THE EQUINOX At this city, on the first of May, he solemnly began anew the Operations of the Great Work, and bought a steel rod for a wand, and tools to work it. On the second he bought gold, silver, and a jewel wherewith to make a Crown; and on the third set sail for Japan. During the voyage the following practices have been recorded: May 4th. sth. 6th. 7th, Prithivi-Apas.* 45 m. Also went on an Astral Journey to Japan. In which I found my- self crossing great quantities of Coral-pearl entangled with seaweed and shells. After having journeyed for some time I came to a spot where I saw the form of a King standing above that of Venus who was surrounded by many mermaids; they all had the appearance of having just been frozen. Above the nymphs bowing towards them were many pale yellow angels chained together, and amongst them stood Archangels of a pale silver which flashed forth rays of gold. Above all was the Formless Light. The Archangels showed me curious types of horned beings riding along a circle in different directions. Concentration on This resulted in many strange dreams, Position 1.+ Concentration on 32m. Ten breaks. Better towards theend; but Position 1. best after tenth break. Concentration must have then lasted quite 6 or 7 minutes. Position 1. 15m. Three breaks, but end very doubtful having become very sleepy. Position 1. 6m. Three breaks, I seemed to collapse sud- denly. Went to Devachan{ on Astral Journey. I found myself sur- * In all cases when the name alone is mentioned a meditation practice is understood. Prithivi-Apas corresponds to water of earth. It is symbolized by a silver crescent drawn within a yellow square. See Diagram 84. +t Le, Self in Akasa between pillars with white ray descending. t Heaven. 116