The Equinox (Volume I, Number IX)

THE KEY OF THE MYSTERIES put together ; it only lacks one thing—it will not work : there is a hidden defect in the machinery. What was that defect? The evil spirit alone could tell him. It is then absolutely necessary to evoke him! .. . “Take care you do not!” said Eliphas. ‘You had much better say for nine days this qabalistic evocation.” He gave him a leaf covered with manuscript. ‘‘ Begin this evening, and return to-morrow to tell me what you have seen, for to night you will have a manifestation.” The next day, our good man did not miss the appointment. “J woke up suddenly,” said he, ‘upon one o'clock in the morning. In front of my bedI saw a bright light, and in this light a shadowy arm which passed and repassed before me, as if to magnetize me. Then I went to sleep again, and some instants afterwards, waking anew, I saw again the same light, but it had changed its place. It had passed from left to right, and upon a luminous background I distinguished the silhouette of a man who was looking at me with arms crossed.” “What was this man like?” “ Just about your height and breadth.” “It is well. Go, and continue to do what I told you.” The nine days rolled by; at the end of that time, a new visit; but this time he was absolutely radiant and excited. As soon as he caught sight of Eliphas : “Thanks, Master!” he cried. “The machine works! People whom I did not know have come to place at my disposal the funds which were necessary to carry out my enterprise; I have found again peace in sleep; and all that thanks to your power!” 159