ab:power.txt                                                          16jan90


                                Power


   Power is latent in the body and may be drawn out and used in various
   ways by the skilled. But unless confined in a circle it will be swiftly
   dissapated.  Hence the importance of a poroperly constructed circle.
   Power seems to exude from the body via the skin and possibly from the
   orifices of the body; hence you should be properly prepared. The
   slightest dirt spoils everything, which shows the importance of
   thorough cleanliness.

   The attitude of mind has great effect, so only work with a spirit of
   reverence.  A little wine taken and repeated during the ceremony, if
   necessary, helps to produce the power. Other strong drinks or drugs may
   be used, but it is necessary to be very moderate, as if you are
   confused, even slightly, you cannot control the power you evoke.

   The simplest way is by dancing and singing monotonous chants, slowly at
   first and gradually quickening the tempo until giddiness ensues. Then
   the calls may be used, or even wild and meaningful shrieking produces
   power. But this method inflames the mind and renders it difficult to
   control the power, though control may be gained through practice. The
   scourge is a far better way, for it stimulates and excites both body
   and soul, yet one easily retains control.

   The Great Rite is far the best. It releases enormous power, but the
   conditions and circumstances make it difficult for the mind to maintain
   control at first.  It is again a matter of practice and the natural
   strength of the operator's will and in a lesser degree those of his
   assistants. If, as of old, there were many trained assistants present
   and all wills properly attuned, wonders occur.

   Sorcerors chiefly used the blood sacrifice; and while we hold this to
   be evil we cannot deny that this method is very efficient. Power
   flashes forth from newly shed blood, instead of slowly exuding as by
   our method. The victim's terror and anguish add keenness and quite a
   small animal can yield enormous power. The great difficulty is in the
   human mind controlling the power of the lower animal mind. But
   sorcerors claim they have methods for effecting this and that the
   difficulty disappears the higher the animal used and when the victim is
   human disappears entirely. (The practice is an abomination, but it is
   so.)

   Priests know this well; and by their auto-da-fe's, with the victim's
   pain and terror (the fires acting much the same as circles), obtained
   enormous power.

   Of old the Flagellants certainly evoked power, but through not being
   confined by a circle most was lost. The amount of power raised was so
   great and continuous that anyone with knowledge could direct and use
   it; and it is most probable that the classical and heathen sacrifices
   were used in the same way.  There are whispers that when the human
   victim was a willing sacrifice, with his mind directed on the Great
   Work and with highly skilled assistants, wonders ensued - but of this I
   would not speak.
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   -Published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's "The Witches' Way"; they got
    it from GBG's BOS (Text B or C; it's the same in each).