The Mysterious Will-o-the-Wisp

You might think the title of this piece refers to an unearthly, slightly scary light dancing across a meadow at night. But actually I'm referring to solid matter! Recent science journals report that scientists have discovered how light can become matter. This is extremely exciting.

Rudolf Steiner, (1861 - 1925), an Austrian scientist, philosopher and seer, stated that "every substance on earth is condensed light. All matter is, in essence, light." (He was highly ridiculed by his peers).

Einstein too was ridiculed, but now science is catching up. Consider this: under a microscope, you see molecules moving around in empty space. If you look into the atoms of the molecules you find even more empty space and less solid material. Go deeper yet into sub-atomic particles - electrons, protons, neutrons, and there is essentially nothing solid remaining. It is 99.999999996% empty space!

Hmmm...why then does my hand stop when it hits the table? Scientists say it's the result of invisible fields and forces. Mysterious indeed. Especially considering that even light is invisible. We only see it reflected off particles of dust or other "solid" objects like planetary bodies in space.

Religion teaches that all things are made by God. The Godhead does not have a physical body. But He has the power to create matter out of His thoughts. Steiner said that rays of sunlight are actually the thoughts of divine beings who pour wisdom and love down upon the earth. Thought to light to solid matter.

Whether you believe in God or science or both, the matter beneath our feet holds profound mysteries. Should we, as average citizens, try to penetrate them?  Or should we leave that up to God and the scientists? Maybe looking for the source of solid matter is like chasing after a will-o-the-wisp. Or is it?

We humans were given the gift of reason. We were gifted with imagination, inspiration and intuition. Surely these tools were meant to be used. Surely we're not meant to sail through life enjoying all we've been given without seeking to understand it. 

Christ said "he who believes in me will also do the works I do, and greater works than these will he do". Christ healed the sick, raised people from the dead, walked on water. He understood how the Divine works in matter. If we're ever to even come close to His wisdom and power we have some work to do. I don't believe His abilities will be handed to us on a silver platter. Again, it might seem futile, like trying to capture a will-o-the-wisp, but we have to start somewhere. 

Why is finding the divine in nature so important?

1. It connects us with all the wide world and helps break down barriers.

2. It eases depression, loneliness and fear, bringing joy and a zest for life.

3. It honors and feeds the higher worlds. We aren't the only beings connected to the earth who are evolving. We all feed each other through our thoughts and deeds!

4.It fosters feelings of reverence, devotion and love.

5. It breathes life into otherwise "dead" words or concepts repeated over and over until they lose their meaning.

6. It counters the materialism of our age and our obsession with electronic devices which rob us of living contacts with others.

So where do we start? Here are a few suggestions that I've found helpful over the years.

1. Set aside a small block of time - even five minutes will do, twenty minutes is great.

2. Hold an object from the mineral, plant or animal world, or sit before it. Seeds and crystals are ideal, or use a feather or a blossom, anything as long as it's not manmade.

3. State your intent with a simple sentence, for example, "I intend to learn what secrets this object holds."

4. Have faith and trust in the process, also patience and an attitude of reverence and humility.

5. Observe and contemplate! Ponder the object's physical characteristics and purpose.

6. Meditate. After a time, let all other thoughts dissolve as best you can, close your eyes and concentrate on the feelings that arise as you hold the image of the object in your mind. Keep an open heart and know that you are doing blessed work.

That's it! Meditation actually changes our physical makeup. It calms the nerves, improves circulation and energy, slows heartrate, lowers blood pressure and allows the body to heal. Best of all, it merges the paths of knowledge and devotion, ending the mistrust that science and religion often have for each other. The light of God, working through us, transforms the earth!

 

 

Crystal Palace

Crystals talk. Their language isn't like ours, yet everyone who gazes at one will feel something inside. A little tug, a burst of light in the heart, a pulse of energy, wonderment and appreciation for such perfect beauty.

Clear quartz crystals formed during the early stages of the Earth's crust formation 500 million years ago, and some crystals found in Australia are estimated to be 2 to 3 billion years old. Just think of that! We can hold something in our hands literally older than dirt. What stories they hold! 

Because of quartz's durability and ability to absorb, store, release and regulate energy, it's ideal for making optical fibers used in telecommunications for high speed data transmission. Quartz is also used in microscopes, telescopes and lasers, and makes a strong insulator.

Crystals have long been used for healing, protection and spiritual growth. Do an online search for "healing with crystals" and you'll find reams of material to read. I won't attempt to repeat what others have said, but I'd like to share a little of my own experiences using quartz crystals for health and meditation.

I meditate twice a day for 20 minutes or so. I believe cleansing the mind and emotions is just as important as taking a daily shower. There are many ways to accomplish this; through prayer, reading, yoga, listening to music, walking in nature. Crystals can enhance all of these practices. They bring clarity to thoughts, foster feelings of strength and stability, deepen our connections to the world around us.

My method is simple and effective; in fact I'm often astonished at the results. I start with two of my favorite crystals, making sure they've been recently cleansed by holding them under running water (non-chlorinated), rubbing their surfaces briskly, then putting them outside in the sunlight for a few hours. I do this maybe once a week. There are other ways to cleanse crystals - you can read about those in books or online.

I hold the crystals in my palms, close my eyes and start by touching the smooth surfaces with my fingers, noticing what feelings arise. I think about how the crystals were formed so long ago. Before they hardened, crystals were liquid. I imagine divine forces guiding the liquid into geometric planes, gifting the earth with these exquisite objects for our pleasure, health and well-being.

Next I ponder on how the stones are beautifully formed but are finished evolving. They have no capacity for growth or change like living things do. They are permanent, unchangeable, stable, nearly indestructible. They are an oasis of safety. Now I imagine myself inside a crystal. I feel it holding me in a sacred space, insulating me from all outside influences. I feel calm and protected. I'm in my own crystal palace, safe and secure. I let go of all stress, all confusion, doubts, emotions and thoughts that aren't harmonious, and relax as they dissolve into the pure form of the crystal. After a time I take a few deep breaths, imagining light radiating down through my head and grounding me to the earth.

I'm constantly surprised by the thoughts that arise as I hang out in my crystal palace. They're very different than my usual thoughts. They come at lightning speed, without words, conveying their meaning in a sort of living picture that resides partly in my heart, partly in my head. How does this happen? I haven't a clue. The human brain doesn't yet have the capacity to understand how invisible energies work, making it hard to explain with words. It has to be felt. Different senses are needed for this, and practice is the only way to develop them.

When we use and appreciate crystals and start to unlock their ancient secrets, we benefit not only ourselves. Though crystals are lifeless, we can breathe life back into them by using them. We can carry their mission forward, and by so doing we grace the divine beings who created them with our gratitude. This forms a full circle of giving and receiving that elevates the entire world.

Winter is a perfect time to explore the world of crystals. Outside, nature is at rest beneath her  mantle of snow and ice. Birds and insects are silent, the air is crisp and thin, making thoughts clearer and sharper without the distractions that spring and summer bring. Find a crystal and explore.

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