News and Views From Out in Left Field ....

Dissolve Blocks with Affirmations

2009-08-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Why do we react the way we do? What makes us who we are? Why do we fall into patterns that are not good for us? The key to our patterns of behaviour is in our feelings. But then, where do the feelings come from?

Some feelings begin to develop even before birth. We are exposed and become sensitive to our mother's experiences; we absorb even in the womb. Other feelings sink into us in early childhood, due to upbringing, and exposure to our earliest beliefs. Not only are these early feelings the most deeply ingrained, but also the hardest for us to detect. They become the basis of our character, and so determine how we react to all our other life experiences. If we have bad beliefs about ourselves, they can manifest throughout our life in terms of bad experiences.

One method that can help us effect changes in our life is the use of Affirmations. Affirmations are statements that we can tailor to our situations and circumstance. Their purpose is to help reverse some of the emotional self-sabotage to which many of us are prone. The power of these simple phrases depends on the fuel that resides within our emotions. It is the energy we give them when we begin to focus. Where affirmations are the intent, emotions are the thrust that will propel you on your journey.

Affirmations are positive statements and their effectiveness increases as we say continue to repeat them. They are there to help us focus on what it is we wish to achieve. Since our thoughts create our reality, then believing in these statements as they are said will eventually create them as true. In a nutshell, affirmations are about dissolving the blocks that bind us to old patterns that are no longer applicable.

What Happens When We Die?

2009-08-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

What happens when we die? Where do we go? What does it feel like? It appears that patients, who have been hypnotized and regressed to a previous life, find themselves feeling just as "alive" as they were before their physical death. All their memories, perceptions and feelings continue. Some they carry into their next incarnation. When presented with these findings, we can begin to see our soul's immortality.

Studies conducted on clinical deaths and NDE (near death experience) are showing similar results to those who have undergone past life regressions.

Death is a natural transition from this world to that of Spirit and there appears to be no loss of consciousness. Rather it has been reported that people have an incredible sense of freedom once they have passed. As well, pains, aches, and negative emotions that were present in life seem to disappear once they leave their bodies. There is a sense of lightness and a feeling of well-being.

Many report floating above their bodies and able to view what is going on around them. They are conscious at all times. Some try to contact to those in the room that they are fine. However, they cannot communicate. The energy vibrations change once a person passes and this makes communication difficult.

The freedom they feel envelopes them and they find themselves drawn to a bright, white light. They are greeted by loved ones, who have already passed, as well as the Guides and Angels that have been with them in their present life.

Once a person has passed, they also find their body in perfect shape. It is whole and any flaws they had in life are now gone. They are free of any physical imperfections and look in the peak of health.

There are different stages a soul goes through after death; however depending on the soul’s evolution, the order may vary. This is the state where an accounting of past actions is reviewed. It is similar to a bank where there are credits and debits. After this phase, there is a cleansing of the soul and it is then welcomed into the light.

Sometimes we just HAVE to Believe!

2009-07-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that I have an opinion on just about anything. I have this strange sense of justice and my nose gets tweaked when I sense something out of place. I rant and rave, but usually in the hopes of highlighting a wrong.

This post is not a rant ... I'm not trying to change someone's opinion. I just feel VERY sad about another type of injustice: suffering. Babies should never suffer.

I've been following the heartbreak of a family lately: a mother who's baby is gravely ill. The story of baby Stellan, and his family, is one of hope and courage and devotion and faith. And though the topic of faith is a very personal one, I know what it is like to be lifted through a critical time.

I have no doubt that her baby will be fine, but this woman's courage in sharing her pain with the world has left me scrambling for words to explain how I feel. I sent her a piece I designed years ago, when I had my own struggle with faith and needed to remember that we are never alone. It helped me to put one foot in front of the other, in the darkness, until I could once again see the light!

Keeping Connection to Spirit Clear

2009-01-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

Elemental Balancing is based on the premise that the way we interact with our environment, and each other, is based on the interplay of four basic primary energies. These energy patterns are the same ones that have been attributed to everything from our astrological signs to the base archetypes of Jungian psychology. These energies have been known for a long time. As far back as Classical Greek times, they were categorized and their expressions defined in terms of the four Elements - Air, Water, Fire, and Earth.

Each of these energies must find expression in our lives. Each of them nurtures, or guides, aspects of our personality and human interrelations. When they are in balance, our spirit soars, and we are able to function at our maximum ability. This increases our chances of living happy lives. It doesn't guarantee that our lives will be free of stress or difficulty. It merely means that when trouble rears its head, we can bring the full brunt of our abilities against it with confidence, increasing our chance of overcoming it.

Each of these energies is linked to a particular part of our make up. They affect us singly, and in their interactions with each other. The interplay of these forces can create very complex forms. The subtleties of this interplay are beyond the scope of this article. However, anyone who doubts that four elements can create complexity, remember that our DNA, and that of all life on Earth, is compiled in sequences of genes that are all made up of combinations drawn from four nucleotides. If you can acknowledge the difference between a tiger, a sperm whale, and a rattlesnake, you acknowledge the power in the combination of four.

The energies balance along two axes. Fire primarily balances Water. Air primarily balances Earth. An interesting way to visualize this is as two teeter-totters set at right angles to each other, forming a cross. When a personality is in balance, each of these teeter-totters is nearly level on its own axis. Now, imagine further that you placed beams of wood of equal length on each end of the teeter totters so that they angled inwards and formed a pyramid.

When the energies are in balance, the ends of all these beams would form a small stable base at the top. This is where "spirit" sits. When our energies are in balance, it is easier for us to reach to spirit and thus be in contact with our higher selves. When our energies are seriously out of whack, spirit is having a hard enough time just staying on its seat. As a result, spirit isn't of as much assistance to us as it should.

Speaking of four archetypal energies is wonderful however, it is harder to teach one how to relate to and measure them in a clear and practical manner. Without such an understanding, there is no way for us to alter our balance and improve ourselves. These energies have to be reduced and simplified to a level that we can readily work with. One has to be able to identify what energies are most strongly at work in their lives and personalities before one can determine if they are out of balance. There has to be a way to feel the effect of the rise and fall of each energy so that there can be feedback to any of the changes that are induced.

Once there is a system in place for measuring the prominence of an energy, its balance in relation to the other elements, and means for altering that balance, then Elemental Balancing becomes a tool to foster positive change and growth.

Spells and Magick

2008-11-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

Wherever you look today on the web, there is someone on some site trying to sell you a spell for love, a quick fix for money, or a charm to bring your long lost canary home. They draw you in with promises of making your dreams come true the fast and easy way. They have the cure for what ails you, an oil that saves toil, and a potion for your notion.

However, there is a simple truth to the order of the world. You only get out of it what you put into it. Real magick is just another type of work. It requires effort as well as an investment of time and faith. It is not simply something chanted out of a book, or mixed in a cauldron like a metaphysical cookie dough.

Because it takes time and effort, there is a limit to how many spells any true practitioner is going to be able to do for others, regardless of what they charge. If these miracle workers spent all their time chanting, praying, or throwing incense on the fire to the degree needed to accomplish their claims, they'd have no time left to eat, sleep, or use the little witch's room.

However the romance of the money spell and the love potion lives on. There is a strong lure to go out and buy books that teach one how to do spells, or to find someone to study under. You can't learn to do spells from books, at least not easily. Or to put it another way, you can try to do magick from a 'cook book', but it's likely to turn out in a way you wouldn't feed your dog.

Few books go through all the exercises and disciplines that must be learned in order to be effective. A book can not enforce discipline either. It can not tell you whether you have meditated on a given Element enough, or whether you've done a proper job of 'clearing' before a ritual. As well they do not always explain the traps and pitfalls inherent in doing 'spells'.

Finding the proper teacher is equally challenging. There is an old saying 'When the student is ready, the teacher appears'. Unfortunately, today that changes to 'When the wallet's pulled out, everyone's a Guru.' Not everyone with a towel on their head, or a pentacle on a chain has actually done the Work. Most of those who have done the work don't advertise.

Assuming you find your way into the Art or the Craft your next challenge is not HOW to do magick, but whether you SHOULD. Just because you can jump out a fifth story window, it's not always the wisest way to the ground floor. It may be quick, but you won't be in shape to do much else after the landing. magick is no different. For every effect you cause, you cause an effect on yourself. Is what you're striving for worth what it may cost you?

It's not my aim to try to teach magick here. A proper teacher teaches in person. There are a lot of strange, antiquated customs incorporated into true traditional teachings. Most of them are there to impart discipline, respect, and a sense of wonder. What I do seek to achieve is to educate and inform those who truly are interested in self-improvement, and positive empowerment.

We will be posting articles on various forms and traditions of magick, as well as guides to what one should avoid, what is more and less appropriate, and how to keep the chamber pot of Karma from emptying on your head.

Can I get another lightbulb? This one's dim ...

2008-09-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Who's brilliant idea was it to bring the likes of Sarah Palin on board? Was it after a particularly rough, drug-induced bender? It's frightening to think that anyone could have been of sound mind while deciding this.

And the mindless, white mob in attendance, applauding her empty rhetoric, had me very frightened indeed. Makes me want to change 'neighbourhoods' as I'm not sure I want HER, or anyone who doesn't see through her, as a neighbour.

For those who are socially and environmentally conscious, have a look at this news story. See if it doesn't make you cringe at the thought of having this woman anywhere near ANY post of responsibility. If you have an open mind, remember hers is closed. And that is scariest of all.

Her whole attitude is one where she feels deserving of accolades ... a Diva, if you will. Blame it on her numbers. Being a number 11 personality, combined with a 6 lifepath can lead to her feeling that hers is the ONLY way. She's astute and can play situations to her favour, but she is not open to new ideas, unless they're her own.

One Year Anniversary!

2008-09-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you're having fun! We're coming up to the one year anniversary of our reopening.

As a result, we'll be celebrating by hosting a special event once a week. Each event will be held on a different day and time with a different set of rules. You will need to check our Chat Schedule for specifics.

These events will start next week, and most will be held in the Lobby so that both members and non-members can attend.

If you're looking for a free reading, this is the time to come by. Anyone who brings a friend to one of these events will have a chance to win a free 20-minute reading.

Help us make this a great anniversary and find out what we've got in store for the coming year.

Meditation

2008-06-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Meditation is both the simplest and most complicated thing you will ever do. In theory it seems easy. You need to quiet and focus the mind so that all the internal chatter dies away, leaving you free and clear to tune into the higher energies, re-visualize your life with clarity, and gain insight into your higher purpose.

In practice, it can be a frustrating exercise of fidgeting while trying to block out annoying thoughts about gossip heard at the grocery check-out line, what your fiancé really meant when he said that you don’t really look fat, or whether you remembered to change the kitty litter. Most resolutions to meditate die in the first five minutes of trying.

The number of possible meditations and methods for achieving mental peace are as numerous as the stars in the sky -- or the wanna-be gurus hanging out in obscure shops and downtown cafes. Most of these techniques even have merit. Before trying to determine which path you should follow, you need to come to an understanding of what your own needs may be, and why it is you are meditating.

I have always preferred to break any process into its most basic components. The first rule of empowerment is that you must Know Thyself. One way of gaining an understanding into what fundamentally shapes you as a person and colours your choices, is an exploration of the basic elemental energies, knowing how they feel, how well you relate to each, and how they express themselves in and through you in a balanced fashion.

In order to do this, one must first have a sense of how each energy feels to them personally. Everyone will experience energy in a unique way. While the energy fulfills the same function in each soul, we savour it through the masks of our past experiences. Thus our interaction with each energy is coloured by our past, and by whatever innate characteristics we possess.

There is an interesting side effect of seeking balance through meditation on the elements. A properly balanced state makes reaching deeper levels of awareness easier and more effective. It may seem amusing to think that you will meditate in order that you can meditate better.

But deeper states of meditation may also leave you open to unexpected outside impressions. A strongly balanced energy, self-awareness, and confident control will serve to protect you from unwanted outside influences.

This is not magic. It is not effortless. It takes great work and discipline. A talent or predisposition for mental quiet helps, but in the end, persistence counts for more. Only through repetition and attention will one gain facility with these skills.

Once a basic ease with meditation has been achieved, one can then turn their focus towards particular ends and effects. Specific meditations can be structured to aid or promote healing, to invite inspiration, to remove blocks to physical action, or to encourage emotional connection with others. Meditation is a synergetic skill. It can combine with, strengthen, and improve every other skill we have.

SpellCasting 101

2008-05-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

The art of casting spells
Public Domain

"A spell is a symbolic act done in an altered state of consciousness in order to cause a desired change."

To cast a spell is to project energy through a symbol. It is important to note that the energy is what is key, not the symbol; too often, the symbols are mistaken for the agent that casts the spell. While props are useful at times, it is the mind that works the magic. Correspondences between colors, planets, metals, numbers, plants and minerals, and musical notes make up a great deal of magical lore, and particular objects, shapes, colors, scents, and images do work better than others to embody certain ideas. The most powerful spells are often improvised from materials that feel right or that simply happen to come to hand, however.

Theory of Spellcasting

Spells are an important aspect of magical training. They require the use of the combined faculties of relaxation, visualization, concentration and projection. The casting of spells provides practice in coordinating these skills and developing them further. Spells are extremely sophisticated psychological tools that have subtle, but important, effects on a person's inner growth. Spells may highlight otherwise hidden complexes of the person casting the spell.

A person who has conflicts about success will find great difficulty in concentrating on a money spell, for example. Many times the practical results of a spell are far less important than the psychological insights that arise during the magical work, for discovering our inner blocks and fears is the first step in overcoming them. Spells also go one step further than most forms of psychotherapy, in that they allow us not only to listen to and interpret the unconscious, but also to speak to it in the language it understands.

Symbols, images, and objects used in spells communicate directly with Younger Self, who is the guardian of our emotions and who is barely affected by the intellect. We often understand our feelings and behavior but find ourselves unable to change them, but through spells, we can attain the most important power - the power to change our lives.

Spellcasting also forces us to come to terms with the material world. Many people attracted to the spiritual path of the Craft find themselves uneasy with using magic for practical or material goals. Somehow it seems wrong to work magic for oneself, to want things and to get things. This is an attitude which is a holdover of the Judeo-Christian world view that sees spirit and matter as separate and that identifies matter with evil and corruption.

In the Craft, flesh, the material world, none of what is commonly thought of as matter is separate from spirit. The universe is made up of the Goddess who is manifest in all things. Union with the Goddess comes through embracing the material world and all the gifts that She has placed in it for us. Our major task on this plane of existence is to become masters of this realm of manifestation. We do not fight self-interest; we follow it, but with an awareness that transmutes it into something sacred.

Mechanics of Spellcasting

Spellcasting is the lesser, not the greater magic; but the greater magic builds on the lesser. The paradox is that in spellcasting we may start out working with the personal self, but in order to work the magic we are forced to expand and recognize the Self that moves through all beings.

Magic involves the deliberate self-identification with other objects and people. For example, to do a healing, we must become the healer, the one who is healed, and the energy that is to do the healing. To attract love, we must be able to love ourselves and to become love its self.

Spells work in two basic ways. The first is through suggestion; symbols and images implant certain ideas in Younger Self, or the subconscious mind, and we are then influenced to actualize those ideas. Spells can also influence the external world.

The theoretical model that witches use to explain the workings of magic is a clear one and coincides in many ways with the "new" physics. It is simply an elaborate but extremely useful metaphor. The metaphor is based on a world view that sees things not as fixed objects, but as vortexes of energy. The physical world is formed by the vortexes of energy, and if we cause a change in the energy patterns they, in turn, cause a change in the physical world. When our own energy is concentrated and channeled, it can move the broader energy currents. The images and objects used in spells are the channels. They are the vessels through which our power is poured, and by which it is shaped.

As energy is directed into the images we visualize, it gradually manifests physical form and takes shape in the material world. Directing energy is not a matter of simply emoting. Emotion can be likened to a strobe light which provides a very inconstant light, while directed energy is more like a laser beam. Even concentrated power is a small stream compared with the vast surges of energy that surround us. The most adept witch cannot be successful in all her spells, for the opposing currents are often too strong.

The craft teaches to first identify the flow of energy and then to decide whether or not it is going where we want it to go. If it is not, then we can try to deflect it, or we may have to change our own course. Sensing the energy climate is a matter of intuition and experience. Some witches make a study of Astrology in an effort to plan their magical workings at the optimal times, while others prefer to work when they feel the time is right.

Of all the planets, the Moon's influence on subtle energies is the strongest. Subtle power increases as the Moon waxes, so the time of the waxing Moon is best for spells involving growth or increase, such as money spells. The power peaks when the Moon is full and that is the best time for workings of culmination and love. During the waning Moon, power subsides and turns inward. The waning Moon's period is used for banishings, bindings, and discovering hidden secrets. The practical witch soon learns to adjust her spells to fit the time of the Moon. If, for example, she needs to do a money spell during the waning Moon, she would put a little 'English' on it and make it a poverty banishing spell.

Energy pursues the path of least resistance. Material results are more easily achieved on this plane of existence through physical actions than through magical workings. For example, it is simpler to lock your door than suffer the constant drain from maintaining psychic seals on your doors and windows while you are away from home. Of course, once you have locked your door, you might feel more reassured by placing seals on it.

No magic spell is going to bring results unless channels are opened into the material world. For example, a job spell is useless if you are not willing to go out and interview for jobs or at least let potential employers know that you are in the market for one. In the same vein, a healing spell is no substitute for medical care.

Most medicine today can be broken down into two broad categories, emergency medicine and that which is not needed for immediate life-threatening situations. Emergency medicine has excelled at stabilizing the body's condition so that it can repair itself at its own pace. Most other forms of medicine consist of treatment through surgery or chemotherapy or a combination of both. The procedures noted above work on the physical body and do not take the other levels into consideration. Psychic healing works at healing the higher levels of the person so that the physical heals itself or allows the person to let go of their physical body if it cannot be repaired. In either case, the choice rests with the person who is being healed and not the healer.

Visualization used in creating a spell should focus on the desired result, not the individual steps leading up to the result. We give the spell free rein in how it goes about achieving the results with the understanding that it is not to bring harm to anyone or any being. For this reason, spells have a habit of working in very unexpected ways.

To assure that the power we have unleashed does not inadvertently cause harm, we bind the spell. This serves to 'set' the form we have created so that the energy becomes fixed in the pattern we desire. The energy we project to others affects us even more strongly than the other person. This is because we have generated the energy, and thus we have become the object at which the energy is directed. If healing energy is sent out, then the health of the person casting the spell is enhanced. By the same token, any hex or curse that is sent out ALWAYS affects the person who sends it no matter whether it affected the person it was sent at or not.

MAGIC IS NOT TO BE USED TO GAIN POWER OVER OTHERS. Magic is a technique used in developing your own 'power from within.' Spells that are directed at gaining power over others weaken the 'power from within.' Aside from the damage done to oneself, it is important for another reason. Many people who do not understand the laws of magic are afraid of being attacked magically and are given to paranoia. The witch's main stock-in-trade used to be removing a competitor's hexes and preparing charms to protect their clients. While true psychic attacks are EXTREMELY RARE, a person's guilt makes up for any lack, and after using 'forbidden' help, their paranoia leads them to seek protection from the same person they just turned to in desperation. Do yourself a favor, and resist the temptation to 'help' these types. Most magical formularies consist of formulae gathered and tested by witches as well as many charms to protect the common man from those same witches who sold them their charms.

Times and Correspondences

I mentioned earlier that timing and the right props are considered important in spellcasting. Over the years, systems of Correspondences were developed which assigned certain attributes and aspects to the seven ancient planets of Astrology. Each planet was assigned a God or Goddess, who embodies the attributes the ancients wished to invoke. Each of the Gods and Goddesses were assigned an hour of the day, color, incense, metal, number, signature, plant, mineral, musical note, and animal or bird.

General Guidelines for Casting Spells

Set aside a room for your magical work. Decorate it with things that put you in a magical mood. Remember to use things that stimulate all five of your physical senses. Some obvious things would be the use of appropriate colors for sight, incense for scent, music for hearing, wines for taste, and textures for feel.

If you do not have a room you can set aside exclusively for your magical work, then choose a room that can be locked while you do your work. This will allow you to work undisturbed. In any case, you should clean your work area periodically with a purifying powder/floorwash to keep away negative vibrations.

Set up an altar to be used as your worktable. It's size and shape should be those that appeal to you. Placing candles and other items that assist you to concentrate on the work at hand is a good practice. Some people like to cover their altar with a white cloth and place fresh cut flowers on it every day.

Always use the best candles, oils, and incenses that you can afford, or make your own, for scrimping on materials has a negative effect on the subconscious. Don't forget that the subconscious is very good at making do with raw materials that it can shape to its own use.

Never cast a spell until you have a clear and concise picture of what it is you wish to accomplish. This ties in with the saying "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it."

Always ground out any extra energy you raise for the spell, and bind the spell so that it expires within the pre-determined amount of time. Once you have cast the spell, do not discuss it with any one until after it has worked. Most spells peter out because the person who cast it boasts about it to so many people, that the spell is robbed of power before it has a chance to work. The ancient bond placed on the magician was to dare, to know and to keep silent.

Above all, at all times, remember the Rede: "An ye harm none, do what you will." You do not know all the effects of your spell, therefore, use magick sparingly, if at all.

Obama .. A once-in-a- lifetime leader?? Haven’t had enough of Bush-lite?

2008-03-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have debated for quite some time whether or not I should post this. After all, I am just a Canadian. What do we know? Some Americans feel we have our heads in the sand, because we do not embrace their views without question. I beg to differ. We just get a far less biased account of the news and, perhaps as a result, can see things more clearly.

It is unfortunate that American reporting is so myopic, but in their defense, the government’s control seems to be all-encompassing. Free speech and human rights seem to be empty words. I urge those wanting to inform themselves and to know what is REALLY going on, to read news from various countries around the world. Thanks to the Internet, there is no longer an excuse to remain ignorant of the facts.

I feel compelled, at this time, to voice my own analysis on the candidates, with a twist. I am an intuitive, and a numerologist, so this may give some of you a bit of a different spin on things. I do not want to put in my two cents without some extra backing. I‘m trying to be a little more ‘objective’ in determining who I think is the best person to effect the drastic change needed at this time. Who is the person who can bring hope to the American people? Who can help them move forward and away from the slime of the Bush years? It is interesting to see how numerology fits the bill. And as I’m fond of saying … numbers never lie.

However, before we can look to the future, we need to glance briefly at the past. Let us take a quick peek, shall we, at the only president in history to come to office with a criminal record. I would like to illustrate how the negative vibration of numbers can be quite devastating. Born July 6, 1946, Bush is a double six. While the number 6 vibration is one of compassion, service and responsibility, it is obvious that George W has severely veered off his path. When the number 6 is under-balanced, we see a lack of truthfulness, lack of order, poor economy, stagnation, manipulation, insensitivity and irresponsibility in someone who is weak-willed, shallow and selfish. How extremely sad, since he had the potential to truly make a difference, if he had only tried.

John McCain … although I am NOT a republican … I will include him as he is obviously on the agenda. He would be unbalanced in power. Being a double 11, and likely not of the 'enlightened' variety, he is most likely the sort that will ignore those around him. There's a strong stubborn attitude. He is also not very open about his real feelings as he tends to keep those below the surface. He reminds me of a cat swishing is tail. You never quite know when he is going to pounce; you don't know if he is joking or for real. There are many things he keeps hidden and for that reason, is not someone who … even if he was a Democrat ... that I could warm up to. Something just does not feel right, and I hope that people do not find out too late what that is.

Barack Obama …. Interesting choice. Seems to be a gregarious fellow, though I believe he is counting on his personality a little too much. But what about his character? You can only keep the polish up for a while, however the flaws end up showing eventually. I see him as being dangerous. The problem is people may not see this until it is too late.. He is a number 4 Leo in a number 4 year … with a number 11 lifepath. A rather edgy combination, and not in a good way. Look for someone who is rather full of his own 'specialness.'

When you highlight this with his inner identity crisis, this is a person who lacks sincerity and endurance. He is not someone who is likely to listen to others, but will go to lengths to prove his ‘rightness’. He is not the most confident on the inside and this is in direct opposition to the fact that he feels entitled. This combination does not inspire great confidence that he would make a good leader. He does not have the experience needed but he ‘thinks’ he can pull it off. He may be in for a rude awakening at the expense of the American people. My fears are that he will win the nomination and possibly the presidency and will fulfill the prophecy of yet another once-in-a-lifetime leader. However, that does not mean it is a good thing.

Hillary Clinton, I left for last. Even if I am not entirely sure where I stand with her, I would not hesitate voting for her. She has more inner resolve than the other two combined. She has compassion, and a creative vision that the other two lack. They are too shortsighted and full of their own prowess. She is actually able to look past the issues and find tangible solutions. In my opinion, she should use the gender card like Obama is using the racial card. People forget that women are still constantly discriminated against. Nothing new there. Should it be made a political issue?

She is a number 8 birth number with a number 3 lifepath. Her numbers show someone who has overcome many obstacles and this has given her strength of character. She is definitely a tough opponent, but one that encompasses the vibration of giving and receiving in balance. A drawback may be that although she can be far-sighted and see the big picture clearly, she may have difficulty getting those around her to see it. It can be a difficult position to be in, however there is a strong creative principle around her, as well as the ability to express herself clearly.

If I take a moment to really allow the energy of the candidates to vibrate honestly, it’s clear, that I feel repelled by the energy I feel coming from McCain and not too sure about Obama. I am a number 11 lifepath, and I know how very difficult that lifepath can be. Maybe it's my own sense of 'specialness' though I know that it is an arduous journey. Most never achieve its potential. I know I struggle with it daily. With this in mind, I strongly feel that Hillary has an energy that best fits with the gigantic task of making desperately needed changes after eight years of corruption and mayhem.

Nonetheless, regardless of any views posted here, my wish is for people to look deep inside to the stillness within and see the truth for themselves. Let that be their guide, not the empty rhetoric the present government forces the media to regurgitate on a daily basis.

Fast Tracking Energy!

2007-11-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

Reiki CD Attunements??? Dr. Usui would roll in his grave. What’s next, learning magick by playing Simon Says? Perhaps we should teach people to become doctors that way. Why bother going to medical school? We could extend this to those looking to study law. They could simply play CDs in their sleep and learn subliminally.

We live in a world that has gone to hell and is trying desperately to redeem itself with smoke and mirrors. Every day I find something that irks me. Perhaps I need to make a habit of writing more frequently. I certainly have enough opinions on issues. But lately, time has slipped away as I’ve been busy revamping a site that has lain dormant for a few years. I’ll write about that progress later, but for today, I just need to climb up here for a few moments … grab my megaphone … and yell to anyone who may want to listen.

I just received an email, forwarded from a well-meaning client, regarding a topic that is very near and dear to my heart: energy healing. More specifically this email was talking about the benefits of Reiki in Alzheimer’s patients. It cited a study published in a peer-reviewed medical journal and of course, the findings were favourable. No surprise there. Reiki has been shown to benefit people with a variety of problems or issues: AIDS, cancer, surgical patients, women in labour, fibromyalgia, emotional problems, psychological issues … the list continues.

I continued reading the synopsis of the report, and found myself nodding at what I already knew. I thought how nice it was that Reiki was being studied and reported in more mainstream publications. I, for one, certainly feel it’s about time. I made a mental note to report on findings more frequently, and let others know about the many benefits of Reiki and energy healing.

However, the last paragraph stopped me cold. I had to reread it a few times for it to register. It ended with a link and after clicking it, I became so angry I felt I had to write something, anything … but being silent was not an option.

The last line stated that “If you haven’t had one or all of your attunements yet, you can get them quickly and easily by following this link: …’

The link opened to a page where you could order a la carte your choice of books, as well as CDs that will attune you to any level you wish. I wanted to scream. I think I did, as the dogs stopped for a moment and stared at me.

Reiki is much more than what people think. The bond between teacher and student endures far beyond the initial classes. An attunement involves the transfer of energy from teacher to student. As a result, a teacher, in any tradition, takes responsibility for the student.

We all have choices. It is not my place to tell anyone what to do. However I must object to any site condoning a lazy attitude to discipline. For those serious about a path with Reiki, I urge you to run from places like that. There is so much more to Reiki. Remember … you get what you pay for. If you want a BMW, you buy a BMW. You don’t buy a Neon and expect a BMW.

I have to question what responsibility a CD has? I cannot understand the dedication of someone who would put together something like this. I would seriously question their motive. What kind of mentoring do they have in place? A good teacher always makes themselves accessible to their students. You don’t just cast a few symbols out … clap your hands and send people on their merry way.

In my tradition, online attunements are still not accepted by many. And I understand the reason. It has taken me a long time to make the decision to teach Reiki online. But times are changing, and there is a need for qualified and accurate information to be taught. After seeing this site, I am convinced, more than ever, that my decision was correct.

If you are looking to learn Reiki, then find out all you can about the person you are considering as a teacher. Feel how their energy resonates with yours. If something doesn’t feel right, then listen to that voice of reason and walk away.

Remote Viewing

2007-10-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

In recent years, an increase in study and controversy has arisen out of the concept of remote viewing. Though not entirely new to us, it has changed, from something that was out of our realm of understanding to being scientifically proven. The Stargate Project was formed within our own United States government in conjunction with various military branches during the cold war.

Before going on further, a definition of Remote Viewing is in order:“ it is using scientific protocol to develop and extend the ability, so ordinary people can learn to do what psychics do.”

Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! Psychic ability can be among the abilities of a Remote Viewer but not necessarily a strong suit in their daily lives. Remote viewing is the ability to “see, sense, smell, taste or know the surrounding target area.” Psychics can already do this! They have a knowing, either through extra-sensory information or symbols. So what sets a Remote Viewer apart? The ability to see , smell, taste or feel details of the target surroundings.

The perception is that the senses must be alive and tangible in order to interpret the surroundings! As an example, a Remote Viewer may say "I see the leaf of a large plant slightly behind you to the right." This fact is either false or quickly validated.

Having given you a sense of definition, the task now becomes how to validate and prove that a Remote Viewers target is real and tangible. First let me suggest reading “Remote Viewing Secrets: A handbook” authored by Joseph Mc Moneagle, the Stargate Project's #001 Viewer. In his book, and several others I’ve researched, there is a protocol that is followed when working on serious remote viewing sessions. This is to rule out “infected” or biased information.

In a serious program the following participants are needed:

A target planner- chooses target unknown to remote viewer

A remote viewer- works set target

A monitor-insures that no infection and actually in space viewer is
in to insure no contamination of target or information

An Outbound - actually goes to target site to validate the viewing

Evaluator - evaluates results of the viewing.

Targets are randomly sealed and numbers are issued. The Viewer might hear the information presented in this way --“ Tell me what you can on this target addressed in envelope # 267-Aq at this moment in time or a set time presented” nothing else of location time etc can be added.

The target is selected sealed and the monitor presents the target. The viewer establishes information and records his/ her findings. The monitor insures no contamination or feedback is there. The Outbound will then physically visit site for validation and record the findings. The evaluator then records every detail from the Target planner to the Outbound.

The less the Remote Viewer is told, the more accurate the information received can be validated. The more unknown the target, the more accurate and true the information that can be perceived and validated.

Now comes another important question. How can you develop this ability? First, it must be stressed that a high level of meditation be achieved! The quieter and less cluttered the human mind is, the better the chance of perception of the unseen. The higher the level of openness you have to accept without analyzing the information, the more accurate your viewing will be. In addition a well-trained, focused mind can perceive details much better.

So! Meditation is the first step. Another is to practice. A good site to look into to begin practicing your remote viewing skills is http://www.remoteviewing.com/. Follow the instructions and see how you do. Don’t stress if you miss. Look at it as an exercise only.

Also, don't forget to get the book mentioned earlier in this article. It will help you understand how and what to do or not do. Good Luck.

Karmic Lessons

2007-09-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ever ask yourself why your life seems so difficult? Or why the lessons you are to learn are so hard? Often, it is a result of karmic debt, as well as the life contract that you made before coming back.

We hear the term karma everywhere. Anything and everything seems to be attributed to it. For some, it is just a saying that they pay no attention to. But as in many things, whether you believe in it or not, karma exists. As we proceed through each lifetime, we are constantly creating karma; we create it with our thoughts and our actions. It is not just an accumulation of debts and credits from past lifetimes, but karma is also based on the actions we undertake in this one. Karmic lessons are sometimes lived out in the same lifetime. Also, if we don’t learn the lessons we need to, we tend to relive them until we finally understand.

If you find yourself burdened with many troubles in this life, you may be suffering from karmic debt. It is important to also mention here, that some individuals have come back as a group - usually a family - where one member has agreed to be the carrier of karmic burdens. We can see this in a family that prospers only to have one individual who is always falling on hard times. Some have very little karma carried over from past lives while others have more than their share.

One method of uncovering your karmic debt is through numerology. If you are living a life that is burdened by karma, you can choose to find out what those lessons are and work through them to heal and release that karma. Past-life readings are another way of finding what lives you lived and what was carried over that needs to be dealt with in this life.

Many times, we have unfounded worries or fears that do not make sense. These are possibly fears of an event that may have occurred in a past-life. An example of this is a car wreck on icy roads. If you died that way in a prior life, it is very possible that you will be terrified of driving on icy roads in this lifetime.

One case of past-life healing is that of a woman who found that she had been part of the Chippewa tribe of Indians. She found that she had been traded to one clan of the tribe from another clan of the same tribe, in exchange for goods. She was traded and used as a slave for the men. This woman has vivid memories of her hands and feet bleeding and sore from constant work. She also remembers being used by many of the men for their satisfaction. She has a persistent memory of the pain and exhaustion that she suffered. This has caused relationship problems in her current life; she has feelings of abandonment and an acute distrust and fear of men. She also suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This has led to much suffering for her in this lifetime. Now that she is aware of why she has these feelings and where they come from, she can begin to heal.

Our past lives are all a part of who we are: who our whole soul is. We carry everything we've learned in each incarnation as we journey through subsequent lives. We may not consciously know about them, however, they are very much a part of who we are.

Past-life readings are fun and can be helpful. They tend to help bring the memories of each lifetime to your conscious mind. This can be extremely healing and answer many questions about your feelings in this lifetime.

Just remember that, as you travel through this lifetime, many of the fears and troubles you are experiencing may not stem from this life. They come from another place and time and are intriguing to learn about.

Find out about your karmic debts and past lives, and learn how to work through them. You may find it helps you better achieve the goals you have set for this life.

Slow Down ... You Move Too Fast!

2007-08-26T18:34:00.001-07:00

In today’s fast-paced world, we find time disappearing so quickly many of us are left shaking our heads. We live in a world where fast cars and fast food have taken precedence and disposable no longer describes a product but our attitude to life in general. The more we go, the faster things get -- partly because we are busy, but also because the energy shift that has been occurring in the last few years is causing many of us to feel its effects even more acutely.

In all this zipping around at the speed of life, our bodies and minds need a break from the noise. Our energy becomes diluted and it becomes critical for our well being to replenish what is lost. Meditation is just the tonic we need to recharge. It is essential to help us reconnect with ourselves and with the Divine. And for anyone who works with energy such as healers, intuitives, and mediums, meditation becomes critical and is a prerequisite to achieving depth and permanence in our work.

The purpose of meditation is to shut off the sensations of the world: turning off the frantic vibes assailing us at ever turn. It enables us to focus on the subtleties coming through from the astral and mental planes. But for many of us, our busy, noisy lives make it difficult to clear our minds. The thoughts, stresses and emotions going on all around us make it hard to focus. With practice and determination, however, meditative techniques can become part of our fabric. Being able to call on the peace and serenity that meditation brings can often make a world of difference.

Think, also, of meditation as life insurance, not only in this life but any future incarnations you may have. It is believed, by some, that subsequent generations of your family also benefit from the energy generated when you meditate.

In addition to all the aforementioned benefits, the energy raised in meditation is also known to elevate the vibration on our planet, assisting the earth on all levels. Our environment has never been in more desperate need of healing nor has humanity, as a whole, been in more urgent need of peace and understanding.

Is it the Flu? Or am I just out of Balance?

2007-08-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Why do we become blocked? Why do we fail to find or keep the relationships we desire? Why do our careers sometimes seem to hit a dead end? Are we just unlucky? Cursed? Is it just “not meant to be”?

Often we plant the seeds of our own failures. We either try to bring the wrong people into our lives, or else we let ourselves be drawn into situations that are not the best for us. Why do we do this?

In order to decipher the more complex patterns and interactions in our lives, we have to break them all down into their component parts. Every situation, relationship, pattern in our life can be defined as an interaction of four basic elemental forces. This is just one system of understanding how we interact with the world and each other, but it is an old one that has been tried, proven, and repeated through from ancient times to the present.

For those of you who think that combinations of just four forces, or energies, could not be complex enough to describe all the different patterns in our love lives, our careers, or our families, let me remind you of one thing. All life on earth is a manifestation of the genetic information stored on DNA. Every gene of every creature on the planet is created by codes built from only four nucleotides.

There are several ways that our lives and energies may be out of balance. We may have too much of one or more of the energies. We may have too little. When we have too much, we may draw to us others that are weak in the areas where we are strong, who need to latch on to us and effectively drain us of our strengths. If we have too little, we can be drawn, consciously or not, to someone who exudes strength in that area, no matter how messed up they are in other parts of their lives.

Even if we achieve something close to a balance in our lives, it is important to understand how and why we are balanced. Those who lack balance may be drawn to those that have it, seeking it for themselves. When a person is truly balanced and AWARE, they can sense the imbalance around them, and have the choice to keep it away, or deal with it. Otherwise, they may be fooled into letting someone into their lives that will upset the fragile balance they have achieved. Imbalance is catching.

Lightworkers? or just a Strobe Effect ....

2007-07-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Do people know what a ‘light’ worker really is? Do those that proclaim themselves lightworkers put any real amount of time and effort into developing their own spirituality? I watch these enlightened souls argue stupidities, while they claim to channel messages from their guides. It’s at times like these that I have to question both the validity of their guides and the information they receive. Somebody needs to inform them that sitting by the phone burning incense and candles, surrounded by pretty stones while listening to ethereal music just doesn’t cut it. That’s not what this is about.

Lightworkers … real workers of the light are truly dedicated healers and workers OF the light. They don’t smoke cigarettes. They don’t drink to excess. They honour their body; their temple. They don’t talk about how much money they earn. They talk about the lives they enrich. They talk about how much more of themselves they can give. They care about the homeless. They care about abused children. They care about those less fortunate. They help heal each tragedy they can. They aren’t obsessed about bad ratings or exchanging information on ‘bad’ clients. They don’t ridicule knowledge just because they don’t agree and they don’t try to keep a status quo just because it keeps them in a comfort zone.

Some talk out of both sides of their mouths without realizing it. One claims she has “been doing readings for 20 years” … and receives messages from guides that “are descended from ancient wisdoms and truths” yet has recently claimed that ancient knowledge is nothing more than ‘myth’. Go figure.

I was trying to illustrate a point on a forum recently, for anyone who was looking for valid information on a particulary topic. However, someone disagreed, but rather than trying to keep an open mind, I was recently told by one of these dedicated “lightworkers” during the course of that debate, that “if we were in the real world, I would've simply said: ” … In another show of love and light to a fellow colleague someone else felt the need to show open disdain by saying “I am not going to say it again you pathetic little individual. “ hmmmm … funny. If this is an example of a ‘lightworker’ please … cross me off the list.

BE-ing a worker of light ... is so much more than just a job ... it's a way of life.

Whose Will is it Anyway???

2007-07-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

This was originally posted on another blog board but it is no longer active. I think it bears reposting.

I clicked on a link the other day. It was an ad that guaranteed results to ‘Retrieve a Lover’ with ‘Powerful Love Spells.’ Wow. They can do that … hmmmmm …. Curious about this one … I went where it led.

I was taken to yet another page that listed a whole menu of love spells, kits and dolls. Now, how easy could that be? Order your poison, à-la-carte … from the ‘Return Your Lover to You’ spell to the nasty ‘Whammy Spell.’ Isn’t that special? These spells promise everything from rendering the object of your obsession totally defenseless against your less than desirable charms to breaking up any couple at will. Shouldn’t everyone keep at least a couple of these beauties on hand … just in case??

Ads like those are a dime a dozen. And there are many people out there that just eat them up. Make ex-lovers dance like puppets on a string. Control them whenever you wish. Forget about free will … let’s just impose our will on whomever we like, whenever we like. To hell with the consequences. What surprised me most though, about this particular ad, was the site on which it was found. It appeared, at first glance, to look like a reputable one. But appearances are deceiving, I guess.

Today we find a society that is so fixated on immediate self-gratification that no one is willing to wait for anything anymore. We want it … we want it now … who cares who it hurts. We can’t be bothered to fix anything; we’d just as soon dispose of it. As a result … we are diluting the very energies we need to be strengthening.

There are many of us who have abilities to manifest, but true knowledge comes through discipline and understanding. And with knowledge comes great responsibility. Spells should never be sold like supermarket rag mags. Rather students need to learn the proper ways to manifest and work with energy. This takes time, dedication and work.

For every action we take, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is a Newtonian principle readily accepted in physics. It should be equally applied to metaphysics. Just because we CAN make something happen … doesn’t mean we should.

I wonder if the poor fools that are conned into parting with their hard-earned money realize, that anyone really qualified to do the work they wish done, simply would not. Those who understand how to manifest, also know the consequences these actions bring. The wise ones won’t unduly attract unnecessary backlash.

However, for those who do choose to purchase spells of the variety mentioned earlier, there are interesting questions to ponder. Who takes on the karma for these actions? The person placing the request? The one performing the rite? And let’s not forget the recipient of all this attention … do they reap extra benefits down the road for having had their free will interfered with? Just a couple of issues to carefully consider.

People need to be aware that energy, regardless of intent or tradition can be compared to electricity. You cannot see it, not easily, but it exists. It is neither right nor wrong; it simply exists in its raw form, with potential for both good and evil. It is what we do with it that matters, and like electricity we can choose to heal or nurture, or we can bring harm or kill. Those that understand its potential are very careful to work within the laws. Those that care more for power and recognition will flaunt their disregard. Something to remember the next time you’re thinking of turning someone on the way you flick a switch.