Dare, Do, Keep Silent

CHAPTER XXXIV - THE MEANING OF THE SYMBOL

From the book “The Voice of Isis” page 413, by Harriette Augusta Curtiss and F. Homer Curtiss - Order of Christian Mystics

 

The symbol of an Order is its standard or flag. It symbolizes both its source, its object and its policy and sets the standard by which it must be judged. Hence it is important that persons belonging to or coming in touch with any Order or Movement should understand something of the emblem by which it is known on the higher planes.

 

 

THE SEAL

 

This Seal like all true symbols, has many shades of interpretation all of which are included in the figure and can be applied to various condition. These shades of meaning are applications suitable to various conditions and circumstances rather than contradictions. We will take it, however, as the Seal of The Order of the 15 and endeavor to point out not only its meaning, but also how it can be made a positive help to all who are striving to reach the goal of Spiritual Attainment over the Path marked out by this Order.

 

The Seal consists of a double triangle inscribed in a Circle, with an open Eye in the center and three Five-Pointed Stars in the spaces between the sides of the triangle and the Circle. The Circle represents Boundless Space and Limitless Time in Eternity. It marks off the space in which Creation takes place, or the Circle formed by the downpouring of the Great Creative Force, in this case the circumference within which this Order is working. It is much like the Circle of Light projected by a Magic Lantern, within which the pictures are to appear. In one sense it is the Circle of the Zodiac (the pathway of our Solar System) from the twelve Gates or Houses of which issues the radiant Light of The Christos represented as focused in the center of the Open Eye. In another sense the Circle is the Ring Pass Not (the limit of the auric zone) which every true disciple should put around himself, and whose Gates (corresponding to the centers of the body) he must open and close at Will to admit or exclude that which he chooses  . Thus, the All-Seeing Eye (the Absolute) sheds its Seven-Fold Creative Rays within its creations. In the case of the Ring Pass Not the Eye is the Divine Flame or The Christ-Force within each Heart. In this Order it is the Sacred Altar upon which burns the Eternal Flame of Spiritual Light from whose illuminating rays emanate the inspired teachings.

 

The Triangle symbolizes the Trinity, and is the Universal symbol of Deity, the three aspects of the Logos, whether taken as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost of the Christians, the Osiris, Isis and Horus of the Egyptians or the more ancient Father, Mother and Son. The apex of the triangle represents the dual Creative Force of the Logos, separating into its positive and negative rays; the Mother (Isis, or the Holy Ghost), and the right-hand line the Father (Osiris). These two send out their Forces to form the base line, Horus, the Son, the Christ-Principle poured forth and raining down upon the lower world, to manifest in All Kingdoms as the Great Creative Principle which shall redeem them. As used in this seal, the Triangle is composed of two sets of lines, representing either the masculine and feminine Forces or Involution and Evolution. The inner line, the feminine, also stands for Intuition and Love, while the outer line represents Intellect and Wisdom. The spaces between the lines represent the three planes of manifestation Physical, Mental and Spiritual. Just as it is impossible to draw an equilateral triangle within a Circle without leaving three spaces, so is it impossible for the Trinity to express itself within the Circle of manifestation without manifesting the three worlds. Hence these three spaces symbolize the three worlds or three states of Consciousness.

 

Within each of these three spaces there is a Five-Pointed Star, representing man with his Five Senses and Five Extremities (hands, feet, head). The symbol represents man as existing upon the Three Planes of manifestation and using his Five Senses in each of the Three s=States of Consciousness. A man using his Five Senses on Three Planes of manifestation makes the number 15. Also 1+5=6, thus announcing through the symbol that this Order is a Sixth Race movement, and that only by teaching man to use his Five Senses on all Three Planes can he prepare for the great Sixth Race. As 6 is the number of The Christ (man 5 plus Divinity 1) it symbolizes that this movement is another attempt to bring the teachings of The Christ to humanity. In other words, this symbol should inspire man to stand erect, and with all his known faculties illumined by the Light of Truth, fearlessly penetrate into the mysteries of his being.

 

 

THE MOTTO

 

The motto of the Order is Dare, Do, Keep Silent, hence this must be the measure of its work. These words being placed between the double lines of the triangle show how man can conquer the Three Planes of Consciousness. He must Dare to penetrate into the deeper mysteries of Life; Dare to follow the guidance of his Father-in-heaven and Dare to face himself and live up to his Highest Ideals without regard to the opinions of his friends or enemies. He must Do the Will of his Higher Self and manifest it in his daily Life. He must Do with All his Heart the duty that his hands find to do, the duty that lies nearest, and Do unto others as he would they should do unto him. He should Keep Silent concerning the sacred experiences of his Inner Life when among those who cannot understand; should Keep Silent concerning his own attainments, also when tempted to criticize others. Keep Silent also has reference to that silent hush of the physical and mental activities that must come ere the Higher centers can catch and transmit the vibrations from the Higher planes. These words form the triple key that will unlock for man the doors of his Inner Consciousness and enable him to function on all planes and Master All States of Consciousness.

 

Taking the seal in its entirety, it shows to an Initiate that this Order is put forth by The Lodge to help man, through the use of his Five known senses on all planes, to unfold his Higher (unknown) faculties and reach up to the Divine. Many students of the Higher Life are striving to unfold and use their sixth and seventh senses before they have learned to use their Five known senses on all planes. If such a thing were possible it would make a gap in their evolution which nothing could bridge, and they would sooner or later find themselves plunged into the depths of error. The whole, being inscribed in a Circle representing Limitless Time in Eternity, shows that the symbol is active within this cycle of manifestation; moreover, that it is intended as a direct preparation for the Sixth Great Race. ~The Voice of Isis page 413

 

 

This is an Esoteric Mystical Symbol

 

At its core, it's an All-Seeing Eye inside a triangle, which is a common symbol associated with the Eye of Providence. This symbol has a long history, appearing in ancient Egyptian mythology (as the Eye of Horus) and later adopted by Freemasonry to represent the Eye of God watching over humanity. It also famously appears on the Great Seal of the United States and the back of the one-dollar bill.

 

The inner triangle is surrounded by text on its three sides: "DARE," "DO," and "KEEP SILENT."   These three words are a well-known Occult maxim, often attributed to the French Occultist Eliphas Lévi. They represent a set of Principles for a practitioner of Magic or Spiritual work:

 

DARE: Have the courage to pursue Knowledge and Spiritual Truth.

 

DO: Take action and apply that Knowledge.

 

KEEP SILENT: Maintain discretion and Secrecy about your work, as revealing it could weaken its Power or open you up to external negativity.

 

This inner triangle is then placed within a larger, hollow triangle. The entire design is enclosed within a Circle, and Three Stars are placed in the corners of the outer triangle.

 

Overall, the image is a blend of Esoteric and Mystical symbols. It draws on imagery from Freemasonry and combines it with a famous Occult motto, creating a powerful emblem that suggests Knowledge, Divine Observation, and the Principles of Magical practice.