Within the Temple of Isis | Page 5

to the Temple and the Rites performed initiatory to the soul's
great change. You, also, my child, must bear her company. The same
journey lies before you both and you can go hand in hand through the
dark valley of the shadow of death.
"And now, right here is a point where all will depend upon your
decision. It is possible for us, by aid of the arts of Magic known to us,
to bring your two souls in such magnetic rapport that at a certain point
the vibrations of the two will, for a single instant of time, be in unison.

At that momentous instant the polarity of the two souls can be
interchanged so that the subsequent vibrations of your soul will draw
you toward Nu-nah's body, while Nu-nah's soul will be drawn toward
your organism, and thus will be accomplished the first great step in the
drama.
"This great change will hasten the physical crisis in each organism. But
your soul, while connected with Nu-nah's body, can easily overcome
the malefic planetary influences which would destroy it if she were
there; while her soul in your body renders nil, by its very
non-resistance, the influences which would be absolutely fatal were
you still there when the evil descends. And thus do you evade the blind
forces of Nature. Two lives are spared for the duties and experiences of
this world. This will be the second part of the drama, and now comes
the third and last point to consider, the Result.
"In just the proportion as this is a most stupendous change in your soul
life, so indeed, perhaps, even appalling to your present comprehension,
will be the effect.
"After your soul has once entered its new temple it will be obliged to
remain there polarized by the new forces set in operation while passing
the crisis. Then, Sarthia, our bright and well-beloved Vestal, will
henceforth be known as Princess Nu-nah, and will be obliged for a time
to live the life and perform the duties of the Princess.
"On the other hand, the Princess Nu-nah will put on the external body
of our Vestal Sarthia and enter upon the life of the Temple Service, but
with this difference; that while this change is consciously made by you,
Nu-nah will probably never know it until she passes finally to the spirit
world. Her past life has already faded from memory while
consciousness of the new life will dawn gradually as upon an infant,
and therefore, since she can not be consulted in the matter, the decision
rests solely with you.
"To-night, at midnight, your answer will be required. Until then, fare
thee well, and God be with you."

CHAPTER III.
THE MIDNIGHT OF THE FULL MOON.
It yet lacked several hours of the fateful midnight, as Sarthia, her body
perfumed and annointed, according to the prescribed rites, was borne
by faithful attendants from the bath into the courts of the Sanctuary and
placed upon a couch beside another, upon which already rested the
unconscious form of the lovely Princess Nu-nah.
But Sarthia, although to an external, observer as unconscious as the fair
Nu-nah, was never more intensely awake, every atom of her being and
soul alert to all transpiring about her and conveyed to her through her
marvelous new gifts of clairvoyance and clairaudience.
Never, with the external eye, had she seen more vividly the vista upon
vista of columns and corridors winding in and about the Sanctuary,
now illuminated by the full-orbed Queen of the Night, which she could
see shining through a certain archway, and her heart thrilled as she
counted the number of archways fair Luna must pass until, at midnight,
she would shine down through the one just above her.
Already had begun the weird chants, interspersed with solos of
exquisite harmonies of stringed and wind instruments--responses and
echoes.
Incense burned and perfumes arose and blended in an indescribable
union with melody and motion, while as the fragrant vapors from the
burning censers wafted and wreathed about the colonnades and
porticoes, Spirit forms added their presence to the sublime scene,
bringing with them flowers, aromas and harmonies from the divine
abodes of the very Gods themselves.
Oblivious of the passage of time, while intently absorbed in every
minutest detail of the wonders passing about her, Sarthia was almost
becoming drowsy, when suddenly, the Moon looked in upon her, fast
nearing the final archway, and yet she was undecided. She turned and
gazed upon her companion, mentally asking, "Can I become Nu-nah?"

Nu-nah was very beautiful and a Princess. But Sarthia was also
beautiful and the blood in her veins was royal, though of a different
branch from the present ruling House.
Nu-nah was cold and haughty, accustomed to rule and be obeyed.
Sarthia was humble externally,