Part One: It’s Hard to Realize Global Consciousness, All By Yourself
Have you ever wondered about “global consciousness” — whether or not it’s real…whether or not it’s alive? Well, you’re not alone. You’re casting your query into a field of imagination that’s simultaneously being occupied by millions of other people’s minds. In that respect, your mind, and all of those other minds, are essentially behaving like one mind. So then we ask ourselves this: Is that ‘one mind’ the product of every different individual’s brain acting the same way, or is it truly the same thought arising simultaneously from a single source? Is this a question that everyone has about global consciousness independently, or one that the Earth itself is posing through us? The answers may surprise you.
Are you a truth seeker? Start your journey now.
The most direct and personal realities of global consciousness may be the most obvious. Just thinking. Just being. We all think pretty much the same thoughts, and feel pretty much the same feelings. We’re all expressing a conscious intelligence that has either arisen through this layer of life on Earth, and comes through us, or that exists everywhere we can see (and everywhere we can’t), and we somehow access.
Where Does Global Consciousness Come From?
As far as humankind has come so far (and as far as it goes), there really is no beginning to the idea of global consciousness, nor will there be any end to it. Ironically, the ‘smarter’ we become as a species, the more detached we may have become from the intuitive intelligence that’s alive in our greater shared consciousness — particularly when it comes to the arising crises we face in sustaining life, as we know it, on this planet. Perhaps it’s time we began thinking– as one–about it.
“The Earth, its life, am I…
The Earth, its body is my body…
The Earth, its thoughts are my thoughts…
The Earth, its speech is my speech.”
From a Navajo chant
While our indigenous predecessors have always had an inherent understanding of a benevolent, shared source and intelligence alive in the world (as with “The Great Spirit”), it seems modern thought has had to take the long way around. From the postulations of the Greeks and their mythological goddess of the Earth, Gaia, the child of [the] Aether (and provider of our hosts origins), to the spiritually-tinged rationalism of Immanuel Kant’s “Transcendental Idealism,” or Émile Durkheim’s sociological “collective consciousness,” all the way to the scientific concept of Gaia as promoted by Buckminster Fuller (and popularized by Stewart Brand in The Whole Earth Catalog), and hypothesized by the chemist James Lovelock (back in 1970) — where the earth is a dynamic, self-regulating entity that must serve as the source of our proper inspiration and purpose — the course of modern thought has been leading us back to the informed mysticism of our native forefathers. Now, it would seem, all the Earth needed was a face.
The Godfather of Global Consciousness
The twentieth-century French paleontologist, philosopher, and Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, was so far ahead of his time in his understanding of the profound interconnectedness of the world to all of its geological, biological, anthropological, and theological (psycho-spiritual) parts, that the Catholic Church, profoundly disturbed by his radical departures from church dogma, wouldn’t allow the publication of most of his books until after his death in 1955.
Teilhard proposed that following the creation of the geosphere of inanimate matter, and the biosphere of budding, blooming, swimming, crawling, reproducing life that, evolutionarily, what he called the “noosphere” — a layer, or field, of conscious human intelligence — had developed on the surface of the Earth, composed not only of the evolutionary intelligence of human beings, but also of our spiritual potential, as would be demonstrated by our ever-expanding, emergent capacity for simultaneous global consciousness.
“Each of us is…linked by all the material, organic, and psychic strands of his being to all that surrounds him….By means of all created things, without exception, the divine assails us, penetrates us, and molds us. We imagined it as distant and inaccessible, when in fact we live steeped in its burning layers.”
Teilhard de Chardin
By what appears counterintuitive, he first realized a kind of cognitive identity of this conscious layer of the planet through his geological fascination with rocks, and then, as a paleontologist, seeing people as an expression of this intelligence of the Earth, and finally stating that “the Earth has the face of a cosmic person.” He went on to suggest that eventually, we would reach a singularity of global consciousness that he called “The Omega Point.” In this way, he may have simply been circling back to the philosophies of our indigenous ancestors, as well as other ancient voices of wisdom.
Panpsychism, The Vedas, and “The Quantum Field”
This concept of what’s called panpsychism — the idea that consciousness exists everywhere and in everything — has gotten more and more support (even from the scientific community) as our capacity for observation has increased. Looking to outer space, what had at first been thought to be more stars were discovered to actually be more galaxies. Looking to inner space, as we explore into the nature of subatomic matter, we also find that into whatever extremely tiny corner consciousness can shine its light, there is always more matter to discover. It’s as though consciousness energizes and animates the material at every level of observation we can muster (as in quantum physics). It’s as though consciousness occupies space, and supplies the actual life within all matter.
“Wherefrom do all these worlds come? They come from space. All beings arise in space, and into space they return: space is their beginning…and their end.”
The Chandogya Upanishad 1.9.1
The most reliable and comprehensive description of the nature and role of “cosmic consciousness” in our apparent reality, as well as being remarkably accurate precursors to the principles of quantum physics, are the Hindu Vedic texts, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita (spoken from the fourth millennium BCE, written from the first millennium BCE, roughly). They describe Brahmin (God) as infinite being and consciousness, and the source and essence of the manifestations of purusha, which is spirit, and prakriti, which is matter, in all its ever-changing forms. Everything, animate and inanimate, is Brahmin, which also manifests as Hiranyagarbha — the “world soul.”
“In all the world, there is no…framework…in which we can find consciousness in the plural…we construct [this] because of the temporal plurality of individuals, but it is false…The only solution to this conflict…lies in the ancient wisdom of the Upanishad.”
Erwin Schrödinger
The world of inner space was so well-described by these ancient texts, that the fathers of modern quantum physics, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Max Planck, and Werner Heisenberg were all huge fans of the Vedic scripture, including the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. In the Vedas, they found not only a clear understanding of the magical realities that their new discoveries revealed, but also the earliest answers to what’s called “The Hard Problem” of quantum physics, that is, how does consciousness inhabit inanimate matter? How does anything, including the Earth and all of its occupants, become alive?
Join me in Part Two, as we take a quantum look at how the miracle of consciousness inhabits and energizes every aspect of our reality, from the actual, measurable evidence of the global mind, to the crazy mechanisms that just may make it all possible; and on to what it means–and can mean to each and every one of us–as we realize our instantaneous connections to the incredible, intelligent source of everything.
About the Author
What Are Indigo Children and How to Identify Them?
Indigo children are often described as extraordinary beings with a powerful spiritual mission. Connected to the new age movement, the concept of indigo children suggests that these unique human beings come into the world with deep intuition, psychic abilities, and a strong sense of purpose. Many believe they are old souls destined to help humanity transform outdated systems and move toward a higher state of consciousness.
Table of Contents
- What Are Indigo Children?
- History and Origin of the Concept
- Indigo Child Signs and Traits
- Types of Indigo Children
- Challenges and Common Issues of Indigo Children
- How to Identify an Indigo Child
- Indigo, Crystal, Rainbow, and Diamond Children Differences
- FAQs About Indigo Children
What Is an Indigo Child?
An indigo child is a spiritually gifted member of a new generation, often described as strong-willed, empathetic, and deeply intuitive. The term comes from the belief that many are born with an indigo aura, linked to the third eye chakra, wisdom, and spiritual insight. Indigos are thought to possess intuitive abilities, creativity, and an inner drive to challenge unjust systems. Seen as old souls on a spiritual journey, they are viewed as visionaries who resist conformity, promote justice, and represent a broader shift in consciousness.
History and Origin of the Concept
The term “indigo child” was first introduced by Nancy Ann Tappe, a parapsychologist and synesthete, in the 1970s. Tappe observed that some children seemed to have a predominant indigo-blue aura, which she associated with a new spiritual frequency. She linked this aura color to unique qualities such as adaptability, intuition, and psychic abilities.
In the 1990s, authors Lee Carroll and Jan Tober further popularized the idea through their books, which described specific indigo children traits such as hyperactivity, sensitivity, and resistance to authority. They positioned indigos as a new generation of human beings sent to help dismantle outdated structures and lead society into greater awareness.
Since then, the concept has grown beyond indigos to include crystal children, rainbow children, and later diamond children — each wave carrying new gifts and missions in humanity’s spiritual evolution.
Indigo Child Signs and Traits
The following indigo child signs are most often cited:
Core Traits
- Spiritually inclined: A deep connection to higher purpose and awareness.
- Empathy and sensitivity: Feel the emotions of others strongly, sometimes too intensely.
- Strong-willed: Naturally rebellious, they resist blind conformity and question unjust authority.
- Creativity and intuition: Artistic talents linked to intuitive abilities, dreams, or even clairvoyance.
- Justice-driven: A deep need for fairness, often drawn to activism or causes.
- Bond with the natural world: An affinity with animals, plants, and the earth itself.
Behavioral Patterns
- Agents of change: Frequently advocate for social justice, environmental protection, and human rights.
- Sense of not belonging: Often feel different or isolated from peers.
- Intense energy: Can be misdiagnosed with ADHD, autism, or labeled as hyperactive. Many were placed on Ritalin in childhood.
- Academic struggles: Difficulty with rigid school systems; prefer experiential or creative learning.
- Adventurous: Love exploring new places, ideas, and cultural experiences.
Physical Traits
While less emphasized than personality, some believe indigo child physical traits include:
- Piercing or unusually intense eyes
- A vibrant indigo aura
- High energy or physical sensitivity to food, chemicals, or environments
Types of Indigo Children
Spiritual teachers often describe four main types of indigo children, each with its own strengths:
- Humanists: Compassionate helpers drawn to health, education, or social service.
- Artists: Creative innovators who express truth and inspire transformation.
- Conceptuals: Analytical and system-focused, seeking to rebuild outdated structures.
- Interdimensionals: Spiritually advanced, with profound psychic abilities, able to act as bridges between realms.
Each type of indigo child expresses the same mission — guiding humanity forward — in different ways.
Challenges and Common Issues of Indigo Children
The very traits that make indigos unique also present challenges:
- Authority conflicts: Their rebellious, independent spirit often creates tension with parents, teachers, or institutions.
- Emotional overwhelm: High empathy can lead to anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues.
- Misdiagnoses: Many indigo children have been labeled as autistic, ADHD, or dealing with other mental health conditions.
- Isolation: Their sense of being different can result in loneliness or feeling misunderstood.
These struggles highlight the importance of emotional support and environments that nurture their adaptability, creativity, and inner gifts.
How to Identify an Indigo Child
Recognizing an indigo child involves observing both behavior and energy. Signs include:
- Questioning rules and refusing to accept “because I said so” as an answer.
- Deep empathy, often sensing what others feel without being told.
- A strong sense of purpose and a conviction they are “meant for something more.”
- Interest in humanitarian causes, spirituality, or the natural world from an early age.
Some parents find that traditional personality tests don’t capture their indigo child’s unique worldview. Supporting their creativity, independence, and spiritual journey is key.
Indigo, Crystal, Rainbow, and Diamond Children Differences
Many in the new age community view indigo, crystal, rainbow, and diamond children as part of an ongoing spiritual evolution. Each generation is said to embody distinct traits, energies, and missions that reflect humanity’s gradual awakening.
- Indigo Children: The first wave, indigo children emerged in greater numbers in the 1970s. Known for being strong-willed, independent, and often rebellious, they are considered spiritual warriors whose purpose is to break down outdated systems. Their questioning of authority, passion for justice, and drive to challenge hypocrisy set the stage for the generations that followed.
- Crystal Children: The next wave, crystal children, began appearing in the 1990s. In contrast to the fiery indigo energy, crystals are described as gentle, peaceful, and deeply connected to love and healing. With large, expressive eyes and calm auras, they are thought to embody harmony and compassion, often bringing balance to families and communities destabilized by indigo intensity.
- Rainbow Children: Born primarily after 2000, rainbow children are often described as joyful, adaptable, and highly creative. Their energy is light and vibrant, and they are said to be natural forgivers, unafraid to love unconditionally. Rainbows often demonstrate a playful spirit, with strong intuitive abilities and an openness to the natural world. They act as bridges between past generations and future possibilities, embodying resilience and optimism.
- Diamond Children: The newest generation, diamond children, are believed to have begun arriving around 2008. Often described as visionaries, they are said to carry an innate ability to manifest their desires and shape reality. With advanced psychic abilities and deep spiritual awareness, diamonds are seen as teachers and guides for humanity’s next leap in consciousness, embodying clarity, truth, and a higher vibration of energy.
Together, these four groups are often seen as phases of spiritual awakening across generations: indigos clear the path, crystals bring healing, rainbows spread joy and adaptability, and diamonds offer vision and manifestation for the future.
The idea of indigo children has fascinated and inspired spiritual seekers for decades. Whether understood as old souls with a cosmic mission or as sensitive, gifted individuals navigating a complex modern world, they embody humanity’s potential for profound transformation.
By recognizing their signs, supporting their challenges, and honoring their place alongside crystal and rainbow children, we can help indigos fulfill their purpose. In doing so, they remind us of the enduring power of compassion, intuition, and a collective spiritual journey toward higher consciousness.
FAQs About Indigo Children
What is the meaning of indigo child in astrology?
In astrology, the indigo child meaning connects to planetary alignments suggesting higher awareness, adaptability, and psychic gifts. Indigo is linked to the third eye chakra, symbolizing insight and wisdom.
Are indigo children still being born?
Yes. Many believe indigos continue to be born, though newer generations — crystal children, rainbow children, and diamond children — have since emerged.
What does indigo mean spiritually?
Spiritually, indigo is the color of intuition, awareness, and truth. It is often linked to the third eye chakra and is associated with wisdom, spiritual insight, and deep connection.
What comes after indigo children?
After indigos came the crystal, rainbow, and diamond generations, each carrying new missions to further humanity’s spiritual growth.
How to parent an indigo child?
Parenting requires patience and flexibility. Support their creativity, encourage their empathy, and avoid rigid systems. Provide outlets for their hyperactivity and recognize their unique gifts rather than trying to “fix” them.
