Preety_India

Blending creative idealism and vanity visualization. Creative idealism is more about the process, the system and the person. Example an ideal diet. Vanity visualization means developing an innate affinity for better quality in terms of everything. Example. Being creative and passionate and curious in life. Having higher goals. Wanting better things. Not being complacent or satisfied with the state of things. Developing an aversion for anything bad, miserable, low quality,undesirable, causing any discomfort and toxic. Always focusing on upgradation and improvement and better than the past or present. Wanting comfort and peace and beauty and working towards creating it. Creating not only an ideal or optimal environment/system but also improving it further constantly. Foolish vanity - this means vanity which is worthless or toxic and has no real purpose or meaning. Wisdom vanity - this means staying away from anything that is vain and also lower in value or character. Not associating with people with who do not possess value no matter how successful they are.

Today is Thursday Very tiring with the event on. Event ends on Sunday. Very exhausting. I need to work on daily pins.

Daily pins Based on creative idealism and vanity visualization Vanity visualization is a way of demarcation between relegation, complacency/compromise and upgradation. You start thinking that you deserve something special and you work towards it and you attract it. When you have an affinity for vanity you work towards proficiency. Vanity earns self respect Keywords Affinity Vanity Proficieny

Vanity resists the devil

Yesterday I was thinking about realities. And the awareness of realities and a respect for it. We aren't equipped to deal with realities. Realities although created by Satan are beyond our capacity to overcome. Life is tough. It's a losing battle. The acceptance of the nature of reality and human nature and human weaknesses and the insufficiency in dealing with reality effectively is important to be understood. You are what you are and you can only do so much. Hubris is dangerous. This understanding is important. Fantastical thinking leads to disaster. Think pragmatic. How should real love be. Think that. Not idealistic fantastical thinking that will bring misery and degradation. Here there is a distinct difference Unrealistic Idealism and realistic idealism are two different things. Unrealistic idealism is thinking in a fantastical way and not understanding reality and the limitations of human nature and existence or capacity. Realistic idealism is understanding what an actual or ideal state should be or look like in order to better the situation. For example what should an ideal diet look like. What should an ideal performance be or how should an ideal student be. These are scenarios of situations, conditions, events, people, resources that are necessary for a good outcome. For example an ideal diet is crucial to good health. In short its the description of an optimal system. The system of accountability instead of race based politics. If every person is made accountable for their actions their race won't matter... Either get with the system or don't. Overcoming unrealistic situations is obviously heroism. But there is a thin line between heroism in combating monumentally unrealistic hurdles and being completely unwise and inviting trouble and not being pragmatic about obvious consequences. Often rebellious people have to deal with this dilemma. They take on something that has no real pragmatic solution and get unrealistic and unreasonable in their behavior and end up inviting misery to themselves and their families. How to resolve this problem. 5 main points. ? Reasonable pragmatism.. Being reasonably practical or pragmatic or being pragmatic enough means being wise and practical and aware and accepting of the limitations of both the human being or individual or self or human nature and existence in general and also the limitations of the world or system we are born into and at the same time not allowing these limitations to impact our innate ability to desire, prosper and overcome. Not allowing the pragmatic pessimism to cause stagnation or complacency/compromise(trying to accept and be happy with something bad) or loss of hope and desire. ? Realistic idealism. Creative idealism. Creating a mental picture of an ideal scenario and then working to make it a reality. For example thinking of a ideal career or job or diet or political system and then actually making it a reality. ? Beneficial Idealism. This is either combative idealism or vision based or imaginative idealism. Like example if you have a vision for a technology which looks impossible now but might be possible in the future. Combative idealism is being hopeful that you will overcome a situation no matter how impossible. Heroism in a survival based unpragmatic situation. Vision based. ? Unreasonable idealism. This is being delusional and either being ignorant or irresponsible or unaccepting of consequences or disregarding of consequences and limitations. This is being unwise and or foolishly arrogant. This is either hubris or false pride or confidence or a form or narcissism, or being unwise and tactless,rash,reckless, foolhardy, misguided, thoughtless, without concern or caution or imprudent. ?Unrealistic or unfavorable Idealism. This is fantastical thinking that is usually unreasonable. Fairy like. It's not exactly unwise but not profitable rather unhealthy and eventually unwise and unfavorable. Can prove fatal sometimes. By following the above 5 points you strike a balance between pragmatism and idealism.

Metrics for progress Body metrics Great health Superior genetics Wonderful fit body Long life span Good looks Talent and skill Ability Brains Wisdom Humility Motivation and passion Carnal superiority Strong emotions Genuineness Authenticity Content Real values Character metrics Humility No cheating Openness Good hearted Innocence Good temper Good intentions Honesty Truthful Wise Kind Understandimg Matured Pragmatic Societal metrics Community sense Welfare. Team work Coordination Leadership Empathy Love Emotional Support Supportive Religion Responsibility and accountability Harmony metrics Unity Oneness of race Oneness of mentality No conflict or cognitive dissonance High mentality Resource metrics Plenty of resources No wastage of resources Control and balance on total resources. Sizable medium population. Resources should sufficiently equip you. Flaws resolution metrics Ability to perceive human flaws. Awareness of flaws Ability and attitude to accept flaws. Ability to work on the flaws and maturity to avoid their impact. Ability and attitude to change, to be dynamic, and to improve and to better and to adapt to both individual goals and community goals. Good qualities should outweigh flaws. Condition metrics Good environment Supportive conditions Ability to override conditions that is resilience Ability to recover quickly and without impact. Bouncing back.

Last 17 days have been awful. Can't get anything done.

Today is Wednesday 11 September. I'm so exhausted. Need to focus on my major goals in life. I need to be strict Keep a timer and a schedule list.

Focusing on my magick practices. This may be awesome

Left on 23 August and came back today on 6th September. Don't feel good Total obstruction.

Runes One of Sweden’s great mysteries surrounds a monolith called the Björketorp Runestone (DR 360 U)(Pronounced Bee-york-kuh-torp). The nearly 14 foot (4.2 meters) stone is located in Blekinge, Sweden, and forms a stone circle with two other blank menhirs, with several other solitary stones in the surrounding regions. It is covered in a Proto-Norse language of Runes which contain a foreboding warning about the stone. One side of the stone reads: “I, master of the runes, conceal here runes of power. Incessantly (plagued by) maleficence, (doomed to) insidious death (is) he who breaks this (monument).” The runes on the other side of the stone translate to “Prophecy of Destruction” or “Prediction of Perdition”, which may be in reference to a warning pertaining to the stone’s destruction. In other words– my words– Don’t attempt to destroy this stone or you will surely die Some scholars have suggested that it is an ancient border marker between the Swedes and the Danes. It has also been thought to have been a fertility shrine or a shrine honoring the Norse god, Odin (All Father). Probably the most predominant theory surrounding the purpose of the monolith is that it was a burial marker, either for a real grave or as a memorial, which necessitated the use of a prophetic warning to prevent the stone’s removal; An archaeological investigation of the area conducted in 1914 did not reveal the presence of any human remains, so the purpose of the stone is still under speculation. Even though the purpose of the stone is unknown, the stone’s mysterious curse seems to be real… at least according to local legend. When the stone was thought to be an impediment to the land, which a local man desired to cultivate, its removal was attempted. On a day of calm weather and with no winds, the local man piled wood around the stone, so he could heat the stone and then crack it by pouring cool water over the stone’s surface. As the man set fire to the wood surrounding the stone, a gust of wind blew the flames away from the stone and towards the man, setting his hair on fire, and extinguishing the blaze around the Björketorp Runestone. The man, unable to quench the flames, died in terrible, flaming agony. Whether you believe the story of the curse or not, the stone’s cryptic message and the local legend surrounding it still gives one pause– Why is the Björketorp Runestone still standing after over 14 centuries?

98 used was fresh beeswax taken by Morven from the hive at mid-day. She had proven herself extremely skilful in the handling of bees, which she feared not at all. The creatures seemed to like her. Holding the wax in his right hand, Thur invoked: "Exabor, Hetabor, Sittacibor Adonai, Onxo, Zomen, Menor, Asmodiel, Ascobai, Conamas, Papuendos, Osiandos, Spiacent, Damnath, Eneres, Golades, Telantes, Cophi, Zades! Angels of God be present, for I invoke ye in my work so that through you it may find virtue. Amen. " He paused and then exorcised it as follows: "I exorcise thee, O creature of wax, that, through the holy name of God and his holy angels, thou receive blessing, so that thou mayst be sanctified and blessed to obtain the virtue which we desire, through the most holy name, Adonai. Amen. " So praying, he sprinkled and censed the wax and wrapped it in the white linen cloth. In a like manner he consecrated strong acid, to be used for engraving upon the tempered steel of the sword. When this was done and set aside in readiness, Morven took from the table an ink-horn made of baked earth in the hour and day of Mercury, and gave it to Thur. With the burin he carved round the base in Hebrew characters these sacred names. Yod He Vau He, Matatron, lah, lah, lah, Qadosch, Elohim, Zabaoth. Filling it with ink he exorcised it thus: "I exorcise thee, O creature of ink, by Anaireton, by Simoulator, and by the name Adonai, by virtue of him through whom all things are made, that thou be unto me an aid and succour in all things which I wish to perform by Chine aid." This he sprinkled and censed and laid up with the wax. Work for that night was over. They cleared away all traces of their occupation and went to bed. There now remained the great event, the. creating of the magic sword. This was an ordinary blade in common use as a small-arm, and he had bought it in London. When in despair of ever being able to help the Bonders, he had formed the desperate design of obtaining guidance, through Olaf, as was shown in the opening chapter. That attempt was more in the nature ofa spiritualistic seance than a true exercise in art magic. Olaf had proven a good medium through which the needed guidance came. The command he had received, 'Seek ye the Witch of Wanda, had provided him with the athame and the white-handled knife, the means to the ends they desired. The purchase of each article separately constituted no danger, it was the articles in the aggregate which made the menace. Any knowledgable person, viewing them as a whole, would know immediately for what purpose they would be used. Rumour had it that my lord abbot was 98-

Types of magic Ceremonial magick.. Using athame to draw a circle and then consecrating or purifying objects or persons using sword or ceremonial athame or wand. Symbolic magick - using symbols, runes, sigils, talismans etc. Carving of symbols and invoking their meanings these symbols represent your wishes and emotions. Spell, chant magick. Using spells and chanting, praying, dancing around fires while chanting, singing, sabbat rituals, moonlight dancing, saying mantras while burning herbs into cauldron or fire. Drawing a symbol on a wall or a board or farm stand or keeping a charm object on the table is the simplest way of practicing magick. Magick has 2 parts -Magick and manifestation

Actual magick practices ? Using athame and calling for your will and ? Using sigil ?Using spells. ?Rites and rituals ?Chants ? Spells ? Runes ? Charms ? Casting a circle ? Creating a talisman ? Rites, Chants, Spells, Runes, Charms, etc. ?Sigils are just symbols. It becomes a rune when drawn on a stone, crystal, gem, block of wood, stick, any material or piece. When carved into a pendant to be worn on the body, it becomes a charm or talisman. What are chants and spells. Spells are a little different than prayers. Prayers are more in the form of asking whereas spells are more in the form of declaration like exhortation, like so and so will happen or I command it to happen with the help of a divine deity summoned in the spell. Chants are simple general or specific(your own created chant) mantras for example "may God bless me" that can be repeated every day as often as possible for remembrance or reminding.

Actual magick practices ? Using athame and calling for your will and ? Using sigil ?Using spells. ?Rites and rituals ?Chants ? Spells ? Runes ? Charms ? Casting a circle ? Creating a talisman ? Rites, Chants, Spells, Runes, Charms, etc. ?Sigils are just symbols. It becomes a rune when drawn on a stone, crystal, gem, block of wood, stick, any material or piece. When carved into a pendant to be worn on the body, it becomes a charm or talisman. There is a subtle difference between charm and amulet and talisman. Amulet is used around the neck as a pendant to provide protection from evil and danger. You can also have an amulet as s ring on the finger Talisman. - talisman gives specific power to the wearer. It may be customized specifically for the wearer to help them with something. Like a talisman for success in work or a sports match or a betting game. It could be both general or customized. It is generally for good luck. Like a talisman for wealth. Talismans are usually pendants. In a previous post, we talked about what a talisman is and why you might want to use your talisman to create more magick in your life! In this post, we delve a little deeper and learn how to use a talisman. Intention is Key As we discussed before, each tradition can hold different beliefs about how to choose and charge a talisman. Intention is a key element across all methods. To create a talisman, all you need is an item that resonates with your outcome and focused intention. To charge you talisman with your desire, hold or gaze upon it and project your desired outcomes and feelings onto the talisman. For example, you might use our Pentagram Talisman Cuff to intend safety for yourself wherever you go. As you gaze or hold the talisman, visualize and feel yourself going about your day protected, safe and happy, projecting these postive and secure images and thoughts onto the piece of jewelry. Now, whenever you look at the talisman on your arm, remind yourself of what it's like to feel safe. Because our feelings create our physical reality, this increases the likehood that you will be safe! The more you use your talisman for its ordained purpose, the stronger it becomes. This is why we are partial to talismans that we can use and see regularly, such as jewelry or something you can place on your altar or bedside table. What Intentions Should I Set? A talisman can be used to create any sort of change but in our experience, it works best when you use it to cultivate self-empowering intentions. These can include intentions for: Emotional Healing Prosperity Creativity Self-Confidence and Self-Love Blessings and Support from the Universe Great Relationships New Opportunities Vitality Good Health ...and many others! Remember, positive intentions create positive change! Recharging and Re-Programming Your Talisman As time goes on and your talisman gets a regular workout, you may want to re-charge it. Simply feel gratitude for everything the talisman has created for you, repeat the same ritual described above and visualize the talisman working stronger than ever for you. You may also decide to re-program your talisman for another intention or outcome. To do so, simply picture clear white light washing over the talisman, eliminating anything that no longer serves you. Feel the talisman as a blank slate, and then program it with your new intentions! Talismans are truly a great and effective tool to help direct and focus your thoughts and awareness on your desired outcome. Happy magicking with talismans! What is a Talisman? If you're new to the practice of magick, you may not think you're familiar with a talisman. But have you ever worn a necklace for good luck? Or rubbed a rabbit's foot before you headed into a job interview? Well, you've used a talisman before! Of course, this analogy reduces magick into more of a superstition, but so often superstitions are born from a strand of truth. In its simplest form, a talisman can be defined as an object you have chosen to, whether directly or indirectly, direct energy into or imbue with a specific intention. For us, we take the practice of using talismans one step further by using everyday objects such as a piece of jewelry to charge with an intention or emotion we wish to experience in reality. Every time we look at the talisman, we train our hearts and minds to recall our original intention or desire. Overtime, this repetitive behavior programs our intentions into our subconscious through the use of a talisman, greatly increasing the likelihood of our desires coming true! As with all matters of magick, talismans are seen throughout a number of different traditions. Each has its own beliefs about how to create a talisman. Some parallel one another and others are starkly different. Even non-magickal traditions and religions hold their own talismans, though they don't call it by that name. Think of intricate crosses and coins engraved with the portraits of saints. Or the four-leaved clover as a symbol of luck in modern culture. One belief that many traditions share is that the person intended to use talisman should be the one to charge it with their own intentions. A talisman can be anything. A family heirloom or childhood toy. It can be a found key or foreign coin. A piece of clothing, a simple bracelet, or even a tattoo. What is important is that the object resonates with your intention. For example, you probably wouldn't choose a knife talisman to bring good luck or improvement to your relationships as it's difficult to feel harmonious feelings of love and support by looking at a knife! Something that invokes congenial feelings such as a rose quartz or The Lovers Card in the tarot would make it much easier to direct and focus your intention for better relationships into! Using a talisman is one of the simplest and effective forms of magick you can practice. Try it and we'd love to hear about your experiences with talismans in the comments below! Talismans are usually pendants or cuffs or bracelets or arm bands or arm rings. But they can be any object. Charms Charms are any symbolic object or medals that are supposed to bring good luck and take away bad juju. Charm can be a toy, a button, a coin or a Saint medal hanging on the window of a car, it can be a tree of life artifact on your table, many people use vaastu charms artifacts for example an arowana fish charm sitting on the table is used for wealth and prosperity. It can be used as a pendant, bracelet, box full of charms, in short charm can be almost anything, even a piece of wood, the best part about charm is that it's not customized for a person so anybody can use it and obtain the same benefits. The St. Christopher medal is a charm that protects travelers, as St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers. A series of failures on the US Navy's Vanguard rocket project in the 1960s was blamed on the absence of a St. Christopher medal. One was placed on the next rocket, and it performed perfectly. A four-leaf clover has always been considered a lucky charm. This old Irish rhyme that explains why: One leaf is for fame, And one leaf is for wealth, And one is for a faithful lover, And one to bring you glorious health, Are all in the four-leaved clover. A number of lucky charms have religious significance. Fish have come to symbolize the Christian church, possibly because of the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. However, the Greek word for fish forms an acronym of the initial letters of "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour" in Greek, and this is a more likely explanation. A fish charm attracts wealth and abundance. The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol for everlasting life, and is sometimes known as the cross of life. It provides good luck. It also wards off illness and disease, which means that it can be used as an amulet as well as a charm. Charm bracelets allow people to wear a number of charms at the same time. Many people have a collection of objects that they use as charms, either singly or together. They do not need to be visible, and can be worn under clothing or carried in a purse, if desired. Next is something rarely used or only in certain religions. Similar to a charm it's called taabiz. It's very different from amulets and talismans. But it operates like a talisman or amulet. It's a small box which contains a paper folded or an engraved written prayer text or spell. A small paper inserted into the container or tiny box worn around the neck. Examples of taabiz

Actual magick practices ? Using athame and calling for your will and ? Using sigil ? Using spells. ? Casting a circle ? Creating a talisman ?

Tom Matriq What's a sigil 3 ways to manifest Intention To will something to happen. Imagine it in detail. Imagine that it should happen and it's happening. Emotion The feeling of it happening without it happening yet Feel the joy of having it Universe Ask for it. Talk to God nature universe. Meaning of a sigil A sigil (/ˈsɪdʒəl/; pl. sigilla or sigils) is a symbol used in magic. The term has usually referred to a type of pictorial signature of a demon or other entity; in modern usage, especially in the context of chaos magic, it refers to a symbolic representation of the magician's desired outcome.

The octopus is a real beauty

Am I surprised that people are bitchy?

Lol

The spirit dantilion 190 "Now you are of the brotherhood," said Morven next day. "'Tis best that you seek Evan. Gull's Egg." "But where do we start?" asked Jan. "To seek you we bad at least the name Wanda." "I think we have a clue," she replied. "It smacks of the sea near Dunbrand, I think. " "True rede," said Thur. "Bartzebal dare not speak falsely while he were in the triangle but we dare not go to Dunbrand and ask for Evan Gull's Egg without some reason; folk would talk and talk would go straight to Fitz-Urse." "Nay," she said, "go first to Simon Pipeadder, he is old and I think hath much knowledge. He will obey you now you are of the brotherhood." So that night Thur consulted the stars, and finding them favourable the three men started out the next morning. * * * Arriving at the outskirts of Jan's farm, Truda the goose girl soon brought old Simon. At first he was not helpful; "Na na, maister, 'tis turrible risky, and mistress be like a demon unloosed these days. She ses you brought a devil straight from hell, maister Jan, and she skeered un away wi' her holy water, tha-at she du, so she beats us all who had truck wi’ un.” "Yes, yes, Simon, but how may a castle be stormed unless we come to it?” Simon shook his head with vigorous obstinacy; "Na, maister, it be turrible risky." "But you do know Evan Cull's Egg?" "Aye, maister." "Well, to take the castle we must fight. We may not fight without risk. Would you have us cowards?" "What want you wi' Evan Gull's Egg? He be an outlander and turrible unchancy." "Would he betray us, think you?" "Nay, perhaps not; he hates the Normans. But he loves money and he be not o' the brotherhood. " "But I am," said Jan, describing a pentacle in the air with his thumb 191 thrust between his fingers. "O, maister Jan, maister Jan! Thou hast been spying, thou knowest not the way into a circle." "I was taken," said Jan, "with two passwords and I received a third." "And where was he that led lee into circle? Answer me that," gasped Simon. "She led me from behind," said Jan. "O, maister Jan, maister Jan, this is happiness," gasped Simon. "Truly thou art of the brotherhood, but how far hast gone?" "I have been through the inverted triangle and through the inverted pentacle," was the reply. "O joy, I must ever do as thou sayest, you whom holy Maiden be helping, and who hast been through pentacle," was the reply. But, turning suspiciously to Thur and Olaf, "What of these? You should not speak of such,things before outsiders." "Never fear, Simon. Thur is as I am and Olaf has been through the triangle. " "Well, well, I must do as thou biddest me, maister, but I like it not and mistress will sure beat me black and blue when she catches me, I think I derner go back to farm." "Never mind, go fetch the black mare and send word you are ill and can't come to work; she may believe it," and old Simon trotted off with a new spring in his gait. Soon he returned on a powerful black mare, and all four rode steadily till the forest began to thin and gave way to scattered farms. At the edge of the forest-Simon drew rein and with an all-embracing sweep of the hand said: "Yonder lies they lands, maister, as far as the eye can reach and a good bit farder. " "Aye," muttered the dispossessed, "and what is that beyond? Is that the sea?" Olaf pointed across the flats to a dark smudge on the skyline. "And that?" Simon chuckled; "Aye, maister, that be Dunbrand." The Bonders accepted the fact without comment; the distance was too great for any details to be seen. "Have you been there since our father's day?" "Aye, thrice, while castle was building." "But my grandsire's stronghold?" Jan interposed hastily. "'Twere gutted by fire, it were an old, ancient place, built they say in good King Alfred's day, an' folks say 'twere an old Roman castle afore that, and the Bonders came here from the sea, and lived here free men - 192 afore the Normans ruled the land, and then, well you know how it was, wi' die Fitz-Urses, an' the fight." "And only my father escaped?" "Aye, and me and others you knows of ... I were but thirty then. Lord, it seems but yesterday." "I will deal with them ... suitably, so help me God," Jan exclaimed in a burst of passion. "Amen to that," said Olaf and Thur together. "And the castle?" "Fitz-Urse's building most on it, nigh twenty years it's tuk him, 'tis bare finished yet. He went to holy land wi' good King Richard, and brought a mort o' queer fashionings back they say; soft cushions and triflings like that 'as no Christian man has ever seed afore. " "How far is it from here?" "A matter o' three leagues, maister." They rode on till they came nigh the sea, and a small fishing village lay beneath them. Simon drew rein and pointed. At first they could see nothing but a jagged line of clifftop through the haze, then the line broke revealing a great naked rock standing alone sheer out of the water which surged around its base. Then they picked out a narrow bridge across the chasm, and what at first appeared to be rugged rocks took the form of battlements. Simon pointed; "See that black there, 'tis a gert big cave, wi' water for floor, they keeps their boats i' it, there be a way fro' there to a ledge where rock overhangs an' there be another ledge o' top, where tha be a gert big windlass so be as they haul up stores, an' a postern leads. into castle, an' it was always so but none can get in that way unless they be hauled up in basket as they do indeed haul up their boat-men; and all the stone for building did come that way. " As the castle stood, it looked as if one man could hold it against thousands, so inapproachable did it seem. They realised also that on the mainland side of the bridge rose twin towers of a barbican. "Well," said Thur. "A tough nut to crack, lead us on to Evan Gull's Egg, good Simon." "Right, bide ye here, maisters. I go seek un." * * * "Got un, maister," gasped Simon a little later, pushing an uncouth-looking man. "'E ses wat do 'ce want wi' 'ee?' "You are called Evan Gull's Egg?" said Thur. "Aye, so folks call me" was the surly reply. "You climb the cliffs for gulls' eggs?" 193 "Aye." Thur showed him a groat. "Do you ever get eggs from the castle rock?" "Na, master, Fitz-Urse loves not any to climb that rock, an' what he dislikes he shows wi' arrows." "But you have climbed it?" Evan gave him a shrewd look but said nothing. Thur showed him a gold besant. The man's breath caught in his throat but he said nothing: "I would climb that rock. Is there a way?" "Master, I ha' a throat and my wife has one and so ha' my three childer. If any go up that rock, Fitz-Urse will blame it on me and five throats will be slit. He knoweth well none other could do it." Thur placed three more pieces by the first. The man's eyes glistened. "What's your will?" he whispered. "There is a postern that leads to the great windlass; set me with some of my friends outside it some dark night." "That way be right perilous, but I might on a misty, moonlight night; but I must ha' twenty-five pieces, wi' the king's majesty's head on un. I can climb and fix ropes, so ye may follow safely, perhaps; but, you understand, you pay me the money, half ere we start, half when I set ye on the ledge. What ye do then I know not nor care. I'll ha' ma woman and childer i' ma cobble below and wi' the money I go wi' them, days along the coast ere I dare put me ashore where I buy me a farm. I dursent live here after. " "Twenty-five pieces of gold? Impossible," exclaimed Thur, "So, 'tis impossible I go for less," said Evan; getting up and making as if to go away. Thur motioned him to stay. "'Tis a mighty sum, friend, and not easy to come by. But an I can get it, wilt do truly as you have said and not betray me to the Normans?" Evan spat; "I love not Fitz-Urse an' his brood, I'd do un an ill-turn an I could wi' safety. I'll not betray 'ee. But I must ha' what will let me settle in a new country far away. Send word by Simon here an you want me," and he rose and shambled off. "Twenty-five pieces of gold, 'tis a king's ransom," gasped Jan. "Hast got it, Thur?" "Not I, but I might borrow. I have a house, but I know not who might lend. If good King Richard had not banished all the Jews, 'twould have been easy. I can but try, for truly I see no other way, and Bartzebal clearly said Evan would allow us up the secret path." Old Simon rejoined them, all bandaged up. "What has happened, man?" gasped Jan. 194 "'Tis naught, maister. I ha' been ripped by a gert boar. Kit did un wi' his knife and tied me up, I'll tell mistress. I were 'urt lad and I swooned away like, and only cum to hours arter. I'll get off a cudgelling an' I'll du no work for days like now. A man wat's been half-killed like canna work for many days arter." Jan goggled. "So that's the way of it? I remember something like this happened to you before, last year, was it false also?" "Aye, maister, I do be too aged to be cudgelled like ... " Thur and Olaf were roaring with laughter, so in the end Jan laughed too, and they all set out for home. Morven greeted Thur when he reached the house with; "Brother Stephen has been waiting to see you all day, I fear there is somewhat toward, but tell me how you fared?" "None too well, none too ill," he replied wearily. "We found Evan Gull's Egg, and he may help us at a price, but 'tis a heavy one and I see not the way too clearly as yet, but there will be a way, never fear. "But what wants Stephen?" (as Brother Stephen rose to greet him as he entered) "I would speak with you, Thur, alone," and he glanced at Morven, Thur dismissed her with a nod. "Speak freely, friend, there be none to hear." Stephen hesitated. "What I have to say must be secret for your sake as well as mine." "As the grave," said Thur. "Thur, I think you have often wondered what I do here. Thou knowest I have my school in Paris." Thur nodded. "Thur, thou hast seen my horoscope, Jupiter is in exaltation with the sun and all the other signs show the same thing. I can do great things for myself and others, and my country, in a way that will be ever remembered. Now and in the next month I will have the opportunity in this little town of St. Clare, and nowhere else. Now, what may all this mean? "How can I tell?" said Thur. "I know I have seen it, but perchance there is an error in the calculations." "But we checked it by many astrologers ere I came, and they all tell the same tale; from France and Italy, Spain and Almain, Bohemia and the heathen Moors, all tell the same and my friend, Lothair di Signi." Thur nodded. "Lothair sent me to find it. What we must both have, 'tis as important for him as it is for me, his horoscope shows it too. You 195 know, he must have what he wants, to gain power." "How may I help you friend?" asked Thur. "Thur, I have wondered and watched and waited and I think I see clearly now. Thou art working high magic, art magic somehow. That girl Morven haunts me, I dream of her, Thur, you must work magic for me. Let me gain the power and let me begone." Thur considered. "Magic is an ill word, what would the lord abbot say?" "He would say: 'Make me young again or thou burnest, "' was the swift response. "And I, Stephen, say; 'Work for me or the abbot's men raid the house within the hour, Thur.' Didst think thou couldst do what thou didst two nights agone and not be noticed?" Thur started. "What did I do?" "Thur, half the town heard voices calling long after midnight and all. " "May not a man have a few friends in for a junketing?" "'Twas not the sound of men junketing. The smoke and smell of incense, thou perfumed half the town and an hour after midnight, and as for that burst of black smoke ... the watchers saw it and trembled in their shoes saying: 'The foul fiend himself has come for the leech and his lamen.' Then, when they saw you both, yestermorn, they said, 'Master Thur be sib with the devil himself.' So half the gossips of the town have been to the abbey. I had hard work to keep the old man quiet. He wanted to raid you right away and try what the rack would do. But I lied hard, I said, I knew what you were doing and I'd get you to work for him. He is worth helping, Thur, if thou canst, for the sake of thy life and limbs, if for no other reason. But, Thur, you must work for me first. "Thur, call up the spirits for me this night, or the abbot's. men raid thee in half an hour, two lay brothers wait outside an I come not soon. They take a sealed letter to the abbot, so think not to stab me and so silence me that way. You must help me, Thur. " "An I give you what help I may, wilt help me?" "How?" "I want money and I want the abbot kept off me for a time. " "I can keep the abbot quiet all right, for a time, but I have no money, Thur, canst not make it by magic?" "Well then keep the abbot quiet. Money I cannot make, I am no master, but a beginner, I get no more than advice. Wait, I will tell you my tale." Stephen listened attentively. "I think I begin to, see," he said. "Well call up the spirits for me. I can keep my mind on my desires. As for money, I think I can help there. The abbey has much gold in store, they may - 195 196 not lend; usury is forbidden to churchmen. But, you can sell your house for say, twenty gold pieces, and buy it back again in three months for say thirty, the abbey oft does things like that, and it can be arranged that you may live in it for three months or more. If thou takest the castle, you will get gold to repay. If thou dost not, well, I think you will not need any house." Thur made a wry face. "Thy terms are extortionate, but borrowers may not be choosers." Stephen rose. "Well, 'tis settled, I will speak to the abbot, telling him 'tis but a foolish scare about magic and only a matter of you having some friends in and burning some drugs that had gone bad. Now, what night wilt call the spirits for me?" Thur pondered. "I must consult the stars and my parchments, but I know thy stars are well aspected. I will prepare things in the morn ... come tomorrow night." The next night, being Thursday the seventh of the new moon Stephen knocked, and was admitted. After greetings, Thur said: "I have searched the parchments, I think Dantilion is ,the best spirit for your purpose, he is a duke, great and mighty. His office; is to teach all the arts and sciences unto any, and to declare the secret councils of anyone; for he knoweth the thoughts of all men and he can change them at his will. Or at least so the parchments say. This is a favourable night to call him. Morven and I have made the pentacles to summon him, if your heart fails you not." "I would face the devil himself," came the rejoinder, "and, Thur, I have spoken to the abbot, you can have the gold, an you sign this parchment, selling your house and its contents for twenty-two pieces, and you may buy it back again for thirty-two any time within the six months. Will that suit you? 'Twas the best terms I could screw out of him." "Aye, borrowers may not help themselves," grumbled Thur. "Now, come you up," and he led the way to where Morven waited by a tub of warm water. Stephen who knew something of the theory of the art magical, watched with a critical and interested eye, as Thur bathed, and then exorcised the water, then purified himself, then Morven followed suit, and Stephen was in turn purified. This being done, :exactly as when evoking Bartzebal, then Thur donned his linen robe and handing one to Stephen prepared to mount to the loft above. "Halt no robe for Morven?" demanded Stephen. "It is not seemly that a woman should stand as God made her. in the presence of clad men. It passeth my understanding whither hath fled her modesty." Stephen voiced his discontent with an austere kind of grumpiness, as he eyed her with an unyielding disapproval. It was not so much her, particular 197 nakedness to which he objected, as the fact that the nakedness was divided; if nakedness was needful to the rite, well and good, if no, let all be clothed alike. Such was Stephen's mind; he knew it was the custom that a witch must work naked to attain full power, but to his surprise, he found himself excessively disliking the fact that this particular witch was obeying the law. He knew they were going to raise spirits; probably through the power of God, but his natural austerity was such that he made a natural cleavage between sex and God. He did not consider sex as sinful, he had seen too much of it. In the abbeys there was much wantonness, but he could never admit to himself that things of the spirit had any connection with the flesh. When Stephen Langton approached his God he wished to put from him the idea there could be such a thing as sex. He knew some of the practises of the. art magical by repute, he knew it was said these things were necessary, but he approached it with some uneasiness. Could not things be so arranged to suit his own notions? More power exerted somehow, to cover the weakness that would be caused by the rites being mutilated? Go through it he must; he was being driven forward by a stronger mind than his own. He well knew his fate if he returned having failed in his mission especially through his own weakness. Yet he had a lurking sense that he should not seek to attain his ambitions this way. Yet he was amazed and impressed by the paraphernalia, the thoroughness of the purification, the quotations from holy writ, the repeated mention of the name of God. He expected something slightly adverse, if not diabolical, or at least something tending that way, but it was so much a religious service that his mind was raised to a lofty pitch of sublimity only to be brought to earth again at the sight of Morven. "We meet to worship God," he proclaimed, "to beseech him to permit us to perform marvels. Put on thy raiment, woman, when you enter the presence of God." Thur paused with one foot on the ladder and turned his head to the speaker, the light of the lantern threw vast shadows on the walls, turning human beings into the semblance of giants. Troubled and doubtful, Thur turned the lantern so its rays fell on Stephen's face, in which the magus read hurt and shock. "We must do as the rite bids, Stephen," he said. "Morven is necessary to me in the art, I cannot work without her. Thou knowest she is a witch and so must do as ever witches must do, or her power fails. Rid you of your distractions if you would succeed. Keep thy mind on thine own wishes; for if you let the sight of Morven, or aught else perplex you, you lose all your power. You must be used to nudity, 198 'tis as you well know, the oldest trick of a mischievous spirit to appear thus, attempting to divert your mind from its object; you must be above such things." "But," said Stephen, "God is an unescapable fact. Nudity is another, both are equally right in their appointed spheres, but they do not meet easily in my mind, it savoureth of impiety, of blasphemy. So therefore do I protest against this blasphemy. " "Stephen," said Thur, "a moment ago you spoke of this woman as being as God made her, then how can it be blasphemy? God cannot blaspheme. We must have Morven, and we must not limit her power. She enters the circle as my disciple and you as a suppliant of God's grace. We work as God wills, and if God wills, she be as the rite demands. If he will not vouchsafe to grant our requests, unless the rite be duly performed, who are you, a mortal, to object?" Stephen swallowed. "I fear," he said bluntly. "Fear naught, keep your mind on your high endeavour and on him who sent you here; he would have no such scruples. Set your mind on naught but your high desires. Heed not trifles or all will fail. " "Lead on," Stephen said grimly repressing further words; striving hard to overcome his detestation of Morven's beauty. Yes he suddenly realised; that was what he detested. If she was not so lovely, so exquisite! But as soon as they entered the loft his mind was distracted by the strange signs on the walls. The wonderful ceremony of forming the great circle: the consecration of the fire; the lighting of the lights. The incense, which in this case was cedar, rose, cinnamon, sandal and aloes. Then the long evocation and the repeated call; Come O Dantilion! Dantilion come! Being exalted above ye in the power of the most high, 1 say unto you, obey in the name of the mighty ones, Liachadae and Balachinensis, Paumachia and Apolgiae Sedes, and of the mighty ones Liachadae, and the ministers of the house of death. I evoke ye and by evoking conjure thee, and being exalted above thee in the power of the most high, 1 say unto thee 'Obey'. In the name of him who spoke, and it was, him whom all creatures and beings obey. 1, whom God hath made in the likeness of God who is the creator according to his living breath. Come ... In the name which is the voice and wonder of the almighty God, Eo, strong and unspeakable. O thou spirit Dantilion, 1 say unto thee 'Obey!' In the name of him who speaks and is. And in every one of these names of God.El, Elohim, Ehyah, Asher, Zabbaoth, Elion, lah, Tetragrammaton, Shaddai, Lord God most high. In thy strength 1 say 'Obey.' O spirit Dantilion appear to his servant in a moment before this circle. In the ineffable name Tetragrammaton, Jehovah. Whose mighty sound 199 being exalted in power the pillars are divided; the winds of the firmament groan aloud, the earth moves in earthquake and all things of the house of heaven and earth and the dwelling places of darkness are in torment and are confounded in thunder. Come forth O Dantilion! Dantilion come!" Stephen watched the room fill with the thick smoke of incense. "Come O Dantilion!" The smoke writhed and formed shapes which vanished almost as they were formed. Stephen's heart beat faster, and through his veins surged that occult frenzy of excitement which accompanies the fixation of will upon desire. Power! To rule kings. To create a new law so that his beloved England might obey the same law and obtain the same protection. There should be no more serfs, and men would be free to go, and love and worship where they willed, and this is the gift of Stephen of Langton. "Come O Dantilion! Dantilion, come!" Stephen stirred uneasily; the strain of keeping his mind fixed wearied him; the smoke of the incense grew denser. The strain began to hurt, but he determined to bear this. Power he must have; power to rule kings. A charter of liberty; idly he watched Morven replenishing the incense. A young girl, no, a flower, a blossom of flesh, her mouth like a rosebud. He shook himself, never must he have such thoughts, he must keep his mind clear and fixed; it must not waver in the slightest. He shook himself more angrily; "Power!" He looked at the billowing smoke and now noticed that it was flowing in a steady stream outside the circle as if drawn by a strong draught. The room had now vanished from view, though the inside of the circle was entirely clear of smoke. He could imagine that there were spirits in that dense cloud; but they were invisible. Would the ceremony never end? He must not think of such things; he must concentrate. He knew he must keep his mind fixed, but he felt as though a sword was piercing his brain from the intense effort of concentration. He dragged back his thoughts with a supreme effort and concentrated with renewed vigour. Then the smoke wavered as an elderly man, carrying a big book, came forward and stopped before him, at the very edge of the circle. For a second Stephen thought it was a man who had come into the room for some purpose, but there was such a look of power in his eyes, such a look of terrible beauty in the awesome face, in which was neither human weakness, pity nor mercy. There was a soul-freezing glitter in his eyes, and yet they were kindly. Power radiated from him. Behind him, seen through the billowing smoke, were crowds of faces; men and 200 women, changing melting and forming anew. Thur's voice changed from command to the softness of a greeting, but the spirit ignored him entrely. Looking at Stephen, he said: "A mortal who knows what he wants! Most interesting. Dabblers in the occult who trouble us for what they know not, and seek to entangle us in their petty affairs but weary us. If we were to grant all their boons, as they ask for them, it would almost always bring about the opposite effect to that which they had intended. But you know what you want. Fools often ask to be made kings, though kings have no power save what their ministers give to them, but you have the correct attitude, and so it may be arranged. I notice also that you do not ask for happiness." "Happiness!" The thought struck Stephen like a blow, he looked at Morven, but now her loveliness entranced him, her sinuous grace, her full red mouth; the smooth sweet line of her arms; her twin breast buds. She saw his changed glance and shook her head meaningly. Stephen started. "No. No. No!" his mind shouted. Happiness was not for him. His was to be a life of power. To rule men and kingdoms. No time for happiness! He saw Dantilion was laughing. "You have passed the test, friend," he said. "You want to be a cardinal and an archbishop. It can be arranged, in time. Now learn. Archbishop Hubert Walter died over a year ago and men think no successor has yet been appointed. But the monks of Canterbury, secretly at midnight, have elected their Sub-Prior Reginald and have sent him to Rome for confirmation. But the secret will leak out, and Lackland in his rage will force others to elect John de Gray and dispatch him to Rome for confirmation. The pope will profess that both elections are null, and will demand a new election by representatives of the monks in his presence. So get ye to Rome swiftly with what you wot of." He paused: "Now, ye have seen how to summon me, with a will as strong as steel, and a mind as clear as ice. " He looked round reflectively. "You will need someone; a woman is best, a witch for preference of course; a nun perhaps; a young boy will sometimes do, to form a medium between the world of men and ours. Someone who can give out much power; such as this wench. "Now I go. Remember all I tell thee. 'Tis needless to dismiss me. I go," and he dissolved into the intense smoke. "Thou hast mighty powers," gasped Thur, for as the spirit vanished; the smoke suddenly invaded the circle. Coughing and spluttering they all dived for the ladder, and rushing to a window flung open the shutter and hung out gasping 201 Castles and lands The beams of the full moon struggled to pierce the sea mist as Jan, Thur and Olaf marshalled their men into several small fishing boats. Olaf was sent with ten archers, to lie outside the barbican, and stop any messengers who might be sent in or out of the castle, and also (though he did not know it) to ensure that if the attack failed one Bonder might survive to carry on the line. All the able-bodied men of the brotherhood from the forest were there, together with Jan's six men and some fishermen, who also belonged to the witch cult, and who were good cragsmen. Jan and Thur had no illusions; if they failed there was a very small chance of there being any survivors. But they had a good chance if they could get in undetected. They had laid their plans well. Fitz-Urse with his lady and second son, Rual, had ridden out that day with twenty men-at-arms and a few servants. Rumour had it they would not return for several days. This meant there would not be more than thirty fighting men and a score of servants left in the castle, of these. they knew at least six men would be on guard in the barbican and so unable to aid their fellows in the castle, if they could only gain control of the drawbridge before the alarm went. Evan Gull's Egg was in his little cobble, with his wife and children and much household gear; he got out and slouched over to Thur, saying; "I am here, show me the gold." Thur showed him the twenty-five coins then replaced them in a little pouch. "On top of the rock," he said. Evan grunted. "'Tis nigh a man's life to seek new homes and companions. " "'Tis your own wish," Thur replied. Evan grunted louder than ever. "Come on an you will." He. sulkily shoved the little cobble off. The other boats followed him with muffled oars, and were soon in the mouth of the cave. There was a rough landing place cut in the rock and some mooring rings. Evan pointed out some boats hauled up on the sand' inside. the cave. "Fitz-Urse's boats," he growled. Silently they moored their own boats and landed. Evan led them up steps cut in the rock, to a wide ledge which ran upwards ending in an open space, about twenty feet wide, and some fifty feet above the sea. The cliff towered up

. You are a conduit Power of consciousness Mind over matter and reality Components used Personal consciousness IIAFEEW Intention Attention Emotion Focus Instinct Will power Energy Use and misuse and mischievous temptation and bad juju