Serie F brev nr 9

Magazine Overview

Title: BREVCIRKELN
Issue: 9
Volume: F
Date: Undetermined, but content suggests 1960s.
Publisher: Not specified.
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of 'Brevcirkeln' (Circular Letter) focuses on esoteric studies within the Western tradition, particularly detailing spiritual practices and meditation techniques. It is presented as the fourth installment in a series on this topic.

Ceremonin för "Mittpelaren" (The Middle Pillar Ceremony) - Continued

The article continues the discussion on the 'Middle Pillar' ceremony, emphasizing the importance of repeating names multiple times to intensify their effect or develop thought-forms. It advises practitioners with weak concentration not to force the visualization of colors and spheres but to move smoothly through them, developing a rhythm and confidence. Once this is achieved, one can focus on each sphere, visualizing its qualities as described by Dion Fortune in "The Mystical Qabalah".

According to W.E. Butler, it is not enough for the student to simply awaken the centers of the Middle Pillar. The energies drawn down must be set in motion, which is achieved through an exercise called "The Interlaced Light". This exercise should only be practiced after mastering the Middle Pillar and thoroughly understanding it.

Planetary Correspondences and Ceremonial Work

The issue then shifts focus to the weekdays, their associated planets, colors, and metals, which are deemed important for ceremonial work. A table is provided, listing:

• Archangels: Tzaphqiel (Saturday), Tzadiqiel (Thursday), Khamael (Tuesday), Raphael (Sunday), Haniel (Friday), Michael (Wednesday), Gabriel (Monday).
• Angels: Cassiel (Saturn), Sachiel (Jupiter), Samael (Mars), Michael (Sun), Anael (Venus), Raphael (Mercury), Gabriel (Moon).
• Planets: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Solen (Sun), Venus, Mercurius (Mercury), Månen (Moon).
• Metals: Bly (Lead), Tenn (Tin), Järn (Iron), Guld (Gold), Koppar (Copper), Kviksilver (Quicksilver), Silver.
• Colors: Svart (Black), Blå (Blue), Röd (Red), Gul (Yellow), Grön (Green), Purpur (Purple), Vit (White), El Blandad (All mixed).

For practical application, the article recommends "Triangle Occult Incense" from Eldon Nichols (317, Arch St., Greensburg, PA.), suggesting 28 cones for about 70 cents, as their colors are closest to the table and they provide a corresponding tone for use with planetary correspondences and the chanting of divine names and phrases for the day. A tuning fork is recommended for achieving the correct pitch if a piano is unavailable.

A further table lists "KÄGLA" (Cone), "SKÄR" (Cut/Shape), "DOFT" (Scent), "TON" (Note), "FÄRGINTRYCK" (Color Impression), and associated colors/scents:

• Mörk Purpur (Dark Purple) - Viol (Violet) - D - Orange
• Orange - Akacia (Acacia) - E - Gul (Yellow)
• Grön (Green) - Tall (Pine) - F - Grön (Green)
• Blågrön (Blue-green) - Pergalaria (Galbanum?) - G - Blå (Blue)
• Rödviollett (Red-violet) - Lavendel (Lavender) - A - Blåviolett (Blue-violet)
• Röd (Red) - Åbrodd (Rue) - B - Rödviollett (Red-violet)

Det Sammanflätade Ljuset (The Interlaced Light)

This section elaborates on the "Interlaced Light" exercise, described as the final and complementary form to the Middle Pillar ceremony. Correspondence with members and personal contact with individuals in Southern California reveal they are working along similar lines to develop real magical power. A month of work on the Middle Pillar ceremony should prepare one for this advanced practice.

Butler's assertion that awakening the Middle Pillar centers is insufficient is reiterated. The energies drawn down must be set in motion through the "Interlaced Light" exercise. The article criticizes the traditional Christian view of the physical body as sinful or to be ignored, stating that the Kabbalistic scheme views the physical plane as an expression of "Ain Soph" (the Infinite All). Therefore, the physical body is an expression of the eternal and can be made more sacred through its use as a medium for a conscious spark from the eternal flame.

Through breathing, eating, drinking, and absorbing subtle ethereal currents, we constantly take in physical matter. These molecules vibrate at their own fundamental frequency, and in turn, we affect them when they are absorbed into our etheric-physical structure. This process builds new cell structures, replacing old ones. This regenerative activity is a little-recognized aspect of sexuality, particularly for those who view the word "sexuality" as contemptible. To stop this process is to stop life.

By exhaling, expelling, and hard work, we constantly rid ourselves of physical matter. Otherwise, the liver, kidneys, lungs, and intestines become overloaded with toxins. The way we use this physical matter while it is in our body is key to physical and spiritual health. This usage is determined by our mental and emotional habits, which form a pattern that repeats unless changed from within or without. The "Interlaced Light" ceremony is presented as one of the most powerful ways to improve this pattern.

When magical contact is established, the incoming energy stimulates all the activities of the various bodies – mental, emotional, and astral. Breathing allows this energy to flow through the physical body, intensifying and increasing its power, especially when the energies within the physical substance are less potent. This explains certain dietary rules, though it doesn't necessarily mean immediately adopting a vegetarian or ascetic lifestyle. However, excessive physical indulgence must be avoided, and abstinence may be necessary during certain magical rites.

As this potent energy flows through the physical body, it begins to expel gross matter, allowing finer types of matter to be incorporated. This finer matter offers less resistance to the incoming formative energy. Through the influence of magical energy, the physical body is purified, becoming a better medium for the flow of this energy. This purification process is naturally evident in all bodies, not just the physical.

The conclusion of the Middle Pillar exercise leads to Malkuth, "Adonai Ha Aretz" (Lord of the Earth), at your feet. The practitioner is then instructed to move their attention back up to the radiant, brilliant white Kether, take a long, deep breath, and visualize a stream of brilliant white light descending from Kether down the left side of the body (cheek, shoulder, arm, foot) and Malkuth. Then, visualize the energy flowing over to the right foot and up the right side back to Kether while inhaling. This can be done while seated and is useful for perfecting this and other parts of meditation.

The third and final part of the Interlaced Light is crucial. After establishing the two vertical streams, attention is turned back to Malkuth for the horizontal, circular movement of auric force. Starting from Malkuth under the right foot, visualize a stream of brilliant white light moving over to the left foot and around behind the feet. The movement is counter-clockwise. Mentally, the entire body is enveloped from feet upwards in a broad, band-like stream of white light, as if wrapping a mummy in its bandages. This is done slowly and surely all the way up to Kether. No special breathing is required, just a normal in-and-out rhythm. It is advisable to conclude this meditation with a repetition of the Kabbalistic Cross.

This is described as Western Hatha Yoga, a characteristic method for building up and maintaining a constant charge of "Mana" (life force) to charge thought-forms during daily life. The effectiveness of this practice has been known since the autumn of 1962, leading to an elevation of the entire personality, overcoming past complexes and crystallized thought-forms. The improved physical appearance and more vital talks at lectures in Harmony Grove and Los Angeles are noted. Readers are encouraged to try these exercises for their own well-being and improved relationships.

Om Meditation (On Meditation)

It is essential to meditate at a specific time. Once it becomes a habit, it will not be forgotten. Regularity helps create a mood that comes naturally. If one has tried meditating at various times, early morning is usually best due to the peace and quiet, allowing for clearer thought after the night's rest.

Meditation sets the tone and builds the temple for the day. A short, regular meditation is more effective for general growth and well-being than long meditations with long intervals. The constant pressure of daily meditation will bring about the desired changes in body, emotions, and soul.

Generally, any meditation subject should be simplified to its fundamentals, eliminating accumulated ideas from custom so that the essential truth is not obscured. This is the first step.

Consider a common subject like one's home or apartment. Fundamentally, a home is a sanctuary from the world, a place to rest and renew energy for the ongoing struggle for existence. Within this sanctuary, one can release social demands and be oneself.

The second step is to view the meditation subject as part of the universal whole. What is the next largest unit that protects you from external and possibly harmful forces? It is the city or region where you live. After that comes your homeland. Each of these units is an extension of the idea of a refuge or sanctuary offering protection from aggressive forces. The homeland is a refuge for members of one's race. The next largest unit is the planet, Earth, a sanctuary for the human race.

By extending this concept of "home" into space, you see how meditation can, step by step, put you in relation to our universe – the solar system. The Sun and its family of planets are the home of the Solar Logos and all lower beings that together form our universe. The next larger unit, according to occult science, is the system of stars we call the Zodiac. This is apparently a "home" for a group of perhaps a hundred suns, rotating around a common center somewhere near Sirius. Finally, our home in the cosmos is our galaxy, the Milky Way.

If your meditation subject cannot be related to the universe in this way, it is unworthy of your attention. The subject should have significance in the order of things. If so, it will increasingly benefit humanity, with you as the channel for distributing power, wisdom, and love in the world.

This realization logically leads to the third step in meditation: harmonizing the different aspects of your being. This inner harmony should then spread to your surroundings, to people around you, and to your daily life.

The fourth step, influencing yourself, involves changing your perspective. You become aware of irritating actions you previously performed thoughtlessly. For the sake of your inner harmony, you refrain from doing these things. You carefully consider the consequences of your actions, knowing that they will have repercussions.

These are the four steps of meditation, which should be performed regularly over a long period. Beginners may not be aware of each specific step and its impact. However, with continued practice, these steps will become clearer and their effect will be noticeable, yielding the desired results.

The Kabbalistic Cross should be performed at the beginning and end of every meditation. It is a universal protective symbol for students in both the Christian theological system and the Western mystery tradition.

Kvällsmeditation (Evening Meditation)

An evening meditation is also essential, but it is entirely different from the morning ritual that prepares you for the day's work. The evening ritual should free you from the day's tension and prepare you for sleep and restful rest. This meditation can be done after you have gone to bed and turned off the light.

Briefly and evenly review the past day, as if playing a movie in reverse from the present moment backwards. Highlight the positive aspects of the day and your relationship with people. Do not dwell on mistakes or unpleasant events. Simply move forward, resolve to do better, and to cultivate self-control and judgment in the coming days.

Do not struggle to stay awake if sleep comes during this review. The goal is to sleep, but the soul should be turned towards higher aspirations, so that the subconscious constructively builds up for the next day's work.

Note: The table at the bottom of page 1 indicates that "RED" has not found Swedish equivalents for "Pergalaria". If anyone knows, they are asked to write to "RED" so that the information can be passed on in future letters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are spiritual development through structured esoteric practices, particularly meditation and ceremonial work. The editorial stance is one of encouraging disciplined self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of understanding and integrating spiritual principles into daily life. There is a clear rejection of negative views on the physical body, promoting its sacredness as a vehicle for divine energy. The magazine advocates for a systematic approach to learning and practicing these disciplines, suggesting that consistent effort will lead to tangible results in personal well-being and spiritual growth.