Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 4)

26. Concerning silence. — Now there may corne a time in the course of this practice when the outward symbols of dévotion cease, when the soûl is as it were dumb in the presence of its God. Mark that this is not a cessation but a transmutation of the barren seed of prayer into the green shoot of yearning. This yearning is spon- taneous, and it shall be left to grow, whether is be sweet or bitter. For often times it is as the torment of hell in which the soûl burns and writhes unceasingly. Yet it ends, and at its end continue openly thy Method. 27. Concerning Dryness. — Another State wherein at times the soûl may fall is this dark night. And this is indeed purifying, in such depths that the soûl cannot fathom it. It is less like pain than like death. But it is the necessary death that cornes before the rising of a body glorified. This State must be endured with fortitude; and no means of alleviating it may be employed. It may be broken up by the breaking up of the whole Method, and a return to the world without. This cowardice not only destroys the value of ail that has gone before, but destroys the value of the Oath of Fealty that thou hast sworn, and makes thy Will a mockery to men and gods. 28. Concerning the Feceftions of the Devil. — Note well that in this State of dryness a thousand séductions will lure thee away; also a thousand means of breaking thine oath in spirit without breaking it in letter. Against this thou mayst repeat the words of thine oath aloud again and again until the temptation be overcome. Also the devil will represent to thee that it were much better for this operation that thou do thus and thus, and seek to affright thee by fears for thy health or thy reason. Or he may send against thee visions worse than madness. Against ail this there is but one remedy, the Discipline of thine Oath. So then thou shalt go through ceremonies meaningless and hideous to thee, and blasphémé shalt thou against thy Deity and curse Him. And this mattereth little, for it is not thou, so be that thou adhéré to the Letter of thine Obligation. For thy Spiritual Sight is closed, and to trust it is to be led into the précipice, and hurled therefrom. 29. Further of this matter. — Now also subtler than ail these — 397 —