mysticism
The African River Man
During the time of my ukuthwasa (period of initiation to become a traditional healer or sangoma) some decades ago in Southern Africa, my mentor and some other village elders would join our group of ithwasa (sangoma trainees) by the campfire and discuss other spirits. That is, others in addition to those of our ancestors.
We heard many tales of other spirits who control the rivers, oceans and lakes, as well as those who live in the sky and control the rain. There were also stories told of sacred places where spirits inhabited mountains, trees and rocks. I loved hearing those stories from various individuals whom have had unique experiences and felt they had seen and communicated with those various spirits. Continue reading
The Everyday Miracle Of Everywhere Magic
Seeing the world through glittering eyes is no longer a walk in the park for the spiritual optimist. There is such a lack of awe these days; so little wonder.
Our society has successfully stripped itself of most of its metaphysical marvels. Yet, magic prevails everywhere for those who still seek to find it. Despite our cynical age of scientific skepticism, techno-futurism and neo-draconian politics, the mystical and miraculous continues to endure in the hearts and minds of those who choose to believe.
I have seen evidence of this everyday magic in my work with many people all over the world, as well as upon many of my travels. I have known it in the devoted spiritual practices and manifesting projects of my clients. I have observed it in the heroic metaphysical endeavors and healing miracles of my colleagues. And I have even witnessed it at almost every birthday party I have ever attended. Yes, most of us have at some point in our lives whispered a silent wish over the candles on a cake! Continue reading
Spring Blessings Of Change
We have officially entered Springtime and the winds of change are blowing in. Along with change comes new beginnings, and with new beginnings comes excitement, trepidation, and often times fear. We may be thinking about the many potential opportunities a new beginning brings, but, also may worry about any challenges or obstacles the future may hold.
During the winter months you spent time going within, both physically from the colder weather, and spiritually, to connect with your soul. Without even knowing, you instinctively entered the cave of your inner guru to get quiet so that you could nurture and cultivate something very precious inside of you that is about to be birthed this Spring. Continue reading
Time Lords Among Us
With the popularity of the long-running television series Doctor Who, chances are you’ve heard of ‘time lords.’ They are time-traveling humanoid aliens with uncanny powers. But did you know that there’s truth to this popular fiction?
A small number of people, by some estimates one or two percent of the population, possess the gift of time-space synesthesia. It is an unusual ability in which our emotions and senses are delicately intertwined.
Perhaps you have heard of people who are able to taste music, or hear colors? With the gift of time-space synesthesia, the individual perceives within multiple dimensions. In other words, they literally see dimensional time. For example, the synesthete may perceive a rotating calendar around their body closely matching the Earth’s rotation around the Sun – quite literally the passage of a calendar year. Continue reading
Out-Of-Body Experience, Or Astral Travelling?
Out-of-body experience (OBE) is more generally known as astral travel or astral projection in esoteric circles. Many individuals find astral traveling helpful with their own personal development. They use this technique to visit places they would otherwise be unable to visit, or to meet up with loved ones on the other side. Astral travel is also a powerful way to meet up with your spirit guides, to visit future lives, and even for what is termed as “exploring the universe.”
Now and again, my cynical husband will let me in on some of his more ‘other worldly’ experiences over the years. The most recent revelation was about how he used to leave his body at will. Over time, I have read of, and learned of various techniques to leave my body at will, but never dedicated enough time to master the art of astral traveling. Continue reading
Tree Insights
If you told me a month ago that I would have a conversation with a tree, I would most likely not have believed it. Not that I am closed off to such experiences, but rather because I have never had any kind of engagement with nature on this level.
This weekend I was hiking with some friends, and there was a moment when I was separated from them. One of my friends went ahead of me, and the other two lagged behind. We were on a train, so I was confident that we would eventually meet up. So, I appreciated this time to myself for reflection and contemplation.
I sat down and began to meditate. As I did so, I turned my attention to a very large tree that must have been there for hundreds of years. I recalled something that I had channeled in the book I was writing. I recently wrote about how everything has a spirit, including animals and plants. I had not really thought much about this in the past. Most of my spiritual insights have been associated with interactions with angels, spirit guides, and individuals who have passed on. This said, I am certainly open to interacting with the spirit’s of animals and plants. Continue reading