The orange energy band represents a further expression of energy into material form. Energy now moves from being grounded in physical existence to beginning to develop and expression in the physical plane. The orange band relates to all forms of physical, creative, and sexual expression.
Every energy zone in our bodies can have a shadow side. Part of our exploration of Machu Picchu through our own energetic zones is to learn more about ourselves in order to bring healing into our lives. Fear is the shadow side of the Solar Plexus and guilt the shadow of the Sacral region. Many people find themselves challenged in this lower abdominal area of their bodies. Western culture has not yet learned how to interact in a balanced way with this very sacred area of the body and with sexuality in particular. We get mixed messages about the beauty of the body and the shame associated with it. Some of us deal with guilt over things done to us as children in this part of our bodies. But let us use this opportunity now to tune into Machu Picchu and our bodies and see if we can move some energy in a positive way.
On your visit to Machu Picchu you will discover a special place to support your healing and transformation.
Because of the design of the orange zone and the comfort and serenity you can achieve at Machu Picchu you may find this a wonderful place to embrace personal healing. A vibrant and healthy sacral chakra embraces the beauty and function of everything in this band of the human body.
For women readers I can tell you a little secret. The womb is not just a place for growing babies. The sacred matrix that you carry in your womb is an energetic incubator. There is nothing shameful about the female form or any of its functions. Ladies, there is a power in your wombs. Your bellies, which expand so beautifully and lovingly during nine months of pregnancy, are energetic temples of the sacred. But use the sacred power you possess wisely. Any thought, conceived in love, can be placed in your womb. You can hold your hands in front of you in prayer position. Then take your hopes and aspirations and image them moving into your womb as a ball of light within your hands. Take that ball of light and slowly, lovingly, place that ball of light into your womb. Bless your dreams and prayers in this way. Then tune into the power you have to do this sacred work.
The rest I leave to your intuition. This is not the only secret you are holding within your bodies.
For the men let me say this. Part of the secret that the women possess here is the power of emptiness. The open round form of the womb is part of its power. Mystics like Ibrahim Karim say “The center is a
transcendental gateway beyond time and space”. Every organ which allows itself for be filled with fluid or tissue has transcendental and transpersonal functions. For men the most obvious round area, but not the most powerful, is the cranium. The brain is able to do what is does in part because it is enclosed in a round
structure. Put the brain in a square instead of a sphere and you will not have adequate function. Think of the term ‘block-head’ as a contrast. For men and women a very important containing space to work with is the heart that we will cover later.
Let’s return to the orange band at Machu Picchu. Across the plaza from the Intiwatana in the orange band there is within a cluster of buildings a large set of stones. One set of stones forms a special area for meditation and for working with the orange energy band. This area features a carved seat to sit upon and a reflector stone in front of the carved seat. Interestingly this area also includes a direct view of the Intiwatana area from you position in the carved seat.
When you visit Machu Picchu you can work with any of these stones. Once you find this area at Machu Picchu find the seat and get comfortable. You can feel the curve in the stone that will support a good upright posture.
Now, beyond the seat in the stone, imagine why this rock is here and what is its function. Look all around at the stones and get a sense of this place. This one area alone can show you how the Inka built very powerful and purposeful technology in a specific place for a specific function and make it all look so blended and subtle.
Illustration 38: Meditation Area In The Orange Band Showing The Carved Seat Below The Two Windows On The Left And The Reflector Stone In The Right Foreground.
While sitting on this stone look a few feet in front of you at the large stone lying horizontally. This stone is shaped so that a flat surface of the stone is facing you. The function of this stone in front of you is to reflect energy back towards you. This reflecting stone reaches above your head as you are seated. If you look carefully beyond the stone you can look at the space between the two structures beyond it. If you look up within this gap you will see a wall of stone that is directly in front of the Intiwatana. You can use the suggested meditation for this section or another meditation of your choice. Examine the feelings in your body to try and feel where you are sitting in relationship to the entire Machu Picchu complex. This type of orientation should be a skill you focus on developing during your visit. You may not be able to automatically tell which band you are in but you should be able to develop a general energetic orientation to the Intiwatana itself.
At this point it is important to talk about how much time all of this meditation and energetic work will take. If you are going to Machu Picchu to connect with it for spiritual work then consider giving yourself at least two days onsite. If you only have one day then think about the bands you are most drawn to and start there. It is possible to cover all twelve bands during four hours if you only have one day. If you must do the short version then pace yourself and try to bring a notebook and write down any thoughts or images that come to you in each area. Physically make sure you have enough water to drink. Try not to eat a large meal before coming to Machu Picchu. Following the advice of many spiritual schools and paths you may be more sensitive to the energy if you have not had sex within the prior seven or more days. Most important you need to approach Machu Picchu with respect and anticipate the sacred site is waiting for you to converse with it. If you only have a day and you do lots of spiritual work in advance then you can have an experience that will be rich enough to reflect on for months or years.
Illustration 39: Proper Seating Posture In The Orange Band Carved Seat
Suggested Meditation:
Close your eyes. Feel connected to the earth through your bottom. Allow your mind to settle and clear. When you are ready bring your awareness to your breath. Feel your abdomen expand and contract with each inhale and exhale. You may want try placing your hands in a mudra or prayer position or you could place your right hand on your abdomen and your left hand on the ground. Pay attention to any peristalsis or other motion in your belly. When you feel rooted you may want to pretend that you can breath in an out of the area below your navel. Allow your breath to flow in and out of this area. Remember that you are safe. If any uncomfortable feelings come you can feel free to release them into Pachamama on the out breath. On the in breath imagine your belly filling with light. You can use white light or orange light. You can check your intuition for any other hand positions or imagery that is appropriate for you to use. When you feel a sense of connection and then completeness you can slowly come back. Allow more time for reflection and any note taking before getting up.
Give thanks and expect that something wonderful in you has shifted and cleared.
Illustration 40: View When Seating On The Curved Stone In The Orange Band. The Energy Reflector Stone Is At The Bottom. The Intiwatana Is At The Top Between The Other Two Buildings.