PROBATIONER GRADE: ADDITIONAL MEDITATIONS
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Herein follows two sets of introductory yogic exercises
necessary to properly introduce the Probationer to the art of
self-discipline that eventually leads to self-realization. These
exercises should be worked through in conjunction with the study
and exercises included in Liber IV (Part 1) with any results or
lack thereof duly recorded.
Exercise One
Let the Probationer diligently attempt the practice of Asana
(Liber IV, Part 1, Chapter I) and thereby acquire an
understanding as to the difficulties of the body, and having
achieved some small success with thy Asana, which is required
for this exercise.
Let the Probationer reproduce or draw the seven lotus flowers
into the Magick Record, putting only one flower on the front of
a page and leaving the back of the page blank.
Let the Probationer assume a seated posture, ensuring the
straightness of the spine and thereby aligning the middle
pillar, placing the image of Muladhara at eye level, not more
than three feet from the body, with sufficient lighting to see
the details of the image.
Let thy focus be constant until the image is burned into the
mind, then the eyes close retaining the image with perfect
clarity.
Let the mental image be placed at the appropriate location and
let this placing awaken the chakra.
Let the whole of the energy within the body and from the inhaled
breath, flow to the Muladhara Chakra until it whirls with the ‘blazing
flame’ (The whirling energy creates an unmistakable
psychological heat and this transcendental heat has been given
many names, including: spiritual fire, non–heat, psychic
heat, flaming breath, etc. – the message being communicated
is ‘heat felt by the divine body’).
Let the same exercise be repeated for each chakra, one chakra
per day (Muladhara is followed by Svadisthana, Manipura,
Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajina, then finishing with Sahasrara)
placing them into their appropriate bodily locations.
On the eighth day, let the chakras be awakened and flamed,
without using the images, starting at the base, working up to
the crown.
Let the results be duly and accurately recorded for at least
three days. The record should include any extreme or unusual
changes to the general state of the Probationer both physically
and psychologically.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer diligently attempt the practices of
Pranayama (Liber IV, Part 1, Chapter II) and thereby acquire an
understanding as to the flow of energy through the body and its
connection with the breath, and having achieved some small
success with pranayama, which is required for this exercise.
Let the Probationer acquire a hand-drum, which should easily sit
in the gap of the legs while sitting in the lotus position.
Let the Probationer strike ten beats on the drum while inhaling
deeply through the nose. Holding the breath for five strikes.
Releasing the breath for ten strikes. Let this continue for one
hour.
When the 10–5–10 breath-count is accomplished with ease, other
counts should be attempted.
The benefits become obvious as the smallest success is gained.
The affects of this exercise upon the Probationer vary greatly
and should be diligently and accurately recorded in the Magick
Journal. |
Herein follows the introductory
meditations necessary to properly introduce the
Probationer to the understanding and training required
before proceeding to the next grade These exercises
should be worked through in conjunction with the study
and exercises included in Liber IX, Liber VI (Chapter 5
& 6) and Liber CMXIII with any results or lack thereof
duly recorded.
There are three principle methods the Probationer should
know and have made some progress with, these are Soul
Gaze, Eye of the Beholder, and Vibrations, which will
now be dealt with. |
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Soul Gaze |
Exercise One
Let the Probationer acquire a mirror,
large enough to see the whole body when in a seated asana, and
place it on a blank wall.
Let the lighting from lamp or candles
radiate from behind and beside the Probationer and, preferably,
the source of the light should not be visible in the mirror.
Let the incense be strong, but the
smoke thin or let the scent be cast from vapors. Sandalwood or
Lotus is preferable. Changing the scent will change the results.
It is therefore advised to, if the need is visible, adapt the
scent and target the exercise.
Let the Probationer be seated in thy
asana facing the mirror, and let the distance be no more than
three feet.
Let a timer be set to ring an alarm
in thirty minutes.
Let the full visual concentration
find and hold the left eye reflected in the mirror, and let not
the almost instant rebellion of the mind distract the focus. If
the focus is lost, reapply thyself without hesitation until the
alarm sounds.
Let this exercise be repeated on a
different day choosing the right eye, and let these be evenly
alternated each time this exercise is repeated.
Let the record of the meditation
include the number of times focus was broken and the time
required to refocus.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer find a partner,
one with a strong constitution and some courage, to act in place
of the mirror.
Let the lighting from lamp or candles
radiate from beside the Probationer and partner with the source
of the light not being visible.
Let the incense be strong, but the
smoke thin or the scent cast from vapors. Sandalwood or Lavender
is preferable.
Let the Probationer assume a suitable
seated asana facing his or her partner, and let the distant
between them be no more than three feet.
Let a timer be set to ring an alarm
in thirty minutes.
Let the full visual concentration
find and hold the left eye of the partner, and let not the
almost instant rebellion of the mind distract the focus. If the
focus is lost, reapply thyself without hesitation until the
alarm sounds.
If this exercise is repeated with the
same partner, alternate between the left and right eye. |
Eye of the Beholder |
Exercise One
Let the Probationer find or make an appropriate time to maintain
three days of silence, understanding that no benefit will be
gained if the three days does not include interaction with other
people. People known and likely to be interacting with the
Probationer should be informed of the exercise before it begins.
Let this exercise not be undertaken during a period of work, but
rather at any other time, and let the time be spent proceeding
as would be considered normal and not altering the Probationer’s
typical endeavors.
Let the Probationer immediately end the exercise if speech is
uttered and let the exercise be commenced on a different
occasion.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer remove the words ‘I’ and ‘no’ from his or
her speech for three days and nights.
Let the Probationer devise a humiliating or painful punishment
for each offense, and let the punishment be administered
instantly following the offense without explanation.
Let the method of punishment and the record of offenses be duly
and accurately recorded in the Magick Journal..
Exercise Three
Let the Probationer eliminate all emotions from environmental
events, see nothing that transpires as either good or bad, for
three days. Whether late for an appointment, a missed
opportunity, material gain, any type of accident, or any other
event, reacting and dealing with all situations, but without the
benefit or deficit of anger, pride, joy, or any other emotion.
Most importantly, let the journal carefully record any emotional
reactions, including the type of emotions, as the type of
emotional reaction is a clear indicator of inner balance or lack
thereof. |
Vibrations |
Exercise One
Let the Probationer find an old tree, preferably one with unique
features or a tree that holds a fascination of some sort, and
rest in a chosen asana facing the tree, ensuring the complete
tree is in view.
Let the focus be the relative center of the tree and let the
focus on the physical allow the mind to first clear then become
receptive.
Let the Probationer note the visual changes, especially those
occurring around the visible edges of the tree.
If the mind is open and receptive, the Probationer may acquire
the ‘scent’ of the tree. Complete success will allow the
Probationer to feel what the tree feels and become attuned to
the current state of the tree, including a perception of its
history.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer find an outside area, covered in grass with
rich soil beneath, then lie down flat on his or her back with
palms facing downward and resting on the grass.
Let the Probationer close their eyes and let the breath be slow
and deep.
Let the body become heavy and sink into the earth.
Let the Probationer dwell in the ground, just beneath the
surface until returning to the sense of self.
Let the record take special note of the feelings experienced
during the meditation.
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