From Christian Bernard Monographs

 “Dear Fratres and Sorores,

After having devoted the previous monographs to an examination of the body and psychic consciousness, we can now approach the study of projection. However, before discussing the techniques that will enable you to put this faculty into practice, we must first answer this fundamental question: What is psychic projection, and what is its usefulness on the mystical plane?

You have undoubtedly reflected upon this question already, but it is important that we consider it in detail before continuing our study.”

We begin these analyses by delving deep into the world of the psychic body. As interested readers will have noted achievement of an all powerful cosmic consciousness is one of the fundamental motivators for advancement through the ranks of the Rosicrucian Order. Thus, for the dedicated follower, these monographs must feel like a culmination of months, even years of long study and devotion.

To aid us in our examination of the claims made within the publications, and experiments that follow, let us take a more objective look at the history behind Rosicrucian Order AMORC’s various claims.    

A Brief History of Astral Projection

Early Traditions

Out-of-body experiences form a core part of various mystic belief systems and shamanistic traditions across time. In fact, according to leading anthropologists, scattered references to astral projection can be found in up to 95% of world’s religions.

In early manuscripts from Ancient Egypt, we find detailed descriptions of how to achieve a form of mind-body separation. According to these texts, the human soul can be segmented into 5 components: the Ren (name), the Ba (personality), the Ka (vital spark), the Sheut (shadow), and the Ib (heart). Of these elements, it was the Ka which was considered to be essential to the person’s continued existence in the physical and spiritual realm. If one could learn to detach this Ka from their physical body (Ba) then one could travel anywhere at their leisure, free from the constraints of their earthly form.

Later on, these ideas were elaborated upon by Pythagorean scholars (whom you might remember from previous analyses). According to these mystics, the distance of heavenly bodies from the earth could be measured by the natural intervals that would occur when musical instruments were played. By ruminating upon these “empty” notes through the study of philosophy, scholars believed that they could ascend to the astral sphere and in essence become one with the divine.

Certain schools of Buddhism (tantric Buddhism, pure land Buddhism) hold similar views about our innate ability to project into the astral world, only instead of philosophy, these schools believe that the key to this ascension is focused mediation.

Theosophical Beliefs

In the intervening years to the modern era, reams of occult literature and multiple systems of thinking have emerged regarding the possibility of achieving communion with the “higher planes.” Of course, this is one of the main promises of supernatural power that Rosicrucian Order AMORC offers to its intrepid recruits.

“From a Rosicrucian viewpoint, psychic projection designates the faculty that allows projection out of the physical body in such a way as to place oneself in consciousness on a plane transcending that of matter. When we read esoteric accounts devoted to the life and work of initiates of the past, we note that most of them mastered this faculty perfectly and they used it for definite ends”

However, much of our current understanding of astral projection is based on the somewhat dubious work of a renowned 19^th century psychic by the name of Madame Blavatsky; a woman once described as “one of most accomplished, ingenious, and interesting impostors in history.”

As co-founder of New York’s much patronized Theosophical Society, Blavatsky was seen as a foremost authority on matters of the occult. While many of Blavatsky’s claims don’t hold up to closer scrutiny, a few details in her elaborate back-story certainly seem to hold true.

1. Blavatsky was certainly well-travelled and well read; she displayed a good knowledge of various cultures and religious traditions from Tibet, India and Egypt.
2. While Blavatsky’s elevated spiritual abilities were certainly up for question, it seems definite that she possessed a rare charisma and force of personality which inspired the sort of intense devotion that many cults are built upon.

According to Blavatsky, all religions shared a common foundation, grounded in ancient esoteric doctrines which she herself had learned of through her extensive journeys. It’s a claim that may not sound completely unfamiliar to followers of Rosicrucian Order AMORC.

That familiarity only becomes more pronounced when we examine Blavatsky’s teachings in further detail. According to the Madame, popular occult sciences of the time which included mesmerism and hypnotism would become extremely dangerous if they weren’t conducted with a full knowledge of divine symbols and teachings, provided by Blavatsky herself.

Read the following quote from Blavatsky:

Hypnotism, now become so common and a subject of serious scientific inquiry, is a good instance in point. Hypnotic power has been discovered almost by accident, the way to it having been prepared by mesmerism; and now an able hypnotizer can do almost anything with it, from forcing a man, unconsciously to himself, to play the fool, to making him commit a crime — often by proxy for the hypnotizer, and for the benefit of the latter. Is not this a terrible power if left in the hands of unscrupulous persons?

 Now compare it to the grave note of caution sounded in this monograph.

“Such techniques can be dangerous, for they induce experiences that verge on a self-hypnosis which is impossible to control. This means that if the subject really achieves psychic projection during these experiences, he or she feels completely bewildered, becomes frightened, and sustains an emotional shock which may have negative consequences for his or her mental balance.

As practiced by the Rosicrucians, psychic projection involves no danger whatsoever and may be approached without the slightest hesitation.”

It’s a wonder that none of the Rosicrucian monographs make mention of Blavatsky as part of the society’s long, storied lineage of mystic enquiry.