The Martinmas Interviews
Ongoing Project
Last updated – 11th November, 2007

“In the beginning was Initiation. The flesh profiteth nothing; the mind profiteth nothing; that which is unknown to you and above these, while firmly based upon their equilibrium, giveth life. In all systems of religion is to be found a system of Initiation, which may be defined as the process by which a man comes to learn that unknown Crown. Though none can communicate either the knowledge or the power to achieve this, which we may call the Great Work, it is yet possible for initiates to guide others.”

Liber LXI vel Causæ (1909), A∴A∴

The wheel turned again and, shrouded in the autumnal mists of November 11th, the ancient feast of Martinmas was upon us once more. For Reactor, who have always celebrated this great day with special vigour, the festivities included the traditional activities of leaping, backwards donkey rides, an imitation wedding, tasting the new season's wine, cross-dressing, and the symbolic eating of meat. In addition this year, Reactor are proud to have brought Gansabhauet, the venerable tradition of the Swiss town of Sursee, to these shores.

Exuberant though the festivities may have been, Reactor's Martinmas celebrations always contain an aspect of great and solemn seriousness.

In the 4th century AD, the Bishop St. Martin was walking to Rome on a pilgrimage. He encountered Satan and was mocked by him. As punishment St. Martin turned the devil into a donkey and rode the lazy beast for the remainder of his journey. The Donkey cursed him and spoke in palindromes.

Because of this significant encounter, Reactor chose this date as the most appropriate for the interviewing of potential new group members and for their initiation into the most honoured role of Secret Member - a role that is theirs for exactly one year, until the wheel turns once more to Martinmas.

Reactor can now reveal that none of the applicants who presented themselves for initiation on November 11th 2006 were of sufficient quality, and so the chair of the Secret Member remained empty during 06/07. Now, this year's prospective initiates have stepped forward and decisions have been taken.

Reactor now welcomes applications from those who wish to present themselves on Martinmas in 2008.

“If the geese at Martin’s Day stand on ice, they will walk in mud at Christmas"