In the first edition of Astral Dynamics Robert Bruce writes that a person first should work on their energy channels. But he did not provided any instructions as to how long that process should be carried out. Anyone got any clue?
4 Likes
If you are working on major energy centers like chakras, and the experience is pleasant, beneficial, ect. If no emotional or mental imbalances occur, and if no physical pain arises, you are good to go!
If any of the negative symptoms arise, return to basics and work on energy centers/energy channels that balance things out. Work on supporting structures.
Bruce is cautious because he knows how chakra work and energy work can spontaneously awaken kundalini. If the energy system is not prepared to handle all that force it will cause the aforementioned ills.
3 Likes
tysm <3
2 Likes
Robert Bruce uses qigong. In qigong, energy channels are called meridians.
Meditations such as the microcosmic orbit, tai chi and others help develop your energy. This is done holistically to avoid imbalance, which can lead to sickness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s believed all sickness is caused by energy imbalance and can thus be fixed by balancing the energy. For a mage, being balanced means being centered and grounded, having discernment and not susceptible to spirit influence, parasitism and curses.
These meridians are also used in acupuncture, where acupuncture points are places where the meridians come closer to the surface of the body. Acupuncture points are very useful in helping you read and work with the energy in the meridians, and the great thing about that is detailed information on the meridians and how to find them exactly is readily available in acupuncture schools and books.
In qigong the main energy centers are the Dan Tians (there’s 3, upper, middle and lower).
Yoga has similarities and may have developed from the same roots in prehistory… In yoga the energy channels are called nadis, while the energy centers are called chakras - which means “wheel” - and similarly to qigong represent a nexus of nadis. However the chakras are not the same thing as the Dan Tians although the locations overlap some, and the nadis are differently mapped than the meridians although again there’s overlaps.
We have a quick into to developing energy in qigong here. In short, you breathe in qi from the cosmos and store it i lower dan tian. You can then either rely on the system itself to balance and let the qi go to where it’s needed naturally, which is always does as qi is sentient, or you can assist and develop the system faster and intentionally by running the microcosmic orbit. How to get energy from the earth and universe? - #7 by Mulberry
You can find loads of great videos you can follow along with on youtube.
This is the tip of an iceberg of qi training (literally what qigong means) and you can get as deep as you like or not.
Any kind of moving, stretching and energy balancing exercise is beneficial, done every day, from going for a walk to doing martial arts to gym work to qigong and neigong exercises.
We also have a list of books about all sorts of qi training here, and if you look up info from those authors on youtube you will get a to of info:
maybe pick up a tai chi video or class in your area as a good start, or follow along with some youtube videos.
Ideally, for the rest of your entire life, included as part of your lifestyle. Energy training is as useful as regular exercise and good diet for maintaining long term health and building strength.
You can use it as a one-time tool to clear blocks that are hindering your growth, magick or understanding as well.
As doing qigong teaches you how to “read” and be aware of your own energy state and come to understand what you need, you will start to know when you need to do extra balancing work, and you won’t need formulas or other people’s timescales, you can manage it yourself.
3 Likes
Oh my goshy so much information! thank you so much kind soul 
3 Likes