s probation to prove their fitness, and
develop the qualities necessary to the security of both Master and
pupil.

Occultism is not magic. It is _comparatively_ easy to learn the trick of
spells and the methods of using the subtler, but still material, forces
of physical nature; the powers of the animal soul in man are soon
awakened; the forces which his love, his hate, his passion, can call
into operation, are readily developed. But this is Black
Magic--_Sorcery_. For it is the motive, _and the motive alone_, which
makes any exercise of power become black, malignant, or white,
beneficent Magic. It is impossible to employ _spiritual_ forces if there
is the slightest tinge of selfishness remaining in the operator. For,
unless the intention is entirely unalloyed, the spiritual will
transform itself into the psychic, act on the astral plane, and dire
results may be produced by it. The powers and forces of animal nature
can equally be used by the selfish and revengeful, as by the unselfish
and the all-forgiving; the powers and forces of spirit lend themselves
only to the perfectly pure in heart--and this is Divine Magic.

What are then the conditions required to become a student of the "Divina
Sapientia"? For let it be known that no such instruction can possibly be
given unless these certain conditions are complied with, and rigorously
carried out during the years of study. This is a _sine qua non_. No man
can swim unless he enters deep water. No bird can fly unless its wings
are grown, and it has space before it and courage to trust itself to the
air. A man who will wield a two-edged sword, must be a thorough master
of the blunt weapon, if he would not injure himself--or what is
worse--others, at the first attempt.

To give an approximate idea of the conditions under which alone the
study of Divine Wisdom can be pursued with safety, that is without
danger that Divine will give place to Black Magic, a page is given from
the "private rules," with which every instructor in the East is
furnished. The few passages which follow are chosen from a great number
and explained in brackets.

* * * * *

1. The place selected for receiving instruction must be a spot
calculated not to distract the mind, and filled with
"influence-evolving" (magnetic) objects. The five sacred colors gathered
in a circle must be there among other things. The place must be free
from any malignant influences hanging about