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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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. Â
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.Â
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.Â
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 the energetic archives where the information of every soul is recorded. Everything that has been said, done, and even thought leaves an imprint on this energetic field. What is most astonishing is that we all have the ability to connect with this impressive library of the soul to discover guidance, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of our existence. In this article, we will explore what the Akashic Records are, how to access them, what benefits they can offer, and what is needed to begin this spiritual path.
Table of Contents
- What Are Akashic Records and Their Purpose?
- History and Origin of the Akashic Records
- What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
- What Kind of Questions Are Asked in an Akashic Reading?
- Is There Any Danger in Accessing the Akashic Records?
- Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
- How Do You Learn to Read the Akashic Records?
What Are Akashic Records and Their Purpose?
The Akashic Records are a universal memory of existence, an energetic, non-physical space where every event, thought, action, and emotion is recorded. This archive not only preserves the history of each individual life and its interpersonal connections but also captures universal dynamics, providing a comprehensive perspective on the soul’s journey and its evolution through time. These records are seen as a part of the universal consciousness, linking all beings and all levels of existence, and connecting the past, present, and potential future lives.
Accessible through specific meditation techniques and spiritual practices, the Akashic Records can be consulted for spiritual guidance, healing, and understanding of behavioral patterns, karmic relationships, and life’s purpose.
In addition to their role as a source of spiritual knowledge, the Akashic Records are used to facilitate personal and collective healing. By accessing this wisdom, individuals can explore a wide range of topics, from emotional and physical challenges to existential questions, discovering not only the roots of their difficulties but also paths to deep transformation and significant spiritual growth.
In the series Microdose, available on Gaia, the fascinating subject of the Akashic Records is explored, offering an accessible and practical perspective for those who wish to deepen their understanding and use of them.
History and Origin of the Akashic Records
The Akashic Records, as understood in the modern context, were first brought to prominence by Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical movement in the late 19th century. Blavatsky introduced the concept to the West after her studies and experiences in Tibet, where monks and mahatmas revealed to her that the records exist in the “akasha” or “akasa”—a Sanskrit word meaning astral light or the ether, the fifth element in Eastern belief systems, considered the fundamental fabric of reality.
Blavatsky, supported by what she called “Masters of Ancient Wisdom,” used her psychic abilities and astral projection to access these records. This knowledge allowed her to establish a theosophical foundation that proclaimed “there is no religion higher than truth.” Her teachings and revelations attracted many followers and helped solidify the idea that human actions, words, and thoughts leave lasting impressions on the etheric plane, influencing Western esoteric doctrine.
Rudolf Steiner, another influential metaphysician, also spoke about the Akashic Records, proposing that every human action and thought leaves a trace in the etheric realms. Steiner contributed to the conceptualization of the Records as a compendium that not only stores past events but also offers patterns for human ideals such as harmony and equity, influencing contemporary thought and applications in the field of human evolution.
Edgar Cayce, known as America’s “sleeping prophet,” further popularized the Akashic Records during the 20th century through his psychic readings. Cayce described in detail how each individual could access the records of their past, present, and future lives to facilitate healing and personal growth. According to Cayce, these records not only document every life but are also fundamental to the soul’s judgment process—an idea that resonated with the biblical notion of the Book of Life.
Contemporary exploration of the Akashic Records has been advanced by theorists such as Ervin Laszlo, who integrates the notion of Akasha with scientific theories to explain phenomena such as consciousness and synchronicity in his “Akashic Paradigm.” Laszlo and other researchers continue to explore how the universal memory of the Akasha can serve as a living archive that influences the life and evolution of every being in the universe, proposing a holistic approach that crosses the boundaries between science and spirituality.
What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
An Akashic Records reading is an intimate encounter in which a trained reader accesses this energetic dimension to transmit to the seeker the messages that emerge from there. Traditionally, readings were conducted in person, but in recent years, online Akashic Records readings have become increasingly popular, as well as written versions.
The session is carried out through guided meditation and the use of specific prayers, allowing the reader to reach a deep state of concentration and connection to access the seeker’s records. During this process, the reader uses their sensitivity and training to perceive and convey the visions and messages received.
A typical session is structured as follows:
- Session Preparation: Before beginning, the reader and seeker prepare the space, often creating a peaceful and respectful environment, free from interruptions.
- Opening Invocation: The reader uses a specific prayer to open the seeker’s records, requesting permission to access and reveal the necessary information.
- Reception of Information: While in a meditative state, the reader receives images, words, emotions, or even physical sensations that are relevant to the seeker’s inquiries.
- Dialogue and Clarification: As the information flows, the seeker may ask additional questions, and the reader helps interpret the messages received, ensuring clarity and understanding.
- Closing the Records: At the end of the session, the reader performs another prayer to formally close the records, ensuring that the spiritual connection is properly closed.
What Kind of Questions Are Asked in an Akashic Reading?
The questions for an Akashic Records reading can be as varied and profound as the concerns of the seeker. Ideally, the questions should be open-ended and oriented toward guidance and personal growth, avoiding those that require simple yes or no answers.
Here are some common questions that can be asked during a reading:
- What is my purpose in this life?
- What lessons do I need to learn from my past experiences?
- How can I improve my relationships with family and friends?
- Are there any energetic blockages that are preventing me from moving forward?
- How can I use my talents to serve others?
- What can I do to improve my financial situation?
- How can I achieve greater balance in my life?
- What do I need to release in order to heal emotionally?
- Are there any messages from my spirit guides or deceased loved ones?
- How can I prepare for the important changes that are coming into my life?
Is There Any Danger in Accessing the Akashic Records?
Accessing the Akashic Records is a safe practice. Nevertheless, it is common for questions to arise about the potential dangers of the Akashic Records, especially among those who are new to this path. This spiritual practice is based on the opening of a sacred and protected space through specific prayers and meditations that ensure a pure and clear connection with the source of all Akashic wisdom. The process of access is guided by the intention of benevolence and respect for universal wisdom, which ensures that only the information that serves the highest good of the person involved is revealed.
In addition, the guardians of the Akashic Records—beings of light and ascended masters—are always present to ensure that the interactions are for the growth and benefit of the seeker. Therefore, as long as the person approaches the records with respect, humility, and an open mind, there is no risk of adverse effects. On the contrary, access to the Akashic Records can provide a profound understanding that fosters personal and spiritual growth, freeing the individual from old attachments and facilitating a clearer path forward.
Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
Although reading the Akashic Records may seem like a domain reserved for psychics and mediums, in reality, it is within the reach of anyone who wishes to deepen their spiritual understanding. It is not necessary to be a natural clairvoyant or possess special paranormal abilities; with proper preparation and the right intention, anyone can learn to access their own records or even those of others, as long as it is done with respect and responsibility.
The ability to read the Akashic Records is not limited to a chosen few, but rather, it is a skill that can be developed through practice and study. Many spiritual schools and teachers offer courses and workshops that guide aspirants through the process of opening their own records, as well as techniques to interpret the information received in an ethical and compassionate manner. This openness democratizes access to Akashic knowledge, allowing each individual to explore their spiritual heritage and contribute to their personal evolution.
How Do You Learn to Read the Akashic Records?
Many practitioners begin their learning by attending workshops and courses offered by experts, who teach access techniques, opening and closing prayers, and methods for interpreting the information received. These courses also emphasize the importance of ethics and responsibility when reading the records of others.
In addition to in-person courses, there are numerous online resources, such as books, videos, and webinars, that provide detailed instructions on how to access and read the Akashic Records. Ongoing practice is essential, as each reading session helps refine the ability to perceive and communicate the subtle energies and information of the Akashic field. Many readers experience significant growth in their personal and spiritual understanding as they continue working with the records.
