We often hear the adage that “we are Spiritual Beings having a Physical experience”. Spiritual, implying non-corporeal and rarified energy and physical being that state of manifest densest layer of existence.

The mysteries of the Sacred Vessel are those things crafted and etched in the time of our own making. The intricate weaving and painting that defines this vessel as our own; unique and rare in all of its states of being. This vessel has moved through time and seen the rise and fall of our basest and highest nature. It has changed its alchemical form and weathered the extremes of expansion and contraction, remaining pliable and resilient at its core throughout. And so like the archeologist, with a steady hand to extrude the artifact, a gentle sweeping away of what has covered and preserved and the final revealing of delicate shape and form the mysteries are brought to light.

We speak of the Great Work, and it is my belief that a foundational component of that work is to excavate and find that form of ourselves that is the vehicle and container for Spirit as it descends into matter. The Great Work of a lifetime involves looking closely at what impact we have on ourselves, others and the world in which we live. Each layer we reveal and each mystery we integrate and use as our own brings us closer to that state of being that is filled with Deity, Spirit and the limitless. The Mystery is held within the fibers of our being and coming to a state of awareness of the multilayered tapestry that comprises all of our lifetimes of yearning for oneness and return to our true Divine nature is the first weaving of the many panels that form its mantle.

The Sacred Vessel includes many aspects of our being. It is the physical container that holds our physiological components. It is the spiritual vessel that is comprised of subtle bodies, consciousness, meridians, chakras and all things that relate to our Spiritual nature. It is the Temple that we offer up devotion from and receive the blessings and downpour of the Divine into.

This series of articles will relate to all of these things and more as the definition evolves. They will incorporate the years of my personal experience in working with energetic protocol and magick and any new resources that I may come across in my continued pursuit of definition.

I spent over half of my life as a dancer; either in preparation for a career or dancing professionally. The lessons and discipline learned from those experiences have proven invaluable in my spiritual workings. The ability to be acutely and consciously aware of your physical state as it moves through space and in response to the energetic vibration caused by music are skills worth developing. You do not have to train professionally to be a dancer. We are all dancers in our own way. Even those who would consider themselves clumsy and unable to move in a rhythmic fashion, have a rhythm of their own and are still moving and pushing through and around space and energetic webbing in their own style. The key point here is “awareness” not the actual picture that is being created as we move:

Awareness of ourselves in physical and energetic space.
Awareness of the impact we make on that space.
Awareness of how to shift, expand and contract within that space.
Awareness and acknowledgment through our actions that we are the Sacred Vessel that holds life, inspiration, the ability to manifest and create and the inherent power of Will that is our birthright.

The first part of our studies will employ the use of movement as an exercise towards more self-awareness. This exercise is designed to cultivate awareness of your physical nature. Be sure to record your impressions as we move through the different exercises; these will serve you will in the months (or years) ahead as you come to know the subtleties of The Sacred Vessel.

Awareness of Physical Movement
Exercise #1:
• Select a piece (or pieces) of music that inspires you to move. It should be approx. 20 minutes in length. It can be any genre. The important thing is that the rhythm calls to you to express its energy through movement; not a listening exercise.
• Next, find a setting where you will not be disturbed for at least 30 minutes. Be sure you are wearing some loose clothing and have some water near by.
• Start the music. For a few moments just simply close your eyes and let the sound move through you. Allow whatever images (or colors) that wish to present to move easily over your inner screen.
• Beginning slowly, envision the energy of the music as gentle waves, pushing against you and you pushing back in response. Allow this to become more purposeful and let yourself freely and without inhibition move to the rhythm. Move in whatever way you are directed by the flow of energy around you. Envision this music passing through you. After all, if we consider quantum physics and the conglomeration of cells and light that create the illusion of solid form, allowing the music to pass through this space should not be such as stretch.
• When the music stops allow yourself to continue to move in the space of silence. The vibration of the music will still be flowing, even though our physical ears do not hear the pitch of musical afterglow. Gradually slow down and then completely stand (or sit) still.
• Make mental note of how your body is feeling and if there is residual and phantom movement still occurring. Not just the pace of your heart rate, but the very cells, muscles and flesh in response to this purposeful motion you have created.
• Which part of your body feels most alive with this energy? Which part of your body may be responding with pain or discomfort? How is your rate of breathing? How do feel mentally? What do you notice about your energy level?
• Be sure to record your answers. Do this exercise several more times. Change the type of music that you use. Vary the length of time and or the setting in which you explore this movement. If you do not feel self-conscious or have an outdoor setting that is private, give this exercise a go. There will be many more sensations to account for, including the energetic response of the natural world to the energetic vibration of the music and your movement.
As you progress with this exercise you will begin to become more aware of your physical state of being as you move through your daily activities. The simple act of walking is a dance unto itself. Any imprint of movement you make upon your surroundings is a form of dance.

Next Article: Overview of Physiological and Subtle Anatomy