The terms, ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical’ initiation, are utilized so to coincide with our common life experiences and subsequent cognitive concepts arising from twenty-four hour immersions within geometrical space and successive time (temporality). More compelling is the psychological sequellae of our common experience of the earth’s gravitation pull.

For instance, common magical and mystical discussions perceive the ‘spiritual’ as higher than the ‘material’ as lower. Social systems, particularly feudal ones, stress the natural presence of a hierarchy based upon blood (see the Aryan caste system). Religious structures tend to be built so to rise above the common plain (Mesopotamian ziggurats) or be situated deep underground (Cro-Magnon cave paintings). I am sure each of you can find a myriad of other examples.

The descriptive spatial term, ‘horizontal initiation,’ can be replaced by the aspatial term, ‘preparatory initiation.’ Preparatory initiations are graded and designed so to progressively exercise creative imagining skills, explore and discover unrealized facets of your personal mental space, introduce you to the human species mind, integrate mystical knowledge with being so to raise understanding, provide transient attunement with higher spiritual states so to provide landmarks for further progress, and greatly grow your higher feeling and intuitive centers.

A good preparatory initiation requires an experienced and relatively advanced team of ritual officers. Common requirements are:

[1] The place where the initiation is held must be sufficiently spacious, secluded from the mundane world, in a physical environment which is soothing and supportive of the energies raised by the ritual. If possible, the ritual area should not be used for business, social matters, or any activity which may be conflictual. Ideally, the ritual area of the Chapter, Lodge, or Temple is restricted to sacred Work.

[2] A properly decorated ritual area, reflecting the highest concepts of the particular egregore of the mesoteric school. Murals are most appropriate.

[3] Ritual paraphernalia must be properly prepared, in good condition, and should not be treated as a mundane object. Ritual robes must be of the proper color, material, and clean. For the physical condition of the ritual area and paraphernalia reflect the seriousness and inner respect of the ritual officers and will greatly affect the success of the initiation.

[4] The ritual officers must have all received the same degree as is being conducted. This is most important for each of the officers must contribute to the creation of the proper thought-form and ritual mind-set so to help the candidates merge with such egregore.

[5] As the olfactory cortex is the source of most of the frontal area of the mind-brain, attending to the choice of proper incense is most helpful and more important than commonly believed. Various aromatic oils are often helpful in raising the groups vibratory level. The use of mind-altering substances which are hallucinatory appears helpful, but is not.

[6] It is a truism that a ritual team understanding and respecting the sacredness of the ritual, shown by demeanor, practice and memorization, is a true gift of love to the Tyro.

It is true that self-conducted initiations are less effective in opening up psychic centers and exercising mystical – magical abilities than properly conducted physical rituals. However, a serious student properly approaching a ‘home initiation’ will benefit much more than a less dedicated student.

As I said previously, the primary purpose of preparatory initiations is to prepare your mind and brain so it can connect with the Higher Worlds in a progressive manner so to one day receive the first of many Great Initiations, which are ‘vertical’ or ‘consummatory’ initiations.