Channeling
by Jast
Channeling has become a popular phenomena in the last several years. We
see it featured in News-Magazines and on talk shows. We read articles
about it, and bookshelves everywhere now hold volumes of books written
by channeled entities, with more appearing every month. Some channeled
sources have gained a great deal of notoriety, drawing large crowds for
seminars and workshops, often at a steep price.
How can we better understand this sudden outpouring of information?
Webster defines "channel" as: " a means of access, a route". In the
context of New Age work, channeling provides an access-way through
which communication can be achieved between planes of existence.
Channeling is a route through which those who are NOT focused in
physical reality can give information to those who ARE focused in physical
reality.
Though it may seem to be a fairly recent phenomena, channeling in various
forms has existed as long as humankind. The most common form of
channeling, in fact, is one we all have experienced: That sudden helpful
insight that occasionally comes to us from "out of the blue". This form
of channeling has created many works of art and has helped us find
solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. Unlike other forms of
channeling, this inspiration is always available to us and whether we
receive it rarely or often may simply depend on our receptivity and
openness.
Dreams are another avenue through which channeled information can reach
us. In the dream state we are open and spiritually attuned, creating an
un-obstructed gateway through which Universal knowledge can flow. While
the dream channel and inspiration are both valid routes of channeling,
dreams, for many people, are more easily ignored. We tend to respond to
and use those insights which inspire us.
The most spectacular form of channeling is, of course, "Trance
Channeling". In this technique, the channel gives up the use of his or her
body by entering a trance state, allowing the "source" to speak directly
to a third party.
Although most trance channels work with only one source, sources can be a
number of things or beings. Many believe that channeled "sources" reflect
the channel's subconscious mind or a "collective unconscious".
Channeled material may also flow from one's "Higher Self". Information
communicated to us through this Source definitely "counts" as channeled
material, for our "Higher Selves" are not focused in physical reality.
Others may channel material from the Cosmic Mind or from the God-Goddess-All-That-Is.
Most channeled material, however, comes to us from spirit guides or
Masters and, ultimately, it is the material which is important regardless
of who or what we believe our source to be.
Another way of communicating with ones "source" is through "Automatic
Writing". In this form of channeling, the channel first meditates then
sits with a pen and paper or a typewriter and allows the source to
write. Meditation should be practiced each time before automatic writing
since meditation puts us at peace and makes us more receptive to true
spiritual sources.
The technique for automatic writing is fairly simple: After meditating, sit
in a comfortable position holding a pad of paper and a pen, resting the
point of the pen on the paper. Keep the body relaxed and ask if there is
a "source" present. Stay relaxed and just wait for writing to begin.
At first the writing may be unreadable, just fine little scribbles that
mean nothing. After some practice, however, the scribbles will become
readable words and phrases which allow the source to identify themselves
and discuss whatever subject we wish. Success may not be achieved in the
first few sessions. It may take time and daily practice to develop a
strong connection but it is well worth the effort.
No matter what technique we use to channel our information, it is very
important that we not follow blindly. Until we are satisfied with their
believability, each of our sources should be regarded with a certain
amount of healthy skepticism. We should examine all channeled material
with a detached and questioning mind.
Although the material may vary in content, there are certain qualities
which will always be present in information which is "channeled" by a true
spiritual source. Such information will be positive in outlook and will
always direct us toward the spiritual path. Since our sources will always
try to help us as much as they can by giving us sound and usable advice,
sources who attempt to dazzle us with incomprehensible garbage should be
regarded with suspicion. A true source will not lie nor will they gossip.
Our guides will not tell us to do things, and they cannot predict the
future because the future is always changing.
When we attempt to channel our spirit guides, it is important to keep
these points in mind. Non physical entities have "personalities" just as
physical ones do. Someone whose attitudes were negative, or depressed, in
LIFE, might carry remnants of these qualities into spirit life. Edgar
Cayce was once quoted as saying: "The only difference between a LIVE
Episcopalian and a DEAD Episcopalian is that one is DEAD and one is ALIVE."
In reality, there is no such thing as communication with the "dead". We
tend to see life in physical terms but LIFE is a SPIRITUAL reality which,
for us, is presently housed in a physical form.
Though misguided entities can not harm you physically, their influence could
produce negative side effects which could make your experience of
channeling less fulfilling or pleasant, just as being around ANY negative
personality might tend to do. For this reason it is important to
establish a secure system of protection and awareness when attempting
to channel. Observing and following these giudelines can protect us from
the inevitable confusion which results from contact with these misguided
"sources".
A certain amount of preparation is also necessary if we hope to be a
clear and responsible channel. With this as our goal, it is probably not
advisable that we attempt any form of channeling until we have attained
some degree of proficiency at meditation.
Meditation makes us more centered and loving. It also acts as a shield
against contact with negative spirit personalities. Meditation should be
practiced daily, for besides facilitating our ability to channel clearly, it
is the most important thing we can do to expand our spiritual lives.
Your spirit guides can become life-long friends and advisors as they have a
wonderful outside view of our lives and life in general. They have
access to information that we could not otherwise obtain. They help to
deepen our understanding of ourselves and help us through our times of
crisis. Contacting these spirit friends is not difficult. There is no loss of
control of our bodies and nothing to fear for we can quit any time we choose.
Spirit friends, just like our friends in the physical world, should always
be treated with respect. They should not be expected to entertain our
friends or answer a lot of trivial questions. (If it is important to us,
then it is not trivial.) Probably the most serious mistake we can make,
however, is to become too dependent on our guides as this is the one
thing that will cause us to lose them. Like any true friend, our guides
do not want us to count on them too heavily.
The process of channeling our spirit guides is truly a great adventure. It
may take weeks or months to develop but it is an amazing process and
will bring invaluable results to those who persevere. Good luck and happy
channeling.
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