Magick Without Tears

72 Education Cara Soror, Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Education means "leading out" ; this is not the same as "stuffing in." I refuse to enlarge on this theme ; it is all-important. To extract something, you should first know what is there. Here astrology ought to give useful hints ; its indications give the mind something to work on. Experience makes "confirmation strong as Holy Writ" ; but beware of a priori. Do not be dogmatic; do not insist in the face of disappointment. Astrology in education is useful as geology is to the prospector ; it tells you the sort of thing to look for, and the direction in which to explore . There are, however , two main lines of teaching which are of universal value to normal children ; it is hardly possible to begin too early. Firstly, accustom his ear from the start to noble sounds; the music of nature and the rhythm of great poetry. Do not aim at his understanding, but at his subconscious mind. Protect him from cacophonous noise; avoid scoring any cheap success with him by inflicting jingles ; do not insult him by "baby-talk." Secondly , let him understand , as soon as you start actual teaching, the difference between the real and the conventional in what you make him memorize. Nothing 430