Correspondence from Jean Sihvonen to Grady McMurtry

[EXTRACT]

[27 April 1958]

[I don't] know how to explain the reaction I had upon receipt of your letter. It was indeed stimulating. I read it and re-read it. It was a message I had long awaited and I am sure that some of the others, if you have written them, will feel the same. My spirit soared at the thought that someone was now coming forward and intending to take some action. You must really have had a revelation and I am sincerely interested in hearing more about it. [They all believe] that this past year has been a gestation period—a waiting—while preparation on other planes are taking place. Many things seem to be falling into a pattern. [Your] enthusiasm is infectious. It leaps from your letter and possibilities for the future hit me with great impact. I am with you all the way.

Thelema is not being promulgated. I don't agree with Karl's [Karl Germer] interpretation of it. I do not accept all the criticism, unjust accusations and suspicion cast at everyone; gossiping about one brother to another and having a regular spy system. That is not my interpretation of Thelema. I don't believe Thelema denies honesty, integrity and trust, but Karl seems to have cast these aside. He has often said, 'Everyone is suspect.' He seems to be afraid that someone will come along who will challenge his position. You are probably right in your statement that Karl will think we are conspiring against him if we start anything independent of him. But it must be done and the very fact that you have taken a stand is indicative that you have been urged to do so by higher forces. It was probably part of the plan that Thelema remained dormant the past years. All of us in this area have believed for some time that action would come soon.

[If you are] to become a leader (and you certainly seem to have the qualifications) one must prepare for it, as you have been doing. Your background seems to indicate that you have been preparing for a certain mission. Teaching exclusively would probably have limited you too much. It would appear that you are destined to embrace broader horizons. Who knows, had you gotten your doctorate, you might have settled in a groove and remained there the rest of your life.

Your suggestions regarding discussion groups, debates, etc., sounds fascinating. People need something of a kind to stimulate them into thinking for themselves.

[Jean then quotes an excerpt from a letter from Karl Germer to Reea Leffingwell]

"I hardly ever follow astrological literature, so am not acquainted with war or other predictions. I think 1959-60 will bring a great spiritual event, which may lead to a Thelemic outburst, this to a violent and vituperation of Thelema, etc., and this in turn to severs and dire retribution. The years between 1964-66 may be filled with this. The Holy Books [Volume I, Volume II, Volume III] give fairly detailed descriptions of these acts of vengeance of R.H.K. [Ra Hoor Khuit]. He will then make the humanity ripe for the gradual acceptance of Thelema."

Perhaps Karl has spoken in the same vein with you. If not, I thought you would be interested in the reading above.

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