custom and the hidden meaning in the wedding
ring; the symbolism of ancient marriage customs; the esoteric
meaning of "orange-blossoms;" the veil; the ring; the crown;
why these have endured throughout the ages; the interior and
hidden meaning of Rosicrusian symbols in respect to the
sex-function; women admitted to the Order and why; the
mystery and marvel of the symbolic "dove;" why it plays so
important a part in marriage customs and lover's phrases; the
symbolism of the ark; the egg; the drinking-cup and other
persisting accompaniments to marriage customs.

CHAPTER VI

CONTINENCE; CHASTITY; ASCETICISM: THEIR SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE 103

The Ancient Greek and Roman idea of the sex-relation; why the
asceticism of the Dark Ages arose; why the Church instituted
celibacy; why the Church retained the pagan idea of "the
virgin;" the effect this has had upon the growth and power of
Christianity; lives of celebrated saints in the light of
Occult wisdom; why and in what way the essentials of
Christianity are like other religious ideals; who is "the One
True and Only God?" the interior meaning of the word
"chastity;" the difference between chastity and asceticism;
the unbroken line connecting ancient ideas of sex, with
modern; the attitude of religious systems toward women; why
women are supporters of the churches in modern days; the
"mystic bride" and the mystical meaning; William James
comments on the spiritual ecstacy of St. Teresa; Swedenborg
on "Conjugal love;" trances; ecstacies; and visions of
saints; the term "virgin," and its origin; the evolution of
sex-love to spiritual love.

CHAPTER VII

SOUL-UNION: WHERE WILL IT LEAD? 119

Why we hear of "affinities" and "soul-mates" today more than
formerly; the great distinction between these two words; the
psychic forces behind woman's invasion of business fields;
the basis of "the unwritten law;" why affinity marriages
fail; the hidden reason girls look for a "rich husband;" the
final outcome; when and how women are "ruined;" the mystery
of the hermaphrodite; what is the true significance of the
term "androgynous?" mistaken ideas of morality in dress and
manners; what sort of beings constitute "the kingdom of God?"
the "secre