Dear Dan, >> I would like to know if it is advisable to do a relaxation meditation before beginning observing your thoughts in Lesson one. Or for that matter in any of the lessons. Maybe a progessive muscle relaxation. I noticed that Bardon presents relaxation in passing and only suggests taking a couple of deep breaths after being seated or prone in a comfortable chair or bed. << I recommend it. A physical relaxation will have the effect of focusing your mind upon the work at hand. >> Additionally, do any of you do a short ritual such as the Quabalistic cross and lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram before and after the work? << No, I didn't find such a thing at all necessary. My best to you, :) Rawn Clark 29 Jan 2005 rawnclark@... rawn@... http://www.ABardonCompanion.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BardonPraxis http://E.webring.com/hub?ring=arionthebardonwe