"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.