Shamanic Journeying
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by: Colleen Guy
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Word Count: 927
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 Time: 1:17 PM
I thought I would share my thoughts and experiences about journeying and look at the three worlds, the Upper, Middle and Lower starting with the Lower World or Under World as it is known in Celtic Shamanism.
Meditation has well known benefits and journeying is a visual form of this practice. It has been compared with lucid dreaming where you are active in the dream rather than watching yourself in it. You should be totally relaxed and some people find the use of an eye mask (to block out sunlight) useful. Drumming music, which has been specifically designed for journeying, can be used to enter into an altered state of consciousness. This drumming music is now widely available.
Whenever setting out on a journey it is very important to have an intention, even if it is initially just to explore the world to which you are traveling. Start by exhaling all your tiredness and tension and inhale energy, love and power. As you relax find a favourite tree then imagine yourself, like Alice in Wonderland, shrinking and falling through the roots, entering the Lower World. 'A world of nature' is how I would describe the landscape here, a shamanic world where you can meet your Power Animal and Spirit Guides. If this is your first journey it can be best to simply explore, making note of what you see, feel and hear. I believe it is best to discover your Spirit Guide and Power Animal via guided meditation. Be sure to take note of any creatures you meet and ask them if they are your Power Animal. This is the world of our traditions and memories which allows us to connect with our ancestors as well as asking for healing and regaining personal power. Reverse your route to return to this world, making sure you are grounded and record your experiences. Eating and drinking will ensure you are fully grounded. I have taken insights (from many issues I have faced) from journeying (ensuring I always have a clear intention), even when journeying for someone else. The feeling after a journey is one of inspiration and refreshment.
Next we travel to the Upper World where we access wisdom, knowledge and inspiration. The landscape here will look very different, more ethereal and can be surrounded by clouds and crystals.
Again after relaxing play your drumming music and find the same tree and notice how the branches stretch way up into the sky. Start to climb the branches to the Upper World with your intention to explore this world and perhaps meet your spiritual teacher and mentor.
You will find it easier than you think to climb and, on reaching the cloud, pull yourself up and reach into the Upper World.
Take a look at your surroundings, they will be very different. Walk around; what do you see, hear and feel? Is there anyone there? If you do meet someone ask them if they are your spiritual teacher. They may answer no in which case, keep walking, if they answer yes be receptive to what they have to tell you. These messages can be very subtle and you may just experience a feeling or see a sign. Your guide or teacher may also have a gift for you.
Now retrace your steps and come back to this world. Take a last look around and thank your spirit guide a final time.
Again come back, write up your experiences and ground yourself.
These are the two shamanic journey worlds that most people talk about but there is another world; the Middle World. This is the world we physically inhabit although most of the time we are oblivious to what is going on around us. Journeying to the Middle World allows us to deal with present issues that we currently face. This is the world of fairies, elves and the spirits of the elements. We often, as young children, have experiences of 'seeing' creatures. Some of us had friends that no one else could see. I did but once I went to school he faded away. This is largely due to our culture which does not encourage us to recognise the subtleties of the world around us or to use our third eye allowing us to see beyond the everyday world.
For your Middle World journey you must ensure you have an intention; is there a current issue you wish to address or are you looking to find something? Once again, use the drumming music to relax and find a familiar place (real not imaginary). It may be a place with happy memories. Here you are likely to meet your Guardian Animal who will help with your shamanic work. Take note of what you see, feel and hear. Also be aware of the difference between physical and subtle reality. After all your Middle World could look very different. You can now seek out your Guardian Animal. At this point it is time to come back to your physical reality bringing your Guardian Animal and understanding with you.
Again, record all of your experiences.
These make up the Shamanic Journeys of the Lower, Middle and Upper Worlds. There are a number of alternative ways of accessing these worlds which are greatly dependent on your culture, beliefs and traditions. I personally follow a more Celtic Shamanic way, using my favourite image, the tree, as a starting point for my journey.
About the Author
Colleen Guy is an experienced spiritual coach and mentor, you can visit her site at www.spiritmystique.com, or learn more about the upcoming Shamanic Journey Workshop.
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