THE AUGURIES FOR THE
2008 VERNAL EQUINOX
Marking the beginning of
Anno IVxvi (104) of the New Aeon of Horus
Issued by the Sanctuary of Thoth
On behalf of
The Great Order of the Universe
Copyright © 2008 Sanctuary of Thoth. All rights reserved.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
A ritual to commemorate the 2008 Vernal Equinox, marking the beginning of Anno IVxvi (104) of the New Aeon of Horus, was performed by Frater AHBH AChD on behalf of the members of the Sanctuary of Thoth.[1]
This paper provides an analysis of the Auguries received during the Ritual on behalf of the members.
The Word of the Equinox: “Because” from Chapter II, Verse 33 (II:33) of the Book of the Law.
To place the Word in context, consider the following preceding verses from Chapter II of the Book of the Law which help provide insight:
Verse 27. There is great danger in me; for who doth not understand these runes shall make a great miss. He shall fall down into the pit called Because, and there he shall perish with the dogs of Reason.
Verse 28. Now a curse upon Because and his kin!
Verse 29. May Because be accursed for ever!
Verse 30. If Will stops and cries Why, invoking Because, then Will stops & does nought.
Verse 31. If Power asks why, then Power is weakness.
Verse 32. Also reason is a lie; for there is a factor infinite & unknown; & all their words are skew-wise.
This brings us to Verse 33 which provides: “Enough of Because! Be he damned for a dog!”
Note that the word “Because”
appears no where in Chapter I of the Book of the Law. It appears in Chapter II in Verses 12 and 13,
and those referenced above, and in Verse 54 (but with a small case “b” which is
different). The word “Because” appears
twice in Chapter
So what is the message from this text, and how does it relate to the message of the Auguries? We consider the text first, and the message will begin to formulate.
In this regard, let’s consider the words “Why”, “Because” and “Reason”. “Why” poses a question. “Because” appears in the reply. The outcome is “Reason”. However, all “Reason” is itself subject to contradiction. This is in the nature of Reason. Reason exists below the Abyss. There is Unity above the Abyss, and relativity below the Abyss. “Knowledge” is the Childe of Chokmah and Binah. Divine Knowledge is Truth. Likewise, “Truth” originates above the Abyss, is inherent within Itself and simple. It represents a Unity of ideas, which is not subject to contradiction. As Reason occurs below the Abyss, it is relative and subject to contradiction. It, therefore, is inherently imperfect compared to Truth. This provides insight into Verse 27 and the others quoted.
Consider the preceding paragraph in the context of the guidance provided in Verses 30 and 31, quoted above. To question the Word stops the flow of Will, and Divine Power. When one knows the Word, and that the Chosen Way is always Righteous, one acts instinctively on the Word, and Will flows through. Thus, the curse upon “Because” in Verses 28 and 29, and the exclamatory statements in Verse 33, guide Initiates as to these matters, to act in a manner which is consistent with the Law of Thelema, which is “Do what thou wilt”, meaning do Thy Will (i.e., your True Will).
Chapter I, Verse 3 (I:3) of the Book of the Law informs us that every man and woman is a star. This is actually, and not just symbolically, the case. Consider in this regard the formula of the Ritual of the Stars and how we embody the Tree of Life. This symbolizes our Eternal part, our Starry structure and heritage. Each Star has its own orbit. Each one of us must fulfill our True Nature by doing our True Will. To question this impairs or hinders the process by destroying confidence and creating inhibitions.
This is not to say that the Book of the Law is opposed to reason. It is not. It rests on reason, and the source of reason, which is the Truth that exists above the Abyss. Reason is the voice of man. The Word is the voice of God, and the expression of the Will of your True Self (i.e., your True Will). The Will is the “factor infinite & unknown” referred to in Verse 32.
This raises issues about hearing the Word and knowing your Will. These abilities evolve throughout the initiation process. As indicated in the Guide to the Oaths of Initiation, True Will is Known only by an initiated Childe of Chokmah or a Childe of Kether. The rest of us hear the Word and know our True Will the best we can subject to the extent of our initiation. We move from our perspective, but it is the Angel that moves us and the Supernals which move the Angel. Reason or reasoning is part of our Yitziratic nature. It is inherent in the human thought or thinking process. Therefore, initially, reasoning assists the initiation process, and is healthy. However, once the Childe discovers the Childe’s True Self, and comes to hear the Word in the Childe’s Conscious Mind, the Childe will begin to develop a Briatic consciousness, which is when the reasoning process is to be transcended and the guidance provided above is particularly relevant.
Consider that that Powers of the Mind are symbolically represented as a complex, initially as the Yitziratic Hexagram evolving into the Heavenly Hexagram. The Will, however, is singular, and expresses the Word of the True Self. The Mind informs the Understanding, and the Understanding the Will, which then issues orders for unquestioning execution. Consider Verse 33 is this context.
In terms of Gematria and for
purposes of this divination, the word “Because” can be spelled phonetically in
Hebrew as follows: Beth (2), Kaph (20),
Vau (6), Samekh (60), and Heh (5), which enumerates to 93. Other words with the same enumeration
include: Thelema (Will); Agape (Love);
LGS (Logos (the Word), also Legis (the Law));
As a brief aside, it is common for those who are Initiates in this New Aeon of Horus to greet each other with a “93”, and bid each other farewell with a “93”. This is a short form way of “giving” the Law of Thelema, and placing the relationship and communications in the context of the Great Work. As Initiates, our work is to do our Will, i.e., our True Will as best we know it, in accord with the Law of Thelema. In the course, we become a source of the Light and Love of the Crown. All of our thoughts, words and deeds must be placed and interpreted in the context of the Great Work. All of our Magick must be performed to further the Great Work or it is black magic (and not true “Magick”, which is spelled with a “k” at the end). This is important to remember and tend to in all that you do in and out of the Temple. All of the forces of the Universe are behind you Childe when you are working in the way of your Will in furtherance of the Great Work. Go forth and do Thy Will in accord with the Law. Be strong in the Light, Love, Liberty and Life of the Crown in which you move.
Tarot Card for the Equinox: Atu XIV – The Art.
This is a card symbolizing evolution attained through the practice of the Royal Art and Science of Magick. It corresponds to the Zodiacal Sign of Sagittarius and the Path of Samekh on the Qabalistic Tree of Life. It refers to the Arrow shot from the Bow of Promise, formed by the Paths of Qoph, Shin and Tau on the Qabalistic Tree of Life. On the Way of Return, it is one of the three Paths on the Qabalistic Tree of Life which the aspirant will traverse in piercing the Veil of Paroketh that lead directly to Tiphareth, the abode of the Holy Guardian Angel. The Path is in the Middle Pillar and connects Tiphareth and Yesod. On Spirit’s Journey into Manifestation, it shows a direct channel of communication between the Angel and the human aspects of the Childe represented by Yesod.
The Guide to the Oaths of Initiation posted on the Sanctuary’s website addresses the Path of Samekh in the context of the initiation process, and specifically in connection with the work of the Childe of Hod and the Childe of Netzach. We refer you to the Guide for what is said there. In the context of this divination, the message of this Atu is a simple direction expanding upon the Word.
To evolve magickally, spiritually and materially, certain skills must be cultivated. These skills may be learned through the practice of the Royal Art and Science of Magick (as well as Tantrik Yoga). Although some aspirants may have some natural skills, sometimes from the inertia of past lives and others because their Genius simply shines through, everyone must work to develop and refine these skills to evolve and progress on the Royal Path of Initiation. How you do this is for you to decide. The new System of Initiation offered through the Sanctuary of Thoth is intended to help those who are naturally inclined to perform ceremonial magick, as well as those who are not so inclined and have a more mystical (rather than magickal) nature.
The Arrow of Sagittarius shows direction. It points up the Tree of Life to Tiphareth and the Holy Guardian Angel. Atu XIV directly addresses the Mystery of the Holy Guardian Angel. The process of how to attain to Tiphareth and the Knowledge and Conversation of your Holy Guardian Angel has been explained in clear, succinct and direct terms in the Guide to the Oaths of Initiation and the Scroll of the Ritual of the Stars (as well as by other systems of initiation). How you use this information available to you, and structure your work, is up to you. Do as you Will. Figuring out how to perform the work is itself an aspect of the work. The direction from the Tarot Card of the Equinox is, however, clear. Use the information. Practice the Magickal and Mystickal Arts. Develop the necessary skills. The Way is being shown, and has been given. It is now up to you to do the work and attain. No one else can do the work for you but you. You must focus the Eye. May you do so with Love under Will, and may your Eye open to the loving embrace of your Holy Guardian Angel.
The Zodiacal Sign of Sagittarius is the mutable sign of Fire, and is ruled by the Planet Jupiter. As such, it represents energies which are adaptable, inspire strong mental abilities and are noble in character. The Zodiacal Sign of Sagittarius also corresponds to the 9th House of Heaven, which concerns science, philosophy, religion and higher initiation. This is what we are dealing with here and central to the message being delivered through the Auguries.
As the Sun entered Aries (the cardinal sign of Fire) on the Vernal Equinox, which marks the beginning a new Zodiacal Year and the Solar Tide corresponding with Fire, now is the time to set goals and use these strong initiating goal-oriented energies by making projections to open your Eye to your work and how to best perform and accomplish it to further your progress on the Royal Path of Initiation in a healthy balanced way. Plant “seeds” in this regard during the present Solar Cycle, those of the Solar Tides of Fire and Water through the Autumnal Equinox and, more long term, the entire Zodiacal Year. Once the seeds are planted, work day by day to nurture and grow them. Plant additional seeds when appropriate. Work in a way which is consistent with your goals. This will greatly aid your progress and will be time well spent. This is how we practice, grow and evolve.
If you want to make progress in Magick and Mysticism, it is necessary to focus the Eye and do the work, whatever it may be for you. Initiation requires commitment and perseverance. May you find the strength within to do what must be done, and attain.
Remember, we do nothing of ourselves. We move from our perspective but it is the Angel that moves us and the Supernals which move the Angel. If you sincerely attempt to do the work and focus the Eye, your Angel will move you towards the desired goal.
The Bow of Promise (sometimes call the Rainbow of Promise) speaks of the Promise of Redemption. This Promise extends to you. It is a Divine Right. The tools are in your hands. You have the information. May you draw the Bow, take right aim and fire the Arrow so you may claim your prize in accord with the Promise, and be Redeemed by your Angel.
I-Ching Hexagram for the Equinox: 40, Hsieh/Deliverance, with a moving Yin line (6) in the sixth place, changing to 64, Wei Chi/Before Completion.
These expand wonderfully on the other Auguries.
The 40th Hexagram shows movement leading to deliverance. Symbolically, the deliverance is from danger, but analogies are to be drawn from this. The “danger” inspires the movement in the first instance. Similarly, dissatisfaction with the mundane nature of human life in many cases inspires aspirants to undertake initiation. But this type of movement is just the beginning. Deliverance is not achieved at this stage. However, the movement itself tends to remove obstacles, resolve difficulties, and ease tensions and other complications. When inspired in this way, and you see something to do to further “clear the way”, do it as quickly as possible. Act on the Word as best you know it. Listen to your intuition. Let it inform and guide you. This is part of the message from the Word of the Equinox. This Hexagram (which shows by its Trigrams Thunder above and Water below) gives the image of a thunderstorm, which clears the air. The water washes everything clean. When these situations arise, embrace them as guidance and move. Clarity brings deliverance. When perceived “failings”, “mistakes” or “sins” which induce the conditions come to light, accept or forgive them for what they are, and move on, just like thunder dies away. Learn from them without dwelling on them. Place them in the context of the Great Work and your initiation. This will aid your progress, by allowing you to be released from the prior conditions and breathe freely once again. New life comes from this movement.
The moving Yin line (6) in the sixth place shows darkness turning to light. This speaks to removing obstacles hindering deliverance. Use appropriate means. You have the tools and information to do so. Act when you are so inspired and be free of the obstacles. As conditions change, this will tend to have a liberating and stimulating effect on life. Interestingly enough, the commentary on this line speaks of a prince using a bow and arrow to shoot and kill a hawk, which he then takes as his prize. The prince is the aspirant. The bow and arrow are spoken of above, and are tools. The hawk is a symbol of Horus or Godhead. The prize is deliverance, which the archer claims through action and skillful use of his tools. Here, again, the necessity for developing skills is emphasized. The moving Yin line (6) in the sixth place also shows attainment, completion of deliverance or redemption when the last obstacle is overcome and the negative Yin line turns to a positive Yang line.
The 64th Hexagram, which is the final Hexagram in the Book of Changes and entitled “Wei Chi” (translated as “Before Completion”), naturally follows. Before completion, there is a period of transition. The analogy is to spring, which transitions from winter to summer. There may be disorder before order prevails. Conditions may be difficult. The tasks are great and full of responsibility. They are described as no less than leading the World out of confusion back to order. This is the Great Work in progress, which begins from your perspective with you. Caution and deliberation are recommended to gain skills and act wisely. The commentary indicates that, at first, one must move warily, like an old fox walking over ice. His ears are constantly alert to the cracking of the ice, as he carefully moves searching out the safest spots. The comparison is to a young fox, who has not acquired this caution as of yet and goes boldly ahead relying on his strength, and then falls in and gets his tail wet, not completing the crossing. The old fox is wise. He walks, and moves with care. The ice represents danger. Hearing is emphasized. Crossing the ice represents deliverance. This Hexagram shows by its Trigrams the image of Fire over Water or, said another way, Wisdom over Understanding or Love under Will. This further describes the nature of the Law of Thelema. We must take care in our actions at all times (especially at first). Impulse must be tempered with Love. To work with the forces of the Universe, we must first investigate the nature of the forces, ascertain their proper place and our correct vantage point (as described in the Scroll of the Ritual of the Stars), and then how to carefully separate the forces within our Spheres. In the process, we acquire the necessary skills, which allow us to work with the forces without harm to anyone, including ourselves, in furtherance of the Great Work.
The Auguries are meant to speak to us. May they do so, and be a source of inspiration and guidance to you in your work to come.
Love is the law, love under will.
Frater AHBH AChD
(Brian Goldstein)
For the Sanctuary of Thoth
Die Sol, Sol in Aries, Luna in Capricorn
Anno IVxvi (104) in the New Aeon of Horus
A
AB
ABRA
ABRAH
ABRAHA
ABRAHAD
ABRAHADA
ABRAHADAB
ABRAHADABR
ABRAHADABRA
93 93/93
[1] The structure of the Ritual is posted to the Sanctuary’s website and may be found in the paper entitled “A Ritual to Celebrate the Festival of the Equinox”.