Difference between revisions of "The Ceremony"
OwenIsCool (Talk | contribs) (in use) |
OwenIsCool (Talk | contribs) (this page was missing a lot of stuff... much better now, I think) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
{{Bree's religion | {{Bree's religion | ||
| name = | | name = | ||
| Line 6: | Line 4: | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | |||
| − | [[A Change In My Life]] is the first video in which [[Bree]] mentions the ceremony that she has been selected to perform. Her videos prior to this one focus on her life as a homeschooler, her platonic friendship with [[Daniel]] and the friction between them and her strict parents. Following this video, the mysterious ceremony becomes one of the major points of interest of the [[Lonelygirl15 (production)|series]] and triggers a suspenseful chain of events. | + | ==Introduction== |
| + | [[A Change In My Life]] is the first video in which [[Bree]] mentions the ceremony that she has been selected to perform. Her videos prior to this one focus on her life as a homeschooler, her platonic friendship with [[Daniel]] and the friction between them and her strict [[Bree's parents]]. Following this video, the mysterious ceremony becomes one of the major points of interest of the [[Lonelygirl15 (production)|series]] and triggers a suspenseful chain of events. | ||
| + | |||
==Preparation== | ==Preparation== | ||
| − | [[Bree]] explains that she must undergo rigorous preparation for the ceremony. She sticks to a special [[diet]], takes [[Iron pills|iron supplements]], receives [[Bree's injections|injections]] of an undisclosed substance, learns the rare language of [[Enochian]] and practices exercises and walking steps with her new helper [[Lucy]]. | + | [[Bree]] explains that she must undergo rigorous preparation for the ceremony. She sticks to a special [[diet]], takes [[Iron pills|iron supplements]], receives [[Bree's injections|injections]] of an undisclosed substance, learns the rare language of [[Enochian]] and practices exercises and walking steps with her new helper [[Lucy]]. The reasons for these various aspects of her preparation are unclear. Her [[Bree's injections|injections]] and [[Iron pills|pills]] in particular have sparked curiosity in many viewers. |
| + | |||
==Details of the ceremony== | ==Details of the ceremony== | ||
| − | Judging from [[Bree|Bree's]] accounts of the ceremony, it is held rarely. She and her [[Bree's parents | + | Judging from [[Bree|Bree's]] accounts of the ceremony, it is held rarely. She and her [[Bree's parents|parents]] consider it a great honor that she was selected to participate in it. Her [[Bree's parents|parents]] themselves were not invited to attend, although they do greatly encourage her partcipation. Not even [[Bree]] knows exactly what the ceremony will be like. She imagines she will have to do the walking steps and use her knowledge of [[Enochian]], but other than that she does not know what to expect. |
| − | |||
| − | + | ==The Staged Ceremony== | |
| + | On October 12th, 2006 a ceremony was held and [[Bree]] posted a video soon thereafter happily stating that it had been a success. [[Daniel]] had followed her to the site of the ceremony and filmed what he could (see [[The Ceremony]]). It was held outdoors at night in a woodsy area and little could be seen clearly besides some dimly lit hooded figures, among them [[Bree]]. A few days later [[Daniel]] senses that something is amiss, and eventually [[Bree]] confesses that this ceremony was not the real one, and that she had been persuaded to lie to him about it. [[The Order]] had taken the opportunity to photograph [[Daniel]] spying on them, and [[Bree]] is remorseful when she finds out. | ||
| − | |||
| − | + | ==Suspicious Aspects== | |
| + | [[Daniel]] was the first character to voice concern about the ceremony. He was highly suspicious about the information they were withholding from [[Bree]] and her [[Bree's parents|parents]]. [[Bree|Bree's]] blind trust in her [[Bree's parents|parents]] and [[the Order]] long prevented her from questioning the darker aspects of the ceremony. For instance, no one explained to [[Bree]] the significance of any of her preparations. She did not know the contents of the [[Bree's injections|injections]], and her own father wouldn't tell her. Her parents were not allowed to attend despite their daughter's participation and despite their rank in the order (particularly her [[Bree's mother|mother]]). | ||
| − | + | The staged ceremony and the pictures secretly taken of [[Daniel]] were the last straw in getting [[Bree]] and her [[Bree's parents|parents]] to question the motives and morals of [[the Order]]. [[Bree's parents]] asked the [[Deacons]] to excuse her from participating, but they were unsuccessful. The [[Deacons]] insisted that they would not have sufficient time to prepare another person, as the date of the ceremony was approaching. A few days later, [[Bree]] saw her [[Bree's parents|parents]] get taken away by [[Lucy]] and one of the [[Deacon|Deacons]]. She ran away with [[Daniel]] and is still on the run months later. It is unclear whether the ceremony has been held yet. The [[Deacons]] had led everyone to believe that the ceremony was very soon, so it's possible that the date has passed and they had to engage a replacement. Perhaps the ceremony was not time-sensitive at all and they still need [[Bree]] for it. Nothing is known for certain. | |
| − | + | Another mysterious aspect of the ceremony is the selection process. [[Bree]] is honored from the start that she was chosen for the ceremony, but never explains how this happened. She eventually learns from her [[Bree's father|father]] that [[the Order]] selects a pool of young girls who show "potential" at birth. These children are placed in what they call "protected homes" with adoptive parents from within [[the Order]]. When they reach puberty, they single out one to participate. Their criteria has not been revealed, nor their methods for moving the children to "protected homes". One would like to think they are legally adopted, but given [[the Order|the Order's]] track record of reprehensible methods, it's not unlikely that these babies were forcibly taken or kidnapped from their biological parents. | |
| − | |||
| − | === | + | ==Other notable details== |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | *In the video [[Bree The Cookie Monster]], as they are rating cookie recipes, [[Purple Monkey|P. Monkey]] holds up the scores "10," "12," and "06." This fueled speculation that Oct. 12, 2006 would be the date of the ceremony, as it is also the date of [[Aleister Crowley]]'s birthday, known as Crowleymas. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | In [[ | + | *In her video [[The Ceremony Is Tomorrow :)]], [[Bree]] reveals that it will indeed take place on October 12. |
| − | + | *In the video [[I Completed The Ceremony]] [[Bree]] tells us a little about the ceremony. She has a [[bandage]] on her shoulder again, which in prior videos signaled that she had received an [[Bree's injections|injection]]. This seemed suspicious to many viewers and to [[Daniel]], since she should no longer need shots if the ceremony has indeed been completed. Their suspicions proved to be on the mark, as [[Bree]] eventually confesses in [[I Lied To Daniel]]. | |
| − | *[ | + | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | *There was some confusion among viewers that this ceremony is equivalent or related to the [[Fall Equinox]] ritual that [[Bree]] mentions in one of her videos. They are two distict rituals. The [[Fall Equinox]] is one of Bree's favorites, and one in which her parents are allowed to participate. | |
| − | * | + | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| + | ==Influences== | ||
| + | Given the religious undertones of the series, it is not unlikely that the idea for the ceremony was in part inspired by real-life religious rituals. Some rituals and beliefs that might have influenced the ideas for the ceremony are | ||
| + | ===Body of Light=== | ||
| + | According to [[Crowley]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_of_Light Body of Light Body of Light] is more important than simply for astral travel—it is the storehouse of all experiences. From Magick Without Tears (Ch. 81): | ||
| + | |||
| + | In [[Magick]], on the contrary, one passes through the veil of the exterior world (which, as in Yoga, but in another sense, becomes "unreal" by comparison as one passes beyond) one creates a subtle body (instrument is a better term) called the body of Light; this one develops and controls; ''It gains new powers as one progresses, usually by means of what is called "initiation:"'' finally, one carries on almost one's whole life in this [[Body of Light]], and achieves in its own way the mastery of the Universe. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ===Gnostic Mass=== | ||
| + | [[Aleister Crowley]] wrote The Gnostic Mass—technically called Liber XV or "Book 15"—in 1913 while travelling in Moscow. In many ways it is similar in structure to the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church. However, the comparison ends there, as the Gnostic Mass is a celebration of the principles of [[Thelema]]. The ceremony calls for five officers: a priest, a priestess, a deacon, and two acolytes, called “children”. The end of the ritual culminates in the consummation of the eucharist, which is a glass of wine and the host, called a [[Cakes of Light|Cake of Light]], after which the congregant proclaims “There is no part of me that is not of the gods!” | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is the central rite of [[Ordo Templi Orientis]] and its ecclesiastical arm, Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica. | ||
| + | ==External Links== | ||
| + | *Wikipedia article on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_of_Light Body of Light] | ||
| + | *Wikipedia article on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liber_XV,_The_Gnostic_Mass The Gnostic Mass] | ||
| + | *Hermetic.com article on [http://www.hermetic.com/sabazius/gnostic_mass.htm The Gnostic Mass] | ||
[[Category:Theories and speculation]] | [[Category:Theories and speculation]] | ||
Revision as of 05:50, 14 January 2007
| The Order of Denderah | |
|---|---|
| Branches | Hymn of One · Operation APHID · SHENtek |
| Covers | Lullaby Project · Wyman Foundation · Verdus Pharmaceuticals · Hart Study · Bio-Therapy Report LLC · Sacred Spirit · St. Grinstead |
| People | Aleister Crowley · Elders · Shadows · Deacons · Seekers · Helpers · Watchers · Thugs · Assassins |
| Locations | Adak Island · An Order boat · An Order hospital · Alcombe Antiques · The Cowboy's Ranch · The Human Ransom Location · La Crete · Lucy's vacant building · The Lullaby Project · The Lullaby Project Center · The Order Facility · Order HQ · Pleasant Manor · Porter's hospital · Precious Blood bunker · Recruitment Centers · Sacred Spirit · Salinas Campaign Headquarters · S.S. Hathor's Song · St. Grinstead · Topanga Canyon · Verdus Pharmaceuticals · Wickenburg · Zavalla |
| The Ceremony | Trait positive · Free will · Injections · Enochian · Iron pills |
Contents
Introduction
A Change In My Life is the first video in which Bree mentions the ceremony that she has been selected to perform. Her videos prior to this one focus on her life as a homeschooler, her platonic friendship with Daniel and the friction between them and her strict Bree's parents. Following this video, the mysterious ceremony becomes one of the major points of interest of the series and triggers a suspenseful chain of events.
Preparation
Bree explains that she must undergo rigorous preparation for the ceremony. She sticks to a special diet, takes iron supplements, receives injections of an undisclosed substance, learns the rare language of Enochian and practices exercises and walking steps with her new helper Lucy. The reasons for these various aspects of her preparation are unclear. Her injections and pills in particular have sparked curiosity in many viewers.
Details of the ceremony
Judging from Bree's accounts of the ceremony, it is held rarely. She and her parents consider it a great honor that she was selected to participate in it. Her parents themselves were not invited to attend, although they do greatly encourage her partcipation. Not even Bree knows exactly what the ceremony will be like. She imagines she will have to do the walking steps and use her knowledge of Enochian, but other than that she does not know what to expect.
The Staged Ceremony
On October 12th, 2006 a ceremony was held and Bree posted a video soon thereafter happily stating that it had been a success. Daniel had followed her to the site of the ceremony and filmed what he could (see The Ceremony). It was held outdoors at night in a woodsy area and little could be seen clearly besides some dimly lit hooded figures, among them Bree. A few days later Daniel senses that something is amiss, and eventually Bree confesses that this ceremony was not the real one, and that she had been persuaded to lie to him about it. The Order had taken the opportunity to photograph Daniel spying on them, and Bree is remorseful when she finds out.
Suspicious Aspects
Daniel was the first character to voice concern about the ceremony. He was highly suspicious about the information they were withholding from Bree and her parents. Bree's blind trust in her parents and the Order long prevented her from questioning the darker aspects of the ceremony. For instance, no one explained to Bree the significance of any of her preparations. She did not know the contents of the injections, and her own father wouldn't tell her. Her parents were not allowed to attend despite their daughter's participation and despite their rank in the order (particularly her mother).
The staged ceremony and the pictures secretly taken of Daniel were the last straw in getting Bree and her parents to question the motives and morals of the Order. Bree's parents asked the Deacons to excuse her from participating, but they were unsuccessful. The Deacons insisted that they would not have sufficient time to prepare another person, as the date of the ceremony was approaching. A few days later, Bree saw her parents get taken away by Lucy and one of the Deacons. She ran away with Daniel and is still on the run months later. It is unclear whether the ceremony has been held yet. The Deacons had led everyone to believe that the ceremony was very soon, so it's possible that the date has passed and they had to engage a replacement. Perhaps the ceremony was not time-sensitive at all and they still need Bree for it. Nothing is known for certain.
Another mysterious aspect of the ceremony is the selection process. Bree is honored from the start that she was chosen for the ceremony, but never explains how this happened. She eventually learns from her father that the Order selects a pool of young girls who show "potential" at birth. These children are placed in what they call "protected homes" with adoptive parents from within the Order. When they reach puberty, they single out one to participate. Their criteria has not been revealed, nor their methods for moving the children to "protected homes". One would like to think they are legally adopted, but given the Order's track record of reprehensible methods, it's not unlikely that these babies were forcibly taken or kidnapped from their biological parents.
Other notable details
- In the video Bree The Cookie Monster, as they are rating cookie recipes, P. Monkey holds up the scores "10," "12," and "06." This fueled speculation that Oct. 12, 2006 would be the date of the ceremony, as it is also the date of Aleister Crowley's birthday, known as Crowleymas.
- In her video The Ceremony Is Tomorrow :), Bree reveals that it will indeed take place on October 12.
- In the video I Completed The Ceremony Bree tells us a little about the ceremony. She has a bandage on her shoulder again, which in prior videos signaled that she had received an injection. This seemed suspicious to many viewers and to Daniel, since she should no longer need shots if the ceremony has indeed been completed. Their suspicions proved to be on the mark, as Bree eventually confesses in I Lied To Daniel.
- There was some confusion among viewers that this ceremony is equivalent or related to the Fall Equinox ritual that Bree mentions in one of her videos. They are two distict rituals. The Fall Equinox is one of Bree's favorites, and one in which her parents are allowed to participate.
Influences
Given the religious undertones of the series, it is not unlikely that the idea for the ceremony was in part inspired by real-life religious rituals. Some rituals and beliefs that might have influenced the ideas for the ceremony are
Body of Light
According to Crowley, the Body of Light Body of Light is more important than simply for astral travel—it is the storehouse of all experiences. From Magick Without Tears (Ch. 81):
In Magick, on the contrary, one passes through the veil of the exterior world (which, as in Yoga, but in another sense, becomes "unreal" by comparison as one passes beyond) one creates a subtle body (instrument is a better term) called the body of Light; this one develops and controls; It gains new powers as one progresses, usually by means of what is called "initiation:" finally, one carries on almost one's whole life in this Body of Light, and achieves in its own way the mastery of the Universe.
Gnostic Mass
Aleister Crowley wrote The Gnostic Mass—technically called Liber XV or "Book 15"—in 1913 while travelling in Moscow. In many ways it is similar in structure to the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church. However, the comparison ends there, as the Gnostic Mass is a celebration of the principles of Thelema. The ceremony calls for five officers: a priest, a priestess, a deacon, and two acolytes, called “children”. The end of the ritual culminates in the consummation of the eucharist, which is a glass of wine and the host, called a Cake of Light, after which the congregant proclaims “There is no part of me that is not of the gods!”
It is the central rite of Ordo Templi Orientis and its ecclesiastical arm, Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica.
External Links
- Wikipedia article on Body of Light
- Wikipedia article on The Gnostic Mass
- Hermetic.com article on The Gnostic Mass
