01-25-2009, 05:18 PM
(01-17-2009, 08:36 PM)DreamingPeace Wrote: When I was a born-again Christian, I prayed and prayed for the 'gift of tongues' but it never happened. But I did start getting psychic visions instead!
Very cool! I look forward to experiencing this myself eventually, although I'm making a point not to set a goal in this as I think that would be self-sabotaging to an extent. However, once at the end of meditating I got a sudden mental image of a white flower with six pedals, which I took as a gift from my higher self for taking up the daily practice. I had just started a week or so earlier
Another thing that I was wondering about with regards to channeling are the supposed demon possessions that people can experience. I personally believe that a lot of these that take place at churches are mostly just play acting (whether consciously done or not), with the minister performing the exorcism, "I cast thee out!", etc. etc. But with most things, I feel that there is truth buried under the hype, and that these things do really happen. Whether in church or elsewhere. I remember reading in a book about a case in India where a man was possessed by a negative entity, and was literally dying from drinking too much water. Something on the order of 20 gallons a day, or some other insane quantity. The body couldn't hold on to any nutrients because of the constant water intake. Eventually he was healed when the spirit was cast out.
My question is how, if at all, this phenomenon relates to channeling. Obviously there are similarities and striking differences. Channeling is a voluntary while the possession is not. But are both situations rooted in the same technique or practice? How could someone be possessed by anything if all must abide by free will. Or are all possessions agreed to at an unconscious level?
It's great to hear your feedback, and I'm glad this thread has remained active. Great to hear all the 2012 information / speculation here also!