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Secret Fire: The Relationship Between Kundalini, Kabbalah, and Alchemy http://www.hermetic.com/stavish/essays/secret-fire.html
Secret Fire: The Relationship Between

Kundalini, Kabbalah, and Alchemy
by Mark Stavish, M.A.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright Mark Stavish 1997.

11 March 1997
Foreword
The following exercises are designed to assist in freeing the most potent energy known to humanity and
resident in creation. They are not designed for someone with little or no esoteric experience. In general,
it would be advisable to have at lest one to two years of practical, daily experience with the Middle Pillar
and/or Pentagram Rituals; in addition, an equal amount of time with the Hexagram Rituals. Several
working of the 32nd through 24th Paths on the Tree of Life would also be desirable[1], and regular
practice of once a week or so of “Rising on the Planes”[2]. Common sense, a willingness to “Make haste
slowly”, and a balanced lifestyle may be the best protection against any unpleasant side effects of these,
or other, esoteric practices[3]. It is very important that you keep a diary of your practices and
experiences with the exercises given.
The amount of time it will take to experience the Secret Fire is unknown, although preparation is the
best guarantee of success. The amount of time given to each exercise should not exceed more than 15 or
20 minutes in the beginning, and then 30 or 45 minutes after the first half year or so. It is also strongly
advised that anyone undertaking these exercises also maintain a regular, daily usage of spagyric
tinctures for each of the planetary qualities of the day it is used. This additional, slow, and methodical
cleansing of the subtle psychic channels will aid in relieving some of side-effects of esoteric work. The
nightly application of “Dream Yoga” is also suggested, as this will attune the student to the qualities of
the day while sleeping, aid in interior contacts, and may shed light on particular problems of the
Work.[4]
While this may seem like a lot of work, it is not. Tinctures are fairly easy to make, all that is required is
their regular use. This takes no more time than swallowing a vitamin. Dream yoga is done as we are
falling asleep anyhow, no additional time required for this either. What is does take is regularity,
commitment, and perseverance. Qualities that assure, albeit confer, adepthood. Best of luck in your
practices. In the Bonds of Esotericism,
Ora et labora,
Mark Stavish
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
April 1997
Introduction
In the Western esoteric practices there is an apparent knowledge gap regarding the role of esoteric
practices and their effects on the subtle, and not so subtle, bodies of practitioners. In the East, all
practices, whether designated as such or not, are designed to awaken the semi-dormant energy resident
in all creation, and ‘living beings’ in particular. This energy is known as “Kundalini”, “The Serpent Fire”,
and the “Dragon” depending on tradition. Extreme care has been taken, despite contradictions between
systems, to chart the effects of exercises on this latent energy, and how it ‘flows’ through the physical,
emotional, and psychic body, at what stages, and in relation to which exercises. Such a detailed analysis
is lacking in modern Western estotericism.
For modern kabbalists, the most common introduction to ceremonial magic is through the Lesser Ritual
of the Pentagram and the Middle Pillar Exercise. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to show how this,
and related exercise can stimulate the Secret Fire, and to suggest exercises for its regulation by esoteric
students who are engaged in a Hermetic path, such as general studies or alchemy, who may have
experienced its awakening and are in need of simple and direct exercises for its regulation.
Theoretical Background
The majority of modern esoteric students are familiar with the Middle Pillar exercise, as such, it will be
the fundamental basis for much of this article. In addition, the Sepher Yetzirah, and a limited number of
alchemical references will be made.
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The basis of kabbalah is that through increasing levels of density, humanity came into its present state of
physical incarnation and psychic evolution. Through rituals, exercises, and meditations, the energy
latent in creation generally, and the body of the practitioner in particular, can be “awakened”, purified,
and directed. This energy can then be used for spiritual development, psychic expansion, or physical
health and improvement.
Creation - “In the Beginning …”
Creation is seen to have taken place, in Western kabbalistic and alchemical terms, in the following
process.
The Divine mind of God, the Absolute, or in Hebrew the Ain Soph Aur (Limitless Light), through a series
of expansions and contractions establishes the boundaries of Creation. The first world is the most subtle,
and closest to the original state of non-existence, and is Atzilooth. This is called the world of Fire,
because of the lively, undefined, and almost uncontrollable nature of fire. Next is Briah, or the World of
Archetypes and forms as our human mind can grasp them. It is symbolized as the World of Air, and is
the result as a barrier world that is formed by the creation of the next World, Yetzirah, or Water. This is
the highly psychic and emotionally charged world immediately behind the veil of material existence, or
Assiah. Also known as the World of Earth, because of the solid, concrete nature of material life.
The purpose of this scheme, is to show that creation occurs in increasingly dense levels of energy-matter,
from the most subtle, or Fire, to the most dense, or Earth. Within this context of increasing density,
there also arises a series of ten planes or levels of consciousness which combines with energy-matter,
known as Sepheroth, or spheres of being. They occur in a pattern of: unity, reflection, polarity,
reflection, polarity, unity, reflection, polarity, unity, and finally materialization. This basic idea of
unity-polarity-and re-harmonizing, is the basis of kabbalistic and alchemical practices, and is derived
from the observation of Nature.
Each World is a reflection to a denser or more subtle degree than the one before or after it. Each
Sepheroth is a reflection, in part, of what proceeds or follows it. However, since each reflection is only
partial, or slightly distorted, each Sphere takes on its own unique characteristics. Only the so-called
“Middle Four Sphereoth” have the ability to harmonize or reflect in total all of the energies of creation,
on some level.
This ‘zigzag’ of Creation is called the “Lightning Flash”. The return of energy from dense matter, back
through the various stages, Sepherith, and Worlds of Creation is known as the “Path of the Serpent”
because of its reverse, or complimentary ‘zigzag’ nature back up this diagram called the Tree of Life.
For the alchemist, somewhere between the third and fourth level, or sphere of creation, energy takes on
the characteristic that will allow for the formation of matter at some future state, or level ten. This
energy is called Prima Materia, Chaos in the Bible, Spiritus Mundi (Spirit of the Earth), and others.
Here, duality is made complete, and genuine polarity exists, as opposed to simple the potential, or idea,
of polarity that had existed previously. Energy is divided into active and passive modes, with the active
energy constituting the energies of life, and the passive one the energy of matter. In “The Golden Chain
of Homer”, the active energy is called Niter and the passive energy is called Salt.
The energy of Life manifests in two forms, Fire and Air. While both are predominately active in nature,
fire is the more active of the two, with Air being slightly passive because of the partial Water Element in
its makeup. Potential Matter manifests its energy as Water and Earth. These Elements have nothing to
do with the material bodies of the same name, and as such are capitalized and called “Elemental” to
distinguish them from the earth we walk on, water we drink, air we breath, and fire we cook with. They
are in fact, energetic states, each with their own unique characteristics, as well as each of the previously
mentioned ten levels of consciousness within them. The Elements also have preferred ways of
interacting with each other, to form the Three Principles of alchemy. There are in fact, forty different
ways energy-matter-consciousness can manifest in our world.
The Three Essentials are the alchemical principles of Sulpher, Mercury, and Salt. Like the “Elements”
these principle concepts are to be thought of a “Philosophical” and not literally as chemical elements or
compounds. The Alchemical Sulphur, or Soul, of a things predominates in the animating principles of
energy (Fire) and intelligence (Air); Alchemical Salt, or the physical body of a thing, predominates in
unconscious forces, psychic, and instinctual intelligence (Water) and solid matter (Earth); Alchemical
Mercury, or general life force, predominates in intelligence (Air) and instinctual forces, and psychic
energy (Water), as such it is the link, or bridge, between the higher forces of Sulphur and the lower body
of matter.
In the mineral realm the dominant energy is that of Earth, a little Water, and very little Air or Fire. In
the vegetable realm, the dominant energy is Water and Air, but little Fire and Earth. In the animal
realm, the dominant force element is Fire, then Air, but little Earth. These qualities need to be
understood as they have been defined for the following information to be of any use to the practicing, or
aspiring, Hermeticist. For example, using the above definitions, we can say that the plant realm has an
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abundance of instinctual energy (Water) and intelligence, i.e. a specific function (Air), but little direct
energy (Fire), as this is received passively from the sun; and little hard, physical, matter (Earth).
In the East as in the West, the idea of principle Elements and Philosophic Principles are expressed in
more or less the same manner. This original undifferentiated energy from creation is often called in
Indian philosophy, and modern occult, and New Age circles, as akasha, or Spirit. However, akasha,
consists of two (2) aspects, one active as we have noted, Niter, and the other passive, Salt. The energies
of Niter are also referred to as the force of Kundalini, or spiritual forces. In alchemy, this is the Secret
Fire. To the Salt, belongs the force of Prana, or Vital Energy.
The function of the Vital energy is to maintain physical life forms and existence. It is completely
instinctual and unconscious and is heavily influenced by cosmic cycles, astrological pulses, and other
natural phenomena. The function of the Secret Fire is to increase in humanity, the only place where it is
present, its sense of self, or “I”. At the lowest level or functioning, this is the ego, at its highest, it is
Divinity incarnate, as both are two sides of the same coin. One is ‘self’ in relation to the physical world
and others; the other is ‘self’ in relationship to all of Creation and as a co-creator.
In the vast majority of humanity, this Secret Fire, or liberating energy of self-consciousness, lies
dormant, asleep at the base of the spine, coiled like a serpent. Only a small amount manages to escape,
reaching a sepherothic level, or so-called chakra, thus creating a loci of consciousness for each person. If
it reaches the top of the skull, and beyond, a spiritual awakening can occur, allowing for a descent and
re-ascent of the energy, during which the psychic centers can be awakened allowing for the
manifestation of psychic powers and related phenomena.
The Secret Fire ascends as a result of a temporary weakening of the Vital Energy in the physical body.
This is why so many spiritual awakenings take place under great physical stress, times of illness, or
near-death-experiences. When the Secret Fire will ascend through the various psychic-physical currents
causing it to be enveloped in a sphere of luminous light.
The experiencing of the Secret Fire, as a result of the suppression of the physical body’s Vital Energy, can
create condition which manifests in various forms:
-Some perceive the bright light as an angel, their Higher Self, or “Holy Guardian Angel”, others as a
spiritual teacher.
-Astral projection may result, along with perception of the immediate surroundings.
-Uncontrolled physical movements may also result, typical of so-called ‘kundalini phenomena’: shaking,
rapid breathing, swinging of the torso, uncontrolled giddiness, and sitting straight upright in the
Pharonic position.
After a period of time, the energy will descend, and return to the base of the spine.
The effects of this awakening will take some time for the consciousness of the individual to adjust to, and
not limited to the ‘non-physical’ realms. The physical body, although to a lesser degree, is also changed
and improved in functioning, constituting a genuine “re-birth’ on several levels. However, it is up to the
mind, or sense of “I”, of the individual, to cooperate with this influx of power if more permanent changes
in consciousness are to be made.
As we can see, the concept of kundalini, or the Secret Fire, is linked to two polar concepts: that of the
undifferentiated creative energy, and the second, as the seed of this energy locked on each cell of
material creation, and focused in humanity at the base of the spine.
When this energy rises as a result of psychic experiences, and not because the physical weakness, can
cause the Vital Energy of the body to be concentrated on various areas of the body, creating physical and
psychic disturbances. If the energy becomes concentrated in the head, it can create the illusion of a
spiritual awakening, as well as the well known “hot and cold” flashes, or currents, up and down the
spine. The effects of the Secret Fire however, and not its re-distributive effects on the Vital Energy, can
create the following phenomena:
Intense pains suggestive of an illness

Crawling sensations of ants or small bugs over the skin, as well as a ‘jumping’ sensation of the
energy
A feeling of crystal clear calmness and tranquillity, rise from center to center to the top of the
head
Ascending in the famous ‘zigzag’ or Rising Serpent pattern
The energy can skip a center or two
The energy can reach the top of the head in a flash of light
The character attributes of both positive and negative are exaggerated and sexual power is
increased.
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If the energy rises to the top of the head, then it becomes possible to work directly on the Vital Energy
within the body, and use it, as a means of enhancing the psychic experience and spiritual awakening.
In short, the psychic centers must first be awakened by the Secret Fire and purified, before the energy of
the physical body, can be concentrated upon them.
Thus, our psychic exercises, and esoteric meditations are designed to prepare our minds, bodies, and
consciousness for the liberation of the Secret Fire buried deep inside us. Through a progressive cleansing
of the blood, nervous system, and endocrine glands, the ‘chains’ of the Vital Energy upon the Secret Fire
are reduced and eliminated, allowing the ever present power and energy, a veritable pressure waiting to
be released, to spring into action. Thus, the Serpent doesn’t really sleep, it is we who are asleep to its
presence and potential blessing.
The Secret Fire and the Sepheroth
“So he drove out the man: and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming
sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the Tree of Life.” Genesis 3:24
The use of the “Tree of Life” has been both a blessing and a curse for modern esotericism. When
understood, the “Tree” offers a complete and working model of Creation on both the microcosmic and
macrocosmic scales. However, where many fail is on the personal level. The ability to apply the often
very general information of the Tree to personal experiences of the initiate when they deal with
physiological phenomena is profoundly lacking in modern esoteric circles. The reasons for this are
several: First, many modern esotericists simply repeat what they have learned without experiencing
whether or not it is true on a personal level; second, the language of kabbalah is multi-leveled, with the
same word having several meanings, thus many who are using the words don’t know what they actually
mean, or on what level it may be interpreted; thirdly, the diagram of the Tree is simply too neat and
compartmentalized. Many kabbalists are unable to adapt to the fact that interior reality is much more
flexible than the Tree allows when applied to the two dimensional page or illustration.
These problems are farther complicated by the idea of “One Tree” but “Four Worlds” making much
meaningful, practical information nearly impossible to come by regarding the crises of spiritual
awakening and so-called Kundalini phenomena as it relates to kabbalistic practices. When compared to
the clear and explicit information available from Taoist and Tantrik sources, it is no wonder that so
many Americans and Europeans prefer those systems to those more culturally and historically related.
To help resolve these problems in the transmission of knowledge, only information that has a
relationship to experience of the author or others he has discussed this topic with will be included here.
Theory will be stated as theory, and experience as experience. The meaning of common kabbalistic
words will be defined, and redefined, to keep the communication clear and direct. An extensive use of
confusing and somewhat irrelevant god-forms, references to mythology, and cosmology unconnected to
the personal experience will be avoided.
Arousing the Sleeping Serpent
“Just as Moses lifted up the flaming serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that all
who believe may have eternal life in him.” John 3:14-15
The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram is often the first ritual learned by aspiring magicians. Its function is
to teach the basic mechanics of solitary ritual, and to give a basic technique whereby destructive energies
maybe repelled or dispersed from the sphere of influence of the operator. The symbols used in the ritual
are fundamental to other rituals of a more complex nature, however, to disregard the Lesser Ritual as
somehow less effective is a mistake. A ritual, no matter how simple or complex is only as effective as the
skill of its operator. Repeated use of the LRP is can be more effective than incompetent or irregular use
of more sophisticated rites.
In total, there are approximately six fundamental rituals used in Western occultism reflecting an
influence of The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: 1) the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram 2) the
Supreme Ritual of the Pentagram 3) the Lesser Ritual of the Hexegram 4) the Greater Ritual of the
Hexegram and 5) the Rose+Cross Ritual. The use of The Flashing Sword appears to be irregular,
however it will also be considered along with its companion exercise or, The Rising Serpent.
Within these, the use of the Middle Pillar is optional, it is however, the Middle Pillar Exercise which does
the most to purify the bodily energies, or Vital Energy, and make pathways for the release of the Secret
Fire.
The Middle Pillar
“I will make the victor a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out no more: and I will write
upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which
cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” Revelations 3:12
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Several variations of the Middle Pillar Exercise exist, however their fundamentals remain the same.
Whether or not one uses the Elements as suggested by Regardie in “True Art of Healing” or the
Sepherothic/planetary correspondences as he later suggests (and is most commonly used) in his book
“The Middle Pillar” is irrelevant. The methods used by the Arum Solis will also be considered as an
alternative exercise.
The theoretical basis of the Middle Pillar is that through imagination, breath, and concentration, the
psychic energy of creation, here principally Yetzirah, can be directed allowing for a purification of the
Vital Energy that holds the Secret Fire in check. As our psychic centers are cleansed of emotional, moral,
and materialistic residue, they better reflect the cosmic energy that works through them. Through its
pre-described pattern of circulating the energy, the Middle Pillar assists in smoothing out the edges of
our aura, as well as increasing the flow of energy in general directions, so that the psychic pathways,
both large and small, can be purified and strengthened through an increase of Vital Energy.
The pathways described for the Middle Pillar are circular in nature. They are for the most part large,
clear, and bright, with a reflective quality too them. Regardie says that the psychic spheres should be
imagined like large, clear, brilliant diamonds if no other color is known. Although, in the end, the entire
sphere, or extended aura, of the practitioner should be imagined as a brilliant diamond radiating heat
and light.
The beauty of the Middle Pillar is that it, like many esoteric practices, is really a layered exercise.
Containing an almost infinite amount of flexibility and growth potential. As the practitioner develops in
skill and manipulation of the imagery, the amount of new possibilities increases.
One of central movements of the Middle Pillar is the “Fountain of Light”. Here, the practitioner
imagines a brilliant force of energy forcing its way up through the soles of their feet and out the top of
their head, spraying along the edges of their aura, making it strong and clear of any roughness, and
gathering again at their feet. This cyclic imagery is repeated several times. This key part of the exercise,
is the central part that prepares the central pathways for the eventual release of the Secret Fire. It is also
similar to Eastern practices as seen in Chinese Chi Kung, Indian Tantra, and Tibetan Vajrayana yoga.
This being said, it is also clear that some differences exist between Eastern and Western methods of
releasing the Secret Fire. The methods of direct work on the psychic centers, and an upward climbing of
the spinal column is more traumatic than the more general work of the Middle Pillar. It is for this
reason, that the techniques of yoga, save a few, that are aimed straight away at releasing the Secret Fire,
require supervision of a guru. Being that they so restrict the activities of the practitioner, and require
close supervision, they are also systems that are impractical for day to day life in American and
European culture.
While similarities exist, and will be examined, the major differences appear to be the following:
1) Indian yoga is aimed principally at liberation from the physical realm in as quick a method as
possible. Western esoteric practices are aimed at the perfection of matter and the psyche within the
material world, and not an abandonment of it.
2) Chinese yoga, or Chi Kung, is more akin to Western practices, in that it is aimed at perfection of the
material world, and even the spiritualizing of the body into a “Body of Light”. It however, is more akin to
Indian yoga, in that it starts at level of the etheric body (nadis or acupuncture points) and proceeds from
there. This “from the bottom up, and inside out” approach is different from the Middle Pillars “top
down, outside in” method. Because the etheric body is directly effected early on, the effects are more
dramatic, as well as potentially traumatic for the unprepared. In the Middle Pillar, the etheric body is
often the last thing effected. This is because the symbolism used, as well as the need to develop skills in
concentration, visualization, and meditation effect primarily the mental outlook of the practitioner for a
long period of time. Only after considerable practice, of a year or more, on a daily basis, do the effects of
the Middle Pillar begin to sink into the astral body, and eventually filter into the etheric and physical
bodies of the practitioner. It is stated in one source, that it takes a minimum of three years for even the
most advanced yoga practitioner to release the Kundalini through special exercises. A ‘release’ which we
have stated, is not a release per say, but the removal of obstacles to its natural expression. This is a
critical point, since it is often said that to experience kundalini will often take twenty years of practice of
esoteric exercises, or even Hatha Yoga, the same amount of time it took Nicholas Flamel to confect The
Philosopher’s Stone. During a recent workshop, Jean Dubuis stated that it may be possible to complete
the extremely dangerous Flamel Method in three years. It may be that for the alchemist, the interior
creation of the Philosopher’s Stone is nothing short of the kundalini experience, and the exterior
creation of the Stone is the ability to direct this Cosmic creative energy at will.
3) Tibetan systems run somewhere between the Chinese and Indian, in that they are concerned with
liberation, but also with the creation of an etherial body made from their bodily essences. This Diamond
Body, or Rainbow Body, is pure light and can materialize at the will of the adept. Like the Chinese and
Indian systems, the Tibetan use a rituals for the purification of the mind and emotions of the
practitioners, as well as the visual images in both anthropomorphic deities and abstract geometric
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forms. The Rituals of the Pentagram and Hexagram fulfill this function when performing the Middle
Pillar.
Thus, we can see, the major differences in Eastern and Western practices can be summarized in function
and reference point of origin. The East seeks liberation through progressive untying of the knots of
ignorance that bind humanity to incarnation. The West seeks to perfect the material world making
material reality a reflection of spiritual reality. One accomplished, the adept can then proceed to
dis-incarnate at will. The Western approach seeks to be more active in the world and to transform it,
while the Eastern approach is to see the world as an illusion that is impermanent, and as such, is more
passive. Such philosophies, like all beliefs and cultures, reflect the physical environment of their earliest
origin. In tropical and sub-tropical zones the concern with time is less important that in the Northern
hemisphere where a winter without food stores means death for the community. The cold, harsh
realities of arctic zones produce a different theory and technique, and as such, different ideal (gods) than
agricultural areas. Whether one is a hunter nomad or an established agrarian society is reflective of the
physical landscape they live in, and as such effects values, needs, and spiritual philosophy and
technique.
This is of critical concern whenever one is considering adopting the esoteric practices on another land or
culture. Why did it arise, and under what circumstances? Are those same conditions applicable today,
and in the life of the potential practitioner? In view of current conditions, are the practices being
considered progressive or regressive in nature? That is, are they forward moving, or simply an
idealization of a mythical past ‘golden age’?
Salt, Saturn, Sexual Ecstasy, and Spiritual Bliss
“The heart girt with a serpent is my Name!” Chaldean Oracles
Salt is a symbol of wisdom and learning. Saturn, is associated with Ouroboros, the Great Serpent biting
its tail, symbolic of limitation. As such it is closely allied with the earth, but also all of material creation,
and those things which border on non-being, or Eternity. In one 15th century manuscript, the serpent is
made of two colors, red and green. Red is outside and green is inside. Green, the color of Nature and of
Venus, is the beginning of the Work. Red, the color of the Stone, and Mars, is the end of the Work.
“Sapiens dominabitur astris.” The wise shall exercise dominion over the stars. As we correct the
astrological imbalances (i.e psychic centers or chakras) within ourselves, astrological conditions outside
have less of a negative effect on us. We gain dominion over the ‘stellar’ forces and can “make the sun
shine in our oratory when we will it so.”
The seventeenth century pupil of Jakob Boehme, Gichtel placed the cosmic spiral, or “Wheel of Nature”
within the human body. J.G. Gichtel’s Theosophica Practica, 1898. Saturn is the crown, Jupiter the
brow, Mars the throat, Sun with a serpent around it, the heart, Venus liver, Mercury the spleen, and
Moon the sexual organs, or in straight theosophic decent down the Tree. It is the Heart with a serpent
that attracts our attention. Here he also places the Element of Fire.
Egyptian initiates were also called scarabs because they pushed along the egg of their regeneration.
Mysteria Magica, vol 3 The Magical Philosophy: The brow included in the Middle Pillar (called: Clavis
Rei [1st Formula] The Rousing of the Citadels) and the color scale varies with each center. An additional
use of the rising twin serpents of the Caduceus are included at the end. The brow is attributed to Saturn,
and is said to balance out the Yesod center, as well as add power to the remaining centers in the Middle
Pillar as the Golden Dawn and Aurem Solis present it.
Alchemically, Salt is derived from the union of Elemental Earth and Elemental Water (or Assiah and
Yetzirah), the Secret Fire is ‘hidden’ in the Salt (material body) and represents the unconscious,
instinctual forces that seek release. It is sometimes called “Hellfire” in that if uncontrolled, or poorly
released, it can reek havoc on the body and psyche of the student, via its purifying effects. This is
illustrated by the 31st Path, or Path of Fire, sometimes mistaken for “Purgatory” or “Hell” by the un-
regenerated who pass through this Path after death. This Path is also under the direction of Mercury and
Shin, the symbols of spiritual guidance and evolution. For those interested in Notarikon, Shin shares the
same numerical value, 300, as the Hebrew phrase, “The Spirit of the Living God.”
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I,
whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”
Matthew 3:11
The letter Shin is often used in meditation as a symbol of Divine light, life, love, or presence. It is
imagined above the head, just touching the crown, then inside the head proper (as it is associated with
intelligence and the energy of the nervous system in the Sepher Yetzirah), descending into the heart, and
finally, expanding from there to engulf the meditator in a sea of fire. Because it consists of three flaming
Yods, or tongues, it is sometimes associated with the flaming tongues of Pentecost, and a variety of
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Trinitarian concepts.
Several possible interpretations are available to use regarding this statement: One suggests that John
the Baptist was initiating repentance as well as entrance into the watery world of Yetzirah, but that
Jesus, was offering a path of initiation into the fire of the Soul, or full adepthood. A second
interpretation is that John was offering initiation up the 29th Path, or the Path of Water; while Jesus was
offering the harder and more rigorous Path of Fire, or the 31st Path to his disciples. Neither of these is a
definitive answer, only a modern kabbalistic attempt to understand Scripture in the context of initiatic
practices. The mention of the Holy Spirit is more informative however, as this phrase was adopted by the
Jews during the period of the Babylonian Captivity and represents the origin of Persian and Chaldean
influences on Jewish mystical beliefs.
The term Holy Spirit (Ruach Elohim) is derived from the Zend Avesta, and the phrase, Spenta Mainyu,
or “Holy (Creative) Spirit”. The creative power is implied and not stated in the original, an appears to be
lost in subsequent translations into modern languages via Jewish and Christian traditions. This Spenta
Maiynu is a purifying and regenerating energy and intelligence with a cosmic host of six or seven
intelligence’s at its command.
“It [Spenta Mainyu] is the self-realizing quality or activity of Ahura Mazda (the Good Mind); it is the
self-generating energy that leads to the creation and evolution of the universe. Spenta Mainyu is
dynamic and creation is an ongoing process. For Zoroaster, holiness meant also abundance, growth, and
health. Spenta Mainyu represents the principle of augmentation and development in the universe.” (F.
Mehr, p.29)
This power and their beings comprise the Mathrem, or Mathra, literally, ‘the sacred word of power’,
which is the basis for the development of the practice of mantra in India and “Words of Power” in the
Middle East and Egypt. Manthrem or Mathra is in its own right held to be the supreme mantra from
which all others are derived, in the same fashion as YHVH is the origin of all Hebrew Divine Names.
This is mentioned because in Persia and Babylon, the convergence of what would develop into
semi-independent Eastern and Western esoteric practices is complete. In one respect, it could be said to
be the original home of yoga, kabbalah, alchemy, and magic as we know them. Period art and
architecture shows winged creatures familiar to Jewish and Egyptian tradition, planetary diagrams, an
early version of the Tree of Life, and several variations of the intertwined serpent motif.
The Cosmic Triangle of Fire
“The successful adept must be endowed with a knowledge of the material of the Great Work; also with
faith, silence, purity of heart, and prayerfulness. After passing through the gate surmounted with the
hieroglyph of philosophic mercury he traverses the seven angles of the citadel, representing the chief
operations of the Great Work - calcination, dissolution, purification, introduction into the sealed Vase of
Hermes, transference of the Vase to the Athanor [furnace], coagulation, putrefaction, ceration,
multiplication and projection. And even upon reaching the Petra Philosophalis, he finds it is held in
custody by a formidable dragon.”
Amphitheatrum sapientiae aeternae, Heinrich Khunrath
Saturn is related to Mercury in alchemical text, and is given the same ambiguous sexuality, or
androgyny, and named it ‘Mercurius senex’.
In Tiphareth, the geometric symbol is the interlaced triangles of water and fire, or the Star of David.
When expanded to connect the planetary sepheroth of the Tree (with Saturn being attributed to Daath),
the Triangle of Water connects the spheres of Mars, Jupiter, and Luna. The Triangle of Fire connects
Saturn, Venus, and Mercury.
Just as Orobouros is cosmic energy (the serpent) limiting itself (Saturn), Venus is the creative cosmic
force multiplying itself in life (its vegetative nature) as a prism splits the light of the sun. Mercury, like
Saturn in many respects, is androgynous, and controls the fire of creation, directing it in the creation of
the Philosopher’s Stone. Mercury holds the Caduceus, or winged staff with two serpents intertwined
around it. The Wings represent sublimation, the serpents the basic forces of creation. There crossing
over is the psychic centers, often given as seven in number, here representing the colors in the spectrum,
plus white (Venus). Central to the diagram is Sol, which is the cosmic creative forces which unify,
enliven, and harmonize creation, and which we can hope to contact. It is central, and directs and
controls all of the other planets, psychic centers, or aspects of Cosmic energy.
By contacting the fire of the Sun, we can open the fire of the other psychic centers (via Venus), and more
easily direct the restrictive and enlightening energy of Saturn, through the powers of the Mind, or
Mercury.
To understand these multi-faceted aspects of the planets, particularly Venus and Mercury, it is
important to have done the Pathworkings up to Tiphareth. While this is not required to perform the
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techniques later in this monograph, it is a help for an understanding of the theoretical part.
However, we can begin to understand the relationship of the Spheres to each other by undertaking a
series of meditations based on the following idea:
Venus is the regenerating, sensual, active life force in its vegetative and unconscious manner. It responds
to heat, light, and emotion. On the Path of the Decent, Venus splits the singular rays of the Sun into the
many facets of the color spectrum, and as such, can lead us to a better understanding of the relationship
between multiplicity and unity, the psychic centers and planets, and their unique natures. On the Path of
Ascent, Venus re-unites the divergent energies, both planetary and personal (psychic centers) and
harmonizes it into a singular force, although still multi-colored, until it returns to the Sun as pure light.
“This Stone rises in growing, greening things.” Wherefore when the Green is reduced to its former
nature, whereby things sprout and come forth in due time, it must be decocted and putrefied in the way
of our secret art.” Splendor solis, Trismosin
The Stone is made through the greening of nature (Netzach) and it returning to its source (Tipahreth) by
putrefaction (Death card of the path connecting them).
Mercury gives form and meaning to the diverse energies made by the splitting actions of Venus, and
re-unites them as fundamental forces, symbolized by the Caduceus. Mercury is Psychopomp, or Guide of
the Soul, and directs the energies that Venus represents. Since both Venus and Mercury sit at the base of
the Pillars of kabbalah, they access the material, astral, and mental realms, and can influence all three to
some degree. On the Descent, Mercury creates form and structure, for the body, the mind, or the soul,
and on the ascent, Mercury helps free us from the limitations of form, without forgetting its lessons.
The serpent is primordial force or energy, fire and water being the principle two of creation, with air and
earth following them. Because it shed it’s skin, it is seen as a symbol of regeneration and renewal. It is
also dangerous, deadly, can be found often in ‘guardian’ roles near springs or water as well as deserts.
When controlled or mastered, is seen as mastering a powerful and deadly, yet regenerating force, basic
to creation, or possibly from which creation came.
The Secret Fire is directly linked to the sexual, (i.e. principle and most basic creative forces) in
humanity. Here, the relationship between ‘bliss’ ‘ecstasy’ and the erotic impulse can be clearly seen and
experienced. The development of a host of ‘sexual yogas’ and ‘sex magic(k)’ practices bear this out to
some degree. However, it is the sexual desire in humanity that acts as its basic drive and evolutionary
force. It is also suggests that the ability and need for mystical experiences is biologically rooted. Only be
ignoring the most basic of pleasures, sex, can we ignore the drive to ecstatic union on some level. The
‘little death’ or petite morte, is a forerunner of the ‘big death’ as we let go and experience divine oblivion.
Sexual power, linked to our innate drive for mystical experiences, is also linked to human evolution, and
some kind of predetermined point or state to which we are being directed.
This is a significant point, in that almost all of modern Western societies psychological illnesses are
focused around sexual repression and obsession.
If the Secret Fire flows freely, or with greater strength than before, without the proper purification of the
Vital Energy of the physical body, it is possible that it will result in what appears to be extreme physical,
but more likely psychological illness in the form of schizophrenia and psychosis; instead of psychic gifts,
genius, and either transpersonal states, or simply altered states of consciousness.
Wilhelm Reich, the father of Orgon Therapy states that the basis for all mental-emotional disturbances
are anchored in the physical body, and that these anchors can be released through breathing techniques,
somewhat similar to pranayamana. Since the body is the “Salt” of alchemy, and partially composed of
accessible unconscious elements through its “Watery Element” all of our emotional and physical
experiences become indelibly marked, associated, or stored in our physical body. If these blocks, or
energy concentrations of emotional and physical trauma (composed of Vital Energy) are not removed
before the Secret Fire begins to flow more intensely, the so-called negative side effects of ‘Kundalini
phenomena’ will appear.
Abuse of drugs, alcohol, and sexual extremes only worsen the condition in that they inadvertently
release the Secret Fire by weakening the physical body and its link to the astral, thereby damaging the
etheric substructure, and create energy blocks in the end rather than diminish them, when the mind and
body attempt to make repairs.
A nervous system damaged by substance abuse makes a tricky vehicle for the clear, clean, and powerful
expression of the Secret Fire. It is through our nervous system (under the domain of Yesod-Luna) that
we engage both the physical world, as well as out interior world. It links the body (Malkooth) with the
Mind-Intellect (Hod) as well as instinctual, creative, and sensual urges (Netzach). If it is damaged, our
ability to relate fully, creatively, and productively to these psyhco-physical-spiritual parts of our self
becomes endangered. If it is damaged, then our most direct and important link to our Holy Guardian
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Angel, and means of releasing the Secret Fire safely (via Tiphareth) is threatened in this incarnation.
“Listen, then while I make known the Grand Arcanum of this wonder-working Stone, which at the same
time is not a stone, which exists in every man, and may be found in its own place at all times…. It is
called a stone, not because it is like a stone, but only because by virtue of its fixed nature, it resists the
action of fire as successfully as any stone….If we say that its nature is spiritual, it would be no more than
the truth; if we describe it as corporeal, the expression would be equally correct; for it is subtle,
penetrative, glorified, spiritual gold. It is the noblest of all created things…it is a spirit or quintessence.”
A Short Guide to the Celestial Ruby, Philethes.
Freeing the Dragon
How long it takes to un-block our psychic anatomy for a more complete and harmonious functioning of
the Secret Fire is unclear. It is stated that even the most advanced yogis require a minimum of three
years of special practice for this to occur. Since that kind of training takes place under specialized and
supervised conditions, it can be assumed that modern Western life requires more time, as well as
self-reflection and referral, since the average Western occultist, be they kabbalist, alchemist, or both, will
spend the majority of their time working alone or at best in occasional small groups.
Certain schools of yoga as well as kabbalah and Sufi practices view the heart as the center of the
individual universe, and the most important of all psychic centers. By opening the heart, we gain access
to our Interior Master, or Holy Guardian Angel (messenger),characterized by a strong manifestation of
intuition. This is the final resting place for the Serpents Tongue after its ascent over the skull, and as
Boehme and Hermetic imagery have shown, the “Heart girt with a serpent” is the ideal to which mystics
aspire.
As one yogi put it, we approach the “Big King” first, and allow him to direct the activities of the serpent -
language not unfamiliar to Hermeticists.
Adam Kadmon: Secret Fire and YHVH
“For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29
While alchemy, kabbalah, and astrology have been homogenized in modern esoteric practices to create
an almost seamless synthesis, this is not true of earlier periods. Traditionally, alchemy and astrology
played almost no role in Jewish kabbalah[5], and while it has been put forward that may Jews were
alchemists, and some great alchemists possibly Jews[6], no manuscripts of Jewish alchemical practices
seem to exist in any great number. Even the most famed Esch M’saref, or “The Refiner’s Fire”, is a
compilation of material, focusing mainly on gematria, and not a ‘chemical’ work in itself.
Early kabbalists imagined creation taking place in several stages, from which was generated the
anthropomorphic image of the ‘primordial man’, or Adam Kadmon. This ‘first man’ was imagined as
being crated out of the four-letters of the Divine Name stacked one on top of the other. Yod was the
head, Heh, the arms and shoulders, Vau, the spine and sexual organs, and the final Heh, the hips and
legs. A host of attributes and qualities came to be associated with each letter, and as a whole, it formed
its own school of kabbalistic meditation. By adding other letters, altering combinations, and substituting
letters based on numerological equivalents, additional Divine Names, names of archangels, angels, and
other spiritual beings were generated.
The oral tradition of Adam Kadmon is similar to that of the Egyptian god Osiris, in that Osiris was
dismembered and reconstructed, while Adam “Fell” to pieces, and it is the work of the kabbalist to
reconstruct the Original Adam. Each of us is said to be a piece of this original soul, and it is our purpose
to find our place in Creation, via kabbalistic methods.
Saint-Germain and the Most Holy Three-Fold Wisdom
The idea of Secret Fire in initiatic psycho-alchemical texts such as The Most Holy Trinsophia (Three
Fold Wisdom)[7] illustrate the point of hidden fire, associated with volcanic power, and under the
influence of Venus. Works such as this bear a strong resemblance to alchemical-kabbalistic texts, and
either use mystical symbolism of these esoteric schools, or such symbols are used to interpret the texts
meaning.
In the text, Saint-Germian reportedly recounts the details of his initiation through the twelve degrees of
Cosmic Consciousness. The use of earthly fire in the form of volcanic eruptions, lava, and seas of flame
symbolize the presence of an underlying matrix of living energy that pervades material and non-material
creation, uniting and constantly renewing it through what can be seen as violent activity.
La Tres Sainte Trinsophie is comprised of twelve sections, each with its own illustration. The most
obvious alignment that can be seen, is between the twelve sections, the zodiac, and the stages of
alchemy. It can also be suggested, for our considerations, the seven major and five minor psychic
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centers.
The story begins with Saint-Germain on the lava beds of Vesuvius, later he passes an alter on which is a
cup, with a winger serpent intertwined around it twelve times. Saint-Germain then enters into a vast
realm of fire, in the midst of which is a greenish-gold serpent with ruby eyes which he must dominate
with a sword, the symbol of an enlightened will. With this act, anger, hate, and pride are cast out of his
consciousness, and the senses are brought under direction.
In one of the scenes depicted, Saint-Germain is in front of a triangular alter with an elaborate
candlestick . It’s base if formed out of two intertwined serpents and terminates at a lotus, with the taper
placed in the center. Two inscribed panels accompany the illustration. The first one reads: “To the strong
is given the burden” and the second, “Kindle a fire upon the high place that the sacrifice may be borne
upward to the Desired One.” The final illustration shows the heavens ablaze with light and a triangle
surrounded by a square and circle. The initiate, here Saint-Germain, is accompanied by Isis Revealed,
the goddess of life and Nature.
The pictures described illustrate that even at the end of the Illuminist era, classical alchemical and
kabbalistic symbolism was in widespread use by esotericists. However, its direction was changed from
classical, or laboratory alchemy, to ‘philosophic’ or ‘spiritual’ alchemy. Just as kabbalah had undergone
a radical transformation at the hands of alchemists and Christian mystics, alchemy itself had also
changed. While such manuscripts may be of dubious value for practical laboratory work, fortunately,
they still are of value for interior spiritual initiation - an initiation that only the Secret Fire can bring.
Exercises
The Middle Pillar
The Middle Pillar is a well known exercise to almost every student of magic. The details of the exercise
are clearly outlined in Israel Regardie’s book of same name, and will not be gone into here. Instead,
exposition of those point relevant to the Secret Fire will be outlined. These points are:
1. The establishment of Malkooth.

2. Circulation of the Light
3. The Fountain of Light
4. Malkooth as Kether
5. Relationship of Tiphareth to Malkooth and Kether
Secondary considerations will be paid to:
1. The Ritual of the Pentagram

2. The Ritual of the Hexagram
Establishing Malkooth
Malkooth or ‘Kingdom’ is a complex sphere in that it represents several broad concepts simultaneously.
It is at once, our feet when the Tree of Life is projected on the human frame (and the knees and base of
spine when seated or kneeling); all solid matter, earth, and all material creation. It is our bones, and the
marrow they contain is a personal aspect of the Secret Fire. It is important that we have a strong sense of
foundation when we talk about Earth and Malkooth, so that in meditation we can remain grounded and
secure. The stronger our sense of connection to the earth and our bodies we have, the more energy we
can generate and the easier it will be to direct it. It is analogous to trying to build a skyscraper on a
poured slab concrete for a foundation verses a four-story subbasement. The better the foundation, the
stronger the structure.
Since the Secret Fire is hidden in the Earth, it is good to spend some time, even several years, working
through the details of the Pentagram rituals. Cleansing, harmonizing, projecting, and withdrawing the
energy represented there into yourself and surrounding area. The North is an especially important area
for concentration, in that it is Earth of Earth, and is our hidden gateway to the Secret Fire. Buried in the
solid nature of matter, is a underlying vibrant energy that is continually pulsating, giving rise to form
and life, and turning energy in matter and matter into energy. This underlying nature is illustrated in the
Sign of Taurus, the zodiacal sigil given to the North. In it we see the Moon crowning a circle with a dot in
the center, or the Sun. This combined lunar-solar sign for earthly nature points to the theory that all
matter is simply condensed sun light, or hidden fire.
By associating the heaviness of Earth and the underlying heat it contains (the molten, volcanic core)
with our feet, knees, and base of spine (and eventually our whole skeletal system), we can begin to
experience the literal network creation is formed from. This imagery is reinforced by the statement that
Malkooth and Kether are one. By imaging that an unlimited stream of energy is pulsating into and out of
creation from the Ain Soph Aur at Kether, and then imaging the same for material creation as you
envision it, at Malkooth. All to often the spheres are imagined as being static beings or states, when
nothing is farther from the truth. They are alive, dynamic, and constantly interacting with each other
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and the energy-matter matrix. This interaction is most clearly seen on the Middle Pillar and the central
spheres.
Kether-Tiphareth-Malkooth Triad
In Western and some Eastern esoteric practices, all exercises begin with a drawing down of energy from
the Crown, or Kether. This is done because Kether, is on the edge of “non-existence” draws energy into
and out of being. This energy is then regulated, until it becomes manageable by our human
consciousness, said to be somewhere around Chesed, on the Cosmic scale of things.
On the personal level, Kether, or our personal Crown, regulates the flow of energy into and out of our
bodies. We then direct this energy through our brain and nervous system, until it becomes manageable
by our consciousness. Just as Kether is the bridge between Being and Non-Being on the Cosmic Scale,
our personal Kether is the bridge between energy and matter. In our personal being, this is the pineal
gland.
Malkooth is the final condensing of these Cosmic forces, and on the Cosmic Scale is all of material
creation. On our personal level, it our physical bodies, and as an intermediary, the environment we live
and move in with others. Since Malkooth is a World, that of Asssiah, as well as a Sphere, it has its own
“Kether aspect” or ability to create matter that goes from the most dense to most subtle. These subtler
forms of matter border on their own realm of “Non-Being” or that which crosses over from the purely
material to the psychic. In our bodies this would be the prostate and sexual glands, perineum, and base
of the spine.
The meeting place for these two polar aspects of our being and creation, is in the Heart Center, or
Tiphareth. Here, all of creation is harmonized and brought into a state of dynamic tension and vitality
around an intelligent center. This intelligence direct the other aspect of creation so that they work in
harmony with one another for the good of all. This is our heart pumping blood to all of our organs, our
pituitary gland, or “Master Gland” giving directions to all of our endocrine system, our Solar Plexus,
regulating nerve energy in general; and the nucleus of each atom, cell, or the Sun in our solar system.
In its role of chief mediator of forces, Tiphareth is constantly sending vital energy to all area of creation,
and transmitting energy from the Crown, or highest abstract realms, to Malkooth, or the densist levels of
matter. It in many ways, is the regulator of this energy to such s degree, that it can be said that matter
itself is actually made by Tiphareth. In physical terms this means that all matter is nothing but
condensed light energy. In personal terms, its means that our bodies and environment are the creation
of our deepest held thoughts.
To help develop a more conscious and functional relationship between these three centers of
energy-matter-consciousness exchange, the following exercise is suggested:
Imagine a brilliant sphere of Light with a binding, almost point black center, just above or touching the
top of your head. Inhale, drawing down a shaft of this sphere into your Heart. Exhale, sending the shaft
of light through your body and legs out the soles of your feet, into the molten center of the Earth. Inhale
again, visualizing the fiery energy of this Center of the Earth moving up in a golden reddish stream to
your Heart. Hold it, energizing the heart in brilliant light. Exhale, seeing the light expand in heat, light,
life energy, and power.
It is important at this point, that the energy not only be coordinated with the inhalation, but be
‘breathed up’ from the earth and not forced. This can be done by imagining a strong, flexible, hollow
tube or canal running from the center of the earth, or feet, to the heart center. The energy can also be
imagined running up the feet, as a pulse, entering the spinal column, and focusing energizing the heart
area.
Imagine after a period of time, that it is in the heart of the universe, and the adept, that matter and
energy meet and are created.
Just as our ‘heart felt’ feelings direct the limitless energy of Kether into manifestation, so do they direct
manifestation back to Kether, or elsewhere, if we desire.
It is very important that the heart not be overheated, and that the energy once accumulated be
circulated or discharged in some fashion. This can be into a talisman, a healing treatment, or into a glass
of cold water which is then consumed. It can also be discharged out the solar plexus as a general
circulation to the rest of the aura.
In addition, the vowel sounds associated with the Rose+Cross ritual, or A.I.O. may be intoned after
competency in the basic techniques gave been acquired. First, practice intoning the sounds as a single
breath, resonating from the center of your heart. After a while, begin splitting the sounds so that A
resonates with the head; I with the heart; and O with the Solar plexus. After a period of time, move the O
sound down to the perineum where it will have a stranger affect on the ‘Malkooth’ sphere(s). [8]
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Substantial resonating of the sounds in the perineum will open up 12 different channels that link the
spine to the legs, knees, and feet, uniting these various ‘functional’ Malkooths. It also effects the
prostrate gland in men.
Yesod- Link Between the Selves
Yesod sits astride the gateway to the invisible, and is the repository for all that ascends and descends
into manifestation. It represents several key elements of our being, including our nervous system and
brain; psychic centers; unconscious yearnings and desires; and locus of memory. Through its sometimes
dark and troubling, but always powerful waters, we can come into direct contact with our Holy Guardian
Angel in Tipahreth. By imagining Yesod as a gateway that reflects up as well as down, we can learn to
direct our psychic energies in either direction. This way, Yesod is more than just a doorway which we
knock at and hope something is thrown out to us, but instead is a portal we can move through and exist
consciously. While much of this early expansion will take place in dream states, such as lucid dreaming,
and spontaneous astral projection, eventually a greater degree of control will emerge, in which
consciousness is projected willfully and returns with full memory of its experiences.
This state can be quicken though, by reinforcing Yesods link to Malkooth (for memory) and Tiphareth
(willed consciousness). The following exercises are designed with these two goals in mind.
After performing the Middle Pillar, focus your attention on Yesod. Imagine it as a large sphere extending
to the edges of your expanded aura, violet in color. Shrink it back to normal size and then imagine all of
your physical energy, in malkooth, and through out your body, is moving up toward Yesod. This is your
ability to move, manifest, and create in the material world. Imagine the spheres merge and become
harmonious. Now, pull it up even further to Tiphareth, and bath the combined material and
psychic-sexual energy of Yesod in the golden light of Tiphareth, and feel the three merge into one. After
several minutes project them back to their original positions.
Imagine the light of Yesod as being simultaneously dual in nature, reflecting up toward Tiphareth and
down toward Malkooth.
Move to Tiphareth and do the same, imagine its light reflecting down toward Yesod, and up toward
Kether, the source of all energy.
Imagine the Elements as pure and perfect ideas, emanating from Tiphareth through a clear field of
Yesod, and condensing into matter. Imagine your thoughts as pure and perfect ideas, being projected
from your heart, with the combined sexual-creative energy of Yesod, into manifestation in malkooth.
Imagine the pure light and energy of Kether above your head, becoming accessible in Tiphareth, your
heart, and manifesting as pure creations in Malkooth, beneath your feet. Feel the energy reverse this
process, going from hard, cold, dense matter, to abstract energy forms, to pure, undifferentiated energy.
In addition, the Clavis Rea Formula can be an effective illustrator of this point.
Circulation of the Light, after the establishment of the spheres should be vivid, clear, and deep in the
body as well as extended out form it. This can be done is phases, with the first phases working gently on
the outside, forming broad bands of light, and increasing in density and power as they begin to reach
deep below the surface of the tissue, to the bones themselves. This helps to anchor the power in the
body, while expanding and clearing the aura. At all times, the energy should be palpable.
The Fountain of Light should move through the spinal column slowly at first, and with greater
intensity and speed as experience progresses. The burst should be lively and bright, with a clear fluid like
flame coursing around the edges of the expanded aura, at a radius of three to four feet on all sides. Lose
your self in the flow of energy, as it passes through your body, out your head, into your feet, up your legs,
purifying and energyzing as it goes.
At the conclusion of the exercise, you may withdraw the energy into the sub-epidermal layer of your
body, feeling it strengthen and energize the tissue, sinking into the bones and purifying the marrow, an
essential element in long life and strong bones. This should also be done along the spinal cord, imagining
that the soft tissue between the vertebrae are packed with energy and the nerve connections are strong
and vital.
The Rituals of the Pentagram and Hexagram
The rituals of the Pentagram re use for directing the principle Elements of the material world (Assiah),
matter-energy matrix closest to our consciousness, and the outer-materially directed personality of this
incarnation. It is through directing and purifying to some degree these Elements, that we can begin to
turn our attention inward and have the Vision of our Higher Self, or Holy Guardian Angel, that exists in
Kether, communicated with in Tiphareth, and reflected to us in the subconscious of Yesod.
The ego, or self-created image of self in relation to the material world is completely dominated by these
rituals, and through them, we can adjust our sense of self, so that we may direct our energies toward
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Self. When this is done, we not only can converse with our Holy Guardian Angle, but realize that we and
it are one and the same.
The pentagram rituals can also be used in this same respect for creating material conditions that are to
our advantage, as well as spiritual advancement. They can be used to create an near material
environment for the sustaining of planetary forces as well. In this aspect, the several rituals are often
combined.
The planetary rituals of the Hexagram represent the manipulation of inner and outer planetary forces
through our own psychic centers. They can result in direct physical manifestations of body or
environment, or in interior experiences of an initiatic nature. Such initiations signify an expansion of
consciousness, and increased activation of the psychic centers involved, and possible generalization of
the effects to other centers. For example: a solar ritual will bring increased activity to the psychic ‘heart’
center, but also to the pineal gland in the brain as it is solar in nature. A lunar ritual will bring increased
memory and mental clarity, but also will stimulate the nervous system, and psychic centers generally, as
well as cyclic sexual impulses. A Venus ritual will stimulate the kidneys, sexual impulses, and increase
ones sense of beauty, harmony, and artistic expression. It will also add power to all of the psychic centers
as a result of Venus’ ‘prism effect’ on psychic energy if directed properly, and increase the flow of love to
the heart.
Thus, each planet has its specific and general effects, as well as manifestations on the mental, emotional,
and material planes. As we increase in awareness, and contact more consciously the various planetary
spheres within us, they will appear to take on an almost objective existence. In these semi-objective
states, we can contact others of a similar vibration, or communicate with the various ‘beings’ of the
invisible world. These worlds also have degrees of density, hence the use of Elemental attributes in the
vertical mode of expression. The densest world is Malkooth/Assiah, with each of the planets having a
‘home’ in the Quarters, and Yetzirah is more subtle and given the attribute of Water, with its own special
relationship to the Planets. Next, there is Briah, with its Airy, expansive nature, and peculiar
relationship to the planets, and finally, Atziluths fiery nature, from with the previous worlds are but
denser and more stable expressions. Just as our consciousness shifts in its relationship to things when it
moves to the astral from the material, it shifts again when it moves from the lunar astral to the solar
astral, or mental worlds; and again when the move is from the Mental to the Spiritual.
These shifts can best be explained as going from object relationships (material), to subject relationships
(I-Thou), to direct relationships, and finally identity relationships. On earth we view things as objects
separate from us. In the lunar astral we experience them a objects, but with a relationship to them. In
the Solar astral, we experience a thing directly, that is we know it. In the Spiritual realm, we are it.
This helps to explain some of the statements made about kundalini experiences in yoga, as well as the
mystical experiences of other esotericists. In kundalini, or Secret Fire experiences, the aspirant often
talks of being ‘one with creation’, or having the ability to look inside the nature of things. This would
indicate that the energetic impulses being released are expanding awareness to the level of Briah. When
the final level is reached, Atzilooth, we become like the Bibical Enoch “who walked with God and was no
more”.
This framework also helps explain why many magicians succeed or fail at magic. The identity of
‘another’ doing the work for us, is a very materialistic approach to magic. Later on, after experiencing
the reality and illusions of the astral worlds, the direct, or personal relationship is built, in which the
magician sees the powers being directed as aspects of his or her self, and not exterior to their being. This
form of expression is more akin to the level of the adapt, but also the mystic, and practitioner of yoga
who visualized the chakras as inside their body and not exterior worlds, as in Western Pathworking. At
some point however, all of these various viewpoints merge, and systems become blended in the
experiences and evolving psyche of the disciple. The difference is more as a point of origin, not as a final
destination.
Note of Caution!! It is very important that all of the following exercises are preceded by a period of
prayer and devotion to the Cosmic and that their fruits be offered as gifts to the Creator. They must also
be started by invoking the energy from above in some fashion, be it the Qabalistic Cross, the Middle
Pillar, the Clavis Rei, or simply as a beam of light coming from above, entering at the Crown, and
terminating at the base of the spine or feet depending on your posture. This is critical of any negative
side effects are to be avoided or minimized, as only energy radiating from Kether can be contacted with
out creating an imbalance in our system. Here, we seek to use this energy to repair imbalances, not
forget it, and inadvertently create new ones. Also, at the end of each meditation, return the energy to the
Cosmic either imaginatively, or by offering the fruits of your spiritual labor to God.
Triangle of Fire
The Triangle of Fire represents a specific aspect of Tiphareth and should be considered in relationship to
the Middle Pillar, although it can be performed independent of it, or as we will see, as an adjunct
exercise to intensify the effects of both exercises.
13 of 21 1/21/2007 6:44 AM
After establishing your working space, focus your attention on your heart. Imagine the great intertwined
Star or Shield of David, in gold, associated with this sphere. Feel the upper triangle radiating a pulsing
heat, and the lower one, a running coolness. Imagine them turn into a combined fiery triangle of Fire,
and glistening triangle of Water. In the center is a brilliant dot, Yod, or Shin, as you decide.
The lower triangle of Water is our relationship of consciousness to the psychic and material worlds. The
Upper triangle of Fire, is our relationship to the spheres of adepthood, spiritual illumination, and
interior revelation.
Imagine yourself as the center point, between these two living triangles. Turn your attention to the Fire
Triangle. Let the Water Triangle fade from consciousness. Feel yourself in the center of a small pyramid
of Fire. It you were to stand up, you could touch the apex. Seated or kneeling, you sense the great fire all
around you. Surrounding the base of the pyramid is a giant serpent with its tail in its mouth. Close your
eyes and feel with each breath, and heart beat, the fire pulse in unison and grow more intense. The fire
radiates both outward from the pyramid, as well as inward to its center, where you are. Loose yourself in
the pulsing, living, flame. Intone the Divine Name IAO, resonating it outward from the center of your
heart to the edges of the universe. Feel the fire grow bright with each vibration and the serpent stir.
At some point you may feel, or imagine the serpent rising, and reaching a point of extension. Go with it,
and view through its eyes. Return when you are done, by imagining the serpent coil back, placing its tail
back in its mouth, the fire regulating, and the triangle merging with the triangle of water, both turning
gold, and exiting to consciousness.
Saturn and the Secret Fire
This is special series of exercises relating to Saturn and its relationship to other planets, and the as
manifestor of Creation. This exercise is directly related to the previous one, or The Triangle of Fire.
When placed on the Tree of Life, the Hexagram connects the spheres of Yetzirah and Briah, giving a
gateway to Atzilooth, with Saturn where Daath is placed.
The Triangle of Fire is composed of Saturn at the apex, and Mercury and Venus at the base corners, with
the Sun in the center. By meditating on the qualities of these planets, and their relationship to each
other via this diagram, we can see that Saturn is the secret sphere, that offers us access to the
energy-matter-consciousness continuum. Imagine yourself in the center of the Triangle of Fire again,
pacing the Astrological signs, or godforms of Saturn, above, or above and before your, Mercury at your
right, and Venus at your left. See them as living and vital, with a thin strand of fire, light, and love,
connecting them.
Remember, Saturn is often given as the sign for matter, and Venus inverted as the sign for Antimony, or
the Earth. Continue this meditation for several weeks, or once a week, for several months. Fifteen to
twenty minutes is all that is needed.
YHVH
The following method of meditation is based upon the fundamental associations known to every student
of kabbalah. It can be performed by experienced or novice students alike, although novices should spend
more time on the fundamentals to insure success later on, without having to go back an repeat the
basics.
This series of exercises relates to the stages and Elements of Creation and the nature of the Primordial or
archetypal expressions of consciousness. Those who have experience working with Hebrew and/or the
Elements as outlined in basic magical practices will be able to move more quickly through this exercise.
Those who have little or no experience in magic will find it a suitable and powerful introduction to these
concepts on a very personal level.
The Hebrew doctrine of Creation sets forth the idea that the Primordial Man, or Adam was composed of
the four lettered name of God stacked in vertical form to appear as sort of stick figure being. In addition,
all of creation could be found to have it origin in this sacred name, and it pronunciation was closely
guarded, so much so, that it is now lost. The discovery of its proper intonation is said to bring power over
everything, so much so, that there are schools of kabbalah that only work with the various manipulations
of this Name as their form of meditation.
For us, the Tetragrammaton will be used as a visual and mnemonic guide for our meditations and
exercises designed to release the Secret Fire in Creation.
The standard Elemental applications will be applied: Yod (Head, endocrine system) is associated with
Fire; Heh (shoulders/chest, and cardiopulmonary system) with Air; Vau (Spine/Nervous system,
including sense organs) with Water; and the Final Heh with the dot (the hips, legs and feet, and skeletal
system) with Earth.
The dot in the final Heh symbolizes the secret, hidden point of light, life, and love in all of creation, and
14 of 21 1/21/2007 6:44 AM
hidden in matter. It is this secret force that when liberated brings us to the heights of divine bliss and
consciousness in the original Fire of Yod.
As with all exercises, begin by drawing energy, in some fashion, down from Kether to the Earth. This can
be through the Kabbalistic Cross, the Middle Pillar, or the Psychic Pump as previously described. Once a
calm center is established, and a sacred space to contain the energy, either through the Pentagram
Ritual, or imagining a vast and empty dome sphere around you (about six to nine feet in diameter), you
may proceed.
Imagine the Primordial Man in front of you, vast and towering. Merge with the image, growing in size as
you do. See the flaming Yod as your head, and imagine that it, or a ray from it, projects itself downward
through the Airy world. Forming the first Heh, and continues into the Watery world, gaining density and
weight, forming the Vau, and finally, into the world of solid matter, forming it, along with the Final Heh.
There, the flame grows small, flickering brightly, but only as a small spark, compared to its vast and
brilliant place of origin, and to the dark, cold, solid world of matter in which if now appears trapped.
Identify with the solid earth. Feel your feet rooted to it. Imagine that they, your legs, knees, and hips, are
all heavy, solid, and firm, immovable and dense. Feel and imagine the great strength and stability that
this offers you and appreciate it, as it is the foundation of your being. Continue with this imagery, and
sense a point of dense, brilliant, heat and light in the center of this dark, solid matter. See it grow
brighter and stronger, as though it were the center of the Earth itself. Continue with this heat and light,
and let a strand of it move up from the center of the earth, through the layers of solid matter and rock to
your feet, forming a sphere of great heat and light.
After several days, pull the energy up to your knees. After several more days, pull it up to your hips. After
about a month of practice, pull it up and focus it at the base of your spine.
Extend the solid earth imagery to include your skeletal structure as well. Breath the fire up from the
center of the earth, feel it focus around your spine, and move up to the top of your head. Imagine that
your head is an empty sphere, waiting to receive the energy from below. Feel the energy course
throughout your body, focusing on the bones. Breath it into them, cleansing them of any weakness or
disease. See the marrow inside grow, and fill them with its bright red power. Extend it across the skull,
jaw, and teeth. As before, when you are done with the meditation, absorb as much energy as you can,
and send the rest to the center of the earth, closing off the contact.
After a month or two of this exercise, move on to the Vau. See the energy move through your feet, to the
spine, and move up and through its narrow center column to the brain. Imagine that as it enters the
spinal column, with each breath, the fluid contained therein, course up and across your brain, nurturing
the tissue, and descending back down. Imagine your senses becoming stronger and more acute. Visualize
the vast fiery energy coming form the center of the earth as increasing your psychic sensitivity and
psychic centers. This can be imagined simply as the nervous system becoming bright and healthy.
Then, move on to the next, or First Heh. Here sense the energy as having moved up your feet, into the
spine, and when it reaches the upper body and back of the head, it also fills the lungs with greater power
and expansion. Feel yourself lifted up and expanded, as though your vision was made clearer, and sense
of purpose, and destiny more definite. Imagine the lungs being charged with bright, warm healing
energy, vitalizing the breath and blood.
After a few days, imagine the vital power moving from the middle of the shoulders, down the arms, and
to the hands.
During this period experiment with projecting, circulating, and receiving energy through your hands. In
general, the right hand should project positive, expansive, electrical energy; and the left should project
magnetic, passive, and receptive energy. By holding the hands together, in the classic prayer position, in
front of the chest with the back of your thumbs just touching the sternum, the heart center can be
energized. In addition, the energy circulated creates a psychic ‘belt’ or ‘dome’ around the upper portions
of the head and shoulders. Practice pulling energy down from the sun, moon, planets, and Cosmic
through the left hand and into the earth or a talisman with the right.
Use the classic Sign of the Philosophus, or hands raised above the head with thumb and forefingers
touching to form a triangle, to pull energy down into both palms and out through your feet. Try storing it
in your solar plexus (you may want to use the Sign of Practicus for this) and projecting it as previously
described.[9]
Then, move to the Yod. Here after the energy has moved up to the brain, see the head grow bright and
luminous. Feel it absorb the fire from below and rejoicing its return. Sense the center of your head
growing powerful, warm, and bright. Focus on this single point of brightness, and then send it back
down to the earth, while reaching out to the universe with it. Feel yourself lost in s fiery world of
primordial power, wisdom, and love. Feel as though you are of vast stature, towering immensely through
out the solar system. Feel as though the planets themselves are your psychic centers, and the sun is your
heart, the Earth your footstool and the original point of creation your crown. When you are done, shrink
15 of 21 1/21/2007 6:44 AM
yourself back, and shut down the meditation.
This energy once experienced has tremendous healing potential. By freeing our negative and destructive
thoughts into the center of the earth for purification and renewal, we open ourselves to a more energy
and expanded consciousness through the removal of psychological blocks. Through drawing up the fiery
healing energy of the earth, and packing it slowly, smoothly, and methodically deep into our cells, form
the bones and its marrow upward and outward, we can increase our psychic sensitivity to telluric
currents, weather patterns, and magnetic conditions. In addition, we add strength, energy, and vitality
to our physical bodies.[10]
The Flashing Sword and the Rising Serpent
Yesod, Hod, and Netzach in the Secret Fire
This section examines the relationship between the sepheroth of the Tree of Life to the Secret Fire, and
the impact of two spheres in particular that govern the nervous system, early psychic awakening, and
sexual power.
The rising of psychic power from Malkooth, effects not only the feet and perineum, but also triggers a
response in the adrenals atop the kidneys. This is often accompanied by a surge of energy, as these
glands are the seat of out ‘fight or flight’ response. They are also secondary sexual organs, and as the
energy drops down, to enter into the base of the spine (also a Malkooth center) before rising up the
spinal cord and erergyzing the entire body, it stimulates those nerves and psychic clusters associated
with Yesod and Netzach. It is from this stimulation that images, fantasies, sexual potency and
aggressiveness, and psychic awareness, sometimes bordering on pszophrenia and psychosis, are
experienced. Intense heat and a sense of purging may also be experienced as a result.
When the energy reaches the area of Hod, or Mercury, usually prior to Netzach, but not always, it is said
to be following the Path of the Serpent. This Path is illustrated by a Serpent climbing the Tree of Life,
reversing the direction of the descent of the Lightning Flash. Here, the Secret Fire awakens the mind to
magical possibilities and structures, but without power. It may energize the brain and speedup patterns
of thought, insight, and association, but often this may be vented through excessive talking and
verbalization, or routing it through the throat center.
If the energy is not spent, but directed in its upward Path of Return, or ascent, then the very real
problem of having to direct the will and consciousness in a singular fashion toward creating a pathway
for the energy to flow is encountered. These pathways are the mental and astral constructs, or symbols,
used in magical, religious, and esoteric rites.
The principle pathway, or map used to direct the Secret Fire is the caduceus of Mercury. Here, the twin
serpents intertwine themselves around the central pillar, and themselves form two side or supporting
pillars, leading to a winged apex, or crown, shaped like a pine cone, or the pineal gland.
When it reaches this point, then Crown, it bestows illumination, Cosmic Consciousness, and can be
directed further towards greater spiritual activity, or toward material or psychic manifestation. This
energy, or light, is like the rays of the sun (Tiphareth) being split into the many rays of the spectrum
(Netzach) by the use of optical filters (Hod).
In Hod we not only create, but also clean any existing mental filter, so that the energy rising back
towards its source may be properly identified and experienced for what it is, prior to its being
harmonized into a single ray of light by Netzach. Even after harmonization however, the energy may not
have to be returned to the Tiphareth. If left to its own devises, it probably will, as that is its natural
inclination. The sudden influx of power and energy may create a strengthening of the recently vivified
astral worlds, of which Netzach is the symbolic apex.
The Death card which rules the Path between Netzach and Tiphareth signifies the task of the initiate at
this stage of the journey, and of the sacrifice that lies ahead. Only by loosing their individuality, or
through ‘death’, can the separate forces under the direction of Netzach combine to lead the initiate
toward adepthood. The reverse of this is also true in one sense, in that by leaving the collective behind,
the individual is born, the true individual of Tiphareth. This suggests, that genuine initiation can only
take place when we are no longer dependent upon the collective power of an egregore for our sense of
protection, purpose, and illumination. The watery astral womb of Yetzirah must be left, for either the dry
air of Malkooth’s material life, or Tiphareth’s spiritual renewal.
Along with the intertwined serpents of the caduceus, we find implied in the symbolism the chakras, or
psychic centers, upon which the Secret Fire acts in its journey. These centers express modes of
consciousness, loci of physical and psychic power, and are related in various ways to the nervous and
endocrine systems as we have seen.
In Western esotericism, several methods of expressing these psychic centers exist. There is the use of the
planetary names, or mundane chakras as they are called, for the sepheroth. Here, the planets follow the
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descent of mezla, or Divine Energy, down the Tree of Life and are placed at corresponding locations on
the human body. Kether, Hockman, and Binah are in the head; Chesed, Geburah, and Tiphareth are in
the upper chest and shoulders; Netzach, Hod, and Yesod in the hips and sexual organs; with Malkooth
located at the feet. This works well as a mnemonic devise and for the exercise known as the Flashing
Sword and Rising Serpent, but is not very useful when it comes to attributing planetary powers to
specific organs, as in alchemy.
Another set of attributes is to simply take the Middle Pillar and apply either its Elemental
correspondences as given by Regardie The True Art of Healing, or the more well known planetary
correspondences as he gives in his book The Middle Pillar. Along the same lines, it is not uncommon to
apply the ascending set of Hindu tattwas, or Elemental signs in an ascending manner at each of the
cross-bars and spheres on the central column of the Tree of Life.
While none of the above sets of designating centers of psychic force is perfect, each works in its own
particular area, and as such, it might be better to simply accept the symbols given for each exercise
without trying to create ‘a grand synthesis’ that will sound good, but be cumbersome or useless for
practical purposes.
Looking at the ascent of energy from a more Western viewpoint, it is possible to view the psychic centers
not as singular and specific organs, but in many instances as clusters of organs working in concert.
Students of Eastern esoteric practices will recognize that the New Age system of seven chakras neatly
arranged with an ascending chromatic scale is not easily found in yoga or tantra.
Instead, what is found, is just as much contradiction and confusion as in modern synthetic Western
esoteric systems. Whether one uses a system of five, six, or seven psychic centers depends on which
system is being practiced. The addition or subtraction of a particular center matters only in relations to
the details of that particular practice and its aims. Thus, when viewing the psychic cneters as objective
realities, we enter into a realm fraught with danger. Instead, we need to look at the centers in terms of
function and relationship to each other. If in an exercise we notice that a centers activities are not
limited to the feet, chest, sexual organs, or head, then we have entered into a deeper understanding of
that locus of energy. If we find that other organs are being stimulated as well, then we will find that we
have begun moving from a strictly symbolic and mental relationship to the psychic centers to a personal
and experiential one. This transition to personal experience is what development is all about, and not
simply neat and comfortable packages of occult lore and information as is given in endless tables of
correspondences.
In one recent Golden Dawn publication[11] a set of correspondences was given for four of the major
psychic centers using kerubic attributions. The root center was attributed to the Calf of Revelations; the
sexual center to the Angel; the Solar Plexus to the Lion; and the Eagle to the heart. No Correspondences
were given for the remaining centers. Using this as a basis for discussion and experimentation, I would
instead suggest the following listing as a more effective alternative:
1st Bull or Saturn[12] or Moon[13] with Fire in the Heart

2nd Eagle or Jupiter or Mercury Water in the liver
3rd Lion or Mars or Venus Earth in the lungs
4th Angel or Venus or Sun Air in the bladder
5th Spirit or Mercury or Mars
6th Luna or Moon or Jupiter
7th Sol or Sun or Saturn
This suggests that the order of the planets in the spheres is very relative to ones state of consciousness,
and that the correspondences at the time of our descent into material consciousness may be different
from the order during our re-ascent into Eternity.
If we consider what the alchemists say about Saturn, that it is the beginning and end of the Work, then
this re-arrangement of the centers may be true.
In an article entitled, “From The Restored New Testament”[14], the basic idea of four centers of the
genitals, navel, heart, and head is used along with titles taken from The Book of Revelations of St. John.
Genitals 1st and 2nd centers The False Seer

Navel 3rd center The Red Dragon
Heart 4th center The Beast
Head 5th, 6th, and 7th centers The Cross, The Lamb, The Spiritually Wise, and Illumination The
Conqueror
In an accompanying chart, the order of the planets is given from Saturn at the base, to Luna at the
Crown, in straight kabbalistic fashion, with a slightly different color scale than usual: Yellow and
sliver-white (Saturn), pale blue (Jupiter), red (Mars), green (Sun), dark blue/indigo (Venus),
orange-yellow (Mercury), violet, silvery opalescent (Moon). Each center is also associated with a zodiacal
17 of 21 1/21/2007 6:44 AM
sign, a seal on the great scroll, and one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The remaining five
signs of the zodiac are attributed to the Elements and Spirit.
The problem presented by the Book of Revelations, is that if it represents a pattern of progressive
interior initiation linked to the ultimate experience of the Secret Fire, it is written in a highly symbolic
format. Many of the keys to these symbols may be very local and period specific in origin, requiring
extensive research into 1st century era Gnostic, Christian, Merkavah, and Greco-Roman initiatic
practices.
This is not to imply that this is an impossible nut to crack, only that it is one wherein we must weigh the
reward against the effort. To assist those who answer this in the affirmative, the above keys have been
given. For this manuscript however, it raises more questions than horns on “The Beasts” head, to which
the answers are not immediately forthcoming. The answers may be in some of the older and less
accessible schools of Christian kabbalah found in Eastern Orthodoxy, more so than in those Christian
kabbalists of Rome, as they are more focuses on the Gospel of John, and have not completely rooted out
their mystical wing, or use of symbols for Illumination.
Exercise
After preparing your oratory, or place of working, imagine that your spine is the central pillar of the
Caduceus. Establish it well, with a round bottom, wings at level of the throat, solar disk, and a pine cone
or brilliant knob at the top. Visualize it in white or reddish-gold, with the left serpent in blue or black;
and the right serpent in red. Their tails should meet or cross-over at the base of your spine and continue
to overlap five more times with their heads facing toward each other, tongues extended, at the level of
the throat accompanied by an extended pair of wings. The image should be mounted by a solar disk at
the level of the head, surmounted by a pine cone.
After a period of several weeks with the above imagery, additional symbols can be added. In the center of
each circle formed should be imagined in progressive order, the kerubic animals listed above. At the
level of the throat should be akasha, or Spirit; and the Lunar qualities should dominate the back of the
head, with Solar dominating the front. Both universal aspects are imagined as unified at the top, and
entering and existing through the brilliant sphere or pine cone (pineal gland).
If possible, the left serpent should be imagined to have lunar, watery, passive, magnetic qualities. The
right serpent, solar, electric, fiery, expansive qualities. The central column mediates, balances, and
contains both simultaneously.
After the above images are successfully imagined and maintained, the symbols can be progressively
meditated upon. It is important to go in strict order from top to bottom or bottom to top. If a psychic
blockage is encountered don’t force it. Simply smooth it away gently as you progressively move through
the set of symbols. Don’t spend more than seven or ten days on any one symbol. Remember, that it is
best to start new esoteric periods on a Saturday when the psychic power is at its height for the week. This
means that it will take a minimum of seven weeks to move through the seven principle symbols on the
central column, and an additional three weeks for the basic diagram and two serpents.
This is a strong exercise, so don’t force it. It anything unpleasant is experienced, shorten the periods of
meditation. Initially, no more than 15 minutes should be spent on this exercise.
The Serpent of Fire and the Spear[15]
Of all the exercises in this work, the following are the easiest to perform regardless of the level of
experience of the operator. Their basic concepts will already be familiar to many students, and are useful
as guides in a fundamental understanding of the Secret Fire that exists in the West.
Visualize a vast point if brilliant light above your head, so intense that it appears black. Move it down to
the top of your head, feel it sinking into your body and psyche, permeating your consciousness. Fee it
move out, extending to form a sphere of golden light and fire around you to a diameter of four to six feet
on all sides. Let this sphere of light grow in intensity and power, and know that it is a strong container
for the Cosmic forces you are about to invoke.
Imagine a shaft of fire, like a spear, blaze down from the point of light above you, penetrate your skull,
and move through your body and into the center of the earth. Feel the earth reverberate with its impact,
and imagine a stream of living fire, like a golden-red serpent, move in the reverse direction of the shaft,
up your spine, and into the hallow of your skull. It is important that you imagine your skull as a hollow
and vast receptacle of this creative and transforming energy. After several repetitions of this cycle, focus
your attention on your heart, and imagine there, a chalice, stone, or other receptive symbol for your
highest Self. Wait for a response, and then let everything merge into a vast sea of living golden light, fire,
and love. At the conclusion of the exercise, draw the energy into yourself, and offer it as a gift to the
Cosmic.
Basic exercises for its regulation
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Solar Plexus as chief regulator of energy in the body
If after an exercise there is too much energy in your heart or head area, move it down to the solar plexus
and imagine it being circulated out and around your body through that center. This will work after a few
minutes, and is especially good for circulating energy that arises from sexual stimulation after these
exercises.
Grounding out
It is important to establish firm points of Kether and Malkooth in these exercises. If Malkooth is
insufficiently established, the risk of flightieness and disconnectedness from everyday life is possible.
More importantly, if a strong sense of connectedness is not established at Malkooth, much of the energy
will have no where to go, and will be wasted. If it appears that too much energy has been generated and
is causing problems that simply circulating it out the Solar Plexus will not solve, then consider the
following:
1.Imagine the energy streaming our of your hands and feet into the earth.
2.Place your hands in a bowl of cold water and imagine the energy pouring into it.
3.Walk on the grass or earth with your feet in direct contact.
4.Drink a cold glass of water.
These suggestions are for the discharge of energy accumulations that may be unpleasant. Consider them
a sort of psychic first aid. The nature of these exercises generally, is to increase the amount of energy we
can handle, and to direct it wisely and slowly for the purification of our psyche and body. Discharging it
repeatedly will slow that process, however, maintaining a state of irritation, frustration, and
perterbability as a result of esoteric practices is also a drawback.
Circulating the Light
Simply put, always circulate the energy when you are done with an exercise. The suggestions of the
Middle Pillar, or out the Solar Plexus and around the edges of the extended aura work well.
####
Additional Notes for Consideration
Crowley states that the 24th Path is attributed to the Goddess Kundalini in 777. Knight has the caduceus
with the sign of Scorpio at the bottom. Scorpio is the sign of the 24th Path.
Square breathing is to be done with the exercises whenever possible. On the inhale, pull the energy down
from the crown; hold in the feet, earth, and/or base of spine; exhale to head; hold on the exhale. Repeat.
This adds a great deal of energy to the exercises and limits the amount of time they can be done in any
one sitting.
Each sphere has its own Tiphareth, i.e. Great Star, uniting the smaller “spheres within a sphere” on the
Tree of that particular level. Thus, when we direct our attention to the harmonizing influence of
Tiphareth we effect all of the planets it touches. When we direct our attention to the Triangle of Fire of
Tiphareth, we effect the Fire aspect of all of the Spheres connected to Tiphareth. However, Saturn,
Mercury, and Venus, may have a greater response. This of course means, karma (Saturn), creative
energy (Venus), and intellect/energy conduits (Mercury).
As such, it then is easier to regulate planetary energy with the hexagram than the septagram. The
hexagram regulates energy via Tiphareth, the septegram via Netzach.
In alchemy, Fire and Air are the matrix of Energy; Water and Earth are the matrix of Matter. Earth
‘energy’ is essential for sustaining health; Water for sustaining initiation; and Fire for initiation itself;
Air makes Fire accessible.
Salt is the lower yetzirah and assiah; Mercury is Higher Yetzirah and Lower Briah; Sulphur is Higher
Briah and Lower Atzilooth.
Salt is prone to lunar impulses. Mercury is prone to solar impulses. Sulphur is prone to zodiacal and
Cosmic impulses.
References
Kundalini, Evolution and Enlightenment, Edited by John White, Anchor Books/Doubleday, Garden
City, New York. 1979.
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Serpent of Fire: A Modern View of Kundalini by Darrel Irving. Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine.
1995.
Energies of Transformation, A Guide to the Kundalini Process by Bonnie Greenwell, Ph.D. Shakti River
Press, Saratoga, Ca. 1990.
The Doctrine of the Subtle Body in the Western Tradition by GRS Mead. Solos Press, Shaftesbury,
Dorset. No date. First published, 1919.
The Middle Pillar by Israel Regardie. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 1991.
Kabbalah of the Golden Dawn by Pat Zalewski. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 1993.
Experience of the Inner Worlds by Gareth Knight. Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine. 1993.
The Most Holy Trinosophia of the Comte de St. Germain, Introduction and Commentary by Manly P.
Hall. The Philosophical Research Society, Inc., Los Angeles. 1983.
The Philosophers of Nature, 125 West Front Street, Suite 263, Wheaton, Ill. 60187. Kabbalah Lessons:
Alchemy Lessons: .
Psychic Energy, It’s Source and It’s Transformation by M. Esther Harding, Princeton University Press,
Princeton, N.J. 1963.
The Gathas of Zarathustra from the Zend-Avesta, ed. by Raghavan Iyer.
Zarathustra, The Transcendental Vision by P.D. Mehta
The Zoroastrian Tradition by Farhang Mehr
Oriental Magic by Idries Shah
[1] See: Magical States of Consciousness by Dennings and Philips; Inner Landscapes by Dolores
Ashcroft-Nowicki; or The Philosophers of Nature, Qabalah Lessons 35 through 44.
[2] Mysteria Magica, vol. 3 of The Magical Philosophy by Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips.
Llewellyn Pub., St. Paul, MN. P. 57-59, and 69-73; or, The Philosophers of Nature, Qabalah Lesson 62.
[3] See: Problems on the Path of Return: Pathology in Kabbalistic and Alchemical Practices by Mark
Stavish, M.A. The Stone -The Journal of The Philosophers of Nature. Issue 19, March-April 1997.
Included as an appendix to this article.
[4] See: A Kabbalistic Approach to Lucid Dreaming and Astral Projection by Mark Stavish, M.A. The
Stone - The Journal of the Philosophers of Nature. Issue 20, May-June 1997. Included as an appendix to
this article.
[5] Kabbalah by Gershom Scholem. New York. Meridian. 1974. P. 186.
[6] The Jewish Alchemists by Raphael Patai. Princeton, N.J., University Press.1994.
[7] Saint-Germain is also said to be the author of La magie sainte revelee a Moyse (The Holy Magic of
Moses Revealed). No date is given.
[8] PON Qabala Lesson 63, suggests that the sounds be resonated in the heart, solar plexus, and
perineum. Regardie make no attribution of the IAO sounds in The Golden Dawn (5th ed.), and omits
them in The One Year Manual.
[9] For the Elemental Grade Signs of the Golden Dawn, see: Regardie, p.134-135.
[10] This will be explored further in an upcoming essay on “The Diamond Body in Western Esoteric
Practices”.
[11] The Kabbalah of the Golden Dawn by Pat Zalewski. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 1993. P.
89-125.
[12] This list of planetary correspondences is taken from The Philosophers of Nature, Spagyric Course
Year Two, Lessons 32 and 45. .
[13] Taken from a painting by Johann Georg Gichtel, a student of Boehme, of “man in his corrupt state”
after the Fall from Grace, prior to any spiritual initiation.
20 of 21 1/21/2007 6:44 AM
[14] Kundalini, Evolution, and Enlightenment, ed. by John White. Anchor Press. Garden City, New
York. 1979. Article by James Morgan Pryse, pgs. 418-440. See: The Apocalypse Unsealed.
[15] See: Experience of the Inner Worlds by Gareth Knight. Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine.
1993. Pages 1-119. Or see, PON Qabala Lessons 12 through 16.
21 of 21 1/21/2007 6:44 AM

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VISIT…

Secret Fire: The Relationship Between

All Rights Reserved. Copyright Mark Stavish 1997.

Creation - “In the Beginning …”

Intense pains suggestive of an illness

The Secret Fire and the Sepheroth

Arousing the Sleeping Serpent

The Middle Pillar

Salt, Saturn, Sexual Ecstasy, and Spiritual Bliss

“The heart girt with a serpent is my Name!” Chaldean Oracles

The Cosmic Triangle of Fire

Amphitheatrum sapientiae aeternae, Heinrich Khunrath

A Short Guide to the Celestial Ruby, Philethes.

Freeing the Dragon

Adam Kadmon: Secret Fire and YHVH

“For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29

Saint-Germain and the Most Holy Three-Fold Wisdom

The Middle Pillar

1. The establishment of Malkooth.

Secondary considerations will be paid to:

1. The Ritual of the Pentagram

Yesod- Link Between the Selves

The Rituals of the Pentagram and Hexagram

Saturn and the Secret Fire

yourself back, and shut down the meditation.

The Flashing Sword and the Rising Serpent

Yesod, Hod, and Netzach in the Secret Fire

1st Bull or Saturn[12] or Moon[13] with Fire in the Heart

Genitals 1st and 2nd centers The False Seer

The Serpent of Fire and the Spear[15]

Basic exercises for its regulation

Solar Plexus as chief regulator of energy in the body

3.Walk on the grass or earth with your feet in direct contact.

4.Drink a cold glass of water.

Circulating the Light

Additional Notes for Consideration

The Gathas of Zarathustra from the Zend-Avesta, ed. by Raghavan Iyer.

Zarathustra, The Transcendental Vision by P.D. Mehta

The Zoroastrian Tradition by Farhang Mehr

Oriental Magic by Idries Shah

[5] Kabbalah by Gershom Scholem. New York. Meridian. 1974. P. 186.

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