p thus:

"(1) That a supersensible and real cosmic medium exists, which
interpenetrates, influences, and supports the tangible and apparent world,
and is amenable to the categories both of meta-physics and of physics."
[This of course is the astral plane, which is the container of the subtle
form or framework of all that exists on the physical plane.]

"(2) That there is an established analogy and equilibrium between the real
(and unseen) world, and the illusory manifestation that we call the world
of sense." [By this of course is meant the correspondence and balance
between the subtle form of things and the material manifestation thereof.
Things created in the astral, tend to materialize on the physical plane.
All creation proceeds from the astral to the physical.]

"(3) That this analogy may be discerned, and this equilibrium controlled,
by the disciplined will of man, which thus becomes master of itself and of
fate." [The essence of Will consists of strong desire accompanied by a
clear mental picture of the thing desired, and held steady and firm by
concentration.]

So you see by reference to the above very clear statement of the central
doctrine of Magic, and my explanations thereof, that in these lessons you
have been taught the very essence of the wonderful, mysterious ancient
Magic, and its modern counterpart. As for the various rites and
ceremonies, as I have said, these are mere symbols and aids to mental
imaging and concentration. As an eminent occultist once said, "Ceremonies
being but artificial methods of creating certain habits of the will, they
cease to be necessary when these habits have become fixed." The master of
occultism sees ceremonies, rites, and ritual as but the playthings of the
kindergarten scholar--useful and important so far as they go, but serving
merely to teach the scholar, sooner or later, that he may proceed without
them.

In this chapter I have condensed enough information to fill a whole book.
I trust that you will study it carefully, and not miss its main points.

LESSON XX.

PSYCHIC AND MAGNETIC HEALING

Probably no phase of psychic influence is more familiar to the average
person of the Western world than is that of the healing of physical ills
and conditions by means of psychic influence under one name or another.
Great healing cults and organizations have been built up upon this basis,
and the interest in the subject has taken on the form of a great popular
movem