This document is an excerpt from the O.T.O. Newsletter vol. I, no. 2. and is published here with the permission of the author. -- Fr. HRN

"Liber Resh vel Helios Sub Figura CC"

The salutations to the four quarters of the Sun are an important part of Thelemic observance. Many pages could be written on the mystical significance and psychological effect of daily practice of Liber Resh, but this is a matter for the individual discovery of Thelemites. Here will be written only a few observations and a few hints.

This is the ritual of the Sun. Hence it is called Helios (Sun) and referred to the Hebrew Letter "Resh". In Tarot, Resh matches the Sun Trump. Resh is the Sun in Astrology. The number assigned to this ritual is the Gematria value of "Resh". The name of the Great Solar Deity in Egypt is RA -- in Hebrew, this word begins with "Resh". Many of the titles of Crowley's works mystify. Let this be an example of the way to understand the keys to the rituals through the correspondences in "Liber 777."

Adoration of the Sun is ancient. It is practiced in many cultures. Even the plants and animals heed the course of the Sun. Our bodies must obey the Sun on its journey, for they are made from the energy of its rays. Our minds rise from the Midnight Hour. Thoughts quicken at Dawn. Thinking grows heavy and Mid-day. Dusk produces lassitude and a taste for mystery. Perform the adorations at the appointed times and receive knowledge of doing at these points.

There are great mysteries of Magick in this ritual. To obtain clues concerning them, study the ancient Hymn of pages 2 and 3 of this issue of the Newsletter. A close examination of "Liber AL" will shed light upon such as the "ape gods" and the deities of the present Aeon as the relate to "Liber Resh". It will be quickly seen that the salutations of "Liber Resh" are short in comparison to the ancient ones.

Learn first the simple practice, then progress to the more complex with caution. Should another form of the Ritual tempt, test it. Remember always that the best rituals are those you make yourself. The most effective of these fly forth at the moment of impromptu performance. Add or alter in accord with your Will -- yet remember that familiarity with the work of others grants range and depth to understanding.

Many have composed their own Adorations. Here's a fine example by Sharon Walker, an Associate Member from the American South West:

Evening Adoration

Hail to Thee Who art RA in thy setting
Thy Splendid cloak is shadowed
By ever changing hues
Of slate and scarlet blended brown
Soft and subtle is Thy Kiss To the Earth as She turns Her Face from Thee:
Winsome Moon as She tosses your light
Like laurels on a lake ...
Beauty is thy name that All Men may speak Though Thee girt it with a serpent:
Thy beauty surpasseth all for
It passes from the eyes of men
Thy strength is mightier for thy gentleness
Thy wrath more fierce for thy mercy
Each opposite thing reaches out
And grasps hands at infinity
So with Absolute nothing and absolute Power
So with Love and Will -- And lo, all is Truth
And lo, the Truth is One.

------ by Sharon Walker

Crowley's writings are often a bit difficult to understand. He was widely read and often liked to use the things he learned in his studies. Explanation was not always his strong suit. For those who are a bit puzzled by the god names in "Liber Resh", study of Eygptology is the best solution -- along with careful reading of "Liber AL" and "The Book of Thoth." Until then, one must make due with simplification of the attributes of the gods for the adorations.

Here is a break-down:

RA-HOOR RA

This is a special form of the great God RA. Most of the names of the later Egyptian deities can be thought of as particular "titles" or manifestations of RA. Some of the older deities precede RA in the hierarchy. See "Liber AL."

TAHUTI

This deity is also called THOTH and is similar to Mercury and Hermes. Tahuti is the familiar god, the guide of souls and the god of writing and knowledge. The Tarot is his.

AHATHOOR

This is a variation on HATHOR. She is an aspect of ISIS as the Great Mother. In a very subtle manner for the mind but a very direct one for the body, she relates to NUIT.

TUM = Tem

TUM is the Great Father, a bit akin to Saturn but more gentle. There are a few parallels to Hadit.

KEPHERA = Khepera

This is the god of reincarnation and the god of the Sacred Scarab Beetle. In this is found the concealed half to many mysteries. See "Liber AL:" III, 74.

The Boat of Egypt is the Chariot of Qabalah.

Through union with the course of the Sun, great Magick can be worked. Neglect not the Moon and the other luminaries. Even the Great Dark discloses the way to the Work -- beware, for the power there is as a thing bounded and yet limitless.

"There is an end of the word of the God enthroned in Ra's seat, lightening the girders of the soul." --- Liber AL: III,61.