The Star in the West

304 THE STAR IN THE WEST self -hypnosis, then indeed self -hypnosis is the key which in this world will unlock the fast closed corridor of its mysteries . Crowley strongly attacks this kitchen - knavery : You weary me with proof enough That all this meditation stuff Is self - hypnosis . Be it so ! Do you suppose I did not know ? Still , to be accurate ,I fear The symptoms are entirely strange . If I were hard , I'd make it clear That criticism must arrange An explanation different For this particular event . Surely , your best work always finds Itself sole object of the mind's In vain you ply the brush , distracted By something you have heard or acted . Expect some tedious visitor Your eye runs furtive to the door ; Your hand refuses to obey ; You throw the useless brush away . I think I hear the Word you say !! Others attain to a certain degree of illumination , and then stumble , seeking such occult powers as clairvoyance and clairaudience : Received the gift -- the Holy Ghost ; Such gift implying , as I guess , This very super - consciousness . Miracles follow as a dower ; But ah ! They used the fatal power And lost the Spirit in the act .? 1 The Sword of Song , Pentecost , vol . ii, pp . 178 , 179 . I am ; and by my fancy : if my reason Will thereto be obedient , I have reason ; If not , my senses better pleased with madness Do bid it welcome .- Winter's Tale . 2 The Sword of Song , Pentecost , vol . ii, p . 182 .