Date: Thu, 18 Jan 96 13:41:52 EST From: Sean Scullion Subject: The Sensation Hi all, I've written this with a view to publishing it in the next ZChronicles. It's basically research I was working on while I was in Europe and the Middle East. Feedback is most welcome, though I don't know how much of my email gets through to here these days. Kinesthetic Magick, by MAZE Chapter 2 - The Sensation - I start with the premise that each person wants to experience both itself and the matrix more fully. By doing so, it attracts and creates far better (more intense) sensations for itself. The difference between attracting and creating sensations are typified in an ancient Chinese symbol most people are familiar with, the yin-yang. To experience the difference involves a meditation. The experience is kinesthetic, which means you feel it, and what's more: you feel it within yourself. Most meditations involve either visualisations or feeling outside of yourself, such as watching or feeling your breath. The nose is a long way from centre, and we are feeling inwards. All meditations are valid to the people of the matrix, some have more intense sensations around them, some give us what we are questing for, whereas most don't. If you wish to feel the difference between yin energy and yang energy do this meditation. I'll explain the difference more fully shortly. Preparation: - This is the same for both meditations and is a fairly common meditation in itself. Sit with your back straight, perhaps on a chair as I prefer, or else on the floor, or perhaps lay down and start by taking a few slow deliberate breaths and close your eyes. Allow your consciousness to roam freely within your body, settling eventually in your toes. Focus on the feeling within your toes and feel the space within your toes. Move to the sole of your foot leaving just the shell of your toes, i.e. your toes are empty space. Move your consciousness upward within your body: toes, soles, feet, heels, ankles, calfs, shins, knees, thighs, buttocks, anus, sexual organs, hips, kidneys, stomach, inner body, lungs, heart, slowly up the spine, throat. Then along the arms, doing each finger one at a time, hands, wrists, fore-arms, elbows, biceps & upper arms, armpits, shoulders, nape, neck, chin, mouth & tongue, nose, eyes, third eye, ears, back of head, top of head then inside head. I've found it useful spending 10-15 minutes emptying the body/feeling the space until the whole body is felt to be empty space. The consciousness is then directed to the centre of your body, let your consciousness sit quietly centred for a short time, surrounded by the shell. The heart region is the centre of the body for the purposes of this and the following meditations and is called the heart chakra, in Eastern texts. Yin: Once you are centred to your own satisfaction, that is, your consciousness is at the heart chakra: let go of the shell which is to say fall through the shell. The feeling you'll have is of falling and the energy is yin. There is a point where consciousness says "hang on!" and you climb back up. You then need to create the space within your body again, though it can be done much more rapidly as you deem fit. Centre yourself again and drop again. Note the feelings you get, but avoid intellectualising just yet. This isn't head-stuff. These are physical energies your learning how to experience. Yang: To best feel the difference between Yin and Yang, follow straight on from the Yin meditation once the feelings have been noted. On alternate meditations, start with the Yang then follow with the Yin. Centre yourself again, placing consciousness at heart chakra, then direct your consciousness now to your innards as you breath. Trace a mental circle within your body starting below the navel, breathing in: tracing around to the top of the lungs then breath out: tracing the circle down the other side within yourself. Get a good circle within yourself. Once you've got the circle happening within yourself, feel the sensation you have at the upper and lower points of the circle, that is, between breathing in and breathing out. Feel the Yang at these two peaks within each cycle. Chi: It took me 3 attempts at this meditation before I felt the difference so persevere if the results aren't felt first go. After 6 attempts or so, the difference between Yin and Yang energies becomes blatantly obvious and I can feel the difference now, as easily as I can feel the keyboard under my fingers. The combination of Yin and Yang energies results in the basic substance of life, Chi, which goes under various names. In English it is best described as the LifeForce, or just the Force for 2 reasons: - It encompasses death. - I'm a fan of Star Wars. Before continuing with more techniques, I'll explain the difference as a combination of what I've read and of what I've felt. These 2 energies have different charges. I'll join the consensus by calling Yang "positive" and Yin "negative". Yang is a creative energy, a potential; Yin is a passive energy, a void to be filled. Yang is described as male and Yin as female. I feel these descriptions as inaccurate and wonder where they originated. Perhaps the social standing of women at the time, being more passive, caused these descriptions. More likely, it has to do with the physical qualities of women and men. The sexual organs are manifestations of Yin and Yang. However, the sexual difference between Yin and Yang energies is not relevant today. Women and Men have equal access to Yin and Yang energies. I know I do. The Taoists describe the first manifestations of Yin as the Moon (Thai Yin) and of Yang, the Sun (Thai Yang). [Almost?] all mythologies describe the Sun as masculine and the Moon as feminine, assumingly because the Sun was active and the moon was passive. I agree that calling the Sun Yang; and the Moon Yin is more accurate that the sexual descriptions of these space bodies. I am talking about energy, and access to energy here. The energy spurned by the combination of Yin and Yang, results with Chi. This is far more easy to experience than the two as separate entities. Simply, sit still and upright with your hands about 2 feet apart palms facing each other. Put your consciousness between your hands (feel what is there) and slowly bring your hands together until you feel the barrier between them (about 3-6 inches apart for starters). This is Chi energy that you can feel. If you have troubles with this, rub your hands together deliberately and try again. I have no doubt that you will feel this. Many people can see it too, usually it is of an electric blue colour or else [as I do] a golden sphere, though to date I don't know the difference. Often visualising the golden sphere helps in bringing the energy to your fingertips. Visualize one of the 2 colours as you deem fit, but not white, as many books and teachers recommend. White is Pure Yang energy, and the quest for enlightenment needs to be balanced with the quest for endarkenment if it's quested at all, in my honest opinion. Let me explain how I define some terms: Enlightenment is the attainment of a pure Yang energy. The enlightened direct what they are doing, and know where they are going, and how to get there. The enlightened usually arrive where they are Heading. The energy is one of potential, of movement, of creativity. It is the active force in the matrix. Endarkenment is the attainment of a pure Yin energy. The endarkened finds something to do, and knows how to [literally] ride the flows of energy in the matrix. There is a powerful intuition attainable with endarkenment. The energy is one of acceptance, of being moved, of inspiration. It is the passive force in the matrix. Based on these definitions, neither can be labelled "Good" or "Evil", nor can they be labelled "Masculine" or "Feminine", but labels and definitions vary widely in the spiritual communities. I base my definitions on my experience. Your experiences may be different. An example may help to illustrate, that of a painter. Painter Yang, has an idea, gets the necessary equipment, and paints with a great deal of passion producing a masterpiece. Painter Yin, has an idea, gets the necessary equipment, and relaxes. Yin lets the art be it's own inspiration and produces a masterpiece. It remains to be seen what Painter YinYang, aka Painter Chi, can do. So, you've now created an energy sphere in your hands. This can be quite potent, yet there is more power available elsewhere. Put your palms flat on your thighs and re-enter the empty space within your whole body. Instead of generating the Force within your hands, you generate it at the heart centre, and have your centre of consciousness there. It's a little harder to get started with this energy, primarily due to us always using our hands, and never spending much time feeling our hearts. Once it is felt (connected with consciously), the power raises many times over. Also note if you can feel that the energy from heart centre is different to the energies of the hands, and different parts of the body. Accurately, the higher on the body you stimulate energy within, the higher the frequency of the energy. A common mistake is to believe that higher = better. There is a whole science of the different parts of the body and their energies, which deserves it's own later section. Known as chakras, Naomi Ozaniec writes: "The spinal network of energies is a vital part of the subtle anatomy of the human individual. The chakras are strung upon the inner column of sushumna [the spinal meridian] like jewels on a necklace. It is this central column which unifies the separated chakras into a whole. It is possible for high levels of energy to rise up from the base chakra through the spinal nadi [meridian] and dramatically affect all the chakras simultaneously."[1] in her discussion on the raising of the Kundalini Force up the chakra network. The chakras, are more than that. The are matrices within the body. Each has it's own energy, each can be felt. There is a ritual called the Middle Pillar, published by various authors. This ritual is calling the energy downwards. If you are a student of rituals such as this, experiment with going upwards and note the difference in energies available. If you have experienced your own energy to some degree of definite success, you may desire to enter a group structure. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The TAZ: When nodes (yang centres) form within the matrix for periods of time, we have a thing called a Temporary Autonomous Zone[2], or TAZ. The TAZ may desire (or otherwise) to formulate itself, or grow in strength. The mere coming together has the TAZ potential, so it wants to empower the links, and forget temporarily that the individuals have external links, or ignore them, thus becoming a TAZ. To start with an exercise in which all units of then TAZ are in the same location. The TAZ should physically formulate itself into a geometric layout. If 2 units, they face each other. If 3, they form a triangle and so on. This is a simple exercise with many variations worth experimenting with. I list some of the possibilities at the end of the section. Each member of the TAZ enters quiet meditation and centres itself to the heart chakra. Each member puts it's own hands together until it can feel the Force contained therein. Once it is felt the TAZ forms smaller groups of 2 (becoming a 2 person TAZ within) and face their palms towards each other, exchanging the Force until an energy ball of some definite magnitude is felt. If they were then to move the energy ball around somewhat, they would be able to discover it's boundaries. This can be done by stretching, raising, lowering, squashing, etc. Become familiar with the Force your partner has. I've found that to touch hands is detrimental to the practise. Now, if there is more than 2 of you, swap partners and do the same, with some rotations within the TAZ, you will be able to feel the difference with the Force of different members (and different TAZs). The sensations inspired great joy, when I first experienced this. I had always understood intellectually that each person has a unique energy field. Having done this, I felt it. You can do similar exercises with your eyes. Again form groups of 2. The first unit has it's eyes closed, the second has them open and looks/stares/watches one of the first's eyes. The first has to determine which of it's eyes is being looked into via directing attention first to one then the other then back and so on until the other's Force is felt. For the visual amongst you, when directing attention to each eye, see which one grows brighter. You will by this stage be able to feel your partner's unique Force, and in a group you can experiment by blind-folding one unit and taking turns at the Force balls within the hands. The results are surprising, in that you are now able to know who you are playing with. All this in one evening. With some rotation, you will have felt each other's Force and know the difference between various TAZ members. Now, the TAZ has formed an egregore, a group consciousness, or group Force, which may be further strengthened by ritual [to be discussed in full in a later section] or by forming a pattern. Say there's four units, Each takes a quarter of the circle you exist in, and directs their own Force to the centre of the circle, feeling the Egregore grow in intensity, until the force comes back to their hands. By now moving forward, and compressing the ball, you have a very potent energy that you may use for various purposes. If the purpose is to formulate/strengthen the TAZ egregore, name the Force, spin it within it's boundaries, perhaps chant mantra that seems appropriate to the TAZ purpose, then absorb it back into yourselves. You are now inextricably linked to the Egregore. The consequences, both positive and negative, are best discussed before commencing. In the matrix, it's all flows and exchanges of energy, nothing more, nothing less. To label the consequences positive or negative (whatever they may be) is accurate on a level I'm not currently discussing, though I work and play on that level too. I said I would discuss some further possibilities. In a short space of time, you will be able to feel when a TAZ unit is nearby, and by 'feeling out' or deliberately sensing, you will be aware of the current emotional and spiritual state of the unit. Note that we already have this ability, we have to learn how to tune into it. A common example is directing our attention to feel the ground beneath our feet (or shoes as the case may be). We weren't paying attention to it before, but don't be silly in denying it's existence. With the Force, you have to learn how to pay attention to it. Other TAZ Exercises: - Obtain a collection of items, such as a deck of Tarot Cards, and have one member of the TAZ be the 'guesser'. A sample of cards are laid out (say 5 the first time) and all other TAZ members direct their attention and send their Force onto that card, whilst the guesser is out of view. When done to satisfaction, the guesser comes in, and feels the cards energies, without touching, until the guesser can determine which of the cards contains the TAZ energy. Note, many units within the matrix work well on a visual system, that is to say, they may be able to see the Force of the card immediately. Still, they should attempt to feel it, for this system is based on exploring kinesthetic magick. - Healing. A member of the TAZ has some ailment. For example, I sprang my elbow while juggling. A member in full Health was told, in experiment, that I had a damaged arm. She moved her hand up and down my arm, about 3 inches away, feeling my force radiate from my arm. She felt a slight disturbance in my force, which was described in analogy as a log fallen across a river. The method for healing is to smooth out the energy by slowly brushing along the river over the log, until the log seems to have vanished (to the brusher's satisfaction). Expect to be healed within an hour. With long term ailments (such as cancer) continue to do this as often as possible, even a few time a day. It's been reported to me by a long-term shaman of kinesthetic magick, that results vary from 80 - 90 % success, a lot better than any doctor. A little sad, if your in the 10%. Note, after doing such a healing, it is important for the healer to ground or earth the energies that have been picked up. This is done by touching the Earth with the hands and sending it out, or by bathing in salt-water. A simple flick of the wrists will send it out a lot of the time. You will be able to feel the difference with only a little practise. It feels different. Different temperature, different vibration, different level of comfort. A favourite way of Earthing, which is much looked down upon within the magickal community, is by hugging a tree. It is important to note that people may come together for shorter periods of time than discussed, say a single session. The may only meet once in their lives. They too, may do any of these exercises. Recommended is the Force ball and getting accustomed to each other's Force. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Note that this was entitled _Chapter 2, The Sensation_. After some reconstruction, I have decided to put explanations as the first so _Chapter 1, The Model_, is soon to be published. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Glossary: +++++++++ Chakra: Sanskrit for wheel. Chi: The combination of yin and yang energies. Also called in this document, energy or the Force. Cluster: A collection of units within the matrix. Also known as Nodes. Egregore: A group mind is the usual definition. Here it it extended to include a group energy. Energy: There are many different energies that are perceivable. It is defined as that which is perceivable, and can be controlled and directed for specific means. This essay deals with perceiving, controlling, and directing using kinesthetic means. Force: The Force is the name popularized by the Star Wars movie trilogy, for the energy that abounds in the cosmic matrix. Same as Chi. Kinesthetic: To do with the sensation of touch. Mantra: A series of syllables, often repeated, that may be spoken inwardly or outwardly designed with a specific intent. Aum being the most common. Matrix: A matrix is a combination of yin and yang energies. Matrices are often felt to be like spider webs, or like whirl-pools. Each matrix consists of smaller nodes which are also matrices, and each is part of greater matrices. The Matrix is also the name given to all matrices, which is colloquially called The Cosmos. More details forthcoming in Chapter 1. Node: A node is a centre of activity. It is a potent yang energy, active and creative. Between nodes is the space, which is yin energy. TAZ: Temporary Autonomous Zone. Visual: Pertaining to the sense of vision, or seeing. Yang: The active, creative, potential energy. Yin: The passive energies, typified by space. teflaftheita mafswiw .... ot kwirte labo kasfein amgidlee. [1] The Elements of THE CHAKRAS, Naomi Ozaniec, ELEMENT, ISBN:9 781852 301743, page 13. This is an excellent primer for the beginner in chakra work. It explains the concepts well and contains many useful exercises. Further, it explains the meanings of a lot of Sanskrit words that occur from time to time in various religious texts. [2] TAZ.DOC, by Hakim Bey can be found on the internet at ftp: //ftp.funet.fi/pub/doc/religion/old/magick/INCOMING It is, I think, 260k in length and consists of many useful articles and discussions.