surrounded at the base with seven smaller spires, is surmounted by an immense golden cross, at the centre of which shines the ruby of a rose emitting rays in all directions and illuminating the distant Earth with its calm light.From the outside, one can see three vaulted Gothic arches which contribute to the graceful flying buttresses. On each side, marked by two spires, impressive portals, engraved with two interlaced triangles, are sheltered under wide arches ornamented by a thousand symbols. This part of the cathedral supports the high central spire seen before. It constitutes almost the central f point of the edifice, because here is the main frontal part of the cathedral, and behind is the rear of the structure, the rounded form of which suggests a Templar chapel. To this general view, add the innumerable high, stained glass windows, the designs of which cannot be distinctly seen from the outside, and the immense finely carved rose window. Carry the entire structure to infinite proportions, and you will have a very general idea of its magnificence.
But let us approach the cathedral and prepare to enter. The facade is of unequalled splendor. Two smaller portals flank the gigantic central portal surmounted by a triangle whose upper point reaches the base of the rose window, which the triangles above the neighboring portals rejoin at the two lower points. At the top, another notched triangle raises its upper point to halfway up the two spires, partly hidden by a wall with 144 inches which shelter many statues, symbolizing the guardians of the edifice. Whom do they represent? I only recognize a few. I am led to think that they perpetuate the memory of the great founders of religions and the most advanced adepts of all time. Just below the centre of the rose window, twelve statues are seen in gigantic niches carved with a thousand symbols, among which the constellations of the zodiac shine with a special brilliance; and I understand that they emphasize the basic cycles of humanity, with each statue personifying someone who has fulfilled his mission in one of the cycles. There are Ram, Mithra, Abraham, Jesus, Mohammed, and others whom I cannot distinguish. Lower down, in seven other niches, are the greatest Masters concerned in the initiatory evolution of our Earth, and I am filled with emotion on recognizing them. Finally, between the three triangles surmounting the portals, are two statues, one draped in black and the other in white, symbolizing the two pillars of knowledge, the double polarity fro whence emanates all manifestation. On each side halfway up the cathedral, twelve superimposed niches complete the general effect, and the statues which occupy them symbolize the fundamental paths of wisdom according to traditional Kabala. Everything is of an indescribable splendor. Contemplation is not at all saddened by an impression of 'grayness'. Everything is bright, and if a look is directed to a detail, that becomes illumined and reveals its full significance. Primordial wisdom takes form in the cathedral, and it appears in its innumerable aspects under a universal symbolism which I will not explain because it assumes a particular significance for each visitor, according to the degree of comprehension which he has attained, and the direction given to his visualization, if he has chosen a cathedral to represent the Cathedral of the Soul.
This extraordinary arrangement of circles and triangles in various colors which encircles the central portal deserves to be contemplated at length, but it directs a different message to each one. The only symbols equally understandable to everyone are the two immense triangles engraved on the principal portals and surrounded by a perfect circle. One is arranged with the apex at the top, the other with the apex directed toward the bottom. There is no other symbol over the portals. This is to emphasize the importance of the triangle in the ultimate mystical step toward perfection and unity. Occasionally, when one begins to rise toward the cathedral, and it appears in the distance immersed in clouds, one thinks he knows where the elusive foundations are buried. But, on approaching, the clouds dissolve, and one realizes that they were merely an illusion of the mind, still chained to Earth, before the being soared towards the sublime heights which it aspired to attain.
The moment to enter has come. Like a breath upon our soul, strange music with unknown rhythms coming through the great portal greets us. Others enter at the same time as we do, and it is impossible to exactly define their race or their nationality. However, by the signs which certain ones make, we recognize their beliefs. Here is one who, after genuflecting, makes a sign of the cross. Here is another who covers his head, here is a third, making the homage of his faith to Allah. There is a visitor making a traditional gesture, and a great many like myself making the Rosicrucian Salutation to the East before entering.
