The Path of the Rose and Thorn Itself Manifest

The Path of the Rose and Thorn may be symbolized by a rooted and thorned stem winding upwards, branching first left into a tri-set leaflet, then left into a bud, and finally ending in a fully bloomed Rose. Each element contains within it specific symbolism representing the path itself.

Roots: A Hearth; the foundation; the Green Earth itself.

Stem: A Task; the path; progress.

Thorn: A Challenge; a trial; protection.

Leaf: A Refuge; secrecy and silence; the Great Mysteries.

Bud: An Opportunity; growth; practice.

Rose: A Highlight; culmination.

The Thorns count 13 in number. Each Thorn is itself a point on the pathway; a stop; a lesson; a trial- each of which has its own unique lesson to impart, and an association with a specific Garden along the path.

One - Virginity: Katharsis; cleansing, or purification. The trial of first experiences; The Plot of Smoke and Fire.

Two - Tradition: Paradosis; giving over. The trial of accepting boundaries and limitations; The Plot of Ecstasy.

Three - Affinity: Syngéneia; kindred, or affinity; The trial of symbiosis and communion with the Green; The Plot of Zion.

Four - Aversion: Peripeteia; reversal of fortune; The trial of symbiosis with the Dark and Shadowy Green; The Plot of Keys.

Five - Disappearance: Aphanismos; vanishing; The trial of Dwelling within the Wild; The Plot of Restoration.

Six - Witness: Topothesía; locale, or place; The trial of Local Cultus; The Plot of Prophecy.

Seven - Peregrination: Periplánisi; wandering; The trial of Fusus Cultus; The Plot of the Scribe.

Eight - Steward: Epistasía; The trial of Conservationism; The Plot of the Sepulcher.

Nine - Combination: Synthesis; bringing together; The Trial of accurate amalgamation; The Plot of Alchemy.

Ten - Confederation: Synomospondía; ?; The trial of community; The Plot of Many Mantles.

Eleven - Turning Away: Apostasia; Apostasy; The trial of going your own way; The Plot of Embattlement.

Twelve - Whorishness: Akolasía; promiscuity; The trial of enthusiastic embracement of all; The Plot of Perfumery.

Thirteen - Embodiment: Ensomátosis; ?; The trial of embodied living; The Plot of Adornment.