culture
From Ancient Mystics To Modern Psychics
Psychics and mediums have been around since the dawn of human civilization: from the shamans in indigenous cultures, to the oracles of ancient Greece and Rome, the seers and druids of Celtic societies, the sages of ancient China, and the prophets of ancient Middle Eastern cultures.
Some famous examples include Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece; the Celtic soothsayer Myrddin Wyllt, also known as Merlin in later Arthurian legends; the Chinese wu (shaman) Jing Fang; Black Elk, the renowned Native American holy man of the Oglala Lakota Sioux people; Isaiah, the renowned prophet of the ancient Near East; and Agastya, the revered Hindu sage and seer.
Throughout human history, in different cultures and societies, there have always been individuals with mystical abilities who held important roles within their communities and served as intermediaries between the physical world and spiritual realms.
They served as conduits of divine wisdom, predicting future events, providing insight into hidden truths, and offering guidance on various matters. They often acted as special advisors to tribal leaders, rulers, and kings, and typically played an important role in the moral and spiritual direction of their people.
The term “psychic” comes from the Greek word psychikos, meaning “of the soul, spirit, or mind.” In Greek mythology, Psyche was the goddess of the soul. Her name literally means “soul” or “breath.” Over time, the term came to encompass aspects of the mind beyond the ordinary.
The True Spiritual Meaning Of The Pentagram
Perhaps no other spiritual or religious icon is as misunderstood as the pentagram, or pentacle. The true symbolism of the pentagram, a five-pointed star often surrounded by a circle, is commonly misrepresented.
Contrary to popular misconceptions that associate it with darkness, evil, or Satanism, the pentagram has multiple meanings within various spiritual and religious traditions, most notably within Paganism and modern Wicca.
The pentagram has been a spiritual symbol of significance for millennia, long before its association with modern religious movements.
Historically, it has been used by cultures around the world, often to represent celestial bodies, principles of harmony, or mystical concepts. Its use first appeared in ancient Greece and Mesopotamia around the 1st millennium BC.
It is not widely known that there are significant historical connections between the pentagram and Christianity. Prior to the widespread use of the cross, the pentagram was a popular symbol to adorn the jewelry and amulets of early Christians, often alongside an “X” or a phoenix. This symbol was associated with the five wounds of Christ and also represented the concept of Alpha and Omega united, as the star could be drawn in one continuous movement of the pen.
In contemporary contexts, particularly within Wicca and related neo-pagan belief systems, the pentacle has positive connotations. It’s seen as a symbol of protection, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of the elements. Each point of the star represents an aspect of balance, holistic existence, conscious living, and the cyclical nature of life.
Recognizing When A Relationship Is Over
Every relationship serves a purpose and has its own timeline. When a relationship has served its purpose and is no longer contributing positively to our personal growth, happiness and soul evolution, acknowledging that it’s over opens a door to new possibilities and opportunities for healing, growth and expansion.
But while recognizing that a relationship is over is crucial for our personal well-being and spiritual growth, it is also very difficult for many people to face the truth when they see the writing on the wall. I find this to be a common problem that comes up in many psychic readings.
Staying in a relationship that has run its course is often detrimental to one’s health and well-being. It leads to stress, anxiety, loss of self-confidence, and a sense of being stuck or unfulfilled. Recognizing when it’s time to let go allows us to prioritize our own joy, happiness, and well-being.
Recognizing the end of a relationship is a lesson in acceptance and surrender. It encourages us to trust the universal flow, embrace change, and set new and better intentions to manifest our highest good. It is also an opportunity for deeper self-reflection and karmic growth.
When it comes to recognizing that a relationship is over, it’s important to listen to your intuition and inner guidance. The universe and our higher selves always give us subtle hints or nudges to show us when it’s time to let go and move forward on our personal and spiritual path.
Recognizing the signs that a relationship is over takes courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to prioritize personal well-being and growth. It’s a transformative process that ultimately fosters greater self-love, resilience, and spiritual evolution.
Make Money The Root Of All Good!
The desire for financial security and increased wealth often conflicts with some people’s deeply held spiritual beliefs, causing them much inner conflict and guilt. Sayings like “money can’t buy happiness,” “money is the root of all evil,” and “you can’t take it with you” don’t help either.
But what if we flipped the script? What if the path to money and wealth is also the path to peace and deeper fulfillment in our lives?
There is also the saying: “Money is a good servant, but a bad master.” What if money in the hands of kind, compassionate and conscious people is exactly what the world needs?
What if we stopped thinking of money as evil and started thinking of it simply as a tool for your spiritual growth and fulfillment? What if we began to see money as something good and benevolent that can be used for the greater good?
As spiritual beings, we chose to incarnate into this very time-space reality, fully understanding the rules of this dimension. One of the rules we understood was the need for physical survival and material security in this world.
Many generations of ancestors who incarnated before us fought hard to survive here in physical form, inventing new and clever ways to make the struggle to keep body and soul together a little easier for us. In the process, they co-created the Earth reality as we know it today – a co-created reality that revolves around a monetary economic system, for better and worse.
Your Divine Duty To Not Be A Goofus!
Why are some people so rude, unkind, emotionally immature, foolish? Are we not all spirit beings in human form who should know better? I recently asked my wise grandmother in spirit this question. As one of my ancestral guides, I always turn to her for help in dealing with complex life issues.
The person who inspired my recent spiritual inquiry is a very problematic, mean-spirited neighbor who I have seen and heard verbally abuse people, as well as his own dog, in ways that would infuriate anyone.
This man seems to enjoy verbal abuse as a means of self-aggrandizement and is very immature and unkind. I have also seen him damage a security camera after being asked to stop his dog from relieving himself on the steps of the building where we live.
I connected with my grandmother during my morning meditation and asked her why some people are so disrespectful and unkind. Her answer seemed strange at first because she showed me a mental image of Highlights, the children’s magazine she used to subscribe to for me when I was a child. It is a well-known kids’ magazine full of fun, educational stories, games, puzzles, and crafts that has been around for decades.
The Mystical Symbolism Of The Hamsa
The well-known Hamsa symbol has a rich tapestry of esoteric meaning that spans several cultures and religious traditions, including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. It is commonly used as a protective amulet, offering protection from the evil eye, as well as a talisman or good luck charm, bringing its wearer blessings in the form of happiness, health, and fortune.
The Hamsa is also known as the Khamsa, Hamesh, the Hand of Fatima, the Hand of Miriam, or the Hand of Mary. The names “Hamsa” and “Khamsa” both refer to the number five in Arabic while “Hamesh” means five in Hewbrew, all symbolizing the five fingers of the hand.
In Islamic tradition, this famous esoteric hand is named after Fatima al-Zahra, the youngest daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and his first wife Khadija. Fatima is known by many titles in Islamic tradition, of which al-Zahra (meaning “the Radiant One”) is one of the most prominent. Her life, devotion to family and faith, and moral integrity are admired and serve as an inspiration to Muslims around the world.
In Jewish culture, the hand symbol is named after Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, who was a prophetess and is an important figure in Judaism. In some Christian contexts, it is also known as the Hand of Mary, although it is less commonly referred to by this name. In this instance it is associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is revered for her purity, grace, and maternal protection.
Mindful Connection In The Age Of Clocks And Screens
These days, we keep one eye on the clock and the other on our phone screen. It is stressful to always be on the go and in the know. Too often there is no time to relax and really enjoy the moment.
We have clearly lost sight of the things that really matter in life. We have become slaves to the clock.
These days we hardly notice or appreciate our friends and family. We are either preoccupied with our social media news feed or in such a hurry to get to our next destination. How often do we give a meaningful hug to those we love? We see more value in getting somewhere fast or getting something else done.
Can you remember the last time you gave a loved one a really good “squeeze”? Seriously! I mean a real, unhurried, sincere, meaningful hug? Have you ever received such a hug? Do you know what it feels like to get a real hug? It’s quite healing, affirming, and refreshing. What is that feeling? It’s love! And that is the true meaning of life, to give and receive love.
With the rise of digital technology and our increasing obsession with screen time and addiction to social media, many of us are not used to connecting in a personal, warm way. Some of us are not even capable of having a meaningful conversation these days. Ever since smartphones came on the scene, you see people everywhere with their heads down. If only they were busy praying! No, they are texting while their lunch partner is doing the same!