2 August (Fire) Liber LXV, 4:51
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51. But for me the lustral water, the great ablution, the dissolving of the soul in that resounding abyss.
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51. But for me the lustral water, the great ablution, the dissolving of the soul in that resounding abyss.
Language is a funny thing. It has a double standard in this text. I am always wondering if the use of a specific word is meant to be a precise term, common and understood as a reference to a specific concept that is shared by us all, or if it is just a descriptive term that is being used temporarily, to describe something new, other. For example, is the word abyss a reference to the abyss, or is the quality of space, or spiritual location simply best described as an abyss of sorts? And then there is that other factor where, for reasons often unknown, the use of a word will make me think of things not necessarily helpful or connected to the 'objective' intention of the writer. And I am left pondering the value of personal associations, which often seem the only real things in the discussion, which nevertheless cannot be shared.
Today's text is unambiguous, but the ultimate reference is vague and distant. It's easier to just rack up bits of puzzle-evidence, such as the relationship with yesterday's meditation. The word 'but' jumps out at me and I allow myself to read this as a word denoting an exception—yesterday was what it was, but that is not for me, he is with and concerned with something else. This something else is akin to a dissolution, a ritual washing that does not purify the soul, but purifies the me by dissolving the soul.
The notion of 'great' fills me with all kinds of warnings about my inability to comprehend the value and true nature of what is being implied. If I do not identify with soul, then what is left? So I'm left wondering about which definition of soul applies here—almost I reach for the glossary of terms.
I begin to feel stranded on my own island with this one certitude: it's not the island referred to in yesterday's text.
Love and Will
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Yesterday had the subject of the text, resting on an island and eating fruit - today's verse explains that, at least for Crowley, his way is not to rest in stasis, but to enjoy it's ecstasy and nourishment and then to continue to move on, ever onwards, to (as I read it) the abyss where one's ego is dissolved.
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From the description in the rest of the sentence, I do take "abyss" here to mean "Abyss." (I agree with Robert that it's not universally so throughout the work.)
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FWIW - This reminds me of the compliment to "Fire"...in that he mentions water specifically, and the sacrament involved. It brought the Hanged Man to mind (the Trump corresponding to Water) and some excerpts:
It is notable that there is an apparent increase of darkness and solidity in proportion as the redeeming element manifests itself; but the colour of green is the colour of Venus, of the hope that lies in love. That depends upon the formulation of the Rose and Cross, of the annihilation of the self in the Beloved, the condition of progress. In this inferior darkness of death, the serpent of new life begins to stir.
...It is then to Water that the Adepts have always looked for the continuation (in some sense or other) and to the prolongation and perhaps renovation of life.
*...The Atu represents the sacrifice of "a male child of perfect innocence and high intelligence"-these words were chosen with the utmost care. *
-- Book of Thoth, Atu XII
I just grabbed a few excerpts. That whole chapter is worth re-reading. Glad I did.
In any event, that's what was immediately brought to mind. That the Adept sees that he is also the Cup. The individual soul is dissolved in this ecstasy. I think 'that resounding abyss' in this case is "immeasurable space" left for the Adept to play in...no longer hampered by individual bias. 'That resounding abyss' sounds like it has a tone of fondness to it...that's how the verse "feels" to me, at least...
The previous verse seemed to be the "active" Joy, this verse the balance of the activity -- the passive surrender.
@ Robert...enjoyed your insight.
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So is the "resounding abyss" Nuit?
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I think 'that resounding abyss' still represents the Abyss (as in the crossing of the Abyss), but it is really interesting how it is presented...almost wistful...as if it somehow represents an idea of freedom.
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The Abyss is an "idea of freedom."
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