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."