“Thou must wield each triad into a unity. This is real initiation—the consummation of perfect harmony. Thou hast long since gone beyond the reach of impure thoughts emanating from the five sub-human orders of creation. When impure characteristics are removed the first labor is performed. Thy studies and all knowledge received is the second labor, because it prepared thee for esoteric science. “The power of thought,” continued Akaza, “if rightly used, enables a man to transcend creation. Misused, it will cause him to retrograde into the condition where self is the great object of existence, and the appetites of the body are the only deities to whom he sacrifices. For such beings the uprisings of knowledge (the wiles of Circe) glitter with fascinating light, because further knowledge will enable them to minister to their desires. This, my son, is a dangerous situation for an immortal soul. What was intended as a blessing becomes a curse.” “Have I transgressed in this respect?” “No. Thou art safe on that point.” Knowledge is Circe in Greek—Serket in Egyptian. It is the enchantress, whose realm may be enjoyed by those who know the herb “Moly.” This word comes from the same root as the Latin Molo, and the Swedish Mjoll, to grind, indicating the process of grinding out human passions. It gives the Norse Mjolner, the hammer of Thor, or Will. The same meaning is implied in the weapon used by Kanza in killing the infants of Desire. “The abuse of this quality is what brings trouble to our countrymen,” said Akaza. “Atlantis is a hotbed of black magic; that is, inverted wisdom. And they must suffer for it. Setos and Rahula are the only devotees of this school we have with us.” “Why didst thou bring them?” “It was necessary—for thy sake—my beloved. In the performance of the third labor the first hour of the day begins; the two preceding labors being only the dawn of partial wisdom. As knowledge is the fruition of Will—the principle of the second hour of dawn—so Love is the purpose of the Divine Creator. This purpose must subdue its antithesis—the lust for material power and gain.” “If the material body is not kept in a healthy condition, the spirit and the soul cannot be perfected,” continued Akaza. “This is not a fault of mine,” returned Yermah, with a touch of pride. “Thou hast guarded the temple well. The sun never shone on a more perfect physical type. The fifth labor,” the hierophant went on, “is equilibrated Will—the caduceus which our order carries and uses as a wand. It is a spear in the hands of an adept, who compels all secrets and who knows all things. It can be developed only by temperance and moderation. It is an unlimited power for good or evil which thou holdest in thy possession. In thy body it is the solar plexus or brain of the stomach. The twelve plexi around it are the full gamut of physical and spiritual desire. Here thou couldst use thy knowledge with great harm to thy fellows, and more to thyself.” “But why should I?”