It has already been stated that within man there is a force, power or potentiality commonly called "personal magnetism." The word "personal" is used because the manifestation is individual. This power is latent or dormant in the vast majority of people. The possessor is either ignorant of his possibilities, or too lazy to make the effort to bring it into activity.

Those individuals who naturally posses a goodly store of personal magnetism are generally considered as unusual personalities. They are attractive, likable people who command the instantaneous respect and attention of the multitude. Their very presence immediately arouses something latent in those near them and they exert a powerful influence over those whom they contact.

There are other individuals, the majority of those whom we constantly meet, possessing neither an attractive nor a repelling influence. They are negatives. Within them is the nucleus for the development of a magnetic force, but it is in an inert state, never having been aroused or developed.

The majority of this class are not even aware that it is possible to develop this latent energy and power within their nature, and being unconscious of this possibility, they naturally make no effort toward its development.

Much has been said and written about personal magnetism, but there is another power, force or energy, far superior to personal magnetism even in its highest form. This is a potential agent, the existence of which is known only to a very few. The Initiates know it as the Æth Fire and as creative of a spiritual aliveness that may be felt as vibrations in every part of the body.

This exalted feeling or energy is employable or directable in the same manner as personal magnetism or magnetic force. Its development or generation is in the manner of magnetism, except that the intent or purpose is altogether different. Magnetism is in fact the base or foundation of the Æth. Without first developing magnetic force or energy, the development of Æth force is impossible.

There is a great difference between personal magnetism as usually understood, and the Æth force; a difference as wide as that separating night from day.

For the creation and storage of vital or magnetic energy, it is essential for man to meet certain conditions, both on the mental and the physical plane. He must, as repeatedly emphasized, attend to the requirements of his physical well-being; proper food; satisfactory elimination of waste material from the organism; cleanliness in every detail; sufficient sleep under normal conditions, as well as wise control of thought habits. Through such means man is able to generate and store magnetic power, which gives him the ability and the inclination to work and to accomplish.

To possess magnetic command is by no means sufficient. If man desires to attain the highest, if he seeks Mastership, he must learn to make definite use of his magnetic and vital forces by drawing the Æth Fires direct from the Æth sphere, and develop within himself a center for storing this force, power or energy.

The physical and mental conditions necessary for creating and accumulating magnetism are likewise important, and should continue to be observed with conscientious carefulness.

Man must possess an abundance of physical vitality and a masterful control over his own thought habits before undertaking to connect himself with the Æth forces. The Æth is an element of living Fire which is destructive to all unwholesome conditions. It would be hazardous for one whose health is in an impaired state, and whose mental atmosphere is miasmic with gloom, depression, or a sense of injury and failure, to attract and store Æth forces and energies. The Fires from the Æth sphere are so penetrating and mighty, that they would prove destructive to one whose organism has not been subjected to thorough preparation.

Through Æth forces it is possible for one characterized by failure, unhappiness and discouragement to be transformed into a being of self-respect, marvelous power and success. But it should be emphasized that this transformation will be a gradual process requiring time and effort. Man cannot suddenly change from a state of disease, discouragement and failure, into a consciousness of the Æth and acquire the capability of directing it.

Man must begin a new existence in harmony with the dictates of God and Nature. He must set aside old, destructive habits, both physical and mental, and in turn form and establish in his character and disposition, new, constructive desires, and follow desires by active practice.

He must gradually rebuild his shattered body in its various departments; learn to accumulate and conserve his physical forces and vital energies, and direct and use these magnetic influences in channels of usefulness and goodness. He must endeavor to seek and find the cause of failure, illness and inertness; remove them by substituting conditions of health, activity and success, and in addition, gain command over his selfishness.

He must establish satisfactory conditions of health and vitality in his physical being. In his heart he must feel an appreciation for love, forgiveness and kindness toward all creatures. After he has accumulated a certain amount of personal magnetism, and has gained a strong hold on his Will-power; after he has attained a certain stage of development of Soul, and is conscious that the Fire is burning on the Alter and Love is enthroned as Supreme Ruler in his domain; after he has a correct understanding of the Divine Law and has made it the actuating principle of his life - then, and then only - is it for him to take active, definite, deliberate measures to draw in and store the Æth Soul Illuminating forces.

The magnetic and vital forces previously generated and accumulated in his organism will be as a shell, a shield, a protection, or an aura, to the finer Æth Fires as they become a part of his life. The law of love and forgiveness, having been made the ruling motive in all his activities, will insure him against any attempt to use the Æth essences for harmful purposes.

The Divine Law in its various aspects, having been established as the standard of his endeavors, will become his guidance and his inspiration in the affairs of life, thus insuring him against erroneous and detrimental application and utilization of the Æth principle.

This demands emphasis of the first difference to be noted between magnetic and Æth forces. The Æth in any of its forms cannot be used for evil purposes, however powerful the Initiate; whereas magnetic forces may be directed into selfish channels of harm and loss to others. The Æth essences can be employed only for good. Any attempt to do otherwise would ultimately - frequently immediately -TERMINATE IN THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GUILTY PERSON.

This explains why it would be hazardous for one to undertake contact with the Æth unless he has previously undergone purification of both the physical being and the mind. The pure FIRES of the Æth are instant in their consuming potency. Their fine, rapid vibrations cause immediate devastation to gross materials.

Electricity is a powerful force and may be utilized for the most beneficial purposes. When misapplied or misdirected, its charges, when heavy enough, may result in instant death. Likewise, the Æth essence is a factor for good, in fact, the most powerful known to man, but when deliberately directed with intent to harm others or used for unhallowed purposes, it also, like the electrical charge, may cause instant death.

After the resurrection of the Nazarene, his first words to Mary were: "Touch me not for I am not yet ascended unto my Father." - St. John 20:17. It was dangerous for one even as REgenerated as Mary, to touch his body immediately after he had arisen from the tomb full of the vital Æth and/or holy Fires which made possible his resurrection.

This is an instance in which the body, through a system of REgenerate living and conscious training, become pure Æth Fire; a globe of pure Light; consequently, destructive to everything not previously prepared to receive it.

Admittedly, this is an extreme illustration. It is perhaps only once in a cycle that a man so thinks, lives, acts and loves as to become thus charged with the Æth, and therefore so strong and powerful, as to be destructive to all gross matter which he may contact, even to the "burning out" of disease.

With the ordinary man it is far different. There are so many affairs, so many interests to absorb his attention, that it is only at odd moments or at a specified time, that he will meet the conditions essential for inhaling, absorbing and storing the Æth Soular vibrations and energies.

It is well that this is so; for, at the times especially dedicated to this purpose, he can, if he is faithful to his practice, accumulate sufficient force for actual needs and for every practical use in the demands of an active life.

Legitimate use of the Æth powers is limited to channels of nobility and constructiveness. These forces may be directed into avenues that will bring success in some special line of endeavor, as healing the diseased and cheering the broken-hearted; uplifting and enlightening humanity through inspirational expression of the arts and science; music or drama, and by other activities which have as their purpose the upliftment of the self and others.

However, first of all, the Æth powers should be used in seeking the "Kingdom of Heaven"(1) - the kingdom of interior forces and energies in man's own being. They should be directed toward mastery in one's own thought realm, in one's own interior universe, which is the prototype of the Macrocosm in which man lives outwardly.
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(1) In this instance the "Kingdom of Heaven" may readily be likened to the "holy of Holies" or Sanctum Sanctorum of the Priesthood of Melchizedek. If the Neophyte attains to one, he at the same time attains to the other.
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As there are three courts in the Temple of the Priests of Melchizedek, i.e., the outer for the profane, but seeking Neophyte; the inner for the Princes of Melchizedek; and finally, the Sanctum Sactorum for the Priests after the Order of Melchizedek, in like manner there are three degrees in the attainment of the priesthood of Æth or Light.

The first degree, or attainment of Soul Consciousness; the second degree, or spiritual (Hierarchic) baptism; and finally, the Exalted Third, of which nothing may be said or written, the Arcanum being conveyable only by word of mouth.

He who attains to this last degree is already a Priest after the Order of Melchizedek, with all its rights and privileges; one of GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE.
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To exercise Mastership and superior authority in harmony with the ideals of love and justice within one's own thought domain, is the first requisite toward triumph on the material plane and deserves the term "success" in the correct meaning of the word.

Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the importance of lofty and worthy motives in every avenue of life. He who aspires to connect his consciousness with the infinite resources of the Æth Hierarchies must be certain that there hovers over his Soul the dove; emblematical of the "winged globe," representing "peace on earth and goodwill toward men."

Space will not permit us in this chapter to teach much relative to the method that will enable one to establish conscious connection with the Æth Sphere.(2) The earnest and faithful aspirant will seek until he finds those who are qualified to show him "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," so that he may, in time, consciously attain oneness with the Center of Æthic Potentates.
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(2) Consult the text: SCIENCE OF THE SOUL, or the Monograph: THE Æth PRIESTHOOD. Philosophical publishing company, Quakertown, Penna.
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Another aspect in which the Æth differs from personal magnetism and every other magnetic force, is that he who utilizes the Æth Fire or Light can see it and have conscious knowledge of what he is directing. A man may be exceedingly vital and magnetic in his personality; so much so that he has fascination and the ability to charm those with whom he associates; yet to all appreciable purposes he may be totally ignorant of the power in his possession, and the force may be a mystery to him.

Personal magnetism is invisible to the one so gifted as well as to others, irrespective of how great a store of it he may possess. With the Æth forces it is entirely different. As soon as one begins to accumulate them, he is also able to see them; for, as he charges his nervous system, they appear like unto a vivid fire, but purer and clearer than any form of material fire could be.

Just as one can see the fire-like sparks when the generator is generating electricity and charging batteries, so can man see the Fires of the Æth when he is charging his organism with them, or directing them to others.

Even more wonderful is the fact that when the Æth forces are employed in the treatment of disease, the physician can see the current of purple fire that leaves the Center within himself and follows the arms to the hands, and thence enters the body of the sufferer.

All that has thus far been said is neither a delusion of the mind, nor a devotee's dream. These facts are demonstrable to the satisfaction of every sincere aspirant who will obey and persist in meeting the necessary conditions.

Moreover, many of the present-time students are regular physicians in good standing. They follow the instructions and the training for the sake of better qualifying themselves in their chosen field of labor - that of helping deserving suffering humanity.

The art of healing by means of applying the Æth forces is thoroughly scientific. The method may be subjected to the most careful analysis and may be directed in the treatment of disease with as much precision as electricity or any other mechanical agent. These Fires and this method of healing the sick was known to the Initiate Priests of Egypt and practiced by them and is illustrated in the still existing paintings in the temples of Egypt.

In time past, when Egypt was in her glory and when the mighty temples and magnificent monuments were built, there existed a Priesthood of men who lived in harmony with the Æth Hierarchies. They gave their entire time to helping the unfortunate and the discouraged; to those who were ill, as well as those who were struggling under difficulties.

Their mission was to guide, guard and protect the neophyte under training, while also striving to become Initiate Priests. In turn, the entire populace contributed to their support in keeping with their exalted service and position.

In that age, the Priest Initiates were men of mighty power, men who healed by the touch as portrayed on the ancient monuments, as the Nazarene and Apollonius of Tyana are said to have done. They were men who lived the ideal life, who thought and acted in harmony with the Divine Law, and thinking and working in this manner they were enabled to accumulate Æth forces to such an extent that they were masters indeed.

With the fall of Egypt and the closing of its Schools of Initiation, conditions changed. The dark ages quickly followed. Nevertheless, throughout the centuries, there have been at all times Priests of the Æth who were capable of mighty works.

In the centuries most characterized by selfish interest and material aggrandizement, only a lonely traveler here and there was willing to dedicate his life unreservedly to the Æth Hierarchies, and the Æth manifestations of the Deity.

Once again, as the world is entering a new cycle, and as the masses, because of an internal urge, are foolishly and without reason, looking for a new Messiah to appear in the world of action, there are coming to the front those who appear willing to take upon themselves the Vow of the Æth, and enter upon the training enabling them to become Priests of Æth, i.e., Light.

We shall see works as the demonstration of faith; a cultus that has as its object the Illumination of each individual Soul; an acceptance of Law that will govern all efforts and every individual act of life, not by dogmatic formul , but by the SPIRIT of love and justice.

Naturally, the men and women who are to be the advance guard of this mighty incoming civilization will be those who have come into touch with the Most High. They will be those who know and understand, because they have loved and obeyed Him; those who feel the potency of the Æth and are qualified to use it. Thus, in time, a civilization will spring up destined to outshine every former civilization, even that which once graced Egypt.

The temples that will be erected by this new order of men will be far more beautiful than those of old. They will not be built through the labor of slaves, half-starved and driven by the whip, but by men who comprehend the truth, and love to labor; portraying the All-Creator who continually works and never rests.

In these temples, to the tune of celestial music - Soul-destroying jazz having long been forgotten - will be taught the mystery of the Æth as it is at present only to a few earnest, unselfish Souls who are really seeking the truth and a way whereby to help themselves and others less fortunate.

These are the aspirants who are trying to eliminate from the heart and Soul all selfishness, malice, bigotry, harsh judgment and the spirit of criticism toward others. These are the few who are beginning to feel a new born faith in God and also those appointed by God to teach the truth, even if made to suffer because of their obedience to the Divine Fiat.

As in all ages of the past, the first Masters must suffer and go the way of the flesh. They are born in mortality, and, consequently, after their work is finished, must pass the way of mortality, even though "mortality has put on Immortality." The new civilization, both in truth and under the Law of LIGHT, will reap the benefits.

As the Nazarene was born for a specific purpose and labored to indicate the Path to others, so is it with the Priests of Æth who are paving the way for the new civilization. These Priests of Æth who become active in the service of humanity are Ordained by the Church of Illumination as Priests after the Order of Melchizedek, with all the rights and privileges of an Ecclesiastical Order, that they may the better be prepared for the Divine Mission in which they are engaged.

How glorious and powerful the reborn and reconstituted Priesthood may become none can know. We, the Initiates, are confidently looking forward to a great and mighty revival of the spirit of religion; a religion not of faith alone, nor with the expectation of a Messiah who will take upon himself the sins of those who are without enough manhood or womanhood to be willing to be responsible to the Law of Compensation.
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