MAGICK 5 -- CHAKRAS AND MEDITATION

 ** MAGICK 5 -- CHAKRAS AND MEDITATION **

        According to East Indian philosophy, man possesses seven

major *chakras* or psychic centers on his body. Each of these

forms a bridge, link, or energy transformer; changing pure

(higher) energy into various forms, and connecting the four

bodies (ie. spiritual, mental, astral, and physical) together.

The chakras are located along the nadies (a network of psychic

nerves or channels) and follow the autonomic nervous system

along the spinal cord. Chakras correlate with major acupuncture

points along the 'governing vessel meridian' (acupuncture term).

The seven major chakras are connected together by three major

nadies which are parallel and near each other. The middle nadi

is called *sushumna* and it has neutral characteristics. The

nadi on the left (ie. nearest your left hand) is the *ida* nadi

which has yin characteristics. On the other side of sushumna

(nearest your right hand) is the *pingala* nadi, having yang

qualities. 

        Chakras are visible to clairvoyant sight as varously

colored rotating circles or funnels. In the East they are

described as petaled flowers or lotuses. Sources disagree on the

colors.

        The first chakra, located at the base of the spine at

the perineum is the *root chakra*, muladhara. It primarily

relates to the element of earth and to psychic smell.

        The second chakra, known as the *sacral center*,

svadhisthana, is located above and behind the genitals. Its

dominant element is water, and it is related to psychic taste.

        Third of the chakras is the *solar plexus*, manipura,

located at the navel and corresponding with the emotions and

with the element of fire; also with psychic sight

(clairvoyance). 

        The *heart chakra*, anahata, is the fourth chakra,

located over the heart and corresponding with the element of

air, and also with psychic touch.

        The fifth chakra is the *throat chakra*, vishuddha,

located at the base of the throat (thyroid) and corresponding

with psychic hearing (clairaudience).

        The remaining two chakras are very important. They

relate mostly to elevated states of consciousness. The *frontal

chakra*, (or 'third eye') ajna, the sixth chakra, is located

between, and slightly above, the eyebrows. Ajna is the center of

psychic powers and can produce many psychic effects. Meditation

on ajna is said to cure nervousness.

        Finally, the *crown chakra*, sahasrara, located atop the

head, (pineal gland) is the seventh chakra. It is referred to as

the thousand-petaled lotus and corresponds with astral

projection and enlightenment.

        There are also many minor chakras throughout the body.

Each chakra has a sound (letter) and a pitch which is sometimes

used to invoke it.

THE TATTVAS

        Some occultists prefer to describe the magical elements

as tattvas according to the Eastern system. Notice that these

symbols and colors are generally different than the western

symbols and colors for the elements.

element             tattva              tattvic symbol

=======             ======              ==============

earth               prithivi            yellow square

water               apas                silver crescent

fire                tejas               red triangle

air                 vayu                blue circle

(spirit)            akasa               black oval

YOGA

        Yoga originated in India. It is a physical or mental

discipline designed to condition and invigorate the mind and

body. There are many kinds of yoga, but they may be generally

divided into three main types...

        Hatha yoga -- affect the mind through the body using

physical exercises; improve physical health and endurance.

        Raja yoga -- affect the mind through mental training;

improve concentration.

        Mantra yoga -- affect the mind through chanting and

affirmation; achieve relaxation.

MEDITATION

        This is a much touted area of the occult. There are many

meditation techniques, and many claims made for the benefits of

meditation. Basicly, meditation has two functions -- relaxation,

and perhaps, improved concentration. There are two main types...

        1) concentration meditation (focusing),

        2) insight meditation (mindfullness).

Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative type. One simply

focuses his attention upon a single physical object (such as a

candle flame); upon a sensation (such as that felt while walking

or breathing); upon an emotion (such as reverence or love); upon

a mantra spoken aloud or even silently; or upon a visualization

(as in chakra meditation, see below)...Concentration meditation

is, simply put, a form of self-hypnosis.

        A mantra (or mantrum) is one or more words or syllables

which are repeated -- often chanted -- aloud...A simple yet

powerful mantra is to vibrate the mystical word 'OM'. This

mantra has long been associated in India with the godhead/unity.

Use it to aid in tuning into universal vibrations which promote

feelings of harmony, peace, and well-being. Use it before magick

ritual to 'get into the mood' and afterward to 'dismiss the

forces'. You vibrate a mantra by saying it slowly aloud in a

lower-pitched voice than your normal speech, and a more or less

constant pitch as well. Let the sound fade at the end of the

mantra. A powerful one such as 'OM' will seem to vibrate the air

around you. It should be vocalized for 5-10 seconds and repeated

a number of times with a few seconds rest between each

vocalization. Chanting of mantras may cause slight dizziness

from hyperventilation.

        The other main type of meditaiton -- insight meditation

-- is the analysis of thoughts and feelings in such a way as to

cause realization of the subjectivity and illusion of

experience. This is done in a effort to attain trancendental

awareness. Such statements as, 'This body is not me', fall under

this category. Buddhist meditations are usually of this type.

CHAKRA MEDITATION

        There is a special type of concentrative meditation

which we will call 'Chakra meditation'. This is basicly

Kundalini yoga -- the practice of causing psychic energy

(kundalini) to flow up sushumna, energizing the various

chakras along the way. The practice, considered dangerous by

some, will produce deffinite physiological sensations and

psychological effects if continued long enough. It should not

be attempted by epileptics or persons with an unstable mental

or physical condition, or with heart disease. Certain drugs and

medications, such as those used to treat epilepsy may retard

progress. Although the technique is very simple, it may

eventually produce powerful results. Results may at first appear

hours after the practice during sleep. As each chakra is

energized by this practice, it is said to add occult powers

(sidhis), until at last the crown chakra is reached, and with

it, full enlightenment is attained. Sometimes kundalini awakens

all by itself.

        To practice this chakra meditation, you simply

concentrate on the chakras, beginning with the root chakra, and

moving progressively up, as you visualize psychic energy from

the root chakra traveling up shushumna and vivifying each higher

chakra. As we mentioned the chakras have certain properties

associated with them, so that this type of visualization may

'raise consciousness', promote astral projection, and other

things -- once you have reached ajna and eventually the crown

chakra. You might typically meditate in this fashion for 15

minutes to a half hour a day. It might help to practice some

hatha yoga or other physical exercise in an effort to make the

spinal cord 'more flexible'. Diet may also affect the process.

The technique is also similar to the Tibetan 'Tummo' meditation.

The rise of kundalini is sometimes experienced as a 'vibration'

or buzzing, as light, or as heat. 

HEALTH AND DIET

        Certainly the way you treat your physical body will

affect your mind. In magick you want an alert mind. Therefore,

your body must be as healthy as you can keep it. Take care of

your body. Exercise regularly. eat a good diet (with vitamin

supplements), and do not consume anything which will have a

negative effect upon the mind. Drugs, smoking,, and alcohol

should be restricted, or eliminated. (The mind can create any

condition which a drug can create.) A good rule here is

moderation in what and how much you consume. (Most of this stuff

is pretty obvious isn't it.) You may also want to cut down on

sugar and processed foods. Many occultists advise dietary

changes, expecially the non-eating of meat. We cannot deny the

physical, psychological, and spiritual effect which all foods

have. This effect may be described as the 'heaviness' factor of

foods. Various foods are so ranked in the chart, lighter to

heavier...

        1.  lettuce and other greens.

        2.  fruits and most vegetables.

        3.  wheat, rice, and other grains.

        4.  nuts, beans, and other legumes.

        5.  cheese, dairy products, including eggs.

        6.  fish, seafood.

        7.  chicken, poultry.

        8.  beef, pork, other red meats.

Note that meats, especially red meats are the 'heaviest' foods.

Generally, foods which are harder to digest, or which are higher

in protein are 'heavier' than those which are not. Animal

products are heavier than plants. Foods high in carbohydrate

(candy, bread, starch) are heavy. However, the 'heaviness' of

foods is not directly related to the amount of caleries. 

        What this means is that for various reasons, the

heaviness of food in your diet will affect your magical

experiences. You may be able to increase your psychic

receptivity ('energy level') by eating lighter foods, or by

eating less. Conversely, emphasizing heavy foods in your diet,

or eating larger helpings, may help to 'bring you down to earth'

should you 'rent the veil' too much. These are generalizations,

of course, and it may take a number of days of dietary change

before you notice much effect. I do not advocate radical dietary

changes, excessive fasting, or malnutrition. Your good health is

far more important in magick than any temporary effect you get

from prolonged starvation. A change in diet will sometimes only

produce a temporary effect, until the physical body adapts to

the change. Healthy natural foods and lifestyle make it easier

for us to be healthy, but ultimately, good health is a mentual

quality (attitude).

THE FOUR-FOLD BREATH

        With physical exercise too, moderation is advised.

(You should be cautious, or not attempt it if you have a

respiratory or heart condition. Check with your physician if in

doubt, and don't overdo.) One of the most useful physical

exercises is pranayama, or controlled breathing (actually a type

of hatha yoga exercise). For this and any other calesthentics or

hatha yoga which you might choose to do a 'kitchen timer' is

suggested (many of these aren't accurate for under three

minutes, but are helpful for longer periods).

        The main purpose of pranayama is to relax the body and

mind. There are many kinds of pranayama, but a simple one called

the 'four-fold breath' will suffice. This consists of four short

quick inhallations, then four short quick exhallations; then

repeat, continuing until the allotted time is used up. It will

take about 1 1/2 seconds for the four inhallations, and about

1 1/2 seconds for the four exhallations; or about 3 seconds for

the complete in-out cycle ('rep' for repetition). There should

be no strain of any kind during your pranayama. You will

probably notice a slight dizziness, particularly at first, since

the effect of pranayama is to hyperventilate. Try sitting back

in a chair with your eyes closed when you do your pranayama.

Begin a minute a day for the first week and gradually increase

up to about five minutes a day. If you do the pranayama befor

your magical activity, it will help you to get 'into the mood'.

It is also an excellent aid to relaxation and tension release.

Pranayama should not be done during heavy air pollution. Other

exercises you might consider are hatha yoga, calesthentics,

walking or jogging.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What is a chakra? List them.

2) Name the three major nadies. Which nadi is hot?

3) What is pranayama?

BOOK LIST

Arthur Diekman, The Observing Self.

W.Y. Evans-Wentz, Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines.

Sandra Gibson, Beyond the Mind.

King and Skinner, Techniques of High Magic.

Swami Sivananda, Kundalini Yoga.

John Woodroffe (pseud. for Arthur Avalon), The Serpent Power.

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Phil Hansford, 11/86

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