Lord of the Underworld, Lord of the Upper World

A trance journey for finding out if you have a blessing for a particular project – notes from Madhuri

I learnt this from Sarita, and have used it now and then over the years. It’s good when you want to start a particular project, or make a change, and you’re not quite sure if the timing is right or if it’s the right thing to give your energy to. It can be done alone or with a partner. If with a partner, they would guide you into the trance and into the meetings with the lords of the under- and upper-worlds.

The theory

Both our higher self and our most grounded, earthy, unconscious self have something to say about any new endeavour; and it behooves us to listen! Getting their okay can also really help to solidify the project.

The method

Lie down on your back with a scarf over your eyes and a shawl or blanket over you. Don’t cross arms or legs. Just notice your presence here, the way your body rests on the bed or the couch. Nothing to do, nowhere to go…

If a partner is guiding, they can continue deepening the trance for a few minutes. If you are doing it alone, just notice when you feel ready to begin the journey.

First, you are going down to the Underworld to meet the Lord of that subterranean place. Say aloud, “Please take me to meet the Lord of the Underworld.” And then just see what happens! I often end up going down a manhole in the back garden, into a series of caverns with lakes in them, and then enter a chamber with tree roots growing out of the ceiling… and am often assisted to get there by a Helper. I’m sure it’s different for everybody; just notice what happens for you.

If you are working with a partner, simply describe aloud the journey and what you see – for this, and all that follows. They can prompt you along the way.

Somewhere or other in the Underworld the Lord will be. He might look like a gnarly tree, or like anything at all – or he might be female, or animal, or gender-fluid – I have no idea what variations might exist in this realm for different people! Just let whatever comes, be what it is. He might be sitting on some sort of throne, or not – whatever happens is right.

Ask him, “Are you the Lord of the Underworld?”

Wait until he responds.

Then, “Is it all right if I ask you a question?”

Wait till he responds.

“Do I have your blessing to…?” – describing to him what it is that you want to embark upon.

Listen while he tells you, or shows you in pictures, his reply.

“Do you have a token or gift to give me to help me on this journey?” (I always forget that bit, but you can try it if you like.)

Receive from him whatever it might be. Then bow and thank him, and tell him you are going back to the surface.

Proceed back the way you came.

Second, you are back in your own place. Say aloud, “Please take me to meet the Lord of the Upper World.”

Describe the journey if you’re working with a partner. They can prompt you with the next step. Otherwise, if you’re alone, just enjoy it and take note. How do you get there? What does the place look like? What does the Lord of the Upper World look like? Where is he (or she) sitting?

Ask, “Are you the Lord of the Upper World?”

Wait for a response.

“May I ask you a question?”

Wait for response.

“I want to do this thing…?” (describe it). “Do I have your blessing?”

Wait for response.

“Do you have a token or gift to help me on my journey?”

Wait for response, then thank him, and say, “Now I’m going back to the normal world.”

Third: Come back the way you went. When you are back on the ground, send invitations to both of the Lords, to meet you in this world for a cup of tea.

Notice where the meeting takes place – you, the Lord of the Underworld and the Lord of the Upper World, all sitting around a table or whatever, with your tea.

What happens at that meeting?

Thank the two Lords and let them go. Bow down in the 4 directions and then to the Lower and the Higher, in gratefulness.

Come back gently, bringing the blessings with you. Clap 3 times.

If working with a partner, you can share with each other. Thank the partner.

This technique will also be part of Madhuri’s upcoming book, titled Techniques I Have Loved
Featured image credit to Johannes Plenio via unsplash.com