After giving the candidates a clear warning, Death steps forward and looks at them for a few seconds then returns to his place. Personally, I think it is a bit of stretch to think that anyone is actually scared by all this. Were you ever scared when you visited a Halloween haunted house put on by fifth graders? Guess what? It might be more terrifying.

Nonetheless, the Inner Guardian thinks what they heard is really ‘terrifying’ and consoles them by telling them that if they take Colombe, the Voice of Conscience, as their guide and the Holy Order of AMORC as their protector- the Rosy Cross will stand between them and the Threshold of Terror. Then, letting them know if they keep the faith, they can now enter the Sacred Temple. But if fear or disobedience to their promise rears its ugly head, they can say sayonara to meeting the Greater Light in this lifetime- and they will have to reincarnate in some other time to have that great privilege.

Now, then, the Conductor gives the fearful or ambivalent ones a way out by opening the door to the Antechamber on the West Side of the Lodge. If no one decides to leave, he now closes it. Now, the Outer Guardian returns to his seat but does not pass through the Threshold Chamber. The Inner Guardian, however, stands beside the Threshold door, which can open into the Temple.

The Herald then addresses the Inner Guardian clearly stating that the Neophytes, who have experienced these great trials, are now ready to enter the Temple. Following the protocol, the Medalist must be told to alert the Master of the Temple and state that the instructions of the Outer Guardian have been received.

Now the Inner Guardian swings the door to Threshold Chamber open, standing next to it as all the officers rise together. The Herald then enters into the temple, moves forward to speak to the Medalist in a voice that all the candidates can hear. He tells the Medalist that the Neophytes have now been prepared to enter the Temple.

The Medalist says, “It shall be done!”

And, boy, will it ever! Many will now pass into a lifetime of make believe silliness. And, if you think that is an arrogant statement, remember I spend twenty-four years of my life involved in it.  Mix silliness with the magic potion of mind control- and you may have a match that will last for years.