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254 THE TREE OF LIFE
his alchemical instruments, and thus spoil the entire oper n t' ion.
Joy in the mere technical performance of the IIass to the escliision
of proper magical work constitutes the great and supreme danger.
On the other hand, because this element of delight and joy docs
enter into it, this technique commands excellence over all others. The
mind must be trained to concentrate under all circumstances. 11s a
preliminary to magical practice of this kind, the technique of Yoga
is a tremendous advantage. One may even state for that true
success in all JIagic a thorough grounding in Yoga technique is an
absolute essential.
A further observation may not be out of place. On the surface
and at first sight it may appear that between this type of
magical operation, so hesitatingly described, and the usual ceremonial
working there exists a wide gap. It is true that the Mass
of the Holy Ghost is an advance on the cumbrous and slow working
of ceremonial, even although the latter is an essential at the commencement
of magical training. This method is considerably
more direct and to thc point, and because of the peculiar class of
energies which it brings to bear upon Sature, its effects are esceedingly
more powerful and far-reaching than those of ceremonial
alone. Nevertheless, although subsisting as two distinct clnises of
work, they can with great advantage be combined and used one in
conjunction with the other.
The general consensus of opinion of the alchemical authorities,
by whom this method was esteemed, was that lofty as it ivas its
results could not be encompassed without prayer. Without sincere
prayer nothing permanent or divine could be accomplished. Hence
while the Operation of the Mass is in progress, and the fire in the
Athanor becomes more intense, an enthusiastic invocation, either
astral or audible, should be recited. It should be in the nature of a
short mantram appropriate to the nature and type of working,
rhythmical in composition. The operation as a ~vhole could be
preceded by a more general invocation to legitimize the work. As
the astral work of creation proceeds, the rhythmical mantram will
help to formulate and vivify the moulds caused by Will and Imngination,
attracting the spiritual force desired. Then, when the
Serpent is transferred from the Athanor and the alchemical corruption
commences in the Gluten of the White Eagle, the Cucurbite
will be the receptacle of a new substance, living and dynamic,
bearing the indelible impress of the invocations that will have