featured topic ) Research for this topic turned into an interesting social experiment. The reason being that everyone has an after story... and many are absolutely fascinating. Why? Maybe because we are subconsciously curious of how we'd react if faced with similar circustances. Ready to share your life, after story? Join the conversation – send yours to edgemagazine.net/submit-articles. It may be selected to post online!
Monarch Butterflies: Messengers of the Afterlife BY C . E . F L O R E S
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), with its distinctive orange and black wings, is intimately associated with the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) customs of the Purépecha people in the Mexican state of Michoacán. This magnificent butterfly’s migration across North America is a powerful symbol of transformation, migration, and the cyclical nature of life. The arrival of millions of butterflies in late October and early November is believed to be a physical manifestation of ancestral spirits returning from the afterlife, bridging the gap between worlds. Clusters of these brightly colored souls overwinter in the oyamel (Abies religiosa) fir forests of central Mexico. In many regions of Mexico, the concept of three deaths is a prevalent belief. La Primera Muerte (the First Death) is the death of the physical body. La Segunda Muerte (the Second Death) occurs when the soul leaves on its journey through the spirit realm, symbolized by the monarch’s journey in the spring. La Tercera Muerte (the Third Death) is the moment when the the deceased is forgotten by the living.
During Dia de Muertos celebrations, a period of remembrance, those who have departed are welcomed with altars adorned with marigolds (Tagetes erecta), known as the ‘flower of the dead.’ Its vibrant orange petals emit a fragrant call to the souls on their journey. Burning copal (Bursera spp.) resin fills the air with its aroma, inviting loved ones to pause for a visit. Favorite foods, gifts from the earth, are prepared and placed out to tempt, while a glass of water for these wandering souls stands nearby. At times, a white towel laid beside the glass captures the impression of the visiting spirit who sought refreshment. So the next time you catch sight of these remarkable butterflies, remember that their graceful flight carries profound messages of life beyond, connecting distant realms and conveying the enduring love that transcends even the greatest of distances. a
C.E. Flores is fascinated by Mexican herbalism and has written several books exploring the subject. She immerses herself in these cultural traditions, infusing nature's healing power into her own journey and sharing transformative insights at SurvivingMexico.com
Life After Spiritually Transformative Experiences: The Integration Journey BY A D A M D I N C E
As a seasoned hypnotherapist and medicine man, I've guided many through the aftermath of spiritually transformative experiences, be it spiritual awakenings, near-death encounters, or sacred medicine ceremonies. Such profound moments can reshape one's perception of reality, making the subsequent journey as vital as the experience itself. Re-acclimating to Reality: Post a spiritually transformative experience, the mundane can seem alien. The profound insights gained can make daily life feel dull, unimportant, or disjointed. This dissonance between inner revelations and the external world can lead to a dark night of the soul (a spiritual depression). This highlights the need for proper integration. An "integration coach" can help lead you back to a more harmonious blend of both worlds. Unveiling Metaphysical Abilities: Expanding spiritual horizons often heralds the emergence of heightened sensitivities or metaphysical gifts, from intuitive insights to abilities like clairvoyance. While these can be enlightening, they can also be overwhelming without proper guidance. It's like possessing a potent tool without its manual. Integration offers 2
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the necessary framework to harness these gifts effectively. The Essence of Integration: Integration isn't just about comprehending a transformative experience; it's about internalizing its lessons so they become part of one's daily life. Without it, these revelations risk fading or causing a rift between one's inner and outer worlds. Through practices like energy healing, meditation, hypnosis, and counseling, integration anchors these experiences, allowing for a life aligned with newfound wisdom. In summary, while spiritually transformative experiences open doors to personal evolution, the real journey lies in integrating these revelations. As a guide in this realm, I've seen the profound growth that arises when individuals embrace and integrate their spiritual insights, leading to a life of deeper purpose and connection. I'd love to work with you! a
Adam Dince is the founder and medicine minister of Eagle Spirit Collective. Additionally, Adam is a hypnotherapist that specializes in healing trauma, limiting beliefs, and other life challenges through hypnotic regression, as well as a Reiki Master Teacher and founder of Sacred Stairways. Adam authored the book, “Back to the Beyond, Exploring Near-Death Experiences Through Hypnosis”. Learn more about Eagle Spirit Collective at eaglespiritcollective.org and Adam's book at backtothebeyond.com