PREFACE

     This Book was dictated to me (on April 8,9, and 10, 1904 ev) by Aiwass, a Being whose nature I do not fully understand, but who described Himself as "the minister of Hoor-paar-kraat" (the Lord of Silence).
     The intents of the Book prove to strict scientific demonstration that He possesses knowledge and power quite beyond anything that has been hitherto associated with human faculties.
     The circumstances of the dictation are described in The Equinox Vol. I. No. VII; but a fuller account, with an outline of the proof of the character of the Book, is in preparation, and will be issued shortly.*
     The Book announces a New Law for Mankind.
     It replaces the religious and moral sanctions of the past, which have everywhere broken down, by a principle valid for each man and woman in the world, and self-evidently indefeasible.
     The spiritual Revolution announced by the Book has already taken place:  hardly a country where it is not openly manifest.
     Innocence of the true Meaning of this new Law has led to gross anarchy.  Its conscious adoption in its proper sense is the sole cure for the political, social and racial unrest which have brought about the World War, the catastrophe of Russia, and the threatening attitude of China, India, and Islam.
     Its solution of the fundamental problems of mathematics and philosophy will establish a new epoch in History.
     But it must not be supposed that so potent an instrument of Energy can be used without danger.
     I summon therefore, by the power and authority entrusted to me, every great spirit and mind now on this planet incarnate to take effective hold of this transcendent force, and apply it to the advancement of the welfare of the human race.
     For, as the experience of these one-and-twenty years has shewn too terribly, the Book cannot be ignored.  It has leavened Mankind unaware:  and Man must make thereof the Bread of Life.  Its ferment has begun to work upon the grape of Thought:  Man must obtain therefrom the Wine of Ecstasy.
     Come then, all ye, in the Name of the Lord of the Aeon, the Crowned and Conquering Child, Heru-Ra-Ha:  I call ye to partake this Sacrament.
     Know -- Will -- Dare -- and Be Silent!

The priest of the princes,

Ankh-af-na-khonsu.

An XXI Sol in 27° Scorpio die Jovis

Tunis.

     *Editor's Note:  Published as The Equinox of the Gods.  Vide supra.