Afterlife
Grief And Spiritual Healing
Every one of us deals with loss at some point in our lives. A family member, a friend, even our beloved pets. We may be angry or depressed long after the loss occurs, and ask ourselves why it happened. As we work through the stages of grief, keeping a sense of spirituality is essential.
It’s natural to ask our higher power for answers. We have to keep the lines of communication open. In doing so, we work through our grief and learn more about ourselves. This is called “soulwork,” or “soul-searching.” It should not be confused with connecting to our loved ones on the other side, though this may be part of the journey. Expressing grief is the most important thing we can do. Continue reading
A Message Of Hope From Hel’s Pond
A yellow butterfly guided me to Blanke Helle, or “Hel’s Pond” during a recent visit to Berlin, Germany. It darted ahead of me all the way from the bus stop in AlboinStraße, until I reached the entrance to the park where lies forgotten, and hidden from public notice, the ancient pagan site sacred to Hela, or Hel, the Norse-Germanic goddess of death and the underworld.
I have been guided by butterflies on a regular basis over the past two years, since the first one appeared to me at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. I was much encouraged by the sudden presence of this golden, magical creature, because it predicted that my visit to this sacred pagan site would be less somber than I had imagined. Yellow butterflies represent rebirth, new life, transformation and resurrection in several cultures. The Irish believe yellow butterflies to be an indicator of the peaceful transition of departed souls. And in Christian tradition yellow butterflies are symbolic of the Christ’s resurrection from death. They are also regarded as a sign of the presence of angels. Would Hel’s dark waters ultimately leave me with a message of hope? Continue reading
Being “Spaced Out” And Omnipresent
When I am out walking with my dogs, I often feel as if the upper part of my body is being stretched and I am eight feet tall. When this happens, I get a sense of peace that everything is just as it’s meant to be, and that all will be well.
This past year or so, many customers have also shared with me how they too feel detached from their bodies as they go about their everyday lives. This does not just happen when they are having a conscious, or unconscious out-of-body experience.
Some teachings talk of how it is our very nature to constantly migrate away from our physical form, because we are actually omnipresent beings. My husband doesn’t think I am on this planet very often anyway, and perhaps he is right. But I must be omnipresent in order to get my everyday chores done! Continue reading
The Misunderstood Ouija Board
The most misunderstood item in the diviner’s toolbox is probably the Ouija board. Since its invention the debate continues to this day whether this famous item is merely a game, a glimpse into our subconscious, a gateway into the spirit realms, or even an “instrument of evil.”
Like any channeling object or psychic tool, the Ouija board must be used with great care and respect. Its origins go back to the late 19th century and the practice of spiritualism, or séances to connect with loved ones who had passed on. Its design is simple: a flat board with letters and numbers, plus basic words like “yes” and “no,” but its usage is much more complex. Continue reading
Grandpa’s Visitation Heightened My Spirituality
I remember it very distinctively. Almost 16 years ago, after his passing, I prayed to God that I may be able to make contact with my Grandpa. I needed to say goodbye and tell him I love him one last time. He had promised me before his passing that he would return to visit me. He kept his promise.
I decided to learn the Rosary while at a Catholic bookstore, shortly before his funeral. I was buying cross pendants for my grandma and other members of the family who wanted to wear a similar necklace my grandpa would be buried with it. I felt it would help those of us mourning to feel connected and closer to him. I think I bought ten of them. My brothers each took one, as well as my mother, and of course my grandma and a few of my cousins.
A nun at the store told me that day that if I learned the Rosary, I would be blessed. She gave me a bookmark which explained all the different blessings one is to receive if you learn and recite the Rosary every day. I decided I wanted to know how to pray the Rosary. Continue reading
The Haunted Pickup Truck
After a difficult divorce in 1999, I lost my pick-up truck in the settlement. I needed new, affordable transportation. Fortunately my stepbrother knew this guy that had an old Dodge for sale at a really good price. But when I saw it, I had a bad feeling about this car.
I was however very desperate to get a car, so after taking it for a test drive, I convinced myself it was only my imagination that something was wrong. So pretty soon I was driving my new car on Route 270 heading home. Then the paranormal activity started. Driving along slowly, the material from the ceiling of the car came detached. My son Raymond was in the back seat, and he looked at me with big eyes and said, “Dad, why is that man pulling the stuff off the ceiling?” Continue reading
My Daughter’s New Life Beyond This One
Recently our 48 year old daughter passed away*. Those of you who have experienced the death of a child will understand the depth of the grief and sorrow that parents are left with. All we can hope for now is that the sense of loss will eventually not be so deep and profound.
The physical cause of her death was the effects of her cancer treatments, however, the soul cause of her passing was because she could no longer sustain any kind of happiness in this existence.
Kathy was beautiful, highly intelligent and possessed a remarkable sharp wit. Yet, from a very young age she also appeared aloof and reserved. Curiously, she was often judged, and sometimes quite harshly, because of this particular quirk. Why anyone would choose to be offended by this trait is still a mystery to me. Those like her, with an extremely sensitive soul, will inherently create an environment for themselves simply to protect that fragile being from harm. This attitude should be embraced and rewarded, instead of judged and ridiculed. Continue reading