I
Learn first — Oh thou who aspirest unto our ancient Order! — that Equilibrium is the basis of the Work.
II
If thou thyself hast not a sure foundation, whereon wilt thou stand to direct the forces of Nature?
III
Know thyself through all these knowing; unite thyself to all these knowing; be all these and more, be the Knower and the Known and that which is between them.
IV
Be not hasty to condemn others; how knowest thou that in their place, thou couldest have resisted the temptation? And even were it so, why shouldst thou despise one who is weaker than thyself?
V
Thou therefore who desirest Magical Gifts, be sure that thy soul is firm and steadfast; for it is by flattering thy weaknesses that the shallow occultist will gain power over thee.
Bind thyself, therefore, before all else to the Great Work; and be thy Will so pure that naught can turn thee from it.
VI
Remember that unbalanced Force is evil; that unbalanced Severity is but cruelty and oppression; but that also unbalanced Mercy is but weakness which would allow and abet Evil.
Act passionately; think rationally; be Thyself.
VII
True Equilibrium is the basis of the Soul. If thou thyself hast it not, how wilt thou be able to work; how wilt thou face the rigours of the Initiation?
VIII
In the beginning the student of Magick must study the Art of the Balance of Forces, and practise it continually, until it becomes second nature; for upon this foundation alone can the edifice of the magical life be safely reared.