MORRIGAN:

And with that our discussion begins

ViragoWitch:

::applause::

MORRIGAN:

LOL thank you!!

MORRIGAN:

first off, a brief explanation of what the Chakra's are

nexxus:

what's the topic tonight

MORRIGAN:

The word chakra is Sanskrit and means "Wheel". Like the English word it can mean a literal turning mechanism or the metaphorical wheel of destiny, or perhaps the Wheel of Fortune of the Tarot deck. The chakras are seven wheel shaped energy centers which are found in the etheric double of the body.

The only body the majority of people are aware of is the physical body, but we also have an etheric body, an emotional body and a mental body, as well as the overshadowing soul, which coordinates everything. The etheric body is an energy field through which we interact with both the physical world and the world of more subtle energies. It acts as both a filter and a template. It steps down the high current of spiritual energies and makes them readily able to be assimilated by the physical body and forms the template on which the physical body is molded. Spiritual energy can flow or trickle through the body depending on how unobstructed the etheric body and the chakras are.

OK... is that pretty clear? does anyone have any questions on this part?

ViragoWitch:

not yet, nope.

PAniteowl:

nope

MORRIGAN:

OK the seven chakras are as follows

1 Root Chakra

This is found at the base of the spine. It is through this that we "root" ourselves to material things. Meaningless rituals, compulsive behavior, and addictions all operate through here. We are also connected to things that make us feel secure through this area.

2. Womb or Splenic Chakra

Associated with sexual organs (eastern) and the spleen (western) also reproductive functions. We are connected to sexual partners here; any sexual trauma, surgery, rape and childbirth.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra

This is situated above the navel and is connected to the celiac plexus and the digestive system. Gut reactions come from here and subliminal and unconscious messages are sent and received here. This is a HUGE receiving center. It can get blocked easily or overwhelmed by energy. It's an everyday area and it is here that we connect with people and basic feelings. The condition of this chakra tells us about our relationships with other people and theirs to us

4. Heart Chakra

This is found at the center of the chest at the back. It is connected to the cardiac and pulmonary nerve plexuses and is concerned with love - UNCONDITIONAL love. It expresses compassion, love of humanity, nature, beauty, spontaneity and joy.

5. Throat Chakra

Found at the base of the skull. Concerned with expression, voicing thoughts, feelings, poems, and prophecies. It is where we express ourselves or where expression gets blocked

6. Brow Chakra (third eye)

This is found between and slightly above the eyebrows. It is concerned with clairvoyance. Magickal work begins at the brow chakra. It is from here that we project our energy outwards. Meditation happens with the brow chakra... so does thought form building

7. Crown Chakra

This is found at the top of the head as it's name suggests. In the enlightened ones this chakra grows to a large size and radiates light. This is usually illustrated by the halo in paintings.

As soon as someone is able to assimilate spiritual energy, this chakra awakens and opens. It will develop as a natural progression from working on all the preceding chakras

OK... now you all know as much as I know the floor is open for discussion. That is unless I've put you all to sleep?

Jaguar:

What is the best way to open the chakras?

ViragoWitch:

{-- still awake

PAniteowl:

Chatty... is this the basis for the "Hands of Light" healing book?

MORRIGAN:

I think that through meditation you can accomplish this

no actually

I took my notes from Elisabeth Brooke's book "A Wise Woman's Guide to spells, rituals and Godess Lore"

ViragoWitch:

Chatty- what books did you use as reference?

dark:

I'd say the best way to open them is through meditation and visual feeling.

MORRIGAN:

agreed dark

ViragoWitch:

Also, information on the female chakra, and how they can be utilized, can be found in Chapter 4 of "Women's Bodies; Women's Wisdom"...

WiseWitch:

Yoga can help open them, too.

ViragoWitch:

by Christine Northrup, MD

PAniteowl:

the meditation aspect of yoga WW?

Xori:

do chakras necessarily have to be consciously open, or do people unconsciously open and close them? I suppose this is where meditation comes in - learning to consciously open & close

WiseWitch:

Working with color and appropriate sounds can help open them. Even the physical yoga, Owl.

MORRIGAN:

yoga... isn't that exercises, mental and physical?

I think that the lower ones are open, but can get blocked

Xori:

WW - what about scents - aromas, ie incense?

PAniteowl:

{g} that's what I thought, WW.. any specific movements you'd recommend to focus on a particular chakra?

nexxus:

if your energy is focused in one specific chakra is that good or bad

MORRIGAN:

the meditation can be used to "see" the condition that they are in and work to unblock them so that they work better

WiseWitch:

probably, Xori - I don't work much with them, as my husband works at home and they drive him NUTS [g]

Nestor:

question: The development of the chakra system is basically an Indian/Eastern modality of treatment -- what puzzles me is that even ancient western medicine which did account for the psychic does not mention it at all. Why the discrepancy? Any ideas?

Ema:

no

PAniteowl:

agreed Nes, but I think that is changing

MORRIGAN:

You got me Nestor

dark:

I think I have an answer Nestor.

PAniteowl:

many professionals in the health fields are beginning to integrate the chakra awareness in their healing

melilot:

a less enlightened society maybe Nestor

Nestor:

this is not to mean we can't learn from our Eastern brother but wondering if there are some fundamental psychic differences

dark:

It may be because the western medicine generally tried to focus on medical/technological advances, and slowly moved away from that area.

Jaguar:

Or perhaps it was just given a name

Nestor:

perhaps the goal of each form of existence and the psychology surround ing it --does effect the psychic being

Windaly:

good answer.... dark...

WiseWitch:

Why did it do that, though, dark? And why didn't Western esoteric trads have anything like it?

PAniteowl:

IMHO Nes, for what it is worth, Western civilization was heavily influenced in denial of anything that might be considered "occult"

Nestor:

not sure --but just a question

nexxus:

things are slow tonight here

PAniteowl:

occult, even {G}

dark:

I guess the "why" it did that, is because of the fast advancing rate of medical technology. Sort of the in with the new, out with the old concept.

Nestor:

Pa I would agree in the period post-later Roman empire for sure but the earlier periods back through Babylon and Egypt and through Greece and Rome seem not to mention that

WiseWitch:

But, WHEN did Indians develop the Chakra idea? wasn't it well before Western allopathic medicine got powerful?

PAniteowl:

there was still that "power" thing... he/she who can do, wields the power {G}

Nestor:

yes WW and that is why I was wondering why we do not find traces in other Indo -European medical practices

PAniteowl:

maybe not in the "Chakra" terminology, or semantics, but the practices were there Nex

Nestor:

well PA the Eastern religions tend to also be very very practical too

yes possibly PA

WiseWitch:

What, Nestor?

Nestor:

but looking for signs of it I seem to come up empty. and ideas on where to look?

PAniteowl:

even early Xianity talks of the laying on of hands to send energy, but they talked of it as the power of their god

WiseWitch:

Nestor, it may have been taken up into the 7 levels of the QBL, and only there.

Nestor:

ye the laying on hands and dream sleep was proactive by the Greek extensively --but not description of the chakras

MORRIGAN:

but isn't that the same thing PA? Even if they give the credit to their God?

PAniteowl:

look for the signs Nes, where they claimed it as a God thing, because they did not want to credit empowerment within the individual

Nestor:

this is just a question and not to be taking in any hostile tone please

PAniteowl:

yes, Chatty.. I think so

MORRIGAN:

I think so too

melilot:

maybe they didn't view it as several different things to them it may have been all one part of their spiritual being

PAniteowl:

ummm... I don't detect any hostility her Nes ????

melilot:

and they would have no need to name it

MORRIGAN:

me either Nestor

PAniteowl:

yes Meli.. that makes sense

MORRIGAN:

it could be that they used more of a cleansing type of energy, sending energy through all of the chakras

Nestor:

WW or anyone verse in Celtic or Norse --do those systems include any similar thinks to the chakras

MORRIGAN:

sort of like a super cleaning

Jaguar:

That's my view as well Mel. I mean we breathe even before we know what to name it.

PAniteowl:

well, Nes.. Celtic talks of the 3rd eye, that is one of them

WiseWitch:

I don't see it in the Celtic or the Norse, Nestor.

Nestor:

well thanks for listing and responding in such a positive manner

PAniteowl:

wow... I am so lagged!!!!

MORRIGAN:

me too PA

melilot:

but your still cute pa {EG} you too chatty {G}

MORRIGAN:

any other questions?

PAniteowl:

heheheh

MORRIGAN:

gee thanx Meli! {g}

Jaguar:

I did keep a log of this. Do you want it to continue?

schmaling:

I am a novice at this where to start?

melilot:

with the chakras schmaling?

schmaling:

yes

PAniteowl:

Nes, the halo has long been "pictured" in art work of many cultures

MORRIGAN:

ummm shall I begin again? {g}

PAniteowl:

so, the halo, and the 3rd eye are referenced.. through art, but not science {G}

schmaling:

It is amazing how Christianity has modified these common beliefs

dark:

Is there any particular reason I'm still logging?

Nestor:

yes agreed and would suggest that the classical culture did have the concept of emanation from the body --but not is a highly organized form or with such special attributes

melilot:

but they do not show any of the other chakras pa so I would tend to think they viewed them as one unit

schmaling:

But science is catching up, there is now studies on human energy fields

PAniteowl:

well, Nes, I hope we have learned a little more than the primitive societies {G}

PAniteowl:

true Meli, good point

melilot:

science needs the means to measure that which some already know schmaling we have to wait for the technology

Nestor:

agreed Schmaling --but is voltage potential differential and photo cause by it the same a the confirmation of the chakra?

MORRIGAN:

I have a list of some basic meditations that can be done to "see" and work with the Chakras. I will be happy to post them as a supplement to the class logs on the BB if anyone is interested

PAniteowl:

Kerlian photography was an attempt to show energy patterns {G}.. the idea was there, but the equipment to prove it had not been developed

schmaling:

No science will never understand it will only lend credibility then everyone will say they believe it

melilot:

please do chatty

MORRIGAN:

OK will do then

dark:

So is the class finished?

Nestor:

yes that would be great Chat --I would certainly enjoy reading them

melilot:

some will not believe it even when science proves it schmaling {G}

Xori:

that would be cool Chatty

Jaguar:

so it will be on the Wiccan board?

MORRIGAN:

yes Jag, under Wicca101 class logs

PAniteowl:

If it is a reality Nes, then why can't it be measured??.. I think many have tried to prove the existence of a force, or forces within

MORRIGAN:

does anyone have any particular questions about a certain chakra?

melilot:

tools pa they need the tools to do the measuring {EG} can't measure it without the right tool

PAniteowl:

{{{{{{{{{agree with Meli!!! {G}

Nestor:

good questions --it may either be that they don't exist or even more possible that we are not using the proper methodology or instrumentation to find these measurements

schmaling:

There are some things that will never be measured

WiseWitch:

Why do you say that, Schmaling?

Nestor:

if one does not look in the proper place with he right equipment for the proper result --the experiment has some problems succeeding

melilot:

just remember the earth was flat and that was determined from the tools that they had {EG}

MORRIGAN:

I think it's amusing that so many people feel the need to measure and "prove" things scientifically anyway. If it works... use it

melilot:

if it doesn't work get batteries {G}

schmaling:

We will never understand everything that the goddess touches, I am a novice at this but most of what I have seen and experienced has been instinct and a little instruction by others

Jaguar:

lol

Nestor:

yes Chat that is a good rule of thumb --but I think we also need to go beyond that too

Jaguar:

Why Nestor?

melilot:

instincts usually work the best schmaling

WiseWitch:

Are we not part of the Universe, part of the Divine manifestation? Why should we NOT understand it all?

Xori:

lol

Nestor:

because it would probably lead in conjunction to even better and more positive techniques

melilot:

I don't want to understand it all I like a little mystery in my life

WiseWitch:

Among other reasons, Jag, because that way we can compare what works BEST, and the best ways to learn. Effectiveness takes lab notebooks - and lab notebooks = well kept BOS's.

melilot:

to know all would lead to a life without purpose or goals

schmaling:

someday maybe, that is why we need to keep coming back until we do understand it all. I don't believe it can happen in one lifetime

Nestor:

mel --I find the more I understand the more I am impressed with the mystery and beauty of what the Gods have created!

WiseWitch:

Electron microscopes let me see MORE beauty, not less! [g]

Nestor:

agreed WW

melilot:

depends upon your view of "beauty" WW {EG}

PAniteowl:

LOL

MORRIGAN:

that's a good point WW

OK, so are we totally off the topic of chakras now?

Nestor:

part of the beauty is the underlying order to it all and the fact that it does act in a predictable fashion

WiseWitch:

schmaling, but we are working with the knowledge of 20,000 years plus of human experience, and some 4000 years of history. We are utilizing more than one lifetime every moment

PAniteowl:

good point, WW

schmaling:

yes, but for the solitary it is hard to access it all, maybe I am a new soul taking baby steps, not able to interpret it all

Nestor:

this of course leads me to another questions: are the understanding and effect as well as the spiritual development derived from the East have the equivalent in the West or do they teach different parts of reality?

MORRIGAN:

well, if we are all finished I must have gone over enough material to cover any questions....

WiseWitch:

schmaling, you have access to Internet and books, which contain 20000 years of knowledge

MORRIGAN:

I think we can call this class to a close now

melilot:

OK chatty

MORRIGAN:

thank you all for coming and participating. Jag, you can cut the log now. {g} Thanks for logging for me and also for sending it to me

Nestor:

thank you Chattie and all for a wonderful and thought provoking class

melilot:

great class chatty

MORRIGAN:

I hope so Nestor. {g}

PAniteowl:

thanks for the great info Chatty.. Well Done!!!

schmaling:

Yes but that is knowledge that can misinterpreted, It all must touch your soul, mean something

Xori:

Thanks Chatty!!

MORRIGAN:

welcome welcome! I thought it was pretty brief, but if you all were satisfied... then my work is done {g}

This is a supplement to the Chakra Class Logs that I promised. Below are the meditations offered in Elisabeth Brooke's book: "A Wise Woman's Guide to Spells, Rituals and Goddess Lore" By the way, this is a good book to read for an eclectic perspective on the Craft.

1) Meditation for Root Chakra: Sit comfortably, don't lie down, and support your back, if necessary. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Check out your physical body, turn your attention inwards, relax tense parts and breathe regularly... Be aware of the base of your spine. Look at the colors you see there. Notice the condition of the chakra, how much energy there is around it, how open it is... Then be aware that there is a root which grows out of this chakra, which grows out and down, down, down into the earth. Find this root and notice how it looks. Is it well cared for and healthy, or is it thin and sickly looking, or is it solid and impenetrable? Using your imagination adjust the root: thin it down, thicken it up, feed it, do whatever needs to be done. Then take a few minutes to feel how it is to be firmly rooted, secure and attached. Now imagine going about your everyday life feeling this way. See what a difference it makes - to your work, your relationships, your attitudes. Come back into the room and make notes of what you discovered.

2) Meditation on the womb chakra: Lie down and take a few deep breaths to relax. Focus attention on your womb. See what condition it is in, take some time. See if any feelings come up as you go deeper into your womb. Let them come. Allow images and memories to come, lot them appear and disappear without judging them. Then imagine a stream of golden light washing through your womb, healing and cleansing it. Hold the light there. Then let it go. Repeat the process, holding it for longer. Then let it go. Be aware that this is the center of your energy; where you absorb light. Come back into the room and write down your experiences.

3) Meditation on the solar plexus Lie down and take a few deep breaths. Let go of the tension in your body. Direct your attention inwards to your solar plexus. Look at the general condition of this chakra, it's color and any images or feeling which come up for you...any people that you find there. You will notice cords coming out from your solar plexus. They connect to people in your life. See who these people are and whether these cords are helpful to you or whether they drain you or hold you back. You can remove the harmful cords. Don't cut them... just gently pull them out; they will come out like pond weed from water... let them float away. Send them away with light. Slowly come back into the room and write down your experiences.

4) Meditation on the Heart Lie down and relax... Focus attention on your heart. See what color it is, what shape and what images or feelings come up for you. Let them pass by, noting them but not judging. Be aware of the color green, apple green and bathe your heart in this color. Feel it healing and opening your heart. Stay with this for as long as you can and then come back and note your experiences.

5) Meditation on the throat chakra Relax and sit comfortably, bending your head slightly. Take a few deep breaths and breath out tension from your body. Turn our attention inwards to the area just below your skull at the back of your neck. Relax the tense muscles there and breath into them. Be aware of the center of energy, a depression, a pool or whirling vortex... Slip in and see what you find there. Look for a flower like structure. When you have found it, see what kind of condition it is in. Ask it if it needs anything. Be aware of an iridescent blue color bathing the whole area. Stay with this for awhile, then slowly come back into the room. Record any thoughts or feelings.