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(1953)
The Warning
Keep this book in your own
hand of write. Let brothers and Sisters copy what they will,
but never let this book out of your hands, and never keep
the writings of another, for if it be found in their hand
of write, they may well be taken and tortured. Each should
guard his own writings and destroy them whenever danger threatens.
Learn as much as you may by heart, and when the danger is
past, rewrite your book. For this reason, if any die, destroy
their book if they have not been able to, for, if it be found
nd, 'tis clear proof against them. "Ye may not be a Witch
alone"; so all their friends be in danger of the torture.
So destroy everything not necessary. If your book be found
on you, 'tis clear proof against you. You may be tortured.
Keep all thought of the cult from your mind. Say you had bad
dreams, that a Devil caused you to write this without your
knowledge. Think to yourself, "I Know Nothing. I Remember
nothing. I have forgotten all." Drive this into your mind.
If the torture be too great to bear, say, "I will confess.
I cannot bear this torment. What do you want me to say? Tell
me and I will say it." If they try to make you talk of the
broth , do not, but if they try to make you speak of impossibilities,
such as flying through the air, consorting with the Devil,
sacrificing children, or eating men's flesh, say, "I had an
evil dream. I was not myself. I was crazed." Not all Magistrates
are bad. If there be an excuse, they may show you mercy. If
you have confessed aught, deny it afterwards. Say you babbled
under the torture; you knew not what you did or said. If you
be condemned, fear not. The Brotherhood is powerful. They
may help you to escape if you are steadfast. If you betray
aught, there is no hope for you, in this life, or in that
which is to come. But, 'tis sure, that if steadfast you go
to the pyre, drugs will reach you. You will feel naught, and
you go but to Death and what lies beyond, the ecstasy of the
Goddess. The same with the working Tools. Let them be as ordinary
things that anyone may have in their homes. The Pentacles
shall be of wax that they may be melted or broken at once.
Have no sword unless your rank allows you one. Have no names
or signs on anything. Write them on in ink before consecrating
them and wash it off at once when finished. Never boast, never
threaten, never say you wish ill to anyone. If any speak of
the craft, say, "Speak not to me of such, it frightens me,
'tis evil luck to speak of it."
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Of the Ordeal of the Art Magical
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