Question

[oselle]

Has anyone ever had any kind of "healing" or "energy cleansing" work done, either on yourself, your home, a place you were about to move into, or anything like that?

There's a new reality show on HGTV called Selling New York about NY real estate and a co-worker was telling me about this weekend's episode. It focused on this apartment that in spite of all its advantages simply would not sell. No one could figure out why. Finally the realtor brought in someone to "cleanse" its energy -- and apparently they got an offer on the apartment within three weeks. I looked up the guy who did it and found an article in the Daily News from two years ago. The article said this particular...healer (psychic? shaman?) only works directly with realtors. But it also profiled a woman named Sondra Shaye who owns a healing practice in Brooklyn with the promising name of Archangel Healing Light Center. She does both personal healings and property cleansing.

You can visit her website here: http://www.archangelhealinglightcenter.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page36.html

You can read the Daily News article here:
http://www.nydailynews.com/real_estate/2009/02/06/2009-02-06_the_clearings_space_healers_use_the_spir.html

My first reaction to such things is that these people are modern-day snakeoil salesmen, taking advantage of the desperate. After all, they've got the perfect racket -- offer salvation to people at the end of their ropes, for a tidy fee. Then of course if it doesn't work, it's because the client wasn't "open" enough or some shit.

But I'm heading in this direction because let me tell you -- I've been on a downward spiral for years and don't know how to get out of it. My health, my finances, my family, my general emotional state -- all disastrous. I feel like my apartment is absolutely toxic and like I myself am filled up with garbage. My most recent attempt at improvement was a chiropractor...and yesterday I decided to discontinue seeing him, upon his own advice, because none of it was working. All my other attempts to turn myself around -- traditional medicine, yoga, meditation, diet, physical therapy, religion -- have all failed too. I had joked with the chiropractor when I first saw him that he was my last stop before calling in a shaman. Maybe it's time to call in a shaman. I'm at the point where I don't care what it costs. But I'd love some first-hand experiences, if you've got any, and would also love to know how much it cost you, if you're comfortable with sharing that. Thanks.

Comments

[morganslady.livejournal.com]

Dr.Oz just did a show on Faith Healers, I didn't see it so I don't know what the outcome was. Maybe it's on line..
Hey I'd try anything if I thought it would help.

[claudia603.livejournal.com]

This isn't that positive, I guess, but when I was living in Florida, my friend azrhiaz was moving into a new place. I went there and immediately felt panicked like I couldn't breathe and I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. I told her about it because it was so strong. She and a friend did a "cleansing" thing on the place. A year(?) or so later, the whole place burned down in a fire that almost killed her and did kill her cat.

Okay, I"ve had a bit of wine this evening so yeah, probably not the positive experience you were looking for, but it was "an" experience...

[martin-rose.livejournal.com]

I know you don't know me, really; I know you only through your fanfic. I have great admiration for your talent in writing. Thus, it saddens me to hear you are in the midst of a difficult time. Maybe I can be of help. Under normal circumstances, I would message you in private; but I'll speak in the open, so all things are made transparent.

First, these cleansings are snake-oil. Real shamans are always hidden from view, as are genuine psychics. They do not advertise and are often in impoverished living conditions, and while they may be capable of "cleansing" a space, if the problem emanates from you, the cleansing will not have the desired effect in the long run.

"I feel like my apartment is absolutely toxic and like I myself am filled up with garbage." What a harrowing statement! What sorrow there! Only one thing to be done for it -- get rid of the garbage. Throw it all out, everything. If you have physical garbage, give it the heave-ho -- trash is nothing more than self-created obstacles. Filled within with garbage? Well, you write, this much I know. Do not limit what you choose to write. Write fiction, or journal, or write about yourself. Put it out there. Is it your work? Find a way to leave it. Family the problem? Draw your boundaries and declare them. Finances? Tackle them.

You sound in depressed circumstances. It should not surprise me then, why SPN holds such charm for you, or at least, has in the past; the warrior figure is an archetype you feel strong connection to, on some level. Use it. Be the warrior figure. It's not just some crap-ass entertainment television Dean Winchester notion -- that war-like energy fires your imagination enough to write about it. Find a way to embody it, borrow it, and put it to work.

I think I've rambled quite enough, I suppose. But if you want to know what qualifies me to talk about these subjects, well, that is a very long story, beyond the scope of a comment section; but I have been through many fires. My door is open, and may you always be writing and may you recover from your difficult time . . .

[pdragon76.livejournal.com]

My brother JD was dating a Reiki healer when I went home to Adelaide last September. They were both crashing at my Dad's place while JD got his hometown legs again, just having moved back from Sydney. JD pestered me and pestered me to let his new girlfriend do a "healing" on me, and quite honestly told me he just thought it would be a good bonding experience for his girlfriend and I and he wanted us to spend some time together.

I agreed a little skeptically, having no idea what Reiki healers actally DID, and having been none the wiser on the topic for having asked several of them to explain it to me in the past.

She set up some incense and chanty music in my old childhood room, which...I gotta tell ya, that room is chock full of enough angst to drop a rhino into a flood of pointless tears and anguish.

I was supposed to keep my eyes shut but I peeked a bit because I was nosey. She stood over me a lot and chanted and plucked at the air and for the vast majority of the session, all I could think about was how the hell a merciless manslut like my brother could be banging this delicate little snowflake lady with the waggle fingers and the petitioning of the deities. I nearly busted out laughing about seven times.

But here's the thing. While she was plucking all the negativity out of my chakras, she kept asking me to repeat certain things after her. Stuff along the lines of: "I thank the events and people of my past for the role they played in bringing me thus far. I retain all that is good and pure in those events and people, and I now let go of all the things that bind me negatively to this space. I release myself of all unnecessary ties, of the things I no longer need to carry and I do so with peace and love. I will that this be so. I will that this happens now, and completely, and frees me to my next phase. This happens now."

I don't actually know how much she usually charges for an hour of that crap. JD said about $80 a session, I think. And although I did a colossal thirty second fart later that night that may have indeed been my base chakra clearing, I don't really think she plucked anything out of me.

But every single human being on earth should take time to sit in their place of age-old angst and say that shit out loud. I think that part was probably worth the $80 I didn't pay.

[jolielaide.livejournal.com]

I'm not really a woo-woo person, but I also don't have the arrogance to presume I know everything, either. I'd say anything is possible.

I've had reiki done for my wrenchingly bad back problems, and it helped when nothing else did. A friend did it, for free, so I don't know how much it would cost (or how much having it done at your home would cost) but if my back problems were to return, I'd be willing to pay for it.

I guess the main thing I'd say is, only do it if you decide you believe in it. Does that make sense? I had to learn a few years ago how to become an optimistic person, and I credit that, more than anything else, for the positive changes in my life. I think making a decision to believe in something (reiki, snake oil, yourself, whatever) that could potentially improve your situation is a pretty empowering thing to do.

I wish you all the best and hope things get better, one way or another.

[sistermagpie.livejournal.com]

I went to a shaman workshop once, just drumming and doing some visualization. It was fun but didn't change anything. I did, though, once go to a past life regression thing? And I don't really believe in it, but I liked this because it was a guided meditation so it wasn't just someone telling me what my past life was. Because I figure if they're just making up a story for me I don't want them making something up that they think sounds cool but I might not care about. Anyway, so we did these guided meditations about tackling a problem and I actually figured out something I was doing that made a big differences. Like I trace a turnaround to a problem I always had at work. So I always have to have some respect for it.

In terms of healing, just throwing this out, but I've recently been reading some books that are kind of related? One someone recommended to me called Changing For Good that was about breaking down how to actually change into stages and where we get stuck, but most of the examples were things like quitting drinking or whatever. It applies to everything but the main stumbling block I had was not having a clear goal I was changing. (Or maybe I was just still in the "pre-contemplative stage" so I hadn't noticed the problem yet.

The other book I just read was about how the brain changes itself. It's mostly scientific and has a lot of examples about healing from strokes or curing learning disorders etc. But it made me feel really good about how you could really change fundamental things.

Anyway, I think when it comes to healings and things it's not even so much whether they literally work as whether people have felt like they've worked and they definitely have. I had anotehr book at work written by a journalist who was trying out a lot of alternative things. I remember when I read it I thought yeah, I'd totally go in for some white magic voudou healing like she did.

[mangokulfi.livejournal.com]

Years ago in J-school, I did a story on this woman who was a "Reiki Master."

She was a medical doctor, maybe a neurologist IIRC. But anyway she was in a really bad car accident that left her paralyzed from her mid thoracic vertebrae down. She was told the spinal chord damage was so severe that probably wouldn't walk again (though she could still move her arms). Anyway, she decided that just because western medicine didn't have the answers for her, she would research further. I met her about 10 years after her accident and she was fully mobile, though she still needed a cane.

She attributed it to the Reiki and she became a practitioner and ran a small clinic.

Now, whether the healing would have happened anyway, can't really be ascertained by me, a lay person. I was only ever able to confirm her medical credentials and that she did have severe spinal trauma after a car accident. Her healing wasn't spontaneous. It took a couple of years for her to slowly regain function in her lower body and she was undergoing physiotherapy throughout but she fully believed it was the Reiki that healed her.

I also talked to some of her patients, but none of them had such dramatic stories, though obviously, they claimed that the Reiki was working for either their physical or emotional well-being.

That being said, there were skeptics in the story too, mostly from the medical profession.

I wish I could find the story but it was a class assignment and I've had so many computers since then that I don't think I even have it anymore. I just remember the story.

Not sure if that helps you at all, but I got a A. :)

[halfwaythere123.livejournal.com]

You know, the older I get, the more I think anything is possible. I've just heard and seen too much weird shit over the years that I just can't explain. If I try to talk about it, most people get freaked out and don't want to hear it- probably because it challenges their world view. And the irony is that I was trained in the scientific method so I should be the last person to believe in this stuff. But I just think there's a lot about the world we just can't explain and that it's worth keeping an open mind.

So I guess what I'm saying is that if you think it might help and it's not some huge amount of money, why not go for it? Maybe it'll help, maybe it won't but you won't know unless you try.

[salty-catfish.livejournal.com]

Esoteric talk about 'negative energies' makes me want to throw up. I think your first reaction is right, it is charlatanry feeding desperate people's delusions and taking advantage of tought patterns of the depressed, nothing more to add. I don't have words for how much that website skeeves me out. (DNA activation?! JFC. That is some serious misinformation.) It's pretty telling that these 'testimonials' only focus on the persons' bursts of feelings. It would be much more interesting to see what effect it had on their live in the long run in concrete terms. Or do they just ~feel better~ about their crap life? I get the impression it's all about regressing into a certain headspace.
Same with that article.
“The owners still have to be careful not to bring anything or anyone really negative in with them,” says Shaye, remarking that homeowners not selling their house should clear it every one or two years.
Yeah, sure.

I get that you are very unhappy, and maybe placebo is better than nothing to keep going (just stating your problems and getting them acknowledged can be very helpful after all), but some clear analysis of your situation might be more helpful in the long run.
Could you change you apartment? Move out or redecorate maybe.
Why didn't the things you tried before work out? What exactly happened? (Maybe you don't have the right diagnosis for your illness yet?) It reads a bit to me like you were putting a lot of hope into the effects of changing one aspect of your life.
I won't say that some sort of ceremony can't help, but I really don't think you should have to pay serious money for that.

I'm not meaning to be too blunt and I'm posting this with some hesitation(and I'm just someone who enjoys your fanfic), but my reaction to this kind of stuff is just pretty much... D:.

[the0neru.livejournal.com]

The friend of mine who had a bone marrow transplant saw a Reiki practitioner a few times over the course of his treatment. I wasn't with him when he went, but he swore it made a difference. (He's now almost 11 years post-transplant and (fingers crossed and knock on Elijah) still in remission.)

Also, my brother and his best friend had an apartment at college that was no-shit haunted. They came to me for crosses and crucifixes (which, as far as I know, only made them feel better because they *thought* it would), and they got a priest to come bless the apartment - and yay, no more ghosty stuff. That's more religion-oriented than you're mentioning, so I don't know if it's any help. :(

Have you been to a therapist just to *talk*? I never thought that would help me, and had never been until year before last when I hit a major low - and. surprisingly (to me), it helped immensely to be able to talk to someone with absolutely no vested interest. Not that I'm PollyAnna now, by any means, but it helped *some*.

Hang in there - I know it's hard. I can't even tell you that it will all be worth it. And I know I don't *know* you, but you come across as brilliant and resourceful and strong, and that's worth a lot. <3

[febobe.livejournal.com]

Dearest, I feel I should chime in honestly.

I don't agree with shamans. Notice I didn't say I don't BELIEVE IN them. I firmly believe that a real shaman is accessing power beyond himself. . .I just don't believe it's the kind of power you want accessed! It's a little like. . .well, the shaman doesn't realize this, because he thinks he's doing good and working for the betterment of things, but. . .it's a matter of demonic influence and is a bit like having a team burglarizing a house and part of the team running off when the other part starts chasing them away.

THAT SAID. . .

I believe in doing stuff like this. Just not in the same way. We had our house anointed with oil and prayed over by not only us, but our entire connection group when we first moved in. Everyone moved through the rooms, anointing the windows and doorposts with olive oil, praying for protection from whatever might be without or within, for any bad thing that had been here, ever, to leave and never return to the property that now belonged to us. . .for every evil or ill influence to be barred from entering our home or setting foot on our land. It was a very positive experience - one that was performed by my husband's parents and some other church folk at our last home, too - and one which appears successful, as we've never had awfulness in either place. I mean, that last one needed a lot of repairs, but that was just the place. This place. . .well, granted, we've only been living here since September 2010, but it's been glorious, and I feel so safe and comfortable, and I'm not frightened walking through the house alone at night, yay, and our experiences have been positive. I mean, finances could always use work, but they're not devastating or disastrous. . .and my health certainly hasn't worsened here; if anything, I'm doing better. :) I certainly FEEL happier. More at peace.

I realize this might not be something you agree with 100%, nor is it something you're likely to feel as comfy with if you aren't comfy with a good church already. (Sadly, there ARE many, many bad ones out there. I'm still appalled that Westboro calls itself a church.) That said, would you like me to pray for you? I know I'm all the way down here and far from you, but our group did this for another online friend who felt her place was absolutely haunted and the spirits wanted her to kill herself. I won't say she isn't still having issues, b/c I'd be lying, but she's still alive and she seems to be hanging in there. And while I'll say up front that it would probably help for you to make positive changes, I won't tell you this won't help by itself, because I believe that it does. I'm no priest; I'm no shaman. I'm just a connection group leader; we're considered sort of "under-shepherds" to the minister. But last I checked, God didn't say I had to have a title or degree or special apprenticing to be heard by Him and responded to appropriately.

So if you're game, I'll either pray alone or pray with my group for you and your home and your life in general. For wonderful health, wholeness, better finances, better relationships, peace and anything else you need.

Can't hurt, right? I'm not telling you what to do, just giving you my feelings and offering what I can. I only wish it were more, dear heart, because you are special to me and I want so much to see you happy, healthy, whole, and fulfilled in ways you've never even imagined.

Best wishes, hon.

-Febobe

[clarity159.livejournal.com]

I sincerely, fervently, hope that whatever you decide to do, that it will be the turning point that you need. You are a magnificent writer. You deserve happiness in your life, not because of that, but just because you do.

I believe in the idea of psychics/reiki/cleansing, etc. but not necessarily the practitioner thereof, if that makes any sense. I believe there are some truly gifted people out there, have seen and heard too much personal evidence to completely deny it. I can be healthily skeptical, and I do not believe in seeking to know the future, but the times I find out, I just figure are meant to be.

There is Dakota Lawrence, www.dakotalawrence.com. I've never used his services, but he used to work with Supernatural guests/conventions, though not in his 'day job' capacity, and many fans have used him/like the results, incl. someone I know personally. We had him has a guest on our SPN podcast and he did some readings 'on air' and the people liked it. Here's the link, if you want to hear what he's like--definitely some Southern charm there but seems genuine enough. I'm just offering the info as another thought/choice.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/winchester_radio/2010/03/14/interview-podcast-with-clairvoyant-medium-booking-

[pedx.livejournal.com]

I went with my aunt one time to get hypnosis done by someone who also claimed to do reiki. My aunt wanted to quit smoking. The woman did her hynosis thing and then gave her some tapes, charged her $120, and then my aunt lit up a cigarette as soon as she got in the car.

I do not believe in any sort of energy or cleansing or reiki or shamans or magic or whatever. It goes against everything I DO believe in. I think any perceived benefits or "healing" are the result of the placebo effect, and the simple dispersion of despair when you think something might going to make you feel better or turn your life around. Akin to finding Jesus in prison.

I cannot subscribe to the idea that plucking the air will make anyone better, whether mentally or physically. Some of the associated chanting or meditation? Maybe emotionally beneficial if that's what you need.

I am an atheist biology teacher, so I naturally scoff at the claims of these type of folk who charge for these "services." If your money is tight, I would not spend it on this. I would change/fix/redecorate/declutter/clean or whatever steps you can take to make your home a place you enjoy walking into. I would spend it on a therapist who can help, or a trip somewhere to re-energize yourself, or a new hobby or social activity or a maid service. It's terrible to feel this bogged down and unwell but I would hate to see you throw money at this type of solution. I just cannot believe that words and hand-waving by a stranger will erase your very real physical biological pain. But if a placebo does work for you, then I sincerely hope it helps you feel better mentally, so you're better able to withstand your chronic health issues. But in my mind it IS nothing but snake-oil.

[merylmarie.livejournal.com]

It's late at night, so I won't write a treatise, but some stuff came to mind as I was reading the interesting conversations above.

I think negativity is basically learned and it does affect what occurs in a person's life. When you expect to experience obstacles, you behave in ways that help them turn up, if that makes any sense. Breaking up the pattern is very helpful.

Fear is a great motivator. Many positive changes I've made have come out of a genuine terror of something, like health scares or living in Ohio. I can honestly say that whenever I've sincerely and urgently asked my "insides" for help, I've always received it. Pure, strong fear cuts through all sorts of internal chatter and gets to the core. Something shifts, something turns up and I recognize it as my answer.

Asking is paramount. You do believe happiness is attainable or you wouldn't keep trying to find it. Keep asking and eventually something will ring a bell for you. I love that you've asked your F-list for feedback.

Reiki is a good, positive thing. I studied it some years ago and am at second degree level. It won't cure all your problems but it can add to the general positive vibe you'd like to build on. If you're determined to think of it as woo-woo crazy stuff, though, don't bother. It gives back what you put into it.

Two of my colleagues are practitioners of the Alexander Technique. They swear by it for helping with posture and breathing and spinal health and are both beaming examples of its benefits. It may add to your yoga knowledge in a good way and keep you on track physically. Maybe you can't fully come back from a spinal injury, but the more tools you have the better.

I'm pulling for you. I love reading your thoughts, and seeing them become happier would be just the greatest thing.