There is a spiritual intention present in sixth stage, of which we were not previously capable. This intent allows us to resolve issues with intensified clarity. We better comprehend the meaning of a“ both and” reality over the“ either or” one of bygone days. A balancing of extremes becomes possible. Eventually, when we’ve done enough of the mental/emotional clearing and are maintaining a daily spiritual practice, we achieve a powerful soul connection. We are now ready to go through the“ fires of refinement”. Finally, we are ready to be pierced by Spirit! This may not be a blissful experience, however . . . as a matter of fact, it is more often a kind of crucifixion.

Because we have reached a place of self-responsibility, we are now given the opportunity to see ourselves in totality . . . the glorious as well as the not so glorious. We are led into the very core of our own inner darkness. This is the true experience of the dark night of the soul. Our ideas and beliefs, all those storylines to which we are most deeply attached, are challenged for necessary surrender. This is what it feels like to be overshadowed by Spirit.

We are being given the opportunity to release any remaining attachment to our melodramas. We are learning to see a bigger picture which makes it difficult to get caught up in old storylines . . . our own or others.

As Spirit penetrates us, a psychic opening is created. We stand in the gateway between realities. Heretofore what was sporadic glimpses of the Divine now become more sustained. We receive direct communication from other, higher realms. Contact through our dreams, inner voice, visions and distinct knowing provide regular assistance and guidance in our daily affairs. By this time, we have a certainty about the nature of our particular path. Our lives become primarily aimed towards that service. It becomes first priority.

Each stage contains many phases, all aimed towards the process of evolvement. By the end of sixth stage, we have acquired humility. Illusion has mostly dissolved . . . we see ourselves more clearly than ever before. We know who we are. It’s not that we have gotten rid of our ego, but there’s an authenticity and levity which was previously lacking. As we pass through the arduous tests that each stage presents, we come into a spiritual wisdom, compassion and maturity. When others encounter us, they recognize us as having profound wisdom. Sometimes we are referred to as“ old souls”.

Next Page: Seventh Stage: The Merger

*This is a condensed introduction to the stages of our life journey contained in“The Seven Stages of Our Spiritual Journey Home” written by Lynne Forrest. Be on the lookout for the book in completion sometime over the next year.