The Things Shed as we Rise

I found a neat part of the Divine Pymander I'd either forgotten about or just took for granted. It tells you which parts of the self you are to overcome, or surrender, in each sphere to attain the next highest level.

As you ascend through the spheres, whether you're using the method I outlined in the kinetic meditation post, or via some other means, I think the following information is useful.

The first stage is the dissolution of the body. Whether that means death or not, I don't claim to know. Personally, I interpret it as being able to leave the body to perform spiritual Work in the different spheres.

I had wanted to detail each stage, but I just don't have the time anymore to devote to lengthy blog posts. Until I get more time, the posts will likely be shorter; I can hear you weeping now. But seriously, meditate on the following excerpt (copy-pasted from http://www.hermetic.com/ under their Classical texts section, if I remember right). Starting at the Moon, begin to give up the desires listed as you Work your way up. It's what I'm focussing on at the moment in my meditation time.

And thus it is that man doth speed his way thereafter upwards through the Harmony.

To the first zone he gives the Energy of Growth and Waning; unto the second [zone], Device of Evils [now] de-energized; unto the third, the Guile of the Desires de-energized; unto the fourth, his Domineering Arrogance, [also] de-energized; unto the fifth, unholy Daring and the Rashness of Audacity, de-energized; unto the sixth, Striving for Wealth by evil means, deprived of its aggrandizement; and to the seventh zone, Ensnaring Falsehood, de-energized.