by Breath is the vehicle of the idea
The breathing exercises assigned by Bardon in this section differ from specific techniques such as those found in prāṇāyāma. They are not aimed at hyper-oxygenating the blood or inhaling the vital energy in the air’s physical constituents, such as nitrogen and oxygen. Instead, breathing is viewed as a means to welcome an idea and bring it into reality through the etheric element. As explained in a previous section (I.A2), Ether or ākāśa is the unmanifested essence from which the elements that shape our understanding of reality emerge in succession.
Bardon outlines the development of this practice in a way that may be challenging for non-experts to grasp. He explains that when you think of an idea while breathing in, the air becomes infused with that idea due to the presence of electric and magnetic fluids.
Initially, the physical components of the air enter the lungs and then move into the bloodstream, providing the oxygen needed for metabolism. After this, the air, infused with the electromagnetic fluid that carries the idea or thought, penetrates the astral matrix and mental matrix, ultimately reaching the spiritual principle. At this point, a further explanation is necessary.
The tetrapolar magnet
When Bardon refers to “fluid,” he is not talking about a liquid substance but rather a force or energy that manifests dynamically in a liquid-like motion. The electric fluid represents the positive and outward-extending polarity associated with the Fire Element. In contrast, the magnetic fluid embodies the negative and inward-pulling polarity analogous to the Water Element. These two poles are, in essence, the primordial forces of expansion and contraction within manifestation, representing two aspects of Unity that reveal themselves through differentiation. Just as a magnet’s dipole moment remains intact even when the magnet is cut, these two elemental forces are inseparable and interdependent. Electric fluid expresses creative energy, while magnetic fluid nurtures and shapes the active principle.
The Air Element is the electromagnetic fluid, a continuum between the two fluids; it expresses the dynamic equilibrium between the charges of opposite polarity. According to the alchemical tradition, this balance is depicted by the Rebis, the perfect hermaphrodite, the pairing of the masculine and feminine principles; it is the communication bringing together the polarities. By this interaction, the sphere of creation is born.
The Earth Element represents the synthesis of the three preceding Elements. That means that the dynamic interaction of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic energies generates a new entity that did not exist at the level of its components. This process is expressed at various density levels in the physical, astral, and mental realms. It embodies the principle of the esoteric quaternary, symbolising stabilisation in the form of creative energy. Thus, the Earth Element is not merely a development arising from the interplay of Elements; it signifies a fourth state, characterised by the ability to consolidate the expression of the three previous Elements while imposing limitations through space-time, weight and measure categories.
At this point, we can explore the interactions among the four Elements. Fire and Water represent opposite ends of an axis, reflecting the meanings of binary opposites such as expansion and contraction, as well as light and dark. Air and Earth symbolise motion and stasis, creating the oscillation that facilitates the interaction between the two primary Elements, leading to manifestation.
In esoteric tradition, these relationships are illustrated by what is known as the Cross of the Elements. Bardon refers to it as a “Tetrapolar Magnet” to emphasise its interactive nature. The terms used—electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fluid—do not correspond to their physical counterparts, although there are some analogies.
The accompanying diagram shows the four-pole magnet and highlights the division into eight circular segments generated by the combination of the Elements. The central area, or Ether, represents the non-place from which everything originates. The right side of the drawing, coloured red, represents the electric fluid, while the left side, in blue, symbolises the magnetic fluid. You can use this diagram for meditative purposes to understand better how the Elements interact.
Let’s return to our practice, keeping in mind the concepts we’ve learned:
- As always, we begin by finding a comfortable position to relax the body. Breathe in through your nose and visualise your desire entering your body with the air you inhale. Make this image as vivid as possible, and have faith in fulfilling the expressed wish.
In this phase, a mental projection of an idea occurs within the Air Element, understood as an electromagnetic fluid that surrounds us. This projection is then received into the Ether, or ākāśa, the causal or spiritual principle that underlies the Elements. Since ākāśa represents the origin of all things, the expressed idea or desire permeates the various levels or states of being, ultimately becoming integral to one’s drive toward fulfilment. The outcome relies heavily on the degree of imagination, the clarity of the represented idea, and the intrinsic abilities of the individual.
- Start with seven inhalations in the morning and seven in the evening, gradually increasing by one breath until you reach ten minutes for each practice session. However, extending these sessions beyond half an hour is not recommended.
Here are some tips on how to conduct the practice effectively:
- The idea expressed should focus on moral growth and physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- You need to believe that your idea will come to fruition strongly.
- Before moving on to a new idea, it’s essential to fully commit to the current one until the goal is achieved. Bardon notes that the time it takes to realise a wish can vary, depending on the student’s intentions and talent, ranging from a week to several months. However, especially at the first step, the key is to become familiar with the technique. It’s important not to let a lack of immediate results hinder your progress to the next steps.
- It is better not to force your breath or change your breathing rhythm during this exercise. In this exercise, breathing is only a means of conveying thought. A practical approach is to develop your idea, fill the surrounding air with it, and then breathe normally and effortlessly. When you inhale, you bring in the air infused with your idea; when you exhale, only the air is released, leaving the idea intact. This method helps separate imagination from breath, making your execution more spontaneous.
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