November 2011 Spirit: The Fifth Element - Connecting to the Collective Whole
"And you who seek to know Me, know that the seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: For if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without." The Fool's Journey, as depicted in the Major Arcana cards of the tarot, marks a spiritual evolution. Like the epic Hero's Journey, the fool experiences tests and failings, gains allies and enemies, attains knowledge and wisdom, and ultimately experiences rebirth and enlightenment. The fool's journey reflects our own spiritual evolution. Take a few moments to assess where you are on your spiritual path. Do you feel guided and protected? Do you live in gratitude? Do you recognize the lessons embedded in challenging events? Do you feel one with the Source? Or do you feel adrift and off course? We connect to Spirit through our upper chakras, beginning with the crown chakra. Stillness, meditation, prayer, yoga, and tai chi all open the crown chakra. These activities help us ground and return to center while widening our consciousness. In stillness and meditation we recognize and acknowledge our daily blessings and opportunities. What blessings did you receive today? What opportunities? Sometimes, the opportunity manifests as a lesson that, once learned, brings knowledge that propels us forward on our spiritual path. Certain yoga postures (asanas) open the mind to past life revelations. Years ago, my yoga instructor led me through a sequence of postures I had never tried before. During the final asana, I leaned against a wall for support. As I moved into the posture, reality shifted. The yoga room receded and I had the odd feeling of being a vine against a stone wall. Then, in rapid succession, I had visions of two very different past lives. The visions revealed karmic patterns that had direct bearing on my current life and relationships. Expanding my awareness enabled me to connect to Spirit and the Collective Whole. The newfound knowledge brought wisdom and healing. Like yoga, tai chi is a moving meditation. Problems and pain slip away. Your awareness becomes focused on the Now, halting worry and fear. Without these barriers, your energy moves and creativity flows. Look within to connect to the divine. Allow healing spiritual energy to flow through you and inform your actions. Then, your inner pilgrimage will open you to the Oneness of the Universe, the Infinite, and the Divine. Create Sacred SpaceWhether you have a whole room to dedicate to meditation or yoga, or just a few inches on a dresser top to display a candle or small statue, create sacred space. Craft a personal or family altar. Light a candle. Add fresh flowers, crystals, or photographs. If nature is your cathedral, then bring the outside indoors by placing a pinecone or shell on your altar. Your sacred space should invoke peace and harmony. In the stillness, may you find spiritual understanding, be one with the Source, and connect to the Collective Whole. Next Month: The Winter Solstice |