Energy
Energy is the Sacramental Motive of Event: it is
thus omnipresent, in manifestation by interruption and compensation and
otherwise by the corresponding withdrawal. (In this connection let there be
remembered the full formula of Tetragrammaton.)
There are, however, three main types of special experience which are noteworthy
landmarks in the process of Initiation, and of urgent practical value to the
Magician.
The symbol of the Sacrament being observed they differ as do the three
participants therein: the God, the Priest, and the Communicant.
In the highest, that is of Kether, the Energy radiates wholly from oneself: that
is, one is entirely identified with Hadit.
In the middle, that of Chokmah, the Energy passes wholly through oneself: that
is, one assumes the functions of Tahuti.
In the lowest, that is of Geburah, the Energy impinges wholly upon oneself: that
is, one absorbs it as a man.
In all cases, the Energy of which it is here written is not particular or
personified; it is Energy in itself, without quality.
The highest mode can only be fully apprehended by an Ipsissimus: it is the final
attainment. It is the active counterpart of the higher form of the Beatific
Vision.
The middle mode is proper to a Magus, or to one aspiring to his prophetic
function. it is described, and the method of attaining it set forth, in the Book
called Opus Lutetianum.
The lowest mode is the peculiar task of a Major Adept. It is best accomplished
by means of the Secret of the Sanctuary of the Gnosis. (IX`O.T.O.)
Of the highest mode it would be neither fit not useful to treat more intimately:
the middle mode concerns each Magician in his peculiar and private relations
with the Infinite, and demands from each of its Adepts a special preoccupation:
but of the lowest it is convenient to make further mention.
It is strangely convincing proof of the true care of Nature for Her instruments,
despite the superficial evidence to the contrary on which the doctrines of
pessimism are based, that the most precious, the one ultimately essential Grace
that can possibly be bestowed on mankind is, of all Magical benefit, that which
may be attained with more ease and certainty than any other. For Energy is
itself all that is: and we vary with the quantity and quality thereof, which we
can call "ourselves." The price which She demands is without doubt
heavy enough for a certain class; but it is equally to be paid, in varying
degree, for every type of Mystical and Magical Adventure.
This price is in essence the full Understanding of the Mind of Nature Herself,
and complete sympathy with Her Way of Work. All the moral codes of mankind, for
all their absurd diversities, have one common factor: they pretend to have found
motives and methods which are superior to Hers. That is, they presume a
conception of the End which is beyond Her view: they assert the possession of an
Intelligence loftier than that which has produced the Universe. Consider only
that the highest manifestation possible to the rational mind is the discovery of
the Laws which summarize Her manner of operation!
We may then say at once that all such pretentious arrogance is impudence and
absurdity; and it must be surrendered, nay more, uprooted and calcined before
any serious progress can be made in the Royal and Sacerdotal Art. Hence also any
aspiration of a partial order, any which depends for its wisdom on the justice
of our perceptions of our own needs, is almost certain to be tainted with the
very poison of which Nature would purge us.
There is in fact only one Magical Operation of whose propriety we may always be
sure; and that is the increase of our sum of Energy. It is even indiscreet to
try to specify the kind of Energy required, and worse to consider any particular
purpose. Energy being increased, Nature will herself supply clarity: our Vision
is obscure only because our Energy is deficient.
For Energy is the Substance of the Universe. When it is adequate, we are in no
doubt as to how to employ it; witness the evident case of the will of the
Adolescent. It is also to be well noted that moral obstruction to the right use of this Energy cause at once the most hideous deformations of character, and
determine the gravest lesions of the nervous system.
Let therefore the Magician divest himself of all preconceptions as to the nature
of his True Will, but apply himself eagerly to increasing his Potential. In this
discipline (moreover) he is beginning to fit himself for that very abdication of
all that he has and all that he is which is the essence of the Oath of the
Abyss!
Thus then do we find one more of those paradoxes which are the images of the
Truth of the Supernals: by destroying our own highest morality, and relying upon
our natural instinct as the sole guide, we come unaware upon the most simple,
and the most sublime, of all ethical and spiritual conceptions.