Fasting
© 2003
>> Fasting is mentioned over 40 times in the bible. In various books written on the Hermetic sciences, it has been suggested that before performing certain rituals, it is essential to fast for up to 9 days. I cannot find any reference to fasting in FB materials - did he not consider it a worthwhile practice? <<
To understand why Bardon does not recommend fasting for magical purposes, we must first examine the goal of fasting as a magical practice. Its primary purpose is to diminish the Earth Element within the three bodies. The Earth Element is what holds the three bodies together, so when you diminish the Earth Element, it is easier to separate the three bodies, most especially the mind or mental body. In other words, fasting is used as a method to increase the magician's mental focus.
For the Bardon-trained magician, this is not necessary. The work of IIH trains the mental powers to such a degree that the astral and physical bodies do not pose a barrier. Furthermore, if such an imbalance of the Earth Element were necessary, the Bardon-trained magician could directly manipulate the Elements in the three bodies and immediately achieve the same result as would be achieved by several days of fasting. Plus, the Bardon-trained magician would be able to reverse this imbalance just as quickly; whereas, by employing fasting, one faces several days of recovery to regain their Elemental balance.
My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
22 Aug 2003