Over the last several years, I have noticed more people expressing that they are encountering a thinning of the veils, openings between the worlds, crossings to and from the neighboring realms, and so on. These reports have been increasing in number and the intervals between reports have been decreasing. Significantly, these encounters and observations are less linked to the times and places that are traditionally thought of as naturally liminal or during the times in the changes of the seasons of the Sun and Moon when these passages are expected. I have read and heard a variety of suggestions to explain this phenomenon, and many of them are reasonable and plausible. I’d like to propose that there is also a slow and steady shift in the Astrological tides that is also one of the root causes of this change. There will be just enough Astrology in this post to offer an explanation without bogging down in a lesson in Astrology.

The Astrological Ages on average are about 2160 years, though their length does vary. The Ages are comparable to months in the Great Year, and like the yearlong cycle of the Zodiac, they describe the changing state of the world through the qualities of the Signs. The shift from one Age to another is a slow process that takes about a century or so. The change from one Age to another is like the change from one season to another. For example, once we reach the Spring Equinox it does not mean that every day henceforth is warm, it just means everyday thereafter is more likely to be springlike until the season fully hits its stride. The pattern and the essence of the Sign of an Age permeates all the attributes of the world in obvious and subtle ways. The Age is like a hidden Sun, a strange attractor, around which all things revolve each in their own way.

You are probably aware that the Signs are associated with the Four Elements, and if you know a bit about Astrology you also know that the Signs have an associated Modality. In brief, we are departing/have departed the Age of Pisces that is Mutable Water and entering/have entered the Age of Aquarius that is Fixed Air. The Modality of the Age sets the character of the veils that separate the planes of reality. In the Age of Pisces the Mutable Modality meant that the veils tended to reseal and close themselves relatively swiftly and organically. The veils when parted under the influence of Pisces were guided by the imprint of Mutable Water and would start to flow to fill the gap as soon as efforts ceased. As a reminder, the power of Water is of the emotions and the power of Air is of the mind. The veils parted under the influence of the Fixed Air of Aquarius tend to remain parted until the thought-form has faded or is intentionally closed that caused the opening. We are in the churning zone of transition out of Pisces and into Aquarius, but I believe that more often than not the veils are following the Fixed Modality that encourages the preservation of conditions rather than their reversion to their previous state.

It has always been a good custom for practitioners of magick, the soul arts, and such to close what they open and to bid farewell to those they call, but practitioners are not the only ones that part the veils. Strong dreamers can open the ways. Tragic or sudden deaths can also part the veils. The same power of passion and imagination that is shaped for use in magick exists in all people and in extremis or by chance, anyone may do magick.  It is also important to remember that humans are not the only beings that can and do part the veils, travel the roads, and skry through time. Some of these beings are housed in dense matter as we are and some are not. Some are vast and some are small so their passages create openings in a variety of sizes and shapes that we can scarcely imagine. Now, these passages between the realms linger unless consciously closed. The last time we were in a Fixed Age was a bit over 4000 years ago. Our new normal will make for an interesting world.

I am convinced that as we move deeper into this Age, that there will be cumulative interactions between the openings that will result in regular otherworldly experiences. These sightings will not be limited to those with the second sight or those seeking magick. Even people whose worldviews and beliefs to not seek nor include the supernatural will begin to encounter it with greater frequency. These meetings with the other side will be interpreted and misinterpreted in many different ways. It behooves those of us that consciously seek connections with the other realms to be available to those newly arrived to a broader concept of reality.  You may also find yourself in dialogue more often with the spirits and the residents of the Greater Earth, so be mindful of the virtues of diplomacy and hospitality. The Greater Earth is the term I use for our plane of residence as well as for the ethereal geography that is a part of the life of the Earth though separated by veils or differences of density and vibration such as Faerie, the Underworld, and so on. The first century of an Age has a significant impact on the shape of the culture for the 2000 years that follow. In addition to a transformation of our cultures, because of the nature of this Age there is also a change in the exchange between the planes of the Greater Earth. 

And when you work your magick, please open the door softly and remember to close it as well. 

While I was writing I was listening to “Open The Door Softly” as performed by Sylvia Herold.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mA3JsEn7ss