Channelling - in a few words

Channeling, a phenomenon that has been gaining popularity in recent years, serves as a communication bridge between different dimensions of existence. Although often associated with New Age practices, channeling techniques such as trance and automatic writing have their roots in ancient spiritual traditions. As the number of books and seminars on this topic grows, many people are seeking ways to connect with their spirit guides. Despite the numerous benefits, it is crucial to maintain a healthy skepticism and caution when interpreting spiritual messages.

Channeling has become a hugely popular phenomenon in the last few years. We hear about it on news outlets and talk shows. We read articles about it, and every library contains volumes of books written by channeled entities, with more appearing every month. Some channeled sources have gained significant notoriety, drawing crowds to seminars and workshops, often at great expense.

How can we better understand this sudden flood of information? Webster defines "channel" as "a means of access, a means of transmission." In the context of the New Age, channeling provides access to a pathway allowing communication between different planes of existence. Channeling is a route by which those not present in physical reality can transmit information to those present in physical reality.

While it may seem like a relatively new phenomenon, channeling in its various forms has existed as long as humankind. The most popular form is the one we all hear about: that sometimes helpful intuition suddenly comes "out of nowhere." This form of channeling gives rise to many works of art and helps us find solutions to seemingly insoluble problems. Unlike other forms of channeling, this inspiration is always available to us, and whether we receive it rarely or frequently simply depends on our receptivity and openness.Dreams are another way that channeled information can reach us. In the dream state, we are open and spiritually attuned, creating an unclosable gateway through which Universal knowledge can flow. While dreams and inspiration are important avenues for channeled messages, dreams, for many people, are easier to ignore. We tend to react and use the insights that inspire us.

The most spectacular form of channeling is so-called "Trance Channeling." In this technique, the channel does not use another person's body by entering a trance state, allowing the "source" to speak directly to a third party.

Although trance channels most often work with only one source, sources can be several things or entities. Many believe that these channeled "sources" reflect the channel's subconscious mind or the "collective unconscious."

Channeled material can also flow from one's "Higher Self." Information given to us by this Source definitely "falls" under the category of channeled material, because our "Higher Selves" are not present in physical reality. Others may receive channeled material from the Cosmic Mind or from God/Deity/The All.

However, most channeled messages come to us from spirit guides or Masters and ultimately this material is important regardless of who or what we believe in or what our source is.

Another way to communicate with the "source" is through "Automatic Writing." In this form of channeling, the channel first meditates, then sits with a pen or typewriter and allows the source to write. Meditation should be practiced each time before automatic writing, as meditation induces a state of calm and makes us more receptive to true spiritual sources.The technique for automatic writing is quite simple: after meditating, sit in a comfortable position, holding a pad of paper and a pen. Touch the tip of the pen to the paper. Maintain a relaxed state and ask if the "source" is present. Remain relaxed and wait for the writing to begin.

At first, the writing may be illegible, beautiful, small, meaningless scribbles. However, after some practice, the scribbles will become legible words and phrases that can be read and discussed on any topic that comes to mind. Success may not be achieved in the first few sessions. It may take time and daily practice to develop a strong connection, but it is worth the effort.

Regardless of the technique we use to transmit information, it's crucial that we don't blindly accept it. Until we fully trust it, we should treat each of our sources with a healthy dose of skepticism. We should examine all channeled material with an unbiased and inquisitive mind.

While the material may change content, there are certain qualities that will always be present in information that has been "channeled" by a true spiritual source. Such information appears positive and always leads us on a spiritual path. From now on, our sources will always try to help us in any way they can, as they can provide effective and useful advice, while sources trying to dazzle us with incomprehensible garbage should be treated with suspicion. A true source does not lie or spread rumors. Our guides will not order us what to do, nor can they predict the future, because the future is always changing.

When we try to contact our guide, it's important to keep these issues in mind. Nonphysical entities only have "personalities" when they become physical. Someone who has been negative or depressed in life can transfer some of these qualities into their spiritual life. Edgar Cayce once said, "The only difference between a living bishop and a dead one is that he is dead while he is alive."