The Middle Pillar Exercise

(from The Golden Dawn- by Israel Regardie)

Summary of what goes on:

"It is best to build up the Middle Pillar first. To do this stand up and raise yourself in imagination to your Kether- a brilliant light above your head. Imagine this light descending to Daath, at the nape of your neck, and thence to Tiphareth in your heart where it glows like sunlight and whence it radiates into the other Sephiroth. From Tiphareth the light goes to Yesod in the region of the hips, and thence to Malkuth in which your feet are planted. Having made a clear image of the Middle Pillar, you can then establish the other Sephiroth by vibrating the Deity Names. This can be done as an alternative to the Pentagram Ritual as a preparation for meditation."

This whole thing is more or less the Hebrew/Qabalistic equivalent of activating the main Chakras or energy centers on the body. Because we're dealing with the Middle Pillar in general, I should mention that there are a few areas/chakras left out in this procedure. After a while of practicing, I've noticed there is a chakra roughly between the eye-brows, another on the back of the head at the base of the skull (where it meets the spine), another on the throat, another below the rib cage just below the sternum about an inch or so (above the navel), and lastly at the base of the spine near the tail-bone (where the kundalini energy is found). Sometimes I also feel the possibility of yet another energy center located just below my navel (about 2-3 inches below). According to some references, certain sects of Hinduism count over 88000 chakras, so I suppose it's possible. See Yoga and related topics on the Chakras. With increased knowledge the student can easily develop his/her own expanded version of the Middle Pillar exercise.

How it's done:

"1. Imagine yourself standing in the Temple, facing West. The Black Pillar of Severity will be on your right- the White Pillar of Mercy on your left. You will make the Middle Pillar as you stand between them." (in other words, YOU are the Middle Pillar at this point)

"2. Imagine now that the Black Pillar is reflected in your right side- the White Pillar in your left."

"3. Take a deep breath and raise your consciousness to your Kether above your head and vibrate the Name EHEIEH (Eh-hey-eh)- which means I am.  

Imagine the Light flowing down through Daath (at the nape of your neck) to Tiphareth (your heart)."

"4. In the same manner, establish Yesod  (near the groin) in the name Shaddai El Chai..."         (Shah-dai-El-Chhai ->  ai =rhymes with eye, Ch= phflegmy 'H' sound)

"...and Malkuth (in the feet) in the Name Adonai Ha-Aretz."

"5. Make the Qabalistic Cross to indicate that you have called down the Light of your Kether and balanced it in your aura. Then let your imagination dwell on the aura and see it oval and clear (not clear in color but free from impurities- A.), pulsating with the glow from Tiphareth."

This whole procedure is a good way to learn how to activate the energy centers on the body and in the aura.  It, or something similar, should be practiced regularly as it can help you step up the amount of personal energy you're able to channel and direct.