Messages

Excellent book on the fundamentals of mediumship by Grace Cooke the channel for White Eagle!

Although this volume was 1st published in 1965 it seems still to be very relevant for today's aspiring mediums, as it is concise and to the point.

Enjoy,


Stephen

[The Magic Bookshop]

Hi all,

Just got 2nd hand copy of the 'The Rock of Truth'(a nice hard back impression from the late 60's), and a mint copy of the Kybalion at Watkins book shop near Leicester Square, London today. I drifted in the adjoining Esoteric centre, and nonchalantly asked one of the delightful female shop assistants about psychic consultations etc, and enjoy a few moments just general banter (Irish for chit chat) Anyhow I was flirting outrageously as is my wont (how disgraceful) [:I]

As I was leaving the store I could not help but notice that one of the psychics (as advertised on flyers on shop notice board), had started a Tarot style consultation behind a closed curtain with a lady client... almost at the same moment I felt a rush of power to my left side, and I realised the it was one of the co-workers assisting this lady! I left the shop puzzled as to the meaning of the spirit interaction with myself - feeling somewhat like a Mr Benn having passing through the door of proverbial store in the 1960's UK children's TV animation series. Strange how the Astral like experiences of Mr Benn reminds one of some of the characters on a little forum we all know and love!

I pondered this encounter on my escape out of London, and then as drove within a mile's limit of home I felt a gentle touch on my cheek... as if to say wait to you see... []

I log onto the site and while browsing trough Watkins review (their periodical) - lo and behold there is a picture of the very lady psychic from my little afternoon sojourn. It transpires she has produced a book entitled 'The Magic Bookshop'. I'll not reproduce the review here, but needless to say it as an esoteric novel based on the style of Dion Fortune.

The author's name is Kala Trobe( http://www.witchguide.com/ ), and the book is published by Llewellyn. It seems Spirit are now seeking to advertise their wares. Well they are going to have to pay commission next. (he he)

I could have kicked myself... you just got to love their sense of humour. [)]

Anyhow enjoy and enough nonsense for now,


Stephen []

P.S. Nick nice one suggesting Mr Findlay's famous book [].... P.P.S For anyone ancient enough to remember see: - http://www.toonhound.com/mrbenn.htm, or even scarier http://www.mrbenn.co.uk/main.html ... oh boy [)]

A friend was recently relating to me their experiences of visiting Clonegal Castle in Ireland and of their meeting with Lady Olivia Robertson.

For any one interested in the Goddess or Druidic orders they may find this link useful!

Do take time to view the photo gallery and pictures of some the spectacular shrines and chapels at the Castle: -

http://www.fellowshipofisis.com/

Kind wishes,


Stephen

All,

It is always sad when one sees people behaving badly towards one another... Sometimes it is difficult to see the source of ones fears and stress, and attribute it all sorts of sources!

One of the most insidious forms of this bad behaviour is Bullying, and often occurs not only in childhood, but also between adults! Something I have experienced as a victim myself – until I saw the wood for the trees!

This UK based website may provide some insight towards understanding, and finding means to coping with this often debilitating (to put it mildly) problem...

See: http://www.bullyonline.org/

Kind wishes,



Stephen []

Link to historical site on Spiritualism, but a valuable resource all the same - as it may have some lessons of worth for today folk!



Cora Richmond


You never know?

See: http://www.interfarfacing.com/ (sorry if the link appears commercial)

Enjoy,


Stephen []

P.S. If like me you find dingly dangly piano musak too much - then switch your speakers off when clicking the link!
P.P.S She was a big Astral Voyager in her time []

See, News article on BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3808223.stm

Movie site for Super Size Me: http://supersizeme.com/

Worrying indeed [)]

S []

A pleasant morning jaunt enjoyed - or testing one's wings a little again!

I awoke c 05:30am slightly dehydrated and got up to have a drink and good stretch and lounged around drinking a small coffee and gasped at the 1st cigarette of the day while enjoying the early rays in the garden.  

07:00am Mon 14th June 2004 - felt a little tired still and decided to rest again and returned to bed. The room was stuffy so opened the window. I went back into the house and while looking round the living room noticed my hosts dad's drawings and pictures adorning the walls. I became aware of male energy (gentle) as I was doing so. Felt an acknowledgment from possibly his dad. Not too strong, but as if to say just Hi and things were OK! I then thought I may as well go back to bed for a while but 1st chose to practice some deep relaxation. After c 30mins of this I noticed that my host was getting up in the room two doors down the landing. There was also some noise from early morning clatter of traffic and the nearby railway line, but I found it easy enough to ignore. My mind was still alert form the coffee and body comfortably relaxed. I chose not to make a deliberate effort to go through any preparatory exercises for NEW or OBE work in particular - with exception of using an eye pillow (really useful yoga accessory) to block out the light!

My position at this stage was in Shavasna (corpse pose), and I was lying on top of bed covers as the morning was heating up towards a fine early summer's day. After about another 20mins I felt a need to lie on my left hand side, but turned over onto my right side with arms gently crossed for about another 10mins. By this stage I was feeling very relaxed and comfortable and was not bothered if I had simply gone off to sleep. Even though my level of consciousness seemed somewhat woozy or mellow my mind seemed to be still reasonably clear and alert. Certainly there was nothing to be preoccupied or worry about as no urgency existed to attend to during the day ahead. This may have helped me to remain in that state!

In and around this point my attention was drawn to the sound of female voice chattering away about something as if having an idle conversation with a neighbour. This felt slightly internalised, but seemed also to be located as coming through my right ear. I could not distinguish any of the words and decided that this was simply noise and brought my attention back to enjoying the deep relaxation.

Very shortly after this my awareness changed quite discernibly – and as small pool of light appeared before my mind's eye. Its rose pink edges shimmered slightly and had a central core which seemed variable in colour from blue to turquoise and then to clear white quartz a it's core. I took a double take just to be sure that it was not going to fade and tested to see if I could open my eye lids. They seemed to open as if a blind had been lifted, but I was sure that it was not my physical ones. At the same time I was also aware that it seemed as if I was in a horizontal position again. I started to perceive beyond the edges of the pool of light - the shape and form of the room and a smoky outline of my body ahead. I tested to see if I could move my right arm to find that I saw an indistinct shadow arm passing before my eyes. I then sensed to be sure that my real arm was still there and was reasonably sure that I had not moved position. I quickly brought my attention back to the vision least I rouse my self from the experience gleamed thus far.

By this stage I was feeling energetically very alive and could feel gentle waves of tingling around my whole body. Although on this occasion there had been no big rush or rippling sensations sensed or roaring sound heard (felt more frequently in my formative experiences). Needless to say I wanted to see if I could stretch my wings and move around in the near by environment. As I thought this I felt myself move to a hovering position as if about a 1ft above the bed.  My attention was then drawn to the window and a source of very bright light beyond the curtains and frame. At the time I thought it might be the Sun as it had been in a similar position shortly before my repose. So with almost a rebel yell (as I was very much enjoying the experience had) I willed myself towards and out through the window.

To my utter dismay and disappointment I did not find myself headed for the heart of the Sun, but found myself instead in some sort of dark and dreary urban grey land. Akin to those who know London to something half way between Kilburn and Cricklewood on a dusky autumn early evening! As I though this the light level lifted and I checked to where the source of illumination was, but concluded that it was more ambient in nature. It seemed as my awareness cleared to this new environment that I was standing in a street facing a row of Georgian like red bricked terraced housing. I looked around to my right and noticed that there was no activity – in fact the area was distinguished by not only a lack of people, but also no vehicles of any form even parked – very empty indeed. I felt well at least there is an opportunity to explore and my lucidity had remained reasonably well in place. I then turned round to my right and found myself facing a T junction. On the opposite side of which was a young man in his early twenties dressed in similarly autumnal attire, who was walking from right to left along the pavement. He then turned and seemed to notice me and appeared to gesture my appearance!

I crossed over the junction (although can not remember if it felt like walking or moving to his location). He then greeted me and said something like 'I see you have made' or words to that effect. He seemed somehow familiar and had slightly angular features and largish slightly child like eyes. His head was crowned by mop of wavy mid length hair and he seemed to have a fresh smile on his face. We then exchanged a few thoughts which I cant remember. It seemed as if he had also been waiting to greet some other people, and it seemed as if he was gesturing to cross the junction again – when a girl of about the same age appeared. She seemed similarly dressed and had a pale yet pleasing visage. I thought I may as well go with the flow here as I was not absolutely convinced that I had not fallen into a dream state. I noted that she was looking at a clip board or writing pad which she was holding close to her chest on her left hand side. We approached her and she began to explain that she was organising a gathering for the girls. She seemed gently excited about this responsibility and kept moving her attention from us to the pad as if to say that she did not have time to dally for long.

The paper seemed to remind me of something that I should not forget and as I began to focus on this I became aware of a light pressure on my right upper arm. As I became more focused on this sensation I noticed that both my companions had gone on elsewhere, and thought I wonder what's next on the agenda. I turned again to face to housing opposite, but the scene had slightly changed - as the street had somehow morphed into something more likened to a tree lined street in a Southern French town or city, and the houses had sprouted black painted / wrought iron railed balconies. I passed a final gaze around as if to say cheerio...

The pressure on my arm increased, and I tested to see if I could vary its intensity at will which seemed to work. I then realised that pad seen earlier and the feeling on my arm were somehow linked and decided to increase the pressure. At that I became aware of being back in the state experienced just before appearing to go out of body and felt again the comfortable floating feeling creep back and a full of warm all over tingling. I then became aware that my left hand was in fact still folded over, and that in fact the fingers of my hand were starting to move and were actually putting real pressure on my upper arm.

I was still resting on my right side and then found that I could move my limbs and chose to rouse myself. It felt important to get up and make some quick notes least I forget this little jaunt however bland it might seem to have been, but as you can imagine I still felt a warm smile cross my face in being able to hang on to this recollection however modest a journey it had been. The sun by the way was about 30 degrees to the left and raised in the horizon to where I had thought it to have been – nothing worth worrying about at all really, as  I had enjoyed myself plenty enough for a morning!

All the best,        

S

More bizzare news from around the world. This one was sent to me by an Aussie acquaintance. You may have heard about it a few weeks ago: -

Satan's sins in virtual church
From The Times
May 20, 2004
LONDON: The world's first cyber pulpit has been shut down after a large number of online worshippers logged in as Satan and shouted expletives at each other.

The internet Church of Fools, opened last week at churchoffools.com, was sponsored by the Methodist Church, which takes a strong line against profanity. It allowed online visitors to kneel to pray, cross themselves and perform an arm-raising "hallelujah!".

See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9606976%255E29677,00.html

You are welcome to delete if offended... []

See: http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/H/history/heads/library/american.html

Discussion and documentary on the concept of the 'American Colossus'
Is the United States an empire?

Enjoy or not,


Stephen

Hi all,

This is only an outline draft. Appreciate it is very long and needs refinement.

In the first instance I personally would only advise this practice for experienced sitters i.e. those who already have a good understanding and experience of spirit communication and for those who feel they are ready to attempt this level of communication.

As you know a high level of trust in your guides is required and also confidence that you will be protected from unwanted visitors. A healthy attitude of mind is best and this is not suitable for the ungrounded individual at all! Also if you have a fear based mindset – do not even consider trying this as you may be susceptible to flights of the imagination etc. Guided practice under the watchful eye of an experienced trance medium is very much preferred. As they can observe you going through the various physical, mental and altered states involved. Also they will be sensing and attuning with your guide and will be aware of the levels of altered state you may be at and enjoying! All the same I have worked with this one off and on my own for almost two years without any problems occurring!

Although I have been taught/guided through other techniques, this is close to one taught by a highly respected tutor in the UK and seems to evoke trance for spoken communication quite quickly.

As a precursor try not to eat at least an hour if not several hours before this practice as there will likely be a lot of sensitivity around the solar plexus and stomach. If really hungry perhaps have a light snack an hour or so earlier and you can always eat a light meal afterwards if you wish. Most will find that they will naturally not feel like eating anyway and may sense a build up of energy and have feelings of hypersensitivity and a brooding excitement some hours before their practice. The plexuses mentioned may be hypersensitive during and following the practice, and any sudden disturbances especially sound and movement can cause a shock reaction which may make the sitter extremely nauseous. More likely a full stomach will prevent you from been able to raise enough energy to work effectively with the trance state as per similar type practices. However it is not unusual to feel or be more conscious of simple internal movements in the bowel like bubbling and this is nothing to be alarmed about etc.

Wear loose fitting and comfortable attire in the first place. Remove all metal objects from your person - including eye glasses, rings, buckle belts, ear rings, etc. There are numerous examples where trance and more particularly physical mediums have received severe skin burns in the proximity of metal objects. I assume this is due to the levels of energy raised and that most metals acts as conductors of electricity at least. Although I am not sure of their physical properties with respect to this work! It would be interesting to delve more into the reasons for this, but best to stay on the side of the cautions of old just in case.

If sitting with others ask them to do so likewise!!! Reduce any other distractions to a minimum and switch of mobile phones and ringers, electrical equipment and so on. Try to ensure you will not be disturbed by visitors by making suitable arrangements etc. There is no need to sit in a darkened room, however reduced or ambient light is preferred. Red lights are unnecessary and more suited for physical mediumship for well known reasons. The classic cabinet can be used if available, but is not necessary.

Procedure: -

Seat your self comfortably in an upright chair - standard position for mediumistic practice.

Posterior to back of seat and spine erect, but not stiff, feet hip distance apart, knees bend and feet straight ahead in line planted on the floor, neither too far from the body or too far in. Use a cushion under your feet if preferred, also for back or behind etc. A good natural pose in other words!

Arms relaxed and hands either placed face down on centre of thighs or say palm in palm... what you feel fine with.

As with any sitting practice try to keep your head centred yet unstressed!

Use or recite internally whatever your preferred prayer or protection exercise. You may wish at this stage to send a clear and loving thought of intent - directed to only but your highest inspirers/guides/helpers to work with you. However they will already be aware of this anyway and will have been preparing for the sitting and with you in advance on a subconscious level!

Close your eye lids and relax. Take a few deep yet natural belly breaths through the nose. Similar to standard diaphragmatic yogic techniques, but there is no need to use ugi (spelling?) breathing... i.e. to feel the sounding of the airflow as it passes the back of the air passage behind the throat.

Then move to more natural breathing rhythm and maintain breath awareness.

As you are doing this recite internally the So-Hum mantra - which can be repeated twice (no fixed repetition period needed) on each in flow and outflow and maintained throughout the practice until indicated below.

You should find any extraneous thoughts will dissipate quite quickly with this method.

The next phase is to apply a variation of the alternate nostril breathing technique. Although in this case you do not need to pinch your nostrils with the fingers. Note: as you probably know during the waking day the left and right passage can seem easier than the other to breathe through at times, and the congestion in one or the other apparently alternates on approximately a 30-40 min cycle. However both will seem to clear once you start to move into this step. Do not worry if this seems difficult as with practice one can consciously control breath via either nostril. Even if the breath is slightly strained on say one side there is no need to despair as energetically this will balance your energy pathways quite well anyway and has a different objective to pranayama work anyway!

If not already done so at this stage you may wish to ask your inspirers to draw closer!

Breathe out and take an in breath - starting the intake via your left hand nostril - use diaphragmatic control, but not as deeply as the calming ones taken initially. Do not apply breath retention between each breath. As soon as you feel a gentle fullness in the lungs start the outflow, but via the very same nostril - i.e. the left hand one!

Repeat on this process on the left hand nostril 2 more times.

Then without interruption apply the technique on the right hand side - i.e. three cycles.

As soon as you have completed this start an intake again via the left hand nostril, but switch the outflow to your right hand one. At the very same moment as you begin the outflow bring your awareness to the bridge of the nose. There is however no need to over concentrate on this and go goggle eyed - i.e. only hold attention on the brow for a couple of seconds and continue with the out breath.

Repeat process with intake via right hand nostril etc.

In terms of time for inflow and outflow again there is no need to be religious with timings - I find something around 5 - 8 seconds each way more than adequate.

Again only three cycles are required on either side. As soon as you have completed this you should feel deeply relaxed and in a trance state, but not as deep as with some types of OBE preparation.

You can discontinue the mantra repetition at this stage.

Move back now to natural breath awareness and at the same time again ask that your highest inspirers draw a little closer. You should feel slightly dissociated yet still alert and the mind should be on tick over with only the lightest rise of thoughts. Although unlikely, you may feel as sense of going to sleep - if this occurs you should bring your focus back with breath awareness and restart recitation of the mantra. You should feel when you are able to move back to simple dissociated awareness and if not simply stay at this stage until you feel a need to complete and finish your practice/sitting.

What occurs next will vary from individual to individual depending on their experience, spiritual and energetic development etc.

However there are several things which will occur if you are in a suitable state for spoken trance. I will list these first although you may be aware of other signs and feelings throughout or even not at all during the practice. Some of these observations were given to me by a wonderful lady trance medium and can be observed when acting as a sitter for someone else developing for trance.

1. The breath will naturally become deeper and slower - which can feel as if one has stopped breathing in extreme cases, although that will not occur! However this may be too low a state for spoken trance and is more akin to moving to deep trance for physical mediumship.

2. Heart centre activity - feels likened to fluttering or palpitation of various intensity in proximity to the actual heart. Can be intense, but naturally settles.

3. Throat centre activity - A need to swallow, although some tutors advise not to swallow - personally I feel inclined to swallow and notice that mucous production subsides with regular practice. I have noted what feels like pain at the back of the centre in the neck in period outside of practice, and assumed this was restructuring of the will aspect of this chakra. This does not seem to occur during practice at all!

3. A deep relaxation in the face muscles and mouth: particularity the jaw, mouth, lips and tongue. As an observer you may notice the brow relax and pallor change slightly.

4. Some eye flutter may occur (REM) but will dissipate and the tear ducts may relax and produce some watering (a good indicator for trance states generally).

5. More throat centre activity. A distinct feeling of gagging and possibly dry mouth rather than moist as felt earlier - again this will clear, but can be exceptionally uncomfortable if you are not used to this sensation. Intensity will vary again and you may be tempted to speak... however see notes below...

In addition to these indicators you may or may not experience a range of sensations in no particular order:

a) Cooling feeling of the extremities in particular below the waist to the feet. As you probably know some spiritualists think this is spirit (I don't think so)... or a feeling of a cooling but gentle breeze in this area.

b) Clairsentient like touches around the body, but most likely on the, arms, hands, upper body including neck and head and face.

c) Various energy rushes around any part of the body. This may also include energy centre strobe effects around any or all of the centres from heart to crown chakra as described by RB in Astral Dynamics, and may include internalised white light flashes and or concussive feelings around the crown.

d) Cobweb like energy sensation on either or both side of the face - can also include a feeling of clamminess. Again spiritualists often confuse this for spirit contact.

e) Hypnagogic imagery may stream across the minds eye. Light external thoughts and or subconscious mind chatter (although if the practice is going well the chatter is less likely to occur).

f) You may feel an energy body expansion and or expansion in the heart centre (bliss like/Loving), although this can also indicate spirit presence. It is more likely that it means that you are in a state to feel more finely attuned of the proximity of their energy and should be able to sense their willingness to work with you in this raised state. However do not be tempted to start or engage in the level of exchange had during normal sittings for regular interactive communication. Keep yourself dissociated yet aware. Do no more than show your willingness to sit for spirit and the only thought would be (if required to ask them to draw closer and blend with your energy). Repeat gentle the invitation as needed, but avoid pleading and step back to calmness and wait again.

Over a long period of time all of these signs will tend to pass quickly during each practice and the levels of discomfort will tend subside, but can come back at times on later dates.

If already not sensed you should be aware of spirit. They will tend at first to approach and make themselves known to you in the way you have already been familiar. So I will not explain that part here. However if a need for trance speaking arises then you will notice a distinct difference!

You may be shown something and certainly feel their loving presence. You may even see a human representation of themselves etc. It is even posible that you may go on a journey but still feel in body!

The next stage is dependent on the level of trust you have with your guides. As you know this is not possession and you always have the last say in what happens next, but you do need i.e. if you wish for them to use you as an instrument for spoken trance - to allow them to exert some control of your physical functions. I personally liken it to something like: they send a thought which in turn you pass (acting as a gate) to your body. So for instance when I started sitting for trance I felt as if I wanted to say for example turn my head or move a hand etc. As you know other schools of esoteric practice allow similar for walking or moving trance. This may not need to occur at all, but seems a common thing with early development. Note: I do not regard myself in an way an experienced trance medium – just a humble and hopefully thoughtful student.

The speaking phase may come very naturally, although I have noticed that the closeness will occur again, an excitement, and you may feel the presence of a different helper or inspirer being allowed to draw close. As you know many people delude themselves about their abilities to channel – but often do produce wonderful inspired material. This technique is not for that type work and you will be able to recognise and therefore know the difference if applied with sincerity.

Next a very clear thought or what seems like a set of thoughts will enter your mind. You may again be tempted to interact, but stave that natural inclination off! The thought(s) may be repeated and you own mind may echo it or not! The closeness of spirit will most likely be very apparent now, but can be subtle and you may feel throat activity again. Note throat activity by its self does not indicated that spirit will speak and spirit activity does not indicate a need for spoken trance or channelling. It should be easy now not to confuse this way of working with the likes of inspired writing and other forms of channelling including regular mental mediumship.

Now you can choose weather to vocalise or not, and the good thing about this is you will not be forced to speak against your will. You actually need to vocalise these first words yourself. As soon as you do so the flow of thought from spirit will start to grow, it is unlike normal communication, where you may feel tempted to wait for a set of thoughts again before communicating them to a sitter. I checked this with one tutor to seek clarification and she indicated that it is as if each thought is completely independent and unique. So as each thought comes to mind: vocalise. It is like a capacitor releasing charge or better a gate opening and closing to allow each sheep to enter the dip pool. So although it may appear that a flow of thoughts is occurring - it is in fact single thoughts one at a time. Relax and allow this process to move more naturally and it will seem as if the stream has broken. It may also seem difficult to hold any of the words in ones memory, so better if you wish to tape the communication or have observers record it for you. Don't be surprised if the tape records noise or other sounds. It may even come out blank. Also it is unlikely that you will go to unconscious trance at this level of awareness.

In my limited experience the energy dissipates after no more than say 5-10 minutes. With early attempts this may only last for seconds, which would be great in their own right! You will sense the change or dip in energy level and perhaps some closing thoughts given by spirit before feeling a need to complete your sitting. You may feel inspired hopefully to extend feelings of gratitude to your inspirers - thank them and ask that they (or the individual helper) to draw away now, which will be done gracefully.

Take time now to raise your awareness and slowly deepen your breath again and may experience some gagging or need to clear the throat again. Try not move for at least a minute or so! As you know if in a group sitting you should wait until the last sitter had come back. When comfortable open your eyes and relax as you take in your surrounding again. Stretch when fully conscious and you will probably feel like drink of water, which you should keep near to hand.

Close with a prayer of choice and discuss with your group or make notes if alone etc.

If driving take time to ground before going home, as you may well be a little light headed and your energy centres will need a little while to settle down particularly the solar plexus. Later avoid any gregarious contact with other people as you may find yourself to be still little hypersensitive. Frequency of practice - probably best keep it down to no more than once or twice a week.

Finally enjoy the blessing.

Kind wishes,



Stephen

Only a light edit this time round. Will modify my use of English, separate commentary from the process and hopefully make it more understandable on later edits.

The TV psychologist Derren Brown attempts a live seance. Perhaps interesting for believers and skeptics alike !

See: http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/M/mindcontrol/

Stephen

Hi,

Here is a little semi-lucid experience had about a week ago.

After some traveling around a range of dream scenarios! Last part of sequence remembered although Felt as if I was re-experiencing parts of an old dream with additional content!

I became aware of being in a pond or shallow pool or water. There was also someone female present who seemed to be watching over or gently guiding my actions. A shark came up close and nosed up to me. Not really afraid of it, but felt that I needed to do something about it. I saw what seemed like a huge net which I then pulled up from below me. I then started to move the net around in such a way as to prevent or trap the shark as if to remove it from harms way. After that the shark did not reappear and I was able to rise up from the water into daylight. It was as if I had let something go or even better realized I was enjoying a positive sense of release! It felt comfortable with what seemed like a growing sense of confidence.

Reflection: I don't feel that this was a dweller, more like a dweller of the deep only. It felt more like a process of self protection while at the same time an exploration of new waters and indicative of movement forward regardless of change. I am aware that although I was not thinking of the API project, I had thought about it before going to sleep and that before that had asked for protection and guidance.

The shark seemed as curious as I was and may have been perhaps a mirror of the self. The eyes were not threatening and its teeth were not barred. A second consideration is that it may represent solitary behavior and could signify a wish to share experience rather than go it alone. The net could symbolize not only entrapment and protection but also an ability to employ self control and mastery. The move from water to air may symbolize transition!

As I was born under a water sign it is interesting to face ones polar nature and not always go against the flow. The female presence may indicate this polarity and symbolize balance and coming to terms with ones intuitive self. As I write this I feel that this interpretation may not be too far wrong. Also I have been coming to terms with my personal need to share experience especially with the fairer sex.

Summary: seemed like this was a symbolic representation of my current state on many levels and indicates integration of a variety of factors in my life at the moment.  It may well provide some basis for continuing to trust in ones intuition whilst embracing change in a positive manner. Aware of growing into a more finely balanced spiritual and material life! The lack of fear indicates being able to be comfortable with change and duality even when under perceived pressure and ability to step forward and grow into truer nature. I am not convinced this was specifically astral more likely subconscious processing or perhaps integral or internal communication at a higher level than a run of the mill dream.


Update: I had an OBE rather than a semi-lucid dream the very next night and personal circumstances have been looking up!

I would be interested to learn if any of you have had any similar dreams or perceptions?

All the best,

S

Hi,

Any healing thoughts for Ann in Perth, WA would be very welcome at this time.

Also for Jill (and her family) who has just lost her dad. He is sadly missed having passed following unsuccessful heart surgery.

Thank you in advance.

S

Hi all,

I have enjoyed so much your tales of Astral Exploration, I thought it might be time to share a little!!!

In reply to thread http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11521

I've not come across Moen, and am quite familiar with the other luminaries work. I seem to recollect Muldoon... Did not all the 60's & 70's paranormal books have copies of his illustrations as examples when discussing astral projection? I've got a copy of, believe it or not, a rather 2nd hand Time Life book with some of them - they were very good. Assume they are on the net now!

I have been gagging at the bit to get this out. Hope it not too boring for you: -

Thinking of the old books reminds me of my first conscious spontaneous AP when about pre school age say 4 yrs of age in the early 1960's. Before that I thought I was just dreaming of flying (according to what my parents said when I told them of my dreams around that time).

I was lying on my bed and could I get to sleep not! I now realize that was in part due to some sort of astral background noise or similar. I put up with the noise business for years and used to find it quite scary and as a small child and always asked for a light to be left on, no buts! Back to the story - there was an incredible spinning sensation like being on a merry go round at top speed. Then a loud pop and I found myself looking down from about a height of 4ft at my feet. Initially I was surprised to see my prone body, and thought that I had died, but reconsidered as I was still obviously very much aware of myself. Even at that age and though I thought this to be quite odd, I had enough innate curiosity to stick with the flow. It all in all felt very natural to try to move around my room as it felt just like a dream, but without all the panoramic scenery and vista and the light and colour of the room did not match with waking reality. As I had already found that I could control the dynamics of flight in dreams, it seemed natural to try the same during this episode. At first it was somewhat more difficult than my little mind anticipated, and I found myself spinning round like a top for a while. But eventually I gained confidence and could move around the room at will. Eventually after what was probably only seconds I felt very strong pulling force preventing me from continuing my new found flying fun. No matter my resistance I felt pulled the other way. So eventually with great reluctance and a mote of sadness I noticed that the focus of my resistor was in fact my body. So then it was with pop, and funny spinners for a while (can't remember which way round those sensations were) yet again. Once that stopped I lay on the bed not moving just in case it would all happen again. I then got tired of waiting and looked around with newly awakened eyes and got out of bed on slightly unsteady feet as you can imagine and ran to the door and down the stairs looking for my mum. Somehow I never did tell the tale to my parents. It was as if there would have been no point. Oh for parental conditioning. After that I had a several years of fun filled exploration and occasional meeting of other children in playful flying abandon. But sadly memory seems to fade to grey... hope I can recall something in time, although I am not sure it really matters now!

No doubt this may ring bells for some of you of your 1st jaunts out.

Catch you on the flip side sometime. When I get my wings back that is...


S

Here is a little string of conversation had recently with a friend.

It would be interesting to learn of some opinions held or interesting experiences had concerning Guru's, and how it has contributed to ones spiritual development by some of the good people on this forum.

Hope I have posted in the appropriate area?


Stephen

----- Original Message -----

Hi Steve

Yes. But I would ask that the e.mail not be edited, only the address removed.

HUGH

----- Original Message -----

Hi Hugh,

Truly and wonderfully put. You know that I was teasing a little...

Thank you,



Stephen

P.S. A respect that these are personal thoughts, can I have your permission to share them for debate... I would omit your email address! Let me know either way?

----- Original Message -----

Hi Steve

As regards Gurus, in the past I would have agreed with you that hero worship played a great part. I was, in my early years heavily involved with a small Christian cult, and our leader was a very charismatic figure with a remarkable knowledge of the Bible, plus he was blessed with many gifts of spiritual power. Such a combination on myself  as a 19 year old was overwhelming; as indeed it was on the other members of our group. It seemed to us at the time that he had a hot line to God...in fact if he said I like tea it was to our years "Thus saith the Lord, I like tea". It took quite a number of years to break free of his influence. Now don't get me wrong, he lived a morally good life, and also I have nothing against true Christianity, but none of us dared do a thing without our leaders approval, because in our eyes he had a hot line to God. He was the one who "Knew". Thus it was when I came into the Hindu Buddhist way of life, I really loved it but I balked at the idea of worshiping a teacher or Guru. Because like you I feel that my heart and my head are my teachers plus friends as and when we need their council, but over all my Spirit Knows. So who needs a Guru or anyone else to teach him? Who needs to hero worship another man? Thus it was that I was very reluctant to find a Guru. However, since I`ve been to India and met Guru Ji I have changed my views. Maybe I got lucky with my choice of Guru because there are many who will abuse and exploit their position. All I can say is that I do not in anyway hero worship my Guru though to an outsider it may seem that way. What has happened is that a new dimension of inner guidance has come into my life through my encounter with Guru JI. And I do stress that it is inner guidance of a deeply Spiritual nature; for although we are thousand of miles apart he is still very much teaching and guiding me. Some of these people are more than mere human beings. Look at it this way, an Angel does not require worship yet he would command us to worship God. Its something like that with a true Guru. Such a person by his very life commands our respect but not our worship. They are the Lamp BUT God is the Light. At the end of the day being taught by a Guru on the inner planes is being taught by your Higher Self which your Guru has opened up for you in a unique way; (the higher Self of course is in reality the Cosmic Self the Absolute who is eveything everywhere in Whom we all share and is the true Life, singular, of all beings). When that has happened inside you then you can trust their Guidance on the Path to God Realization. It must also be remembered that some of these teachers are no longer alive on the Earth plane yet they still are certain peoples Gurus (see memories dreams and reflections by Carl Jung for more on that aspect.) There's loads more I could say on the subject but time fails me. All I would like to say is that it is an experiential thing that is better felt than telt. I hope thats been of some help to you Steve.

Live long and prosper

HUGH

----- Original Message -----

Hi Hugh,

Thank you for your most thoughtful reply. Hope my initial message did not trouble you?

I was simply exploring the anti-cult (allegedly non-biased on the fence version) viewpoint in general and not specifically searching to highlight the Swami Rama case in particular. Although I thought it might be interesting to seek feedback on my own question concerning this case from your good self!

Here is a response to the scandal (which was well known at the time apparently) from Pandit Rajmani Tigunait.

See: http://www.lifepositive.com/Spirit/masters/swami-rama/rajmani-tigunait.asp

Personally, and this is based on intuitive rather than on educated reasoning I have never sensed discord with the spirit of this illuminated gentleman. Probably what I was alluding to - was the question of Guru Worship or the cult of personality, which is a different and more darkly intriguing question altogether. But then to quote the idiosyncratic lingo patter of our brothers across the pond Gee yoU aRe yoU! Who needs guru's anyway... perhaps better to have friends to light the path along the way, and even better to be a friend to oneself!

May your passage always be in light,


S
----- Original Message -----

Hi Steve,

Thanks for that e.mail. Frankly I am appalled at its content, because if it is true then it throws the whole of the Himalayan Institute into the gutter. If the root is good the fruit is good. What saddens me is that I`m inclined to believe these allegations. Though I very much want to be proved wrong. There is no doubt in my mind that the denial of human nature is merely caging the tiger; and a caged tiger is far more dangerous than one in the wild. This is the problem with enforced celibacy. True celibacy has its rightful place in Spirituality but it should never be enforced from the outside; it is an intensely personal decision on the part of the one who makes such a commitment, and is between God and the one who makes such a choice and no one else. However my feelings are that it is a matter of growth a sort of spiritual/ biological process. It is as I said a deeply personal decision based on a personal conviction and should never be demanded by any outside influence. At the end of the day its not for everyone. It therefore behoves total honesty on the part of those who are at the forefront who advocate such things whether Gurus or Catholic Priests; for one hypocrite can do much harm.

Live long and prosper

HUGH
----- Original Message -----

Subject: Swami Ram allegations

Hi Hugh,

Although there is a need as a matter of balance for skeptics, debunkers and dangerous cult research it is a shame to come across this one whether the allegations are true or not: -

http://www.rickross.com/groups/swami_rama.html

But then I don't believe in celibacy myself... suppose that if you claim to be a renunciate then it is a different kettle of fish. You are probably aware of the campaign against Sai Baba as well.

Take care,



Stephen

Three Years in Tibet by Kawaguchi Ekai

Forget 7 years in Tibet by Harrer...

This account of one man's lone physical and spiritual journey in Tibet during the 19th century is remarkable. Kawaguchi was a Japanese Buddhist monk, and although his story is written as a travelogue, it provides Western gaze upon Oriental perception in how one man searched for truth and enlightenment. Some of his experience is harrowing to the extreme and also full of imaginary fears, but on the other hand he reveals glistening moments if tranquility which fills the reader with a yearning to share his experience of joy with this remarkable individual.

I lost my copy, probably with an ex girlfriend... ah well.

Enjoy,



S

The Calling – Rasha is a rare not only in its availability but also in its quality of spirit. Something not often found in much of today new age channeled material. The group entity called Amitabh come across with a picture of the nature of reality and a loving presence that can unseat even the most hardened philosophical mind. Worth a thought. ISBN 0965900304

Enjoy


S

Spirit Messenger - The remarkable story of a seventh son of a seventh son.

Glaswegian Gordon Smith is probably one of the best evidential mediums on the circuit today. With respect to some of the appalling standard of popular TV mediums Mr Smith simply knocks their sock off! I for one have had opportunity to see him practice genuine evidential and trance mediumship on several of occasions. He is very non egotistical and his work sets a caliber to which any medium or spiritual seeker should consider aspiring to. His book although not groundbreaking is firmly based on personal experience and provides the reader with an honest introduction to contemporary mediumship. ISBN 1401902642

Enjoy


S  

Dear Margo,

Don't panic love...  although this is not my field of expertise, but be assured there are people who can help you here.

You can drop private messages to any of the moderators. Nita or Robert Bruce are probably best qualified to deal with your issues, so I recommend you contact either of them in the 1st place via the send email option from their profiles.

If you have any difficulty being able to do this let me know or PM me and I can then forward your note to either or both of them.

Hope this helps,


Stephen

quote:Originally posted by Sampson

Hi Stephen,
Thanks for the kind advice...

A pleasure []

quote:...or you get a gentle nudge in the right direction from the most unexpected places, I've had it happen before!

Glad you trust your higher self[^]

quote:...Doris Stokes's books...  apparently her first book is very good reading.

Hope you enjoy them.

Cheers,


Stephen

Hi Donald,

quote:is it normal for your arms to raise by them self and if it is is this the first or second step.

Smiles – if you are talking about your physical arms - I have seen this occur many times with inexperienced mediators (said with respect). The feeling of lightness experienced while sitting for meditative or trance states is very common, and there is a temptation to allow the arms to rise or head to roll back or forward etc.

What you should try to do is discipline yourself to stay still yet relaxed. By the way what you have experienced is nothing to worry about, and will stop once you condition yourself and get used to the sensations etc.

If on the other hand if you percieve that it is your astral or energetic equivalent arms that seem to rise - then this is a good thing and a sign that there is potential for a deeper or fuller out of body type experience.

Hope this helps,


Stephen []

Hi, No problem... His home page seems to have a link to the uk amazon site.

Try http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/026-3127614-5869232

Good luck!


Stephen

Hi,

Which author(s)? Why not try the www.amazon.co.uk site or www.bol.com/ instead of the amazon.com one!

Cheers,


Stephen

quote:Originally posted by kiauma

I thought the John Edward show 'Crossing Over' was good.

Yes, Edwards is good, although he does seem to have developed a bit of a habit of asking leading questions rather than providing firm evidence!

With the tame token I have learnt a lot from watching the way he works (for instance: knowing where to go in the audience, or ascertaining the generation, sex, and relationship of the communicator etc). His 1st book is worth reading, although it is biographical rather than a teaching or philosophical text.

Smith, however would knock the socks of Edwards (said with respect) – so if you get a chance to get to see him work, then please do so: see: http://www.thepsychicbarber.co.uk/pa.html

Also a medium called Stephen Holbrook was also on last nights Everyman program. I have also seen him work and he is showy yet genuine and works primarily with pure clairaudience. See: http://www.steveholbrook.co.uk/ His book 'The Light in the Darkness' is worth a peep.

What I noticed from watching the show last night was not just the importance of examining the reality of continued existence and the ability of some of today's popular mediums (however genuine), but more importantly the moral questions pertaining to the well being of bereaved people on this side of the veil! Although there was little analysis forthcoming in the 1st program, hopefully they will examine the question in more depth in later episodes.

I wait with bated breath!

Cheers,


Stephen

quote:Originally posted by G3MM4

I must say I don't understand anyone who would eat anything from McDonalds... at any time. Their food is disgusting.

Much better to have a nice bacon sarnie like I did for breakfast.

Gemma,

Time to go Vegi one thinks and see the light (with respect to freedom of choice): -

http://www.themeatrix.com/


Stephen []