Magick Without Tears

154 MAGICK WITHOUT TEARS 1. The proposed Act must be absurd; it won't do at all if by some fluke, however unlikely, it might accomplish your aim. For instance, it's no use backing an outsider. There must be no causal link. 2. The Act must be one which makes the situation definitely worse. E.g.: suppose you are counting on a new dress to make a hit at a Reception, and doubt whether it is so much better than your present best, or whether it will be finished in time . Then, wear that present best to-night (wet , of course) knowing you are sure to soil it. 3. Obviously, all the usual conditions of a Magical Operation apply in this as in all cases; your aim must conform with your True Will, and all that; but there is one curious point about an Act of Truth: this , that one should resort to it only when there is no other method possible. In the explorer's case, above, it won't do if he has any means of hurrying up the messenger. It seems to me that the above brief sketch should suffice an intelligent and imaginative student like yourself ; but if any point remains darkling, let me know , and I will follow up with a postscript. Love is the law, love under will. Yours fraternally , 666 P.S. I thought it might help you if I were to make a few experiments. I have done so. Result: this is much more difficult and delicate an affair than I had thought when I wrote this letter. For instance, one single thought of a "second string" -e.g. "if it fails, I had better do so and so" - is enough to kill the whole operation stone dead . Of course, I am totally out of practice; but ; even so . . .