Chapter 7 – Seeing (2)
7.1 The use of darkness
In A Separate Reality, Don Juan teaches Carlos Castaneda how to
make use of darkness. When the latter asks what one can use it
for, Don Juan answers that ‘the darkness of the day’ is the best
time to ‘see’.
We have been conditioned to rush to the light switch or a torch
every time we have to find our way in the dark. In many cases,
you can manage very well without a light. Pretend you are a cat.
Switch on to ‘cat-mode’. Rely on your instinct. And, of course, be
very aware in the eye. All sorts of objects have a glow of energy
around them at night and some are actually quite easy to see. It is
typically one of those perceptions that most people miss, simply
because they never think of trying, and not because it is difficult
or advanced. For instance, if you walk on a dirt path in the
countryside at night, you will often discover that the path glows
when you look at it from your third eye. It is a valuable exercise
to try finding your way without artificial light. You can also
rediscover your flat at night, or in ‘the darkness of the day’.
Explore.
7.2 Use more candles and oil lamps, less electricity
Whenever possible, use candles (or oil lamps) instead of electric
lights. In the natural light of candles, you will have much easier
access to the vision of auras.
There are some simple reasons why electric lights are not
conducive to the opening of perception. The light coming from a
light bulb appears to us as continuous. But in reality that is not
the case. Electric lights work with a 50 hertz alternating current.
This means the light turns on and off many times per second. The
process is quick enough to cheat your conscious mind, but
subconsciously this frequency is registered. It has an action on
your brain.
Imagine the electric light was turned on and off every half second
so that you could see the light pulsate. What would the result be?
Quite painful! You would have to close your eyes, or at least you
would have to make a mental formation, like a screen, to protect