 Elemental Shamanism: Utilizing the Elemental Forces in
Healing
by Naisha Ahsian
The Following is
an excerpt from the Crystal Resonance Therapy™
Certification Training Course. For further information on the
course, please visit http://www.crystalisinstitute.com.
All information is ©1996 Naisha Ahsian and may not be reproduced in
any form except for dissemination of information for non-commercial
purposes. All copies of this information must include copyright
information.
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Part I- Elemental Shamanism: Natural Forces and the
Lightworker
Part II- Connecting with the
Elements: A Ritual
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Elemental Shamanism:
Natural Forces and the Lightworker
Have you
ever noticed the freshness and clarity that is left in the wake of a
storm? The very air is charged with energy, and the Earth and nature
itself seems renewed and cleansed. Have you ever needed a shower
just to 'feel human' after a particularly nasty day? What about
leaning into a spring wind, feeling as though you could soar to
heaven?
The natural world is a powerhouse of energy, expressing
itself in the natural elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, and
Storm. In our modern world, we have separated ourselves from these
forces, leaving us feeling drained and disconnected from our own
personal power. The practice of elemental shamanism is a powerful
process of reconnection with the strengthening forces of
nature.
Connecting
with the elemental forces is an opportunity to tap into the
incredible power of the four natural elements and use their
particular energies to affect change and healing on the physical
plane. In addition to the four natural elements of Earth, Fire,
Water, and Wind, the practitioner also utilizes the powers of Storm
(all four elements in unity) and Light (the full spectrum of
electromagnetic energies, not just the physical or visible
spectrum). A Crystal Resonance Therapist utilizes these energies in
combination with crystals and gemstones to create a resonant field
of therapeutic vibration.
Each particular elemental force has
it's own set of talents. The Element of Earth is a stabilizing
force, and is useful in manifestation and in the process of bringing
ideas into reality, especially where survival and physical needs are
present. The chakras related to the Earth element are the Earthstar
chakra (six inches below the soles of the feet) and the First, or
root chakra, at the base of the spine.
Fire is the
element of action and transformation. It is related to our sexual
and creative energies as expressed through physical action. This is
the ruling element of Life force energy, and it is related to the
second (navel) chakra, and the third (solar plexus) chakra.
The third
element is that of Water, which rules over our emotions and ability
to communicate. Water is related to the fourth chakra (the heart)
and the fifth chakra( the throat). Water energy is related to the
blood and fluids of the body, and is useful in counteracting an
excess of fire energy (such as anger).
The fourth element is
Wind. This element is related to the mental processes, and is the
element that carries guidance from the spirit world and higher
realms. Wind is governed in the body by the third eye and crown
chakras, and is reflected by our breath and the gasses of our
body.
When all four elements are in balance, the body is full of
energy and vitality. In our natural state of interaction with the
natural world, we absorb and interact with the elements constantly,
enabling us to maintain balance. When we become disconnected from
the natural elements, however, it becomes difficult for us to draw
upon these natural powerhouses for energy.
It is
interesting to me that we can accept the idea of renewable energy
resources for electricity and mechanical power, but we have
difficulty with the notion that we may need these sources of energy
for proper physical and mental functioning as well.
The
elemental shaman is open to a constant, renewable source of
spiritual energy. These energy sources not only help the shaman
herself to maintain balance, but their energies can be applied to
the healing of others.
The first thing that an elemental or
Crystal Resonance Therapist must do is to make contact with the
elements within the body. At least one week should be spent
connecting with each of the elements, and in the seeking of an
elemental ally for each elemental force.
An elemental
ally is a being that teaches and guides the Crystal Resonance
Therapist in the use of that particular elements' energies. The
elemental ally will aid the shaman in working co-creatively with the
natural forces.
Each of the elements can be explored and
experienced by first focusing upon that elements' action within the
body. For instance, for the Earth element, you could sit upon the
ground and hold a stone, focusing upon the Earth as a supportive
provider. Then shift your awareness to your own body, and your
physical support and substance- your bones and tissues.
Within your
bones and tissues are the very same minerals that make up the Earth
element. You have the same iron in your blood as that in the ground.
You have the same calcium, and fluoride, and zinc, as the Earth
contains. Sense the minerals within your body as they support your
life process and your ability to experience the physical
plane.
Once you have focused upon this element for several days
in meditation, you are then ready to ask for an elemental ally for
the Earth element.
You can
repeat the process with the other elements, focusing upon the energy
and heat of the body for Fire; the emotions, blood and fluids of the
body for Water, and your breath and thought for Wind.
You may
find that you have difficulty with some of the elements more than
others. This indicates the elements that you need to experience the
most.
It may take several weeks, or even months, for you to meet
all of your elemental allies. Allow yourself the time. This is a
powerful process of growth, not a test that is due next week.
You will probably find that once you have gained a working
knowledge of the elements, you will start to call upon their
energies to balance your energetic, emotional, and spiritual
states.
One note. Please do not try to manipulate the weather or
the elements in any way. These forces are extremely powerful,
and though perfectly willing to work with humans on a co-creative
level, they are under the direct control of the Great Earth Mother/
Divine presence; whose plan is not wholly seen by us.
Every action
we take is reflected somewhere else in the world, for good or bad.
So- no fire starting, rain making, storm brewing, or other showy
stuff unless you are truly aware of what you are doing.
As we
gain in spiritual knowledge and strength, it becomes ever more
important that we are mindful not to repeat the power abuses of past
ages :-)
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Connecting With Elemental
Energies: A Ritual
The sun has
risen over the Eastern horizon, shedding it's living light upon the
Earth. A young woman stands bathed in the sunlight, a reverent smile
upon her face. Lifting her palms in greeting, she centers her mind
and calls upon the Spirit of the Wind element, whose home is in the
East. The morning breeze, who has carried the Sun through it's night
journey, greets the woman in return by blowing gently across her
face.
" Wind
Spirit, I honor you, and send you greetings this morning." She
intones quietly. " You are the carrier of messages from the spirit
world, the bringer of light into the physical world. You live in my
body as my breath, giving me life each moment. May I use your gift
of life for the service of all beings, by drawing in light with each
breath, and expressing the light with each sound. Thank you, Wind
Spirit, for your wisdom and energy this day."
The Woman lowers
her arms, and stands for a moment in gratitude, then turns to the
South. She lifts her palms once again to the sky. Feeling the warmth
of the Sun above her, she draws it's light down into her being,
filling her abdomen with it's energy. Calling upon the Spirit of the
Fire, whose home is in the summer country to the South, the women
feels it's answering warmth rise within her.
" Fire
Spirit, I honor you and send you greetings this morning. You are the
force of creation within the world. You are the heat of passion, the
fire of creativity, and the force of action. You are the union
between the Sun and the Earth, carrying the gifts of Light and
warmth to all beings on this Earth plane. You live in my body as
Life force energy- sustaining my life each moment. I ask that you
help me to use your gift for the good of all beings- by lending me
your energy so that I may take action when appropriate, and manifest
through my actions the Light that you are. Thank you , Fire Spirit,
for your warmth and Light this day."
Lowering her
arms, she stands quietly for a moment, feeling the stirring of the
life force in her pelvis, and sensing the life- giving energy of the
Sun as it is absorbed by the fertile Earth. Turning to the West, the
Woman raises her palms toward the sky once more, sensing the cool
darkness of the still shadowed woods behind her. In her mind's eye,
she sees the mountain lake that was on the other side of the small
ridge before her.
" Water
Spirit, I honor you, and send you greetings this morning." The woman
waits a moment, then senses the spirit of Water joining her in her
prayer. " You are the guardian of the West, and the Elemental of
introspection. It is in the dark water of your spirit that we find
reflected the mystery and beauty of our lives. It is you who leads
us to look within and find our heart. You live within me as the
blood and the fluids of my body, bringing me life each moment. You
express yourself through my emotions and intuitions. I ask that you
to aid me this day in using your gifts for the highest good of all
beings- by reflecting light into the depths of my emotions and
thoughts, and healing my interactions with others through the beauty
of your light. Thank you , Water spirit, for your life and
energy."
Lowering her
arms, the woman stands in quiet contemplation for a moment, sensing
the love of the Water Spirit flowing through her veins and bringing
Light to all parts of her being. Sighing her joy and gratitude, the
woman turns to face the North. Once again she raises her palms to
the sky.
"Spirit of
the Earth I honor you, and send you greetings this morning." The
woman pauses, sensing a low hum beginning in the soles of her feet,
growing as it fills her body with vibration.
" You are
Light manifest- the foundation of Earth plane. You are the Bones and
the tissues of the my body- the minerals that nourish my cells, and
the means through which I am able to bring my dreams into reality.
You are the Winter season- the beginning and the end of the cycle.
It is through you that all things are created, and to you that all
worldly creation returns. I pray that I may reflect your teachings
and wisdom this day- by manifesting the light of spirit upon your
face, and by seeing the light of spirit within all creation. Thank
you, Earth Spirit, for your Light and energy this day."
The Woman
senses the energy of the Earth as it fills her physical body.
Turning once again to the East, she raises her arms straight above
her head, and says reverently,
" To the
Universe above- the source of all spirit and all blessings. I honor
and greet you this day. Within you is all potential creation. You
are the horn of plenty, from which all needs are relieved. You are
have the source of all Light within your void. You are the home of
my true spiritual self. Thank you, Universe, for gifts received."
Bending down
to touch the ground with both palms , the woman feels the cold dew
on the grass beneath her. Closing her eyes and turning inward she
says, " To the Great Earth Mother below-guardian over all that is in
the physical world, I honor you and greet you this morning. You are
the giver of life, containing within you the spirits of all
creation. You support and nourish me, cloth me, and sustain me ,
throughout my Earth walk. It is from you that I was born, and when I
have returned to my Universal home, it is within you that my body
will rest. I send you thanks and blessings Earth Mother, for gifts
received."
The woman
rose from her kneeling position, and crosses her palms over her
heart. She senses the wind blowing across her face, the warmth and
fire of the sun, the pulse of her own heart, and the gentle hum of
her body as it connects with the Earth below. She feels her spirit
as it surrounded her in light, and she feels her physical being as
her cells sing with joy, in harmony with nature.
" To that
which is within- I honor and greet you this morning. I am the Wind,
the Fire, the Water, and the Earth. I am Spirit, and I am body. I
walk between the worlds, calling upon the Light and manifesting it
in the Earth plane. May I walk this day in the wisdom of all that I
am. So Mote It Be."
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© 2006 Naisha Ahsian
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