Observations placeholder
Sefer ha-Shem - Eleazar of Worms
Identifier
014922
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Describing the initiation ceremony when an initiate becomes an Adept of the Mysteries
A description of the experience
Sefer ha-Shem [Folio 237] - Eleazar of Worms (c.1200) – MS Warner 24 Leiden
The name is transmitted only to the reserved - this word can also be translated as 'the initiate' - who are not prone to anger, who are humble and God-fearing, and carry out the commandments of their Creator. And it is transmitted only over water.
Before the master teaches it to his pupil, they must both immerse themselves and bathe in forty measures of flowing water, then put on white garments and fast-on the day of instruction. Then both must stand up; their ankles in the water, and the master must say a prayer ending with the words:
'The voice of God is over the waters! Praised be Thou, o Lord, who revealest Thy secret to those who fear Thee, He who knoweth the mysteries.'
Then both must turn their eyes toward the water and recite verses from the Psalms, praising God over the waters.