Act of Truth

Act of Truth, an oath initially developed by Aleister Crowley to discipline Norman Mudd who had expressed love for Leah Hirsig.

“Analysed, it is to make the assumption that something which seems very wrong is actually all right, that an eager wish is an accomplished fact. a reasonable anxiety, entirely unfounded—and to act accordingly.” “You say to yourself: I am here to do this Work in accordance with my true Will. The Gods have got to see to it that I'm not baulked by any blinking messenger. (But take care They don't overhear you; They might mistake it for Hybris, or presumption. Do it all in the Sign of Silence, under the aegis of Harpocrates, the “Lord of Defence and Protection”; be careful to assume his God-form, as standing on two crocodiles. Then you increase your consumption, and at the same time put in a whole lot of extra Work. If you perform this 'Act of Truth' properly, with genuine conviction that nothing can go wrong, your messenger will arrive a day early, and bring an extra large supply.” “You must invent your act to suit your case, every time” There are one or two points to consider very carefully indeed before you start:— 1. The proposed Act must be absurd; it won't do at all if by some fluke, however unlikely, it might accomplish your aim. For instance, it's no use backing an outsider. There must be no causal link. 2. The Act must be one which makes the situation definitely worse. E.g.: suppose you are counting on a new dress to make a hit at a Reception, and doubt whether it is so much better than your present best, or whether it will be finished in time. Then, wear that present best to-night (wet, of course), knowing you are sure to soil it. 3. Obviously, all the usual conditions of a Magical Operation apply in this as in all cases; your aim must conform with your True Will, and all that; but there is one curious point about an Act of Truth: this, that one should resort to it only when there is no other method possible. In the explorer's case, above, it won't do if he has any means of hurrying up the messenger.“—Chapter XIX: The Act of Truth

“All initiation must begin with an Act of Truth, a definite commitment which affirms and seals the faith of the Aspirant that success in the Great Work is of a higher value than any other conceivable good.… It is therefore an absolute rule in this work of establishing among men the kingdom of the Aeon of Heru-Ra-Ha, that every aspirant is required, right at the start, to make a crucial decision, to take an irrevocable step without receiving full information as to its significance and without security. The clinging to safety in one form or another is the mark of a Slave. To break it quite simply and completely is the only mode open to the aspirant of asserting the Kingly nature. This is the first necessity and the first ordeal is designed to accomplish it.”—Norman Mudd to Marion Clark, n.d., Old DD6/New 116, Yorke Collection; quoted in Richard Kaczynski, Perdurabo, 400

• Act of Truth

• Chapter XIX: The Act of Truth

• Richard Kaczynski, Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley 9781556438998 1556438990—400–401”… Norman Mudd realized he was in love with Leah. It was, in AC's opinion, a breakdown in reason and discipline, and he responded by devising an Act of Truth by which Mudd could regain his grip on reality.“
• Norman Mudd to Marion Clark, n.d., Old DD6/New 116, Yorke Collection; quoted in Richard Kaczynski, Perdurabo, 400—”All initiation must begin with an Act of Truth, a definite commitment which affirms and seals the faith of the Aspirant that success in the Great Work is of a higher value than any other conceivable good.… It is therefore an absolute rule in this work of establishing among men the kingdom of the Aeon of Heru-Ra-Ha, that every aspirant is required, right at the start, to make a crucial decision, to take an irrevocable step without receiving full information as to its significance and without security. The clinging to safety in one form or another is the mark of a Slave. To break it quite simply and completely is the only mode open to the aspirant of asserting the Kingly nature. This is the first necessity and the first ordeal is designed to accomplish it.“