The term of instruction lasted through the autumns and winters of five years.

The hours were from sunset to midnight.

Only one woman, an aged priestess, was admitted into the hall, and she only to perform certain incantations.

No one might eat or sleep there, and any pupil who fell asleep during instruction was at once thrust forth, was expected to go home and die, and doubtless usually did so.
Infinite pains were taken to impress on the pupils' memories the exact wording of traditions.

As much as a month would be devoted to constant repetitions of a single myth.