Ash-Ki or Ashite Brotherhood
Initiation Ritual


1918


This ritual contains racist and anti-semitic elements
 
Preface
Zi-Ash-Ar-Kala

Aeons ago, the Ka-ar-ash-vans or Aryans lived circumjacent to the Caspian Sea; their first parents were Ashar and Ashanna: these generated the following system of science and religion. The universe and all therein evolved spontaneously: the links in the catena of human existence reaching back to the Cosmogonic Ocean, were man, monkey, lizard, and snake. This chain of animals constituted the ghats or an ego-incarnation ladder, reaching from the lowest human connection of life to the highest spiritual affinity of death, and was an evolutionary reincarnation vine or ash tree.
If a good person died he ascended up the ghats into Ashgard and joined the great Ashite Ego, and dwelled in bliss around the embrossial fountain of immortal youth forever. But if a bad person died he descended down the ghats into the Utland abyss of fiery, hissing snakes, where he must remain eternally or reform and breed slowly up the resurrection vine through the ages until he evolved again on the Maru-Cassia or Caspian Sea, where he got another chance to be a good Ashite of the brood of the serpents and reach Ashgard.
The male is the Dii Major of the female and she is the Dii Majoress of him. In toto, Spiritual, evolutionary, animal and ancestor worship.
The first children of Ashar and Ashanna were Arya and Aryanna. These invented the plough. The second children were Sarima and Samaramis, who invented the axe. The third children were Vonnus and Venus, which invented letters. For the invention of these blessings these were to be given oblations forever.
The most compatible and inviting features of the above system have been selected and are being staged realistically in the initiatory work of the Aryan organization.



Prologue

Object and aspirations of the organization: For a century now "Calamity Howlers" have shouted from the house-tops of all the Aryan people, "Look out for the Yellow Peril." Whether or not our danger from this course is sufficiently imminent to justify this far-reaching excitement, we believe it is a sane and timely warning and should be so taken by all the Aryan people of the world. We Aryans have no Divine Charter empowering us to rule this world forever. We simply govern it by our intelligence and strength of numbers. For the last half century before the present world war started among the Aryan nations, statisticians published countless books deploring our morality and low birth rate, heralding the fact that our tenure of the government of the earth is weakening slowly but surely. And now, since millions of Aryans are being killed in the Great War, however partly in a just cause, nevertheless, the Aryan hold on the world is being weakened slightly more in this manner.
Hence we earnestly desire to increase our birth rate, not only to conclude the present war justly among our people, but to honorably enable us to settle all future wars fairly and to keep the reins of the government of the earth in our Aryan hands forever, and hence we wish to create an international police force and a friendly rivalry between nations to lend zest to racial life.
To accomplish this regeneration in the most direct and effective manner, we aim to inculcate racial pride, engender moral and sexual rejuvination, and inspire brotherly love. We believe we can reform the people in this measure and direction by staging in our ritualistic ceremonies the history of the early Aryans, who bequeathed the earth to us. There surely can be no better system to follow than that by which our ancestors won the world to give us.
Ancient history, tradition, and folklore says, Ashar, father of Arya and the Aryans, had his being on the Caspian Sea and in the circumjacent Caucasian, Ka-ar-ash-van country, and that there he founded and taught the religion of the Ash and astronomy of ash-tronomy. From which point it was carried by the Ashites to the City of Ashar in Assyria, when they founded the community. However, most scholars agree that Odin brought the Ashite system of science and religion in the Eddas from Samarkand and found the aborigines of Europe already morally ensconsed beneath the sacred hade of the transcendent Ash.
Let this be as it may, we shall select the most inviting and uplifting parts of the religious and profane system for our work.
Compiled and written by Professor J. H. Brown Scheuyeaulle.

 

Order of Regalia

The regalia of the Brotherhood should consist of the ancient Assyrian or Ash-Aryan costume. The officers' robes should be of the following colors:
Past Ashite Master-White.
Master of the Ash-Red.
Vice Master of the Ash-Yellow.
Ashite Chaplain-Black.
Recorder of the Ash-Blue.
Keeper of the Ashite Relics and Treasures-Green.
Ashite Distiller or Alchemist of Embrossia-Gray.
Ashite Trail Guide-Bronze.
Ashite Trail Blazer-Bronze.
Keeper of Inner Gate of Cassa-Brown.
Keeper of Outer Gate of Cassa-Brown. tl Ashite Members-Purple.
All members on parade shall wear turbans of the various colors, and may wear them on other gala occasions.
The garbs of Ashar and Ashanna should consist of turbans and Assyrian robes of red with white stars and circles vice versed, trimmed with gold. With large gold hoop ear rings.
Ashar with long sweeping beard, Ashanna with short beard, and sandals on their feet.



Opening of the meeting or Ash-Sembly

At the time stated for opening the meeting (if a quorum be present) the Ashite master shall assume his station in the Cassa, give one rap with the Ash stick at the sound of which the ash- sembly shaj hush (ash) and the Master of the Ash shall say:
I now declare Cassa No. … open for transaction of business laid down in the by-laws governing the assembly.
Gives two raps and orders all seated, then continues with rollcall and report of committees on candidates:
Bosses (Ashes), please assume your stations. Ashite Trail Guide, report at this station and give me the grip and pass words.
After receiving the ash words, the Master of the Ash says:
They are correct. Now give the salutation of an Ashite brother.
The Ashite Trail Guide gives the salutation standing in front of the· Ashara.
Master of the Ash:
Are all the Bosses in their stations?
Ashite Trail Guide:
They are.
Master of the Ash:
You will now corral the Brothers in the Casa. Learn if there are any Jews or circumcised men among them. If there are such so mutilated among us, put them out of the Casa, for they would be offensive to Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna. Then take the grips and passwords of the Brothers and report.
Ashite Trail Guide:
Master of the Ash, I find that all now present are in possession of the grip and the ash words.
Master of Ash:
Keeper of the Inner Gate of the Cassa, inform the Keeper of the Outer Gate that we have convened the Ashsembly of the Ashite Brotherhood, and to allow none to enter not in possession of the grip and the ash word.
Master of the Ash:
Brothers, you will now give attention to the opening invocation by the Chaplain of the Ash.
The Master of the Ash gives two raps with the Ash stick and says:
The Chaplain of the Ash will now invoke the Ashgard. All members will please rise and stand at attention under the World Ash uncovered until the invocation is offered.
Opening Invocation
Chaplain of the Ash:
Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna, Guides of the Universe, source and founders of civilization, we recognize you as the directors of the destinies of us, your dutiful children, the Ashite Brothers. We look to you to keep the Ash ever blooming in the Ashgard and the distillery brewing cool embrossia (ashkey) in its shade, so all Ashites may quench their thirst and be well happified.
You are our Supreme heads and parents and as the great elder brother and sister led each of us aright by the hand over the sacred passes of Holy Mount Asharvan (Demivend or Albarash) hold us up; give us strength and courage to safely cross the awful chasms of the dangerous trail; vouchsafe us the eye of the American Eagle, the strength and prowess of the British Lion; the eternal youth of Mademoiselle La France and the phlegmatic endurance of Vanolia, that we may discover every treasure of knowledge along the hunting trail over the great Ashgard or Mitgard Mountain and arrive safely under the enchanting shade of the towering Ash, of Ashgard before the majestic Cassa of the Universe; where there are millions of handsome men and charming women; lead them all to make honorable love, we beseech you, our parents, so countless babies will be born to us and we will continue to outnumber all the races beyond the pale of Utland; help them all to drink the revivifying embrossia of life to the enduring glory and everlasting welfare and prosperity of all the Aryan nations of the earth.
All members shout:
Zi-ash! zi-ash! Forever, and wake up snakes and crawl!


Initiation Ki-Bosh

The Master of the Ash raps for attention and directs:
Ashite Trail Guide, go and ascertain if there are any Aryans, Sarimians, or Vans awaiting initiation.
Ashite Trail Guide goes.
After the Ashite Trail Guide retires the Master of the Ash admonishes:
Brothers, remember first impressions are everlasting. The deportment of each should be such during the initial ceremony that no disrespect can be cast upon our order. Let us be earnest and attentive and prove to the friends who join us that we are able to cherish them and keep the Ash sprinkled with the Ashky, so our organization may by strengthened and survive the future ages. For only in this manner can the novice be imbued with the spirit that animates us all, hence help convince him that it is his sacred duty to aid us in reinstating and rehabilitating our Ashite, Aryan, Saryan and Van ancestors in their pristine history and stolen glory, and also to help us in uplifting the present Aryan races of the Earth.
The Ashite Trail Guide returns and reports before the Grand Rostrum:
Master of the Ash, there are … Aryans, Saryans and Vans waiting initiation. Their names are: … and their plea is: ….
Master of the Ash:
Ashite Trail Guide, you will retire and introduce the Utlanders.
While the Ashite Trail Guide is in the ante-room with the Utlanders, the Ashite Alchemist or Moonshiner prepares his station or distillery and has room utterly dark. All being in readiness, the Keeper of the Inner Gate of the Cassa notifies the Guide, who is with the Utlanders in line if there are more than one, and gives three loud raps on the inner door with his Ash Stick.
The Keeper of the Inner Gate of the Cassa asks in a loud, solemn voice:
Who comes here?
Ashite Trail Guide:
The Ashite Trail Guide with an Utlander seeking Holy Mount Asharvan and Divine Knowledge.
Keeper of the Inner Gate calls in a sepulchral voice:
Master of the Ash, the Ashite Trail Guide with an Utlander demands admission.
Master of the Ash calls in a ghostly voice:
Admit them.
Members all shout as, Utlander moves through the darkened door, stumbling over countles obstacles put in his way, various Ashite words:
Pass on: Rush on; Mush on.
Then they all howl:
Where is his whiskers (ashkers)? and ask: Has he any whiskey (or ashky)?
When the Guide conducts the Utlander around the Cassa twice and they reach the distillery the second time, the Guide answers the clammering members:
The candidate has no whiskey.
The members all shout:
Give him some embrossia.
Then the moonshiner comes out of his distillery with a long gun (musket), and challenges:
Halt! Who goes there?
Ashite Trail Guide answers:
An Utlander seeking Mount Asharvan and Divine Knowledge, but who is way-weary and would refresh himself with a glass of your embrossia.
Achemist or Moonshiner asks:
Has the Utlander taken the oath to follow the flag of the United States unto Hades, obey the laws and rules of this Brotherhood, and do all in his power while life lasts to rehabilitate the Ashites, Aryans, Saryans and Vans in their pristine glory?
The Guide answers:
He has not taken the obligation.
Moonshiner resumes:
Know you, Utlander, no one can come from Utland and quench his thirst with the sacred embrossia until he has taken the oath not to divulge its taste, smelt, aroma, or chemical analysis and has learned and recited the ancient history of the Ashites Aryans, Saryans, and Vam? Hence pass on until you are qualified, Utlander.
The Guide continues the journey a few steps with the wayworn Utlander, when the Moonshiner fires his musket at them and commands:
Halt!
They stop. The Moon shiner further says:
Wait, and I will light you beyond the distillery. Here he lights the interior of a large red bottle, holds it aloft and continues: Utlander, gaze upon this charming emblem as it stands out from the uncertainty, of the night. May its guiding rays carry to your heart and reflect the true significance of the love and hospitality of our Brotherhood. Now pass on.
The Ashite Guide resumes the journey and conducts the Utlander before the Grand Rostrum of the Master of the Ash.
The Master of the Ash scowls at the cringing Utlander and roars:
Who is this drunken Utlander that disturbs a sacred assembly of the Brotherhood?
The Guide answers:
The Utlander is not drunken, but over way-weary in seeking Mount Asharvam and Divine Knowledge and beseech our Brotherhood to take him in and aid him in his quest.
Master of the Ash answers with admonishment: Many Utlanders from Utland lured by fancies of Divine Embrossia, elixirs of life and fountains of immortal youth, have come to the Cassas of the Ashites seeking the enchanting distillery of Ashgard and its manifold blessings. Far better for them had they remained in Utland, or upon their arrival at a Cassa and learning of the hardships to be encountered, had they turned back. Know you, Utlander, none but brave and intrepid men can stand the terrors and overcome the dangers which beset the trail across the yawning chasms over Mount Asharvan to Ashgard. Many able Utlanders have attempted the awful journey, some have turned back jibbering maniacs, others have fallen shrieking info the abyss, many have gone mad on the way and are yet raving among the intricate and maze-like passes of the terrifying, ghost-ridden mountain. Utlander, do you wish to turn back?
Candidate answers.
Ashite Master:
Before these tests are made, it is necessary for you to take an oath not to reveal anything you shall hear, see or learn while in this Cassa. Be asured there is nothing in this obligation which will conflict with your religious or civil liberty. Will you take the oath?
Candidate answers.
Ashite Master concludes:
Ashite Guide, you will conduct the Utlander to the Asharah.
The Guide conducts the candidate to the altar, facing the Master at the Ash and the Grand Rostrum.
The Master of the Ash resumes:
I congratulate the Cassa upon having found a brave and worthy Utlander, willing to take the oath and stand the tests. If there is no objection the obligation will now be administered. If any member, however, has an objection, he shall now declare the same or forever hold his peace.
Here an impromptu accusation more or less grave is made against the Utlander by a member previously chosen to make the charge. Great care should be taken not to unduly injure the feelings of the candidate or charge him with unseemly or obscene accusations. The Utlander is here put in the dark ante-room to await the trial. A committee is appointed to interview the candidate and investigate the charges made against him. These gather by the ante-room door within easy hearing of the candidate, and wrangle over the charges in loud, fearless voices for some minutes before they enter the presence of the Utlander and interview him. When the candidate denies the false charges, the lights are turned on in the assembly room, and the Ashite Trail Guide lead the candidate, followed by the committee into the Cassa before the Asharah, where the candidate denies the accusations before the assembly, and the committee reports to the assembly so all can hear:
Brothers of the Ash, we find the charges against the Utlander frivolous and not sustained. Here the committee men shake hands with and apologize to the candidate.
The Master of the Ash now calls forth the accuser to the Asharah in an angry voice, and orders him to substantiate his charges, or apologize to the Utlander and Assembly. Whereupon the accuser comes to the Altar and flounders in a shamefaced manner before the candidate, and finally prays that the ballot box be brought forth to determine whether the Utlander is a worthy or unworthy candidate. The ballot box is brought out. It takes eight black balls to reject and white elect.
The vote is cast.
Master of the Ash now orders the Guide to lead the candidate to the Station of the Vice Master of the Ash.
On reaching the Station, the Guide says:
Vice Master of the Ash, by the direction of the Master of the Ash I present this Utlander to you.
The Vice Master of the Ash acknowledges the introduction and admonishes the Utlander:
Utlander, there is a lesson in the initiation of this Brotherhood which it is wise to inculcate in the mind of each candidate. We are progressive and aggressive people. These qualities render us prone to be arbitrary and obstinate and to carry our opinions too far against the views and well-being of other Ashites, Aryans Saryans and Vans. These people are of our blood; and the chief object of this organization is to promote brotherly love, and a family or clan spirit among them all. The charges just preferred against you in your initiation were intentionally false to liken the way to the Cassa to your trials of daily life, and to teach you how easily the brothers can remove charges and obstacles from your path of life by kindred sympathy and brotherly love, providing you consult everyone's comfort and pleasure and respect their views whether you agree with them or not.
The Vice Master of the Ash concludes:
Trail Guide! Present the Utlander to the Ashite Chaplain.
The Guide leads the Utlander to the Chaplain of the Ash and addressing the Chaplain says:
Chaplain of the Ash, by direction of the Vice Master of the Ash, I present this Utlander that you may administer to him his pledge of honor.
The Chaplain rises from his station, bows solemnly to the Guide and Utlander, goes to the Asharah, followed by the Guide and Utlander.

The Chaplain commands: Utlander, place your right hand upon the Asharah or Altar, the emblem par excellence of our order, and the left hand over your heart.
The Master of the Ash now gives three raps with the Ash stick, when the Brothers all rise and form a wide circle around the Asharah, the Chaplain, and the candidate. In this position they remain until the Chaplain administers the obligation and the Past Master of the Ash delivers his admonition to the Utlander.
After the circle is formed, the Chaplain of the Ash administers the oath to the candidate.
Chaplain of the Ash:
Utlander, you will use your name where I use mine and repeat after me. If more than one, in concert: I, …, do promise solemnly, if I am able to stand the test applied to me that I will never reveal the sign, grip or Ash-words, nor the secrets or mysteries of the Ashite Brotherhood. I will cheerfully perform all tasks assigned to me, and do all in my power at all times to assist and promote the best interests of the Brotherhood, and will obey to the best of my knowledge its constitution and laws. I will never lead an Utlander astray when he is seeking a Cassa, put an Ashite Brother on a false trail when he is looking for Ashgard, or mislead an Aryan from Argard, a Saryan from Sargard, or a Van from Vanland, when they are hunting for Mount Asharvan or Elberash. If all else is equal, I will always give an Ashite Brother the advantage in buying, selling, and trading. I will vote for him against all others not affiliated with this organization. I will do all I can to reinstate and rehabilitate the Ashites, Aryans, Saryans, and Vans in their pristine history and glory, and exercise myself to lead others to do the same. I will always counsel others to practice great moderation in all functions and dealings of daily life, and advise extreme temperance in eating, drinking and smoking.
Chaplain of the Ash:
Utlander, are you opposed to drinking in extreme moderation?
Candidate answers.
Chaplain resumes:
I will always aid an Ashite Brother in distress and offer to him all possible hospitality. I will help all widows and orphans and be always kind and gentle to women and babies and animals. To all of which I pledge my sacred honor, so help me God.
All Brothers shout:
Zi-ash forever! and wake up snakes and crawl.
The Chaplain steps to the left and rear, remaining within the circle and the Past Master of the Ash advances to the Asharah, faces the Utlander and delivers his charge to him.
Past Master of the Ash:
Utlander, it is now well to impart more of the objects and principles of this organization to you, and it is your duty to well and truly learn the lesson. The Utlanders of Utland are the furtherest removed kindred of the Ashites as they are near the pale of our recognized kinship, yet if they are qualified they are eligible to become members of the Brotherhood. The people beyond the pale are the folks not of Ashite, Aryan, Saryan or Van blood or kin. These can not become mem hers of the organization as they are not related to the so-called Aryans. We call all candidates Utlanders until we learn by the tests of the initiation that they are of higher degree. While it is possible for an Utlander, if he be qualified, to waive the lower stations of the Aryans and join the upper one of the Ashites, it would be far more consistent to begin at the beginning of the first degree, by being initiated in the shanty of the Vans and there learn the history and the folklore of the Vans. Qualify yourself and advance to the shack of the Saryans, take the initiation, learn the history and tradition of the Saryans, qualify yourself and then arraign yourself before the Altar of the Aryans, take the initiation in their barn, learn their history and folklore, qualify yourself and then ascend to the Cassa, take the initiation, learn the history and tradition of the Ashites, qualify yourself and enter Ashgard the Majestic. Thus in entering or taking the upper degree of the Ash first you must learn in a reverse manner the history of Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna, that of their children Arya and Aryanna, Sarama and Samaramis, Vannus or Vennus and Venus, and that of the children of all of these. If you are faithful to and honorable with the Brothers and their families and study the history of their ancestors diligently, their open hands will be extended to you. But if you fail to do this, their hands will be withdrawn, and they will turn their backs upon you.
The members turn about when the last word is uttered.
The Master of the Ash goes to his rostrum, gives one rap with his Ash Stick, and all go to their seats and stations, save the Guide and Utlander, who remain at the Asharah. Master of the Ash commands:
Ashite Guide, conduct the Utlander outside of the Inner Gate of the Cassa and outfit him for the journey over Mount Albarash or Asharvan.
The Guide conducts the Utlander outside of the Inner Gate of the Cassa and prepares him for the journey. The paraphernalia for the floor work in the meantime is prepared. The alchemist or moonshiner puts his distillery in order, and begins distilling embrossia making a ghostly smoke with a lethal odor. Ashar and Ashanna retire to robe. When all is arranged the Master of the Ash directs the Keeper of the Inner Gate to inform the Guide of the Ash that all is ready. The Guide then gives three raps on the Inner Gate, which are answered by the Keeper of the Inner Gate. Keeper of the Inner Gate asks in a sepulchral voice:
Who comes here?
The Guide answers:
An Utlander on his way over Mount Elbarash, seeking Divine Knowledge and the Ashgard.
Keeper of the Inner Gate calls in a loud voice:
Master of the Ash, an Utlander seeking Ashgard wishes to pass the Inner Gate. He is accompanied by the Guide of the Ash.
The Master of the Ash orders:
Admit them.
The Gate is thrown open and the Guide of the Ash leads the blindfolded Utlander into the darkened Cassa or Assembly room, over countless obstacles, across which they struggle to the Grand Rostrum.
During the journey through the obstacles to the Grand Rostrum the Brothers all shout:
Rush on, mush on, and Where are your whiskers? then ask the Guide: Has he any whiskey?
Being now before the Master of the Ash, the Guide ignores the questions of the Brothers and says:
Master of the Ash, I present an Utlander who is seeking Ashgard and the Fountain of Ambrossia.
Master of the Ash asks:
Is he well shod?
Guide answers:
He is not.
Ash Master:
Then shoe him.
Shoes with heavy lead soles are now put on the feet of the Utlander and well laced.
Guide:
Master of the Ash! The Utlander is now properly shod, so there is no danger of his slipping on the ice into the awful chasms of the mountains.
Ash Master:
Has he a sash on to gird up his loins and keep his clothes from plowing off his body?
Guide:
He has not.
Ash Master:
Cinch one around his waist.
Guide:
Master of the Ash, he is now girded with the sacred sash.
Ash Master:
Can the Utlander carry a pack? For continual loads of the elements of maize must be carried into Ashgard to distill embrossia, under the inviting shade of the Ash groves.
Guide:
I believe he can, Master of the Ash.
Ash Master:
Put a pack of mash upon him and let him continue the journey over the mountain.
The Guidc here lashes a heavy pack upon the Utlander's back which he staggers under with his heavy shoes.
The mountain, composed of two long wide planks with opposite ends placed on a tall saw horse is already set up. To one of the lower ends of this improvised mountain the Guide leads the over-packed and staggering Utlander.
At this juncture the Brothers shout:
Where are his whiskers to protect his face from the awful blasts of cold. The sacred mountain towers into the sky 18,600 feet and is dangerously frigid.
The Guide adjusts a long false black beard to the Utlander's face if he is beardless, then leads the candidate on toward the summit of the mountain, as he slips and sways upon the planks, which are steep, the Brothers again become compassionate and call in sympathy:
Give the poor Utlander some embrossia to brace him and warm the cockles of his heart.
He can't have any embrossia until he reaches the groves of Ashgard. Mush on.
The Guide leads the staggering blindfolded Utlander on up to the summit over the saw horse, upon which there is a small platform to stand more secure. Here they are halted by an exhortation of the Vice Master of the Ash.
Vice Master of the Ash:
Utlander, you are alone in darkness and doubt, surrounded by the most awful dangers that could be conjured up by an active imagination. You are on the sky-scraping summit of awe-inspiring Mount Asharvan, the center of the earth. Could you see, you would behold the ruins of Babylon and Assyria (ancient Kar-duni-ash) on the dim horizon of the southwest, and discern in the north the sacred Mor-u-kasia (the Caspian Sea of the Ashites). You are suspended over the abyss of oblivion on the narrow Bridge of Doom. One false step would hurl you into the roaring fires of destruction, where you would have but one ghostly chance in a million to climb up the Resurrection Vine and save yourself from the awful fate. If by some freak of fate you saved yourself from this horrible death, wild bands of fanatical Turks roaming the mountains and seeking infidels to torture would discover you and burn you to the stake. Will you turn back?
Utlander answers:
Vice Master of the Ash:
From this mountain Father Ashar founded the science of ashtronomy.
Some of the heartless Brothers down in the semi-darkened ash-sembly room shout as from a tomb:
Rush on, while others more humane groan in sympathy.
The Guide forces the now frightened Utlander a few steps further toward the Ashgard, when four or five Brothers tricked out like Turks attack the Guide and his small body-guard and capture the Utlander.
The marauding Turks have stout staves, while the Guide and his guard have Ash Sticks. These the blindfolded Utlander can hear clash together in the fight over his capture. He also gathers from the few words dropped or shouted in the fracas that he was nearly across the Bridge of Doom.
After beating back the Guide and his guard, the Turks carry the captured Utlander a short distance from the Arvanhaik Bridge and the chasm and bind him to a stake previously set up. Around his feet they pile wood and talk to him making diabolical threats.
The Utlandor can hear the Guide rallying the scattered guard and the shouts of reinforcing brothers. The bandage over his eyes is partly torn off, so he can get a glimpse of all that is going on around him in the semi-darkened room. Then all light is turned off.
The Grand Turk approaches the Utlander, scowling and brandishing an old blunderbuss, then says:
Infidel, know you there is no Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna. There is no Aryahuka and Aryahukanna. There is no Shackernack and Haikanness and no Jahovan and no Jahovaness. There is but Allah, the Father of the earth and all therein, and there is but Mohammed his prophet to offer oblation? Bismallah!
Know you that every infidel that comes to the Gebel Kaf or Kaf Sea is burned with fire till he is dead?
Here the Grand Turk signals his lieutenant to fire the fagots at the Utlanders feet. They are lighted and blaze frightfully, revealing the Ashite Guide and his reinforced guard charging the Turks and the fire to release him before he is burned to death.
The brands are kicked away and his hands are cut in a frenzied manner by the Brothers. Then the Utlander sees the guard carry away a Turk apparently dead and hears the retreating Turks shout:
Bismallah from the outer gloom.
The Guide of the Ash adjusts the pack upon the back of the Utlander, arranges the bandage over his eyes, takes him by the arm and resumes the Journey toward Ashgard over obstacles placed upon the floor. Here at the foot of the mountain the Guide leads the candidate upon the Jin-whiz, which they must cross to get to Ashgard. (This is a wide plank twelve feet long with rope handholds at each end, placed on four or five rollers.) The Brothers of the guard grab the ropes as soon as the Utlander is led to the middle of the Jin-whiz, and jerk it back and forth until the candidate becomes exceedingly dizzy and is about to collapse with his pack.
The Guide leads the Utlander to the Grand Rostrum and says:
Master of the Ash, the candidate has crossed Mount Asharvan; safely crossed the abyss; was captured by the fierce Turks; and escaped the torture. What is your pleasure"
Master of the Ash:
Utlander, you shall now be presented to Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna. Guide, remove his pack and see if he is presentable.
The pack is removed.
The Guide reports:
Master of the Ash, he is not presentable. His face and hands are soiled.
Master of the Ash:
Brothers, do you wish to invite the displeasure of Father Ashar and Motlher Ashanna by presenting an Utlander in Ashgard whose face and hands are dirty?
Members all shout:
No.
The Master asks:
What is your pleasure?
The Brothers:
Wash him!
Master of the Ash:
Let him be cleansed.
The Guide seats the Utlander in the semi-darkness, takes off the blindfold and removes the false whiskers. The members gather around and make personal remarks, while the Guide procures water and washes the Utlander.
The Guide:
Master of the Ash, the candidate is cleansed.
Master of the Ash:
Utlander, before you are presented to the Father and Mother of the Ash, it is imperative to ascertain and assure them on a few phases of your life and character.
Will you truthfully answer the questions I ask you?'
The candidate answers.
The Master of the Ash:
Are you single or are you married? What is your nationality? Do you claim the Ashites, the Aryans, the Saryans or the Vans as your clan or race or are you of mixed blood?
Have you ever been imprisoned for any crime?
Are you a member of another secret society?
To all of which questions the Utlander answers.
Master of the Ash:
Guide of the Ash, please communicate to Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna. the answers to the several questions I propounded to the Utlander and tell us of their pleasure.
Guide of the Ash:
Master of the Ash, I have reported to our majestic parents the responses to the several questions, and they request you to send the Utlander to the castle with a fitting escort.
Master of the Ash:
Utlander, there is another important question I would ask you before you are presented to our transcendant parents, and all depends upon your answer. If your country were in danger and you could save it by sacrificing all you had on earth, would you do it?
Utlander answers.
Master of the Ash:
Guide of the Aah, you will now marshal all the Bosses according to rank (save the Alchemist and the Keeper of the Outer Gate of the Cassa), and let them escort the Utlander to the castle. The other members will later place themselves in a crescent around the castle portal, the Utlander, and the escort.
The Utlander's whiskers are replaccd by the Guide and he goes with the escort.
The castle or temple is made of curtains hanging loosely to nearly the floor. Inside Ashar and Ashanna recline upon improvised divans. The curtains are down and when the Utlander arrives before the entrance he is urged through alone into the presence of the divine pair. The interior of the castle is so dimly lighted he can only discern two ghostly and outlandishly ancient people.
The curtains are quietly raised by the Guide so all can see.
Father Ashlar after a long interval of suspense, addresses the Utlander with heavy slow gravity:
My son, draw near, and we will give you a lesson forsooth to ponder over as you grow old: The Universe started by simplicity, and will wax until it is overcome by complexity when it will wane.
We are called the Brood of the Serpent, because we empaneled the sirush on the walls of Babylon and Assyria after we began to count our progenitors upon the land from the reptiles. Thus by the snake, the lizard, the monkey, to the man.
We were the first bearded white people. Hence whiskers mean ashkers, and white was originally whass, or ash.
We started civilization around the Caspiad (Ashpian) Sea and Mount Asharvan, and promoted it until the land Asia (Ashia) was named after us. Then vast tribes of black, beardless men carne up from the west and we drove them back.
After which great hordes of beardless red men came down from the north and seized the east of the land. These black and red men were from beyond the pale. Even mixed multitudes of black and red people came up from the South Sea and beset us about. These, too, were not of our race.
My son, the Yellow Peril is as dangerous to our people as ever the black and the red were, and it behooves us to keep up our racial spirit, as blood is still thicker than water. Our children have always led in culture and ruled the earth, and only by upright intelligence can they continue, and we vouchsafe them to advance forever, and not forget the innumerable advantages bequeathed to them by their ancestors.
Mother Ashanna admonishes the Utlander:
My son, only by honoring your mothers and respecting your sisters can you ascend to the highest planes of manhood: Hence I now pin the Kanus or Venus upon you, the sacred symbol of womanhood, and the swastika (Ash-ika), the sign manual of the Ashites. Let_me whisper the mystic numbers-3.K and 7 or 66.6 and also 8. Do not stop advancing, my son, until you have reached the Inner Asharah of the Grand Cassa in the Ashgard. Now go forth and wet the Ash with ashky, always in moderation, and exercise care to never take but one drink of embrossia at one time.
At the last word of Mother Ashanna, the Guide steps forward, takes the Utlander by the arm and leads him one side. Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna start around the outer edge of the assembly room. The Guide and Utlander fall in line behind them, and all other members save the alchemist and gate-keepers fall in the rear two by two. All members sing the anthem of the Cassa as they march.

Cassa Atnhem of Shason
All hail to Ashar, Father Ash!
May his Ego always live!
May Ashanna, Mother, get her wish,
And have ever more lives to give.
All hail to the pair, the mighty pair!
May they grant our every need.
They will see that all are treated fair,
And given their share of mead.
The parade halts before the distillery (but the singin keeps on.) The Alchemist or Moonshiner comes running out with his gun (fusee), fearing a raid on the distillery. Many shout for embrosia to wet the Ash, some call for whiskey or ash-ky to wet the Utlander, while the majority ring in a refrain on

May they see that all are treated fair,
And given their share of mead.
With much haste the Moonshiner drops his gun or blunderbuss, and gives the Utlander a glass of weak vinegar containing a teaspoonful of epsom salts.
The Utlander gags and makes wry faces, and mother Ashanna cautions:
My son, never but one drink at a time is quite sufficient.
Father Ashar cautions:
Yes, my son, be extremely temperate at all times, ansd sprinkle part of your ash-ky on the sacred Ash.
After the Utlander was forced to drink part of the embrossia, the Guide led him to the Ash, and all the members gathered around the tree and the Asharah, while he sprinkled the remaining contents of the flask or ashk on the Ash.
The Past Master of the Ash, with all the other Bosses save the Master of the Ash, the Guide of the Ash, the Keeper of the Inner Gate and the Keeper of the Outer Gate of the Cassa, form a body guard of Guard of Honor and escort Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna back to the castle. The Guide, Utlander of the past and the other members watch the divine pair leave their presence.
The Master of the Ash assumes his station, gives one rap with the Ash Stick and commands:
Guide of the Ash, please conduct the candidate before the Grand Rostrum.
The Guide obeys and says:
Master of the Ash, I have here conducted the new brother for final instruction.
Master of the Ash:
Brother, Father Ashar and Mother Ashanna were pleased with your credentials and deportment during the initiation, hence graciously pinned the sacred symbols upon you and gave you the cabalistic numbers of the Ashite Brotherhood. May you always be a credit to the Cassa, and never do or say anything to betray their trust or cast odium upon the organization. Guide of the Ash, now conduct the Brother to the regalia room and robe himin the proper garb, then present him to the Master of Arms, who will outfit him with the royal asseigi (ashsigi).
The order is obeyed and as soon as the new member is seen coming back to the Grand Rostrum armed with a tall wooden spear towering above his head, the shaft of which is red and the lance is black, accompanied by the Guide.
The Guide:
Master of the Ash, I now again present the Brother in appropriate regalia for the last words of instruction.
Master of the Ash:
Brother, I now call your attention to the title and significance of the order confferred upon you, the honor of membership in the Ashite Brotherhood. Pause a moment and consider the sublime aims of the organization, those of inculcating a spirit of brotherly love and racial pride through all the Aryan nations of the earth. Reflect, we pray you, upon the further transcendent object of the order, that of rehabilitating the Aryan race in its past history and pristine glory. It is the inherent and sacred duty of every man to love his race and be proud of its past glory and achievements. Beyond this, we further implore you to remember that it is not quite enough to love your race and glory in its deeds. You must also respect the opinions and views of the living and the dead whether you agree with them er not.
I shall now instruct you in the secret work.
Always remember and look forward to Wednesday (Weshday, Ashday) as the ashsembly day of the Brotherhood. If a parade is fixed in daylight it shall be Wednesday. If a meeting, regular or called, is set for evening, it shall be Wednesday evening.
To gain admission to the Cassa when the Ashsembly is in session, you shall say "Zi-ash" at the Outer Gate. Then the Outer Gate will pe opened by the Outer Gate Keeper, to whom you will give in a whisper the semi-annual Ash-word, which is …. This will admit you into the vestibule of the Cassa. You shall here don your regalia, make up your asseigi, and apply for admission at the Inner Gate by, giving …. The wicket shall then be raised and you will offer your name and the name and number of the Cassa to which you belong. The Ashwords will be communicated by the Keeper of the Inner Gate to the Vice Master of the Ash, who will instruct the keeper to admit you if all are correct. You will approach the Gand Rostrum within eight paces and salute the Master of the Ash by showing both of your hands toward him with the palm forward and arms horizontal, offering a semi-salaam like salutation. If the Master of the Ash is not busy he shall recognize you by …. If he is engaged and can not answer your salaam as you offer it, you will approach within eight paces of the station of the Vice Master of the Ash and offer the same obeisance to him, which he will answer with the same semi-salaam and recognize you by …, when you will be seated. Should you wish to retire during the Ashsembly, approach the same stations and offer the same semi-salaam, when recognized and answered, depart without further ceremony.
If you are at any time in doubt about one claiming membership in the Brotherhood, you will say …. If a member in good standing, he will answer …. Then you both will say ….
The grip of the order is thus given ….
The emblems worn as badges are the Ka-nus and the Ash-ika or Swastika.
The Ka-nus is emblematic of Motherhood, and the Swastika is an early sacred symbol of the ancient Ashites.
You shall say to a member of the Ashites, 'He is a member of the Ash,' etc. You will say of the Aryans, 'They are of the Aryans, ' of the Haiks, you will say 'A hick of the Haiks, ' of the Vans you will say, 'One or some of the Vans, ' etc., etc.
The banner of the Ashites shall be red with a green Ash tree in the center and a coiled yellow snake with semi-human head sleeping in the shade of the spreading boughs. Also a lizard, monkey, shite ass or horse shall be pictured near. The semi-human headed snake is an ancient emblem of the Ashites, also, and is simply symbolical of the Catena of animal life. The purpose of this emblem on the banner is absolutely to keep your mind upon your kinship to the animals beneath you, so you will be kind to them. Because all civilization is striving tyo reach a higher humane plane, and it is your duty to do all we can in that direction. You must always bear in mind that the Caucasians (Ka-ar-ash-vans) must not be outdone or surpassed in any humane measure or righteous movement. Hence contribute to the humane societies to relieve distress of babies, dogs, asses, horses and other animals in trouble.
It should go eithout saying that the Ashite Banner shall float or wave beneath that of every nation under which is is fortunate enough to be unfurled in the future. Guide of the Ash, present our Brother to the Recorder of the Ash to sign our constitution, then lead him to the Past Master of the Ash.
The Guide does as ordered, then says:
Past Master of the Ash, the Brother has signed the Roll of the Cassa and taken his number.
Past Master of the Ash:
Brother, your membership binds you to assist and relieve a Brother or his family in distress and we are all pledged to the same duty. Your path through life, like the trail over Mount Asharvan, will always be encompassed by dangers and if you are exercised or overcome by any of them, the Brothers will come to your assistance with dispatch and means to relieve you.
Guide of the Ash, conduct our Brother to the Master of the Ash.
Guide of the Ash:
Master of the Ash, our brother is now enrolled as a member of the Brotherhood.
Master of the Ash:
Brother …, the Ash Stick in the hands of the Master of the Ash is an emblem of authority. One rap calls the Cassa to order Two raps calls the members to their feet, and three raps seats them. Brother, you will please face the Ashsembly.
Brothers of the Ash, I now introduce with pleasure our new Brother, …, who is enrolled as a member of the Cassa.
Please aid me in giving him a heartfelt welcome. The Ashembly will now be at ease for five minutes.
The recess ended, the Master of the Ash gives one rap with the Ash Stick and says:
The Cassa will come to order, and we will resume our routine of business under the following heads.
Order of Business
Reading of Minutes.
Report of Officers.
Report of Keeper of Relics and Treasures.
Report of Committees.
Distress and Sick Report.
Recess for Collection of Dues for Ten Minutes.

Unfinished Business.
Payment of Bills.
New Business.
Good of the Order.
 

Closing

The Master of the Ash now orders:
The Guide of the Ash and his guards will now store the paraphernalia in the property or storeroom.
Gives two raps with the Ash Stick and further commands:
The members and guests will please rise, and all sing the closing Ode.
 

Closing Ode or Shason

Goodbye! Goodbye! Thou Ashgard Trail
Utlander's path of light
We have joined the Ashite Brotherhood
That meets each Wednesday night.
All hail to the next Utland Brave
Who dares the trail of strife,
We will lead him o'er Mount Asharvan,
And nearly take his life.
Good night! Good night! To Ashites all,
Let each one seek his home,
And may all sleep beneath the Ash,
Then rise well with the sun.
The Master of the Ash now says a parting word of encouragement:
Brothers, I thank you for your attendance this evening, and earnestly hope you will all come next Wednesday night, and each bring a worthy Utlander with you seeking Ashgard and the embrossial fountain of immortal youth. The Guide will put the Ode cards and rituals on the Grand Rostrum. If there are no objections now, I declare Cassa No. … adjourned until next Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock.
Gives one rap.



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