Revealing the Magic Carpet

As a child, did you delight in the exotic, mystical stories of magic carpets, manifestation through puffs of smoke, and genies? Most of us did, either through storybooks that unleashed our imagination or through colorful and hypnotic animation in movies and on television. The names, the clothing, The Arabian locales and cultural accoutrements increased the exotic appeal of the story, which appeared, like many other compelling tales, in the 1001 Arabian Nights.

Who wouldn’t desire a genie to grant our deepest desires, or a magic carpet to transport us at will through will to any destination, floating safely and comfortably above the ground? The magic carpet story has multiple versions, the most familiar being that of Prince Hussein, Sultan of the Indies. A lesser known tale is of Solomon’s magic carpet. Yes, that Solomon, the King who was reputed to be a metaphysician/sorcerer, honored by both Judaism and Islam. In both traditions, Solomon is imbued with the ability to command the wind and exert God-given dominion over earthly creatures. He was especially aligned with the sky and its natural inhabitants, giving commands to eagles, and enjoying protective escort from birds who shielded the magic carpet from the sun. Add this to the greater-known legend of his wisdom, a brilliance with such reputation that people journeyed great distances to benefit from his unparalleled counsel.

How can we benefit from these ancient stories today? Consider the context: a genius whose wisdom is supplemented by a necessary spirituality. The focus on Solomon isn’t limited to his life decisions; its more significant and infrequently shared emphasis is spiritual connection. Devoted to God, accompanied by creatures whose home is the heavens, Solomon was said to have commanded the wind. The description of his magic carpet was thus: “Whoever sitteth on this carpet and willeth in thought to be taken up and set down upon other site will, in the twinkling of an eye, be borne thither, be that place nearhand or distant many a day’s journey and difficult to reach.”

Most of us don’t accept ancient Scriptural writings as literal, but rather as a symbol and metaphor, a way for humans to connect the abstract to something concrete. When we grasp at higher concepts, we need a character, a place or an object to hold onto. The magic carpet story, in many of its subsequent versions, becomes a grand metaphor for meditation and visualization: if we sit in a place reserved for a sacred purpose, and we honor our connection to the Divine, we can use our will and inner vision, we can be “borne thither.”

Meditation and creative visualization are related techniques that can transport us to higher realms where we can access our own Divine wisdom and the guidance of the spiritual entities who direct us on subtle levels. Riding this magic carpet can be a two-way destination. We don’t always need to travel there. We can use our creative power to work in partnership with the Universe to bring things here, to us. Shakti Gawain, author of the classic book, Creative Visualization, affirms: “Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart truly desires must come to you.”

Just as Prince Hussein and Solomon trusted the Divine to lead their magic carpets to distant places, we must learn to trust our higher selves to lead us to spiritually higher planes where we experience profound healing and wisdom. Gawain continues, “…we need to be willing to let our intuition guide us, and then be willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly.”

Here’s a simple magic carpet meditation that will bring you to a space of trust, clarity, and ultimately, healing:

Magic Carpet Meditation

Sit comfortably and invite yourself into the relaxation mode. Begin with focused, deep breathing. Inhale slowly to the count of 4, hold for 4, and release to 8. Repeat this three or four times until it feels automatic. With each exhale, feel yourself go deeper into relaxation. Feel the tension drain from your shoulders. Feel the slowing rhythm of your chest rising and falling with each round of breath. Feel your body relax from your scalp slowly, all the way down to the soles of your feet.

Feel yourself floating into the ethers, supported by a magic carpet made of pure Light. Look down and see the ground below you, getting smaller, as your magic carpet rises and rocks gently in the breeze. Feel yourself becoming one with the light as you continue your rhythmic breathing until you see only light.

Feel the wind at your back, below your feet, above your head, all around you. Imagine the wind is smudging you, sweeping away all ailments, debris and old energy. Ask the Universe to remove the burdens you no longer need. In this light, you experience the deepest level of healing.

Allow yourself to absorb it through every pore, every cell. Feel your heightened vibration. Feel the peace within and without. Permit yourself to enjoy this elevated state. Do you feel weightless? Unencumbered? Powerful? Wise?

In this state of pure Light, you are more receptive to subtle messages from Spirit. Clear your mind of all expectations and worry. Allow yourself to be a blank slate. Then, ask for a messenger to give you the guidance most urgent at this time in your life. Ask for a map to your next destination, literally or figuratively. Discard preconceived ideas of where and what this might be and embrace what emerges today.

Bask in this energy for as long as it takes you to receive. Use your magic carpet to travel back. When you return to normal waking consciousness, express gratitude for your magical and healing journey.

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About the Author

Rev. Lisa Shaw, M.A., M.F.A. is an animal communicator, Reiki Master, intuitive counselor, writer, and professor. She has a graduate degree in practical theology with a concentration in loss and healing and has served as a Hospice Chaplain. She hosts a free online Reiki Circle for animals on Facebook twice on Sundays. Search “Animal Reiki Circle” and request membership.
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