by Collecting thoughts with the magic of water
Understanding this section of the IIH can be challenging for students. The difficulty does not stem from an incomplete explanation; instead, it involves a concept—the magnetisation of a substance—that we will address only in Step Five. This can lead to confusion, as it’s hard to outline a course of action without knowing the necessary prerequisites. Fortunately, a thorough analysis of the text helps clarify Bardon’s intentions.
This practice focuses on water and its role as an accumulator. Physical water, which represents the material aspect of the subtle element of the same name, possesses a receptive quality that enables it to attract and retain external influences. This is particularly evident in cold water, where the maximum receptivity is achieved at a particular temperature: at 4 °C (39 °F), with a specific water weight of 1 kg per dm³. As the temperature rises, the magnetic properties of water diminish until they are effectively neutralised around 36 °C to 37 °C (97 °F to 99 °F).
Symbolically, this phenomenon illustrates the nature of the Water Element in its subtle state. By definition, Water Element embodies the receptive and magnetic principle, serving as a force of attraction and downward movement. As a physical manifestation of this higher principle, water can analogously exert an attracting effect when it comes into contact with other substances. However, a mixture with the Fire Element occurs when the temperature increases, leading to disordered and active particle motion. This results in losing the molecular stability necessary to maintain its magnetic properties.
Interpretative difficulties arise at this point. When reading the text, it may seem necessary to “magnetise” the water with some form of vital energy, but this is inaccurate, as water is inherently magnetic. The method employed here is somewhat similar to the practices of conscious breathing and conscious eating; it involves infusing the substances of a chosen idea with the help of the ākāśa, which permeates all the elements. The key difference in this case is that we utilise the natural magnetism of water to imprint our ideas onto this element more effectively.
Bardon suggests some methods of practice, some of which should be adopted as a routine:
- When we wash our hands with soap, we firmly believe that the act not only removes physical dirt but also cleanses the negativity of our soul, including discontent, depression, dissatisfaction, and both physical and psychological discomfort. As the water flows, we visualise all these negative emotions washing away. If a sink is unavailable, we can use a basin, ensuring we dispose of the water immediately to prevent anyone else from coming into contact with it. This same cleansing procedure can be applied during the morning cold shower exercise, which can be even more effective in this regard.
- Alternatively, we can immerse our hands in cold water, focusing on the idea that water’s magnetism draws out negativity and weaknesses. Again, we should dispose of the water immediately.
- We can also reverse the exercise by projecting an idea or desire into the water contained in a basin. After doing this, we immerse our hands in the water, firmly believing that the energy of our desire transfers from the water to our bodies. This approach is closely aligned with the practices of conscious breathing and conscious eating mentioned earlier. Those with more time can combine the two methods: wash away any impurities and discard the water, then infuse new water with our desire and soak our hands in it.
- Another exercise with “aesthetic” modalities consists of immersing the face in the water for a few seconds, seven times, impregnating it in advance with the desire that the skin of the face will become more toned and elastic. Bardon suggests adding borax (sodium tetraborate) to the water. This indication should be considered cautiously; despite having different fields of application (soaps, disinfectants, insecticides), the EC regulations classify boron derivatives as harmful to fertility and irritating to the eyes. When converted to boric acid and diluted with water, tetraborate takes the name of boric water and is used as an antiseptic, antifungal, and for treating red eyes.
- The final exercise focuses on eyewash. Bardon describes an “archaic” method that involves boiling water prepared the day before, which is then used the next day in a basin to wash the eyes. He also mentions the addition of a decoction of Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright), an ocular antiseptic known for its decongestant properties. Today, sterile eyewash liquids containing herbal extracts, including Eyebright, are available. We will outline the procedure based on this modern option. To begin, fill an eyewash cup with the liquid and allow it to absorb the intention you wish to set. Position the cup against the eye socket, tilt your head back, and open your eye while gently rotating it for a few seconds. After that, lower your head, remove the eyewash cup, and repeat the process six more times. Then, switch to the other eye and follow the same steps. Bardon suggests that advanced students use this exercise to enhance their clairvoyance skills, discussed in Step Seven.
This section wraps up the work of Step One.
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