Cross Of Equivalent Forces~

CROSS OF EQUIVALENT FORCES as describes by Rawn Clark in "A Bardon Companion"

Pendulum Use

The following is a response to a post on the use of a pendulum.

I discovered the use of a penulum when I was very young, about the same time I started reading Tarot. I have often used a necklace or bracelet, preferably one that I wear regularly although I've found that a pendulum fashioned on the spot works equally as well. I have never had any difficulty getting results, in fact the pendulum responded immediately the first time I tried it. I feel anyone should have equal success.
In my own practice the movements may be side to side(no), back and forth(yes), clockwise circles(yes) and counterclockwise circles(no). The pendulum has also made motions toward the direction of objects. I've had comparible success with dowsing rods which I was introduced to as a child by my mother, but only after seeing them used and begging to be taught.
I agree that the use of such tools can enhance and verify your inner guidance IF you will actively listen to that inner voice. For myself, that voice is only louder, stronger, or more distinct when warning of an serious danger or threat. The way I have learned to distinguish the "voice of intuition" is by watching closely my own mind and becoming familiar with my own subconscious stream of thought. One learns in time that this stream has a definite character or personality. When that inner guiding voice speaks, it too has it's own distinct character quite different your own familiar subconscious stream. It feels to me as though a stream of thought is IMPOSED within my own stream. It's a bit hard to discribe but once you experience the difference it is not so hard to recognize when it happens again.
The single tool that helped me more all others to distinguish that inner guiding voice was the use of Tarot. My great grandmother's brother, my grandmother and my mother all read cards often, so it was an accepted reality for me growing up. When I reached age 14 I insisted I wanted to be taught. Occult practices were abundant in my family and never hidden but never openly explained. Our family tradition has been to pass a "gift" on to one child or grandchild but only if a serious interest is consistantly expressed and usually near the end of one's life. However, this rule is not "cut in stone". When I would read cards for someone(which I was expected to do with exhausting frequency) I noticed at times these inescapable impressions that were "imposed" in my mind regarding whoever I was reading for. At first I took them to be just my own subconscious chatter, but they came through with such power and intensity that I decided to just repeat them whether they had relevence or not. As soon as I started repeating these impressions I was met with wide eyes of amazement as folks would state that I had told them things I couldn't possibly know. That's when I realized the voice of my own intuition and was even more amazed when I found that even when I was not reading cards I still "heard" that voice imposing between my own thoughts. In truth it had been there all along, I just thought it was my imagination. I have learned to listen to that voice, act on it's advice and IT has actually kept me alive when I may otherwise have been killed.

Step I~

Step I: Magic Mental Training~

04.17.2010

10:00 am
Sat for 6 minutes. I was a little sleepy as I didn't sleep much last night, maybe 3 hrs. Thoughts drifted around more spiritual topics. I had thoughts relating the practice of frequent meditation to the Muslim practice of prayer 5 times daily. I nodded out a couple of times but meditation was generally peaceful with not many distractions. I have to remind myself to just watch my thoughts not only because I will occasionally get caught in the though but because I'm accustomed to the practice of focusing on a single thought, specifically following the breath, as well as the practice of let the thoughts settle into nonthought and holding that emptiness for a period of time. I believe these are the practices reserved for the 2nd and 3rd part of Step I: Mental. It has occurred to me that these simple, short exercises could be done several times throughout a typical day. I intend to do just that, although I obviously am having to put some effort into making it a habit to do them even twice daily. I know this will come with time as it did in the past when after some months of frequent practice I would often find myself spontaneously meditating.

9:00 pm
I sat for 7 minutes. I thought I was up to 7 but I see from my journal the previous session of today was 6 minutes. I'll practice at 7 minutes tomorrow as well. Tonight I let go of trying to "retain" the memory of my chain of thoughts and just focused on letting them go as they arose. This seemed to work much better. I saw some images from my day, and had some same concerns arise such as again pondering the best way to introduce Hya to meditation. But mostly just let all thoughts pass by. I seem to be getting better at it already. I still think it would be very beneficial to include some relaxation technique before meditation. All in all, I do notice the usual benefits of meditation manifesting in my life. A deeper sense of center, calmer and stiller, more peaceful in general. Troubles don't feel particularly significant in light of the big picture. I feel the bliss of Samadhi lying just beneath the surface of awareness.

Step I~

Magic Mental Training~

04.16.2010
10:30 am
Sat for 11 minutes as I incorrectly set my alarm. I found that as I would catch myself getting caught up in a thought and remind myself to just observe and then let go of it, I felt myself sink into a deeper level of meditation. This happened several times. My mind was perhaps a little less disturbed because I practiced immediately after waking.


04.17.2010
1:50 am
Sat for 6 minutes. Thoughts tended to turn toward family, specifically how to guide Hya toward magical empowerment as she shows a definite capacity for understanding. Frankly she's an Old Soul. And thoughts of how Jecer reacted so comically to my BLOG, "You're weird, Honey!" But yet she's supportive and somewhat understanding. I still tend to think about my training during meditation, anticipating future results. I found myself wondering if I was doing it right.


Magic Psychic Training~

04.16.2010
Spent some time considering personality traits, especially when interacting with others and managed to find about 15 more bringing the current total to about 69. Nearly at our goal.

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training

04.15.2010
1:50 am

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training
1.Thought control (Mindfulness of Thought)


I sat tonight in practice of mindfulness of thought for 5 minutes. Next session I'll increase to 6 minutes but I stuck with 5 tonight because I skipped yesterday. Frankly I was tired last night after work and opted for sex before practicing thoughtfulness. And wouldn't you know, I was just too sleepy and relaxed to meditate afterwards though I intended too.
Ironically, while sitting tonight I found myself absorbed in thinking about sex before I remembered to just watch my thoughts. Sex is such a powerful and natural draw for the attention that after reminding myself of my objective, my mind was quite fixed in singularity of thought. I was not much distracted but did find myself thinking a bit about meditation and hermetic work. But mostly my mind wandered only very near to my intended exercise.
I would like to state in general that meditation is having the effect of leaving me in a much less stressed state upon waking the following morning, making my days much more peaceful with a more spiritual focus of mind. This is my more natural state of being when I'm not overwhelmed with worry. Even though these periods of practice are quite brief they still offer an opportunity for my nervous system to discharge accumulated stress. It's amazing how effective meditation can be and how little I thought I was benefiting when I began meditating so many years ago.

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training

04.13.2010
11:00 am

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training
1.Thought control (Mindulness of Thought)

I sat today, again for 5 minutes. Again, at first I found myself attached to my thoughts until I reminded myself to let them drift by. I seem to "think" about meditation during practice, sometimes being a little distracted by chirping birds, cat's meows and other sounds. (I sat outside today for practice). Though toward the end, I did settle into a more peaceful, relaxed meditation. I neglected to relax my body before meditation again today. I really must make that a habit. I did notice one more personality trait while sitting which I noted in my control book.

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training

04.12.2010
11:30 pm

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training
1.Thought control (Mindulness of Thought)

Tonight I sat for the first time performing what I will refer to as the Mindulness of Thought exercise. I've done this execise before but this is the first attempt during I.I.H. Training. Of course, I began with a 5 minute attempt. Initially I found myself recalling other times I sat in meditetion as well as related experiences such as the image of a Buddhist style aura around my body. I found my thoughts returning to my I.I.H. Project and whether I can recall the train of thought, not because that is part of the prescribed exercise but because I want to accurately complete my project of recording and sharing my training. This seems to be a distraction in itself, something I was hoping to avoid. Some thoughts of past relationships drifted in. I found myself attaching to my first thoughts during this attempt to merely observe thought but after a quick self reminder of the objective, this was a minimal problem. It was not as hard to observe the train and let it pass by as it was to retain the memory of it afterwards.
The exercise itself went by quickly and was overall moderately relaxing. I did not take the time to relax my whole body, not even in part, before the exercise. Something I will surely take up as a practice. I've found that to be tremendously effective toward meditation in the past. The most effective means in my experience being the performance of Hatha Yoga immediately prior to meditation, next only to group meditation which seems to have it's own gravity towards a deep state. And of course there is chemically augmented meditation, which I do not recommmend however it has brought about truly transcendental experiences.

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training

04.13.2010
11:00 am

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training
1.Thought control (Mindulness of Thought)

I sat today, again for 5 minutes. Again, at first I found myself attached to my thoughts until I reminded myself to let them drift by. I seem to "think" about meditation during practice, sometimes being a little distracted by chirping birds, cat's meows and other sounds. (I sat outside today for practice). Though toward the end, I did settle into a more peaceful, relaxed meditation. I neglected to relax my body before meditation again today. I really must make that a habit. I did notice one more personality trait while sitting which I noted in my control book.

Step I ~ Magic Psychic Training

04.12.2010

Step I ~ Magic Psychic Training
1.Introspection of Self-Knowledge

I had started the exercise of introspection earlier and just continued it hear. It always seems as though there's not much more to record of my "bad" traits but whenever I put my mind to it I do usually come up with at least a few more. Tonight I discovered one more during the meditation which turned into more once I began recording it. I have reached a total of about 46 recorded traits. If I can discover 2 or 3 in each coming day, I should be well on schedule. I feel that many of the traits already recorded are so closely related as to possibly be broken down into the same element if not acually the same trait, so if for no other reason than this, I need to come up with an excess of 100 total.

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training

04.12.2010
11:30 pm

Step I ~ Magic Mental Training
1.Thought control (Mindulness of Thought)

Tonight I sat for the first time performing what I will refer to as the Mindulness of Thought exercise. I've done this execise before but this is the first attempt during I.I.H. Training. Of course, I began with a 5 minute attempt. Initially I found myself recalling other times I sat in meditetion as well as related experiences such as the image of a Buddhist style aura around my body. I found my thoughts returning to my I.I.H. Project and whether I can recall the train of thought, not because that is part of the prescribed exercise but because I want to accurately complete my project of recording and sharing my training. This seems to be a distraction in itself, something I was hoping to avoid. Some thoughts of past relationships drifted in. I found myself attaching to my first thoughts during this attempt to merely observe thought but after a quick self reminder of the objective, this was a minimal problem. It was not as hard to observe the train and let it pass by as it was to retain the memory of it afterwards.
The exercise itself went by quickly and was overall moderately relaxing. I did not take the time to relax my whole body, not even in part, before the exercise. Something I will surely take up as a practice. I've found that to be tremendously effective toward meditation in the past. The most effective means in my experience being the performance of Hatha Yoga immediately prior to meditation, next only to group meditation which seems to have it's own gravity towards a deep state. And of course there is chemically augmented meditation, which I do not recommmend however it has brought about truly transcendental experiences.

"I.I.H." Theory: FINISHED!~

O.K. I've basically finished working through the theory section. I'm sorting out the practical exercises in Part II: Mental, Psychic, Physical Training and simultaneously reading back through each chapter of Theory to formulate and articulate any final questions. I have identified the essential steps of the first Mental exercise which deals with mindfulness of thought. I'm at the very beginning of practicing this technique as a part of Bardon's system, though the truth is that I've spent an indeterminable amount of time over countless years practicing this particular meditation. I should have an advantage with these first mental exercises that the average fellow may not.

I will be keeping a record of results with each practice session. I plan to return to the Temple frequently in the coming days, weeks and months to take advantage of the "refuge" offered there and turn the practice of these mental exercises into "intensives" where I'll practice them several times throughout the day. The Temple environment is ideally suited to these types of exercise. Not to mention the opportunity for guidance at the hands of some very experienced meditation experts. I would suggest this course of action to anyone who is having difficulty with the initial mental training exercises. I've heard of many aspiring Bardonians who complain of not being able to quite get past the mind control phase of this system. Let there be no doubt that I'm excited and relieved to finally be doing as opposed to strictly studying. It's taken a good bit of discipline to read through each chapter so meticulously and exclusively, but I've certainly gleaned some insights I did not previously possess.

It's as of yet unprovoked by Bardon, but I feel that a dream journal is in order at this point. I've been having strange and vivid dreams throughout this course of study, though I've always been a prolific and lucid dreamer. But these dreams are becoming ever more lucid as time passes. I seem to be becoming quite adept at realizing when I'm in mid dream, at which point projection seems automatic. Now, I'm just patiently waiting to learn more of how to take advantage of the opportunity. I do find myself asking very direct and profound questions of some of the dream characters and, at times, receiving profound answers. I can't recall any great examples to offer at the moment, hence the need for a dream journal.

"I.I.H." Theory: Asceticism~

I agree essentially with Bardons advocacy of moderation and non-neglect of bodily needs. What is somewhat new and interesting to me here is his break down of asceticism into three types; mental, astral and material. Again, this all very closely reflects my own experience with life in and around the Buddhist temple with it's emphasis on the "Middle Way" (moderation) and mindfulness of thought, speech and action (morality). I suppose I didn't realize that what started out as a novel exploration would shed so much light on my passionate interest in the Occult.

Bardon advises us, before moving on to the practical exercises, to mentally possess the theory thus far articulated. I don't want to fall into the trap of spending so much time and energy trying to fully understand theory that I completely fall short of beginning the practicals. How can one understand something thoroughly without actual experience "in the field". However, I have read through all the theory at least a dozen times, probably more. I feel that Bardon was successful in creating an initial understanding of the basic model of the self with it's various levels and corresponding planes as well as their elemental makeup ( four poled magnet). Not to leave out the electric and magnetic fluids, the character of all these and their relationships, and of course the powerful tool of analogy. All these together, I believe, provide a strong foundation with which to approach the practical applications of Occult Science. Whatever I may have missed of theory, I trust will resurface during the practical exercises only to have more light shed upon it.

"I.I.H." Theory: God~

It takes no amount of indoctrination at this point in my life for me to behold the picture being painted for us here by Bardon. His distinction between the uninitiated and the magician's perception of God are well put and clear. What's important here, I feel, is to understand this distinction and then pay close attention to the magician's viewpoint in regards to deity. This is something I passionately embraced in the summer of 1992 while diving deep into yogic philosophy. The yogi's goal of Union with one's own Godhead very much agrees with the ultimate intent of High magic (Theurgy). For me, the two have become one. That is to say, the practice of the Occult Sciences are the means to the end which is union with God. I see no significant difference between occultism of East and West. Does not every Spirit strive for this same Union no matter on what level our awareness rests.

How sweet would be the release from the Wheel of Karmic debt, from the chase of desire and the Law of Attraction which binds us to a relentless eternity of rebirth, of losing consciousness again and again. I'm sure some would argue that it's the Great Escape to lose ourselves only to find ourselves again in another life. I love and appreciate the adventure that Life is, but how nice it would be to finally make only conscious choices to come and go, and to be able to render a true service to those other Souls struggling for Realization of the Spirit, before finally surrendering "Into The Mystic".

I appreciate the four-poled key that Bardon has given us to link the analogies between microcosm and macrocosm. It will still take time for it to settle into my understanding though it is seeping in. And whatever name or image by which we feel most compelled to approach the Divine, let me now make that ascent, step by step, from beginning to end, with the help of that instruction so compassionately offered by our friend Franz Bardon.

Reading the theory laid out in these chapters, and being reminded of the Hermetic view of the Big Picture has greatly helped me to lay aside the agony of anticipating my own mortality. Something that has become an ever increasing discomfort as I approach my 40th birthday. I have been struggling with the almost subconscious regret of feeling that I'm too close to death to be able to make a significant "rise" in this lifetime. But these chapters have reminded me that Life continues past material decay and it is possible to continue the ascent, perhaps even without loss of awareness, into the coming incarnations.

"I.I.H." Theory: Religion~

I quite naturally agree with the sentiment of this chapter on religion. I've always sensed a common root and thread to all the World's religions of all ages. Sure there are and have been distinct differences, but the similarities are too striking to overlook. All have always acknowledged, for example, that there is something alive and intelligent behind creation. All have sensed the Divine however they expressed it. And I've always refused to define myself religiously, but when pressed I've described myself as a Nondenominational Universalist. Hah! Go wrestle with that one.

I see a valuable light in each religion and have always chose to harvest the most precious pearls from each of the religions I've been exposed to. And brother, I've exposed myself to as many as I could seek out. Even as a child, I intuitively refused to accept that one could be right and another wrong. Frankly, I've always felt that the pursuit of occult knowledge and adeptship is my religion. It's my birthright. It's my passion. It's what I was born to do. It's why I came back to this place.

I learned the hard way not to force others to see the light before they come into it on their own. "Do not push the river. It flows by itself." As I matured, I finally realized that everyone is rightfully in their own stage of progression. But even now it's difficult to be patient and tolerant of those who are not so refined as to appreciate the Golden Rule, "Love thy neighbor as thyself". It helped me very much to consider a philosophy shared with me by an elderly lady who has been on the path for a few decades more than myself. Whether she's right or wrong, I can't say for certain, but she told me that when we insist on reforming an individuals philosophical point of view, we become to some extent responsible for that persons karma. Who wants to be responsible for anothers karma?

In any case, I've come to realize that most people need their religious belief systems. So I try to let them be. Unless, of course, they ask me what I believe. Even then I try to guide them as gently as possible to a broader vision of Truth.

Two points strike me as critical in this chapter. First is the idea that if we all were to adhere to the practice of tolerant acceptance of an individuals beliefs based on their current capacity, we would have no more hatred or religious dissension on this planet. Does this not address a most fundamental problem in this World? Second is the idea that if a seeker genuinely approaches an adept with his yearning for Truth, the adept should spare nothing to lead the seeker to the Light according that seekers capacity for understanding. If these two ideas were put into unconditional practice, it would revolutionize our global society into a Golden Age yet unimagined by the greatest intellects of all times. That, my friend, is an absolute fact and a vision of this World's potential that I have always been burdened with.

"I.I.H." Theory: Truth~

In a nutshell, Truth is here defined in terms an individuals capacity to perceive. Absolute Truth being left for the soul mature enough to recognize it. The higher shades of Truth best not wasted on infertile ground.

The key difference between Truth and Wisdom as described here, at least so far as what I get out of Bardons words, is that Truth is that knowledge gained through the senses and processed by the faculty of mind. Wisdom is that sense of knowing intuited through the spirit(akasa). Bardon points out that our capacity for Wisdom is also dependant on the development and maturity of the individual.

We are encouraged to pursue the development of knowledge and Wisdom equally and to look at all things from the two vantage points of knowledge and Wisdom.

In regard to the four-poled magnet or tetragrammaton, is this simply the fact that the self on its various levels each with its corresponding plane are all composed of the four Elements, each having a positive and negative quality?

"I.I.H." Theory: Mental Plane~

In this chapter, Bardon explains further how each level of being in the Self has its own related sphere or plane and how all these emanate from akasa or spirit. He emphasises the notion that thought originates in this causal/mental realm before condensing into the astral and finally the physical manifestation. These are all critical clues, perhaps easy for me to recognize because of being steeped in the Buddhist and Yogic theory that control of our own reality begins in control of thought as thought leads to speech which in turn leads to action. I think it's no little matter that Bardon constantly puts emphasis on the Elemental makeup and the dual or yin/yang nature of all levels of being. We will, no doubt, be spending alot of effort working on their influences during our practical exercises. And he verifies the idea that inspirations do indeed come from some place outside ourselves. I've always suspected this. When I would wake in the early hours of the morning to write down the verses of poetry flowing through my head, it seemed to me that the words were already written in the ether and that I was merely jotted them down as they rapidly streamed by. And we're all familiar with John Lennon's lyrics which need not be quoted. Funny how so many race to be the first to claim the invention of any particular idea.

What strike me as new and interesting is the idea of the mental matrix linking the mental body to the astral body. This immediately aroused in my mind the question of it being possible to "slacken" the mental matrix in order to project the mental body in the same way as one projects the astral body. Furthermore Bardon tells us, in so many words, that the astral plane/body is bound to the realm of space, as the physical is bound to time AND space, but the mental is free of both. This brings to mind another implication, if we are to project through space and possibly time we need to consider projection of the mental body as well as or rather than then astral body. Interesting also is the idea put forth that thoughts too are divided into Elemental and dualistic qualities at the causal level. And then there's the mention of mental elementals. This is a fathomable idea but a new one to me none the less. These ideas bring to mind the ancient belief in muses who would come to bring inspiration only to abandon the author at some later time of need. Unless, of course, he possessed for himself some secret technique to conjure their presence as desired.

Overall, the past couple of chapters have provided an excellent explanation of the working relationship between Spirit, Soul and the physical Body. As well as the personal and spiritual egos and their emanation from highest to lowest in terms of electromagnetic fluid or yin/yang chi. All the while reminding us of the vast wealth of knowledge available through the study of analogy, something I came to appreciate while reading the Vedas during my early twenties and spending no small amount of time or effort in deep contemplation of the mysteries of Life and Divinity.

"I.I.H." Theory: Spirit~

Here Bardon explains the self in terms of Body, Soul and Spirit and defines the relationship between the three. We are reminded that the Spirit is immortal and he shows us the process by which the Self emanates from akasa into Spirit (the spiritual EGO) as a reflexion of divinity, then extends into Soul where it is divided into a conglomeration of Elements (will/Fire, mind/Air, emotion/Water, union of all three/Earth or conscious ego) which then condenses into the physical body. Akasa is expressed as the fifth Element and we are again reminded that all Elements have a dual nature, the details of which are to be explored through study and contemplation. And as I suspected, we are in fact here literally encouraged to know our own Elemental attributes in order to proceed with the mystic work. When I first read through the section on theory, it seemed very archaic and haphazard but I must confess that after reading through it again very slowly (several times, in fact) and giving each part thorough consideration, it now appears quite well ordered and an appropriate basis for understanding the work we are about to undertake. I feel a deep sense of gratitude to a man I've never known who had compassion enough not only to set himself to the task of expounding in the plainest terms possible the Occult Art, but also eventually give his life for doing so.

"I.I.H." Theory: Astral Plane~

Again, here Bardon first explains a certain level within ourselves, then explains the extension of that same plane in the world around us. I see here also that same implication that more and better understanding can be gained by becoming adept at exploring the world through our spiritual senses. I've often read that exploring the astral world through projection will bring ones' self beyond the fear of mortal death.

Wow! As for the Elemental beings living in the astral, again, I'm excited at the prospect of learning to deal with them more practically. I've often met with departed souls in the realm of dreams and had conversations that left me with no doubt of the validity of the contact. I've also experienced travelling in the astral and trying to move from one level of density into another which I was unable to cross into and felt a very unpleasant pressure or buzzing which sometimes forcefully pushed me back.

While I'm not unfamiliar with the idea of Elemental beings and the notion of calling them into ones' presence and working with them in various ways or even creating them, I'm not at all experienced at doing so. I eagerly look forward to the more practical exercises in this book.

"I.I.H." Theory: Astral Body~

This section packs in alot of information, clearly. The theory of the chakras as well as the temperaments is not new to me but it's still good to hear it explained. What is somewhat of a revelation to me is the description of the astral matrix being that energetic part of us that ties the material body to the astral body. I better understand now the distinction between the astral matrix and the aura. The aura being an energetic emanation of the complex of temperaments or Elements that constitute our overall personality. I could always get an immediate impression of a persons' character and even, at times, see someone in various parts of their personal past, but now I understand a little more of why and what I was perceiving. As a clairsentient, I didn't "see" a person's aura in terms of color. I simply "knew" instantly that individuals present and sometimes past state of being.

I see here more implications of how we can change our own character through the tweaking of our own Elemental makeup, provided that we understand clearly what our current Elemental state is. I feel we are certainly being lead toward an appreciation of how we can effect change in ourselves through a manipulation of self on the causal level.

The introduced relationship between specific chakras and each Elemental influence is also something I had not fully considered. I should include that I'm gaining an appreciation for Bardons' constant insistence that true and deeper understanding of occult principles and applications come only through personal effort and contemplation. After all, the macrocosm does lie within the microcosm. Put simply, the World is within us.

"I.I.H." Theory: Material Plane~

Here Bardon recaps the dynamics of the Elements and reminds us that the material world is comprised of all Elements and the electric(yang) and magnetic(yin) fluid eminating from Fire and Water specifically and that if we study the analogies between the Body and the World around us, there is much understanding to be gained. He promises again that specifics about how to work with the Elements to effect change in ourselves and our environment are forthcoming. Bardon offers in this section a really great illustration of how the Elements build from Fire to Water, etc. and ultimately condense into the Earth Element to finally produce the material plane. As well, he never lets us forget that the fluids tie it all together and flow throughout. This section reminds me of some of the more mystical accounts of creation to be found in scriptures from many different religions.

I feel that I'm definately gaining a deeper sense of how the Elements interplay toward creation and I'm feeling an excitement that unfolds with this increasing understanding that makes me want to speed into the coming chapters, but I'm trying to pace myself and brace for a sustained effort to digest all this material. It's not so hard to let off the gas when I see for myself just how much more I'm comprehending of such an archaic theory merely by slow cooking the information under the flame of contemplation.

"I.I.H." Theory: Diet-cont.~

I've finished making up flash cards from Bardons' description of the polar attributes of various parts of the body. There are exactly 14 body parts broken down into 70 individual poles described as either electrical, magnetical or neutral, each body part having 5 currents. I've had the idea to play simple memory games with the cards, like the ones we all played as children.

I'm excited about this section now because I've realized that here Bardon describes the body as a complex battery, complete with multiple positive, negative and neutral poles and currents. I can better see the implications of how it could be possible to draw or generate and amplify current/chi, sending it out when wanted for various purposes. I know that it is this life force/chi that is produced and then condensed through various means to manifest our desires/intentions. I realize this producing and condensing of chi is a basis for magical work. That's why I'm becoming increasingly enthusiastic about working through this training system, even though it's clear that it may take years to do so. It seems to be very much what I've been searching for since childhood. I've always heard "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I'll just move forward on faith from here and see what comes of it.

"I.I.H." Theory: Diet~

Wow! I have to say that this is getting exciting. When I first read this section, I thought it was so archaic that I planned to just skip past it without really even trying to comprehend it, not thinking it possible to do so. But after reading it at least a few times and spending some time looking up related information, mostly online, and rekindling my lifelong infatuation with chi cultivation/manipulation I began to see this section more for what it is. This section describes, similar to previous one, the balancing of the Elements and yin/yang chi in the self to restore health. It differs in that it deals with doing so through diet, however it then discusses the re balancing of chi by direct transfer of chi from one body to another. That's where I got really excited, especially since Bardon promises to discuss particular methods for this in later sections. This is something I've almost desperately wanted to learn since childhood.

Bardon wraps up the section with a breakdown of how chi flows through specific parts of the body. This part at first seemed bizarrely complex, and as I said, I intended to skip it completely. But after giving it an almost athletic attempt at understanding it, I came to feel it's actually worth memorizing. I'm going to make a set of flash cards to work with until I've gained a second nature familiarity with the chi dynamic as described in each particular part of the body. I've seen people generate and transfer chi to other people and objects with amazing results and I've always been more than fascinated with how it's done. I literally have always felt this is something I was born to learn.

"I.I.H." Theory: Man~

I would like to comment here that though I had intended to make entries to this journal/BLOG on a daily basis, it has proven difficult to do so given my schedule. This is also partly due to habit as well, but I'm working on establishing a more regimented habit of record keeping. What I'd like to point out is that though I haven't made entries every day, it has been tremendously helpful to have dwelt on each chapter for extended periods of time. I've actually learned a good bit and considered ideas I've already been exposed to on a much deeper level. I have a much better sense of what each Element is but more so of the implications for how the Elements might be used in working on ourselves in everyday life.

As for the current chapter, I'm familiar with the notion that the body is a microcosm of the Universe and of "God". I guess what I get out of this lesson is that the body is a reflection of creation as a whole and as such can tell us about god and creation through reflection on self. I get this idea more so through implication than straight from Bardons' comments. Also, I get that with the body being made up of Elemental forces/influences, we can use these to bring balance to the body/mind. Bardon also introduces us to the idea of the body being made up not only of the Elements but of yin/yang vitality as well. Again, by implication he is introducing us to the idea that we can use the balancing of these forces to balance the mind/body. And clearly he is pointing out the relationship between mind and body. I have a subtle advantage here in that I've spent months on end and cumulative years in the Temple where a main point of contemplation is the relationship between mind, body and action. Control of thought is essential as thought becomes speech. Speech becomes action. Action produces consequence. All cause and effect relationship.

"I.I.H." Theory: Karma~

This little section is summed up well when Bardon quotes, "Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he reap". The law of Karma is somewhat self explanatory and a simple enough philosophy that a child can understand it, but I do believe it's a bit more subtle than its' usual simple interpretation. It has no doubt helped me to grasp the implications of Karma by spending no small amount of time in the shelter of the Sangha studying and practicing the Dhamma. In other words, considering the extent to which thought tends itself toward speech which in turn so often becomes action. I believe Karma is, many times, a law that we hold ourselves to through self judgement as well.

I feel also that Bardon is here pointing us toward the notion that manifestation begins in the causal/Akasa, beginning to introduce us to the idea that control and focus of our subconscious is critical to bringing our intentions and desires into reality, very much in the same way that Karma works. Or, in a sense, perhaps that IS the Law of Karma. Bardon emphasizes that Karma is a law "immutable" and "the most sublime rule" but let us not forget that the oriental philosophy also tells us that Karma is a law that, through understanding, training and development, can be risin above much in the same way that the Fool is first bound and controlled by the Elements until he becomes the Magician and is able only then to take mastery over them.

"I.I.H." Theory: Akasa Principle~

Bardon simply states here that the elements previously discussed all proceed from the Akasa. He briefly defines the Akasa as the causal sphere. I'm semi-familiar with this idea from associating with Eastern, Mid-Eastern and Indian philosophies. Bardon describes the Akasa in ways that immediately call to mind various verbal expressions of the divine in its most impersonal, abstract forms.

I spent some time contemplating this particular Element during the last week while working. After the work week was over, I had a good long sleep during which I found myself rising back from a dream. I can't recall much of the dream and don't know if it was even relevant, however, as I was waking I had the very distinct impression of how all the baser Elements of Fire and Water, Air and Earth mingle together to form the context of our world. Then I experienced in some indescribable way, all these myriad physical departures from the four previous Elements waking into self consciousness. At that moment I felt as if I knew unshakably that this was Akasa rising from the other Elements. The mineral rising to the animal, then becoming aware, then selfaware. This brings to mind another question. I have a theoretical sense of Akasa/Causal being the realm from which ideas emerge, then move into manifestation. But does this dream/revelation incline me to believe that the manifested also moves into the causal through the development of conscious awareness. This isn't easy to express, but I sense a reciprocal relationship between the first four Elements and the Akasa, each pre existing and flowing into or becoming the other.

"I.I.H." Theory: Light~

Here Bardon explains Light is an extension of Fire, Fire being the source. Light has all the qualities of Fire. Fairly self explanatory, however, one thing catches my attention more than all else: The Fiery Element can be converted into Light and Light back into the Fiery Element. This warrants some serious contemplation. Of course the opposite of Light is Darkness, with Darkness being an extension of Water. Light and Dark each being nonexistent without the other. Bardon describes Lights' outcome as having a positive quality and Darkness having a negative quality, and their interplay working in all regions.

I'm not at this point sure if I perceive the real distinction between Fire and Light or Water and Darkness other than Light and Dark simply being extensions of Fire and Water. In this sense, I suppose that Light as an emanation from Fire is akin to heat, both being impossible without their obvious source. I guess Light IS the quality EXPRESSED by Fire, meaning that thing that Fire emits. Light IS the expansion of the Element, the voice of Fire, so to speak. In the same sense, Darkness must be the expressed (or perhaps unexpressed) quality of Water. When I think of Light as the expressed emanation of Fire, my subconscious mind is called back to the metaphor of the "Holy Ghost" emanating from God, the "Word of God" present in all things. I'm definitely going to chew on this awhile during meditation.

The Other Way~

I came across a Left Hand Path,
I walked the Other Way.
Was just a little while
before the Night turned into Day.
No fallen angels, laughing imps.
No ever living Hell.
The face of Satans' evil grin
was just an empty shell.
Before I found the Other Way,
I served a jealous god.
But peering from a Left Hand Path
his preacher looks so odd.
So full of fear and guilt,
He sees a world born out of sin.
So different from the Other Way
that I've been living in.
My God is not so weak
to need the shelter of the Church.
She prefers to walk with me
out underneath the Birch.
Our Temple is so peaceful
in this Garden Elemental.
Far from the Congregation,
from it's flock so tempermental.
This Garden is just right for me
though maybe not for you.
Don't try so hard to save me
for there's naught you need to do.

Earth: Fruitful Womb~

Daughter
of the sacred motion
'tween Father Sun
and Mother Ocean.
Lovechild
of a Union fair,
Sister
of the gentle Air.
Meld the three
back into one.
A fourth!
Creation has begun.
First and only
fruitful womb
carry Life
from birth to tomb.
Giver
of both Time and Space
birth
an animated race.
A vessel
of mere mud and clay
to give the Soul
a place to play.
Give us flesh
with which to feel
'til we
as dying elders kneel.
With ears to hear
and eyes to see.
So it's writ,
so shall it be.
Split the color
from pure light
against the gray
backdrop of Night.
Oh Earth beneath
a noon days' fire
send the Sea of Life
still higher.
From mineral
to mighty mount.
From trickle
to the rushing fount.
Take single cell
and multiply
'til plant and animal
reach sky.
'Til fish and reptile
search the sea,
'til Soul from scale and skin
be free.
But break the mold
that bind the Spirit
Only after
Truth we hear it.
Oh Mother
of the Sacred Heart,
Let us only
into Wisdom part.

"I.I.H." Theory: The Principle of Earth~

Here Bardon points out that Earth, like Air, is not considered an "Element Proper". This is apparently due to Earth being born out of an interplay between the three preceding Elements; Fire, Water and Air. However, Earth is distinct in its quality of having condensed into a solid form, thus creating space, measure, weight and time. These qualities also limiting the Earthly dimension in contrast to the other Elements. Bardon tells us that here we have the four polar magnet from the reciprocal action of the four Elements, something I don't pretend to understand. With its' fluid being electromagnetic. He states that all life is to be explained by the fact that all Elements are active in Earth, thus the fiat "It shall be". I've also heard this Fiat interpreted as "Go forth and Create". This is all currently a bit above my head, but I take comfort in Bardons' promise that more detailed descriptions will be forthcoming and his statement that his main point here is to give the reader a "general impression" of the Elements and their effects.

The little poems I've let out of my subconscious mind have been quite an effective tool for communicating to myself my own inner understanding. I mean to say that after reading these few paragraphs on each Element, I'm left with only a vague sense that I understand something of each of the Elements but cannot quite put it into words. It seems to me that we are dealing with dynamics of a subconscious nature and as such it's hard to bring them into conscious expression. To put words to them or "wrap our minds around them". By letting my self "free write" a little poem about each one, it seems that subconsciously I'm able to speak to myself of what I do already know about each Elements' nature. Again here let me insist, I am no expert and am not lecturing. Merely exploring my own mind as I try to understand these themes of an Occult nature. If any reader has light to shed on my own reflections, let them do so without hesitation.

Air Elemental~

As Day push forth
and Night pull back,
Air rush to
engage the act.
Wind roar
and whirl around,
mesmerize
the baying hound.
Break the limb,
bend the tree.
Whip the whithered
leaves 'til free.
Breathe in
to make a sound.
Blow the willows,
brush the ground.
Lift the fowl
to new found height,
mend the rift
'tween day and night.
Oh thou child
of dark and light,
move through every
thing in sight.
Push the wave
across the ocean,
send the living
into motion.
Reconciler
of the fight,
ease heat of day
to cold of night.
No warriors' strike
will find you there,
but only emptiness
of Air.

"I.I.H." Theory: The Principle of Air ~

The Element of Air calls to my mind the image of the Fool, being not yet in charge of his own fate nor in control of the Elements of Fire and Water, he is pushed by the hot expansion of Fire and drawn toward the cold void of Water. Hence the image of the Fool stepping off the precipice into "thin Air". Just an intuitive feeling. Air seems to be that space where Fire and Water don't quite meet but effect each other, causing motion through their influences. It is in fact the pressure of heats' expansion and the draw of colds' compression that causes the flow of air in nature thus producing the wind. So it's easy enough to see why the Hermeticists explain that air is born out of the interplay between Fire and Water. Bardon describes Air as a neutralizing medium, establishing equilibrium between Fire and Water. However, looking at nature it seems to me that it's more that the attempt at equilibrium is what produces air(wind), not so much that equilibrium is ever actually reached. Bardon points out that Air has assumed the quality of warmth from Fire and humidity from Water, making life possible( I need to meditate on this). And again he reminds us of the dual polarity of creative and destructive potential latent in this and all Elements. Lastly ,he warns us once again not to associate the Elements too closely to their literal counterparts. His description of this Element is, I'm sure, adequate enough, but to me seems a bit vague. I take it as an introductory account and trust that with deeper contemplation and more experience I'll come to a fuller understanding of the nature of Air and the other Elements as well.

Water Elemental~

Night return
to cool the day.
Condense the cloud,
hide the ray.
Allow the soil
to sooth the pain
with the coming
evenings rain.
Quench the fire
that burns the skin.
Wash away
our very sin.
Water Water,
Fill the Soul.
Return the Suns'
taken toll.
Refresh the day
with passive night.
Give us rest
after the fight.
To dream before
the coming dawn.
To sleep before
a new day yawn.
Water rushing
into Fire,
Bursting forth
a new attire.
Robe us in
a calming cloud.
Before the day
does sing aloud
a dawning of
a new creation.
Peace before
our new elation.

"I.I.H." Theory: The Principle of Water~

No huge revelation here. Water is associated with the quality of coldness and contraction. Fire and Water being the two primary Elements, they interact to create all other Elements and are in all things. Water contributes to the "Magnetic fluid" or Yin. That part of nature which is yielding and absorbing, the feminine, the Consort. For some reason the Great Whore of the Church comes to mind. The whore being yin/Water/magnetic and the church being yang/fire/electric. Of course some would say the Church is the Bride of Christ, being yin/water, with Christ being yang/fire. But looking at the Gospels from a more mystic view, Christ is clearly yin/water as he is supposedly the sacrificial lamb, absorbing all mans' sins. No? Just a reflection on the nature of the Elements and their application, don't call the Vatican just yet.

Fire Elemental~

Spirit yearn...
Gods' Heart explore.
Burst into flame!
Fire roar.

Expand!
to emcompass all...
Answer...
to Creations call.

Cinder burn...
And ember crackle.
Spark spew!
Old witches cackle.

Light spread forth...
Roll back the Night.
Send the Darkness
into flight.

Suns erupt!
In solar flare.
You hide your face
from Natures' glare.

Pierce through...
the womb of Night!
Fill...
every crack in sight.

Oh Light Divine
with Will to live.
Thou, conscious life,
do freely give.

To know Thyself
through mine own eyes,
The Glory crowning
Lifes surprise.

"I.I.H." Theory: The Principle of Fire~

This section explains briefly the nature of the Element of Fire as the first Element born out of the Ether, expansiveness, heat and light. Bardon also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the two polarities latent in all Elements, passive and active. Destructive and creative. He reminds us that these are neither good nor bad, simply tools to be used. Most of us hopefully know already that a tool can be used to help or hurt in any particular circumstance.

I, personally realized that there's no such thing as good or evil in this world when I was in my mid twenties after a passionate exploration of Yogic philosophy and metaphysics. But what really drove the point home was a deep prolonged ponderance of the world around me, not merely reading or discussing the subject with other thinkers and seekers. It wasn't easy to break away from the constructs of a Christian society, and frankly I'm still in the process of freeing myself from guilt and self limitation to this day.

Bardon relates the Element of Fire to the quality he calls electrical fluid. This is better understood by me as the Yang nature present in all creation. It's hard to express my impressions of the Element of Fire though they do exist. Let's just say that it has helped me to break the Elements down one at a time and give each consideration as to how and where they exist in nature and mind. I do sense the expansive quality of Fire, electrical fluid/Yang in life around me and I trust that with further experience it will become clearer to me and thus more articulable.

"I.I.H." Theory: About the Elements

First, allow me to briefly address the response to the previous post "The Magician". Someone has suggested that as well as enlarge an image of Bardons' "Magician" for the sake of study and reflection, I might also consider printing a standard card sized copy and carry it with me so I can reflect on it often throughout the day. In this way, he suggests I may become more "in tune" with the essence of the card. Great idea! Let me say right here that suggestions like this are EXACTLY why I decided to post this journal instead of keeping it secretly tucked away in my bedroom.

I ran the last part of this suggestion by my mother and, being the old witch that she is, she recommended I not only print and keep the card with me but sleep with it under my pillow. Funny, that's precisely how she started me off reading tarot in the first place. So thank you so much for taking the time to consider my plight and offer a length of rope. And thanks even more for proving to me that my hunch to publish my efforts was well founded.

Pt 1- Theory: The Magician

Bardon opens up the section on theory with an explanation of the first card in the Tarot deck, The Magician. I had never seen the exact card described and was only able to find an image of it with the help of a fellow Occult enthusiast. Thanks so much to him for his willingness to share. What can I say, this image is well worth gazing on in contemplation of its meaning. It's a chapter in a book that can only be read by deep consideration of its symbolism.

Bardon explains it in plain enough English and I get the spirit of its story. An individual engaged in actively balancing the nature of the Self and the elemental world around us. The card expresses all the energies at play in Nature and Self. But "The Magician" warrants my time and attention before I can fully appreciate his meaning.

I will go to a local print and blow up a copy of this card and put it on the wall in my little home library so I can gaze on him frequently. I don't expect to get a full understanding of his mysteries right away, but if I include a regular meditation on the image during the pursuit of working through "I.I.H", I may in time unlock his secrets.

I.I.H. Intro:

Its true that when I was very young, though I was intrigued by Magic, I was mainly interested only in personal gain, power and prestige. Though I always read that you should seek only the more divine rewards of the occult sciences, I felt a little guilty because I knew I only wanted the "lower" benefits of magic. I was not yet spiritually mature enough to appreciate God union, but deep in my soul I yearned for it. I soon learned that nothing in the world of Magic was quickly gained and though I excelled at martial disciplines, I was terribly reluctant to embrace any real occult training. I needed to "understand" first. I didn't realize you must experience before you can cultivate the seeds that grow into Knowledge and Wisdom.

What kept me away from actually doing anything more than reading and researching ancient rites and theories was a deep seated fear instilled in me by our Western Christian culture, carried over and reinforced by my Father who didn't believe and my Mother who saw such possibilities with her own eye's but was horrified by what she didn't quite understand. Who can blame her, knowing that she grew up suffering the constrictions of Catholic school. We all were influenced by a gross misunderstanding of things of a mystical nature(the Work of Satan).

It was only as I grew and matured through an exploration of the world around me that I began to appreciate the occult sciences as a tool to bring us into harmony with Nature and into Union with the Divine. Then I began to regret that I hadn't practiced what I found here and there from the onset of opportunity, but I accept that perhaps then was not the time. Perhaps I wasn't ready and would not have recognized the many pitfalls and distractions so abundant in the old books and manuscripts, but the only way to know is to engage in a sincere and dedicated practice now and see where it leads.

So it's with deep gratitude that I set out to endure through this system laid out by Bardon, starting at the most appropriate place, the beginning, The Magician.

"I.I.H." Forward:

Reading the Forward to "I.I.H." by Otti Votavova is a little like looking into a mirror. I have in fact spent no small amount of time acquiring and reading occult books and manuscripts from many eras. Bits and pieces of philosophies I've contemplated and many techniques I've tested out. Some once or twice before realizing an essential step must be out of sequence or missing all together, like those systems which insist you must master astral projection before practicing the taking up asanas or pranayama. Surely gaining proficiency at seated meditation or raising the "life force" contributes to the ability to project oneself consciously. (I've found through repeated experimentation that spending some time stimulating the chakras and circulating the vital energy definitely contributes to the occurrence of spontaneous "out of body experiences"). After awhile it seems obvious that some well intending adept misordered the sequence of events in their favorite training method to keep us dabblers at bay and preserve the coveted practice for their own initiates, Others techniques I've spent long hours on and continued to employ to this day. For example, simple tranquility meditation and focus meditation( the foundations of traditional Buddhist practice), and some exercises to raise and circulate the vital life force.

But with every technique or philosophy there seemed to be missing a comprehensive method. Or at least a method that is practicable without an extensive entourage or over elaborate rites. So to hear Ottis' promise of an exhaustive system put forth in plain language is both bittersweet and irresistible. I can't help being apprehensive, especially after reading her larger than life account of Bardon in "Frabato" in which she literally idolizes the man(though I commend her obvious love for and devotion to her teacher). But after skimming through Bardons' three training manuals, I'm convinced enough that he seems to lay out a fairly thorough system in an intelligible enough manner that I'm willing to commit myself to seeing it through.

Rending The Veil: Day 1

Well it's the first day of delving into Franz Bardons' "Initiation Into Hermetics".


I know full well I'm not the first, won't be the last, nor do I expect to be the best. I don't intend this BLOG to be an instructional manual as I don't presume to be an authority on the subject. This is simply a personal journal recording my own experiences. I won't spend much effort trying to explain Bardons' lessons or exercises but I will, where possible, offer links to the necessary texts so you can instruct yourself. I'm assuming for the most part that any interested reader is already familiar with Hermetics or has the ability to seek out resources for themselves.

If you happen to be well steeped in Hermetic philosophy and practice then please excuse my ignorance and consider yourself invited to offer constructive criticism and encouragement. That's one major reason I decided to post this journal for all to see.

Bardon attempted to expound the Mystical Path by describing the Occult lessons hidden in plain view in each of the first five cards of the Tarot. Knowing since childhood that the Tarot veiled an understanding of spiritual progress, this idea excited me instantly. His first book offers a key to unlock The Magician, his second opens The High Priestess and his third The Empress. As The Fool marks the beginning of the Journey, and some argue the end as well, I chose this image to represent myself in this process. When the day comes that I feel I've sufficiently digested Bardons' first book, I'll assume The Magician for my profile as a badge of achievement.


If you care to read and follow along, here's the address to Bardons' 1st book that I'll be working through.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/301820/Initiation-into-Hermetics-by-Franz-Bardon


I'm excited to be beginning something that I've always starved for. Training myself, or being trained to unfold a higher spiritual nature. But I'm also a little overwhelmed by the seeming complexity and newness of it all. I'll try to maintain the "Middle Path" of moderation of effort and emotion. Something I learned from time spent in the Wat(temple).

The first day's only just begun. Much more on the first lesson and exercises later.