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