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Correspondence from Jane Wolfe to Karl Germer
5169 1/4 Fountain Avenue Los Angeles, 27, California
January 16, 1944
Dear Karl:
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law!
The enclosures speak for themselves.
I phoned Max [Max Schneider] last evening, to put my group proposition before him. I doubt he cared for the idea, since he is preparing to open classes in Qabalah, and Thelema, too, if I understand correctly. Classes to be held in Beverly Hills, starting some time in February. However, he might come to Hollywood if necessary. But we are to discuss the matter at a later date.
Personally, I would like some activity by a few of the members. People should learn to get out of the nest, and assume a responsibility which will be of value in contacting others—formulating ideas in a 15-minute talk, say—or even 5 minutes—and then accepting the analysis of the group re presentation, content, interest, worth, etc., etc. We started this type of work in Pasadena, but hadn't gone very far when Smith [Wilfred Talbot Smith] left. After which, for some reason, we got onto something else.
As you realize, no doubt, my interest is a personal one as well. I have sat on the side lines for years—I was forced there by Wilfred and Regina [Regina Kahl], after which I calmly stayed there! Now I have a strong desire to get on my feet and say something. Gathering material, formulating the talk, won't be easy; but I want to do it.
Max doesn't want "personal" groups—whatever he means by that. I surprised him, no doubt; he must have considered himself alone in the matter of the classes. I have considered attempting an opening elsewhere, if necessary. I am not unmindful that there is danger in such an undertaking—that it might cause a split. (Perhaps I am at the point where split-offs could occur?) But more of this later, after talking things over with others.
Ray [Ray Burlingame] needs no inspiration—he has always been generous with money, and was the only one we ever had who could make people feel it a privilege to give. I always felt it a pity he wasn't turned loose in Pasadena. Still it was too late for that after he recovered from the L.B. [Long Beach] smash-up occasioned by his union with Mildred [Mildred Burlingame]. She phoned me about a week ago, telling me about the $25 Laylah[1] contribution, and asked me what I thought about collecting dues from the 3 remaining at Long Beach. She and Ray have kept in personal touch with them, going to L.B., or phoning. Two of them also came to Hollywood occasionally.
Under those circumstances I suggested that she go ahead, let me know the results, after which the correct head could be notified—in this case Jack, according to your last letter. I will also let him know about starting the drive, and also tell him that L.B. has been taken care of—if and when it is so taken care of. Two of the three did not pay dues last year, I think.
Since leaving 1003 [1003 S. Orange Grove Avenue] I have a clearer perception of many things, I think including Betty [Betty Northrup]. I find, too, I don't like her as well as I did—in fact not at all, but I can be friendly, and she is happy to see me again. I expect to have them over again near the end of January. Another thing; my attitude toward Jack has taken on some authority since coming here. I don't know how or why. It is better so.
Love is the love, love under will.
With love and all best wishes,
Jane
Jan. 17. I did not get this posted last evening, so I add an item which I jotted down this a.m.
Something to do—something definite—is drawing near. It may not be talking to groups at all. In fact, I believe it is something of more importance that that. And I believe further, that Jack may come into this picture, or be implicated. I also feel that Max has little to do—nay, nothing to do in this particular matter. Somehow he has become remote.
While I am about it, I will pass along my analysis of Georgia [Georgia Schneider].
"Could be a beautiful and effective woman and so accomplish much. But she can't rely on Herself at any point. It has to be a Max, or Thelema, or Crowley, or Germer, what she is doing, or intends to do. So she is affected to the deepest layers of her mind, and bluffs in her attempts to create the proper expression or atmosphere. But I think this "bluff" is somewhere known to herself
"She has a deficiency Regina had—based on the above analysis: They want to be the boss to convince themselves they are something, and so strive for a personal following, even to the extent of depreciating others in this effort."
She, then Max following after, made what we at 1003 consider a blunder in the case of Miller [Joe Miller], for this very reason. She went off the tracks entirely, and Max got heady, over at last getting their fingers on Agape Lodge. I feel them both ran amok. They did not make a single inquiry of us regarding him.
Thanks so much for your enclosure, returned herewith. It is a privilege to read such things, and I am in complete agreement with you and Aleister.
1—Laylah Mildred Burlingame. Ray and Mildred Burlingame's daughter.
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