--- In abramelin@yahoogroups.com, "Tsirk Susej" <tsirksusej@...> wrote:

> Is the river sand necessary if the operation is performed outdoors?

I believe it is, yes. But I don't think the book really says it outright.

> One of the suggestions near the end of Book 2 is to "Fly all kinds of
> (Evil) Science, Magic, and Enchantments, because they be all
> Diabolical Inventions."

In Dehn's translation of the German original, we find a slightly
different interpretation of this part. Remember that this book was
supposedly written by a Jewish man for his Jewish son. The
instruction is to avoid all *foreign* magick- meaning non-Jewish.
Both the Qabalah and the "blended Qabalah" are allowed if they are
used for good causes.

Blended Qabalah is material such as we see in Abramelin Book 2 (not
included in Mathers' version) or what we find in texts like the 6th
and 7th Books of Moses. In other words- standard folk magick that
uses Psalms (etc) is ok. I think you are supposed to avoid actually
conjuring spirits.

> The book instructs the operator not to eat the meat or blood of any
> animal. This seems to me to be an important element of the
> operation.

Put into simpler terms: you have to go vegetarian for the span of the
Operation. (We learn from the German original, too, that you should
continue as such for a while after the Operation as well. A year or
two, I think...) Eggs and milk are ok - but absolutely nothing that
comes from an animal you have to kill to get.

> It also mentions that the Sacred Magic may not be sold. It must be
> given freely,

Remember that instruction was given when the Book of Abramelin was
(supposedly) still a Jewish secret. In fact, there were several
instructions for passing on the Rite to a new aspirant (one of which
you mention below). However, you'll also note that Abraham's Guardian
Angel warned him that the book would not remain in Jewish keeping for
long. Once it got out, and it was published for all to see, the
requirements for safeguarding ans passing on the material no longer apply.

Today you can just go out and buy the book. No master to take your 72
Flourins (or Guilders) to the poor while you stay at home and fast and
pray for three days, etc. (Interestingly, this was how Lamech would
have received the Operation as well- as Abraham expected to be dead
before Lamech even knew about the book.)

On the other hand, if the Abramelin system were to evolve into a
socially-supported path (with initiated masters formally guiding
aspirants through the system), I believe those requirements would
become important again.

For example, the instruction not to sell the Operation probably has
little to do with publishing a book on the subject like Mathers or
Dehn have done. It is more likely an injunction against charging
people for initiations. This would apply to a socially-supported
system, but not so much to a solitary path.

> but both the one giving it and the one receiving it
> should fast for 3 days. I assume fasting to mean the same thing as in
> other grimoires, no food whatsoever... only water.

Abramelin is a bit unclear on fasting. It says to "fast according to
our tradition." There is only one fast required by Torah- and that is
Yom Kippur, where you are not allowed to eat or drink anything, or
bathe, dress up, wear jewelery, makeup or perfumes, leather shoes (I
believe?), etc. sundown to sundown. However, there are several minor
Jewish fasts that are not so severe. (Plus, the phrase "...fast
according to our tradition" may mean to observe all Jewish fasts,
rather than being in instruction on *how* to fast.)

It is unlikely Abramelin intends a full Yom Kippur-style fast, because
you are also told to bathe. Also, during the Convocation of the Evil
Spirits, one is supposed to fast for the full three days "eating only
vegetables and water."

I observe fasts from sundown the eve before- as is the Jewish custom.
When I do my regular weekly thing, I fast- nothing but water- from
sundown Saturday night until I complete my prayers (etc) the next
morning. It's about a 12-hour fast in all.

That is also how I did it during the Operation itself (second and
third periods of the Rite). Although, today (having read the German
version) I might suggest fasting from sundown Saturday night to
sundown Sunday night, following closer to Jewish custom.

It is also best to follow that custom when you are doing actual
magick- with the Lamen or 7-sided Figure of silver or beeswax. After
receiving new talismans or conversing with the spirits, the book
instructs one to leave the Lamen on the Altar until sundown. At that
point you come back in, do the standard Abramelin prayers, put the
plate away and close the Oratory down. You can break the fast after that.

> Am I correct in
> thinking that when the books I ordered arrive, I should fast upon
> receiving them for it is at that point that I am "receiving it?"

It's probably not necessary- but it could only add to your overall
effot. (You get out what you put in, etc.)

If you really want to work in this spirit, I would make a charitable
donation of 72 dollars. See my post on the 72 Florins, or Guilders:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abramelin/message/173

You are also supposed to get the people who receive the donation to
recite the 72 Psalms of David- so good luck with that. :):):)

LVX
Aaron