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of continuity, albeit in a different form: the initiation itself is a practical demonstration of immortality.
Just as the ability to astrally project assures the magician that consciousness is not necessarily bound
to be located spatially in the vicinity of the physical body, so the essential initiation experience is a
death and rebirth into a new state, which assures the initiate that the death at the end of this life is
merely another transition, not an end. In an effective initiation this 'death' can be such a very real thing
to the candidate that the death of the physical body is no longer feared.
The process of self initiation comes as a result of prolonged hard work, which if possible should be
climaxed with a retirement from ordinary life. Abramelin suggests a six-month period, but if, like
most people, holidays are few and far between, a week can be set aside and used as a period of intense
effort using one of the following techniques, but remembering that the technique alone without the
preparatory build up is not nearly so effective.
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2] The semi-mythical founder of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood.
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There are four things which are important and which must be established before setting out on a
retirement, or a programme of self initiation. These are, first of all, a carefully thought out objective
for the retirement. Secondly, a detailed list of practices including the times of day on which they are to
be done, their duration, and their limits of flexibility. Thirdly, a determination to carry the retirement
through for a pre-arranged time regardless of any opposition. The degree of opposition which you will
certainly encounter will be proportionate to the degree of success which you attain by persevering
during these black periods.
To help maintain your determination it is useful to ritually take an oath concerning the undertaking of
the self-initiatory working, in much the same way as you took your magical name or motto upon
setting out on the Path. (3) In fact the same ritual can easily be adapted to this purpose using your own
ingenuity. This oath should include an outline of what practices you intend to undertake and for what
period of time. Don't make it impossible to execute, because it is preferable to live up to a not too
demanding programme than to fail to live up to a stringent programme. This ceremony and the oath
should be recorded in your Magical Diary, and any deviations from the oath should be recorded and
stringently punished.
Aleister Crowley, in Liber Jugorum recommended that any deviations should be punished by using a
razor upon your own arm to inflict a small cut every time you stray from your oath. Despite the
apparent barbarity of this instruction it has the advantage of impressing the subconscious mind very
strongly with the seriousness of your intent and the strength of your Will.
'On each occasion that thou art betrayed into doing that thou art sworn to avoid, cut thyself sharply
upon the wrist or forearm with a razor; even as thou shouldst beat a disobedient dog. Feareth not the
Horse the teeth of the Camel?
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