Séances: 10 Tips for Your Best Experience
Séances started as a hoax; a fraudulent encounter with the otherworldly to drum up money and attention for a couple of Victorian ladies. In attempting to rectify this tarnished inception, contemporary séances are most often gallery-style or group readings, led by a medium who shares messages from the other side. We use the name to capture the mystique and lore, but seek to correct the blunder by offering something of great repute.
If you are thinking of attending a séance, here are some tips to ensure you enjoy a night of true connection and transformation it offers.
- Honor the ceremony
To participate in a séance is to engage in something ancient. Though we may not have always carried the nomenclature, people have long gathered to celebrate and honor those who came before us. As in any ceremony, when we walk the footsteps of our ancestors, we transcend time and gain proximity to the spirit realms. Such is the case with séances, as well.
In ceremony, we become a living embodiment of the sacred, drawing closer to the those on other side.
Situations that defy explanation can expand our life experience and bring us to new levels of awareness. Séances can unlock a deeper understanding of life, if you are willing to let them. This is a revered event that may offer unexpected blessings.
- Be clear in your intention
Know what it is that you are seeking. Is it a brush with something that titillates, or a message of love to garner comfort or support? Each has its own appeal—and both types of séances can be found. I prefer gatherings that are intended to heal, bringing through loved ones who offer messages of connection and solace, and remind us of the illusion of separation between life and death! If you want to record the voices of the deceased or encounter ghosts, seek out such events. Many paranormal teams will offer ghost tours or cemetery walks where firsthand encounters with the freaky may occur.
- Choose a reputable medium
If you are seeking Halloween spooks or mere entertainment, any event will do. But if you are in need of sincere healing and communication with loved ones, put in the effort to research your medium. Safe guidance into these spaces requires both skill and integrity. Check out Yelp or visit their website and Facebook pages to see what others share about their experiences.
- Don’t drink!
Though you may be nervous, drinking alcohol lowers your inhibitions and natural psychic protections. Though most séances will not invite the nefarious, being clear and present in your body will ensure your well-being throughout the night.
I once hosted a séance where wine was served. A lady with natural psychic abilities continued to bring through a dark energy I had evicted before the event. In her desire to feel special (fueled by some lovely libations, no doubt), I spent most of the night blocking this energy rather than channeling the loving connections other attendees were seeking.
- Talk with your loved ones in advance
Hoping to talk with Aunt Edna? Let her know in the days leading up to the séance! As a medium, I often experience a queue of people waiting to talk. By inviting your loved ones in advance, we ensure they (and you) show up in the right place. But, please ask them to wait until the event to start chatting with me. I once had a man so insistent to talk with his family, he hung out in my living room for a week and wouldn’t leave me be!
- Recognize your own boundaries
Nothing will be private, so only attend if you are willing to share some personal details. The blessing is that you are in community—you are held, you are safe and you are loved! The emotions you may experience will be soothed and shared by those around you.
Rarely does everyone receive a message, but the unseen blessing is that you have all gathered here at this moment in time! Often your families will be similar—your stories will be familiar and you know there was a divine hand in bringing you all together in the same time and space. Séances are a gathering of great love and can facilitate much personal healing.
- Be respectful of others
Though you may be in dire need to hear a message, don’t let your emotions ruin what’s coming through for others. Manage your own energy. I’ve attended events where participants were so desperate to talk with their loved ones, their impatience radiated and disrupted the medium. Though we sympathize with the pain you may be feeling, your stuckness could unintentionally block messages intended for you.
Be respectful of the love that is shared, and open yourself to feel what is happening around you! Blessings are often interspersed throughout the night — in many forms — if you are willing to fully participate.
- Be patient
Chances are, messages will be shared that have a special meaning for you, even if you do not receive a direct message.
I was once at a James Van Praagh event with 500+ people. Even though no family of mine came through, a woman near me had a grandmother and great-grandmother with the same names as my relatives. The messages she received were equally valid for me, and they even mentioned a pregnancy in the family. I was pregnant at the time and allowed myself to appreciate that there are no coincidences. A little something special was meant for me, as well.
- Be grateful
As a medium, to carry the hopes and emotions of many people at once takes a great energetic exchange. We work hard to let the energies flow from us while protecting our own resources. When we feel we’ve let someone down, we feel their frustration and disappointment with great intensity.
Don’t let your expectations squash the messages, validations and love you did receive.
- Be open
Sometimes the purpose of your participation isn’t what you think. Your angels and ancestors may have brought you here to share a different message than what you had in mind. Perhaps you will meet the love of your life, perhaps you will be attuned to your life’s calling. Be open to whatever is being offered and trust the mystical all around you.
Séances are a blessing, an experience to feel connected to a world beyond, and to be reminded there is no separation between the living and the dead. We are always loved and supported in these realms, and to perceive a division between the two is only an illusion.
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Gematria: Understanding the Numerical System that Decodes the Divine
Have you ever thought that numbers might tell stories just like words do? Gematria, a fascinating form of numerology found in Kabbalistic teachings, suggests that there’s a deep connection between numbers and words.
This ancient method, deeply rooted in sacred texts, proposes that every letter and word carries a numerical value that unveils deeper meanings. These connections might even offer clues to understanding both historical and future events through sacred texts like the Torah.
The concept of gematria numerology stems from the idea that mathematics is the universal language of nature and within it may be the keys to explaining our universe or evidence of supernatural power. Marty Leeds has taken this concept of the Kabbalistic gematria and applied it to the English language, believing that he has found a cipher in our alphabet to prove this theory.
What is Gematria?
Gematria is a numerological system where each letter of the Hebrew alphabet is assigned a specific numerical value. This system is used to interpret the hidden meanings within words, names, or phrases, based on the belief that God created the universe through the numerical values of Hebrew letters.
This practice, deeply rooted in the mystical aspects of the Hebrew Bible and embraced within Kabbalistic traditions, transcends simple word-to-number correspondences. It serves as a profound tool to explore the divine blueprint encoded within sacred texts, suggesting that every letter and word carries an intrinsic numerical value that reveals deeper, spiritual insights.
Modern scholars, including Marty Leeds, have extended the principles of gematria beyond Hebrew to the English language, proposing that these numerical ciphers uncover universal truths and mystical insights across different languages and cultures.
How Does Gematria Work?
The idea behind gematria numerology is that mathematics is a universal language, which might hold the keys to explaining our universe or even pointing to the existence of supernatural powers. In the practice of gematria, each Hebrew letter’s numerical value allows scholars and mystics to draw connections between words and uncover deeper meanings. These numerical values can also reflect broader concepts and beliefs. For instance:
- Number 888: In Christian numerology, the number 888 represents Jesus, or more specifically Christ the Redeemer. This comes from the fact that in Greek gematria, the letters of Jesus’ name add up to 888. This number is seen as a representation of infinite love and redemption.
- Number 666: Often recognized as the number of the beast from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, 666 is associated with evil and Satan in popular culture. However, in the context of gematria, this number can have more complex interpretations depending on the scriptural and cultural context.
- Number 4: The number 4 is often seen as a symbol of stability and order in many cultures. In the context of gematria, it can represent the four elements (earth, water, air, fire), the four cardinal directions, or the foundational aspects of creation. This reflects its universal significance in forming the basis of the world’s structure.
- Number 33: This is a number with significant importance in Freemasonry where it signifies the highest degree of the Scottish Rite. In Kabbalistic tradition, it can represent the age at which Jesus was crucified and, by extension, a period of accomplishment or completion.
For example, the tzitzit, a shawl worn during Jewish ceremonies, provides a perfect illustration: the numerical value of its knots and strands adds up to 613, which intriguingly corresponds to the total number of commandments in the Torah. These numerical associations are believed to hold deeper spiritual or mystical significance, revealing connections that go beyond the surface and delve into the divine or universal truths.
What is Gematria Used For?
Gematria is not just about playing with numbers; it’s a tool embedded in the Kabbalistic tradition to interpret deeper meanings within sacred texts. Scholars use it to uncover insights about life, the divine, and cosmic mysteries. Beyond Judaism, gematria also appears in other cultures and languages, demonstrating its widespread influence and importance in various religious and philosophical traditions.
Exploring the Origins of Gematria
The practice of gematria is believed to have originated in the Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbalah, but its influences can be traced back even further to ancient Greek and Arabic cultures. The practice was likely influenced by Greek isopsephy and Arabic abjad numerals, which also connect letters with numerical values. These practices highlight a universal quest to find deeper meaning in language and numbers across different cultures and historical periods.
Gematria in Different Cultures
While Hebrew gematria is most prominent, similar numerological practices exist in other cultures such as Greek and Arabic. These systems adapt to the peculiarities of their own languages and scriptures, providing a broad field of study for numerologists worldwide. The Greek system, for example, has been referenced by philosophers like Plato, showing gematria’s influence on early philosophical thought.
Examples of Gematria in Practice
- Biblical Texts and Jewish Tradition: Gematria is often used to interpret the Hebrew Bible. For instance, the Hebrew word for ‘life’ (חי) sums to 18, making it a significant number in Jewish culture.
- Modern Applications by Marty Leeds: Leeds argues that even the English alphabet can be broken down into numbers that reveal hidden codes, blending traditional and contemporary interpretations of gematria.
Kabbalistic Connections
In Kabbalah, gematria is not merely a numerological curiosity; it is an essential tool for exploring the esoteric and mystical dimensions of Hebrew scriptures. This practice is particularly valuable for interpreting the hidden meanings behind the names of God, such as the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) and other sacred words.
Kabbalists believe that each letter in these divine names carries specific numerical values that are direct expressions of cosmic energy and divine attributes. By decoding these numbers, mystics can gain insights into the fundamental structures of existence and the inner workings of the cosmos.
The use of gematria in Kabbalistic studies is seen as a method of interpretation and a form of meditation and spiritual practice, aimed at bringing practitioners closer to divine wisdom.
Key Aspects of Kabbalistic Gematria:
- Interpretation of divine names and cosmic energy
- Insights into the fundamental structures of existence
- Meditation and spiritual practice to connect with divine wisdom
Practical Uses of Gematria Today
While its roots are ancient, gematria has evolved to meet the needs of modern society. Today, it finds applications in various personal and practical contexts:
- Event Planning: Individuals use gematria to select auspicious dates for significant events, such as weddings or business openings. Aligning activities with favorable numerical values is believed to influence outcomes positively.
- Personal Insight: Gematria is used to analyze personal names, birth dates, and keywords, helping individuals uncover deeper spiritual meanings and potential life paths.
- Creative Applications: Artists and writers often use gematria to structure their works around specific numerical themes, adding a layer of symbolic significance to their creative outputs.
- Digital Accessibility: In the digital age, the principles of gematria have been adapted for online use, making this ancient wisdom accessible globally and allowing its exploration across different languages and cultures.
The Ongoing Relevance of Gematria
Gematria’s roots stretch deep into Kabbalistic mysticism and have branched out into modern linguistic studies. It remains a vital tool in the study of sacred texts and offers a unique perspective on the numerical patterns that many believe govern the universe. Whether used for spiritual discovery, theological study, or philosophical exploration, gematria captivates those who seek to understand the intersection of numbers and words in various cultures.
Gematria FAQs
How do you calculate words using gematria?
Calculating a word’s gematria value involves adding up the numerical values of each letter in the word. Different traditions may have their own set of values and methods, adding a layer of complexity to the calculations.
What is a Gematria Calculator?
A Gematria calculator is a digital tool that simplifies these calculations, allowing users to quickly find the numerical value of words and phrases across different Gematria systems.
How does gematria work in the Hebrew language?
In Hebrew, each letter is assigned a numerical value, and these numbers are used to explore relationships and uncover deeper symbolic meanings between words, based on their numerical equivalence.
