Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law
I cannot imagine the life I would of led if I hadn’t chosen the Law of Θελημα, the Order; and hadn’t experienced those glories. I doubt that I would of lived as long as I have; and retained that sheer excitement and joy for life. No doubt, we all encounter the ordeals but they are taken with a higher level of determination to not let life defeat you as you take a stand and move forth fighting the good fight; or just enduring unto the end.
It really is worth it! One sister left the Order years ago who stated she was leaving to live her own life. Well, what occurred? Nothing. She was accomplishing more, was more respected; and was able to express herself to others with radiant, inspired freedom prior to giving up where she dashed off to becoming a worthless old hag in short order. Somewhere she forgot herself; and not taking a stand she ran away on all fours barking about landmines being everywhere on the Path. Well, I always saw the symbol of the “sword” as both the intellect and warrior spirit. The woman “girt with a sword” is truly a wondrous vision. Is it important for me on my Path to have observed others that have given up? I would have to state it is at least a factor. It most certainly made me pay attention to how I was dealing with ordeals, issues and problems. After all, often enough we do not know the full impact of what not to do. Letting the Path go in my observation is letting life defeat you. I am dedicated. The Great Work gives you that sense of importance that is needed to have that true self esteem to realize that you will make a difference if you will to make a difference. How unfortunate it is that so many consider those minor pursuits in life amount to anything. So, what really occurs when all those complexes have unfolded; and you are what you really are; what we name the True Self? In my observation, such an experience is beyond those who do not take a stand; where you really, really can state those impossible and glorious words, that existence is pure joy. As I see it only the Law of Θελημα can accomplish this sublime and glorious goal of True Self and True Will. Of course, those who are like me who do not give up; and I observe that brother or sister that I’ve known or guided for many years are worth all the many who would not persist. On the contrary, you live your life for the first time when you realize how joyous your True Self becomes where you are doing what you are meant to be doing. This is the opposite of the peculiar notion from that person who ran away trying to state that she couldn’t live her own life.
So many factors are involved with dedication with the Law of Θελημα. The novice might proclaim in a moment or longer of frustration, “what does it take?” and it is normal for a human being to embrace our Path and realize that you really need to learn to take care of yourself; and with this level of determination you answer your own question by that reply of affirmation that your decisions are based on True Will where you, at last, are the supreme commander of your life. Everyone tries to give everyone advice but your decisions are going to be the final say in the course of your life. So to embrace our Path is to realize that what your life might have been shall not resemble any false will but the True Will and True Self.
I have encouraged students over the years to create a unique
version of the “Opening of the Circle” which is a combination of
a proclamation of your determination; and an announcement to the inner planes of your volition. What you are trying to accomplish is
reminding yourself of your own self esteem, determination and simultaneously showing the spirits, Gods, Secret Chiefs or Inner Plane Hierophant you really mean business with your aspirations on the Path. Here is a sample of what I have tried to expound to the serious.
“Hear thou me! I shall not let life defeat me. Today shall be a glorious day; and I shall not falter on my aspiration unto the highest.
I shall meet all ordeals with the will to overcome them; and meditate on those initiations that have revealed my True Self. I do hereby open this circle where the very Guardians of the Threshold shall step to the side as I am greeted as chosen of the Gods.
Bring me through midnight to the Sun!
Save me from Evil and from Good!
That Thy one crown of all the Ten
Even now and here be mine. AMEN.
The above is merely an example; and every star must strife to create
this for themselves where prior to their daily magick they have announced themselves in the opening of their circle. In this particular sample I have used four lines from Liber 44. For myself,
these four lines have deep and sublime meaning. After all, the idea of “good” is emphasized in Liber AL where the good ones are purged by the prophet and the evil ones cast away. Yet, in these lines we are proclaiming to the universe a perspective that is beyond evil and good. How important is this to you? Well, aside from the balance of opposites we have to have clarity of action; and this means knowing magically what to do. So, I give this as an example of an opening of the circle for myself. Others might proclaim different issues that they have considered pertinent to any number of resolutions and unfolding of complexes. I absolutely recommend a
specialized Opening of the Circle for serious initiates.
That question does arise for those whose aspiration is strong and pure or at least those meditating on their next step, “What does it take?” everyone shall note different answers depending on where you are with regards to the accomplishment of your Oaths and Tasks. A Probationer can be pathetic, a Neophyte can be naughty, a Zelator can be indifferent, a Practicus can show intellectual snobbery but with the training of those in the Outer they shall also have those virtues. For the Probationer who is concentrated, the Neophyte who is determined, the Zelator who is a Guardian, and the Practicus who has neshesmah actually showing itself in the ruach we know enough to observe the virtues and the typical ordeals of those who we are training trying to not let them try our patience; correcting them when necessary; and sharing insights that have proved pragmatic. No hard and fast rules exist when you are dealing with those below you of different Grades. If initiation has occurred you will know magically what to do; and what to expound. The Instructor is an auditor; and this should be kept in mind. For initiative is important, true, but that self discipline where self deception or even obsession is countered by those selected meditations are imperative.
Social exchange at Feasts is very important for Thelemites in my observation. Those who have doing daily magick; and strictly involved with the Path are going to feel the very real magical energy of a Feast which is a reformulation or refreshment, or a accumulation of magical energy where initiates of Θελημα meet on both common and sublime ground. Is it possible to explain something like the magical energy of Feasts without experience? I think you know the answer to that.
Love is the law, love under will