Book 4

From Free Encyclopedia of Thelema

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Aleister Crowley's masterwork, Book 4, also known as Liber ABA, consists of four parts. Part I was first published in 1911 in London by Wieland & Co. Part II followed in 1912. Part III, also known as Magick in Theory and Practice was not published until 1929 by Lecram Press in Paris.

1 Table of Contents of Book 4

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Table of Contents of Book 4

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Part I

Preliminary Remarks
1. Asana
2. Pranayama and its Parallel in Speech, Mantrayoga
3. Yama and Niyama
4. Pratyahara
5. Dharana
6. Dhyana
7. Samadhi
Summary

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Part II

Ceremonial Magick: The Training for Meditation
1. The Temple
2. The Circle
3. The Altar
4. The Scourge, the Dagger, and the Chain
5. The Holy Oil
6. The Wand
7. The Cup
An Interlude
8. The Sword
9. The Pantacle
10. The Lamp
11. The Crown
12. The Robe
13. The Book
14. The Bell
15. The Lamen
16. The Magick Fire; With considerations of the thurible, the charcoal, and the incense
Glossary

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Part III

Hymn to Pan
Introduction
0. The Magical Theory of the Universe

Describes and explains the magical alphbet, and the correspondances of the Qabalah as a convenient system of classification of the Universe.

1. The Principles of Ritual

The object of all ritual is the uniting of the Macrocosm with the Microcosm—in the language of mysticism, Union with God.

2. The Formulæ of the Elemental Weapons

A classification of all formulæ under the headings of the elemental weapons—the Wand, Cup, Dagger, and Pantacle.

3. The Formula of Tetragrammaton

The formula of creation described and explained.

4. The Formula of Alhim, and that of Alim

Formulæ of consecration, and of re-arrangement.

5. The Formula of I.A.O.

The formula of the redemption of mankind, extended by the Master Therion of F.I.A.O.F. to satisfy the new conditions of Magick imposed by progress.

6. The Formula of the Neophyte

The ceremony to endow a thing inert and impotent with balance motion in a given direction.

7. The Formula of the Holy Graal: of Abrahadabra

Formulæ of renunciation, and of the Great Work or Mystical Union with God.

And of certain other Words

Formulæ of Vitriol: ΑΓΑΠΗ; ΘΕΛΗΜΑ and AUMGN explained in detail.

Also: The Magical Memory

Shows the importance of remembering previous incarnations, and gives practical instruction in the Art. The truth is to be apprehended by the correct translation of the symbolic language in which the memory speaks.

8. Of Equilibrium

Any idea (below the Abyss) not equilibrated with its opposite contains in itself unmitigated duality or falsehood.

And of the General and Particular Method of the Preparation of the Furniture of the Temple and of the Instuments of Art.
9. Of Silence and Secrecy: and of the Barbarous Names of Evocation

Instruction in the theory and practice of conjurations, 'The long strings of formidable words which road and moan through so many conjurations, have a real effect in exalting the consciousness of the magician to the proper pitch.'

10. Of the Gestures

Instructions in the theory and technique of circumambulations, changes of positions, and knocks or [knells]].

11. Of Our Lady Babalon, and of the Beast Whereon she Rideth

The MASTER THERION will only communicate this section verbally to those fit to receive it.

Also concerning Transformations

Transformation can be achieved either by building up the appropriate body from its elements, or by taking some organism already existing and taking possession of the same.

12. Of the Bloody Sacrifice

Energy is liberated varying in quantity according to the size and health of the animal and in quality according to its mental and moral character.

And Matters Cognate

Concerning the Sacrifice veiled beneath the formula of the ROSY CROSS.

The victim in this instance is the Magician himself.

13. Of the Banishings: And of the Purifications
14. Of the Consecrations

Consecration is the active dedication of a being to a single purpose. Banishing prevents its use for any other purpose; but it remains inert until consecrated.

With an account of the Nature and Nurture of the Magical Link

In every operation of Magick the Link must be properly made; i.e. the appropriate kind of means used in adequate measure, and applied in ways pertinant to the purpose.

15. Part I. Of the Oath

The foundation of all work in MAGICK is an affirmation of the Will. An oath binds the Magician for ever.

15. Part II. Of the Charge to the Spirit with some account of the Constraints and Curses occasionally necessary
16. Of the Invocation

The secret is 'Inflame thyself in praying.'

17. Of the Licence to Depart

Theory and instruction to guard the Magician from obsession during and after an operation.

18. Of Clairvoyance and of the Body of Light. Its Power and its Development

Theory and practice of the development of the powers of the astral body, particularly those of sight, travel and interpretation. Until this has been accomplished the Magician is not fitted to deal with the Invisible.

Also concerning Divination

The art of communication with superior Intelligences through the medium of a suitable set of symbols. Five systems are discussed and compared with each other; astrology, geomancy, the Tarot, the Holy Qabalah, and the Yi King.

19. Of Dramatic Rituals

Their object is the invocation of a God, and the God is conceived of in a more or less material and personal fashion.

20. Of the Eucharist

This is more important than any other ceremony of MAGICK. The whole of the force expended is completely reabsorbed, and in addition is that vast gain represented by the Abyss between Man and God.

And of the Art of Alchemy

Alchemical and magical symbology are reconciled. The object of the Alchemist is to take a dead thing, impure, valueless, and powerless, and transform it into a live thing, active, invaluable and thaumaturgic.

21. Of Black Magic

The Black Brothers are those who 'shut themselves up,' who refuse their blood to the Cup, who have trampled Love in the race of self-aggrandizement.

Of Pacts with the Devil

The powers of nature are to be trained and tamed to the saddle and bridle. 'My [[Adept]s stand upright, their heads above the heavens, their feet below the hells.'