The 'Gardnerian' Book of Shadows

The Eightfold Path or Ways

(1957)

[1] Meditation or concentration, actually by the firm knowledge that you can and will succeed -- forming a clear picture in your mind or your requirements.

[2] Trance states, Clairvoyance, Projection of the Astral etc.

[3] Drugs, Wine, Incense.

[4] Dance, Performing Rites with a purpose.

[5] Chants, Spells etc.

[6] Blood control (Cords etc), Breath control.

[7] Scourge

[8] The Great Rite

N.B.

The great thing is to combine as many of these paths into the one operation. No 1 must be in all -- for if you have no clear picture of what you wish and no certainty you will not succeed -- 'tis useless. No

2 can be combined with this easily. Nos 3, 4, and 5 are all good preliminaries- also 6 and 7; but No 3 is dangerous and therefore if possible should be avoided, except for incense, which is harmless if too much is not used.

The best combination is Nos. 1, 4, 5 and 7, for small purposes, with no 8 if great force is necessary. Also a combination of 1, 6 and 7 is good if more can not be done; this if properly performed leads to No. 2.