Self-Help
The Spiritual Wisdom Of Solitude
In the age of digital ‘connection,’ we are becoming more socially disconnected than ever before in human history. In fact, loneliness has become a secret epidemic profoundly affecting many people all over the world. A 2022 study of the prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries found that “problematic levels of loneliness are experienced by a substantial proportion of the population in many countries.”
There is strong evidence that loneliness or social isolation is a serious health risk that increases premature death from all causes, similar to smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise. It is also specifically linked to higher rates of heart failure, dementia, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Loneliness must however not be confused with solitude, which is in fact a powerful aspect of spiritual practice that has been practiced since the dawn of time.
Loneliness is the feeling of being alone and isolated, regardless the amount of social contact. In other words, social isolation can cause a sense of loneliness in some of us, but we can also feel intensely lonely without being socially isolated. One can feel lonely even when there are many people present in our life.
Solitude, on the other hand, is the conscious choice to be alone, usually for the purpose of personal reflection, recharging one’s energy, spiritual contemplation, or simply enjoyment of your own company. It’s about purposely choosing to be present with yourself, rather than the lack of social connection.
Walking Two Moons In Their Moccasins
To judge, or not to judge, that is the question. Now, even the least religious of Christians will tell you that it is not a good idea to stand in judgment of others. In fact, Matthew 7:1-5 clearly states: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” However, there is a little-known addition to this spiritual wisdom to be found in John 7:24: ” Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Wait a minute? Did Jesus not instruct us never to judge? Yes, he implored us not to judge, but he also asked us to filter our experiences through the wisdom of spirit, or the eyes of divine love, before making any judgment. Indeed, some sound judgment is necessary in life. If we never judge anything at all, we may potentially become doormats to others. That’s certainly not what any wise spiritual teacher would recommend. But we need to be sensible, humble and kind in the process. We must ask for divine wisdom and guidance when considering what we say to others, as well as ourselves.
Judgment is related to karma and the ‘golden rule,’ in that we receive back what we dish out. This is not good if we hold onto our rigidity, unable to see others’ points of view. But if we open our minds and see it from another’s point of view, then we will more fairly and compassionately balance our judgments. We must remember the Native American wisdom, “Don’t judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins.”
A Message From Grandmother Moon
The Moon is traditionally revered as a beloved relative by the Anishinaabe peoples, a large group of culturally-related indigenous people in the United States and Canada. She is known as Nookomis, or ‘My Grandmother.’ Throughout the ages the elders of Ojibwe, one of the largest tribes of the Anishinaabe, shared with younger generations the creation story of their people.
The legend begins with Manitou, the Great Spirit, who created the Universe by dreaming it into existence. Manitou then decided he wanted to create a special creature like himself who could also dream, imagine and create. But he could not accomplish this on his own. He needed the help of the divine feminine energy of Geezhigo-Quae, the Sky Woman.
So, he ascended to her in the sky and asked her to be the mother of his children. She agreed and came down to earth to give birth to twins on the back of a Great Turtle. She named the boy and the girl ‘Anishinaabe,’ meaning ‘human’ or ‘person’ born from the mind of the Creator.
Before she returned to her home in the sky, Manitou gave her a new name: Nookomis, the Great Mother of the Anishinaabe. Grandmother Moon now lives in the sky world as a nurturing, protective energy watching over her many grandchildren by providing light and reassurance in the darkest of nights.
During my meditation today, I received a message from Grandmother Moon, which I am to carry forward myself this year and share with others who also wish to embrace her guidance. The message I am to share is simply this:
Astrology Forecast March 20 – 26, 2023
Expect a busy week. This week will be a decisive, inspired, action-oriented time that will feel like the actual beginning of the New Year for many of us. If you have been procrastinating with your goals for 2023, or been putting off making important life decisions, this week’s planetary energies are bound to change that!
The hustle and bustle begins with today being very special date for astrologers and metaphysicians everywhere, as we are celebrating International Astrology Day! This special holiday is observed every year on the day of the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). No matter where you are in the world, the length of day and night is equal today. The Spring Equinox also marks the beginning of a new astrological year, because the Sun moves into Aries today to mark the beginning of the Tropical Zodiac year.
The Aries Sun will revive us on many levels this week, as we cast off the pessimism, overthinking, indecision, and sometimes lazy vibes of Pisces, to enter a cycle of fiery creativity, passion, inspiration, and assertive action. The next four weeks can prove very fruitful and exciting for those who confidently embrace the energies of the new zodac year. Aries is high energy, upfront, and fast-paced, so make the most of this energy to propel yourself into new adventures.
To add to the excitement, tomorrow’s Aries New Moon will add further fuel to the fire to inspire fresh starts, clean slates, and new beginnings. This New Moon is the perfect time to set intentions for the rest of the year.
Never Neglect Your Psychic Defenses
Experienced psychics and mediums understand the importance of spiritual practice and energy work for psychic protection. Responsible readers and channelers know they must cleanse, clear, and shield their auric field on a regular basis. But many of us, including myself, are at times guilty of neglecting or even forgetting to properly maintain our energetic health and safety.
Although we all have access to an infinite supply of divine energy, and our soul is always protected by a higher power, we must bear in mind that we are in fragile physical form while we are in this world. We must therefore for maintain and protect ourselves, both physically and spiritually.
By neglecting to shield our personal energy field as professional psychics, mediums, and healers we do not only expose ourselves to undesirable energy interferences, but we potentially also jeopardize the quality of the guidance we offer to others.
Psychic empaths are especially vulnerable to various energies. When our auric defenses are down, we allow others to siphon energy off us (many doing so unintentionally). You usually know who those people are who ‘drain’ you more than others. Perhaps they are depressed, unwell, or just simply very ‘needy.’ Even pets can be needy, particularly when we are working with rescue animals.
Certain places and crowds can also be very draining. Emergency rooms, hospices, funeral homes, court rooms, or any space where there has been intense trauma, emotional distress, discord, violence or physical pain can have a detrimental effect on the well-being of the energetically sensitive person.
Protect The Energy Of Your Home
You sense someone is watching you. Staring at you. The hair on the back of your neck stand on end. A chill runs down your spine. You turn around to see who it is, but no one is there. You are alone in the room.
If you have ever experienced anything like this, you may have experienced a spirit energy disturbance or paranormal activity, more commonly known as a haunting.
Fortunately, these supernatural experiences are seldom evil or threatening. In most cases, it is due to a simple energy attachment or imprint, also known as a residual haunting. This can happen when we move into an old house, or bring home a piece of antique furniture, and so on. A house blessing ceremony, or energy clearing ritual can usually resolve this kind of problem quite easily.
In rare instances, one may however be dealing with a much more malevolent energy infestation or an intelligent haunting, such as a poltergeist or demonic entity. In these cases, it is usually best to call in expert help from a rescue medium, shaman, paranormal investigator, demonologist, or even an exorcist.
There is however another form of energy contamination that is much more common than residual imprints, spirit attachments, and intelligent hauntings, namely the toxic energy that other living persons can discharge in and around our home.
Our homes are our sanctuary, but sometimes we forget that when we invite certain people into our space, they can leave some creepy energies behind that we would rather not have around us. The worst time to have something like this happen is when our defenses are down and when we are not expecting it. For this reason, one must ensure that you cleanse and protect the energy in your home regularly. This is especially true for psychics, mediums, and empaths, as we tend to be more attractive to unwanted energies.
The Spiritual Practice Of Flower Power
Every now and again, I purchase a bouquet of flowers as a gift to myself. Placing a vase of flowers on your home altar or sacred space adds nature-inspired ambiance, brightness, and sensuality to one’s spiritual self-care.
I also love to diffuse the essential oils of flowers, especially when I meditate, but they don’t have the tangibility and energetic beauty of a stunning array of fresh blooms. Analogous to eating whole food versus taking a supplement, fresh flowers represent the wholeness, divine design, and awe-inspiring beauty of Gaia, Mother Nature, our Earth Mother, the Divine Feminine.
Unadulterated, the ‘flower power’ of a beautiful bouquet commands marvelous healing energies, blesses the giver, and inspires bountiful gratitude in the recipient.
The most powerful spiritual practice involving flowers is to plant your own flower garden with perennial varieties, such as tulips, black-eyed susans, and chrysanthemums. With careful planning around the seasonal calendar one can also have different species in bloom at different times throughout the entire year.
Cultivating a thriving garden of flowers is a magnificent form of energy work. It attracts and manifests emotional healing, abundance, and the fulfillment of wishes, especially in aspects of romance, marriage, fertility, and parenthood. By lovingly nurturing and caring for the delicate beauty of living flowers, we invite much love, beauty and abundance into our lives.