{"id":18359,"date":"2018-09-01T01:10:11","date_gmt":"2018-09-01T06:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=18929"},"modified":"2018-08-28T14:13:16","modified_gmt":"2018-08-28T19:13:16","slug":"finding-your-own-way-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2018\/09\/01\/finding-your-own-way-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Your Own Way"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><a name=\"c6\"><\/a> <span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Chapter 6 <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><u>The Third Eye Meditation<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The &#8216;third eye&#8217; is positioned behind the forehead just above the bridge of the nose and connects to both halves of the brain. Believed by Rene Descartes to be the seat of the soul, it is widely written about in eastern and in &#8216;new age&#8217; philosophies. It has strong links with sleep, hibernation, libido and ageing. It is believed by many to be a doorway for astral travel to the inner and spiritual worlds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">An interesting fact to consider is that blue light and modern electric lights reduce the effectiveness of the pineal gland and interfere with sleep patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Red light, &#8211; such as candlelight and firelight have no such effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Whether we believe astral travel to be a journey to different worlds, or simply an imaginative exercise, has little bearing on its effectiveness. Meditating on the third eye increases our use of intuition and allows us to access guidance and wisdom in the form of many different archetypal figures from our unconscious mind. I know from experience that this wisdom exists and can be tapped by meditation. I will leave the decision on its ultimate source for the reader to make.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18930\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/FindingWay1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"551\" height=\"367\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>Third Eye Meditation<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Relax, close your eyes, and breathe as slowly and as deeply as is comfortable, in a dim room. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Candlelight or a dim red light is best for this exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Breathe in golden light through the crown of your head and push it deep into the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Imagine it drawing down any tension and worries into the earth as you breathe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Create a sphere of golden light around your body, encased in a mesh of fine golden filaments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Remind yourself that it is protecting you and allowing only positive influences to enter your mind during meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As you breathe in, imagine your body filling with golden light.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As you breathe out, imagine it flowing out from you at a point just above and between both eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Breathe in from the crown of your head and allow the golden light to flow through you down to the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Breathe out through the third eye and become aware of it slowly opening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Soon you will become aware of colours and a feeling of deep relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Take note of any other sounds, smells or sensations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">At this stage, many see a tunnel stretching out from their forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">If you are ready to journey, then think of a person or place that you wish to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Allow yourself to be drawn through the tunnel and be aware of anything you experience in a calm, relaxed and non-judgemental manner. Simply allow the images and sensations to flow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">If you are not ready to journey yet, then simply continue the meditation for a while and take note of any images that come into your mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">If you drift into sleep, then be sure to write down anything which you can recall later. If you had a question, then the answer may well be in any dreams you have during your meditation or over the next couple of days. Also, be aware of any &#8216;coincidences&#8217; that occur after asking a specific question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You may well receive your answer in apparently random comments by friends or on the media. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18931\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/FindingWay2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"551\" height=\"367\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18932\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/FindingWay3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"551\" height=\"367\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>Portal Worlds<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Cold still waters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">A silver sheen to azure depths that mixed the oceans and the sky within the endless vault.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Stony heights of iridescent blue stretched up into eternity, beyond my visions reach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It seemed as if I stood upon the threshold to a million worlds,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Which were, somehow, hidden within the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Apprehension gripped me,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As I paused to choose the path ahead and gauge the measure of my visions worth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Not one path seemed easy to ascend,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Nor could I be sure, &#8211; what waited for me at my journeys end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I stood perplexed, &#8211; my feet as frozen as my will.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I could not choose, but yet I must!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And let the journey be just what it will.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The time has come to learn to be,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">the very best I may yet be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I seek the guidance of the higher worlds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I seek to turn the grit of life,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Into the beauty of sweet Wisdom\u2019s pearls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I felt my guardian angels touch, and I was lifted up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">My heart rejoiced that I was not alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As we flew up to the heights, all sorrow fell away,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And in her loving arms, she carried me back home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Was this a vision, or a memory or another life, &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I cannot really say.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For as we rose into the distant lights,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We left behind the tiresome thoughts, I carry through the day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">***<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-18933\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/FindingWay4.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"720\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We may travel to many places, past, present and future when using the third eye meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Try to always take note of your visions and experiences for later reference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What is experienced will vary greatly from person to person and for every journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Make a point of alternating with a basic relaxation technique to allow yourself time to assimilate your experience. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It may take a while to become effective in using this visualisation. Do not assume that it has not worked, &#8211; if you either fall asleep or have simply had a calm soothing experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You may also confuse yourself by constantly repeating the exercise without giving yourself enough time for the information requested to become known to you by various means outside of your meditation period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In the rare event of having a disturbing experience, simply open your eyes and slowly return to normal consciousness. Have a drink and a snack. Take a break for a few days and then keep to the basic relaxation exercise until you feel ready to travel again. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Developing our own path takes time, and nothing will come to us before we are ready for it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Just approach these meditations in a relaxed easy-going manner and you will gain great benefits from them in a surprisingly short period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18934\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/FindingWay5.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"551\" height=\"367\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\">***<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">About the Author:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Patrick W Kavanagh, <\/b>Featuring the inspirational art of <b>Bill Oliver<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Writer, poet, <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Patrick W Kavanagh<\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> was born in Dublin and now lives and works in Lincolnshire in a small rural town. Patrick became fascinated by the strange abilities of the human mind from watching his mother give psychic readings using tea-leaves and playing cards. With a lifelong interest in metaphysics and parapsychology, he has given tarot and spirit readings for over 40 years. He travels to many events with his wife Tina, exploring the power of shamanic drumming to heal, and induce therapeutic trance states. They also hold a regular drumming circle in the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Patrick W Kavanagh<\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> available at most retailers:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1986605612\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1986605612&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=paganpages-20&amp;linkId=165b665e9452b85f1456c3bfd29bc481\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Finding Your Own Way: Personal Meditations for Mastery and Self-knowledge.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ohmG1p\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-18302\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/FindingCover.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"165\" height=\"247\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 6 The Third Eye Meditation The &#8216;third eye&#8217; is positioned behind the forehead just above the bridge of the nose and connects to both halves of the brain. Believed by Rene Descartes to be the seat of the soul, it is widely written about in eastern and in &#8216;new age&#8217; philosophies. It has strong links with sleep, hibernation, libido and ageing. It is believed by many to be a doorway for astral travel to the inner and spiritual worlds. An interesting fact to consider is that blue light and modern electric lights reduce the effectiveness of the pineal gland and interfere with sleep patterns. Red light, &#8211; such as candlelight and firelight have no such effect. Whether we believe astral travel to be a journey to different worlds, or simply an imaginative exercise, has little bearing on its effectiveness. Meditating on the third eye increases our use of intuition and allows us to access guidance and wisdom in the form of many different archetypal figures from our unconscious mind. I know from experience that this wisdom exists and can be tapped by meditation. I will leave the decision on its ultimate source for the reader to make. Third Eye Meditation Relax, close your eyes, and breathe as slowly and as deeply as is comfortable, in a dim room. Candlelight or a dim red light is best for this exercise. Breathe in golden light through the crown of your head and push it deep into the earth. Imagine it drawing down any tension and worries into the earth as you breathe. Create a sphere of golden light around your body, encased in a mesh of fine golden filaments. Remind yourself that it is protecting you and allowing only positive influences to enter your mind during meditation. As you breathe in, imagine your body filling with golden light. As you breathe out, imagine it flowing out from you at a point just above and between both eyes. Breathe in from the crown of your head and allow the golden light to flow through you down to the earth. Breathe out through the third eye and become aware of it slowly opening. Soon you will become aware of colours and a feeling of deep relaxation. Take note of any other sounds, smells or sensations. At this stage, many see a tunnel stretching out from their forehead. If you are ready to journey, then think of a person or place that you wish to visit. Allow yourself to be drawn through the tunnel and be aware of anything you experience in a calm, relaxed and non-judgemental manner. Simply allow the images and sensations to flow. If you are not ready to journey yet, then simply continue the meditation for a while and take note of any images that come into your mind. If you drift into sleep, then be sure to write down anything which you can recall later. If you had a question, then the answer may well be in any dreams you have during your meditation or over the next couple of days. Also, be aware of any &#8216;coincidences&#8217; that occur after asking a specific question. You may well receive your answer in apparently random comments by friends or on the media. Portal Worlds Cold still waters. A silver sheen to azure depths that mixed the oceans and the sky within the endless vault. Stony heights of iridescent blue stretched up into eternity, beyond my visions reach. It seemed as if I stood upon the threshold to a million worlds, Which were, somehow, hidden within the earth. Apprehension gripped me, As I paused to choose the path ahead and gauge the measure of my visions worth. Not one path seemed easy to ascend, Nor could I be sure, &#8211; what waited for me at my journeys end. I stood perplexed, &#8211; my feet as frozen as my will. I could not choose, but yet I must! And let the journey be just what it will. The time has come to learn to be, the very best I may yet be. I seek the guidance of the higher worlds. I seek to turn the grit of life, Into the beauty of sweet Wisdom\u2019s pearls. I felt my guardian angels touch, and I was lifted up. My heart rejoiced that I was not alone. As we flew up to the heights, all sorrow fell away, And in her loving arms, she carried me back home. Was this a vision, or a memory or another life, &#8211; I cannot really say. For as we rose into the distant lights, We left behind the tiresome thoughts, I carry through the day. *** We may travel to many places, past, present and future when using the third eye meditation. Try to always take note of your visions and experiences for later reference. What is experienced will vary greatly from person to person and for every journey. Make a point of alternating with a basic relaxation technique to allow yourself time to assimilate your experience. It may take a while to become effective in using this visualisation. Do not assume that it has not worked, &#8211; if you either fall asleep or have simply had a calm soothing experience. You may also confuse yourself by constantly repeating the exercise without giving yourself enough time for the information requested to become known to you by various means outside of your meditation period. In the rare event of having a disturbing experience, simply open your eyes and slowly return to normal consciousness. Have a drink and a snack. Take a break for a few days and then keep to the basic relaxation exercise until you feel ready to travel again. Developing our own path takes time, and nothing will come to us before we are ready for it. Just approach these meditations in a relaxed easy-going manner and you will gain great benefits from them in a surprisingly short period of time. *** About the Author: Patrick W Kavanagh, Featuring the inspirational art of Bill Oliver Writer, poet, Patrick W Kavanagh was born in Dublin and now lives and works in Lincolnshire in a small rural town. Patrick became fascinated by the strange abilities of the human mind from watching his mother give psychic readings using tea-leaves and playing cards. With a lifelong interest in metaphysics and parapsychology, he has given tarot and spirit readings for over 40 years. He travels to many events with his wife Tina, exploring the power of shamanic drumming to heal, and induce therapeutic trance states. They also hold a regular drumming circle in the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds. By Patrick W Kavanagh available at most retailers: Finding Your Own Way: Personal Meditations for Mastery and Self-knowledge. &nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":216,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/216"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18359"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18359\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}