cleansing
The Ancient Art Of Smudging
There are many effective ways to purify ourselves of old baggage or toxins in our lives. A great place to start is a very ancient art popular among indigenous peoples known as “smudging.” This refers to the burning of sacred or blessed herbs, or grasses to cleanse yourself and your space.
If you are just beginning try burning sage, one of the most popular and fragrant herbs. As you become more adept, you may want to customize your herbal blend. Bundles may be purchased at an esoteric store, or a Native American or natural market, and burned in a vessel of your choice.
Before you start, make sure there are no fire hazards and open a window or two for ventilation. When you light your sage stick, make sure you are only using the leaves and not the other parts. Continue reading
Is Your Mind In A State Of Zen?
Much like a computer, if you don’t keep your mind clear and sometimes take necessary steps to keep it running smoothly, it can give you some grief in the long run. You will find in the end that you are not happy, lack awareness and even suffer depression.
When our minds don’t function properly, our life doesn’t seem to be as fulfilled as it could be. Achieving this state of clarity, serenity and mental smooth sailing is what I call “living in a state of Zen.”
Have you been going about your life in a constant mad rush with your mind all over the place? This is not living in Zen. If you don’t need it, discard it from your mind. This way you will have the extra space to bring in things that actually serve your highest good and help you to be a happier healthier individual. 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
How To Crystal Gaze
Many people are familiar with the popular culture idea of using a crystal ball for divination purposes, also known as the art of “scrying”. The truth is, this is an ancient art, and it’s not just about seeing the future! With some practice, anyone can use this unique and fascinating tool to gain insight into his or her life.
The first thing needed is the crystal itself. Clear quartz is a good choice for someone new to the art. As with any magical tool, use your instincts to select one that is right for you. A small one, no bigger than five inches in diameter, will work fine. Be sure to cleanse your crystal and smudge it of any negative energies before use. This will give you better results. Only you should touch your crystal ball; the influences of others will weaken its power. Continue reading
A Homecoming To Ghosts Of The Past
After my mother passed away, my father re-married and moved away. Soon after I received a call from the people who bought the old house from my dad. They told me that they got my number from the neighbors and they wondered if I could help them with the otherworldly activity that was going on in that house. They had heard that I used to experience the paranormal presence there too. They did not know who else to turn to.
I agreed to come and see them, and when I finally pulled up in the driveway all the feelings from the past, of all the hauntings that I had experienced there, hit me quite hard. I knew once I walked in that door it was still going to feel the same. Continue reading
What Did You Give Up For Lent?
You’re out with your friends on a Friday night and suddenly you notice that one of them has switched from his favorite microbrew beer to lemonade? Is it time for Lent already?
Giving up something for Lent sometimes evokes head-scratching in non-Catholics, but what might seem like just another Catholic eccentricity can actually be a practice with deep spiritual significance.
Lent, the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter, has its origin in the early days of the Church. This year Lent began on March 5th and it ends on April 17th.
Converts seeking to become Christian, who at that time were mostly adults, spent several years in study and preparation. Under the threat of Roman persecution, becoming a Christian was serious business, so their process of preparation was intensive. Then they went through a final period of “purification and enlightenment” for the 40 days before their baptism at Easter. The rest of the Church began to observe the season of Lent in solidarity with these newest Christians. It became an opportunity for all Christians to recall and renew the commitment of their baptism. Continue reading
My Favorite Healing ‘Crystals’ – Part 1
I absolutely love crystals. Some people may call them “stones” or “rocks”, I call them “healing crystals“. Anyone who collects them for metaphysical purposes will often refer to them as such.
Crystals all have a vibration and discharge energy. Quartz Crystal, for example, are used to power wrist watches and I’m sure many other devices.
Tourmaline is wonderful as its absorbs Electro Magnetic Frequencies (EMF). I use them in making grids for protection from negative people and electric pollution. I will explore Tourmaline further in another blog post.
My very favorite healing crystal is called “Tiger’s Eye.” Tiger’s Eyes is used to open the Third Eye, when doing healing on the body and also used when doing a chakra cleansing. The Zodiac sign that it gravitates to is Leo and Capricorn. Continue reading