Initiation Collection (#3)

Le Bapteme De La Biere (b / w photo)
6006601 Le Bapteme De La Biere (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Le Bapteme De La Biere)

The Making of a Freemason (litho)
1598173 The Making of a Freemason (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Making of a Freemason. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 4 December 1897)

Consecration of a Parsee Priest (b / w photo)
1627250 Consecration of a Parsee Priest (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Consecration of a Parsee Priest)

Initiation of a Royal Arch Mason in the York Rite (engraving)
3100805 Initiation of a Royal Arch Mason in the York Rite (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of a Royal Arch Mason in the York Rite)

Initiation of a Mark Master Mason in the York Rite (engraving)
3100798 Initiation of a Mark Master Mason in the York Rite (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of a Mark Master Mason in the York Rite)

Initiation of an apprentice mason in a womens lodge (engraving)
3100779 Initiation of an apprentice mason in a womens lodge (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of an apprentice mason in a womens lodge)

Palladian ritual in a womens lodge (engraving)
3100776 Palladian ritual in a womens lodge (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Palladian ritual in a womens lodge)

Initiation of a Perfect Mistress in a womens lodge (engraving)
3100772 Initiation of a Perfect Mistress in a womens lodge (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of a Perfect Mistress in a womens lodge)

Masonic initiation ceremony (engraving)
3100753 Masonic initiation ceremony (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Masonic initiation ceremony)

Initiation of a Sovereign Prince Rose Croix (engraving)
3100751 Initiation of a Sovereign Prince Rose Croix (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of a Sovereign Prince Rose Croix)

Initiation of a Royal Arch of Enoch (engraving)
3100743 Initiation of a Royal Arch of Enoch (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of a Royal Arch of Enoch)

Initiation of a Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Master (engraving)
3100741 Initiation of a Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Master (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of a Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Master)

Initiation of an Intimate Secretary (engraving)
3100740 Initiation of an Intimate Secretary (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation of an Intimate Secretary)

Initiation to the degree of apprentice. "Let there be light!"(engraving)
3100723 Initiation to the degree of apprentice. " Let there be light!" (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Initiation to the degree of apprentice)

A womens Americanization class at the Rodeph Sholom Sisterhood, 157 East 94th Street
MNY380872 A womens Americanization class at the Rodeph Sholom Sisterhood, 157 East 94th Street, New York, 1920 (silver gelatin print) by Byron Company (fl.1890-1942)

Baptism by the Devil, copy of an illustration from Compendium Maleficarum
STC205005 Baptism by the Devil, copy of an illustration from Compendium Maleficarum by Fr M Guaccius, Milan 1608, used in History of Magic

Scene of Dionysian Mysteries (detail of 242795) (stucco) (b / w photo)
ALI242796 Scene of Dionysian Mysteries (detail of 242795) (stucco) (b/w photo) by Roman, (1st century AD); Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome

Priest baptising, illustration from Religious Ceremonies
CHT279797 Priest baptising, illustration from Religious Ceremonies and Customs of all the nations of the world, published Amsterdam, 1723 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Picart

A freemason forged through the tools of his lodge, 1754 (coloured engraving)
CHT163389 A freemason forged through the tools of his lodge, 1754 (coloured engraving) by English School, (18th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Alla va eso (There it goes), plate 66 of Los Caprichos
CHT163128 Alla va eso (There it goes), plate 66 of Los Caprichos, late 18th (colour engraving) by Goya y Lucientes, Francisco Jose de (1746-1828); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visiting Wales. The Duke of Edinburgh becomes Philip Meirionydd - the Bard. The Queen saw him receive the title at the Royal National Eisteddfod at Cardiff

Anthony Renshaw, a Coopers apprentice at Grove and Whitnall, brewers of Salford, had his passing out iniation in the brewery yard today

Rodney Keable 21 from Eltham, who underwent an initiation ceremony after finishing a 5 years apprenticeship with his printing firm, Tee Whiten and J. Mead Ltd

The Last Race, Mandan O-kee-pa Ceremony, 1832. Creator: George Catlin
The Last Race, Mandan O-kee-pa Ceremony, 1832

Mandan Ceremony - The Water Sinks Down, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
Mandan Ceremony - The Water Sinks Down, 1861/1869. Initiation ceremony in the medicine lodge

Plate 70 from Los Caprichos : Devout Profession (Devota profesion. ), 1799
Plate 70 from Los Caprichos : Devout Profession (Devota profesion.), 1799

MANDAN HANGING CUSTOM
NATIVE AMERICANS The cutting of young warriors of the Mandan people, hanging from strips of flesh which slowly and painfully tear... Date: 1830s

EGYPTIAN INITIATION
In Ancient Egypt, candidates for the priesthood are subjected to a series of ordeals to prove their suitability Date: BC

TURKISH CIRCUMCISEE
A Turkish boy is dressed for the circumcision ceremony Date: circa 1720

TRADES UNION INITIATION
Initiation into a TRADE UNION - due to official hostility (unionists were perceived as revolutionaries) the earliest unions conducted themselves like secret societies Date: circa 1835

Initiation Cards (Tsakalis), early 15th century. Creator: Unknown
Initiation Cards (Tsakalis), early 15th century

George III and Queen Charlotte at Eton Montem, 1778, (1911). Creator: Unknown
George III and Queen Charlotte at Eton Montem, 1778, (1911). George III at Eton Montem for the initiation ceremony of new boys, a custom which ended in 1847

Assembly of Freemasons before the initiation of a master, c1733. From The Ceremonies of Religion and Custom, c1733

Assembly of Freemasons to initiate an apprentice, c1733. From The Ceremonies of Religion and Custom, c1733

Two Msai warriors in full regalia. The headdress of the man on the left is made from the mane of a lion while the one on the right is fringed with black ostrich feathers

Yeibichai initiation outdoors, 1904, c1905. Creator: Edward Sheriff Curtis
Yeibichai initiation outdoors, 1904, c1905. Group of Indians, most on horseback, watching initiation of young Indian man

Aboriginal initiation ceremony involving tooth-avulsion called Yoo-lahng erah-ba-diahng in New South Wales. From: An account of the English colony in New South Wales Date: 1798

Initiation of the Knight Kadosh
Taking the left hand of the blindfolded candidate and placing it on the beating body of a sheep, the deceived candidate is then expected to plunge a knife into what he believes is the body of a

The Ladys Lodge - Palladium Rite
Initiation ceremony of the Companion of Penelope. The betrayed brother reproaches both Penelope and Lucrece. 1890s

Freemason Initiation
The initiation of an apprentice Date: 1890s

Induction New Member Band Northern Painters Rome
The Induction of a New Member into the Band of Northern Painters in Rome, The Inauguration of a New Member of the Bentveughels in Rome

A Line Crossing Ceremony Aboard The Simon Bolivar In The 19th Century. This Ceremony Commemorates A Sailors First Crossing Of The Equator

Initiation Of An Illuminatus. From Societes Secretes, Les Francs Ma

Initiation Of A French Mason Into The Brotherhood, In The Late 19Th Century. From Societes Secretes, Les Francs Ma

An Apprentice Is Initiated Into Freemasonry. From A 19Th Century Illustration

A Freemason Undergoes The Initiation To Master. From A 19Th Century Illustration

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"Journey into the Unknown: Exploring the Fascinating World of Initiation" Step into a world shrouded in mystery and ancient rituals as we delve into the concept of initiation. From the initiation of Freemasons to secret societies, this captivating journey takes us across time and continents. In Italy's Pompeii, within the enigmatic Villa of Mysteries, scenes unfold depicting an initiation ceremony that leaves us questioning its purpose and significance. Meanwhile, in Amsterdam's Portuguese Synagogue, a cult initiation scene from centuries ago transports us back to a time when secrecy held great power. Breaking barriers of gender norms, we witness female initiations taking place around the globe. Whether it be Chinese Taoist treatises on sexual initiation or Egyptian rites bestowing mastery upon women, these ceremonies highlight their empowerment and role in society. Venturing further eastward to Papua New Guinea's Bismarck Archipelago, we encounter The Duk Duk Society. Their elaborate initiation rituals showcase cultural heritage passed down through generations – a testament to preserving traditions amidst modernity. Secret societies have long fascinated humanity with their clandestine practices. Nineteenth-century engravings reveal glimpses into their hidden worlds during intricate initiation ceremonies. These secretive gatherings serve as reminders that there is much more beneath the surface than meets the eye. From novice to master – each step represents growth and transformation along one's personal journey. Initiations hold immense significance for those seeking enlightenment or higher knowledge; they mark milestones where individuals embrace new roles and responsibilities within their communities. As we explore ancient artifacts like Taurobolium Altar at Athens' National Archaeological Museum or dive deep into historical texts such as Sou Nu King - a Chinese Taoist treatise on sexual initiation - our understanding expands beyond mere curiosity towards appreciation for diverse cultures worldwide. Initiation remains an ever-present thread connecting humanity throughout history – an invitation to embark on extraordinary quests for self-discovery and spiritual awakening.