spiritual traditions
Reincarnation And The Karmic Journey Of The Soul
Reincarnation — the belief that the soul experiences multiple lifetimes through a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth — is embraced by many spiritual and religious traditions worldwide. Wisdom traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and various indigenous belief systems integrate reincarnation deeply into their teachings.
For those who embrace the concept, reincarnation offers a transformative perspective on life and mortality. When we believe that our soul consciousness continues beyond this life, death is no longer something to be feared. Instead, it becomes a transition — a doorway to new opportunities for growth and evolution. Reincarnation provides a rich and expansive framework for understanding the soul’s journey.
Whether you fully embrace the concept or explore it with curiosity, reflecting on the interplay of karma and rebirth can inspire greater mindfulness, compassion, and purpose. In this view, death is not an end, but a passage — a gateway to continued exploration and spiritual progress.
Belief in some form of continued existence beyond this life is widespread. A 2011 Ipsos Global Advisor survey of more than 18,000 people in 23 countries found that 51% of respondents believe in an afterlife that includes beliefs in heaven, hell, and reincarnation. Specifically, 7% of respondents said they believed in reincarnation.
In the United States, a 2021 Pew Research Center survey found that approximately 33% of adults believe in reincarnation. This belief is more prevalent among younger adults under 50 (38%) compared to those aged 50 and older (27%).
The Healing Power Of The Ocean
Just as we clean material objects to maintain their quality and longevity, our mind, body, and spirit also require regular cleansing to ensure optimal functioning. Environmental stressors, emotional upheaval, and the demands of daily life can accumulate as energetic debris that weighs us down physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Our energetic field absorbs influences from people, places, and experiences. Over time, unresolved emotions, stress, and negativity can cloud our vitality, leading to fatigue, irritability, and disconnection from our inner selves.
Just as we clean our homes or our physical bodies, it’s important to clean our energy field. Neglecting to do so can affect our long-term well-being, leaving us feeling drained and spiritually stagnant.
One of the most profound ways to restore balance and revitalize our energy is through ocean healing – a timeless practice known to humankind since ancient times.
The ocean has long been revered as a sacred space for cleansing and rejuvenation. Its rhythmic waves, expansive horizon, and vast depths symbolize release, renewal, and infinite possibilities.
Simply spending time by the ocean can have a profound effect on our nervous system, calming the mind and grounding the emotions. The soothing sounds of the waves, the cool breeze, and the connection to the Earth’s vast waters stimulate relaxation and promote a meditative state, making it easier to release tension and embrace inner peace.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life!
We’ve all had those days when all we do is tear ourselves down. In moments of self-judgment and negativity, we tell ourselves that we’re not good-looking enough, rich enough, smart enough, young enough, thin enough, talented enough… the list goes on.
While occasional self-criticism is normal, for many it becomes a lifelong habit of self-torture — an internal dialogue of negativity that shapes their reality.
Negative thinking and judgmental self-talk have profound effects on both mental and physical health. Chronic self-criticism fuels anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, often leading to feelings of hopelessness and inaction. On a physical level, this mindset increases stress and weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to disease.
But beyond psychology and biology, this pattern also has metaphysical implications — it acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more we tell ourselves that we are unworthy, incapable, or unlucky, the more these beliefs take root in our energy field. Over time, they manifest as actual experiences in our daily lives, reinforcing the very negativity we wish to escape.
The good news? Just as negative thoughts shape our reality, so do positive thoughts. When we shift our mental energy toward uplifting, empowering, and constructive thoughts, we raise our energetic vibration. Over time, this inner shift produces tangible results — our confidence grows, new opportunities arise, and life begins to feel more fulfilling.
The Mystical Year Of The Yin Wood Snake
As we settle into 2025, the energy of the Yin Wood Snake begins to take shape, revealing its unique rhythm and influence.
While the excitement of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations may have faded, the true essence of the year is beginning to unfold.
Now is the perfect time to align with the energies of the Wood Snake, harness its mystical power, and set a clear, intentional path for the months ahead.
The Year of the Wood Snake brings a harmonious fusion of intuition, mystery and steady growth.
The Snake, known for its wisdom and transformation, merges with the nurturing and grounding essence of the Wood element this year, fostering patience, adaptability, and a deep connection to our spiritual and emotional roots.
Unlike the impulsive Fire Snake or the analytical Metal Snake, the Wood Snake encourages thoughtful progress and long-term vision, making 2025 an ideal year for meaningful evolution.
In many cultures, the Snake symbolizes rebirth, wisdom and mystery. Its ability to shed its skin represents the release of outdated beliefs, limitations, and habits, clearing the way for renewal. This year invites you to embrace transformation, trust your intuition, and align with the subtle yet powerful energy of the Snake as you enter a year of profound personal and spiritual growth.
Did Your Soul Choose Your Life Challenges?
“Oh, why do I have such terrible karma?” or “Why does the universe keep throwing me curveballs?” or “Is God punishing me?” These are questions that clients often ask me when they face struggles in life.
Spirit has repeatedly shown me in many readings over the years that we all have a kind of “architect’s plan” that we design before we incarnate into this life. This soul plan for our life journey lays out the lessons we’re going to learn and the experiences we’re going to have.
This spiritual principle is known by various names (depending on the context or belief system), including our spiritual blueprint, life design, divine plan, life script, soul contract, predestined path, and so on.
I prefer “architect’s plan” because it reminds me of the careful, meticulous planning an architect does when designing a new structure, long before the practical, hands-on construction takes place on site.
Like architects, we calmly and clearly create a plan for our life journey before we incarnate. It is only when we are here in the physical world to embody our plan that we fully experience the intensity and the many dangers and pitfalls that are part of our chosen journey, including all the fear, love, pain, hardship, joy, suffering, and everything in between.
Yes, it is hard to believe that we actually choose to face challenges and difficulties in our lives. But various spiritual traditions and esoteric philosophies tell us that our soul’s path is predestined or planned before we’re born, or at least that we have certain free will choices and options along the way.
Prayer Is A Refuge From The Noise And Chaos
It is easy to feel overwhelmed these days. Modern life presents many challenges, from personal struggles to global issues.
We live in a world increasingly dominated by negativity, division and fear, where cruelty and hatred are not only considered acceptable, but even celebrated.
It’s really no secret to the spiritually aware person that there is an increasing battle between good and evil. Negative influences often masquerade as appealing or trendy, making it even more important to stay connected to your inner truth and divine guidance.
I often have to turn off my cell phone and television these days as I see the forces of evil growing stronger than ever. It can be hard to stay grounded in hope and clarity.
Fortunately, we have access to a variety of spiritual practices to help us stay grounded, find clarity, and maintain our inner balance. My favorite is a powerful, time-honored tradition: prayer.
While prayer is practiced in many religions and spiritual traditions, it is universal and can be embraced by anyone, regardless of their belief system. It transcends cultural and religious boundaries and is not tied to any dogma or required ritual.
Traditionally, religious prayer follows specific doctrines, but prayer is an open practice available to anyone to contemplate and express their deepest thoughts, feelings, and desires in a mindful, empowering way.
Astrology Forecast January 27 – February 2, 2025
The week begins with Mercury entering innovative Aquarius, sparking fresh ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Communication takes a forward-thinking turn, making this a prime time for brainstorming, problem solving, and embracing new perspectives in both work and business.
Over the next two weeks, a strong pull to connect with like-minded individuals will encourage you to explore intellectual pursuits that challenge traditional norms. Let your curiosity lead you into uncharted mental territory where unique insights and creative solutions await.
Conversations are likely to be lively, witty, and full of originality. But beware of jumping to conclusions or appearing aloof – a balance of logic and diplomacy will smooth both professional and social interactions.
Wednesday marks the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, an ancient symbol of intelligence, intuition, and charm.
The Year of the Snake repeats itself every 12 years, and people born under this sign are known for their wisdom, resourcefulness, and quiet determination.
The element associated with each Snake year adds nuance to its influence. In 2025, the Wood Snake brings a dynamic blend of growth, creativity and flexibility, enhancing the traditional Snake traits of patience, insight and strategy.
The energy of the Snake makes 2025 a year in which success comes to those who move with calm deliberation rather than haste. Trust your instincts, follow your inner voice, and make thoughtful decisions, especially when it comes to finances, relationships, and career paths.