ABSOLUTELY STUNNING !!! This beauty was reported on the 29th of July 2011 at West Woodhay Down, near Inkpen, Wiltshire. Spread across 11 tramlines with 29 circles making the body of the serpent ... The number 29 is key to this formation, adding 2+9 we get 11 ... which is a master number ... awakening to Oneness ((( All is 1 ))) ! It's one of the biggest crop circles ever seen in England. The symbolism of the Cosmic Serpent, DNA Activation and Earth's Kundalini Awakening stand out ...
... the PSI symbol or the Trident, the Trishul of Shiva as it's known in India looks like a Serpent's/Dragon's Tongue. Is this symbolic of "Quetzalcoatl" ...
Harnessing the colorful commentary of the most prominent yoga scholars, teachers, and medical experts, 'Yoga Unveiled' reveals how yoga began, tells the story of yoga's passage to the West, describes its numerous branches, recounts the fascinating biographies of the foremost yoga masters, and explores yoga's astonishing medical potential. Yoga Unveiled also features commentary by Krishna Das, Dr. Herbert Benson, Edwin Bryant, Subhash Kak, Vasant Lad, Dr. Timothy McCall, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Father Joe Pereira, Swami Sivananda, Dr. Martina Ziska, and Dharma Mittra.
" Yoga Unveiled is a joyous, educational and uplifting experience from beginning to end. All the aspects of Yoga are harmoniously discussed herein. It is, as far as I know, the only comprehensive audio-visual production available. The renowned authorities, Eastern and Western, have given the message in a telling way. The script, production, photography, music, direction, editing - all bear a mark of high-level professional skill. It will be of immense use to students, practitioners, and teachers of this age-old and yet modern science of total development of life. I was very much impressed by the fact that the ultimate goal of Self-Realization was emphasized throughout. Starting from strengthening of the body, we are guided on to reach the finer and finer levels of our being, unfolding the potential of each and organically uniting it to the goal of life. "
~ Swami Yogatmananda, August 2008. Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Society, Providence, RI.
" Yogins and Yoginîs , this is a documentary you must not miss, and it is remarkable that it is available for only $36.99. If I had to summarize this film in one word, it would be, "Wow." Through interviews with a broad spectrum of experts, exquisite art and graphics, rarely seen archival footage, just-right music, and beautiful narration, Gita and Mukesh Desai have created a magnificent gift honoring the great tradition of Yoga. In the first two hours and fifteen minutes, while tracing the history of Yoga from its origins in India to its taking root in America, the film movingly communicates Yoga's core purpose: transformation and realization. It informs every frame of the film, and that is an extraordinary achievement. Yoga's Indic origins and its literature and philosophy are explored via beautiful visual displays and interviews with Yoga scholars and Yoga teachers in the United States and India. Among the scholars are Prof. Edwin Bryant, Dr. M. S. Dhavlikar, Dr. Georg Feuerstein, and Prof. Subhash Kak. The teachers include T. K. V. and Kausthub Desikachar, B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Swami Tyagananda, Patricia Walden, and Rodney Yee, plus musician Krishna Das. The film next turns to some of the great yogins and yoginîs responsible for Yoga's passage to the West: Swami Vivekananda, Swami Sivananda, Aurobindo, Sri Krishnamacharya, and students of Krishnamacharya, including Indra Devi, B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and T. K. V. Desikachar. Biographies are presented, accompanied by commentary from teachers who studied with these masters. T. K. V. Desikachar reminds us of his father's prophetic words, "One hundred years from now, people will acknowledge Yoga as the greatest gift from India" [ note: Sri Krishnamacarya [1888-1989] is T. K. V. Desikachar's father.] The final hour, titled "Yoga As Therapy," jumps straight to the present and examines Yoga's growing contribution to Western medicine. Interviewed are Herbert Benson, M.D., Bernard Clark, M.D., Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., S. V. Karandikar, M.D., Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S., M.S., Timothy McCall, M.D., Dean Ornish, M.D., Mehmet Oz, M.D., Father Joe Pereira, and Martine Ziska, M.D. Each describes the profound positive benefits that Yoga, and in some instances Ayurveda, has brought to their patients. Regarding the recent increase in Yoga research in the West, Dr. Oz indicates that its purpose is not so much to prove that Yoga works [implying that anyone who has practiced it at any length knows that it does], but rather to translate how it works into a language mainstream physicians can understand and thereby make Yoga's benefits available to a wider audience. Jon Kabat-Zinn beautifully and accessibly explains the purpose and benefits of mindfulness meditation, pointing out that the realization of our true nature brings the ultimate healing from pain and suffering.
~ Yoga Studies - The Online Journal of IAYT, September-December 2004 Review by Trisha Lamb.
This one was reported on September 26th 2010 at the Baltic Farm near Bishops Canning Wiltshire, UK ! At first glance, this one gives the impression of Chakras ... the rising Kundalini Shakti well represented by the serpentine/wavy part of the formation with small satellite circles on the sides ... moving up through the Heart Chakra !
"Titans of Yoga" is a recently released 70 min documentary film which shares with us timeless yogic wisdom as best known to the 25 Masters of Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness who are featured in this fantastic documentary on the union of the mind and body ; spirit and matter.
The Yoga Health Foundation presents this ONEderful Documentary Film by Johannes R. Fisslinger featuring Dr. Dean Ornish, Lilias Folan, Kim Eng, Bryan Kest, Ana Forrest, Seane Corn, Gurmukh Khalsa, Shiva Rea, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Gary Kraftsow, David Swenson, Vinnie Marino, Sara Ivanhoe, Lisa Walford, Larry Payne, John Friend, Beth Shaw, Rajashree Choudhary, Dharma Mittra, Swami Kriyananda, Deva Premal & Miten Saul, David Raye & Krishna Kaur.
Music by The Shaman's Dream Music Collective at Yogi Tunes !
According to the philosophy of Tantra, the entire universe is a manifestation of pure consciousness. In manifesting the universe, this pure consciousness seems to become divided into two poles or aspects, neither of which can exist without the other ... all creation is the divine union of the opposites ... Yin & Yang ... Shiva & Shakti ... One aspect, Shiva, is masculine, retains a static quality and remains identified with unmanifested consciousness. Shiva has the power to be but not the power to become or change.
The other aspect, Shakti, is feminine, dynamic, energetic and creative. Shakti is the Great Mother of the universe, for it is from her that all form is born.
All that is found in the cosmos can be found within each individual, and the same principles that apply to the universe apply in the case of the individual being.
Kundalini Shakti is a sexual energy ; Kundalini Shakti is conceived as a goddess, then, when it rises to the head, it unites itself with the Supreme Being, Lord Shiva.
The aspirant becomes engrossed in deep meditation and infinite bliss. This raw energy is the secret tool, which, when awakened, has the power to transform an individual from ordinary to exceptional.
"Only when Shiva is united with Shakti does he have the power to create." - Saundaryalahari
"Second-hand knowledge of the self gathered from books or gurus can never emancipate a man until its truth is rightly investigated and applied; only direct realisation will do that. Realise yourself, turning the mind inward."
"Becoming aware of your energy body is another key tool to unlocking the gateways to conscious understanding and spiritual growth. Learning about the chakras was a major impetus that moved me forward on my own journey of awakening along with recognizing and tuning in to the natural cycles of the Sun and Moon. Of course that journey of discovery never ends and hopefully we each continue to grow and expand in wisdom throughout our lifetimes. In fact, it is my belief that the chakras travel with our souls and spirit from lifetime to lifetime and store the information you have accumulated throughout your various incarnations as well as the cellular memories of past experiences in your present body. In prior columns I have shared meditations for clearing and balancing your chakras along with some insight into what area of the body each chakra rules. This month we will focus on some basic information on what the chakras actually are and how these energy centers influence our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being.
Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “Wheel of Light”; the traditional belief is that there are 7 energy centers of the etheric body that lie along the spine and are spinning in constant rotation. There are also chakras in our hands and feet as well as outside the body above and below that connect us to the Earth and the Cosmos but to keep it simple, we will focus on gaining greater understanding of the 7 energy centers that correspond to the glandular system in our physical bodies. They appear energetically as wheel like vortices of light and are sometimes referred to as lotuses since they look like many petalled flowers. The colors of the chakras correspond to the colors of the rainbow. Check out the April 2009 Eye-Opener for the Lotus Bath Meditation that I frequently use for chakra balancing myself. This meditation does not have to be done in a bath, it can easily be adapted to use while sitting in a chair with both feet flat on the floor, laying down or while outdoors sitting cross legged on the ground. The chakras lie along the spine starting with the Root chakra at the base all the way up to the Crown chakra at the top of the head. Through the chakras our Spirit and Soul become receptive to and communicate with cosmic energies. Each of our chakras has its own purpose and connection as well as unique energies it is associated with. CG Jung taught that the chakras are the gateways to consciousness. By balancing and raising our awareness of our chakras we can become more receptive to the Divine and unite our Individual Soul with Universal Soul. Experiencing their presence will help you tap into your innate wisdom and knowledge of the chakra system as a spiritual being in a physical body.
Carolyn Myss is a renowned author, teacher and medical intuitive who brought the concept and study of chakras to mainstream consciousness. She teaches that the Root chakra connects us all at a tribal level and has to do with basic survival; an energy we all share as a collective experience. With the current economic situation there is a shared level of fear about having the basic needs of life met, with the high unemployment rate and all the changes that Pluto in Capricorn has brought so far it is important to work on keeping the Root chakra open and balanced. If the Root is blocked it will have an effect on every other energy center in the body.
An easy way to begin your understanding of the chakras is to obtain a good chart that illustrates and describes the chakras and gives the correspondences related to them such as the body parts and glands, related gemstones, colors, planets, essential oils, recognizing traits of balanced and unbalanced energy centers. Since they are affiliated with the endocrine system and brain they do directly relate to physical health and well being. As you identify and activate them through meditation and study you will find that you can bring balance and harmony to your body, mind and spirit. There is much to be learned from books but in my opinion you can learn what you need from meditation and tuning in to your chakras. One excellent book on energy exercises and meditation is Your Aura & Your Chakras-An Owner’s Manual by Karla McLaren. Another classic work is The Sevenfold Journey-Reclaiming Mind, Body & Spirit through the Chakras by Anodea Judith & Selene Vega. The information presented here is based on my research and notes from various sources. There are many books on this subject and a vast amount of knowledge to learn, it is actually overwhelming how much there is to potentially study. Learn the basics and let your chakras teach you. Here is some basic information on each chakra:
Root Chakra
by Catherine G. McElroy
The First or Root chakra is considered to be our animal center, it rules basic emotions, animal instinct (like survival) and animal passions (like rage).It is situated at the base of the spine, in the area of the perineum. The Root chakra is the primary source of energy and the grounding and manifestation center. Its color energy is red. It connects our physical body to the Earth. In females it spins in a counter-clockwise direction and males in a clockwise direction. It regulates the hips, legs and feet, lower back, sexual organs and blood circulatory system.
Feelings of isolation, aimlessness and apathy can be symptoms of an unbalanced root chakra. This can also manifest as being overly attached to material things or being attracted to someone based solely on physical appearance. When the root chakra is well balanced, we experience security, health, ambition and positive life force energy. When in harmony there is a feeling of profound connection to nature.
Sacral Chakra
by Catherine G. McElroy
The Second or Sacral Chakra is situated about one inch below the navel, between the ovaries in females and at the gonads in males. Its color energy is orange. This second chakra rules the sexual organs, kidneys, bladder and large intestine. This is the detoxifying center. It is our center of family patterns, sexuality, emotions, empathy and creativity. We perceive energy at a gut or feeling level through empathic or clairsentient abilities. In females it spins in a clockwise direction and in males in a counter-clockwise direction. This center rules the balance of free giving and receiving of emotions. Unsure and unstable sexual relationships can affect this area energetically and the health of the corresponding organs.
If well balanced it manifests as healthy emotions and passions. Harmony is achieved with being open, considerate, friendly and kind. When this center is unbalanced it can manifest as anxiety, anger, frustration and stress,
Solar Plexus
by Catherine G. McElroy
The Third chakra is considered to be the second mind; it is our center of being, where we generate and contain our life force energy. It is located right in between your rib cage, a few inches below the breastbone. Its color energy is yellow. The Solar Plexus regulates the digestive system, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and small intestine. In females it spins in a counter-clockwise direction and males in a clockwise direction. It relates to personal power, ego, desires, instinct and impulses.
The third chakra is the center for astral travel, psychic development and communication with spirit guides. When in harmony there is a feeling of wholeness, inner calm and peace due to balance of the spiritual and material world. Lack of confidence, confusion and pessimism might be indications of an unbalanced third chakra. Being out of harmony manifests as a need to control and dominate others with an emphasis on the material.
Heart Chakra
by Catherine G. McElroy
This is the center of pure love. The Fourth chakra is located behind the breastbone. Its color energy expresses as green or pink. It correlates with universal love and compassion. This is the middle point of our energy system, where spirit, mind and body meet. It rules the heart, lungs, circulatory system, shoulders and upper back. In females it spins in a clockwise direction and males in a counter-clockwise direction.
An unbalanced fourth chakra can manifest through obsessive behaviors, lack of self-worth and cruelty. Physical problems include heart disease, blood pressure problems, and insomnia and breathing problems. When this center is in harmony we feel affinity with others, tolerance, compassion and understanding.
Throat Chakra
by Catherine G. McElroy
The Throat Chakra is situated right where the collarbones meet. It is the Fifth chakra; its color energy is blue. It corresponds to the thyroid gland which regulates the production of hormones in the body. It also regulates communication of all kinds. This is the point where spirit manifests through creativity, expression, change, transformation and healing. In females it spins in a counter-clockwise direction and males in a clockwise direction. It rules the throat, thyroid, teeth, and ears. It also rules the inner ear and abilities of clairaudience or the ability to hear spiritual information or insight.
When well balanced it brings steadiness and inspiration, we know when to trust our intuition. We are able to speak our truth and experience balance in expression. When out of harmony there can be much talking without finding true expression, there is discomfort with silence and fear of being judged and rejected. Physical problems related to an unbalanced throat chakra could be hyperthyroidism, skin irritations, ear infections and back pain.
Brow Chakra or Third Eye
by Catherine G. McElroy
The Sixth chakra is situated on the forehead right between the eyebrows. Its color energy is indigo. It enables the recognition of being and is linked to the pituitary gland. In females it spins in a clockwise direction and in males in a counter-clockwise direction. This chakra rules the eyes and the faculty of seeing, both physically and intuitively. It is our center of clairvoyance or clear seeing. This is the memory and planning center. It rules the eyes, the brain, the face and the endocrine system. When well balanced it brings understanding, good analytical skills. Intuition and inner awareness are incorporated into everyday life. When unbalanced, it causes lack of realism, which might result in delusion. If this center is out of harmony there is a tendency towards rejection of spiritual aspects with an over emphasis on intellect and science. Problems with eyes and sinus can all be symptoms of an unbalanced brow chakra.
Crown Chakra
by Catherine G. McElroy
The crown is the Seventh chakra; it is situated at the very top of the skull. Its color energy is violet or white. It is our connection to the Divine and brings us information on what our higher purpose is. It rules the brain, the left and right hemispheres. This center contains the ability of clear knowing or claircognizance and is linked to the pineal gland. This is the connection point to the Universe, the Higher Self. In females it spins in a counter-clockwise direction and males in a clockwise direction.
When well balanced, it brings understanding, wisdom, enlightenment, conscious awareness and blissfulness. When unbalanced, it brings extreme fear (panic), depression, exhaustion, alienation. Knowing about the chakras and working to bring them into balance will help to keep you healthy, happy, productive, expressive and at peace. Simply placing your attention on each chakra and breathing deeply into it as you visualize the corresponding color clearing and bringing it into balance is a good way to begin to clear negativity and blockages. Yoga and other forms of energetic exercise such as Tai Chi and Chi Gong also help to bring balance to these energy centers.
A good understanding of the chakras and how they work are essential to effective meditation and life mastery. I hope this brief explanation will assist you in your own studies and help to advance your spiritual journey."
by Eva Ruiz
From the July issue of Psychic Times: Chakras-Gateways to Consciousness By Selene June 30th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Inside the vertebral column, there are seven lotuses located on the Brahma Nadi. These are known as Chakra (spinal centres). Each lotus possesses different number of petals and also a distinct colour.
Amazing powers devolve on a human on activation of the Kundalini and each Chakra is related to the following attainments.
1. Muladhar Chakra
This Chakra is situated in the basal region of the vertebral column at the mid spot between anus and penis. In meditation, this Chakra is visualised as a red lotus possessing four petals. This is the resting place of the Kundalini Shakti, which lies here as a snake having three and half coil. This Chakra is the symbol of Earth element.
Activation of this results in riddance from tensions, true happiness, beauty, perfect health and physical strength, magnetic persona.
2. Swadhishtthan Chakra
This Chakra is located in the vertebral column just opposite to the penial region. In meditation, this Chakra is visualised as a vermilion coloured lotus having six petals. This semilunar Chakra is the symbol of Water element.
Activation of this results in freedom from stomach ailments, increase in sex power, and cure of sexual debility, increase in courage and fearlessness and magnetism.
3. Manipur Chakra
Inside the vertebral column, this Chakra is situated just opposite to the naval region. This ten petalled lotus is of blue colour. The Yantra of this Chakra is triangular in shape and it represents the fire element.
Activation of this results in perfect digestion, riddance from ailments like kidney stones, diabetes, liver problems etc. Success in amazing Sadhanas like flying in the air, walking on water, telepathic contact with animals and plants, perfection in Prannayam and the highest achievement is success in Meditation.
4. Anahat Chakra
The relative position of this Chakra inside the vertebral column is just opposite to the cardiac region (heart). This red coloured lotus possesses twelve petals and it represents the Air element. Activation of this Chakra illuminates the entire body and the entire vertebral column starts vibrating.
Activation of this results in peace of mind, boundless divine joy, total freedom from tensions, power to look into future, power of hypnosis, entering into Samadhi (divine trance), riddance from problems related to heart, increase in soft emotions like love, affection and kindness.
5. Vishuddha Chakra
Inside the vertebral column this Chakra is located opposite the throat region. This lotus of smoky colour possesses sixteen petals and it represents the sky element.
Activation of this results in riddance from all ailments related to throat, thyroid etc., increase in knowledge, gain of power of eloquence, deeper Samadhi, perfection in the art of Hypnotism, gain of power to die when one wills, total material success like comforts, wealth, fame etc.
6. Aagya Chakra
In Brahma Nadi (enclosed by vertebral column) this Chakra is located just opposite the mid spot between the two eyebrows. This white lotus has only two petals.
Also called the Third Eye its activation brings wondrous powers like clairvoyance, telepathy, power of giving curses or blessings, instant fulfillment of anything one wishes, and gain of knowledge related to all subjects and sciences, power to control thoughts of others and interfere even in nature.
7. Sahastrar Chakra
Beyond these six Chakras at the upper termination of the spinal cord, is the thousand petalled lotus; the abode of Lord Shiva (supreme being). When the Kundalini Shakti unites itself with the supreme being, the aspirant gets engrossed in deep meditation during which he perceives infinite bliss.
This is a subtle centre in the brain. On activation of Sahastraar a very fine, elixir-like secretion is produced from it which permeates the whole body thus making the human forever free of all ailments.
Sahastrar Chakra is also termed as Dasham Dwar of Brahmarandhara. In my view, this Chakra is situated two inches deep inside both the temporal region and three inches deep from the midspot between the eyebrows that is in the middle portion of cerebral hemispheres. From the throat, it is located three inches above the palate and inside the brain it is located in a small hole above the 'Maha Vivar' foramen of cerebrum.
Awakening of Sahastrar renders the aspirant liberated from corporeal bondages and attachments. He is endowed with all kinds of divine attainments including 'Ashta Siddhi' and 'Nava Nidhi'. He becomes an omniscient Yogi. Being emancipated from the cycles of birth and death, he certainly achieves the final beatitude.
One is fully enlightened and can then envision any event going on anywhere in the universe with out entering into Samadhi. All natural elements come under one’s control.
The practice of awakening Kundalini Shakti must be done only under the guidance of a competent Guru. Sometimes when the aspirant practices such exercises only after going through some books, he endangers his own life and there are chances of his becoming insane.
Really, fortunate is the person who attains his divine Guru. That person is fortunate who strives for awakening of the Kundalini Shakti and only that person is called God-illumined who after activating his Kundalini Shakti, gets the totality of life.
Regular Meditation and a constant awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, actions and speech opens up our chakras, develops our spiritual guiding system, our psychic centre, commonly called the 'Third Eye' or the 'Ajna Chakra' (Ajna means to command). With practice, we can learn how to use this in our lives. Controlled breathing ... allowing deep breaths and slow exhaling oxygenates our blood and opens up important energy centers in our body that allows Prana / Chi ... the life force to flow through freely ... much like tapping into the energy of the universe and opening up all channels to let the light shine through ...
There are many ways and methodologies to Open the Third Eye shared on the Internet & in books and videos widely viewed by thousands each day as the awareness of our own spiritual existence expands seeding the spark of evolution within our consciousness ... The first step towards a spiritual awakening is a shift in world view from separateness to that of Oneness and Unity. As this understanding grows deeper the ego or the false sense of self melts away giving way to a brand new realization of the self as one with the infinite unified field of consciousness we know by many names and in many forms and colors.
Here is an excerpt from the book Meditation by Linda Williamson ...
Power Stations ...
There are seven main energy centres within the body. They are called 'chakras', the Sanskrit word for wheel, because they appear clairvoyantly as whirling vortices of light. The chakras are situated in a line along the spine, starting with the root chakra at the base of the spine. Next is the sacral chakra, at the reproductive centre, the solar plexus at the naval, the heart, the throat, and the brow. The highest centre at the crown of the head is called the thousand-petalled lotus.
As a person begins to evolve spiritually, the chakras start to open and expand, from the lowest upwards. The expansion of the solar plexus gives increased sensitivity and intuition. As the heart opens, we are able to give out and receive greater love and compassion. The expansion of the throat centre begins creative ability and self-expression, while the crown connects us with the higher dimensions of spirits and with the deities.
The third eye has always been linked with psychic and occult powers. Pictured as an eye in the middle of the forehead, its development gives the ability to see with the inner vision. This encompasses many things: clairvoyance, seeing spirits, remote viewing or seeing things in distant places, and foreseeing in the future. At the highest level, it bestows the gift of spiritual 'insight' and spiritual knowledge.
When you begin to see vivid pictures or colours during your meditation, this is a sign that your third eye is developing. All meditation practices stimulate the development of the third eye, particularly those which involve visualisation. The following exercise is particularly helpful because it focuses the attention at the exact point where the third eye is situated.
Opening The Third Eye :
This is a highly practical exercise for helping to develop your third eye. Don't persist in staring at the candle if your eyes begin to tire or feel sensitive. Remember, the focus is not on the candle, but your third eye.
Exercise : Candle meditation
1. Find a candle in a colour you like, perhaps white, gold or purple as these are spiritual colours. The room should be dark. Place the candle on the table about a metre away from you, slightly below eye level. Light it and gaze steadily at the flame. Calm your mind and steady your breathing.
2. After a couple of minutes, close your eyes. You will see the after-image of the flame as a small point of white light in your mind's eye, the spot between the physical eyes. Keep your attention fixed on this point of light. Do not try to move, control or change it, just observe.
3. The light might appear to move upwards. It might change colour. Keep it in your inner vision for as long as you can. You may be surprised how long the image remains, sometimes fading and then reappearing again. When it fades completely, open your eyes and look at the candle again.
4. Repeat the procedure three times. The last time, try to hold the after-image steady without wavering. When you can no longer see it, keeping your eyes closed, continue to watch the space where it has been. Be aware of any colours or pictures that appear there.
The third eye has various other names, including 'the seat of intuition'. By focusing on this area during meditation, we gain a deep and persistent awareness of our intuition and proper judgment. With regular practice, this awareness can reach into our everyday lives. When we make decisions or face difficult situations we will be able to tap into our powers of judgment - instead of relying on external sources for answers to our problems.
The Third Eye chakra is often blocked by ego, or a sense of personal "self" as a separate physical entity. By surrendering to existence and persistent practice you help create a greater awareness of the third eye and allow the light within to shine through in unison with divine intent that drives our thoughts, actions, emotions and our speech. The chanting of AUM with a controlled and relaxed breath flow is one of the oldest known ways to tune into the power of the third eye, the focal point of intuition, the centre of our spiritual guiding system helping us tune into any and all frequencies of the one consciousness manifested as many ...
Breath is defined as the air we inhale and exhale during respiration. It is our lifeline. Our bodies can live for days without food and water but without breathing our spirit rapidly leaves the body. Our breath is absolutely necessary to our life but we take it for granted. For centuries, mystics have believed the breath was the seat of the soul and this directly corresponds to the Pineal Gland Activation or the Third Eye Awakening which in essence is the awakening of the soul !
Stanislav Grof, one of the founders of the field of transpersonal psychology and a pioneering researcher into the use of altered states of consciousness for purposes of healing, went on to discover that many of these states of mind could be explored without psychedelics and instead by using certain breathing techniques in a supportive environment. He continues this work today under the title "Holotropic Breathwork".
While all of us are aware of 'breathing' to be essential to our survival, few of us know what it is like to breathe consciously and practice mindfulness (silent observation of our thoughts, one of the first lessons in practicing meditation) ... breathing consciously in a controlled manner opens up new levels of awareness and helps us go beyond our perceived waking physical reality and experience the transpersonal ... the oneness ... which is the unifying essence of creation !
Stanislav Grof is a psychiatrist with almost 50 years of experience in research of non-ordinary states of consciousness. He has been the principal investigator in a psychedelic research program at the Psychiatric Research Institute in Prague, Czechoslovakia, chief of psychiatric research at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, assistant professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and scholar-in-residence at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. It was at Esalen that he co-developed, with his wife Christina Grof, Holotropic Breathwork, a technique that includes deep, connected breathing, music, art, and trained facilitation with the goal wholeness, healing, and wisdom.
Breathwork is an integral part of all spiritual disciplines and religions, implicitly or explicitly. Throughout time, particular breathing rhythms have been used to induce diverse altered states of consciousness through singing, devotional chanting, drumming, and dancing - all implicit forms of Breathwork. In Buddhist Vipassana and Zen meditation the breath is observed - an explicit form of Breathwork - and this results in a change of consciousness.
The way we breathe creates and controls our state of consciousness, and our state of consciousness influences the way we breathe. If we are afraid, we breathe faster, when we breathe fast, we feel fear. When we feel calm, our breath is slow and deep, when we slow down and deepen our breathing, we feel calm. In many languages the word for "soul" or "spirit" is the same as that for breath. We are our breath !
References : Conscious Breathing - How Shamanic Breathwork Can Transform Your Life By Joy Manné
According to legend, the science of spiritual liberation known as Alchemy was imparted to humanity as a gift from the gods who descended from the heavens around the time of Atlantis and Lemuria some thirteen thousand years ago. The knowledge then made its way through Sumeria now modern day Iraq, considered one of the birthplaces of civilization. The knowledge continues through India, Egypt, China, South America, Israel, Europe, and North America. This cosmic drama spans the length of recorded history up to the present day and addresses the deepest questions of life. This gift of spiritual technology is for the purpose of embodied liberation of the human soul where by ones evolutionary soul growth is accelerated to completion within one lifetime.
The illusion of individual separation gives way to unity with the transcendent through the transformation of conscious awareness and liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. The transmigration of the soul from incarnation to incarnation reaches completion and fulfillment. This is also known as illumination, enlightenment, transfiguration, ascension, or God realization. To the ancients, this science of transformation was the highest valued knowledge and the ultimate culmination of the human experience. The science was intact up until about three thousand years ago when the knowledge became fragmented and to a large degree lost. Suppression by orthodox religion forced the knowledge underground into mystery schools. It has also been referred to as the Perennial Philosophy or the Underground Stream of knowledge due to its hidden nature encoded in symbols, myth, and scripture.
Although this sacred science of the soul is known by different names, it is known and misunderstood primarily by the name of alchemy. For most, alchemy has no definition. For some, alchemy has become a term in modern culture somehow relating to chemistry or is thought of as the attempt to change the metal lead into gold largely due to the influence of Hollywood. Transforming the lead of ignorance into the gold of enlightenment can be seen as a brief interpretation of this metaphor. The soul is defined as the divine spark of the infinite that manifests through the physical body.
Alchemy, due to its inherent power, has always been a highly guarded secret science in order to protect the student from harm and to protect the sacred from misuse by the profane. During the middle ages, it was additionally hidden to protect one from persecution by orthodox religion. The hidden aspect of alchemy has contributed to the lack of definition and confusion. Alchemy continues to be shrouded in mystery, controversy, and speculation. It is the Arabians construct of the term that has remained in the English language. The Arabians originally acquired the science from Egypt. Before Egypt was invaded and re-named by the Romans, Egypt was originally known by its people as Khemit or the Land of Khem.
They are also said to be the descendants from Atlantis before the great flood. The term Khem refers to the black fertile land from which the life giving crops grow. Esoterically, Khem refers to the dark mystery of the primordial first matter from which creation manifests and the science of transformation which is alchemy. The first matter is also equated with consciousness. Alchemy, is said to be the Great Work of nature that perfects matter, whether it is expressed as the cosmos or our soul. The term Chemistry has its root in Khem. The science of modern Chemistry evolved from the Alchemists in Europe. Alchemy was brought to Europe by the Moors in Spain originating from the Arabians. The Arabians added the prefix Al referring to Allah or God. Therefore, alchemy can be defined as the Science of God Realization.
It has also been referred to as the Royal Art or the Royal Path back to God. Originally, the lineage of priests, priestesses, and royal dynasties were associated with being the custodians of this knowledge. Godfathers of alchemy were Shiva and Angiras of India, Anu of Sumeria, Thoth or Tehuti of Egypt, and the Eight Immortals of China. Thoth was known as Hermes by the Greeks and Mercury by the Romans. The Hermetic alchemical tradition stems from Hermes. It is the Hermetic tradition that took place in medieval Europe for some three hundred years. Additionally, some feel that alchemy evolved from the Shaman's of prehistory and is the result of the ancients living close to nature and unlocking her secrets. The gods were viewed as ambassadors from the heavenly realm with the mission of helping elevate humanity. With names like the Devas, Anunnaki, Neteru, and Elohim, they are collectively known as the Shining Ones.
" The word is derived from the Sanskrit meaning "to shine" - hence the "shining ones", the "resplendent" ones. But the term is used very loosely and in Hindu Scriptures, for instance, may refer to all life which is invisible ...
The Devas and Men book is a massive work. It is interesting that the introduction to this 386 page tome (undoubtedly written after all the research had been done) starts with the following proposition ...
The idea that Man is a Deva is intriguing and immense. Its intriguing because much of the information about the idea is has been veiled with confusion and complications. And immense because it says much about humankind's place in the total cosmos. "
The Emerald Formula
The foundation of alchemical philosophy and practice is reflected in nature's elements and universal pattern of transformation. The four elements are Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The seven phase pattern of transformation is comprised of Calcination, Dissolution, Separation, Conjunction, Fermentation, Distillation, and Coagulation. This is also known as the Emerald Formula. The elements are considered by the ancients to be the building blocks of manifest creation. The elements are not simply the physical elements, but are very broadly defined principles of nature. The Quintessence or Fifth Element corresponds to the Divine Essence or Essence of God. This divine essence or elixir was known as Soma, Rasa, or Amrita by the East Indians, Star Fire by the Sumerians, Ambrosia by the Greeks, Manna, Christos, or Living Water by the Hebrews, and The Philosophers Stone or Universal Medicine by the Europeans. The term Elixir stems from the Arabic Aliksir and Greek Xerion which means medicine. The elements make up the human body and mind.
When one masters the five elements, one becomes an Adept, Siddha, or Perfected One. This is the transformation from mortal to immortal or human to godlike superhuman known as Apotheosis. Hermes or Mercury is known as the Messenger of the Gods and is a recurring archetype in history who restores the knowledge of Divine Union with the absolute. He is traditionally pictured holding the Caduceus Staff which symbolizes the alchemical process of spiritual liberation. The goddess Athena is the female counterpart of Mercury. What is striking when studying the various alchemical traditions from around the world and throughout history, is that they employ the same basic pattern of transformation mirrored in the Emerald Formula. Most notably, the Emerald Formula is reflected in the oldest known source book of knowledge, the Rig Veda of India. Rig means praise and Veda means knowledge. Soma researcher David Spess points out that all the aspects found in the Soma ceremony of the Rig Veda are found in the Emerald Formula.
A primary key in understanding alchemy is to view the science from three perspectives. Internal referring to the body, mind, and consciousness. External referring to outside the body and of the Earth. Celestial or heavenly referring to the planets, stars, galaxy, and universe. Alchemy is a reflection of the phases, cycles, processes, or transformations of nature. Therefore, the symbolism of alchemy can be interpreted on a inner, earthly, and celestial level. Most importantly, the macrocosm of the outer world is mirrored in the microcosm of the human body, mind, and consciousness. The elements and pattern of transformation reflected in the Emerald Formula comes from the legendary Emerald Tablet attributed to Hermes. The Emerald Formula is said to contain the Secret of the Universe or Blueprint of Creation and was inscribed on a tablet made of emerald stone.
It is reported the tablet was once on public display in ancient Egypt and thereafter became hidden. The Emerald Formula can be seen as having an integral correlation with the emerging science of Zero Point Energy or Free Energy technology. Some say the Emerald Formula is also mirrored in the symbolism of the Tarot that reflects the Royal Path back to God. The famous phrase "As Above So Below" comes from the Emerald Formula which is reproduced as follows. "In truth, without deceit, certain, and most veritable.
That which is below corresponds to that which is above, and that which is above corresponds to that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of the one thing. And just as all things have come from this one thing, through the meditation of one mind, so do all created things originate from this one thing, through transformation. Its father is the sun; its mother the moon. The wind carries it in its belly; its nurse is the earth. It is the origin of all, the consecration of the universe; its inherent strength is perfected, if it is turned into earth. Separate the earth from fire, the subtle from the gross, gently and with great ingenuity. It rises from earth to heaven and descends again to earth, thereby combining within itself the powers of both the above and the below.
Thus you will obtain the glory of the whole universe. All obscurity will be clear to you. This is the greatest force of all powers, because it overcomes every subtle thing and penetrates every solid thing. In this way was the universe created. From this comes many wondrous applications, because this is the pattern. Therefore am I called thrice greatest Hermes, having all three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe. Herein have I completely explained the operations of the sun."
The Great Secret
The great secret of alchemy is the Divine Marriage of opposites which gives birth to the Spirit Body of transcendence associated with liberation of the soul. The exact process of metamorphosis leading to the creation and birth of the spirit body within the physical body has long been veiled in mystery and secrecy. The spirit body is not to be confused with ones subtle body or subtle bodies which one already has from birth. The creation and birth of the spirit body is a entirely unique process found within the various world traditions of alchemy. The spirit body has gone by names like Deva Deha, Siddha Deha, Golden Pearl, Merkaba, Rainbow Body, Diamond Body, Star Body, and Immortal Body of Light. You can find the most revealed aspects of this process in Chinese Taoist Alchemy and East Indian Tantric Alchemy.
Traditionally, the process was taught from teacher to student in a step by step series of initiations. One did not progress until first mastering each successive step. The foundation for this process can be found in traditional Yoga comprised of physical postures, breathing, and mantra sound meditation. Yoga means union with the absolute. Depending upon the culture, the opposites were variously know as Fire and Water, Sun and Moon, Soul and Spirit, Male and Female, Mercury and Sulfur, King and Queen, Heaven and Earth, Shiva and Shakti, Kan and Li, Yin and Yang, Ka and Ba, Isis and Osiris, Soma and Agni. Also this marriage parallels the practice of Tantric sexual union and unfoldment of the inner life energy referred to as the Kundalini. This process is also mirrored in the Jewish mystical tradition of the Kabbalah when ascending the Tree of Life which esoterically is the seven energy centers or chakras that run up the spinal column to the brain.
The alchemical marriage of opposites can be seen in the symbolism of the intersecting triangles of the Jewish Star of David, Seal of Solomon, and the Sri Yantra of India. The upward pointing triangle symbolizes the male or fire principle, and the downward pointing triangle symbolizes the female or water principle. The Bindu point in the center of the Sri Yantra symbolizes the point of transcendence. The Yantra is a graphic symbol of the Mantra. The Mantra corresponds with the Five Elements and Logos or Word of God. Also the marriage of opposites can be seen in the symbolism of the Christian Cross. The ancient Caduceus symbol used by the modern medical establishment symbolizes on a esoteric level the alchemical process. The staff represents the spinal column which correlates with the Sushumna Nadi channel of yogic esoteric anatomy.
The two ascending spirals of snakes represent the solar and lunar currents known as the ida and pingala of the kundalini life force. The spiral pattern is similar to the spirals of the human DNA. The symbolism of Jacobs Ladder or Stairway to Heaven corresponds with the Staff of Life. The sphere at the top of the staff represents the energy center of the brain or the seventh chakra also known as the thousand petaled lotus. The Wings at the top of the staff is the culmination of the alchemical process. This represents freedom or liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. One transcends the bonds of ego and bodily identification. The spirit is released from the confines of matter.
Ultimately, this is the unfoldment of consciousness where by one realizes ones self to be infinite also known as self-realization. Most esoteric symbolism and myth reflects the process of alchemical transformation in both its inner and outer aspects. Dragon symbolism is a reflection of the life force. The Uraeus headdress of the Egyptian pharohs in which the serpent protrudes from the forehead symbolizes the unfoldment of the Kundalini. The Phoenix bird rising from the ashes represents the alchemical process of transformation, rebirth, and liberation. The Christmas Tree can be seen as a reflection of this process. Also the Biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden although edited by orthodoxy also represents the alchemical process. The Fruit of the Tree of Life can be equated with Elixir and Apotheosis.
One of the most well know references to alchemy in the Bible is the passage attributed to Jesus in John 3, "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God. The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of Water and the Spirit." From the esoteric perspective, this is the marriage of opposites. Spirit is synonymous with Fire and breath. The Kingdom of God is Apotheosis. The idea of rapture, resurrection, transfiguration, ascending to heaven, and becoming an immortal is based upon this process. There are numerous stories throughout history of those who practiced alchemy becoming immortal. This relates to the development and birth of the spirit body. This is the great spiritual rebirth, enlightenment, or illumination. Through the marriage of opposites, one becomes whole or holy, or to become born again. This can also be seen as the marriage of Soul and Spirit and an expression of the highest form of healing.
It is the exact process of how to create this marriage which has always been secret. Gnosis or direct experience makes up the Gnostic tradition of Esoteric Christianity. Both Jesus and Mary Magdalene are considered to be key figures in the alchemical nature of Esoteric Christianity. The exoteric or outer rituals of orthodox religion like the Seven Holy Sacrament's, Baptism, Anointing, Christening, Consecration, Holy Water, and the Eucharist are a reflection of the esoteric or inner practice of alchemy where faith is replaced with direct experience, and death is replaced with embodied liberation. The anthropomorphic deity is transcended and the infinite is realized. The human body is the ultimate temple or alchemical laboratory where transformation takes place. The Spirit Body developed within the physical body is the ultimate vehicle of resurrection, ascension, and transcendence. It is said that to have a human body is a extremely rare gift and there are countless souls without a body waiting to take birth. Through the body and mind, one can realize ones true self. The focus of alchemy is to accelerate the growth of the human soul within one lifetime to completion or perfection.
One overrides the process of normal evolution involving countless incarnations where the soul is led by desire and attachment to the temporal which keeps one bound to the cycle of birth and death. The experience of the phenomenal world and its associated pleasures do not give lasting happiness. Humans are programmed by nature to continually seek happiness which is essentially a search for ones true self. For most, happiness is sought outwards in temporal pleasure. Self-realization is about turning inwards and finding eternal happiness, peace, and fulfillment. The trials, tribulations, and lessons of life reach their culmination and fulfillment in self-realization. One transcends phenomenal creation and realizes the infinite source of creation within. With this awakening of awareness, one sees all of creation as an aspect of ones self. Alchemy accelerates the process of evolution thereby allowing one to step off the wheel of birth and death. One transcends desire, duality, karma, space, and time. Ones true nature is realized which is infinite.
The Return of The Science of The Soul
According to the ancient calendar, the complete knowledge of spiritual soul liberation is due to return. Some feel we have entered the time of the Apocalypse. The Greek term Apocalypse means "The Lifting of the Veil." This can be seen as lifting the veil on illusion to reveal that which is true. The age of Pisces is now fading and the age of Aquarius is now dawning. The symbol for Aquarius is the water bearer who pours out the alchemical elixir of transformation. Not only is this a change of the zodiacal age, but the beginning of an Ascending Cycle of evolution that only takes place once every thirteen thousand years according to the Vedic calendar. The Vedic calendar indicates we are in the Kali Yuga or Age of Darkness where humanity lives out of harmony with nature. This is where humanity is in the dark or unaware of our divine identity and where the material overshadows the spiritual.
The Age of Aquarius is indicated to be a Golden Age of harmony and truth within the Kali Yuga. Additionally, the Mayan calendar ends in 2012. Some feel this correlates with the alignment of the earth with the center of the galaxy in which energy from the galactic center will bring unprecedented change and transformation to earth culminating around 2030. From the perspective of the Macrocosm and Microcosm, the galactic center can be seen as the cosmic heart, and the energy emanating from the galactic center reflects the macrocosmic kundalini that will lift the energy of the entire planet. Humanity has come far in the past one hundred years due to material technology, however this technology has also brought untold destruction to where the survival of humanity and the planet is at stake. The world with its numerous problems and having lost touch with its spiritual heritage is in urgent need of the rediscovery of spiritual technology. We have certainly reached a crucial turning point in history.
It is said that it is darkest before the dawn with a conflict between the old and the new during this transition of ages. With numerous prophecies of destruction complete with Antichrist deception, humanity has the intelligence and freewill to alter such negative projections. Although the collective karma of the people is great, a return to the ways of nature is paramount for the restoration of balance. The rediscovery of the secrets of alchemy promise to bring forth a Spiritual Revolution. This would also bring forth a Energy Revolution since the knowledge relates to Free Energy technology. The discoveries that scientists are now making related to Quantum Physics and the Unified Field Theory correspond to the rediscovery of alchemy.
Currently, the idea of enlightenment or spiritual soul liberation is not widely recognized or valued in modern culture where pursuit of the temporal and superficial overshadows fulfillment in the eternal. We shall see how the rediscovery of this vital knowledge manifests over the coming years. We have all incarnated at this momentous point in time to witness and participate in this grand cosmic drama. The choices we all make will lay the foundation for our future destiny that holds the promise for the birth of a whole new global culture based on spiritual values. Humanity stands at the threshold of making the leap from Homo Sapien to Homo Luminous. What an incredible time to be alive !
