Conscious Eating

Physical contraction causes the ultimate internal expansion. Never underestimate the power of food.

Lujan Matus Talks About Conscious Eating

The Shaman and Soul Loss

When one feels a lack luster daily existence, that is, a lack of a personal dynamism in their being, the shaman views that as a sign the individual has experienced soul loss. Such a loss is believed to be the leading cause of illness, both physical and emotional.

There are several indicators of soul loss. Chief among these is chronic illness. Others include feeling emotionally empty, depression, lapses in memory, and in some cases, out of body experiences.

Because the shaman believes soul loss is the cause of illness, he becomes concerned about the depletion of one's spiritual energy. That depletion becomes all the more serious if the soul permanently leaves the body. If that happens the body dies. The primary goal of the shaman then is to retrieve the parts of the soul that have left or the whole soul in order to return the person to a natural harmony and zest.

Only parts of the soul may leave the body. When they do they don't go to a soul repository and remain in limbo. They continue to exist, to live a parallel existence in non-ordinary realms of reality.

What causes the loss of soul and for one to become ill? Generally, there are three causes for soul loss.

1. The individual has suffered a frightening trauma

2. The individual experiences a sense of abandonment

3. The individual's soul is stolen

The shaman's first task is to determine the cause of the soul loss. Once that has been determined he may than begin the procedures for retrieving the soul.

Dr. Wilson has forty years experience in education at the junior high school, graduate school, and community college. He is the author and co-author of textbooks in literary criticism and in the humanities. Besides having over 100 articles published on the internet, he is the author of The Shaman's Quest, Adam: The Transformation, and Apocalyptic Adam.

http://www.shamanicmysteries.com

Photo courtesy of Colin Key

Observation

Life can be a process of observing what we are interfering with,

rather than interfering with what we are observing.

Lujan Matus

Photo courtesy of Fanz

Summoning Souls - A Shaman's Approach to Spiritual Healing

Mention the word "soul" and it is likely to elicit a wide variety of responses. For contemporary Americans, for example, the term may conjure up images of a very popular African-American music, a festive Halloween celebration, or even a delicious southern style meal. And for individuals with a religious bent, ideas about personal salvation and the afterlife are likely to be called to mind.

In Mongolia however the term has a unique history of its own. Its meaning is similar to the contemporary English word, yet there are very specific ideas about the souls' relation to the individuals' state of health.

Like medieval ideas about the existence of evil spirits that were a part of many European communities, the Mongolian tradition provides detailed examples of malevolent forces that can enter the body and cause physical harm in the form of sickness. Elaborate religious for the exorcism of these evil spirits were common in many parts of the world. Mongolia does however have a very intriguing ritual that is perhaps separate from these traditions and it has had a lasting impact upon many of its people to this very day.

Not only can malevolent spirits infiltrate the body but also the soul of an individual can be summoned by evil spirits to leave the body, as in the case of death. As means to counter these threats, elaborate religious rituals are performed by local shaman to call the soul back to the person's body.

Spiritual Remedies

In a fascinating report of this activity, a British anthropologist, C.R. Bawden documented a Shaman's attempt to call the soul homeward. The shaman said:

"In your wisdom, do not go beyond but come, hither. What will you go to Erlig* for?

Come leaning on the arms of the demons and sprites in the south. Do not let your soul go into the ground.

Take and partake of this blessed pure water.

Qung** Your .... is here. Your mother is here.

Your homeland is here. Your elder brother is here. Your younger brother is here.

Do not go beyond, beyond. Come hither, hither.

What will you go to the realm of Erlig for? Oh my dear come here!

Qung! Your sister is here. Your father's elder sister is here. Your good clothes are here. Do not go beyond, beyond.

Come hither, hither. Oh my dear, come hear.

Good clothes of yours are here. Your' dear loved ones are here. Why will you go to the realm of Erlig?

Do not go beyond, beyond. Come hither, hither."

The Social Significance of Summoning Souls

A. Amarsanna, a cultural anthropologist at the National University of Mongolia, says about the process:

"Summoning souls is a very important social phenomenon as it is the product of an ancestral culture. The soul is connected to a person's relationship with his or her ancestors. This is very significant, as there is a widespread belief that departed souls, and particularly the souls of ancestors, may have a tremendous influence upon daily life.

When evil spirits cause the soul to leave the body, a shaman will perform various rituals to not only restore health, but to reduce any fear that may be caused by the onset of the illness. From a psychological standpoint this is very important for the indviduals' state of mind and the well being of the greater community as well.

These rituals are performed because there is a belief that sickness is caused by malevolent spirits or forces. This is in contrast to modern scientific theories about the chemical and molecular causes of illness. And as Mongolia is influenced by a great diversity of ideas both traditional and modern, concepts like these often co-exist".

A Contemporary Shaman at Work

B. Zorigtbaatar, a local shaman, explains his attempts to summon the soul back to a sick person's body: " The soul may escape when someone is shocked or becomes afraid. This may cause the person great harm or may even cause death. And because I have special powers, I am able to call the soul back to the body to restore the person's health. I receive my abilities from heaven ... I can see the soul in a person's eyes. And I am able to see the souls of our ancestors ... my special power comes from the moon, the stars and the sun."

While Zorigtbaatar spoke in a rambling, even incoherent voice, he certainly seemed to lack no conviction about his ability to communicate with souls, spirits and a variety of celestial bodies. During a ceremony packed with people he acted like a man possessed by some sort of supernatural power. He banged upon his drum and shouted in a deep gravelly voice: "Spirit please come back! Return to our hearth and home! Again spirit please come back! Return to our hearth and home!".

Perhaps the most striking feature of Zorigtbaatar's performance was his imposing, even intimidating appearance. The bearded robust shaman weighs perhaps 140 kilos. And as he performed a series of short dance steps, someone with an active imagination could even claim to have heard thunder.

Yet it was Zorigtbaatar's emotional intensity that left the deepest impression. As his gritty voice rose and fell with tremendous differences in volume, it was accompanied by a quivering tone that seemed connected to some sort of religious fervor. And as I watched alternating facial grimaces that were perhaps indicative of excruciating pain and blissful ecstasy, I wondered whether this shaman was in fact in touch with some sort of deep magical experience.

I also wondered about the people who had come to witness this very surreal event. Were they in serious trouble? Were they merely trying to bring good fortune for themselves? Or were they just attracted to the sheer spectacle of this colorful happenstance.

Summoning Souls in the Twenty-First Century

As I left the shaman's sweltering ger after witnessing this dramatic event, my feelings were quite difficult to describe. I asked myself about the significance of such a ceremony in our very modern world. I also wondered about its impact upon the local people, whether good or bad. And I also wondered about the extent to which this ceremony matched similar rituals that had been performed elsewhere in the very distant past.

With all of this in mind it is fascinating to consider the thoughts that lie behind this ancient ritual. Ideas about the material existence of mankind are surely a part of this event. A tendency to apply supernatural causes to explain ordinary daily events would seem to be a part of this process. Perhaps they are just ancient rituals performed as a means to provide concrete answers to various human problems, in a world that may prove only too bewildering.

And for modern people who enjoy the prospect of attempting to understand the psychology behind these behaviors, and most importantly the ancient traditions of a nomadic people, the opportunity to witness such a ceremony is indeed gratifying. It is at the same time however somewhat ironic that such activities are now again becoming increasingly prevalent as Mongolia enters the twenty-first century. We can only ponder what these activities might mean in the not so distant future.

Source:

Bawden, C.R., Calling the Soul: A Mongolian Litany, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol. 25, No. 1/# (1962), pp 81-103.

Footnotes

* Erlig: a) king of the underworld, the underworld, to die, to kill; b) a demon of the underworld, angel of death; C) enemy, bane.

** Qung: There is uncertainty about the transcription of the term "Qung" in the aforementioned text. There may have been an error when copying the term from the original transcription. The author believes that it is most probably an exclamation.

Gerald Marchewka is an American freelance writer currently residing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He may be reached at geraldmarchewka@yahoo.com Photo courtesy of The Wandering Angel

Dreams

Focus on your dreams.
Do not listen to the content of expectation
that may limit you.
Dream your heart forward.

Lujan Matus

Photo courtesy of Temari 09

The Shaman and Trance

The goal of the shaman is to commune with the spirit world to bring about his quest. To do so, he must go into a trance state. Some aboriginal shamans use specific hallucinogenic drugs. Because of the inherent danger of such a use they are not recommended as the way to induce a trance state.

The use of drugs is not only dangerous psychologically but also physically. Additionally, they may very well limit the control and cooperation the shaman may achieve within the spiritual world. Other writers will undoubtedly disagree. The ability to control a trance is essential and takes strong mental conditioning. It is not something you gain overnight.

A trance state may be achieved through self-hypnosis, by altering the brain's theta waves, through deep meditation, and through astral projection. Music, dancing, chanting may be used to induce the trance state. During this self-induced trance the shaman's spirit (soul) leaves the body and enters the world of the supernatural-to mind-walk-seeking answers to his quest.

The shamanic trance is non-focused. He acts as an information receptacle until a specific message is received from the spirit world. Once the message is received and the messenger is acknowledged, the shaman will come out of his trance and provide an interpretation.

Joseph Bearwalker Wilson in a 1978 treatise provides an excellent discussion of a theory of trance. He has said the shaman uses the trance state to fine tune his senses. Using those enhanced senses, the shaman then, is able to mind-travel to the spiritual world, to enter a different dimension.

Norman W Wilson, PhD

Dr. Wilson has forty years experience in education at the junior high school, graduate school, and community college. He is the author and co-author of textbooks in literary criticism and in the humanities. In addition to over 90 published articles on the internet, Dr. Wilson is the author of three speculative fiction novels: The Quest Seeking the New Adam, Adam:The Transformation, and Apocalyptic Adam.

http://www.shamanicmysteries.com

Stillness

In suspended thought when

the mind is absorbed by beauty,

your greatest wealth, stillness,

will surrender the world

to be unmasked before you.

Then you will grow and win

that which the world

cannot steal from you.

Lujan Matus

Photo courtesy of Stuck in Customs

The Shaman and Soul Retrieval

Lujan's comments: I don't necessarily agree with this philosophy but it is interesting the hear other people's opinions. This is not how I do it. I will write a response to this as a blog post in the near future.

The Shaman and Soul Retrieval

By Dr. Norman Wilson

Once a shaman has determined parts of the soul has diminished or have vanished into non-ordinary reality, he then takes on the task of bringing them back so there can be a coalescence. Such a retrieval is essential if the ill person is to be restored to good health.

What does the shaman do to bring about this restoration? First, and foremost, he leaves his everyday state of consciousness and travels into the nascent world of the spirits. In this spirit world he searches for the missing soul parts. Generally, his spirit animal or guide helps him locate the missing soul (parts).

Once found, the soul has to be brought back to ordinary reality. And this can be dangerous for the shaman. If he has not followed protocol of the spirit world he may himself be trapped. A good example comes from the Sumerian myth of Gilgamesh. Enkidu fails to follow the accepted protocol and is not allowed to return to the living world.

The shaman has options in his attempt at soul retrieval. He may negotiate for the soul parts and their release; he may use trickery to get them, make an offering to the spirits, steal the soul or soul parts back, or he may use a soul catcher, a carved small box.

Once the soul or its parts are in the control of the shaman he returns to ordinary reality. At which time the soul or its parts are brought back to the ill person. The shaman, using his mouth, blows the soul/parts back into that individual's body either through the top of the head or through the chest cavity.

Dr. Wilson has forty years experience in education at the junior high school, graduate school, and community college. He is the author and co-author of textbooks in literary criticism and in the humanities. He is the author of over 100 articles on the internet, the author of three novels whose main character is a shaman. Currently, he is a reviewer for the New York Journal of Books.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norman_Wilson

Photo courtesy of Eddi W

Deprogramming Individual Consciousness

Here is a link to a recent blog post by Lujan Matus about how the phases of the moon can be a metaphor for helping us to understand the impact of social misdirection.

Through applying certain principles we can gain the knowledge and wisdom necessary to stand within our truth and define our heart's purpose.

Lujan Matus - Deprogramming Individual Consciousness

Lujan Matus Lessons in Physical Wellness

What exercise routine is right for me now? This article examines how to identify an exercise level for your body and lifestyle, using some simple guidelines and common sense.

In choosing the exercise that is right for you, there are many factors to consider. One thing is certain for everyone; some willpower will be required. The sooner this is embraced, the easier it will be to step into a new rhythm with conviction and to take pleasure in your choice.

These days there are so many options available that it really is possible to find exactly what your body needs. While it is important to go at your own pace, it is also important not to underestimate yourself. You would be surprised what you are capable of when pushed, and at how rewarding it is to experience going beyond what you previously thought were your personal limits.

How much time can you allocate? It is all very well to say to yourself that your ideal would be two to three hours a day but if we set our ideals too high we can find ourselves sorely disappointed when we crumple under the load and end up abandoning the plan altogether. Even if we end up deciding to start with twenty minutes or half an hour every day, with, say, Sunday as our total relaxation day, the health and self-esteem benefits of this engagement will be enormous. Starting like this will inevitably build up both fitness and resolve so that it will be that much easier to take it to the next level, once the new habits are in place.

Do you prefer to practise alone or in a group? Or is a mixture of the two more motivating?

I find that there are some exercises I prefer to do alone. For example, once I had learnt the basics of pilates in classes with expert practitioners, it became easy to pick up a DVD that focussed on the areas I wanted to develop, and follow this at home. Practicing at home cuts out the to-and-from time and can make it simpler to fit in to a busy schedule.

Other forms necessitate interaction with one or more other people. Plus, the collective focus of a group can be very motivating, with social interaction actually becoming one of the enjoyable aspects that keeps you coming back for more. It is essential to find a school or teacher that corresponds with what you are looking for and pushes you to grow in a positive environment.
Would morning or evening be more conducive to a consistent practice?

This is obviously going to be influenced by your work, children (if you have them), and class times, if you choose to take lessons. For me, morning tends to be the time when I experience the most benefit, as the whole day runs smoother if I put time into exercise before other activities. However, adaptability (within reason, as I have discovered, it can be dangerous to be too flexible - the routine must take priority for it to result in true fitness) is important and it can help to shift exercise patterns every now and again, to refresh the practice.

Other elements to take into consideration are your current fitness level, any special issues to take care of and your main goals. Often we find extra motivation due to a health scare that puts current habits into perspective, demanding an immediate change of course. In this case a crisis can turn out to be a blessing in disguise, waking us up to what we need and forcing us to prioritise health when we may previously have taken this most precious asset for granted. If you have any serious or even mild but on-going health issues, it is wise to seek professional advice. Always listen to the body and learn to know what is too much and what areas can be expanded upon.

Take the time to investigate your options. Don't limit yourself, and once you've found something that suits your needs, commit! Aside from local classes you can discover in your area, or fitness DVDs, there are enormous benefits in taking the time to go on a wellness retreat or pursuing a personalised course, with a special teacher. I personally recommend taking a course with Lujan Matus, a unique practitioner who has a lot to offer anyone wishing to vastly accelerate their personal fitness and well-being.

Are you interested in knowing about Lujan Matus? Please try visiting this site: http://www.facebook.com/LujanMatus.

Article Source: Lujan Matus Lessons in Physical Wellness

Xenoestrogens - Changes in our Biochemistry

One of the most frightening things that has come to my attention of late is that xenoestrogens - mock female hormones that are exuded from plastic drinking bottles - are being assimilated into our biochemistry and changing the fundamental rhythms that are the basis of a healthy life; our hormones.

It seems to be very difficult to obtain your water in a third world country in anything other than plastic. There are no facilities to take glass to be refilled. We are literally being cornered into this consumption.

Even in Western countries, where modernization is seemingly there to aid us, we are not being informed of what we are consuming indirectly through drinking bottled water. There have been major studies done on the plastic bottles that are provided for infants and when they were heated they exude extremely high concentrations of the chemical Bisphenol A from that point onward, just by the mere fact that the bottle has been warmed once, and this is being consumed  by the delicate frameworks of infancy.

How wicked and irresponsible it is of the multinationals to provide such harmful doses knowingly to our children. The long term implications are yet to manifest in them and they are our future.

Photo courtesy of net_efekt 

Physical Benefits of the Lujan Matus Technique

One of the most direct ways to change the way we feel is through movement. A sedentary routine does more than stiffen the limbs; stagnation can occur on many levels and can diminish self-esteem, decrease health and lower energy levels.

Many of the daily habits associated with modern living, resulting notably from prolonged use of computers (sitting down for long periods with slouched posture) and the tendency to drive rather than walk or cycle, for example, contribute to an overall degeneration of vitality, strength and flexibility. In the evolutionary trajectory, it is only very recently that humankind has had the opportunity to abandon physicality to such an extreme degree, with frightening health implications in evidence all around the world.

Action, whether gentle or vigorous, stimulates the circulation of fluids within the body and promotes vital dispersal of chi throughout the organism. When we engage in cardio-vascular activities we experience a renewing rush that promotes not only increased happiness but also a greater ability to relax. When stretching and doing activities like yoga, we benefit from the release we give to our joints and muscles, as well as the nourishment that we receive through the gesture of taking the time to care for ourselves. Through developing our muscular capacity we experience our own strength and this boosts feelings of independence and capability.

These are just some obvious and tangible results that take place on the physical plane, along with the feel-good effects that occur on emotional and mental spheres. Almost any non-habitual activity that allows the body to break free of its routine of 'strictly necessary' movements will provide some kind of relief and benefit for the body. However, if we really want to experience profound transformation through movement, it is worthwhile investigating some of the incredible holistic teachings that are available.

For those who would like to go deeper into body consciousness, there are certain disciplines that address not only the physical organism and emotional well-being but also open a door to other areas of human potential. It is possible to access our dimensional nature through physical practices that enhance sensitivity to energetic channels and even promote awareness of activity taking place in the realm of light. My most powerful experience of this kind of movement was in learning the Dragon's Tears and Earth Energy Tapping sequences with the nagual, Lujan Matus.

I have delved deeply into many different styles of movement, notably modern dance, capoeira and tai chi, all of which gave me energy and physical freedom, but in undertaking Dragon's Tears and Earth Energy Tapping, I experienced an accelerated physical and personal development that shocked me with its efficacy and intensity. Lujan Matus' practice is unique and unparalleled in my experience, leading to an individual capacity that quickly reveals it to be utterly natural and indispensable. I highly recommend seekers of personal growth and transformation to investigate these precious teachings themselves.

Are you interested in knowing about Lujan Matus? Please try visiting this site www.facebook.com/LujanMatus.

Article Source: Physical Benefits of the Lujan Matus Technique

Photo courtesy of H.Koppdelaney

Meeting Lujan Matus

Meeting Lujan for the first time felt like seeing somebody with whom I had a deep connection that transcended time and space, again. I had an overwhelming feeling that everything was falling into place, that all previous events in my life led to this encounter. As I was looking at Lujan's left eye, I could see the old nagual's face superimposed on his (an old man from Asia with large black pupils and a white beard) and I felt being transported somewhere else, beyond time and space where an ancient being was talking directly to me as words gradually dissolved, leaving only the flow of pure understanding between two hearts. It has been more real than anything I have experienced.

Lujan told me exactly what I needed to know, being very generous with his wisdom and handling the avalanche of questions I had, with great skill and compassion. For the guidance I received, I am grateful beyond words.

The movements (Dragon's tears, Lotus and the Serpent Series) are exquisite, gracious yet very powerful. I've been practicing daily since our meeting and the effect is simply amazing. Every sequence is enjoyable and while immersed in the practice, everything around disappears for a moment: it feels like a gesture of connecting one with the true self within, as well as with the universe at large, with the essence of life. Or perhaps it rekindles that essence in the practitioner.

There was so much understanding that came through silence, that I cannot possibly quantify. I was able to see everything I had accepted during my previous associations that was unnecessary. All this negativity that we are afraid to expose, burdens, compromises, they all fade away like dust when we give back the voice to the heart.

There is something resurfacing again. Something mysterious. That which can be only when everything else deemed unnecessary, is dropped. At this moment, I perceive it like the ultimate leap of faith: to trust only your awareness, only your heart. The one who does this, renounces everything else willingly. The power of a true heart is almost inconceivable and that part within us that fears it's development, is the shadow mind. Lujan, thank you from all my heart for this wonderful gift. Looking forward to our next encounter.

Empty Warrior

kong.zhanshi@gmail.com

Visit the Parallel Perception website for more Lujan Matus testimonials.

Lujan Matus in Jamaica

I said to Mizpah in the middle of last year - "we should go to Jamaica for our belated honeymoon". I'd always longed to go to this country. As we arrived we jumped into a very friendly Jamaican man's taxi that was awaiting us. He introduced himself as Gerone.

We began to travel the 1 1/2 hour trip to our cottage. 20 minutes into the trip Gerone was traveling at 100 km an hour, puffing on a joint, looking in his rear vision mirror, agitated at the car following that he wouldn't let past.

As we swayed back and forwards on the road he said, "do you want a toke of me ganja mon?" Nervously I said, "no", looking at Mizpah with a sideward glance in half a panic, thinking that we were going to have an accident.

Nevertheless we got to the cottage in one piece and met this wonderful rasta man called Ras Rody. Here is a link to what we experienced and how we enjoyed his wonderful food.

Ital Food and The Rastafarian Lifestyle: Eating Vegan and Organic in Jamaica

Stalking the True Essence of Eternity

Will and feeling belong to the lower regions. When one is engaged primarily with the solar plexus, the umbilicus is engaged. This is where the primary elements of stalking manifest.This has been described as the lower disc.

The upper disc's functionality propels itself forward through the eyes. It's anchor point revolves solely around the heart center. Will here is felt through the eyes, interpreted with the heart. It is true sweeping when an operative sees the world this way.

They will feel the chakras of others approaching through their own centers rotating from an identical perspective. This is impersonal yet absolutely personalized.

Ruthlessness can be applied from this perspective; not the ruthlessness of stalking but a ruthlessness that knows every ounce that approaches and then waits to see through the third eye capacity whether it be a simultaneous occurrence or something one has to wait for patiently as the universal de ja vu manifests as a visual imagery that is either internally stationed or externally seen.

One operates from there with the heart open. It is not sweetness. It is the very vulnerability that the seer is revealed to from his center to know the dangers that approach.

The hand of eternity acts for the seer, yet the warrior is intimately connected at this point to all nuances of this emerging functionality of the third eye. Whereas the old seers engaged their strategical maneuvers to move the world in comparison to the dictums that were and are to this day the functionality of their body consciousness, connected to items of foresight, that are the individual personalities that gauge the strategies to be employed.

Awakening the Third Eye opens us to the central matrix that governs the upper and lower discs in harmony. The primary commander of this is the heart center.

If you wish to discuss this subject further, please visit the Parallel Perception Forum and the thread entitled 'In search of more answers',

Photo courtesy of Omnos.

Lujan Matus: The Raw Food Diet

Here is a link to an article written by Lujan Matus about the raw food diet. In this article Lujan discusses the way we have lost the connection to our natural way of eating and the implications this has for our potential growth and development.

Lujan Matus: Raw Foodist and Modern-Day Shaman