How Does Meditation Work?

Meditation is a powerful tool for spirituality and discipline, but how and why it works is sometimes a mystery to even its most advanced practitioners. To begin to understand how meditation works, it is important to first consider the belief that humans are not just physical beings, but spiritual beings as well.

The Spiritual Body as a Key to Meditation

The spiritual body, the part of the human body that cannot be seen with the naked eye, is connected to the physical body at certain vital centers. These centers are called chakras. There are seven major chakra centers, located from the groin up to the top of the head. During meditation, a powerful psychic force begins to flow along these chakras, as each is opened in succession.

The root chakra, located roughly at the groin (the exact position differs according to gender), is the first chakra to open. This is followed by the spleen, solar plexus, heart, throat, and third eye chakras. Finally, the crown chakra, located at the very top of the head, is opened. The exact method by which this occurs is beyond the scope of this article. It is enough to say that this flow of energy is what allows a connection to the divine, and the many benefits that meditation can afford.

The Conscious, Subconscious, and Superconscious Mind in Relation to Meditation

The mind can be divided into three sections, for the purpose of studying meditation: the conscious, the superconscious, and the subconscious. The conscious mind is the part of the mind concerned with the mundane. It is the part that is awake and alert to the physical well-being of the body.

The superconscious mind is also called the higher-self. This higher consciousness is concerned with the spiritual well-being of the soul, and also retains a connection to the divine. The superconscious mind and the conscious mind do not tend to interact, at least for most people. In order for these two disparate parts of the mind to connect, a bridge is needed.

This bridge is the subconscious mind. It is the largely passive part of the mind that is usually subordinate to the conscious mind. The subconscious mind rules the involuntary functions of the body and mind such as reflexes and instinct. It is also the part of the mind that bridges the gap between the conscious mind and the superconscious mind, and it can become truly active during meditation.

The Subconscious Mind During Meditation

During proper meditation, energy begins to flow in an upward direction, through the chakras, awakening the subconscious mind. This energy acts as a calming and relaxing force on the body and the mind. As the chakras continue to open, an awareness of life begins to flow continually. A new sense of energy and well-being is often the result.

The subconscious mind begins to clear, and negative or undesired patterns of thoughts and feelings can be put to rest. The superconscious and conscious minds become actively linked, and a connection with the divine is possible, though the power of the superconscious mind, and with the direct control of the conscious mind.

At the same time, the now-active subconscious mind allows the conscious mind to become calm and open. This allows the conscious mind to solve problems and discipline the body, and brings forth the other benefits of meditation. The conscious mind can also, in a sense, reprogram the subconscious mind, allowing it to become more than simply subordinate to the conscious mind. The subconscious mind can become a channel to the higher self, through the power of meditation.

The spiritual body can be brought to life through the power of meditation. And through the chakras, which connect the spiritual to the physical, the physical body can achieve a sense of calm, relaxed well-being.

What is Meditation?

Meditation comes out of Eastern cultures, at least in its present and most popular form. For many centuries, Eastern people have known of the advantages of meditation, when it is performed on a regular basis. Though the years, meditation has become a practice which can control the mind, gain knowledge, develop psychic abilities, banish sickness, and separate the mind from the body.

Meditation in Today’s World

Meditation, in one form or another, is present throughout much, if not all, of Western society. The modern world has embraced the idea of meditation, and its many benefits. Throughout the Western world, classes and groups are readily available in many different forms of meditation. Yoga, meditation classes, transcendental meditation, and even Silva Mind Control are growing in popularity.

Meditation is no longer confined to use by Pagans and occultists, but is now a part of everyday life for many people. Hospitals and some workplaces routinely offer meditation and yoga classes, as do most universities. A walk through a local park may turn up a group practicing meditation any day of the week. Even doctors will prescribe meditation as a method to calm the mind and quiet the body. Meditation is now available to the masses.

What is Meditation?

Despite its widespread popularity, there is still much confusion regarding meditation, both in its definition and practice. In its simplest form, meditation may be said to be the highest form of listening. Listening to the inner self. Listening to the creative force within. Perhaps even listening to the gods.

Meditation is incredibly versatile, with many different purposes. When done properly, meditation is the most effective method of individual growth, psychic advancement, and spiritual enlightenment. It can be a tool for personal advancement as well, and may be practiced alone or in groups.

The now-deceased psychic, Edgar Cayce, once defined meditation as: “…emptying self of all that hinders the creative forces rising along the natural channels of the physical man to be disseminated through those centers and source that create the activities of the physical, mental, and spiritual man …”

Edward Cayce may have used a lot of words, but essentially what he meant was this: meditation is a method by which the physical, mental, and spiritual selves can be improved. Meditation can do all this and much more.

Meditation, though once an abstract Eastern discipline, is now available to everyone. In today’s modern world, everyone has the ability to solve problems, overcome most illnesses, control the mind, and discipline the body through meditation.

Exploring Voodoo: Myths and Magick of Vodou

For many people, the word “voodoo” conjures up some rather odd images – curses involving bones and pins stuck in dolls; secret societies making sacrifices to their demonic gods; and evil priests raising zombies from the grave. In reality, none of these commonly misconceptions actually reflect true Vodou practice.

Myths in Vodou

Media has created a sensational but unrealistic view of the Vodoun religion. Although some of these are mildly accurate (sacrifice, animal bones and voodoo dolls, for example) they are but a small part of the religion that is practiced today.

Just as in Wicca and many other religions, the Vodoun make charms and create spells for money, health, and prosperity, among other things. Although many believe the Vodoun are strictly in it for self-gain, that’s not true. According to Vodou belief, magick shouldn’t be employed for selfish gain, especially if it would hurt someone else.

As in every religion, there are a few who use it for wrong or self-serving purposes. Although legitimate priests and priestesses are taught both the good and the bad, they take an oath upon initiation, vowing to avoid causing harm to others.

Magick in Vodou

Legitimate vodoun priests and priestesses can perform a wide range of services. This is generally done for a fee, as they must make a living as well.

These services would include:

• divination;
• healing;
• mixing herbal powders, teas and other recipes;
• constructing charms, ounga, or pakets Kongo;
• consulting on your spiritual life;
• giving luck baths;
• administering the lave te’t ritual;
• casting spells or making magickal potions; and
• officiating over private ceremonies, such as marriage to the Lwa (spirits).

Black Magick in Vodou

Sometimes, those who use magick for the wrong reason are considered to be practicing ‘black magick.’ While this term isn’t really accurate, it is one with which most people are familiar, and so will be used here.

The Lwa most likely to assist in black magick are: Kalfou, Ezili Danto, Marinette, Bosou, Ti-jean-petio, Maman Brijit, Ge’de-Nibo, and Baron Krimine’l.

Once a priest/priestess begins to practice black magick, they are known as a bo’ko. A bo’ko has no temple or devotees and performs all of his/her rituals in secret. Bo’ko are said to serve the Lwa with both hands because they practice both white and black magick.

When a bo’ko buys the powers of one of the dark Lwa, he/she must pay a high price, usually life-long service to the Lwa. This pact between the Lwa and the bo’ko is called an angajan. An angajan is like a shortcut intended to quickly harness the powerful forces of the Lwa. Sadly, it's believed that a majority of the time, the bo’ko becomes the Lwa’s slave and has to be at the beck and call of the Lwa.

There are four types of black magick spells:

• An air spell (kou le) is the weakest of the black magick spells, usually causing a mild illness or a little bad luck;
• A powder spell (kou poud) is a powerful magickal powder that causes extreme illness or death;
• A soul spell (kou nanm) enables the sorcerer to capture the soul of a person; the bo’ko can then use the soul for evil deeds while the soulless body slowly dies; and
• Sending the dead (voye lamo) is the bo’ko most powerful spell; he/she sends dead spirits to inhabit the victim, causing the victim to go insane or die horribly.

Magick is an important component to Vodou practice, and should not be overlooked. Legitimate practitioners of this religion would never use their magick to cause harm to another, despite the rumors that the media often spreads to the contrary.

Exploring Voodoo: Ritual in Vodou Practice

Every Vodou ritual is conducted for a specific purpose. Unlike many other religions, rituals may take place at any time, whenever need arises. There is not usually a specific phase of the moon, time of the day, or time of year, that is better for a Vodou ritual.

Why Would a Vodou Ritual Be Held?

According to Vodou tradition, the following situations are all viewed as good reasons to hold a ritual.

To request a special favor of the Lwa (the spirits of Vodou);

• To solve a critical problem;
• To counteract black magick or remove a evil spirit;
• To guard against harm or danger;
• To heal the sick;
• To escape a run of bad luck;
• To celebrate success or a change in fortune;
• To give thanks to the Lwa;
• To appease an offended Lwa;
• To satisfy the demands of a Lwa;
• To celebrate one or more ancestors;
• To acknowledge a special anniversary, such as Initiation;
• To mark a holiday, a saint’s feast, or a day sacred to a particular Lwa; and
• At the request of an individual or family.

Most rituals last only a few hours, although some have been known to go on for days. Most Vodou ceremonies follow the same basic pattern: the oungan (priest) invokes one or more Lwa, offers food and sacrifices, and the spirit is then asked to materialize on the physical plane.

Initiation in Vodou

Someone who has been called by the Lwa would have many reasons for wanting to be initiated. The first and foremost reason is that initiation is the only path into priesthood. Advantages of initiation are:

• The initiate can contact the Lwa more directly and lead a more rewarding spiritual life;
• Initiation deepens the bond with the Lwa;
• Initiation is believed to increase the devotee’s good luck and good health;
• Initiation gives the devotee better protection against magickal attacks; and
• Initiates hold a higher place in the socyete (a community of Vodou practitioners) and can participate more directly in rituals.

The first step in Initiation is the lave te’t (washing the head). This functions like a baptism, cleansing and purifying initiates. It also readies them for proceeding down the path to konesans (the complete body of knowledge of the Lwa, rituals, and herbal cures held by an oungan).

Rewarding effects of the lave te’t are:

• It removes negative energies, such as evil spirits or black magic;
• It can appease an offended law;
• It strengthens the bond with the me’t te’t (patron Lwa);
• It gives the devotee a deeper connection to the spiritual world; and
• It refreshes the soul and so can help heal sickness.

The second step of Initiation serves as a rite of passage, transforming the Initiate into a member of the ounfo’s (Vodou temple) spiritual family. This ritual is call kanzo.

Important Dates for Vodou Ceremonies

There are many dates that are considered important in the Vodou calendar. These dates typically warrant a ceremony in Vodou practice. Some of these dates are:

• January 6, Les Rois — honors the ancestral African kings;
• February 25, Manje Te't Dlo — ritual feeding of the springs, or sources of rivers;
• March/April, Souvenance Festival — a week-long festival celebrating the great Rada Lwa in Souvenance; only oungans and mambos can attend;
• March 20, Legba Zaou — honors Papa Legba with the sacrifice of a black goat;
• April 29, Case Kanari — sends the souls of those who died in the past year to the realm of the dead;
• April 30, Manje-mo — ritual feeding of the family ancestors;
• May 12, Manje-lwa — ritual feeding of the Lwa sacred to the family;
• July 16, Pilgrimage to Saut-d-Eau — pilgrimage to the sacred waterfall;
• July 25, Papa Ogou — pilgrimage to Plaine du Nord in honor of Ogou Feray;
• July 26, Day for Ezili — rituals and pilgrimages honoring Ezili;
• August 15, Soukri Kongo Festival — week-long ceremony at Nan Soukri to collectively honor the Kongo Lwa;
• November 1, New Year's Day — ritual bonfires are lit for Papa Legba;
• November 2, Fe't Ge'de — festival to honor dead family members, Baron Samedi, and Maman Brijit;
• November 25, Manje-yanm — harvest festival held in rural Haiti;
• December 12, Bato d' Agwe — afferings to Agwe and the other ocean Lwa are floated out to see on an ornamental raft;
• December 25, Fe't des Membres — devotees return home to receive purifying baths; and
• December 28, Manje Marasa — ceremony to honor the divine twins.

There are, of course, many other dates to hold rituals in Vodou. These are only the most important, the dates that should not be overlooked.

Ritual in Vodou is a complex practice. Practitioners of Vodou use rituals to celebrate, receive favor, to solve problems, and to heal, among other things. The intricacies of Vodou ritual take many years of study and discipline to master.