There can be a lot of fear when you first begin to explore the Shamanic experience. Although most people who continue to practice Shamanic techniques eventually get over it, I don't think the fear ever totally goes away. As far as the Spirit Worlds are concerned, there is an instinctive, natural fear for most people at first. It's kind of like the natural fear we usually have about ghosts... rationally we know that they can't hurt us, but we usually jump the first time one says hello. The same goes for the Astral. It's scary leaving the body. We're all rather attached to our flesh, and it's a real jolt to leave it. The fear is a healthy response.
What you'll find there can be scary as well. The Spirit Worlds are just as real as the world of form. What happens there has an impact on us here. For example, there are guardian spirits who will prevent you from entering areas you should not be in. If you try to force your way past, they will use force to stop you. Psychically, it will hurt. Physically, you might return to normal consciousness with aches, pains, or illnesses. But for the most part, if you are respectful and have good intentions, you won't get harmed in the Spirit Worlds. You will meet spirits and entities who call that place home. You can learn a lot from them. You can also receiving healing here. This is the realm of the Akashic record, the dwelling of spirits, and the destination for soul-retrievals.
You can begin building a solid foundation for exploring the Spirit Worlds and attempting to have meaningful contact with Spirit Guides by creating an “Astral Sanctuary” in the Spirit Worlds. Creating this "safe spot" in the Spirit Worlds is quite easy. You do this by visualizing it as clearly and distinctly as you can. It is helpful to begin by picking someplace that you really love, already are familiar with, and have felt at peace in. What's your favorite place out in nature? Was there a favorite tree you used to climb in as a kid, or a special place you used to go to chill out? Perhaps you visited some special place on vacation some time, and fell in love with it... basically, choose a location that you feel an emotional connection to.
It will be easier to create a firm mental picture of it if you’ve you've really been there before. Spend some time with paper and pencil and write about it, and maybe sketch it. Describe it as completely as you can, every detail you can think of. Go ahead and invent some details if you want... this is your special place. (You could create a spot straight from your imagination, but it's usually harder to recreate the experience of a place at first.) All the senses need to be involved in recreating this place. Recall the sights, sounds, scents, and sensations... make it as complete as you an.
Each time you meditate, visit this place. Focus on each detail, and build it up as completely as you can in your mind. You may rest in this special place whenever you meditate, or whenever you need a retreat when life gets too chaotic. Eventually, it will also become a launching-off spot for when you journey in the Astral.
For your first journey, you should begin at your established "sanctuary" that you have created during previous meditations. When you are ready, enter that space. Sit quietly and patiently, and allow each of your senses to become totally aware of your surroundings. Next, introduce yourself. Stand with your arms out, and call out your name and intentions. For example "I am Flame... I am here with a pure heart, seeking a guide to this world... Is there one who will help me?" Repeat this to the four directions, then wait. Stay open and receptive, and be patient. With luck, a spirit will come to you. It could be anything: an insect, an animal, or a person. You should show this spirit great respect, and listen carefully for how they communicate with you. They might invite you to follow them, and will perhaps show you things. Follow along. When the guide has finished with you, show your gratitude by offering it an appropriate gift. (For example, if it's a bird form, offer it some sunflower seeds.) You might not be back at your sanctuary, but that doesn't matter. You can return to your body at any time and end your journey.
This is an exciting lifetime worth of work! Journeying can sometimes take a lot out of you, because of the intensity of the experience. (Not many of us can live that intensely all the time.) However, this type of practice has to potential for serious self-transformation. The insights that can be found through the Spirit Worlds can inspire your entire life. I've found it so.
~Flame RavenHawk
November 23, 2002