[Concerning the invisible god] some say that he is Aapep when he riseth up with a head bearing upon it [the feather of] Maat (Truth). But others say that he is Horus when he riseth up with two heads, whereon one beareth [the feather of] Maat, and the other [the symbol of] wickedness. He bestoweth wickedness on him that worketh wickedness, and right and truth upon him that followeth righteousness and truth.

The Papyrus of Ani (The Egyptian Book of the Dead), translated by E A Wallis Budge

Hermetic quote Wallis-Budge The Papyrus of Ani The Egyptian Book of the Dead invisible god aapep feather maat truth horus symbol wickedness right righteousness

Consider also:

  1. “The ‘secrets’ (or arcane truths) imparted in this Degree are explained as consisting of certain peculiar marks or signs, intended to distinguish all Brethren of the elementary grade of Apprentice. Outwardly, in this and in subsequent Degrees also, they are expressed by step, sign, and word. These, of course, are not the full or real secrets, but only figurative emblems of them. It is what they signify that constitutes the secrets, and that significance is left for the Candidate to meditate upon and reduce into daily personal practice. Only so will he really learn them and come to understand why they are called “secrets” and why we insist upon their use. They can never be orally communicated, except in symbolic form, but must be learned by experimental practice.”
  2. “Above the figure of the Queen is the Mother-Vulture; at once the avenging, protective, and intuitive emissary of MAUT the Mother of all things; holding the Seal composed of a ring and a plate engraved with the symbols of the birth-presiding forces which gave a name of power to the Queen.”
  3. “I had realized, by this time, that my path to power was to be immensely difficult and fraught with danger. But I did not look back.”
  4. “A black two-headed Eagle is GOD; even a Black Triangle is He. In His claws He beareth a sword; yea, a sharp sword is held therein.”
  5. Stoker, Huysmans, and Pessoa on an imaginary journey together