Free Your Spirit Part 2

 

Let your spirit free and travel beyond the physical realm

Part 2

Transcendental meditation 

Transcendental Meditation: History, Practice, Science, and Spiritual Perspectives

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is one of the world’s most widely practised meditation techniques. Introduced to an international audience during the twentieth century, it has attracted millions of practitioners from diverse cultural, religious, and secular backgrounds. Promoted as a simple, effortless technique for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity, TM has also become the subject of scientific research, philosophical discussion, and occasional controversy.

Unlike many meditation traditions that require concentration, contemplation, or mindfulness of the present moment, Transcendental Meditation teaches practitioners to allow the mind to settle naturally into a state of profound inner silence. Advocates describe this state as “transcendence”—a level of consciousness beyond ordinary waking thought.

Whether viewed as a spiritual discipline, a psychological technique, or a method of relaxation, Transcendental Meditation occupies a unique position at the intersection of ancient Vedic philosophy and modern Western culture.

Origins and History

Transcendental Meditation was developed and popularised by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ( above ) in the 1950s.  Born in central India, Maharishi studied under the Hindu monk Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, often known as Guru Dev. Maharishi maintained that the meditation technique he taught was derived from ancient Vedic traditions that had been preserved through an unbroken lineage of teachers.

Beginning in 1958, Maharishi travelled extensively throughout Europe, North America, Australia, and later South America and Africa, introducing his meditation method to audiences unfamiliar with Eastern spirituality.

Interest in TM expanded dramatically during the late 1960s after several famous musicians, actors, and public figures became associated with Maharishi. Most notably, members of The Beatles visited Maharishi’s ashram in India in 1968. Although their relationship later ended amid disagreements, the publicity brought unprecedented global attention to meditation and Eastern philosophy.

Since then, TM has been taught in over one hundred countries through certified instructors.

What Is Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation is practised twice daily, usually for approximately twenty minutes while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.

Unlike mindfulness meditation, practitioners are not asked to focus on breathing or bodily sensations.

Instead, each student receives a personalised mantra—a sound without specific meaning—which is repeated silently and effortlessly.

According to TM teaching, the mantra gradually becomes subtler until conscious thought diminishes, allowing awareness to settle into a state of restful alertness. Practitioners are instructed not to force concentration or suppress thoughts.

If thoughts arise naturally, they are simply allowed to pass before gently returning attention to the mantra.

This effortless quality distinguishes TM from many other forms of meditation.

The Concept of Transcendence

The word “transcend” literally means “to go beyond.”

Within TM philosophy, transcendence refers to moving beyond ordinary mental activity into what Maharishi described as “pure consciousness.”

This state is said to possess several characteristics:

● Complete mental stillness

● Wakeful awareness

● Deep physical relaxation

● Absence of internal dialogue

● Expanded consciousness

TM teachers suggest that this condition represents the mind’s natural resting state and serves as the foundation of creativity, intelligence, and emotional balance.

In Vedic philosophy this state is often equated with pure Being—the fundamental reality underlying all experience.

Vedic Philosophy

Although TM is often presented as non-religious, its philosophical roots lie in the ancient Vedic tradition of India.

Several important concepts underpin its worldview.

Pure Consciousness

According to Vedic philosophy, consciousness exists independently of thoughts.

Thoughts are viewed as waves upon the surface of awareness, while meditation allows one to experience the silent ocean beneath them.

The Field of Intelligence

Maharishi frequently described consciousness as an infinite field of intelligence from which all natural laws arise.

He compared this unified field to ideas emerging in modern physics, although these comparisons remain philosophical rather than established scientific conclusions.

Higher States of Consciousness

TM literature proposes that human beings can develop beyond ordinary waking, dreaming, and sleeping consciousness into progressively more integrated states.

These include:

● Cosmic Consciousness

● God Consciousness

● Unity Consciousness

These stages describe increasing stability of inner awareness throughout daily life.

The Scientific Research

Transcendental Meditation has been studied extensively since the 1970s.

Research has examined physiological changes, psychological well-being, cardiovascular health, and stress reduction.

Some reported findings include:

● Reduced stress and anxiety

● Lower blood pressure in some populations

● Improved emotional resilience

● Better sleep quality

● Increased feelings of calmness

● Improved concentration

● Reduced symptoms of burnout

Researchers have also observed changes during meditation, including decreased oxygen consumption, reduced respiration rate, and altered brain-wave activity consistent with relaxed wakefulness.

However, the scientific literature is mixed. While many studies report positive outcomes, some researchers have raised concerns about study quality, publication bias, or conflicts of interest, particularly in research connected with TM-affiliated organisations. Overall, there is evidence that meditation—including TM—can support stress reduction and well-being, but not all specific claims made by TM proponents are considered conclusively established.

The Role of the Mantra

One of the defining features of TM is its use of a mantra.  Unlike sacred words used in devotional traditions, TM mantras are generally regarded within the practice as tools rather than prayers or affirmations.

The mantra functions by gently attracting attention inward.

As thinking becomes quieter, even the mantra is said to fade, leaving only awareness itself.

TM instructors traditionally keep individual mantras private, believing that confidentiality preserves their effectiveness.

Spiritual Interpretations

Although officially presented as compatible with every religion, many practitioners experience TM in spiritual terms.

Some describe:

● Greater intuition

● Increased compassion

● Feelings of interconnectedness

● Heightened creativity

● Experiences of profound peace

● Moments of timelessness

● Expanded awareness

Others regard the technique purely as a method for managing stress, without adopting any broader spiritual beliefs.

This flexibility has contributed to TM’s popularity among people of many different faiths and among those with no religious affiliation.

The “Maharishi Effect”

Among the more controversial ideas associated with TM is the so-called “Maharishi Effect.”

This hypothesis proposes that if a sufficiently large group practises TM or its advanced techniques together, measurable improvements in society—such as reductions in crime, violence, or conflict—may occur through a collective influence of consciousness

.

Some studies have reported correlations consistent with this claim, while many scientists remain unconvinced, arguing that the evidence does not establish causation and that the underlying mechanism has not been demonstrated. As a result, the Maharishi Effect remains a disputed hypothesis rather than an accepted scientific finding.

TM and Other Meditation Traditions

Although often grouped together, meditation practices vary considerably.

TM differs from mindfulness, Zen, and yogic concentration in several respects.

Mindfulness emphasises observing thoughts and sensations without judgement.

Zen meditation often focuses on posture, breath, or direct awareness.

Concentration meditation trains sustained attention on a chosen object.

TM, by contrast, emphasises effortless repetition of a mantra, with the intention of allowing the mind to settle naturally rather than directing or monitoring experience.

Despite these differences, many practitioners across traditions report common benefits such as reduced stress, greater emotional balance, and enhanced self-awareness.

Criticism and Controversies

Like many spiritual movements, TM has faced criticism.

Some critics object to the cost of instruction, which is typically provided through certified teachers. Others have questioned the organisation’s structure or some of its broader claims regarding consciousness and societal transformation. 

Personally I believe that we can ALL learn how to do this WITHOUT formal and expensive training . There are many free resources explaining how TM works and how to do it yourself. I have been able to do it successfully without any of the gurus and trainers. You can to!

There has also been debate over whether TM should be considered entirely secular, given its origins in Vedic philosophy and the traditional elements involved in initiation ceremonies.

Supporters respond that the technique itself can be practised by people of any belief system and point to decades of personal testimonials and scientific research supporting its benefits.

Influence on Modern Culture

Few meditation practices have had as great an influence on Western culture as Transcendental Meditation.

Its popularity helped introduce millions of people to meditation decades before mindfulness became widespread in healthcare, education, and business.

Many artists, business leaders, educators, athletes, and public figures have credited TM with supporting creativity, resilience, or emotional well-being. Regardless of one’s view of its broader philosophical claims, its cultural impact on the acceptance of meditation in the West is widely recognised.

Transcendental Meditation represents a distinctive blend of ancient Vedic philosophy and modern practical application. Its central promise is simple: that by allowing the mind to settle effortlessly into profound stillness, individuals can experience deep rest, clearer awareness, and greater psychological balance.

Scientific research supports many general benefits associated with meditation, particularly in reducing stress and improving well-being, although some of TM’s more expansive claims remain subjects of debate. Spiritually, TM offers a path that many practitioners experience as one of inner peace, expanded awareness, and personal growth, while others approach it as a practical technique requiring no particular religious commitment.

Ultimately, Transcendental Meditation invites practitioners to explore consciousness through direct experience. Whether understood in scientific, philosophical, or spiritual terms, it has become one of the most influential meditation practices of the modern era, encouraging countless individuals to seek calm, clarity, and insight amid the demands of everyday life.

Free Your Spirit part 3

 Part 3

Astral Travel in Witchcraft: Beliefs, Traditions, and Practices

Throughout history, witches, shamans, mystics, and practitioners of esoteric traditions have claimed that it is possible for consciousness or the spirit to travel beyond the physical body. This phenomenon, commonly called astral projection, soul flight, or spirit walking, occupies an important place in many magical traditions. While modern science has not found evidence that consciousness literally leaves the body, experiences described as out-of-body experiences remain widespread and deeply meaningful to those who have them.

This essay explores the historical origins of these beliefs, the methods traditionally used to induce spirit travel, the symbolism associated with the experience, and the modern perspectives that seek to explain it.

The Concept of the Astral Body

Many occult traditions teach that human beings possess more than a physical body. According to these beliefs, subtle bodies exist on different planes of existence. One of these is often called the astral body, which is thought to be capable of travelling independently while the physical body remains asleep or in deep meditation.

The term “astral” derives from the Latin astralis, meaning “of the stars.” During the nineteenth century, occult movements such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and later Theosophical Society popularised elaborate theories about the astral plane. However, the idea itself is much older and appears in many cultures.

Ancient Egyptian religion described the Ba, an aspect of the soul capable of leaving the body. In various forms of shamanism across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, practitioners believe the soul can journey into spiritual realms to seek healing, guidance, or knowledge.

Witches and the Night Flight

One of the most enduring beliefs in European witchcraft concerns the Night Flight.

During the late Middle Ages and Early Modern period, many accused witches confessed—often under torture—that they flew through the night to attend magical gatherings known as the witches’ sabbath. According to folklore, they travelled on broomsticks, staffs, animals, or even through the air unaided.

Modern historians generally agree that these accounts cannot be taken literally. Instead, they likely arose from several influences:

● Folk beliefs about spirits and fairies.

● Dreams and vivid visionary experiences.

● Religious fears surrounding heresy.

● Confessions extracted under torture.

● Symbolic stories expressing spiritual transformation.

Some scholars have suggested that reports of flight may have reflected ecstatic trance states rather than physical journeys.

Flying Ointments

Perhaps the most famous method associated with spirit flight is the use of so-called flying ointments.

Historical recipes attributed to witches sometimes included plants such as:

● Belladonna

● Henbane

● Mandrake

● Thorn Apple (Datura)

These plants contain powerful tropane alkaloids capable of producing hallucinations, altered perception, sensations of floating, and vivid dreams. Modern toxicology recognises that these substances are highly dangerous and potentially fatal. Because of their unpredictable effects, they should never be used experimentally.

Many historians believe that legends of witches flying may have originated from visions experienced after the use of these ointments rather than actual physical flight.

Trance and Meditation

Many contemporary witches reject historical flying ointments entirely and instead employ non-chemical methods.

Common practices include:

● Deep relaxation.

● Breath control.

● Progressive muscle relaxation.

● Guided visualisation.

● Candle meditation.

● Rhythmic drumming.

● Chanting.

● Repetitive movement.

● Ritual circle work.

The objective is to quiet ordinary awareness and enter an altered state of consciousness in which vivid inner imagery becomes possible.

Some practitioners report sensations such as vibrations, buzzing sounds, floating, or seeing themselves from outside the body. Such experiences closely resemble accounts of spontaneous out-of-body experiences reported by people across cultures.

Pathworking

Many magical traditions employ pathworking, a structured form of guided visualisation.

The practitioner imagines travelling through symbolic landscapes, sacred temples, forests, mountains, caves, or celestial realms. These journeys often involve encounters with guides, ancestors, deities, or symbolic animals.

Unlike literal astral projection, pathworking is usually understood as an intentional inner journey using the imagination as a bridge to deeper layers of the unconscious or spiritual awareness.

Dream Work

Dreaming has long been considered one of the safest methods of spirit travel.

Many witches keep dream journals and practise:

● Dream incubation.

● Reality checks.

● Meditation before sleep.

● Setting intentions.

● The Tibetan Book of the Dead-inspired lucid dreaming techniques.

Lucid dreams, in which the dreamer becomes aware they are dreaming, may provide experiences remarkably similar to reported astral journeys. Many practitioners regard lucid dreaming as a gateway to spiritual exploration.

The Witches’ Familiar

In traditional folklore, witches were often said to travel alongside their familiars.

Cats, owls, ravens, wolves, hares, and other animals sometimes appeared as companions during visionary journeys. Modern practitioners frequently interpret familiars symbolically, representing intuition, instinct, or spiritual guidance rather than literal supernatural beings.

Journeying to the Otherworld

Many traditions describe travel to an invisible realm inhabited by spirits, ancestors, and deities.

In Celtic traditions this may be called the Otherworld.

In Norse tradition, practitioners speak of journeys through the branches of Yggdrasil.

Shamanic cultures often describe ascending into the heavens or descending into the underworld.

Although the imagery differs, these traditions share common themes:

● Seeking wisdom.

● Healing.

● Divination.

● Meeting spiritual teachers.

● Recovering lost knowledge.

● Personal transformation.

Ritual Tools

Some witches believe certain objects assist spirit travel by creating an atmosphere conducive to altered consciousness.

Examples include:

● Black mirrors.

● Crystal balls.

● Obsidian.

● Quartz crystals.

● Candles.

● Incense.

● Sacred herbs.

● Ritual drums.

● Singing bowls.

Whether these objects possess intrinsic spiritual properties or function primarily as psychological aids depends upon one’s worldview.

The Silver Cord

A recurring belief in many occult traditions is the existence of the silver cord, an invisible connection linking the physical body to the astral body.

This concept appears in nineteenth-century occult literature and is sometimes associated with imagery from the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes. According to believers, the cord ensures that the traveller always returns safely to the physical body.

There is no scientific evidence that such a cord exists, but it remains an enduring symbol within esoteric literature.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern neuroscience offers several explanations for experiences interpreted as astral projection.

Research suggests that out-of-body experiences may arise during transitions between wakefulness and sleep, particularly in states such as sleep paralysis, lucid dreaming, or hypnagogia. Electrical stimulation of certain regions of the brain, especially around the temporoparietal junction, has also been shown in experimental settings to induce sensations of leaving the body.

From this perspective, vivid experiences of floating, seeing one’s body from above, or travelling through imagined landscapes may result from the brain’s construction of bodily awareness rather than the literal departure of consciousness from the physical body.

However, many people who have undergone such experiences regard them as profoundly real and spiritually significant, regardless of their underlying mechanism.

IMPORTANT 

Whenever you attempt astral projection or travel you must ensure that you have an anchor on this plane!

Choose something that you like, trust and know well such as a statue, cuddly toy or whatever you would instantly recognise. Charge this with your own energy. Talk to it, let it know you well and you it.  Mark it with your favourite scent . Whenever you travel on this plane , take it with you. Keep it close to you and don’t let anyone know its purpose. This is your anchor. It will help you safely return to this plane. For example, choose a small statue of a dragon or unicorn. You can then travel with them and ride them home to the mortal

Plane.

Travelling the astral plane can be scary and dangerous! Make sure you know what you’re doing and that you are safe!

Spiritual Meaning

For many modern witches, the value of astral travel does not depend on proving that consciousness literally leaves the body. Instead, these experiences are seen as opportunities for:

● Self-discovery.

● Communion with nature.

● Healing emotional wounds.

● Encountering symbolic archetypes.

● Developing intuition.

● Strengthening spiritual practice.

● Exploring the mysteries of consciousness.

Whether understood as psychological exploration, mystical experience, or genuine spiritual journeying, these practices often encourage practitioners to cultivate mindfulness, reflection, and personal insight.

Astral Projection in Modern Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft

Among the many practices associated with contemporary witchcraft, few are as intriguing as astral projection. Often described as the ability to experience consciousness beyond the physical body, astral projection is regarded by many witches as a method of spiritual exploration, self-development, and magical practice. While some practitioners believe the soul or subtle body literally travels to other realms, others understand the experience as a profound altered state of consciousness rich in symbolism and psychological insight.

Modern Wicca and traditional witchcraft approach astral projection in different ways. Although they share common themes of spiritual journeying and communion with unseen realms, each tradition emphasises distinct philosophies, rituals, and objectives.

The Wiccan View of Astral Projection

Modern Wicca, which emerged in the mid-twentieth century through the work of Gerald Gardner and was later developed by figures such as Doreen Valiente, generally teaches that the universe consists of both physical and spiritual dimensions. Many Wiccans believe that meditation and ritual can enable practitioners to perceive these subtler levels of reality.

Astral projection is often regarded as one of several advanced magical skills rather than a requirement for spiritual progress. Most Wiccans place greater emphasis on living in harmony with nature, honouring the Goddess and the God, celebrating the Wheel of the Year, and practising ethical magic.

For those who do explore astral work, the purpose is often to:

● Deepen meditation.

● Meet spiritual guides.

● Seek wisdom from deities.

● Visit sacred landscapes on the inner planes.

● Gain insight into personal challenges.

● Enhance magical visualisation.

● Strengthen intuitive abilities.

Many Wiccans stress that such experiences should never become an escape from everyday responsibilities. Spiritual development is viewed as a balance between mystical experience and practical living.

The Circle as Sacred Space

Before attempting meditation or inner journeying, many Wiccans cast a magical circle.

The circle is understood as sacred space existing between the ordinary world and the spiritual realm. Within this protected environment, practitioners seek to quiet the mind and heighten awareness.

The ritual often includes:

● Purification.

● Calling the four elemental quarters.

● Invoking the Goddess and the God.

● Lighting candles.

● Burning incense.

● Grounding and centring.

Whether one interprets the circle as a literal energetic boundary or as a psychological aid, it serves to focus attention and create an atmosphere conducive to contemplative practice.

Meditation and Pathworking

One of the safest and most widely used methods for exploring astral awareness in Wicca is guided meditation, often called pathworking.

The practitioner may visualise entering an ancient forest, crossing a river, climbing a mountain, or descending into a cave. These symbolic landscapes frequently represent stages of inner transformation.

Within these journeys, practitioners may encounter:

● Ancestors.

● Spirit animals.

● Guardians.

● The Goddess.

● The Horned God.

● Elemental beings.

● Symbolic temples.

Many Wiccans regard these encounters as spiritually meaningful regardless of whether they occur in an external spiritual reality or within the depths of the imagination.

The Traditional Witchcraft Perspective

Traditional witchcraft encompasses numerous practices and lineages, many of which are distinct from Wicca. While beliefs vary widely, many traditional witches place greater emphasis on direct relationships with local spirits, ancestral traditions, folklore, and the natural landscape.

In these traditions, astral projection is often referred to by older expressions such as:

● Spirit flight.

● Riding the hedge.

● Hedge crossing.

● Soul flight.

● Crossing between the worlds.

The term “hedge” symbolises the boundary separating the ordinary world from the spirit world. A hedge witch is therefore understood as someone who metaphorically crosses this boundary through trance and visionary experience.

Hedge Riding

Hedge riding is among the best-known methods of spirit journeying within traditional witchcraft.

The practitioner typically enters a deep trance through:

● Controlled breathing.

● Rhythmic drumming.

● Chanting.

● Repetitive movement.

● Silence.

● Candle gazing.

Rather than attempting to “leave the body” in a literal sense, many hedge witches describe entering an expanded state of consciousness in which they experience vivid symbolic landscapes and communicate with spiritual beings.

The journey itself is often considered more important than proving whether it occurs objectively.

Meeting Spirits

Traditional witches frequently describe encounters with:

● Ancestors.

● Land spirits.

● Household spirits.

● Animal guides.

● The Wild Hunt.

● The Queen of Elphame.

● Various folkloric beings.

Unlike ceremonial magic, these meetings are generally approached with humility rather than command. Relationships with spirits are often cultivated over many years through offerings, respect, and careful observation.

The Witch’s Familiar

The familiar occupies a significant place within many traditional witchcraft traditions.

Historically, familiar spirits were believed to assist witches in magical work. Contemporary practitioners often understand familiars as spiritual allies rather than physical animals possessing supernatural powers.

During visionary journeys, the familiar may appear as:

● A raven.

● A black dog.

● A cat.

● A hare.

● A serpent.

● An owl.

● A stag.

These forms frequently carry symbolic meanings rooted in folklore and personal experience.

The Otherworld

Both Wiccans and traditional witches describe journeys into an Otherworld, although their interpretations differ.

In Wicca, this realm often appears as a place of learning, healing, and communion with deity.

In traditional witchcraft, the Otherworld is more likely to resemble the liminal landscapes found in British and European folklore—misty forests, ancient hills, standing stones, crossroads, wells, rivers, caves, and forgotten paths. These places are viewed as thresholds where encounters with spirits, ancestors, or hidden wisdom may occur.

Many practitioners find inspiration in local legends and historical sites, seeing them as powerful settings for contemplation and ritual rather than as locations with objectively verifiable supernatural properties.

Magical Ethics

Most contemporary witches encourage approaching astral practices with patience, discernment, and humility.

Common advice includes:

● Remaining mentally and emotionally grounded.

● Keeping detailed journals.

● Avoiding exaggerated claims.

● Respecting personal limits.

● Maintaining healthy scepticism.

● Integrating spiritual insights into daily life.

Experiences are generally considered personal and subjective. Many practitioners caution against assuming that every vision is literally true or universally meaningful.

Psychological Perspectives

Some witches draw upon the ideas of Carl Gustav Jung, who proposed that dreams and visionary experiences express universal patterns known as archetypes.

From this perspective, astral projection may involve encounters with symbolic aspects of the psyche rather than independent supernatural beings. Meeting a wise elder, a dark forest, or a guiding animal can be understood as a meaningful dialogue between the conscious and unconscious mind.

Many practitioners find that this psychological interpretation complements rather than contradicts their spiritual beliefs.

Science and Spiritual Experience

Current scientific research has not demonstrated that consciousness can literally separate from the body and travel independently. Neuroscience suggests that experiences of floating, seeing oneself from outside the body, or moving through imagined environments can occur during lucid dreaming, sleep paralysis, meditation, or other altered states of consciousness.

Nevertheless, many witches regard these experiences as valuable because they foster creativity, self-reflection, emotional healing, and a sense of connection with the natural and symbolic world. Whether interpreted as mystical encounters or internally generated experiences, they often hold deep personal significance.

Conclusion

Astral projection occupies an important but varied place within modern Wicca and traditional witchcraft. Wiccans generally approach it as one among many spiritual disciplines, using meditation, ritual, and visualisation to deepen their relationship with the divine and the cycles of nature. Traditional witches often frame similar experiences as spirit flight or hedge riding, drawing upon folklore, ancestral customs, and relationships with the land and its spirits.

Although beliefs differ regarding whether these journeys represent literal travel or profound inner experiences, practitioners in both traditions typically value them for the insight, transformation, and spiritual growth they can inspire. Modern scientific perspectives offer alternative explanations rooted in psychology and neuroscience, while acknowledging that such experiences can be vivid and deeply meaningful. The coexistence of these perspectives reflects the enduring mystery of consciousness and the human desire to explore realms beyond ordinary awareness.

The belief that witches can travel outside the body has deep roots in folklore, mythology, and esoteric traditions. From the legendary Night Flight of medieval witches to contemporary practices of meditation, lucid dreaming, and pathworking, the idea of spirit journeying continues to fascinate both practitioners and scholars.

Historical methods such as flying ointments are now recognised as hazardous and are best understood within their historical context rather than as practices to emulate. Modern witches who pursue inner journeying typically favour safe techniques such as meditation, visualisation, dream work, and ritual.

Ultimately, astral travel occupies a unique place at the intersection of spirituality, psychology, folklore, and the study of consciousness. Whether interpreted as literal soul flight or as a rich symbolic experience arising from the human mind, it remains one of the most intriguing and enduring aspects of magical tradition.