CHAPTER
II
THE CIRCLE
THE
Circle announces the Nature of the Great Work.
Though the Magician has been Umited
in his choice of room,
he
is more or less able to choose
what part
of the
room
he will work
in.
He will consider
convenience
and possibility.
His circle
should
not be
too small and cramp
his movements;
it should
not
be so large that
he
has long distances
to traverse.
Once
the circle
is made and consecrated,
the Magician
must
not leave
it,
or even
lean
outside,
lest he be de-
stroyed
by the hostile
forces that are without.
He
chooses
a
circle
rather
than
any
other
lineal
figure
for
many
reasons;
e.g.,
1. He affirms thereby
his identity
with the infinite.
2. He affirms
the equal
balance
of his working;
since
all points
on
the circumference
are equidistant
from the centre.
3.
He
affirms
the limitation
implied
by his
devotion
to
the Great
Work.
He no longer
wanders
about aimlessly
in the world.