Initiation Collection (#6)

Initiation of the Private Secretary
Ceremonial initiation consisting of the enactment of a heated discussion between two Brothers pretending to be Salomon and the King of Tyr. 1890s

Initiation Ceremony
The recipient is lead to the chamber of caverns and told to stab the man in the cave after having drunk from the fountain of life

Initiation of the Grand Master of Architecture
Down on all fours, the recipient is obliged to kiss the letter G of the Mysterious Star. Date: 1890s

Initiation
Three recipients are initiated after being lowered through a hole in the ceiling. They are privy to a brass column that escape the ravages of an immense cataclysm, " the Great Flood"

Initiation of the Grand Scot of the Sacred Vaults
The Grand Scot of the Sacred Vaults initiation ceremony. Upon exiting a dark corridor, he is greeted by a (stuffed) lion holding a sword in its mouth

Initiation of the Prince of Jersualem
Wearing pretend beards, the Brothers reward the recipients dedication on a recent mission with kisses and a golden crown made of paper. Date: 1890s

Knight of Grand Serpent
The ceremonial initiation of a Knight of the Bronze Serpent : the participants march anti- clockwise round a tumulus surmounted by a caduceus - a crucifix with a serpent Date: 1890s

Initiation Rite
If we can believe Leo Taxil, some of the initiation rites of the Masons are little more than schoolboy pranks... Date: 1890s

Shaving foam
MODEL RELEASED. Shaving foam. Nineteen year old man squeezing shaving foam into his hand in preparation for shaving. Shaving is a method of hair removal (depilation)

Transcription initiation complex, diagram
Transcription initiation complex. Diagram of the complex formed by the molecules involved in the initiation of transcription

Frontal lobe in the brain, artwork
Frontal lobe in the brain. Computer artwork of a persons head showing the left hemisphere of the brain inside. The highlighted area shows the left frontal lobe

Frontal lobes in the brain, artwork
Frontal lobes in the brain. Computer artwork of a persons head showing the brain inside. The highlighted area shows the frontal lobes

Ethiopia: Lower Omo River Basin, Hamar tribal region, bull-jumping intitiation ceremony near Tourmi just east of Kesay River, Hamar women having been whipped

Circumcision, Guinea
Circumcision ceremony of the people of Guinea, West Africa

Kaffir Initiation
Circumcision is a part of the initiation ceremonies of the Kaffir people of South Africa

Jewish Circumcision
The circumcision ceremony of well-to-do European Jews

Circumcision of Jews
The circumcision ceremony of well-to-do Portuguese Jews is an important social occasion

Sioux Ordeal of Sun
NATIVE AMERICANS The Sioux ordeal of looking at the sun, while hanging from strips of flesh which are gradually pulled away

Early Trade Union C1835
Initiation into a TRADE UNION - due to official hostility (unionists were perceived as revolutionaries) the earliest unions conducted themselves like secret societies

Monks initiation, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma), Asia

Back of a Tibetan man with needles inserted into skin in manhood rites in Qinghai Province, China, Asia

Australian Initiation
AUSTRALIA Their heads covered, young men of the Bora people are initiated as full members of the tribe by elders who instruct them in tribal ways

Hottentot Initiation
SOUTH AFRICA Hottentot initiation rituals, including circumcision and animal sacrifice

Circumcision in Senegal
Menfolk of Senegal are circumcised in an initiation rite while European travellers watch

Mandan Initiation Rite
Mandan initiation ceremony

Medicine Man Initiated
The initiation ceremony of a new medicine man of the Chippewa people

Mandan initiation ceremony
Initiation ceremony of the Mandan people, native Americans

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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.