Some Q's About The Lbrp, LBRP Options

Hi, I am fairly new to the actual practice of CM and have a few questions regarding the LBRP that I hope someone could answer.

I have been meditating for quite a while, prior to gaining a strong interest in magick by any means. After reading the intro to Regardie's Golden Dawn and the first and second chapter of Modern Magick, I felt it was time for me to begin the LBRP (I have, at this point, been doing it twice a day for only two days). Some of my questions also come from a few youtube videos that I have seen about the LBRP (I know that youtube isn't the greatest source but it raised some questions nontheless)

I heard someone on youtube say that because this ritual is angelic in nature, it is absolutely necessary to wash your feet and preferably bathe prior to the ritual. I do not wish to disrespect the higher forces in any manner, and am curious about other's opinions on this topic. Part of me sees this part necessary if not alone for the psychological priming that I know certainly aids (if it is not wholly contingent upon) in the success of the ritual.
Similarly, I am curious about the necessary qualities of my place of ritual. I live in a rather small apartment with a roommate who is probably not opposed to magick, but certainly has little to no idea of my desire to practice it. He is often around at night and I am restricted to my very tiny bedroom which is not even big enough for any altar and barely any walking room for the ritual. My ideal location at the moment in my place is the kitchen or living room, but unless he is not home I would not perform it there. Perhaps now is not the time to begin such a ritual, and I should simply continue with meditations and readings until the time is right. Even if I do perform it in my kitchen or living room, they are not by any means sacred spaces. I feel that I must practice the ritual in order to get a good feel for it as well so part of me wants to think that I can currently not worry about such things. I am also curious about the magickal garb. Is it absolutely necessary when performing the LBRP? I currently have selected specific clothing for it as I have yet to create a robe. My next questions of course would be some tips on creating one. I know this is a lot at once, and I truly appreciate anyone who is offering some advice. I will continue to search the forums for some more answers in the mean time. Thank you all.

Sincerely,

MND

Thank you very much, this was quite helpful. Albeit about a week, so much has changed for me. It is as if the universe is surrounding me with synchronicities at an unbelievable pace. Recently my interests have fell into the realm of sacred geometry, and it is no surprise to me that you send me that link. Strange things.

In regard to the LBRP, I have begun to perform it during meditations, although I am not sure if this would qualify as an astral event. I am actually quite confused with astral projection in general. In my situation, I am simply visualizing in as great a detail as I can (which increases at a seemingly daily pace) specific things, and locations that I may be in, etc. I will certainly look into the development of the body of light.

** I just read the Formulation of the Body of Light in Thelema post, and I remembered something that I wished to address: Fear.
When in deep states of mediation I often get the feeling of someone else being there, which for one reason or another does invoke a sense of fear in me. I understand that this can be (and understand why to an extent) detrimental. Any tips on getting beyond it or is it something to simply something to continue to push myself into? The idea of astral beings for one reason or another both greatly intrigues me and brings out a sense of fear as well. Any comments on this or the astral would be awesome.**




Thank you very much for your time, truly.

This post has been edited by ManNowDead: Oct 8 2010, 01:41 AM

** I just read the Formulation of the Body of Light in Thelema post, and I remembered something that I wished to address: Fear.
When in deep states of mediation I often get the feeling of someone else being there, which for one reason or another does invoke a sense of fear in me. I understand that this can be (and understand why to an extent) detrimental. Any tips on getting beyond it or is it something to simply something to continue to push myself into? The idea of astral beings for one reason or another both greatly intrigues me and brings out a sense of fear as well. Any comments on this or the astral would be awesome.**

In a sense you are right to experience some reaction to the awareness of another presence. However, your reaction should indicate your individual needs for growth and development. One of the core concerns of spiritual Work, insofar as I am concerned, is to discover - and overcome - that which limits you. As a bulwark against fear, consider that the astral realm encompasses something of a paradigm shift in that symbols are real things and real things are symbolic there. Knowing how to correctly use symbols, such as banishing pentagrams, is useful there - as are other symbolic warding and protection tools. A little research and contemplation should yield some helpful results. I first read of this in, I believe, Lon Milo DuQuette's "The Magick of Aleister Crowley", which is a handbook of standard Thelemic rituals.

However, before you go off banishing any watchers in the astral, it may be of more use to simply protect yourself and make an effort to communicate with them. The simple act of pursuing spiritual Work makes one as a beacon in the higher planes, as if you were a lighter that just flicked on in a dark room. If you believe that the entities you encounter in the astral realm are external to yourself, consider that they are simply taking notice.

By communicating with such entities, one may learn their nature, their names, or their purposes, and potentially engage in a relationship with them (i.e., they become a familiar spirit). And this is another central magickal practice - communion with other beings. Whether they be angels, demons, gods, goddesses, extraterrestrials, or whatever is up to you to discern. Play with caution; learn what you're doing before you get in over your head; journal religiously.

And have fun. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

For the record, some texts indicate certain modes of etiquette when engaging with so-called "spiritual" beings. The Sacred Book of Magic of Abramelin the Mage, for example, states that demons are to be held in contempt. I don't know that I agree. Although I do agree it is important to know how to protect yourself, or in some way to "master" or "control" them, I question whether maltreatment of any entity is beneficial to the practitioner.

I wish you the best of luck.