traditions
My Spiritual Encounter With A Bear
Imagine venturing deep into the forest, sunlight streaming through the ancient trees. The air is crisp, alive with the gentle whispers of nature. Suddenly, a colossal bear emerges from the underbrush, its presence a primal force in the serene scene.
Well, chances are this isn’t just another wildlife encounter – it’s a potentially powerful spiritual experience, imbued with profound symbolism.
My psychic mentor and I once had such a remarkable encounter with a bear that brought me some deep spiritual insights.
The forest has always been a happy place for me, and for this particular long-term retreat, I rented a cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One crisp fall evening, while my friend was visiting me and we were enjoying the tranquility of twilight on the back porch, a large black bear wandered into the back yard.
At first, we were both gripped with fear. Seeing such a powerful creature up close is both awe-inspiring and very intimidating! Fortunately, the bear paid us little attention as he calmly foraged for food, his movements deliberate and unhurried.
After the initial shock, we found ourselves mesmerized by his presence. I am always on the lookout for signs and synchronicities from the universe. Decades of spiritual work have taught me that nothing is accidental or random, especially when you are in the wilderness.
From Ancient Mystics To Modern Psychics
Psychics and mediums have been around since the dawn of human civilization: from the shamans in indigenous cultures, to the oracles of ancient Greece and Rome, the seers and druids of Celtic societies, the sages of ancient China, and the prophets of ancient Middle Eastern cultures.
Some famous examples include Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece; the Celtic soothsayer Myrddin Wyllt, also known as Merlin in later Arthurian legends; the Chinese wu (shaman) Jing Fang; Black Elk, the renowned Native American holy man of the Oglala Lakota Sioux people; Isaiah, the renowned prophet of the ancient Near East; and Agastya, the revered Hindu sage and seer.
Throughout human history, in different cultures and societies, there have always been individuals with mystical abilities who held important roles within their communities and served as intermediaries between the physical world and spiritual realms.
They served as conduits of divine wisdom, predicting future events, providing insight into hidden truths, and offering guidance on various matters. They often acted as special advisors to tribal leaders, rulers, and kings, and typically played an important role in the moral and spiritual direction of their people.
The term “psychic” comes from the Greek word psychikos, meaning “of the soul, spirit, or mind.” In Greek mythology, Psyche was the goddess of the soul. Her name literally means “soul” or “breath.” Over time, the term came to encompass aspects of the mind beyond the ordinary.
Enhance Your Spiritual Practice With Rune Yoga
As a professional psychic advisor, my days are filled with interpreting runes, connecting with energies, and guiding others through their life challenges and spiritual journeys.
To restore my own energy, maintain my inner balance, and ensure my holistic well-being, I engage in various spiritual self-care practices that nourish my own mind, body, and soul.
One of my favorite pursuits used to be traditional Indian yoga, until I discovered its Norse-Germanic counterpart known as Rune Yoga, Rune Standing, Rune Stances or Runic Postures.
Rune yoga is an ancient practice that essentially blends the ancient wisdom of the runes with the holistic benefits of similar mind-body traditions such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, pilates, and aikido.
Traditional yoga has always been a sanctuary for me, a place to reconnect with my body and mind.
But as I became so deeply immersed in the world of runes for my work, I found my way to rune yoga as an alternative practice that felt like a natural extension of my interests and professional experience.
Runes are the letters in a set of related alphabets, known as the runic alphabet, that were used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet.
They were used primarily in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland from about the 2nd to the 17th centuries. The word “rune” itself comes from the Old Norse word rún, meaning “secret” or “mystery,” underscoring their mystical and symbolic significance in ancient times.
How Long Until Their Soul Makes Contact?
I have been asked how long it typically takes for a soul who has recently crossed over to reconnect with us from the other side. This is a particular concern for those souls who leave violently or through sudden illness, often at a young age.
I’ve found that this timeline varies from soul to soul, depending on their original soul plan, life journey, and the circumstances of their passing. It also depends, in my experience, on the belief system of the person before they returned to spirit, especially if they had no spiritual beliefs whatsoever. If they didn’t believe in anything beyond this life, there is often a much longer period of ‘debriefing’ and ‘orientation’ to their new surroundings once they arrive at the proverbial ‘pearly gates’.
Sometimes people come to me for a reading hoping to connect with a loved one who has recently died, and they are disappointed when they don’t get clear, affirming messages from the person they were hoping to connect with. Fortunately, they are often relieved when another family member or friend who has been deceased for a longer period of time comes through for them, often with a comforting message about their recently deceased loved one.
Most psychics recommend waiting a period of time after the death of a loved one before attempting to communicate with their spirit through a reading. This recommendation varies from practitioner to practitioner. Many mediums suggest waiting at least three to six months after the death of a loved one. This period allows for the initial grieving process and gives both the spirit of the deceased time to adjust to the afterlife and the living time to process their grief.
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 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.”