A Treatise on White Magic

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A Treatise on White Magic by Alice Bailey was first published in 1934 with the subtitle 'The Way of the Disciple'. It is an esoteric text. The work claims to originate from a Tibetan Master; Bailey herself claims only to have transcribed it. It is offered as a "basic textbook" for the Western aspirants to initiation, and is divided into fifteen rules of magic, each one taking the reader further into the mysteries of spirituality. Topics discussed include: how an aspirant can best prepare himself for service, the various ray types of their influences, the relationship between the macrocosm and microcosm, the spiritual, astral and physical realms and their interactions, the esoteric psychology of man (although this is dealt with much more fully in the Esoteric Psychology volumes), The Hierarchy of Masters, esoteric groups and schools, the spiritual centres (or chakras), the occult concept of the Seven Rays, meditation work and much more. One of the main themes is that of soul control.

[edit] From the back cover

This book contains the Fifteen Rules for Magic and for soul control, based on these words in the Bhagavad-Gita: Though I am Unborn, the Soul that passes not away, though I am the Lord of Being, yet as Lord over My nature I become manifest, through the magical power of the Soul.

The soul unmanifest in its essential being, manifest through the nature of its personality equipment, is always a source of mystery. It evades the analytical concrete mind: it reveals its true self to the illumined mind fused with the open heart, seeking not to grasp and to hold for personal progress, but to wield the magical power in service. The power of the soul is always available to the one who seeks, as an aspirant to accepted discipleship, to become of practical service in his own peculiar times, state and environment.

[edit] Quote

The book closes with a rousing call to the soul in all aspirants: I close with an appeal to all who read these instructions, to rally their forces, to renew their vows of dedication to the service of humanity, to subordinate their own ideas and wishes to the group good, to take their eyes off themselves and fix them anew upon the vision.... Let all students make up their minds in this day of emergency and of opportunity to sacrifice all they have to the helping of humanity.