Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

CHAPTER VI The Formula of the Néophyte \ This formula has for its “first matter” the ordinary man entirely ignorant of everything and incapable of anything. He is therefore represented as blindfolded and bound. His only aid is his aspira¬ tion, represented by the officer who is to lead him into the Temple. Before entering, he must be purified and consecrated. Once within the Temple, he is required to bind himself by an oath. His aspiration is now formulated as Will. He makes the mystic circumambulation of the Temple for the reasons to be described in the Chapter on “Gesture”. After further purification and consécra¬ tion, he is allowed for one moment to see the Lord of the West, and gains courage 1 2 to persist. For the third time he is purified and consecrated, and he sees the Lord of the East, who holds the balance, keeping him in a straight line. In the West he gains energy. In the East he is prevented from dissipating the same. So fortified, he may be received into the order as a néophyte by the three principal officers, thus uniting the Cross with the Triangle. He may then be placed between the pillars of the Temple, to receive the fourth and final consécration. In this position the secrets of the grade are communicated to him, and the last of his fetters is removed. Ail this is sealed by the sacrament of the Four Eléments. It will be seen that the effect of this whole ceremony is to endow a thing inert and impotent with balanced motion in a given direction. Numerous examples of this formula are given 1. See the Néophyte Ceremony, Equinox I, II. 2. Fear is the source of ail false perception. Even Freud had a glimpse of this fact. 39