Week 6

[Neamhain Riona]

Gateways of Entry

~ LowerWorld ~

This is the Unit that most of you have been waiting for – time to Journey to the LowerWorld! Up until now, we have talked very little about the LowerWorld. Now is a good time to learn more about it and what to do when you get there.

The LowerWorld is a very beautiful place. It has landscape, climate, and inhabitants – both human and non-human. The terrain is very similar to that on the Earth's surface. There are forests and deserts, mountains and flatlands and bodies of water. You can arrive during the day or the night and it can be warm or cold. It rains and snows there and the wind can be brutal. There are all species of animals, including those magic(k)al, mythical, and extinct. These animals are non-ordinary because they speak in languages that the Shaman can understand, they also can shapeshift. The same is true for the humans that dwell in the LowerWorld.

On the contrary of the normal perception of the LowerWorld – it is a far cry from the UnderWorld known as “Hell”. You will not find smoldering pits of pitch fueled by the tortured souls of the Dead and Demons do not crack whips behind the newly arrived. But, I can see how that opinion came about, You see, the LowerWorld IS a place where we confront the animal side of ourself. It is here that we meet up with our faults, weaknesses, and fears, some of which eventually transform into negative energy and illness and disease. For some people, I imagine it would be horrible and torture to visit such a place. So I can see where it would seem like “Hell” to someone who is unprepared.

Most people do not make the LowerWorld Journey until they die and the view of the afterlife – usually called “Heaven”, is very similar in some ways to the Shamanic LowerWorld. It is in the LowerWorld where we meet up with our Ancestors and we find ourselves free of sickness and pain. It can be viewed as a Utopia where everything is in sync with everything else.

Not to say that you will not encounter some very frightening things in the LowerWorld, because sooner or later – you will. I know that I have. Once I had to deal with an Oracle that had no face, and another time with a Spirit whose muscles and organs were exposed. And I have been bitten and clawed while on LowerWorld Journeys. But each of those experiences were things I had to endure to receive the information that was vital to my quest. This is also one of the reasons Shamanism isn't for everyone.

Points of Entry
Traditionally Shamans use natural openings within the Earth's landscape as portals to the LowerWorld. These gateways are commonly caves, animal tunnels, or even hollow trees. Sometimes these places are known for their great power and are honored by a tribe or society of people – sometimes they are private and known only to the Shaman.

If you are fortunate enough to live where you can get out into Nature, you have more than likely seen such a place. Like those tree roots that fold back into the river bank or creek bed – roots can be followed to the LowerWorld. Or the place where a stream goes underground – you can float right along as it descends. A deep crack in a huge rock – these might have natural “stairs” to walk down. And there are always rabbit, snake or gopher holes – also ant hills, you can slide down one of these and arrive in the LowerWorld. All of these are prime examples of entry ways.

But, what if you live in the city? Well, there are some less obvious gateways. The drain in the sink or tub is an option. Manholes and other doorways that lead downwards will work. These seem unconventional, but they are acceptable portals none the less.

Another way to go is to use someplace that you have visited. Even a place that you have read about, or seen in a movie or photograph will work. The main thing to remember is that you must be able to clearly envision this place. I know that you are thinking, “Okay, I know a place like that, but what about it – how is this going to work?”

First, lets look at what we have learned up to this point:

● We are all Spirits.
● We are all connected.
● We Journey to communicate with other Spirits.
● We must be able to purposely shift consciousness to successfully Journey.

You see, it is our Spirit that makes the Journey and not our physical bodies. Because it is our ethereal energy that travels, we are able to slip through cracks and walk upon roots with ease. Another advantage of traveling in Spirit form is that nothing at all can harm you! That's right ... you can jump off a towering cliff and you will survive and you can stay under water and you will not drown.

Why is it like this? Because the LowerWorld is a place of healing. It is where you go to retrieve lost parts of yourself, where you overcome past experiences that have had a profound affect on you – emotionally and physically. Even the souls of the Dead go to the LowerWorld to heal. You see, the only place that you get hurt or die is in the MiddleWorld.

So, now that you know a little bit more about the LowerWorld ... do you still want to go there? I hope so, because even if the only time you Journey is for the duration of this class, you will be forever transformed by the things that you will have learned!

 

[Neamhain Riona]

First Journey ~ visiting the LowerWorld ~



Before you Journey to retrieve your Power Animal, it is a good idea to go for a visit just to look around – to map out the terrain. Most of the time you will enter and return in the same place, so it is good to get an idea of where you are going and coming from. But first, you have to make it to the LowerWorld!

My favorite place to enter is an old Well that is on some property where I used to live. The first time I tried to Journey, this was the place that I chose. My first try was disappointing because I was paying to much attention to the CD and how my own drum beats were sounding. It was as if my feet were super glued to the ground, I just couldn't budge.

On the second try, I kept my mind focused on the Well and my intent to get down to the LowerWorld. I could smell the moistness of the air in the Well House and I remember feeling the chilly dampness too. I let my mind take my Spirit to the edge of the Well and when I looked down, I saw metal rungs embedded into the side wall of the Well and I used these to climb down.

Time is really different when you Journey and it felt like I was climbing down forever. Funny thing – even though the inside of the Well was very dark, I seemed to be able to see everything very clearly. After what felt like a mile, the rungs ran out and there was just this vast space with running water in it. I did not know what to do next - so I just let go and plunged into the water. It did not feel cold or wet, but I felt like I was floating. Not long after, I passed through a tunnel and when I came out on the other side – I was in the LowerWorld!

On the shore line there was this huge rock and sitting on top of it was a Raccoon. He was just sitting there smiling at me like he was the Cheshire Cat and didn't seem frightened of me at all. So I stood up and waded to the bank, but by the time I got there, Raccoon had ducked behind the boulder. But I noticed a path twisting behind the rock so I took it and just around the bend Raccoon was waiting for me, and so was something else ... the most beautiful forest I have ever seen! No two trees, plants, or flowers were alike.

I asked Raccoon to walk into the forest with me and I was astonished by what happened next ... Raccoon spoke to me in perfect English! He said, “What do you think I am here for?” and he rolled his eyes. I remember thinking, “How rude!”. And we walked on. While we were in the forest, I became aware of the drum beat again and I heard the tempo speed up. I said “Oh no! I will never make it back in time from here!” I remember feeling a bit frantic.

Raccoon crooked his finger and beckoned me to follow him into a shallow cave, which I did. Once inside he pointed upward and there it was – the inside of the Well, metal rungs and all! I told Raccoon “Thank you” and began to climb up. Before I knew it, I was back in my own livingroom.

When my head cleared, I realized that at some point I had stopped drumming because I was no longer holding my drum and beater. Even though my Journey was uneventful, three important things did happen. First, I made it to the LowerWorld. Next, I was lucky enough to be met when I arrived there. And lastly, I realized the the terrain in MY LowerWorld is a lot like being way out in the country here on Earth.

So, now is the time to Journey to the LowerWorld just to look around. Remember to keep that thought in mind when you go. Do not bring anything at all back with you. For this Journey you are just mapping out the terrain.

The Method

Do any grounding, smudging, meditation techniques that you do to help you enter SSC. Light a special incense that you are going to use ONLY to Journey with:

You will need the following things: a quiet room, an uninterrupted space of 20-30 minutes, a comfortable place to lie down, a bandanna or eye covering (blindfold), a shamanic drumming CD , your Drum or Rattle, and a journal in which you can record your Journey. You will undertake this Journey with the purpose of mapping out the LowerWorld.
Lie on the floor in a comfortable position. You may want to put a pillow under your knees or head. Cover your eyes with the bandanna. Turn on the drumming CD – you want the 30 min Drumming Solo with Callback. Start Drumming or Rattling in time with the CD.
Pick an opening going into the ground that you remember from sometime in your life. Could be a cave, a pool of water, a whirlpool, hollow tree, drain pipe etc.
Visualize yourself at the opening, then going down into it.
Look for a tunnel or tube going downwards.
As you lower yourself, the ground will begin to open and expand into an underground space. Follow the form of the earth as it opens and changes into rock forms, a waterfall, perhaps, a pool or cave. Keep moving until you come out into the open. (Do not be surprised to see sunlight or sky.)
See, hear or sense everything that is happening around you. You may wish to feel your way with your hands. Try and learn as much about your environment as you can. You may for instance sense you are standing in water because your feet feel cold and wet. You might hear or feel the wing of a bird nearby. You may see a hill covered with daisies in front of you. You may smell or sense a large animal nearby.
Talk to the Animals and Spirits that you encounter - if any show themselves, but do not ask any of them if they are your Power Animal. You are only here to map out the LowerWorld.
Listen for the Callback. It is several sharp beats of the drum on the CD. When you hear it, tell any animal or Spirit that you might be with “Thank You for your time” and tell them that you will surely meet them again on future Journeys. More than likely, none of these will be your Power Animal.
Make your way back by reversing the way you came. You will move much more quickly as the drumbeat becomes more hurried.
DO NOT bring back any Animals or Spirits with you!
Record your Journey immediately while it is still fresh.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Second Journey > Power Animal Retrieval



Now that we have been down to the LowerWorld and have an idea of the landscape there, it is time for us to go and experience what it feels like to find a part of ourself that has been missing ... Our most primitive nature – our Animal side.

Since the LowerWorld is about healing, harmony, and balance, this is what we can expect to find with our Power Animal. Females can expect their Power Animal to be male – unless you are a lesbian and then your Power Animal might be a female. Males can expect their Power Animal to be female – unless you are homosexual and then your Power Animal might be male. You see, it is about archetypes.

How will you know who your Power Animal is? You are going to ask it – that's how!

When I Journeyed to retrieve my Power Animal, it was on the Winter Solstice. I had prepared myself with a ritual bath and I had fasted (no food - only water) for 2 days. Because I had chosen to use my Plant Spirit Helper Rosemary as my “Journey Incense”, I also used a cooled tea of Rosemary as a hair rinse. Rosemary is known to promote clairvoyance. I also did about 1 hour of chanting to build my cone of power.

Using the same method as the first LowerWorld Journey – I began my quest. To retrieve my Power Animal.

Entering the same Well, I noticed the same dampness and saw those same metal rungs. The first part of my Journey was exactly like the last time, except when I arrived in the LowerWorld it was night time. Even though it was the Winter Solstice here in MiddleWorld, it was a balmy summer evening in the LowerWorld.

There was my buddy Raccoon waiting for me again! I greeted him and I thought to myself, “Oh, my Power Song talked about wearing the mask” – so of course ... a Raccoon wears a mask, so maybe, just maybe this was my Power Animal! But I knew that there was only one way to find out ...

“Are you my Power Animal?” I asked Raccoon. He shook his head and said “No, but I know who is.” So then I asked, “Will you take me to him?” Raccoon said, “We are already late.” And we started walking down the path.

I could see the glow of a bonfire in the distance and I knew that we were heading towards it. When we arrived, I saw several people dancing clockwise around the fire and for some reason, I knew that I was supposed to dance with them, but counter clockwise. This I began to do. Each time I passed a person, they would shift into their Animal form ... all of them except Raccoon who changed from Animal into an old Native Man. I passed Owl Woman and asked, “Are you my Power Animal?” She smiled and said “No”. I asked Bear Man and he said “No” - the same was true with Goat Girl. Then my gaze rested on a very handsome Indian Warrior who had “spots” painted all over him. As I danced up to him, I asked “Are you my Power Animal?” He smiled and said, “Yes”. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of joy.

But my Warrior did not show me his Animal side. We just danced and danced for what seemed like eternity. Finally, I once again I became aware of the drum beat and the change in tempo. I told my Warrior that I had to go. He told me that he would take me back to the river and he turn and sprinted away and I had to run to catch up to him. Just before we reached the big rock, I looked over and saw him transform into a huge Bobcat right before my eyes!

We parted at the river and as I stepped into the water, I looked down at my reflection ... I saw a Bobcat looking back at me.

Now my Journey back to MiddleWorld gets fuzzy at this point. All I remember is that when I became consciously aware – I had tears running down my face.

I have made many Journeys since then and whenever I call upon Bobcat – he is there for me. In fact, I have a male Bobcat who has taken up residence in the far corner of my property!

Now, your Journey might not be like mine at all. You might have to chase your Power Animal, or pass a test to find it, or even get attacked by it. Just remember to specifically ask any Spirit you encounter if it is your Power Animal. DO NOT say, “Do you want to be my Power Animal?” They all want to be someones Power Animal. You must say, “Are you my Power Animal?” I also want to mention that just because you have always liked a particular animal does not mean it is your Power Animal. And be careful not to disrespect or disregard any Animal or Spirit who you encounter ... even the little Brown Mouse is a very worthy Power Animal!

The Method (slightly different from Journey #1)

Do any grounding, smudging, meditation techniques that you do to help you enter SSC. Light a special incense that you are going to use ONLY to Journey with:
You will need the following things: a quiet room, an uninterrupted space of 20-30 minutes, a comfortable place to lie down, a bandanna or eye covering (blindfold), a shamanic drumming CD , your Drum or Rattle, and a journal in which you can record your Journey. You will undertake this Journey with the purpose of mapping out the LowerWorld.
Lie on the floor in a comfortable position. You may want to put a pillow under your knees or head. Cover your eyes with the bandanna. Turn on the drumming CD – you want the 30 min Drumming Solo with Callback. Start Drumming or Rattling in time with the CD.
Pick an opening going into the ground that you remember from sometime in your life. Could be a cave, a pool of water, a whirlpool, hollow tree, drain pipe etc.
Visualize yourself at the opening, then going down into it.
Look for a tunnel or tube going downwards.
As you lower yourself, the ground will begin to open and expand into an underground space. Follow the form of the earth as it opens and changes into rock forms, a waterfall, perhaps, a pool or cave. Keep moving until you come out into the open. (Do not be surprised to see sunlight or sky.)
See, hear or sense everything that is happening around you. You may wish to feel your way with your hands. Try and learn as much about your environment as you can. You may for instance sense you are standing in water because your feet feel cold and wet. You might hear or feel the wing of a bird nearby. You may see a hill covered with daisies in front of you. You may smell or sense a large animal nearby.
Talk to the Animals and Spirits that you encounter – Specifically ask each one “Are you my Power Animal?”
Listen for the Callback. It is several sharp beats of the drum on the CD. When you hear it, tell any animal or Spirit that you might be with “Thank You for your time”. If it is your Power Animal, tell it how happy you are to be gifted by him / her.
Make your way back by reversing the way you came. You will move much more quickly as the drumbeat becomes more hurried.
DO NOT bring back any Animals or Spirits with you! You can call your Power Animal to you anytime you want from here on out. Anytime you Journey after this you call your Power Animal to accompany you.
Record your Journey immediately while it is still fresh.
Take the time to research everything you can find out about your Power Animals species. There are messages for you in this research. This will be your Homework Journal assignment this week.