CARDINAL DIRECTIONS OF THE HEART CHAKRA
GUIDED SHAMANIC JOURNEY
The cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) are often used in Shamanic Journeying to represent the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of Self. In this journey, we will explore all four cardinal points. I will be asking guide questions throughout, to get you comfortable with tapping into multiple senses while in trance. The more you perform this journey, the deeper and more profound your experiences will become. Enjoy!
ABOUT THE JOURNEY
This is the last journey in the Heart Chakra series. Before taking this journey I recommend starting with these journeys:
Much can be learned by the symbolism held within each scene of this journey--allow each element to reveal different truths about your heart chakra and the Guides, Power animals, Divine beings (lovingly referred to as your Divine Council) that are working on the behalf of your higher self to bring you into alignment with your purpose. Use this journey once or multiple times as a tool to dig deeper into the condition of your heart chakra.
As you progress through the journey here are some things to keep in mind:
YOUR SACRED SPACE
Your sacred space in the non-ordinary realm is a space that you allow your consciousness to pass into. This is typically where traditional drum journeys begin. This “safe space” can be viewed as an entry point before going to the upper, middle, or lower worlds of Dreamtime. My sacred place is typically a space in nature but your sacred space will be the place that you feel most comfortable.
THE SENSES
When you entered into your sacred space what did you see, hear, smell or sense? We all have different ways that we receive messages from Spirit. If you saw a very vivid picture of your space with vibrant colors, you probably are more clairvoyant or someone who is more visual. Other people may hear words, get a strong smell, or just simply have a knowing or "gut feeling". This information is good to know when just starting out with the art of journeying. Knowing that you are more clairaudient, or someone who hears words and phrases, you would be less disappointed if you didn't see the images described in the guided journey.
LOWER WORLD
In most journeys, the visualization of a path leading into a valley, an elevator going down, walking down a ladder, etc are all ways to enter what is known as the lower world. The Lower world can be viewed as a portal to the past. In this division of Dreamtime, we can access past events in our current lifeline, visit past lives, and even tap into our ancestry as it relates to our current persona. Through the lower world, we can access the beginnings of our current programming and begin to make necessary changes.
DOORS, GATES, HOLES AND MORE
Passing through a hole, portal, doorway, fence, etc all represent ways of passing through gateways into different parts of our consciousness. It is important to be aware of the details and the level of “security” each of your gateways has. For instance, a door that appears wide open will be easier to pass through than a door that appears locked with chains and guarded by dogs. Everything from the color of your door to the material the door is made out of has meaning in the journey.
GUIDES
ANIMALS
Animals often appear in our lives to give us a message. Everything about them—their color, natural habitats, features, etc. tell a story that can bring healing and food for thought. In dreams and meditations, an animal can be a protector, a guide, and even a representation of a relationship or person. Check out a great book called, Animal Speak by Ted Andrews for more on how animals deliver integral messages from spirit.
SPIRIT GUIDES
Spirit guides can also take on more human forms. Sometimes it will be a relative or someone who just feels very familiar to you. You may find that the same character continues to present in your dreams and meditations. Take note of this and always show gratitude.
Cardinal Directions
Directions and what they represent vary depending on the culture and the system of mysticism they stem from. Here are the associations I make with the cardinal directions.
South
The South is associated with the physical body and the element of Earth. Disturbances in the Southern aspect of the Heart may reflect a physical disconnection to people and things in your immediate surroundings. You may feel heart palpitations, chest restriction, burning sensation depending on what emotions surface while in the heart.
West
The West is associated with the emotional body and the element of Water. Emotional imbalances in the heart chakra can present in the West as emotional numbness, detachment, immense sadness.
North
The North is associated with the spiritual body and the element of Air. Poor conditions in the Northern aspect of the heart chakra can present as a feeling of loss or disconnection from your higher self or distrust in the relationship between you and the divine.
East
The East is associated with the mental body and the element of Fire. Your thoughts and beliefs about relationships good or bad are represented in this aspect of your heart chakra.
Tell me about your journey experience below.
