Qigong, Dreams & Serpent Initiation

Contributing Author: Christina Bjergo, LAc

Grand Master of Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong

When I started utilizing and teaching Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong in November 2006 I had no idea where the journey would take me. By incorporating this unique form of movement meditation into a weekly routine practice, however, so began a period of tremendous spiritual growth beyond my wildest expectations.

One of the main benefits of this form of qigong is that it connects people to their innate body wisdom – allowing movement, feelings, images and impressions to spontaneously arise from the world of the unconscious, from the world of God. This access to divine energy and wisdom is further explored through visual artistic expression and automatic writing. It is a time to have fun, be playful and for many such as myself to experience a newfound sense of freedom and Self.

But the benefits extend outside of the classroom. In addition to increased feelings of joyfulness, peace and vitality I almost immediately found greater clarity and harmony to my nighttime dreaming and began enjoying increased lucid, guidance and prophetic dreams. Flowing with Nature through qigong also shifted my waking life and I experienced heightened positive synchronistic events, greater intuitive hits, and prophetic occurrences in Nature that offered validation and insight. In April 2008, I began having dreams marking the beginning of an initiation - candles being lit around me and being asked by a teacher if I was ready are a couple examples. At first, I interpreted this to mean that I should seek a spiritual program of study. I soon came to realize, however, that I had begun a kundalini awakening and that all the guidance and instruction I needed was already available (though maybe not always consciously) within me. I was facilitating the spiraling serpent rising (with qigong being the primary tool) and it therefore occurred safety and smoothly in steps and stages as I was psychologically and physically ready. In the next several months my psyche (conscious and unconscious working together) went through the cyclical process of death and rebirth leading to the resurrection of parts of myself previously splintered off, the transcendence of old traumas/issues, and the ascension into higher planes of existence and dimensions of myself.

My work thus far had focused on the development and strengthening of my lower dan tian as the physical center of the body that rests in the belly from a Qigong perspective. This area has correspondence with the element of water and shamanic journeying to the Lower World/Underworld. In November 2007 following a spiritual odyssey to Egypt, I experienced an alchemical activation of my Instinctual Soul or Divine Feminine aspect (also known as the Ka energy body in ancient Egypt and the Po Soul in Traditional Chinese Medicine) and have been able to consciously see and work with my Ka energetic double in other dimensions. Marking the completion of this kundalini awakening, I had nighttime dreams of completion such as candles being blown out and seeing myself ritually crossing a snake skin threshold as I stepped onto a new path ahead.

My spiritual development has shifted at this time to my upper dan tian which is the spiritual center of the body that rests within the center of the head according to Qigong Theory. This area corresponds with the element of wind (the breath of God) and shamanic journeying to the Upper World or Heavens. In so doing, I am connecting more fully with my Celestial Soul or Divine Masculine aspect (also known as the Ba Soul in ancient Egypt and the Hun Soul in Traditional Chinese Medicine). As I more fully integrate the masculine and feminine aspects of myself, a unity into Oneness is revealing itself through a Sacred Marriage of the heart. The heart is, I believe, the place where the potential for God realization awaits. It is a place beyond duality, where the Holy Spirit resides, and Paradise awaits.

~Christina

Popularity: 25% [?]

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Update “Spread the Love NOW! Group Writing Project”

Photo Credit

As many of you know we were part of a wonderful project called “Spread the Love NOW! Group Writing Project“. Created by those wonderfully enlightened folks at [The Middle Way], [Zen-Inspired Self Development], and [UrbanMonk.net]. The project was fantastic and led me to a whole new group of enlightened ones to read and be a part of on this crazy path we each share yet walk alone. To read Beyond Zen’s part of the project, check out this post: A Story of Compassion and Dying.

I want all of our readers to also enjoy some of the great writing from this project; stories of compassion, concepts of compassion from many spiritual themes, and discussions on definition of the word “Compassion”. The list is below, enjoy!

~La Boheme

Entries

Ben Lumley at The New Horizons Project.

Kris Vockler at Beyond Zen.

Corinne Edwards at Personal Growth with Corinne Edwards.

Isabella Mori at Change Therapy.

Paula Kawal at Journey Inward Coaching.

Liara Covert at Dream Builders.

David Bohl at Slow Down Fast.

Deb Estep at Deb_Inside.

Swami Nirmalananda Giri and ReddyK at the Atma Jyoti Blog.

Mary Jaksch at Goodlife Zen.

Takuin Minamoto at Daily Action and Natural Expression.

Robin at Reflections on Compassion, posted at Yogini Myspace Blog.

Karen Zara at Abaminds.

Jenny Mannion at Heal Pain Naturally.

Evan Hadkins at WellBeingAndHealth.Net.

Shawn Williamson at do you LIVE or simply EXIST.

Patricia Singleton at Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker.

Alex Blackwell at The Next 45 Years.

Akemi Gaines at Gratitude Magic.

Vitor Bosshard at The Fractal Forest.

CG Walters at Into The Mist.

John Torcello has also contributed an entry by email, I’ve included it in the comments below.

Brightdays at Brighter Days for you and me!

Karen at Loving Awareness.

Krista at Lucid Amphibology.

Karen Lynch at Live The Power.

Andrea Hess at Empowered Soul.

Waters at Waters: The Last Thing I Wanted To Give.

Eric Grey at Deepest Health.

Stephen Hopson at Adversity University.

Em Dy at Pulse: Intention to Treat.

Iain Hamp at Follow Your Passions.

Rahul at Raw Speak.

Stephen Miracle at AltNoise.Net.

Pearl at Interesting Observations.

Mark at My Tropical Escape.

Matthew at Loving Awareness.

Daylle Schwartz at Lessons from a Recovering Doormat.

Charities Link at Charities Link.

Mihaela Lica at Pamil Visions eWritings.

David at Virginia Breeze.

Jerry Summers at Nothing Like Now.

Wishbone at Wishbone.

Arvind Devalia at Make Things Happen.

Samir Bharadwaj at Samir Bharadwaj dot com.

Popularity: 36% [?]

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Ancient MRI-Type Machines of Egypt

Yes, yes, yes, I know I haven’t updated and told the complete story of Egypt, why I went, what I saw, what I did but this story has to be told because I keep thinking of it first when I sit to write about Egypt.

The trip was a tour created by Body, Mind, Spirit Journey’s, a pilgrimage to Egypt with the focus of learning about the ancient cultures once there, the Khemetians.

As many of you know I went to Egypt my Mother, one of my best friends and her young daughter. The four of us had a blast and we all became much deeper friends. About the 4th day we went to a site called Sakkara, the famous Pyramid of Djoser built by Imhotep for King Djoser. The traditional Egyptologists believe this to be a funeral complex but according to the ancient Khemitians (the people who were there before the Dynastic Egyptians came) this was a hospital. Let me back up a minute and say that there is enough evidence that I believe there was an ancient civilization who built the pyramids and today’s Egyptians came along and put their hieroglyphs everywhere. So, in ancient times this was a hospital that eventually became a site to prepare bodies for the afterlife. Of course I might have seen enough for me to say I believe, this is still just a theory and my most humble of opinions.

Now, back to the hospital. Priests of the mystery schools presided over this hospital that was open to all people. Yet it was the priests who had undergone the training to heal there. See the coolness coming? Healers……

So, at one particular area you have a raised platform made of stone and off to the right you have rows of these square ports with a sloping back to them, lined up on and in a wall of blocks. It was once part of a huge temple but today its eroded and falling apart. But the ports are still there as well as the platform. At this area the priests would activate the ports and a subject would stand on the platform. Using sound, the priests would put their heads in the ports and examine the subjects, creating a mental MRI of them so to speak. Diagnose, possibly heal with energy or prescribe an herb or other healing mode.

Well, our tour leaders used tuning forks and chakra bells to activate the ports and asked if anyone had an ailment and would like to stand on the platform. My friends daughter said she would but didn’t tell anyone what was wrong with her. I was in line first to try it so I walked in and put my head in the port and focused on Reiki energy. Used some toning that seemed appropriate. Closed my eyes. What I saw was a blue blob of energy move into my minds eye focus, which took shape of a body. I was floored. I could tell it was a body. Then, I got a clear outline picture in my mind of a stomach and intestines. I could see the outline in the body clearly, it had a blue electrical current all around the stomach and intestines. I had an intuitive feeling that her stomach hurt and possibly her intestines were not well. Then another body came into view and I felt horrible, the images jumbled so I broke off.

I walked outside to see that another in our group had gotten on the platform. So, that explains the jumbled feeling. I went to my friend and asked if her daughter had stomach issues, she said no. I was bummed, I thought for sure I had it right. After it was all over, one of the directors asked our young subject why she had gotten on the platform and she said her stomach hurt. Apparently she hadn’t told her mom.

Amazing! I saw it, too bad I couldn’t help her but I saw her issue and felt it!

How’s that for confirmation and coolness??????

-La Boheme

Popularity: 17% [?]

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Are you asking the right Questions?

Another great post and point from one of the blogs I read: The Most Critical Tool for Progressing On Your Spiritual Journey.

Through a Zen Meditation story, Anmol Mehta brings an important story about asking the right questions as your most critical tool for your spiritual journey. Asking questions is how we learn, ask the right questions and you progress, ask the wrong questions and at best you become stagnant. A qoute from Anmol; “Enlightenment has to do with bringing about a realization in yourself and that should be the primary area of your inquiry.”

The point being, questioning around the the realization of self will put you on the track to process your spiritual path. To question society, religion, other’s behaviors, etc; this just questions our false reality and does nothing to question things that will lead to realization of self.

On the other hand, as I move on my spiritual path, this point may make sense but not at the same time. I have to profess that I understand the concept but do I understand how to fully use it?

What do you think? What questions would one ask?

Popularity: 20% [?]

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Paths, Syncronicity, Visions and Life’s Purpose

In a dream My Maternal Grandmother came out of a hospital, handed me a red hair band and with earnest voice insisted, “It’s important you start with the Crane, you need to start with the Crane.” I had been contemplating two different Chinese Medicine Qigong Programs in Portland at the time. I did choose to follow the guidance, though, as it felt right and soon began learning Soaring Crane Qigong in addition to Acupuncture, Herbology and Shiatsu Japanese Bodywork at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. It was the beginning of my training into an ancient system of movement meditation for health and vitality originating from China. In addition to learning prescribed routines of the Soaring Crane form, I was also trained in Spontaneous Qigong, a powerful style whereby the mind is relaxed and the healing energies of Nature clean and strengthen the energy channels (meridians) of the body. Healing occurs as universal life force energy flows through and moves the body without conscious intent.

Near graduating four years later I sat in sweltering heat and solitude in the desert under a Ponderosa Pine on my first Vision Quest outside of Redmond, Oregon. There I connected with the Rainbow Serpent, the mythological Great Mother and creative energy of the Earth according to the Aboriginal people of Australia. After two days without food or water in 102 degree weather, and following a vision of seeing and feeling a huge black snake climbing up out of the water, my body started to move involuntarily and a snake like energy awoke within me. It rose upward into and throughout my body as I sat on the dusty ground and began to dance my body. With quick, winding serpentine stretches and sinuous sensuality I slithered around in a circle, my mind reeling in astonishment trying to make sense of what was happening. The experience culminated with my body coiling inward then with sudden and intense alacrity striking forward at an unknown and unseen prey. The experience was nothing short of profound yet I had no point of reference to understand the experience. Later through dreams and much research I came to understand that I had been initiated into a system of transcendental healing referenced in the myths and archeological evidence of ancient civilizations around the world. Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong had been birthed through me and with it I began a spiritual odyssey into the mysteries of the universe and a deeper understanding of God/the Divine.

I am sincerely grateful for my own healing and the insights that continue to unfold through my practice of Qigong. As a teacher of Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong, I enjoy helping individuals unlock their innate intuitive, creative energies and empowering others to live with greater joy, vitality and authenticity.

Christina Bjergo is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Shiatsu Japanese Massage Practitioner and founder/facilitator of Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong. Christina has a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in International Affairs. Upon completing her M.A. in Environmental Management, she became an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard spending the majority of her 11 years of public service writing pollution response regulations in D.C. and managed pollution response/investigations throughout Oregon and Washington. A practitioner of Asian Wellness, Christina teaches Qigong to help others connect with Nature for physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Her primary goal is to empower others to live with greater vitality, joy and authenticity. She incorporates dreamwork and shamanic techniques into her classes to help individuals unlock their own intuitive, creative energies. Christina is currently writing a book on Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong to guide others on their journey to wholeness.

Popularity: 30% [?]

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Popularity of Manifesting With Elephants

By far the post on Manifesting With Elephants has been the most popular as of late on Beyond Zen. Since that post I myself see the little guys everywhere from my dreams to stickers on a car. Is the message that I need to be more like Elephant or that I am like Elephant and I need to embrace it? Which got me to thinking, if I use the meditation with elephants to remove the barriers to see why I am seeing the elephants, will I then know why I’m seeing them? Right…sorry….on with the post.Since it’s been so popular I thought I’d post what have found out since digging up details of Elephants as guides and such, so here goes:

According to many books and websites the Elephant as a totem indicates strength, luck and wisdom. Apparently the Hindu God Shiva had the Elephant as a totem animal and where Shiva & Parvati produced a son, he came out as the Elephant headed Ganesha.

One of the coolest facts I’ve found on elephants is their intense and close knit family dynamic, even showing tears when a family member dies. Along with this, they are one of the longer living animals in the kingdom and have increadible senses for their size.The virtues an Elephant as a Totem has is: strength, wisdom, good fortune, power, sexual prowess (sweet!), moderation, eternity, responsibility, right emotion (ahhh, maybe I need to call on Elephant to determine if the emotion I’m feeling is right or even mine?), champion of injustice, ancient wisdom, respect for others, strengthened memory, long-life, increased sensitivity to others feelings (oh great), intelligence, loyalty, affection, passion, family values and happy family.

From www.linsdomain.com:

Before the power of Ganesha

 

All barriers and obstacles are removed.

 

Through the wisdom of Ganesha

 

I draw confidence and new opportunities.

 

Under the love of Ganesha

 

I learn and grow stronger in all ways.

From Ted Andrews’ “Animal Speak”:

“Those who have the elephant as a totem will usually find themselves in a position where the opportunity to reestablish family and societal ideas will occur. Mutual care of the young, respect for the elderly and the sick, being strong in your own self - these are the foundations of a great person or society. If the elephant has come to you, you will have the opportunity to work toward establishing this within your own life or the lives of others. If the elephant has come to you prepare to draw upon the most ancient wisdom and power. You will have an opportunity to either help yourself or others reclaim your most primordial royalty.”

What else can I do but just enjoy the fact that I am seeing elephant everywhere?

Popularity: 17% [?]

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Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong Starts Again!

It was a rough two weeks between classes, I’ve come to enjoy working with spontaneous Qigong and I can’t imagine not working with it in the future. I’ve seen such great strides in opening to things I never thought possible. Here is a link to the class that just started, if you are in the Vancouver/Portland area you should really look at taking the class. (it’s at the bottom of the page)

During last nights working with the spiral energy I asked if there were any symbols that I needed to help manifest my dreams and what I immediately saw in succession was the symbols Pi and Phi:

Come to find out, beyond my mathematics of college, these symbols have some interesting meanings. I’m still not 100% sure as to what I need to do or know but they are great symbols. Here is what I’ve found out:

Pi “Pie”

When a circles diameter is 1 it’s circumfrence is Pi or 3.14…….I haven’t had time to research it more so if anyone has some great information on Pi, please post it.

“Phi”

Now this symbol turned up very cool, it’s also known as the “Golden Ratio”.

From Wikipedia: In mathematics and the arts, two quantities are in the golden ratio if the ratio between the sum of those quantities and the larger one is the same as the ratio between the larger one and the smaller. The golden ratio is approximately 1.6180339887.

“	Some of the greatest mathematical minds of all ages, from Pythagoras and Euclid in ancient Greece, through the medieval Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa and the Renaissance astronomer Johannes Kepler, to present-day scientific figures such as Oxford physicist Roger Penrose, have spent endless hours over this simple ratio and its properties. But the fascination with the Golden Ratio is not confined just to mathematicians. Biologists, artists, musicians, historians, architects, psychologists, and even mystics have pondered and debated the basis of its ubiquity and appeal. In fact, it is probably fair to say that the Golden Ratio has inspired thinkers of all disciplines like no other number in the history of mathematics.	”
	— Mario Livio, The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, The World’s Most Astonishing Number

Pyramids, nautilus shells, veins of a plant leaf, all show a shape that if in proportion is the Golden Ratio.

Now, what could all this mean?

Popularity: 14% [?]

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Manifestation with Elephant

During one of my Sacred Serpent Spiral Qigong (taught by my friend Christina Bjergo) classes I saw a vision of an elephant, which came at a good time as I found that elephants as guides are to help with manifestations and removal of obstacles.

After doing some research I came across this meditation that felt really good to visualize and I’ve been since playing with it daily.

Hope you enjoy it! I am not really sure where it’s from so if anyone knows, please post a comment so I can give a cite where it’s due, since I didn’t author it.

Manifesting Your Goals With Elephant

“Learn from elephant how to get what you want and then look to see what lies beyond your expectations…”

First pick a specific purpose, goal, obstacle, or manifestation you are working on. This journey has two parts, first it helps you see immediate steps and second it helps you get a clear view of your ultimate goal.

Get comfortable in a meditation position of your choice, could even be in a chair or lying down, so long as your spin is straight and you are comfortable.

Take a few deep breaths, noticing the air as it moves in and out of your nose.

Close your eyes and imagine it’s a dark night, first you see an elephant’s eyes; big, intelligent, and willing to share your burden. As you look into the eyes of your elephant, tell him your problem or what you would like to accomplish…his form comes into view and you become aware of the night sky, with a full moon and a blanket of stars. Next you notice the firm earth under you as the elephant drops slowly to one knee and you climb onto it’s back.

The elephant begins to take you on a walk through nature, ride the elephant through the thickest of bushes, forest or jungle, aware that no obstacles are in your way. You are following your hearts desire and allowing your intellect to help you find the correct, balanced path. As you sway with the motion of the elephant, chest forward, you fell the elephants heart as yours and you heart merges with his and naturally begins to open.

The terrain grows steeper as you move up a mountain toward the stars, the path becomes more rigorous and narrow. Receive an intellectual awareness of what your problem or situation is and what you can do about it. By the time you have reached the top of the mountain, your heart is fully open. You’ve merged with and become one with the elephant.

From your new vantage point on the peak of the mountain, feel the first ray of sunlight appear and strike your third eye. Allow yourself to experience the full impact and intensity of the sunlight as it penetrates your third eye during the time it takes for the sun to rise.

As the horizon opens out before you, take 5 deep breaths. Throw your head and trunk back with each inhale through your nose and blow out the breath from your mouth as you bring you head forward at the end of the 5th breath. Lie on your back with you final exhale, begin to float and allow whatever will to happen. Allow your vision to carry you into the future, the elephant has cleared you path and shown you the way. Explore. Look beyond your expectations, stay as long as you are comfortable.

To come back think of the elephants eyes.

This meditation has been very interesting, I really feel it has helped to sort out what directions I need to take or give clarity to what may seem muddy. It’s been fun to ride with the elephant and imagine a path without barriers.

If you try this out, please post back your experience, I’m excited to hear how other’s feel about it.

Kris

Popularity: 34% [?]

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Spiritual Travel

Although I’ve been in a bit of travel slump, coming off 10 years of heavy business travel, I’m now taking time to travel for me and go back to places across the globe I’ve been. All of my travels have been spiritual, even if sitting 10 hours at the Madrid Barajas Airport.

I just got back from a retreat to Sedona, a journey through the vortexes and although not what I expected I did have some growth and eventually enjoyed the trip.

My next trip is with my good friend and Acupuncturist (and her daughter Allie) Christina Bjergo of Wild Iris Asian Wellness, to Egypt.

Sacred Journey Egypt Tour

I’m so stoked I can hardly wait! I’ve been interested in Egypt since I was a little kid, as most Americans are due to the Tut exhibit that toured but I think there is more there, maybe some past life stuff and for sure I’m very interested in the Egyptian healing ways and mystery schools; which included reiki and energy work.

As well, I love podcasts so here is a great Sacred Journey podcast of some really great places:

Spirit of Place (Podcast)

My top journey destinations:

Camino de Santiago
Qi Gong Study in China
Manchu Pichu
Egypt (now going to happen!)

Popularity: 10% [?]

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