Table Mountain - Chakras, Myths, Feng Shui and My Story

Our physical bodies have around them an electromagnetic field of energy and this subtle energy interacts with our physical bodies by flowing through spiralling energy centres known as chakras.  There are seven main chakras and a number of smaller ones that interact with the body, feeding in good energy and disposing of unwanted energy when they are functioning properly.

My interest in the chakra system has existed for some years now, but only recently have I discovered that there are also said to be earth chakras and planetary chakras.

As in the case of the body, in the case of the earth, energetic currents flow below and/or above the ground and these currents are known as ley lines. Earth chakras occur at the spots where ley lines converge and areas all over the world are said to have these earth chakras.  They are considered to be energy hotspots and one often finds sacred sites built on these spots.

Spirallying above our planet there is also a powerful energy current made up of subtle-energy lines of light that meet, cross over each other and wrap themselves around specific places.  This energy current is known as the Earth serpent and appears in the myths of various cultures.  In China, for instance, it takes the form of flying dragons.  The specific places which are considered to be very powerful mark the planetary chakras.

Further investigation of such places of energy in South Africa, has brought to my attention that Table Mountain in Cape Town is no ordinary mountain.

Table Mountain, which is 1085m high, is considered to harness great energy.  It is said that there are two major ley-lines running through the mountain and this concentration of energy is said to enhance psychic abilities and healing powers, making Table Mountain an excellent place to practise the various modalities of alternative healing.

It is perhaps no surprise therefore that Cape Town is leading the way in South Africa when it comes to offering alternative medical care options. 

When it comes to the 12 major energy centres on the planet, there are what are called eight chakras and four spinner wheels, each relating to one of the four elements; earth, air, fire and water.  Each spinner wheel has a particular purpose and the earth wheel, Table Mountain, is said to nurture and sustain, and to generate light.  All centres of earth energy are also reputed to be excellent places for meditating, and meditating at such a spot is said to contribute to planetary health. 

The spinner wheels are said to the radiate the energy out to the chakras along ley lines, called as mentioned before, serpent or dragon lines.

St. George’s cathedral, at the foot of Table Mountain, is built on such a ley line.  For many years the cathedral was the focus of resistance against apartheid, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who presided over the cathedral form 1986 to 1996, is widely recognised as having contributed extensively towards the making of South Africa’s new democracy.

Table Mountain also features in the creation myths of Africa.  African legend tells how Tixo (God of the Sun), and Djobela (earth Goddess) had a child called Qamata who created the world.  The Great Dragon of the Sea did not want dry land to be formed so he fought with Qamata.  Qamata was crippled in the battle, so Djobela, the Earth Mother came to his aid by creating four mighty giants to guard the far corners of the earth.  The strongest and biggest of these giants was placed at the gateway to the south where Cape Town now lies.

Many battles between the giants and the great Dragon of the Sea ensued, and gradually the giants were killed one by one.  However, before they died they requested that the Earth Mother to turn them into mountains, so that they could guard the world even in death.  In this way, the greatest giant of them all – Umlindi Wemingizimu – became the watcher of the south – Table Mountain.

Cape Town is said to be the perfect city according to the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui.  It is protected by Table Mountain from behind and the energy (chi) flowing in from the sea is said to be slowed down by Robben Island before it reaches land. This energy then rests as it were in an energy-filled bowl.

Table Mountain has always figured in the story of my life. 

As a child, I can remember my grandfather telling me stories in which this magnificent mountain often featured. 

My grandfather grew up in Cape Town and when he was 10 years old a huge fire raged on the mountain.  Fascinated he went to watch it and did not return home at the time he was meant to.  On his eventual return, there was such a huge argument that my grandfather ran away from home, never to return, and went to live with his granny.  That, at least, is the story as I recall it.

As a young man he was an avid mountaineer and often climbed Table Mountain from various angles.  He would tell us how he and his friends would pick disas growing on the slopes and then wait to present them to the girls they knew when these girls knocked off from work. 

I visited Cape Town for the first time when I was in High School and experienced the majesty and the energy of the mountain for myself.

At this point of time in my life, we often visit Cape Town.  On waking, the first thing I always do is look out of my window at the mountain.  Breakfast is taken with a view of the mountain and so the day continues.  The Mountain is always there.  I always feel as if I am able to breathe in its energy, and my daughter who lives in Cape Town will often tell me when she calls me that “Mom, I am busy sending you the Mountain’s energy”.

My love of Table Mountain is part of me and I was delighted to recently discover that Table Mountain has been selected a s the official nominee to represent South Africa in a global New7Wonders of Nature Campaign.  The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced on January 6, 2009 that Table Mountain is one of the 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries that have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New 7 Wonders of nature.  The second phase of voting is now taking place and one can join in the voting at this stage too.  The official New7Wonders of Nature will be named in 2011.

Table Mountain, at this point in history, this planet and its people cry out for healing. Nurture and sustain us. Watch over us from the south.

Bibliography:

Table Mountain  by Carrie Hampton, Andrew McIlleron

Table Mountain Activity Guide by Fiona McIntosh and Shaen Adey

Table Mountain to Cape Point by Carrie Hampton

The Chakra Bible by Patricia Mercier