Liber 8 question

[gmugmble]

Where does one acquire a carpet of black and white squares with a blue and gold border?

[Jim Eshelman]

@gmugmble said

"Where does one acquire a carpet of black and white squares with a blue and gold border?"

LOL. Masonic supply store?

Actually, you can buy carpet squares - black and white individual squares - and lay them in a pattern (or sew them together if so inclined).

[gmugmble]

The Masonic carpets I've found have red and gold borders and Masonic emblems in the corners.

While I'm at it (though this no longer pertains to Liber VIII), where does one obtain an altar of open brass work?

[Jim Eshelman]

@gmugmble said

"While I'm at it (though this no longer pertains to Liber VIII), where does one obtain an altar of open brass work?"

That's not in Liber VIII (though it is mentioned in The Book of the Law). In any case, one would have to make it oneself.

I might also mention that the literal physical circumstances described in Liber VIII aren't actually required (especially since "none knoweth the Name of his brother’s God, or the Rite that invokes Him" - OSIS). One Star in Sight goes on to describe this ritual as "generalised instructions." However, every detail mentioned is rich in symbolism and, I think, one should, at the very least, meditate on and assimilate the import of these symbols.

[gmugmble]

I don't take anything in the Holy Books literally. But then, I don't take physical reality literally, either. I think there might be value in trying to follow the specifications of VIII as closely as possible, this endeavor itself being a kind of ritual. Each detail poses a significant challenge. Also, if I knew the name of my own God and the rite that invokes Him, I wouldn't need Liber VIII.