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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Jane Wolfe
K.J. GERMER 260 West 72nd Street New York, N. Y.
November 11, 1947
Dear Jane,
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
In the first place: here is the copy of your letter of Nov. 4: you sent it to me, and I tore it up.
I never knew that Aleister had a stroke in 1919! Was this just this Bell's Palsy, or was it more general? Are you sure it was in 1919? Or was it a few years earlier?
About parcels for A.C.: I have not sent anything apart from the usual packages of Perique, and the last time I sent him 5 lbs of a very fine honey along.—What are "outing" flannel pyjamas? I had planned to take one or two ordinary flannel pyjamas with me to give him—had I gone to England. In judging the case, you must remember that England is no longer what it was. A respectable Briton may have scoffed at flannel pyjamas some years ago. But the eternal cold, unrelieved by heating, the dampness, and all the rest of the enforced austerity have made Britons more human, I think, so that any Briton will now probably take flannel instead of silk—provided he would have the choice, which austerity won't even give him. One or two more years of this, and, I am inclined to think, the English will begin to consider Continentals as almost equal human beings. If I were Mildred [Mildred Burlingame] I would send anything to A.C.—food or clothing—that she feels like. The more time passes, the more I'm raring to sail.
Contrary to former plans I would even consider a visit to Germany of a week or so, if I could get the military permit. We have quite a few really first rate men there who were very distressed when I told them I was not going to visit them. I'm sending them parcels, but that is all I can do. But what they need too, is some spiritual encouragement and facts. If we only had some people of their calibre in California! I am enclosing a letterhead form one of the men, who is Martha Kuntzel's magical heir, and has kept the flag flying despite Nazi persecution, and probably censure by the military authorities now. (Please return the enclosed.) All these people have gone through quite a lot. One has been, and still is, for 5 years in Russian captivity. He may return soon, what is left of him—he is a medical Doctor. And if he does it would make me all the more intent on visiting various places in Germany, as they are not allowed to leave the Zone in which they live.
But undergoing hardships is just the means of melting out the gold, whether in an individual or a nation. If they live too easily they forget their God.
I'm chatting to you a little about these matter in order to show you that 93 is not dead, and that there are people, trained partly by I.W.E. [Martha Küntzel], who are only waiting for the word "Go".
I am not very happy about Agape Lodge, and I can't make suggestions or advise. You know that I know nothing about the Lodge affairs, initiations and formalities, so cannot comment on robes etc. What must be done is to keep the little faithful group together, and not let them despair or become despondent, because there are no outward signs of growth. I feel that the Work, the Work of Thelema, is heading towards a crucial period, and that important events are not too far off. May-be a 'dry spell' has to precede it? Who knows.
You mention Culling [Louis Culling]. What is he doing? What is his connection with the lodge now?
I wanted your advice on Ray Burlingame whom I would more than anyone like to reward with the IX°. I have been burnt on two or three occasions and become wary. Still, I have seen Ray (and Mildred)'s devotion and loyalty and wonder whether he is ripe for the IX°. Do you think he has an inkling of its meaning, which should really precede the conferring of the grade? My opinion is that a man or woman can be intellectually simple and yet have the qualities of the soul that entitle him to the secret. Can he keep silence? Can he make proper use of it? Do let me know your views!
I have a soft spot for Rhea [Rhea Leffingwell]. When the main ranch was sold, she came with the plan to sell what was left instead of sinking more money into uncertain adventures, discussed it with Ruthie [Ruthie Soulé] and Harold [Harold Soulé] who agreed wholeheartedly. Then Roy [Roy Leffingwell got mad, went out and talked them all out of it. Under pressure they acquiesced, but I believe, against their better judgment and will. I am afraid Roy's obsession by his wish-dream will only lead to further trouble and disaster, divert money, work and enthusiasm from 93, and lead astray.
I for myself have buried any thought of the matter completely. But I have learned how persuasive the devil can become once he starts whispering into willing ears.
I presume Candida's [Marjorie Cameron] call on 666 is mainly spying. I do not agree with your optimism re Jack Parsons. He always struck me as lacking in a peculiar kind of background which Europeans take for granted. And as he has this ridiculous pride of his, he won't develop that subtle kind of humility so necessary to true growth that Caesar taught us. (I presume you know the facts? Whenever he gained an important victory or success that was liable to flush his ego he had himself used by a negro slave. That was his magical gesture to assert that no matter what victory that would turn any one else's head: he showed in that very hour he was but the servant of the Gods.)
Sascha [Sascha Germer] is passing through some poor aspects these weeks and has to put up with some ailments.—However, last week, I think, she happened to visit 666 (or he visited her) and had a chat with him; she said he was smoking his pipe and looked better. I hope it's true.
I return the copy of your letter to Roy for your files. I think it is very good, but see my above paragraphs re this matter.
There are still a number of "Letters"[1] out there. When can they be returned to me? I'd like to go through them again.
There is not much else that I can think of and I believe I have answered your letters point by point as far as I can. Jean [Jean Phillips] and Georgia [Georgia Schneider] have been writing me several letters. Max is a little better, but must be still very very sick, as he can't read or move. I have not the least experience in this matter, as I have never seen anyone in a similar condition, nor do I know a thing about strokes except the state I was in last year which extended more or less over a period of 9 months.
Sascha sends her love, I suppose you know that she has a great admiration and respect for you—which, of course, you deserve.
Once again, before I close: if the spirit moves any one to send a parcel to A.C., do so by all means. Since October 1st conditions in England have become very much worse, and we have got to keep Aleister at least in decent physical conditions.
Love is the law, love under will.
As ever yours,
Karl
1—This refers to the collection of correspondence which would later be published as Magick Without Tears.
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