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[nytek]

The Dangers of Mysticism
http://the-equinox.org/vol1/no6/eqi06018.html


What a great read for anyone.
[snip]
edit: (Of Magick and of Mysticism...)
This is the magical theory, that the first departure from the Infinite must be equilibrated and so corrected. So the "great Magician," Mayan, the maker of Illusion, the Creator, must be met in combat. Then "if Satan be divided against Satan, how can his kingdom stand?" Both vanish: the illusion is no more. Mathematically, 1 + (-1) = 0. And this path is symbolized in the Taro under the figure of the {153} Magus, the card numbered 1, the first departure from 0, but referred to Beth, 2, Mercury, the god of Wisdom, Magic and Truth.

And this Magus has the twofold aspect of the Magician himself and also of the "Great Magician" described in Liber 418 (EQUINOX, No. V., Special Supplement, p. 144).

Now the formula of the mystic is much simpler. Mathematically, it is 1 - 1 = 0. He is like a grain of salt cast into the sea; the process of dissolution is obviously easier than the shock of worlds which the magician contemplates. "Sit down, and feel yourself as dust in the presence of God; nay, as less than dust, as nothing," is the all-sufficient simplicity of his method. Unfortunately, many people cannot do this. And when you urge your inability, the mystic is only too likely to shrug his shoulders and be done with you.

This path is symbolized by the "Fool" of the Tarot, who is alike the Mystic and the Infinite.

Read more...
(Cont.: http://the-equinox.org/vol1/no6/eqi06018.html)