Shamanic Journeying
I would like to share my thoughts and experiences about journeying to the three different worlds
, namely the Upper, Middle and Lower worlds, starting with the Lower (or Under) world as it is known in Celtic Shamanism.
The benefits of meditation are well known and journeying is a visual form of this practice. It is similar to lucid dreaming where you are an active part of the dream rather than watching from outside/above. You should be completely relaxed and comfortable, with some preferring to use an eye mask to block out daylight. To achieve the altered state of consciousness required, drumming music is often used. This drumming music specifically designed for journeying is now widely available.
It is important to always have an intention, even if this is as simple as 'to explore the world'. Start by deep and relaxing breathing which will rid you of your tiredness and tension and breathe in energy, power and love. As you find yourself relaxing, find a tree and, like Alice in Wonderland, shrink and let yourself fall through the roots to the Lower World. I call the landscape here "a world of nature", a shamanic world where you may meet your Spirit Guides and Power Animal. On your first journey it is important to look around and explore the landscape remembering what it is you see, feel and hear. I advise that you find your Power Animal and Spirit Guides through guided meditation. You may meet a number of creatures on your journey; be sure to ask them if they are your Power Animal. Here you will also be able to connect with ancestors as it is the world of our traditions and memories from which we can also regain our personal power and ask for healing. By retracing your route you can return to this world and you should write up your experiences straight away. You can then ground yourself by either eating or drinking. I have sought and gained insights from journeying into many issues for both myself and for others. After I return I often feel refreshed and inspired.
Next we travel to the Upper World where we access wisdom, knowledge and inspiration. The landscape here will look very different, more ethereal and can be surrounded by clouds and crystals.
Once you have relaxed by playing the drumming music and locate the same tree, noticing how the branches stretch up into the sky. Climb those branches and reach the Upper World with your intention to be the exploration of this world and perhaps meet your spiritual mentor.
You will notice how quickly you are able to climb the tree and on seeing the cloud above you, pull yourself into the Upper World.
Take a look at where you are and how different the landscape is here. Start to walk around; what do you see and feel? Can you see anyone? If you can, try to remember what they look like and ask them if they are your spiritual guide. If they answer no keep walking, if they answer yes listen carefully to the messages they give to you. These messages can often be very subtle. Your spiritual guide may also have a gift for you.
It is now time to retrace your steps and journey back to this world. Take a last look and thank your spirit guide again or just send a thank you to the Upper World for your visit.
Again come back, write up your experiences and ground yourself.
These are the two shamanic journey worlds that most people talk about but there is another world; the Middle World. This is the world we physically inhabit although most of the time we are oblivious to what is going on around us. Journeying to the Middle World allows us to deal with present issues that we currently face. This is the world of fairies, elves and the spirits of the elements. We often, as young children, have experiences of 'seeing' creatures. Some of us had friends that no one else could see. I did but once I went to school he faded away. This is largely due to our culture which does not encourage us to recognise the subtleties of the world around us or to use our third eye allowing us to see beyond the everyday world.
Before journeying to the Middle World ensure your intention is clear; is there a current problem you would like resolved or are you looking for something? In the Middle World you can travel forward and backwards in time. Use the music, relax and imagine yourself back at a familiar place (real not imaginary). It could be the tree you used before but whatever it is, it should be a place of happy memories. It is here that you will meet your Guardian Animal who will provide you with help with your shamanic work. Remember what you see, hear and feel. Be aware of the differences between physical and subtle reality. Your Middle World may have a totally different look and feel to it. You can call out to your Guardian Animal and should that animal appear you may experience a feeling of excitement. It is now time to return to your physical reality bringing what you've learnt about your Guardian Animal with you.
As before, record your experience and ground yourself.
These encompass the Shamanic Journeys to the Upper, Middle and Lower Worlds. There are other ways to achieve passage to these worlds; this depends on your beliefs and culture. For me I follow a Celtic Shamanic way, using my favourite image, the tree, as a starting point for my journey.
by: Colleen Guy
Find Out If Pilates Reformer Sessions Are Intended For You The Definition Of Spa Cover Lifters? Enhance Your Ability To Telescope With Winners Best Places To Take Photos In Tucson, Az Pet Fencing Wiki - Some Problems With Traditional Wooden Fencing Ed Walters Virtual Property Tycoon What Is An Individual Voluntary Arrangement? 5 Ways To Make Your Skin Glow North Yorkshire's Little Gems That Recluse Of Wood Burning Stove: Enjoying Your Puppies The Right Way Alumni Associations: The Significance Of Maintaining Connections RT5 Luminaires Tennessee