The scourge is a far better way, for it stimulates and excites both body and soul, yet one easily retains control. The Great Rite is far the best. It releases enormous power, but the conditions and circumstances make it difficult for the mind to maintain control at first. It is again a matter of practice and the natural strength of the operator's will and in a lesser degree those of his assistants. If, as of old, there were many trained assistants present and all wills properly attuned, wonders occur.
Power flashes forth from newly shed blood, instead of slowly exuding as by our method.
The great difficulty is in the human mind controlling the power of the lower animal mind. But sorcerors claim they have methods for effecting this and that the difficulty disappears the higher the animal used and when the victim is human disappears entirely. Of old the Flagellants certainly evoked power, but through not being confined by a circle most was lost. There are whispers that when the human victim was a willing sacrifice, with his mind directed on the Great Work and with highly skilled assistants, wonders ensued - but of this I would not speak.