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Tantric Lunar Resonance Meditation: Its links with Tarot and the Western tradition
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TANTRIC LUNAR RESONANCE MEDITATION:
ITS LINKS WITH TAROT AND THE WESTERN TRADITION
by Philo Stone, c1981
We have admired the writings of Dr. Charles M. Muse's, particularly
his works from The Journal for the Study of Consciousness. In the
interest of spreading some of the more important concepts of
meditation, we thought to westernize his works. Since it was not
widely circulated, we have borrowed freely from his work in Volume 5,
No. 2 (1972-3), titled "A New Way of Altering Consciousness: Manual of
Dynamic Resonance Meditation."
During Vedic and pre-Vedic periods [1], there were certain times of
each month when the priests would meditate on specific symbols. The
belief was that if one meditated in synchronization with the phases,
it could be compared to riding on a swing. A kick at the right point
put more energy into the swing than at any other point. It was
believed that meditation on certain symbols at specific times related
to phases of the moon would add soma to the body more than at other
times of the month. This produced optimal spiritual growth.
Farmers and gardeners have for centuries known the profound
differences in weather, plant growth, and seed-timing associated with
lunar phases. Newer research shows the moon/s effect on the
electromagnetic fields of the earth, and their subsequent biological
influences. Specific examples can be found in the lunar sex cycle of
the female, and the insomnia and unstable mental states during Full
Moon.
Less well-known is that the moon may be used as a means of spiritual
regeneration and the accelerated growth of the "diamond body." There
is a higher spiritual aspect to the Moon Goddess than Yesod, the
'personal anima. Anima Mundi, or the Divine Inspiratirix, is
represented in the Tarot by II. High Priestess, the crescent Moon.
This Goddess not only confers immortality, but also wisdom and
inspiration.
Myth states that inspiration of the moon comes from the dark phases
and from the soma drink which is brewed from the moon tree. It is not
embodied in rational thought but lies in the dark obscure movements,
thoughts, and impulses of darkness. It manifests as an intoxicant,
producing an enthusiasm which may even lead to madness.
Soma was considered a universal life power dispensed in great
abundance during the waning moon. It could be absorbed directly by
man in meditative states without having to ingest any plant at all.
Certain plants were held particularly efficient in collecting and
storing soma. Those eaten with the power to change consciousness were
held sacred as embodiments of deities.
Psychologically, the ritual for absorbing soma is designed for
relating oneself properly to the feminine principle. Then one gains
access to the eternal, immovable aspect of psyche, the reality of
Self. When drinking in soma, the initiate becomes filled with the
god. The inner voice of the daemon speaks, uncensored, and takes
control for a time. In Magick this is called "assuming the god-form."
[1] Satapatha Brahman and Taittireva Sanhita.
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Through communion in the meditative process, an individual becomes
acquainted with his own limits, depths, and ultimate reality. The
highest incarnation of the female form of the Holy Spirit confers the
deepest revelation [2].
There is a familiar passage from the Hermetic texts called The Veil.
It states that the veil signified the Veil of the Universe or Robe of
Isis. Crowley said this Veiled Isis "is clothed only in the luminous
veil of light. It is important for high initiation to regard Light
not as the perfect manifestation of Eternal Spirit, but rather as the
veil which hides that Spirit." These passages might be read as an
exhortation to penetrate past the brightly lit region of Tiphareth and
solar consciousness. Lunar consciousness is a more diffuse awareness,
an ability to discern in the dimly lit regions of the unconscious.
True initiation implies breaking through the veil of the Virgin. This
veil is the spiritual nature of man himself; to raise it means to
transcend the limits of individuality and become consciously immortal
(or, rather, conscious of immortality). The soul is released from the
constraints of time, space, and ego-orientation.
Turning psychological energy inward, by meditation, is a
characteristically feminine process. This produces the psychic child,
which corresponds to Jung's concept of individuation. It's greatest
value is attached to an activity of the creative imagination known as
'soul-making'. Careful aesthetic elaboration of an event is its
significance. There is no separation, in soul-making, between an
event and its meaning. A sense of the sacred is, thereby, returned to
daily activity.
This inner marriage of masculine and feminine components gives birth
to the inner child and release from the power of death. This child,
the Self, is the fruit of psychic development.
Soma is also associated, in yogic practice, with the 'inner moon'
chakra, analogous to the pituitary and pineal glands. This 'inner
moon' is said to shower subtle secretions, or soma drops, which
nourish the psycho-organism. These glands directly influence
physiological processes. The pituitary regulates, among other
functions, sex hormones, metabolism, and growth and development of the
individual
Richard Wurtman of M.I.T. states that stress activates the pineal
gland. This then exerts an inhibitory influence on the body's stress
mechanism (the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis). In view of the
pineal's sedative effect on the Central Nervous System, "the ancient
mystics may have had something when they attributed effects of
meditation to the pineal gland."
Plate 55 (page 88) of TANTRA ASANA [3] shows a leaf from a seventeenth
century Kashmiri tantric manuscript:
A female figure illustrating (the 9 + 9) positions of Amritakala [4],
which have to be energized on respective dates of the white and dark
halves of the month for successful tantric asanas. The eighteen (9 +
9) focal centers in
[2] The goddess is a powerful psychological force having the power to
mold destiny. In Tarot, she is represented as II. High Priestess and
corresponds with Isis, Artemis, Sophia, Shakti, Psyche, and Virgin
Mary. These are common forms for women's experience of the higher
Self.
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the female body mentioned in the Ratirahasya can be excited by the
adept when harmonized with the exact location of the "chandrakala" on
the respective days of the white as well as the dark halves of the
month.
This quote shows the relationship between the pre-Vedic and
Indo-Iranian immortality teachings and phases of the moon. It
specifically divided the lunar month into 9 special days in both the
waxing and the waning halves, a cycle composed of 18 days in all.
There is a striking correspondence between the two-fold cycle of lunar
phases each month and the hypernumber w, a lunar elliptic orbit
function developed by N.A.S.A. for the space program.
This hypernumber w and it's phases of the elliptical orbits provide
the only available mathematical paradigm corresponding to the
anomalies distinct to the waxing and waning lunar fortnights. This
striking relationship indicates that, during pre-Vedic periods, a
system of highly developed sets of mathematical descriptions existed
for the movement of the moon about the earth.
Hyperdimentional mathematics is a system or field developed to
encompass a body of complex universes. An example is the
hyperdimentional number "i" which is the square root of -1. The
square root of -1 has several solutions, some of which are applicable
to the physical world, some of which are not. These non-physical
solutions relate to other universes. These other worlds are created
primarily to solve problems not solvable in the physical world.
The hypernumber w has the remarkable property that, when multiplied
successively by itself, all the resulting numbers lie on a certain
ellipse. The numbers resulting from multiplying the square root of w
successively by itself also lie on the very same ellipse; exactly
twelve distinct points are generated by both these processes.
There are three principle irregularities in the lunar orbit that have
been known since Ptolemy of Alexandria. They were rediscovered by the
famous 16th century astronomer, Tycho Brahe, a student of Kepler.
These three irregularities together furnish a set of eight places in
the lunar orbit where these reflecting configurations of force are
maximum. These eight places map on the eight points furnished by the
integer powers of the hypernumber w. W was conceived by 20th Century
mathematics to describe these irregularities of the moon.
This seems to indicate that the pre-Vedic periods had mathematics or
observations which counter some of our most advanced concepts in
mathematics today. It is also known that the various phases of the
moon affect a number of biological cycles. Therefore, it is now
possible to adapt these equations to the meditative process of (9 + 9)
phases of the moon. This Tantric tradition for marimal absorption of
soma, using these key points in the lunar cycle, leads to the
immortality of the soul.
There are fundamental points which are important in the lunar
tradition. First quarter to the Full Moon is generally related to the
unstable mental states. The first quarter to the Full Moon are when
most magical rituals are practiced. One very
[3] Edited and compiled by Ajit Mookerjee, published by Ravi Kumar;
Basel, Paris, and New Delhi, 1971.
[4] Literally, the times of immortality.
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rarely uses a waning moon, preferring a waxing moon for ceremony. A
waning moon generally symbolizes soma going into the body. Waxing
indicates energy coming out of the body, usually via expression.
Waning periods, then, are generally when one meditates and absorbs
energy. Waxing periods use that energy as an expression for invoking
a given archetype, or god-form.
Spiritual regeneration also occurs during certain phases of the moon.
Even, today, the ascending and descending nodes of the lunar orbit are
termed the Dragon's Head and the Dragon's Tail. This dragon is a
time-honored symbol for the goddess, the Great Mother. The time
intervals taken by the moon in returning to its given node is termed
the Dragonic month even in modern astronomy. The ancient Indo-Iranian
lunar traditions ascribe that the "holiest power" of the month happens
in the dark of the moon. In terms of Indo-Iranian tradition, the soma
(energy for spiritual regeneration) most fully saturates the earth
during the waning moon, when the "invisible" (or higher) light is
brightest [5].
At its dark phase, the moon is conjoined with the sun itself, even
though we see only a dark moonless night. This is possible because
the relative distances of sun and moon makes the size of their visible
disks the same size. It is at this point that the moon physically
effects the central nervous system the most. In both traditions, the
pre-Vedic and Indo-Iranian, the dark of the moon is associated with
maximum life elixir flow. The waning or putrefying, fertilizing moon,
culminated in the dark of the moon and was associated with the male
powers. The waxing, or developing, gestating form of the moon was
associated with the female powers. [6]
Through this meditation and absorbtion of soma, the mystical or
Diamond Body (created by the harmonization of male and female
principles), may be built up for the consciousness to inhabit. The
soul becomes refined and finds unity with Spirit. This occurs via the
image. In Tantra, this imagery was associated with the female
partner, as representative of various forms of the goddess, Shakti.
Correspondence with Tarot and the paths of the Tree Of Life,
incorporate western imagery into the meditation.
The pre-Vedic technique was designed as a system for achieving
immortality. This exercise is also known as Circulation of the Light.
The meditation exercise is designed with this circulation, or exchange
between the masculine and feminine poles, as the central focus.
Indo-Iranian immortality teachings state that growth of the higher
body during life allowed full consciousness to remain even after
physical death. They derived the lunar month into nine special days
in both waxing and waning halves. These divisions are identical to
the famous equation and the solutions of the hypernumber "w"; 9 + 9
going to 18. [7]
As with everything, ther are certain rules which must be practiced in
order to obtain the maximum benefit. These rules appproximate
hypernumber w solutions or lunar phase points:
[5] The new moon is the period when Sun and Moon are in conjunction.
This symbolizes the alchemical
Coniunctio, or Divine Marriage.
[6] The Rule: Waning moon, the male; waxing moon, the female.
[7] Numerological implications are interesting. Some obvious
correspondences are 18 = XVIII, The Moon;
also (DNA = 10) + (RNA = 8) = 18.
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RULE 1: The first day after the full moon is Session One. The day
after the full moon begins the cycle of this meditation exercise.
RULE 2: The Outline:
Session 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Waning 1 2 3 5 7 8 9 11 13
Waxing 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 26 28
RULE 3: Face west during waning meditation periods.
RULE 4: Face east during waxing meditation periods.
RULE 5: If a session is skipped, do not omit Sessions 1, 4, 5, 8, and
9 of each fortnight. This holds for both the waning andd waxing
periods.
RULE 6: If for some reason the cycle is interrupted for some time,
resume Session One of each fortnight.
RULE 7: Full moons which occur between midnight and dawn are
considered as occurring one day earlier than the calendar date.
(Example: if the full moon occurred this morning at 3:00 a.m., then
start Session One today.)
RULE 8: It is best to meditate at Sunrise.
RULE 9: There is a special resonant peak which occurs after the 13th
lunar cycle and six sessions, (one year and three monthes after
onset).
If one does these meditations correctly, as in the Indo-Iranian
periods, one may achieve immortality with this soma that is pouring
into the body. This is the formula for immortality of the soul,
according to pre-Vedic traditions.
The table listing the sessions and the days is more or less self-
explanitory. You do not do this meditation every day, but only on the
days indicated. Returning the attribution of a diety via imagery is
paramount to attaining full benefit from the sessions. To incorporate
the meditation practice into the tradition of QBL, we have
corresponded the Sessions with appropriate paths of the Tarot. The
key imagery for the nine sessions for the waning fortnight are as
follows:
1. Session One: XXI, THE UNIVERSE
The first Session rekindles the flame of inspiration. One chooses
voluntary rededication to the work of the soul, the Great Work.
Rededication is returning attention to archetypal processes; attention
is equivalent to worship. This reorientation is attained through
perseverance in the use of the creative imagination. It produces
synchronization of the body, mind and emotions.
2. Session Two: XX, THE AEON
This session is designed to develop access to the contents of the
unconscious. This resurrection or re-membering of pre-conscious
information is involved with one's modes of perception. An access
state involves a broadened field of perception, where
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one sees through the metaphorical presentation to the archetypal core
of situations.
3. Session Three: XVIII, THE MOON
This session provides the power to remold or reprogram the emotionsand
beliefs in the subconscious mind. The cerebellum has the power to
initiate profound changes in the body, the organ-I-zation. It can
create a stabilized center or homeostasis. This is an important time
to record dreams.
4. Session Four: XIII, DEATH
One prepares for freedom, for the time when the physical body is no
longer an appropriate vehicle, by building the diamond body. Entry
into the subtle body is more easily achieved at this time eacch month.
Temporary seperations between super-physical and the physical body are
possible by the Magickal exercise known as "rising on the planes."
Death may be viewed as a profound change in one's old conception of
personality. The responsability is to re-vision oneself able to move
consciousness into the mystical body. Kali is worshipped in the
cremation groundds, symbolizing burning away of the dross which
inhibits spiritual progress.
5. Session Five: XIX, THE SUN
This session is one of uncompromising self-analysis and inner honesty.
Through examining your innermost heart, you may align your physical,
mental and spiritual goals. Enlightenment or solar consciousness
consists of perpetual conscious observation of the imaginal life:
behavior fantasies, dreams, thoughts, emotions, etc. This session,
like the first, is linked with the two following ones in an operation
group of three.
6. Session Six: XV, THE DEVIL
The power that flows now enables us to bridge intellect and profound
intuitive insight. From this marriage, genius is born. This path
connects the logic of Hod with the intuition of Tiphareth. It may be
viewed as a test of one's personal integrity.
7. Session Seven: XVII, THE STAR
This third session of the group of three confers the power of
clairvoyance, clearness of vision. In sight is possible through
cultivation of the subtle senses. Creative imagination (consciousness
cooperating with subconscious) leads, via Netzach, or Aphrodite, to
growth and artistic inspiration.
8. Session Eight: XIV, ART
This session pre-figures the victorious and fully-conscious
transcending of physical death. The keywords are immortality and
liberation. This is the climax session of the waning phase. Climax,
in Greek, means "ladder". It is precisely use of the sexual climax as
a ladder for mystical attainment that is fundamental to the practice
of Tantra or sex magick. There is value in the ascending and
descending of the soul upon this ladder; building up and holding off
are inherent in this sense of the word. A "climax" does not
prioritize orgasm, per se; as Crowley said. "Be strong, then canst
thou bear more joy." This day is superior for doing Middle Pillar
Exercise, or Invocation of the Holy Gaurdian Angel. These forms of
building the diamond body create a liberating paradigm for
immortality. Soma is distilled into the alchemical elixer vitae via
sex magick, regenerate love. The return of these sex magick
proceedures to the QBL tradition has been responsible for the
resurgence of vitality in the western tradition.
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9. Session Nine: IX, THE HERMIT
Mercury, as Logos and Phallus, preserves both the Light and the Life.
As "messenger of the gods," Mercury fosters multiple perspectives.
The union of opposites of Session 8 necesitates tolerance. Remember
the virtues of silence and secrecy. Perservere in the meditaitons
without lust of result. You may wish to observe a day of ritual
silence. This session consolidates the development gained so far;
grounding force.
This concludes the sessions of the waning, or male, fortnight.
During the sessions of the waxing, or feminine, fortnight, the
priestess becomes the living representative of the lunar goddess:
1. Session One: XVI, THE TOWER
The waxing moon has to do with physical expression, dynamic
engagement. It produces an influx of energy which yeilds increases in
health, vitality, and effectiveness. Ares marshalls in discipline in
the physical body. Physical disciplines, such as yoga or martial
arts, improve breathing, vitality, disposition, etc. Dynamic
engagement with life could be corresponded with Horus. The key words
for this session are engaging light, or tuning in. Since Pe', the
Hebrew letter for this path means 'mouth', it is a good time to
formulate and declare one's oath. Speaking ability is enhanced at
this time.
2. Session Two: IX, THE HERMIT
This is a period to link the concious functions with the unconcious
(i.e. Tai Chi). In the eastern traditions, monks were trained in
martial arts to connect body movement with medatative awareness and
control. Every motion is motivated by archtypal patterns, producing a
state of connection to power. This type of total involvement develops
patience and lends an increased ability to meditate.
3. Session Three: XVIII, THE MOON
In this session the physiological benefits of meditation are
incorporated into the body. Unconscious processes have the power to
effect change in such functions as the heart, digestion, kidneys,
ductless glands, and the brain. Circulation of the Light has a
psychological healing effect which influences the cerebellum via
symbolism. The key word is doing better than I know.
4. Session Four: XIII, DEATH
This session represents the perpetual movement of creation,
destruction, and renewal. It is the time for shedding unwanted or
hindering desires, patterns, situations, or habits as old skin is
shed. For those who "die daily" every morning is a resurrection,
awakening soul to new possibilities. The beginnings of victory lie in
proper revaluation.
5. Session Five: XX, THE AEON
To facilitate transmutation, this session is aimed at outer and inner
cleansing and purgation. Medicines, herbs, and baths are most
effective, now. Review your journal and conscientiously examine your
thought processes and motivations. Once the accumulation of body
waste are metabolized, there is a surplus of energy for living out
spiritual principles.
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6. Session Six: XVII, THE STAR
The love power enters and transfuses the body until it begins to
literally shine. The image of a beatiful naked woman is the shining
vision which presages individuation. Grace pervades all event
formation. The refining power of love is the key to eternal youth.
Refinement, or clarification is linked with discernment.
7. Session Seven: X, WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Health, luck and power are absorbed during this period. Beneficient
Zeus bestows his gifts, enabling you to complete difficult tasks or
overcome obstacles. Be alert for opportunities. The key word is
extra power.
8. Session Eight: XIV, ART
This is the key session of the waxing phases and is used to help the
body and outer life with "power for accomplishing". This is not the
power to fulfill desires, but to fulfill one's True Will. This is the
power that confers harmony with one's environment. It is truly a
blessing. Grace descends, via the activated Middle Pillar, through
the imagery of the Holy Guardian Angel. Participate freely in an
internal dialogue. In this Knowledge and Conversation is equilibrium
that the consummation of the Royal Marriage of Sun and Moon. This
fusion generates the internal union of subject and object;
consciousness and being merge into bliss. In alchemy, this state is
known as the Unus Mundus, or One World, were there is no seperation of
an act from its significance.
9. Session Nine: XXI, THE UNIVERSE
This final session of the waxing fortnight is a grounding session.
The position of the ego in the psychic economy is relativized. The
ego realizes its subordinate position to the Self. As the keywordd is
preservation of achievement, we might recall Vishnu, the Preserver.
The role of Saturn in the preservation of tradition is fundamental.
The banishing Ritual and Middle Pillar Exercise enhance any of the
sessions. They are useful in calming the mind and focusing attention.
They clear the confusion of psychic imagery away and prevent
distraction. Then one psychological state may be differentiated.
There are a few extra hints that might be of help:
a) If you should find it necessary to interrupt this cycle, try
to do it after a session #9, and preferrably after a session #9 of the
waxing fortnight.
b) The time used for these meditations is totally arbitrary.
Use as much time, or as little time, as you feel necessary. On the
average, 10 to 15 minutes a day is a realistic goal; focus attention
on an image or god-form.
c) No matter what the meditation time is, dedicate that same
amount of time each special day specifically to this exercise.
Cultivate consistency to improve your ritual practice.
d) The Spring Equinox is a fitting time to commence the
resonance meditations. There are certain harmonics which are struck
with the Solar cycle.