2016 - A Year of Completion and Transition

In numerology, the Universal Year for 2016 is nine (2+0+1+6=9).  Although the Universal Year number differs from our Personal Year number, we are still under the influence of this vibration to some degree. 

As everything in numerology goes in a nine year cycle, the number nine is an important and significant number.  While number one represents beginnings, nine represents endings – of all kinds.  This includes old ways of thinking, outdated relationships and any other circumstance that is no longer needed in your life.  In 2016, you are encouraged to let go of what no longer serves you.   

A nine year is all about change and completion so it can be a tough year for many people, particularly if you resist the process and hold on to outdated ways of thinking.  Therefore, it is important to let go and let flow.  The reason for this upheaval is to prepare us for the following year 2017.  As a one year, this will mark the beginning of a new cycle and with it will bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and of course, new beginnings.

As a nine year, 2016 is also karmic therefore a lot of old issues will come to the surface in order for healing to take place.  Often it can seem like an overwhelming accumulation of problems with no end.  The good news is that it won’t last.  Many will feel lighter when the influence of the one year takes its place the following year.

Nine is also the number of the humanitarian so expect a sense of compassion and generosity working alongside the changes taking place.

Keywords for 2016 are: Completion, Endings, Transition, Release

Tarot Card of the Month - The High Priestess

The High Priestess is one of the most spiritual cards in the Tarot deck and often the most loved by Tarot readers.  The value of this card is 2 and is associated with the moon.

Seated between two pillars, one representing light and the other dark, The High Priestess is the keeper of esoteric teachings and wisdom.  She holds the Tora in her lap representing knowledge.  Other sacred symbols are the crescent moon at her feet which suggests dominion over intuition.  The tapestry behind her is a symbol of Persephone and the pomegranates are a symbol of the underworld to which Persephone returns every year.  She wears the moon crown of Isis representing the Triple Goddess.  The solar cross on her breast is a symbol of balance between male and female.  

The High Priestess represents spiritual enlightenment and inner illumination, divine knowledge and wisdom. She has a deep, intuitive understanding of the Universe and uses this knowledge to teach rather than to try to control others. 

This card generally appears in a Tarot reading when you need to listen to and trust your inner voice.  You are urged to pay attention to your inner self, dreams and intuition rather than rely on the conscious mind or intellect.  It also suggests that there is something in the querent’s life that has yet to come to light; all is not yet revealed.  In this instance, there should be a period of wait before taking any action.

Keywords for The High Priestess - intuition, higher powers, mystery, subconscious mind

Herbal Lore - Marjoram

Marjoram is another versatile herb that can be easily grown in any garden.

When we think of herb gardens, we picture a designated area in the backyard that is dedicated solely to herbs.  Of course, that is a perfectly valid way to grow herbs.  Another idea is to just plant them in your garden along with everything else.  

This is my 'herb' garden (pictured).  Believe it or not, I planted all of this four years ago and since then everything has thrived including the herbs.  Admittedly, it is a lovely time of the year with all the flowers in bloom but it a good example of how plants and herbs can co-exist.  There are a few advantages of having herbs grow in your garden with other plants:

• There is less maintenance.  Weeds find it more difficult to grow when there is something else taking up the space.  Besides, herbs tend to grow quite large when given the space to do so.
• The other plants provide a symbiotic relationship, for example they provide shade which means the garden won't dry out as much.
• Fragrance and colour.  There is nothing better than walking past your garden filled with the scent of flowers and other herbs.

A lot of people are afraid of growing herbs thinking that they require special treatment.  The reality is herbs are very low maintenance and in good soil will grow well in any garden - just like any other plant.

Marjoram

Gender – Masculine

Planet – Mercury

Element – Air

History

In the Middle Ages, marjoram was used as a sign of everlasting love and honor.  Bridal couples wore wreaths of marjoram.  It was added to food to nurture love. Ladies carried it in their posies and sweet bags. It was strewn around houses as a deodorant. In England, it was used in snuff, and then added to beer for both preservation and taste.  If you anointed yourself with marjoram before retiring, you would dream of your future spouse. It was believed that if marjoram grew on your grave, then you had found eternal happiness. People often planted marjoram on a relative's grave to ensure their eternal peace.

Culinary Uses

Marjoram goes well with beef, fish, lamb, roasted poultry, and veal. It complements green vegetables, cauliflower, eggplant parsnips potatoes, squash and carrots. It works well in stews, marinades, dressings and herbed butters. It complements bay, garlic, onion, thyme and is used in poultry stuffing.

Herbal Lore

It has anti-oxidant and anti-fungal properties and can be used for bronchial and chest complaints, asthma, anxiety and indigestion.  As a poultice, it can used to relieve arthritis and rheumatism pain.  Gargles and teas can be made to ease sinus congestion and relieve hay fever.

Magical Uses

Used for protection, love and  healing.   Add to all love charms, place a piece in rooms for protection. Give to a grieving person to bring them happiness.

2014 - A year of Reflection and Spiritual Growth

In numerology, the Universal Number for 2014 is number 7 (2+0+1+4=7).  Although the Universal Year is different from our Personal Year, we are still influenced to some degree by the energy of this number. 

The number 7 is one of the most spiritual and mystical numbers.  It represents inner changes, wisdom, reflection, and spiritual learning.   

Universally, this is a year of inner growth.  It is a time of retreat and reflection to gain wisdom or to become ‘spiritually awakened’.   Many may hear the call to search for deeper awareness or knowledge and may find themselves joining spiritual or religious groups.  Keep in mind that there are many paths up the mountain and what might be right for some may not suit others.  As always, it’s best to keep an open mind and to find the path that best suits you.  With the focus on spirituality, issues to do with the church and/or religious organisations may come to the fore.  There will be an emphasis on truth, so any secrets or anything hidden may come to the surface.  Important scientific breakthroughs could also feature this year.

With a strong sense of mysticism in the air, this is not the best year for finances or business matters in general.  On the other hand, it’s a good time to plan and analyse ready to put these plans into action next year.

The key phrase for 2014 is ‘rest your soul, grow within, learn, reflect and make plans for the future’.

Winter Solstice and Supermoon 2013

Two celestial events coincide this month, the Winter solstice and supermoon.  The Winter solstice occurs on Friday, 21 June and on Sunday, 23 June we will be treated to the largest full moon of the year known as a supermoon.  This is when the moon will be at its closest to the earth all year, making it appear much larger and brighter than usual.  With the full moon in Capricorn and the sun in Cancer, this is an emotional time of deep dreaming and strong feeling.  We are challenged to manifest our emotional and intuitive sides into physical reality in a positive way. 

To coincide with the supermoon, we also have the energy of the winter solstice.  The name solstice literally means 'sun stands still' and marks the longest night and shortest day of the year.  For many, this is a sacred time of reflection and celebration.  It’s a time to turn inward and reassess our connection to our spiritual side and life purpose.  We are also encouraged to reflect on the shadow side of our personality so it can be acknowledged, transformed and healed.  Symbolically, it’s a time for letting go of the old to allow the new to emerge and to set goals for the coming year.  This is the perfect time to nurture and balance the spiritual, physical and emotional aspects of ourselves so we can be symbolically reborn and transformed from inner darkness into light.  Many light a candle in honour of the festival to call back the sun and be recharged for Spring. 

Welcome to the Year 2013

Many people felt that the world would end on 21 December 2012.  Thankfully, this didn’t happen but it was a significant milestone nonetheless. 

Humanity is entering into a new phase as we shift from the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius.  This is a time when subtle changes are taking place as people are beginning to become more self aware and in tune with their environment. 

This process has already begun with people looking inward for answers instead of outward to money and material possessions. The focus on humanitarian and environmental issues has increased. More and more people are seeking alternative lifestyles that focus on community and self sufficiency. All this will continue to grow as we connect with our authentic selves. The cloak of materialism will begin to fall with an emphasis on humanity, kindness, truth, spirituality and enlightenment. 

You may have noticed that previous subjects that were considered unpopular are now becoming mainstream, such as vegetarianism, alternative medicine and healing.  These subjects will become increasingly common place as people become more aligned with their spiritual selves.

To coincide with this shift, 2013 is a six year in numerology.  A six represents home, hearth, responsibility and caring for others.  This year with the strengthening of our focus on humanitarian issues we will be more compassionate in our search for solutions.

On a personal level, I have been called to further my studies into spiritual healing.  Last year I began my journey in shamanism which will continue into 2013 and beyond.  I hope to integrate these new modalities into my practice this year, with healing taking place at a much deeper level.

Finally, as we become more awakened and enlightened on an individual level, we can integrate this into society and the wider community.  In the Age of Aquarius, we have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves and break free from out dated concepts.  This allows us to create a new reality, one that is based on love, peace and unity.

How to Cleanse your Home with Sage

Sage smudging is an ancient cleansing ritual used by shamanic cultures to remove negative energy from a space. There are a number of reasons why you would want to perform a space cleansing:

Welcome in the new year
Cleansing your home of any old or negative energy is a great way to make a fresh start to the new year.

Moving into a new home
Houses absorb energy and retain memories, both good and bad. Sometimes the previous occupants have left behind negative or unwanted energy and it needs to be shifted.

Personalising your own space
Making your home your own is important and can help foster feelings of security and well being.

Ghosts or Hauntings
Sometimes spirits of those that have passed get caught in the astral plane and can 'haunt' a space or home. Typical signs that you may have an unwanted guest include strange noises, smells, cold/hot areas, feeling a presence around you or poltergiest activity.

Here is a simple ritual you can do yourself using a smudge stick to cleanse your home. A smudge stick can be purchased from most new age stores.

• Open all the windows and doors of your house and light your smudge stick. Give it a couple of minutes until it starts to smoulder. Make sure you hold a suitable vessel underneath to catch any embers or ash.
• Walk around each room waving the smoke into the corners and around the windows and doors, allowing the smoke to circulate and cleanse the energy and space. While doing so, set your intention and visualize all negative energy leaving the house. You can say a cleansing prayer such as "I cleanse this room of any impurities, negativity, or anything that does not support the people that live here".
• Do this ritual around the entire house, all the while visualizing any negative energy leaving and being replaced with a bright light of positive energy.
• After you have cleared your entire home, wave the smudge stick around your entire body from head to toe and front to back to force any energies not your own away from your body. Do not inhale the smoke.
• When finished, extinguish the smudge stick or take it outside to a safe place and allow it burn down. I usually only use one smudge stick for each ritual. Allow the remainder of the smoke and smell to leave your home before closing your windows and doors. Happy smudging!