Journeying to the Spirit World
Journeying is an important aspect of shamanism. A type of meditation it is useful for personal growth, finding answers, and healing. It may also be used to meet totem animals, spirit guides and teachers. The suggestions I'm about to put forth for journeying are simply guidelines and ideas to use or disregard. Play and fun is also a big part of shamanic healing so play lots and lots. Try these ideas out if you wish or come up with your own and enjoy. It does take patience (especially when journeying to a cranky tree in wintertime) and for some a lot of practice.
Journeying takes you to altered states of consciousness and different realms of existence and thought. I journey for relaxation and personal healing. Journeying is much like dreaming, yet unlike dreaming you retain control of yourself and the situation. Even when it seems like the journey is going in a direction you didn't choose you always have the power to stop it. To say "I want to go home," or "You have no power over me." (Thought usually the most fun is had when you release control.)
To begin the first thing you need is a quiet place where you can sit or lie where you will not be interrupted during your journey. Then you need to prepare the space. Will you have music or silence? Music can guide your journey. Powerful song can cause powerful images; peaceful music can make you fall asleep. Silence is sometimes best. You may want to invest in a drumming CD/Tape, especially designed for journeying, or make your own by recording a slow and steady beat yourself. Play around some until you find what works best for you. If buying CD's try to listen to them first. I bought this CD that was supposed to be tranquil and calming. It turned out to be a recording of moos and clanking cowbells. I laughed too much to have a successful dreamtime.
Are you going to do this at night with candles or darkness? Have incense burning? You will probably want to play with this aspect too, until you figure out what works. Also get together any blankets, pillows, or mats that you want to use.
Having a cleansing bath or shower before journeying is useful, but not necessary. Bathing is relaxing and helps to make the transition from the mundane world to the spiritual one. Using such herbs or oils as Lavender, Lemon Balm, Chamomile or Sandalwood helps to relax the mind. Use cheesecloth satchels to keep the drain from getting clogged with loose herbs. While in the bath think about what you want to accomplish on your journey, what questions you want to ask, if any. Try not to think about your outer life too much. Quiet your mind and relax.
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