ritual
Cats Among Us
Everyone enjoys companionship in some way, shape or form. One of my favorite sources is the domestic cat. I believe those of us who are “owned by cats” will live longer than those who live without at least one cat in their life.
Think of their versatility: home defense against small varmints, free earthquake alarm, lap warming, purr therapy, and so much more. However, the main reason why I love my two cats so much is their silent gift of unconditional love. Cats are very ritualistic. They tend to come to you when you need them the most. It’s almost like they can feel your energy, they just sense when you need a friend, and without a thought, they are there, to comfort, heal and love. When I go to bed every night, my cat always jumps up and sleeps near my head. Faithfully every night. Continue reading
The Misunderstood Ouija Board
The most misunderstood item in the diviner’s toolbox is probably the Ouija board. Since its invention the debate continues to this day whether this famous item is merely a game, a glimpse into our subconscious, a gateway into the spirit realms, or even an “instrument of evil.”
Like any channeling object or psychic tool, the Ouija board must be used with great care and respect. Its origins go back to the late 19th century and the practice of spiritualism, or séances to connect with loved ones who had passed on. Its design is simple: a flat board with letters and numbers, plus basic words like “yes” and “no,” but its usage is much more complex. Continue reading
My Favorite Heart Healing Crystals
The heart chakra is the energy center that balances out the rest of our energy body, namely the upper three chakras and the lower three chakras. When we have an imbalance in our heart center one of two things occur: we find ourselves overly emotional and we find it difficult to clearly think things through. The opposite thing that can happen is we become overly logical, and lack a sense of emotional connection and empathy related to our situations.
When an individual is overly emotional and not thinking things through, most of their energy is concentrated in the lower three chakras. This energy is intensified and can often become stuck, because the energy is not able to flow through the heart center. Continue reading
Spiritual Practices To Promote Alignment
There are many types of spiritual practices that will bring alignment to your life. Spiritual practices are the methods by which we understand the inner world, and learn just how much impact our inner world has on the outer world.
Jesus said, “With faith the size of a mustard seed you could move a mountain.” Faith is a constant, and always brings forth the manifestation of our inner beliefs. Spiritual practice allows the practitioner to gain spiritual awareness, and by doing so shifts negative or useless beliefs into useful beliefs that can have a profound impact on the journey of life. 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
A Homecoming To Ghosts Of The Past
After my mother passed away, my father re-married and moved away. Soon after I received a call from the people who bought the old house from my dad. They told me that they got my number from the neighbors and they wondered if I could help them with the otherworldly activity that was going on in that house. They had heard that I used to experience the paranormal presence there too. They did not know who else to turn to.
I agreed to come and see them, and when I finally pulled up in the driveway all the feelings from the past, of all the hauntings that I had experienced there, hit me quite hard. I knew once I walked in that door it was still going to feel the same. Continue reading
What Did You Give Up For Lent?
You’re out with your friends on a Friday night and suddenly you notice that one of them has switched from his favorite microbrew beer to lemonade? Is it time for Lent already?
Giving up something for Lent sometimes evokes head-scratching in non-Catholics, but what might seem like just another Catholic eccentricity can actually be a practice with deep spiritual significance.
Lent, the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter, has its origin in the early days of the Church. This year Lent began on March 5th and it ends on April 17th.
Converts seeking to become Christian, who at that time were mostly adults, spent several years in study and preparation. Under the threat of Roman persecution, becoming a Christian was serious business, so their process of preparation was intensive. Then they went through a final period of “purification and enlightenment” for the 40 days before their baptism at Easter. The rest of the Church began to observe the season of Lent in solidarity with these newest Christians. It became an opportunity for all Christians to recall and renew the commitment of their baptism. Continue reading