and let cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Bring mixture back to a rolling boil on high heat, then boil for one minute.

  5. Strain, reserve, and let cool the liquid from the mixture.

Immediately after the Hypsōsis ritual:

  1. Warm the honey from the ritual until runny.

  2. Add the warmed honey to the melikraton liquid base, washing any remaining honey out of the cup with some warm water to ensure that all the honey is used.

  3. Serve immediately.

The above makes enough for five servings, each slightly less than 0.25L (one cup), yielding one serving for Hermēs and two servings each for two people. For each additional person for allowing two servings per person, increase the ingredients accordingly:

  • 30mL (2 tablespoons) whole barley grains

  • 1 3cm (1 inch) stick cinnamon, broken into parts

  • 1 green cardamom pod, crushed open

  • 0,5L (2 cups) water

  • 30mL(2 tablespoons) honey

Other recipes for melikraton may be permissible with different proportions or different ingredients (e.g. other spices, milk, or fruit juice), so long as they consist of a base of honey (or an acceptable substitute) and water, are not fermented, contain no alcohol, blood, or other non-dairy animal product, and keeps the taste of honey (or an acceptable substitute) distinguishable in the prepared drink.

6.3.4. Ritual⁑

6.3.4.1. Prologue⁑

6.3.4.1.1. Lighting the Lykhnon⁑

If the Hypsōsis is being done with a lykhnon which is to be lit for the Hypsōsis and is to be extinguished afterwards, light it and recite (leader only):

I call upon you, o living God, radiant with illuminating fire,
o unseen parent of the Sun, o invisible begetter of light!
Give your strength to this fire,
pour forth your light-giving power into this fire,
and set to work your divine spark within this fire.
Let it enter into this flame and fill it with your spirit,
moving it by your holy breath and presence!

O sacred fire, o light that shines with the light of God!
Manifest your power for my knowledge, and let there be the light of knowing!
Manifest your power for my rebirth, and let there be the light of life!
Let the holy temple of almighty God within you open for me,
let there be breadth, depth, length, height, fullness, and brightness,
let the crown of your Sun-like radiance appear!
May God shine forth through your flame and within your light,
and may your light remain by me here in this place and now at this time!

6.3.4.1.2. Closing Off the Temple⁑

Standing by the doorway to the euktērion facing inwards, recite (leader only):

I speak now to only those allowed,
I sing now with only those in the know,
that only those allowed remain with me,
that only those in the know join with me.

Depart, depart, all those who are profane!
No such person may have a foot in this place,
no such person may hear the sacred mysteries.
Depart, depart, all those who are profane;
I shut and bar the doors from them.

Close the door.

6.3.4.1.3. First Salutation⁑

6.3.4.1.3.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

May I live in wholeness and health!
6.3.4.1.3.2. If Others are Present⁑

The leader announces:

Hail to those whom the greeting is given with blessing,
to my siblings, to holy children of God!

The leader recites:

May we live in wholeness and health!

All others present repeat the above as one.

6.3.4.1.4. Assertion and Confession⁑

Standing in front of but some distance away from the bōmos, recite:

I am one who stands in the House of Life.
I am one who sees in the Chamber of Darkness.
I am one who hears in the temples of divinity.
I am one who speaks in the halls of humanity.
I am one who loves mind, word, and knowledge.
I am one who seeks order, truth, and wisdom.
The wish of my heart is that which brought me here;
may I be counted among the disciples of the gods!

Bow, then recite:

O gods who watch over and give life to humanity,
receive me and deliver me to dwell with the eternal gods!
For I have ever revered the gods whom my parents revealed to me,
and as long as I live my life in the lot of the living,
I always honor those who begot my body and of other human beings.
I do and will not kill anyone,
I do and will not steal anything entrusted to me,
I do and will not do any other pernicious thing.
But if I have transgressed in anything during this life,
or have consumed of what was not licit,
it was not of my own account,
but because of this drive and desire
that arose from the pits of this body.

Move towards the bōmos and prepare to take your place at it.

6.3.4.1.5. Undertaking the Hypsōsis⁑

Recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

I now undertake this Hypsōsis.

6.3.4.1.6. Foundation — Opening⁑

Clap, extend the arms out, and recite (leader only):

The glory of the All is God, both Divinity and Nature,
for natural Divinity is renewed by Nature,
and divine Nature is founded in Divinity.

Prostrate silently, setting intentions silently if desired, then sit or kneel at the bōmos.

6.3.4.1.7. Opening the Doors of Divinity⁑

Make an opening gesture with the hands above the bōmos, and recite (leader only):

Open, Heavens and Earth! Open, Day and Night!
Open, East and West! Open, South and North!
Open, winds and waters! Open, fire and stone!
The two doors of the Earth are opened!
The two doors of the Heavens are opened!
The four doors of the horizon are opened!
The four doors of the world are opened!

The gods send forth their light through the doors;
exalted be all the gods upon their great thrones!
My face looks upon the gods on their thrones,
and the gods on their thrones look upon me.
I am about to sing the hymns of divinity;
may my hymns be heard and my praise be accepted!

6.3.4.1.8. Prologue of Aid and Seven Requests⁑

Recite:

Almighty God, Lord, King, Master, Helper, hear me!

Recite, bowing at each “O God”:

O God, hear me my prayers.
O God, save me from error.
O God, cleanse me from vice.
O God, protect me from danger.
O God, rescue me from torment.
O God, keep me from irreverence.
O God, free me from ignorance.

If desired, prostrate and recite the Supplication of the Holy:

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, be merciful to me.
Holy God, Holy Maker, Holy Forebear, be gracious to us.
Holy God, Holy One, Holy Source, be propitious to us all.

6.3.4.1.9. Ritual Invocation of Hermēs⁑

Recite:

Hail to you, Hermēs, prophet and scribe and teacher!
O thrice-great, great among the great, greatest beyond greatness!
You who know the sacred mysteries,
you who establish their utterances,
you who distinguish truth from falsehood,
you who witness the Light and Life of God,
you who have entered into the goodness of God!

Bless my thinking, bless my speaking, bless my working, o Hermēs,
that all that I think, all that I say, and all that I do may be for Life, Light, and Goodness,
that I may have your guidance and assistance in this Hypsōsis.

6.3.4.1.10. Invocation of the Agathos Daimōn⁑

Tip

Optional, but encouraged if alone.

Recite:

O my companion, o my genius, o my angel!
Honor our bond, honor my destiny, honor God’s will!
Manifest yourself to me as my Agathos Daimōn!
Be faithful and steadfast for me!
Be loving and passionate for me!
Be my complete contentment!
Be my total nourishment!
Grant me every success and all attainment!
Make my mind lucid and bright in all things!

O never-born crown of the powers of divinity!
O holy one, mighty one, immortal one,
do not abandon me!
O my friend, my savior, my protector,
reveal yourself kindly to me as Truth!
Join yourself to me that I may join myself to you
as One, in One!

6.3.4.1.11. Shining Prayer⁑

Recite:

O God! I greet you and call upon you, eternal and unbegotten,
you who are One,
you who alone hold together and surround the whole creation of all things,
you whom none understand,
you whom all daimones fear,
you whom the gods worship,
you whose name not even the gods can utter!

O God, you who are greater than all,
you who are the creator of all,
you who see all and are not seen,
you who hear all and are not heard!
O God, you who gave to the Sun all power and glory
and to the Moon the privilege to have fixed courses,
yet who made the Sun to rise and set and the Moon to wax and wane,
that none can compare them with your true glory!
O God, you who took nothing from your own creation,
but created all things that exist!
O God, you who took nothing from the firstborn darkness,
but apportioned all things that they might be equal!
For it is with you that both order and light arose,
and it is by you that all things were arranged.
O God, all of your creation is subject to you,
you whose true form whom none can truly see,
you who yet change into all forms!

Hear me and help me, o Lord,
joyful and willing, faultless and unflawed, who pollute no place,
King of kings, Daimōn of daimones, Aiōn of aiōnes, God of gods,
by your Glory and Holiness and Beauty and Goodness,
for I call upon you and bear witness
to the unsurpassed mystery of your name now and forever. ※

6.3.4.2. The Royal Adorations⁑

If kneeling or sitting at the bōmos, stand now.

6.3.4.2.1. The First Adoration⁑

Face the east, bow, then recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O God! Be with me this day, o Lord, you who rule over the four winds and who set them into motion, you who breathe life into mankind, you who are the master, ruler, lord, and king of all things in the world! Hear me, o God, whose true name is one of unsurpassed might and awesome beauty! Hearing your name, all spirits become terrified, and the Sun and Moon and Earth shake! Hearing your name, all of Heaven and the Abyss tremble! Hearing your name, all the waters above and upon the Earth freeze and mountains and boulders crumble! You, o God, are the creator, the nourisher, and the increaser of all!

Bow.

6.3.4.2.2. The Second Adoration⁑

If in the northern hemisphere, face the south; if in the southern hemisphere, face the north. Bow, then recite:

O God! Who but you could have made the forms of the beasts on Earth as well as the forms of the beasts in Heaven? Who but you could have plotted the paths for the stars and the planets in their heavens? Who but you could have made trees bear fruit and crops bear seed? Who but you could raise mountains? Who but you could command the winds to hold to their tasks? Who but you can be as you are? Who but you can rule as you do? None but you, o God! None but you, for you are God!

Bow.

6.3.4.2.3. The Third Adoration⁑

Face the west, bow, then recite:

O God! You are the creator of all things, you who assign a soul to each body that lives and take it at its proper time, you who control the motions and courses of every one of your creatures and creations in the cosmos you created. You are the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the God of gods, before whom tremble all mountains, plains, springs, rivers, valleys, lakes, seas, spirits, and all things that are! Even high, shining Heaven itself trembles before you, o Lord, ruler of all, holy one, master of all! By your power the elements exist and all things come into being, as do the paths of the Sun and the Moon, the periods of Night and of Day, and all things in the Air and upon the Earth and in the Water and within the breath of Fire!

Bow.

6.3.4.2.4. The Fourth Adoration⁑

If in the northern hemisphere, face the north; if in the southern hemisphere, face the south. Bow, then recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O God! Yours is the eternal processional way of Heaven, in which your holy name is praised, glorified, honored, and blessed forever! It is in a likeness of your name that the seven planets spell one known to me, singing your praise forever according to the twenty-eight forms of the Moon! Yours are the beneficent influences of the stars, spirits, fortunes, and fates! You are the one who gives wealth, longevity, progeny, strength, and nourishment! You, o Lord of Life and Light, are the one who rules the upper realm of Heaven, the lower realm of the Abyss, and the middle realm of Earth! You, o Lord, o God, are the one whose justice is not thwarted, whose glorious name the powers hymn, whose truth never lies!

Bow.

6.3.4.3. Epitome on Silence⁑

Recite (aloud if alone or as leader in a group, or silently if in a group as non-leader, changing personal pronouns if needed):

In silence does God issue forth the seed of light,
for silence itself is a womb that becomes pregnant with the Good.
It is silence alone that can name the name of God,
for divine silence is the true experience and knowledge of God.
It is silence that the hymns of the powers themselves sing,
a holy and divine silence that cannot be taught, but only learned in silence.
Silence is the cessation of all sensation, perception, and thought,
where only pure illumination shines forth, kindling the very soul.
Silence is the womb of rebirth of humanity, the font of wisdom itself,
for silence is what permits the mercies of God to reach us.

6.3.4.4. Blessing of the Divine Lights and Words⁑

Face the bōmos once more; if one was kneeling or sitting, resume doing so now.

Light the lights from nearest to furthest, alternating between the right side and the left side. For each light being lit, intone the appropriate name with a full exhale:

  1. Right nearest: HĒ

  2. Left nearest: HŌ

  3. Right near: KŌK

  4. Left near: KŌUKI

  5. Right far: NŪN

  6. Left far: NAUNI

  7. Right farthest: AMŪN

  8. Left farthest: AMAUNI

Lifting up the vessel of honey, recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

Hail, o lord, o righteous Sun,
you who rise over all the Earth and over the land of Egypt!
Hearken to me, o lord, and grant me your attention;
fill this honey with your blessing,
fill this honey with your power!
By this honey, prevail upon the powers that surround me;
by this honey, fill me with your power!
As you in your greatness stretch out your hand over your rays,
so too enlighten my heart by your power!

Put the vessel of honey down.

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

Hail, o Lord of Light and Lamp of God,
o Light of Gladness, o Light of Eternity, o Light of Joy,
o lamp of my mind, o lamp of my spirit, o lamp of my soul,
o light of my eyes, o light of my speech, o light of my body!
You bring upon me your joy,
you bring upon me your light,
you who shine in the underworld during the night,
you who shine in the heavens during the day!
Dip your pen in your heavenly ink,
write upon my tongue your sacred words,
that my heart may know your holy law
and my mind may know your holy grace!

Dip the forefinger of one hand into the honey, and dab some on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the lips with it. If others are present, they are to do the same.

With arms outstretched, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O God, o Maker, o Forebear! O holy Lord of All!
Grant me the Sun as a garment that I might clothe myself;
grant me the Moon as a cloak that I might cover myself;
grant me Heaven itself that it may diminish for me all evil!
Grant me the light of the seven wandering stars,
grant me the essence of the infinite fixed stars,
that I might be worthy of beholding you, o God!

Grant me the glory you have given to all the powers of Heaven,
o you who are great beyond greatness, unlimited and endless,
that it may keep me from all evil and all evil from me!
In this and by this, I give my thanks to you, o God! ※

6.3.4.5. Hymn to the Thrice-Great One⁑

Recite (leader only):

Hail to Hermēs, student of the Sovereign Reason!
Hail to Hermēs this day, for this day we embark upon our path with him!
Hail to Hermēs every day, for our every day is guided by him!
As the Moon reflects the light of the Sun
and illumines the Heavens and the Earth,
so too does Hermēs transmit the light of the Mind
and illumines the eyes and hearts of mankind!
Hermēs, who came unto the highest of the heights!
Hermēs, who came unto the deepest of the depths!
Hermēs, who came unto the most hidden of the hidden!
Filled with Holy Wisdom, bearing the Divine Word, leader into Sacred Knowledge,
o silver-bright Tongue of the Mind!

Recite:

Hail to you, Hermēs, prophet and scribe and teacher!
O thrice-great, great among the great, greatest beyond greatness!
You who know the sacred mysteries,
you who establish their utterances,
you who distinguish truth from falsehood,
you who witness the Light and Life of God,
you who have entered into the goodness of God!

Glory be unto you, possessor of the secrets of Heaven and Earth!
Glory be unto you, founder of the holiest temples of the world!
Glory be unto you, healer of the bodies and souls of humanity!
Praise be unto you, witness of the Mind of God!
Praise be unto you, speaker of the Word of God!
Praise be unto you, father and teacher of Tat, Asklēpios, and Ammōn!
Thanks be unto you, initiator into the Mysteries of Divinity!
Thanks be unto you, guide upon the roads to the House of Knowledge!
Thanks be unto you, king and priest and philosopher unto all ages!

6.3.4.6. Hymn to the Eighth and Ninth⁑

6.3.4.6.1. Initial Call⁑

Recite (leader only):

I call upon you, you who rule over the kingdom of power,
whose Word comes as a birth of Light,
whose words are immortal, eternal, immutable,
whose Will begets life for forms everywhere,
whose nature gives form to substance,
by whom souls, powers, and daimones are moved,
whose Word reaches all who exist,
whose Forethought extends to all of us,
who begets everyone,
who has divided the eternal realm among spirits,
who has created everything,
who, being Self-within-Self, supports everything,
to whom one speaks in silence, the perfect One, the invisible God,
whose image is moved when it is ordered, and it is so ordered,
who is mighty in power,
who is exalted above majesty,
who is superior to those honored!

Intone each of the following lines with a long full exhale (leader only):

ZŌKSATHAZŌ
Ā Ō Ō
E E Ō Ō Ō
Ē Ē Ē Ō Ō Ō Ō
I I I I Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō
O O O O O Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō
U U U U U U Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō
Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō
ZŌZAZŌTH

Recite (leader only):

Lord, grant us wisdom from your power that reaches us
that we may relate to ourselves the vision of the Eighth and the Ninth.
Already we have advanced to the Seventh since we are faithful and walk in your law.
Your will we fulfill always.
We have walked in your ways and have renounced evil so that your vision may come.

Lord, grant us truth in the image!
Grant that through your spirit we may see the form of the image that lacks nothing,
and accept the reflection of the Fullness from us through our praise.
Recognize the spirit within us, for from you the cosmos received soul;
for from you, the Unbegotten, the Begotten came to be.
The birth of the Self-Begotten is through you, the birth of all begotten things that exist.

Accept these spiritual offerings from us,
which we direct to you with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength.
Save what is within us, and grant us immortal wisdom. ※

6.3.4.6.2. Silent Contemplation and Prayer⁑

Recite (silently if alone or as a non-leader in a group, or aloud at a barely-audible volume if as the leader in a group):

The power that is the light comes to me.
I see! I see the ineffable depths.
How shall I say it? How shall I tell it?
I am Mind, and I see another Mind that moves the soul;
I see the One that moves me from pure forgetfulness.
You give me power! I see myself! I want to speak! Fear restrains me!
I have found the beginning of the power that is above all powers,
the One that has no beginning, the fountain bubbling with life.
Speech cannot reveal this,
for all of the Eighth and all the souls in it and the daimones sing a hymn in silence,
and I, Mind, understand.

Mind is understood but cannot be explained,
for Mind keeps within itself.
I rejoice, I smile, and the cosmos rejoices;
there is no creature that lacks this life,
for Mind is the lord of all in every place
and the Forethought of Mind keeps watch over it all.
I, Mind, am the Forebear, the Aiōn of the aiōnes, the great divine Spirit,
who by spirit nourishes everyone and everything.
Everything is possible for Mind as master of the cosmos,
and I receive what I ask for and seek after in silence:
that my soul not be deprived of the great divine vision.

Spend time in sigōdia.

If others are present, the leader judges how long to spend in sigōdia. At their discretion, once done, they should gently ring the bell once to let others know to continue.

6.3.4.6.3. Closing Call⁑

Recite:

I have received this light, and I see the vision.
I see the Eighth, and the souls in it and the daimones
singing a hymn to the Ninth and its powers.
I see the One with the power of them all, creating those in the spirit.

In reverent silence and from now until the day I leave this body,
I shall sing a hymn to the Forebear in myself, praising while I rest,
for I have found what I seek.

I shall offer up the praise in my heart
as I pray to the end of the cosmos and the beginning of the beginning,
the goal of humanity’s quest, the immortal discovery,
the begetter of Light and Truth, the sower of Reason, the love of immortal Life.
No hidden word can speak of you, Lord.
My mind wants to sing a hymn to you every day.
I am the instrument of your Spirit, Mind is your plectrum,
and your guidance plucks me to make music with me.

I see myself!
I have received power from you, for your love has reached me.

O Grace!
After this, I thank you by singing a hymn to you.
You gave me life when you made me wise.
I praise you!
I invoke your name hidden within me!

Intone each of the following lines with a long full exhale:

Ā Ō
E E Ō Ō
Ē Ē Ē Ō Ō Ō
I I I I Ō Ō Ō Ō
O O O O O Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō
U U U U U U Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō
Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō
Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō Ō

Recite:

You are the One who exists with the Spirit.
I forever sing a hymn to you with reverent godliness. ※

6.3.4.7. Swearing of the Oath⁑

Take up one’s hormos and lift it up above the bōmos. Recite:

I swear by Heaven and by Earth and by Fire and by Water,
by the Seven Rulers of Substance and by the creating Spirit within them,
by the Unbegotten One and by the Self-Begotten One and by the Begotten One
that I shall remember and keep the teachings of Hermēs the Thrice-Great.

This I swear, so that I shall not abuse this work to oppose the acts of fate,
but that I instead might submit to the law of God without transgressing in any way
and ask from God in purity for wisdom and knowledge.
For it is by stages and by the teachings that one proceeds,
one with a pure conscience who neither does anything shameful nor consents to it,
that they might enter into the way of immortality
and into the understanding of the Eighth which reveals the Ninth.

Should I keep this oath, may God be joined with me in Life and Light and Goodness.
Should I break this oath, may wrath come upon me in death and darkness and evil.

Bring the hormos to touch the forehead, then bring it to the mouth to kiss it, then bring it to the chest to touch the heart. Recite:

It is finished.

Put the hormos on. Recite:

I am fulfilled. ※

6.3.4.8. Epilogue⁑

6.3.4.8.1. Prayer of Thanksgiving⁑

Recite:

We give thanks to you!
Every soul and heart reaches up to you,
o ineffable Name honored as “God” and praised as “Forebear”,
for to everyone and everything you have shown
tender kindness, affection, love, and sweetest activity,
granting to us mind, word, and knowledge:
mind, that we may understand you;
word, that we may call upon you;
knowledge, that we may know you.
We rejoice, for we have been enlightened by your knowledge.
We rejoice, for you have revealed yourself to us.
We rejoice, for you have made us incarnate divine by your knowledge.

The thanksgiving of humanity to you is this alone:
that we may know you.
O Light of Mind, we know you.
O Life of Life, we know you.
O Womb of every creature, we know you.
O Mother pregnant with the nature of the Father, we know you.
O eternal permanence of the begetting Source, we know you.

Thus do we worship your goodness.
Thus do we ask for one favor:
that we be preserved in your knowledge.
Thus do we ask for one protection:
that we not fall away from this sort of life. ※

If desired, prostrate and recite the Supplication of the Holy:

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, be merciful to me.
Holy God, Holy Maker, Holy Forebear, be gracious to us.
Holy God, Holy One, Holy Source, be propitious to us all.

6.3.4.8.2. Conclusion of Work⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

I have been attached to your holy form.
I have been given power by your holy name.
I have been filled with your holy emanation.
I praise you with a gladdened heart!
I thank you with an outstretched soul!
Be merciful, be gracious, be propitious to me,
o Lord, o God of gods, o Master! ※

Prostrate silently, then stand.

6.3.4.8.3. Foundation — Closing⁑

Extend the arms out, and recite (leader only):

The glory of the All is God, both Divinity and Nature,
for natural Divinity is renewed by Nature,
and divine Nature is founded in Divinity.

Clap once.

6.3.4.8.4. Concluding the Hypsōsis⁑

Recite (leader only):

Thus concludes this Hypsōsis.

6.3.4.8.5. Final Salutation⁑

6.3.4.8.5.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

May I walk in reverence and knowledge!
6.3.4.8.5.2. If Others are Present⁑

The leader recites to all:

May we walk in reverence and knowledge!

All others present repeat the above as one.

6.3.4.9. Post-Ritual Breakdown⁑

6.3.4.9.1. Making of the Melikraton⁑

Whatever honey remains in the vessel is to be used for preparing melikraton. The honey is to be washed out, mixed, and diluted with water and optionally mixed with other ingredients, whether using the recipe above or another. The melikraton is to be portioned out, first a small amount to be offered to Hermēs Trismegistos, and the rest for all present to drink in two portions, one before sunset and another immediately before retiring to bed that night.

6.3.4.9.2. Offering to Hermēs Trismegistos⁑

After the Hypsōsis but while the Sun is still rising (or at least above the horizon) and before the meal and cleanup, make a simple offering to Hermēs Trismegistos; the usual offering procedure with complete prologue and epilogue does not need to be followed, but only an abbreviated one as shown below. If there is already a shrine to Hermēs available, it should be made there; if not, the bōmos may be used to hold the offerings by placing the offerings either in or before the aisle of the eight lights.

Along with the usual offerings of light and incense, a drink offering of water or wine as well as a small portion of the melikraton together with a food offering of figs (or from the vegetarian meal in general if one is prepared) and more honey should be made. If desired, other offerings including hymns may also be given.

If one is making an offering at a bōmos with a loibeion, then at this point, the lid is to be removed from the cup and is put down respectfully to the side of the bōmos. Dip the forefinger of one hand into the water and flick it upwards above the head, reciting (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

An offering of water to the Heavens from whence I come.

Then dip the forefinger of the same hand into the water and flick it downward (even onto the psiathos if present), reciting (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

An offering of water to the earth from whence I am born.

After this, a drop of water from the loibeion may be put into the drink offering, and the lid replaced on the loibeion.

6.3.4.9.2.1. All-Greeting to the Gods⁑

Recite:

Hail, o Agathē Tykhē!
Hail, o Agathos Daimōn!
Hail, o daimōn of this place!
Hail, o daimōn of this hour!
Hail, o daimōn of this day!
Hail, o daimones of every place, of every hour, of every day!
Hail, o whole Cosmos composed of Earth and Heaven!
Hail, o Aiōn, who have established yourself
in invisible light over the holy firmament!
6.3.4.9.2.2. Short Invocation of Hermēs⁑

Light the light and incense. Recite:

Hail to you, Hermēs, prophet and scribe and teacher!
O thrice-great, great among the great, greatest beyond greatness!
You who know the sacred mysteries,
you who establish their utterances,
you who distinguish truth from falsehood,
you who witness the Light and Life of God,
you who have entered into the goodness of God!
6.3.4.9.2.3. Dedicatory Invocation⁑

Recite, announcing the overall types of things to be offered (e.g. “light” for candles and lamps according to the labels given below, changing personal pronouns if needed):

Hail to you, o Thrice-Great Hermēs! By your blessing and by this offering I make to you of …, be merciful to me, be gracious to me, and be propitious to me!
6.3.4.9.2.4. Dedication of Light⁑
O Thrice-Great Hermēs, I light for you this…, that it may burn for your honor, enlightenment, empowerment, and exaltation. Grant that as this flame burns and casts its light upon me, so too cast your light upon me that I may always be guided, led, and enlightened by your presence. Grant that as this flame burns and casts its light upon this place, so too shine your light upon the world through me as your medium, conduit, focus, and lens, that the entire world may come to see you, honor you, glorify you, and praise you and your good works. Hail to you, Thrice-Great Hermēs!
6.3.4.9.2.5. Dedication of Incense⁑
O Thrice-Great Hermēs, I burn for you this…, sweet-smelling, sacred, and pleasing to you, that it may fortify you, dignify you, and satisfy you. Grant that as this incense rises up and fills up this place with its sweet, heavenly smoke, so too fill up my life, sphere, and surroundings with the knowledge and blessing of your essence and presence. Grant that as this incense rises up in the air around me, so too fill up my body, soul, spirit, and mind with your wisdom and virtue that I may be ever more deeply initiated into your mysteries. Hail to you, Thrice-Great Hermēs!
6.3.4.9.2.6. Dedication of Drink⁑
O Thrice-Great Hermēs, I pour out to you this…, fresh, sweet, and pure, that it may please you, sate you, and cheer you. Grant that as this drink is poured out for you, so too pour into my life your blessing that I may more freely accept your power in my life. Grant that as this libation is accepted by your presence, so too open my heart to be free to partake in your joys, your light, and your aid in this and all places, in this and all times, on this and all days. Hail to you, Thrice-Great Hermēs!
6.3.4.9.2.7. Dedication of Food⁑
O Thrice-Great Hermēs, I set out for you this…, fresh, hearty, and pure, that it may please you, sate you, and cheer you. Grant that as this food is set here for you, so too set into my life your blessing that I may more freely accept your power in my life. Grant that as this meal is accepted by your presence, so too open my heart to be free to partake in your joys, your light, and your aid in this and all places, in this and all times, on this and all days. Hail to you, Thrice-Great Hermēs!
6.3.4.9.2.8. Dedication of Flowers or Other Offerings⁑
O Thrice-Great Hermēs, I place out for you this…, whole, splendid, and pure, that it may please you, sate you, and cheer you. Grant that as this offering is placed here for you, so too place into my life your blessing that I may more freely accept your power in my life. Grant that as this sacrifice is accepted by your presence, so too open my heart to be free to partake in your joys, your light, and your aid in this and all places, in this and all times, on this and all days. Hail to you, Thrice-Great Hermēs!
6.3.4.9.2.9. Dedication of Speech⁑
O Thrice-Great Hermēs, I sing to you an ancient song, dedicated to you once long ago, sung to you now again, for your reverence, tribute, and respect. Grant that as these words ring out in the air around me, so too may they ring out throughout the entire world, that all people may come to praise you, revere you, and respect you and your works. Grant that as my words are filled by my love and memory for your favor and aid, so too empower my speech and will and strength that all I desire and intend may be brought to perfect completion. Hail to you, Thrice-Great Hermēs!
6.3.4.9.2.10. Plea of the Soul⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

May I do honor to my origin, that I might rise to a better state!
May I not err, that I might dwell once more in my divine home!
May I not be blameworthy in my acts, that I might advance to Life and Light!
May I not be shameful in my works, that I might embrace Heaven as my ancestor!
May I not conceive of any plan unworthy of God, that the eye of my mind not be blinded!

Bless my thinking, bless my speaking, bless my working, o Hermēs,
that all that I think, all that I say, and all that I do may be for Life, Light, and Goodness.
6.3.4.9.2.11. Rededication⁑

Recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

O thrice-great Hermēs, I have made these offerings to you of (light, incense, etc.). I have made these offerings for you for the Hypsōsis, here at this place and now at this time and today on this day, as your heavenly body reaches its exaltation with the rising of the Sun. I have made these offerings to you freely and joyfully, and I ask that you accept them in a spirit of the same. I have made these offerings to you as an expression of my thanks, my love, my honor, my respect, my trust, and my joy for you. Stay if you will, go if you will, but know that, with these offerings, I honor you (in my home and) in my heart and in my head and with my hands. Hail to you, o thrice-great Hermēs, and may you always grant me your blessing! Hail to you, o thrice-great Hermēs!

6.3.4.9.3. Meal and Cleanup⁑

If desired, eat a vegetarian meal, especially if there are others present; figs are especially encouraged to be eaten as part of such a meal. This is the preferred time to drink the melikraton prior to sunset if possible.

With the exception of the small portion for Hermēs Trismegistos, all of the melikraton is to be consumed that day; none of it should go to waste. When drinking melikraton, both before sunset and before going to sleep, whether alone or in a group, toast with the phrase (changing personal pronouns if needed):

Truth is sweet; truth is in my mouth, for honey is on my lips.

After the meal, if the lights are still burning, one may take off their hormos and put it back on the bōmos between the lights on top of the copy of the text.

The lights are left to burn out on their own. Once they are burnt out, break down and clean up the euktērion.

It is ideal if one does no work for the rest of the day, but to spend it in celebration and contemplation; one should read and contemplate the Discourse on the Eighth and the Ninth. Follow the Kanones of abstinence and hygiene until after one wakes up the following morning.

6.3.4.9.4. Extinguishing the Lykhnon⁑

If the Hypsōsis is being done with a lykhnon that was lit for the Hypsōsis and is to be extinguished afterwards, recite (leader only):

It is you who gives us fire, and through the fire light;
it is you who gives us light for our eyes and our hearts.
I put out this lamp that shines with your holy fire,
not to quench your light nor to stem your blessing,
but for the safety and preservation of my life.
As I put out this flame, grant me your Light forever,
for yours is the light that can never truly be extinguished.

Go forth from this lamp, o holy light of the highest God;
depart, holy brightness, and let your flame be scattered,
but let your light always dwell within me as a lamp in my soul,
that I too may always shine with the holy light of the highest God.

Extinguish the lykhnon.