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Correspondence from Charles Stansfeld Jones to Frank Bennett
I may not be at 57 G[rand] River much longer So write here. Tell the B.[lessed] B.[rethren]
953 Vinewood Avenue Detroit, Michigan
Die Anno. XV Jan. 9th 1919 e.v.
Frater S[apientia]∴A[mor]∴P[otentia]∴ Sydney N.S.W.
Care Frater (This is our manner of address in A∴A∴)
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
You may be disappointed because you have not heard from me before. There have been various reasons for the delay, but "All's well that ends well". I am passing you to the Grade of Neophyte and you will find a few comments on your record, which I am returning by same mail. I am also enclosing 2 copies of the Oath of a Neophyte and the Task of a Neophyte. These I have had to write by hand because the portfolio [Liber Collegii Sancti] as generally used is not available (I think there are a few in England but have been unable to get hold of them) though the tasks and oaths of all grades to Adeptus Minor have been printed in The Equinox Vol. III No. 2 which I had hoped, long ere this to have sent you.
These books although printed, have been held up and are not bound. I cannot explain all the circumstances which are very complicated, but I do trust there will not be much more delay in its publication.
Anyway—the enclosed will answer the purpose, just the same you should, as a probationer, have memorized a chapter of Liber LXV. Please write it out from memory and forward.
Take no notice of that part or Par O. Task of a Neophyte which mentions payment for Portfolio & Liber VII, the latter will also be published in The Equinox III No. 2 and there is no particular hurry about you getting that.
You should stick closely to Liber O. as advised, it is very important. Also, in the matter of those Probationers you propose to sign up, send me their records when you have them. This is the usual custom.
You are entitled to the Word of a Neophyte. Which is MVAVM. This adds to 93, as you will notice. It represents the whole course of the Breath. You are also entitled to receive every six months the special Word [of the Equinox] given out by its Masters at the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, which rules the events of the period.
Last September An XV
I don't know what you will make of it, but it will probably clear up before March. I am glad to hear of the good work you are doing in regard to your lectures. Don't be downhearted if the people don't seem to respond much. Try and make things as simple as possible so they can group them. Your scheme of the "four worlds" seems a little complicated on paper, though with the diagram you have made and are using it may make the scheme plain to the people. Personally I feel the "Tree" containing the 10 Sephiroth and 22 Paths generally seems about all my crowd can stand. When one begins to tell of 4 Worlds interpenetrating and the full scheme of 400 Sephiroth I feel I am only muddling them. Get them to learn the actual correspondences (Perhaps you have done so) I used to hold a class and treat it like schoolchildren; they had note books and I gave them a couple of sets of correspondences, the Hebrew Alphabet, etc. And made them learn them for a week. Then I took a blackboard and gave them a thorough examination, till they all had the simpler correspondences, such as Colours, Plants, Signs, Elements, Tarot Trumps, etc. well fixed in their minds. Then they began to follow my lectures a bit better. Make 'em work for themselves. If they won't they aren't much use.
Well brother, I'm tired so "good night". If there's anything you need to know, please ask and I'll do my best.
Love is the law, love under will.
Ever fraternally,
Achad.
P.S. Although you have passed to Neophyte I think you should turn in a set of answers to Students Examination—if you have not already done so—
Here's a set of questions for you to work out:—
(1) Write down the principal correspondences of the Sign Leo and Sagittarius, the Planet Venus and the Sephira Binah.
(2) Make a study of al the multiples of the number 37 below 1000 and endeavour to trace a connection between them.
(3) Make a study of the various methods recommended by the A∴A∴ and endeavour to classify them under as few heads as possible.
(4) Give an interpretation of Tannhauser, Adonis, or Sir Palamedes the Saracen in terms of the progress of the Initiate.
(5) Write an essay on the mystical meaning of the Vesica Pisces, the Right Cone, and the Ellipse.
(6) Compare the mystical methods of Swami Vivekananda and Eliphas Levi.
(7) Give the same account of the Buddhist idea of the parts of the Body and Soul.
(8) Compare the talisman described by Eliphas Levi, Abramelin, the Author of The Goetia, and Frater Perdurabo, stating which you prefer and why?
(9) Design a pentacle to synthesize the number 418.
(10) Write out a ritual, complete with talismans, plan of temple etc. for acquiring the affection of a person of the opposite sex.
(11) Discuss the difference between Hinduism and Buddhism with regard to Karma, stating which you prefer and why?
(12) Give either (a) A full and careful comment of any 5 consecutive chapters of The Book of Lies (b) A commentary and criticism on "The Psychology of Hashish" or "The Training of the Mind", or "The Hunchback and the Soldier."
NOTE: You may consult your works of reference in answering this paper. Remember that a full and satisfactory reply would entitle you, as far as intellectual attainment is concerned, to the grade of Exempt Adept, so do not imagine that too much is expected of you.
A.
A∴A∴
THE TASK OF A NEOPHYTE
Let any Probationer who has accomplished his task to the satisfaction of the AA be instructed in the proper course of procedure: which is:—Let him read through this note of his office, and sign it, paying the sum of One Guinea for Liber VIII [Volume III of The Holy Books] which will be given him on his initiation, and One Guinea for this Portfolio of Class D, publications B-G [Liber Collegii Sancti]. Let him obtain the robe of a Neophyte, and entrust the same to the care of his Neophyte.
He shall choose a new motto with deep forethought and intense solemnity, as expressing the clearer consciousness of his Aspiration which the year's Probation has given him. Let him make an appointment with his Neophyte at the pleasure of later for the ceremony of Initiation.
1. The Neophyte shall not proceed to the Grade of Zelator in less than eight months; but shall hold himself free for four days for advancement at the end of that period.
2. He shall pass the four tests called the Powers of the Sphinx.
3. He shall apply himself to understand the nature of his intuition.
4. He shall commit to memory a chapter of Liber VII; and furthermore, he shall study and practice Liber O in all its branches; also he shall begin to study Liber H.H.H. and some one commonly accepted method of divination. He will further be examined in his power of Journeying in the Spirit Vision.
5. Besides all this, he shall perform any tasks that his Zelator in the name of A∴A∴ and by its authority may see fit to lay upon him. Let him be mindful the word Neophyte is no idle term, but that in many a subtle way the new nature will stir within him, when he knoweth it not.
6. When the sun shall next enter the sign 240° to that under which he hath been received, his advancement may be granted unto him. He shall keep himself free from all other engagements for four whole days from that date.
7. He may at any moment withdraw from his association with the A∴A∴ simply notifying the Zelator who introduced him.
8. He shall everywhere proclaim openly his connection with the A∴A∴ and speak of It and Its principles (even so little as he understandeth) for that mystery is the enemy of Truth.
Furthermore, he shall construct the magic Panticle, according to the instructions of his eight months, he shall deliver a copy of his record to his Zelator, pass the necessary tests, and report to him his chosen chapter of Liber VII.
(9) He shall in every way fortify his body according to the advice of his Zelator for that the ordeal of advancement is no light one.
(10) Thus and not otherwise may he obtain the great reward:
YEA, MAY HE OBTAIN THE GREAT REWARD!
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there were two words "Teh" and "Alko" of which the only
explanation given by AMALANTRAH is as follows:—
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