Preliminary Data and Cautions
Excerpts from "Liber LXI vel Causae," by Fra. V.V.V.V.V., a variation upon standard Order history by Aleister Crowley
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.