Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

aspects of Tiphareth. We may leave the détermination o£ these points to the ingenuity of the student. The most generally useful and adaptable battery is composed o£ il strokes. The principal reasons for this are as follows: Firstly> n is the number of Magick in itself. It is therefore suitable to ail types of operation. Secondly, it is the sacred number par excellence of the new Aeon. As it is written in the Book of the Law: “Eleven, as ail their numbers who are of us.” Thirdly, it is the number of the letters of the Word ABRAHADABRA, which is the Word of the Aeon. The structure of this Word is such that it expresses the Great Work, in every one of its aspects. Lastly> it is possible thereby to express ail possible spheres of operation, whatever their nature. This is effected by making an équation between the number of the Sephira and the différence between that number and n. For example, 2°=9° is the formula of the grade of initiation corresponding to Yesod. Yesod represents the instability of air, the sterility of the moonj but these qualities are balanced in it by the stability implied in its position as the Foundation, and by its function of génération. This complex is further equilibrated by identifying it with the number 2 of Chokmah, which possesses the airy quality, being the Word, and the lunar quali ty, being the reflection of the sun of Kether as Yesod is of the sun of Tiphareth. It is the wisdom which is the foundation by being création. This entire cycle of ideas is expressed in the double formula 2°=9°, 9°=2° i and any of these ideas may be selected and articulated by a suitable battery. We may conclude with a single illustration of how the above principles may be put into practice. Let us suppose that the Magician contemplâtes an operation for the purpose of helping his mind to resist the tendency to wander. This will be a work of Yesod. But he must emphasize the stability of that Sephira as against the Airy quality which it possesses. His first action will be to put the 9 under the protection of the 2; the battery at this point will be 1-9-1. But this 9 as it stands is suggestive of the changefulness of the moon. It may occur to him to divide this into 4 and 5, 4 being the number of fixity, law, and authoritative power 5 and 5 that of courage, energy, and triumph of the spirit 86 —