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.