Photo from this article on the Tree of Life
I have recently started doing this exercise I have been lead towards by the beyond. After a few repetitions I find it do be quite potent, more potent than the usual Middle Pillar exercise and with longer lasting effects even.
I see no reason for it to be performed during regular rituals in which spirit conjuration is involved, for the regular Middle Pillar should suffice. I for one use my own version of that during such rituals. It would fit for a stand alone magical practice session for anyone willing to add a solid Qabalistic working to their usual daily rites.
DO NOT USE THE LINK IN THE PDF. USE THIS ONE INSTEAD BECAUSE THE MAGAZINE SITE STOPPED WORKING A WHILE AGO.
Courtesy of Shaman and his nerdy skills, voila:
Edit: so far I've been doing this exercise whenever the Moon happens to be within 12* on either side of the Sun. It's the period usually known as New Moon and can span into three calendaristic days at times. I for one don't do any practical rituals during this time for reasons explained in Asteria. So I ended up doing this exercise instead of the usual pause in my work I used to do during that time and so far I noticed it helps me strengthen my stamina meaning I am able to perform more rituals during the following lunation without tiring that often. Since I dropped daily practice for good some four years ago and instead I perform at least one practical ritual each day, I can only imagine what benefits it can bring to someone who were to do this exercise on a daily basis for some time. Say, a month or so. Who knows? If anyone cares to give it a try do let me know how it's working out for you, will ya? :D
Edit 2: another thing I've been noticing is any blockages relating to a certain sephira might be signaled by both inside and outside interference when you get to that sephira during the exercise. This is not mandatory, but if you were to pay attention to whatever interference you encounter during the time you perform the exercise you could identify certain issues within yourself.
For example, I once did the exercise and when I got to Yesod I heard sudden loud noise from outside coming from the machinery used by some construction crew that were working. The noise was present the whole time I was doing Yesod, not before and not afterwards, and then it stopped once I finished with that sephira. And indeed it was a sign for me I still have issues when it comes to stuff relating to Yesod. Another time my mind started to get agitated when I reached Chesed and it lasted until I started with Geburah. Again, not all that interference are a sign something is still to be addressed within yourself with respect to the sephirot you're working when the interference happens, but it's best to pay attention and study any such possibility afterwards.
Hate on, dum-dums!
The Great Gazoo
