When we journey- either between the worlds or into the deep imagination, we invite our consciousness to expand beyond the body and our anchor in this world can be thin. Often times people are afraid of not coming back, and do not let themselves journey. Others don’t want to come back and would rather stay in the dream. Wherever you find yourself, the practice of protection and safe journeying is important. Here are some guidelines that I have learned and practiced that may help you. Please see this as a starting point for your own exploration and modify or add anything that works well for you.
Firstly, calling up a circle of protection for yourself before you go on the journey- wise and well ancestors, guides and allies holding you in a circle of protection and spiritual safety. Asking them to help you come back.
Secondly, speaking your intention to the other world before departing out loud and very clearly, not only to go where you are going, but also to come back.
Third, don’t travel alone, one of my mentors would say- always travel with your spirit animal. Which is to say, in whatever way you understand it and feel in resonance, ask a part of yourself- maybe the inner bodyguard ;0), or a guide or ally of the otherworld to travel with you to help you through the portal and not get stuck there.
Fourth, when you do come back, say your day-world name out loud, tap and move your body, get into your senses and see/feel/hear/taste this middle world (which also has a magical version woven within it, so in a way we don’t leave the imaginal, but we do shift worlds/consciousness).
Fifth, anchor in the center of your circle of wholeness and call the facets of wholeness (From Wild Mind- the 4 directions of your inner landscape: East: Wise Sage; South: Wild One; West: Muse/Beloved; North: Nurturing Generative Adult) into your awareness and thank the circle of wise and well ancestors and allies who were holding space and thank your spirit guide.
Sixth, write down what happened so that it is not catching your consciousness again and again but is contained.
Seventh, when possible go for a walk, when not possible, open the window and breathe the air and really see the place you live. Dance, shake, move. Eat something, drink water.
Karen M. Unsplash
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