herbs
The Magic Of The Plant Kingdom
I recently enrolled in a course to become professional herbalist. Herbs are something I’ve always been interested in. I wouldn’t say I have a green thumb for growing plants and gardening, but I certainly do love immersing myself with the herbs. I love combining them with oils, making tinctures and herbal remedies, and doing all of this in a magical setting with candles and other healing modalities.
One of my herbalist instructors said something that stands out for me. She said that you don’t need to be a great gardener, farmer, or botanist to be an herbalist. She went on to say that many of her greatest students and graduates have been urban dwellers who live in big cities. Rather than growing and harvesting their own herbs, they purchase them from trusted suppliers, both locally and online.
Turbocharge Your Manifesting Ability
Feel like your life is well overdue for an upgrade? You are not alone! There was probably a time when that job promotion, new home, new relationship, or whatever else had you motivated and excited, turbocharged your manifestation abilities. And things happened for you.
Sadly, however, dreams can fade and novelties wear off, thus resulting in us having limited expectations, and therefore less cosmic pulling power! The good news, however, is that there is a lot we can do about it. Spirit teaches that we need to pay regular attention to our dreams to help them manifest.
Furthermore, we are where we find ourselves today due to decisions we have made in the past, which may or may not have appeared significant when making them. For example, we make habitual decisions about the drink and food we consume, the invitations we accept and extend, the exercises we do (or don’t do) and the friends and relationships we have, or otherwise. These choices, which may have seemed somewhat insignificant at the time, have since resulted in us living with certain challenges, jobs and careers, friendships and relationships. These are all manifestations which we would not have had otherwise, for better or worse. In essence, every decision we make leaves an imprint in our life history, so we have to be incredibly clear as to what we want to arrive at a positive destination. Consider the following steps to help you manifest an even happier life.
Choosing Your Own Tarot Deck
Purchasing your own Tarot deck may seem overwhelming for the newcomer, but can actually be a very magical experience. Back in the ‘dark ages,’ when I decided to purchase my first Tarot deck, I remember getting a plethora of recommendations from others to buy certain decks. I was overloaded with opinions, none of which I listened to in the end.
I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, so I chose a deck that I felt most drawn to. I remember the day well, I visited a little metaphysical shop in Michigan and was immediately drawn to the back of the store, where there were some revolving racks with Tarot decks on display. I felt almost mesmerized by one deck. It’s theme was angelic, and although the images, design, and roman numerals were not really suited for a beginner, it didn’t matter to me, I bought the deck anyway.
When I got it home, I took it into my herbal room, laid it out on some black silk, to anoint it with consecration oils of rosemary, basil, star anise, frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli. I held a pendulum over the cards to program it with my intentions, and to activate it.
After that, I fanned the cards out on my herbal table and slowly waved my palm over the deck, sending my energies into it to align and connect with it as my sacred tool. Lastly, I asked Spirit to oversee the deck by placing it into the right hands once they left mine. Continue reading
Spiritual Cleansing
With a new year comes the opportunity again to better ourselves, but how many of us consider the spiritual along with the physical or mental? Like our homes or our cars, our spiritual selves accumulate ‘junk’ over time and need cleaning too.
The first clue that a spiritual cleansing or psychic clearing is overdue is that general feeling of heaviness, emotional clutter, or being overwhelmed. Just as we tend to get depressed when our living space is a wreck, if our spiritual essence is no longer working properly, neither will we as a whole unit.
A perfect way to get started, which is inexpensive and environmentally friendly, is to smudge your physical space with a healing herb such as sage, or something stronger like frankincense. As you burn these herbs, focus on ridding negative energies and memories and repeat a mantra such as, “I release that which I no longer need, and focus now on the present.” Continue reading
A Heavenly Tea Party
A client I read for on a regular basis, called me the other day about a dearly departed relative. Her grandmother crossed over to the spirit realm recently, and she was hoping to connect with her in a mediumship session. She and her grandma made a promise to one another that they would attempt to connect after her passing.
About a year ago she had told me her grandma was going to be entering a hospice center. I had told her then to spend as much time as she could with her granny, and fortunately she did. She would bring granny some of her favorite things and would read to her. She loved this, since her vision had declined a lot in recent years and she could no longer read for herself. Continue reading
The Powerful Properties Of Lavender And Sea Salt
If you’re looking for natural, organic ingredients to purify, cleanse and detoxify yourself and your space, there’s no better choice than lavender and sea salt – two ingredients that are relatively inexpensive and easily found. You can even make potpourri or enjoy a relaxing bath with homemade salts without breaking the bank.
Depending on your preference, and its intended use, you may wish to obtain your lavender in crushed or essential oil form. Either can be found at an esoteric or herbal shop. In crushed (flower) form, lavender is well-known for its aromatic quality and can be mixed with another floral scent if preferred. Lavender is also famous for its autoimmune properties and ability to stimulate mental clarity, including psychic ability. Continue reading
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