Book 4 (Part II)

67 So that which is round is to him a symbol of the influence from the higher. This circle symbolizes the Infinite, as every cross or Tau repre- sents the Finite. That which is four scjuarc shows the Finite fixed into itself; for this reason the altar is foursquare. It is the solid basis from which all the operation proceeds. One form ^ of magical cup has a sphere beneath the bowl, and is supported upon a conical base. This cup (crescent, sphere, cone) represents the three principles of the Moon, the Sun, and Fire, the three principles which, according to the Hindus, have course in the body.* This is the Cup of Purification; as Zoroaster says: '*So therefore first the priest who governeth the works of fire must sprinkle with the lustral water of the loud-resounding sea." It is the sea that purifies the world. And the " Great Sea " is in the Qabalah a name of Binah, " Understanding." stands in the Circle, and the spirit in the Triangle; so the Magician is in the Triangle with respect to his own God. ' An ugly form. A better is given in the illustration. ^ These " principles" are seen by the pupil when first he succeeds in stilling his mind. That one which happens to lie in course at the moment is the one seen by him. This is so mar%'ellous an experience, even for one who has pushed astral visions to a very high jx)int, that he may mistake them for the End. See chapter on Dhyana. The Hebrew letters corresponding to these prmciples are Ciimel, Kesh, and Shin, and the word formed by them means "a tlower " and also "expelled," "cast forth."