Source Text
If the teaching conveyed calls forth a response from the illumined mind of the worker in the world, and brings a flashing forth of his intuition, then let that teaching be accepted.
RULES FOR MAGIC RULE ONE The Solar Angel collects himself, scatters not his force, but, in meditation deep, communicates with his reflection. RULE TWO When the shadow hath responded, in meditation deep the work proceedeth. The lower light is thrown upward; the greater light illuminates the three, and the work of the four proceedeth. RULE THREE The Energy circulates. The point of light, the product of the labours of the four, waxeth and groweth. The myriads gather round its glowing warmth until its light recedes. Its fire grows dim. Then shall the second sound go forth. RULE FOUR Sound, light, vibration, and the form blend and merge, and thus the work is one. It proceedeth under the law, and naught can hinder now the work from going forward. The man breathes deeply. He concentrates his forces, and drives the thought-form from him. RULE FIVE Three things engage the Solar Angel before the sheath created passes downward; the condition of the waters, the safety of the one who thus creates, and steady contemplation. Thus are the heart, the throat, and eye, allied for triple service. [xiii] RULE SIX The devas of the lower four feel the force when the eye opens; they are driven forth and lose their master. RULE SEVEN The dual forces of the plane whereon the vital power must be sought are seen; the two paths face the solar Angel; the poles vibrate. A choice confronts the one who meditates. RULE EIGHT The Agnisuryans respond to the sound. The waters ebb and flow. Let the magician guard himself from drowning at the point where land and water meet. The midway spot, which is neither dry nor wet, must provide the standing place whereon his feet are set. When water, land and air meet, there is the place for magic to be wrought. RULE NINE
Condensation next ensues. The fire and waters meet, the form swells and grows. Let the magician set his form upon the proper path. RULE TEN As the waters bathe the form created, they are absorbed and used. The form increases in its strength; let the magician thus continue until the work suffices. Let the outer builders cease their labors then, and let the inner workers enter on their cycle. RULE ELEVEN Three things the worker with the law must now accomplish. First, ascertain the formula which will confine the lives within the ensphering wall; next, pronounce the words which will tell them what to do and where to carry [xiv] that which has been made; and finally, utter forth the mystic phrase which will save him from their work. RULE TWELVE The web pulsates. It contracts and expands. Let the magician seize the midway point and thus release those “prisoners of the planet” whose note is right and justly tuned to that which must be made. RULE THIRTEEN The magician must recognize the four; note in his work the shade of violet they evidence, and thus construct the shadow. When this is so, the shadow clothes itself, and the four become the seven. RULE FOURTEEN The sound swells out. The hour of danger to the soul courageous draweth near. The waters have not hurt the white creator and naught…
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS [3] In the study of the ideas outlined in this book and their careful consideration certain…
First, that the matter of prime importance to each student is not the fact of a particular teacher’s personality but the measure of truth for which he stands, and the student’s power to discriminate between truth, partial truth, and falsity. Second, that with increased esoteric teaching comes increased exoteric responsibility. Let each student with clarity therefore take stock of himself, remembering that understanding comes through application of the measure of truth grasped to the immediate problem and environment, and that the consciousness expands through use of the truth imparted. Third, that a dynamic adherence to the chosen path and a steady perseverance that overcomes and remains unmoved by aught that may eventuate, is a prime requisite and leads to the portal…
Our theme is to be that of the Magic of the Soul, and the key thought, underlying all that may appear in this book, is to be found in the words of the Bhagavad Gita which runs as follows: “Though I am Unborn, the Soul that passes not away, though I am the Lord of Beings, yet as Lord over My nature I become manifest, through the magical power of the Soul.” Gita IV.6. [5]
To do this we will take the Fifteen Rules for Magic to be found in my earlier book, entitled A Treatise on Cosmic Fire. I will comment on them, dealing not with their cosmic significance or with solar and other correspondences and analogies, but applying them to the work of the aspirant, and giving practical suggestions for the better development of soul contact and soul manifestation.
I am not dealing with babes but with matured men and women who have chosen a certain way and who are pledged to “walk in the light.”
I. First, that there exists in our manifested universe the expression of an Energy or Life which is the responsible cause of the diverse forms and the vast hierarchy of sentient beings who compose the sum total of all that is. This is the so-called hylozoistic theory, though the term but serves to confuse. This great Life is the basis of Monism, and all enlightened men are Monists. “God is One” is the utterance of truth. One life pervades all forms and those forms are the expressions, in time and space, of the central universal energy.
II. The second postulate grows out of the first and states that the one Life, manifesting through matter, produces a third factor which is consciousness.
AI Summary
A Treatise on White Magic by Alice A. Bailey presents key insights from the Taoism tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.
Core Themes:
- [To be expanded]
Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.
This entry was generated from Readwise highlights. Expand with additional context as appropriate.