IV. 
The knocks or knells are ail of the same character. They 
may be described collectively — the différence between then 
consists only in this, that the instrument with which they are made 
seals them with its own spécial properties. It is of no great 
importance (even so) whether they are made by clapping the 
hands or stamping the feet, by strokes of one of the weapons, or 
by the theoretically appropriate instrument, the bell. It may 
nevertheless be admitted that they become more important in the 
ceremony if the Magician considers it worth while to take up 1 an 
instrument whose single purpose is to produce them. 
Let it first be laid down that a knock asserts a connection between 
the Magician and the object which he strikes. Thus the use of the 
bell, or of the hands, means that the Magician wishes to impress 
the atmosphère of the whole circle with what has been or is about 
to be done. He wishes to formulate his will in Sound, and radiate 
it in every direction ; moreover, to influence that which lives by 
breath in the sense of his purpose, and to summon it to bear 
witness to his Word. The hands are used as symbols of his 
executive power, the bell to represent his consciousness exalted 
into music. To strike with the wand is to utter the fiat of création ; 
the cup vibrâtes with his delight in receiving spiritual wine. A 
blow with the dagger is like the signal for battle. The disk is 
used to express the throwing down of the price of one’s purchase. 
To stamp with the foot is to déclaré one’s mastery of the matter in 
hand. Similarly, any other form of giving knocks has its own 
virtue. From the above examples the intelligent student will hâve 
perceived the method of interpreting each individual case that 
may corne in question. 
As above said, the object struck is the object impressed. Thus, 
a blow upon the altar affirms that he has complied with the laws 
of his operation. To strike the lamp is to summon the Light 
divine. Thus for the rest. 
It must also be observed that many combinations of ideas are 
made possible by this convention. To strike the wand within the 
cup is to apply the Creative will to its proper complément, and so 
i. Any action not purely rhythmical is a disturbance. 
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