Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law
How exciting it is to be in a Period of Speech again where taking on students; and eventually Probationers I can involve myself with their development if they are showing real zeal, or even curious inquiry. I recently mentioned to an older student that at least a partial motive for essay was not to repeat myself over and over but as it turns I find myself expounding differently depending on the aspirant or the aspirant’s Grade. Yet, an essay as a school of thought or a promulgation of the Law of Θελημα or a message shows how important it is. I refer you to my essay called, “Encouraging Essays from the Initiate” which is an essay on essays! No doubt, bringing a new Probationer into my private Temple; and showing how I have set it all up; and the symbolism can save the new pilgrim some serious errors; or at least with some aspirants. A rare few do it right the first time with regards to balance of Names correctly but I do have a few surprises for even the Thelemite who has been on the Path for a long time. My enthusiasm is strong; and it is a part of the Oath to show zeal to those below you; and especially with the External College where they need to have some tips to inspire them.
Recently I received some visions from an aspirant; and this aspirant is quite persistent to show off what he would have me acknowledge him. After all, in the back of his mind he wants promotions and recognition where a number of years wasted as a lone practitioner he realized that nothing he has done can be immediately be shown to anyone without the level of criticism that has no basis in experience. If anyone, social media has been cruel enough; and I already explained how such criticism from those whose ego has been placed dominant in their skepticism end up persecuting any number of aspirants. Those so called magicians who are after brownie points from followers; and those who charge fees are obnoxious enough; but we also have those who are on a peculiar campaign to get even where they previous left a occult Order with negative experiences. Unfair; and near sadistic attitudes from the herd mentality are common enough and lone practitioners sometimes go years wondering who to turn to; or live with the extreme delusion that their years of reading amount to years of initiation which will automatically be shattered by the reality of Our audit.
Especially if their visions do seem to be authentic communications from on high will a careful study of them be essential to give a fair assessment. Quick, quick, quick I will state to a new Probationer give me eight attributes to Mars from Liber 777; and knowing that they haven’t even begun memorizing lines from 777 where the test has emphasized that I might at any time confront you with such a half hearted test. After all, when you do this with a casual smile you are making a point to get them to move in the direction; and not force their hand like a nasty dictator. Take this approach stating without a stern tone, “you cannot fail this test” while the same words with a stern tone only harm the emphasis; and eventually the aspirant will try to be ready next time.
In the case of this aspirant he laid quite a few visions on my desk where I knew that caution and respect must be the watchword of my audit. I circled in red all the obvious ruach masturbation where many lines were an attempt to resemble a Class A document brought on by an over energized ruach from the accumulation of thought form egregore. Nevertheless, there were lines; and symbolism that were showing that the Entity was trying to communicate but his ruach wasn’t able to receive properly where the fires of Chiah did not flow into neshamah and into his ruach where the communication could have clarity. Had he developed his concentration even on a background level by regular magick he might of aligned himself toward an eventual great awakening. So my instruction was summed up with a specialized assemblage of ceremony to correct these defects so initiation might occur; and his visions might give us insight rather than the random light that occasionally shined with his visions. The solution will take some time but this aspirant has some potential.
Once again, the system of progression that the A∴A∴ promotes where you fulfill one Oath and are acknowledged to be passed on so the next Oath can give you your next step has proved over and over again to be more than efficient. Efficient is an understatement, of course, for the entire system is presented as to be inspired by the Supernal, as it is, for it parallels the steps of a real Initiate who really attained. It will always recoil to you to a greater or lesser extent on you if you try to skip steps. Those hurdles must be met; to achieve a balanced initiation. I simply audit; but remember that I went through this with my Instructor so sometimes I can assist quicker with parallel vision. For example when I was tested for the astral my Instructor taped a symbol to my forehead in an envelope where I had to hand in the vision as a test. This taught me a lot about what to do when I had to be the one to test; and sitting in the dragon asana in my Temple with my Instructor on my magical circle facing me in my Temple where he proceeded with astounding skill to instruct me was an important time. I absolutely could not have accomplished what I accomplished without his Instruction and audit.
So, those who recommend the lone practitioner have no idea how senseless such advice is. Such asinine stupidity and foolish presumptions are common among those who go years without accomplishing very much beyond a few minor experiences when studied could have been studied by the Instructor where a new step or the next step might have given the aspirant a chance to a greater initiation. An idiot might state to be a lone practitioner you can move through the Grades of the A∴A∴ but this hasn’t occurred; and is highly unlikely. The Master Therion was an exceptional star; and even he had instructors. The factor of the signing of the Oath with an Instructor does not occur to them.
Be that as it may, I do know there will no convincing those hypnotized by their self imposed slave mentality; or those who have become a tool of sinister forces; or those who are simply naive, or those ideas are brought on by an uncontrolled ego infatuations. In fact, the real reactions erupt when they have to face Me; and realize that all they had to do was memorize their Chapter; or strictly adhere to Liber E, Section I; and a few other recommendations where neshamah would show up in the ruach with insights from their visions. Self delusion is the comfort of any lone practitioner who might never attain in this lifetime or even believe they are some sublime Grade which will be beyond their comprehension. Indeed, I might of stirred things up again by stating this but how could I not advocate for Hierarchy after all these years? No matter, I have seen my fair share of those lost in the delusion of claims unsubstantiated by magical record. Fortunately, I have a sense of humor so not taking them seriously I can easily move on from them. Just another day at the office to observe someone claiming to be touch with the Secrets Chief or The Magical Child of the Aeon. Unfortunately, too few female Thelemites claim to be the Scarlet Women where I automatically invite them to the next Feast to see what happens!
Without a doubt when someone states that a Practitioner is better off working without an Instructor they do not realize what they are stating. I might add that the magical Oath itself creates a link to the Order so magick is involved in a way that defies explanation to those who fear or avoid the magical oath. It is from the transmission of the Wand, of course, and “knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴” is very real; and very subtle.
The Glory of Hierarchy is a reality for me; and by now everyone knows my stand on its necessity.
Love is the law, love under will