Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

a System similar to his own. That is, they can be compelled naturally by cognate consciousness. For instance, one may wish to obtain the knowledge put forth in this book. Not knowing that such a book exists, one might yet induce some one who knows of it to offer a copy. Thus one’s operation would consist in inflaming one’s Will to possess the knowledge to the point of devoting one’s life to it, in expressing that will by seeking out people who seem likely to know what is needed, and in imposing it on them by exhibiting such enthusiastic earnestness that they will tell the enquirer that this book will meet his needs. Does this Sound too simple? Can this obvious common-sense course be really that marvellous Magick that frightens folk so? Yes, even this triviality is one instance of how Magick Works. But the above practical programme may be a fiasco. One might then resort to Magick in the conventional sense of the Word, by constructing and charging a Pantacle appropriate to the object; this Pantacle should then cause a strain in the Astral Light such that the vibrations would compel some alien consciousness to restore equilibrium by bringing the book. Suppose a severer and more serious aim; suppose that I wish to win a woman who dislikes me and loves somebody else. In this case, not only her Will, but her lover’s must be overcome by my own. I hâve no direct control of either. But my Will is in touch with the woman’s by means of our minds; I hâve only to make my mind the master of hers by the existing means of communication; her mind will then présent its recantation to her Will, her Will repeal its decision, and her body submit to mine as the seal of her surrender. Here the Magical Link exists; only it is complex instead of simple as in the First Class. There is opportunity for ail kinds of error in the transmission of the Will; misunderstanding may mar the matter; a mood may make mischief; external events may interfère; the lover may match me in Magick; the Operation itself may offend Nature in many ways; for instance, if there is a subconscious incompatibility between myself and the woman, I deceive myself into thinking