A Journey Through the Akashic Records, the Book of Life and My Ego

This past Friday I attended a meditation at a friend's home, and the idea was to journey (or meditate) to the Akashic Records, a theoretical place where you can "access" information about all our lives, past, present and future. I had heard about the Akashic Records but didn't know much. The idea grew out of the Theosophical Movement and was popularized by psychic Edgar Cayce. I was looking forward to a group meditation since I had mostly been journeying alone, the subject matter was interesting and I wanted to meet the meditation leader, who owns a esoteric healing school where some friends are employed. End result? Not impressed, but I think it had more to do with me than anything else.

I've heard of Cayce but don't really know much. Anway, I was curious to "visit" this place where he claimed you could find all the records of all our lives (assuming reincarnation is real, of course). The idea is you go to gain insight; any problems you're having now are linked to past-life decisions/actions. Sort of like a super computer.

Scary Christian Crap
But the more I read about the Akashic Records ("akasha" is a Sanskrit word meaning "big, blue sky"), the more apprehensive I became. A lot of people, even the meditation leader, likened it to the Biblical Book of Life. Maybe that comparison helps people understand, but it just turned me off. Do you know how many times I agonized as a Christian about whether or not my name was truly written in that damn book?! For whatever reason, I feared that I would die and reach Heaven only to have Jesus shake his head sadly and send me to Hell. Yeah, good times!

Obviously, I have issues there--but, seriously, why use an outdated, fear-based comparison? Can't we move past that? But I was still curious to see what I would experience. Hey, I'm an optimist. While I didn't have any very specific info I was seeking, I thought, well, I'm curious to know about my future with my partner. These kind of meditations can trigger all sorts of things in the subconscious.

Jealous? Who--me?
It started out rough. I had never been to my friend's house before (we went through the shamanic mystery school together)--and immediately Envy reared its green head. She has a beautiful home, just the kind I'd love to have. Lush, green yard full of flowers and plants, and a lovely home with art, very comfortable and well-appointed. I know, I know--none of that matters--except when you have these aspirations and wonder why you've failed to achieve them.

So I was focused on that as we started the first of two meditations. I also didn't like that the meditation leader basically just jumped right in--no special breathing, so ringing of a bell, just "close your eyes and go!" The first meditation, however, came together. It wasn't to the Akasha but one designed to help us tap into life purpose and soul messages. But it was too damn short! This one was very vivid and felt like it was going somewhere--and then it ended. So maybe I'll have to revisit this one again on my own.

Over Before It Began
After a break, we headed to the Akashic Records. Before we began, the leader showed us a picture created to show what Cayce experienced on his own journey. Again, very reminiscent of ascending through the levels of Hell up to Heaven--at least, that's what I saw. First, I don't believe in any demons or evil creatures anyway, so this was just another barrier. What is the point really? All I knew is I was uncomfortable with the setting, and so I knew I needed to protect myself. Maybe that's why it didn't go so well.

So we head "up" to the Library. I did see an actual book, which when opened contained more futuristic-looking cartridges. I was handed one by some nondescript entity--but then it was time to go back! It seemed like most of the journey was us getting there, and then it was time to return. Oddly, I did sense that my partner was there with me, which was nice. But that was it--no messages, no other imagery, nothing.

Once the leader brought us back to regular consciousness, we all discussed what we had experienced. Several others mentioned all kinds of things they saw and felt. I began to wonder maybe I had done something wrong. Why hadn't I experienced all this?? Whatever--I was ready to leave. So I quickly gathered my things, said my goodbyes and was the first out the door (it was late anyway, I told myself).

Not a Complete Bust
I was disappointed. I had looked forward to this for several weeks only to get creeped out and leave feeling, "What was the big deal?" Everyone else kept saying how wonderful it was and blah, blah, blah. But now that I've had time to think it over, I do feel better. And I've had some realizations:

1. I simply don't care for these meditations where people seem to need validation ("you are loved," "God loves you," etc). To me, it's irrelevant. I don't believe in a god whose love I need in order to feel special. Also, I don't have a need to constantly heal past "trauma." Sure, my life has had its share of bad stuff, but somehow I get through it relatively well, whereas some people never can get past what their mother didn't do right or what happened to them in the past.
2. My ego was in the way. Obviously, I have issues about material, worldly success, and that clouded my attitude and energy from the start. If I hadn't been comparing myself to my friend, I might have had a different experience. Then afterward, I was comparing my meditation experience to that of everyone else. Despite my frustration, I'm sure I could gain some insights from what I DID experience rather than trying to meet some obscure expectations.

So, in the end, maybe I learned something after all, in spite of myself. And that's what I dig about shamanism.

A Journey Through the Akashic Records, the Book of Life and My Ego

This past Friday I attended a meditation at a friend's home, and the idea was to journey (or meditate) to the Akashic Records, a theoretical place where you can "access" information about all our lives, past, present and future. I had heard about the Akashic Records but didn't know much. The idea grew out of the Theosophical Movement and was popularized by psychic Edgar Cayce. I was looking forward to a group meditation since I had mostly been journeying alone, the subject matter was interesting and I wanted to meet the meditation leader, who owns a esoteric healing school where some friends are employed. End result? Not impressed, but I think it had more to do with me than anything else.

I've heard of Cayce but don't really know much. Anway, I was curious to "visit" this place where he claimed you could find all the records of all our lives (assuming reincarnation is real, of course). The idea is you go to gain insight; any problems you're having now are linked to past-life decisions/actions. Sort of like a super computer.

Scary Christian Crap
But the more I read about the Akashic Records ("akasha" is a Sanskrit word meaning "big, blue sky"), the more apprehensive I became. A lot of people, even the meditation leader, likened it to the Biblical Book of Life. Maybe that comparison helps people understand, but it just turned me off. Do you know how many times I agonized as a Christian about whether or not my name was truly written in that damn book?! For whatever reason, I feared that I would die and reach Heaven only to have Jesus shake his head sadly and send me to Hell. Yeah, good times!

Obviously, I have issues there--but, seriously, why use an outdated, fear-based comparison? Can't we move past that? But I was still curious to see what I would experience. Hey, I'm an optimist. While I didn't have any very specific info I was seeking, I thought, well, I'm curious to know about my future with my partner. These kind of meditations can trigger all sorts of things in the subconscious.

Jealous? Who--me?
It started out rough. I had never been to my friend's house before (we went through the shamanic mystery school together)--and immediately Envy reared its green head. She has a beautiful home, just the kind I'd love to have. Lush, green yard full of flowers and plants, and a lovely home with art, very comfortable and well-appointed. I know, I know--none of that matters--except when you have these aspirations and wonder why you've failed to achieve them.

So I was focused on that as we started the first of two meditations. I also didn't like that the meditation leader basically just jumped right in--no special breathing, so ringing of a bell, just "close your eyes and go!" The first meditation, however, came together. It wasn't to the Akasha but one designed to help us tap into life purpose and soul messages. But it was too damn short! This one was very vivid and felt like it was going somewhere--and then it ended. So maybe I'll have to revisit this one again on my own.

Over Before It Began
After a break, we headed to the Akashic Records. Before we began, the leader showed us a picture created to show what Cayce experienced on his own journey. Again, very reminiscent of ascending through the levels of Hell up to Heaven--at least, that's what I saw. First, I don't believe in any demons or evil creatures anyway, so this was just another barrier. What is the point really? All I knew is I was uncomfortable with the setting, and so I knew I needed to protect myself. Maybe that's why it didn't go so well.

So we head "up" to the Library. I did see an actual book, which when opened contained more futuristic-looking cartridges. I was handed one by some nondescript entity--but then it was time to go back! It seemed like most of the journey was us getting there, and then it was time to return. Oddly, I did sense that my partner was there with me, which was nice. But that was it--no messages, no other imagery, nothing.

Once the leader brought us back to regular consciousness, we all discussed what we had experienced. Several others mentioned all kinds of things they saw and felt. I began to wonder maybe I had done something wrong. Why hadn't I experienced all this?? Whatever--I was ready to leave. So I quickly gathered my things, said my goodbyes and was the first out the door (it was late anyway, I told myself).

Not a Complete Bust
I was disappointed. I had looked forward to this for several weeks only to get creeped out and leave feeling, "What was the big deal?" Everyone else kept saying how wonderful it was and blah, blah, blah. But now that I've had time to think it over, I do feel better. And I've had some realizations:

1. I simply don't care for these meditations where people seem to need validation ("you are loved," "God loves you," etc). To me, it's irrelevant. I don't believe in a god whose love I need in order to feel special. Also, I don't have a need to constantly heal past "trauma." Sure, my life has had its share of bad stuff, but somehow I get through it relatively well, whereas some people never can get past what their mother didn't do right or what happened to them in the past.
2. My ego was in the way. Obviously, I have issues about material, worldly success, and that clouded my attitude and energy from the start. If I hadn't been comparing myself to my friend, I might have had a different experience. Then afterward, I was comparing my meditation experience to that of everyone else. Despite my frustration, I'm sure I could gain some insights from what I DID experience rather than trying to meet some obscure expectations.

So, in the end, maybe I learned something after all, in spite of myself. And that's what I dig about shamanism.

Lessons of the Lotus

I love to ponder why certain images or themes continue to pop up in various places and situations. Like the lotus flower, above. I've never seen a real one, but if you pause long enough, you can find lotus flowers everywhere, in art, architecture and literature. And they're a sacred symbol in many religions: Buddhism, ancient Egypt, Hinduism, Brahmanism, Zorastrianism and even ancient Mayan beliefs. Why is this?

If that all seems musty and dusty, consider that one of the most expensive cars you can buy today is called Lotus. A car and a flower are very different things, but obviously, someone in a marketing department somewhere thought that the symbolism long associated with the lotus would appeal to a certain elite clientele who could afford rare, luxury cars.

And here's a beautiful example of lotus symbolism in architecture, a Bahai temple located in India.

Across various cultures, the lotus symbolizes the best human ideals and concepts: purity, enlightenment, the human heart, the sun, creation, divine birth or rebirth, knowledge and cosmic harmony.

Again, why is this? I'm fixated on the lotus because of the daily meditation that I've been doing. It's a Buddhist meditation or chant called simply "Jewel in the Lotus Flower." The 6 syllables--"om, mani, padme, hum"--are rich with spiritual symbolism. As I understand it, this chant can assist in transforming our individual essence into a more enlightened state--that of the Buddha nature. The lotus is the perfect symbol because it grows under murky water but eventually reveals a beautiful, delicate flower. The opening bloom represents the opening of our Buddha nature as it flowers. That bright center of the flower is considered the "jewel" and represents our individual spiritual potential.

Well, I have a long way to go before I get all flowery and enlightened! Being the skeptic that I am, I don't know if this chant will do anything for me--but the romantic in me recognizes the beauty and purity embedded therein. There are certainly worse things for which to strive. And it helps me to think that the murkiness in which I currently find myself might one day subside to reveal something of beauty and light.

I read somewhere that "om, mani, padme, hum" can be translated as "I am in you and you are in me," revealing how interconnected we all are--whether we realize it or not. And not just us as individuals--but how we are connected to the plants and animals, the stars and comets, and how they are connected to us. This continues to be important for me to realize and integrate into my daily life.

So pay attention to nature. It has lots to teach us.

Check here to read more about lotus symbolism.

Lessons of the Lotus

I love to ponder why certain images or themes continue to pop up in various places and situations. Like the lotus flower, above. I've never seen a real one, but if you pause long enough, you can find lotus flowers everywhere, in art, architecture and literature. And they're a sacred symbol in many religions: Buddhism, ancient Egypt, Hinduism, Brahmanism, Zorastrianism and even ancient Mayan beliefs. Why is this?

If that all seems musty and dusty, consider that one of the most expensive cars you can buy today is called Lotus. A car and a flower are very different things, but obviously, someone in a marketing department somewhere thought that the symbolism long associated with the lotus would appeal to a certain elite clientele who could afford rare, luxury cars.

And here's a beautiful example of lotus symbolism in architecture, a Bahai temple located in India.

Across various cultures, the lotus symbolizes the best human ideals and concepts: purity, enlightenment, the human heart, the sun, creation, divine birth or rebirth, knowledge and cosmic harmony.

Again, why is this? I'm fixated on the lotus because of the daily meditation that I've been doing. It's a Buddhist meditation or chant called simply "Jewel in the Lotus Flower." The 6 syllables--"om, mani, padme, hum"--are rich with spiritual symbolism. As I understand it, this chant can assist in transforming our individual essence into a more enlightened state--that of the Buddha nature. The lotus is the perfect symbol because it grows under murky water but eventually reveals a beautiful, delicate flower. The opening bloom represents the opening of our Buddha nature as it flowers. That bright center of the flower is considered the "jewel" and represents our individual spiritual potential.

Well, I have a long way to go before I get all flowery and enlightened! Being the skeptic that I am, I don't know if this chant will do anything for me--but the romantic in me recognizes the beauty and purity embedded therein. There are certainly worse things for which to strive. And it helps me to think that the murkiness in which I currently find myself might one day subside to reveal something of beauty and light.

I read somewhere that "om, mani, padme, hum" can be translated as "I am in you and you are in me," revealing how interconnected we all are--whether we realize it or not. And not just us as individuals--but how we are connected to the plants and animals, the stars and comets, and how they are connected to us. This continues to be important for me to realize and integrate into my daily life.

So pay attention to nature. It has lots to teach us.

Check here to read more about lotus symbolism.

Hump Day Humdrums

Maybe writing will help me work out some things today and keep me from descending any further into self pity (not a pretty thing).

Couples therapy is actually going well with my partner, and today I was really missing him--even though I saw him last night, and we have plans to have dinner Friday night. But everything seems so difficult. Allow me to elaborate:

1. Money is scarce, and there are some small things I'd like to do around my apartment to make it feel more like home, but I feel I can't spend the money. Every decision feels like I'm weighing whether to eat or pay the rent. I actually helped my sister out--which I suppose I should be thankful that I was able to do--and I'm still waiting to get paid for my last wedding. Even the counseling, which has been so helpful, is costing more than I feel I can afford.

2. My energy level is at an all-time low. I'm not walking in the mornings, although I am doing short meditations. I'm not attending any of my other regular exercise classes either--and I'm starting to feel it! I'd rather just come home, get into my robe and chill with some DVDs. Working is difficult (except for my ministerial work, fortunately), and it's a challenge to get out of the bed every day and focus on the tasks at hand.

3. Emotions are volatile, unpredictable. One minute I'm feeling positive and upbeat, the next I'm crying my eyes out. Which is not normal for me. One minute I want to see friends, and the next I want to be left alone. Then, one moment I'll feel like my partner and I will be reunited, and the next I never want to see him again.

4. Spiritually, I'm feeling good, but I feel like I could be doing more. Reading and meditating more, for example, or getting outdoors. I'm probably being too hard on myself, but I feel like this time I now have is precious, and I don't want to squander it. At times, everything I'm going through seems to make sense and have a purpose on some level--and at other times I feel like a complete loony fool.

I'm just a great big ball of anxiety and insecurity! I'm so ready to emerge from all this, to feel energized again, engaged with the world again. Is that too much to ask?

So, how was your day?

Hump Day Humdrums

Maybe writing will help me work out some things today and keep me from descending any further into self pity (not a pretty thing).

Couples therapy is actually going well with my partner, and today I was really missing him--even though I saw him last night, and we have plans to have dinner Friday night. But everything seems so difficult. Allow me to elaborate:

1. Money is scarce, and there are some small things I'd like to do around my apartment to make it feel more like home, but I feel I can't spend the money. Every decision feels like I'm weighing whether to eat or pay the rent. I actually helped my sister out--which I suppose I should be thankful that I was able to do--and I'm still waiting to get paid for my last wedding. Even the counseling, which has been so helpful, is costing more than I feel I can afford.

2. My energy level is at an all-time low. I'm not walking in the mornings, although I am doing short meditations. I'm not attending any of my other regular exercise classes either--and I'm starting to feel it! I'd rather just come home, get into my robe and chill with some DVDs. Working is difficult (except for my ministerial work, fortunately), and it's a challenge to get out of the bed every day and focus on the tasks at hand.

3. Emotions are volatile, unpredictable. One minute I'm feeling positive and upbeat, the next I'm crying my eyes out. Which is not normal for me. One minute I want to see friends, and the next I want to be left alone. Then, one moment I'll feel like my partner and I will be reunited, and the next I never want to see him again.

4. Spiritually, I'm feeling good, but I feel like I could be doing more. Reading and meditating more, for example, or getting outdoors. I'm probably being too hard on myself, but I feel like this time I now have is precious, and I don't want to squander it. At times, everything I'm going through seems to make sense and have a purpose on some level--and at other times I feel like a complete loony fool.

I'm just a great big ball of anxiety and insecurity! I'm so ready to emerge from all this, to feel energized again, engaged with the world again. Is that too much to ask?

So, how was your day?

Latest Shamanic Weekend: Sirius and Sacredness, Part 3

Meditations, Melchizedek and Melancholy

Part 3 of 4. This part of the last workshop is tough to write down since I have so many conflicting emotions.
This workshop was heavy on various meditation techniques and lots of practice, which I enjoyed. Shamanic journeying (or meditation, if you prefer) has become an effective spiritual technique for me in reaching insights, peace and other good stuff. But I see it as a vehicle to access the subconscious part of ourselves and not literally as a gateway for talking to various beings, entities and others that exist at other levels of consciousness.

I could be wrong, of course. But I'm just leery of believing in yet more ascendant beings (like Jesus) who are supposed to reach down and save humanity if only we'll do their bidding. Or evangelize and convince everyone else to see things our way. Been there, bought that T-shirt!

Angels Among Us?
Some of the meditations, I'm just not comfortable sharing about yet. Some produced feelings of real joy and peace, and others led me on mysterious inner journeys. A few seemed just silly (trip to the star Sirius anyone?), and I'm a little embarrassed about what I "saw" and experienced.

Others were surprising at first and then, upon further reflection, not so much given my Christian background. Since angels have become such a New Age staple now, one of journey's was to hang out with a few. Me--not interested. I know we're lulled into thinking angels are beings who sweetly sing about the baby Jesus' birth, but I know there are plenty of stories in the Bible about angels bringing bad news and being harbingers of doom. Have you read the book of Revelation? So I didn't get much out of this one, no surprise.

But it's all just symbolic, right? Another meditation surprised me with the power of its symbols. Without any specific instructions or anything, I saw a white dove hovering over me in one meditation, its body so close to me it blocked out the sun. And I "heard" the dove speak with the voice of Jesus. Now, as someone who no longer believes Jesus is a divine being or the son of god, this was unsettling. It was "all in my head," and yet the emotions it triggered were familiar to those I once felt when deep in prayer as a devout Christian.

Maybe this only means I shouldn't write off those experiences. Many New Agers or pagans see Jesus as a cool dude or an ascended being from whom we can all learn without pledging our eternal allegiance. Maybe--I'm working on that.

Careful Who You Follow
I guess I'm curious as to whether you can find value in some of these practices without taking all of it literally--which is what got me into trouble with Christianity. We watched a video of a guy named Drunvalo Melchizedek, who I've mentioned before. It's all very complicated, but he basically sees himself as some enlightened being sent here to help the rest of us--if we'll only buy his books and CDs. In fact, he's suing some guy right now for alleged copyright infringement because this guy used his meditation technique without permission.

Interesting. If your meditation technique is key to human evolution and the greater good, shouldn't it be free? Even if Jesus' followers don't always follow this rule, at least Jesus did.

In summary, the Melchizedek guy strikes me as a little stuck on himself and how special he is. I just don't buy it--and yet the facilitator for our workshops is a big fan, and a lot of the stuff we've discussed is based on D. Melchizedek's ideas. Some of the ideas are too far-out for me to accept. It just all seems so complicated and dense and--weird. Sure, it's fun and entertaining--like a great TV show--but I don't know that I want to pattern my life after it. I have that T-shirt, too.

I'm sticking with my gut this time.

If you want an entertaining read about some of these theories from various sources, check out Secret Sun. Blogger Christopher Knowles does an admirable job of exploring some wacky ideas with an appealing blend of curiosity and skepticism. Lots of fun to read.

Latest Shamanic Weekend: Sirius and Sacredness, Part 3

Meditations, Melchizedek and Melancholy

Part 3 of 4. This part of the last workshop is tough to write down since I have so many conflicting emotions.
This workshop was heavy on various meditation techniques and lots of practice, which I enjoyed. Shamanic journeying (or meditation, if you prefer) has become an effective spiritual technique for me in reaching insights, peace and other good stuff. But I see it as a vehicle to access the subconscious part of ourselves and not literally as a gateway for talking to various beings, entities and others that exist at other levels of consciousness.

I could be wrong, of course. But I'm just leery of believing in yet more ascendant beings (like Jesus) who are supposed to reach down and save humanity if only we'll do their bidding. Or evangelize and convince everyone else to see things our way. Been there, bought that T-shirt!

Angels Among Us?
Some of the meditations, I'm just not comfortable sharing about yet. Some produced feelings of real joy and peace, and others led me on mysterious inner journeys. A few seemed just silly (trip to the star Sirius anyone?), and I'm a little embarrassed about what I "saw" and experienced.

Others were surprising at first and then, upon further reflection, not so much given my Christian background. Since angels have become such a New Age staple now, one of journey's was to hang out with a few. Me--not interested. I know we're lulled into thinking angels are beings who sweetly sing about the baby Jesus' birth, but I know there are plenty of stories in the Bible about angels bringing bad news and being harbingers of doom. Have you read the book of Revelation? So I didn't get much out of this one, no surprise.

But it's all just symbolic, right? Another meditation surprised me with the power of its symbols. Without any specific instructions or anything, I saw a white dove hovering over me in one meditation, its body so close to me it blocked out the sun. And I "heard" the dove speak with the voice of Jesus. Now, as someone who no longer believes Jesus is a divine being or the son of god, this was unsettling. It was "all in my head," and yet the emotions it triggered were familiar to those I once felt when deep in prayer as a devout Christian.

Maybe this only means I shouldn't write off those experiences. Many New Agers or pagans see Jesus as a cool dude or an ascended being from whom we can all learn without pledging our eternal allegiance. Maybe--I'm working on that.

Careful Who You Follow
I guess I'm curious as to whether you can find value in some of these practices without taking all of it literally--which is what got me into trouble with Christianity. We watched a video of a guy named Drunvalo Melchizedek, who I've mentioned before. It's all very complicated, but he basically sees himself as some enlightened being sent here to help the rest of us--if we'll only buy his books and CDs. In fact, he's suing some guy right now for alleged copyright infringement because this guy used his meditation technique without permission.

Interesting. If your meditation technique is key to human evolution and the greater good, shouldn't it be free? Even if Jesus' followers don't always follow this rule, at least Jesus did.

In summary, the Melchizedek guy strikes me as a little stuck on himself and how special he is. I just don't buy it--and yet the facilitator for our workshops is a big fan, and a lot of the stuff we've discussed is based on D. Melchizedek's ideas. Some of the ideas are too far-out for me to accept. It just all seems so complicated and dense and--weird. Sure, it's fun and entertaining--like a great TV show--but I don't know that I want to pattern my life after it. I have that T-shirt, too.

I'm sticking with my gut this time.

If you want an entertaining read about some of these theories from various sources, check out Secret Sun. Blogger Christopher Knowles does an admirable job of exploring some wacky ideas with an appealing blend of curiosity and skepticism. Lots of fun to read.

Recent Shamanic Workshop: Challenges and Dislikes

The "alien" photo will make sense if you keep reading, trust me. Here's my "Part B" post on the latest shamanic workshop I attended. This one deals with what I didn't like or what I thought was just plain silly. Well, maybe I should say, those things "I didn't find useful." There--so much more diplomatic, no?

Don't Know Much About History...
When we began our second day talking about an alternative history to Earth, I realized just how much of a newbie I am to all this. And this totally blew my mind as far as trying to keep up with names, places and connections. The facilitator made a good point about how we only know the history that is written down and the history of the "conquerors"--and that leaves out quite a bit.

And I guess his "parahistory" of Earth solves the problem of evolution's missing link--because this theory says we didn't evolve at all but were actually created. By aliens. Hmmm, somehow I don't see the Christians liking this theory either. Here's how it goes (from what I can remember): An interdimensional alien race came to Earth looking for resources (gold, specifically). Over time, they brought in another race to be their slaves, but the slaves revolted. To get a more controllable workforce, the aliens created us humans by combining chimp DNA and something else.

Then it gets really confusing! Martians enter the picture, several lost continents (Lemuria, Atlantis) appear and disappear, and we are told the Hebrews/Jews are also of alien descent! It was entertaining, sure, but really difficult to swallow. The whole alien-superrace-seeding-humanity reminds me, though of the "Battlestar Galactica" finale--an interesting connection.

Visions of Octahedrons Dancing in My Head
We also discussed a little sacred geometry, which I actually find quite intriguing--but I got totally lost along the way. Supposedly, visualizing ourselves in an octahedron (8-sided) is the correct way to gain balance. Really? I've been meditating quite successfully for a few years now--without rotating pyramids in my head--so why do I need this now?

The octahedron thing is related to the Hathors, allegedly interdimensional beings from Venus who speak through author and sound healer Tom Kenyon. This is how the Hathors have suggested we stupid humans meditate.

I guess there's no harm in it, but I just can't help but see it as just another wacky meditation alternative. Nothing "wrong" with that, I suppose. No more "odd" that your garden-variety shamanic journey--but I just wasn't feelin' it. And the Hathors--why do they only speak through Kenyon?? I just don't buy that he's the only one capable or the only one "listening" on the entire planet. My knee-jerk reaction is to say this merely helps him sell CDs! "If you want to hear from the Hathors, Tom Kenyon is the only approved source!"

And Kenyon's CDs? Well, I only heard snippets from one, so maybe I'm not getting the full repertoire--but what I heard didn't impress. It sounded like he picked up a mike, mixed in some groovy New Age music and just made weird sounds with his voice. This is supposed to be extraterrestrial communication? I felt like such a chump! I didn't protest, however, because I wanted to absorb the experience and then make my judgment. I'm sure I would be told that I'm allowing our own human and cultural "blocks" to color my perception. Well, how else would I perceive this? As a cat?

Drive the 2009 Merkaba!
It really does sound like a car. Well, keeping to sacred geometry, we also discussed the merkaba, allegedly an interdimensional vehicle that can transport us to a higher level of consciousness (shown above). Wait--didn't the octahedron do that? No, ok--so how many things to do I have to visualize? My head hurts--or maybe it's getting hit by the rotating pyramid-thingy!

The concept of the merkaba does have lots of interesting connections, however, to the Star of David, Kabbalah and mystic Drunvalo Melchizedek. Which is enough to make your head ache for weeks. Here's a simple video which I wish I had seen--makes it much more digestible, I think.

So there you go. Our facilitator always says to take everything with a grain of salt and never to accept anything just because he discusses it. All in all, everything I disliked is merely yet another way of looking at the same thing. We'll see what rises to the surface in time. Regardless, I say keep a healthy skepticism!

Recent Shamanic Workshop: Challenges and Dislikes

The "alien" photo will make sense if you keep reading, trust me. Here's my "Part B" post on the latest shamanic workshop I attended. This one deals with what I didn't like or what I thought was just plain silly. Well, maybe I should say, those things "I didn't find useful." There--so much more diplomatic, no?

Don't Know Much About History...
When we began our second day talking about an alternative history to Earth, I realized just how much of a newbie I am to all this. And this totally blew my mind as far as trying to keep up with names, places and connections. The facilitator made a good point about how we only know the history that is written down and the history of the "conquerors"--and that leaves out quite a bit.

And I guess his "parahistory" of Earth solves the problem of evolution's missing link--because this theory says we didn't evolve at all but were actually created. By aliens. Hmmm, somehow I don't see the Christians liking this theory either. Here's how it goes (from what I can remember): An interdimensional alien race came to Earth looking for resources (gold, specifically). Over time, they brought in another race to be their slaves, but the slaves revolted. To get a more controllable workforce, the aliens created us humans by combining chimp DNA and something else.

Then it gets really confusing! Martians enter the picture, several lost continents (Lemuria, Atlantis) appear and disappear, and we are told the Hebrews/Jews are also of alien descent! It was entertaining, sure, but really difficult to swallow. The whole alien-superrace-seeding-humanity reminds me, though of the "Battlestar Galactica" finale--an interesting connection.

Visions of Octahedrons Dancing in My Head
We also discussed a little sacred geometry, which I actually find quite intriguing--but I got totally lost along the way. Supposedly, visualizing ourselves in an octahedron (8-sided) is the correct way to gain balance. Really? I've been meditating quite successfully for a few years now--without rotating pyramids in my head--so why do I need this now?

The octahedron thing is related to the Hathors, allegedly interdimensional beings from Venus who speak through author and sound healer Tom Kenyon. This is how the Hathors have suggested we stupid humans meditate.

I guess there's no harm in it, but I just can't help but see it as just another wacky meditation alternative. Nothing "wrong" with that, I suppose. No more "odd" that your garden-variety shamanic journey--but I just wasn't feelin' it. And the Hathors--why do they only speak through Kenyon?? I just don't buy that he's the only one capable or the only one "listening" on the entire planet. My knee-jerk reaction is to say this merely helps him sell CDs! "If you want to hear from the Hathors, Tom Kenyon is the only approved source!"

And Kenyon's CDs? Well, I only heard snippets from one, so maybe I'm not getting the full repertoire--but what I heard didn't impress. It sounded like he picked up a mike, mixed in some groovy New Age music and just made weird sounds with his voice. This is supposed to be extraterrestrial communication? I felt like such a chump! I didn't protest, however, because I wanted to absorb the experience and then make my judgment. I'm sure I would be told that I'm allowing our own human and cultural "blocks" to color my perception. Well, how else would I perceive this? As a cat?

Drive the 2009 Merkaba!
It really does sound like a car. Well, keeping to sacred geometry, we also discussed the merkaba, allegedly an interdimensional vehicle that can transport us to a higher level of consciousness (shown above). Wait--didn't the octahedron do that? No, ok--so how many things to do I have to visualize? My head hurts--or maybe it's getting hit by the rotating pyramid-thingy!

The concept of the merkaba does have lots of interesting connections, however, to the Star of David, Kabbalah and mystic Drunvalo Melchizedek. Which is enough to make your head ache for weeks. Here's a simple video which I wish I had seen--makes it much more digestible, I think.

So there you go. Our facilitator always says to take everything with a grain of salt and never to accept anything just because he discusses it. All in all, everything I disliked is merely yet another way of looking at the same thing. We'll see what rises to the surface in time. Regardless, I say keep a healthy skepticism!

What I'm Meditating on Today

During my last shamanic workshop, I had a "vision," if you will, of stained-glass windows in a cathedral while we were doing one of our spirit journeys. Nothing earth-shattering to tell, except that it was such a soothing image, one of beauty, skill and transcendence. I've been trying to hold that image, those emotions, close to me ever since.

This image reminded me of my vision. It's of Hereford Cathedral in the UK.

And yep, it snowed like crazy here in the Grove over the weekend. Got a few photos around the house but didn't get any out in the woods--darnnit! Daily life got in the way. That, and I realized that I really don't have the clothes to tromp around in that much snow! Seriously, it's been so long since we've had a good snow that I had discarded most of my "snow drag," so to speak. But overall, a good weekend and a nice snow day.

Hope to post more later today--blessings to all my visitors!

What I'm Meditating on Today

During my last shamanic workshop, I had a "vision," if you will, of stained-glass windows in a cathedral while we were doing one of our spirit journeys. Nothing earth-shattering to tell, except that it was such a soothing image, one of beauty, skill and transcendence. I've been trying to hold that image, those emotions, close to me ever since.

This image reminded me of my vision. It's of Hereford Cathedral in the UK.

And yep, it snowed like crazy here in the Grove over the weekend. Got a few photos around the house but didn't get any out in the woods--darnnit! Daily life got in the way. That, and I realized that I really don't have the clothes to tromp around in that much snow! Seriously, it's been so long since we've had a good snow that I had discarded most of my "snow drag," so to speak. But overall, a good weekend and a nice snow day.

Hope to post more later today--blessings to all my visitors!

Riverwolf Finds His Happy Place

I need something lasting and pure to meditate on today, so I've posted this. The last few days have been quite emotional and I'm looking for my center. I came across this photo at random but thought it was beautiful. Turns out it was taken in the Kilmer Memorial Forest, which is roughly in my neck of the woods and contains some of the largest and oldest trees east of the Mississippi. Wouldn't mind being there right now.

Riverwolf Finds His Happy Place

I need something lasting and pure to meditate on today, so I've posted this. The last few days have been quite emotional and I'm looking for my center. I came across this photo at random but thought it was beautiful. Turns out it was taken in the Kilmer Memorial Forest, which is roughly in my neck of the woods and contains some of the largest and oldest trees east of the Mississippi. Wouldn't mind being there right now.