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What Is Shared Death Experience?
I heard famed near-death researcher Dr. Ray Moody speak on NDEs and shared death experience in 2015. But I didn't fully understand what a shared death experience was until I read Glimpses of Eternity (affiliate link) earlier this week.
A shared death experience occurs when a person takes part in the spiritual experience of someone who is dying. This experience can take many different forms. And Glimpses of Eternity does a great job of showcasing that.
Accounts of Shared Death Experience
Dr. Moody didn't hear about shared death experience until after his ground-breaking book on near-death experience, Life After Life (affiliate link) was published in 1975. The shared death phenomena has been studied before however (as doctor Moody points out), going all the way back to the early days of the Society for Psychical Research.
The 19th century book Phantasms of the Living (affiliate link), written by two prominent members of the Society, includes multiple examples of what were once called deathbed visions. Several cases from Phantasms of the Living are included in Glimpses of Eternity.
Shared death experience has also been discussed by Melvin Morse. MD in his book Parting Visions (affiliate link).
Like most of Dr. Moody's books, Glimpses of Eternity, features a wealth of first-hand accounts. These accounts include full-fledged out of body NDE-type events, the observation of unusual phenomena around the dying, extraordinary dreams and more.
I enjoyed reading these reports and feel there is a lot that we can learn from them.
Elements of a Shared Death Experience
In Glimpses of Eternity. Dr Moody provides a list of features common to the shared death experience. He is also very clear in saying that shared death experience may include several or as few as one of these elements and that he is aware of no shared death experiences that includes them all.
While most shared death experience occur in a waking state, Dr. Moody cites some that have occurred in dreams, including the 1988 shared death experience described by Melvin Morse. MD in Parting Visions.
The fact that some shared death experiences occur in dreams was of special interest to me because I once had an unusual dream about someone who was near death and then recovered. This dream included some of the elements Dr. Moody associates with shared death experience:
- A change of geometry, where rooms either change shape or appear to open into another reality Dr. Moody describes as a "different and larger dimension."
- A mystical light that Dr. Moody considers to one of the most profound features of a near-death experience. This light is often described as having substance. According to Dr. Moody it is "no ordinary light" but one that may lead to mystical experience and spiritual transformation. This light may fill the room, be observed in the eyes of the dying or in the translucent glow of the entire body of the person near death.
- Music that has no physical source but can be heard by the dying and others present.
- Co-living a life review similar to the type reported in a classic NDE except in this case the dying and healthy observer share the experience.
- An out-of-body state which Dr. Moody describes as a "fairly common" element of a shared death experience. This element is cited in some of the most profound and NDE-like shared death reports.
- Encountering unworldly or "heavenly" realms which may include a border or barrier. As with many NDEs this border may be a bridge, river or other boundary.
- The appearance of a fine mist that may have a human shape and tendency to drift upward and disappear.
What Can Shared Death Experience Tell Us?
When I heard Dr. Moody speak, he was quite excited about shared death experience. This was because the shared death experience contradicts the main argument people make about NDEs. This argument--that an NDE is the product of a dying brain--cannot be applied to perfectly healthy people who share the experience of someone else's passing.
Some first-hand shared death experiences described in Glimpses of Eternity involve entire groups of (healthy) people. In these cases, members of the group perceived varied - though coherent - phenomena. One or two observers might perceive light or a vision of the departed, for example, while others only hear music or have a sense that something unusual is happening. This supports the idea that the shared death experience is telepathic in nature.
Sometimes shared death experiences are predictive. At other times they announce that someone has died in another location. The fact that certain elements repeat from experience to experience is compelling.
The part of Glimpses of Eternity (affiliate link) that impressed me most, however, was the idea that shared and near-death experience may have played a part in the formation of religious beliefs about the afterlife. Noted individuals like Egyptologist Cyril Aldred, NDE researcher Kenneth Ring, PhD and Dr. Moody himself have all made this suggestion. To me, this makes sense.
Instead of undermining religious belief, I think it supports it.
Please check back for future posts on dreams, mystical experience and more, including my upcoming video about my own experience!
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by Edgar Cayce is an A.R.E. publication which presents the Cayce readings on Atlantis, in their entirety. While not written by Cayce directly it is a direct transcription of his words, as recorded by his stenographer, Gladys Davis, and edited by John Van Auken.I was initially reluctant to order this 160 page volume because I thought it might not have enough info to justify the cost. I needn't have worried. There is no fluff in the Cayce material and, while this volume isn't especially lengthy, it delivers a wealth of highly specific information.
The book begins with readings performed for Cayce's own spiritual study group on the topic of Atlantis and progresses through a series of life reading performed for Cayce clients who had experienced past lives in Atlantis.
The past life readings are complete readings and contain content related to Atlantean and non-Atlantean incarnations. I found it interesting to trace the development of the the individual through various incarnations. A person less interested in doing this however can find the Atlantean information toward the end of the reincarnation material in almost every instance.
The Atlantis Readings proper (done for the Cayce study group) are almost entirely focused on the topic of Atlantis. The contain specific information about the long history of Atlantis, including its origin, religion, politics, culture, religion and eventual demise. The readings are surprisingly detailed, as well as comprehensive, making Atlantis a fascinating resource for anyone with an interest in this fascinating subject.
From the text:
"In this temple, we find these of large or semi-circular columns of onyx, topaz, and inlaid with beryl, amethyst, and stones that made the variations in catching the rays of the sun... In this the sacred fires burned..."
I have read and enjoyed Anthony Louis' previous books on tarot (Tarot Plain and Simple and Tarot Beyond the Basics) so it's no surprise to me that I liked his new book Llewellyn's Complete Book too!
Louis is an experienced tarot reader, as well as a psychiatrist and astrologer, which gives him a layered and proactive approach to the cards. And, in terms of comprehensiveness, he delivers.
The book covers the gamut including the history of tarot, different ways of using tarot (journaling, creativity, spiritual practice, adjunct to therapy), ethics, correspondences, birth cards, symbolism, astrology, kabbalah, reversals and dignities, framing a question for the tarot, timing, a range of spreads, reading with court cards, in depth associations for every card in the deck, an excellent recommended reading list, numerous very helpful case studies and more.
While all the information given is helpful. I found the associations / interpretations section especially valuable. Each card was illustrated (with images from Lewellyn's Classic Tarot -which I now want). The author also included descriptive (and memorable) title, traditional interpretations (Etteilla, Mathers, Waite, and the Golden Dawn), number symbolism, astrological associations, timing considerations, and some very helpful keywords (both positive and negative). I especially liked the authors own associations for the cards (both upright and reverse) which I found to be very resonant with my own.
I also appreciated the proactive advice Louis' associations provided. For the High Priestess (above) for example he says, "Pay attention to your dreams and intuitive hunches. In this way, you can gain access to something unrevealed or not yet known about your future plans." For the Tower the author suggests the "need to critically evaluate the structures that are...limiting your life."
It seems to me that, as a psychiatrist, Louis sees the tarot as a tool that can be used for personal transformation and growth - something that I agree with completely.
I consider Llewellyn's Complete Book a good and quite comprehensive addition to any tarot library and an appropriate resource for beginners and more advanced practitioners alike!
I don't love it just because it is about witches and magic or because Nichole Kidman is one of my favorite actresses. I love it because it really is a wonderful movie.
Sally is sympathetic and brave. Gillian is compellingly flawed. The aunts are adoptable. The house, which is not (sadly) a real house, is to die for. To me, the whole movie is absolutely enchanting from start to finish. (And they play "Crystal" which is one my favorite Stevie Nicks song at the end.)
And so - having liked the movie so much for so long - it's really kind of surprising that I didn't get around to reading the book (actually listening to the audiobook) until just last month. But I have to say that I'm glad that I finally gave it change.
"Practical Magic" the book, is not like the movie, in many ways which is not unusual of course in books that are later made into movies. The book isn't comedic - though it is funny at times - and it isn't really all that lighthearted. It isn't enormously fast moving either. In fact, there is a lot backstory, a fair amount of description, and not as much dialogue (or action) as you might expect.
The book does something, however, that the movie does not. It leads us into the minds and hearts of all of the characters - delicately, carefully and very insightfully.
In the book we get the full story on why Sally is afraid to love. We learn why she became her sister's partner in crime. We understand exactly how Gillian allowed herself to end up in such a predicament. We get a look at the aunts that we do NOT get in the movie.
And we find ourselves caring about all of this in a way we probably did not when we watched the movie.
I was actually a little surprised how invested I became in the characters considering that I already knew exactly how the book would turn out. Or close :)
So if you loved the movie (or even if you somehow did not) consider given the book a read (or listen)!
Today, I am recording my very first video interview with astrologer Erin Sullivan. This is the kick-off for my new series and I could not have hoped for a better first guest!
Sullivan is a working astrologer, a wonderful writer and the creator of her own video course on astrology. I have just finished her wonderful book, The Astrology of Midlife and Aging, and wanted to take moment to share a bit about what I have learned.
Astrology is not, as Sullivan's work highlights, just about birth charts - it is about the planetary cycles that occur throughout our lives.
Planetary returns (such as the solar return that is our birthday) occur at regular intervals during the lifespan and each of these returns is an influential event. In the Astrology of Midlife and Aging, Sullivan gently but firmly walks us through the planetary cycles that occur in the second half of life helping us to meet our own selves head on.
Astrologically speaking, the time we call midlife begins between the ages of 37 and 41 when Uranus opposes its original place in our chart. This is the time, Sullivan tells us, that "something mysterious takes place within the psyche" causing us to recollect our life, examine the things we have not done, and move forward with greater awareness and purpose - something which I definitely feel I have done!
Drawing on her extensive knowledge of astrology and the work of that great pioneer of the psyche Carl Jung, Sullivan explores this important transition as well as those that come after. She reminds us that "midlife - all life, in fact - is a process...not an event" and then offers an astrologer's perspective on how we might align with the available planetary energies to make the most of this very significant process.
Sullivan goes on to provide specific information for the many crossover events of the latter half of our lives, including the Uranian opposition, second Saturn return and the return of the lunar nodes. This information is organized by birth year - making The Astrology of Midlife and Aging a wonderful personal reference for anyone interested in life after forty (or 37).
I particularly enjoyed Sullivan's wonderful writing, deep knowledge and sincere thirst for self-discovery. "Faith in the gods is good," she tells us, "but faith in one's own deepest self, which knows who one is about to become, is better."
I could not agree more!
*Please check back for Erin Sullivan's wonderful interview later this week!
What is really amazing about Edgar Cayce is how many topics now considered the province of New Age thought or even new age physics are contained within his readings. This a revelation to me, having come to Cayce's reading rather late and in a round about way.
I first read Edgar Cayce in high school. The material was not for me at that time or perhaps the book I chose (now lost in the mists of time) was not a good one. At any rate, I sought my spiritual truths elsewhere then and continued to do so until relatively recently. I owe this late return to Cayce to a series of circumstances.
The first was the encouragement of my good friend Tara, who has been an amazing spiritual catalyst for me. Tara is a longtime Cayce fan and we have discovered over time that what resonates with her in a spiritual sense almost always resonates with me (and vice versa). Her enthusiasm for Cayce sparked an interest in me and I bought two Cayce audio's which I have been listening to off and on over the course of the summer.
While I enjoyed the recordings, I found myself distracted by another topic until a conversation with another friend brought me back to Cayce. Checking out an internet page on Cayce's readings at the height of hurricane Irene, I read (all in one paragraph) how Cayce claimed that flooding in New York City, as well as strife in Libya, Egypt and Syria would signal the coming of the new age.
Cayce said a great many other things as well, but these particular predictions were surprisingly timely and this timeliness and the 'coincidence' of three recent and compelling references to Cayce spoke to me. I decided to give the Cayce material another try. Instead of returning to the original audio, however, I purchased another recording, Edgar Cayce on Vibrations: Spirit in Motion by Kevin J. Todeschi
. For me, there could not have made a better choice.
The first was the encouragement of my good friend Tara, who has been an amazing spiritual catalyst for me. Tara is a longtime Cayce fan and we have discovered over time that what resonates with her in a spiritual sense almost always resonates with me (and vice versa). Her enthusiasm for Cayce sparked an interest in me and I bought two Cayce audio's which I have been listening to off and on over the course of the summer.
While I enjoyed the recordings, I found myself distracted by another topic until a conversation with another friend brought me back to Cayce. Checking out an internet page on Cayce's readings at the height of hurricane Irene, I read (all in one paragraph) how Cayce claimed that flooding in New York City, as well as strife in Libya, Egypt and Syria would signal the coming of the new age.
Cayce said a great many other things as well, but these particular predictions were surprisingly timely and this timeliness and the 'coincidence' of three recent and compelling references to Cayce spoke to me. I decided to give the Cayce material another try. Instead of returning to the original audio, however, I purchased another recording, Edgar Cayce on Vibrations: Spirit in Motion by Kevin J. Todeschi
. For me, there could not have made a better choice.
Cayce gave thousands of trance state psychic readings on a multitude of topics. Most concerned the treatment of various medical conditions, while others directly related to a variety of topics, covering subjects as wide ranging as reincarnation, religion, ancient civilizations (including Atlantis), meditation, spiritual dimensions, the akashic record, dream interpretation and science.
In his more scientific readings, Cayce repeatedly stated that everything - including food, people, light, location, and color - existed in the form of vibration - and went on to talk about what would later become the law of attraction, energy medicine and what I have always thought of as the harmony of place. If I had read this info in high school it would not have taken me this long to develop an interest in Cayce's readings!
According to Cayce, different locations hold very distinct vibrations and people may resonate with specific places in highly individual and spiritually significant ways. Others agree with this of course. Eckhart Tolle says in A New Earth
that is was necessary to align himself with the vibration of the Canadian Northwest to write that particular book. And while physical relocation is a frequent component of spiritual journeys, it may be that Cayce was the first to explain specifically why this is.
In a trance state, Cayce spoke quite definitively on the vibration of place. Going as far as to recommend that certain individuals relocate for health reasons and that all persons consume local produce as fruits and vegetables grown locally would be more harmonious with their own vibrations. When advising his own spiritual study group, Cayce gave readings which directed individuals who wished to share their spiritual understanding with others to specific geographic locations where they would be the most effective teachers. All this, Cayce stated related to vibration.
that is was necessary to align himself with the vibration of the Canadian Northwest to write that particular book. And while physical relocation is a frequent component of spiritual journeys, it may be that Cayce was the first to explain specifically why this is.In a trance state, Cayce spoke quite definitively on the vibration of place. Going as far as to recommend that certain individuals relocate for health reasons and that all persons consume local produce as fruits and vegetables grown locally would be more harmonious with their own vibrations. When advising his own spiritual study group, Cayce gave readings which directed individuals who wished to share their spiritual understanding with others to specific geographic locations where they would be the most effective teachers. All this, Cayce stated related to vibration.
In my own life, I have always been extremely sensitive to the vibration of place. Finding the Northeast Pennsylvania of many years ago harmonious while other places were not. For as long as I can remember, certain locations such as the deep woods or oceans have had a profound effect on me and they continue to do so. Going back to childhood, I have maintained that I would know the energy of my grandparent's old farmhouse if someone had taken me there blindfolded and my reaction to that place as a child was almost overwhelming.
Todeschi's book provides an excellent reference on this phenomena. In it, the reader will find comprehensive summaries of Cayce's work as well as invaluable transcripts of dozens of Cayce readings on the topic and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Cayce, energy medicine or the science of spirituality. The author's book on Cayce readings on the akashic record (Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Record
) is on my reading list as well.
provides an excellent reference on this phenomena. In it, the reader will find comprehensive summaries of Cayce's work as well as invaluable transcripts of dozens of Cayce readings on the topic and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Cayce, energy medicine or the science of spirituality. The author's book on Cayce readings on the akashic record (Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Record) is on my reading list as well.
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| Ani, led by the god Horus. |
I needed my copy ofThe Egyptian Book of the Dead
for research purposes recently and couldn’t find it - which is what happens
sometimes when you have too many books for your bookshelves! I went
through a few books in the attic and a few more in other spots, got frustrated
and decided it would be easier to order another copy.
I picked a Faulkner translation out on Amazon and then, on impulse, decided to pay a few more dollars for an illustrated edition.
When the book arrived a few days later I was disappointed to see that it was very over-sized. “Great,” I thought. “It won’t even fit on the shelf.” My disappointment evaporated however the minute I opened the book. This edition, created by James Wasserman, is breathtaking. My review of this amazing edition with some general background on The Book of the Dead follows.
I picked a Faulkner translation out on Amazon and then, on impulse, decided to pay a few more dollars for an illustrated edition.
When the book arrived a few days later I was disappointed to see that it was very over-sized. “Great,” I thought. “It won’t even fit on the shelf.” My disappointment evaporated however the minute I opened the book. This edition, created by James Wasserman, is breathtaking. My review of this amazing edition with some general background on The Book of the Dead follows.
The title The Book of the Dead refers to
several distinct but similar ancient texts which were traditionally included
in the tombs of wealthy Egyptians. These texts are not so much about death
however as they are the afterlife and were originally, and more poetically,
called "The Book of Going Forth by Day."
One of the best examples of these amazing texts, the Papyrus of Ani, chronicles the journey of the deceased Ani, a royal scribe of Thebes, through the underworld and into the world beyond in a series of painted vignettes accompanied by hieroglyphic text. It may be viewed in a wonderful fully illustrated edition produced by James Wasserman with translation by the noted scholar Dr. Raymond Faulkner and additional translation by Dr. Ogden Goelet, Jr. The book is in itself a story, having been the realization of a life long dream on the part of Wasserman who first became acquainted with The Papyrus of Ani when working at Samuel Weiser’s bookstore in New York City in the early 1970s.
One of the best examples of these amazing texts, the Papyrus of Ani, chronicles the journey of the deceased Ani, a royal scribe of Thebes, through the underworld and into the world beyond in a series of painted vignettes accompanied by hieroglyphic text. It may be viewed in a wonderful fully illustrated edition produced by James Wasserman with translation by the noted scholar Dr. Raymond Faulkner and additional translation by Dr. Ogden Goelet, Jr. The book is in itself a story, having been the realization of a life long dream on the part of Wasserman who first became acquainted with The Papyrus of Ani when working at Samuel Weiser’s bookstore in New York City in the early 1970s.
At that time The Papyrus of Ani could be read in translation in one book while viewing the reproduction of the actual scroll in a second book (the British>Museum’s 1890 facsimile edition). Fascinated by the images of the scroll, Wasserman purchased the facsimile from Donald Weiser in 1979. “Soon after,” he tells us in the forward to his edition of The Egyptian Book of the Dead, “I found myself literally “watching” a vision of the book you are now holding in your hands taking shape – that is the exquisite papyrus in full color running along the top of the page, with a readable uncluttered English translation below.”
Wasserman’s book is indeed a work of art, reproducing the 3300 year old, 78
foot long scroll in full with complete translation directly beneath the images
it describes. This beautiful edition allows us to not only read the
incredible story but to view and understand the artwork in the context in
which it was created. A display volume worth displaying, this
edition is perfect for anyone with an interest in ancient Egypt, ancient
religion, mythology or any sort of art.
by Christiana Gaudet is not just another how to read tarot book but a guided journey into defining and structuring your own tarot reading business.The book begins with four very different business case studies: Joe, a retired Social Worker, Lucy, a single mom, Dana, a successful business woman suddenly down-sized and Eugenia a 70 years young experienced reader just making the jump to professional tarot. Fortune Stellar
traces their progress as they conceptualize and initiate their unique tarot businesses through a series of wonderful tarot based exercises design to encourage intuitive thinking and creativity. The book covers a wide range of topics including vision and mission statements, structuring your business, branding, the media, ethical issues specific to tarot, creating (and closing) sacred space, and establishing a connection with clients.
Christiana offers great nuts and bolts advice on dealing with dis-empowered clients, giving bad news, working with dependent or dishonest clients, rephrasing questions, strategies for deciphering confusing arrays and your reading comfort zone bottom line. Hands on intuitive tarot exercises to help the established or would be reader define and manifest their own tarot reading business and succinct essays on related disciplines such as numerology or Kabbalah make this an extremely well-rounded book.
Not only for tarot professionals, Fortune Stellar can be applied to almost any spiritually based business by anyone who relies on the cards for advice and direction. In addition to providing wonderful practical and intuitive business advice, the book encourages the spiritually inclined businessperson to empower themselves by looking within as well as to spirit for direction in their chosen field.
can be applied to almost any spiritually based business by anyone who relies on the cards for advice and direction. In addition to providing wonderful practical and intuitive business advice, the book encourages the spiritually inclined businessperson to empower themselves by looking within as well as to spirit for direction in their chosen field.
Please Note: I am thrilled to announce that Christiana will be appearing on The Mystic Review Radio Show Thursday @ 11PM EST on BlogTalkRadio. We will be taking calls on professional tarot, ethics and spirituality in business. This is a great opportunity to get some targeted intuitive business advice from one of the best! And even if you don't catch the show it will be available at the above URL in the archives on an ongoing basis.
About Christiana: Certified Tarot Grandmaster Christian Gaudet has been a successful, full-time tarot professional since 1994. From her office in West Palm Beach, Florida, she offers reading and instruction to a world-wide clientele. Christiana is the founder of Tarot Circle study groups In CT, PA and FL (how we met), and is currently the organizer of the Tarot Circle Meetup of the Palm Beaches. Christiana has performed readings on nightclub stages, broadcast radio and network television. She is a sought-after speaker and teacher at conferences and festivals nationwide.
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| Full Moon Mark-Down Prices As Listed (includes new items!) |
Spotlight on the 4 of Cups: The Connection Between this 4, Kabbalah and the Sefirah Chesed
March 9, 2011
The Four of Cups has always been a special card to me. It is also, in my readings, quite straightforward. While many cards in Tarot have multiple meanings or layers of meaning, the Four of Cups is, in my interpretation, a pure and relatively simple card with a very consistent message. That does not mean however that it does not have spiritual depth. Indeed this card is to me quite deep.
I was reminded of this in last night's ongoing Tarot teleconference given by Paul Nagy of Tarot Hermeneutics.* The course works from two texts - Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack and Alejandro Jodorowsky's The Way of Tarot. During this class we utilized Pollack's book, focusing on the author's section on the minor arcana which includes information on history of Tarot, the elements and numerology.
For every class Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman, creator of the Sacred Rose Tarot, draws cards for that night's study using her wonderful layout, The Elemental Power Spread.* Participants in the conference analyze this array and reflect on the relationship between the texts and the cards. In last night's class some very interesting correlations between Pollack's numerology - specifically her section on Kabbalah - were made.
What interested me most about the layout was the placement of the Four of Cups in the position of fire and Pollack's comparison (as pointed out by Paul) between that four and the Kabbalistic fourth Sefirah Chesed. The ten Sefirot (pleural) are contained in the Tree of Life can be thought of as emanations of divine light. The Sefirah, Chesed, commonly interpreted as mercy, or loving-kindness and loving-kindness is known as one of the thirteen attributes of God.
Pollack goes on to liken Chesed to a benevolent outpouring or a great emotional generosity. An interesting observation, I thought, as the four of cups has a strong association with both benevolence and generosity.
I had never made the association between the two fours prior not only because I have historically treated Kabbalah and Tarot as non-overlapping but because even though Chesed is the fourth Sefirah, I am more likely to associate it with Jewish numerology, than I am Pythagorean. In Jewish numerology, or Gematria, the value of Chesed is 72, as in the 72 names of God. For me, this last association leads back to the Four of Cups, as well.
The Four of Cups, in this context, has a strong connection to divinity. It is the hand of spirit reaching out to someone whether they are aware of it or not but not only reaching out. In the extended hand of spirit is a fourth cup which the figure appears to ignore. It is significant to me that the three cups which do command his attention rest upon the ground.
Earth, as representative of our physical world, the Kabbalistic world of action, commands his attention. These three cups on the ground of ordinary reality are all he sees.
Earth, as representative of our physical world, the Kabbalistic world of action, commands his attention. These three cups on the ground of ordinary reality are all he sees.
This makes perfect sense of course. If the offer of spirit is compared to the Sefirah Chesed through the common denominator of the number four, why should this human earthbound man perceive it? The hand and the cup are not of this dimension, this world of action. And yet there is an opening if we can only comprehend it.
To draw this card is to be reminded that divinity does indeed reach out to us. We are encouraged to be both vigilant and receptive to this most important opportunity.
I kicked off this blog a little more than six months ago with a blog entry on Ekhart Tolle.
I had first heard of Tolle earlier that same day when I caught a special on him on Public Access Television. I was surprised at my own interest as I am not or was not generally a "New Age person" but I went ahead and bought his book "A New Earth" anyway and read it.
It resonated with me. I went on to buy some of his audio books. I did not become a devotee but it made sense to me. It led me back to other areas of interest - varied but all spiritual or metaphysical in scope. That began this blog.
I still listen to Tolle from time to time and I was listening to him today in my car or rather relistening to Tolle's A New Earth. In the beginning pages of this volume, Tolle speaks about a spiritual flowering of humanity and he draws a connection between things that at first seem unrelated: flowers, crystals and birds. Each time I hear or read this passage I am struck by how significant this message is.
Any life-form in any realm - mineral, vegetable, animal or human - can be said to undergo "enlightenment." It is, however, an extremely rare occurrence since in its development, a leap to an entirely different level of Being and, most important, a lessening of materiality. What could be heavier and more impenetrable than a rock, the densest of all forms? And yet some rocks undergo a change in their molecular structure, turn into crystals, and so become transparent to the light. Some carbons, under inconceivable heat and pressure turn into diamonds, and some heavy minerals into other precious stones.
Most crawling reptilians, the most earthbound of creatures have remain unchanged for millions of years. Some, however grew feather and wings and turned into birds, thus defying the force of gravity that had held them for so long. They didn't become better at crawling or walking, but transcended crawling and walking entirely.
Since time immemorial, flowers, crystals, precious stones, and birds have held special significance for the human spirit. Like all life-forms, they are, of course, temporary manifestations of the underlying one Life, one Consciousness. Their special significance and the reason why humans feel such fascination for and affinity with them can be attributed to their ethereal quality...
In the case of a flower, a crystal, precious stone or bird, however, even someone with little or no Presence can occasionally sense that there is more than the mere physical existence of that form, without knowing that this is the reason why he or she is drawn toward it, feels an affinity with it. Because of its ethereal nature, its form obscures the indwelling spirit at a lesser degree than is the case with other life-forms. The exception to this are all newborn life-forms...
So when you are alert and contemplate a flower, crystal or bird without naming it mentally, it becomes a window for you into the formless. There is an inner opening however slight into the realm of spirit. This why these three "en-lightened' life-forms have played such an important part in the evolution of human consciousness since ancient times; why for example, the jewel in the lotus flower is central symbol of Buddhism and a white, the dove signifies the Holy Spirit in Christianity. They have been preparing the ground for a more profound shift in planetary consciousness that is destined to take place in the human species. This is the spiritual awakening that we are beginning to witness now.
What seems to me suddenly significant about this understanding of enlightenment or transformation is the implication that these events, though exceedingly rare, are natural phenomena. This is not to say that there is not a "super"-natural component to these states of being but it is my contention that this is always the case. In my conceptualization of reality, multiple dimensions exist and this is not magic or make believe but natural though largely unobserved phenomena. We consider it "supernatural" only because it is beyond the realm of the five "natural' senses which most people rely upon exclusively.
The question is - is this transformation of which Tolle and others speak, an evolutionary process which will expand our sensory perceptions and therefore our ability to sample to reality? How interesting it would be to all of humanity expand their sensory perceptions into a universal sixth sense. An ability, if you will, to directly sample spiritual energy and the divine.
Recommended reading: Tolle's A New Earth available in print, ebook and audio.
Quote follows:
Question: "There are situations in life when someone insults me, making me feel very wounded and degraded. What is the exact order of analyzing this kind of situation?"
Answer: "In our current state, we are unable to tell what the right attitude to reality is. We are confused, being halfway between the sky and the earth. I haven’t revealed the Creator yet, but I am no longer in full concealment either. I perceive all sorts of wise sayings like quotes, expressions, and pieces of knowledge, as revelation, but that is not so. Everything has gotten mixed up inside of me."
"That is why Baal HaSulam writes in “Introduction to Talmud Eser Sefirot” that during these years, a person has to maximally focus his development. This is a period of great confusion when I cannot understand the truth, but I no longer agree with the lie. I am simply thrown about from side to side."
You can read the entire article on R. Laitman's blog @ laitman.com. This author offers free downloads of his books on his website.
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