The Gateway Rite

This rite is taken from "The 21 Lessons of Merlyn" by Douglas Monroe.  A similar technique is used by J.H. Brennan in "Astral Doorways."

The purpose of this rite is to access ancient and extinct cultures by focusing on a symbol to which they were connected.  Below is a list of symbols and the places / cultures that can be discovered through them.  As you astrally travel to the localities, pay particular attention to every detail.  When you return, write down you experiences in your magickal journal - and be sure to write down everything no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.  It is often the overlooked detail that is important.  It is also important that you do not "skip" steps.  You cheapen the rite and rob yourself of experiences when you do so. 

The Method:

from the Book of Pheryllt as told by Douglas Monroe in "The 21 Lessons of Merlyn"

• Sit alone quietly for some time, without distraction.  Take several deep, cleansing breaths.  You may wish to burn incense such as a 'psychic' or 'visualization' blend.  The book suggests a blend of ghost-flower, juniper and lobelia.

• Close your eyes.  Continue the deep breathing.

• Visualize a stone GATEWAY (such as the trilithons of Stonehenge - see below) clearly in your mind.

• Mentally 'stamp or chisel' the cultural SYMBOL you have chosen upon the surface of the top lintel.

• Once the over-all image is able to be held clearly in mind for 60 heart-beats, move your Otherworld form (your astral self) through the GATEWAY.

• From this point you are free to explore.  As long you followed these steps you should be surrounded by whatever culture and time frame you wanted to be.  Keep in mind the location of the Gateway.  If you get lost, merely visualize it in front of you.

• To return, merely go back to the Gateway and move back through it.

Chart Two

Earth	Air	Fire	Water

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