The problem with the silver cord and the dangers of it

[zorgblar]

Have you ever heard the claim that someone can't die unless the silver cord connecting the astral body and the physical body snaps?EVERYONE claims that ONLY death can snap the cord but this IS NOT true.First we have to look at were this whole idea comes from so in order to understand this idea futher we have to go to it's source and that's the bible.It's source in found in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 12 verses 6-7:Remember him-before the silver cord is severed,
and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
and the wheel broken at the well,
and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

It NEVER says that death is the ONLY thing that snaps the cord.It just says death is just the FINAL RESULT of the cord snapping!

So if death is not the ONLY thing that snaps the cord should we be worried?

[zorgblar]

I MIGHT be wrong about this whole thing so that's why I'm asking everyone else what they think.

[Selski]

Many moons ago, people believed in the bible.  Lots of people.  They were controlled by churches and governed by fear. 

Back then, those who did have OBEs no doubt created a silver cord, due to what they had read in the bible.  And then proceeded to be very careful so as not to snap it.  This caused a sort of snowball effect.  The silver cord was recorded.  And thus the next set of OBErs experienced it - because they had read that it exists.  And so on. 

I believe very little that's in the bible.  And I think the silver cord is non-existent.  I've never seen or felt it during my OBEs.  I've also experimented with expecting to feel one, but still nothing. 

Of course, that's only my experience. 

Sarah

[zorgblar]

Many moons ago, people believed in the bible.  Lots of people.  They were controlled by churches and governed by fear. 

Back then, those who did have OBEs no doubt created a silver cord, due to what they had read in the bible.  And then proceeded to be very careful so as not to snap it.  This caused a sort of snowball effect.  The silver cord was recorded.  And thus the next set of OBErs experienced it - because they had read that it exists.  And so on. 

I believe very little that's in the bible.  And I think the silver cord is non-existent.  I've never seen or felt it during my OBEs.  I've also experimented with expecting to feel one, but still nothing. 

Of course, that's only my experience. 

Sarah

Yeah i also think the silver cord is just something created by our minds but I'm not 100% sure.And by the way i am christian so i take the bible VERY seriously just to let you know.

[Selski]

And by the way i am christian so i take the bible VERY seriously just to let you know.

Hi zorgblar

Thank you for letting me know.  I will make sure my posts take this into account if I respond to you in future. 

Interestingly, I was brought up a Christian.  My parents are still, they also know about my OBEs etc., and are very open-minded and accepting of my beliefs.  My Dad recently gave me my old bible and said that I would find Ecclesiastes of particular interest as it is quite 'spiritual'. 

It was lovely opening the bible that I owned when I was just a child - it was full of stickers saying "Jesus Loves You" and "One Way to Heaven".

Sarah

[psychosoma]

The Ecclesiastical passage that refers to the silver cord is the only such passage in the entire bible.  It is not clear that this "silver cord" is anything non-physical at all.  A little research will show that many theologians believe this is referring to the physical spinal cord.  Note that the "silver cord" is not the only item mentioned in the passage.  If the silver cord were referring to an astral cord, then what is the golden bowl referring to?  Or the  "pitcher at the spring?" Or the "wheel at the well?"  Again, many theologians believe these refer to other body parts such as the brain, heart, etc.  To say otherwise is mere speculation with no additional biblical support whatsoever.

Having said that, it is noteworthy that Robert Bruce says there is a cord (actually, several cords).  Sylvann Muldoon also reported a cord.  I personally have never seen or perceived one.  But seeing as we all project every night, consciously or not, and wake up each morning, it appear the danger of the cord breaking is minimal if not non-existent.

To Zorgblar, I was once a fundamentalist, evangelical, born-again christian, and I also took the bible very seriously.  So seriously, that I studied it fervently for many many years.  Ironically, it was this in-depth study that gradually brought me to the realization that the bible is not infallible, it is not inherent, and it is most definitely not the "word of god."  It was written by men with varied, but limited moral, scientific and spiritual knowledge.  The errors, contradictions and outright fallacies are multitude within it's pages, and I can confidently backup that statement if anyone has any questions or concerns.

Curiously, I remember when I was a fundamentalist, that I burned all my metaphysical books, including any on Astral Travel, as such things were considered "of the devil."  And all my rock and roll albums.  It was quite costly buying them all back again LOL 

Davidovich

[Selski]

If the silver cord were referring to an astral cord, then what is the golden bowl referring to?  Or the  "pitcher at the spring?" Or the "wheel at the well?"  Again, many theologians believe these refer to other body parts such as the brain, heart, etc.  To say otherwise is mere speculation with no additional biblical support whatsoever.

Exactly.  I had the same thoughts, but didn't air them

But seeing as we all project every night, consciously or not, and wake up each morning, it appear the danger of the cord breaking is minimal if not non-existent.

Not sure if it was Robert Monroe or Robert Peterson, but if I remember rightly, they deliberately 'broke' the silver cord to see what would happen.  They came back to tell the story.

Curiously, I remember when I was a fundamentalist, that I burned all my metaphysical books, including any on Astral Travel, as such things were considered "of the devil."  And all my rock and roll albums.  It was quite costly buying them all back again LOL 

Sarah

[Kraven Obscuria]

Zorgblar,

In response to your IM about answering this post, I really cannot add much more than what has already been said. I have never experienced the cord myself, however some credible sources confirm it's literal existence.

As per your "Source" of inspiration, the book contains some uplifting parables, yet was hence, man-made and certainly not the oldest of religious texts. Even then, many of these things can be considered metaphorical, unless "proven" literally, which isn't so easy.

[Awakened_Mind]

Have you ever heard the claim that someone can't die unless the silver cord connecting the astral body and the physical body snaps?EVERYONE claims that ONLY death can snap the cord but this IS NOT true.First we have to look at were this whole idea comes from so in order to understand this idea futher we have to go to it's source and that's the bible.It's source in found in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 12 verses 6-7:Remember him-before the silver cord is severed,
and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
and the wheel broken at the well,
and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

It NEVER says that death is the ONLY thing that snaps the cord.It just says death is just the FINAL RESULT of the cord snapping!

So if death is not the ONLY thing that snaps the cord should we be worried?

I wouldn't say so. I don't actually silver cord at all when I project. From my perspective it's an invention the mind to assure the individual they can return to their body. I know that a lot of other people have never seen one either. I wouldn't be overly worried about it at all.

-AM

[jub jub]

The Ecclesiastical passage that refers to the silver cord is the only such passage in the entire bible.  It is not clear that this "silver cord" is anything non-physical at all.  A little research will show that many theologians believe this is referring to the physical spinal cord.  Note that the "silver cord" is not the only item mentioned in the passage.  If the silver cord were referring to an astral cord, then what is the golden bowl referring to?  Or the  "pitcher at the spring?" Or the "wheel at the well?"  Again, many theologians believe these refer to other body parts such as the brain, heart, etc.  To say otherwise is mere speculation with no additional biblical support whatsoever.

Having said that, it is noteworthy that Robert Bruce says there is a cord (actually, several cords).  Sylvann Muldoon also reported a cord.  I personally have never seen or perceived one.  But seeing as we all project every night, consciously or not, and wake up each morning, it appear the danger of the cord breaking is minimal if not non-existent.

To Zorgblar, I was once a fundamentalist, evangelical, born-again christian, and I also took the bible very seriously.  So seriously, that I studied it fervently for many many years.  Ironically, it was this in-depth study that gradually brought me to the realization that the bible is not infallible, it is not inherent, and it is most definitely not the "word of god."  It was written by men with varied, but limited moral, scientific and spiritual knowledge.  The errors, contradictions and outright fallacies are multitude within it's pages, and I can confidently backup that statement if anyone has any questions or concerns.

Curiously, I remember when I was a fundamentalist, that I burned all my metaphysical books, including any on Astral Travel, as such things were considered "of the devil."  And all my rock and roll albums.  It was quite costly buying them all back again LOL 

Davidovich

I think we might be twin brothers or something.   My sentiments exactly!

[kiwibonga]

If you've read Monroe's books, recall Miranon, she was one of his "explorers." Miranon was the first person who had undeniably gone "too far" and risked dying and never returning to her body if she didn't snap out of the blissful trance-like feeling she got after going too far in the dimensions.

It happened to Monroe in Ultimate Journey, he snapped out of it and woke up to an extremely cold body; his heart had stopped for a moment.

In my opinion, this is what severing the silver cord means.. Tugging on it or trying to cut it with astral scissors is ridiculous.. It's about changing your point of reference until you don't even know about your physical body anymore, and so can never wake up in it, ever again.

[zorgblar]

If you've read Monroe's books, recall Miranon, she was one of his "explorers." Miranon was the first person who had undeniably gone "too far" and risked dying and never returning to her body if she didn't snap out of the blissful trance-like feeling she got after going too far in the dimensions.

It happened to Monroe in Ultimate Journey, he snapped out of it and woke up to an extremely cold body; his heart had stopped for a moment.

In my opinion, this is what severing the silver cord means.. Tugging on it or trying to cut it with astral scissors is ridiculous.. It's about changing your point of reference until you don't even know about your physical body anymore, and so can never wake up in it, ever again.

It's weird you should mention this.I once read a book that claimed that if you project out to far into the other dimensions you might not be able to get back into your body.Weird.

[psychosoma]

The greatest difficulty encountered by most travelers is not staying out too long or going too far.  Rather, it's being able to stay out long enough or far enough.  The tendency is to be drawn back to the physical all too soon, so I think even a deliberate attempt to stay out long enough to bring about your physical demise is something you would not want to do, and even if you did, would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to achieve.  So I wouldn't even worry about it.  Even if you were determined (which you're not), it is exceedingly unlikely that you would succeed.  And even if you did, well, then I guess your physical body would die, something that, like it or not, is going to happen one day anyway.  You could far more easily be killed in an automobile, or skiing, or any of a number of day to day activities, but does that stop you from doing them?  Relax, get out there and explore.  You'll be fine!

Psychosoma

[zorgblar]

The greatest difficulty encountered by most travelers is not staying out too long or going too far.  Rather, it's being able to stay out long enough or far enough.  The tendency is to be drawn back to the physical all too soon, so I think even a deliberate attempt to stay out long enough to bring about your physical demise is something you would not want to do, and even if you did, would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to achieve.  So I wouldn't even worry about it.  Even if you were determined (which you're not), it is exceedingly unlikely that you would succeed.  And even if you did, well, then I guess your physical body would die, something that, like it or not, is going to happen one day anyway.  You could far more easily be killed in an automobile, or skiing, or any of a number of day to day activities, but does that stop you from doing them?  Relax, get out there and explore.  You'll be fine!

Psychosoma

You bring up some good points.But it doesn't mean that's it's completely impossible to somehow lose complete contact with your body while astral projecting and not be able to get back in because you never know.

[Selski]

But it doesn't mean that's it's completely impossible to somehow lose complete contact with your body while astral projecting and not be able to get back in because you never know.

Hi zorgblar

This is quite true. 

The reason those of us who are experienced say it's safe is because we've done it hundreds of times and always returned.  We make an educated judgement that we cannot die out of body - because we always return.

Rather like gravity.  If you throw something into the air, it is a given that it MUST fall back to the earth.  This is a scientific "Known".  However, one day something might get thrown up and not return.  We simply can't know for absolute certainly about anything, if we really get into the nitty gritties of life.

If you live in abject fear of dying, then you'd never do anything - including crossing the road, getting out of bed and even cleaning your teeth.

Plus if you take any fear with you into the astral, that fear tends to manifest and you'll have an unpleasant experience.  Therefore, if you feel this way, my advice is not to attempt it.

Sarah

[Greytraveller]

Regarding the number of people who were out of body and saw their 'Silver Cord"--

Sightings of the "Silver Cord" were one of the Notes on OBE Phenomena that I included in the OBE Internet Survey that I did. (BTW that survey was posted in AstralPulse back about October or November of 2006. Here is the link
www.astralpulse.com/forums/welcome_to_obe_discussions/obe_survey_report_part_7_notes_psi_through_vibrations-t24957.0.html )
Only 71 of over 4,300 people who reported an OBE also reported seeing their "Silver Cord". That is only about 1.6%. That is quite a small percentage. However, the people who did report the 'Silver Cord' covered a broad gamut or range including sex, age and religious or spiritual beliefs. So I could find No preconceived notions of someone seeing a "Silver Cord" before they went out of body.

Grey

[CFTraveler]

You know I read this a while back and since I have no attachment to the 'silver cord' idea (as I haven't seen it in my OBEs) I don't think that I read the question (or comment) the same way everyone else did.  It seems to me that everyone is giving their idea about the silver cord itself, or talking about whether they believe what the bible says and why.  But when I read it (and I could be wrong) it seems to me that zorgblar (btw, I love that nic) was asking if they thought that the bible was saying that severing the silver cord means death.  And I think that's what it means, whether I believe it is another story, see my opening comments.

Have you ever heard the claim that someone can't die unless the silver cord connecting the astral body and the physical body snaps?EVERYONE claims that ONLY death can snap the cord but this IS NOT true.First we have to look at were this whole idea comes from so in order to understand this idea futher we have to go to it's source and that's the bible.It's source in found in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 12 verses 6-7:Remember him-before the silver cord is severed,

I think this is telling you to think of God before you die.

and the golden bowl is broken;

If the golden bowl is your body vessel, then breaking it means death.

before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,

The same metaphor- you can't have life (water) if the pitcher (your body which gets filled with it) breaks.

and the wheel broken at the well,

The wheel turns the pump, so once again, a metaphor for 'bringing life'.  So breaking it means death, and connection.

and the dust returns to the ground it came from,

Everybody knows this means death

and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

I don't have to say it, do I?

It NEVER says that death is the ONLY thing that snaps the cord.It just says death is just the FINAL RESULT of the cord snapping!

And that's different how?  Your severing the connection to life is death.  Pardon me, but I don't see the difference.

So if death is not the ONLY thing that snaps the cord should we be worried?

Dying is the only thing that snaps the cord, because the 'cord snapping' is a metaphor for death.  So what would you worry about?

[zorgblar]

But when I read it (and I could be wrong) it seems to me that zorgblar (btw, I love that nic) was asking if they thought that the bible was saying that severing the silver cord means death.
 

Dying is the only thing that snaps the cord, because the 'cord snapping' is a metaphor for death.  So what would you worry about?

Yes i was asking if the bible was saying that if you severed the silver cord you would die.

How do you know for a fact that death is the only thing that snaps the cord?What if there is exceptions?

[Stookie]

She was saying the cord is just a metaphor for death, not an actual thing.

[zorgblar]

She was saying the cord is just a metaphor for death, not an actual thing.

Oh ok.

[David Warner]

Zorgblar,

Folks, I know that I am coming in on the tail end of this discussion, so my apologies!

Yes, I have seen the chord at different times during the obe. Couple of times seeing the chord
connecting to the physical. I also was able to touch and feel the chord itself. It reminded me a lot like a wrapped wire cable, the feel was rough in texture and sharp.

I have also seen the silver chord originate from other people that were sleeping. Normally, when I am OBE I will test the environment, look back at what I am seeing, to validate the scene doesn't change.

If the chord does break, we probably wouldn't be here talking. But I do expect there is more to the silver chord theory, especially when Near Death Experiences have not reported this during their experiences.

tvos

[cassia]

I think there is no danger of it. it might be just a wrong theory   
i remember my reike master told me that during her oobe she saw her silver cord snaps but nothing bad happened to her.

[CFTraveler]

She was saying the cord is just a metaphor for death, not an actual thing.

Exactly.

My point was, I don't know if there even is a silver cord and I don't care.
What I was saying is that in this verse he is giving a long list of metaphors for death, 'the silver cord snapping' being one of them.

[Greytraveller]

Passages from the Bible aside, why would only a few people see the "silver cord" when out of body when most people do not see it? As I stated before there is apparently No connection of seeing the cord with a person's religious beliefs. So I find it extremely odd that a very few people see the "silver cord" during most of their OBEs, that a few people see the cord only once or twice and that most people do not see the cord at all.

Confused 
Grey

[psychosoma]

Passages from the Bible aside, why would only a few people see the "silver cord" when out of body when most people do not see it? As I stated before there is apparently No connection of seeing the cord with a person's religious beliefs. So I find it extremely odd that a very few people see the "silver cord" during most of their OBEs, that a few people see the cord only once or twice and that most people do not see the cord at all.

Confused 
Grey

Good point, Greytraveller.  I'm confused too. I can't imagine that only some people have these cords, or that only some people can see them.  Very odd.