How many of us remember having what some people call a “chrysalis” moment? An octave leap, with mind-opening perceptions, in real time. A powerful flow of energy, a quickening, triggered by a connection or breakthrough that can happen anywhere, at any time, and transform us and the circumstance we’re in.

The chrysalis we probably know as the middle stage of the three-step transformation of the caterpillar into a butterfly. It’s a beautiful example of growth and change that happens in stages, or gradations, and is often generally described as a change in octaves, or levels. An octave change can be a long journey of refinement, or it can feel like a quantum leap, in an instant.

Why an octave in the first place? What is the benefit of an ordered transition or progression from one state to another? For example, from the physical and dense to the energetic and spiritual? The universe likes octaves; it’s the engineering that facilitates change and innovation; a natural technology that enables the safe entry and movement through successively higher energetic states.

How does it work? Can we really “leap” from a lower octave to a higher one? We turn for insights to Aviv Shahar and collaborator David Price Francis. Their conversation is the latest in the “Current Openings” series. Aviv describes his own chrysalis moment and he and David share their perceptions and discoveries:

• This universe is a crucible of development, growth and transformation through gradations and levels of energy and change. If everything stayed at the same level, it would be stasis, no change.
• Instead of retirement, we should call it the butterfly years. To have gone through a caterpillar-like chrysalis stage to become a spiritualized elder, and offer higher wisdom back into life.
• We can consciously create inner ecologies — what could be called chrysalis moments — that facilitate our transformation and change to reach a higher octave.
• We love the idea of quantum leaps, but not so much quantum drops, which are as real as a leap. A moment of shock that can take us into what still may seem a new octave, but at a lower level.
• When a certain developmental journey is complete, the new energetic level needs to transform the organism, which is why a caterpillar must get inside the chrysalis; there is no way to transition directly to a butterfly.

This conversation is part of the continuing Portals discovery into what is emerging on the frontiers of human experience in this time of profound change. Information about upcoming special events can be found on the Events page. Also visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.