Key to the Secrets of Nature

...do not fall for swine rooting in the mud.

It is a well-known rule in Nature that even the most healing plant, through ignorance of its full powers, can become a poison; just as it is the nature of the fly to blame for its being singed by a candle, as it does not know the properties of fire.

Let the reader take note of these principles; and consider that he who seeks pearls in a dung heap original: "жемчужины въ навозной кучѣ" — a common alchemical and philosophical metaphor for finding spiritual value in base or overlooked places must search for them for a long time.

One must not believe everything, yet one should not reject everything: to examine all things is the duty of the Wise Man; he is not blinded by outward brilliance, but searches for the truth.

2.

ON THE HIDDEN MYSTERIES OF NATURE

AND THE METHOD OF FINDING THEM.

No human being can perfectly teach the mysteries to another. Nature herself is the priestess in her own temple, and she leads? original: "вводитъ" — partially obscured by an ink smudge into the sanctuary? original: "святилище" — partially obscured by an ink smudge of that place only those who seek her? original: "ея" — partially obscured by an ink smudge and those who are worthy of her. One who has learned any of her mysteries can point the way to another who desires to know these mysteries; but the student must walk the path himself.

Nature (Натура): The personified forces of the physical and spiritual world. Mysteries (таинства): Hidden truths or "sacraments" of the natural world. Truth (истина): Spiritual and objective reality. The Wise Man (Мудрый): The enlightened seeker or Sage. Priestess (священница): A female minister of sacred rites, here representing Nature's role in initiation.