Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 1)

that of the évocation of Taphtatharath printed in Equinox I, III, pages 170-190, where he will see exactîy why these things are to be used. Of course, as the student advances in knowledge by expérience he will find a progressive subtlety in the magical universe corresponding to his own; for let it be said yet again! not only is his aura a magical mirror of the universe, but the universe is a magical mirror of his aura. In this chapter we are only able to give a very thin outline of magical theory — faint pencilling by weak and wavering fingers — for this subject may almost be said to be co-extensive with one’s whole knowledge. Fhe knowledge of exoteric science is comically limited by the fact that we hâve no access, except in the most indirect way, to any other celestial body than our own. In the last few years, the semi-educated hâve got an idea that they know a great deal about the universe, and the principal ground for their fine opinion of themselves is usually the téléphoné or the airship. It is pitiful to read the bombastic twaddle about progress, which journalists and others, who wish to prevent men from thinking, put out for consumption. We know infinitesimally little of the material universe. Our detailed knowledge is so contemptibly minute, that it is hardly worth référencé, save that our shame may spur us to increased endeavour. Such know¬ ledge 1 as we hâve got is of a very general and abstruse, of a philosopliical and almost magical character. This consists principally of the conceptions of pure mathematics. It is, therefore, almost legitimate to say that pure mathematics is our link with the rest of the universe and with “God”. Now the conceptions of Magick are themselves profoundly mathematical. The whole basis of our theory is the Qabalah, which corresponds to mathematics and geometry. The method of operation in Magick is based on this, in very much the same way as the laws of mechanics are based on mathematics. So far, therefore as we can be be said to possess a magical theory of the universe, it must be a matter solely of fundamental law, with a J* Knowledge is, moreover, an impossible conception. Ali propositions corne ultimately back to “A is A”. 9 —