Smarter Than a Fifth Grader; Are Pigs Smarter Than We Think?
The saying, “when pigs fly,” refers to an event or action most likely never to happen, especially when it comes to flight, and pigs. Pigs are animals we think of in relationship to farms, rolling in the mud to stay cool, snouts buried deep in their troughs. Or perhaps you think of the lovable pig Wilbur, from Charlotte’s Web?
When we consider higher intelligence in animals, we often think about the clever and opportunistic raccoon, or perhaps, our primate relatives, or elephants. But did you know that pigs are considered to be as smart, or perhaps even smarter than any of those animals? A large body of evidence points a curly tail at these largely unsung and highly intelligent animals. Current research shows the porcine population is emerging as one of the smartest animals living, as pig intelligence is studied in medical communities around the world.
Pig Intelligence; Complex and Perceptive Beings
Recent research has shown that pigs are in fact, highly evolved thinking beings, whose intelligence includes a wide range of emotions and complex cognitive capabilities, that include the use of tools and object manipulation. A study entitled “Thinking Pigs,” which explored domestic pigs, discovered high levels of attributes linked to animals normally thought of as the highest in the intelligence scale such as primates, certain birds such as crows, elephants, dolphins, and porpoises.
In the study, pigs displayed intelligence factors such as high and long term memory recall, a wide range of emotions, the ability and desire to learn new skills, curiosity, playfulness, strong social connections, self-awareness, and individualized personalities. Animal scientists have also applied a battery of intelligence tests to pigs that one would associate with primates. For example, in the 1990s, pigs showed they could learn to manipulate a video screen cursor using their snouts. The pigs were also able to tell the difference between repeated patterns and new ones, a behavior they performed better than chimpanzees, who are thought of as the highest on the animal intelligence scale.
But beyond the possible gaming talent pigs may have, one set of skills, in particular, has led many to reconsider pig’s intelligence status.
Pigs Using Tools: Using Their Snouts With Intention
In 2015, Meredith Root-Bernstein, a noted conservation ecologist, was visiting a zoo in Paris, France when she noticed an interesting behavior by “Priscilla,” a Visayan Warty pig, an endangered species from the Philippines. She observed Priscilla picking up a piece of bark with her snout and digging in the dirt with it, behavior she’d never in her years of research, seen or read about before.
Over two periods of time, she and a team videotaped the pig, as well as its family, who repeatedly used the bark “tools,” or sticks, in a process, she noted as being part of their nesting and breeding cycle, and one that was also taught to younger pigs. Her findings published in the journal Mammalian Biology is the first research domestic or wild pigs to have recorded this tool-using ability that pigs share with other highly evolved animals, including primates, dogs, and yes, humans.
Root-Bernstein’s research has opened the door to many questions about how similar humans are to other complex cognitive creatures. Her work and the work of other scientists unfold a story about the evolution of consciousness and intelligence in all animals, human and non-human alike.
Pigs Intelligence; How Cognition May Evolve
Do animals have the same kind of consciousness that humans lay claim to? Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and co-founder with Jane Goodall of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has no doubts as to the existence of consciousness in animals. He cites that the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness states that “humans are not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness.” Beckoff advocates for us to embrace the existence of consciousness and sentience in animals, and would go a long way to enhance our connection to animals.
Research is shining a light on new findings of the human and non-human brain’s capacity to express emotions and self-awareness. Previously considered to be a purely human neurological capacity, The aforementioned declaration states, “subcortical neural networks aroused during affective states in humans are also critically important for generating emotional behaviors in animals.” From birds to elephants, to pigs, there are striking similarities as to human and non-human consciousness.
The study of animal intelligence and consciousness, as well as non-human tool use, can teach us how all sentient beings have the ability to bring awareness to, and manipulate our world. An example of this was reported in the journal Animal Behaviour in which domestic breeds of pigs displayed the ability to quickly learn to use mirrors as a way to better understand their environment, specifically as it relates to searching out food sources.
The discussions regarding animal consciousness and intelligence, specifically in regards to tool use in primates has led scientists to classify this group of animals as having entered the Stone Age. The crude stone tools regularly employed by chimps and capuchins constitute a kind of stone-based technology. Could the same be said of pigs and their tool capability?
To those who disavow evolution or who believe consciousness belongs solely to humans, this research into the evolution of consciousness in animals might seem alien, threatening to the idea of humans being at the top of the intelligence food chain. However, another and the more expansive way might be to welcome this mounting evidence as an indication of a larger, deeper inner connection between humans and animals, one that has existed since life began.
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What Are the Akashic Records and What Are They For?
The Akashic Records are energetic archives containing the complete history of every soul. Every thought, word, action, and intention leaves an imprint on this energetic field, sometimes called the Akashic Library. This universal repository preserves past lives, current experiences, and potential future paths, offering insights into the soul’s journey, life’s purpose, and karmic patterns.
What is most astonishing is that anyone can access the Records. Through focused intention, guided meditations, or prayer, you can connect with this source of universal wisdom to gain guidance, clarity, and a deeper understanding of your spiritual path. This article explores what the Akashic Records are, how to access them, the benefits of an Akashic reading, and steps to begin your journey of spiritual growth.
Table of Contents
- What Are Akashic Records?
- History and Origins of the Records
- What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
- What Kind of Questions Can Be Asked?
- Are There Any Dangers in Accessing the Records?
- Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
- How to Learn to Read the Akashic Records
- Benefits of Accessing the Records
- Closing Prayer and Integration
What Are Akashic Records?
The Akashic Records are a universal memory of existence, a non-physical, energetic space where every thought, word, action, and emotion is recorded. Sometimes referred to as the Akashic Library, this archive preserves the history of each soul, its past lives, current experiences, and potential futures. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the soul’s journey, linking all beings and levels of existence across time.
The term akasha (or akasa) comes from Sanskrit and means ether or astral light, considered the fifth element in many spiritual traditions. These subtle vibrations capture not only individual life experiences but also universal patterns, providing insight into karmic influences, personal growth, and the soul’s purpose.
For anyone accessing the Records for the first time, the experience can reveal hidden tendencies, unexplored potentials, or connections with loved ones who have passed. The Records are a living resource for spiritual growth, supporting clarity, healing, and understanding in all areas of life.
Accessible through meditation, focused intention, or the guidance of an experienced practitioner, the Akashic Records can provide wisdom about behavioral patterns, relationships, and challenges, serving as a practical tool for navigating your spiritual journey.
In the series Microdose, available on Gaia, the fascinating subject of the Akashic Records is explored, offering practical perspectives for those wishing to deepen their understanding and experience of this universal library.
History and Origins of the Records
The concept of the Akashic Records has roots in both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. In the East, philosophies have long described akasha as the fundamental etheric fabric of existence, a subtle dimension where all experiences are remembered as vibrations or astral light.
In the West, Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical movement in the late 19th century, introduced the Akashic Records after her studies and experiences in Tibet. There, monks and mahatmas shared that the records exist in the akasha—a Sanskrit word meaning ether—and are the repository of universal knowledge. Blavatsky claimed she could access them through clairvoyance and psychic abilities, including astral projection, and she shared these insights as part of a broader philosophy of universal wisdom. Her teachings emphasized that human thoughts, words, and actions leave lasting impressions on this subtle field, influencing spiritual understanding and personal growth.
Rudolf Steiner, another influential metaphysician, expanded the Western understanding of the Records, describing them as a source of inspiration for human ideals and evolution. He proposed that the Akashic Records not only preserve past events but also reveal patterns that guide humanity toward harmony, justice, and spiritual development.
During the 20th century, Edgar Cayce, often called America’s “sleeping prophet,” popularized the Akashic Records through his psychic readings. Cayce described how individuals could access the Records of their past, present, and potential futures to facilitate healing, gain clarity about life’s purpose, and understand karmic patterns. He likened the Records to a Book of Life, connecting each person to a universal consciousness and to the broader flow of the soul’s journey.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Linda Howe further advanced the understanding and practice of accessing the Akashic Records. Through her teachings, books, and workshops, Howe developed practical methods for connecting with the Records, emphasizing personal empowerment, spiritual guidance, and insight into one’s spiritual path. Her work has helped make the Akashic Records accessible to a wide audience, bridging historical teachings with contemporary spiritual practice.
Contemporary thinkers such as Ervin Laszlo continue to explore the Akashic Records from both spiritual and scientific perspectives. His “Akashic Paradigm” considers consciousness itself as deeply connected to this universal memory field, bridging spirituality and science and offering a holistic view of existence.
What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
An Akashic reading is a sacred encounter where a trained reader accesses the akashic library to share insights and guidance. Unlike fortune-telling, these readings focus on understanding the soul’s journey, exploring past patterns, present challenges, and potential futures.
Key aspects of an Akashic Records reading include:
- Connection and Atmosphere: A quiet, focused environment allows both the seeker and reader to connect deeply with the Records.
- Guided Meditations and Intention: The reader may use guided meditations, prayer, or focused intention to attune to the subtle vibrations of the Records.
- Receiving Insights: Messages may come as intuitive impressions, symbols, images, emotions, or subtle sensations, offering clarity and direction.
- Exploring Themes: Common areas of exploration include the soul’s purpose, relationships with loved ones, karmic patterns, and personal growth along the spiritual path.
- Interpretation and Reflection: The reader helps the seeker understand and integrate the messages in ways that resonate with their life experiences.
Many seekers experience the reading as a fluid, interactive process rather than a strict step-by-step session. Each reading is unique, and the insights often help individuals:
- Gain clarity on life’s purpose
- Understand past lives and karmic influences
- Strengthen psychic abilities and intuition
- Receive guidance on relationships, career, or spiritual decisions
- Deepen self-awareness and personal spiritual growth
For those exploring the Akashic Records for the first time, the experience can be transformative, offering validation, reassurance, and a sense of connection to universal wisdom.
What Kind of Questions Can Be Asked?
Questions in an Akashic Records reading are most effective when they are open-ended and focused on personal insight, spiritual growth, and understanding the soul’s purpose. Instead of seeking simple yes or no answers, the goal is to explore guidance, clarity, and healing.
Common questions include:
- What is my life’s purpose in this incarnation?
- How can I align with my soul’s journey and fulfill my soul’s purpose?
- What lessons or patterns am I carrying from past lives?
- Are there karmic influences affecting my current experiences?
- How can I heal or strengthen relationships with loved ones?
- What guidance can I receive to develop my psychic abilities or intuition?
- How can I navigate challenges along my spiritual path?
- What do I need to release or transform for deeper spiritual growth?
- Are there messages from spirit guides or energies I should pay attention to?
- How can I prepare for major life changes or transitions for the first time?
These questions are intended to open a dialogue with the Records, allowing intuitive insights and guidance to emerge naturally. They help seekers gain a deeper understanding of their life, karmic influences, and the lessons their soul has chosen to explore.
Are There Any Dangers in Accessing the Records?
Accessing the Akashic Records is generally considered safe when approached with respect, intention, and openness. The Records are guided by universal wisdom and protected by benevolent beings, sometimes described as light beings or ascended masters, who ensure that the experience serves the seeker’s spiritual growth.
Key points about safety and guidance include:
- Pure Intention Matters: Approaching the Records with humility and sincere curiosity ensures the information received is aligned with the highest good.
- Guided Connection: Using prayers, guided meditations, or working with an experienced reader helps maintain a protected and focused space.
- No Harmful Energy: The Records are designed to offer insight, clarity, and healing rather than fear or harm.
- Support for First-Time Seekers: Those exploring the Records for the first time often find reassurance, calm, and a sense of connection to universal wisdom.
Rather than posing danger, accessing the Records can provide profound understanding of karmic patterns, personal challenges, and past lives. It fosters empowerment, helps release old attachments, and encourages alignment with one’s life’s purpose.
Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
Reading the Akashic Records is not limited to mystics, mediums, or those with innate psychic abilities. Anyone with curiosity, humility, and a sincere commitment to spiritual growth can learn to access this profound source of guidance.
Key insights about who can read the Records:
- No Special Talents Required: Success depends more on intention, practice, and respect than on innate abilities.
- Beginner-Friendly Access: Working with an experienced Akashic Records reader helps first-time seekers understand the process, interpret messages, and feel comfortable navigating the Records.
- Gradual Mastery: Over time, many individuals learn to open their own Records independently or accompany others during readings.
- Ethics and Responsibility: Workshops, courses, and training programs emphasize ethical principles and proper techniques, ensuring readings honor the privacy and integrity of the seeker.
Learning to read the Records becomes a spiritual path in itself, offering insight into the soul’s journey, helping align with life’s purpose, and encouraging personal transformation.
How to Learn to Read the Akashic Records
Learning to read the Akashic Records involves cultivating spiritual awareness, ethical intention, and consistent practice. Many practitioners begin by studying with experienced teachers such as Linda Howe, who provide guidance on opening and closing prayers, meditation techniques, and methods for interpreting the subtle impressions received from the Records. These teachings emphasize approaching the Records with humility, compassion, and a commitment to the seeker’s highest good.
In addition to formal instruction, numerous books, online courses, and webinars help seekers understand the energetic and vibrational nature of the akashic library. Regular practice through guided meditations, journaling, or mindful reflection strengthens intuition, sharpens psychic abilities, and deepens connection to the soul’s journey. Over time, this ongoing practice allows individuals to access their Records more easily, uncover karmic patterns, and gain insight into their life’s purpose and personal growth.
Benefits of Accessing the Records
Accessing the Akashic Records can provide profound insights and support for both personal and spiritual growth. By connecting with this universal archive, individuals gain clarity about their life’s purpose, uncover patterns from past lives, and better understand karmic influences affecting their present experiences. The Records also offer guidance for nurturing relationships with loved ones, developing psychic abilities, and strengthening intuition along the spiritual path.
Many seekers find that the Records enhance their spiritual journey, offering inspiration for guided meditations and practical strategies for daily life. Insights gained can help release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blockages, and align actions with the soul’s purpose. Whether approached for self-reflection, healing, or exploration of the akashic library, accessing the Records fosters a deeper connection to universal wisdom and encourages meaningful transformation over time.
Closing Prayer and Integration
Every Akashic Records session should conclude with a closing prayer, sealing the connection with gratitude and respect for the wisdom received. A simple example might be:
“I thank the keepers of the Records, my guides, and the universal field of wisdom for their presence and guidance. May these insights serve my highest good and the good of all.”
Integration of the insights is just as important as the session itself. Reflecting through journaling, meditation, or personal contemplation helps ground the guidance from the Records into daily life. Over time, consistent practice with the Akashic Records strengthens connection to the soul’s journey, deepens understanding of the soul’s purpose, and supports spiritual growth. Whether exploring past lives, gaining clarity about life’s purpose, or seeking guidance from loved ones, the Akashic Records become a trusted companion on the path of personal transformation.
