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MANIFESTO OF THE WITCHCRAFT
By
The breakup of the home and family, the confusion in problems of morals and behavior, the frustration of the individual need for love, self-expression and freedom, and the immanence of the total destruction of western civilization all indicate the need for a basic reexamination and alteration of individual and social values. The attempts of economic, political and social movements, of scientific and intellectual constructions, and of the Christian churches to meet and solve these problems have been most notable failures. It is not enough to point out the problems and criticize the situation. The individual and social solution must be simple and workable. Mature investigation on the part of philosophers and social scientists have indicated the existence of only one force of sufficient power to solve these problems and effect the necessary changes, and that is the force of a new religion. New, that is, in the sense of releasing man from his bonds of pretense, inhibition, frustration and false morality into which he has fallen, and in helping him to attain the freedom, self-expression, and ability to love and to be loved that are his most basic and vital need. The failure of the Christian religion, and of the pseudo-religions and state cults which stem from it by imitation or inversion, have left man without roots and without a soul, without the spiritual and religious force of understanding to face and solve his problems.
We, the Witchcraft, are such a religion. In our sanctuaries we have kept alive the light of true religion, that mean joy, happiness, love and freedom for mankind, Through the centuries man has done terrible things to himself, things which we were helpless to prevent. Man has needed these experiences and was not ready for our truths. In the face of calumny, torture and death we maintained our watch against the time when a new eon opened, and man was ready to receive Us.
That time has come. Man has at last proved to himself the futility of his false religion, false morals and false values. He knows his need for love and freedom, and is ready for the word of power that will make him free. In Our sanctuaries, We contain the great secrets of life, love, freedom and power that can redeem mankind. One of these secrets is nearly ripe for revelation to the world, the others we reserve for those whose progress in understanding makes it possible for them to receive and use these truths.
In Our name we have been cursed, reviled, and persecuted. But man has only to look within and then to look at the lying masks which conceal only a corruption within. We are of the religion of nature, of man as he is in his true self. We are come to aid man in destroying his false gods and false beliefs, and in aiding them to attain the knowledge and the power of his true and glorious self. This is our sole purpose.
And to this end we invite every man and woman to join with us, to study or teachings, to participate in our works and aims, and to aid Us by allowing Us to aid them.
In the first step of our activity we offer instructions in the laws of the ego and the nature of love, and the relations of man with himself and with the universe. We show the origin and function of religions and morals, of magick and witchcraft. We teach the basic aspects of the nature, purpose and techniques of the practices which will aid man to the attainment of freedom, power and love. This course is open to all. In further courses for selected students, we offer instructions leading to the understanding and use of the basic secrets of power, the fundamental nature of reality, change and illusion, and the keys which lead to the consciousness of the great world, that is called eternity.
We contain the secrets of alchemy, magic, yoga and all occult science, and the understanding of the ultimate nature of things, and offer these to those who are able to accept them. This is only possible to courage, freedom and love. It is for the sake of these that We now manifest and invite all mankind to the great adventure.
By the Witchcraft Issued June 15, 1950, 4000 Y[ear] B[abalon] In the Name of BABALON
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