Rising on the Planes, Method I

This exercise is best done only after proficiency has been gained in basic astral projection using such symbols as the Tattwas or Tarot Trumps. There is no reason for one to rise to the higher levels of Yetzirah before one has gained a general mastery of the lower to mid levels. Similarly, there is no reason to work in Yetzirah at all until one has gained quite a bit of proficiency with the magical work in Assiah (ie: the physical plane). 

Throughout the course of the theurgic work, there is a general increase in the rate at which the elements of the operator's vehicle of consciousness are able to vibrate. This increase is what allows one to rise to greater heights on the inner planes. It is this dynamic that allows one, when a sufficient rate of vibration has been reached, to enter into the World of Yetzirah, and at length beyond that into the World of Briah. The two methods for rising on the inner planes (this exercise and the one that follows) are designed to raise the rate of vibration of these elements to their maximum capacity, and to expand that capacity in the same way that lifting weights expands the capacity of the muscles. 

• This exercise is to be opened and closed by the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (performed in your physical body). 
• Formulate a golden archway in the east of the temple. On the other side of the archway is a black and white checked floor, with a black, double-cube altar upon which sits a purple quartz crystal. East of the altar are the black and white pillars. There are no walls or ceiling. This is the Temple of Makuth, from which you will rise. 
• Imagine an image of yourself, robed in white, standing before the golden archway. Let the figure's hands be risen before the solar plexus, the fingertips of each hand touching the fingertips of the other. 
• Let the seven chakras alight, from the crown to the base, in color or with white light, in the body of light. Let the light from the base chakra extend down to the toes, while the light from the heart chakra extends down the arms to the fingers. 
• Take a deep breath, and upon exhale, transfer your consciousness to the body of light. Feel the crown chakra alight above the head and the heart chakra in the breast. Feel the legs straight, feet touching the ground, and the fingertips touching on each hand. 
• Raise the left leg of the body of light, set it down. Repeat with the right leg. Let the hands come apart a bit so that the fingers are no longer touching, then join them again. Allow yourself to fully feel the sensations that accompany these actions. 
• When you are thoroughly established in the body of light, open your astral eyes and gaze through the golden archway to the temple of Malkuth. Look to the left, then to the right; you should see the contents of your physical temple on either side of the archway. 
• Project through the archway using the sign of the enterer. Once on the other side (you should be able to sense the archway behind you), use the sign of silence to seal the astral door. 
• In the Temple of Malkuth, astrally vibrate the name ADONAI HA-ARETZ several times, until you feel that the vibratory level of Malkuth has been established. Spend a little bit of time establishing youself within the temple. Lay your hands upon the altar and pillars. There should be a particular effect upon touching each pillar.
• When you feel ready, return to the center of the Temple of Malkuith and let your body of light rise by effort of will. 
• Above the Temple of Malkuth is the Path of Tau. This should be formulated by act of will. The path is flooded with indigo light, and you will pass through a large black tau cross with a single drop of blood in the center. This may be accompanied by other images and sensations as well. Vibrate ‘Tau’ astrally several times while rising through the path. 
• You will come at length to the level of Yesod. This will be filled with purple or indigo light, and should feature a large crescent, silver or pale yellow or white. Continue to rise through the level of Yesod, astrally vibrating SHADDAI EL CHAI several times. 
• The next level is the Path of Samekh, which is filled with blue light, and features a white arrow shooting upwards. Astrally vibrate ‘Samekh’ while rising quickly with the arrow. 
• If, at any time, you feel resistance to further progress, you may send some astral substance from your body of light back down, proceeding onward with the subtler components of your vehicle. This may be done numerous times if necessary, until your body of light consists of no more than a minute point of refined essence. 
• If further progress is still met with resistance after you have shed as much of your body of light as you are able, return the way you have come. 
• At length, you may reach Tiphareth, in which the inner sun will arise in yellow or golden hues. Astrally vibrate YHVH ELOAH VE-DAATH at this point several times. Let the radiant essence of Tiphareth shine through you, even to the point of overwhelming what remains of your body of light. 
• It is possible that you may rise further, even onto the path of Gimel. This exercise may be used to attain the heights of mystical consciousness, though this is possible only for one who has already reached the threshold of Briah. 
• When you have gone as far as you are able (be careful not to exhaust yourself in an effort to rise further), return back the way you came, astrally vibrating each name along the way. The full form of your body of light will return to you as you descend. 
• Returning again to the Temple of Malkuth, take some time to touch the altar, the crystal and the pillars. When you have once again become firmly established in your body of light at the level of Malkuth, project back through the golden archway and merge your body of light back with your physical body. Physically give the sign of silence after you have come back to your body. 

Upon merging the body of light back into the physical body, I like to light up each of the chakras again, this time in the physical. These are like the screws (or nails, I suppose) which join one body with another, with practice they can be loosened and tightened at will.