Question:
Hello evereyone!
My name is Linda and about two years ago I read Michael Harner's book (Way of the shaman) and this had a really strong impression on me. (In many ways, it put my attention to the subject of anthropology and today I am an anthropology student at the university ;) Strangely enough, shortly after reading it I had a very strong dream with an animal, and I've been playing with the thought that maybe it was my guide. It hasn't occured since, but I still remember it. Ever since then I have wanted to try a drum journey, but it hasn't been possible until now.
However, last week I had the oppertunity of doing a journey. The shaman leading the meeting explained how it would work and we placed ourselves on the floor in a circle. (I am quite a sceptic so I didn't think it would have an effect at all) However, we started by just relaxing and I was relaxed and waiting for what would happen next, as he started to invite the powers from all directions I could feel, very clearly, through my hands like an electric current and as he started to beat on the drum this feeling increased and moved up my arms - during the whole time this feeling persisted, and it was like I could feel the power in the circle. This was quite scary, Also, as soon as he hit the drum, all the muscles in my body just tensed (which I had not expected, since he told us most people get into a stage of deep relaxation) and my teeth were clattering. And I couldn't stop - for the whole time. It was such a strong physical effect, and quite annoying since I couldn't do the visualisation since it broke off my thoughts... ;) Afterwards, I could feel the trance - or at least that I've been in trance. (Quite groggy ;)
I tried repeated times to do the 'imaging journey' bit, but I couldn't get very far until my thoughts broke off - the feeling of lucid dreaming that I had hoped for didn't come at all. Only the physical sensation. This was actaully quite a scary and uncomfortable experience. Now, since some time passed, I am still quite interested - since it has such a strong physical effect on me it sort of proves in my mind that it can be a useful thing to do. (This is the first time i've done anything 'new ageish' - and as I said, I was interested but quite sceptic.) So, I don't know if I will go back and do it again.
But, I am wondering, and want to ask all you with expereince....
Anybody can tell me, first of all, something about what this means?
How would you interpret this?
I am thinking that, since I could enter a trance, but not do the journey, maybe it means that I don't have enough talent, or whatever to do this - or maybe I just don't have a power animal at all?
I am thinking about this, but it seems like I know what I want to know, but not what I need to ask...
(Werid! ;)
Thank you so much for reading this long post and if you have some advice, or just some expereince to share, or something, I'd be glad :0)
Hi Linda, These activities require practice and patience - we are not used to sitting still and going on journeys, therefore the logical mind has a problem with this to begin with. The more you practice, the quieter the mind becomes, allowing you to go on your journey and deeper states of relaxation.
Your experience has nothing to do with talent, we are all able to meditate and go on journeys. The fact that your physically felt something change is a good thing. The rest just requires practice and patience.
Most of all, have fun and relax, it will happen in its own time.
Love and light
Rosi X
Hi Linda
following on from rosi's reply....
Michael Harner's book (Way of the shaman) is very good, and I admire how his work has encouraged young native american people to re-connect with the tradition of their Old Ones
''Strangely enough, shortly after reading it I had a very strong dream with an animal, and I've been playing with the thought that maybe it was my guide. It hasn't occured since, but I still remember it.''
It is fascianting to meet animals in dreams and it is quite likely that the one who came to you has lessons and guidance for you
However, last week I had the oppertunity of doing a journey. The shaman leading the meeting explained how it would work and we placed ourselves on the floor in a circle. (I am quite a sceptic so I didn't think it would have an effect at all) However, we started by just relaxing and I was relaxed and waiting for what would happen next, as he started to invite the powers from all directions I could feel, very clearly, through my hands like an electric current and as he started to beat on the drum this feeling increased and moved up my arms - during the whole time this feeling persisted, and it was like I could feel the power in the circle.
Must have been disconcerting for a sceptic!!!!!
This was quite scary,
What was the fear? WWas it something about being out of control?
Going into the unknown?
Fear of discovering your own power, potential and possibilities?
I tried repeated times to do the 'imaging journey' bit, but I couldn't get very far until my thoughts broke off - the feeling of lucid dreaming that I had hoped for didn't come at all. Only the physical sensation. This was actaully quite a scary and uncomfortable experience.
Do you mean you have been visualising the journey on your own?
If this is the case, you may find it helful to get a drumming tape/cd which has been created for journeying
The drum beats will alter your brainwaves as you listen to the resonance, and this supports your in experiencing an altered state of consciousness, which is mentioned in Michaels book
Aspen flower remedy is useful to transform fear of the unknown
I am thinking that, since I could enter a trance, but not do the journey, maybe it means that I don't have enough talent, or whatever to do this - or maybe I just don't have a power animal at all?
It is my understanding that we all have an animal ally.
Journeying is an ancient skill..some of us can learn how to do it more easily than others.
I notice this when I teach courses, but as rosi says 'perseverance furthers'
enjoy
tigress [sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif][sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif][sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif][sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif]
My name is Linda and about two years ago I read Michael Harner's book (Way of the shaman) and this had a really strong impression on me. (In many ways, it put my attention to the subject of anthropology and today I am an anthropology student at the university ;) Strangely enough, shortly after reading it I had a very strong dream with an animal, and I've been playing with the thought that maybe it was my guide. It hasn't occured since, but I still remember it. Ever since then I have wanted to try a drum journey, but it hasn't been possible until now.
However, last week I had the oppertunity of doing a journey. The shaman leading the meeting explained how it would work and we placed ourselves on the floor in a circle. (I am quite a sceptic so I didn't think it would have an effect at all) However, we started by just relaxing and I was relaxed and waiting for what would happen next, as he started to invite the powers from all directions I could feel, very clearly, through my hands like an electric current and as he started to beat on the drum this feeling increased and moved up my arms - during the whole time this feeling persisted, and it was like I could feel the power in the circle. This was quite scary, Also, as soon as he hit the drum, all the muscles in my body just tensed (which I had not expected, since he told us most people get into a stage of deep relaxation) and my teeth were clattering. And I couldn't stop - for the whole time. It was such a strong physical effect, and quite annoying since I couldn't do the visualisation since it broke off my thoughts... ;) Afterwards, I could feel the trance - or at least that I've been in trance. (Quite groggy ;)
I tried repeated times to do the 'imaging journey' bit, but I couldn't get very far until my thoughts broke off - the feeling of lucid dreaming that I had hoped for didn't come at all. Only the physical sensation. This was actaully quite a scary and uncomfortable experience. Now, since some time passed, I am still quite interested - since it has such a strong physical effect on me it sort of proves in my mind that it can be a useful thing to do. (This is the first time i've done anything 'new ageish' - and as I said, I was interested but quite sceptic.) So, I don't know if I will go back and do it again.
But, I am wondering, and want to ask all you with expereince....
Anybody can tell me, first of all, something about what this means?
How would you interpret this?
I am thinking that, since I could enter a trance, but not do the journey, maybe it means that I don't have enough talent, or whatever to do this - or maybe I just don't have a power animal at all?
I am thinking about this, but it seems like I know what I want to know, but not what I need to ask...
(Werid! ;)
Thank you so much for reading this long post and if you have some advice, or just some expereince to share, or something, I'd be glad :0)
Answers:
Hi Linda, These activities require practice and patience - we are not used to sitting still and going on journeys, therefore the logical mind has a problem with this to begin with. The more you practice, the quieter the mind becomes, allowing you to go on your journey and deeper states of relaxation.
Your experience has nothing to do with talent, we are all able to meditate and go on journeys. The fact that your physically felt something change is a good thing. The rest just requires practice and patience.
Most of all, have fun and relax, it will happen in its own time.
Love and light
Rosi X
Answers:
Hi Linda
following on from rosi's reply....
Michael Harner's book (Way of the shaman) is very good, and I admire how his work has encouraged young native american people to re-connect with the tradition of their Old Ones
''Strangely enough, shortly after reading it I had a very strong dream with an animal, and I've been playing with the thought that maybe it was my guide. It hasn't occured since, but I still remember it.''
It is fascianting to meet animals in dreams and it is quite likely that the one who came to you has lessons and guidance for you
However, last week I had the oppertunity of doing a journey. The shaman leading the meeting explained how it would work and we placed ourselves on the floor in a circle. (I am quite a sceptic so I didn't think it would have an effect at all) However, we started by just relaxing and I was relaxed and waiting for what would happen next, as he started to invite the powers from all directions I could feel, very clearly, through my hands like an electric current and as he started to beat on the drum this feeling increased and moved up my arms - during the whole time this feeling persisted, and it was like I could feel the power in the circle.
Must have been disconcerting for a sceptic!!!!!
This was quite scary,
What was the fear? WWas it something about being out of control?
Going into the unknown?
Fear of discovering your own power, potential and possibilities?
I tried repeated times to do the 'imaging journey' bit, but I couldn't get very far until my thoughts broke off - the feeling of lucid dreaming that I had hoped for didn't come at all. Only the physical sensation. This was actaully quite a scary and uncomfortable experience.
Do you mean you have been visualising the journey on your own?
If this is the case, you may find it helful to get a drumming tape/cd which has been created for journeying
The drum beats will alter your brainwaves as you listen to the resonance, and this supports your in experiencing an altered state of consciousness, which is mentioned in Michaels book
Aspen flower remedy is useful to transform fear of the unknown
I am thinking that, since I could enter a trance, but not do the journey, maybe it means that I don't have enough talent, or whatever to do this - or maybe I just don't have a power animal at all?
It is my understanding that we all have an animal ally.
Journeying is an ancient skill..some of us can learn how to do it more easily than others.
I notice this when I teach courses, but as rosi says 'perseverance furthers'
enjoy
tigress [sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif][sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif][sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif][sm=xmas-smiley-005.gif]
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