October 3, 2006
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Soul Journeying
For those of you who don’t know, my spiritual path is a bit eclectic. While I have a foundation in Christianity, I also have explored other paths related to my heritage: Druidism/Paganism (Irish & Spanish), Shamanism/Tribal (Native American & Spanish), and for me, I find that a blending works well for my spiritual well being. Recently in one of my blogs, I made reference to Soul Journeying and Gullyjimson asked me to talk more about it some time. Well, I figured now was just as good a time as any.
The way I understand it, Soul Journeying is a very specific kind of meditation that is used to see visions, connect with your spiritual guides or animal allies, meet with angels, get guidance and wisdom from the universe, or connect with Mother Earth/Father Sky. I find it is easiest for me to get into a meditative state by listening to a rhythmic drumbeat. Many times, I will have a specific question in advance and I go into the journey seeking guidance for that specific issue. Once I’ve slowed down my heart rate through breathing and relaxation and cleared my head, I imagine walking through a forest/cave/beach/mountain/someplace natural. As I “walk” through this place, I ask for a guide to come across my path that will show me the answer to my question. I also take note of my surroundings in the journey, for often I find my answers there as well. Sometimes I’m “out” for 5 or 10 minutes, sometimes longer. Always, I find some sort of answer or guidance. It is very much like a journey. You may meet someone interesting along the way. Most frequently, I have an elephant “guide” that I meet with. On the Christian side, I’ve thought of it as a really active way to pray. God has many messengers.
I don’t usually talk quite so openly about my religious choices so I hope this hasn’t been off-putting to anyone. Feel free to ask me any questions and I’ll answer them as honestly as I can. Here is a poem/prose? I wrote after a recent journey:
Journey August 15
I walked across the empty plain alone
and the winds rustled through the tall grass.
The tree stood ahead, a shady respite
in the unbearable heat.
The elephant lifted his trunk
and his call echoed a warning
through the isolated grasslands.I looked up as wolves surrounded me.
These were ancient creatures filled
with the anger and pain of dreams broken.
They filled their noses with my scent
and I feared the hunger in their eyes.Growls rumbled low and deep as
they circled, waiting for a wrong step.
The elephant watched with knowing,
his steady gaze offering courage and strength.
My captors leapt upon me and
feasted on my tender flesh.
They devoured every last bit of meat,
licking clean the bones.
I now stood next to the elephant
and together we watched my destruction.
His trunk encircled my waist as he spoke,
“Do not be afraid, for that person
is now dead and the wolves can
hurt her no more. Transformation
awaits you. Accept who you really are.”
Comments (9)
That is a wonderful way to put it. I soul journey quite often, though not as formally. I tend to do it when I’m in the woods or mountains, walking. When I am at that most tired, and think I can’t finish, is when I seem to ‘hear’. I always finish.
Thank you, very much.
Your post has caught my eye as something quite interesting..and though i haven’t the proper time right this minute to read it all, i will surely be back at some point soon to do so.
I understand your post. No problem at all. I don’t call things by the names you use.
ryc – thank you. I am glad you had a good journey too.
“Accept who you really are.” Yes, well said. And difficult at times. But thank you for sharing what is a very marvelous way of finding peace within yourself, sorting your world, and finding answers within yourself. It’s as though you carry it a step beyond meditation, bringing the body and mind into real harmony–feeling, relaxation, and thought. Wow.
Sounds almost like a waking dream state. I wish I could be relaxed enough to achieve something like that, because most of my problems are worked through during dream sleep. Thanks for the ideas, maybe a few minutes here and there can be spared to give it a try.
Soul Journeying is interesting-I also embrace many non-traditional ways of faith-including Buddhism, Nature, Witchcraft, etc.
yes…. beautiful.
)
Chris
RYC: Thanks for the kind comment. It, and your example of “soul journeying,” are of great comfort. Take care.
My animal guide is a bruised and mangy coyote (yes… I do pretend he is wolf sometimes), my spirit guide is … (her life really sucked). I thank them for guiding me to your Xanga OeraJan <3