Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

CHAPTER XIV Of the Consécrations : WlTH AN ACCOUNT OF THE Nature and Nurture of the Magical Link. I Consécration is the active dedication of a thmg to a single purpose. Ranishing prevents its use for any other purpose, but it remains inert until consecrated. Purification is performed by water, and banishing by air, whose weapon is the sword. Consécra¬ tion is performed by fire, usually symbolised by the holy oil.1 In most extant magical rituals the two operations are per¬ formed at once; or (at least) the banishing has the more important place, and greater pains seem to be taken with it; but as the student advances to Adeptship the banishing will diminish in importance, for it will no longer be so necessary. The Circle of the Magician will hâve been perfected by his habit of Magical work. In the truest sense of that Word, he will never step outside the Circle during his whole life. But the consécration, being the application of a positive force, can always be raised to a doser approximation to perfection. Complété success in banishing is soon attained; but there can be no completeness in the advance to holiness. I. The general conception is that the three active éléments co-operate to affect earth; but earth itself may be employed as an instrument. Its function is solidification. The use of the Pentacle is indeed very necessary in somc types of operation, especially those whose object involves mani¬ festation in matter, and the fixation in (more or less) permanent form of the subtle forces of Nature.