Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 2)

one’s minci until one can be positive, beyond the possibility of error, that one is able to detach oneself entirely from the question. The oracle is a judgej it must be beyond bribery and préjudice. It is impossible in practice to lay down rules for the inter¬ prétation of symbols. Their nature must be investigated by intel- lectual methods such as the Qabalah, but the précisé shape of meaning in any one case, and the sphere and tendency of its application, must be acquired partlv by expérience, that is, by induction, by recording and classifying one’s experiments over a long période and — this is the better part — by refining one’s ratiocination to the point where it becomes instinct or intuition, whichever one likes to call it. It is proper in cases where the sphere of the question is well marked to begin the divination by invocations of the forces thereto appropriate. An error of judgment as to the true character of the question would entail penalties proportionate to the extent of that error 3 and the delusions resulting from a divination fortified by invocation would be more serious than if one had not employed such heavy artillery.3 There can, however, be no objection to preparing oneself by a general purification and consécration devised with the object of detaching oneself from one’s personality and increasing the sensitiveness of one’s faculties. Ail divination cornes under the general type of the element Air. The peculiar properties of air are in conséquence its uniform charac- teristics. Divination is subtle and intangible. It moves with mysterious ease, expanding, contracting, fJowing, responsive to the slightest stress. It receives and transmits every Vibration without retaining any. It becomes poisonous when its oxygen is defiled by passing through human lungs. There is a peculiar frame of mind necessary to successful divination. The conditions of the problem are difficult. It is obviously necessary for the mind of the diviner to be concentrated absolutely upon his question. Any intrusive thought will confuse the oracle as certainly as the reader of a newspaper is confused I. The apparent high sanction for the error would fortify the obstinacy of the mule. — 163