Kings and Priests
“Before that Fire within himself he makes his vows, and upon the burning altar of his own higher being he lays his crown and his sceptre, his robes and his diamonds, his hates and his fears, and sanctifies his life as a Priest King, and swears to serve none but his own higher self, the god within. His robes are his soul body; and his crown is his life, and in the streets of life he is enthroned.” — Initiates of the Flame, by Manly P. Hall
”There are two types of humans portrayed in Sumerian artwork - divine kings and priests. Priests are recognizable because they are always clean shaven. The beard was a symbol of kingship and/or divinity. Gods, Lamassu, the Djinn, and royalty are all recognized in the carvings by the long beards and the crowns they wear. The priests wear neither beard nor crown. What this image portrays is the two currents of power and authority. The king represents the head of worldly power, appointed by divinity. The priests job were to guide and advise the king, in their role as head of religious power. In this image we see the priest initiating the king, and guiding him on the path to immortality.”
- Damien Echols