In ancient times there were mystery schools dedicated to helping initiates explore the mysteries of life. These schools flourished in places such as Egypt, Tibet, and Persia, and were believed to have their roots in Atlantis.

It was here that seekers of truth were taught to develop their psychic and spiritual abilities through special techniques, exercises, and initiations. One of the most important initiations, or rites, from thousands of years ago still exists today. It was called the "First Initiation Rite," or "Great Initiation Rite," by the ancient Egyptians and involved the toning of special chants or sounds. The high priest of the respective ancient mystery school performed this wonderful rite with newly enrolled students. This ritual took place at midnight in various locations such as the Sacred Lake at Karnak or in a secret chamber that existed below the Great Sphinx. The results of this initiation were profound and lasting for all that took part in it.

More than three thousand years ago, a beautiful man made lake existed amongst the temples of Karnak in Egypt. This was the Sacred Lake just mentioned. References to ancient Egyptian rituals and ceremonies can be found in books such as Egypt's Ancient Heritage, Herbak: the Initiate and The Symbolic Prophecy of the Great Pyramid. All are published by the Rosicrucian (AMORC) Brotherhood in San Jose, California.

In my book Ancient Teachings for Beginners, this initiation is explained in detail along with a history of the ancient mystery schools. As the author, I recognize the value of this ancient rite and have employed it many times on myself and countless others. Many individuals on a spiritual path have experimented with this ritual on their own, as well. The effects have been beneficial for everyone.

One of the chants associated with the First Initiation Rite affects the crown chakra greatly and the third eye chakra, or energy center, to a lesser degree. The crown chakra, of course, is located at the top of the head and is linked on a physical level to the pituitary gland. The third eye chakra is situated in the middle of the forehead and is connected to the pineal gland on a physical level.

When intoned properly, this special chant or sound will send a vibration deep within the head where both the pineal and pituitary glands are situated. This causes these glands to vibrate, which in turn stimulates them and the surrounding areas of the brain. As this happens, the crown chakra will become "activated" and open up. The third eye chakra will also be activated slightly at the same time. This allows higher vibrations of energy to enter into the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, the body and the human energy field or aura. This energy is connected to the Godsource, or heavenly fields above, and exists all around you. It is in the air that you breathe and the water that you drink. This energy is also referred to as chi, universal energy, prana, and spirit energy. Although this high vibration of energy was explored and discussed in the ancient mystery schools by the Egyptians, it was known simply as spirit.

When the crown chakra is activated fully and the third eye chakra to a lesser degree, the universal energy enters into the auric field, thereby letting several things happen. The aura will become cleaner and brighter. The seven main chakras, or energy centers, will receive this high vibration and become more balanced. This will allow healing energy to flow into the body. The stimulation and activation of both of these glands will affect the hypothalamus region of the brain resulting in the release of some endorphins into the body. This in turn will help someone to feel better. This in itself is particularly beneficial for anyone suffering with mood swings. Also, the neo cortex of the brain becomes stimulated and results in neurons firing into many areas of the brain. This allows you to use more of your brain's potential, including the awakening of latent psychic abilities. This special chant slows down the aging process as well, because the endocrine glandular system becomes more balanced and in harmony. This is due to the fact that the pineal gland and pituitary gland when activated will influence the other glands of the endocrine system in a very positive way.

A brief description of this chanting exercise follows. The sound to use is May, as in the month. Before you begin, take a deep breath in and hold it for about five seconds. Then exhale slowly and evenly through your mouth or nose. This is your choice. Repeat this breathing technique two more times. It is important that the deep breathing is done a total of three times. This allows some of the chi or universal energy to be absorbed into the lungs and ultimately the whole body via the circulatory system. This ensures that the brain waves slow down, your auric field around you expands and brightens, and you feel more relaxed. This is necessary in order to receive the full benefits of performing the May chant.

This chant is done in a mid-C musical note. For those of you who are not musically oriented, follow this general rule. When you chant, make sure that your voice is in a mid-range, not too high and not too low. You can also experiment with the range and find the exact level that works best for you.

Now, take in another deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. Then, as you exhale, intone the sound M-A-A-A-Y-Y-Y until all your breath has been expelled. Let the pitch of your voice rise and fall a little as you do this. Take in a second deep breath, hold it once more for a bit and then repeat the chant. Intone the chant a third and final time. Once completed, just relax for a few moments.

Some of you may start to notice certain physiological things happening during or just upon completion of this "Crown Chakra Exercise." For others, the results may be slow at first and less significant. In these cases, the results will be subtle but effective even though you may not be fully aware of it. In Ancient Teachings for Beginners, I explain the effects of performing this chant along with other chants and exercises in great detail.

Another of the physiological effects of this exercise is a feeling of "tingles" on the top of the head where the crown chakra is located. This is a sign that the crown energy center is opening up. It is starting to receive higher vibrations of universal energy from the heavenly fields above, as mentioned earlier. Also, it is an indication that neurons are firing in the cerebrum of the brain, creating new pathways to other areas within. The cerebrum is the major mass of the human brain. Some of your psychic abilities are stored within this part of your brain.

As these pathways open up, universal energy and electrical stimulation are sent to dormant cells of the cerebrum that contain some of your psychic gifts and abilities. These cells will then be activated, allowing you to begin using some of these untapped abilities.

The pituitary gland has many physical purposes. It also has a psychic and spiritual purpose. When it is stimulated, it begins to work as a receiver of psychic information and spiritual impressions. The potential of working with your angels and spirit guides becomes available. For those of you who already communicate with these wise beings, your abilities will become enhanced.

As stated, the stimulation of the cerebrum, pineal and pituitary releases endorphins into the bloodstream. Seratonin is one of the hormonal secretions released through this chant. This helps to give you a natural high. Obviously, people who suffer from depression and low seratonin levels can find this exercise beneficial in alleviating this condition.

Once the pituitary gland has been activated on a physical level, and the crown chakra has been opened on a psychic level, more psychic and spiritual gifts will unfold. Some of these gifts are as follows: intuition increased, creativity expanded, clairvoyant abilities (to see beyond the norm) developed or enhanced, and empathic abilities developed or enhanced.

For many of you, these gifts will allow you to become aura readers, energy healers, spiritual mediums and medical intuitives. If you are already engaged in any of these pursuits, these attributes will be increased.

Spiritual enlightenment is a goal that everyone should seek. A spiritually developed or enlightened person affects the world around them in wondrous ways. When you become enlightened, your soul within will become a beautiful light to others. Enjoy your spiritual journey!

"The husbandman deals with land; physicians and trainers with the body; the wise man with his own Mind."—From The Golden Sayings of Epictetus