7 Dimensions of Consciousness

Tags

Ascension, Chakras, Dimensions of Conciousness

There are many different models of the dimensions of consciousness or planes of existence. These models originated from metaphysics, theosophy, Taoism, and Buddhism. The models range from as few as 3 levels to as many as 31 levels. The most popular models use 7, 9, or 12 levels.

Dimensions or planes can be thought of as density layers of energy or different energetic vibrations. They exist simultaneously alongside of our most familiar 3^rd dimension physical world. They can also be called parallel worlds. Each dimension has its own properties and energetic resonance.

Our consciousness can exist on most density levels but we are usually not aware of it. We can access other dimensions in altered states of consciousness. For example, when we are in 3D, our brain is in a beta brainwave state (13 to 30 cycles per second). We can drop into 4D by altering our brainwaves to an alpha state (8 to 13 cycle per second). We can drop into 5D by altering our brainwaves to a theta state (4 to 8 cycles per second). Our brainwave states are altered through hypnosis, shamanic journeys, sleep, and meditation.

I personally follow a model consisting of 7 dimensions. Below is a description of each dimension. I encourage you to research different models of dimensions and adopt a model that fits your belief system.

1^st Dimension (1D) Entities are elementals, nature spirits, and minerals. These beings are unconscious as they do not have individual awareness.

2^nd Dimension (2D) Entities are plants, animals, and the little people (dryads, sprites, fairies, leprechauns, elves, and pixies). These beings have group consciousness. They do not have individual souls or personalities but share a group soul.

3^rd Dimension (3D) Entities are humans. Energy bodies are attached to physical bodies via energetic cords and chakras. These beings have individual consciousness with individual personalities.

4^th Dimension (4D) Entities are humans that have transitioned out of physical form but are not yet resident in 5D. This is the astral plane or energetic vibration just beyond 3D. This dimension can be experienced in the alpha brainwave state of 8-13 cycles per second obtained through sleep, hypnosis, shamanic journeys, out-of-body experiences, and near death experiences. A cord of energy attaches the energy body to its physical body as it travels on the astral plane. If that cord is severed, then the soul cannot return to its physical body but must begin a new incarnation in a different physical body.

5^th Dimension (5D) Entities are spirit guides, teachers, Higher Selves, Oversouls, and the Akashic Records. This dimension can be experienced in the theta brainwave state of 4-8 cycles per second usually obtained through hypnosis, shamanic journeys, and meditation. A portion of the soul always resides in 5D while the soul is incarnated in 3D. 5D is often referred to as the Afterlife, Heaven, Inbetween Lives, Interlife. 4D and 5D together represents the Spirit World, the Subtle World, the Other Side, and Beyond the Veil. The beings in 5D have universal consciousness that all souls can tap into. 5D can be accessed

6^th Dimension (6D) Entities are ascended masters (such as Jesus and Buddha, etc) who no longer are in the incarnation cycle. The Laws of the Universe are also in 6D. Souls in the incarnation process usually do not pass above 5D so less is known on Earth about 6D and 7D.

7^th Dimension (7D) Entity is the Source of All That Is, i.e., the Creator, Great Spirit, or Universal Life Force. This is the highest, most refined, level of energy. This is the level of God/Goddess Consciousness. It is where souls came from, where they will return to, and what they are always connected to.

RECOMMENDED READING

Alchemy of 9 Dimensions: The 2011/2012 Prophecies and the 9 Dimensions of Consciousness by Barbara Hand Chow

Imagining the 10^th Dimension: A New Way of Thinking About Time and Space by Rob Bryanton

Navigating Dimensions: Reminders for Remembering: Awakening and Ascension Guide Book by Lisa Transcendence Brown

QUOTES

Energy is all there is. You are a latticework of energies. –Donna Eden

All matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration. We are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively. There’s no such thing as death. Life is only a dream. And we’re the imagination of ourselves. –Bill Hicks

We come from energy and turn back into energy. We are all matter for only a very short time. Make sure that when you are matter you matter. –Unknown

Remember the high vibrational being you are. You are light and energy not this form that you temporarily occupy. –Unknown

The fact that there is a Beginning or an End is just a concept seeded into your mind by society. You are Constant, Continuous, Infinite Energy and energy never ends, it transforms. –Unknown

Copyright © 2021 Drake Bear Stephen. Except where acknowledged. www.DrakeInnerprizes.com

The Chumpi Stone Guidebook: Carved Companions from the Andes

Tags

Andean Cosmology, Chumpi Stones

Stones are carved stones that are created by the indigenous people of the Peruvian Andes. They have been used for practical as well as sacred tools. In this book you will read about the original uses for the stones as well as discover the mystery and majesty of modern practices for them. These fascinating stones are energetic companions that can be used to activate, animate, and move energy within different grids of time, dimensions, and portals.

The Chumpi Stone Guidebook is a reference guide about these sacred stones as well as other carved items. It is also an exploration of how to integrate these stones into your 21st century lifestyle or spiritual practice. It includes:

• Description, interpretation, and correspondences for Chumpi Stones.
• Uses, both ancient and modern, for Chumpi Stones.
• Fully illustrated directory of imagery carved on stones, dice, tiles, and other items from Andean culture.
• A comparison of the human energy systems from Andean and Hindu cosmology that influence Western beliefs and how Chumpi Stones can be used with them.

Introduction

• Definition of Chumpi Stones
• Background Information
• Uses for Chumpi Stones

Chumpi Stones 101

• Anatomy of a Chumpi Stone
• Obtaining Chumpi Stones
• Carving Styles
• Unique Chumpi Stones
• Material Correspondences
• Color Correspondences
• Number Correspondences
• Textile Correspondences

Chumpi Stone Correspondences

• Cosmology by the Numbers (0 through 12)
• Summary of Chumpi Stone Correspondences

Other Carved Companions

• Taway (Dice)
• Tiha Rumi (Tile Stones)
• Makikuna (Hands)
• Conopakuna (Votive Offerings)

Visual Directory of Carved Images

• Images are Mythic Stories
• Directory of Images

Chumpi Stone Uses

• A Birthing Ritual for Chumpi Stones
• Cleansing Chumpi Stones
• Energizing Chumpi Stones
• Affirmation Work
• Divination Work

Energy Work with Chumpi Stones

• The Energy Body
• The Andean Energy System
• The Hindu Energy System
• Energy Transmission Work
• Healing with Chumpi Stones
• Grids for Healing Work

Appendixes

• Illustrations
• Fun with Chumpikuna
• Glossary
• Reference Links
• Wisdom Weaver Press Offerings
• Acknowledgements
• About the Author

Copyright © 2021 Drake Bear Stephen. Except where acknowledged.
www.ChumpiSacredStones.com
www.DrakeInnerprizes.com

The Chakana Oracle: Ancient Wisdom for the 21st Century

Tags

Andean Cosmology, Divination

In many ancient cultures divination was used to determine if an action taken would be favorable. In ancient Greece, an oracle was a seer who was the intermediary between the people and the gods and goddesses. In The Chakana Oracle, the cards themselves play the role of the ancient oracle, connecting the user to an ancient Andean lineage, whose roots go back over 500 years to the Inka Empire.

Just as working directly with textiles, natural items, sacred places, and medicine bundles are useful vehicles to rekindle connections to the earth and to the cosmos, working with The Chakana Oracle will also serve to promote connection. Over time, with dedication and awareness, we can each rekindle and remember our own personal cosmology and reconnect to our indigenous soul. In doing so, we are engaging ayni, a sacred reciprocity of both receiving and giving back to the energetic universe, known as the Kawsaypacha (Living Energy World).

The Chakana Oracle project is a co-creation of Drake and Wake, who together have 36 years of experience working within the Andean cosmology. They have drawn information from multiple sources including journeys, discussions, ceremonies, and initiations with indigenous teachers of the Andes. They are available for Chakana Oracle readings and workshops. For further information please visit The Chakana Oracle website: www.ChakanaOracle.com. In addition, both Drake and Wake are available to give Chakana Oracle readings and workshops.

The Chakana Oracle project consists of a guidebook, a card deck, and a cloth textile for divination layouts. The Chakana Oracle is a vehicle designed to help the user explore the depth and breadth of who they are, who they are connected to, and what they’re capable of achieving. It also presents ways to find and then engage their own energy companions. So, user, journey, sing, reweave stories, and activate your living energy!

The Chakana Oracle Guidebook is a compilation of Andean cosmology and spiritual culture that is presented from a fresh new perspective. It includes:

• In-depth information with rich, full-color illustrations of Andean cosmology and symbology.
• Layouts for divination work with a foundation that is based on the geography of the terrestrial land overlaid with the energy of the celestial sky.
• Description, interpretation, and practice for each of the 100 oracle cards in The Chakana Oracle Card Deck.

The Chakana Oracle Guidebook is available in printed form as a 6”x9” trade paperback (ISBN 978-0-9862498-2-2). It is 292 pages with 250 full color illustrations. An electronic version of the book (ISBN 978-0-9862498-3-9) will be available soon.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Divination & Card Layouts

Antisuyu (Northeast) Suit: P’acha Q’epe (Woven Textiles)
To Be (Green) – 28 Image Cards

Qollasuyu (Southeast) Suit: Khuyakuna (Sacred Stones)
To Emerge (White) – 19 Image Cards

Kuntisuyu (Southwest) Suit: Rikchaykuna (Carved Images)
To Vision (Yellow) – 18 Image Cards

Chinchaysuyu (Northwest) Suit: Ruruchina (Energy Companions)
To Master (Red) – 29 Image Cards

Appendixes
– Glossary
– Reference Links
– The Marketplace
– Acknowledgements
– About the Authors

The Chakana Oracle Card Deck consists of 101 3.5”x5” cards (ISBN 978-0-9862498-4-6) printed on linen card stock. Each card is an energetic companion from the Andean cosmology that can help the user activate, animate, and move energy within different grids of time, dimensions, and portals. Each card includes a photograph of the companion as well as its title in the native language of Quechua with its English translation.

Cards usually contain archetypal or sacred images that portray a concept. Cards, as symbolic inquiry, can be a powerful adjunct to core spiritual practices. This sacred symbolic dialogue can enhance and deepen our relationship with Spirit. The process involves taking a literal image, sensing its symbolic messages, hearing its mythic story, and moving its activated energy. The essential layers of perception and experience become engaged.

  

The Chakana Oracle items can be purchased individually or as a set. These include the book, card deck, and other items that accessorize your divination work, such as textiles, chumpi stones, and dice. All of these items are available at The Marketplace (www.SacredPathways.us/shop/). The guidebook is also be available in printed form or as an ebook on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. The ebook is on Apple iTunes, too. You can also visit us at www.ChakanaOracle.com. We invite you to write a review on Amazon or send one to us directly. Thank you.

Photo of don Francisco Chura Flores, doña Juanita Apaza Ccapa, and Wilbert Salas Atasi reviewing the prototype of The Chakana Oracle cards in Cusco Peru.

Photo of don Francisco Chura Flores, doña Juanita Apaza Ccapa, and Wilbert Salas Atasi blessing the prototype of The Chakana Oracle cards in Cusco Peru.

Copyright © 2020 Drake Bear Stephen. Except where acknowledged.
www.ChakanaOracle.com
www.DrakeInnerprizes.com

Days to Commemorate Individuals with Diverse Gender and Sexual Identities

Tags

Gender, Sexuality, Transgender

Let us honor those who have the courage to walk their unique personal paths on these memorial days that have been identified to raise awareness about individuals with diverse gender and sexual identities. Not sure what all the identities are about? Look up their definition and pride flags in my glossaries on Gender and Sexual Identities at http://www.soulsexalchemy.com.

February LGBT* History Month (UK)
February Gay Mardi Gras in New Orleans
February (First full week after Feb 14) Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
February (Week starting Sun/Mon surrounding Feb 14) Non-Binary Awareness Week
March Bisexual Health Awareness Month
March 1 Zero Discrimination Day
March 8 International Women’s’ Day
March (Third Week) LGBT* Health Awareness Week
March 24 Day of Blood (Gallae, eunuch priests, made their offerings to Cybele & Attis in ancient Rome)
March 31 National Day of Transgender Visibility
April (Second Wednesday) International Day of Pink
April (Second Friday) Day of Silence to Protest Bullying
April 6 International Asexuality Day
April 8 Transgender Day of Empowerment
April 22 Ecosexual Day
April 26 Lesbian Visibility Day
May 16 National Honor LGBT+ Elders
May 17 International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, & Transphobia
May 18 HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
May 19 Agender Pride Day
May 22 Harvey Milk Day
May 24 Pansexual & Panromantic Awareness or Visibility Day
June LGBT+ Pride Month:
        June 1 Gay Day
        June 2 Lesbian Day
        June 3 Bisexual Day
        June 4 Polysexual Day
        June 5 Pansexual Day
        June 6 Omnisexual Day
        June 7 Ceterosexual / Skoliosexual Day
        June 8 Demisexual Day
        June 9 Grey Ace (Asexual) Day
        June 10 Asexual Day
        June 11 Polyamorous Day
        June 12 Intersex Day
        June 13 Trans MTF Day
        June 14 Trans FTM Day
        June 15 Agender Day
        June 16 Genderfluid Day
        June 17 Bigender Day
        June 18 Trigender Day
        June 19 Pangender Day
        June 20 Genderqueer Day
        June 21 Demigirl Day
        June 22 Demiboy Day
        June 23 Androgyne Day
        June 24 Intergender Day
        June 25 Non-binary Day
        June 26 Questioning Day
        June 27 Homoromantic Day
        June 28 Biromantic Day
        June 29 Panromantic Day
        June 30 Aromantic Day
June 5 HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day
June 12 Pulse Night of Remembrance
June 27-28 Stonewall Riots Anniversary
July 1 Chameleosexual Day
July 2 Abrosexual Day
July 14 International Non-Binary People’s Day
July 16 International Drag Day
August Compton Cafeteria Riots Anniversary
August 19 Trans Flag Day
August Last Friday Wear It Purple Day
September or October (TBD) Ally Week
September (Third Week) Bisexual Awareness Week
September 18 HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day
September 23 Bisexual Visibility Day & Celebrate Bisexuality Day
September 27 Gay Mens’ HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
October LGBT History Month
October (Third Week) Genderfluid Visibility Week
October (Final Week) Ace (Asexual) Awareness Week
October (Third Wednesday) International Pronouns Day
October (Third Thursday) Spirit Day (Day Against Bullying)
October 8 Lesbian Day
October 11 National Coming Out Day
October 26 Intersex Awareness Day
November Trans Awareness Month
November (Second Week) Trans Awareness Week
November (First Sunday) Trans Parent Day
November 8 Intersex Solidarity Day & Intersex Day of Remembrance
November 19 International Men’s’ Day
November 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance
December 1 World Aids Day
December 8 Pansexual Pride Day
December 28 Trans Youth Day

List Compiled by Drake Bear Stephen in 2022 http://www.SoulSexAlchemy.com

How to Conduct Drumming Circles

INTRODUCTION TO DRUMMING CIRCLES

A drum circle is any group of people playing drums and percussion in a circle. They may also use: movement, dance, voices (chanting, singing, poetry, spoken), and other devices. The drum circle is an end in itself rather than preparation for a performance. The drumming is improvised and co-created by the participants.

Drum circles can be used for: team building, recreation, wellness, education, celebrations, spirituality, or personal growth.

Drumming can provide the following benefits:

• Reduces tension, anxiety, pain, and stress.
• Releases negative feelings, blockages, and emotional trauma
• Boosts the immune system.
• Induces synchronous brain activity.
• Produces natural altered states of consciousness.
• Creates connectedness with self and others.
• Synchronizes us with the natural rhythms of life.
• Provides a secular approach to accessing a higher power.
• Keeps one in the present moment

DRUM AND RATTLE INFORMATION

 Drums

A shaman’s drum is the typical type of drum used for spiritual drumming circles. It is a frame drum that has an animal skin stretched over one or both sides. If one sided, the back side has a handle to hold the drum. The drum is beat with a stick called a beater. These drums are usually 4” deep and up to 30” in diameter. Other types of drums that can be used are: tom toms, congas, djembes, bongos, and bodhran.

The drum can be used for calling in healing spirits, purification, power dances, extracting negative energies, calming anxiety and agitation, and as a divination tool.

Most drums sound best when the head is struck about halfway between the center and the rim. The tone at the center tends to be harsh with few overtones. A ringing tone works best for journeying and a more strident tone helps facilitate extraction work and the power dance.

Generally, the larger the drum, the deeper the tone. Also the thicker the hide the deeper the tone. Hides used on drums are generally one of the following (listed from highest to deepest tone):

1. Cow: medium weight; light color; rougher texture
2. Elk: thinner, lighter weight
3. Buffalo: thicker hide; darkest color
4. Moose: produces the deepest sound; lighter color than buffalo

Commercial plastic headed drums are available that retain their tone in all weather and do not need to be tightened like natural hides do. They cost considerably less and are “vegetarian” for those who don’t want to own animal hides.

Store the drum in a warm, dry place. Natural hides tend to loosen and stretch in different types of weather especially humidity. The drum head can be restored by heating the instrument slowly in front of a fire, using a hair dryer, or warming it on a heating pad. Don’t heat it any hotter than your hand can tolerate. Heat and dryness could split the head.

Clean your drum by rubbing it softly with a slightly damp cloth. Once in a while, the rawhide on the drum will benefit from a very light coating of Neatsfoot Oil compound on the back surface and on the cords.

Honor and respect the drum by not displaying it ostentatiously, by keeping the drum face up when setting it down, setting it down on a textile, and by smudging it regularly.

When a drum is new, it needs to be awakened. A relationship will develop with your drum and you will discover that your drum has moods. You will get spiritual benefit and guidance from playing your drum regularly. The following list of procedures will facilitate a good relationship with your drum:

1. Smudge it with sage.
2. Run your hand over the skin so that your oils will moisten it and wake it up.
3. Play it gently at first.
4. Journey to the spirit of your drum and meet the animal it was made from to say thanks and begin a partnership of healing work.
5. Journey to the tree who gave the wood for the frame.
6. Journey to the beater.
7. Journey to the spirit of the drum itself. Ask your drum to be your sacred partner. Ask for an opening symbol to be shown to you that you can draw on the skin each time you drum.

Rattles

Known as the voice of the spirit, rattles are used for: ceremonies, healing, cleansing and purifying, soul retrieval work, visionary work, and to gently call ancestral spirits. (The drum is not normally used to call The Ancestors lest they be awakened in a sudden, loud manner.) A shaman’s rattle possesses strong powers and should be kept in its own special medicine bag. Rattles can be made from many different items such as: turtle shells, snake, buffalo testicles, rawhide, gourds, deer hooves, and horn. There are many different items to make the rattle sound such as: seeds, crystal chips, pebbles, and bone pieces.

Other Instruments

Besides rattles and drums, other instruments that can be used are: flutes, whistles, conch shells, fiddles, clappers, tambourines, and clappers as well as singing and chanting.

DRUMMING CIRCLE STRUCTURE

A general outlive of a drumming circle session is listed here:

1. Smudging (see more below)
2. Opening sacred space (see more below)
3. Checking in (passing the talking stick, see more below)
4. Jamming (informal drumming session)
5. Journeying (optional, see more below)
6. Jamming (informal drumming session)
7. Closing (passing the stick again)
8. Closing sacred space
9. Social (optional)

The above is just a suggested framework from which you can design your own circle. Your drum circle can be structured in any way that you wish. One structure that I particularly like is called a Medicine Wheel Drumming and Prayer Ceremony and is outlined in Jim PathFinder Ewing’s book Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others. This ceremony recognizes the 4 directions by including 4 rounds of drumming allowing the energy of each direction to come in and facilitate prayers. It is similar to a sweat lodge without the sweat.

Being an informal jam session, drum circles do not play established songs. Drumming is started by one player beginning the rhythm and the other players chiming in with complementary rhythms. It is good to designate who the leader for a session is. This can be rotated among members or remain the responsibility of one of the more experienced drummers.

The following drum circle principles were created by Christine Stevens:

1. It is inclusive.
2. There is no teacher. The drum circle is led by a facilitator.
3. There is no audience. Everyone is part of the musical experience.
4. There is no rehearsal. The music is improvised. Spontaneity thrives.
5. There is no right or wrong. It’s about much more than drumming.

It may also be fun to add some drum circle games to your sessions, such as the following:

1. Play your name on the drums. It can be done in call and response, or to start a groove.
2. Use Simon Says to call out rhythms or things like “Simon Says play the drum 2 times.” “Simon Says play the drum with your elbows.”
3. Invite the group to jam until someone comes into the center and facilitates a stop. That person says one thing they’re celebrating and then go into another jam, waiting for the next person to recognize their personal cause to celebrate.

CLEARING & PURIFYING (SMUDGING)

Smudging is the burning of herbs or incense for cleansing, purification, protection of physical and spiritual bodies, banishment of negative energies and creation of sacred space. Smudging releases the energy and fragrance of the herbs and botanicals so they can heal, cleanse, and purify. Great respect must be given to the process of smudging for a relationship is being formed between you, the plant spirits, the Ancestors, and Great Mystery.

Typical herbs and incense used for smudging are: sage, sweetgrass, cedar, juniper, tobacco, palo santo, bay leaf, cypress, copal, fennel, frankincense, hibiscus flowers, lavender, lemongrass, mugwort, mullien, myrrh, orris root, osha, pine, fir, hemlock, spruce, pinon, rose petals, uvi ursi, yerba santa.

There are “smudgeless” forms of smudging that can be used in environments where people may have sensitivity to burning herbs or incense. One method is to use Florida water as is common in South America (I will demonstrate). The other form is to use rosemary or bay laurel branches to “whisk” the physical body with them.

The process for smudging with herbs is:

1. Light smudge stick and wait for it to smolder, letting the smoke start to rise, it carries your prayers to Great Spirit.
2. If using a smudge bowl, rub your hands in the smoke to cleanse them. If using a smudge stick, use a feather to direct the smoke.
3. Scoop the smoke:

• to the 4 directions
• downwards to Mother Earth
• upwards to Father Sky and Great Spirit. You may also offer to the moon, sun, waters, winds and universe.
• over the left shoulder to the spirits
• over the right shoulder to the ancestors
• to the head, so you will think good thoughts
• to the eyes, so you see the truth
• to the throat, so you will speak in truth, in kindness, and in non-judgmental ways
• to the ears, so that you will truly listen and hear only the truth
• to the heart, so you feel connected to all living beings in a loving way
• to the solar plexus, so your emotions connect with the Earth Mother
• [if a woman] to the womb, so your life giving energies go out into the world in balance and harmony
• under the feet to the dark side of your soul and to walk in peace
• breathe in the smudge, visualizing the smoke purifying your body from the inside

4. Say a little prayer asking the powers that be to remove all negativity and unwanted energies. Here is a sample prayer: Great Spirit, may my prayers travel up this smoke to you, that you may bring blessings and peace. I give thanks for all the blessings received.

Opening Sacred Space

Opening sacred space, also called “calling in the directions”, calls in the Spirits that are willing to support and fuel your intentions as well as protect space during ceremony where all will be connected to the divine.

Begin with any cardinal direction that you desire. North American native traditions usually begin in the East honoring new vision and the dawn.  Some Celtic and Scandinavian traditions begin in the North, referencing the North Star and Big Dipper. South American traditions begin in the South as a reference to the Southern Cross (Chicana). Usually six directions are called, the four cardinal directions plus Mother Earth and Father Sky. Some traditions add a 7^th direction that represents the Within, the Center, or Parallel Dimensions.

Using rattles, whistles, conch shells, drums, and Florida water, greet each direction. Then the caller of that direction invites the spirits to join the sacred space. Usually when sacred space is open, candles are lit or a fire is built.

After all ceremonial work is finished, it is important to close sacred space. Gratitude is given to the spirits of each direction and they are released.

Talking Stick

A very nice custom to use when doing a check in at the beginning of circle is the passing of the Talking Stick. A Talking Stick is used to give the floor to one person at a time to speak uninterrupted. The stick reminds the speaker that Great Spirit is listening to the message as well. If the speaker feels they cannot honor the Talking Stick with their words, they should refrain from speaking. All people must listen and not interrupt the individual holding the stick. The stick is passed to each individual in the group so that they have a chance to say their piece. Many items can be used as a talking stick including a stick, feather, peace pipe, wampum belt, shell, or some other sacred object.

Journeying

Shamanic journeying is a very ancient technique that has been practiced by healers, shamans and medicine people all over the world for at least 40,000 years in many cultures on every continent.

Journeying enables one to mindfully send their awareness into the hidden realms of their own consciousness to connect with inner wisdom, receive healing, receive answers to problems, or to discover information that can facilitate personal growth and understanding.

A shaman is one who can go into an altered state of consciousness at will. While in this altered state, they make a conscious choice to journey to another reality, a reality which is outside of time and space. This other reality is composed of 3 realms: the lower world, the middle world, and the upper world. These non-ordinary realities are inhabited by helping spirits and guides. The shaman is able to establish relationships with these spirit-guides and to bring back information and healing for the community or the individual.

Shamanic journeys are always undertaken with a specific purpose in mind. The classic way of entering the spirit world is by using a steady rhythm of drumming. The drum is known as the horse that the shaman rides into a trance.

Shamanic journey drumming is a 180-cycles-per-second beat that approximates the frequency of the Earth itself. This induces the theta brain wave state of altered consciousness.

Not all drumming circle participants may be experienced journeyers so journeying is optional. If the group does journey they can do individual journeys or they can journey as a group on a common theme. Spirit Canoe is ceremony where shamans journey as a group. Spirit Canoe originated in the Coast Salish culture of western Washington. They ride in an imaginary canoe to travel to non-ordinary realities. The journey is accompanied by singing, drumming, and rattling. The traditional purpose of a Spirit Canoe ceremony was to recover power for a client. Today the ceremony has been broadened to include journeys to the spirit world for various purposes.

One suggestion for a new drumming circle is to have the group journey to retrieve a totem spirit for the circle. A totem is a spirit being, animal, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe. The word totem comes from the Ojibway word dodaem and means “brother/sister kin”. People from the same clan have the same clan totem and are considered immediate family.

LINKS

Effective Core Shamanic Drumming Circles http://shamanism.org/articles/article14.html
Drum Circle Facilitators Guild www.dcfg.net/
Drum Circle Magazine http://drumcirclemagazine.com/
Village Music Circles http://drumcircle.com/
Living Drums (purchase drums) www.livingdrums.com

RECOMMENDED READING

Sacred Drumming by Steven Ash and Ash Renate
The Shamanic Drum: A Guide to Sacred Drumming by Michael Drake
Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits by Michael Drake
Drum Circle Facilitation Book Building Community through Rhythm by Arthur Hull
Drum Circle Spirit (Facilitating Human Potential through Rhythm) by Arthur Hull
The Art and Heart of Drum Circles by Christine Stevens
The Healing Drum Kit by Christine Stevens
Sacred Beat: From the Heart of the Drum Circle by Patricia Telesco and Don Waterhawk

Copyright © 2016 Drake Bear Stephen. Except where acknowledged.
www.DrakeInnerprizes.com

Fire Ceremony

GENERAL FACTS ABOUT FIRE

Fire is the force that produces heat and radiates light. Fire connects us to the ancestors, the stars, and the Creator of All That Is.

Fire is a powerful transformer. That is one reason that it is often used in ceremony. Transformation by Fire is sudden and total. Fire is both a creator and a destroyer. It must be controlled in order for us to benefit from it. Fire consumes oxygen and material and transforms them into light, heat, smoke, and ash. Transformation burns away the old to provide space for the new to appear.

Fire is most yang of the four elements. It represents the South, Summer, High Noon, the Masculine, and Youth. Fire is found in triangular or pointy-shaped objects and the colors red, orange, and yellow. In Asia, Fire is represented by the Vermilion Bird.

The elemental of Fire is the salamander. Commonly known as St. Elmo’s Fire, salamanders were thought of as glowing orbs of fire bursting with immense energy. They are said to control emotions such as passion, anger, and love.

The archangel of Fire is Michael; the angel is Aral; the ruler is Seraph; the king is Djin; and the astrological signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Fire is represented by wands or swords in the Tarot; flint by the Aztecs; a mouse by Native Americans; the lightning bolt by Hindu and Islamic faiths; an axe by the Scythians; an apple bough by the Greeks; and lions and ravens by the Christians.

The gods and goddesses of Fire include: Pele from Hawaiian tradition; Brigid, Bel, and Lugh from Celtic tradition; and Kali, Sita, and Agni from Hinduism. Agni is Sanskrit for “fire”.

Just like us, Fire has a light side and a shadow side. The characteristics associated with Fire on the light side are: action, assertiveness, authority, boldness, cleansing, consumption, creativity, energetic, enlightening, fertility, forceful, illuminating, lively, masculinity, passionate, power, purification, reflection, renewal, sexuality, untamed wildness, warmth, and will.

The characteristics associated with Fire on the shadow side are: anger, commanding, destruction, feisty, eruption, explosion, impetuousness, lust, temper, and war.

FIRE CELEBRATIONS & HOLIDAYS

Below are the recurring Fire ceremonies conducted within different cultures:

Chanukah The Jewish Festival of Lights, is observed for 8 nights. Candles are burned in a menorah. On the first night one is lit. Each night an additional candle is lit until on the last night all 8 are lit. The 9^th candle is called a shamas and is used to light all the other candles. Late Nov to Late Dec

Homa (Homam, Havan, Yajna, Yagya, Havan, Agnihotra) In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, this Fire ceremony includes kindling and consecrating a sacrificial Fire, invoking of one or more divinities, and making offerings while saying prayers and mantras. These Fire ceremonies are performed to let go of patterns and obstacles, express gratitude, petition for success, and for healing or purification.

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa, the celebration of African heritage, is observed for 7 nights. Candles are burned in a kinara. There are 3 red, 3 green and 1 black candle. Each of the 7 candles are dedicated to one of the following principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Dec 26 to Jan 1

New Fire Ceremony The Aztecs celebrated every 52 years when their 260-day ritual and 365-day civil calendars returned to the same positions relative to each other. All Fires were allowed to burn out. A new Fire was lit during a ceremony from which the people rekindled their personal Fires.

Pagan The wheel of the pagan year is celebrated with 8 festivals. Traditionally there was always a Fire at these celebrations. (Dates shown below are for the Northern Hemisphere and would be reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.) The Fire Festivals are:

Imbolc, Brigid’s Day Many candles are lit to celebrate the return of the sun. Brigid is the Triple Goddess of Fire. Feb 2

Beltane, May Day From the Irish Gaelic Bealtaine, which meanings Bel-fire (the Fire of Bel, Celtic God of light). Beltane is celebrated with bonfires, feasting, dancing around the Maypole and lots of sexual energy. Renewal and purification rites are performed by jumping the bonfire. The Celtic herds were driven between two bonfires to purify and protect. May 1

Lughnasadh, Lammas Honoring the Celtic Sun God Lugh. Aug 1

Samhain, Celtic New Year Since the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest at this time, scrying by viewing the flames of the candle or Fire is an excellent way to connect with the Spirit World. Oct 31

The Seasonal Festivals based on the solar calendar are:

Spring Equinox, Ostara, Eostre Fires are lit at sunrise to welcome the new spring. Mar 21

Summer Solstice, Litha, Midsummers Night A celebration of the Sun God, traditional herbs are cast into the bonfire and people dance around the flaming pit and jump the Fire for fertility, luck and a prosperous harvest. Jun 21

Autumn Equinox, Mabon Fires celebrate the harvest. Sep 22

Winter Solstice, Yule, Saturnalia Welcoming the return of the Sun God, the yule log is lit. Dec 21

FIRE CEREMONY

Fire is alive and has a spirit. So when we conduct Fire ceremony, it is important to recognize Fire as a living organism. Call on ceremonial Fire for the following reasons: banishing negativity, courage, energy, protection, purification, renewal, sexual matters, strength, and transformation.

Fire ceremony is one of the most powerful ceremonies there are because Fire is a powerful transformer. Fire ceremonies are common in almost all spiritual practices and across all ancient and native cultures. Smoke from Fire takes the intentions from the offerings to the universe so that they can be manifested. Fire ceremonies are traditionally held around a holiday, full, or new moons. However, any time you have an intention or a need for a ritual, Fire ceremony can be performed. In the past, Fire ceremony was conducted by an experienced medicine person after extensive training. This tradition no longer holds true. Anyone with pure intention and open heart can lead a Fire ceremony, whether for individual use or for a group.

Fire ceremony can also use the following representations of fire: candles, a storm, and stars.

Here are the natural steps to creating a sacred fire:

1. Place kindling in a square and then build a short teepee of wood over it. Fill in with paper and kindling as needed. Use natural Fire starters and avoid commercial lighter fluids.
2. Designate one or more Fire keepers, who will tend the Fire throughout the ceremony until the embers die out. Each Fire keeper writes their name on a piece of paper and places it in the unlit wood.
3. Place tobacco on the unlit wood.
4. Add a pinch of sacred ashes from a pre-existing collection. In the shamanic tradition, cold ashes are collected after a sacred Fire has burned out. These ashes are added into a collection of ashes from many sacred Fires. The bits of charcoal in the ash may be affectionately referred to as “the bones”. Ashes can also be handed from shaman to shaman as the collection grows. When lighting a sacred fire, a pinch of the ashes are added.
5. Open sacred space or call in the spirits from the directions, whatever is appropriate for your personal tradition.
6. Light the Fire.
7. Feed the Fire. The Fire is made friendly with olive oil or other offerings (see list below).
8. Sing Fire songs or chant while waiting for the Fire to become friendly.
9. Approach the Fire to put your personal offerings into it. The Fire will transform your intentions into light and smoke allowing them to go to Spirit. Come to the Fire without fear and with an open heart so that the heat and flames will not harm you.
10. Another stick can be used for global prayers, a prayer for Mother Earth. The stick can be passed so that each participant adds their prayers. Then the stick is offered to the Fire.
11. At the close of ceremony sacred space is closed and spirits from the directions are released.
12. The Fire keeper stays with the Fire until it is embers.

Here are a few common rules of Fire etiquette:

1. Always walk clockwise around a Fire.
2. Never throw trash into a sacred Fire.
3. Never put anything in the sacred Fire without getting permission from the Fire keeper or Fire leader.
4. Always insure that the Fire area is safe. Make sure that sparks will not ignite surrounding brush, grass, bushes, and trees

5. Never douse a sacred Fire with water. Dirt to smother the Fire can be kept nearby in case of an emergency.

FIRE OFFERINGS

Making offerings to Fire helps affirm our intentions. One way to create an offering is to use sticks about pencil size. Create a desire for each of the sticks you have gathered, whether it be manifesting something, banishing something, or gratitude for something. Call up the feeling around each of your desires and blow one into each of the sticks. Place the sticks into the Fire and watch them burn.

Below is a list of additional offerings and what they are usually associated with. To make an offering, simply blow your intention into a pinch or handful of the offering. Then throw it directly on the fire.

3 Sisters: Corn, Beans, & Squash seeds. Corn is for sustenance and gifting back to the earth what we have been given. Beans are for protection and represent sacred places or places of emergence. Squash is for honoring the Plant People.

Bee Pollen: For transformation, fertilization, sweetness, and nourishment.

Cedar: Purify, cleanse, or decrease negativity. Induces psychic powers. Attracts money.

Copal: For purification, uplifting spirits, protection, spirituality, and attracting love.

Cornmeal: For protection and abundance.

Juniper: Purify, protect, create sacred space. Aids clairvoyance. Attracts good energy & love.

Lavender: For peace of mind and inner calm.

Lemon Verbena: Increases power in spell workings, purifies, increases sexual attraction.

Petition Paper: Write your desire, affirmation, prayer on a piece of paper.

Prayer Ties: Tobacco-filled cotton squares tied on a string that hold prayers, intentions, and affirmations.

Pine Cones: Symbol of growth.

Popcorn: Jumping between the worlds. Kernels of truth popping into awareness.

Rosemary: Protects against evil and cleanses.

Rose Petals: For good luck in love, psychic powers, healing, and protection.

Sweetgrass: Brings in positive energy, calls spirits, ancestors.

Tobacco: Amplifies prayers, provides healing & purification, allows communication with spirits.

White Sage: Purifies, drives out negative spirits, thoughts, and feelings.

FIRE DIVINATION

During Fire ceremony, you might see messages as you observe the fire. There may be images that you see in the flames. Look for indications that have a particular meaning for you and the circumstances you are in at the present time. Below is a list of some characteristics and what they might indicate. However, like in dreams and other divination techniques, it is always best to interpret the events with your own meanings.

Is the Fire hard to start? This may indicate more effort is needed to manifest your petition or it may not be the most auspicious time to have a Fire ceremony.

How quickly does the wood catch fire? This may indicate Fire’s receptivity to your petition or reason for ceremony.

Does the Fire burn very slowly or does it go out? This may indicate your petition will be very slow in coming to fruition.

Does the Fire burn more to one side? This may indicate love may be in the air or that your situation may be one-sided.

Is there a lot of crackling, hissing, popping? This may indicate Spirits are trying to communicate.

Is there sparking? This may indicate that your petition will be fulfilled.

Is there a distinct hollow in the flames? This may indicate an ending of a problem bothering you.

Does the Fire suddenly roar up into the air for no apparent reason? This may indicate an argument or explosive drama may soon occur.

Do sparks fly up aggressively into the air? This may indicate important news is on the way.

Do 3 bolts of flame rise up and burn separately? This may indicate a momentous event will occur soon.

Do the flames burn high? This may indicate that power and energy are going into your petition.

Do the flames burn low? This may indicate that obstacles are being removed before your petition is manifested.

Is the Fire strong? This may indicate your desires are moving toward manifesting.

Is the Fire weak? This may indicate you are facing strong opposition.

Are the flames flickering a lot? This may indicate the presence of spirits.

Are the flames jumping? This may indicate bursts of energy are being transmitted.

Do the flames look like a rainbow? This may indicate that the energies being produced are very strong.

Is the smoke moving toward you? This may indicate your petition has been acknowledged.

Is the smoke moving away from you? This may indicate perseverance will be needed for your petition.

Is the smoke moving to your right? This may indicate you will need to be patient and success comes from using your head.

Is the smoke moving to your left? This may indicate you are too emotionally involved with the petition and in danger of subconsciously sabotaging your petition

FIRE SONGS

There are many songs that can be sung around the fire. Songs not only feed the Fire but knit the community connections into a tapestry of sacred space. Here are just a few recommended songs. Most of these can be downloaded from Apple iTunes.

Brooke Medicine Eagle – “Mother I Feel You”
Donald T. McMahon & Pam Mc Mahon – “We Circle Around”
Elliot Diamond – “Nitche Tai Tai”
Kate Marks & Friends – “Earth My Body” & “Wani Wachialo”
Kinlen Wheeler and Scott Johnson – “Long Tail Feathers”, “Fly Like Eagles”, & “Infinite Sun”

Copyright © 2016 Drake Bear Stephen. Except where acknowledged. www.DrakeInnerprizes.com

The 3 Ds of Dealing with Traumatic Memories

Tags

Trauma

DEFINITION OF TRAUMATIC MEMORY

Trauma is defined as a negative psychological reaction that is a direct result of an emotionally stressful experience such as abuse, injury, or combat. Each individual has a personal definition of what is traumatic for them so that what may be considered non-traumatic to one person is felt to be very traumatic by another. Therefore, the details of a trauma are not nearly as important as developing healing solutions to incidents that are perceived to be traumatic. It is not ethical for a healing practitioner to try to remove or change traumatic memories of their clients. However, there are some tools that can assist trauma survivors to reframe unpleasant past memories

THE 3 Ds

Healing is facilitated, not by changing the past, but by changing the perception of what happened in the past. I developed a process called the 3 Ds, when working with trauma survivors:

• Discover – Identify the original trauma. Trauma can surface as memories of past occurrences that go back as far as early childhood or even to past lives.
• Defuse – Use of various techniques to work with the after-effects of trauma.
• Develop – Creating a new reaction when the original traumatic memory is triggered. Install an anchor that activates a switch toward the new reaction.

DISCOVER

Traumatic memories may be conscious or they may be buried in the subconscious. However, there events that trigger these memories to surface. It is important to have a plan of action for when this occurs.

Be able to identify when a traumatic memory is triggered and be familiar with the symptoms of trauma. Short term symptoms of trauma may include hypervigilance, hypersensitivity, nightmares, mood swings, anxiety, phobias, amnesia, addictive behaviors, fear, or self-mutilation. Longer term effects may include chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression, disassociation, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosomatic illnesses, or immune system problems.

The subconscious stores long term memories. All memories run along a network of neurons in the brain. The more often a memory occurs, the more the network connections are strengthened. Each time this pathway is traveled it becomes more deeply embedded in the mind. Beliefs are then created from this memory pathway.

A metaphor that illustrates this is that of a train running down a track. Each time a subsequent event triggers a traumatic memory, a train carrying thoughts and emotions, travels down a track to reach a specific reaction. This track is the neurological network in our brain. The more often the neurological network is traveled, the deeper the pathway becomes embedded or “hard-wired” in the brain.

DEFUSE

Defusing a traumatic memory includes deconstructing the traumatic incident and desensitizing the effects of the trauma. Some very effective techniques that hypnotherapists may use are:

• Employing desensitization techniques to remove the emotional charge of the memory.
• Doing an inner child rescue.
• Creating a protection entity such as a power animal, angel, spirit guide, or super hero.
• Creating a “peaceful place” that is an alternative to the “painful place”. This virtual safe place is created from a favorite place in nature.
• Working with the sub-personalities to develop an inner support system.
• If there is a perpetrator, understanding their motive during the trauma.

DEVELOP

A new destination (reaction) to the traumatic memory is created. The thoughts and emotions associated with the new destination should foster self-love, self-esteem, and self-empowerment.

If a new reaction is created, one that is desired more than the old familiar pattern, there is a new destination for the train to travel to. In order for the train to get there, though, there has to be a switch installed on the track.

The switch is a physical anchor, such as touching the body at a specific place. Identify a place on the body that is not usually touched. As the new reaction is visualized and felt, touch that specific place on the body. This new feeling becomes associated with the action of the touch. The next time the traumatic memory is triggered, the simply touch this place, recall the feeling of the new reaction, and the train now travels the new track. In this way the switch does double duty as a decision point and as a break state.

An additional aid in this process is to identify where the track of the traumatic memory exists in the consciousness. Then visualize the installation of a switch and a new track.

In this way, the old memory is preserved but there is a new reaction available as a new destination. The more often the new pathway is traveled, the stronger it will become until it is eventually “hard-wired” in the brain. The old track always remains but the train now travels down the new track.

RECOMMENDED READING

In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness – Peter A. Levine

Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past: A Practical Guide for Understanding and Working with Traumatic Memory – Peter A. Levine

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma – Peter A. Levine

Quick Steps to Resolving Trauma – Bill O’Hanlon

Copyright © 2016 Drake Bear Stephen. Except where acknowledged. www.DrakeInnerprizes.com

Anatomy of a Soul

Tags

Higher Self, Oversoul, Soul

SOUL PSYCHOLOGY

The field of Western psychology is one-dimensional in that its focus is limited to individual’s present lives in the 3^rd (physical) dimension. Although Western psychology is very effective in what it does cover, its shortcoming is that it does not take into account the fact that we are multi-dimensional beings.

Our souls have lived multiple lives in many different dimensions. In fact, as we will explore in this article, our souls are living in multiple dimensions at this very moment.

Soul psychology includes all aspects of the soul, such as past, future, and inter lives; karma; life lessons; other dimensions; spirit guides; and soul groups in order to assist clients realize their highest potential. Methods used include past life and life-between-lives therapy and working with spirit guides. Soul psychologists support clients as they work on their soul history, soul imprints, soul lessons, and soul inclinations (passions and gifts). In addition, the soul psychologist helps clients process their interactions with others in their soul sphere of influence.

To read about the different dimensions referred to in this article, please access my blog on “Dimensions of Consciousness” at: https://drakebearstephen.wordpress.com/2014/02/11/consciousness-dimensions/

SOUL AND SPIRIT

Often, spirit and soul are used interchangeably and can have different definitions based on the culture defining them. Spirit is action energy. It is our divine connection to the Source. It activates purpose, mission, and evolution opportunities. Soul is identity energy. It contains consciousness, memory, personality, and ego when we are incarnated. When embodied, we are spirit, have a soul, and live in a body.

Holographic energy can create a whole universe from each individual part no matter how small or distant the part is. The part contains the whole and yet is clearly distinguishable from it. In a holographic universe, every moment (past, present, and future) exists simultaneously. Every place is connected to every other place. Every particle contains the full awareness of every other particle. The soul is holographic. The part of an incarnated individual that resides in the 3^rd dimension is just one part of a greater soul that stretches across multiple dimensions.

Ian Lawton, in his book The Big Book of the Soul, describes soul consciousness as holographic. He says that a soul is simultaneously the individual aspect of Source and the full holographic representation of Source. Therefore the Soul is a part of Source but retains its own free will. Every individual consciousness is a part of Universal consciousness. He says “All is in each and each is in all and all is in Source and Source is in all.” This is how we are all related.

In this article, we will focus on the anatomy of the holographic soul.

Many cultures believe that an individual has multiple souls. In many cases, one of the souls is associated with the body and the other one can leave the body (free soul). Each of the different souls has a different destiny after death. Among many northern Asian peoples one soul remains with the corpse, one soul descends to the underworld, and one soul ascends to the heavens. Following is a list of how some different theological belief systems view the soul:

Animism – Everything has a soul.

Apapocuva Guaraní of Brazil – A gentle vegetable soul comes fully formed from the dwelling place of the gods and joins with the infant at the moment of birth. Soon, a vigorous animal soul joins the vegetable soul. Upon death, the vegetable soul enters paradise and the animal soul becomes a fierce ghost.

Buddhism – Humans have no permanent self. Anatta means no-self or no soul.

Chinese – A human has two souls: an ethereal hun (spiritual soul/spirit that leaves the body after death) and a p’o (physical soul that remins with the corpse). The p’o is linked to the dead body and the grave, whereas the hún is linked to the ancestral tablet. Chinese traditions differ over the number of hun and p’o souls in a person. Taoism believes in 10 souls, sanhunqipo (3 hun and 7 p’o).

Christianity – A human has a body (soma), soul (psyche), and spirit (pneuma).

Egyptians – Souls reside in different parts of the body. An individual can have up to 10 souls, which include: Ren, Ka, Sheut, Ib/Ab, Sekhem, Aakhu, Khaibut, Khat, and Sahu. At death, the Ka remains in the tomb and the Ba ascends to the spiritual regions.

Eskimo – A human has more than one type of soul. Some believe one is associated with respiration and the other accompanies the body as a shadow.

Hawaiian – There are 3 parts of the soul: Aumakua (Superconscious Self), Uhane (Conscious Self), and Unihipili (Subconscious Self).

Hinduism – There are 25 coverings wrapped on a soul: Iccha avarka, Linga deha, Avyakta sharira, Avidya avarna, Karma avarna, Kama avarna, Jeevacchadaka, Paramacchadaka, Narayana rupa avarna, Vasudeva rupa avarna, Sankarshana rupa avarna, Pradhyumna avarka, Anniruddha avarka, Anniruddha sharira, Vasudeva kavaca, Narayana kavaca, Anandamaya kosha, Vignanamaya kosha, Manomaya kosha, Vangmaya kosha, Shrotrumaya kosha, Chakshurmaya kosha, Pranamaya kosha, Annamaya kosha, and the Gross Body.

Hungarian/Baltic-Finnic – Humans have a dualistic shadow-soul called Itse.

Jainism – Every living being has a soul. The soul (Atman) is categorized by its liberation state. It can be Liberated (having attained Moksha) or Non-liberated (exists in either human form, in the form of another living being, in heaven, or in hell until the birth and death cycle is complete).

Kabbalah – The human soul has 3 basic components:

• Nefesh is the “animal soul” or “lower soul” and represents instinct and personality. At death, the Nefesh remains in the grave.
• Ruah is the “middle soul” and represents intellect and the conscious. At death the Ruah ascends to the terrestrial paradise in accordance with its merits.
• Neshamah is the spiritual portion of the soul or the “higher self”. It is the power connection to the Source. At death, the Neshamah goes back to the Divine world or Divine Mind.

Plato – A human soul has 3 parts: Logos (mind, reason), Thymos (emotion, spiritedness, masculine), and Eros (desire, feminine).

Q’ero of the Andes – When a human dies, their body goes to Earth, their wisdom go to the mountains, and their energy goes to the stars.

Rudolf Steiner – A human has 3 stages of soul development: the Sentient Soul, the Intellectual (Mind) Soul, and the Consciousness Soul.

Siberia and Mongolia – A human possesses at least 3 souls: the Suld, Ami, and Suns. Some groups, such as the Samoyed, believe there are 4 souls in women and 5 souls in men. These extra souls are not permanent, like the core 3 souls that all Siberian groups agree upon, and the extra one or two souls gradually dissipate after the death of the physical body.

SOUL COSMOLOGY

Our souls are multi-dimensional. This means they exist in multiple dimensions concurrently. There is also a soul “hierarchy” that supports our soul’s journey.

Our incarnated Soul, in the form of an energy body, overlays the physical body. The energy body is attached to the physical body through the chakra system. However, the incarnated Soul is only a small part of our total soul energy.

The Oversoul is an intermediate level that exists between the incarnated Soul and the Higher Self. The Oversoul does not incarnate. Its function is to coordinate multiple soul journeys. For example, the soul can be having multiple experiences in different dimensions simultaneously, including parallel lives on Earth. The Oversoul keeps a bird’s eye view of all of the soul’s activities.

The Higher Self is the intermediary between our Soul/Oversoul and the Source of All That Is (aka Creator, Great Spirit, God). It is the individualized essence of Source. It is called by many different names, such as: I Am Presence, I Am That I Am, Pure Being, Love, Essence of Life, Cosmic Consciousness, Universal Mind, Atman, and Monad. The Higher Self holds all knowledge and wisdom. It knows all that the Soul has ever experienced. The Higher Self is the highest point of consciousness within the Soul. It is totally and irrevocably one with the Source of All That Is. It is the source of our intuition. The Higher Self, representing the Eternal Self, is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, infinite, wise, loving, light, free, and indestructible.

Being holographic, the Oversoul and Higher Self are aware of all the Soul’s fragments as well as the Soul’s wholeness simultaneously. When a Soul is ready to incarnate, it works with the Oversoul, Higher Self, and its guides and mentors to create a life plan for the upcoming life.

Our conscious minds are tapped into the Soul level that is incarnated on Earth. The Oversoul and Higher Self can be accessed through the subconscious or superconscious mind. Deep trance, shamanic journeying, and meditation can open these portals. Much of the communication between the Oversoul and our other Soul Parts occur while we are asleep. Sometimes, when we first awaken after sleeping, there is a period of time that bleed-through of awareness from the other dimensions can occur.

By acknowledging and listening to our Higher Self, we expand our perception to view a much bigger picture than what our everyday incarnated consciousness provides.

The whole of eternity is present in each moment.
When I live my life one moment at a time, one breath at a time,
I live from my Highest Self which is one with all.
I am a child of the one light, a bridge between heaven and earth.
When love flows across that bridge, miracles happen.
–Joan Borysenko & Joan Drescher, On Wings of Light

The Layers of the Soul:

The Cosmology of the Soul:

SOUL RELATIONSHIPS

Below is a list of different relationships that the soul can be a participant in:

Member of a Soul Group: Every soul belongs to a soul group. A soul group is a group of souls who come from the same soul family and soul origin. Often soul groups reincarnate together on Earth. Sometimes only a part of the group incarnate at the same time. Individuals in the same soul group have the same soul purpose and can have similar feelings, thoughts, and inclinations. When an individual is incarnated with members of their soul group, they feel deeply connected.

Soul Mates – Soul mates are souls that have had many lifetimes together. Their purpose is to help each other grow, evolve, and process karma. Soul mates play many different types of roles such as siblings, parents, children, best friends, co-workers, teachers, and romantic partners. Soul mates feel a deep connection through friendship, love, intimacy, and sexuality or they feel intense resistance, loathing, and even hate. A soul can have many soulmates in a lifetime. Soul mate relationships can be brief or they can last for an entire lifetime.

Twin Flames – If is a popular belief that when souls were first created and began their incarnations on Earth, they were split in two, creating the twin flame or twin soul phenomenon. In addition, many believe they were split by binary gender (male and female). This leads many people to believe that they must find their “other half” and be reunited in order to become whole. I, personally, do not support this concept, mainly because it fosters the belief that our souls are not good enough by themselves, that they are incomplete. Sri Ram Kaa & Kira Raa, through communication with Archangel Zadkiel, define 4 different soul groups which supports the belief that twin flames exist for some but not all souls:

1. Union Souls: These souls were birthed as one but split in half when Atlantis deconstructed. They are seeking to reunify with their other half (twin flame). Union souls experience many marriages over multiple lifetimes.
2. Omni Souls: These souls were birthed as one and have never split. They feel complete without a partner. Omni souls experience temporary relationships.
3. Dual Souls: These souls were birthed as one complete soul but have another counterpart (twin soul). They are whole as individuals yet find greater connection with their counterpart. Dual souls, while looking for their twin, can find earthly fulfillment without their counterpart.
4. Multi-expressional Souls: These souls were birthed as one soul but have the ability and desire to express in many ways. Multi-expressional souls often practice polyamory and may find it difficult to stay in a committed relationship.

Parallel Souls – Parallel souls, also known as parallel lives, is one soul that is living multiple lives in the 3^rd dimension simultaneously. Technically all lives are happening concurrently because in other dimensions, there is no time-space continuum. Time is not linear, it is a frequency. So past, present, and future lives are all happening at once but at different frequencies. A parallel life is two or more lives happening concurrently at the same frequency.

Soul Transfers (Walk-ins) – In this process, a new soul merges into an existing incarnated body and the original soul leaves. This is always done with agreement between the incoming and outgoing souls. The human self may not be aware of this transfer because the agreements are made on the soul level and the incoming soul assumes the memory of the outgoing soul. In addition, the incoming soul agrees to take on the karmic responsibilities of that body’s life. The incoming soul is usually more evolved than the outgoing soul. Many times the soul exchange takes place during a traumatic situation. The advantage to the incoming soul is that they can activate their mission right away instead of waiting for the physical body to grow through infancy and childhood.

Soul Braiding (Walk-alongs) – In this process, a new soul merges into an existing incarnated body but the original soul does not leave. This is usually a short term or temporary situation. There are different reasons why a soul may want to “borrow” an existing body such as they may never have been on Earth before and want to test it out or they may come in with special abilities in order to carry out a particular mission.

Soul Entities – These disembodied souls have crossed over through the death process but remain in the 4^th dimension (the astral plane). This happens if the soul is not ready or willing to “pass through the Light” to the 5^th dimension. Instead, they desire to live vicariously through a body that is still incarnated so they attach to a physical/energy body of an incarnated soul. Disembodied souls that become entities can be divided into two categories: the “lost” (souls may not realize they have passed or feel they have left the physical plane with unfulfilled agendas) and the “fallen” (souls that have less than desirable intentions when attaching to an incarnated soul). A host is an incarnated individual who voluntarily shares their body with other souls while retaining their own consciousness and sense of self.

Starseeds – These are beings from other planets, star systems, or galaxies. The motivations for starseeds to come to earth are usually to help Earth’s evolutionary transformation. Starseeds have an awareness of galactic consciousness. New starseeds have had few or no previous lifetimes on earth and may have a difficult time adjusting to Earth’s environment. Typical starseeds may have lived 5-50 life times on Earth but retain some of their extraterrestrial abilities. Old soul starseeds have had hundreds of life times on Earth. They are often spiritual teachers, shamans, prophets, light workers, healers, and leaders. Technically speaking, all humans are probably starseeds if their lineage is followed all the way to Source.

 We have calcium in our bones,
iron in our veins, carbon in our souls.
and nitrogen in our brains.
93% stardust, with souls made of flames,
we are all just stars that have people names.
–Nikita Gill

Wanderers – These beings are souls from other planets or dimensions, who come to Earth with a specific mission. Often this mission is helping prepare humanity for coming changes. After completion of the mission, they return “home”. Technically speaking, all souls are Wanderers because they experience many realities simultaneously. A soul’s ultimate “home” is the return to higher consciousness as sparks of light and the eventual reunion with the Source of All That Is.

Our Soul Relationships:

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