Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

CHAPTER VII The Formula of the Holy Graal: of Abrahadabra: and of certain other Words. Also : The Magicai. Memory. The Hieroglyph shewn in the Seventh Key of the Tarot (des- cribed in the I2th Aethyr, Liber 418, Equinox I, V) is the Charioteer of Our Lady Babalon, whose Cup or Graal he bears. Now this is an important formula. It is the First of the Formulæ, in a sense, for it is the formula of Renunciation. 1 2 It is also the Last ! This Cup is said to be full of the Blood of the Saints ; that is, every “sainC’ or magician must give the last drop of his life’s blood to tliat cup. It is the original price paid for magick power. And if by magick power we mean the true power, the assimilation of ail force with the Ultimate Light, the true Bridai of the Rosy Cross, then is that blood the offering of Virginity, the sole sacrifice well-pleasing to the Master, the sacrifice whose only reward is the pain of child-bearing unto him. But “to sell one’s soûl to the devil”, to renounce no matter what for an équivalent in personal gain % is hlack magic. You are no longer a noble giver of your ail, but a mean huckster. 1. There is no moral implication here. But to choose A implies to refuse not-A: at least, that is so, below the Abyss. 2. Supfosed personal gain. There is really no person to gain; so the whole transaction is a swindle on both sides.