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162 THE TREE OF LIFE
revelations of his own co~~sciousness in its different parts with which
hc was never previously familiar. For disclosing the various layers
of mind and soul, together with their contents in dynamic form,
the Astral Light and its investigation in the fiery solar body is the
means $av excellence, than which there is none better. Thus is
self-knowledge procured. Thus also is self-consciousness, in the
true sense, attained, serving as a prelude to the symphonic harmonies
of the celestial union.
The results of this practice are very tangible and salutary. To
brush aside the possibility of the conscious projection of the Body
of Light, and to dismiss as of no account the vital experiences and
self-linowledge obtained in the Divine Astral, with the superficial
slul- that " it is all imagination " is absurd, to say the least. Experiment
alone, and nothing else, will demonstrate whether the adventure
in the empyrean is a supreme reality or a figmcnt of phantasy,
even though it is admitted that the preliminary steps were ,
encompassed through the channels of the Imagination. " Prometheus
Unbound " was first conceived in the fertile creative
imagination of Shelley, but who is there foolish enough to reject
the intrinsic beauty of this poem, or deny its undying reality
because of its immaterial origin ,4 very similar mode of consideration
is applicable here. By means of the Imagination,
the blagician creates a subtle thought-instrument with which to
measure, investigate and explore an already existent but hitherto
unknown plane of consciousness in the universe. In any event, in
but a short while it may be borne upon the ~a~ician, sceptical
though he may and should be, that the Angelic entities he encounters
ill the course of his visions, their conversations and their treatment
of him, are hardly the products of his imagination. Nor are they
seen to be subjective creations, especially when, perhaps to his
consternation at first, things " begin to hum."
But I wish at this moment to consider one of the most important
results which develops from this highly important branch of Theurgy.
Prior to the attainment of success in the projection of the Body
of Light, the human consciousness was inseparable from the
physical body. The appetites and desires of that vehicle had become
identified with the Rziaclt itself. With the ability to transfer the
coiisciousness to the created Body of Light in the imagination
there follows this significant philosophical conclusion. The soul
is quitc distinct from the being of the body, and by the right methods