For some time there was no real certainty as to what causes the otherwordly phenomenon of the aurora borealis. In 2021 scientists finally confirmed that the natural light show starts when disturbances on the sun pull on Earth’s magnetic field. This creates cosmic undulations known as Alfvén waves that launch electrons at high speeds into Earth’s atmosphere where they create the aurora.

Have you ever wondered what our ancestors must have thought and felt when they saw the northern lights? How magical and surreal it must have been for them, almost as much as it is for us even now, despite knowing the exact cause. The lack of mystery does not dampen the wondrous impact the aurora has on the imagination and the soul.

One especially interesting feature that has been discovered is that electrons essentially surf on the Alfvén waves. If they move with the right speed relative to the wave, they get picked up and accelerated much like surfers catch a building wave.

This brings at least one watery allegory into the mix. Yet the aurora and water are more closely related than you might think. All the water on Earth is of interstellar origins and the northern lights undulate in very watery waves and colors. As I often say, we are made of water and starlight, so the convergence of the aurora and of flowing water is not only perfectly harmonious, it creates a powerful visualization tool for grounding, protection, inspiration and manifestation. I call this the Aurora Cascade.

A long, purple and electric blue-green curtain of dancing aurora pours itself out of the sky in a cascade that becomes indistinguishable from a singing, rushing waterfall as it falls closer to the ground. Water and light meld and shimmer in the gentle torrent. Step into the glowing falls and feel it mingle with the waters and the energy in your cells. This is the source, this is what we are made of. It is renewing and it is an ongoing cosmic blessing.

Grounding

We are the center in between the above and below. When sitting or standing within the Aurora Cascade, you are the nexus in this liminal space, the point of origin. All work – meditating, journeying, spell work, manifestation or shamanic work – ideally begins with grounding; rooting and establishing a link, but not just to the below. To the medieval alchemists, water and light were in the same symbolic family, and indeed are two of the main and most essential components to almost all life. The grounding unfolds through a conscious integration of these elemental energies, rooting the individual firmly in the earth’s embrace but also providing a tether to higher cosmic realms.

Protection

It is common to use the visual of a ball or field of light to create a spiritually and psychically protective shield. This downpour of celestial light is very similar in that respect. The flowing water, symbolizing fluidity and purification, acts as a dynamic force within this shield, deflecting negativity and preserving the practitioner’s energy. While there is a time for darkness and shadow work, the Aurora Cascade is a light that blinds away fear and doubt and promotes a feeling a safety within one’s self, and within one’s magical sphere.

Inspiration

Inspiration literally means “to breathe into” and can be thought of a creative and spiritual process of respiration, to allow thoughts and feelings to flow freely. Creativity itself illustrates the aphorism of “as above, so below”, for nothing exists in the physical realm without first existing in the mental or spiritual realm. We do nothing that we don’t think of doing first. The creative process can benefit greatly from grounding and meditation, as a clearer and calmer mind is much more likely to produce valuable ideas.

Manifestation

Even more than creative inspiration, the Cascade can be an effective tool for manifesting and for putting “as above so below” into action. While immersed in this sacred space, set your intentions. Visualize your goals and aspirations as if they are being illuminated by the vibrant colors of the Aurora. See them flowing effortlessly, like the water, towards your physical reality. All life is made of water and light, so tapping into the natural source of your own being is a powerful first step in bringing any idea, will, outcome or state into existence. With practice and persistence, this can be an exceptionally powerful and sacred space. Creating or visiting this space often will only grow its energy and potential, and therefore your own. Eventually, you may feel more and more at one with the Aurora Cascade, recognizing yourself and your own vital essence in this high vibration dimension.

© Meredith Everwhite - The Oracle of Water 2024