ancestors
A Rainbow Of Crystals
Few metaphysical tools are as universal as crystals and stones, which are used in cultures all over the world. The color of each stone also carries certain traditional meanings and universal symbolism.
Red is a powerful shade with associations of love, war, fire, sex appeal, and blood. It is also a masculine color. Use stones such as ruby, red jasper, or garnet when you need extra protection or energy.
Orange is also linked to warmth and is thought to increase appetite and vitality. Try orange gems for self-esteem and creativity. Carnelian and calcite are both orange shades.
Yellow is almost always a symbol of happiness, optimism, and intellect. If you need clarity and relief from burnout, pick up a yellow stone like amber, citrine or lemon quartz.
Green, not surprisingly, is the color of nature, growth, and rebirth. It is perhaps the best all-purpose magical color. It can also be used to attract abundance or wealth. There are many popular green stones, among them jade, agate, and peridot.
Blue, the most calming color, was revered in many ancient cultures. Today it is connected to artistic and psychic talents. Use stones such as lapis lazuli or aventurine if you’re in need of some inner peace, or sleep.
Purple was once associated with royalty; it is now a color of spiritual fulfillment and magic. Use it to stimulate your creativity or remove impediments. Amethyst is a popular and widely available purple stone.
A Time For Mindful Reflection
As the leaves begin to fall and the weather changes, I am reminded that change is a natural part of life. As the seasons change, it is natural for us to also shift and adapt, as our ancestors did for millennia.
Many years ago, a martial artist reminded me that when facing a difficult challenge in life that we are not able to avoid or change, we can still alter our view of the situation and find new meaning and resolution. What seems like the harshest challenges in our lives are often blessings in disguise. It often gifts us the opportunity to move forward and grow by changing that which no longer serves our true purpose and highest good.
We are living in an extraordinary time where natural forces are increasingly reminding us to become more responsible custodians of the environment that hosts our species. We must also become better stewards of the glorious physical temples that house our souls. The key to this is mindfulness. By adopting a mindful lifestyle, greater planetary care and self-care becomes second nature to us, and both our own lives and the world we live in will benefit exponentially.
Mindfulness allows us to be present in each moment, appreciating the beauty of constant change and the natural cycles of life even as it happens. When we become still and centered, we connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
An endless array of spiritual practices and self-care endeavours, such as prayer, meditation, gratitude journaling and charitable volunteering can help us find peace despite any great change or challenge that may be confronting us. Make the effort to find your own desired outlet for connecting to your inner peace, as this undertaking will lead to a lasting fulfilment and joy that you can hold on to at any time throughout your lifetime. Continue reading
Receiving Spiritual Guidance From Your Ancestors
The ancient tradition of ancestor worship is a powerful, yet often misunderstood spiritual practice. It is typically viewed as a form of idolatry, mainly because of the inaccurate use of the term ‘worship.’
In truth most cultures practicing such rites do not refer to it as ‘ancestor worship.’ The more appropriate terms to use is ‘ancestor reverence’ or ‘ancestor veneration,’ because it is about living descendants paying respect to and seeking the guidance of their loved ones in spirit.
It is a common practice among indigenous people and an integral component of most shamanic traditions. It is not the same as the worship of gods or deities.
In fact, as a spiritual practice it is not much different from looking at old pictures of departed loved ones and rememembering them fondly. We might even tell them how we miss them or share our problems with them. Some of us have even asked them to help us find solutions to problems, or pull a few strings on our behalf from the Other Side.
Although I cannot say I have any special reverence for my ancestors, I do respect them for all the trials and tribulations they experienced while they were in this life. In my ancestral lineage there were courageous prisoner-of-war experiences, the conquering of grievous setbacks and material harships, and even suicides, to mention but a few. Several of my predecessors had truly unique, and even exceptional life stories that still dwell in my cellular memories.
The ancestral technique I use in my spiritual practice is similar to that of the Yoruba people of West Africa. My greatest connection is with my father, and he is the one I communicate with daily in the Yoruba fashion. You can create an altar or sacred space in your home for this purpose.
Let’s Go Girls, Vesta Is Calling Us!
Vesta, or Hestia as she is known in Greek mythology, is an asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter that is currently retrograde until October 5th, 2022. This means it is currently in close proximity to Earth and actually visible to the naked eye until Sept 11th, 2022. Women in particular should be watching her path, and engage with her empowering, divine feminine energy at this time.
Some experts believe that according to a formula that predicts the spacing between planets in any given solar system, known as the Titius-Bode law, Vesta may be located in an area that once contained a planet that no longer exists.
German astronomer H.W. Olbers first spotted the asteroid on March 29th, 1807, and his colleague Carl Friedrich Gauss named it Vesta. It takes 3.63 years for Vesta to travel around the sun, nearly twice as long as the orbit of planet Mars.
Vesta is the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family in Roman mythology. She is ‘the fire that warms, but never burns.’ In ancient Roman times, six vestal virgins had the sacred duty as priestesses at her temple to tend the vestal flame.
This was considered a very important job, as this sacred fire was deemed to be vital to the security and stability of Rome and therefore could never be allowed to go out. It took extreme focus and care to keep the flame alive.
The vestal priestesses did not have to comply with of the usual social and cultural obligations imposed on women in those patriarchal times. They were not required to marry and have children, but instead took a 30-year vow of chastity in order to fully devote themselves to service.
Prophets, Or Time Travelers?
Could some of the famous prophets, such as Nostradamus, or the prophets of the King James Version of the Bible, or the prophet Mohammad, actually have been time travelers?
And is it merely coincidence that the Oracle of Delphi used a brass seat for visions of the future? As did Nostradamus, the 16th Century French poet and visionary. Nostradamus writes, “I will be seated at night, in my secret study. Alone sitting upon a stool of brass, a flame shall leap forth from the solitude, granting that which is not to be believed in vain.”
And, in the 1895 HG Wells fiction novel, The Time Machine, the protagonist of the story uses a black and polished brass time machine to gain mechanical control over time. Is there something about sitting on brass that allows one to see into the future? Or, could they possibly be talking about a brass seat on a sort of vehicle?
There is a mystic figure called Khidr in Islamic exegesis. Khidr is said to have met Islamic figures and prophets at different times and places. It is difficult for scholars to understand how that could be – unless Khidr was a time traveler or an immortal being. Khidr was said to have met with Moses, Abu Zur’a al-Razi and Elijah. It is also believed that Elijah and Khidr may be the same person.
The scriptures say that Elijah did not die that he ascended into heaven (time travel) and would return as one of the two witnesses of the Great Tribulation period that would precede the Second Coming of Christ.
Enoch, from the Biblical scriptures is said to have taken many trips to heaven to meet the pre-existent Son of Man, whom Enoch prophesied would judge the souls of all men. Is this too, another instance of time travel? Interestingly, the book of Enoch was omitted from the King James Version of the Bible.
In several instances of supposed time travel a “storm” or a “ball of fire” or even a “chariot of fire” is mentioned. As in the book of Ezekiel, when he has a vision of the future, he mentions a whirl wind coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire, engulfing itself – this being the first of the prophet’s visions.
The Good Old Days Of Tribal Service
Someone once asked me the question: why do you do what you do? Most psychics might say that they do it because they love helping people. I gave it careful some thought and realized my answer would be the same, but under different terms. That isn’t to say that I don’t love helping others, but there would be different boundaries, if I was free to choose.
I work in the New Age ways, as well as in the indigenous traditions, and I pride myself on the knowledge I have gained in order to truly blend the East with the West. If I had a choice, I would work in the indigenous tradition of my ancestors, especially regarding how one is remunerated for your service.
In the indigenous way, each village had a spiritual person that they called by various names, including Medicine Man, Shaman, Healer, Guru, Oracle, Soothsayer. It was the way in those cultures to take care of the spiritual leaders of the tribe, in terms of their material needs. They shared equally whatever they had with their spiritual leader.
As a result, the spiritual leader didn’t have to focus any of his time on meeting his material needs, such as keeping a roof over his head, or thinking in terms of where his next meal would come from. Instead, he could devote all of his time and energy to spiritual matters.
His payment for his gifts didn’t include whatever the tribe used for money or barter, or if it did, it was not thought of in the same context. In other words, anyone in his tribe could come to him at anytime, with any kind of spiritual issue, and he could address it however he deemed necessary, according to his own sense of direction and spirit guidance. He didn’t have to consider time, energy, and money. He didn’t have to require payment in terms of the time he spent or what was required, because he was so esteemed by his people that they took care of his worldly needs, so he could devote himself to their spiritual needs completely. What a concept! Right?
Your Personal Journey Into The Age Of Aquarius
We are in the midst of a monumental shift, a global awakening from the depths of our shared trials and tribulations. As we bid farewell to the Age of Pisces and embrace the dawn of the Age of Aquarius, a new worldview is unfolding before us.
Imagine a realm where consciousness evolves collectively, where spirituality transcends boundaries, and where we move as a unified force toward a brighter tomorrow. In this era of transition, as cosmic energies realign and ancient prophecies come to fruition, we are on the cusp of a renaissance of the soul.
The emergence of a new age beckons us to explore uncharted territories of consciousness and connection. Together, we are poised to embark on a journey of profound transformation and growth as we navigate this unprecedented juncture in our shared human experience.
Humanity has been evolving for thousands of years. Throughout recorded history, we’ve gained collective epigenetic wisdom in our cellular memory and the evolution of our DNA. This collective wisdom, or shared consciousness, has resulted in humanity’s greatest strengths and weakest shortcomings that are so evident today.
It is also now culminating in a global energetic transmutation and higher consciousness awakening that is gradually gaining momentum and will ultimately lead to our emergence from collective suffering. The Age of Pisces is ending and we are entering the new Age of Aquarius. The Age of Pisces was characterized by the energies of hierarchy, authority, patriarchy and dogmatic religion. In contrast, with the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, we are moving into a new era of enlightenment, unity and a more spiritually evolved global society. Humanity is throwing off the shackles of suffering, sadness and submission and stepping into the joys of assertiveness, empowerment and equality.
The Old Age of Pisces
The concept of the astrological ages of Pisces and Aquarius is rooted in ancient astrology, and each age lasts approximately 2,150 to 2,200 years, marking a period during which the vernal equinox passes through one of the twelve zodiacal signs.
The Age of Pisces is symbolized by the fish and is associated with themes of sacrifice, organized religion, and hierarchical structures. It has woven a profound tapestry of human experience, guiding us through the currents of sacrifice, suffering, and religiosity. Our collective consciousness has been shaped by the Piscean energies of this era, providing us with a lens through which to perceive adversity and transcendence.
The Age of Pisces has been a crucible for humanity, stirring the depths of our hearts and minds with the profound anguish that often accompanies spiritual growth. Through the veil of suffering, we have glimpsed the essence of our common humanity, fostering empathy and compassion that transcends individual struggles. The cosmic dance of Piscean energies has invited us to delve into the mysteries of existence, seeking solace in religious practices and communal bonds that bridge the chasms of pain and isolation.
As the Age of Pisces draws to a close, we stand on the threshold of a new dawn, witnessing the subtle yet powerful signals of a cosmic shift. The celestial symphony heralds the emergence of the Age of Aquarius, beckoning us into a realm of heightened consciousness and evolving social values. The fading echoes of Piscean sacrifice and spiritual formality pave the way for innovative new paradigms and transformative possibilities, leading us to a future filled with hope and enlightenment.
The New Age of Aquarius
As we bid farewell to the Age of Pisces, we usher in an era of conscious evolution, cosmic harmony and spiritual expansion. The Age of Aquarius heralds a new chapter in our collective journey toward enlightenment and oneness with the cosmos and the divine.
The Age of Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer and associated with themes of innovation, enlightenment, and humanitarianism. It represents a shift away from hierarchical structures to more decentralized and egalitarian social models that emphasize equality and communal well-being. There will be an increasing emphasis on personal freedom, social justice and environmental awareness.
In the Age of Aquarius, we are called to embark on a journey of conscious evolution, both individually and collectively. This era encourages us to transcend our previous limitations, tap into higher states of consciousness, and explore the interconnectedness of all beings in the universe. As we align with the cosmic vibrations of Aquarius, we open ourselves to new possibilities for inner growth and spiritual enlightenment.
Technological advancement and intellectual progress will also be hallmarks of the Aquarian Age. One of the most exciting aspects of the Age of Aquarius is the harmonious relationship between technological advancement and spiritual development. In this new age, we have the opportunity to merge cutting-edge innovation with ancient wisdom, creating a synergy that can lead to profound positive change. By integrating technology with spirituality, we pave the way for a future in which progress serves not only material needs, but also the expansion of consciousness and the well-being of all.
The new Aquarian age will be characterized by certain key features:
Consciousness Expansion: Humanity will experience a collective expansion of consciousness, resulting in increased awareness, spiritual insight, and a deeper connection to universal truths.
Interconnectedness: Increased awareness of the interconnectedness of everyone and everything, and a shift toward a more unified and harmonious global consciousness. This includes a sense of oneness with nature, other sentient beings, and the cosmos. We will be united in our search for higher truths, deeper connections, and a more enlightened existence.
Nature Awareness: A focus on living in harmony with the natural world, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms, and promoting ecological awareness and sustainability.
Alternative Healing: The acceptance and promotion of alternative healing practices such as energy healing, crystal therapy, meditation, and other holistic approaches to wellness.
Higher Values: Humanity is moving away from materialism, consumerism, and self-centered pursuits toward values that prioritize spiritual well-being, compassion, and the collective good.
Egalitarian Values: More egalitarian and compassionate social structures with an emphasis on love, understanding, and cooperation as guiding principles.
Non-Traditional Spirituality: Openness to a wide range of spiritual beliefs and practices, drawing inspiration from diverse religious and mystical traditions, as well as esoteric and occult teachings.
Collective Illumination: A new era characterized by global spiritual enlightenment, higher wisdom, and freedom from the perceived limitations and conflicts of the past.
Individual Enlightenment: Emphasis on personal and individual spiritual growth, with more people undertaking transformational journeys, exploring alternative spiritual practices, and adopting holistic lifestyles. The Age of Aquarius offers us the opportunity to redefine our relationship with ourselves, with each other, and with the universe as a whole.
Timing Of The Transition
All of the above seems really great! But there is one small problem: no one knows for sure when exactly the Age of Pisces will end and when exactly the new Age of Aquarius will be in full swing. According to many astrologers and psychics, we are already transitioning from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius, but the exact timing of this transition is not universally agreed upon. The timing of the transition cannot be precisely defined, and opinions vary as to when and how quickly this shift will occur.
In astrological terms, the Age of Aquarius is based on the astronomical precession of the equinoxes, which is a gradual and continuous shift in the Earth’s axial rotation. Essentially, the Earth’s axis undergoes a slow, cyclical wobble over a period of about 26,000 years. During this precessional cycle, the apparent position of the vernal equinox (the point at which the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north) slowly shifts along the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun across the sky. The ecliptic is divided into twelve constellations, each corresponding to about 30 degrees of celestial longitude.
Currently, the vernal equinox is still in the zodiacal sign of Pisces, based on the tropical zodiac commonly used in Western astrology. However, due to the precession of the equinoxes, the vernal equinox is gradually moving from Pisces to Aquarius, which it will not fully reach until around the year 2600 A.D., which is approximately 576 years in the future (from the year 2024) based on the Gregorian calendar.
Astrologers however do not agree on the timing and therefore place the Age of Aquarius anywhere between the 20th and 22nd centuries. Some suggest that it began as early as 2012, while others believe that the Age of Aquarius is yet to arrive. Many view it not as a specific date, but instead a gradual shift. They see its influence as growing over time rather than a sudden transition. Even within specific methodologies, there is disagreement about the exact date. Moreover, the dates themselves only mark the astrological shift; the real-world changes associated with the age may not always align perfectly. The exact date or timing of the transition remains open to interpretation.
Embracing The Aquarian Frequency
The good news is that we do not have to wait decades or even centuries for the energies of the new age to unfold in our lives. We can begin now to work on our own auric energy vibration to get to that frequency personally sooner. I imagine that this personal spiritual journey is like a merge sign for a highway on-ramp. You have to merge gradually in the right direction; you cannot just flip your car off the bridge and onto a new path!
This gradual transcendental merging can be achieved through various lifestyle strategies and spiritual practices. Here are some you can explore to help you raise your energy vibration and embrace the dawning of the new Age of Aquarius:
SELF-AWARENESS
Engage in practices that promote personal growth, self-awareness, introspection, and self-discovery, such as meditation, mindfulness, or journaling. Reflect on your beliefs, values, and purpose in life, seeking alignment with higher ideals and discovering your true essence.
Practice mindfulness in your daily activities, bringing awareness to each moment to connect with the higher frequencies of the new age. Cultivate a positive attitude and focus on gratitude to foster a more harmonious and positive inner environment. Be open to new experiences and perspectives, embracing the fluidity of life and growth.
MIND-BODY WELLNESS
Embrace holistic approaches to health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Consider practices such as yoga, tai chi, or energy healing for overall balance. Incorporate mind-body practices such as breath work and mindfulness to cultivate inner peace and mental clarity. Explore energy-based practices such as Reiki or Qi Gong to enhance your spiritual energy.
ESOTERIC EXPLORATION
Explore different spiritual traditions, philosophies, and practices to find those that resonate best with you. Listen to podcasts, read books, and attend workshops, seminars, or study groups that explore various metaphysical and esoteric topics.
INTUITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Develop and trust your intuition by exploring practices such as divination and dreamwork. Pay attention to synchronicities and signs that may be guiding you on your spiritual journey. Trust your inner guidance to navigate your spiritual path with clarity and purpose.
Get psychic readings from time to time from reputable counselors to validate what Spirit is telling you every step of the way, and to tame those “wiggly squiggles” in your mind – those unfounded fears about why something cannot or will not happen; those self-limiting doubts that keep us stuck.
NATURE CONNECTION
Cultivate a deeper connection with nature by recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things. Spend more time outdoors, practice eco-friendly habits, and support environmental causes. Reconnect with the natural world to ground yourself and tap into the healing energies of the earth.
Cultivate a sustainable and nature-friendly mindset and lifestyle by adopting practices and attitudes that prioritize the well-being of the Earth and its ecosystems. Begin by educating yourself about environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Stay informed about the impact of human activities on the planet and support sustainable and eco-friendly products and businesses. Advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainability at local, national, and global levels and use your voice to raise awareness.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Express yourself creatively through art, music, writing, or other forms of self-expression. Use your creativity as a means of connecting with your higher self. Engaging in creative activities induces a state of flow, where you lose a sense of suffering and ego. The immersive artistic experience leads to moments of heightened spiritual connection, allowing you to access a higher state of consciousness.
Artistic creations, including visual art, music, and poetry, also carry energetic frequencies. When you engage with or create high-vibrational art, you increasingly resonate with those frequencies, positively influencing your own energy.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Engage in acts of kindness, activism, and service to others to foster a sense of compassion and interconnectedness and to promote healing and positive change in the world. Volunteer or contribute to causes that align with your values.
Extend compassion and empathy to others. Embrace the richness of diverse perspectives and cultures within our global community and honor the interconnected tapestry of humanity. Join or create discussion groups to share insights and experiences.
Connect with like-minded people through spiritual or metaphysical communities. Harness the power of collective energy by participating in group meditations for healing and transformation.
Embracing The Ascension Journey
Remember that personal spiritual journeys are highly individual and these suggestions are intended only as general guidance. It’s important to explore and integrate practices that resonate with your personal beliefs and contribute positively to your own growth and well-being. However, being open to learning, adapting and evolving on your spiritual path is also a key aspect of the Aquarian journey.
Of course, we will still be present with some of the old fears, suffering, neuroses, and limiting beliefs that continue to echo in the Piscean Age, but nothing prevents us from embarking on a more self-empowering New Age journey into the Aquarian future.
Pisces is the sign of intuition, magic and the underdog. What better sign to emerge from than the last sign of the zodiac! We have received much wisdom from our ancestors. Now we are ready to move forward together to manifest new blessings and a more enlightened future for humanity. We will create new innovations, exceed expectations and surprise ourselves.
The keyword phrase traditionally associated with the zodiac sign Pisces is “I believe.” In astrological terms, each zodiac sign is linked to a specific phrase that encapsulates its characteristic qualities. “I believe” reflects Pisces’ association with intuition, spirituality, and a strong connection to the unseen realms. As our crown chakra opens more fully, we will naturally let go of our need to ask so many questions about our collective future. We will simply know. In astrological terms, the two-word phrase associated with the sign of Aquarius is “I know.” It reflects Aquarius’ association with intellectual pursuits, innovation, and a strong sense of individuality and knowledge.
The Age of Pisces has sculpted our souls with its ethereal touch, preparing us for the wondrous odyssey that awaits us in the luminous realms of the Age of Aquarius. Let us navigate this celestial dance with open hearts and awakened spirits, embracing the mysteries of the universe with courage and grace.
May healing energies abound for all of us as we move forward into a new age. We are truly in the darkest hour before the dawn. Let us step into this new era with optimism, hope and willingness, for the Universe is now calling us to co-create a brighter, more enlightened future.