Before the Madness: Create Sacred Space for Seasonal Serenity!

Before the Holiday Madness overtakes your sense and sensibilities, I urge you to create a quiet, inspiring place in your home that helps you feel more connected to what's meaningful in your life. Like me, many of you already have sacred spaces dedicated for practices such as meditation, yoga, prayer, healing, or divination. But even if you do not need a dedicated place for "daily rituals", or you already have a space for these, you might want to create a space simply for "seasonal serenity".

Creating your own sacred space lets you express your deepest human need for ongoing spiritual nourishment, which transcends obligatory holiday shopping and social engagements which can be devoid of any nourishment at all. Everyone can benefit from creating places where they intentionally choose what surrounds them. Entering a sacred space is like giving yourself permission to take a moment to be renewed, to find rest, to get out of your head and honor what's in your heart. Sacred spaces feed the spirit. And, that can go a long way toward helping you feel more centered, grounded, healthy, and happy.

Creating sacred space is all about making personal choices that feel right intuitively, so there is no right or wrong way to do it. Begin by arranging objects that give you energy, inspire you, and are pleasing to all of your senses – that which tastes, sounds, smells, looks and feels good to you.

Even if you can not dedicate an entire room, you can use a corner of a room or garden. Also consider using a cushion, rug, low table, or screen to make your sacred space feel more contained, relaxing and personal. I personally love outdoor spaces, in all seasons, as nature's voice is most often what I need to hear when the Madness is calling me. I maintain a medicine wheel on my beach, and a beautiful crystal grid in my herb garden which are both large enough for me to sit at their centers. Because they are used often, they hold tremendous positive fields and are magnets to many of the sweet little creatures that also share my yard; butterflies, birds, chipmunks and more! Those creatures provide me with a wonderful connection to the Earth, and they are in fact the most important sounds, and sensually pleasing additions to my sacred spaces. Indoors, I have a traditional healing space pleasing to Oshun. The only sound is the waves of the lake caressing the shoreline.

Whether you create a space outdoors or inside, focus on aesthetically pleasing items that speak to you, inspire you, and that are meaningful to you. You might include:

• Stones and shells that hold memories from special places
• A dish garden or fountain
  
• Talismans and symbols of peace and safety
• Artwork and photographs of loved ones and special places
• Statuary and traditional symbols of divine and protective energies
• Candles, incense, scented plants and flowers
  
• Color, light, texture, fabrics, mirrors, crystals, chimes
• Poetry, sacred texts, favorite quotes and words of wisdom from any and all faiths
• Personal Divination Tools such as Runes, Shells, or a favorite deck of Tarot cards
  
• Music: Instruments or CDs
  

It all starts with a desire to make something as beautiful and as comforting as you possibly can, just for you. This space is yours. Today, honor your heart's desire to feel more connected to what's truly meaningful in your life. I wish you seasonal serenity!

May you be blessed!

A one word answer

"Hope."

I said it without thinking. And, I was amazed that it was my answer. I had never thought of it that way...

After experiencing an amazing crystal healing session using the little tachyon pyramids, my client wanted to purchase a larger pyramid to take home and use in her meditations. Instead, she was drawn to a collection of jewelry that I also offer for sale in my office and on Bonanzle and my website.

"What does the spiral symbol mean?" she asked, trying on a chain of tiny spirals.

My scientific mind sees the spiral as the universe. In constant motion, it expands out infinitely. The spiral symbol represents the consciousness of nature beginning from the center and expanding outwardly. This, of course, is the way of all things...

That would have answered her question, in a rather profound way...

She held a mandala to hear heart. "I can feel this one!"

I also know the spiral as a key in sacred geometry. It is the pattern of growth found in abundance in the natural world. On Earth we see it as seashells, fern fronds, snails, and whirlpools. Like tornadoes, they all make use of the power contained in the spiral to grow and change. A spiral is the form of perfect balance, progress, and forward development. It speaks of evolutions of time, stars, planets and the way of natural progress for the highest good. It is a representation of the dance of the universe.

I could have said something like that...

"Wow, this one looks really old, can I try this one on?"

In the ancient world, spirals were a symbol of the journey through life. They remain a universal symbol found in almoat all cultures representing the cycle of the sun, the seasons, and the cycles of life and death. Spirals also represent life force and regeneration. They reveal the feminine serpent force. They are the ancient symbol of the Goddess, the womb, and fertility. Yes, spirals are the domain of the Goddess.

That would have been really good.

But spiritually, I intuit the spiral representing the path leading from our outer consciousness to the inner awareness of the soul. It is the movement between the inner, intuitive, and intangible worlds and the outer world of matter. Actually, I see the spiral as a road map to the evolution of humankind, both personally and collectively. Spirals represent our learning to let go, surrender, and release. They represent an awareness of the one within the context of the whole. They lead us to our connectivity to each other and to the mystery of cosmic energies, to our union with the Divine.

And although each loop of the spiral brings us back to the same place, it takes us to a higher and more evolved level at each turn.

And so I answered, "hope."

May you be blessed!

Moldavite: A Starborn Teacher Healer

“Time and again, in legends and myths throughout the ages, you can find the story of the celestial green gem of transformation. A star-born catalyst of healing and wholeness, the sacred talisman of awakening, its call opens the door to our destiny. Now, in the times of critical mass we find it again, the Moldavite, multitude of human channels. Its function as a spiritual tool grows and clarifies as we use it. As more of us find the commonality of our experiences with it, our sense of oneness grows." – excerpted from the book Moldavite: Starborn Stone of Transformation by Robert Simmons

I have a really large, gorgeous green piece of Moldavite, naturally formed in the shape of a heart. When I received it as a gift some twenty years ago, I had NO IDEA what I had been given. Even today, my understanding grows and deepens with my every encounter with this amazing stone.

Moldavites originated almost 15 million years ago, when a great meteorite hit the earth surface in what is now the Czech Republic. Athough Moldavite was prized by human beings for tools and amulets some 25,000 years ago, it was a forgotten energy until just a few decades ago. In modern times, Moldavite has emerged as one of the healing crystals most prized by practioners of energy-healing modalities and metaphysical seekers and seers alike. I have personally experienced Moldavite to boost my physical and psychic energy, remove a headache, and to recover from illness or injury almost at the speed of light!

In my healing practice I often recommend Moldavite Meditations to clients who are dealing with emotionally-charged challenges. We use it to improve relationships and to break addictions to outdated thought patterns, unhealthy behaviors, and limiting judgements. Because it is also effective in relieving panic and anxiety, traumatized animals such as those transitioning from shelters to new homes benefit from exposure to Moldavite's influence. (Just dab a bit of Moldavite oil on their bedding for an instantly calming effect!)

However, it is Moldavite's transformative applications to our spiritual dimension that most interests and amazes me. Beyond any other energy, Moldavite is a catalyst for inner evolution towards one’s highest good. Often the changes it brings can be intense and rapid, difficult, and life-altering, but certainly Moldavites are among the most powerful gemstone tools for spiritual development and expansion of consciousness.

In some tellings, the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend was said to be not a cup, but a stone; a crystal Emerald that fell from the sky. In other stories, the Grail cup was carved from the crystal Emerald. The ancients called all clear green gemstones “Emeralds”, and Moldavite is the only such crystal ever to have fallen from the sky. Like the stone of the Grail, a healing Moldavite crystal seems to be a harbinger of one’s higher destiny and a helpful and healing talisman for the achievement of it. Consciously working with Moldavite seems to trigger events that bring about the right relationships, right livelihood, align the rest of one’s life into harmonious accord with the divine pattern, the highest good.

I have found that moldavite harmonizes particularly well with Larimar, the Quartz Family, and Luvilite in the laying of stones on the body, gridding and in blending gemstone oils. It tends to supercharge and spiritualize the energies of whatever stones we use with it. Moldavite oil can be placed on gems, or on the chakra and meridian points of our subtle energy bodies. This raises our vibration, beginning a process of energetic resonance in which the vibratory rate of our whole being is increased rather dramatically.

Energetically, Moldavite will activate all of the chakras. Moldavite's energy tends first to move wherever it is most needed in the physical and etheric bodies, and then centers in the heart. I have formulated a very special Moldavite soap using my own personal Master Moldavite Crystal (in photo above). This soap is suitable for daily use to help hold your physical and energy bodies in resonance with your life purpose as you incarnated to experience.

I invite you to begin to explore Moldavite enegies as a tool of transformation by visiting either our Bonanzle stoeront or our website and simply purchasing a bar Moldavite soap. I would aslo like to share a wonderful meditation to use when working with any Moldavite:

"I ask that spirit walk with me this day and that I have the courage to carry this truth within me in all that I do. To fully stand in my own truth and power is to honor the spirit within. Help me today to remember both who I am and who I am not. To accept the truth of my own limitations, clears the path to carrying my true power. This day I will balance my ego by checking it often and see my true motivations. I accept the power that is rightfully mine and will to use it to create Home on this side of the veil. I ask that I may allow spirit to emanate from me to all who choose to look upon me, that I may be a perfect mirror so that they may see the Divine within themselves. As spirit walks with me this day I remember to give thanks for the gift of spirit on my shoulder."

May you be blessed with a good life, lived in harmony with your divine blueprint.
Namaste!

Welcome To Your 30-minute At Home Spa Vacation!

Grab your robe and slippers, and find a soothing CD that you absolutely love. Light a scented candle...

Let go of your day, your obligations, responsibilities and stress. Try to relax. Take yourself on a far away vacation in your head, tell yourself a “Once Upon A Time” story, remind yourself what a princess you are and remember how essential these precious moments are to your happiness and sanity! Even on a Tuesday evening!

Welcome To Your 30-minute At Home Spa Vacation!

Slow down your breath, your thoughts and your movements. Put on your favorite CD and start prepping a very simple shower or bath in a wonderfully slow, deliberate and unhurried way. Take time to watch the candle burn, smell the fragrance, feel the soft robe or towels, look at the sparkling drops of water and run your hands through it, take in the joyful process of an every day activity that we normally just fly through without a second thought! Cherish these simple, sacred, rejuvenating moments.

Use your essential oils. Not only do they smell great, but they are extremely good for your skin. Essential oils can help rejuvenate the skin, eliminate waste, alleviate stress, enhance your mood, restore vitality and facilitate the regeneration of new, healthy cells. The rule to applying essential oils is to never apply them directly on your face or skin. Just add about five drops to a bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth in the water and then apply to your face and neck as a compress for five minutes. Repeat three times. Gently towel dry and finish yourself off with an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory facial splash.

If you have a choice of essential oils to choose from, select one that suits your mood and purpose. Choose soothing oils (like lavender, chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang). Good revitalizing and energizing oils when you need them are peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, basil and juniper.

Another in home spa trick is to mix an ounce of ground sea salt with 10 or so drops of your favorite essential oil. Add water and make a paste so it spreads easily. Apply it to your entire body and slough off the dead skin with big circular strokes. This salt scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells, cleanse the pores and help your body get rid of any toxins. These are your precious rejuvenating moments. Take your time. Pamper yourself !

Care for your hair if t is taking a beating in these winter elements. Add ¼ ounce of lavender to sixteen ounces of shampoo. Or for oily hair, add ¼ ounce of lemongrass or rosemary to 16 ounces of shampoo. Essential oils can make invigorating scalp massages. Rosemary is awesome! Replenish lost moisture to your skin and hair this winter by taking two tablespoons of organic flaxseed oil twice a day. You’ll also get rid of the skin itchies and combat wrinkles and sagging skin!

Remember to rejuvenate from the inside! Drink 8 to10 glasses of water every day. Eat lots of whole foods, green vegetables, fresh fruits, grains, nuts and lean protein to reduce inflammation, replenish moisture and bring back that, healthy youthful glow.

Bathing in Blessings: Compassion

In this Sunday morning series, "Bathing in Blessings," I am sharing powerful formulas that combine energies of minerals, herbs, and essential oils that you can use to make wonderful elixirs. For basic directions on how to make and use synergistic elixirs, please refer to the blog archives (right) and read the blog posted on Sunday, December 28, 2008, "Bathing in Blessings Lesson One: Forgiveness."

Today we're going to create an elixir which stablizes and integrates issues around compassion. The heart is where we give and receive love and compassion. The heart chakra is the home of these emotions, these attributes that connect us all. We are born of unconditional love, in unconditional love, and as unconditional love. We are love. We are light. We are the embodiment of compassion, although we do not always exercise compassion. And unfortunately, we do not always exercise unconditional love towards ourselves and others.

“If you don't love yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able to love others. If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not able of developing compassion for others.” -Dalai Lama

If we are not fully exercising these innate gifts of love and compassion, is because we have shut ourselves off from them for some reason. Life's traumas, trials and tribulations can cause us to shut down. However, we must remember that in order to not be defeated by the adversity of life, we must always stay open, love, and share compassion with ourselves and with others. When you feel unconditional love towards yourself and others, when you are compassionate towards yourself and others, and when you are able to be forgiving towards yourself and others, you will notice a difference in the types of relationships you have in your life. Using theis elixir will help you to make better choices when it comes to matters of the heart.

We'll begin with Rose essential oil. The rose symbolizes innocence, love, passion, sympathy, desire, luxury and the ideal aesthetic. The healing tradition associated with the rose is no less remarkable than its fragrance and beauty. It was the 17th-century English physician Culpeper who wrote that roses strengthen the heart. He may have been referring to a physical action, but anyone who has inhaled fresh roses or their essential oil knows the aroma strengthens the heart spiritually and emotionally as well. Culpeper attributed other properties to the rose that foreshadowed its current use in aromatherapy and cosmetics. He recommended extract of rose for its cooling and astringent benefits, useful for headache and tired eyes.

Besides being used as a medicine in history, the rose has a long history as a costly perfume. Fresh roses were macerated in hot fat to produce fragrant pomades in ancient India, Greece and Egypt. In Egypt these pomades were shaped into cones and placed on the top of the head. As body heat melted the fat, fragrant, rose-scented oil would trickle down the face and neck.

With the advent of distillation in the 10th century, Persians began extracting rose flower water from fresh roses. An early reference to rose essential oil is mentioned in a legendary Mogul account of the betrothal of a princess named Nour-Djihan to the Emperor Dhihanguyr. The wedding feast was held in a garden surrounded by a canal filled with rose water. As Nour-Djihan and her lover plied the waters in a small boat she noticed a thin film of rose oil on the surface. It was carefully skimmed off and rose essential oil was born.

The difficulty of extracting rose oil from the plant has always caused it to be a very expensive substance. A rose blossom contains only about 0.02% essential oil. It takes about 60,000 roses to produce just 1 ounce of oil, and ten thousand pounds of rose blossoms to produce 1 pound of oil. The best oil is distilled from newly opened flowers, picked in the cool morning hours before the sun has warmed away the aroma.

Aventurine holds the vibration of compassion. Aventurine assists us in perceiving our own life dance, or the dance of others, from the foundation of compassion which understands from inside the human experience all dances, and in so understanding forgives and embraces all others in love regardless of circumstance. Known as the "comfort crystal," aventurine has the capacity to calm a troubled spirit and bring about inner peace. Immerse a piece of adventurine directly in the oil, and set the oil in the center of an aventurine grid.

Chamomile assists in opening the heart and processing the pain inherent in ascension to a biological level. Chamomile will bring comfort in our deepest moments of seeming darkness that we are transcending. In biology, pain is associated with toxic substances one is releasing. Chamomile will attach to such substances and assist them in being removed through the waste management systems.

Chamomile is a good tonic herb to have daily if desired. An infusion, made from 1 oz. of the flowers to 1 pint of boiling water, known popularly as Chamomile Tea, is an old-fashioned but extremely efficacious remedy for stress. It has a wonderfully soothing, sedative ,and absolutely harmless effect.

Place dried Chamomile buds in the gemstone infusion. This powerful oil is wonderful to use in the bath or at the heart chakra so do save some to use in this form.

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” -Dalai Lama

Blessings to you on your path!