Magick in Theory and Practice (Section 4)

8. Fifth practice. — Let him practice mental concentration during the dance, and investigate the following experiments: (a) The dance becomes independent of the will. (b) Similar phenomena to those described in 5 (a), (b), (c), (d), occur. 9. A note concerning the depth and fullness of the breathing. In ail proper expiration the last possible portion of air should be expelled. In this the muscles of the throat, chest, ribs, and abdomen must be fully employed, and aided by the pressing of the upper arms into the flanks, and of the head into the thorax. In ail proper inspiration the last possible portion of air must be drawn into the lungs. In ail proper holding of the breath, the body must remain absolutely still. Ten minutes of such practice is ample to induce profuse sweating in any place of a température of 170 C. or over. The progress of the Zelator in acquiring a depth and fullness of breath should be tested by the respirometer. The exercises should be carefully graduated to avoid overstrain and possible damage to the lungs. This depth and fullness of breath should be kept as much as possible, even in the rapid exercises, with the exception of the sixth practice following. 10. Sixth Practice. — Let the Zelator breathe as shallowly and rapidly as possible. He should assume the attitude of his moment of greatest expiration, and breathe only with the muscles of his throat. He may also practice lengthening the period between each shallow breathing. (This may be combined, when acquired, with concentration on the Visuddhi cakkra, i.e. let him fix his mind unwaveringly upon a point in the spine opposite the larynx.) 11. Seventh practice. — Let the Zelator practise restraint of breathing in the following manner. At any stage of breathing let him suddenly hold the breath, enduring the need to breathe until it passes, returns, and passes again, and so on until consciousness is lost, either rising to Samadhi or similar supernormal condition, or falling into oblivion. 407 —