Healing

Most of us have some sort of fear; fear of heights, fear of certain situations, fear of a perceived threat, fear of moving on, fear of public speaking. Whatever our fear may be, we all think of the worst-case scenarios and create more feelings of fear which knocks our self-confidence and self-esteem, affecting our mental health and causing a never ending cycle of fear and panic attacks. Often the thought in our minds are a lot scarier than the thing we fear itself.

When it comes to anxiety, we experience fear a little differently. Anxiety problems stem from worry and fearful thoughts of the future. Fear of a new job, fear of failure, going through difficult times leading to a more short-term based feeling.

Fear is normal, but, when we allow fear and anxiety to become patterns and habits in our lives we begin a pattern of self-sabotage, problems and anxiety disorders. Ultimately this leads to avoidance of things that you believe are scary, it creates a spiral of negative thought, self doubt and affects your mental stability. 

How to overcome fear & anxiety

If you are able to face your fears instead of locking them away in your brain you are stopping the cycle of fear taking hold of your life and its ability to rule you. If you allow anxiety to plague you, you are setting yourself up for failure and self sabotaging. Realizing you are in charge and you are stronger than your anxiety is the first step in self-help.

We know that it’s easier said that done, and depending on the type of fear or anxiety problems you experience you may find it harder than others, however, this list is an excellent place to start to get you on track to overcoming your fear and taking back control!

Here are 8 methods you can use to help you overcome anxiety disorders and fearful feelings. 

1. Overcoming fear with mindfulness

Did you know you can literally dissolve fear using the power of thought? Mindfulness is a powerful tool that you need to utilize to overcome what’s holding you back. When you first start noticing your anxiety creeping in, try to shift your mind and attention to the present moment. Pay attention to your breathing – from the warmth of your exhale to the timing of your inhale. When you tune into your breath, you are self aware and you are present. This is the moment you are no longer allowing negative thought, fear and anxiety to control you in that time.

2. How to get rid of fear using self hypnosis

Fear is in the mind, and an incredibly effective tool you can use to help get rid of it is self hypnosis. A good start would be seeing a QHHT practitioner and then learning QHHT yourself to hypnotize yourself and allow yourself to finally let go of what is holding you back – your own mind!

3. How to conquer fear using breathing exercises

Feelings of anxiousness and fear can be lessened by using simple breathing techniques. Start by doing simple slow inhales through the nose and long extended exhales from the mouth. As you breathe out keep your jaw relaxed and slightly purse your lips. Repeat this as often as needed.

4. How to deal with fear with positive self talk

This method is especially beneficial if you are struggling with fear because of new work or feelings of doubt. 

Self talk, be it positive or negative, has such massive potential to change how you feel about yourself and a situation, so practicing sitting quietly and reminding (talking to yourself) about how you can and will overcome your fear can have profound effects.

5. How to get over fear with meditation

Just as with positive self talk, meditation can help you overcome fear and anxiety. Meditation will allow you to really face your fear instead of the easy way – pushing it away. Spending time meditating will help you become more self aware as you communicate with each and every cell in your body helping you to eradicate the fear from within.

6. How to handle fear using mantras

Mantras are a very powerful method of positive self talk. Write your own mantra or find one that resonates with you, or find a few that you like. Practice saying these mantras daily, even when you are not experiencing anxiety or fear based attacks. 

7. How to fight fear using positive affirmations

positive affirmations, much like mantras, can be used to remind yourself that you are more powerful than fear! Print out as many positive affirmations and stick them up around your home, at your mirror, in your car, by your keys and next to your bed. Whenever you notice your positive affirmation “sticker” read it, out loud if possible, and use these to remind yourself why you are not going to allow fear to keep you back!

8. How to cope with fear by talking about it to others

It is so hugely overlooked, but talking to others about your fears can be a huge release and help you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine. Try to Find a support group and find people with similar fears to your own. Once you’ve found a support group you will encounter people who have overcome their fear and are now living without anxiety. This can be a massive motivator, and it can also help you to realize that your fear is not “all-powerful” over you

How to stop living in fear

Living with fear is not something we choose. It can be incredibly difficult to overcome fear especially fear that we have carried around due to trauma or events in our childhood. When it comes to anxiety, we can be crippled by the feelings of self doubt and self loathing. Mental health is important and sometimes we need to seek psychotherapy to help us cope in severe situations. To become unafraid or to not feel fear anymore can be such a long hard journey, but we can help manage these feelings with simple techniques and methods like those above. 

We hope that if you are experiencing fear and/or anxiety that you are able to rise above it and take back your power and your life, and that you realize how incredibly powerful your mind truly is, as you begin your journey away from fear.

Written by:
Jade Small

The ankh symbol has been around for thousands of years. It has been depicted by artists and historians amongst more than one religion and its acceptance across cultures is only growing. But why is this symbol held so highly in regard? What is the ankh symbol? Historians, with Egyptologists included have researched the ankh meaning for decades now and in this article we will cover everything you need to know and this ancient hieroglyphic.

What is an ankh cross? (AKA key of life or Egyptian Cross)

The Ankh Cross is an  Egyptian hieroglyph that is typically a simple cross with a loop at the top. The symbol was mostly used in writing and art as a method of symbolizing life, the breath of life, or eternal life, the sun and fertility.  The Ankh was also referred to as the key of life and was often depicted in art being held by the loop by gods. It is said it would act as a key to the gateway between the living and the dead, opening to allow souls through in the afterlife. 

History of the ankh

Even though the Origin on the Ankh symbol is still uncertain to this day because the sign is similar to the sign for a “sandal strap” although with later investigation Egyptologists were able to decipher the sign to mean “life”. It is is said to date back to  the early Dynastic Period (c. 3150 – 2613 BCE) which was the beginning of the Egyptian era. It was when North and South Egypt were united under one government. The ankh symbol has been passed down since then and has become more common among other religions and cultures around the world.

Ankh symbol meaning/definition

 The Ankh has more than one definition as it is celebrated by more than one religion or culture. Firstly, “nh'” is the Egyptian word which means life. This word is represented by the hieroglyphic, the Ankh symbol. It is also known as the crux ansata, or the Egyptian cross, as mentioned above. Crux ansata is a Latin word which translates to “cross with handle”.

What does the ankh symbolize and represent?

The Ankh is a popular symbol which is widely recognized around the world and shared across cultures as a powerful emblem. For the Egyptians, it was a symbol which represents life, the after life and eternity. Egyptian gods as well as ancient African kings were depicted holding the ankh sign, usually in front of their eyes which would symbolize the breath of life. were It also symbolized the union between a man and a woman with the loop representing the female womb and the cross representing male organs. Some say the horizontal line of the cross is a representation of men and women creating life. The early Christians of Egypt held the Ankh in high regard for symbolizing Christ’s promise of eternal life with him in Heaven.

In modern or neopagan religions it is used to symbolize one’s honor in the ancient Egyptian spiritual practices or their ties to Africa within their heritage.

Ankh meaning ancient Egypt & modern Egypt

There are a multitude of meanings for the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic. One of which, as mentioned above is the symbol of life, or the after life as they believed their human life was only a part of an eternal life which did not end after their death. Another is that the circle at the top is a symbol which has no beginning or end, representing the celestial world or the sun god, Ra, and the horizontal line of the cross is the horizon. This links us to yet another symbolization of the union of two entities namely the spiritual and physical realm or male and Female energies meeting. The circle of the ankh also serves as the handle of the key of life, or the key of the Nile, which rests against earth’s horizon at sunrise and sunset. The key also opens the doors into the after life, or realm of the dead, or the entrance to the tomb of deceased kings where one would place an ankh symbol on their forehead, between their eyes. The Ankh’s circle at the top is also said to tie everything in life together in the middle where the circle aligns with the cross. This is referred to as the knot of Isis. Isis is one part of a trio of Egyptian gods, namely Osiris, Horus and of course, Isis – the god of love and life. People of Egyptian culture use the Ankh symbol as an amulet and in this case it would represent life, not the after life. These amulets carried the traits or virtues of the goddess, Isis, and they would serve as a talisman guiding one through this said eternal life. They would gift these amulets to lost loved ones as a offering to take with them to the after life. The goddess Isis would guide these souls into the world of the dead and then Osiris, who was said to be her husband, would then place an ankh cross over their still lips to revive their soul to live out their eternity in the after life. The Ankh is not to be confused with the “tjet” which is said to be a female symbol and worn on the girdle of Isis. The Tjet symbol is similar to that of the ankh but the arms pf the cross are bent down alongside the long line coming down from the loop. The masculine symbol is called the “djed” and all three of them are often depicted in art and writing together alongside each other.

In Modern Egyptian culture we still see depictions of the Ankh in art and tattoos. It was adopted by an Egyptian neopagan religion called ‘Kemetism’ which came out around the 1970s. This symbol was used to symbolize wisdom or their faithful following of ancient Egyptian religious practices and beliefs. 

African ankh meaning (ankh meaning in black culture)

Some say the Ankh symbol originates from ancient Egypt, meaning life. There are those who strongly believe it was actually an Akan word (an African language from Ghana) for the same meaning, life or the creation of life itself. Either way it is still said to represent your spiritual illumination which in turn represents the energy or spirit of God. Central African sages believed and taught their people that their life force” comes from the spirit of God and that the Ankh sign facilitated a purer sense of spirituality and better communication with the divine. This life force forms what we know to be our higher or divine selves. For them, like the Egyptians, the loop of the cross symbolised the after life or eternity which for them was considered the real reality whereas the cross represented everything from the mortal world (the world as we know it) which was considered “illusion matter”.

It is still celebrated in modern times as a symbol which represents the connection of people of African ethnicity to their ancestral roots in Africa and those religious attributes.

Ankh meaning in Christianity

A branch of Christianity developed in east Africa called the Coptic Church and was one of the first Christian populations in the region. Coptic is the name of the Egyptian language which was originally used as a demonym to distinguish the Christian minority. They persevered as a prominent church making up about 10 to 20% of the population of Egypt.

It is said that Coptic Christians adopted the Ankh sign from Egyptian culture and it became know as the Crux Ansata, or the Egyptian cross, but had a more circular shape at the top than an oval loop like the Egyptian ankh. The sign is similar to that of the Staurogram which is a symbol used by early Christians as a monogram for Christ. It represented the promise of eternal life beside Jesus. Unlike the Egyptians who would create these talismans out of gold or brass.

What is an ankh used for?

In the Ancient-Egyptian era the Ankh was used as a gift to lost loved ones as a blessing for the after-life and acceptance from the gods to live peacefully in eternity. The Gods, having the power to give life, woul It is also used in Egyptian art and writing. In recent years one will find Ankh symbols carved out of wood, crystal or stone which is said to be better for protecting one’s home as opposed to the metal ones which are best used as personal amulets. That being said, a glass talisman is used for health benefits. The Ankh is also used during meditations to help one connect to one’s spirituality and divine healing energy. To do this will only take about 5 minutes. First, you must make sure you are dressed extremely comfortably without any fabrics weighing you down or irritating your skin, take three deep breaths and imagine a white light around you.

Key takeaways

The Ankh is one of the oldest symbols in existence which is still celebrated and worn with pride. With time being its constant companion bringing out different meanings and representations as spreads across cultures it is not likely that the symbol shall cease to exist any time soon but rather expand its reach to more cultures and religions.

FAQs about ankh (key of life)

Who wears an ankh?

The goddess, Isis, was often depicted wearing the ankh sign on her belt buckle. Only the Gods had the ability to bestow the gift of life whether it was their human life or their life in eternity. Isis and Osiris worked together to guide and awaken souls in the after life using the ankh therefore only the pharaohs of ancient Egypt would wear ankh symbols as amulets because the Gods had bestowed upon him life within a nation.

What is the power of the ankh?

For ancient Egyptians the ankh has the power to bestow life. the Goddess Isis would use the ankh symbol to guide souls to the after life and her husband, the God Osiris, would place the symbol in their lips to awaken them in the after life. For the Ancient central Africans it was the symbol which granted them a better connection to their spiritual selves or their deity.

What religion does the Ankh represent?

When one refers to “the Ankh” it is in reference to the representation of the Ancient Egyptian religion. Even though it is depicted in the Catholic Church, it is a symbol known to them as the Coptic cross or the Crux Ansata. In modern days the Ankh symbol also represents a neopagan religion called Kemetism.

Written by:
Jade Small

“Om is not just a sound or vibration. It is not just a symbol. It is the entire cosmos, whatever we can see, touch, hear and feel. Moreover, it is all that is within our perception and all that is beyond or perception. It is the core of our very existence.” – Amit Ray, Hindu Spiritual Master

Aaaaaauuuuuuummmmmm…. the most relaxing sound and mantra known to mankind. It is healing for us humans, physically and spiritually. It aid our meditations when unblocking our chakras or gaining wisdom from the Source or just simply bringing awareness to your spiritual practice. Om is God, it is divine energy, it is knowledge, it is truth, it is everything. It is a most sacred mantra that goes back a few millennia in human history. This article will cover all aspects of the Mantra, discussing the difference between each religion’s or each nations definition and meaning of the sound and symbol. 

What does OM mean?

OM, the main mantra of the Atman (Higher Self) is used to attune us to our true nature. The sound is comprised of three syllables; A, U, and M which each represent the divine energy of the shakti which is similar to the creator, the generator and the destroyer. or Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It also stands for  the three Gunas (qualities) found in nature.  

Ohm is used to invoke the vibration of the universe energy or divine energy. Om’s vibrational frequency is 432 Hz which is remarkably the very same frequency which is found in nature. This is an extremely healing frequency which can ease stress levels, lower your heart rate and spiritually unblock your throat chakra.

OM (pronounced Aum) is a sacred sound and an important symbol linked to spirituality found in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is believed to be the sound of the universe and to have profound transformative power when chanted. It is the mantra of the Hindu gods  Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is the combination of the Vedic Sanskrit letters aa, au, ma to create the Word of God. It is the primordial sound from which the universe was created. Aum is also representative of Ganesha, the Hindu elephant god, the remover of all obstacles.

Om has profound meanings in religious and spiritual circles, especially in India with Hinduism. It refers to the Atman which is your soul or your inner self, and Brahman which refers to the universe and everything in it, be it the tangible or intangible.

What does the Om symbol mean?

ॐ

The correct Sanskrit spelling is: AUM.
“A” represents the Waking State and creation.
“U” represents the Dream State and manifestation.
“M” represents the Deep Sleep State and destruction.
The silence at the end represents the void.

ॐ The lower left curve represents the conscious. The waking state of being.
ॐ The top left curve represents the unconscious state.
ॐ The lower right curve represents the dream state.
ॐ The semi circle at the top represents the Maya state which is the illusion. Representing the biggest obstacle to overcome in order to progress with spiritual development.  
ॐ The dot at the top represents the absolute state which is the highest form of consciousness.

What does Om mean in yoga?

In yoga, chanting the sound Om three times at the beginning of a yoga class signifies the start of the yoga session. Similarly, chanting Om three times at the end signifies the end of the session. When chanted with a group it creates unity and a sense of community. In doing so one can create a sense of harmony with the group and feel one with the universe.

Om history in yoga

Yoga has been in India for thousands of years, suspected to have originated in the Indus Valley civilization around 3000BCE. One of the most well known Sanskrit works on yoga is the Yoga Sutra, a text on yoga theory and practice, believed to have been written by a sage by the name of Patanjali around 500BCE – 400CE. This text is one of the most important texts in the Hindu religion. One of the most important mantra’s used in yoga is the Omkar Mantra. Many yogi’s chant the Omkar while focusing on the dot of the Om, which is called a Bindu. In doing so yogi’s are able to expel all bad intentions and allow themselves to fulfil all desires for a healthy body, mind and soul. The sound vibration created from doing this brings the practitioner closer to God or divine energy and be able to heal one’s own nervous system.

What does om mean in meditation?

Chanting Om in meditation serves as a tool in order to relieve the body and mind of stress and anger. It helps to submerge you into a deep meditative state so you can better connect to the divine energy of the universe or your self. Practicing this can set you on a path of mindfulness, which is being aware of your surroundings and being ever present in the current moment.

Om history in meditation

Om’s history in meditation goes all the way back to the texts of the Upanishads, specifically the Bhagavad Gita, labeled as Pranava Yoga which is the meditation on the sacred mantra Om. Pranava Yoga is also mentioned in the Yoga Sutra by Patanjali. By focusing the mind on the mantra Om one is able to free themselves from suffering and any limitations. Om meditation is apart of the ancient and recently revived teachings of Kriya yoga. Kriya Yoga meditation involves breathing in and out while chanting Om in a specific mudra. A mudra is holding of a certain symbolic gesture often focusing on the hands and fingers but the whole body could be used as well. Certain mudra hand gestures focus on different chakras throughout the body.

What does om mean in Hindi (Hindi)?

In Hindi it literally translates into the number four. In Hinduism om is an extremely sacred syllable symbol and mantra of Brahman. Om refers to the Atman which is oneself, ones soul and inner being and Brahman which is everything, the universe and everything in it. In chanting the mantra Om one can create a connection with oneself (Atman) and the universe (Brahman).

Om history in Hinduism

Om was first mentioned in the Upanishads, which are late Vedic Sanskrit religious and philosophical texts still revered in Hinduism today. The Upanishads are the latest parts of the Vedas which are the oldest Hindu texts dating back to Ancient India in about 1500BC – 1200BC. In the Upanishads Om is described with having many different connotations. Om is the sacred sound, the Yes! The Udgitha (the sound of the universe), the ultimate reality, the finest essence, the truth, the cause of the Universe, Brahman, Atman, self-knowledge. Om started to be used as a standard utterance at the start of any mantra or citation taken from the sacred Vedas. Today it is still common practice in Hinduism to begin and end major incantations and ceremonies with the sound Om. 

What does om mean in Buddhism?

Om/aum in Buddhism is very similar in meaning to the Hindu version.  It translates into the totality of sound, existence and consciousness in Buddhism. 

Om history in Buddhism

The history of Om in Buddhism reached into later schools of Buddhism, such as the Tibetan Buddhists, influenced by the Hindu religion. Om is placed at the beginning of mantras and dharanis (Buddhist chant, incantation, or recitation, usually a mantra consisting of Sanskrit or Pali phrases). AUM is a very holy and sacred word for Esoteric Buddhists. Om is still used today between Esoteric Buddhists in many mantras representing for them wholeness, perfection and the infinite. One of the most famous Buddhist mantras including Om is “Om Mani Padme Hum” a Sanskrit mantra which is associated with the four armed Shadakshari form of Avalokiteshvara or Padmapani, a Bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. This phrase was first cited in the Mahāyāna Kāraṇḍavyūha a 4th to 5th century Mantrayāna sūtra which promotes the virtues and powers of Avalokiteshvara/Padmapani.

Om mantras: our favourites

Shanti Mantra: Om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ( A-U-M Shanti Shanti Shanti)
Meaning:  Om Peace Peace Peace

Invocation to Ganesha:  Om gam ganapataye namah / vakra-tunda maha-kaya surya-koti-sama-prabha / nirvighnam kuru me deva sarva-karyeshu sarva-da
Meaning:  Salutations to Ganesha. O Ganesha, god with a curved trunk, of great stature,
Whose brilliance is equal to ten million suns. Grant me freedom from obstacles, In all things, at all times.

Mangala Mantra:  svasti prajabhyah paripalayantam nyayena margena mahim mahishah / gobrahmanebhyah shubham astu nityam lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu
Meaning:  May the rulers of the earth protect the well-being of the people, With justice, by means of the right path. May there always be good fortune for all living beings. May all the inhabitants of the world be full of happiness.

The Mantra: A chant from the Upanishads:  Om saha nav avatu / saha nau bhunaktu / saha viryam karavavahai / tejasvi navadhitam astu ma vidvishavahai / Om shanti shanti shanti
Meaning:  May we together be protected, May we together be nourished. May we work together with vigor, May our study be illuminating. May we be free from discord.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace!

The mantra: A chant from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
asato ma sad gamaya / tamaso ma jyotir gamaya / mrityor ma amritam gamaya
Meaning:  From the unreal to the Real, lead me. From darkness to Light, lead me. From death to Immortality, lead me.

Key takeaways

Now that we have gone through the history and meaning of Om we can see the significance that the sacred syllable Om has on millions of people, and multiple religions. It is not religion exclusive and is able to be learnt by any and all. It has proven to have grand effects on the mind and the body when practiced correctly. Surviving the trail of time and spreading out of India and into the western and eastern societies. The sacred mantra of Om has proven to be an integral part of millions of peoples lives and well being and will continue to spread it’s roots in peoples lives for many years to come.

FAQs

How do you chant om correctly?

You start off by making an AH sound, so that the back of the tongue gets dropped low in the mouth that gives us a loft resonance. Then the OOH sound so that it brings the back of the tongue high in the mouth ensuring a depth of sound. Finally ending it off with MM sound creating an end to the Mantra. So we have a clear beginning, middle and end. Then there is the silence that follows between the next Om.  Aaa—Uoo—Mmm, silence, repeat.

What other frequencies have power?

The solfeggio frequencies (528hz) are especially powerful and can even repair and contribute to dna activation.

Why chant om 3 times?

Chanting the Om mantra 3 times has purpose in that it symbolizes the three worlds of the soul. It is representative of the past, present and future.

Written by:
Jade Small