Preliminary Data and Cautions
(Excerpts from "Liber LXI vel Causae," by Fra. V.V.V.V.V., a variation upon standard Order history)
In the Name of the Initiator, Amen.
In the beginning was
Initiation. The flesh profiteth nothing; the mind profiteth nothing;
that which is unknown to
you and above these, while firmly based upon their
equilibrium, giveth life.
In all systems of religion
is to be found a system of Initiation, which may be defined
as the process by which a
man comes to learn that unknown Crown.
Though none can
communicate either the knowledge or the power to achieve this,
which we may call the
Great Work, it is yet possible for initiates to guide others.
Every one must overcome
his own obstacles, expose his own illusions. Yet others may
assist him to do both, and
they may enable him altogether to avoid many of the false
paths, leading no whither,
which tempt the weary feet of the uninitiated pilgrim. They
can further insure that he
is duly tried and tested, for there are many who think
themselves to be Masters
who have not even begun to tread the Way of Service that
leads thereto.
Now the Great Work is one,
and the Initiation is one, and the Reward is one, however
diverse are the symbols
wherein the Utterable is clothed.
Listen, we pray you, with attention: for once only does the Great Order knock at any one door.
Here, therefore, we pause, that you may thoroughly search yourself, and consider if you are yet fitted to take an irrevocable step.