Forms of Spiritual Emergence
The range of experiences that may occur can vary in depth and intensity from the very gentle to the overwhelming and disturbing. Many recognizable forms of Spiritual Emergence/Emergency have been identified, however these categories frequently overlap. These are:
Ego-Death/ Dark Night Of The Soul
This centers around the dissolution of the self – our inner and outer worlds – and a consequent loss of reference points. Symptoms may involve feelings of pressure, claustrophobia, oppression, tightness, restlessness, or struggle, or an unbearable endless repetition of ‘dying’ experiences. In extreme cases, parts of the body may appear to decay or melt away. more
The Awakening of Kundalini
Some symptoms are tremors of energy rising up the spine, sensations of extreme hot and cold, the experience of flashing lights, and experiencing powerful waves of emotions. more
Shamanic Crisis
This typically involves a quest or journey to the underworld where demons or animal spirits are often encountered, culminating usually in experiences of death, dismemberment, and annihilation. more
Episodes of Unitive Consciousness
An experience of transcending the ordinary distinction between object and subject and experiencing ecstatic union with humanity, nature, the cosmos and God. more
Crisis of Psychic Opening
This may involve channeling, telepathy, clairvoyance, out-of-body experiences and meaningful coincidences. more
Past Life Experiences
People can behave irrationally because they are experiencing something from the past as part of their current life, or else a person can be haunted by physical feelings and emotions that are seemingly unconnected to anything. more
Near-Death Experiences
These experiences often involve an unusual and profound shift in the experience of reality. This usually includes an out-of-body experience and can involve profound lessons about life and universal laws. more
Possession States
This is characterized by an uncanny sense that one’s body and psyche have been invaded and are being controlled by an alien energy or entity that has personal characteristics. It can be another type of Crisis of Psychic Opening. more
The Renewal Process
Some distinguishing features are themes of death and rebirth, battles of opposing cosmic forces (e.g. good and evil) and a conviction that the outcomes are critical to the future of the world. more