Last year I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend Theresa Richardson about the Ascension process. At the time, we were leading into 11-11-11, and so some of this interview deals with the significance of that date as well. If you find yourself ever asking "What is Ascension?" then Theresa's wise words should be of great help. I personally found her to be very insightful. Theresa is a Reiki Master and a Channel of higher beings such as the Archangel Gabriel and the Lady Nada.   

What is Ascension? What is the purpose of Ascension? 

To “Ascend” means to rise, and in a sense that is what we are doing here.  We are raising the level of our consciousness to encompass the higher dimensional aspects of ourselves. Ascension begins with expanding our perception to remember the totality of who we are.  We are, and always have been, multidimensional beings. We are Divine Beings of Love and Light, part of a vast Universe of connected consciousness. As we remember who we are, we do not deny our bodies, or our 3rd dimensional reality.  We simply open up to something more.  And as we do so, the focus of our consciousness shifts, the balance point of our being shifts from 3rd dimensional reality to 5th dimensional reality.

How is Ascension relevant to each of us individually? Collectively? What changes can we expect to see in the physical world as a result of Ascension? What changes can we expect to see on more spiritual terms?    

    The focus of 5th dimensional reality is unconditional  love.  So the way that we manifest this phenomena is different with each person.  But basically, as we adapt and reach for 5th dimensional living, we strive to love.  We attempt to bring more of that energy into our interactions with ourselves and our world.  At the personality level this means kindness, equanimity, and an attitude of love and gratitude.  Joy and Laughter.  This is about evolution, not perfection. So we practice this, and try to get better at it.  I once took a vacation with 3 women, and all of us were practicing our mastery.  Without realizing it until afterward, everything just flowed.  We had enough of everything we needed.  The chores just seemed to get divided up in a way that suited us easily.  Needless to say, we all had a great time.  Later my spirit guides told me that that was what 5th dimensional living was like.  

    The Ascension of humanity en masse will take place over time.  We are the forerunners.  The pioneers.  As 5th dimensional Consciousness becomes the norm, great healing is taking place.  All of our governing systems will eventually change form, as well as our economic system and educational systems.  This is nothing to be afraid of.  It will gradually occur as it reflects the higher consciousness of  individuals.  The divine feminine and masculine will come into greater balance, and all of their qualities will be understood to be equally valuable.  As you can see, this is happening now. 

Why is 11-11-11 such an important date for these energies of transformation?  

    Evolution for our entire planet is happening at this time as pre-ordained, in harmony with certain astronomical and astrological influences.  Our solar system is coming into direct alignment with the Great Central Sun of our Galaxy, which only happens every 26,000 years or so.  Every year, for the last 25 years or so more strongly, pulses from the center have been getting stronger and stronger, and they are astrologically aligned with certain dates.  Mostly equinoxes and solstices, but other times as well, like 11:11:11.  This date and time is actually a portal, allowing major influences for growth and enlightenment to focus in time and space.            

 Why are we experiencing Ascension at this particular point in linear history? Has it happened before?

    As many of you know, the earth is an intelligent and aware being with an evolutionary path of her own. It was intended from her inception that she would support the experiment in third dimensional consciousness, but only for a time. Her core has already returned to base 5, and she is eagerly waiting for us to catch up. The new magnetic grid is already completed, and the 6th dimensional crystalline grid will be complete and activated very soon. So the earth is ready.

    Every religious or spiritual tradition that I know of, from Judeo-Christian to Hindu, Native American to Australian Aborigines have traditional stories about our current time period, and the Mayan Calendar of course.    Some of these can be a little scary, and this is why.  It was intended from the beginning humanity would ascend at this time.  Unfortunately, humanity had become so disconnected from it's true self and spirit, that it was believed we would have to be wiped out and start over before we blew ourselves and our planet to bits.  Hence, the emergence of all the negative prophecies like those frequently quoted from the bible, and even the more fear-based movies, etc., today.

    Fortunately that is just not going to happen.  Enough of humanity has re-connected to the Oneness, and made an effort to understand and communicate the process, so that much of the world is waking up!  Yes we will continue to have some Earth changes as have been predicted.  But not anything as dire as imagined.   

What should I expect from the Ascension process? Should I take advantage of these energies in some way, or just allow myself to experience them? 

    People all over the world  are waking up to the true Oneness of our being, and our multidimensional reality. As we do this, and get in touch with our souls, our God-given gifts of clairvoyance, telepathy, and energy healing are naturally re-emerging. It is all a natural process. The idea of allowing is important.  I also find it very helpful to make it a point to spend meditation and social time with like minded individuals.  A practice of personal meditation is also very helpful.  

Is there anything else you would like to share about Ascension and/or 11-11-11? 

About 20 years ago I remember sitting and thinking that I would only be 56, still young, in 2012.  That only seems like moments ago.  It has been an amazing journey of self-discovery and healing, full of more joy and love than I could even imagine at that time.  Although it wasn't always easy, I wouldn't change a thing.  And I would like to encourage everyone to explore their personal connection to their Spirit, and let it take them where it will. 

Theresa is an intuitive healer whose life’s work has been dedicated to reconnection with the Soul in many forms. She teaches Reiki as a spiritual practice and healing modality, and offers individual Reiki sessions as well. She loves teaching classes such as Crystal Workshops, and Developing Your Intuitive Gifts. Her readings are intended to empower the individual and create understanding that we co-create our reality in harmony with All-That-Is.