Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 2)

CHAPTER XVII Of THE LICENSE TO DEPART After a ceremony has reached its climax, anti-climax must inevitably follow. But if the ceremony has been successful this anti-climax is merely formai. The Magician should rest permanently on the higher plane to which he has aspired. 1 The whole force of the operation should be ahsorhed; but there is almost certain to be a residuum, since no operation is perfect; and (even if it were sol there would be a number of things, sympathetic to the operation, attracted to the Circle. These must be duly dispersed, or thev will degenerate and become evil. It is always easy to do this where invocations are concerned; the mere removal of the strain imposed by the will of the magician will restore things to their normal aspects, in accordance with the great law of inertia. In a badly-managed évocation, however, this does not always obtainj the spirit may refuse to be controlled, and may refuse to départ — even after having sworn obedience. In such a case extreme danger may arise. In the ordinary way, the Magician dismisses the spirit with these words: “And now I say unto thee, départ in peace unto thine habitations and abodes — and may the blessing of the Highest be upon thee in the name of (here mention the divine name suitable to the operation, or a Name appropriate to redeem that spirit) 3 and let there be peace between thee and me 3 and be thou very ready to corne, whensoever thou art invoked and called!”1 2 1. The rock-climber who relaxes on the face of the précipice falls to earth; but once he has reached a safe ledge he may sit down. 2. It is usual to add “either by a word, or by a will, or by this mighty Conjuration of Magick Art.” — 139