PHANTOM OFFERINGS

An aim of studying the Esoteric Mysteries is to ritualize reality in its entirety, so “life” is an aggregate set of experiences which interpedently become increasingly devotional.

My 'Temple of Love' is the Third-Hand Bookstore; I often dress in my finest garments, floral oils and fiery makeups, and benefit considerably from the sensual aspect of vamping myself. It is an intimate formality that spiritualizes the event to follow. I think it is best to carry a reverent attitude when entering a bookstore; all the pearls and opals swirling there glean the wisdom of Masters, Prophetesses and Sages, sometimes shrouded, so you are really walking into a Hallway of Illuminations.

This treatment of the Event as sacramental has gifted me some of the finest texts over the years, some very obscure and uncommon. A glass case in the metaphysics section of a particular store, really has taken on some Magical properties; it seems the precise book will find its way at the perfect time. It is uncanny and seems almost fantastical, cinematic really. I have never told a Soul some of the remarkable titles I have found there.

Furthermore, it is vital to recognize that monastic orders and lodges are really not what they used to be; especially here in the West, most students of the Mysteries initiate themselves. So, the bookstore has really taken the role of “Guru”, with each text ushering me to its natural successor. The next text always arrives aptly, once I have fully “consumed” and digested its etheric vitamins.

No sacrament is complete without an offering, as a subtle gesture of gratefulness. If I have financial accommodation to purchase a book myself, often there is accommodation to purchase for another. There are few joys richer than bestowing a book unto a genuine book lover, which you have selected intuitively, much to their shock and amazement. Simply approach the person at sensible distance and present the book; few words are required, as this clutters the transaction. Wear your best “esoteric power outfit” (term via Gareth Knight) for an increased effect of mystery and intrigue! There is no sense in dulling about the loss of Mysticism in daily life, when it can always be created.

Lastly, in his text: The Law if For All: The Authorized Popular Commentary to the Book of the Law, Crowley reveals there will be no physical Temple for Nuit, as this would limit the limitless. If every act is devotional, the “Temple of Love” can be constructed wherever, and its materials are to be found within All Things.

Works Cited:

Crowley, Aleister. The Law Is for All: The Authorized Popular Commentary to The Book of the Law. New Falcon Publications, 1996.

Echols, Damien. Angels and Archangels: A Magician's Guide. Sounds True Inc, 2020.

Fortune, Dion. The Sea Priestess. Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2003.

Nakti, Claire. “Claire Nakti: Vedic Astrologer: About: Jyotish.” Clairenakti, www.clairenakti.com/.

Svoboda, Robert E. Aghora II: Kundalini. Brotherhood of Life Publishing, 1995.

Svoboda, Robert. Aghora: At the Left Hand of God. Brotherhood of Life, 1986.