Alternative Medicine
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 Fifth Chakra
The fifth chakra, or Vishuddhi is located at the neck. It is symbolized by a silver crescent within a white circle, with 16 pale blue, or turquoise petals. The animal totem of the fifth chakra is the white elephant. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is “G”. It is considered the communication chakra and its color is blue.
The fifth chakra rules the shoulders (with the fourth chakra), as well as the neck, throat, vocal chords and esophagus. The corresponding gland is the thyroid. Foods to stimulate the fifth chakra include blueberries and water. Physically, Vishuddhi governs communication, emotionally it governs independence, mentally it governs fluent thought, and spiritually it governs a sense of security. 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
The First Chakra
Chakra literally means “wheel” or “circle of light.”
The first chakra, or Muladhara, is located in the coccygeal region at the base of the spine where we sit. It is symbolized by a four petaled red lotus flower.
The animal totem of the first chakra is the elephant. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is C. It is considered the root chakra.
The color of the root chakra is red. It rules the feet, legs, anus, hips, bowels and bladder.
Foods to stimulate the first chakra include beets, strawberries, raspberries, cherries.
Corresponding gland: Adrenal glands. 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
Empath Unplugged At Bath Spa
The host at Burghope Manor country inn in Bradford-on-Avon, England, is a very wise man. He has seen many travelers come and go over the years, and obviously knows what is best for each of them.
When I told him I had downloaded an audio tour on my iPod, from the local tourism website, and was going to do a “Jane Austen walk” through the historic town of Bath, he gave me a skeptical look like only the British can and said, “You might want to stop by the Roman Baths first. It is a must-see, but go there early in the morning, before the tour groups arrive from London.”
Well, who am I to argue with such a determined a messenger of the Universe?
Arriving at the Roman Baths Museum, I was planning to have a quick 30 minute browse around and then go off in pursuit of the famous Ms Austen’s favorite haunts. Well, what is usually a 90 minute visit for most to the baths, if you use the museum’s audio guide, became for me a four hour metaphysical adventure. Continue reading