Understanding the Energy Body: Exploring the Spiritual Essence Within
Take a deep dive into the energy body, also called the etheric body. How do shamans view and work with the energy body? What is the aura? How do you begin to do energy body work.
In this post, we will delve into the concept of the energy body, also known as the etheric body, and its importance in spiritual practices. We will explore different perspectives on the energy body and its connection to the aura and other terms used to describe it, such as the Norse hamr. The energy body is a vital component of our spiritual selves, closely intertwined with our physical bodies. From a shamanic point of view, it is seen as a middle-world element that is active during our lifetime. Throughout this post, we will also provide pointers for those interested in energy bodywork, offering insights and techniques to enhance their understanding and connection to this profound aspect of our being. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery as we navigate the depths of the energy body and unlock the spiritual essence that lies within.
Understanding Your Energy Body
Why is the Energy Body Important?
The concept of the energy body is foundational in many spiritual traditions. It's considered the blueprint for our physical form, a layer of existence that holds vital life force or qi. This subtle energy field interacts with our physical body, influencing our health, emotions, and spiritual well-being. Understanding and working with the energy body can promote healing, balance, and personal growth.
The importance of the energy body lies in its role as a communicator between our inner and outer worlds. It is a bridge that connects our conscious and subconscious minds, impacting how we perceive and respond to reality. Energy body work, therefore, can be a powerful tool for transformation, providing pathways to deeper self-awareness and an enhanced sense of connection with the universe. By nurturing our energy body, we lay the groundwork for a harmonious physical and spiritual life.
Different Names for the Energy Body
The energy body is known by various names across different cultures and spiritual practices, each reflecting a unique understanding of this subtle entity. In yoga, it is often called the "pranamaya kosha," which translates to the sheath made of life force energy. In traditional Chinese medicine, it's associated with "qi" or "chi," the vital force that flows through the meridians.
Amongst those who follow shamanism, the energy body might be called the "luminous energy field," signifying its radiant quality. In Norse tradition, it is known as "harm," a concept that signifies an individual's overall health and spiritual aura. These diverse terms highlight the universal recognition of the energy body's significance and the common belief in its influence on our health and spiritual journey. Understanding the various names and concepts deepens our appreciation for the energy body's role in our holistic well-being.
Exploring the Spiritual Side
The Energy Body and Our Physical Connection
The energy body is more than a spiritual concept; it has a tangible connection to our physical presence. It is the intermediary between our material form and our spiritual essence. The health of our energy body directly influences our physical condition, as blockages or imbalances can manifest as illness or discomfort.
By aligning and harmonizing our energy body through meditation, breathwork, or energy body work, we can often see a positive effect on our physical health. This connection is recognized in the holistic approach to healing, where the goal is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Understanding this connection can empower individuals to take an active role in their wellness journey, fostering a sense of agency over their physical and spiritual well-being. It is a symbiotic relationship, where nurturing one aspect benefits the other.
Different Views on the Energy Body and Aura
Although closely related, the energy body and the aura are viewed differently across spiritual traditions. Some see the aura as a colorful emanation of the energy body, a visual representation of one's spiritual and emotional states. Others regard the aura as a separate yet interrelated field that surrounds and protects the energy body.
In modern metaphysical thought, the aura is often understood as a multi-layered sphere of energy that reflects the complexity of human consciousness. It contains colors and patterns that can be interpreted to reveal insights about an individual's personality, health, and spiritual development. Energy body work is believed to affect the aura, potentially cleaning, strengthening, and harmonizing its appearance. These varying perspectives underscore the multifaceted nature of our spiritual anatomy and encourage an open-minded approach to understanding the subtle realms of our existence.
Shamanic Interpretation of the Energy Body
The Middle-World Component: Shamanic Insights
In shamanism, the energy body is often viewed as a critical component of the middle world, the realm that bridges the upper and lower spiritual worlds with our earthly existence. This differs from the soul body, which carries our consciousness across different planes of existence. It is both a receiver and transmitter of spiritual energy, playing a key role in rituals and healing practices.
Shamans work with the energy body to facilitate healing, restore balance, and remove energetic blockages. They gain insights into an individual's energy body through journeying, drumming, and other shamanic practices. This knowledge allows them to guide healing energy where it's needed most. For shamans, the health of the energy body is pivotal for maintaining a harmonious connection between the physical world and the spiritual realms, ensuring overall well-being.
Bringing Spirituality Closer to Home
Shamanic practices regarding the energy body are not just ancient traditions but are also relevant to our modern lives. They bring spirituality into the personal realm, making it accessible and practical. By acknowledging the energy body, individuals can experience life more fully, with a deeper sense of connection to both the physical and spiritual worlds.
Shamanic teachings offer tools and rituals that anyone can integrate into their daily routine to maintain the wellness of their energy body. Simple practices such as grounding, setting intentions, and using visualization techniques can help strengthen one's spiritual connection. This makes the profound benefits of shamanism more attainable for those who may not have the time or resources to engage in more intensive study or retreats. Ultimately, shamanism invites us to recognize that the sacred is all around us, and by nurturing our energy body, we bring a sense of the divine into our everyday lives.
Energy Bodywork For Beginners
The Basics of Energy Body work
Energy body work is a practice that involves engaging with the body’s subtle energy systems to promote healing and balance. For beginners, understanding the basics is essential. It starts with recognizing the presence of the energy body and its points of interaction with the physical body, often aligned with chakra or meridian systems.
An introductory practice might include learning to sense or visualize the energy body. This can be done through meditation, focusing on energy flow within and around the physical form. Another basic technique is grounding, which helps to stabilize your energy by connecting with the earth's energy.
Breathwork is also fundamental to energy body work, as conscious breathing can help control energy flow and clear blockages. These practices lay the foundation for more advanced techniques, as a starting point for anyone looking to explore the benefits of energy body work.
Practical Pointers for Energy Body work
When embarking on the path of energy body work, there are practical pointers that can ease the journey for beginners. First, consistency is key. Daily practices, even if brief, can significantly impact the energy body's health and your overall sense of well-being. Allocate a few minutes daily to meditation or breathwork to maintain and balance your energy levels.
Secondly, cultivate an environment that supports relaxation and focus. This could be a special corner in your home with items that promote peace, such as candles, incense, or calming images. Thirdly, hydration is crucial; water is a conductor of energy, and staying hydrated helps facilitate energy flow through the body.
Finally, keep a journal to note any sensations, emotions, or experiences during your energy work. This helps track progress and patterns, providing insights into your energy body's language. Remember, patience and gentleness with yourself are important as you learn and grow in your practice.
Different Terms For Spiritual Energy and Power
The concept of spiritual energy is common across cultures. Here are some of the various names and descriptions of spiritual energy from different cultures.
As a nerdy shamanic teacher, I love research. One of the things that fascinates me is how different cultures, separated by time and geography, can represent similar spiritual ideas. For example, the practice of shamanism goes back tens of thousands of years and has been practiced by cultures worldwide.
Recently, I was asked about spiritual energy. It seems that many different cultures have very similar concepts regarding spiritual energy. So, I thought I would share just a few terms for spiritual energy from different cultures.
Different Terms For Spiritual Energy
Mana - In Polynesian culture, particularly among the Maori of New Zealand, "Mana" refers to a supernatural force in a person, place, or object. It's often seen as a spiritual energy or power.
Prana - In Sanskrit, originating from Hinduism and also used in Buddhism, "Prana" is the life force or vital energy that permeates reality on all levels, including inanimate objects.
Chi (or Qi) - In Chinese culture, "Chi" is the fundamental life force or energy that flows through all living things. It's central to traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts.
Ond - In Norse mythology and culture, "Ond" refers to a divine force or breath, believed to be the essence of life.
Ruach - In Hebrew, "Ruach" means "breath" or "spirit" and is often used in Jewish texts to describe the spirit of God, or a divine wind or breath.
Chakra - Originating from Sanskrit and found in Hinduism and Buddhism, "Chakra" refers to the various focal points in the subtle body used in a variety of ancient meditation practices, each thought to be a center of spiritual power or energy.
Kundalini - In Hinduism, "Kundalini" is a form of divine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine. It's often depicted as a coiled serpent and is associated with spiritual awakening.
Vitalism - In various Western philosophies, "Vitalism" refers to the belief in a life force outside the jurisdiction of physical and chemical laws.
Baraka - In Islamic and African cultures, "Baraka" is a concept of spiritual presence or charisma. It's often thought of as a blessing or divine grace.
Ki - In Japanese culture, "Ki" is conceptually similar to "Chi" in Chinese culture, referring to the universal energy or life force.
Lüng - In Tibetan Buddhism, "Lüng" refers to the concept of wind or breath and is associated with the flow of energy in the body.
Ankh - In ancient Egyptian culture, the "Ankh" symbol represents the key of life or the breath of life, often interpreted as a kind of spiritual energy.
Numen - In ancient Roman religion, "Numen" refers to a divine power or force, often associated with specific places, objects, or phenomena, considered as the manifestation of a deity's will.
Wakan Tanka - In Lakota Sioux Native American culture, "Wakan Tanka" is the term for the sacred or the divine. It is often translated as "The Great Mystery" and refers to the power or the sacredness that resides in everything.
Mana’o - In Hawaiian culture, "Mana’o" refers to thought or belief, often seen as a form of mental or spiritual energy that can influence the physical world.
Sekhem - In ancient Egyptian culture, "Sekhem" is a type of spiritual energy or power, sometimes linked to the form of the lioness goddess Sekhmet, representing the destructive and regenerative powers of the sun.
Prakṛti - In Hinduism and Indian philosophy, "Prakṛti" refers to the basic nature or material substance of everything in the universe, including the spiritual energy.
Aether - In ancient Greek philosophy and science, "Aether" is the material that fills the region of the universe above the terrestrial sphere, often associated with the divine or the heavenly.
Ashe - In Yoruba culture, "Ashe" represents the spiritual and creative power. It is a concept that signifies the power to make things happen and produce change.
Orenda - In the spiritual beliefs of the Iroquois and Huron peoples of North America, "Orenda" is the inherent spiritual energy in people and their environment, believed to be a powerful force that can be harnessed.
Pneuma - In ancient Greek philosophy, "Pneuma" means "breath," and is seen as a sort of vital spirit, soul, or creative force of a person.
Tao - In Taoism, a Chinese philosophical tradition, "Tao" refers to the fundamental nature of the universe, the source and guiding principle of everything in existence. It's often seen as the flow of the universe, or a force that flows through all life.
Awen - In Welsh and Cornish spiritual tradition, "Awen" is a concept similar to inspiration, referring to the divine inspiration or the flowing spirit.
Sila - In Inuit spirituality, "Sila" is a term that describes the primary component of the universe, often equated with weather, the atmosphere, or the breath of life.
Logos - In ancient Greek philosophy and early Christian theology, "Logos" is a term meaning "word," "speech," "account," or "reason," and is used to describe the principle of order and knowledge, often considered a universal, divine force.
Elán Vital - A concept introduced by French philosopher Henri Bergson, referring to a hypothetical life force that drives the evolutionary process in a creative direction.
Vril - A term from the 19th-century novel "The Coming Race" by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, and later adopted by some occultists, referring to a powerful, unknown energy or life force.
Aether - In various mythological, religious, and philosophical traditions, "Aether" is often seen as a physical substance or energy that fills the universe. In some Greek mythology, it is the pure, fresh air that the gods breathe, as opposed to the regular, polluted air breathed by mortals.
Great Spirit - In several Native American religions, "Great Spirit" is a concept of a life force or supreme being, characterized as a powerful, creative, and caring force.
Qi (Jing-Qi-Shen) - In traditional Chinese culture, "Qi" is often thought of as a vital force forming part of any living entity. "Jing-Qi-Shen" is a compound term denoting "essence-vitality-spirit" – a key concept in Chinese medicine and martial arts.
Ether - In various esoteric traditions, "Ether" is considered the fifth element (quintessence) in addition to air, fire, water, and earth. It is sometimes equated with the concept of the spirit.
Megen – In Norse magic and spirituality, Megin is spiritual power or strength.
These represent just some terms I’ve collected over the years.
From Roots to Wings: Balancing Your Root Chakra for a Sacred, Stable, and Soaring Life
Many people in Western culture have issues concerning their root chakra. Very often, we carry shame here, disrupting our connection to the Earth, our body, and abundance. Accepting and working with this critical energy center can enhance health, wealth, and spirituality.
Balanced chakras are essential in maintaining our overall well-being in the journey of personal and spiritual growth. Chakras are energy centers within our bodies that regulate various aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. When these energy centers are in harmony, we experience a sense of equilibrium and vitality, enabling us to thrive in every area of life. Conversely, when our chakras are imbalanced, we may encounter various challenges and difficulties that hinder our progress and prevent us from reaching our full potential.
The root chakra holds a unique and foundational position among these energy centers. The root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is associated with the color red. It symbolizes our connection to the Earth, sense of security, and basic human needs. A well-balanced root chakra serves as a solid base from which we can grow and develop, much like the roots of a tree, providing strength and nourishment to its branches and leaves. When our root chakra is out of balance, we may feel ungrounded and fearful and struggle to establish a sense of stability in our lives.
This blog post will explore balancing the root chakra to create a stable and soaring life. By nurturing and strengthening this foundational energy center, we can foster a sense of security and groundedness that empowers us to navigate life's challenges and embrace new growth opportunities confidently. As we delve into various techniques and practices to bring harmony to the root chakra, you will discover how these tools can transform your relationship with yourself and provide a strong foundation for your spiritual journey, enabling you to spread your wings and soar to new heights.
Understanding the Root Chakra
Location and Associated Color
The root chakra, also known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine, in the area of the perineum - the space between the anus and genitals. It is the first of the seven primary chakras. It serves as the starting point for energy flow throughout the body. The root chakra is associated with red, representing strength, courage, and vitality. This vibrant color symbolizes the life force energy that pulsates through this chakra, connecting us to the Earth and anchoring us in the present moment.
Connection to Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Aspects
As the foundation of our energetic system, the root chakra plays a crucial role in governing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Physically, it is connected to the adrenal glands, spine, kidneys, and the lower parts of the body, such as the legs and feet. On an emotional level, the root chakra is linked to our sense of security, survival, and ability to meet our basic needs, including food, shelter, and financial stability. Spiritually, a balanced root chakra provides a strong base for personal and spiritual growth, enabling us to explore higher states of consciousness with confidence and grace.
Symptoms of an Imbalanced Root Chakra
Many factors can lead to an imbalance in the root chakra. I see these symptoms frequently in clients who come to me with a history of trauma. Trauma, especially, seems to affect the root chakra - particularly concerning the sense of safety, boundaries, and connection to the self.
Basic Human Needs and Sense of Security
An imbalanced root chakra can manifest as an inability to meet basic human needs, such as food, shelter, and financial security. This can result in instability, anxiety, and fear, affecting our relationships, work, and overall well-being. A lack of balance in the root chakra can also lead to overemphasizing material possessions or needing external validation to feel secure. By working to heal and balance the root chakra, we can cultivate a sense of security and stability that comes from within, allowing us to navigate life's challenges and uncertainties better.
Connection to the Earth and Grounding
When the root chakra is out of balance, we may feel disconnected from the Earth and our physical bodies, making us feel ungrounded or dissociated. This can manifest as difficulty focusing, feeling spaced out, or needing more presence in the present moment. It may also result in a disconnection from our environment and an inability to appreciate the beauty and abundance of the natural world. By bringing balance and harmony to the root chakra, we can strengthen our connection to the Earth, grounding ourselves and enhancing our ability to live fully and mindfully in the here and now.
Importance of Self-Care and Mindfulness
An imbalanced root chakra can also affect our ability to care for ourselves and our bodies, leading to neglect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This may manifest as poor eating habits, lack of exercise, or a disregard for the importance of self-care practices, such as meditation and mindfulness. By nurturing and healing the root chakra, we can recognize the importance of self-care and mindfulness as essential components of a balanced and fulfilling life. As we cultivate a strong foundation within ourselves, we are better equipped to handle life's challenges and embrace opportunities for growth and transformation.
Techniques to Balance the Root Chakra
Grounding Exercises
One of the most effective ways to bring balance to the root chakra is through grounding exercises that help to connect us to the Earth's energy. Here are three simple yet powerful techniques to help you feel more rooted and centered:
Walking barefoot in nature: Spending time in nature can be incredibly healing, especially when you allow your bare feet to directly contact the Earth. As you walk, visualize your feet rooted into the ground, drawing up the Earth's energy to nourish and stabilize your root chakra. This practice can release any negative energy that may be causing an imbalance in this energy center.
Visualization techniques: Find a quiet space to sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Visualize a grounding cord extending from the base of your spine, connecting you to the Earth's core. Imagine this cord anchoring you firmly, allowing you to draw up the Earth's nurturing energy. With each breath, feel your root chakra becoming more balanced and secure.
Hugging a tree or sitting on the ground: Connecting with trees or simply sitting on the ground can help to ground your energy and bring balance to your root chakra. As you make physical contact with the Earth or a tree, imagine any negative energy being released and replaced with a sense of stability, security, and connection to the Earth.
Meditation and Breathing
Guided root chakra meditation: Many guided meditations are available online explicitly designed to help balance the root chakra. These meditations often use visualization techniques, affirmations, and focused breathing to help you connect with and heal this energy center. Set aside time each day to practice a guided root chakra meditation. Notice the changes in your sense of stability and groundedness over time.
Breathing exercises to connect with the Earth: Find a comfortable sitting or lying position. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. As you inhale, imagine drawing up the Earth's energy through the soles of your feet, up your legs, and into your root chakra. As you exhale, release any tension, fear, or negativity stored in this energy center. Continue this focused breathing for several minutes, allowing yourself to become more deeply connected to the Earth and your own sense of security and stability.
Overcoming Challenges with Root Chakra Work
Working with the root chakra can provide valuable insights into the fears and obstacles that may hold us back in various aspects of our lives. We can cultivate resilience, self-worth, and a greater sense of stability by addressing these challenges through root chakra healing.
One of the challenges with root and sacral chakra work is that these energy centers are located adjacent to erogenous zones. While shame is more associated with the second chakra, there can be conditioned shame or blockages from trauma or cultural conditioning related to these body parts. Gradually, there can be healing by working with these chakras and opening up to the energy flow.
Identifying and Releasing Fears
Many of our fears and anxieties stem from an imbalanced root chakra, which often relates to our sense of security and basic needs. Through meditation and self-reflection, we can begin to identify the fears that may be blocking our progress and release them. As we work on healing our root chakra, we can develop a greater sense of trust in ourselves and the universe, allowing us to let go of unnecessary fears and embrace a more confident, courageous approach to life.
Building Resilience through Grounding Practices
Life is full of challenges and unexpected events that can shake our sense of stability. We can strengthen our root chakra and build resilience to better navigate these challenges by engaging in regular grounding practices, such as those mentioned earlier. A robust and balanced root chakra allows us to remain centered and grounded, even in the face of adversity, helping us to bounce back more quickly and effectively from setbacks and obstacles.
Cultivating a Strong Sense of Self-Worth
A balanced root chakra can also help us to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem. As we work on healing and strengthening our energetic foundation, we develop a deeper connection to ourselves and a greater appreciation for our unique gifts and abilities. By fostering this sense of self-worth, we become more confident and empowered in our personal and professional lives, allowing us to pursue our goals and dreams with incredible determination and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of root chakra work can be a transformative and empowering experience. As you explore various techniques and practices for healing and balancing this foundational energy center, you will begin to notice its profound impact on your overall well-being, sense of security, and personal growth.
By investing time and effort in nurturing your root chakra, you are laying a solid foundation for your spiritual journey and creating the conditions necessary for a stable and soaring life. A balanced root chakra helps you face life's challenges with resilience and courage and allows you to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth, fostering greater confidence in your abilities and aspirations.
I encourage you to dive into the world of root chakra work and embrace its many benefits. As you progress on this path, remember that healing and personal growth are ongoing processes that require patience, dedication, and self-compassion. May your journey towards a balanced root chakra bring you the stability, strength, and inner peace needed to spread your wings and soar to new heights in your spiritual and personal life.
Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Intersection of Spiritual Awakening and Mental Health
The signs and symptoms of sp[ritual awakening overlap with those of certain mental health diagnoses. How does one distinguish between spiritual awakening and mental health?
Note: I am a spiritual teacher, not a licensed mental health professional. Seek the guidance of a qualified and licensed professional for all of your mental health concerns.
There has been growing interest in understanding the relationship between spiritual awakening and mental health in recent years. While these two realms have often been seen as distinct, emerging research and anecdotal evidence, they may be more interconnected than previously thought. In this blog article, we will delve into how spiritual awakening and mental health intersect and how recognizing this connection can lead to a more holistic approach to well-being.
Defining Spiritual Awakening and Mental Health
Spiritual awakening is a process of personal growth and transformation. It's marked by increased well-being, personal development, interconnectedness, and transcendent experience. Spiritual awakening experiences vary depending upon the individual, some may stabilize as a person's everyday way of experiencing the world, and some are fleeting.
Mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enables individuals to cope with life's challenges and realize their potential effectively.
The fundamental well-being that accompanies spiritual awakening differs from the personal well-being that accompanies a good state of mental health. Fundamental well-being or "okayness" is a sense that, no matter what is going on in the outside world, everything is essentially OK, just as it is. It is a sense of serenity or imperturbability.
Shared Features of Spiritual Awakening and Mental Health Experiences
One of the challenges that people sometimes face is that there are shared experiences between spiritual awakening and mental health experiences, such as psychotic breaks. Some include altered states of consciousness, intense emotions, and strange or altered perceptions.
As stated, these shared characteristics can sometimes make differentiating between spiritual experiences and mental health challenges challenging.
The Dual Nature of Spiritual Experiences
While spiritual awakening tends to leave one in a state that is more blissful and loving than you were before, spiritual experiences are not always gradual and enjoyable.
Some people pass through a "Dark Night of the Soul," which can bring depression or highly stressful experiences. Spiritual initiation sometimes comes from a health, mental health, or life situation crisis.
Sometimes there is a struggle with the ego as you release your attachments to it. The ego is a survival mechanism; lessening the attachment can feel like an existential threat. This can cause fear and stress. Sometimes this also comes with a decrease in the need for approval from others, which can affect interpersonal relationships.
The Difference Between a Psychotic Episode and a Spiritual Experience
Over the years, I have had many people contact me during a psychotic episode and thought spirits were attacking them, etc. I do my best to direct people to seek medical care when this is the case. Shamanic healing is not a replacement for medical or therapeutic care.
Distinguishing between a psychotic episode and a spiritual experience can be challenging. Both may involve altered states of consciousness, unusual perceptions, and intense emotions. However, there are some key differences to consider:
Context: Consider the context in which the experience occurs. Spiritual experiences often happen with religious or spiritual practices, such as meditation or prayer, or during personal growth or transformation. In contrast, psychotic episodes are typically associated with mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and may occur without any specific trigger.
Duration and frequency: Spiritual experiences tend to be transient and episodic, whereas psychotic episodes may persist for extended periods and recur more frequently. Psychotic episodes can also be accompanied by a decline in overall functioning, including disruptions to one's social, occupational, and daily living activities.
Content and coherence: Spiritual experiences often involve themes of interconnectedness, love, and transcendence and may lead to a sense of clarity or insight. On the other hand, psychotic episodes may include delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking that can be confusing, bizarre, or frightening to the individual and others.
Impact on well-being: Spiritual experiences are generally associated with positive outcomes, such as increased self-awareness, compassion, and personal growth. In contrast, psychotic episodes can lead to significant distress, impairment in functioning, and potential harm to oneself or others.
Response to treatment: Psychotic episodes often improve with appropriate mental health treatment, such as medication and therapy. Spiritual experiences typically do not require treatment, but individuals may benefit from support and guidance from spiritual mentors, communities, or therapists who understand the spiritual context of their experiences.
It is essential to consult with mental health professionals when attempting to differentiate between a psychotic episode and a spiritual experience. A thorough assessment, including consideration of the individual's medical, psychological, and social history, can help determine the appropriate diagnosis and intervention.
Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine
Gender is in everything; Everything has its masculine and feminine principles; Gender manifests on all planes.
-Hermes Trismegistus, The Emerald Tablet
Underneath all that we think we are, is a pure spark of divinity connected to absolutely everything. There is no separation, and all is one. That inner spark is unborn, deathless, cannot suffer injury, or be affected by your life events. Good news - what you are is already whole, complete, and perfect.
That divinity, in order to experience itself, creates an illusion of separation. Matter appears to be separate from spirit. We appear to be separate from each other. Cats chase mice, Red Sox fans hate The Yankees, etc., etc, etc.
Divinity, in order to create, expresses itself through two impulses - the divine masculine, and the divine feminine. Just like with sexual reproduction, these two impulses combine to create the universe and express themselves through it and through every living being.
I want to call out an important point here - that the gender referred to here is not necessarily a political or biological construct - though those reflect the principle. Gender identity is another concept II won’t address here other than to say that every being has both masculine and feminine divine impulses - regardless of gender identity.
Politically, here in the West, we have been living in a patriarchal hierarchy for several thousand years. This extends to religion, politics, and culture. This out-of-balance expression of the masculine is like a giant pyramid scheme. There are always very few people at the top enriching themselves at the expense of those below. There’s always a king, or a guru, or a priest putting themselves between you and divinity.
Patriarchy is not really an expression of the divine masculine, but a perversion of it. It is entirely out of balance.
Divine Masculine
The divine masculine impulse, which Ken Wilber refers to as eros, is the impulse of the individual to grow. Spiritually this is the impulse to practice, to seek knowledge, to supersede where we are at the moment.
While this impulse is individualistic, it wants to lift the individual rather than making the individual seem greater by oppressing the masses. Think of the Buddha who sat under the Bodi tree in meditation until he reached enlightenment.
Shadow Aspect of the Divine Masculine
The out-of-balance, corrupted, or shadow-side of the divine masculine is the power hungry, abusive, or violent. Think of this as the cult leader who abuses their followers, or the inflated ego of those who declare themselves “ascended”. This is not the divine impulse, but a corrupted version of it. It seems power over others at all costs.
Divine Feminine
The divine feminine, which Ken Wilber refers to as agape, is the impulse to gather, nurture, to tend to. On a spiritual level, we find words like Earth-based, community, motherhood. The divine feminine concerns itself with the whole, bringing the many along and nurturing them.
This impulse is egalitarian, it wants to see each individual cared for, but not at the expense of the whole. Think of a human body. If one critical organ fails, it can cause death or, at least, the failure of other organs.
Shadow Aspect of the Divine Feminine
When the shadow aspect of the feminine is at work, there is stagnation. It brings individuals down to the same level as the whole rather than bringing the whole up. “Rocking the boat” is seen as a threat. It shuns new ideas and outsiders.
Balancing Masculine and Feminine
In alchemy, there is a stage in the great work (magnum opus) referred to as the Rebis. This is the unification of spirit and matter into a divine hermaphrodite. This symbolic language is not describing a single person with two sexes but is describing the combination of opposites into a nonduality.
Recognizing nonduality as a worthy spiritual aim, how do we accomplish this realization? One way is by emulating the impulses of both divine masculine and feminine.
Embrace the impulse to develop; this is the masculine impulse. It is important to do your work, whether that’s meditation, study, ritual, shadow work. As an individual, you work to grow spiritually. You look at yourself with brutal honesty and evolve from a place of love - not to be better than anyone else, or to wield power over, but simply to experience more of your own spiritual nature.
Embrace also, the impulse to take care, nurture, gather, and commune. You look to raise everyone up rather than drag everyone down. As you evolve and do your work, you do it for the betterment of the world. You recognize the underlying unity of everything. There truly is no separation.
When “Thrice Great” Hermes said that gender is in everything and on all planes, he meant we express it on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. The underlying unity of everything means that our divinity can express through both polarities. On a spiritual level, you are neither masculine nor feminine, but both at once and always. You are both a god and a goddess.
Every man and every woman is a star.
- Aleister Crowley, The Book of the Law
What is an Animal Totem?
The word “totem” is an anglicization of an Ojibwe word “doodem'.”
As I’ve made clear earlier, I do not practice, teach, appropriate or perform Native American spiritual or religious practices. I write this blog post merely because I have had students confused by the word. Totems are not the same thing at all as power animals. It’s important to me to draw a distinction.
While I am not an expert in Native American cultures, I will attempt to shed a tiny bit of light. A totem, in Ojibwe culture, is a spirit or animal being that represents a clan, or extended family.
The words “totem” and “totemism” were later applied to many indigenous cultures by early anthropologists. For example: you might be familiar with the totem poles of the American Pacific Northwest. The actual names for these poles vary according to the culture.
As a practitioner of Core Shamanism, totem animals have nothing to do with my practice. Again, these are specific to Native American traditions.
I do, however, conduct power animal retrievals for many clients, and teach my students how to do the same.
The words we use are important, powerful, magical symbols. It’s important to me that I teach my students and clients to use the correct terminology. This is not simple pedantry, the distinction is an important one.
What does my spirit animal mean?
Quite often, I am asked the meaning of one's "spirit animal" or totem. "I have a wolf spirit animal, what does that mean?" This question is always asked by someone who hasn't trained much as a shaman yet, and it's a natural one.
Often they've had a power animal retrieval by someone or been told they have a specific spirit animal by someone. They may have tried to look up the meaning of an animal they have encountered in a guide, like the book Spirit Animals by Steven D. Farmer.
I believe there are two topics which are being confused here: power animals, and omens. I'd like to break the difference down.
Power Animals
In shamanism, a power animal is the spirit of a deceased animal who has crossed over, but who has agreed to work with you on your behalf. Power animals are retrieved through a ceremony conducted by someone trained as a shamanic practitioner.
Everybody has animal helping spirits. A shamanic practitioner can retrieve them for you when you and they are ready.
When you have a power animal retrieved, for example, a crow, you are beginning a relationship with that one animal spirit. To ask about the meaning of having a crow as a power animal doesn't really make sense. It's like asking, "what does it mean that my brother is a plumber."
With power animals, it is all about establishing an ongoing relationship with an individual spirit.
A note here, that all power animals are absolutely amazing. In non-ordinary reality, a mosquito is as powerful as a blue whale. Power animals always come with a great deal of power. It's important not to place human meaning or value on them. Sometimes a person might get a power animal that is from a species they dislike. It's an opportunity to examine and get past that underlying fear or negative emotion.
Again, it's all about a good relationship.
Animal Omens
This brings me to the topic of animal omens. Shamanic practitioners receive training in reading and interpreting omens. But interpreting omens are not as simple as looking up the meaning of an animal you see in some book.
Omens are a language of their own. Like spoken and written languages, there are aspects like culture and context which can't be ignored. I may see three crows on a wire one day, and you may see three crows on a wire the next day, but because we are different people with different life circumstances, the omens may have completely different messages.
The Sanskrit language has dozens of words for "love" where we really only a few in English. I can love my children, and I can love a cheeseburger. In each case, the word love means something very different, because the context is different.
Omens are the same. To properly make meaning out of an omen, a shaman would first gather a lot of information about the person and the context. And then the shaman would conduct a divination ceremony to receive guidance and information from his or her helping spirits.
Spiritually, What is the Shadow?
We all have a shadow part. Just what is it?
Undoubtedly you've heard or read about spiritual gurus who get busted for sexually or financially abusing their followers. Drug abuse, violence, sexual abuse tend to get amplified in highly energized spiritual communities. My own teacher of Buddhism, many years ago, took his own life.
What is going on with these spiritually evolved people?
The answer lies in the shadow.
Your Shadow
The shadow, as recognized by psychoanalytic though, are the disowned parts of yourself. They are the parts of you that are present but are too painful to look at. Poet, Robert Bly, refers to the shadow as a black bag you drag behind you.
Let's say that you grow up in a household where sex is treated as taboo. As a child, you receive messages that sexual urges are naughty and good people repress them. You might suppress those urges and desires, which are a natural part of human development.
Those suppressed urges might become part of your shadow. You don't look at them, but they are still there under the surface. Without addressing them, they are going to surface - sometimes in powerfully negative ways.
The same is true for any part of your personality that you disown.
The Negative Effect of Shadow
Some spiritual development involves releasing an enormous amount of psychic energy. But power is power. You can use a hammer to build a house, or you can hit your neighbor over the head with it.
I believe that large amounts of power, combined with an unincorporated shadow, create a recipe for disaster and abuse. Imagine giving a machine gun to a toddler.
If you're not a guru with a following the shadow may still manifest in lots of unpleasant ways. For example, you might experience highly dysregulated emotion under stress, or certain mental illnesses. You may have addictions or sexual problems. Shame is as common as sand on the beach.
Addressing the Shadow is an Ethical Imperative
Besides the psychological relief and freedom one gains from shadow work, there is an ethical drive to make peace with the discarded aspects. As you develop spiritually and gain more personal power, you need to "clean up." The key is in re-owning the discarded parts of yourself.
Note that owning and integrating your shadow pieces doesn't mean you lose control of your urges. You lose control when you don't own them.
Shadow work has been some of the most rewarding development I've done. It's a practice I return to again and again. It is a tree which bears much fruit.
What's the difference between spirit and soul
You are a spirit, you have a soul. Why is that important
It may be useful to think of human beings like onions, with many layers. We each have a mind, a body, a spirit, and a soul. Our bodies are made of many interconnected parts, as is our mind and soul. Each of these systems also overlaps. You cannot separate mind from body or spirit without disintegration.
One of the areas that confused me, as a fledgling spiritual practitioner, was the difference between spirit and soul. Many practices and beliefs seem to use these terms interchangeably. They are both non-physical components of us and our world.
I'd like to break it down a little, for the spiritually confused. Here's the take on soul and spirit from the shamanic perspective:
What is spirit?
In the view of the shaman, everything is spirit. You might say, everything has a spirit. You can think of spirit as the nonphysical essence of everything. Every object, every animal, every person has a nonphysical counterpart in spirit.
Further, the wind has spirit. The planet has spirit. There is the spirit of fire.
Spirit is formless, but during a shamanic journey, spirit often appears as something. A power animal, for instance, is the spirit of a deceased animal.
Your spirit is luminous to those who can "see in the dark" and unchanging. Your spirit is not affected by lifetimes here on Earth. It is that piece of divinity that is represented in "ordinary reality" by your body. Yes, everyone and everything is divine - even that guy that cut you off in traffic.
So, what is soul?
Your soul is that nonphysical part of you that animates the body and carries the lessons you learned from lifetime to lifetime.
Your soul can be affected by the things you do, see, feel, and think. Pieces of your soul can get lost during trauma. You can unwittingly lend away pieces of your soul. Soul loss is one of the major causes of physical and mental illness.
Soul retrieval is a healing ritual in which a practitioner brings back lost soul essence with the aid of helping spirits. It's a gentle but powerful practice which can lead to profound healing.