Recent astrological events, such as August’s full lunar eclipse, the “Great American” solar eclipse, September’s full “Corn Moon” and the new moon in Virgo just before this year’s autumnal equinox are making quite a stir in the psychic realms. We have also, ALL been effected by the highs and lows, and pressures of recent storms sweeping across the country as the eclipse energy continues to illuminate what has heretofore been veiled.
The psychic realm is not separate from this world we know. It is the same world, just in more detail. There are many things we don't notice. Our senses, our feelings, our thoughts have limitations and most of those limitations we have put there, ourselves. We see only so much from the psychic realms. Sometimes we don't notice the psychic realm, because we don't think about it or because we didn't have a conscious experience that would require us to pay more attention to it. Sometimes it is quite the opposite: we do have an experience but it scares us, so we just sweep it under the rug or lock it in the closet and throw away the key.
Maybe the most important thing to realize about the psychic realm is that it is not "out there" - it is "in here".
We are in a time of vast opportunity, if we are willing to excavate the depths of the unconscious, personally as well as collectively. We are swirling around in a great deal of Neptunian energy at this time, which is fluid, feminine energy ruling the oceans of the world. It is changeable and illusory by nature. Neptune governs all dreams, illusion, abstract thought and the mysterious. Our spirituality is important to this planet, and how we harness that energy for our personal betterment. Neptune invites us to let its energy wash over us and to use a meditative state to gain insights and heightened awareness. Poetry, music and dance are among the trance-like activities that this planet favors.
While the heavens continue their eternal dance as part and parcel of our evolutionary process, we must participate consciously and intentionally. If we are to grow into the full capacity of our life’s purpose here on earth, here in this incarnation, we must remind ourselves, daily, that the answers are “in here” not “out there”. With Neptune so very prominent at this time, our dream worlds are more active and accessible. There are many things we can do to maximize the information coming through in our dream sleep.
Keeping a dream journal is an important step. As the veil between consciousness and unconsciousness is very thin in our dreams, it is easy for dreams to be obscured by the “rational” mind once we awaken. Keep your journal close by your bedside and make a conscious effort to promptly write down the, often, fleeting images and voice of the dream master. Dreams are symbolic, so the feelings and intuition behind them are important to make note of. Be sure to add any extra details that you may recall throughout your day.
Set an intention, or Sankalpa, a solemn vow formed by the heart and mind, a determination before you fall asleep. This will harmonize the will and focus of mind and body. Example: “I am open and willing to receive Divine Guidance through my dreams for my highest and best good, in clarity and understanding”. The more you practice this technique, the more you open yourself to the reception of Divine guidance. Remember that you dream every night, so even if you forget your dreams – stay open to the fact that you may have received some wisdom or peace during sleep. At least take a moment to ask for a pleasant night’s sleep.
Dreams are symbolic. Symbolism is unique to the individual. Don’t let anyone else interpret your dreams. Everyone in your dream is you, a projection of the, perhaps unrealized, self. Carl Jung’s work on inquiry through dreams and the subconscious mind is fascinating and a great place to start if you wish to delve more deeply into the process of lucid dreaming.
It is well documented that taking vitamin B6 before bedtime has a remarkable effect on the enhancement of lucid dreaming and the ability to remember one’s dreams.
Herbal teas such as calea zacatechihi, mugwort, chamomile, lavender, passionflower and peppermint before bedtime are a soothing way to begin a bedtime ritual and may open the path for more vivid and lucid dreaming.
Try some of these simple techniques and open to the messages that are trying to come through to you in your dream state.
One of my teachers used to say, “Not paying attention to a dream is like not opening a letter from God.” Falling asleep consciously is more difficult than we might expect. The Dalai Lama describes it as “the highest accomplishment of a yogi.” Like anything worthwhile, it just takes a willingness to practice.
Happy dreaming.