Confessions of Aleister Crowley

107 {189} much of her power and wisdom as possible. I supposed this idea to be original; but I discovered later that Eliphas Lévi mentions this formula as having been used by the ancient Magicians of Persia with this very intention. That was one of the facts which led me to the discovery that in my last incarnation is was Eliphas Lévi. The Mother's Tragedy seems to have been influenced by Ibsen, with a touch of Bulwer Lytton. In The Temple of the Holy Ghost, however, the reader may trace the progress of my soul's development. A few of the poems in this book are comparatively normal. One can see the extent of my debt to various predecessors, especially Baudelaire. But while there is a certain delight in dalliance with demoniac Delilahs, there is a steady advance towards the utmost spiritual purity. In "The Athanor", the invocation of the Holy Guardian Angel reveals my true aspirations; while in "The Mountain Christ", "The Rosicrucian" and others, it is evident that my ambition was not to become superior to the rest of mankind except in order that I might redeem them. I quote: The Oath of the Beginning. I, Perdurabo, Frater Ordinis Roase Rubeae et Aureae Crucis, a Lord of the Paths in the Portal of the Vault of the Adepts, a 5° = 6ř of the Order of the Golden Dawn; and an humble servant of the Christ of God; do this day spiritually bind myself anew: By the Sword of Vengeance: By the Powers of the elements: By the Cross of Suffering: That I will devote myself to the Great Work: the obtaining of Communion with my own Higher and Divine Genius (called the Guardian Angel) by means of the prescribed course; and that I will use my Power so obtained unto the Redemption of the Universe. So help me the Lord of the Universe and mine own Higher Soul! This idea is further expanded in the obligation which I took in respect of the Operation. The influence of my initiation into the Second Order is manifest. While I remained in the Outer Order, I had not definitely realized the fact that I was bound up with the welfare of humanity and could only satisfy my aspiration by becoming a perfect instrument for the regeneration of the world. I quote once more: The obligation of the Operation. I, Perdurabo, in the Presence of the Lord of the Universe, and of all Powers Divine and Angelic, do spiritually bind myself, even as I am no physically bound unto the Cross of Suffering. (1) To unite my consciousness with the divine, as I may be permitted {190} and aided by the gods Who live for ever, The Aeons of Infinite years; that, being lost in the Limitless Light, it may find Itself: to the Regeneration of the Race, either of man or as the Will of God shall be. And I submit myself utterly to the Will Divine. (2) To follow out with courage, modesty, loving-kindness and perseverance the course prescribed by Abra-Melin the Mage; as far as in me lies, unto the attainment of this end. (3) To despise utterly the things and the opinions of this world lest they hinder me in doing this. (4) To use my powers only to the Spiritual well-being of all with whom I may be brought in contact.