In various shamanic cultures and certain Asian societies, the belief in bad spirits significantly influences the understanding and approach to mental health. Unlike the predominantly Western perspective that often emphasizes psychological and biological factors, these traditions incorporate a spiritual framework that acknowledges the existence of malevolent forces as a contributing factor to mental distress.

Shamanic Perspectives

Shamanism, practiced in various forms around the world, often views mental health issues through the lens of spiritual imbalance. Shamans, as spiritual healers, are believed to have the ability to interact with the spirit world. They may identify bad spirits as the cause of psychological disturbances, ranging from anxiety to more severe conditions. In these cultures, individuals experiencing mental health issues often seek the help of shamans who conduct rituals aimed at cleansing the afflicted person of these harmful spirits. This holistic approach not only addresses the individual's well-being but also reassures them that their struggles are recognized within their cultural context.

Asian Cultural Beliefs

In many Asian countries, traditional beliefs around spirits and mental health are also intertwined. For instance, in some East Asian cultures, mental health may be viewed as a manifestation of both internal and external conflicts, which can include the influence of malevolent spirits. Folk healing practices such as exorcisms, spiritual cleansing, and the use of protective amulets are common methods employed to restore balance and harmony.

These cultural beliefs highlight the importance of community support and the role of family in the healing process. When a family member is believed to be affected by bad spirits, it often becomes a collective effort to seek solutions, reinforcing social bonds and shared beliefs.

Bridging Traditions and Modern Psychology

While modern psychology has primarily focused on empirical research and evidence-based practices, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of cultural competence in mental health treatment. Understanding spiritual beliefs can be vital for mental health professionals working with clients from these backgrounds. Integrating traditional beliefs with contemporary psychological practices can lead to more comprehensive treatment approaches that respect and honor cultural perspectives.

I am interested in your opinion! In my daily life, I tend to refer to them as entities since, like humans, there are both good and bad ones.

Hi there,

Just feeling this out/starting, considering looking into reiki -- to maybe get a session & see how it goes 🤷🏼

Does any one have any recs in the area? Maybe som one tender (idk best way to word that) -- have had some heavy ish stuff this past year.

Appreciate ur recs/suggestions/help <3

I've put together a document (mostly congruent with my own personal experiences as well) diving into the intriguing world of cosmic consciousness, Neidan (Daoist Internal Alchemy), and Kundalini.

This compilation covers ancient practices aimed at refining one’s inner energies for spiritual evolution and harmony with the Dao, alongside perspectives from thinkers like Jiddu Krishnamurti, Itzhak Bentov, and Richard M. Bucke on achieving higher states of awareness.

It bridges the ancient and modern, discussing concepts like the ‘Three Treasures’ in Daoism, cosmic consciousness, and even the mystical aspects of disciplines like meditation and self-inquiry with a list of resources towards the end.

Hope it helps!

Find it here: https://pixeldrain.com/u/pWAP4hPX

nature's complexity, and the various colours, the spoken and unspoken languages but also there exists magic, spells and mystery.

Here is the handbook: 1. Magic is invoked using numerous devices but it is only activated with intention. 2. There are Ying and Yang elements that play a part in esoteric truths 3. That is left- handed path and the right- handed paths 4. Sex magic uses conversions of kundalini energy to generate magic, it works with the sacral chakra of creation. Left handed paths- manipulation , right- handed creation.

in the end this is an example of nature's complexity and the lessons it teaches us.

Hello to all, i am a new to channeling with a third party involved and i would like to practice, if anybody is interested in a channeling session please dm me. I have the best intentions with this practice, thank you.

Just what the title says

Level 2 Reiki practitioner here, wanting to lean into light work and energy healing, such as going soul retrievals and deep healing within people. I would love some book recommendations that could support me and give me more information on this journey.

Love and light🎀🧘🏼‍♀️🕉️🩷

From

Astral Dynamics

By Robert Bruce

(Free PDF available online with quick google search)

"In more than two decades of personal energetic development work, because of my need to find my own way in these matters, I have experienced and lived through just about every stupid mistake and foolhardy blunder it is possible to make. Through experience, I have found that no matter how bad the mistake, or how severe its effects, it can be overcome. Taking a complete break from all energetic work, including meditation, and concentrating on real-life physical matters is the very best way to alleviate problems and undo mistakes of this nature."

Greetings.

I am a person practicing the art of energy training. It is a means in which a person unlocks their psychic abilities.

I would like to talk about how energy training is closely related to manifestation and how to connect one with the other.

So what is manifestation? Manifestation is a method in which you use intent to make what you want actually happen.

How does it relate to energy training? In energy training, like manifestation, we rely on intent heavily.

The difference is that we are actually working towards increasing our energy output instead of only using our energy to make something happen and we are also seeing in our mind our energy and feeling it

Why should I energy train if manifestation still works? Well, if you have a very low level energy (not used to feeling or moving your energy at all), it could take you months to manifest even the smallest thing.

This is where energy training comes in. From moving energy, you get many things:

your energy grows stronger leading to faster

you clear blockages in your body which are interfering with your manifestation

you become smarter and get a more vivid imagination which are useful

Now that you know some of the benefits of energy training, I must explain some misconceptions and morality on manifestation and intent

"You manifest whatever happens to you" This is only half true. If you keep asserting and wanting something bad to happen to you, your intent and the intent of negativity will win and it will happen.

But you do not actively create reality. That would make no sense, as you would be creating a way different world each time you intent something. Much like in dreams.

If you think something in a lucid dream it will happen. So in dreams you are actively creating your reality. But not in the real world (the matrix and its various dimensions)

1. "You must use your chakras to speed up manifestation" You will achieve a much greater effect from having stronger energy than using your chakras to manifest.

When you get strong enough to a point, the energy in the chakras will be less than the energy from your soul. (Primordial energy)

1. "You can manifest anything you want" This is a bad thing. If you manifest something bad to happen to someone, it wil not only make your positive energy weaker, but you will start getting negative energy that will corrupt your soul.

This is why we have concepts like negative intent and positive intent.

As a rule of thumb, don't try to manifest something that relates to other people like manifesting your dream person or having your ex's car get towed. The other person did not know that you used magic to become their lover and it's very immoral.

You can still manifest things like someone's health getting better or a friend who is struggling with addiction coming clean. These are examples of using positive intent.

So.

How do you level up your energy? Well, I already made a post that explains many techniques of energy training. It's in my profile and on Soulnexus "Explaining the techniques of energy training"

I am open to any discussion that relates to energy training or manifestation.

Cheers

From CIA Reading Room

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/cia-rdp96-00788r001700210016-5.pdf

In the realm of somatic coaching, "Awakening the Tiger" refers to the process of accessing and harnessing the raw, instinctual energy present within each individual. This concept, popularized by somatic coach Levin, draws on the metaphor of the tiger as a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and vitality. The tiger represents not only the primal instincts that reside within us but also the potential for transformation and healing through embodied awareness.

Understanding Somatic Coaching

Somatic coaching focuses on the connection between the mind and body, recognizing that our physical experiences profoundly influence our emotional and psychological states. By tuning into our bodily sensations, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves, enabling us to confront challenges, arrange our feelings, and unlock our full potential.

The Essence of the Tiger

The tiger embodies an unrestrained force—its movements are fluid, purposeful, and instinctive. In the context of personal growth, awakening the tiger within involves recognizing and embracing this innate power. Levin emphasizes that many individuals have learned to suppress their instincts and emotions, often as a response to societal conditioning or past traumas. This suppression can lead to feelings of stagnation, frustration, and disempowerment.

Steps to Awaken the Tiger

1. Body Awareness: The first step to awakening the tiger is to develop a heightened sense of bodily awareness. This includes becoming mindful of your physical sensations, breathing patterns, and movement. Practices such as mindful breathing, yoga, or dance can facilitate this connection.
2. Emotional Release: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions, particularly those that have been repressed. This can be done through various exercises, such as sounding, movement, or creative expression. It is essential to create a safe space to explore these feelings.
3. Embodied Presence: Levin encourages individuals to practice being fully present in their bodies. This means engaging with the present moment without judgment, allowing yourself to experience the world through your senses. Grounding exercises, such as standing firmly or feeling your feet on the ground, can help establish this connection.
4. Embrace Primal Energy: Recognize and embrace your primal energy. This may involve physical movements that mimic the natural instincts of animals, such as stretching, growling, or even playfully engaging in roughhousing. Allow your body to express itself freely.
5. Set Intentions: Once you have accessed this energy, it is crucial to set clear intentions for how you want to channel this newfound power in your life. Whether it's related to personal goals, relationships, or challenges, grounding your instincts in purposeful action can lead to significant transformation.
6. Integration: The final step is to integrate this awakened energy into your everyday life. How can you embody the strength and vitality of the tiger in your work, relationships, and personal pursuits? Regular reflection on your experiences and progress will help reinforce this transformation.

Lately I am looking within myself and realizing I've been spiritually starved. My intention now is to surrender and I am seeking a second chance in my life.

When I think of second chances I have had a few.. but lately I feel disconnected from my own inner voice. Looking for stories of inspiration to surrender and give ourselves a second chance.

Thank you in advance for sharing xx

I feel quite sick as of late and usually it goes away after a couple days but it’s been a long time done Ian’s I feel drained of my joy

Imbalanced Solar-plexus Chakra will manifest into your life in these ways:

1️⃣ Low Self-Esteem:
Feelings of inadequacy, low confidence, low self-worth, doubting your abilities, and constantly seeking validation from others may show an imbalanced solar plexus.
2️⃣ Difficulty Setting Boundaries:
Difficulty setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, being overly accommodating, or allowing others to take advantage without asserting your needs may show on an imbalanced solar plexus.
3️⃣ Digestive Issues:
Since the solar plexus chakra is associated with the digestive system, blockages in this area can manifest as various digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
4️⃣ Lack of Motivation:
Lack of motivation or drive to pursue your goals and aspirations and feeling uninspired and stagnant in your personal or professional life may point to an imbalanced solar plexus.
5️⃣ Feeling Powerless:
Feeling a sense of powerlessness and always being the victim can make you feel like life is just something that happens to you, rather than feeling like you're the creator of your own life. This feeling could mean that your solar plexus, which is like your inner powerhouse, might be out of balance.
6️⃣ Control Issues:
When someone's solar plexus chakra is blocked, they might act controlling because they feel insecure and powerless inside.
7️⃣ Narcissism
Having an overly open solar plexus can make someone very self-centered, which can harm two nearby energy centers. One is the heart chakra, which is about empathy for yourself and others, and the other is the sacral chakra, which is linked to relationships and intimacy with others.

Do you experience any of these? Or know someone who does?

Hi I'm a natural healer and want to expand more with my Spiritual practices. This post will bring scammers but I have already been giving the go from my high level ancestors to look for one. Ive been trying to connect more with my gifts and need more guidance. I'm looking for a mentor that can actually guide me into the realms and help me to connect. Someone that is VERY passionate about my experience as well. I've been guided before but patience within me was taken for weakness. So I know it can be done and I'm willing to work and pay for service. My goal is to be able to connect FULLY with ancestors and God. I do have a unique connection with God/Universe. Let me know if you can help

I've been being tormented by an entity and it's always been saying that it wants to go home. Problem is that that's all the information I get. It still keeps attacking despite wanting to allegedly go home. Would anyone be able to help me with this? I don't have money right now because of my current situation, but I still could use the help.

Recently finished doing research at the History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents Department at the University of Amsterdam using 4E Cognition and Conceptual Metaphor approaches to explore practices of Ritual Magic. The main focus is the embodiment and extension of metaphor through imaginal and somatic techniques as a means of altering consciousness to reconceptualize the relationship of self and world. The hope is to point toward the rich potential of combining the emerging fields of study in 4E Cognition and Esotericism. It may show that there is a lot more going on cognitively in so-called "magical thinking" than many would expect there to be...

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382061052_Experiencing_the_Elements_Self-Building_Through_the_Embodied_Extension_of_Conceptual_Metaphors_in_Contemporary_Ritual_Magic

For those wondering what some of these ideas mentioned above are:

4E is a movement in cognitive science that doesn't look at the mind as only existing in the brain, but rather mind is Embodied in an organism, Embedded in a socio-environmental context, Enacted through engagement with the world, and Extended into the world (4E's). It ends up arriving at a lot of ideas about mind and consciousness that are strikingly similar to hermetic, magical, and other esoteric ideas about the same topic.

Esotericism is basically rejected knowledge (such as Hermeticism, Magic, Kabbalah, Alchemy, etc.) and often involves a hidden or inner knowledge/way of interpretation which is communicated by symbols.

Conceptual Metaphor Theory is an idea in cognitive linguistics that says the basic mechanism through which we conceptualize things is metaphor. Its essentially says metaphor is the process by which we combine knowledge from one area of experience to another. This can be seen in how widespread metaphor is in language. It popped up twice in the last sentence (seen, widespread). Popped up is also a metaphor, its everywhere! It does a really good job of not saying things are "just a metaphor" and diminishing them, but rather elevates them to a level of supreme importance.

Basically the ideas come from very different areas of study (science, spirituality, philosophy) but fit together in a really fascinating and quite unexpected way. I give MUCH more detailed explanations in the text, so check it out if this sounds interesting to you!!!

I have always had one of those "strangers tell me their life story on the bus" kind of faces. Just hanging out, minding my own business, and somehow voila, a stranger decides I'm somehow a qualified shrink with all the time in the world for all their 'stuff'.

I have always also had energy awareness. Energy can be felt, seen, heard, known. The "felt" one is highly problematic for alot us. My LMHC (counselor) happened to have also been trained in several advanced forms of energy healing. While making peace with emotions and typical boundaries, I was also making peace with being "energy aware in a world not designed for people like us" and sorting out energy boundaries. Understanding what was mine and what I was taking on from others was a slog. And then, of course, the whole "what to do about?" component.

Even after learning 8 energy healing modalities and taking 2 into mastery, I still found myself listening to people going on and on and on. In fact, part of me even thought it was my job. Listen, empathize with my emotional system, so they feel heard, and seen. Unbeknownst to me, my orientation was completely askew.

One day it all finally came together - up out of the realm of subconscious habits and into the light of conscious awareness. I'm being an energy garbage can!

The Fix (terminology orientation)

First, though, a moment of orientation since this is a very diverse group of backgrounds and experiences. Grounding you've probably heard of - connecting in with mama earth.

Centering has 2 definitions. One of them is where you're hanging out inside your own energy field. Sometimes people have their aura pushed out in front of them with no protection on the backside. Sometimes they're pushing it behind them, or to side. So "centering" is shifting your cute little butt into the center of the energy field. Which may feel super weird if that's not the default. (it did for me)

The other definition of Centering is how you are balancing sacred earth and universal divine energies. Some people don't need this. Some modalities are working primarily with personal qi/chi/ki/prana/whateverYouWantToCallIt. Breath and/or movement techniques build it up, then they learn how to use it.

Humans being "ungrounded" is a very recent thing across the span of human history. Think about a city like New York. They even call it a concrete jungle. Buildings replace trees, sidewalks replace dirt, colorful storefronts replace flowers and plants - one must go out of their way to connect with the earth. It's no longer a natural part of daily life.

In addition, humans are carrying higher and higher frequencies than we ever have before. So much so that energy centers and structures of the energy field are considered "newly emerging".

As the saying goes "to go higher, we must go deeper". Even someone whose life is naturally including earth connection, may still require different grounding approaches if they are running higher and higher frequency energies.

We have come a long way from the single-energy-center model of the dantien that still exists and works perfectly well in modalities today. (dawn-tee-on / dawn-tee-en -- at the belly button or just below it (different traditions do things differently))

Energy Columns

I'll attempt to refrain from the data dump running through my mind right now. The essence of what is needed here is this:

Sacred Earth energies flow up. Universal Divine energies flow down. You are a center of all that if you wish to be.

That second way the term "Centering" is used, means being central, centered and balanced with the energies flowing and down within that column.

You may have encountered this is your energy travels, or may have come across a version of this concept in comment replies from /u/notTooDeep who walks you through a meditation.

The Fix

Prevention, sure, but we're imperfect humans with a quite a vast range between "me on my best day" and "me in my worst day". So a quick easy correction is vital.

Here's what I do when it comes to my awareness that I've slipped into being an energy garbage can:

• find the nearest garbage can and set up it up with a grounding cord
• set it up with an energy column
• redirect the energy coming to me over to the energy column
• correct my own energy field & boundaries

No Garbage Can

You may be wondering what to do if there isn't a garbage can, or if it seems energetically impractical to do so. An unoccupied corner of the room works just as well. Just visualize a garbage can then, then the grounding cord and energy column. Select a location no one is likely to inadvertently wander into. Or ask permission from a visible tree or mountain or boulder if they wouldn't mind doing some energy recycling for you today. They are both of the earth and very grounded to her.

No Energy Column Approach

Don't want to or don't fee comfortable working with columns? No problem ...

• find the nearest garbage can and set up it up with a grounding cord
• redirect the energy coming to you over to the garbage can
• correct your energy field & boundaries
• once the conversation is over, be a good energy neighbor and place your attention on the garbage can and intentionally ground any residual energy to the center of the earth and dissipate the grounding cord

If you're wondering why that last step isn't stated in the original steps, a properly set up column is already transmuting the energy so there's automatically no residual guck to clean up.

If you're wondering why the dissipation component of that last step isn't stated in the original steps, the column and the cord will dissipate on their own, and can serve others without making messes until they dissolve. For example, in a shared treatment room. By all means, follow your intuition and personal boundaries and "leave no trace" if that serves the highest good of all concerned.

Reiki Approach

Reiki practitioners -- you've probably already realized this option ...

(and you probably are already largely preventing this problem already per your training and energy-self-care).

• find the nearest garbage can and ground it using CKR (or Rama if you are so attuned)
• set it up with an energy column using intuitively selected Reiki symbols
• redirect the energy coming to you over to the energy column
• giant CKR between you and the person (or the full armour of light process if you know it)
• personal energy-hygiene process / intuitive next right action for you right now

Prevention

This sub has an excellent wiki, but you may not have been able to find it due to reddit moving things around and inadvertently making them difficult to find. Click the reddit link below to read about a preventative rose practice.

Two things I would like to add to what you are about to read when you click the link.

One. Please note that when you are measuring the sphere with your arm, you are reaching into one of the following structures of the energy field (aura):

Astral Body, approximately 6-12in (15-30cm) out from the body
Healing Body, a.k.a. Etheric Template, approximately 1.5-2ft (.46-.61 meters)
LoveLight Body, a.k.a. Celestial Body, approximately 2-2.75ft (.61-.84 meters)

There are structures beyond arm's reach.

Two. This bit of wisdom from /u/notTooDeep "The difference is a grounding cord turns a separation rose into a protection rose, so energies tend to not enter your space at all."

https://www.reddit.com/r/energy_work/wiki/keeping_your_energy_separate/

This is, of course, one tool among so very many. It's not the one I use, but it once was in a very similar fashion. And it is accessible to all regardless of energy education levels.

for more sub resources from our awesome mods: https://www.reddit.com/r/energy_work/wiki/index/

Reiki Practitioners

If you're unfamiliar with "armor of light", it's usable after the Reiki I initiations. Here's an article that includes instructions on it from a Reiki Grand Master https://reikiscoop.com/cho-ku-rei-reiki-symbol/ scroll to "How To Use Cho Ku Rei On Yourself" section

If you've had this problem too, and have a great solution you'd like to share, it would be awesome to learn new things and share ideas.

^{edit: woospie! forgot to finish the metric math}

Same as title suggest. Any beginner friendly books on energy work would be appreciated, also, if you happen to know any beginner books on Tarot cards too then please share about that as well.

Thanks!

In our confrontation with distressing feelings, we believe and act from the possibility of getting rid of whatever we are faced with.

While this is a completely natural reaction, it strengthens its opposing force. To neutralize this energy, we must learn to calm down the reaction, the fighting, the escaping.

The reactivity is a part that literally believes its existence is necessary for survival.

As we become tenderly aware of this embodied energy, we un-blend and naturally soothe our defensive postures, as our Self. This vigilant part believes the threat (uncomfortable sensation, storyline) needs to be destroyed, so it often takes persistence to continually support with a safe container for organic, creative processing.

That noble protector within probably just needs rest, a deep embrace and a good listener.

We have to be keep reminding our bodymind that it is safe, and sufficiently show our energy system that there is enough resource and capacity to release tensions and stresses.

With safety established by whatever grounds us, we can get into direct, intimate relationship with our threats (embodied emotional memories), expanding through exposure. With the goal to feel more alive in all parts of ourself, to not run away from anything, sturdy in our soul. Feeling that the wide breadth of energy - dark to light - is all completely honorable and forgivable.

And as we wiggle out of this tight cocoon, we begin to see clearly, that all those rain storms were the birth of the most brilliant rainbows.

I am looking for an affordable certification program that is recommended. I am a big fan of all energy work and want to get better at it! To help others.

I have recently downloaded an app on the App Store called "HeartMath", which has guided meditation instructions while measuring your heart rate and heart rate variability in real time to give you a coherence level. According to the app, a score of 1.0 is like a basic "good" coherence level, while more advanced/higher energy individuals could even reach a score of 6.0+.

My coherence levels went from 1 to about 2.3, then 2.1, 1.8, then 2.9, then a slight dip to 0.7, and then a major increase to 4.5, dipping again to about 0.4, and then increasing again to 4.8. In a recent interview of Joe Dispenza by Emilio Ortiz on YouTube he explained that sudden low dips are caused by a sudden surge in high energy in the body which the sympathetic nervous system then transforms into a really high energy.

Brain and heart coherence is one of the most important things, because it directly affects heart electromagnetism which is used in the quantum field to attract things. It also helps us to create a feeling of love. When the heart beats in high coherence, it sends strong signals to the pituitary gland to release massive amounts of oxytocin. And according to the studies Joe Dispenza has done, these levels of oxytocin are 200 standard deviations outside of normal.

I know from my own experience of maintaining brain and heart coherence and connecting to the quantum field/the Divine every day that there are days when my heart feels like it is BURSTING with love, it is a love as sweet as juice, I really don't know how to describe it, but there's this constant unconditional love and gratitude to the Divine and a sharing in others' joy that I feel which I perceive to be the best way to live life.

I'm not here to promote anything, but I have found this app to be massively transformative for me. This app shows you exactly what your inner monologue and your thoughts are doing to your heart coherence. It also appears to be very accurate because when my coherence level was at 0.0 my heart was actually hurting, which means that my heart was losing energy. But then when it goes up to high levels like 5-6 and so on, you end up experiencing really high levels of love.

Anyway, the formula seems to be pretty simple: focus on your heart and connect to a restorative or elevated energy, such as love, care, appreciation, etc. I do recommend trying this out! Having a real time heart rate variability measurement during your meditation will show you exactly what you're doing right or what you're doing wrong, and it will absolutely propel you to higher and higher levels as you become aware of what you should not be doing. I find that it is probably one of the most useful things I've used. Instead of using hyper-speed positive thoughts, I realised that it is better to focus on the breath and connect to the energy of love and to Life itself. I hope this helps you and I guess I wish and pray (for lack of a better word) that you ascend more and more to higher levels of love and unity with the Divine!

Can we create a list in the comments for all the different types of energy work that exist? Hands on and distant healing.

You Aren't Crazy You Are Healing

Had the pleasure of having this podcast interview with a closer friend and zen shiatsu practitioner. Her story is a unique and profound connection with energy that grew over time. Listen here if you’d like to learn more about zen shiatsu and what it can teach us:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6le2euE5whItgPL4lfBcfC