Journeying to The Otherworld

[RusticSage]

A short while ago, after months of studying various spiritual paradigms, I decided that it was time for me to take a more intuitive approach to my spirituality that focuses more on technique and less on theory. That being said, I took some advice from some of my good friends on the subject, and was able to create a basic method for spiritual interface and communication in the otherworld, based loosely on the concept of shamanic journeying.

Instead of using physical tools to create effects on the spirit realm, I elected to use the power of internal visualization to create a sacred space - within not only my own mind, but the very other realm I sought to work with. For lack of a better word, this sacred space could best described as a "terminal space", as it is a safe zone from which to link to other planes, and to communicate with spirits. To better explain how this process works, I will describe what I did in brief - not only so I can get opinions from others, but to show others this simple idea for their own usage.

The first thing I did was induce a meditative state or light trance, through controlled breathing, passive observation, and selective dismissal of both internal and external forces, to achieve a uniform state of calm. I followed up this basic foundation with spending time to establish a solid grounding, centering, and sheilding - which in and of themselves is a lot simpler that the visualization I would be using later on. I grounded myself by spending a brief amount of time feeling out my connection with the earth itself, which I followed by visualizing a sphere of protection around my person, and centralizing my spiritual energy in my heart chakra.

The second thing I did, with my eyes lightly opened, was to visualize myself sitting in an open clearing in a deep forest. During this process, I saw sitting in a comfortable chair, so in my visualization I transformed the chair into a more organic feature of the forest, like that of a modified stump or wicker chair. Of course, there are endless varieties one could use, but I wanted my terminal space to be a natural environment - something familiar to me that I could easily work with. This could just as easily be a temple or an enclosed room. In my variation, I imagined a blue sky above me, clouds, a sun, the breeze blowing, and conifer trees with the light scent of pine. The more I've done this, the more concrete the sensations have become.

The last thing I did was to allow myself to enter deeper into trance - focusing more and more on entering this space, and peering across the veil into the world around my terminal. It was during my first creation of this terminal space that I encountered my spirit guide, and became increasingly aware of its presence and appearance. For the sake of this post, I will describe what my guide looked like:

My guide appeared as a tall and gaunt figure with spindly fingers and toes, black skin, glowing eyes of light blue, and light blue fissures along form. It's features were androgynous, and though it lacked the defining characteristics of facial expression, ears, and a prominent nose, it spoke clearly through it's odd mannerisms, and was a very quick mover between the trees. I've yet to discover its name, but I'm sure that too will come in time...

What I think is valuable about this concept, aside from it's shamanic character, is the ease with which it can be applied to a variety of paradigms. Though I will most likely develop more visualized and intuitive ritual processes based on this design, one could still incorporate the trappings of other faiths and rituals into this concept with much success, I believe. Let me know what you think of my experience.

[Nahemah]

Congratulations,you've accessed your inner astral/spiritual domain and built your own environment within,to flesh it out and familiarise it. [thumbup]

To some this is known as an 'Astral temple'.

Travelling from the individual conscious/unconscious to the collectives and back again,is something which has been known about and utilised for a very long time,particularly in Animistic and Non Abrahamic faiths and cultures.

This is indeed consistent with Shamanic journeying,as you mentioned in your OP.

Some of my own preferences and methods differ a little from yours,but that is to be expected,as we all have our own filters and perceptive lenses.

This was a comprehensive and nicely detailed explanation,that you gave and I don't want to add much more in the way of commentary.

[RusticSage]

Congratulations,you've accessed your inner astral/spiritual domain and built your own environment within,to flesh it out and familiarise it. [thumbup]

To some this is known as an 'Astral temple'.

Travelling from the individual conscious/unconscious to the collectives and back again,is something which has been known about and utilised for a very long time,particularly in Animistic and Non Abrahamic faiths and cultures.

This is indeed consistent with Shamanic journeying,as you mentioned in your OP.

Some of my own preferences and methods differ a little from yours,but that is to be expected,as we all have our own filters and perceptive lenses.

This was a comprehensive and nicely detailed explanation,that you gave and I don't want to add much more in the way of commentary.

Thank you very much for your kind words, Nahemah [yay]

[dRider]

That is a most excellent combination of the Chaotic magicks into one seamless structure: the shamanic, energetic, psychological, and quantum. It's a step in a direction I think every magick user of any faith or creed seeks. Gratz

I hope to reach this level, too.

[arcanexplorer]

thats an awesome experience u had there. its fun to transport your mind to an internal reality. here read this i bet u will like it just click the link or enter it in browser http://www.koshertorah.com/PDF/daydreaming.pdf