Within the Temple of Isis | Page 9

was performed, owing
to the fact that few of the Temple Priests were initiated into these
sacred Magical Rites. They were too Sacred and Holy to be imparted to
many, too dangerous for possible failures, too infinite in
responsibilities accompanying such undertakings. Only those where the
mind, soul and spirit, blended as one in their organism, were ever
entrusted with the interior knowledge of the Sacred Adytum--The Holy
of Holies.
Only the invocations were to be made, the chants and ceremonies
belonging to the Holy Sanctuary were to be observed. The air was
ladened with the sweet fragrance of incense and those subtle perfumes
that are so delightful and enticing to the soul. Hours before the solemn
Rites were to be performed, every part of the Holy Temple must be
permeated with their magical and mystical influence.
The bodies of both Sarthia and Nu-nah lay in state before the Altar in
the Holy Sanctuary, both robed and perfumed as if for burial.
The Hierophant of the Temple, the Priests and the Lay Priests, and the
Priestesses with their Vestal Virgins, were now assembled in their
respective places.
The hour of midnight had arrived. The chants now begun, set in
vibration the spiritual forces that appeal only to the soul and spirit.
The subtle, silent will of the High Priest mentally commanded the
presence of the departed spirit of Sarthia. At his bidding, she came
floating toward him, and when within a certain distance from her
inanimate body, she remained hovering over it. Most willingly and
joyfully she came, knowing the promise of the High Priest would be
realized when she became able to animate and control the body and

mind of what was still Nu-nah's.
Rathunor was present at the urgent request of the Priest. He little
dreamed why his presence was so much desired, and how he, who was
so ignorant of the Temple rules and service, could be of any assistance.
A spark had been kindled within his very soul, the night that Sarthia
found herself in Nu-nah's temple and for a moment consciously
remembered and spoke, that had been burning deeper and deeper until
now, it was ready to burst forth as an ever-living flame at the first
breath of hope that this new emotion was of the soul--real and
immortal.
Did he dare for a moment listen to the whispering of the interior self?
Fear alone made him drive back and quell the monitions that sprang
from within, for O, if they were only vain hopes could he survive the
disappointment? The thought was crushing, and better, he thought, not
to hope than believe an illusion.
The magnetic chord that yet held Nu-nah to her frail, prostrated body
had not yet been severed. The unconscious soul hung or rather floated
about its temple, apparently waiting for a stronger force from the
interior realm to call it away.
The Hierophant stepped to the front of the Altar and, raising his hands,
invoked the presence of the Gods and their assistance in this Sacred
ceremony of making that Transfer of the spiritual life-line that binds
the spirit to soul, and soul to body.
As the two souls hung suspended by these magnetic life-chords above
their own bodies, through the magical influences of the Priests, the
chants and music came closer and closer, as if drawn together by some
strong magnetic attraction.
Sarthia, now, as well as Nu-nah, was unconscious of what was taking
place. Nu-nah's was the natural unconscious state of an undeveloped
soul in passing from the physical temple to the realms beyond, while
Sarthia's was purposely induced by the magical will of the Operator.

The middle of the mystical hour had just been reached when the two
life-lines met and blended for one single instant, then separated and,
obeying the powerful wills of the Priests, became polarized in each
other's body.
The magical invisible agency that had been animating the body of
Sarthia was now withdrawn, and the soul of Nu-nah's gradually but
faintly began to supply the animating force to revive and control the
apparently lifeless form.
Sarthia's spiritual consciousness was not immediately allowed to return.
The awakening must be gradual to her, for knowing what was being
done, the joy and ecstacy of a prolonged life in the holy bonds of pure
love with Rathunor would be disastrous if suddenly conveyed to her
consciousness.
The High Priest, turning to Rathunor, said, "Our beloved pupil, return
now to your usual duties, but fail not to return to the Temple a little
before twelve o'clock to-morrow night."
Now the bodies of Sarthia and Nu-nah were removed to another part of
the Temple. The Priestesses and Vestals, with the choir and musicians,
were dismissed as the first part of the solemn and sacred Rites was over,
but the Priests