Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

between them and the mental attitude which they represent appears necessary. II The principal movement in the circle is circumambulation. 1 This has a very definite resuit, but one which is verv difficult to describe. An analogy is the dynamo. Circumambulation pro- perly performed in combination with the Sign of Horus (or “The Enterer”) on passing the East is one of the best methods of arousing the macrocosmic force in the Circle. It should never be omitted unless there be some spécial reason against it. A particular tread seems appropriate to it. This tread should be light and stealthy, almost furtive, and yet very purposeful. It is the pace of the tiger who stalks the deer. The number of circumambulations should of course correspond to the nature of the ceremony. Another important movement is the spiral, of which there are two principal forms, one inward, one outward. They can be performed in either direction ; and, like the circumambulation, if performed deosil2 they invoke — if widdershins 3 they banish 4. In the spiral the tread is light and tripping, almost approximating to a dance : while performing it the magician will usually turn on his own axis, either in the same direction as 1. In Part II of this Book 4 it was assumed that the Magician went barefoot. This would imply his intention to make intimate contact with his Circle. But he may wear sandals, for the Ankh is a sandal-strap; it is borne by the Egyptian Gods to signify their power of Going, that is their eternal energy. By shape the Ankh (or Crux Ansata) suggests the formula by which this Going is efîected in actual practice. 2. i. e. 'In the same direction as the hands of a watch move. 3. i. e. In the opposite direction. 4. Such, at least, is the traditional interprétation. But there is a deeper design which may be expressed through the direction of rotation. Certain forces of the most formidable character may be invoked by circumambulation Widdershins when it is executed with intent toward them, and the initiated technique. Of such forces Typhon is the type, and the war of the Titans against the Olympians the legend. (Teitan, Titan, has in Greek the numerical value of 666.) 80 —