Metaphysical Musings

Valentine’s Day, that special day set aside on February 14th, has its roots planted in ancient Pagan belief. This was a fertility celebration usually held around February 15 – “Lupercalis or Lupercalia” is what the ancient people of Rome called this festival.  Although the history of this holiday is obscure, Valentine’s Day, as we now know it, contains both Christian and Pagan traditions.  The ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia was celebrated annually in mid-February and honored Lupercus, who was the god of fertility; and Juno, the queen of Roman gods and goddesses.  Juno was also the patron of women and marriage. This special festival celebrated the coming of spring and the promise of fertility – not only for the people, but also their flocks and planted fields. It was a custom of the time that each young maiden of the village would put her name in a large urn. The young men would each draw a name from the urn and the couple was paired for the following year. Often, the paired couple ended the year wedded to each other.

As Christianity gained power, old Pagan holidays and festivals were renamed to honor early Christian martyrs. Pope Gelasius renamed this holiday in 496 AD and deemed it be celebrated on February 14 in honor of the Roman martyr, Saint Valentine of the 3rd century. However, exactly which St. Valentine the Pope meant to honor is deeply shadowed by mystery. There were three St. Valentine’s in early Christianity - a priest in Rome, a bishop in Terni, and another who had died in Africa.  It is an odd coincidence that all three were said to be martyred on February 14 (possibly done to hide the Pagan roots of the celebration?).  As with other holidays, most notably Christmas, the dates set aside each year for these special occasions coincided with the ancient Pagan rituals and therefore replaced them to become known as Christian holidays.  Most people are quite satisfied that the proper St. Valentine was the priest whom the Roman emperor Claudius II imprisoned, around 270, for holding marriage ceremonies in secret. Claudius had issued an edict forbidding marriage – as he believed that married men did not make good, loyal soldiers to fight in his army. A married man, so Claudius thought, was weak because of the attachment to his wife and family. Valentine was found out and put in prison, where he was later executed.  While Valentine was in prison he became a friend to Asterius, the jailer, who had a daughter that was blind. According to Catholic legend, Valentine, because of his strong faith, miraculously restored the sight of Asterius’ daughter. The Protestant faith believed differently. Just before his execution, he asked for a pen and paper from his jailer, and signed a farewell message to her “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that lived ever after. Valentine was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion and belief in marriage. Valentine was executed on February 14 in 270 AD and thus became Patron Saint of the annual festival. Young Roman men began giving the women they admired notes of affection on February 14 and the protocol required that St. Valentine’s name be placed on these greetings.

By the 14th century, the holiday was expressly meant to be for love and romance.  English poet Geoffrey Chaucer (1342-1400) composed a poem to honor the engagement of King Richard II and Anne of Bohemia. As was his tradition, Chaucer associated this with a feast day – in this case, St. Valentine’s Day.  By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day was increasingly associated with romance and courtship, in spite of the Christian church’s efforts to sanctify the holiday. The traditions of the holiday eventually evolved to gift giving and the exchange of cards. The cards were made by loving hands with ribbons, laces, dried flowers and would have cupids, lovebirds and hearts on them. This tradition remains to this day.

While the Mayan, Hopi and Lakota prophecies have garnered an amazing amount of attention concerning “end days” and 2012, those of Mother Shipton are largely unknown by the general public.  While I do not wish to add to the craze currently sweeping the media in connection with 2012, I do feel that the historic aspect of her writings deserve some attention.  Please know that I am aware there is controversy over the legitimacy of her writing and even of her existence.  However . . .

Mother Shipton reputedly was born Ursula Sontheil in 1488 in Norfolk, England, and died in 1561.  She was a contemporary of Nostradamus, but, being a woman, was not allowed his level of education and lacked his medical and astrological training and the forbearance of royal friends at court to nurture and protect her.   She exhibited prophetic and psychic abilities from an early age.   At 24 married to Toby Shipton, she eventually became known as Mother Shipton. Many of her visions came true within her own lifetime and in subsequent centuries. The verses from Mother Shipton seem to have prophetic indications for our times, but, of course, are open to interpretation.  The lines known as “Mother Shipton’s Prophecy” were first published in England in 1485, before the discovery of America, and, of course, before any of the discoveries and inventions mentioned therein. Many of the events predicted have come to pass except that in the last two lines.

Carriages without horses shall go
And accidents fill the world with woe
Around the world thoughts shall fly
In the twinkling of an eye
Waters shall yet more wonders do
Now strange, yet shall be true
The world upside down shall be
And gold be found at root of tree
Through hills man shall ride
And no horse nor ass be at his side.
Under water man shall walk
Shall ride, shall sleep, shall talk
In the air men shall be seen
In white, in black, in green
Iron in the water shall float
As easy as a wooden boat.
Gold shall be found ‘mid stone
In a land that’s now unknown
Fire and water shall wonders do
England shall at last admit a Jew
And this world to an end shall come
In eighteen hundred and eighty-one
 

She correctly predicted the dissolution of the Catholic Church under Henry VIII, the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, the untimely death of Henry’s son Edward VI, the horrific reign of “Bloody” Mary I, and the ascent of Queen Elizabeth to the throne of England.  Again, many of her visions came true with specific clarity within her own lifetime and in subsequent centuries. 

Like Nostradamus, to capture the public imagination and most likely to also avoid persecution for the crime of witchcraft, she published her prophecies in rhyme and verse.  Still, she saved her penultimate work for her later years just before her death.  And so in 1559 she published an epic poem for which she would become best known down through the ages.  She died in Clifton, Yorkshire in 1591 – five years before Nostradamus.  These verses may have prophetic indications for our times, but of course are open to interpretation as noted below - Note:  These are NOT mine! -  in parenthesis ( ). 

And now a word, in uncouth rhyme of what shall be in future time:

• Then upside down the world shall be And gold found at the root of tree All England’s sons that plough the land Shall oft be seen with Book in hand The poor shall now great wisdom know Great houses stand in far flung vale All covered o’er with snow and hail.

• {The advent of the printing press and the mass distribution of books, a dearly expensive rarity in her day, seemingly to herald an age of knowledge and enlightenment even for the very poor. But this also leads to the mass migration into festering cites, leaving the great houses of the countryside bare and forlorn.}

• A carriage without horse will go, Disaster fill the world with woe. In London, Primrose Hill shall be In center hold a bishops sea.

• {Motorcars and trains and their accidents, and the formation of the Church of England by Henry VIII as its sole head.}

• Around the world men’s thoughts will fly, Quick as the twinkling of an eye. And water shall great wonders do, How strange, and yet it shall come true.

• {Telephone, radio, television and the internet. The building of massive dams and the harnessing of waterfalls, like Niagara, for hydroelectric power which then lights the world.}

• Through towering hills proud men shall ride, No horse or ass move by his side. Beneath the water, men shall walk, Shall ride, shall sleep, shall even talk.

• {Cities with canyons made of skyscrapers. Submarines, the aqua-lung and SCUBA gear allowing man to work and even live beneath the sea. Aquatic cities in our future, maybe.}

• And in the air men shall be seen, In white and black and even green. A great man, shall come and go For prophecy declares it so.

• {Modern aircraft. There have been many great men since Mother Shipton’s time. But she points to a great prophet that may be yet to come.}

• In water, iron then shall float As easy as a wooden boat. Gold shall be seen in stream and stone, In land that is yet unknown.

• {Ships made of iron and steel and probably a description of America and its wealth. Certainly an accurate description of California in the Gold Rush days.}

• And England shall admit a Jew, Do you think this strange? But it is true! The Jew that once was led in scorn, Shall of a Christian then be born.

• {Help in creation of Israel in 1948 by the British and the United Nations.}

• A house of glass shall come to pass, In England. But alas, alas!
  A war will follow with the work Where dwells the pagan and the Turk.

• {Describes the building of a gigantic glass atrium in London called The Crystal Palace for The Great Exhibition of 1851. It was a huge iron Goliath with a million feet of glass housing over 13,000 exhibits. It was destroyed by fire November 30, 1936. The rest could describe any number of British wars or adventures in the Mid and Far East after that, and the massive expansion of the British Empire under German Queen Victoria Hapsburg. The Afghan, Indian and Boer wars.}

• These states will lock in fiercest strife, And seek to take each other’s life. When north shall thus divide the south An eagle build in lion’s mouth Then tax and blood and cruel war Shall come to every humble door.

• {Probably describes a war between the Northern & Southern countries as above, describing joint US (Eagle) and British (Lion) forces. It could also allude to the American Civil War.}

• Three times shall lovely sunny France Be led to play a bloody dance. Before the people shall be free Three tyrant rulers shall she see.

• {The different French Republics. The French Revolution under Robespierre, however Napoleon had two successors, Napoleon II and III.}

• Three rulers in succession be Each springs from different dynasty. Then when the fiercest strife is done.

• England and France shall be as one.

• {World War II – England & France as allies}

• The British olive shall next then twine, In marriage with a German vine. Men walk beneath and over streams Fulfilled shall be their wondrous dreams.

• {Queen Victoria and Prince Albertwere German Hapsburgs, who later changed their name to Windsor, supplanting the rightful heirs of the House of Stewart. Post Second World War scenario}

• For in those wondrous far off days, The women shall adopt a craze To dress like men, and trousers wear And to cut off all their locks of hair. They’ll ride astride with brazen brow, As witches do on broomsticks now.

• {Craze in women to dress like men, wearing trousers and cutting their hair, adopting various hairstyles and riding horses, and bikes straddle instead of side-saddle (Nice description J )}

• And roaring monsters with men atop, Does seem to eat the verdant crop. And men shall fly as birds do now, And give away the horse and plow.

• {Crop harvesting machines & tractors, and the mass exodus from farms into cities}

• They’ll be a sign for all to see Be sure that it will certain be.

• Then love shall die and marriage cease And nations wane as babes decrease.

• {Failure of marriages and divorce. Decrease in population (in Europe) and wholesale abortion in America. Could be a future time when birth rates plummet due to radiation, earth changes or volcanic ash.}

• And wives shall fondle cats and dogs And men live much the same as hogs.
  {Sounds like a very female point of view here!}

Mother Shipton’s next prophecies continue on the outer wrappings of the scrolls.

• I know I go, I know I’m free, I know that this will come to be, Secreted this, for this will be Found by later dynasty.

• {Describes how her prophecies written on scrolls will be discovered at a later date after her death.}

• A dairy maid, a bonnie lass, Shall kick this tome as she does pass And five generations she shall breed Before one male child does learn to read.

• {For five generations these scrolls will be held by a family of a girl and then the fifth generation male child will learn to read and understand them.}

• This is then held year by year, Till an iron monster trembling fear, Eats parchment, words and quill and ink, And mankind is given time to think.

• {Nice description of a printing press, which “eats” papers, “words” and ink. With the burden of manual copying of books removed, this brings about a new age of learning and enlightenment when man can devote more time to thinking.}

• And only when this comes to be Will mankind read this prophecy. But one man sweets another’s bain So I shall not have burned in vain.

• {After the invention of the printing press her prophecies will be printed and man will read this.}

Mother Shipton’s next set of prophecies are found on a scroll in another jar.

• The signs will be there for all to read;
  When man shall do most heinous deed Man will ruin kinder lives;
  By taking them as to their wives.
  And murder foul and brutal deed:
  When man will only think of greed.
  And man shall walk as if asleep;
  He does not look – he may not peep And iron men the tail shall do;
  And iron cart and carriage too.

• {The greed of modern man}

• The king shall false promise make;
  And talk just for talking’s sake.
  And nations plan horrific war;
  The like as never seen before.
  And taxes rise and lively down;
  And nations wear perpetual frown.

• {False promises by politicians, wars between nations, increase in taxes and perpetual tension among nations.}

• Yet greater sign there be to see;
  As man nears latter century.
  Three sleeping mountains gather breath, And spew out mud, ice and death. An earthquake swallow town and town;
  In lands as yet to me unknown. And Christian one fights Christian two And nations sigh, yet nothing do. And yellow men great power gain;
  From a mighty bear with whom they’ve lain.

• {Volcanoes, earthquakes (in unknown land – America?) destroying town after town, fighting between nations. Speaks of a Chinese (yellow) – Russian (bear) alliance against the west. Most of China’s current weapons have come in deals with Russia.}

• These mighty tyrants will fail to do, They fail to split the world in two. But from their acts a danger bred;
  An ague, leaving many dead.

• {Failure of this Russian/Chinese alliance, indication of war leaving many dead. The word “Ague” means flu plague or epidemic of disease.}

• And physics find no remedy;
  For this is worse than leprosy.
  Oh many signs for all to see;
  The truth of this true prophecy.

• {No remedy in science for this coming plague.}

Mother Shipton’s last prophecy:

• In nineteen hundred and twenty-six Build houses light of straw and sticks. For then shall mighty wars be planned And fire and swords shall sweep the land.

• {Mis-timed prophecy for World War I or WWII? Of course she may still be correct, as this is the period of time in which the NEXT great war is being PLANNED. In this same approximate time-frame, Hitler and Rudolph Hess are in jail together writing MEIN KAMPF.}

• When pictures seem alive with movements free, When boats like fishes swim beneath the sea. When men like birds shall scour the sky. Then half the world, deep drenched in blood shall die.

• {Television - Submarines, aircraft and then death through War.}

The following are prophecies on our future:

• For those who live the century through In fear and trembling this shall do. Flee to the mountains and the dens To bog and forest and wild fens.

• {After the 20th century is over, people will live in fear and flee to mountains, dens & forests for refuge.}

• For storms will rage and oceans roar When Gabriel stands on sea and shore, And as he blows his wondrous horn Old worlds die and new be born.

• {The Last Trumpet. The Biblical Revelation. The destruction of this civilization and creation of a new one – the so called “End Of The World”.}

• A fiery dragon will cross the sky Six times before the earth shall die. Mankind will tremble and frightened be For the six heralds in this prophecy.

• {Appearance of a series of six comets and a probable collision with earth as indicated in the Bible and by Nostradamus. In the last 20 years alone we have seen at least four spectacular comets or “fiery dragons”: Halley’s, Kahoutek (a bit of a dud), Hyakutake and Hale-Bopp. But it appears here that she is referring to a SINGLE OBJECT that grazes the atmosphere before a collision.}

• For seven days and seven nights Man will watch this awesome sight. The tides will rise beyond their ken. To bite away the shores and then The mountains will begin to roar And earthquakes split the plain to shore.

• {After asteroid hits in the oceans, huge tidal waves will strike followed by awakening of volcanoes and earthquakes.}

• And flooding waters rushing in, Will flood the lands with such a din That mankind cowers in muddy fen And snarls about his fellow men.

• {Tidal waves and wars continue.}

• He bares his teeth and fights and kills And secrets food in secret hills And ugly in his fear, he lies To kill marauders, thieves and spies.

• {Continuation of wars in spite of disasters. The storing up of secret food supplies in underground bases.}

• Man flees in terror from the floods And kills, and rapes and lies in blood And spilling blood by mankind’s hand Will stain and bitter many lands.

• {Continuation of the World War}

• And when the dragon’s tail is gone Man forgets and smiles and carries on. To apply himself – too late, too late For mankind has earned deserved fate.

• {War and natural disasters will abate for a brief period of time after the dragon’s tail of a comet or asteroid disappears from the heavens. Peace will seemingly return but man’s fate is already sealed.}

• His masked smile, his false grandeur, Will serve the gods their anger stir And they will send the dragon back To light the sky—his tail will crack. Upon the earth and rend the earth And man shall flee, king, lord and serf.

• {When peace has returned and man is complacent, suddenly an even greater disaster happens. }

• But slowly they are routed out To seek diminishing water spout And men will die of thirst before The oceans rise to mount to the shore. And lands will crack and rend anew Do you think it strange? It will come true!

• {More earthquakes, floods and death.}

• And in some far—off distant land Some men—Oh, such a tiny band Will have to leave their solid mount And span the earth, those few to count.

• {Survivors coming out from their hiding places underground – the Biblical phrase “dead will come out of their graves.”}

• Who survives this (unreadable) and then Begin the human race again.
  But not on land already there, But on ocean beds, stark, dry and bare.

• {Survivors start a new civilization, not on lands which are poisoned due to war and nuclear radiation but on lands rising out of the sea after the Great Tribulation.}

• Not every soul on earth will die, As the dragon’s tail goes sweeping by, Not every land on earth will sink, But these will wallow in stench and stink, Of rotting bodies of beast and man, Of vegetation crisped on land.

• {The existing lands will be littered with bodies of humans, animals and burned vegetation, although all humans will not die during the “Judgement Day”.}

• But the land that rises from the sea Will be dry and clean and soft and free. Of mankind’s dirt and therefore be, The source of man’s new dynasty. And those that live will ever fear The dragon’s tail for many year But time erases memory You think it strange? But it will be!

• {Land rising from the sea will be clean and free of all these and this is where the new civilizations will be started. Slowly the memory of the disasters will fade away as time passes and fear will subside.}

• And before the race is built anew, A silver serpent comes to view And spew out men of like unknown. To mingle with the earth now grown Cold from its heat and these men can Enlighten the minds of future man. To intermingle and show them how To live and love and thus endow The children with the second sight A natural thing so that they might Grow graceful, humble and when they do The Golden Age will start anew.

• {Possibly the arrival of extraterrestrials in their space ships who will enlighten the men starting the new civilization. Children will be gifted with special (mental) powers which becomes a naturally occurring phenomenon. Then The Golden Age of man will begin again.}

• The dragon’s tail is but a sign For mankind’s fall and man’s decline. And before this prophecy is done I shall be burned at the stake, at One. My body singed and my soul set free.
  You think I utter blasphemy? You’re wrong! These things have come to me THIS PROPHECY WILL COME TO BE!

• {Asserts that this prophecy will come true even though people might think of her prophecy as blasphemy

Verses in their entirety (for ease of reading):

A carriage without horse will go,
disaster fill the world with woe.
In London, Primrose Hill shall be
in center hold a bishops sea.

Around the world men’s thoughts will fly,
quick as the twinkling of an eye.
And water shall great wonders do,
How strange, and yet it shall come true.

Through towering hills proud men shall ride,
no horse or ass move by his side.
Beneath the water, men shall walk,
shall ride, shall sleep, shall even talk.
And in the air men shall be seen,
In white and black and even green.
A great man, shall come and go
for prophecy declares it so.

In water, iron then shall float
as easy as a wooden boat.
Gold shall be seen in stream and stone,
In land that is yet unknown.

And England shall admit a Jew,
Do you think this strange, but it is true.
The Jew that once was led in scorn,
shall of a christian then be born.

A house of glass shall come to pass,
In England. But alas, alas,
a war will follow with the work
where dwells the pagan and the turk.

These states will lock in fiercest strife,
and seek to take each other’s life.
When north shall thus divide the south
an eagle build in lion’s mouth
then tax and blood and cruel war
shall come to every humble door.

Three times shall lovely sunny France
be led to play a bloody dance.
Before the people shall be free
three tyrant rulers shall she see.

Three rulers in succession be
each springs from different dynasty.
Then when the fiercest strife is done.
England and France shall be as one.

The British olive shall next then twine,
in marriage with a German vine.
Men walk beneath and over streams
fulfilled shall be their wondrous dreams.

For in those wondrous far off days,
the women shall adopt a craze
to dress like men, and trousers wear
and to cut off their locks of hair.

They’ll ride astride with brazen brow,
as witches do on broomsticks now.

And roaring monsters with men atop,
does seem to eat the verdent crop.
And men shall fly as birds do now,
and give away the horse and plow.

They’ll be a sign for all to see
be sure that it will certain be.
Then love shall die and marriage cease
and nations wane as babes decrease.

And wives shall fondle cats and dogs
and men live much the same as hogs.

THESE VERSES WERE ON THE OUTER WRAPPINGS OF THE SCROLLS

I know I go, I know I’m free,
I know that this will come to be,
Secreted this, for this will be
found by later dynasty.

A dairy maid, a bonnie lass,
shall kick this tome as she does pass
And five generations she shall breed
before one male child does learn to read.

This is then held year by year,
till an iron monster trembling fear,
eats parchment, words and quill and ink,
and mankind is given time to think.

And only when this comes to be
will mankind read this prophecy.
But one man sweets anothers bain
so I shall not have burned in vein.

THE FOLLOWING VERSES WERE FOUND ON A SCROLL IN ANOTHER JAR

The signs will be there for all to read;
when man shall do most heinous deed
man will ruin kinder lives;
by taking them as to their wives.
And murder foul and brutal deed:
when man will only think of greed.
and man shall walk as if asleep;
he does not look – he may not peep
And iron men the tail shall do;
and iron cart and carriage too.

The king shall false promise make;
and talk just for talking’s sake.
And nations plan horrific war;
the like as never seen before.
and taxes rise and lively down;
and nations wear perpetual frown.

yet greater sign there be to see;
as man nears latter century.
three sleeping mountains gather breath,
and spew out mud, ice and death.
an earthquake swallow town and town;
in lands as yet to me unknown
And Christian one fights Christian two
and nations sigh, yet nothing do.
And yellow men great power gain;
from mighty bear with whom they’ve lain.

These mightly tyrants will fail to do,
they fail to split the world in two.
But from their acts a danger bred;
an ague, leaving many dead.

And physics find no remedy;
for this is worse than lepresy.
Oh many signs for all to see;
the truth of this true prophecy.

THE LAST PROPHECY

In nineteen hundred and twenty-six
build houses light of straw and sticks.
For then shall mighty wars be planned
and fire and swords shall sweep the land.

When pictures seem alive with movements free,
when boats like fishes swim beneath the sea.
When men like birds shall scour the sky.
Then half the world, deep drenched in blood shall die.

For those who live the century through
in fear and trembling this shall do.
Flee to the mountains and the dens
to bog and forest and wild fens.

For storms will rage and oceans roar
when Gabriel stands on sea and shore,
and as he blows his wondrous horn
old worlds die and new be born.

A fiery dragon will cross the sky
six times before the earth shall die.
Mankind will tremble and frightened be
for the six heralds in this prophecy.

For seven days and seven nights
man will watch this awesome sight.
The tides will rise beyond their ken.
To bite away the shores and then
the mountains will begin to roar
and earthquakes split the plain to shore.

And flooding waters rushing in,
will flood the lands with such a din
that mankind cowers in muddy fen
and snarls about his fellow men.

He bares his teeth and fights and kills
and secrets food in secret hill
and ugly in his fear, he lies
to kill marauders, thieves and spies.

Man flees in terror from the floods
and kills, and rapes and lies in blood
and spilling blood by mankind’s hand
will stain and bitter many lands.

And when the dragon’s tail is gone
man forgets and smiles and carries on.
To apply himself – too late, too late
for mankind has earned deserved fate.

His masked smile, his false grandeur,
will serve the gods their anger stir
and they will send the dragon back
to light the sky – his tail will crack.
Upon the earth and rend the earth
and man shall flee, king, lord and serf.

But slowly they are routed out
to seek diminishing water spout
and men will die of thirst before
the oceans rise to mount to the shore.
And lands will crack and rend anew
do you think it strange, it will come true.

And in some far – off distant land
some men – oh such a tiny band
will have to leave their solid mount
and span the earth, those few to count.

Who survives this (unreadable) and then
begin the human race again.
But not on land already there,
but on ocean beds, stark, dry and bare.

Not every soul on earth will die,
as the dragon’s tail goes sweeping by,
not every land on earth will sink,
but these will wallow in stench and stink,
of rotting bodies of beast and man,
of vegetation crisped on land.

But the land that rises from the sea
will be dry and clean and soft and free.
Of mankinds dirt and therefore be,
the source of man’s new dynasty.
and those that live will ever fear
the dragon’s tail for many year
but time erases memory
You think it strange. but it will be.

And before the race is built anew,
a silver serpent comes to view
and spew out men of like unknown
to mingle with the earth now grown
cold from its heat and these men can
enlighten the minds of future man
to intermingle and show them how
to live and love and thus endow.
the children with the second sight.
a natural thing so that they might
grow graceful, humble and when they do
the golden age will start anew.

The dragon’s tail is but a sign
for mankind’s fall and man’s decline.
and before this prophecy is done
I shall be burned at the stake, at l
My body cinged and my soul set free
You think I utter blastphemy
your wrong. These things have come to me
this prophecy will come to be.

Have you ever met someone who, within a few minutes of conversation, felt like a long-lost friend?  Or, conversely, been introduced to someone described as a “really great person” and yet you cannot get away from this individual fast enough?  To not trust someone you have just met is every bit as illogical as feeling an almost instant connection to a complete stranger.   And in matters of the heart, I can tell you that in many of my tarot/palm readings I have sat across from men and women who have described in great detail meeting a person at a soul level – a very rare encounter with another which leaves an indelible mark on their heart, mind and palm – for the rest of this life and lifetimes to follow.  

I believe these meetings reflect past-life experiences, all part of what is known as reincarnation.  In brief, this is the premise that one is born into a physical body, lives and dies, then is reborn into another physical form.  This is a core belief in both Hinduism and Buddhism; and is quickly being embraced by many in Western society as well.  Most pagan religions  accept reincarnation as truth – however, there may be some reason to believe that even the Christian Bible speaks of this as well.  In the Book of Matthew, an intimation is made to Jesus as the returning prophet Elijah.  Also Exodus 20:4 and Psalms 90:3 make mention of this concept as well.  Leaders of the early Christian Church removed several books from the Bible in the hope of eliminating references to reincarnation at the council of Nicaea, 325 C.E.  By eliminating the idea of birth to rebirth from their doctrine and replacing it with the idea of only one lifetime per person followed by either eternal hell or heaven, their beliefs created a greater need for the Christian Church as an institution for salvation from death.  As individuals seek truth in their spiritual journey, they may find that they can break with some aspects of their religion but retain the core faith/worship.  In fact, the majority of Talisman’s patronage comes from what are called ”Mystic Christians” - those who follow the path of Christ but are open to exploring new-age concepts such as reincarnation, spirit guides, shammanic ritual, energy healing, etc. 

Along with reincarnation comes the concept of “cell memory” - that we take along with us, as we are reborn into new bodies, a cellular memory of past lives.  This can explain many phobias, i.e., why someone has a deathly fear of water (say) for no logical reason … that they may have drowned in a past life and the fear of water/drowning is carried into their current reality.

Two conditions can affect the cycle of life and death in reincarnation - karma and dharma.  “Karma” refers to the good and bad actions taken by someone during a lifetime which will sometimes determine that person’s destiny in a present incarnation.  An example of this is the belief that if you are suffering hardship and trouble in this life it is because of your actions from a past incarnation – such as someone who (in a past life) intentionally suffocated another being afflicted with chronic asthma in this life.  Recognizing the karmic debt and then changing your behavior results in the release of this debt – because you have “learned your lesson”.  Suffering in this lifetime helps achieve balance, but karmic debt is not paid until full realization followed by self-forgiveness is completed.  Dharma is the opposite of karma as it solely involves good thoughts and actions.  Karmic debt can be eliminated in a very short time when you help or serve others unselfishly, with pure motives.  Once karma is addressed, those energies driving it are neutralized and balanced.  This does not mean forgotten, for the soul always seeks to use all experiences in its journey towards perfection and reunion with its Creator.

A past life regression, when conducted responsibly through either a guided meditation or hypnotherapy, can assist in physical and emotional healing as well as the release of fears and phobias.  When past life issues are remembered and brought to the surface of the conscious mind and analyzed, it can result in the release of feelings/behaviors or lessen their impact.   The process of past life recall can help heal relationship problems by allowing recognition of negative patterns and understanding of where love/hate relationships originate.  In some situations, gifts and attributes can also be “remembered” and knowledge gained in previous lives’ can be reawakened.

Why bother to ponder or entertain these ideas and concepts?  Because the knowledge that you are eternal and are the composite of all your lifetimes allows you to understand who you truly are, why you are here, and where you are going after experiencing this realm of existence.

Blessed Be!   Laura

Nelly & Dixie

Each year over the Fourth of July holiday, our family vacations (kids and all four dogs along for the ride!) at my husband’s family camp on Fern Lake,  Vermont.  This year we arrived heavy hearted – only a day earlier we lost Dixie, a little pug/chihuahua mix, to congestive heart failure at the age of 12.  After unpacking, I took Nelly (a mini-dachshund) for a walk down the dirt road that leads to the camp, then off on a side-trail which takes you to a secluded area of the lake.  Close by, I found a rock roughly twice the size of my fist and carried it to a boulder where I could sit comfortably with it and watch the lake – and keep an eye on Nelly, too.

In the manner of the Lakota, I asked the rock to tell me a story.  I immediately saw within the outline of a small dog.  My eyes filled and, blinking away tears, I gave the rock a quarter-turn and looked again.  Before I could focus, however, I noticed a small brilliant turquoise-colored dragonfly, which settled close by.  Occaisionally I paused to gaze out onto the lake or check on Nelly – but no matter where I looked, dragonfly moved so as to to remain in my line of sight.

Turning my attention back to the rock, I saw Crane – one of my personal animal totems.  Giving another quarter-turn, I saw the outline of an antelope.  Finally, giving the rock one last turn I saw the outline of Mother Bear – a totem I both respect and fear.  Mother Bear is the spirit of Goddess Kali-Ma, a protective mother who can be driven to a murderous rage … but only if one of her young are threatened.

I translated the Stone’s story as follows:  It began by acknowledging my deep sadness at the loss of my dear little dog.  Crane came to bring peace, stability and harmony. Crane feathers are used by Native Americans in healing cermonies to take away negative energy and anger, and bring peace and harmony to a situation.  Antelope is a messenger and warns of human behavior.  Due to the proximity of Mother Bear, I realized that no matter how sad I was feeling, I needed to remain vigilant in overseeing my children, especially the five year old around the lake.   Warning heard – message heeded. 

And what about dragonfly – what lessons does he teach?   The power of Dragonfly lies in its ability to see around things by looking from different angles. Using its ability to transform colors and lights by reflecting and refracting them, Dragonfly shows us that life, like light, can bend, shift, and adapt in various ways, making life’s appearance never be what it appears to be. Dragonfly’s magic shows us to see through life’s illusions and find our true vision. It calls us to transform within our lives and reminds us to feel deeply so we will have the compassion necessary to help ourselves and others.

I said goodbye to Dragonfly, carefully put the rock back exactly where I had found it, called to Nelly and returned to the camp – less sad, and a little wiser than before.  I honor this experience – and Dragonfly – through writing and sharing this memory with you, gentle reader.  So many have asked me about divination and expressed their frustration with trying to “read” tarot or runes.  Why not take a walk in the woods or on the beach – or just visit your own back yard – and try to do a little stone storytelling yourself? 

Goddess Blessings, Laura

While I have heard mention of the 11:11 phenomenon for some time now (if you use google you will find an abundance of information) I honestly didn’t research or even pay much attention to this particular aspect of synchronicity until it began happening to me.  I never wear a watch or even feel particularly compelled to pay much attention to clocks in general, but recently, I have been having the most interesting experience.  It seems like every time I make a definitive statement, have a deja vu moment, feel I am losing patience with a situation and utter a ultimatum - I catch myself glancing at the clock (any clock – home, work or car) and invariably the time reads 11:11.  

There are several schools of thought to be considered to explain this.  One is that an individual learns of a faddish idea and then subconsciously programs themselves to a behavior, ie, “coincidentally” glancing at the clock at a certain time.   This is similar to a hypochondriac learning of an illness then manifesting its syptoms.  However, since I have been hearing ”11:11″ discussed off and on for well over two years now, I don’t think this is the case (at least not for me personally).

Doreen Virtue is a spiritual doctor of psychology and a fourth-generation metaphysician who works with the angelic, elemental, and ascended-master realms in her writings and workshops.  In her new book, Healing With Angels, she discusses the topic of recurring number patterns/sequences at length.  The following excerpt presents her take on this: 

The angels do their best to get our attention and to communicate with us. In this way, they help us heal our own lives. However, we often discount the signs they give us, writing them off as mere coincidences or our imagination. The angels say: “We can’t write our messages to you in the sky. You’ve got to pay attention and believe when you see any patterns forming in your life especially in response to any questions or prayers you’ve posed. When you hear the same song repeatedly or see the same number sequence, who do you think is behind this? Your angels, of course!” 

Your angels often communicate messages to you by showing you sequences of numbers.  They do this in two ways.  First, they subtly whisper in your ear so you’ll look up in time to notice the clock’s time or a phone number on a billboard.  The angels hope you’ll be aware that you’re seeing this same number sequence repeatedly.  For instance, you may frequently see the number sequence 111, and it seems every time you look at a clock the time reads 1:11 or 11:11.

The second way in which angels show you meaningful number sequences is by physically arranging for, say, a car to drive in front of you that has a specific license plate number they want you to see.  Those who are aware of this phenomenon become adept at reading the meaning of various license plates.  In this way, the angels will actually give you detailed messages. Here are the basic meanings of various number sequences.  However, your own angels will tell you if your situation holds a different meaning for you. Ask your angels, “What are you trying to tell me?” and they’ll happily give you additional information to help decode their numeric meanings.

111 – Monitor your thoughts carefully, and be sure to only think about what you want, not what you don’t want.  This sequence is a sign that there is a gate of opportunity opening up, and your thoughts are manifesting into form at record speeds.  The 111 is like the bright light of a flash bulb.  It means the universe has just taken a snapshot of your thoughts and is manifesting them into form.  Are you pleased with what thoughts the universe has captured?  If not, correct your thoughts (ask your angels to help you with this if you have difficulty controlling or monitoring your thoughts).

————————————————-

The book is a fascinating read and I do recommend it (sorry but no, Talisman does not have it in stock at this time).   As always, it’s best to remember that thoughts DO become things – the hallmark of manifestation – and hey, knowing the angels are on your side and listening can only be a good thing, right?

Brightest Blessings,

Laura

Introduction

While researching the Indian festival of Diwali I found so many fascinating references relevant to Universal Spirituality, astrology and history that I compiled this rather lengthy blog from several sources.   Diwali (aka Deepawali or Deepavali) is the 5-day festival of light that will be celebrated by Indians throughout the world beginning on October 17th.  U.S. President Barack Obama celebrated Deepavali by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the White House amidst chanting of Vedic mantras seeking world peace, becoming the first U.S. President to personally grace the occasion.  “I think it’s fitting that we begin this work in the week leading up to the holiday of Diwali — the festival of lights — when members of some of the world’s greatest faiths celebrate the triumph of good over evil,” Mr. Obama said in his remarks on the occasion at a White House function held at its historic East Room on Wednesday.

This is for the first time that a U.S. President attended and celebrated Deepavali at the White House — thus giving an official recognition to the festival of lights celebrated across the world by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.  “This coming Saturday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting ‘Diyas’, or lamps, which symbolise the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance,” Mr. Obama said.  Among those present at the occasion were several eminent members of the Indian community, nearly half a dozen members of his Cabinet and several Indian American members of his administration.  The visiting Union Minister of Commerce, Anand Sharma, and Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Meera Shankar, were in attendance as well.

What is Deepawali?

Deepawali is the festival of light celebrated since times unknown in every part of India, from grass-thatched mud huts to palaces.   Not only Hindus and followers of other indigenous sects (Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists) but even Christians and Muslims are enthusiastic about it.   More than a religious festival or the festival of a community or race, Deepawali is perceived as the battle of light against darkness – a tiny lamp’s determination to illuminate the earth and the sky setting them free from the all-enshrouding darkness.  People see in the effort of the tiny lamp (or “diya”) their own effort to wade across the ocean of adversities, and this sense it fills them with renewed confidence and fresh vigour for the days to come.

Deepawali is the festival of renewing confidence in oneself and among all. It is a festival that inspires universal goodness and prosperity for all beyond caste and creed.  Whatever its sectarian contexts, for centuries it has attained the magnitude of a national festival which breathes a strange sense
of belonging to all.  Whether the lamp is lit in a temple or chapel, in a hut or palace, before the image of Christ, Mahavira, Buddha or Lakshmi and Ganesh or Kali - it represents essentially a desire for light, an intrinsic determination to combat darkness and the inherent compulsion for freeing oneself from all that is narrow. 

Light : The Crux Of Deepawali

Sectarian contexts apart, light imparts to Deepawali universal breadth, unique magnificence and divine dimensions rarely associated with a festival.  As light is benevolent and auspicious, light’s birth -  its emergence - is by itself a celebration.  Seers saw light as both the Supreme Creator and also the Creation.  Re-iterating Kabir, when Guru Nanak sang : ‘Eka noor te saba jaga upaya’, that is, the entire universe is born of one light; or when Prophet Mohammad uttered that the universe is nothing but the extension of His ‘noor’ (light) they both saw the Creator as a glow of light.   When a living self passes away, the wise say: ‘jyoti mein jyoti samani’, that is, the flame has merged with the Supreme Flame.   The Rig-Veda holds Surya, the sun-god, in highest reverence – for unless there is light even the manifest does not manifest.  The Upanishadic interpretation of the Rig-Vedic Sukta is far clearer.  Emergence of light is also the emergence of cosmos for even if the cosmos existed it would not manifest unless there was light.  That is why the tradition re-iterated : ‘Tamsoma jyotirgamaya’ – let the darkness depart and the light emerge.  Metaphorically or otherwise, it is by the emergence of light that the factum of Creation has been indicated, not in India but also beyond.  The Biblical tradition heralds: ‘Let there be light and the light was there’.  Here also the Supreme One desired the emergence and once the light was there, there was the Creation too.  Light is God’s verse that he writes on the face of the universe, and hence, whatever is divine is endowed with light.

This light is the endless celebration - for both man and nature.   With light is associated love, optimism, delight, festivities and everything that is auspicious, holy or divine. In its intrinsic form light is the attainment of ultimate knowledge and thereby of the supreme bliss, and thereafter there is no darkness and nothing in between the seer and the seen.  The light is, thus, the ultimate vision of this world and the world beyond, and so its celebration, a thing of this world as also of the other.

Deepawali : Its Beginning And Initial Forms

Historical evidences reveal that the earliest celebrations that the semi-civilized man organised were held around light and fire, maybe for protection against wild animals that the fire frightened, and the light alerted against emergent dangers.  Out of this people (perhaps those from early civilizations) developed their own festivals of light, independent ones discovering the glory of light, such as the Indian festival of Deepawali or those associated with some religious events such as the Christmas and the New Year in the Christian world, or the Shab-i-barat in the Islamic.  Whatever the theological contexts attached, the primary thrust of these festivals is the victory of light over darkness.

 Deepawali: In New Contexts

By “modern” times, Deepawali was now the most captivating annual event, seen as the epitome of people’s endeavour to fight against darkness, which later widened into a battle against all that was evil, dark and gloomy – the victory of good over evil.   As reflects in the entire body of Indian theology (irrespective of this or that sect) some kind of utility aspect – ethical, social, or moral - is found linked with all major religious practices and popular beliefs.  After Deepawali gained popularity among various sects, it was also linked with hygiene, strengthened ties (social and within the family), improved living and inspired charity.  As per one’s status and means every household was required to repair and put in proper shape his monsoon-worn house and disinfect it with lime-wash.  The Brahma Purana acclaimed that lighting lamps on Deepawali is as virtuous as distributing alms equal to one’s body-weight.  It cautions that one should not celebrate Deepawali unless the house has been duly cleaned and one wears new, or at least neat and clean bejeweled clothes.  Further that it is inauspicious to eat any food unless one shares it with those held in reverence, members of the family and the village, and the household servants.  

Deepawali : A Composite Festival

Deepawali celebrations stretch into a group of at least five minor festivals and thus Deepawali is a 5-day festival of composite nature.   The first of them is Dhana-Terasa (translated:  ’thirteenth, the day of wealth’) that is, two days before Deepawali – which takes place on the fifteenth (Amavasya).  Deepawali celebrations are fixed for the Amavasya night of the month of Kartika but this Amavasya is not a mathematically counted day.  It is rather the outcome of the planetary position.  The Zodiac is divided into twelve parts having twelve Zodiac signs - the cycle of the sun’s movement across them is the basis for determining both Deepawali as well as Holi, another equally popular festival of India.  Deepawali occurs on the day when the sun transits from Virgo, the sixth sign, into Libra, the seventh – a planetary position on the Kartika Amavasya.  From this Amavasya the later half of the planetary year begins. The planetary position on this day determines the prospects across the year not only of those born under this or that zodiac sign but also of society in general, as well as the entire world.  Being linked with the arrival of crops, which equips all with buying capacity, Deepawali has special meaning for traders - accordingly they maintain their account books from Deepawali to Deepawali, often maintaining this periodicity as their calendar.

First Day of Diwali
The first day of Diwali is known as ‘Dhanteras’. People renovate, decorate their houses and workplaces on this day and make traditional ‘Rangoli’ motifs on the entrance, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Lamps and candles are lit throughout the night. It is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver on this day. Many people opt for buying new utensils on this day. In Maharashtra, offerings of lightly pounded dry coriander seeds with jaggery are made to the Goddess. Rural people revere their cattle on this day and cows are considered especially auspicious.

Second Day of Diwali
On second day, people take bath before sunrise, anoint themselves with oil and ‘Ubtan’ (scrub made up of gram flour and fragrant powders). Bengalis believe that Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day. A general custom followed during the second day of Diwali is to burst crackers. People illuminate their homes with diya, to set the mood for celebrations in the following day.

Third Day of Diwali
The third day is the main day of the Diwali festival. Jains have their own religious significance of the day, because they believe that Lord Mahavir attained ‘Nirvana’ (or Eternal Bliss) on the day. Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the great saint who gave rise to Hindu Renaissance, also left the mortal world on this day. On this day, people wear new clothes and share gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives. Women prepare delicacies and whole house is illuminated with ‘diyas’ and candles. Fireworks and crackers are the kids’ favorites on this day.

Fourth Day of Diwali
On the 4th day is the ‘Govardhan-Puja’ or ‘Annakoot’. In the temples of Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are bathed with milk and adorned with precious clothes and ornaments. Then offerings of a large variety of delicacies are made to them.

Fifth Day of Diwali
The 5th day or the last day of this festival is called ‘ Bhai Duj ‘. On this day, sisters invite their brothers and their family to their homes and treat them with delicacies. In turn, brothers offer them with gifts and sweets.

Deepawali Rituals

Lakshmi is unanimously revered as the presiding deity of Deepawali.  In the Deepawali context Lakshmi is the presiding deity of riches, prosperity, fertility and well-being.  The image of Ganesh, when accompanied by his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi, has greater auspices. While Ganesh checks negatives, Riddhi and Siddhi operate and produce results.  Kali Puja is a festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new day of the Hindu month Ashwin in Bengal.  It coincides with the pan-Indian Lakshmi Puja day of Dewali.  While rest of India worships goddess Lakshmi;  Bengalis, Oriyas and Assamese adore Kali.

Conclusion

May I suggest Diwali as being a most auspicious time to light a white candle over this five-day period and join our President – and the world - in a universal prayer for peace?  

Namaste!  Laura

Whether it is his image in statuary, oil, incense, books … if it bears the name “St. Michael” then it is certain to be a best-selling item at Talisman.  Michael is generally shown with a sword, but is also depicted as holding the scales of justice or bearing a blue flame of protection.  But exactly who is Saint Michael the Archangel - and why does he have such universal spiritual appeal?

It is traditionally believed that angels were created by God on the second day of Creation (Psalm 104).  Angels are awesome and powerful beings – because they are aware of this, the first words an angel says to a human in the Bible are “Do not be afraid.”  Angels are perfect spiritual beings whose purpose is to minister, help, protect, and sustain everything created by the Divine in the Universe.  Everything – even a humble rock, or cooling breeze – has an angelic intelligence behind it to ensure that the Will of the Divine be done.  

People have always argued about the existence of angels, yet there is a large amount of information concerning angels in the ancient religious texts of most traditions.  Archangels are the best known of all the angels – and of these, Michael has always been considered the most important.  He is mentioned by name in the religious texts of Judaism, Islam and the Christian bible.  He is known as Indra in the Indian Rig Veda, Vahman in the Persian Denkard, Marduk in the Babylonian Epic of Creation, and associated with the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, who was the “weigher of souls”. 

In the Jewish tradition, Michael is seen as the keeper of the keys of heaven and the protector of Israel.  In the Islamic tradition, Mika’il (Michael) is in control of the forces of nature and has an army of angels to assist him.  According to the Gnostics, Michael was present at the creation of the universe.  In the Dead Sea Scrolls he is referred to as the Prince of Light, the warrior against darkness.  He is generally seen as the heavenly warrior who tirelessly fights the forces of evil.  

Michael gained popularity in the fourth century, and his appearance at Monte Galgano in 492 c.a. did much to help his reputation.  From the fourth century onward, he became the angel to pray to in times of crisis, especially at the moment of death.  In the fifth century, the Romans created a holiday for Michael – to this day, the Feast of Michaelmas is celebrated on September 29 each year.  During the Middle Ages, that feast became extremely important as Michael was the patron saint of knights.  Michaelmas also marked the start of autumn and the time to let go of anything no longer serving a purpose in your life (relationships, behavioral patterns, bad habits/addictions and negative thoughts).  Joan of Arc (c.1412-1431) began hearing, and eventually seeing, Saint Michael at the age of thirteen.  He constantly encouraged her, and even suggested what flag she should use when leading her troops.  At her trial, she told her judges that Michael had walked on the ground, but they did not believe her.  In 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed Michael to be the patron of policemen – an appropriate tribute to the archangel reported to have led the angels of light in a battle against the angels of darkness. 

It is interesting to note that while angels are viewed by many as highly Christianized; Michael the Archangel plays an important role in the spirituality of many modern pagans and new-ageists.  Those who follow the Strega path (Italian witchcraft) call upon the four archangels to watch over and protect their sacred space or circle.  As someone who celebrates Universal Spirituality as a Wiccan, I find it heartening when individuals celebrate (rather than abandon or scorn) aspects of the religion of their upbringing – even as they spiritually evolve and incorporate other Faiths or traditions into their own highly personal version of “worship”.   A formal means to communicate with the archangels is to light a candle.  An unlit candle represents the element Earth, but when it is lit it symbolizes all four elements:  Flame (fire – Michael); Air (smoke – Raphael); Water (melting wax – Gabriel); and Earth (candle – Uriel).  Gold is traditionally linked to Michael, so you might wish to burn a gold candle in his honor.   Rutilated quartz is a wonderful stone to use in angelic meditations (it is sometimes known as “angel hair” stone because the silver and gold inclusions inside the clear quartz look like trapped hair).  Gaze deeply into the stone and follow the strands within – you will clear your mind and center very quickly.  

It always saddens me to sit in a reading and have someone tell me they believe they have done such awful things that they are beyond redemption and undeserving of love – by either God or Mankind.   Even more distressing is the fact that I’ve heard this more than once or twice – addicts are particularly prone to this mindset.   Unscrupulous “psychics” will often take advantage of folks such as these, telling them they are “cursed” and offer to pray and work magick to lift it for them (often for a hefty fee).  But anyone can confidently call on St. Michael for help and strength. 

Perhaps that is why angels are so special – they allow us to remember the innocence and prayers of our childhood.   And Archangel Michael has been forever known for imparting courage, strength, truth, integrity and protection to those who call on him for assistance.

Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Michaelmas! 

Laura Lenhard

As noted in an earlier blog, I want to use conversations or experiences from Talisman (my new-age shop in Monroe) as blog topics in this forum.  And thus, the subject of Kundalini energy - exactly what it is, how to raise it, and why one might wish to make the effort in the first place – all of which were discussed at the shop this past weekend.  

Kundalini is a psycho-spiritual energy, which is thought to reside within the sleeping body, and is aroused either through spiritual discipline or spontaneously to bring new states of consciousness, including mystical illumination.  Kundalini is Sanskrit for “snake” or “serpent power,” so-called because it is believed to lie like a serpent in the root chakrah at the base of the spine.  The power of kundalini is said to be enormous. Those having experienced it claim it to be indescribable. The phenomena associated with it varies from bizarre physical sensations and movements, pain, clairaudience, visions, brilliant lights, superlucidity, psychical powers, ecstasy, bliss, and transcendence of self.  Kundalini has been described as liquid fire and liquid light.

Indian yoga, with its emphasis on the transmutation of energy to higher consciousness, was the chief contributor to the cultivation of kundalini and the preservation of its knowledge prior to present times. Kundalini was a rarity in the West before the 1970s until more attention became centered upon the consciousness. In 1932, for example, psychiatrist Carl G. Jung and others observed that the kundalini experience was seldom seen in the West.

However, an examination of mystical literature and traditions showed that kundalini, called by various names, seems to have been a universal phenomenon in esoteric teachings for perhaps three thousand years. Kundalini-type descriptions or experiences are found in esoteric teachings of the Egyptians, Tibetans, Chinese, some Native Americans, and the !Kung bushmen of Africa. Kundalini has been interpreted from the Bible as “the solar principle in man,” and is referenced in the Koran, the works of Plato and other Greek philosophers, alchemical tracts (the philosopher’s stone), and in Hermetic, Kabbalistic, Rosicrucian, and Masonic writings.

There has been an awakening of kundalini knowledge among the Western populations since the 1970s because of two major reasons: more people who are trained in the spiritual disciplines are likely to release the energy, and the increased number of people that are aware of kundalini are more likely to recognize its symptoms or benefits.

Not all kundalini experiences are identical to those classical awakenings experienced in yoga, but may vary in intensity and duration. Typically an individual would meditate to arouse the kundalini and then to raise it through his or her body. (It should be remembered though, not all types of yoga are devoted to the arousal of kundalini.) First, there is a feeling of  heat at the base of the spine, which may be intensely hot or pleasantly warm. The energy then travels up a psychic pathway parallel to the spinal column.  As it rises the kundalini activates the chakras in succession. The body becomes cold and corpse-like as the kundalini leaves the lower portions and begins to rise. The yogi is likely to shudder, tremble, or rock violently, feel extreme heat and cold, hear strange but not unpleasant sounds, and see various kinds of lights including an inner light. The length of the kundalini may be fleeting or last several minutes. The objective is to raise the kundalini to the crown chakra, where it brings illumination.  One would then attempt to lower the energy to another chakra, but not below the heart chakra because descent to lower chakras is thought to produce ego inflation, rampant sexual desire, and a host of other ills.  Ideally, by repeatedly raising the kundalini to the crown, the energy will permanently stay there.

It is said that kundalini opens new pathways in the nervous system; the pain associated with this apparently is due to the nervous system’s inability to immediately cope with the energy. Yogis assert that the body must be properly attuned for kundalini through yoga, and that a premature or explosive awakening can cause insanity or death.  In the final awakening of the kundalini, it has to move gradually through each chakra, and it has to remain awakened until the union happens at the crown chakra.  However, this cannot (or should not) be achieved until attachment to material things, excessive selfishness, tendency towards passion, ambition and assertiveness, as well as attachment to ego leaves the individual.

This is why all yogis and adepts advocate a long and patient preparatory stage to purify oneself so that the movement upward can be smooth and uneventful. Ultimately, although kundalini can appear to be a wholly physical phenomenon, its progress depends on one’s mastery over one’s emotions, desires and thoughts.  Writes Swami Rama of the Himalayan Institute in an article in the book, Kundalini: Evolution and Enlightenment: “To genuinely awaken kundalini, one must prepare oneself.  Without long and patient practice in purifying oneself and strengthening one’s capacity to tolerate and assimilate such a flood of energy, the awakening of this latent power would deeply disturb, disorient and confuse the student.”

Now, moving back to conversations at the shop:  There was some discrepancy in terms of the process and length of time needed to achieve illumination.  Through the use of chakra-healing meditations, it is generally a two-year process.  However, someone trained in energy manipulation (hopefully working toward the highest good) can almost instantly cause the kundalini to rise.  Because of risks involved in premature or sudden kundalini awakenings, having a guru or teacher to work with you through the process is almost unanimously viewed as being of highest importance.  Once initiated, the process cannot be halted or reversed.  One of Talisman’s readers described to me the first time her kundalini rose – and she experienced a petit mal seizure, and wound up hospitalized!  In other words, this isn’t an experience one would forget or attribute to anything minor – it is a stellar event with long lasting ramifications.

Kundalini is fairly infamous because of yet another way in which it can be raised:  Tantric sexual practices.   Here, copulation takes place up to the point of orgasm – at which time, you cease and immediately move into meditation - channeling the unreleased orgasmic energy through the chakras and clearing the way for the kundalini to rise.   Apparently, this is viewed by many gurus as a less enlightened pathway.  There are also more risks involved because the chakras and nervous system may not be sufficiently prepared for the energy burst.  

Last, there is the question of WHY would one wish to raise their Kundalini?  Well, plainly spoken – for the potential connection to the Universal consciousness and amplified intuitional knowledge.  It is believed that you may become more empathic and sometimes telepathic.  You may also develop a higher IQ, greater sensitivity, occasional psychic abilities, slower aging, superhuman strength, creativity, alpha sexual attraction, charisma, leadership, luck, sense of calm, increased wisdom, and experience of spirituality.  It’s not a bad exchange for regular meditation!

Myself, I have not experienced this state of being.  While I meditate regularly and do my best to ascribe to a fairly spiritual and naturopathic  lifestyle, I am content in the belief that  if or when I am meant for this – then the process will be facilitated.  For anyone  interested in learning more, I would advise cleansing lifestyle changes including diet modifications, time allowances for regular/deliberate meditation, adopting a study of Reiki or other energy-based healing modality – and remember the wise words “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

Fools rush in … !

Gently yours, Laura