26 
MAGICK WITHOUT TEARS 
Letter I 
January 27,1944 
Cara Soror, 
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. 
It is very good hearing that these letters do good, but 
rather sad to reflect that it is going to make you so 
unpopular. Your friends will notice at once that glib vacuities 
fail to impress, and hate you, and tell lies about you. It's 
worth it. 
Yes, your brain is quite all right; what is wanted is to 
acquire the habit of pinning things down instantly. (He says 
're-incarnation' -now what exactly does he mean by that? He 
says "it is natural to suppose . .. ": what is 'natural', and 
what is implied by supposition?) Practice this style of 
criticism; write down what happens. Within a week or two 
you will be astounded to discover that you have got what is 
apparently little less than a new brain! You must make this a 
habit, not letting anything get by the sentries. 
Indeed, I want you to go even further; make sure of what 
is meant by even the simplest words. Trace the history of the 
word with the help of Skeat's Etymological Dictionary. E.g. 
pretty means 'tricky', 'deceitful' ; on the other hand, hussy is 
only 'housewife'. It's amusing, too, this tabby refers to Prince 
Attab, the grandson of Ommeya-the silk quarter of Baghdad 
where utabi, a rich watered silk was sold. This will soon give 
you the power of discerning instantly when words are being 
used to hide meaning or lack of it. 
Love is the law, love under will. 
Fraternally, 
666