Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 2)

occasions. These shouid be “familiar” spirits, in the strict sense; members of bis family. He shouid deal with them constantly, avoiding whimsical or capricious changes. He shouid choose them so that their capacities cover the whole ground of his workj but he shouid not multiply them unneccessarily, for he makes himself responsible for each one that he employs. Such spirits snould be ceremonially evoked to visible or semi-visible appear- ance. A strict arrangement shouid be made and sworn. This must be kept punctiliously by the Magician, and its infringement by the spirit severely punished. Relations with these spirits shouid be confirmed and encouraged by frequent intercourse. They shouid be treated with courtesy, considération, and even affection. They shouid be taught to love and respect their master, and to take pride in being trusted by him. It îs sometimes better to act on the advice of a spirit even when one knows it to be wrong, though in such a case one must take the proper précautions against an undesirable resuit. The reason for this is that spirits of this type are very sensitive. They suffer agonies of remorse on realising that they hâve injured their Master5 for he is their God; they know themselves to be part of him, their aim is to attain to absorption in him. They understand therefore that his interests are theirs. Care must be taken to employ none but spirits who are fit for the purpose, not only by reason of their capacity to supply information, but for their sym- pathy with the personality of the Magician. Any attempt to coerce unwilling spirits is dangerous. They obey from fear; their fear makes them flatter, and tell amiable falsehoods. It also créâtes phantasmal projections of themselves to personate them; and these phantasms, besides being worthless, become the prey of malicious daemons who use them to attack the Magician in various ways whose prospect of success is enhanced by the fact that he has him¬ self created a link with them. One more observation seems désirable while on this subject. Divination of any kind is improper in matters directly concerning the Great Work itself. In the Knowledge and Conversation of his Holy Guardian Angel, the adept is possessed of ail he can possibly need. To consult any other is to insnlt one’s