Water symbolizes the process of tempering and quenching our swords of life. This is metaphorically accomplished by washing our lives of poor qualities and plunging ourselves fully into the Quest for Areté.
The ritual of Immersion is symbolized by total submersion in water. It represents an adult level of understanding of the principles of Aretéanism, and the choice to accept them and let ourselves be transformed by practicing them. Water can also symbolize washing our lives of the things we wish to be rid of, clearing out our path ahead of us and giving us contextual awareness- making this ritual representative of the second stage of human consciousness.
Those who are 18 years of age or older may ask to be immersed, signifying not only renewed membership as a Mighty Hero of Areté, but a deeper commitment to The Assemblage of Areté and the principles of Aretéanism.