mysticism
The Meditative Art Of Sumi-e Painting
As a spiritual advisor and artist, I’ve always been drawn to the ways in which art and spirituality intersect to offer pathways to deeper self-awareness and tranquility.
One such path that has had a profound impact on my life is Sumi-e painting, also known as suibokuga or ‘ink wash painting.’ It is a traditional Japanese painting technique that uses black ink, typically in varying concentrations, to create brushstroke-based works of art.
Sumi-e is characterized by its minimalism, simplicity, and emphasis on capturing the essence or spirit of the subject rather than its literal representation.
Paintings often feature subjects such as landscapes, flowers, birds and other natural elements. Artists use various brush techniques to create different textures, tones, and depths using only black ink on absorbent paper or silk.
The art form has deep roots in Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes spontaneity, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Practitioners often meditate before painting to cultivate a clear and focused mind, which they believe enhances their ability to express the essence of the subject.
Sumi-e painting has had a significant influence on various art forms, including calligraphy and other East Asian brush painting styles. It continues to be practiced and appreciated for its timeless elegance and ability to evoke profound emotions with seemingly simple brush strokes.
The Vibrational Alchemy Of Crystal-Infused Water
I love using crystal water as part of my spiritual practice. Crystal-infused water is an alchemical elixir for harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.
Using the vibrational properties of crystals, this practice involves infusing water with the subtle energies emitted by carefully selected crystals and gemstones. Drinking crystal water is a powerful healing tool and wonderful for maintaining holistic balance and inner harmony.
I like to drink crystal water only once a week. I do not want to interfere with the body’s energetics every day. This is also a great way to get more water into your body and hydrate.
The use of crystals for healing and spiritual purposes dates back thousands of years, originating in the ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece and China. These cultures believed in the energetic properties of crystals and used them for various purposes, including healing, protection, and spiritual connection.
While there is limited historical documentation that specifically mentions crystal-infused water in ancient traditions, it is evident that the ancients held a deep reverence for both crystals and water in their spiritual, healing, and ceremonial practices. Over time, as the awareness of the metaphysical properties of crystals evolved in modern times, the practice of immersing crystals in water for drinking emerged.
The Mystical Properties Of Ancient Amber
Crystals, gemstones, and incense have been widely used in spiritual, esoteric, and healing practices throughout the ages and continue to be popular today.
But there is another type of natural material that does not enjoy the same level of widespread recognition and popularity, despite its unique metaphysical properties and significance in various cultures and mystical traditions.
Resins are less well known and used by modern practitioners. I find that many people are unfamiliar with the various types of resins available and their metaphysical properties.
Compared to crystals, gemstones, and incense, which have gained widespread popularity in recent years, especially through social media and the Internet, resins have received less attention and exposure.
As a result, people may be less likely to encounter resins in their exploration of metaphysical tools and practices.
I also find that people who are at least somewhat familiar with resins tend to associate them with their use as incense. Resins such as frankincense, myrrh, copal, and others are often burned as incense to purify spaces, objects, and individuals. The smoke cleanses negative energies, purifies the aura, and creates a sacred atmosphere for rituals and ceremonies. Continue reading
The Mystical Tradition Of Reading Coffee Grounds
Traditional Turkish coffee is unique in its preparation. Prepared without the addition of milk, cream, and other additives, it focuses on the pure, robust flavors of the coffee.
The art of brewing Turkish coffee is a meticulous process using a special coffee pot called a cezve or ibrik, which produces coffee with a strong flavor and thick, frothy texture. The grounds remain in the cup when it is served, contributing to the distinctive bitter taste that is a hallmark of this revered beverage.
In addition to its strong taste and aroma, Turkish coffee has a mystical appeal and a long history as a divination tool. The use of Turkish coffee grounds for divination, known as tasseography or kafemandeia, is a traditional practice in many cultures, including Turkish, Arabic and Greek.
In other cultures, tasseography is mostly practiced with tea leaves or wine sediments, but in Istanbul, coffee grounds became the preferred medium for this mystical art.
Steeped in history, the practice can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, when coffee divination became popular in the 16th century in the harem of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, located in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. This divination ritual was originally a way for the women of the harem to share news, gossip, and insights. At the time, women were banned from public coffeehouses, so fortunetellers, commonly known as “falci,” were allowed into the harem to read for the sultan’s wives. The term “fal” means “omen” or “fortune.”
Lenormand Cards Illuminate The Everyday
A few years ago, I met a fellow psychic online who recommended that I add Lenormand cards to my divination repertoire. It is a decision I will always cherish, as learning these cards has certainly benefited both my spiritual and professional journey.
Like Tarot, it is a card-based divination system rich in symbolism, but it is simpler than Tarot, with fewer cards in the deck, and easier to learn. Lenormand has only thirty-six cards instead of the bulkier 78-card Tarot deck.
This system of cartomancy is named after Marie Anne Lenormand (1772-1843), a famous French fortune teller of the Napoleonic era who was known for her work with influential figures of her time, although she did not create the cards herself. Lenormand cards became popular in the 19th century and have seen a resurgence of interest in recent years.
I use two types of Lenormand decks in my readings. One is the Petite deck and the other is the Dondorf Lenormand.
The design of the Petite Lenormand deck is simpler and more direct than that of the Dondorf Lenormand, focusing on clear, easily recognizable symbols without extensive ornamentation. This simplicity is intended to facilitate the interpretation of the cards, as the symbols and their combinations are the primary means of divination. The cards are also smaller than typical tarot cards and are modeled directly after the types of decks that Ms. Lenormand herself might have used or recognized.
The Angels, Spirits And Mystical Beings That Walk Among Us
When I was very young, I had a strange dream. I was in the living room of our house, and it was very late at night. I dreamed that I went to the window. The curtains were closed, but I pushed them aside to look out. There I saw a vision that I will never forget.
In our front yard stood an old woman with white hair. She was holding what looked like a glowing rock or quartz crystal.
I remember thinking to myself that this was all very strange, that it might not be good for her to be standing there in the cold so late at night. But I also remember not feeling surprised or scared. Instead, I felt comforted and curious at the same time.
Then the old lady turned around, as if she had noticed me. But instead of looking at me, she bent down, gently dropped the glowing crystal on the grass, and walked away.
Twenty years later, I was at the checkout counter in a supermarket and noticed an unusual old lady nearby. Something about her told me she was a very special soul. We are all unique, of course, but this lady was definitely not from around here! She was wearing vintage fashion that was clearly from the 1920s. Before I could figure out why she drew my attention, she started walking toward me.
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.