Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 4)

Ànother objection lies in the partiality of this Method. This is equally a defect characteristic of the Grade. 43. Concerning a notable danger of Success. — It may occur that owing to the tremendous power of the Samadhi, overcoming ail other memories as it should and does do, that the mind of the devotee may be obsessed, so that he déclaré his particular Deity to be sole God and Lord. This error has been the foundation of ail dogmatic religions, and so the cause of more misery than ail other errors combined. The Philosophus is peculiarly liable to this because from the nature of the Method he cannot remain sceptical; he must for the time believe in his particular Deity. But let him (1) consider that this belief is only a weapon in his hands, and (2) affirm sufficiently that his Deity is but an émanation or reflection or eidolon of a Being beyond him, as was said in Paragraph 2. For if he fail herein, since man cannot remain permanently in Samadhi, the memorised Image in his mind will be degraded, and replaced by the corresponding Démon, to his utter ruin. Therefore, after Success, let him not delight overmuch in his Deity, but rather busy himself with his other work, not permitting that which is but a step to become a goal. As it is written, Liber CLXXXV: “remembering that Philosophy is the Equilibrium of him that is in the House of Love.” 44. Concerning secrecy and the rites of Blood. —During this practice it is most wise that the Philosophus utter no Word con¬ cerning his working, as if it were a Forbidden Love that consumeth him. But let him answer fools according to their folly; for since he cannot conceal his love from his fellows, he must speak to them as they may understand. And as many Deities demand sacrifice, one of men, another of cattle, a third of doves, let these sacrifices be replaced by the true sacrifices in thine own heart. Yet if thou must symbolise them outwardly for the hardness of thine heart, let thine own blood and no other’s, be spilt before that altar. 1 1. The exceptions to this rule pertain neither to this practice, nor to this grade. N. Fra. A A 403 —