Sacrifice Quote by Christopher Hyatt
““This is a classic example of the type of literary blind that Crowley loved to utilize when he wished to publish, in a public medium, sensitive or secret information that had heretofore been reserved for high initiates while, at the same time, shocking and outraging the public at large. Today the sexual connotations are obvious to all but the most mentally or emotionally disadvantaged. For such unfortunates we advise they read the last sentence of this chapter first: "You are likely to get into trouble over this chapter unless you truly comprehend its meaning. " OF THE BLOODY SACRIFICE: AND MATTERS COGNATE by The Master Therion Aleister Crowley It is necessary for us to consider carefully the problems connected with the bloody sacrifice, for this question is indeed traditionally important in Magick. Nigh all ancient Magick revolves around this matter. In particular all the Osirian religions-the rites of the Dying God-refer to this. The slaying of Osiris and Adonis the mutilation of Attis; the cults of Mexico and Peru; the story of Hercules or Melcarth; the legends of Dionysus and of Mithra, are all connected with this one idea. In the Hebrew religion we find the same thing inculcated. The first ethical lesson in the Bible is that the only sacrifice pleasing to the Lord is the sacrifice of blood; Abel, who made this, finding favour with the Lord, while Cain, who offered cabbages, was””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Lies, Aleister Crowley, 1913
Crowley used sensational, taboo topics to hide deeper esoteric teachings, shocking the public while reserving true meaning for initiates.
In simple terms: He cloaked secret ideas in shocking language to protect them.
Read critically, seek hidden meanings.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- ritual study
- esoteric research
- critical reading
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What deeper truth might be concealed behind the sensationalism?
- How does shock affect your willingness to engage with the material?
The shock may obscure rather than illuminate the core lesson.