Patterns of Initiation

The Ink Rites

The following section examines the intricate processes involved in the ceremonial initiation rites, often obscured by the passage of time and the complexity of rituals. These rites utilize symbols inked onto the skin, believed to bind the initiate to the collective memory and identity of the order.

Step 1: Preparation of the Ink

Prepare the ink using natural pigments, ensuring adherence to the traditional formula:

• Charcoal Dust: 40%
• Water: 35%
• Resin: 15%
• Pine Oil: 10%

The mixture must be ground meticulously, accompanied by chants to maintain its potency.

Step 2: Sealing the Chamber

Ensure the chamber is sealed to external influences. The door must be secured with two specific locks known only to the elder members. Their configuration remains a mystery, symbolizing trust and secrecy.

Step 3: The Marking Ceremony

The initiate is marked at predefined locations on the body, following a path that represents the journey from ignorance to enlightenment:

• Right wrist: The Circle of Knowledge
• Left forearm: The Spiral of Experience
• Back: The Cross of Unity

Each mark serves as a reminder and an anchor to the overarching narrative of the communion.