|
Return
To Index
(1953)
To Gain the Sight
[1] This cometh to different
people in diverse ways. 'Tis seldom it cometh naturally, but
it can be induced in many ways. Deep and prolonged meditation
may do it, but only if you be a natural, and usually prolonged
fasting was also necessary. Of old monks and nuns obtained
visions by long vigils, combined with fasting, flagellation
till the blood came, and other mortifications of the flesh,
and so undoubtedly had visions. In the East it is tried with
various tortures, at the same time sitting in cramped postures,
which retard the flow of blood, and these torments, long and
continued, give good results. But in the Art we are taught
an easier way to intensify the imagination, at the same time
controlling the blood supply, and this may best be done by
using the ritual.
[2] Incense is also good to
propitiate the Spirits, but also to induce relaxation and
to help to build up the atmosphere which is necessary to suggestibility.
(For our human eyes are so blind to what really is, that it
is often necessary to suggest that it is there, before we
may see it, as we may point out to another something at a
distance before they may see it themselves. Gum mastic, aromatic
rush roots, cinnamon bark, musk, juniper, sandalwood, and
ambergris in combination are all good, but patchouli is best
of all. And if you may have hemp, 'tis better still, but be
very careful of this.
[3] The circle being formed,
all properly prepared, and the Rites done, and all purified,
the aspirant should warlock and take his tutor round the circle,
saluting the Mighty Ones, and invoke them to aid the operation.
Then both dance round till giddy, invoking or using chants.
Scourge. Then the Tutor should warlock very tightly, but not
so to cause discomfort, but enough to retard the blood slightly.
Again they should dance round, chanting, then scourge with
light, steady, monotonous, slow strokes. It is very good that
the pupil may see them coming (this may be arranged from position,
or if a big mirror is available, this can be used with excellent
effect) as this has the effect of passes, and helps greatly
to stimulate the imagination, and it is important that they
be not hard, the object being not to do more than draw the
blood to that part and so away from the brain. This with the
tight warlocking, which should be warricked, slows down the
circulation of the blood, and the passes soon induce a drowsiness
and a stupor. The tutor should watch for this. As soon as
the aspirant sleeps, the scourging should cease. The tutor
should also watch that the pupil become not cold, and if they
struggle or become distressed, they should be at once awakened.
(Note: if it cannot be arranged for the pupil to see, the
wand may be used, for a time, then return to scourging.)
[4] Do not be discouraged
if no results come after two or three attempts. It will come,
when both are in the right state. When you get some result,
then results will come more quickly. Soon some of the ritual
may be shortened, but never neglect to invoke the Goddess,
and the Mighty Ones, or to form the Circle and do everything
rightly. And for good and clear results, it is ever better
to do too much ritual than too little.
[5] It hath been found that
this practice doth often cause a fondness between aspirant
and tutor, and 'tis a cause of better results if this be so.
If for any reason it is undesirable that there be any great
fondness between aspirant and tutor, this may be easily avoided,
by both parties from the onset firmly resolving in their minds
that if any doth ensue, it shall be that of brother and sister
or parent and child. And it is for this reason that a man
may only be taught by a woman and a woman by a man, and that
man and man, and woman and woman, should never attempt these
practices together. And may all the Curses of the Mighty Ones
be on any who make the attempt.
[6] Remember, the Circle,
properly constructed, is ever necessary to prevent the power
released from being dissipated. It is also a barrier against
any disturbances of mischievous forces, for to obtain good
results you must be free from all disturbances. Remember that
darkness, points of light gleaming amid the surrounding dark,
incense, and the steady passes by a white arm are not stage
effects. They are the mechanical implements which start the
suggestions, which later unlocks the knowledge that it is
possible to obtain the divine ecstasy, and so attain knowledge
and communion with the Divine Goddess. When once you have
attained this, Ritual is not needed, as you may attain the
state of ecstasy at will, but till then, or if you having
attained this yourself, and wish to bring a companion to this
state of joy, ritual is best.
Next: Power
|
