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The Sword is symbolically constructed (this is not to say that
the Magician does not need a material sword, but in the grade of
Zelator the ideals of the sword are attained. The Dagger is the
tool constructed) within the Magician as the analytical faculty,
being an attainment to a certain level of mental control, also
called the reasoning, which slowly unshatters the mirror
providing a clear reflection. Put another way, the complex
nature of ‘things’ is ordered to its most simplistic, producing
clarity. This attainment is achieved as the tasks of the Zelator
grade are accomplished.
Although the Sword is compatible and complimentary to the
element of air, its finer attribution is elsewhere. The same is
true for the Dagger, which is properly attributed to the element
of air, but is also part of an altogether different formula as
was clearly seen in the ritual Liber Pyramidos.
It is important to the Zelator to comprehend the nature of the
Sword (Liber IV, Part 2) as the means to dispel the absolute
certainty inherent to the hereto-developed intellectual
competence and the illusion of any real understanding acquired
from the construction and symmetry of the magical alphabet. This
can be clarified by recognizing the Pantacle as the artifact of
the intellectual ‘the earthly food’ being ‘cut into pieces’ by
the Sword and consumed by the Magician. The ‘thrusting into’ the
Cup is the understanding that results. Equally important is the
construction of the Dagger that the path to the next grade may
be opened, being the thrusting of the Dagger into the Cup, and
this resulting in the completion of the bridge between reasoning
and understanding.
The ceremonial construction and consecration of the Dagger is
formed and performed with whatever skill is currently possessed
by the Zelator, and following the instructions in Liber CDXII.
However, some suggested guidance is now included for
consideration, but may be disregarded in favor of other methods.
Let the practical construction be focused that suitable energies
from the Zelator, this greatly affected by the state of mind, be
infused into the Dagger.
Let the Temple be arranged that the Dagger, although accompanied
by other tools, is the central focus.
Let the method of construction be reflected in the ceremony.
Every action necessary to complete the Dagger is symbolically
represented.
Let the ‘Word to represent the Universe’ be devised or derived
from the chosen chapter of Liber CCXX being memorized.
Let a method of charging be included in the ceremony, and let it
be compatible with the method used in the construction.
Let the ceremony be finished with the wrapping of the Dagger in
the golden yellow silk covering and placed within the Altar for
three days and nights, and let the thoughts of the Zelator
constantly wander back to the Dagger, yet resisting the urge to
unwrap it until the three days have elapsed.
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