do you have a teacher/guide or you're taking 'do it yourself' approach?

[dub.tribe]

So is it truly dangerous to get into meditation and expand consciousness on your own? I've read some scary things, so I'm going back and forth in between looking for a teacher, and not trusting anyone and wanting to do things on my own. It seems that neither is simple though. How did you get on a spiritual path? Do you have safe suggestions for learning how to meditate and take baby steps into higher realms?

Few weeks ago I read somewhere that Kundalini is "what makes you dance" and I thought to myself "Oh, now I finally get it!" :w00t: So I just tried to meditate (which I never do), before I read more about what Kundalini is, not really thinking that meditation can harm anyone. After few minutes my heart started racing, I got hot, so I stopped. Since that day I'm having mild electric shocks, tingling and itching all over my body. I also woke up on 3 different nights because of an urge to vomit, mysterious hit at my throat and some trembling.

I continued reading, and I don't think one should mess with these things before arming up with enough knowledge. On the other hand, if a person starts changing spontaneously, that should be encouraged rather than stopped.

Oh, that day when I tried to meditate, transiting Neptune (rules 8th) was in exact conjunction with natal Mercury - that was 1st one out of 5. It's also conjunct Sun, Dsc, trine Pluto, square Uranus, sextile Neptune. Transiting Chiron is currently separating from those same aspects. And there are other significant transits, chart attached. I find it really amusing that I now have those electric shocks every time I dance :andy:

Anyway, I wouldn't even know what kind of a teacher to look for? I know a bit about yoga, but I don't think group classes provide good enough guidance. Any thoughts?

[Neptune Rising]

I think each person's experience on a 'spiritual' path, the path of discovering the self, is unique. I dont think and have not found any path to be dangerous. I have come across various teachers in my life. I've been practicing yoga for over 18 years, I came across a yoga book in the local 2nd hand shop just by chance - that was my first discovery of yoga, my main spiritual path. So yoga and meditation I taught myself largly, then by chance in my life, incedentally at a Jupiter opposition and Jupiter return, I've come across two yoga schools with life changing (for me) teachings. These just added wonderful depth to my practice. Then 'teachers' just appear in my life from time to time, could call these people (not the schools) soul mates, I consider them spiritual teachers. Everyone is also a teacher.

I've heard about meditations having a harmful effect. The only harm I have found during my yoga and meditation practice is when I take my ego to my yoga mat and meditation cushion. If I do either practice with an intent, an intention of getting somewhere, I am using my ego and I've found this causes me harm... Difficult to describe exactly what I mean... our everyday lives are filled with intent, getting from a to b, making money to pay the rent. If I practice yoga with intent, I am not listening to my body, therefore not re-uniting body with mind, this can cause harm in the longer term. Same with meditation body and mind in stillness, with no intention of causing stillness.


From all that, I've learned, you have to do and go with what feels right for you, that seems to be the essence of the spiritual teachings I have come across.. so if your practice feels somehow wrong in some way, then adjust, change it, or try something else. It has to feel right, for you. :)
NR

[astrologer50]

Well, here in UK we are 'full' of spiritualist churches and development classes and this is what you should be looking for in a safe, nurturing environment.

When I developed on my own was fine, but only after having confirmation from someone very experienced that I was on the 'right path' and that I was working with higher energies and love and light beings, rather than the lower astral planes. I did however, want to be with 'like minds' that were also developing and my guides said no, it was better and purer as it was. So, I did go to my local spiritualist church and sit -- then I was psychically attacked twice -- very unpleasant. Woke up one night with someone's hand around my throat, every night an 'astral bell' would sound warning me of attack. It sounds (i swear) just like my front doorbell and so loud it made my jump up out of bed and go to the window or even go to the front door to see if it were kids....

I then found a small group that meditated in someone's home and that took us on 'journeys' but I was to advanced by this time and was also going on journeys with them sat next to me and could see where they were and what they were doing to.

It all depends on how and why you want to develop. One sure and quick way to to be 'attuned' to Reiki or better still Shamballa MDH healing as this will open up your psychic circuitary.

If you are listening to tapes at home, it 's all about slow tone of voice, going on a journey, exercising your brain to use certain muscles that you have not used before. Also you need to slow your breathing by a counting method of self hypnotherapy say from 10 -1 slowly then imagine yourself walking down a large spiral staircase, drifting deeper and deeper into relaxation.....

You must read up on how to protect yourself and close your chakra's down when finishing and to 'ground yourself' The best form of protection I used was sitting in a chair in the middle of a glass pyramid, so the glass reflected any negativity back to whomever sent it. I tried all sorts, pure white egg, golden cloak with hood and wrapped myself up totally like a package. None of this helped, I was still attacked. So think pyramid

Try and find a small group or spiritualist church for a 'development class'
Best of luck.

[Modcleopatra]

Whatever you do, do *not* become a vegetarian during this process.

You *may* become one later, but during this time, you will need as much as you can to stay grounded.

Avoid anyone who comes across as a Guru, or a know-it-all, pick people that want to converse with you, or better yet, talk about themselves in a vulnerable way, without manipulating you. Guilt, if you feel it, is something to acknowledge but not to respond to.

I'm being vague but I hope this helps.

Everyone is your teacher, but when you actively seek, reach with conscious hands.

Avoid the church mentality in terms of being a sheep, but use the mutual meeting place for a support.

Welcome to the path of the double-edged sword, now only hold the handle and imagine you're delicately carving your way through or roughly splicing your way through, to the truth.

And don't start avoiding the things you love out of moral ascetism.

Be yourself. :)

Teddi

[kbell]

Water has always been a wonderful way for me to connect. I love to get into a warm bath and just sit with my eyes closed, hands fully immersed and just let my mind go. I do always keep a protection around myself of white light, love, and positivity.

I think the only danger really that can come from anything is opening yourself up to something negative accidentally.

[dub.tribe]

Thank you so much for exhaustive responses, I've been thinking about your words whole day today! There's a lot to write but since I'm jammed with work right now I'll just comment on "Whatever you do, do *not* become a vegetarian during this process."
I've never wanted to become one but in past few weeks I did not eat meat at all, just because I didn't feel like eating it and I even started thinking about becoming vegetarian. Then this weekend I was barely able to function, and all I wanted to do is sleep 24/7. I attributed it to transiting Neptune conj. Sun, but now that you brought it up being related to staying grounded, it perfectly makes sense!
I'll get back as soon as I can to continue. All the best!

[Modcleopatra]

I like what Pierce has to say, and that could really work for some people, but I say if anything, the important things to get from "stuff" to use such as sage and salt, is the ritual and intention behind it, not the things themselves.

Physical things are just stuff, it's the purpose and meaning we put into them that matter.

Notice: build the alter and KEEP IT sacrosanct. It's an action more than the thing, so, if you dub.tribe, can't afford to make an alter, find the right things, or don't have the space or time, just lead with my example. Hold onto it inside of you.

Salt might help because it reminds us of the ocean, of sweat, tears. It is human and real, and we eat it. Easy to use. [Thanks Pierce!]

Teddi

[Modcleopatra]

Hmm, I wanted to bring up water in relation to spirituality. I rarely drink water, and when I do, I usually have more intense nightmares. I'm not sure what to do about this. It's not dangerous, just difficult.

What do you drink instead of water?

[kbell]

I became a vegan after some time because I feel that it's the next step for me, but i wouldn't suggest it for anyone who can't fully commit. I try to take a do no harm attitude toward all sentient life. A big part of what I'm focusing on now is true compassion for all living things. Also putting it into practice. I feel like not just a belief in a higher power is enough for me. Now I'm wanting to take what I've learned and begin helping others. It's a wonderful process.

[Modcleopatra]

Lol, I should have clarified that I rarely drink water alone. I drink sodas, juice, etc. but I usually avoid water, not because of the nightmares, but I just prefer other drinks over water.




Oh good, I was like um, you probably need to be drinking something.

Water as it relates to nightmares, that's interesting. I've had similar experiences. If it bugs you consider some energy work with a close friend.

Mod.

[eternalautumn]

I've never had a teacher to guide me, it's always been just me. In some ways I think it is better and worse. I've learned a lot and it's all very personal, probably more so than if I had someone teaching me. But, I could have missed things that I might not have had I had a guide. In the end, do what feels comfortable to you. Also, don't believe everything you read or hear. Investigate for yourself.

[rahu]

yes you need a teacher.....that has been the mantra of established religion . the awesome onesness manifest thru each soul independently of soothsayers and con men.know thy self.we are unique beings one and each but connected by our uniqueness.fear and propagation of ignorance alway preceed the shopkeeper of souls.
define you own dreams,meditate and the meaning will come.outside opinions can not improve on your hearts feelings.

milo

[Neptune Rising]

I deliberatly gave up meat and became a vegeratian after I took my first yoga teachers course. I also gave up smoking and drinking. I dont think I was quite ready though because in less than a year I did all those things again. :biggrin: But this year, instead of setting myself to give up meat, it just naturally happened. As I was deepening my yoga practice, listening to my body more, connecting body and mind, I found I just didnt want to eat meat because of the way it made my body feel... same with smoking and drinking. Just my experience, as I have listened to my inner self more, I find myself adopting things that are better for me, teachers appear in my life (in books, people, anything).

I wouldnt advise anyone to be a vegetarian, give up smoking, anything until they feel its right for them. Deep inside is your true guru.. all other teachers help on the path, essentially its you though that you have to listen to.

I'm probably not going to have a lot of yoga students if I eventually teach properly, I try to teach them to rely on themselves. :biggrin:

NR

[piercethevale]

...as my brother told me years ago...eventually you will find deep within your self ...Gee, You Are You ...G-U-R-U...[Christ was buried in a seamless robe...]
...and about those nosebleeds...that doesn't sound good...but if it is due to just nasal dryness go to your pharmacy and get a bottle of 'Ocean'...it's a Saline solution in distilled water nasal spray...

[Caro]

I think joining a group or school can keep you grounded. and it is good to meet like minded people so you can share experiences.

but always all traditions teach practice and practice which you can only do alone(although you may sit in a group)

grounding is key - keep doing your chores and be of service.

you can loose yourself in this stuff but your chart would indicate that.