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Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to Henri Birven
[EXTRACT]
[3 February 1930]
[Theodor Reuss] said "But you have printed it in the plainest language." I said that I could not have done so because I did not know it. He went to the bookshelves and, taking out a copy of The Book of Lies, pointed to a passage in the despised chapter. It instantly flashed upon me. The entire symbolism, not only of freemasonry but of many other traditions, blazed upon my spiritual vision. From that moment the O.T.O. assumed its proper importance in my mind. I understood that I held in my hands the key to the future progress of humanity.
[ . . . ]
But as soon as I knew the Secret, I recognized that it was the real thing, at least theoretically and historically, and practice confirmed this view. As to his position, he was supplied with many diplomas and warrants and charters from a lot of people that I did not know, but also from John Yarker whom I did know, and respected as a scholar and an honest man.
There was no conceivable reason why I should not accede to Reuss's very natural request that I should not disclose the Secret improperly to anybody. His only further request was that I should reconstruct the whole rituals of Masonry of all rites into a uniform and workable system. You will note that I was in possession of all these rituals in so far as they existed on the authority of Yarker, from whom I had the necessary diplomas.
[ . . . ]
I saw very little of Reuss. The principal occasions on which he called were for the purpose of attending my lodges with fellow initiates of his abroad. [ . . . ] You will see from the above that I was not being duped by Reuss at all. He did try to put one or two over on me, as they say in America, but I took no notice at all. I did not act on his suggestions unless they were confirmed by my own judgement.
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