Such were the words of Hermes Trismegistus to his Son Tet, in Book Seven of the Corpus Hermeticum, titled “His Secret Sermon in the Mount of Regeneration, and the Profession of Silence”.
We also find prominently throughout the O. the phrase “…who works in Silence, and in whom naught but silence can express”. There is also the telling phrase “For strength is in Silence, and the seed of Wisdom is sown in Silence and grown in darkness and mystery”. Other references to the importance of silence are found in the Grade Sign of the Neophyte, and to Harpocrates, God of silence.
In the higher Grades of the RR et AC we have further important references to silence.
The 6=5 has as part of the Preparation “The Candidate must receive full instructions as to silence, knocks and gestures beforehand.” Further on a rubric states “The Adepti rise and quit the Vault in silence.” As a part of the Adeptus Major Obligation the Postulant states “I believe that they [the Mysteries] are implanted in the soul in silence, and that through the Veils of Silence only can they be beheld.” There are many, many other references to silence in this Grade.
At one point during the 7=4 the Shekinah announces “He that would be greatest, let him be the Server.” The Postulant replies “Server of Silence, is my name.”
Why then all these references to silence?
It should be noted that the Hebrew letter Peh, which translates as “mouth”, lies between Hod and Netzach and is the first crossing path that the Candidate encounters, and that it bars further progress along the direct and Middle Pillar Path of Samekh which unimpeded is want to cleave between Yesod and Tiphareth.
When an Alchemist is undertaking their Work, after purifying and consecrating the Matter, separating and recombining the Principles, the Matter is then placed in a vessel, sealed, and subjected to a gentle heat. Should the inquisitiveness of the Alchemist get the better of them, and they are tempted to open the stopper before the formation of the first Stone, the experiment is wasted, and the Alchemist must begin anew. It should be clear to at least some, that as a parable to the work of a Student in the O., that the Candidate should keep silent on their views and discoveries, and not talk [Peh] about them least the seed that is sown in silence becomes barren and wasted.
On a practical level, maintaining silence with regards the Mysteries is a very effective way of curbing the desires of the ego.
If the above is not making it abundantly clear on the importance and role of Silence in the progress of the Candidate, then let me state plainly that little real spiritual progress can be made, little evolution can be achieved, while we intellectualise [Netzach] and discuss [Peh] the Mysteries no matter how recondite the insight.
For those not aware, whenever the name Yeheshuah is spoken in our Ceremonies, Tetragrammaton impregnated with Spirit, it should be whispered…
Lastly I leave you with the Four Powers of the Sphinx:
To know, to dare, to will, to keep SILENCE!
Kasmillos
