esoteric
A Brief History Of Astrology
The energies of the planets and stars affect us on many levels every day, whether we were aware of it or not. The earliest humans looked especially to the movements and phases of the Sun and Moon to guide them in their decisions about when to hunt, when to plant and harvest, and when to prepare for winter or migrate.
From this evolved the practice and study of Astrology. The early civilizations of Mesopotamia were the first to observe the patterns formed by stars in the galaxy as long ago as 3000 BC, while Indian astrology began to emerge as far back as 1200 BC.
The original astrologers identified five ‘wandering stars,’ which together with the sun and moon became the seven original ‘planets.’ More planets were of course identified over time, as technology advanced to introduce the telescope and other astronomical devises.
The Babylonians are generally credited for first developing formal Astrology, because they developed astrological charts to predict the recurrence of the seasons and certain celestial events. Centuries later, Ancient Egypt and Greece discovered Babylonian Astrology, where it soon became highly regarded as a science and was eventually also embraced by the Romans, as well as in the Middle East. In time, its popularity spread throughout the rest of the world. Today, we still use the Roman names for the zodiac signs.
Meanwhile, separate systems of Astrology also emerged in India, China, and Mesoamerica. It remains unclear whether the Babylonian, Indian (known today as Hindu or Vedic Astrology) and Chinese systems of Astrology evolved in isolation and independently, or whether they mutually influenced each other. There are many similarities between these systems, but also many distinct differences. Scholars have been studying and debating this for centuries, but the matter remains inconclusive.
Energy Work With Lunar Herbs
The Moon is traditionally associated in healing and metaphysical practices with several flowers and plants, specifically herbs. Many of these herbs are silver, grey, or pale blue, as well as green, much like the Full Moon itself. Many of these plants are also associated with water, or grow near it.
There are several ways to use herbs in your practice, such as ingesting it in teas or other edible formats, and burning it as incense to purifying ourselves and our living spaces.
During the peak of the moon cycle when it is at its strongest during the Full Moon, is a powerful time to reflect on our emotions, the subconscious, healing, and parts of the body associated with water (blood, digestive system, reproductive system). We can enhance this powerful lunar energy by drinking an appropriate herbal tea, or burning an incense blend consisting of lunar herbs.
Different herbs are associated with the different energies of the lunar cycle. If you are working through some difficult emotional baggage, try lavender, wild rose, lotus, poppy, or kava-kava.
Since the Moon encourages healthy consumption of water and moisturizing, herbs like aloe vera, coconut, chickweed, or marshmallow and aniseed roots act as both natural refreshers and soothers. They are excellent to ensure healthy water absorption, and gels made from aloe are well-known as natural moisturizers.
If you wish to deepen your levels of compassion and understanding during a moon cycle, try mugwort, wormwood, or passionflower. Many of these herbs are edible and delicious. Just be sure to double check first, before adding them to your salad or your teapot!
Modern Misunderstanding Of The Occult
I recently had an interesting conversation with a casual acquaintance about spirituality and the occult. She is new to metaphysics and mysticism, but since these topics are of great interest and intrigue to me, I needed no convincing to dive into it with her.
It soon became obvious that she had some misunderstandings, and even a few misgivings regarding these matters. For example, she believes a ‘spiritual person’ is someone who engages in some form of religion or spiritual practice, such as meditation or prayer. She also believes spirituality is the exclusive domain of humans, as animals do not practice any religion or spirituality – they merely exist in nature.
Many people confuse ‘being religious’ with ‘being spiritual’ – one does not necessarily imply the other. Living a spiritually aware or conscious life simply means ‘living in the truth’ of who you are – a spirit being in human form. One can be religious, but it is not a prerequisite to living your true spiritual identity.
I also explained to her that the creatures of this earth may appear to be ‘soulless,’ but all living, sentient beings, as well as nature at large, are all expression of Spirit, God, Source, Universe, the Divine. How the animals operate and survive in this world is what is inherently true of the inner being of who they truly are. The entire universe is an expression of its sacred origins. In fact, in my opinion animals live with much greater alignment to higher consciousness than most modern humans do!
It took her some time to evaluate these concepts, but she did eventually come to a conclusion that there must be some truth to it. However, the real fun began when I mentioned my life-long interest in the occult. She vehemently protested that everything relating to the occult is “evil and demonic.” I asked her what facts or personal experience she based this opinion on, but her only justification was that this is “what most people believe.”
The Metaphysical Mysteries Of Numbers
The esoteric symbolism and divine significance of numbers has a long history in metaphysics and spirituality. Christianity, for example, features many numbers of divine significance, such as the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and the number 144,000 representing the number of souls that will be saved with the Second Coming. There are also many numerical references in Buddhism, especially in the Sutras. The number 108, for example, is an important number in Indian mysticism, symbolizing spiritual perfection.
I have been using Numerology as a supplementary tool in my psychic readings since the early 90s. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I do incorporate some aspects of Numerology into my readings with great results.
My first introduction to the metaphysical mysteries of the numbers was at a weekend Numerology workshop I attended with a friend. I was instantly fascinated and recall the excitement of sharing readings with the other students at the workshop, and the accuracy and fun we had exploring this method of divination.
Subsequently, I also had many friends and acquaintances asking me to do Numerology readings for them. It was great to get so much positive feedback, particularly from people I didn’t personally know very well.
Over the years, working with clients all over the world, I have noticed a steady increase in questions about Angel Numbers showing up as repetitive signs, especially as double-digit or master numbers. Personally, I have been seeing the numbers 1111 almost daily for quite some time now.
The Art And Science Of Cheirology
Cheirology is no longer a trendy healing modality in modern times, but it has so much to offer in terms of alternative healing and spiritual practice. It is an esoteric art and traditional healing science based on an ancient Chinese Buddhist hand analysis system in combination with Palmistry.
Cheirology is however not fortune-telling, because it is non-predictive. The principle of cheirology is that everything is energy, which cannot be destroyed and simply transforms itself. Thoughts and intentions are aspects of energetic relay, and the lines created in the hand through these thoughts and intentions can change as often as every three months.
Cheirology helps us to view our life from a higher perspective, and gives clarity on our individual personality, purpose and potential. The interpretation process takes into account the lines, ridges, fingers, patterns and segments of the hand, with each segment of the hand representing the elements of earth, wind, fire, water and ether.
Prior to the reading, a handprint is taken of both hands, just like giving fingerprints. The cheirologist I consulted said that much deeper levels of the client can be read by taking a print and analyzing it, as opposed to merely reading the palm in person.
When I had an in-depth cheirology session a few years ago, it revealed that in relation to my personality my nurturing manner and need for security is strong. I have a bow of intuition and the loop of nature, suggesting I should dedicate much time to animals or to the environment (no wonder I keep rescuing dogs and cats).
My ultra sensitivity shown in the reading, was a reminder of the importance of protecting my own energy field at all times, and the need for some quiet time to myself. In relation to my life purpose, the prominent healing stigmata highlighted the desire I’ve always had to give of myself and to be of service to others.
Using Candles In Your Spiritual Practice
We cannot control our broader environment or the world we live in. But we can be an active metaphysical force in how things ultimately play out in our own lives.
No matter what the circumstances, we are able to bring healing light and the power of prayer into every situation, and thus have a more self-empowered conversation with the deeper layers of reality.
Our mindset and expectations already influence the world around us. But most of us do this unconsciously, without deliberate intention or clear direction. And sometimes we allow our fears and worries run wild, creating dark mirages in our mind that eventually take shape in the material world as mishaps of our own creation.
Writing down what we want for our lives is a positive first step towards becoming a more deliberate manifestor. This is not because writing is inherently magical or spiritual, but because it focuses our minds on setting clear intentions and clarifying what it is we hope to attract.
Working with candles is equally effective. It aids our mental visualization and purpose-making with fire. Fire has always been a powerful symbol and tool in metaphysics, spirituality, and the occult. Candles are traditionally used in many spiritual practices, rites, ceremonies and rituals. Communicating our desires to a candle flame is a magical prayer or meditation technique.
If you are looking to introduce candles into your spiritual practice or energy work, be sure to look beyond the obvious supermarket or gift shop candles. These days, one can find some amazing candles for at metaphysical stores and on esoteric websites. Some suppliers carry several types of unusual candles with diverse shapes, colors and uses. A modern trend is the so-called celebrity prayer candle that is becoming increasingly popular.
The Spiritual Meaning Of Seeing 222
If you are currently experiencing a spiritual awakening or have been on a path of spiritual awareness you may noticed certain repeating numbers showing up for you more frequently. But why are you seeing a specific number or number sequence over and over again, and what is its spiritual meaning.
When spirit is seeking to get our attention or communicate with us, we experience certain signs and synchronicities, including seeing certain numbers or repeating number sequences, also known as ‘angel numbers,’ that show up in your life in a noticeable way. We begin to constantly see these numbers everywhere, on watches and clocks, road signs, license plates, billboards, addresses, electronic exercise equipment, phone numbers, social media posts, and so on. Each number and number sequence carries its own, unique message and energy signature.
The number 2 is one I have found particularly meaningful. It is a highly esoteric number tied to the informational nature of light and how we perceive the world.
In Tarot, the number 2 is associated with the High Priestess card. She is the keeper of secret knowledge. She understands the esoteric mysteries of the Universe. She also knows knowledge is found in the light code and the high priestess can access this information. She knows how to flow with the universal laws, and how to use these laws to enact what others may view as ‘magic.’
She therefore represents masterful manifestation, and yet also an element of personal sacrifice. The high priestess does not manifest for her own selfish desires. She manifests for the highest and best good of all, even if that means she must integrate lessons and challenge herself to grow spiritually.
The High Priestess understands that the wise man knows himself to be a fool, and that there is always more to learn. She is humble, yet wise. She moves effortlessly within duality, understanding when to speak and when not to speak, when to share her knowledge and when to remain silent. When to spend her energy and when to withdraw.
