Magick Without Tears

Foreword In 1943, Aleister Crowley met a lady who, having heard of his wide knowledge and experience, asked his advice on occult, spiritual and practical matters. This chance connection resulted in a stimulating exchange of letters. Crowley then asked others to put similar questions to him. The result was this collection of over eighty letters which are now being issued over the title that he chose, Magick without Tears. Crowley did not keep copies of his early letters to the above mentioned lady, so was unable to include them in the collection that he planned to publish. Fortunately they have been preserved and are now included in the Introduction to this book. Their original form has been retained with the opening and closing formulas which Crowley used in all his letters. Crowley at fIrst intended to call the book "Aleister Explains Everything," and sent the following circular to his friends and disciples asking them to suggest subjects for inclusion. Aleister Explains Everything Much gratifled was the author of The Book of Thoth to have so many letters of appreciation, mostly from women, thanking him for not "putting it in unintelligible language," for "making it all so clear that even I with my limited intelligence can understand it, or think I do." Nevertheless and notwithstanding! For many years the Master Therion has felt acutely the need of some groundwork-teaching suited to those who have only just begun the study of Magick and its subsidiary sciences, or are merely curious about it, or interested in it with intent to study . Always he has done his utmost to make his meaning clear to the average intelligent educated person, but even those who understand him perfectly and are most IX