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This constitutes a profound Riddle of Holiness. Note η Σφίγξ = Υραίος = 781 = 71 x 11. See authorities for special meanings of these words.*

Those only understand it who combine in themselves the extremes of Moral Idea, identifying them through transcendental overcoming of the antinomy. They must have gone further yet, beyond the fundamental opposition of the sexes. The male must have completed himself and become androgyne; the female become gynander.

This incompleteness imprisons the soul. To think “I am not woman, but man” or vice versa, is to limit one’s self, to set a bar to one’s motion. It is the root of the ‘shutting-up’ which culminates in becoming “Mary inviolate” or a “Black Brother”.

Aleister Crowley, Commentary to Liber LXV, V.44 in Commentaries on the Holy Books and Other Papers, pp202–204 and In The Continuum, vol II no 1, pp37–38

* “η Σφίγξ is ‘the Sphinx,’ or ‘the strangler.’ Υραίος is not a Greek word but adds to 781, and appears to be a transliteration of ‘uræus.'”—Hymenaeus Beta, Commentaries on the Holy Books and Other Papers (N.B. Though ‘uræus’ indeed seems more relevant, I note that υραῖος appears at least in Skeat’s as a Greek word meaning “aged, gray” listed as a root for the word “gray”—Librarian)

Hermetic quote Crowley Commentary Liber LXV think not woman man vice versa limit self bar motion root shutting up culminates becoming mary inviolate black brother

The “secrets” (or arcane truths) imparted in this Degree are explained as consisting of certain peculiar marks or signs, intended to distinguish all Brethren of the elementary grade of Apprentice. Outwardly, in this and in subsequent Degrees also, they are expressed by step, sign, and word. These, of course, are not the full or real secrets, but only figurative emblems of them. It is what they signify that constitutes the secrets, and that significance is left for the Candidate to meditate upon and reduce into daily personal practice. Only so will he really learn them and come to understand why they are called “secrets” and why we insist upon their use. They can never be orally communicated, except in symbolic form, but must be learned by experimental practice.

W L Wilmshurst, The Ceremony of Initiation, Part II

Hermetic quote Wilmshurst The Ceremony of Initiation secrets imparted marks signs outwardly step sign word not full real secrets figurative emblems daily personal practice learn understand experimental