Before Doing a Reading... Stay in the Light

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 May 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

WalesWoman	04 May 2005
A freind of mine, who agreed to let me share her thoughts about protecting oneself from negative energy, mainly when reading for other people and not getting caught up or drained by their energy wrote this essay and sent it to me the other day. I realize the essay itself addresses spirituality more than Tarot, but it seems so apt for questions we as readers at any level come across and is such a good way to handle different situations we, as readers, may encounter. She's explained this to me before when we chat on MSN about how to protect myself when I read for others, but to have it all written like this was so inspiring and filled me with such a great feeling... I'd been sort of down for a while and wasn't getting out of it. What I like about this is there is no ritual, simply visualization of a protective shield of light, light that comes from Love. She just asked that I credit her with writing it. Stay in the Light by Alexis Holloway There are many distractions we face day to day that keep us from following our true spiritual path. Many people view spiritualism akin to religious dogma, when in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Religion restricts the mind, spiritualism frees the mind. The first steps to finding your spiritual path is to reach your inner core. This takes practice, and there are many books and techniques available to help us do this. I personally like the teachings of buddah, however it's different for everyone. That is the beauty of finding your spirit, there is no wrong or right way. There is a level of commitment however, and that does require a bit of discipline. As human beings we can tend to be all or nothing, so there will be times we practice our spiritualism fevourously and at other times not at all. Know that we are exactly where we belong at every precise moment. We are perfect in the moment. So to say something is wrong with our life or ourself, is to deny God's perfection in us. We have lessons to learn of course, and to be in a situation that is not 100% in tune with our spiritual journey, is just another lesson we must learn to progress. There is no guilt or shame attached to our shortcomings when we realize our lessons and experiences are all part of the master plan. We fail when we deny this Divine destiny exists. We would never say to a grade 3 student: What is wrong with you???? You must know grade 12 Algebra." So it is the same with us. Each of us sit on a different level of the spiritual learning curve. At any given time we are all teachers and students. To think we are in control of where we are going is a paramount mistake all human beings make. All we really can do is open ourselves up to be lead by our spiritual teachers and guides. When we do this, we find life is less stressful and more fulfilling. In fact, life becomes joyful even in the face of adversity. We are all created in God's image, which says to me, we are intelligent enough to decide what is the best course for ourselves spiritually. Of course this only works if our inner compass is on point and again, takes work. One of the most important tasks we as human beings need to accomplish is to stay in the light. Spiritual light is warm, loving, non judgmental, accepting, hopeful, joyful, optimistic, supportive and courageous. This is a tall order when you think of all the troubles we face in the world today. However, spiritual light begins with ourselves. We must apply this light to every corner of our being. So when going about our day to day tasks if we make a mistake, or say something hurtful to another person, we must fill ourselves up with light. Accept our mistakes and shortcomings with a loving, nonjudgmental, supportive nature, knowing we have the courage to apply a more hopeful, optimistic nature in the future. For every one positive thought we put in our head, there are over 50 negative thoughts that creep in to drown out the positive. Is it any wonder we are all so grumpy? So, here is an exercise to help you stay in the light and fill up those dark corners of despair: Find a quiet spot to meditate. If you don't know how to meditate, there are many books out there to teach you how. Basically you are going to envision in your mind a quiet place you find peaceful and serene. For some its the seaside, others, by a babbling brook, others, in the forest. Only you know the place that is right for yourself. Once you are relaxed and in a state of peace, you are going to envision a bright white light like a whirlwind starting at your toes and working all the way up to the top of your head. This light is going to gently move back and forth up and down your whole body. This is the bright white light of the Divine spirit, our protector and our guide. As you envision the light, imagine it is filling up every dark corner of your life. Imagine the light is eating up every obstacle and negative energy source that stops you from moving forward. This light is now your shield. Never walk out the door without putting on your shield. When you find yourself getting stressed or someone giving you a hard time, stop for a moment, and envision your shield, bouncing off any negativity that comes your way. In Buddhism it is called finding your Zen. A state of peace that allows you to stay focused while chaos is happening all around. As I said earlier, spritualism is different for each of us, yet one in the same when coming form a place of pure love and light. Above all remember, we are human beings, who are completely inept. We will never completely adapt to these physical bodies and therefore will continually be screwing up! Accept this with a joyful heart and help others to accept these shortcomings as well. Once people realize you are one of their biggest supporters and understand the true struggle we all face, then the true miracle of love starts to take place. One word of caution, not every person wants enlightenment. Some individuals are quite happy to gobble up all the material pleasures they can get with no thought of the future. You will know them by their hateful selfish nature, and they always seem to be really angry at one thing or another. This is because no matter how hard they try, they can never reach a state of satisfaction. These types of people will try and suck the life and light right out of you! You will know them by how drained you will feel after an encounter with them. It is best to keep your distance and keep your shield on overdrive! Real people uplift one another and fill each other up with positive energy and love! True satisfaction is not found in the material realm, it is only found in the spiritual realm. To know you are on the right path, connecting with those you need to connect with, and learning those lessons that will bring you to a higher state of enlightenment, this is the truth path of satisfaction. When we are fufilling our spiritual goals, our whole life becomes fufilled. We no longer crave instant gratification to keep us occupied because we are feeling so empty inside. Ironically once we take care of our spiritual house, an abundance of our heart's desires begins to flood in. Suddenly those things we thought we so important are really very unimportant, and we are now blessed with even more abundance that we could ever imagine. Finally, goes easy on your fine self! Look at the perfect specimen God has created in you. Go on!!!!! Look in that mirror....kiss that beautiful creation. Have an awesome day and shields up! Take Care Alexis I am so blessed with the friends I have made because of Tarot, I'm trying to talk her into coming here and am going to email any responses to her, just so she see's why I come here.

gollog	04 May 2005
What a great and uplifting essay, and I read it just in a time that I am investigating how to become more in contact with my spiritual side. I had no clue how to start it, but she seems to have given me a great exercise. I am definitely going to try this one out. Thanks to you and your friend!

Fudugazi	05 May 2005
This is an inspiring essay, WalesWoman. I particularly like the fact that it does not talk about protection as though we were supposed to set up barriers between ourselves and others. In fact, I don't see it as protection, more as a way of being entirely with someone who is in pain, take in that pain, but not be harmed ourselves. It's a very very difficult thing to do, and I am not sure it is entirely possible, but your post does give hope!

Free Flight	05 May 2005
That is beautiful Wales Woman. It is very true and very well written. Kudos to your friend

huredriel	05 May 2005
I think that is absolutely lovely, thank you so much for sharing it with us :) x Huredriel

Moongold	05 May 2005
WalesWoman wrote: Above all remember, we are human beings, who are completely inept. We will never completely adapt to these physical bodies and therefore will continually be screwing up! Accept this with a joyful heart and help others to accept these shortcomings as well. Once people realize you are one of their biggest supporters and understand the true struggle we all face, then the true miracle of love starts to take place. Waleswoman ~ I really need to hear that today. Thanks :) Kate

Little Hare	05 May 2005
that brought tears to my eyes it makes me want to cry! beautiful beautiful beautiful! xoxoxoxoxooxoxxo

The Before Doing a Reading... Stay in the Light thread was originally posted on 04 May 2005 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.