Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic - Peter J. Carroll 1987

Aetherics
Liber AOM

The aethers in their various degrees of density are the means by which magic and miracles are effected. The adept may require these abilities to accomplish his will on earth, or he may simply wish to develop them as a test of the mystic abilities.

Operations of this kind may be classified according to the density and origin of the aetheric forces employed. Operation of the dense aether is used to accomplish gross feats such as lévitation and the short range occult martial arts. The force responsible for this resides in the belly just above the navel and may be extruded in lines of force to any part of the body and to locations outside the body's surface to a distance of several meters. Lévitation (which includes the ability to walk on water and fire, as well as in the air, or at fantastic rates across the earth) is accomplished by supporting the body's weight with these aetheric force lines. In the case of firewalking, the force is used to repel the heat and flames.

To get these force lines to come from the body, the adept sits cross-legged on the ground and attempts to jump like a frog from this awkward position. The exercise is usually conducted in darkness and the jumps attempted with the lungs fully inflated. Within as little as three years' practice, one may begin to learn how to exert the aetheric force against the ground. A cushion may be used to protect the tissues of the posterior in the meantime.

Movement of the force within the body is easier to achieve and most commonly is approached by trying to develop a warmth or itching sensation at various points. The adept should be able to free himself from the attack of virtually any form of disease and ensure longevity by directing the psychic force to any site of weakness. If the force can be drawn to the hands, then it may be projected just beyond for healing purposes or to deal fatal blows to an enemy.

The dense aetheric force is the basis of most superhuman feats, the abilities of leaping to great height, clinging to smooth vertical surfaces, the deflection of weapons, and the strength of madness.

Operation of the subtle aethers involves the transference of thoughts and emotions by the agency of the aethers which normally link the life force to the brain. The simpler the message and the greater its emotional charge, the more easily is it projected. As with all things, destructive effects are much more easily created than constructive ones. The adept may begin to strengthen his abilities by selecting a small specimen of plant life and trying to make it wilt and wither by the force of his unaided will. As it begins to succumb he may reverse the current of his will and resuscitate it again. He may practice telepathic contact with various beasts, dogs being particularly suitable for this purpose. At odd moments he may pick various persons around him and make them stand up, sit down, or move around and do particular things.

One of the classical tests of psychic ability is the power of casting an aura of subjective invisibility about oneself. This does not involve any alteration in one's optical properties, but surrounding persons are somehow prevented from noticing one's presence. The complementary ability to this is the projection of an aura of charisma or fascination which may have application in the formation of sundry cults and messianic sects. These powers arise from a constant, semi—conscious, intense concentration on the characteristics one wished to project.