and absolute chastity. Above all there must be an end to all desire for self-indulgence along these lines.

The Second Initiation follows the First at a comparatively short interval. Failure in either case implies physical death or madness, or, during the many tests preceding the first ordeal, moral degeneracy. For in this quest there can be no turning back! Usually Initiates of these Degrees, the First and Second stages of Eastern doctrine, rest satisfied with this attainment, not caring to risk the extremely difficult trials of the Third Degree without the more favourable circumstances attached to an artificially rapid reincarnation with a more perfect adaptation of the physical cell groupings to the desired end.

An Initiate of the Third Degree need incur no more physical death, for he has passed “the turning point;” but below this the First and Second Stages must be reattained in a following incarnation, with all the trials and efforts incidental thereto. Readers of The Light of Aria will recall the stanza:—

 Who standeth at the Second Stage, made free
 From doubts, delusions, and the inward strife,
 Lord of all lusts, quit of the Priests and books,
 Shall lead but one more life.

The Third Stage permits the possession of no personal property, useless encumbrance under the circumstances; the Fourth compels withdrawal from ordinary human society, as we understand it. Such withdrawal is no sacrifice. It does not require an Initiate or even an advanced Neophyte to be alive to the futility of those toys and experiences which the various strata of Society enthrone as the object of life. Enjoyment of harmless social diversions, delight in works of art and the hobbies of an active personality, are entirely worthy and wholly desirable to us, but they are the merest vanity to those whose eyes