Meditations & the Otherworld

[CelticMoon11]

I've been reading bits and pieces here and there and one aspect that arises is an ability to meditate and just 'enter' at will, the Otherworld.

Do you feel it's really that easy?

I don't think anyone can just sit down and "ok going to the Otherworld....now!". But I may be wrong..

[odubhain]

I've been reading bits and pieces here and there and one aspect that arises is an ability to meditate and just 'enter' at will, the Otherworld.

Do you feel it's really that easy?

I don't think anyone can just sit down and "ok going to the Otherworld....now!". But I may be wrong..

It's not that easy unless one has help from an Otherworldly being. There are many techniques for achieving states of consciousness that allow one's spirit to enter the Otherworld but going there completely is very unusual. It'salso dofficult to return (htough coming and going might be the easiest or most difficult things one can attempt).

The answer is that it just depends. :-)

Searles O'Dubhain

[Meadhbh]

It does depend. If a person is comfortable with doing and is used to what ever they do to get to the otherworld then it will be easier than some one who isn't used tp puttting themself in that state of mind. Like most things it requires finding a way that works for you and getting comfortable with doing it that way. The more often you do something like that, it gets not easer maybe but something you get used to doing, and becomes less akward for lack of a better word.

[~*Sacred*~]

May I ask what you mean by the Otherworld? Are you talking about the different planes/realms or something different?

[Pagan's Sword]

I've done Tarot card meditations in which my subconscious mind has entered the world of the card. From there I've been led elsewhere in my meditation. Is that otherworldly or a different realm? I don't really know. My spiritual side says yes, my scientific side says there is so much that is unknown about the power of the human brain and mind.

[lightdragon]

May I ask what you mean by the Otherworld? Are you talking about the different planes/realms or something different?

from my understanding it usually means a different plane of existance. usually either the ethereal or astral realm.

[~*Sacred*~]

from my understanding it usually means a different plane of existance. usually either the ethereal or astral realm.
That's what I wanted to assume, but wasn't sure. Thanks.

In that case I'd suggest anything by Robert Bruce to learn about the other realms of existence, he's got some great info and personal experiences.

[Nuadu]

I wouldnt say journeying meditation is a fait accompli but I would say there are different types of it about. Some forms genuinely are very basic and easy. For example Ive done workshops where journeying meditation was intended as a psychological thing rather then a genuine journeying. In that case it is easy cos it was just a matter of visualisation and interpretation.

When you start out though it should be impossible to travel in the otherworld cos you have very little presence there and youre unaware of the otherworld 99% of the time.

In the trad sense here journeying meditation does involve actual 'astral travel' but the end goal isnt to be great at travelling in the otherworld its self perfection by balancing 3 pieces of yourself. Focusing on the ability to journey is counter productive in that sense. The goal is to be conscious of all parts of yourself at all times and to strengthen those parts of you to be capable of living a full life and to aid in your journey towards reincarnation on a higher plane.

[CelticMoon11]

By the Otherworld I meant the Irish Otherworld where the fae and Tuatha DD live.

[~*Sacred*~]

By the Otherworld I meant the Irish Otherworld where the fae and Tuatha DD live.
Oh ok, thanks :cutie:

[Rainnelor]

I've been thinking of the 'views' of people who find metaphysics and all things associated to be suspect to say the least. I think this is a good place to bring this up: have any of you heard it said that you should NOT meditate to the point of surrendering or 'blunting' your awareness because evil entities will use the opportunity to influence you? I know it is ridiculous...I just want to know how many of YOU who are most involved in this sort of thing have been told something similar to this.

Also, I am not as sure about the ridiculousness of this, so help me out: I've heard that an OBE is dangerous because you may come back to find your body is occupied by some entity? This may be just as ridiculous as the first...but tell me exactly WHY because I get this kind of stuff a lot!

[~*Sacred*~]

I've been thinking of the 'views' of people who find metaphysics and all things associated to be suspect to say the least. I think this is a good place to bring this up: have any of you heard it said that you should NOT meditate to the point of surrendering or 'blunting' your awareness because evil entities will use the opportunity to influence you? I know it is ridiculous...I just want to know how many of YOU who are most involved in this sort of thing have been told something similar to this.

Also, I am not as sure about the ridiculousness of this, so help me out: I've heard that an OBE is dangerous because you may come back to find your body is occupied by some entity? This may be just as ridiculous as the first...but tell me exactly WHY because I get this kind of stuff a lot!
That is a myth. When you OBE you occupy both bodies. Mind-split effect is what I think it's called. I'll have to double check with my husband. But again, Robert Bruce (to me) is like the godfather of all this and I highly recommend his books.

[odubhain]

I've been thinking of the 'views' of people who find metaphysics and all things associated to be suspect to say the least. I think this is a good place to bring this up: have any of you heard it said that you should NOT meditate to the point of surrendering or 'blunting' your awareness because evil entities will use the opportunity to influence you? I know it is ridiculous...I just want to know how many of YOU who are most involved in this sort of thing have been told something similar to this.

Also, I am not as sure about the ridiculousness of this, so help me out: I've heard that an OBE is dangerous because you may come back to find your body is occupied by some entity? This may be just as ridiculous as the first...but tell me exactly WHY because I get this kind of stuff a lot!

You have to know your own mind and spirit in order to assert them or protect them from others. Truth is the power that creates and protects. If you live in illusions then your power is diminished. If you go from this worldof illusions to a world almost entirely of illusion and change, are you more or less in control of what happens to your body, mind or spirit?

Of course, Druids and Shamans often journey from a protected area while their bodies and spirits are warded. I've had direct personal experience with this as well as hearing and discussing the experiences of others.

Historically and in the anthropology books one sees that warding before leaving the body or journeying are mainly standard practices. Often, the energy for the activity is sourceed from a large body of people like a village, while another magician, Shaman or Druid acts as a kind of gatekeeper. The Bull Dream reported concerning Druids was performed on or under a bull hide while four other Druids chanted around the dreamer.

Without a "safe harbor" it is bad judgement to venture too far away from one's body. It'd be like being in deep hypnosis without a therapist standing by. Would you really want to try that? Thse who have or say they have either are fooling themselves IMO or they are so powerful that I can't fathom how they do it because it is beyond my kenning.

Think about it. You are journeying into realms filled with powerful spiritual entities. Your initial entrance islike being a baby among wild and powerful creatures. Are you really going to feel secure allow and without a safe haven or safety extraction? If you use up your own spiritual batteries, whoi will give you a jump start while there if you don't have a line back to your own group? That's why many of the deepest journeys occur with allies or in a group ritual setting.

There's a reason why most journeys to the Otherworld in Irish traditions are described as being "taken" or being "away." That is because the people or their bodies that remain here have either lost their way or they've been exchanged/inhabited by other spiritual entities. This does not mean that one should not journey or do things that have poential danger and rewards. I'm simply advocating being prepared and having support.

All that having been said, aperson who has the power and truth of knowing themselves, can do almost anything and survive. Spiritual traveling is an awesome experience yet the danger of it is also very present in every aspect.

Searles O'Dubhain

[Rainnelor]

You have to know your own mind and spirit in order to assert them or protect them from others. Truth is the power that creates and protects. If you live in illusions then your power is diminished. If you go from this worldof illusions to a world almost entirely of illusion and change, are you more or less in control of what happens to your body, mind or spirit?

Of course, Druids and Shamans often journey from a protected area while their bodies and spirits are warded. I've had direct personal experience with this as well as hearing and discussing the experiences of others.

Historically and in the anthropology books one sees that warding before leaving the body or journeying are mainly standard practices. Often, the energy for the activity is sourceed from a large body of people like a village, while another magician, Shaman or Druid acts as a kind of gatekeeper. The Bull Dream reported concerning Druids was performed on or under a bull hide while four other Druids chanted around the dreamer.

Without a "safe harbor" it is bad judgement to venture too far away from one's body. It'd be like being in deep hypnosis without a therapist standing by. Would you really want to try that? Thse who have or say they have either are fooling themselves IMO or they are so powerful that I can't fathom how they do it because it is beyond my kenning.

Think about it. You are journeying into realms filled with powerful spiritual entities. Your initial entrance islike being a baby among wild and powerful creatures. Are you really going to feel secure allow and without a safe haven or safety extraction? If you use up your own spiritual batteries, whoi will give you a jump start while there if you don't have a line back to your own group? That's why many of the deepest journeys occur with allies or in a group ritual setting.

There's a reason why most journeys to the Otherworld in Irish traditions are described as being "taken" or being "away." That is because the people or their bodies that remain here have either lost their way or they've been exchanged/inhabited by other spiritual entities. This does not mean that one should not journey or do things that have poential danger and rewards. I'm simply advocating being prepared and having support.

All that having been said, aperson who has the power and truth of knowing themselves, can do almost anything and survive. Spiritual traveling is an awesome experience yet the danger of it is also very present in every aspect.

Searles O'Dubhain

I think that we DO always need to be aware of our limitations when dealing with anything that can be termed 'supernatural.' I only communicate verbally and telepathically with the dead. I do not AP, have had no OBE's and do not even enter a trance as part of mediumship...it is pretty straight forward.

To my own mind, we can only be in complete control when we fully understand all that CAN occur...and that is rarely the case with delving into the supernatural. As you say, not that you should avoid these things, because then we will never learn our limits and more wonderful, our abilities. IYet, to do it as though we were walking to the post office or something is adopting a naive stance. I do know of people who have done what some would call 'magical' things repeatedly only to have some unexpected outcome.

I suppose I am saying that most importantly we should RESPECT the supernatural and understand that, while we may be very much 'in control' on this plane, we are not the ones who call all the shots once we venture out.

[Twilight Siren]

. . . . For example Ive done workshops where journeying meditation was intended as a psychological thing rather then a genuine journeying. In that case it is easy cos it was just a matter of visualisation and interpretation.[1] . . . . .

In the trad sense here journeying meditation does involve actual 'astral travel' but the end goal isnt to be great at travelling in the otherworld its self perfection by balancing 3 pieces of yourself.[2] Focusing on the ability to journey is counter productive in that sense. The goal is to be conscious of all parts of yourself at all times and to strengthen those parts of you to be capable of living a full life and to aid in your journey towards reincarnation on a higher plane.

1. Question: How can you tell then, in (for example) a more spontaneous an unguided experience that you are on a real "journey" . . and to "where" have you really gone . . . or if it's merely a subconscious/psychological experience . . . and , to an extent, aren't all experiences just psychological/mental experiences? . . . . I have an argument going on in my head here, that I'd like some outside opinions (well based ones!)on, please!

Also, how might one go about these meditations differently to get the desired "travel"?

Sorry, I am full of questions!!! I just feel like my meditative skills have been lacking recently and I am in need of some serious reinforcements!!! It's like how sometimes you can feel like a complete newbie (as I often do) even if you've been practicing for years.

2. Please clarify and elaborate here. . . 3 pieces? which pieces? I have many pieces!!

[Nuadu]

1. Question: How can you tell then, in (for example) a more spontaneous an unguided experience that you are on a real "journey" . . and to "where" have you really gone . . . or if it's merely a subconscious/psychological experience . . .

The only answer is you cant tell and you really have to use your own better judgement to decide whats what.

Active meditation can help in discerning between the two though you are guiding yourself rather then floating on an ocean or letting someone else steer the boat. By focussing on one thing in the front of your mind rather then letting your mind go blank and wander and your subconscious take over, your conscious mind being aware can allow you to interpret what you are experiancing in the moment of experiance.


and , to an extent, aren't all experiences just psychological/mental experiences?

I would say that some journeying meditation is genuine growth of self and transport of that self to a spiritual homeland.


. . . . I have an argument going on in my head here, that I'd like some outside opinions (well based ones!)on, please!

You probably wont find references for purely experential practices but if you read through this site and enjoy the meditation expercises [exercises] (and youve done them and can talk about them) I can point you towards someone that I trust to know what theyre on about.
http://eblannaraven.com/


Also, how might one go about these meditations differently to get the desired "travel"?

Try and cultivate a presence in, constant awareness of and a balance between the mundane world, the spiritual world and the otherworld through active meditation and authentic living. By authentic I mean genuinely living in the now and putting your all into everything you do in all worlds.


Sorry, I am full of questions!!! I just feel like my meditative skills have been lacking recently and I am in need of some serious reinforcements!!! It's like how sometimes you can feel like a complete newbie (as I often do) even if you've been practicing for years.

Yep Im the same, Ive been knocking about for years and I consider myself a newbie. Mainly cos I was knocking about and not focused but Id say thats probably a healthy attitude to have regardless of how good we are at what we do. When you stop being open to new experiances youve probably stopped learning.