Lightning Flashes

[stalkinghyena]

I was reading about the various Hebrew letter combination/analysis techniques of Abraham Abulafia when I felt a sudden bright electrical flash in my mind – almost like a camera bulb, but with an alien sensation of internal warmth. I instantly realized a visualization-meditation I could develop using the Tetragrammaton as a type of crown, and the effect was disorienting but not unpleasant. Actually, the perception altering effects of playing with the meditation created a vista of potential that was gratifying, exciting and a little scary. In my work, scary is actually good. While I can say that I have had similar experiences before, which I call “inspiration”, the flavor of this particular moment seemed unique – I might even say it was waiting for me.

Crowley talked about “lightning flashes of insight” and being blinded by internal lights. I have always valued sudden insights, though I am wary of some author’s exaggerations as well as my own. Or do such apparent exaggerations reflect a matter of degrees of intensity waiting to unfold?

As many know, the Kabbalistic Tree can be traced in a pattern called the Lightning Flash, though this I associate more with Golden Dawn formulas. I’m sure there are more references I could dig up if I had time and tedium on my hands. I should point out that Jewish (medieval) Kabbalists always have terrible warnings about how these things can effect a person. A lot of this work for them had to do with their goal of re-establishing a state of “prophecy” and of course messianic aspirations which are a bit outside my sphere of interest (not to say it isn't interested in me!). Yet I can see the necessity of such warnings by my own share of blunders here and there, lol.

Has anyone had this sort of psycho-physical experience?

 

[epsilon]

If you're referring to the internal light, I assume you haven't experienced it for a prolonged amount of time (i.e. more than a flash) because there is undoubtedly nothing "psycho" about the phenomenon.

When I first received it was like the sun breaking through water and the rays were so bright it was like someone was shining a warm flash light in my head. It was brighter in my head than it is on the outside.

Nowadays, I am chasing that experience. It comes in flashes and sometimes prolonged but never more than 5 to 10 seconds, but still it becomes brighter in my internal experience than it is on the outside. Like a flashlight is being shined from the middle of my head. And I feel the heat.

I am going to meditate on your brilliant tetragrammaton crown thought impression tonight and see if it is triggered

 

[Xenophon]

I was reading about the various Hebrew letter combination/analysis techniques of Abraham Abulafia when I felt a sudden bright electrical flash in my mind – almost like a camera bulb, but with an alien sensation of internal warmth. I instantly realized a visualization-meditation I could develop using the Tetragrammaton as a type of crown, and the effect was disorienting but not unpleasant. Actually, the perception altering effects of playing with the meditation created a vista of potential that was gratifying, exciting and a little scary. In my work, scary is actually good. While I can say that I have had similar experiences before, which I call “inspiration”, the flavor of this particular moment seemed unique – I might even say it was waiting for me.

Crowley talked about “lightning flashes of insight” and being blinded by internal lights. I have always valued sudden insights, though I am wary of some author’s exaggerations as well as my own. Or do such apparent exaggerations reflect a matter of degrees of intensity waiting to unfold?

As many know, the Kabbalistic Tree can be traced in a pattern called the Lightning Flash, though this I associate more with Golden Dawn formulas. I’m sure there are more references I could dig up if I had time and tedium on my hands. I should point out that Jewish (medieval) Kabbalists always have terrible warnings about how these things can effect a person. A lot of this work for them had to do with their goal of re-establishing a state of “prophecy” and of course messianic aspirations which are a bit outside my sphere of interest (not to say it isn't interested in me!). Yet I can see the necessity of such warnings by my own share of blunders here and there, lol.

Has anyone had this sort of psycho-physical experience?

Dang. I hear "lightning flashes" and naturally I make calf-eyes at ol' Leon DeGrelle's collar-tabs on my desktop photo.

I've had the experience a time or three. I have not found that---by itself---the experience is indicative of anything profound. It may be a needful concomitant; not apparently one sufficient.

I've sometimes wondered if that's what got Descartes going about "clear & distinct ideas.'

 

[Roma]

sudden bright electrical flash in my mind – almost like a camera bulb, but with an alien sensation of internal warmth.

Was the flash was in your brain - hence the sensation of warmth?

As the body is refined, energy can pass through it without friction

I often notice people taking a deep breath after an inflow/change of energy

So the question may be: what is the source of the incoming energy?

Mostly I test the energy/source before I consider the nature of the suggestion/image

 

[stalkinghyena]

If you're referring to the internal light, I assume you haven't experienced it for a prolonged amount of time (i.e. more than a flash) because there is undoubtedly nothing "psycho" about the phenomenon.

It is intermittent, but tends to lead further into trance. In fact, it seems to want to draw my attention further into a sort of addictive abstraction whereby one might, potentially, after a long period, become so infused with Divine Love that one might experience the so-called "kiss of God." I had that sense via dim realization., By "psycho" I meant nothing pathological - just mind itself. I think a more accurate term for the phenomenon might be "intellective" in higher mystical sense.
Also, the "flashes" are not confined to the cabalistic - they seem to coincide with peak revelations of any type of contemplation.

When I first received it was like the sun breaking through water and the rays were so bright it was like someone was shining a warm flash light in my head. It was brighter in my head than it is on the outside.

Yeah, I think that description fits the pattern. The "sun breaking through water" somewhat calls to mind the old Merkavah story of the descent of the rabbis into the divine palace where the lead rabbi warns that if they see "water" not to say "water, water". I interpret this to mean not to take the vision literally, as the impulse behind it is what is connective and transformative virtue.

I am going to meditate on your brilliant tetragrammaton crown thought impression tonight and see if it is triggered

One potential of "the crown" inspiration is that other letters could be used via permutation. I am looking for materials to make a proper physical crown, just to see how it feels, though I have found visualization is probably sufficient for development of further revelations.

Dang. I hear "lightning flashes" and naturally I make calf-eyes at ol' Leon DeGrelle's collar-tabs on my desktop photo.

Oy gevalt...

I've sometimes wondered if that's what got Descartes going about "clear & distinct ideas.'

Apparently in his period of "Enthusiasm" that preceded his "three mystical dreams" that preceded his revelation of "mind-body dualism", Descartes said he saw "sparks", which I find very closely related to the "lighting flash" experience. Sparks are also associated with the formation of the Qlippoth, I believe in the Zohar. Sledge noted that "sparks" are a common trope in the history of mystical experience.
I wanted to address that in the other thread where I had used old Renee as a mere quip, but I did not have time for the spawning of a Descartes-Greer-Levi hydra.
Still, I find it interesting in a recent contemplation of Thomas Taylor's recounting of the dismemberment and devouring of Dionysus by the Titans that Zeus became so enraged that he threw his thunderbolt at them and they burned to ash - the rising smoke from their corpses bearing the essence of Dionysus which became the basis of "intellect".

Was the flash was in your brain - hence the sensation of warmth?

A good question but difficult to answer because, as is typical with such experiences the best one can do is rely on metaphors. To say "in my mind" sounds like a mundane expression if one identifies mind with brain. Still, I can't help but fancy if I was perceiving the actual process of neurons being activated by contemplation - though such an explanation in itself, if taken seriously, would be mere rationalization.
The "warmth" I can relate to an awareness of Tiphareth as a sensation, though it was not localized - as I said, "alien", as if from outside, but yet not.

So the question may be: what is the source of the incoming energy?

Using the Tree to classify, I immediately felt a connection of Chockmah working through Chesed, but just so I can "put a pin in it", so to speak. Spacial and temporal awareness only work with the Sephiroth as metaphors, and the Sephiroth are also metaphors, not actualities (more like potentialities), as the Sepher Yetzirah states: "Ten Sephiroth of Nothingness".

 

[epsilon]

I truly feel it is triggered by something above because it comes with this feeling of love, certainty and contentment that I cannot describe, at least when it is prolonged. I apologize if that's what you meant by psycho. I thought you were saying it is imagined.m, because what strikes me the most about this phenomenon is how much it is not imagined. The warmth coincides with the light, and your eye lids light up as if there is a light being shined outside of you when it is not.

I dont know if you've had this realization, but when I first got it, it was so divine it came to me that it was what depictions of "halos" were communicating. Because it literally felt like a warm round light was on top of my head.

I'm having some concerns with my crown Chakra or Kether now being over active and triggering the flashes too. I think it us related to me practicing middle pillar. But it is disrupting my sleep because I feel something active as if combustion like an unstable star at the top of my head almost always the past couple of weeks

 

[Roma]

It is possible to go back in time and observe the event in very slow motion

Once I was dealing with a woman who had given away much of the etheric substance in her breasts - to various males including her sons.

There were too many pieces to recover individually. I saw that a local sea god was watching her. So she asked him and he filled up her gaps immediately.

When I went back and watched the event in very slow motion, he just took etheric substance from the atmosphere and put that in the woman.

I could have done that if I had known

 

[Xenophon]

It is intermittent, but tends to lead further into trance. In fact, it seems to want to draw my attention further into a sort of addictive abstraction whereby one might, potentially, after a long period, become so infused with Divine Love that one might experience the so-called "kiss of God." I had that sense via dim realization., By "psycho" I meant nothing pathological - just mind itself. I think a more accurate term for the phenomenon might be "intellective" in higher mystical sense.
Also, the "flashes" are not confined to the cabalistic - they seem to coincide with peak revelations of any type of contemplation.


Yeah, I think that description fits the pattern. The "sun breaking through water" somewhat calls to mind the old Merkavah story of the descent of the rabbis into the divine palace where the lead rabbi warns that if they see "water" not to say "water, water". I interpret this to mean not to take the vision literally, as the impulse behind it is what is connective and transformative virtue.


One potential of "the crown" inspiration is that other letters could be used via permutation. I am looking for materials to make a proper physical crown, just to see how it feels, though I have found visualization is probably sufficient for development of further revelations.


Oy gevalt...


Apparently in his period of "Enthusiasm" that preceded his "three mystical dreams" that preceded his revelation of "mind-body dualism", Descartes said he saw "sparks", which I find very closely related to the "lighting flash" experience. Sparks are also associated with the formation of the Qlippoth, I believe in the Zohar. Sledge noted that "sparks" are a common trope in the history of mystical experience.
I wanted to address that in the other thread where I had used old Renee as a mere quip, but I did not have time for the spawning of a Descartes-Greer-Levi hydra.
Still, I find it interesting in a recent contemplation of Thomas Taylor's recounting of the dismemberment and devouring of Dionysus by the Titans that Zeus became so enraged that he threw his thunderbolt at them and they burned to ash - the rising smoke from their corpses bearing the essence of Dionysus which became the basis of "intellect".


A good question but difficult to answer because, as is typical with such experiences the best one can do is rely on metaphors. To say "in my mind" sounds like a mundane expression if one identifies mind with brain. Still, I can't help but fancy if I was perceiving the actual process of neurons being activated by contemplation - though such an explanation in itself, if taken seriously, would be mere rationalization.
The "warmth" I can relate to an awareness of Tiphareth as a sensation, though it was not localized - as I said, "alien", as if from outside, but yet not.


Using the Tree to classify, I immediately felt a connection of Chockmah working through Chesed, but just so I can "put a pin in it", so to speak. Spacial and temporal awareness only work with the Sephiroth as metaphors, and the Sephiroth are also metaphors, not actualities (more like potentialities), as the Sepher Yetzirah states: "Ten Sephiroth of Nothingness".

It can be fascinating to trace out the glimmers of occultism in the so-called "early modern" philosophers. (Spinoza, Leibniz, Newton, et.al.)

Post automatically merged: Oct 19, 2023

I truly feel it is triggered by something above because it comes with this feeling of love, certainty and contentment that I cannot describe, at least when it is prolonged. I apologize if that's what you meant by psycho. I thought you were saying it is imagined.m, because what strikes me the most about this phenomenon is how much it is not imagined. The warmth coincides with the light, and your eye lids light up as if there is a light being shined outside of you when it is not.

I dont know if you've had this realization, but when I first got it, it was so divine it came to me that it was what depictions of "halos" were communicating. Because it literally felt like a warm round light was on top of my head.

I'm having some concerns with my crown Chakra or Kether now being over active and triggering the flashes too. I think it us related to me practicing middle pillar. But it is disrupting my sleep because I feel something active as if combustion like an unstable star at the top of my head almost always the past couple of weeks

never mind. misread something

 

[stalkinghyena]

I thought you were saying it is imagined.m, because what strikes me the most about this phenomenon is how much it is not imagined.

The term "imagination" is tricky in occultism, because we have the perennial influence of the materialistic rationalist-dualist conception of "make believe" in relation to "immutable" physical laws. Anything born out of the mind that is not subservient to those laws is deemed a falsehood; and yet, ironically, every human construct, including those laws, were born in the imagination whether it was influence by physical experience or not.
The hard fact, in spite of conventional reasoning, experiences of the subtle body and its interactions with the "unknown" such as we both described have been recorded for centuries across many cultures, though the metaphors may sound different and the methods used seem unrelated.

I dont know if you've had this realization, but when I first got it, it was so divine it came to me that it was what depictions of "halos" were communicating. Because it literally felt like a warm round light was on top of my head.

I've felt it, yes, and it is particularly apparent during my daily rituals. Often it coincides with a general sense of angelic attention and presence.
But, as I indicated above, there is a kind of universality to all this:

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I'm having some concerns with my crown Chakra or Kether now being over active and triggering the flashes too. I think it us related to me practicing middle pillar. But it is disrupting my sleep because I feel something active as if combustion like an unstable star at the top of my head almost always the past couple of weeks

I get your concerns as I have had those myself - though not directly related to the experience of "lightning flashes". I've had a few crises in my time. The expression of "internal lights can be blinding" comes to mind, though I think the external aspect is very much something to be accounted for - there are those who have suggested that the body is actually inside the mind (or soul), so maybe this is an expression. Such sense of disruption of sleep patterns and feelings of the "unstable", IMO, are a natural stage in assimilating the forces as the subtle body, the conscious and unconscious awareness as well as the physical vehicle are trying to "sync up" with what can be seen as a "prior stage" of manifestation. Another way to put is how Trismegistus places Eternity before the world of Becoming (generation) - we live our lives in the latter world as normal, but our existence is actually rooted in the eternal.
One thing I found helpful was to research "kundalini syndrome" - this I discovered while going through a crisis more closely related to conditions sexual mysticism, though I think that all these phenomenon regardless of practice are intimately related.

It is possible to go back in time and observe the event in very slow motion

I have been tempted by Michael Bertriaux into such an angle, but I started getting flashbacks of listening to Burrough's Dead City Radio while on LSD.

It can be fascinating to trace out the glimmers of occultism in the so-called "early modern" philosophers. (Spinoza, Leibniz, Newton, et.al.)

Oh yeah. I actually got lured back into western philosophy by a Goetia spirit because there was a "determination" that I needed entertainment on the one hand and to seek out the intersections on the other. I've been drawn to explore deeper a lot of things that I only had the most general classroom book exposures to. For example, I had no idea that the two "Mannys" - Kant and Swedenborg - were pen pals. Then I found a site where someone had drawn up comparative statements by them regarding the soul. That's a rabbit hole for you.
So, to the spirit, mucho gratitude...

 

[Roma]

It can be fascinating to trace out the glimmers of occultism in the so-called "early modern" philosophers. (Spinoza, Leibniz, Newton, et.al.)

To be fair to Newton, he wrote more about alchemy than about materialistic physics