Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

than any other man can be. It is only the divine self within the man, a self as far above the possession of will or any other qualities whatsoever as the heavens are high above the earth, that should reabsorb itself into that illimitable radiance of which it is a spark. 1 The great difficulty for the single Magician is so to perfect himself that these multifarious duties of the Ritual are adequately performed. At first he will find that the exaltation destroys memory and paralyses muscle. This is an essential difficulty of the magical process, and can only be overcome by practice and expérience.2 In order to aid concentration, and to increase the supply of Energy, it has been customary for the Magician to employ assist¬ ants or colleagues. It is doubtful whether the obvious advantages of this plan compensate the difficulty of procuring suitable persons 3, and the chance of a conflict of will or a misunderstanding in the circle itself. On one occasion Frater Perdurabo was disobeyed by an assistant ; and had it not been for His promp¬ titude in using the physical compulsion of the sword, it is probable that the circle would hâve been broken. As it was, the affair fortunately terminated in nothing more serious than the destruc¬ tion of the culprit. However, there is no doubt that an assemblage of persons who really are in harmony can much more easily produce an effect than a magician working by himself. The psychology of aRevival meetings” will be familiar to almost every one, and though such 1. This is said of the partial or lesser Works of Magick. This is an elementary treatise; one cannot discuss higher Works as for example those of “The Hermit of Aesopus Island”. 2. See “The Book of Lies”; there are several chapters on this subject. But Right Exaltation should produce spontaneously the proper mental and physical reactions. As soon as tho development is secured, there will be automatic reflex “justesse”, exactly as in normal aEairs mind and body respond with free unconscious rightness to the Will. 3. The organic development of Magick in the world due to the créative Will of the Master Therion makes it with every year that passes easier to find scientifically trained co-workers. 73