In 1801 a remarkable book was published in London. Its author is Francis Barrett, F.R.C. Professor of Chemistry, natural and occult Philosophy, the Cabala, &c. &c. He called it ‘The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer; a complete system of Occult Philosophy.’ It is a textbook of magical information. There is a copy in Bodley’s Library. It was not new when Bodley acquired it. Its pages bear signs of significant use, still strong enough to provoke images for the delectation of an unwary psychomatrist. I made great use of it when I was preparing my article on Francis Barrett, the Magus of Marylebone.
I was reminded of it this morning when I was once again re-reading ‘High Magic’s Aid’ by Scire (G. B. Gardner IVº O.T.O.) I was at the point where Thur and Morven are about to embark on their first working together.
>> And he stripped, and washed himself thoroughly, bidding Morven to do likewise. She obeyed him, and he poured water over himself and then her, saying : “Purge me, O Lord, with hyssop and I shall be clean. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” <<
/* Words which, even in my own lifetime, once signalled the beginning of the Latin Mass while all those present were asperged with holy water. */
When the triple circle is drawn and clouds of incense rise from the brazier, Thur stands facing east and begins to recite Psalm cii ‘Hear my prayer, O Lord : and let my cry come unto Thee’ an invocation presently familiar to Prayer Book Anglicans and before that resounding amid the echoes of monastic Latin. He takes salt. “Tzabaoth .. Elohim .. Yod, He, Vou, He! O God, who art the Truth, and the Light, deign to bless and sanctify this creature of salt .. .. “
In his introduction, Francis Barrett writes : ‘see thy first care be to know thyself; and then in humility direct thy prayer as follows .. .. Almighty and most merciful God, we thy servants approach with fear and trembling before thee, and in all humility do most heartily beseech thee to pardon our manifold and blind transgressions .. .. Grant us, Lord, power and strength of intellect to carry on this work, for the honour and glory of thy holy name, and to the comfort of our neighbour; and without design of hurt or detriment to any .. .. ‘
Someone once remarked to me how some of the great Golden Dawn names were, without incongruity, actively practising High Church Anglicans. I am not surprised. Candles, many brilliant candles. Incense, dense clouds of incense. Gorgeous robes, changed and coloured according to the season of the year. Ritual choreography and a Master of Ceremonies to make sure everyone follows the prescribed steps. The re-enactment of the myth, as observed by those with the inner perception. There are clues here for those who wish to engage with them.
© francis cameron
oxford, 18 april 2009
