Warnings to would-be Occultists

Would-be aspirants must not lure themselves with the idea of any possibility of their becoming practical Occultists by mere book-knowledge.

Study and you will believe. Be prepared to devote your whole life. Be prepared for martyrdom. Give up personal pride and all selfish purposes, and be ready for everlasting encounters with friends and foes.

Beware of Public Opinion, this invisible, intangible, omnipresent, despotic tyrant; this thousand-headed Hydra (the more dangerous for being composed of mediocrities) is not an enemy to be scorned by any would-be Occultist, courageous as he may be. Barrier upon barrier, obstacles in every form and shape will present themselves to the student.