THE EQUINOX
beings) too glorious or too dreadful to be described. It is
essential that he remain the master of all that he beholds, hears
or conceives; otherwise he will be the slave of illusion, and
the prey of madness.
Before entering upon any of these practices, the student
should be in good health, and have attained a fair mastery of
Asana, Pranayama, and Dharana.
5. There is little danger that any student, however idle or
stupid, will fail to get some result; but there is great danger
that he will be led astray, obsessed and overwhelmed by his
results, even though it be by those which it is necessary that
he should attain. Too often, moreover, he mistaketh the first
resting-place for the goal, and taketh off his armour as if he
were a victor ere the fight is well begun.
It is desirable that the student should never attach to any
result the importance which it at first seems to possess.
6. First, then, let us consider the Book 777 and its use;
the preparation of the Place; the use of the Magic Ceremonies;
and finally the methods which follow in Chapter V. “ Viator
in Regnis Arboris,” and in Chapter VI. “ Sagitta trans
Lunam.”
(In another book will it be treated of the Expansion and
Contraction of Consciousness; progress by slaying the
Cakkrams ; progress by slaying the Pairs of Opposites; the
methods of Sabhapaty Swami, &c. &c.)
II
1. The student must First obtain a thorough knowledge of
Book 777, especially of columns i,, ii., iii, v., vi., vii., ix., xi,
xii, xiv., xv., Xvi. xvii., xviii, xix., xxxiv., XXXxV., Xxxviii.,
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