Saturday, November 12, 2011

Essential Oils to help Manage Anger

All of us experience anger at some point in our lives. Traditionally, anger is seen as a negative emotion that should be repressed rather than expressed. The problem with this of course is that when emotion is not allowed to flow freely, it becomes bottled up inside us and is then expressed inappropriately. Repressed emotion, including anger, is the source of dis-ease within the body. From a Reiki perspective, "letting out" our emotions in a healthy and constructive way is the best way to prevent illness.

Anger can be a positive influence in our lives. It can give us the motivation and drive to create social change or to help lift us from depression into action. It only becomes a problem when we no longer deal with it in a constructive way. If you find you are having problems controlling your stress and anger, then it may be time to develop a stress management routine.

Essential oils can do a lot to control anger. They have a calming and soothing effect that can help reduce stress and help calm and balance emotions. Some essential oils that are useful include Rose, Chamomile Roman, Orange, Bergamot and Jasmine. Try adding any of these oils, by themselves or blended together, to an aromatherapy diffuser. Or try some of the recipes below:

Blend #1
2 drops Rose
3 drops Orange
1 drop Jasmine

Blend #2
3 drops Bergamot
2 drops Chamomile Roman
1 drop Jasmine

Blend #3
1 drop Chamomile Roman
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Orange

Rose oil on its own is considered a powerful tool against anger and other emotional wounds, instilling compassion and forgiveness. Add 1 -2 drops to a tissue and breathe in deeply all through the day for an anger management solution on the go.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - The Chariot

This month’s tarot card is the Chariot. The numerical value of the Chariot is seven and is associated with the astrological sign of Cancer.

An armored warrior stands in a triumphal “car” (chariot). He is surrounded by canopy of six pointed stars representing the celestial influences at work in this card. The crescent moons on his shoulders are outward facing and refer to the formative world. The symbols on his tunic are alchemical symbols, representing the spiritual transformation of man. The square signifies earth, a sign of strength of will. The laurel and star crown indicate the highest attainment of man in spiritual evolution. Black and white sphinxes (sometimes horses) sit at his feet and represent the union of positive and negative forces.

The charioteer holds no reins, just a wand from the Magician card. He controls this through his strength of will in the same way the Magician does. The city is behind him, indicating he has turned his back on civilisation and materialism in order to seek a spiritual path.

The meaning of the Chariot card is conquest, victory and overcoming opposition through confidence and control. It represents a battle that can be won if the Querent has the willpower for it. The battle is usually an external one, with a clear goal and plan of action. Qualities needed to win the battle include determination, discipline, conviction and plain hard work. The steeds represent powerful forces, internal or external, that can be controlled to achieve the goal.

When the Chariot appears in a spread, it signifies that confidence and assertion is required. You need to have complete faith in yourself and know fundamentally who you are and what you stand for. If you have unwavering faith in your convictions then nothing can stand in your way. You will be successful at pursuing your goals, so long as you maintain focus, determination and confidence in your abilities.

Keywords of the Chariot are – willpower, focus, confidence, discipline, success

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Amethyst Crystal


Clients often ask me about crystals and which are best for overall well being. I believe the ideal way to choose crystals is intuitively and for a specific purpose. However, if you want a crystal that covers a wide range of uses, I would suggest Amethyst.

Amethyst comes from the Greek word, amethusos, meaning 'not drunk'. It is a highly spiritual stone that has been used for thousands of years for protection, healing and psychic empowerment. Its violet colour relates to the crown chakra and pineal gland (third eye) and radiates energy which has often been referred to as the purple ray.

The uses and qualities of Amethyst are varied and include:

- Calms the emotions and reduces stress
- Fosters healing and selflessness
- Increases spiritual awareness
- Enhances psychic abilities and transformation
- Helps lift depression
- Aids in overcoming substance abuse, especially alcohol addiction
- Is a powerful amulet for travelers
- Worn as psychic protection
- It is kept with other divination tools to enhance their qualities
- Used to induce harmony.

Some of the healing properties associated with Amethyst include:

- Eases headaches and releases tension
- Reduces bruising, swellings and injuries
- Heals diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract
- Used to treat skin conditions.

Overall, Amethyst is an excellent stone as it repels negative energy and helps us connect to our spiritual nature. For more information about crystals, refer to my earlier post on crystal therapy.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - Strength

The tarot card for this month is Strength. The value of this card is either 8 or 11 (depending on the deck) and is associated with the zodiac sign of Leo.

A woman is standing in a field with her hands around a lion’s head. There is a peaceful smile on her face and it appears she has successfully tamed this wild beast. Instead of preparing the bite, the lion is sticking out his tongue which suggests that he is happy to submit and surrender to the woman. She has the infinity symbol above her head and her white robe indicates spiritual purity. The lion is a symbol of our animal passions and desires. The maiden represents that part of ourselves that has the ability to nurture and love.

This card represents inner strength, determination and power. It reminds us of the power of the human spirit to overcome and endure life’s obstacles by drawing upon our inner strength and confidence. While strength is normally associated with the masculine, this is a feminine card. The woman depicted is compassionate and caring. She tames the lion through a gentle approach using love and patience rather than by sheer force.

When the Strength card appears in a spread, it signifies that strength is required for challenges ahead. It also tells us that we have the inner strength required to meet these challenges and urges us to use compassion, love and gentleness to achieve our goal.

Keywords for the Strength card – strength, courage, patience, compassion, understanding

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Fennel Tea

Fennel has been used for centuries not only to add flavor in cooking but also for its many health benefits.

Fennel has a mild estrogen-like activity which inhibits spasms in the intestinal tract. It is wonderful for the treatment of gastrointestinal afflictions such as indigestion and fullness. It has also been shown to possess diuretic, pain reducing, fever reducing and antimicrobial actions. In fact, fennel was formerly an official drug in the United States and was listed as being used for indigestion.

Fennel tea is available from any health food store but it’s easy enough to make yourself. Simply buy some dried fennel seeds from the herb section in the supermarket and steep a few teaspoons in a teapot or boiling water. It will aid digestion after a meal and is particularly effective for settling an upset stomach. It has a lovely aniseed flavour and makes a delicious tea which can be enjoyed at any time.

Tarot Card of the Month - The Devil

This month, I would like to introduce one of the less popular cards in the Tarot deck, the Devil card. The value of this card is fifteen and is ruled by Capricorn, the goat.

A winged horned figure sits on a pedestal with an inverted pentagram on his forehead. The black background represents what is hidden or ignorance. Two naked figures, a male and female are chained at his feet. Although the two figures are chained, if you look closely you will see that the chains around their neck are loose. This symbolises that our restrictions are always self imposed and there is always a way out if we choose.

On first glance, this seems to be a foreboding card as many people believe the horned figure to be Satan. In actual fact the figure is Pan, the half goat Nature God or Dionysius (Bacchus). As God of Nature, Pan represents the physical realm and the primal desires of man.

This is not a card to be feared, but rather one that should be embraced. It not only encourages us to face our deepest and darkest fears but also to accept our animal nature. As human beings we are part animal and part spirit. Both are equally important and should be in balance with each other. By denying our animal nature, we deny what it is to be human. The same can be said if we deny our spirituality.

The Devil Card has several meanings, but basically it symbolises bondage of some kind whether it be to a person or a situation. This card lets you know that you are caught in an unhealthy or unproductive circumstance. Most of us are aware of being caught in a negative situation, but often we push the truth away, choosing instead to bury it into the darkness of our subconscious. This card urges us to face what is hidden and to bring the truth to light.

As this card also represents base desires, it can be associated with addictions, obsessions or focusing too much on the material realm. Deceit is often associated with this card as is lust, an over indulgence of sexual pleasure or an extra marital affair.

Keywords for The Devil card – bondage, restriction, sexual desire

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Pamper Yourself with Oat Milk

Not only are oats an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, but they are also possess some of the best skin care properties. Because of their high silica content, they make great emollients that help restore the skin’s natural moisture.

Oats have been clinically proven to help heal dry, itchy skin. They are a soothing treatment for conditions such as eczema, chicken pox, dry itchy patches and insect bites. They are also said to be highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and can be used to cleanse, exfoliate, soften and soothe the skin; suitable for most skin types.

A great way to help moisturise dry, irritated skin is to have an oat milk bath. Simply cut the foot off an old flesh coloured stocking and place about ½ cup of rolled oats into the toe. Tie off the end and place it into your bath. Within minutes your bath will be transformed into a luxurious milk bath, leaving you feeling re-energized and your skin soft and supple.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - The Magician

This month’s featured Tarot card is the Magician. The value of the this card is number 1 and it is ruled by Mercury.

The Magician is the bridge between the spiritual and material worlds. In his right hand he holds a staff (wand) pointing upwards to the sky (the spirit realm) while his left hand points towards the ground (the physical realm). Other symbols on the card include an infinity symbol above his head and a table displaying a chalice, a pentacle, a wand and a sword, representing the four elements. His red and white robes symbolize innocence and worldly knowledge.

When the Magician appears in a spread, it suggests that we have been given all the tools needed to manifest our visions and dreams into reality. This is the card of creative power. The word magic comes from the ancient ‘magh’, meaning power. It tells us that we have the ability to tap into universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Ruled by the planet Mercury, it suggests excellent communication skills and a strong intellect. Planning and co-ordination skills are also featured. As this card is at number one, it heralds new beginnings and new ventures with positive results. Skill and initiative will be applied to accomplish goals and happiness involving new projects will follow.

Keywords of the Magician – Originality, creativity, imagination, communication, self-reliance

Friday, July 1, 2011

Clary Sage - Nature's Anti-Stress Tonic

Clary Sage is one of the most calming and euphoric of all essential oils. It soothes and eases tension and is an effective nerve tonic. If you are feeling tired, Clary Sage will help boost your energy levels. It is wonderful for treating depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension.

The hormone balancing properties of Clary Sage can also be beneficial for the female reproductive system. It helps to relieve painful periods, PMS and abdominal cramps. In skin care, Clary Sage oil is helpful as it promotes cell regeneration and regulates sebum production.

Some of the therapeutic properties of Clary Sage oil are antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, digestive, euphoric and sedative.

Keep in mind that Clary Sage is a stimulant and too much can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. It can produce euphoria in some individuals. Clary Sage oil should be avoided during pregnancy as it can induce labour.

Uses

* If you are having a social gathering, use some Clary Sage in a vaporizer or burner to promote communication and relaxation.
* Clary sage is calming to the nervous system, particularly in cases of depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension. Several drops in a burner or bath should help to ease symptoms.
* Used in a cream or lotion, Clary Sage oil can be beneficial for skin problems, back pain and muscular tension, as well as for PMS and cramps.
*Use any time you need to feel uplifted in a blended massage oil, burner or diluted in the bath.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - The Tower

This month’s tarot card is the Tower. The numerical value of the Tower card is sixteen and it is ruled by the planet Mars.

The symbols on this card show a tower hit by lightening. There is fire coming out of the top of it and two figures are falling to the ground. Just by looking at the symbolism on this card, we know that something is about to happen and chances are we are not going to be happy about it!

Sometimes referred to as 'the destroyer', the Tower represents change and upheaval. As suggested by the suddenness of the lightening bolt, this upheaval is usually unexpected. Typically, changes in our lives occur slowly, giving us time to adjust. Sometimes, however, we choose to ignore what is happening around us, preferring instead to turn a blind eye. The trouble with this is that eventually the truth will come to light, and this is where the Tower comes in.

The Tower breaks down existing forms in order to make room for new ones. It gives us a ‘jolt’ to wake us up from our zombie like state. Often this rude awakening is not going to be easy or pleasant, but the resultant changes are what are best for us in the end.

Keywords for the Tower are – sudden change, eruption, upheaval

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

An Introduction to Meditation

The wide open expanse of the view,
the true condition of mind
is like the sky, like space: Without centre, without edge, without goal.
~ Dzogchen Master Shabkar Rinpoche


At the basis of all spiritual and psychic development is the practice of meditation. It not only increases clarity and awareness but restores wholeness within our spiritual and physical bodies. It has been around for thousands of years and can be used by anyone at any time, whatever their state of health.

Meditation is a way of life. It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and patterns. There are many different ways to meditate, such as using colours, mantras or chanting. The techniques I offer in this article have been passed on to me by a Thai Buddhist Master and a Tibetan Rinpoche. Both are highly respected teachers and I was very fortunate to receive their teachings.

What is Meditation?

Meditation means awareness. Whatever you do with awareness is meditation. Watching your breath, listening to the birds or even walking is meditation. As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation. The objective of meditation is to stop the mind chattering and to cease internal dialogue. In essence, meditation means ‘a cessation of thought process’.

Preparation

Seating
There are many different ways to sit during meditation, but the most common are either sitting on a chair (Egyptian position) or on a cushion on the floor (Buddhist position), either cross legged or kneeling. Everyone is different, so choose the seating position that makes you feel most comfortable.

Breathing
Meditation is all about the breath. Notice that when we are stressed, we breathe fast and shallow, which leads to further stress. In meditation, the objective is to breathe deeply and slowly, thus reducing stress and allowing us to feel calm. After meditating regularly, breathing slowly and deeply will come naturally.

Posture
It is very important to maintain a straight spine during meditation and not slump. Think of your back straight, like a stack of coins.

Focus
Many people fall asleep during meditation. This is not meditation. Meditation is a state of awareness so it is important to remain alert and focused and not allow the mind to wander. Eyes can be either open or shut. For beginners, I would recommend starting with eyes closed as it is easier to maintain focus. However, having eyes open is the optimum way to meditate, focusing your eyes gently on an object or point of reference.

When and Where to Meditate

The traditional times of meditation are at dawn and dusk but you can meditate at any time. Try to stick to a routine and do it the same time every day. Create a quiet, sacred space for yourself where you will not be disturbed by the telephone or other distractions.

How to Meditate
  1. Take three deep breaths slowly in and out, relax and centre yourself.

  2. Close your eyes and breathe slowly in and out through the nose. Let your attention focus on the breath. A general guide to breathing is ‘in’ for four breaths, hold for two, then ‘out’ for four breaths. The more you practice, the slower and deeper your breathing will become.

  3. As you meditate, your mind will begin to wander. When this happens, just allow your thoughts to come and go without holding on to them, then gently bring the mind back to the breath.

  4. Thirty minutes is a good amount of time to meditate, but even 10 minutes will be beneficial.
Basically, that’s it! So easy and so simple.

A lot of people are reluctant to meditate either because they think it’s too difficult or because they become easily distracted. Remember, it takes discipline to meditate and it takes practice to still the mind. The (ego) mind will create all sorts of excuses to not meditate but once you start seeing the benefits, you’ll love it. You may even find that meditation becomes addictive.

Grounding

It is important to ground yourself after meditating. You may feel light headed when you finish, so try to come back to your body slowly. A useful grounding technique is to pat your legs/calves or gently stomp your feet on the ground. Always drink a glass of water when you finish as it helps to ground and rehydrate.

At the end of a meditation, I always dedicate my practice to a higher source and offer thanks. Happy meditating!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man is ruled by Neptune, the planet of self sacrifice and idealism. The numerical value of this card is 13.

A man hangs upside down by one foot from a tree. His leg is bent to form an inverted “4” and his face is peaceful. His hands are bound behind his back. His red pants represent human passion and the physical body. The blue coat is for knowledge and his yellow shoes represent his high ideals. The halo represents spiritual attainment.

The Hanged Man deals with sacrifice, delays and waiting. Since sacrifice can mean giving up one thing of value for another thing of equal or greater value, this card can represent the natural process of giving up what no longer serves you. It is the ideal archetype to meditate on as his attitude is one of acceptance. He has the courage and inner strength to give in to his destiny rather than fight against it.

The message of this card can also mean changes in fortune, with patience and endurance put to the test. It may be that you have to sacrifice something for the greater good in order for your life to move forward.

Key words of the Hanged Man – waiting, sacrifice, patience, willingness to let go

Monday, April 18, 2011

Dear Woman



This wonderful video shows a real shift in male awareness. Let's hope that this consciousness is a positive sign of a more balanced future!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Supermoon - 19 March 2011

Stargazers will be treated to a spectacular view this weekend when the full moon approaches earth at a distance of just 356,577 kilometers away. During this time, the moon will appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter in the sky, particularly when viewed on the eastern horizon.

This moon cycle, known as a ‘lunar perigee’ or 'supermoon' occurs every 10 to 20 years - the most recent being in 1955, 1974, 1992 and 2005.

Previous supermoons have been linked to extreme weather conditions and other natural disasters such as earthquakes. However, there is no need to panic as the experts have assured us that a larger moon cannot affect the weather or create earthquakes.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Japan Earthquake


The recent events in Japan are devasting to say the least. We can all do our part by sending our healing energy and loving thoughts to all the Japanese people.

A good technique is to visualise white light around Japan bringing positive energy and helping to bring the reactors under control. Japan, our thoughts and prayers are with you, may you have the strength to carry on.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Essential Oils - Absolutes

The highlight of essential oils would have to be the absolutes or precious oils. Used mostly in the perfume industry, these oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from plants or flowers. Unlike other oils, the absolutes are extracted using a chemical process rather than steam distillation. These oils are highly concentrated and little will go a long way. They are also quite costly but you can purchase them diluted in a carrier oil such as Jojoba which makes them a lot less expensive.

One of my favourite oils (and flower) is Jasmine. It has a sweet, exotic aroma and is often associated with love and romance. The oil is extracted from the white blossoms of the shrub and always picked at night, when the fragrance is most intense.

The therapeutic properties of jasmine oil are anti-depressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac and anti-spasmodic. It is a valuable remedy in cases of severe depression as it soothes the nerves, producing a feeling of eurphoria and optimism.

Other more popular aromatherapy absolutes include:
  • Carnation
  • Frangipani
  • Rose
  • Lotus
Because of the intensity of these oils, their scent can invoke powerful feelings and emotions. They are also very effective when used in massage as they relieve nervous tension and depression and provide a soothing effect to sore muscles and joints.

As with all essential oils, absolutes need to be handled with care and caution. They are very powerful and some oils such as Jasmine should not be used during pregnancy.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - The Heirophant

Originally called “the Pope”, this month’s Tarot card is the Heirophant. The value of the Heirophant Card is number five and is ruled by Taurus.

The Heirophant represents spiritual leadership and guidance. He is the vehicle for spiritual knowledge and stands for conformity and responsibility. His right hand points heaven-wards and is held in a sign of benediction, symbolising a blessing of love and spiritual well being. A gold and silver key appear at his feet, meaning “keys to the kingdom of heaven”. They are crossed in a papal emblem of authority and unlock spiritual knowledge. In his left hand is a staff. It is the symbol of the triple cross with each mark a symbolic level of devotion. The staff as well as the keys and the hand blessing are all signs that the Heirophant is more than qualified to extoll spiritual advice and leadership to the people.

On the one hand, the Heirophant is a wise counsel, striving to create harmony and peace in the midst of a crisis. On the other hand, he can also represent strict conformity and uncompromising ideas or values. At his best, he is wise and soothing, at his worst, he is an unbending traditionalist.

When the Heirophant appears in a spread, it could signify advice and guidance received or sought from a professional source, such as a teacher, lawyer or spiritual adviser. As the Heirophant stands for conformity, it may warn the Querant against being too stubborn, unbending or too conventional in the area of moral, religious or social conventions.

Key words of the Hierophant – conformity, good counsel, tradition, knowledge

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Full Moon in Leo - 18 February 2011

Feeling out of sorts and on edge? Tomorrow night's full moon in the sign of Leo is causing all kinds of turmoil. Watch out for conflicts as this alignment is forcing secrets to the surface, amongst other things. Any frustrations you feel in your relationships will be highlighted and you can see where you need to make changes. It’s also a good time for reevaluating any new projects recently undertaken.

As people tend to be more emotional during a full moon, the best way to deal with any conflict is to understand that they are simply lost in their own drama and don’t take it personally.

Any major decisions are best made after Sunday when things begin to settle down.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Valentine's Day

In celebration of Valentine’s Day on 14 February, this month’s article is dedicated to love and romance. Hopefully, most of us will be spending Valentine's Day with that special someone. But for those who are single, rest assured love is never too far away. In the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to help shift old energy patterns and help bring more love and romance into your life.

Crystal Therapy
A great way to align yourself with loving energy is by using crystals (see my earlier article on Crystals). Once they are charged with intent, carry them around with you or put them where you will see them. You can place them by your bed or wear them over the heart chakra. The crystals I would recommend for any matters to do with the heart are Rose Quartz, Rhodochrosite and Jade.

Rose Quartz is the stone of unconditional love and peace. It is the most important crystal for the heart and the heart chakra. It purifies and opens the heart at all levels and brings deep inner healing and self love. It is calming and has a very gentle soothing energy. It releases repressed hurts, promotes forgiveness and offers inner peace. If you want to attract love, Rose Quartz is the crystal for you. In existing relationships, it will restore trust and harmony and encourage unconditional love.

Rhodochrosite is a wonderful stone that promotes selfless love and compassion. It is an excellent stone for the heart and relationships, especially for people who feel unloved. This stone helps bring repressed and painful feelings to the surface, allowing them to be acknowledged and then released. Emotionally, it encourages expression of feelings and helps lift a depressed mood bringing lightness into life.

Jade is a symbol of purity and serenity. It is associated with the heart chakra and increases love and nurturing. It is a protective stone, which keeps the wearer from harm and brings harmony. Emotionally, jade is a “dream stone”. Placed on the forehead it brings insightful dreams. It aids emotional release, especially of irritability. It calms the nervous system and channels passion in constructive ways. It can also be used to harmonise dysfunctional relationships.

Essential Oils
There are plenty of essential oils that can be used to support the heart and emotions. These include rose, geranium, lavender, juniper, bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang. Here are some suggestions on how to immerse yourself in these healing aromas:
  • Burn a few drops of your favourite oil in an oil burner. If you’re after something sensual, ylang-ylang is a well known aphrodisiac aroma. For emotional healing, choose Rose.
  • Use a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle with water and spray throughout your home.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil into your bath.
  • Dilute 20 drops of oil in a carrier oil such as jojoba and give yourself (or that special someone) a romantic massage.
Colour Therapy
 This is another complementary therapy dating back thousands of years. Colour has a profound affect on our moods and emotions which is why we find some colours depressing and others uplifting. Colour is simply light of varying wavelengths, thus each colour has its own particular vibration.

For matters to do with the heart, surround yourself with warm pinks and green. These are the two colours that resonate with the heart chakra. Pink is the colour of universal love and green represents life, nature and fertility. Try burning some pink coloured candles around the home to help open the heart and stimulate love and beauty.


Ways to Love Yourself
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about lovers, it’s also about loving yourself. As the old cliché goes, you need to love yourself first before someone else can love you. Here are some ways to give yourself the gift of love on Valentine’s Day:

Self Acceptance
Accept yourself for who you truly are. We all have negative feelings regarding ourselves but when we recognize that none of us are perfect, we can accept our flaws more easily. To have self love means to be non-judgmental about yourself, accepting all parts unconditionally. When you accept yourself fully, others will too.

Forgiveness
We all have guilt from our past. Mistakes are unavoidable and a necessary part of life. How else would we learn if we never made mistakes? Feeling shameful and guilty about the past doesn’t serve anyone, least of all yourself. Spend some time meditating on your past mistakes and offer yourself and others total forgiveness.

Let Go of the Past

Being bound by regrets and disappointments from the past can keep many of us in chains. Recognise that the only time that exists is this present moment. Release old energy and thought patterns by offering forgiveness to the divine. Treat yourself to a spiritual healing to help your body reach an inner state of harmony - physically, mentally and spiritually.

Spoil Yourself

Many of us spend too much time worrying about life instead of living it. Do something out of the ordinary to spoil yourself on Valentine’s Day. Have a relaxing full body massage or spend a weekend away. Treat yourself to a special gift to boost your self esteem and make you feel good about yourself.



Do Something Different
Many of us define ourselves by who we think we are. Challenge your self perception by trying a new activity – join a new club or book in for that course you have always wanted to do. Every path leads somewhere and you may find yourself on a whole new journey of self discovery.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - The Lovers

This month’s Tarot card is the Lovers Card. It’s numerical value is six and it is ruled by Gemini. The Lovers card can have several different meanings, depending on the surrounding cards.

The symbols on the card show a man and woman. Their nakedness represents having nothing to hide and innocence. Behind the man is the Tree of Life bearing 12 fruits. Behind the woman is the Tree of Knowledge with a Serpent wrapped around the trunk symbolising enlightenment. Archangel Raphael presides over them both.

The man represents the conscious mind (logic and reason), while the woman represents the subconscious mind (passion and emotion). An amalgamation of the two is represented by Archangel Raphael, the super-conscious mind.

The image shows the man looking at the woman, who in turn looks up at the Angel. She is the bridge between the physical and spiritual planes. When these two forces come together, we experience love and union, which in turn allows us to get a glimpse of Heaven.

When the Lovers Card appears in a spread, it usually indicates a physical relationship of some kind. It can point to love, intimacy, physical chemistry and mutual attraction. It may suggest a platonic relationship is now moving towards a more intimate one. It may also indicate harmony, co-operation and unity within an existing relationship. There is an element of commitment with the Lovers card.

Another aspect of this card is the element of choice. You may be faced with having to make a choice in love, work or career. There may also be decisions that involve personal beliefs, values, standards and ethics. Moral crossroads is often shown by the Lovers card which tells us to consider all consequences before acting.

Keywords of the Lovers card are – love, relationships, intimacy, union, conflicting choices, temptation, personal values

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Crystal Therapy

The ancient Egyptians used them, as did the Mayans, Aztecs, American Indians and Celts. There is a lot of mystery surrounding crystals with many people unsure how to use them. Admittedly, before I started practicing Reiki, I was a little dubious about the effectiveness of these stones. These days, they are an essential part of my practice and I use them with every healing. Many clients have told me that they feel an upsurge of energy the moment I place crystals on their body. I have seen the results for myself and I wouldn’t use them if they were ineffective. So how do crystals actually work?

A crystal is a mineral that has crystallized. They formed deep under the earth using compression which affects their properties and the way they function. In effect, they are our earth’s DNA containing records of the development of the earth over millions of years. Each crystal has it’s own specific “note” or healing property. Their structure can absorb, focus and emit energy, especially on the electromagnetic waveband.

Think of crystals as conductors or conduits of energy, much the same as batteries. Just as batteries need charging in order to work, so do crystals. They work on a very subtle level, using resonance and vibration. When charged with energy they are very effective when used for healing.

Crystals are used today in medical practices. They are piezoelectric, which means they conduct electricity. They are used in ultrasound machines to produce sound waves. Sound is now being applied at the leading edge of surgery. A tightly focused beam of ultrasound can cauterize wounds deep within the body and blast tumours apart without the need for invasive procedures. I like the think of crystals as mother nature’s gift to us, she has provided us with the the tools we need to heal our bodies.

Clients frequently ask me how to charge and clean their crystals. I’ve heard a lot of weird and wonderful stories on how to do this, but it’s not as difficult or mysterious as you may think.

Choosing your Crystal

Crystals can be purchased at most new age shops or markets. You may need to do some research if you want a crystal for a specific purpose. The best way to choose a crystal is to let your intuition guide you. When making a selection, pick them up in your hand and allow yourself to be drawn to the right one. Find one that resonates with you.

Cleansing your Crystal

Most crystals can be held under running water or immersed in sea or salt water. As you rinse, hold the intention that all negativity will be washed away and the crystal will be reenergized. Place it in the light of the sun or moon for a few hours to allow it to “recharge”. I have seen many clients who come to me with “dead” crystals that need recharging. Remember, you are dealing with subtle energy so you need to do your cleansing and recharging on a regular basis.

Programming your Crystal

To focus the energy of your crystal, you will need to program it. Place it in your hand and allow yourself to open to higher guidance. You can do this while meditating. Consider the purpose you want to use it for and be specific. It may be to attract love or for healing. If you have an illness you want to heal, state the condition. Put the crystal in a place where you see it frequently or keep it with you. Crystals are highly responsive and will absorb whatever you program them to do.

As you become more aligned with the crystals you will begin to see and feel their energy. There are thousands of crystals available and each has it’s own specific purpose. In time you will have your own collection that you can draw on whenever you need them.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Tarot Card of the Month - The World

I have chosen to begin 2011 by looking at the World card. It is the last card of the Major Arcana and represents completion. Why begin the year with a card representing completion? Simply, with every ending there is always a new beginning!

The value of the World card is 21 and it is ruled by Saturn. The figures in each corner of the card represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac – Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio. They are also symbolic of the four elements, four compass points and four corners of the universe. The card shows a woman dancing within a laurel wreath with red ribbons wrapped at the crown and base. They are in the shape of the infinity symbol, representing continuation. The two batons in her hands indicate balance. They have also been noted as sacred scrolls of knowledge.

When the World card appears in a spread, it indicates that something has come to a successful conclusion. There is a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment with goals being realised. The end is in sight and with it will be celebration and success. It also indicates endings and change. Sometimes travel or a short trip is indicated.

Keywords of the World – conclusion, success, accomplishment and fulfillment.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Going Green

Essential oils are a great way to disinfect and freshen up your home naturally. Fill a spray bottle with warm water (not boiling), add a cap full of Eucalyptus oil and give it a shake.

Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and bactericide, which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria. Research has proven its anti-viral properties as well.

Use it to wipe down any surfaces or as an air freshener. It not only makes your environment smell lovely but it makes it safe as well.