In physics, this astral dynamism is known as electromagnetic fields, the force which lies behind and patterns all forms. Thus, the subconscious underlies and directs our mundane awareness in an analogous way to that in which EM fields are the subtle basis of matter. Behaviour precipitates, as it were, from hidden subconscious dynamics. We can raise much of this unconscious motivation to awareness.Magical tradition asserts that the human faculty of imagination is capable of creating impressions in the astral substance which guide and direct subsequent manifestation. In modern language, creative visualization or dwelling on a though consciously or subconsciously, increases the chance of altering EM field patterns.
This is neither objective nor subjective, since the wave fronts involved operate both externally in the environment and internally in the organ of perception, the CNS. Therefore, magical exercises, carried our properly, are designed to establish and strengthen specific EM field patterns (or archetypes) with great clarity in the consciousness of the practitioner.
Misuse of imagination has created chaos, error, and confusion in the collective consciousness. Generations of wrong thinking have left a groove on the cultural mind, which manifests mostly as emotional fragmentation or misplaced zeal. Imagination is an essentially spiritual power whose expression has been distorted.
In Yesod we seek to reestablish emotional balance and control of responses and reactions which are usually below our threshold of awareness. At Yesod, this applies particularly to the channelling of intense reproductive urges. We seek connection with the uplifting aspects of sexual energy, rather than its animalistic expression which might sap our vitality.
This vitality is presented in the magical image of the sphere. But here it represents the power of regeneration of the inner person. The force works through the nervous system and interior centers. In yoga these centers are called chakras, and the Serpent Fire or Kundalini represents the dynamics of ascending consciousness. This energy goes by many names including prana and chi. It can be channelled by visualization.
Yesod work helps us hone and correct our creative visualization capacity. If our mental images are improperly formulated, disharmony results. Pain is an emotional signal which helps us correct our attitudes and images of our goals. Yesod is the center of the formative world before it crystallizes into manifestation. But we must not only work against our own lower impulses (shadow), but those of the collective (Adversary).
Focusing on right application of our self-conscious image-making faculty, we can release old blocks or habit patterns. Hypnotherapy may be helpful in this process. Old destructive habits are easily given up when better solutions are internalized and become part of your new self-image. At first it takes conscious effort to divert the flow into the new channels of reaction. But soon constructive new habits become the norm.
Yesod is the realm of instincts. After purifying the body comes the work of purifying the psyche. It means becoming aware of one's shadow and responses that are not in harmony with the goals of the Higher Self. It doesn't mean suppressing emotions, because bottled up feelings explode like a pressure-cooker. We create a channel for the liberating powers of the Self, which facilitates our natural, organic growth.
The higher Self can use the power of suggestion to influence the subconscious. It prepares the instinctual level for the transpersonal influx or transmutation. This mainly has to do with "original pain" work, healing misperceptions, faulty self-images, and emotional wounds or complexes--changing our "script." We all hate to give up our habits, and this means the pain of overcoming resistance to change.
Patterns in our beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behavior are deeply conditioned by the subconscious and the early development in our personality of script decisions, scripts, rackets, and games, such as "No Joy," or "No Love." If most of your thoughts about yourself counteract your higher mind ideals, then progress will be very slow. This is where therapy may help you clear out some old baggage. Then your ideals can be incorporated into your foundation, your new image.
This new self image must be frequently reinforced by images of success. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself or the world, just tell yourself to Stop! and change the program--divert your attention, change the self-talk.
Yesod contains the patterns of all possible forms and metaphorms. The astral plane includes but extends beyond the physical plane. Certain simple geometrical figures can be discovered through nature and the psyche. These archetypal forms include the cross, the square, the circle, the regular polygons, etc. Their proportions contain representations of the dynamic forces in the universe. They are the virtual underpinnings of sound vibration, light and color, gravitation and electromagnetism. These properties are the formative blueprints of everything which comes into physical being.
They are expressions of the One in the Many like the Jungian archetypes. These basic ideas and symbols of the collective unconscious also express the One in the Many. When God commanded "Let there be Light," He also meant in the panoply of our thoughts and imagination. And in the virtual reality of the astral, thoughts and feelings have the same concrete reality as a material object or experience. That is why hypnotherapy works tangible results in people through their inner journeys. When the imagery changes, so do the attitudes associated with it.
For the magician, the astral light is his medium to be influenced and formed through concentrated imagination and will. Even the most tenuous ideas influence it, and concentrated focused energy sets the formative forces in motion. The Collective Memory is its other function as the repository of all existence and experience.
