Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 2)

a microcosm in itself — and even archangels reach rarely to this centre of balance — is fit to treat on an equality with Man. The proper study of mankind is God; with Him is his business; and with Him alone. Some magicians hâve hired légions of spirits for some spécial purpose; but it has always proved a serious mistake. The whole idea of exchange is foreign to magick. The dignity of the magician forbids compacts. “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof”. III The operations of Magick art are difficult to classify, as they merge into each other, owing to the essential unity of their method and resuit. We may mention : 1. Operations such as évocation, in which a live spirit is brought from dead matter. 2. Consécrations of talismans in which a live spirit is bound înto “dead” matter and vivifies the same. 3. Works of divination, in which a live spirit is made to control operations of the hand or brain of the Magician. Such works are accordingly most dangerous, to be used only by advanced magicians, and then with great care. 4. Works of fascination, such as operations of invisibility, and transformations of the apparent form of the person or thing concerned. This consists almost altogether in distracting the attention, or disturbing the judgment, of the person whom it is wished to deceive. There are, however, “real” transformations of the adept himself which are very useful. See the Book of the Dead for methods. The assumption of God-Forms can be carried to the point of actual transformation. 5. Works of Love and Hâte, which are also performed (as test of the acceptance of the Law of Thelema. Whoso déniés “Do what thou wilt shall be the Whole of the Law” confesses that he still clings to the conflict in his own nature; he is not, and does not want to be, true to himself. A fortiori, he will prove false to you. — 195 —