Imagination Power
Discovering the Twelve Powers
We are halfway through the year and halfway through our journey of discovering our twelve innate spiritual abilities, based on the work of one of Unity’s cofounders, Charles Fillmore.
The Twelve Powers are twelve spiritual faculties that Fillmore believed exist within every individual, representing different aspects of our divine nature. These include Faith, Strength, Wisdom, Love, Power, Imagination, Understanding, Will, Order, Zeal, Elimination, and Life. Each power is associated with a disciple, a location in the body, and a color.
What is the power of imagination
This month we are looking within to explore the power of imagination — the innate ability we have to visualize, conceptualize, and envision. According to Unity minister James Dillet Freeman:
“Imagination is the act or power of forming a mental image of something not now present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality… or a power that frees us from the limitations of our senses… the power of conception.” — James Dillet Freeman, Imagination
Imagination is at the core of our creative power. Creativity is not limited to artistic expression — our creative potential influences every area of our lives. It helps us solve challenges, reframe “problems,” and imagine solutions that serve our highest good.
When we view imagination as an innate human faculty, the goal becomes to align this power with our intention. For most people, imagination doesn’t have an on/off switch. As Linda Martella-Whitsett explains in Divine Audacity:
“Imagination is values-neutral, which means it is as possible for us to imagine the worst as it is for us to imagine the best.”
Imagination on Autopilot
When left on autopilot, imagination can be shaped by fear, worry, or past experiences. This is because we are hardwired for self-preservation. Our minds naturally seek out potential threats, even when none are present. This pattern can be especially intense for those with a history of trauma — but even without trauma, today’s media and political climate often amplify fear-based narratives that influence our inner vision.
Alan Cohen, author of A Daily Dose of Sanity and A Deep Breath of Life, once said:
“The news is the proctological examination of the world.”
Similarly, Emmet Fox noted that the news emphasizes negativity because it is the aberration, not the norm. In reality, kindness, love, and compassion are more common than we realize — but when we consume media focused on exception rather than reality, we may begin to believe the world is worse than it is.
Envisioning the Good
So, how do we use our imagination in ways that benefit ourselves and others? In Christian Healing, Charles Fillmore wrote:
“The highest and best work of the imagination is the marvelous transformation that it works in character. Imagine that you are one with the principle of good, and you will become truly good. To imagine oneself perfect fixes the idea of perfection in the invisible mind substance, and the mind forces at once begin the work of bringing forth perfection.”
Fillmore encourages us to intentionally envision the good and the perfect. Ask yourself: If I could experience anything in life, what would truly reflect my highest good? Begin to envision those possibilities for yourself and others.
So, how do we use our imagination in ways that benefit ourselves and others? In Christian Healing, Charles Fillmore wrote:
“The highest and best work of the imagination is the marvelous transformation that it works in character. Imagine that you are one with the principle of good, and you will become truly good. To imagine oneself perfect fixes the idea of perfection in the invisible mind substance, and the mind forces at once begin the work of bringing forth perfection.”
Fillmore encourages us to intentionally envision the good and the perfect. Ask yourself: If I could experience anything in life, what would truly reflect my highest good? Begin to envision those possibilities for yourself and others.
Symbolism & Energy Centers for Imagination
As with all of the Twelve Powers, Fillmore and other Unity teachers identified symbolic associations for the power of imagination. The center for imagination is located between the eyes — the same place associated with the “third eye,” representing spiritual sight.
This physical location also aligns closely with the energy center of faith, which resides just behind the brow. When we engage imagination with intention, we activate faith — seeing beyond what is and trusting in what could be.
The color associated with imagination is light blue. Faith is symbolized by blue, further linking the two powers. You may find it helpful in meditation to visualize a light blue energy radiating from between your eyes — the pineal gland — extending outward. You might also imagine a pink light rising from your heart and merging with the light blue, representing the union of spiritual sight and love.
Fillmore, Bartholomew, and the Role of Imagination
In The Twelve Powers of Man, Fillmore assigned each disciple to each of these twelve powers. He associated Bartholomew with imagination. While Fillmore doesn’t offer a detailed biographical reason for this pairing, he viewed Bartholomew as symbolic of positive, formative thought held in mind — a quiet and receptive inner visioning.
Anna the Prophetess: A Feminine Representation
As Unity teachings evolved, Rev. Leddy Hammock expanded the understanding of the Twelve Powers in her book The Twelve Women of the Chalice by offering feminine scriptural counterparts. For imagination, she identified Anna the Prophetess.
Anna’s story is one of spiritual alignment and intuitive vision. She recognized the Christ presence in the form of a vulnerable infant and boldly proclaimed it, even at personal risk. Her story reflects the inner knowing, receptivity, and courage that spiritual imagination can require.
“Be intuitive. You have the power to image your heart’s desire. As you remain true to your insights, your gift of heightened sensitivity intensifies.”
— Leddy Hammock, The Twelve Women of the Chalice
Daniel’s Imagination Beyond the Binary
Between Fillmore and Hammock, we find masculine and feminine representations of imagination. But divine expression is not confined to a binary. In Scripture, we find individuals who embody the spectrum of gender expression — including Daniel, the visionary prophet.
Many biblical characters identified as “eunuchs” can be interpreted as existing outside the rigid binary of male and female. Eunuchs in ancient texts often symbolize liminal identity — outside the typical gender or sexual roles — and can be seen as representing a spectrum of divine embodiment.
Though the Bible doesn’t explicitly label Daniel a eunuch, he was taken into service under Ashpenaz, the chief of the eunuchs (Daniel 1:3–7). In ancient Babylon, court servants were frequently made eunuchs to ensure loyalty, especially those who served directly under the king. The Hebrew word saris (סָרִיס), often translated as “official,” literally means eunuch.
Daniel’s story includes vivid dreams, divine interpretations, and spiritual visions — all core symbols of the imagination faculty. He interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams (Daniel 2), received visions of future kingdoms (Daniel 7), and remained faithful to divine insight in the face of danger (Daniel 6). His ability to perceive spiritual truth beyond appearances makes him a powerful symbol of divine imagination at work.
Practicing Imagination with Intention
The power of imagination is active in each of us, every day. The goal is not to escape reality, but to use imagination intentionally — seeing past limitation and calling forth effective, Spirit-led solutions.
We can train our imagination to serve rather than sabotage us. Visualization, affirmations, art, and contemplative prayer can all help align this power with divine truth. When our inner vision aligns with spiritual insight, imagination becomes a sacred tool of transformation.
Upcoming Event
We are thrilled to welcome international recording artist and spiritual visionary Paul Luftenegger for a special Folx with Faith gathering on June 28. Paul’s music and message focus on love, empowerment, and divine inner connection — beautifully aligning with our exploration of imagination. Don’t miss this powerful event!
🕥 10:30 AM CT
🎶 Paul will lead us in reflection and conversation around creativity, divine love, and how music can be a spiritual tool to reimagine a more loving world.
This event is hosted by Folx with Faith. Registration is open at:
About Folx with Faith
Folx with Faith is a spiritual community rooted in love, inclusion, and authenticity. We create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to explore spiritual wholeness through discussion, music, workshops, and shared practice.
Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or rediscovering your faith, we are here to support you on your journey.
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You can help us fulfill our mission by donating to Folx with Faith or starting a local group. It is our mission to create safe spaces to explore and experience spiritual wholeness. Folx with Faith supports the queer community, fostering a celebration of our authentic beings and empowering us to make a difference in the world. If you would like to contribute to this mission or would like to start a local chapter, please let us know. You can contact us or use the links below.
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References & Additional Resources for The Power of Imagination
- About the Author
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James Masters (they/them) is a member of Unity Church of Overland Park, where they actively teach classes and participate in community events. They are in the final stages of becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher (LUT) and have been deeply engaged in spiritual study since 1999, joining the New Thought movement in 2005.
James is a contributing author for the bestselling anthologies The Courageous Heart, Enduring Wisdom, and The Grateful Soul. They are a personal coach specializing in spiritual and relational development, guiding others toward deeper self-awareness and empowerment.
Beyond their work in spiritual education, James has a strong commitment to social justice and community service. They helped establish an all-genders shelter and regularly volunteer to support those experiencing housing and food insecurity. Their knowledge of technology and unwavering compassion for others make them a valuable force for positive change in their community.
