FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIVE OCCULTISM

The question is asked, “What must I do to unfold the divine powers latent within myself? While it is not possible to give a direct answer to this question, we may cast some light on the subject by defining the fundamental principles upon which the Mystery Schools of all ages were established as institutions of philosophic, ethical, and religious culture.

The Schools of the Mysteries are composed of illumined men and women who have been accepted into the company of the Immortals. To reach this exalted position requires an almost inconceivable amount of preparatory labor; for if man would associate with these advanced types of humanity, he must raise himself to their level.

Realizing that nothing is more dangerous than the indiscriminate circulation of occult secrets, the Mysteries established their schools for the purpose of concealing rather than revealing knowledge. They were the original and sole custodians of all the divine arts and sciences, the secret keys to which they revealed only to those whom they considered qualified to receive them. Inasmuch as man’s power increases with his knowledge, the secrets of Nature’s finer forces cannot be revealed to him until he has passed through the Mysteries, which test him as to

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his motive and demand certain standards of moral and philosophic excellence.

Before the candidate is in a position to begin his studies in occult philosophy (which, if successfully completed, will result in discipleship and final admission into the Mysteries) he must first lay the groundwork by familiarizing himself with certain systems of ethics and gain at least reasonable proficiency in several material arts and sciences.

(1) The candidate must realize the value of education.

While the ignorant person may be capable of spiritual growth, the fact remains that man’s ethical progress is seriously retarded through ignorance of the material arts and sciences. Not realizing the great value of discipline, many students of the occult sciences ridicule modern educational systems, which excel because they discipline the mind. Learning how to study is a prerequisite to effective studying. Before it is possible to think, it is necessary to train the mind in reason, continuity, and logic—the essentials of thought. In the last analysis, all the socalled material arts and sciences are reflections of the Secret Wisdom. A man with an understanding of mathematics cannot help but know more of the Divine Plan than one without. Pythagoras demanded proficiency in music, mathematics, and astronomy of all candidates seeking admission into his school.

Before a candidate can honestly seek admission to the Temple of Wisdom, he must prepare his offerings and bring them to the Temple. The only possible offering which he can make is himself, and this offering is acceptable only when it is usable for the dissemination of wisdom. The more nearly perfect that vehicle is, the greater its usefulness. If able to speak a dozen languages, he has a decided asset. If skilled in chemistry, gifted in oratory, clear in thought, he has valuable talents which can be quickly turned to the service of mankind. If the candidate, regardless of his sincerity, presents himself at the door of the Temple ignorant and untrained, it is first necessary to equip him for his work. This preparatory training requires years. A person willing to consecrate himself un-