ab:power.txt 16jan90


Power


Power is latent in the body and may be drawn out and used in various
ways by the skilled. But unless confined in a circle it will be swiftly
dissapated. Hence the importance of a poroperly constructed circle.
Power seems to exude from the body via the skin and possibly from the
orifices of the body; hence you should be properly prepared. The
slightest dirt spoils everything, which shows the importance of
thorough cleanliness.

The attitude of mind has great effect, so only work with a spirit of
reverence. A little wine taken and repeated during the ceremony, if
necessary, helps to produce the power. Other strong drinks or drugs may
be used, but it is necessary to be very moderate, as if you are
confused, even slightly, you cannot control the power you evoke.

The simplest way is by dancing and singing monotonous chants, slowly at
first and gradually quickening the tempo until giddiness ensues. Then
the calls may be used, or even wild and meaningful shrieking produces
power. But this method inflames the mind and renders it difficult to
control the power, though control may be gained through practice. The
scourge is a far better way, for it stimulates and excites both body
and soul, yet one easily retains control.

The Great Rite is far the best. It releases enormous power, but the
conditions and circumstances make it difficult for the mind to maintain
control at first. It is again a matter of practice and the natural
strength of the operator's will and in a lesser degree those of his
assistants. If, as of old, there were many trained assistants present
and all wills properly attuned, wonders occur.

Sorcerors chiefly used the blood sacrifice; and while we hold this to
be evil we cannot deny that this method is very efficient. Power
flashes forth from newly shed blood, instead of slowly exuding as by
our method. The victim's terror and anguish add keenness and quite a
small animal can yield enormous power. The great difficulty is in the
human mind controlling the power of the lower animal mind. But
sorcerors claim they have methods for effecting this and that the
difficulty disappears the higher the animal used and when the victim is
human disappears entirely. (The practice is an abomination, but it is
so.)

Priests know this well; and by their auto-da-fe's, with the victim's
pain and terror (the fires acting much the same as circles), obtained
enormous power.

Of old the Flagellants certainly evoked power, but through not being
confined by a circle most was lost. The amount of power raised was so
great and continuous that anyone with knowledge could direct and use
it; and it is most probable that the classical and heathen sacrifices
were used in the same way. There are whispers that when the human
victim was a willing sacrifice, with his mind directed on the Great
Work and with highly skilled assistants, wonders ensued - but of this I
would not speak.
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-Published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's "The Witches' Way"; they got
it from GBG's BOS (Text B or C; it's the same in each).