Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

For évocations it would be more convenient to place the blood of the victim in the Triangle — the idea being that the spirit might obtain from the blood this subtle but physical substance which was the quintessence of its life in such a manner as to enable it to take on a visible and tangible shape.* 1 Those magiciens wiio object to the use of blood bave endeavored to replace it with incense. For such a purpose the incense of Abramelin may be burnt in large quantities. Dittany of Crete is also a valuable medium. Both these incenses are very catholic in their nature, and suitable for almost any materialization. But the bloody sacrifice, though more dangerous, is more efficacious; and for nearly ail purposes human sacrifice is the best. The truly great Magician will be able to use his own blood, or possibly that of a disciple, and that without sacrificing the physical life irrevocably. 2 An example of this sacrifice is given in Chapter 44 of Liber 333. This Mass may be recommended generally for daiiy practice. One last Word on this subject. There is a Magical Operation of maximum importance: the Initiation of a New Aeon. When it becomes necessary to utter a Word, the whole Planet must be bathed in blood. Before man is ready to accept the Law of Thelema, the Great War must be fought. This Bloody Sacrifice is the critical point of the Worïd- he sacrifices is not the material blood, but his Creative power. ” This initiated interprétation of the texts was sent spontaneously by Soror I. W E., for the sake of the younger Brethren. 1. See Equinox (I, V. Supplément: Tenth Aethyr) for an Account of an Operation where this was done. Magical phenomena of the créative order are conceived and germinate in a peculiar thick velvet darkness, crimson, purple, or deep blue, approximating black: as if it were said, In the body of Our Lady of the Stars. See 777 for the correspondences of the various forces of Nature with drugs, perfumes, etc. 2. Such details, however, may safely be left to the good sense of the Student. Expérience here as elsewhere is the best teacher. In the Sacrifice during Invocation, however, it may be said without fear of contradiction that the death of the victim should coincide with the suprême invocation. 96