Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
When he feels his work is complete, no more than a month before the minimum eight months from his admission to the grade of Neophyte, the aspirant delivers a copy of his diary to his supervisor and makes arrangements to meet face to face. He then passes the necessary tests and repeats his chapter of Liber VII. At the satisfaction of his supervisor, the Cancellarius of the A.'.A.'. is informed of the same and arrangements are made for advancement. The ceremony of initiation is called Liber CXX vel Cadavaris, called Passing through the Tuat.
The transition from 1=10 to 2=9 represents the first real shift in awareness in the aspirant, who has moved up the path of Tau from the world of Assiah into Yetzirah, the world of formation. This transition has not been without its dangers; the Siren Ordeal, the qlippoth of Lilith, and dog-faced demons of the astral will have been encountered and known. He was required, in order to consolidate this beachhead to come face to face with his own demons so that he might know the face of his enemy. Many who start the grade of Neophyte never complete it and withdraw from the A.'.A.'. at this point, unable to deal with their complexes and the gravitational pull of Malkuth. So advancement to the grade of Zelator is truly something to be celebrated.
The Zelator is a different kind of creature to members of the preceding grades. Having followed the advice given to him as he entered the path of Tau, not straying from the straight path, in due course he has experienced the first real result of the work: The Vision of the Holy Guardian Angel. This difference is reflected in the symbol of his grade, the silver Eye in the Triangle fixed to the hood of his robe. This is not quite enlightenment, but a preliminary glimpse of coming attractions. The advent of this vision leaves the aspirant with the understanding that there is 'something' towards which he is heading, there is indeed a Star in Sight. A new confidence and zeal for the work overtakes him and the great work becomes the central focus of his existence.
This knowledge though obscure strengthens him for the coming trials in the astral realms which will be his home for the next few grades. Aspirants of this grade rarely withdraw from the Order, since unlike the Neophyte, the sort of delusions and phantasms that haunt Makuth are largely done away with. Much that was once important fades into insignificance in the light of his central star. Indeed, his task makes it clear that he couldn't withdraw even if he wanted to, and that having come this far his fate is sealed: he must eventually arrive at the City of the Pyramids, or else the Towers of the Abyss. We might say that having broken out of earths orbit, he now follows a new trajectory which we may call True Will. The success or failure of that trajectory depends entirely on the nature and powers of the aspirant. In a sense he is now in the hands of his Holy Guardian Angel, although he will probably be some way from knowing this as a conscious fact, but it will nonetheless guide him and open the ways for him.
The Zelator is a different kind of creature to members of the preceding grades. Having followed the advice given to him as he entered the path of Tau, not straying from the straight path, in due course he has experienced the first real result of the work: The Vision of the Holy Guardian Angel. This difference is reflected in the symbol of his grade, the silver Eye in the Triangle fixed to the hood of his robe. This is not quite enlightenment, but a preliminary glimpse of coming attractions. The advent of this vision leaves the aspirant with the understanding that there is 'something' towards which he is heading, there is indeed a Star in Sight. A new confidence and zeal for the work overtakes him and the great work becomes the central focus of his existence.
This knowledge though obscure strengthens him for the coming trials in the astral realms which will be his home for the next few grades. Aspirants of this grade rarely withdraw from the Order, since unlike the Neophyte, the sort of delusions and phantasms that haunt Makuth are largely done away with. Much that was once important fades into insignificance in the light of his central star. Indeed, his task makes it clear that he couldn't withdraw even if he wanted to, and that having come this far his fate is sealed: he must eventually arrive at the City of the Pyramids, or else the Towers of the Abyss. We might say that having broken out of earths orbit, he now follows a new trajectory which we may call True Will. The success or failure of that trajectory depends entirely on the nature and powers of the aspirant. In a sense he is now in the hands of his Holy Guardian Angel, although he will probably be some way from knowing this as a conscious fact, but it will nonetheless guide him and open the ways for him.
The task of the Zelator is summarised as follows: To obtain control of the foundations of my own being. This task is largely carried out using the methods of Raja Yoga, specifically the practice of asana (posture). The text offered here in the traditional syllabus is Liber E, a handbook of Raja Yoga outlining various postures as well as methods of pranayama (breath control). There are a number of ways that this practice can be undertaken, and I feel that Crowley's instructions here while useful as a starting point do not really meet the Zelators needs. In the 100+ years since the writing of Liber E much more has been learned about Yoga and human physiology, and better systems exist. I would advise the formal study under a qualified practitioner of a system of meditation that includes both sitting and breathing methods, so long as the methods and objectives are consonant with the requirements of the A.'.A.'..
Since the grade is concerned with the connection between the mind and body I would also recommend Tai Chi Chuan, Aikido, or another of the internal martial arts which provide both training and testing in posture, stability, relaxation and control of the mind-body connection. There are plenty of other options but these are the ones that I am most experienced with.
Control of the automatic consciousness is central to the work of this grade, residing as it does in Yesod, the sphere governed by the moon and the animal soul. Whereas the Neophyte is concerned with getting 'out of the body', the Zelator by contrast concerns himself with strengthening and refining this connection. Just as the alchemical motto says: Solve et Coagula, we must first separate mind and body to understand their nature and distinction, and then the essential unity of the two must be more fully realised as a new coordination is developed. The Zelator is never an air head or astral junky, but is firmly grounded in reality.
The work with Liber HHH continues with the second chapter (AAA), which as with MMM, reflects the nature of his initiation and aims to consolidate his yetziratic awareness. Where MMM works the path of Shin, which is governed by Fire and the Last Judgement, AAA reflects a further stage in development, that of Resh, and The Sun. If MMM is birth then AAA is adolescence, not only life, but freedom to move and act under his own volition. Having received the kiss of the Angel (The Vision of ADNI), the corpse shrouds are loosened and the newly arisen Horus goes forth to do his Will among the living.
The symbolism of rebirth is clear, not just rebirth into Yetzirah, but into the New Aeon, a fact that is also emphasised by the selection of text for this grade, Liber CCXX, the Book of the Law, of which as usual he must memorise one chapter.
Study of the formula of the Rosy Cross is conducted by the student largely under his own discretion. The ways and methods of this are many and varied, and various examples exist within the A.'.A.'. syllabus such as Liber XXXVI The Star Sapphire. A lot can also be gleaned from the essay 'Energised Enthusiasm', and the book 'A Treasure house of Images'. The Zelators job here it must be noted is to study, not practice, the formula of the Rosy Cross. The practice of the formula is reserved for a higher grade for which he is now preparing by laying a firm foundation.
The Zelator must also forge the magick dagger, as instructed in Liber A, and must formulate a word to represent the universe and inscribe this on the blade of his dagger. While a physical dagger is meant here, we also mean that he must forge his discriminating mind. The assiduous practice of meditation, breathing exercises, and to a lesser extent concentration exercises (Dharana & Pratyahara), will contribute to this, which essentially means strengthening the mind as a tool for cutting. This dagger being airy in nature operates in the lower Ruach of the mind and intellect, severing false ideas from true and further improving the aspirants ability to separate thought (Hod) and feeling (Yesod), lest the tale wag the dog. It will be apparent from this that a lot of the work of each grade is aimed at overcoming the sephirah in which the aspirant currently resides, onwards and upwards!
With the grade of Zelator, laziness and complacency are his biggest enemies. The ordeal is that of overcoming automatism or 'zombieism' in his work and is attributed to the qlippoth Gamaliel (The Obscene Ass in Liber 777). He has by now been on the path for some time, at a minimum of nearly two years, but likely much longer. He has demonstrated considerable knowledge and proven himself in the astral. He may also have students by this point which takes up some of his time and energy and may also be entrusted with greater responsibility within the Outer College. At the same time he must also continue his own work, and getting up in the morning to meditate, sitting late at night, or attending regular classes in Yoga or meditation will all take up significant periods of time. He must try to maintain a sense of wonder, alacrity and interest in the work.
A clear eye and sharp mind are needed, what D.T. Suzuki called a 'beginners mind'. His Ruach must be the light zephyr of a spring breeze, not the dank air of the home of a sloth who neglects to open the windows once in a while. Without cultivating this beginners mind his work is likely to devolve into laziness and complacency. Exactly how he tackles this will depend on the individual, but personally I advocate a measured approach, once dryness sets in then change tack and do something completely different for a while, interest in the work will renew itself in time. Since by this time the work of the A.'.A.'. should be thoroughly ingrained in the being of the Zelator there is little danger from having a break for a while, and this is far preferable to the alternative.
Success in the grade of Zelator is marked by the experience called "The Vision of the Machinery of the Universe". The Zelator has been practicing Yoga of some sort for a while, leading to an appreciation of the body and its connection with mind. This combined with his astral awareness will allow him an appreciation of this mind-body connection, how the two interact, as in fact they are one, not two. The awareness of this interplay makes it clear that the 'person' whom he took himself to be is not so much a noun as a verb, a process rather than a solid state. In the wider sense this naturally extends out to the universe as a whole which he can now see is an eternal change of matter-energy, light-darkness, life-death in endless infinite cycles by which the universe as a whole continues to exist, and that if any of this stopped even for one second, existence would cease. In more visually dramatic terms this vision is described in the Book of Ezekiel as the vision of God and the Chariot (Ezechiel Chapter 1), which the Zelator can study to some benefit.
The Zelator shall proceed to the grade of Practicus at anytime that authority confers it. There is no set period for the completion of this grade except insofar as his supervisor needs time to read the record and ensure that he is tested. The main test here is the infamous asana test. Personally I never saw the merit in placing a bowl of boiling sulfuric acid on the candidates head for one hour, nonetheless sufficient control to sit still for one hour in one's chosen asana is needed. In reality the requirements of this grade can be met in a number of ways, my own came by passing certain tests designed to demonstrate control over the mind-body connection, which my supervisor judged as sufficient demonstration of progress when supplemented with the one-hour asana.
In this test the instructor will usually sit with the student for the allotted hour, also in asana, and will monitor the time as well as the student, making the test more difficult for him than for the student! Once this test is passed the candidate recites his chapter of Liber CCXX, and perhaps a short written examination, he is then formally advanced to the grade of Practicus, and his first trip away from the middle pillar.
Love is the law, love under will.
Since the grade is concerned with the connection between the mind and body I would also recommend Tai Chi Chuan, Aikido, or another of the internal martial arts which provide both training and testing in posture, stability, relaxation and control of the mind-body connection. There are plenty of other options but these are the ones that I am most experienced with.
Control of the automatic consciousness is central to the work of this grade, residing as it does in Yesod, the sphere governed by the moon and the animal soul. Whereas the Neophyte is concerned with getting 'out of the body', the Zelator by contrast concerns himself with strengthening and refining this connection. Just as the alchemical motto says: Solve et Coagula, we must first separate mind and body to understand their nature and distinction, and then the essential unity of the two must be more fully realised as a new coordination is developed. The Zelator is never an air head or astral junky, but is firmly grounded in reality.
The work with Liber HHH continues with the second chapter (AAA), which as with MMM, reflects the nature of his initiation and aims to consolidate his yetziratic awareness. Where MMM works the path of Shin, which is governed by Fire and the Last Judgement, AAA reflects a further stage in development, that of Resh, and The Sun. If MMM is birth then AAA is adolescence, not only life, but freedom to move and act under his own volition. Having received the kiss of the Angel (The Vision of ADNI), the corpse shrouds are loosened and the newly arisen Horus goes forth to do his Will among the living.
The symbolism of rebirth is clear, not just rebirth into Yetzirah, but into the New Aeon, a fact that is also emphasised by the selection of text for this grade, Liber CCXX, the Book of the Law, of which as usual he must memorise one chapter.
Study of the formula of the Rosy Cross is conducted by the student largely under his own discretion. The ways and methods of this are many and varied, and various examples exist within the A.'.A.'. syllabus such as Liber XXXVI The Star Sapphire. A lot can also be gleaned from the essay 'Energised Enthusiasm', and the book 'A Treasure house of Images'. The Zelators job here it must be noted is to study, not practice, the formula of the Rosy Cross. The practice of the formula is reserved for a higher grade for which he is now preparing by laying a firm foundation.
The Zelator must also forge the magick dagger, as instructed in Liber A, and must formulate a word to represent the universe and inscribe this on the blade of his dagger. While a physical dagger is meant here, we also mean that he must forge his discriminating mind. The assiduous practice of meditation, breathing exercises, and to a lesser extent concentration exercises (Dharana & Pratyahara), will contribute to this, which essentially means strengthening the mind as a tool for cutting. This dagger being airy in nature operates in the lower Ruach of the mind and intellect, severing false ideas from true and further improving the aspirants ability to separate thought (Hod) and feeling (Yesod), lest the tale wag the dog. It will be apparent from this that a lot of the work of each grade is aimed at overcoming the sephirah in which the aspirant currently resides, onwards and upwards!
With the grade of Zelator, laziness and complacency are his biggest enemies. The ordeal is that of overcoming automatism or 'zombieism' in his work and is attributed to the qlippoth Gamaliel (The Obscene Ass in Liber 777). He has by now been on the path for some time, at a minimum of nearly two years, but likely much longer. He has demonstrated considerable knowledge and proven himself in the astral. He may also have students by this point which takes up some of his time and energy and may also be entrusted with greater responsibility within the Outer College. At the same time he must also continue his own work, and getting up in the morning to meditate, sitting late at night, or attending regular classes in Yoga or meditation will all take up significant periods of time. He must try to maintain a sense of wonder, alacrity and interest in the work.
A clear eye and sharp mind are needed, what D.T. Suzuki called a 'beginners mind'. His Ruach must be the light zephyr of a spring breeze, not the dank air of the home of a sloth who neglects to open the windows once in a while. Without cultivating this beginners mind his work is likely to devolve into laziness and complacency. Exactly how he tackles this will depend on the individual, but personally I advocate a measured approach, once dryness sets in then change tack and do something completely different for a while, interest in the work will renew itself in time. Since by this time the work of the A.'.A.'. should be thoroughly ingrained in the being of the Zelator there is little danger from having a break for a while, and this is far preferable to the alternative.
Success in the grade of Zelator is marked by the experience called "The Vision of the Machinery of the Universe". The Zelator has been practicing Yoga of some sort for a while, leading to an appreciation of the body and its connection with mind. This combined with his astral awareness will allow him an appreciation of this mind-body connection, how the two interact, as in fact they are one, not two. The awareness of this interplay makes it clear that the 'person' whom he took himself to be is not so much a noun as a verb, a process rather than a solid state. In the wider sense this naturally extends out to the universe as a whole which he can now see is an eternal change of matter-energy, light-darkness, life-death in endless infinite cycles by which the universe as a whole continues to exist, and that if any of this stopped even for one second, existence would cease. In more visually dramatic terms this vision is described in the Book of Ezekiel as the vision of God and the Chariot (Ezechiel Chapter 1), which the Zelator can study to some benefit.
The Zelator shall proceed to the grade of Practicus at anytime that authority confers it. There is no set period for the completion of this grade except insofar as his supervisor needs time to read the record and ensure that he is tested. The main test here is the infamous asana test. Personally I never saw the merit in placing a bowl of boiling sulfuric acid on the candidates head for one hour, nonetheless sufficient control to sit still for one hour in one's chosen asana is needed. In reality the requirements of this grade can be met in a number of ways, my own came by passing certain tests designed to demonstrate control over the mind-body connection, which my supervisor judged as sufficient demonstration of progress when supplemented with the one-hour asana.
In this test the instructor will usually sit with the student for the allotted hour, also in asana, and will monitor the time as well as the student, making the test more difficult for him than for the student! Once this test is passed the candidate recites his chapter of Liber CCXX, and perhaps a short written examination, he is then formally advanced to the grade of Practicus, and his first trip away from the middle pillar.
Love is the law, love under will.
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