Book
of Shadows~"Lotus" Look At Those Chakras Again!
By Natalie Zaman
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Flower
Power!
Last Samhain, we learned that "Chakra" is the Sanskrit word
for "wheel." If that's true, then why the heck is a chakra symbolized
by a lotus? Flowers are nothing like wheels... or are they? They're sort
of the same shape, and flowers have petals like wheels have spokes--but
the lotus is special, as you will soon see...
The lovely lotus!
In
Eastern traditions where the idea of the Chakras originated, the lotus
is described as "the most beautiful flower that grows out of the
mud." Now mud is probably the lowest, dirtiest, not to mention ickiest
of substances. And yet, that's where the lotus thrives. That should tell
you something about mud--it's not so bad if it can produce something so
good. And what's more, it should also tell you that it doesn't matter
where you come from--something incredible, beautiful and powerful can
have humble origins.
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We know
that each of the seven chakras rules a different part of the body and the
energies concentrated there, and that each one is represented by a different
color, symbol--and a lotus flower:
As you can see, each lotus
has a different number of petals--why? The number of petals correspond to the
number of energy channels or pathways that come out of the chakra. Sometimes,
each petal is inscribed with a letter; making the sound of the letter stimulates
the pathway it represents. Having more petals doesn't make one chakra more important
than another. They are all equally important because each one does a different
and necessary job.
(hint--click any of the links above to revisit the individual chakras!).
Somewhere
Under the Rainbow.
Each individual chakra is important, but it is equally important to remember
that they are connected and work together all the time. Each one effects all
the others. Where else have you seen different colors come together to make
something special? A rainbow, of course! Make a rainbow meditation tent--a special
place for you to bring your chakras together, and have some quiet, thinking
time. You'll need:
A
recycled wire clothes hanger (or two if you want to make a large tent)
Ribbon,
crepe paper streamers or yarn in purple, dark blue, light blue, green, orange
yellow and red (if you can, use recycled materials--save crepe paper decorations
from parties, and ribbons from gift packaging!)
Black
or white ribbon or yarn for hanging
Have an
adult take your hanger apart and twist it into a ring.
Form
a ring with one or two wire hangars. Use duct tape or packing tape to make the
ends really secure.
To make
the tent, fasten long lengths (keep in mind that your tent may be hanging from
a ceiling) of the ribbons/yarn/crepe paper around the ring. Start with red,
and then change to the orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue and purple
until the ring is filled. Go through the colors in order and try to use an equal
amount of each one.
Fasten
your crepe paper, ribbons or fabric around the ring.
Cut four
24-inch lengths of the black or white ribbon, then place them evenly around
the ring as possible. Tie the strands to the ring, leaving as much length as
possible. Bring the free ends together, and adjust the length of the individual
strands so that the tent hangs evenly. Knot the strands, then loop an additional
piece of ribbon or yarn through the top knot.
Witchling's quick crepe
paper tent was placed by a sunny window, then she pulled up the sides to make
it easier to sit underneath.
Hang your
tent from a tree, or from a hook on the ceiling (don't try to put hooks in by
yourself--have an adult do this!). Once your tent is in place, make it comfy
and inviting by putting some pillows underneath and keeping some good books
(including your Book of Shadows!) close by. Note--Sometimes paper rips or
tears with use--but don't get upset if this happens--just replace the damaged
strand and you're back in business!
Wicc'ed
Witchling knows what to keep near her tent--a sunshine, her journal,
and the cat's dish--cats
make the best balancing companions!
Keep in
mind that your tent is made--at least partially--from paper, so it's not weather
or water proof. To make a sturdier version of this craft, use only colored ribbon
and/or recycled strips of dyed or colored cloth to construct the tent.
Sacred
Space is a Special Place.
Visit your tent whenever you need or want some quiet, or need to recharge and
rebalance. Use your Book of Shadows to record how you feel when you use your
tent--does it help? Why or why not (You may need to adjust your location--don't
try having quiet time in front of the TV!)? If something feels out of place,
revisit the individual chakra pages and see if you can pinpoint the problem.
Every time
you use your tent, try to take a minute or two to concentrate on your chakras
and bring them together: Close your eyes and envision each chakra, starting
with the Root and working your way up to the Crown. Picture each one passing
energy to the next. (CLICK HERE
for a Chakra Cheat Sheet to print out--all those chakras are alot to remember!).
Don't forget to record your experiences and feelings in your Book of Shadows!
Rainbow
Blessings for a Bright Equinox!
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