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Correspondence from Jane Wolfe to Aleister Crowley
[29 January 1942]
Dear Brother Aleister:
93.
I am delighted with the Tarot card and mean to make an icon of it. Thank you.
You have well presented one side of Smith [Wilfred Talbot Smith]: I accept all your statements without reservation. But the man's sincerity of purpose in putting over the work is remarked by all. He has made improvement and will continue to do so.
His gaucheries have always distressed me—it was torture to hear his first efforts at addressing groups and always in abstractions. Here again he has made improvement, but I doubt he will ever be able to meet the needs of Men of Earth. But I plodded along with him because I could never see anyone to replace him. Nor do I now know anyone here who could do so. I assume Max [Max Schneider] has the magical authority, but only last December he stated to Leffingwell [Roy Leffingwell] that he could not hold any students. Smith does hold a goodly number and these are not only fond of, but respect him. Witness the following received today:
"Thanks so much for your letter. I love the more than brotherly confiding content and spirit of it. My dear brother, I love you very much—so much that the fear of the terrible feeling that I would have as a result of your disappointment and disapproval is all that has kept me from resigning from the O.T.O."
We have recently drawn in an excellent man, Ray Burlingame, English, well informed, good manners, fine feeling—about 48—a tip-top 'front' man, except for grammar. But I believe this will be overlooked because of his good qualities. He and Jack Parsons stand solidly 'with Smith. Jack made it his business to look up people and so along the line met Max, with whom he talked an hour or so, as well as Leffingwell at his ranch, where he stayed the night.
I really believe that if you could be here and look the situation over, Smith, even in his funny little robes and turban, would be your choice.
I can't speak as well for Regina [Regina Kahl], because I am not so sure. Also I am inclined to think I have damaged myself by living these years in the same house. Only the memory of Cefalu pulled me through and the knowledge that I muffed golden opportunities in the past. Even so it has been a battle. I have to grit my teeth to stick it out the fall of every year. Oppositions in the natal horoscopes? Your summing up is good: let me add to it.
1. Most people are completely fascinated when meeting her and promptly capitulate. She has a wide circle of admiring acquaintances throughout the city. She has power, physical and dynamic. She sweeps things before her. Sees to it, for instance, that a burned-out family is equipped with necessities; in the past. spent hours on the telephone connecting people with jobs; had outsiders wining and dining here and hobnobbing at any hour of the day and far into the night, until we finally battled her down on the matter of privacy and expense. As one woman said: "She just picks us up and carries us around." Most people love this. I detest it. (Here there is improvement.) She can be gracious and has a sense of humour.
2. On the other side, she is masterful, brooks no interference and can be most subtle and wily in gaining her point; is selfish and self-indulgent, with a rudeness and crudeness when so minded that makes one shiver. Her personality permeates every nook and cranny of the place. She is a Sagittarian and "Pursuit of Destiny" describes her to a T., both on Positive and Negative sides. I will send you a copy.
In striking contrast to Regina is Helen Parsons [Helen Parsons], Smith's present partner, a 6 Rajas woman, of quiet manner, poise and dignity. Though I understand cracked doors as well as wooden partitions are mute witnesses of combats with Jack. A slender woman 5 ft. 9 in., dark hair and Irish blue eyes.
Regina made the fur fly when Helen definitely entered the arena, which was last August or September, and still breaks loose occasionally. But—when there is a new Priestess in the Temple! Jack, a 6 ft. 2 in. youth of 27, with the personality configuration of Goethe according to Mellinger's horoscope, knows his mind on certain matters and has been and is patiently hammering away especially on this matter of the Priestess. Mellinger [Frederic Mellinger] is quite taken with Helen's horoscope and says she has much to do. with the organising and helping forward of the Order.
So much for the house. I want to add a note.
Karl's [Karl Germer] lack of knowledge of the Rituals, etc., kind of put him on a spot, it seemed to me, in the matter of a Manifesto issued by Smith from Jack's pen because 3 or 4 members complained of laxity in the Order and a routine condition. Smith used statements from the Duties and Privileges, also from Minerval and First Degree more or less cloaked in Jack's language. Karl had never read these rituals, I understand, and saw only the egoism of Smith striving for authority and power. I don't say that did not enter, but it was not all.
I quote again from the above-mentioned letter: "Yet on the other hand we both know that you have to assume tight reins of authority to keep any semblance of integrity in the O.T.O."
The whole occurrence was well-stirred and had magical importance. Karl's letter shook Smith to his foundations, but eventually found the spunky little fellow girded with fresh strength and courage to go forward with a better understanding of himself. Karl is very dear to me, and I am most grateful he is in the States.
Smith hasn't any of the documents you mention. Jones [Charles Stansfeld Jones] had them, but he did not.
I enclose copy of letter sent Karl today. Wilfred asked if I would do so, as showing things as they are today, prospects and plans. That larger house makes me groan.
93 93/93.
With love,
Jane.
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