traditions
Crystal Singing Bowls
Crystal singing bowls, not to be confused with their similar cousins Tibetan prayer bowls, are made from various kinds of quartz crystal, or fossilized water. If one considers that a large percentage of our bodies also consist of water, it’s easy to see why crystal bowls can create a deeper resonance within us, compared to bowls made from other materials.
In our busy world it’s easy to ignore pure, natural sound – which is one of many benefits of crystal singing bowls. Cultures around the world have known for millennia about the therapeutic properties of music, and more specifically, unique notes or tones. In some Hindu and Buddhist traditions it is believed that the Universe begins and ends with the sacred sound Om.
Has Your Astrological Sign Changed?
Reports have been circulating in the media that scientists discovered that everyone’s zodiac sign has changed, due to a permanent shift in the constellations. The truth is this theory has actually been around since the mid-90’s, and has been causing quite a stir in metaphysical circles ever since.
A scientific study that measured the shift in the Earth’s axis (called the wobble) cites that the constellations are no longer moving in sync with the ancient dates and astrological positions originally assigned to signs of the zodiac in early times. This cast a lot of doubt and has been confusing people as to just what their actual sign might be. Of course, it also gave eager skeptics one more reason to point out why astrological practices aren’t valid.
Unfortunately, the scientists and skeptics who promote these claims base their entire theory on a misconception about how the signs of the zodiac came into being, and what they are really based on. In truth, the signs, degrees and divisions of the zodiac have no connection to the heavenly constellations that bear their same names.
The zodiac signs were originally assigned to an ‘elliptical belt’ that surrounds the earth based on the seasons of the year, rather than the stars above. An easier way to understand this is to remember that our seasons start on the first day the Sun enters a particular sign. The first day of Spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) corresponds to the onset of Aries; Summer to the first day of Cancer; Autumn to the first day of Libra; and Winter to the first day of Capricorn. Continue reading
The Truth About Dragons
Dragons are often relegated to the realm of myth, but in my experience the energy of these beings can serve as an ally in our everyday life. Dragons in the western tradition tend to have a bad rap. For example, in some Judeo-Christian theology, the dragon is considered a symbol . When I first encountered this type of being in my own life I was taken aback. My roots stem from the Judeo-Christian tradition and much of my training and personal evolution stems from this background.
In eastern cultures, dragons are looked upon in much the same way westerners consider angels. These beings bring with them blessings, help, and unique power to facilitate change. Dragons are also represented in the Biblical tradition as well, but they have a different name.
Several years ago, I had my first encounter with a dragon-like being. When I saw it I heard the word seraph, even though at the time I had little familiarity with the term. I looked up the term and the literal meaning of the word is, ‘flaming serpent.’
In my experience, the creature looked exactly like the traditional conceptualization of a dragon, with a few minor differences. I realized after this first encounter I had interacted with a seraph – one of the classes of angels. Continue reading
The Egyptian Goddess Hathor
Hathor is an ancient Egyptian goddess representing healing, love, joy, and motherhood. She was known as the Mother of Mothers and the Celestial Nurse who presided over women, fertility, children, and childbirth.
However, Hathor is also associated with the dead, as we see in the tomb paintings where she was depicted as the Mistress of Heaven, welcoming the dead into the next life. Hathor’s connection to helping bring souls into the world through childbirth, and helping souls cross over to the land of Spirit, makes her a goddess who bridges together life, death, and Spirit, and her connection to the Great Mystery.
Hathor’s name translates to ‘House of Horus.’ Horus, is the son of the Egyptian Goddess Isis, also known by her Roman name, Auset or Iset, who is recognized for her psychic knowing, and her connection to the celestial skies and prophesy.
There is an Egyptian tale where seven Hathors are disguised as seven young women linked with fortune-telling and the Land of the Dead. They may have been associated with the Pleiades in later times. Hathor herself was known as Lady of Stars, in connection with the star, Sirius. Continue reading
The Powerful Wisdom Of The Major Arcana
There are 78 cards in a traditional Tarot deck. The first 22 are called the Major Arcana. The word ‘arcana’ comes from a Latin word arcanum, which means ‘ancient secrets’ or ‘mysteries.’
The 22 Major Arcana cards, starting with The Fool and leading all the way to The World, are all archetypes that represent hidden knowledge that many centuries ago were privy to those who worked closely with spirit.
When we consult a Tarot deck, the Major Arcana cards take us on a journey into another world, accessing ancient truths and divine law. In psychic Tarot readings the Major Arcana cards can describe attributes of people and their character traits, but most often represent the spiritual lessons we go through in life. Continue reading
The Year Of The Dog
As an aficionado of all things metaphysical, from auras to a zebra jasper crystal, I have always found Chinese Astrology particularly fascinating. I’ve read any and everything I could lay my hands on and ultimately, I believe, I have come up with my own fundamental basic understanding of it.
I’m a simple woman and as a writer I have found the simple approach is best. Chinese Astrology is based on 12 different animals, and the traits of each species defines the characteristics of each Chinese Zodiac year. If you understand the animal, then you understand the Chinese astrological sign associated with it. You might say it is an easy key to understanding what may initially seem complicated.
According to Chinese Astrology we are entering the Year of the Dog this month. Associated with the element of Earth and the season of Autumn, the closest Western Astrology signs are Scorpio and Libra. Continue reading
Spiritual Rituals Provide Sacred Space
Spiritual ceremonies, where humans gather together in a circle, are especially potent. An energetic hoop gathers over the circle to assist in the endeavor for the gathering, whether it be for the purpose of celebrating a new birth, honoring a solstice, or to express anything of importance to humanity, as individuals, or as a group.
Altars are also powerful. They are a gathering place for spirits to provide protection and shielding, to aid in a calling or, perhaps, to provide a sacred place for the energy of one who has crossed to another dimension to gather and connect. Or, we might choose to build an altar dedicated to providing an anchor for our business when we are away, the same as when we are present. Continue reading