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Correspondence from Wilfred T. Smith to Aleister Crowley
Culling's Hermitage.
10 Aug 43
Dear Aleister:
First let me thank you for the “City of God” and the inscription therein.[1] It was forwarded to me after a little delay from 1003 [1003 S. Orange Grove Avenue], I have had it about ten days.
For a little more than three weeks now I have spent the major part of my waking hours (I don’t think I average six hours sleep out of twenty-four) thinking over Liber CXXXII and considered often and well the course of my life in relation thereto. Many questions have arisen to some of which I found an answer.
The first reaction was surprise, I expected something so different. Second was elation with the thought, now we can cancel out the hectic past and start anew from scratch, and perhaps get somewhere. Then followed a long period of skepticism and even ridicule. Obviously work, serious thought and possibly something more than that had been put into it. But the exaggerated criticism of the man Smith made me wonder how much of the New Born Idea was to be discounted also.
I have tried to find a reason for such an over exaggerated statement as “mentally and morally he possesses every vice, every defect conceivable.” And perhaps I have answered that question.
However the Chitham [sic] is slowing done some what and I have about come to the conclusion that the practical thing to do after all is to find out by working on the proposition. I hope you will forgive me for delaying so long in writing you ion the matter. But for my part I am glad I did not write sooner. I was not serious enough about it and I might have postulated many foolish questions which are now answered; for which reason I shall ask none of those yet unanswered.
If this operation is successful there are some things that might be of use, not the least of which is exhibit number one, a lousy three month’s record to show how we can take a sack of old dried peas and magically change them into rubies. Or should I have said from a plain bar of “pure gold” we by our Magic create a masterpiece of the Goldsmith’s art? Needless to say I shall welcome any further suggestions you may have to offer for, paragraph eleven notwithstanding, the way, if not entirely dark, is at least a little foggy. And in any case I am always anxious to hear from you.
This is a grand spot and I have reveled in mother nature like never before in my life—tanned from head to foot. And there are no people. You would love it, and I wish you were here. Helen [Helen Parson] looks after the wonderfully happy natured son, cooks, types my diary, letters, and leaves me alone.
Fraternally and affectionately,
9/14/43 Written just before [Section] Gamma [of Liber CXXXII] came to hand + revived many previous objections + added many more.
1—Smith was sent copy no. 132, with an inscription “To Wilfred Smith Fra\ 132 Your own number—but What is it? Love from 666.”
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