Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 3)

with cône of pine and ivy tendrilsj the Angel créâtes continually, wreathing His Wîll in clinging beauty, imperishably green. The Tiger, the symbol of the brutal passions of man, gambols about its master’s heelsj and He bestrides the Ass of Priapus; he makes his sexual force carry him whither He wills to go. Let the Magician therefore adventure himself upon the Astral Plane with the declared design to penetrate to a sanctuary of discarnate Beings such as are able to instruct and fortify him, also to prove their identity by testimony beyond rebuttal. Ail explana- tions other than these are of value only as extending and equi- Jibrating Knowledge, or possibly as supplying Energy to such Magicians as may hâve found their way to the Sources of Strength. In ail cases, naught is worth an obol save as it serve to help the One Great Work. He who would reach Intelligences of the type under discussion may expect extreme difficulty. The paths are guarded; there is a lion in the way. Technical expertness will not serve here; it is necessary to satisfy the Warders of one’s right to enter the presence of the Master. Particular pledges may be demanded, ordeals imposed, and initiations conferred. These are most serious matters; the Body of Light must be fully adult, irrevocably fixed, or it will be disintegrated at the outset. But, being fit to pass through such expériences, it is bound utterly to its words and acts. It cannot even appear to break an oath, as its fleshly fellow may do. Such, then is a general description of the Astral Plane, and of the proper conduct of the Magician in his dealings therewith. 264 —