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Is The Imaginal Realm Real?


P O S T E D O N D E C E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8 B Y C Y N T H I A B O U R G E A U LT

Part 3 of a three-part blog series by Cynthia Bourgeault. See below for links to the full series.

*****

I cannot emphasize strongly enough that the word imaginal does not mean “imaginary.” That
unfortunate but all too understandable confusion was created by Henry Corbin, the noted Islamic
scholar, when he introduced the term Mundus Imaginalis to name that intermediate, invisible realm
of causality that figures so prominently in mystical Islamic cosmology. But Corbin was drawing here
on a highly technical and quintessentially Islamic notion of Imagination as itself one of those higher
and more subtle energies, possessing being, will, objectivity, and creative function. To our modern
Western ears, the word “imaginal” may indeed seem to suggest some private, interior, or subjective
inner landscape, “make-believe” or fanciful by nature. But while it is typically associated with the
world of dreams, visions, and prophecy—i.e., more subtle form—the imaginal is always understood
within traditional metaphysics to be objectively real and in fact comprising “an ontological reality
entirely superior to that of mere possibility.” (Gospel of Mary Magdalene, p. 153.) It designates a
sphere that is not less real but more real than our so-called “objective reality” and whose generative
energy can (and does) change the course of events in this world. Small though it may appear to be,
it is mighty, as those who try to swim against it will readily attest.
Walter Wink, one of the few Western theologians as yetStoreto deal
Myappreciatively
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theUpimaginal
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realm, describes how this “generative” causality played out in the events following the resurrection.
His commentsWisdom
below offer a clear window intoBlog
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of theseCourses
key points: that imaginal
Practice reality is
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that it carries real force: Donate
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It is a prejudice of modern thought that events happen only in the outer world. What
Christians regard as the most significant event in human history happened, according to the
gospels, in the psychic realm, and it altered external history irrevocably. Ascension was an
“objective” event, if you will, but it took place in the imaginal realm, at the substratum of
human existence where the most fundamental changes in consciousness take place. The
ascension was a “fact” on the imaginal plane, not just an assertion of faith. It irreversibly
altered the nature of the disciples’ consciousness. (quoted from The Meaning of Mary
Magdalene, 166-7)

One need only to read the Book of Acts to sense the breadth and power of this change in the
disciples’ consciousness and to grasp the implications of what Wink is saying here. Not all
constructions are illusions, for sure! However and wherever these disciples came to it, they emerged
from the post-resurrection events infused with a clear and high sense of purpose, resolve,
empowerment, and above all, the unshakable confidence that their Lord was still present with them
—which at the imaginal level is indisputedly true. With their oars planted firmly in that kingdom,
they moved forward to change the world. This is exactly what Corbin was trying convey by the word
“imagination,” understood in the traditional sense. Imaginal reality is a valid construction which, by
changing consciousness in its inner ground, changes the nature of reality in the outer world. For this
world as we know it is simply the outer form—Isaak Dinesen’s snake skin— within which runs that
fiery, innermost aliveness. At least when things are working well, that is.

Because of this demonstrated capacity to affect outcome in this world, the imaginal realm has long
been associated with the world of dreams, prophecy, and oracles. To attuned hearts, it does indeed
seem to send “messages.” That is why it often is equated with the “subtle” level of consciousness in
Asian-influenced typologies such as those promulgated by contemporary
Store philosopher
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There is truth here, to be sure, but remember that these “levels of consciousness” maps are all
essentially “upperWisdom
left quadrant” metaphysics,
About Us Blogto useEvents
Wilberspeak—or in other Resources
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individual interior 
journey and individual Donate
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  Properly
 understood
 through
 its own
Western filter, the imaginal realm is collective and evolutionary; its ultimate purpose is to guide,
shape, nourish, and where necessary offer course-corrections to our entire planetary and
interplanetary unfolding. As an objectively verifiable realm, interpenetrating our earth plane and
operating at a twice-higher frequency of spiritual intensity and coherence (more on that to follow
shortly), it is a life within a life, and its laws, interpenetrating our own, provide the inner template by
which the outer unfolding can proceed rightly.

Therefore, it is also and primarily supremely the realm of cosmic assistance. It is the “place” from
which saints, teachers, masters, and all manner of abler souls reach out across the apparent divide
between the worlds to support or where necessary modify earthly outcomes in tandem with willing
and attuned hearts here below.

IMAGINAL REALM BLOG SERIES

Three-part blog series by Cynthia Bourgeault, introducing her reflections on the Imaginal Realm.

Introducing the Imaginal


“Where” is The Imaginal Realm Located?
Is The Imaginal Realm
Store Real?
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20 thoughts on “Is The Imaginal Realm Real?”


April 26, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Jenny Steves Gillespie says:

Beautiful piece. Thank you!


Confused about our role.
In a spiritually evolving world, are we in these lower energy bodies to be energetic bridges,
anchoring sources that willingly surrender and attune to the flow of the divine creative force to
increase its presence here, or are we active participants in the dream? I’m thinking, hoping it begins
with the first, which after much refining work flows into the second .. Or is this glamour or illusion?
Somehow our purpose must extend beyond this difficult work of active surrender and energy
refinement into creative participation in the evolving divine dance … ?
I have much to learn.

Reply

April 26, 2020 at 4:58 pm


Cynthia Bourgeault says:

That will be the subject of my forthcoming book, EYE OF THE HEART, due out from Shambhala in
early September. Basically, it’s both. In a forthcoming commentary on the Gurdjieff WEB exercise
(specifically, in the concluding installment of my six posts on this exercise), I will fill in the pieces a bit
further-0-not as much as in the book, but a trailer. Stay tuned! It should be up by sometime the
week after next, I would guess. Blessings and thank you for your kind comments.

Reply
December 7, 2019 at 5:10 pm Store My Account/Courses Sign Up Contact Us
Marilyn says:
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Is there any way to know how many Donate
 are on the wait list for the Imaginal School in March 2020 at this
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time? Hoping to be able to come.
     

Reply

December 9, 2019 at 10:11 am


Holly Hough says:

You can contact robbin@wayofwisdomknowing.com for more information. Hope that helps.

Reply

January 13, 2020 at 5:03 pm


Thomas Work says:

I am Grateful, We are To Care for our Created beings and works of His Hands who formed and
fashioned our Existence, Love and Thankful to Our Creator . We are practicing mindfulness and
understanding. What you ask of me , I shall abide in Your Love. Jesus Christ my Redeemer in your
name and in your praise I pray this prayer unto thee. Also to your faithful elect , those whom have
believed and trusted and are with you as members to say Thank you for the work in Building my
Father’s Kingdom. For your letters of encouragement. I’m delighted to know that God’s Will Be
Done.To His appointed time and plan. Thank You for the opportunity to know of your Greatness. I
Love You Always

November 20, 2019 at 5:59 pm


Sharon Barrow says:

I, too, would like to have the option to print the pages without the images. Hoping this can be
possible.

Seek and you will find more than you can possibly imagine.
Sharon

Reply
May 24, 2019 at 9:29 am Store My Account/Courses Sign Up Contact Us
Patricia Dorland says:
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Imaginal Realm, I feel that my experience of surrenderingDonate
Today, as I read the 3 blogs on the to
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Christ as a process of indwelling Spirit in me. Now, I am seeking awareness this so that I can live this
moment from Christ.

Reply

May 13, 2019 at 8:27 am


Teresa Breakey says:

My husband and I have recently “discovered” you. We have gleaned so much from your teachings
and appreciate your ability to somehow make sense out material and information that can tend to
be confusing, to say the least. Thank you for so faithfully sharing the insights given you via The
Imaginal Realm.

Reply

December 5, 2018 at 1:02 pm


Virginia Iversen says:

wow ~ this is so very beautiful and profound, Cynthia! so, this is one of the reasons to continue my
daily centering prayer practice…so I can align the coherence of my heart, mind and soul with the
resonant power of the divine energy of Christ; and from that place, serve the world around me
thank-you for the reminder. Virginia from Woodstock.

Reply

December 5, 2018 at 9:34 am


Lisa Persons says:

Hi Northeast Wisdom Webmaster…


Is there any way to have a button to click that would allow a “print” format? Thanks so much for
considering.

Reply
December 5, 2018 at 10:42 am Store My Account/Courses Sign Up Contact Us
Holly Hough says:
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Great idea…will add that for the next
 update. Donate
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Reply

December 5, 2018 at 1:03 pm


Lisa Persons says:

Thanks, Holly!

December 5, 2018 at 1:09 pm


Lisa Persons says:

Holly – one other thought is that it would be great to have the option to print without the photos…
Don’t know if that is possible, but I thought I’d ask! I know there are occasionally graphics that are
desirable, like the nesting graphics in the last article, but often they are photos that are not essential
to the article.

December 4, 2018 at 10:17 am


Joan Fothergill says:

Oh my Cynthia! Masterful. And it just so happens to be true. The garments rend, tears flow, the heart
bursts upon reading. Glory!

Reply

December 4, 2018 at 10:23 am


Joan Fothergill says:

And those images that accompany the text. Gorgeous. All we need now is music and the dance!

Reply
December 4, 2018 at 10:33 am Store My Account/Courses Sign Up Contact Us
Karen D’Attilo says:
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She IS Music and Dance!!! Silly hats
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December 3, 2018 at 9:04 pm


jeremy stowell says:

One of the most helpful presentations on the imaginal realm that I have experienced.
Of course, being in the vessel with Cynthia is always quite an experience

Reply

December 4, 2018 at 9:47 am


Karen D’Attilo says:

Hello Jeremy
Appreciated your comment on Cynthia’s take (more appropriately
give) on the Imaginal. Her current series is some of her best work to date. We ARE all in the Vessel
with Cynthia….
very accurate description…..I am a poet and I love words.
Traveling with her writings is quite the ride and quite the journey.
We became friends years ago at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado. Share many
similar monastic experiences.
I am a hermit in the woods near by.
Have you checked out her latest book “Love is the Answer”?
A collection of comments and thoughts about various concepts,
a good little read.
Namaste
Karen D’Attilo
dattilokaren95@gmail.com

Reply

December 5, 2018 at 12:55 pm


Jeremy Stowell says:

Thanks Karen
Yes,’ Love is the Answer….’ is a superb read. I am in the middle,
Store Myreading slowly and meaningfully
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word. There is such a wonderful blend of music , poetry, innate and acquired wisdom, compassion,
wordsmithing,Wisdom
dance and the play of light Us
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openness in her
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wonderous! Waypoints  Donate
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December 3, 2018 at 8:39 pm


Karen D’A ttilo says:

Ah dear dear Cynthia


Exactly what I needed to read on a cold snowy evening in Snowmass.
I managed to break two ribs and pain
interrupts floating in the Imaginal
Realm. Your verification of what I know of the Imaginal is balm for my
soul. As for messages between worlds. A button, made of abalone shell, managed to disconnect
itself from a beloved’s sweater and wound up on my pillow.
Someone is indeed home.
Thank you.

Reply

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