Chapter II * Verses 61 — 67
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“Higher Self”; True Self is more the idea. For each Star is the husk 
of Hadit, unique and conqueror, sublime in His own virtue, 
independent of hierarchy. There is an external hierarchy, of 
course, but that is only a matter of convenience.
66. Write, & find ecstasy in writing! Work, & be our bed in 
working! Thrill with the joy of life & death! Ah! thy death 
shall be lovely: whoso seeth it shall be glad. Thy death shall 
be the seal of the promise of our agelong love. Come! lift up 
thine heart & rejoice! We are one; we are none.
Commentary: The first part of this text appears to be a 
digression in the nature of a prophecy. The word “Come!” is a 
summons to reenter the full Trance. Its essence is declared in the 
last six words. Notice that the transition from one to none is 
instantaneous.
67. Hold! Hold! Bear up in thy rapture; fall not in swoon of the 
excellent kisses!
Commentary: The instructions in the text of this and the 
next verse were actual indications as to how to behave, so as to 
get the full effect of the Trance.
This too is a general Magical Formula, convenient even in the 
Work of the physical image of the Godhead.
It is of the utmost importance to resist the temptation to let 
oneself be carried away into trance. One should summon one’s 
reserve forces to react against the tendency to lose normal con­
sciousness. More and more of one’s being is gradually drawn into 
the struggle, and one only yields at the last moment. (It needs 
practice and courage to get the best results.) I quote from The 
Holy Books:
33. Fall not into death, O my soul! Think that 
death is the bed into which you are falling!1
1 “Liber VII,” 1:33.
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