If he feels that these things make an ideal a little too high for him at present he may reach that point by degrees.  He may at first dwell in thought upon the personal satisfaction that would come from the possession of astral sight.  Let him reflect upon what it would mean to be conscious of the invisible world; to have all its wonders laid open before him; to be able to consciously meet the so-called dead, including his own friends and relatives; to be able to have the positive personal proof that we survive the death of the physical body; to be able to become one of the “invisible helpers” of the world; to have available the priceless advantages of the astral region and to bring the consciousness of all this into the physical life.  That is certainly something worth all the time and effort required to attain it.  Thus thinking constantly of the widened life and added powers it would confer, the desire to move forward in self-development will be greatly stimulated.  But the student should always keep it in mind that the real purpose of acquiring new powers is to increase his capacity for service to the race, and that he who falls short of that ideal walks upon dangerous ground.

The second requisite is a firm will.  It should not be forgotten that an unusual and difficult thing is being attempted in which a person of weak will cannot possibly hope to succeed.  Even in the ordinary life of the world considerable will power is essential to success.  To succeed in business, to become expert in a profession, or to completely master an art, requires strong will, determination, perseverance.  The difficulties in occult development are still greater and, while it is true that any degree of effort is well worth while, the weaklings will not go far.  Only those with the indomitable will that knows neither surrender nor compromise may hope for a large measure of success.  Once the will is thoroughly aroused and brought into action every hindrance in the way will be swept aside.

     “The human will, that force unseen,
        The offspring of a deathless soul,
        Can hew a way to any goal
      Tho’ walls of granite intervene.

* * * * *

      “Be not impatient of delay,
        But wait as one who understands. 
        When spirit rises and commands
      The gods are ready to obey.”

Mighty, indeed, is this force when aroused.  But a person may be easily deceived about his will.  He is likely to think that his will is much stronger than it really is.  He may say to himself, “Oh, yes, I would go through anything for the sake of the higher life and spiritual illumination.”  But that is no guarantee that after a few months of monotonous work he may not abandon it unless he adopts the wise plan of strengthening his will as he moves forward.  Let him begin this by testing his present strength of will, but let him not be discouraged by the result.  He should remember that whatever he lacks in will power he can evolve by proper effort.