After having performed a few experiments, it should be clear that the entire alchemical process is a meditative one, that is, designed to bring the practitioner to the medi, or center, of his or her being. To facilitate this inward movement and outward expansion that meditation simultaneously brings, active and passive techniques can be utilized. Active forms involve visualization, concentration, and the creation of inner ideas, landscapes, and symbols in lifelike proportions. This is identical to practices found across the globe in a variety of esoteric systems, of which, in our modern age, Tibetan tantric practices seem to be most familiar. Qabalistic magic is based on these same three distinct and interrelated stages:
1. The student will meditate upon every detail of a particular image until he or she can visualize every detail clearly in the mind, even when performing other tasks.
2. This image will then be projected onto the material world, and with time can even be seen by other people, regardless of their psychic sensitivity.
3. With repeated visualization, the image becomes a material reality.
This process of repeated visualization and of reinforcing the desired goal to achieve not at some future date but to sense the enfoldment of the Philosopher's Stone in the present, forms the critical psychic basis for all alchemical work. To begin an alchemical operation without first seeing in your mind and in your heart the desired outcome is to stumble out of the gate. To undertake an alchemical operation that is not leading you toward or reinforcing your image of confecting the Stone of the Wise is to delay your progress. This forces students of the art to ask themselves, "Why am I doing this? What do I hope to gain?" In this manner, our motivation is always being checked to see if it is in alignment with our ultimate desire, thereby keeping us on track.
Passive meditation relies on the ability to hold the mind in check and to simply experience what is happening at a given moment in time with the least amount of psychic construction. Utilizing planetary hours is an example of passive meditation. Here, alchemists or Qabalists place themselves in a receptive state and allow the energies of the day and hour to fill them, inspire them, and reorganize their energies in a natural and harmonious fashion. To keep the mind open and receptive, a simple prayer or auto-suggestion is made that clearly gives the desired state of openness and receptivity; then, a single symbol may be used along with simple breathing techniques. The complex use of ritual, invocations, and even extensive prayers is eschewed, and instead the alchemist and his or her product becomes a sponge, absorbing the energies of the hour clearly, cleanly, and directly, with minimal mental filtering on the alchemist's part.
Prepare your meditation area, or oratory as it is called in several traditions (literally "place of prayer"), in the following manner:
1. Cover your altar, or the table you are using as an altar, with a black cloth. The cloth should preferably have a white border, but a simple piece of black cloth, large scarf, or even an unfolded handkerchief will do. Black is used because it is the color of Saturn and of Earth, both of which are concerned with "earthing" or "fixing" energy.
2. Place on top of the black cloth a drawing of the polygon and polygram combined that are appropriate for the planet that rules the herb that the tincture has been created from. For example, if the plant is ruled by Mars, a pentagon with a pentagram (five-pointed star) drawn inside of it-connecting all of the pentagon's points-would be used. Draw the planetary symbol in the center of the two symbols. This you can draw with black ink on a white piece of paper or index card. If possible, use the planetary color and its complementary color for added effect. However, don't delay your work if they are not available; just use what is available to you and experience the simplicity of the process.
3. Place one white candle on your altar. White is used because it represents the pure undifferentiated energy of the Infinite that we are opening ourselves to. Incense appropriate to the planet may be used but is not essential. Have a candle snuffer at hand to use; never blow out your candles, as it is considered "extinguishing the light" rather than transforming it by using a candle snuffer.
4. A few minutes before the planetary hour of sunrise on the day ruling the planet and the symbol you are meditating on, light your candle and incense, if you are using any. If possible, arrange your space so that you are facing geographical east when seated in your oratory and before your altar.
5. Sit and breathe slowly and deeply through your nose. Let your mind and body relax and, after a minute or two of such breathing, say a prayer such as the following to set the tone for your operation: "May the Light of the Infinite infuse my mind, body, and consciousness with the Quintessence of [planet's name] and aid in my Awakening and any who I may come in contact with."
6. Breathe slowly and deeply, focusing on your breath and the idea that you are opening up to the energies of the planetary hour. Do not focus on what these energies are, how they feel, or what they should be doing. Simply bathe yourself in their presence.
7. If you need to focus on something to keep your mind from wandering, start small. Begin with the planetary symbol in its appropriate color, or simply inhale and exhale the color of the energy of the day. You can imagine the more complex symbol on your altar, but do not stress yourself if it is too complex to visualize at the moment. The key here is to keep everything simple and let Nature do her work.
8. Stay like this for fifteen to thirty minutes or even the entire length of the hour if you desire. When done, extinguish your candle and offer a prayer of thanks for whatever you have received, knowing that your meditation has been successful.
9. Give a closing sign, such as the Sign of Silence, performed by placing the index finger of the right hand to your lips. Hold this for a moment, with the intention of banishing any unabsorbed energies. You may also substitute this sign with a small bell, clapping your hands loudly, or anything else that signals a clean and clear end to the session.