The Ordeal of Magick
Magickal Ordeal
Learn of the spirit that goes with burdens that have
not honour, for 'tis the spirit that stooped the shoulders and not the weight.
Armour is heavy, yet it is a proud burden and a man stands upright in it.
Limiting and constraining any of the senses serves to increase the concentration
of another. Shutting the eyes aids the hearing. So the binding of the Initiate's
hands increases the mental perception, while the scourge increased the inner
vision. So the Initiate goes through it proudly, like a princess, knowing it but
serves to increase her glory.
But this can only be done by the aid of
another intelligence and in a circle, to prevent the power thus generated being
lost. Priests attempt to do the same with their scourging and mortifications of
the flesh. But lacking the aid of bonds and their attention being distracted by
their scourging themselves and what little power they do produce being
dissipated, as they do not usually work within a circle, it is little wonder
that they oft fail. Monks and hermits do better, as they are apt to work in tiny
cells and caves, which in some ways act as circles. The Knights of the Temple,
who used mutually to scourge each other in an octagon, did better still; but
they apparently did not know the virtue of bonds and did evil, man to
man.
But perhaps some did know. What of the Church's charge that they
wore girdles or cords?
On Raising Power
Power is latent in the body and may be drawn out and used in various ways by
the skilled. But unless confined in a circle it will be swiftly dissipated.
Hence the importance of a properly constructed circle. Power seems to exude from
the body via the skin and possibly from the orifices of the body; hence you
should be properly prepared. The slightest dirt spoils everything, which shows
the importance of thorough cleanliness.
The attitude of mind has great
effect, so only work with a spirit of reverence. A little wine taken and
repeated during the ceremony, if necessary, helps to produce the power. Other
strong drinks or drugs may be used, but it is necessary to be very moderate, as
if you are confused, even slightly, you cannot control the power you
evoke.
The simplest way is by dancing and singing monotonous chants,
slowly at first and gradually quickening the tempo until giddiness ensues. Then
the calls may be used, or even wild and meaningful shrieking produces power. But
this method inflames the mind and renders it difficult to control the power,
though control may be gained through practice. The scourge is a far better way,
for it stimulates and excites both body and soul, yet one easily retains
control.
The Great Rite is far the best. It releases enormous power, but
the conditions and circumstances make it difficult for the mind to maintain
control at first. It is again a matter of practice and the natural strength of
the operator's will and in a lesser degree those of his assistants. If, as of
old, there were many trained assistants present and all wills properly attuned,
wonders occur.
Sorcerers chiefly used the blood sacrifice; and while we
hold this to be evil we cannot deny that this method is very efficient. Power
flashes forth from newly shed blood, instead of slowly exuding as by our method.
The victim's terror and anguish add keenness and quite a small animal can yield
enormous power. The great difficulty is in the human mind controlling the power
of the lower animal mind. But sorcerers claim they have methods for effecting
this and that the difficulty disappears the higher the animal used and when the
victim is human disappears entirely. (The practice is an abomination, but it is
so.)
Priests know this well; and by their auto-da-fe's, with the victim's
pain and terror (the fires acting much the same as circles), obtained enormous
power.
Of old the Flagellants certainly evoked power, but through not
being confined by a circle most was lost. The amount of power raised was so
great and continuous that anyone with knowledge could direct and use it; and it
is most probable that the classical and heathen sacrifices were used in the same
way. There are whispers that when the human victim was a willing sacrifice, with
his mind directed on the Great Work and with highly skilled assistants, wonders
ensued - but of this I would not speak.
Astral Projection
'Tis not wise to strive to get out of your body until you
have thoroughly gained the Sight. The same ritual as to gain the Sight may be
used, but have a comfortable couch. Kneel so that you have your thigh, belly and
chest well supported, the arms strained forward and bound one on each side, so
that there is a decided feeling of being pulled forward. As the trance is
induced, you should feel a striving to push yourself out of the top of your
head. The scourge should be given a dragging action, as if to drive or drag you
out. Both wills should be thoroughly in tune, keeping a constant and equal
strain. When trance comes, your tutor may help you by softly calling your name.
You will probably feel yourself drawn out of your body as if through a narrow
opening, and find yourself standing beside your tutor, looking at the body on
the couch. Strive to communicate with your tutor first; if they have the Sight
they will probably see you. Go not far afield at first, and 'tis better to have
one who is used to leaving the body with you.
A note: When, having
succeeded in leaving the body, you desire to return, in order to cause the
spirit body and the material body to coincide, THINK OF YOUR FEET. This will
cause the return to take place.
Second Sight
Sight cometh to different people in divers ways; 'tis seldom it cometh
naturally, but it can be induced in many ways. Deep and prolonged meditation may
do it, but only if you are a natural, and usually prolonged fasting is
necessary. Of old the monks and nuns obtained visions by long vigils, combined
with fasting and flagellation till blood came; other mortifications of the flesh
were practiced which resulted in visions.
In the East 'tis tried with
various tortures whilst sitting in a cramped position, which retarded the flow
of blood; these tortures, long and continued, gave good results.
In the
Art, we are taught an easier way, that is, to intensify the imagination, at the
same time controlling the blood supply, and this may best be done by using the
ritual.
Incense is good to propitiate the spirits, also to induce
relaxation to the aspirant and to help build up the atmosphere which is
necessary for suggestibility. Myrrh, Gum Mastic, Aromatic Rush Roots, Cinnamon
Bark, Musk, Juniper, Sandalwood and Ambergris, in combination, are all good, but
the best of all is Patchouli.
The circle being formed, and everything
properly prepared, the aspirant should first bind and take his tutor into the
circle, invoke suitable spirits for the operation, dance round till giddy,
meanwhile invoking and announcing the object of the work, then he should use the
flagellum. Then the tutor should in turn bind the aspirant - but very lightly,
so as not to cause discomfort - but enough to retard the blood slightly. Again
they should dance round, then at the Altar the tutor should use the flagellum
with light, steady, slow and monotonous strokes. It is very important that the
pupil should see the strokes coming, as this has the effect of passing, and
helps greatly to stimulate the imagination. It is important that the strokes be
not hard, the object being to do no more than draw the blood to that part and
away from the brain; this, with the light binding, slowing down the circulation
of the blood, and the passes, soon induce a drowsy stupor. The tutor should
watch for this, and as soon as the aspirant speaks or sleeps the flagellum
should cease. The tutor should also watch that the pupil becomes not cold, and
if the pupil struggles or seems distressed he should at once be
awakened.
Be not discouraged if no results come at the first experiment -
results usually occur after two or three attempts. It will be found that after
two or three attempts or experiments results will come, and soon more quickly;
also soon much of the ritual may be shortened, but never forget to invoke the
Goddess or to form the circle, and for good results 'tis ever better to do too
much ritual rather than do too little at first.
Remember, the circle
properly constructed is ever necessary to prevent the power released being
dissipated; it is also a barrier against any disturbing or mischievous forces;
for to obtain good results you must be free from all
disturbances.
Remember, darkness, points of light gleaming amid the
surrounding dark, incense and the steady passes by a white arm, are not as stage
effects but rather they are mechanical instruments which serve to start the
suggestion which later unlocks the knowledge that it is possible to obtain the
divine ecstasy, and so attain to knowledge and communication with the Divine
Goddess. When once you have attained this, ritual is needless, as you may attain
the state of ecstasy at will, but 'til then or, if having obtained or attained
it yourself, you wish to bring a companion to that state of joy, ritual is best.
Instructions To Note
A note upon the ritual of the Wine and Cakes. It is said that in olden days
ale or mead was often used instead of wine. It is said that spirits or anything
can be used, so long as it has life (i.e. has a kick).
All are brothers
and sisters, for this reason; that even the High Priestess must submit to the
scourge.
The only exception to the rule that a man only be initiated by a
woman and a woman by a man, is that a mother may initiate her daughter and a
father his son, because they are part of themselves.
A woman may
impersonate either the God or the Goddess, but a man may only impersonate the
God.
Ever remember, if tempted to admit or boast of belonging to the
cult, you may be endangering your brothers and sisters. For though now the fires
of persecution have died down, who knows when they may be revived.
Many
priests have knowledge of our secrets and they full well know that much
religious bigotry has died down or calmed down, that many people would wish to
join our cult if the truth were known of its joys and the churches would lose
power. So if we take many recruits we may loose the fires of persecution against
us again. So ever keep the secrets.
Those taking part in a rite must know
exactly what results they wish to attain and must keep all their minds firmly
fixed on the desired result, without wavering.
Witches' Round
(Old Dance)
Nowadays used to raise the Cone of Power, this old dance
may be used alone or in full coven. It is better if the Drawing Down of the Moon
has gone before, for then the Gods shall fuse with the energies raised in the
ecstasy of the dance and thereby accomplish your will.
All join hands to
form a ring about the HPS. Heads turned left and eyes tightly shut, will a
flowing river of power about the circle, moving from one through the next, from
man to woman and woman to man, about the circle without beginning or end,
gathering strength as it goes.
When the circle is set thus, in motionless
intensity, the HPS begins to clap to the rhythm of the heart-beat. And upon this
signal all open their eyes and step Widdershins; slowly at first but with a
quickening step as the HPS quickens the beat of her clap, until three rounds are
complete. And this must be accomplished smoothly and without
awkwardness.
Now change direction and dance deosil to the Witches' Rune
or some other tune; slowly at first, but faster and ever faster until, the Power
being at its peak, the HPS shall release it crying: Down !, whereupon all shall
fall to the ground to sit in a circle facing in. Thus also was the Cone of Power
raised of yore.
Meeting Dance
The Maiden should lead. A man should place both hands on her waist, standing
behind her, and alternate men and women do the same, the Maiden leading and they
dance following her. She at last leads them into a right-hand spiral. When the
center is reached (and this had better be marked by a stone) she suddenly turns
round and dances back, kissing each man as she comes to him. All men and women
turn likewise and dance back, men kissing women and women kissing men. All in
time to music, it is a merry game, but must be practiced to be done well. Note,
the musician should watch the dancers and make the music fast or slow as is
best. For the beginners it should be slow, or there will be confusion. It is
most excellent to get people to know each other at big gatherings.
Broom Song
Besom, besom long and lithe
made from ash and willow withe
Tied with
thongs of willow bark
in running stream at moonset dark.
With a pentagram
indighted
as the ritual fire is lighted;
Sweep ye circle, deosil,
Sweep out evil, sweep out ill,
Make the round of the ground
where we
do the Lady's will.
Besom, besom, Lady's broom
Sweep out darkness,
sweep out doom
Rid ye Lady's hallowed ground
Of demons, imps and Hell's
red hound;
Then set ye down on Her green earth
By running stream or
Mistress' hearth,
'Till called once more on Sabbath night
Invocation to the Horned God
Invocation to the Horned God
"By the flame that burneth bright,
O
Horned One!
We call thy name into the night,
O Ancient One!
Thee we
invoke by the Moon-led Sea,
by the standing stone and the twisted
tree.
Thee we invoke, where gather Thine own.
By the nameless shore,
forgotten and lone.
Come where the round of the dance is trod,
Horn and
Hoof of the Goat Foot God!
By moonlit meadow, on dusky hill,
where the
haunted wood is hushed and still,
come to the charm of the chanted prayer,
As the Moon bewitches the midnight air.
Evoke thy powers that potent
bide
in shining stream and the secret tide,
in fiery flame by starlight
pale,
in shadowy host that rides the gale.
And by the fern drakes, faerie
haunted,
of forests wild and woods enchanted.
Come, O Come!
To the
heartbeat's drum!
Come to us who gather below,
when the broad white Moon
is climbing slowly.
Through the stars to the heavens' height,
we hear thy
hoofs on the wind of night!
As black tree branches shake and sigh,
by joy
and terror we know thee nigh.
We speak the spell thy power unlocks,
At
Solstice Sabbath and Equinox!"
To Know To Will To Dare and To Be Silent
The Original Wizard & Paradox
0°=0° Dominus Liminus
Epainos megalos theos Pan!
έπαινος μεγάλος θεός Πάν!
Praise Great God Pan! & Eris
