Members of the Rosicrucian Order believe that opening the mind to Cosmic Illumination is possible with mental training. According to Joseph L. Weed in Wisdom of the Mystic Masters (New York: Parker Publishing Inc., 1968), the chief reason for the existence of the Rosicrucian Order is to teach man the Rosicrucian Way of self-development. Private records of the Rosicrucian Order trace its date of origin back to Ancient Egypt, during the time of the Egyptian Mystery Schools and the reign of Thutmose III. One aspect of the Rosicrucian Way of mental training is "etheric projection" or what is more commonly known as the out of body experience or OBE. There are 5 steps to achieving etheric projection.
Preparation for the Out of Body Experience
The mind should be clear and active, not sleepy. One should not attempt an out of body experience when one is physically exhausted or full from a meal. Cleanse oneself with a bath or shower. Put on a light, clean garment. Select a place that is quiet, secluded and free from interruption. Sit in a comfortable chair with back high enough to rest one's head. Avoid lying in a bed as one is prone to fall asleep.
Breathing Technique in the Out of Body Experience
When suitably relaxed, take 7 deep, even breaths, spaced in rhythmic fashion. Inhale to the count of 4, hold the breath to the count of 11, and then exhale to the count of 7, ensuring that the rhythm is even and regular.
Visualization of Out of Body Experience
Upon closing the eyes, one should visualize the place to which one wishes to project. It should be a place one is familiar with. Imagining the site, itemize in one's mind the details of the surrounding. To do this successfully, one must shut out all sights and sounds in the present environment. Fill the visual image with vivid details—the colors, lighting, sounds, and smells. The scene should be created as though one were physically there.
Projection into the Out of Body Experience
Once the visualized scene is structured in the mind, one should observe the scene as though one were there. One should make note of the people present, including their dress, their behavior and conversation. Sustain the vision as long as possible (not more than 15 minutes for the first projection). One should make every attempt not to fall asleep.
Review of the Out of Body Experience
To end the etheric projection, one opens the eyes to the immediate environment. One should record the details observed including the date and the hour. These details are important as one can verify the observations at a later date.
Although the steps to achieving an out of body experience are simple, one should be aware that the first session might not be as successful as one would like. Most novices fall asleep during the process; however, practice does bring perfection and the more one practices, the better he will be at it. As one becomes adept at the process, the etheric projection sessions could last longer—up to half an hour.
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