breathing
The Nature Of Spirit
When getting a reading you may hear a psychic use the term “Spirit” during the reading. But what is Spirit? Spirit is another way of saying “God” or “the Divine.”
In my personal experience Spirit is the in-dwelling essence from which all things come. Spirit is the life force that dwells within us and in all living things, and represents each individual’s highest path and potential.
So how do we connect with “Spirit”? The concept or idea of Spirit is found within many spiritual traditions. It is the reason why individuals to this day practice specific religions in hopes that they too can align themselves with the higher power or Spirit. Continue reading
The Secret To Smudging Is In The Smoke
“The secret to smudging is in the smoke.” These were the words of my mentor when I undertook my Ukuthwasa as a shaman initiate many years ago in Southern Africa. I have also come to know that the true intention behind any smudging ceremony is a very significant part of its success.
An initial part of my rigorous training as a Sangoma, or traditional healer, was a self-cleansing ritual using Mphepo, made up of herbs indigenous to Southern Africa.
“Smudging,” simply put, is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath. The smoke is used to cleanse areas used for rituals and ceremonies, as well as any tools or objects used for such cleansing, as well as to cleanse people. Continue reading
The Fourth Chakra
The fourth chakra, or Anahata is located in the heart center. It is symbolized by a circular flower and 12 green petals called heart-mind. The animal totems of the fourth chakra are the antelope, dove and nightingale. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is “F”. This is considered the heart chakra and love chakra.
The color is green. It rules the shoulders, heart, blood circulation, upper back and lungs. Foods to stimulate the fourth chakra include Lettuce, kale, zucchini, spinach and all green vegetables. The corresponding gland is the Thymus. Physically, Anahata governs the immune system, all blood related issues and circulation. Mentally it governs connection with others’ personal power, while emotionally it governs empathy, compassion, romance, friendship and family love, and spiritually it directs unconditional love. Continue reading
The Third Chakra
The third chakra, or Manipura, is located just above the navel in the solar plexus. It is symbolized by a downward pointing triangle with ten petals. It is also known as the solar plexus chakra.
The animal totem of the third chakra is the ram and the musical note that resonates with this chakra is “E”.
The color of the solar plexus energy center is yellow. It rules the metabolic and digestive systems. The corresponding gland is the pancreas. Foods to stimulate this chakra include bananas, corn, and yellow squash.
Physically, Manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power, emotionally it governs expansiveness, and spiritually, it is involved in all matters of growth. Continue reading
The Second Chakra
The second chakra, or Swadhisthana is located just under the navel. It is symbolized by a white lotus flower or crescent moon. The animal totem of the second chakra is the crocodile and the musical note that resonates with this chakra is “D”. This is considered the sacral chakra.
The color of the second chakra is orange. Foods to stimulate the second chakra include oranges, apricots, carrots, and cantaloupe.
Physically, Swadisthana governs reproduction, mentally it governs creativity, emotionally it governs joy, and spiritually it governs enthusiasm. This energy is also where we tap into our creativity and pleasure. It rules the reproductive organs and the corresponding gland is the sexual endocrine glands. This chakra helps to balance our spirituality and sexuality, and is also the area in the body where we hold blockages relating to sexual trauma. Continue reading
Aura Reading Made Easy
Every living thing has an aura: a surrounding light of a specific color or colors. If you’ve never discovered your own aura, or that of a friend or loved one, it’s easy to learn to read auras.
The first step is to put your mind at ease. Try meditation techniques or simply breathing deeply. You may wish to begin your practice on yourself, by looking in a mirror, or else a plant or pet (if your pet will sit still!)
Choose a well-lit room; white light is best for the exercise. Let your eyes travel over the subject and go slowly out of focus. The first thing you are likely to see is the inner aura, which appears as a slight outline usually around the head and shoulders. Once you are comfortable with this first step, practice expanding your sight. You will start to see other colors beyond the white rings. They may be faint at first, but don’t worry. Continue reading