Dervishes
A sect of Mohammedan priests. In some cases they exercise a semi-esoteric doctrine. Their various 66 66 paths" or systems are of great antiquity, and probably are derived from the ancient rites of Persia and Egypt, bearing also a strong resemblance to Magism. Taking the Bektash as typical of all, we find that in the fifteenth century Bektash of Bokhara received his mantle from Ahmed Yesevee, who claimed descent from the fatherin-law of Mohammed. He established a " path," consisting nominally of seven degrees, only four of which, however, are essential. These aim at the establishment of an affinity between the aspirant and the Sheik, from whom he is led through the spirit of the founder, and that of the Prophet to Allah. The initiatory ceremony provides a severe test. The aspirant is tried for a year with false secrets, and his time of probation having expired, a lamb is slain, from the carcass of which a cord is made for his neck and a girdle of initiation for his loins. Two armed attendants then lead him into a square chamber, where he is presented to the Sheik as "a slave who desires to know truth." He is then placed before a stone altar, on which are twelve escallops. The Sheik, who is attended by eleven others, grips the hand of the aspirant in a peculiar way, and administers the oath of the Order, in which the neophyte promises to be poor, chaste and obedient. He is then informed that the penalty of betraying the Order is death. He then says: "Mohammed is my guide, Ali is my director," and is asked by the Sheik, 66 Do you accept me as your guide ? The reply being made in the affirmative, the Sheik says: "Then I accept you as my son." He is then invested with a girdle on which are three knots, and receives an alabaster stone as a token. The sign of recognition is the same as that in the first degree of masonry. Amongst their important symbols are the double triangles and two triangles joined at the apex. One of their maxims is that "the man must die that the saint must be born." As a jewel they make use of a small marble cube with red spots, to typify the blood of the martyred Ali. These dervish sects are by no means popular with the orthodox Mussulmans, as they devote themselves entirely to the well-being of their order rather than to Mohammedanism.
Devas A notable exercise indulged in by several Dervish sects, is that of gyration in circles for extended periods of time, or prolonged dancing. The object of this is obscure, some authorities contending that it is engaged in to bring about a condition of ecstasy, whilst others see in it a planetary or astronomic significance.