What Is Channeling?
The easiest way to describe channeling is to imagine a person being a radio, set to receive messages and broadcast them to interested parties. People who are claircognizant are more likely to be channelers, as they are more intuitive about being in other places. Mediumship is not the same as channeling, although it is sometimes considered as part of channeling.
Mediumship is the person who connects with the spirits of the dead, using family members to draw the spirit near and offering the body as a vessel to communicate. Many guidebooks describe the relationship between channeling spirits and the chakras in the body, and how the energy spreads from the first chakra down.
Kinds of Channelers
There are many kinds of channelers, from one that allows Spirit Guides or other non-physical entities into their body to a person who receives thoughts and feelings. Some channelers can also act as a conduit for spirits to help heal others.
However, this is a higher-level skill. A person who can channel well is usually good at meditating to clear out the filter that limits information and energy passing from the spirit plane to the earthly plane.
Finding a Good Channeler
A good channeler is hard to find, as it takes practice to be a good quality ‘radio.’ If you are looking for one, it is best to find one through word of mouth rather than through advertisements. Most channelers have a peaceful aura about them, and they are less likely to appear in shops or fortune-telling tents nowadays.
Teachers from higher planes tend to see things differently, and by practicing, we can understand their message via emotions or the formation of thoughts. Though lacking a voice, Spirit Guides can offer guidance through emotions, memories, or the formation of thoughts.
It takes practice to comprehend what the Guides are teaching us, and experienced channelers are more attuned to receive messages in other forms. Those who channel spirits find themselves learning a lot about the astral planes and often find peace and solace after practicing their abilities.
Trance Channeling
In general, there are two recognized types of channeling: trance channeling involves going into a state of trance, allowing the spirit to take over the body, or conscious trance, sharing a body and mind with the spirit. In Asia, trance channeling is more commonly seen, as Indians would go into trance channeling when performing the cavadee (Burden Dance) for God Murugan.
Chinese mediums are usually trance channelers, and their body and voice would change when a spirit takes over. It is commonly seen during the seventh month when the gates of hell open to allow spirits to return to the earthly plane for a visit. Mediums do not remember what has transpired when the Spirit takes over their body. If you notice any telltale signs, it might mean they were faking it.
Often you will hear artists channeling their inner self when creating art. Channeling into the higher plane for artistic purposes is common and rewarding. When asked about their experiences, artists would often describe being ‘out of body’ or having their mind guided by a light or a force.
Their meditative trance would break after the deed is done or when other reasons break off the connection. This is one of the benefits of channeling, as the spirit uses the artist to pass on the message of love and beauty.
It is easy to learn channeling, but harder if you have too many filters in your mind. Many guides start by learning how to calm themselves, followed by clearing their mind. Meditation comes in many practices and forms. You do not have to be sitting in a lotus position to be able to meditate.
Types of Meditation
There are many forms of meditation, and there is one that suits you. Some meditate with movements like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. Others prefer chanting or focusing on relaxing actions. Clearing the mind of filters and thoughts is the first step of channeling, as you are cleaning yourself to become a clean vessel for the Spirit Guide.
While some would invoke a particular Spirit, it is important to call the one you are looking for in mediumship. Even that, a different spirit might appear, or they might decide not to turn up. Do not be disappointed, as energy comes and goes.
Forcing a Spirit to come against its will may result in disaster if it is even possible. It is not necessary to create a setting or a special surrounding for the spirits. They are merely theatrics to attract people. Going into trance channeling might be tricky, as you will not remember the message.
Conscious Channelers
Most people recommend writing or speaking through a recording so that it can be played back later. Conscious channelers will remain conscious, but they too like to record their experience as it happens as memories can play tricks.
Everyone loves a good spirit, spreading messages of love and encouragement, but there are also ones that spread bad will and sadness. You can easily recognize the Spirit by your emotions and the message it tries to convey. When you encounter one that is malicious, be firm and ask politely for the spirit to leave.
Sometimes you might need to call a higher being or a Guide to help remove the spirit, but it will often leave when you ask. Sometimes it is wise to take into consideration the message that it brings. It could be a warning that something is coming up.
Another way Spirit delivers the message is via dreams. Our minds and thoughts are empty when we go to sleep. If you have been practicing channeling, the spirit might use this particular time to deliver a message to you. You might be dreaming about things or waking up with an urge to draw or write.
Dreams and Channeling
Dreams are the easiest way for a Guide to tell you what you need to do. Similarly, it is also a good way to give you nightmares, playing on your fears. It is, however, a good sign that you are on your way to becoming a channeler, as your chakra might be slowly opening.
What happens after you become a channeler? Most seek answers to finding a higher purpose in life through channeling. But, some might decide that claircognizance is not for them.
Once you realize that you are not ready, the Spirits will know it too. Usually, the connection would close without an issue. That is unless you are unlucky enough to attract a malevolent spirit. Guides are sensitive to feelings of rejection or acceptance. And when you are open to receive, they will offer their guidance.
Dangers of Channeling
There is no danger in channeling. Most people set a time and place to communicate with Guides and spirits. It is important to be firm when dealing with spirits. Setting boundaries such as time and place is helpful to avoid them coming without warning. Always be firm and gentle when asking them to wait or leave, and always thank them for their assistance after.
Channeling is a great practice for those who want to explore psychic abilities. It might not be the flashiest skill. It serves to help you find a place in the Universe. Many channelers are creative and self-confident, and they value truth above all. It takes practice to be a good channeler, but it is as easy as breathing once you are comfortable.