THE HINCKLEY ECHO

Hinckley, Leicestershire, England

5 October 1910

(page 1)

Eleusis, the Newest Religion

NEW RELIGIOUS RITES ON GREEK MODEL

Mr. Aleister Crowley is a poet, and more than a poet. He has a mission.

He wants to appeal to those who “while essentially religious have no creed.” Hence he has devised “The Rites of Eleusis.”

In an upper room in Victoria-street, almost facing Victoria Station, London, the priests and priestesses have already played their solemn parts and impressed the elect.

Next month, on the last two Wednesdays and on every Wednesday in November, these ceremonies will be repeated in Caxton Hall for ticket holders.

Only 100 persons will be admitted each time. That the rites of Eleusis are entirely novel may be judged from the following note to those invited:—

For the Rite of Saturn you are requested, if convenient, to wear black or very dark blue; for the rite of Jupiter violet; for Mars scarlet or russet brown; for Sol orange or white; for Venus green or skyblue; for Mercury shot silk and mixed colours; for Luna white, silver or pale blue.

Doors will be open at 8.30; they will be closed and locked at nine o’clock precisely. The ceremonies occupy from one and a half to two and a half hours.

If not mysterious, the ceremonies will be mystical.

There will be a central altar round which priests will be gathered, each on a throne.

There will be censers full of incense, and the “priests” in turn will lift up their voices invoking certain spirits upon which the minds of those present will be concentrated.

There will be soft music, slow chantings, and an occasional dance.

The planets named will be represented by persons and their control of the seven ages of man set forth—Jupiter dealing with the man who is serious and serene, and Mars with the man of energy, while Luna will suggest thoughts of childhood and innocence.

The twofold object of the ritual is to develop power over the will and to induce religious ecstasy.