This is one of my favourite verses.
AL III:11 - Kaph and verse 156 in the book as a whole.
Kaph is the Palm. It is the place were the latent potential within the Yod(Hand) is actualised. (Yod spelt in full, YVD = 20. Kaph = 20)
Kaph, spelt KPh is also the initials of Kteis-Phallos.
The value of the letter Kaph spelt in full is 100. This may be relevant to the next verse via the number 1001 in a sort of coming full circle kind of way.
The letter Kaph can also be spelt with a Peh final which gives a value of 820. This refers to the Hand (Yod - YVD, 20) and the Bow (QShTh, Qasshat - 800). Arrows that are "shot prematurely" miss the mark.
This is also the reason why Crowley subtitled Liber O , Manus et Sagittae - the Hand and the Bow.
Atu X Fortune is attributed to the letter Kaph. It is the wheel of change, O. In my opinion this verse represents Ordeal X. The winners of this Ordeal are worthy to bear the Grail of Babalon(156). But only if they are Strong enough. In this context I definitely see Crowley's description of the 5 of Wands - Strife. The Lion-Leo battling against the restriction of Saturn/Binah in order to prove his worth. For only the Beast 666 is Strong
enough to be
ridden hard by the Lady Babalon, the Victorious Queen. (Atu XI Lust)
Note the tone of disappointment in Nuit's voice in AL I:51.
Let him enter in turn or at once the four gates; let him stand on the floor of the palace. Will he not sink? Amn. Ho! warrior, if thy servant sink?
No Lady appreciates a "sinking servant". ???
But Hadit has the answer in AL 2:70. !!!
Wisdom says: be strong! Then canst thou bear more joy.
On to the verse itself. This is verse 11 and this instantly makes me think of AL I:60.
My number is 11, as all their numbers who are of us.
This shall be your only proof. I forbid argument. Conquer! That is enough.
This line is obviously a continuation of the previous verse. Argument suggests an airy, intellectual debate. But R.H.K. urges us to just get on with the work of Conquering. Work for the sake of the work, and don't lust for results.
An obsolete usage of the word argument is evidence or proof. This could mean that we should forget looking for
other proofs. The proof of this pudding is in the eating. So get on with it and stop this ego resistance. A bit like AL II:11 where Crowley/the ego gets a slap for hating the hand and the pen (both symbols of Yod).
I will make easy to you the abstruction from the ill-ordered house in the Victorious City.
The ill-ordered house may refer to verse 2 which is Beth-House. In that verse we see division hither homeward, a word not known, defunct spelling and all not being aught. This is symbolic of the condition of the un-initiate. Basically it's a mess. From this disorder an abstruction is to be made. Abstruction is a strange word. I take it to mean building something, but away or removed some how. We are the raw material for this abstruction. From this we try to build something better, and according to a plan this time.
One of Crowley's interpretations for this line was his arranging for copying of the Stele of Revealing. In a symbolic sense this what the aspirant is trying to do as well. They are trying to copy, or manifest the Stele in their lives.
Thou shalt thyself convey it with worship, o prophet, though thou likest it not. Thou shalt have danger & trouble.
To me this line represents the struggles inherent in the work. Also it's cyclical nature as represented in Atu X Fortune. (Dr. David Shoemaker gave a good talk on cycles and obstacles on a recent podcast.
) Convey = Hermanubis? Danger and Trouble = Typhon.
As you try to progress with the work you inevitably reach impasses, stuck points, and awful dry spells. It's part of a cyclical process that makes you Stronger, as long as you maintain the will to keep moving forward. Even if sometimes it seems completely hopeless. It's only at the point of restriction that growth occurs. But you have to keep fighting.
Ra-Hoor-Khu is with thee.
This is worth remembering when the going gets tough. Even though everything seems dark during the Apophis-Typhon phase, the Angel is there with you. Urging you on. Go on! Go on! in my strength!
Worship me with fire & blood; worship me with swords & with spears.
Fire - light and energy.
Blood - life.
Swords - words.
Spears - deeds/actions.
Let the woman be girt with a sword before me
There are quite a few possible interpretations of this. To me it brings to mind Atu VIII Adjustment. It speaks of seeking balance amid the trials and tribulations. Another way to look at it is that the Woman represents the Nephesh, the subconscious. This must be armed with the Sword of Reason. Intuition is not always an infallible guide. This is very important in astral work. Any visions must be analysed with reason.
let blood flow to my name.
Dedicate you life to the work of Ra-Hoor-Khuit. I also think a sexual interpretation is present here.
Trample down the Heathen; be upon them, o warrior, I will give you of their flesh to eat!
The Heathen are the Godless. They could be interpreted as the aspects of ourselves that resist the work. Through the work we are frequently brought face to face with obstructive aspects of self. These must be confronted and integrated (consumed) if balance is to be achieved.
Like the old saying goes, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."