The Study
Hermetic Principles
To Know, To Will, To Dare, and To Keep Silent.
The Hermetic axiom, “To Know, To Will, To Dare, and To Keep Silent,” forms a foundation upon which magical ritual is successfully carried out.
To Know
Before beginning a ritual, the practitioner needs knowledge of what is being done. The more intricate and deep the knowledge, the better the task can be performed.
To Will
Will marks the difference between going through the motions and actually performing a magical ritual. The practitioner must focus will, intent, emotions, and desires.
To Dare / To Do
To Dare can also be read as To Do. This implements knowledge and will, turning words, desire, and visualized outcome into ritual action.
To Keep Silent
Before and after ritual, the work should be kept with care. Idle talk dissipates energy, creates doubt, and invites the thought forms of others into the work. Silence preserves focus, humility, and reverence.