Merry Winter Solstice 2015!

Are you ready for the new energy coming our way?

I love this night, the longest night of the year.  I find it mysterious, empowering, challenging an exciting!

For the past few years, the Winter Solstice not only marks a change in season - it's officially winter even though it's the warmest and rainiest December I've experienced - it also marks a change in energy.  I used to think that the whole Solstice, Aztec Calendar, 2012 predictions, Stonehedge ceremonies were just a bunch of New Age hocus pocus...  but then I noticed.  I noticed the subtle and not-so-subtle changes in my life that are seeded at the Solstice.  I noticed my change in outlook.  I noticed my change of energy.  I noticed the changes in my clients, colleagues and friends.  I experienced major shifts in my energy work, with more Guides, more precise energy, more confidence.  Strong with this experience, I now consider this night very special and holy indeed.

I love how this night is quiet - and yet is filled with energy.  If you really stop to listen, you might just hear your Guides speaking to you.  You might just hear messages from your animal spirit tribes.  You might hear love notes from deceased loved ones.  This is a night of deep magic.  This is a night of hope and love and learning.  This is such a special night to connect the different pieces of you that you've tried to hide but are now holding you back.  This is a night of healing.

As I write this, I see the ancient Egyptian Goddess Isis coming forth with her deep blue wings, opened wide to welcome you in her embrace.  She is ready to help you on your journey to feeling whole, spiritually connected, empowered.  You only need to accept her Love and her help.

In her mythology, she travelled up and down the Nile River to find the pieces of her husband, the God Osiris, who had been dismembered by his vengeful brother in a struggle for the Egyptian throne.  Isis found all the pieces, created the first mummy, and the first mummification ritual to bring Osiris back to life.  In doing so, she also brought back Light (Osiris is the Sun God) and order to the Kingdom.  Hers was a journey of Love, of service, and deep life-giving magic for the highest good of all.  I love that she is stepping forward to be our guide this year!  She is one of the most ancient and powerful goddesses; let's get ourselves ready to work with her!

How?  Here are a few ideas:

• Give yourself some quiet time to reflect on pieces of you that you have left behind due to pain, shame, or the need to fit in.  Is it a funky, spunky part of your personality?  Is it your inner rebel?  Is it the part of you that truly believes in magic?  The part of you that believes in true love? Write about it in a journal, or draw a picture, or paint what this piece means to you.  Then close your eyes, and ask for help to make peace and find forgiveness.  Know that you are now strong enough to reintegrate that piece of you in your current life.  See yourself bringing that piece of you in your body.  Where does it fit?  Your heart?  A chakra?  Breathe it in, feel it... and take time to rest.  Now that you acknowledge that piece of you, what is possible for you?
• Put on your favourite music, and move your body!  Dance!  Too often, we allow our minds to direct our life...  for just a few songs, allow for your heart and your spirit to move you.  Find balance as you integrate your body, your spirit, your soul.  Enjoy your body and how it moves.  Speak lovely things to your body.  Listen for its wisdom.
• Light a deep blue candle in a gold dish.  Burn incense.  Meditate on your biggest dream, your biggest desire.  Ask for the courage and strength to find all the pieces of the puzzle, all the resources you need, and the wisdom to see your dream or desire manifest.  Remember that your quest will include action, not just wishful thinking.  Ask about your next right action step, listen for the answer, and DO IT.

Enjoy this special night and all the nurturing energies that are coming forth to help you to your own greatness.  Always remember your beauty and your magic.  Always remember that you are not alone on your journey, even though it might feel like it on the darkest of nights.  Walk through this new energetic portal with grace, and with a new feeling of wholeness and enchantment.

Do you need some extra help?  I'd love to help you uncover pieces of you that you've buried so deep you don't even remember what they are.  They hide under beliefs and patterns.  They might feel heavy or sluggish in your chakras.  They might feel like empty space in your heart.  See what can shift in a session with me.  Click here to book.

I am surrounding you in Love, and wishing you much Joy in this new year.

Goddess Blessings on this Equinox!

Happy Equinox!

Goddesses are both happy, joyful, bountiful...  AND can be angry and spiteful.  This is a time to honour them in all their humanity.  It's also a reminder to embrace our own Light AND Shadow.

“…but Jaz, what’s an Equinox?”  

The Equinox marks the time of the year when the amount of daylight is equal to the amount of darkness.  If my Latin is right (and I make no claims at being a savant, here)…  equi = equal, and nox = night.  Daytime is the same duration as night time.  On September 22nd in the Northern hemisphere, it marks the official beginning of Autumn, while down-under, it’s the official start of Spring.  And that’s the scientific explanation.

“…so, Jaz, don’t you typically write about spiritual feel-good themes?  What does the Equinox have to do with this?”

The way I celebrate my spirituality is informed not only by my intuition, but also by the cycle of Nature and by history.  These are the three most important aspects of my inner life, and what I LOVE sharing with you.  I turn to these elements when I try to understand what the heck is going on in the world around me, and within me.

And at this time, “what the heck” is a very mild way of putting things.  Haven’t you noticed your computer going haywire for the weirdest thing?  Have you not felt a rise in your anxiety, stress, anger or state of confusion?  Do you not feel that “something’s gotta change” - but you don’t know what, or when, or how?  All this jittery energy is right on cue with the Equinox, believe it or not. The Equinox marks a change in season, a change of mood, a change in self-care, and time for introspection.

The Cycle of Nature
At this time of year, the squirrels in my backyard are literally going nuts (yes, I went there!).  The birds, insects, all forms of critters are busy building their food cache and putting on weight either for the upcoming hibernation, or their migration to warmer climate.  As for the farmers, they are deep in harvesting time.  And so many homemakers and kitchen witches are busy drying herbs and canning preserves for the year ahead.  The natural world is abuzz with activity.  With this in mind, reflect on your life:

• Look at how you’re dealing with work, family, projects.  Do you feel there’s too much on your plate?  What can you save for later?  
• Take a good look at your daily activities: are you just being busy for the sake of keeping busy - or are you being productive?
• In your energy, health, and wealth: what are you keeping in reserve?
• This is also a time of balance. Daylight and nighttime are equal. Take time to center yourself and mirror the balance of the equinox in your life. Remind yourself to play as hard as you work and love your Light as much as you embrace your Shadow.

History
Traditionally, our ancestors have marked this time of year with a harvest festival and a time to reflect on the past season’s abundance.  They celebrated the second harvest and the start of winter preparations. They made plans to care for the tribe during the winter months, and decided on how the harvest would be shared.  Several tribes made preparations to change from their summer hunting grounds to their winter grounds, often following their source of food.  With this in mind, reflect on your life:

• When you feel the jitters and you want to move, change scenery, go somewhere warm for the winter - you are vibing with the migratory animals.  If you’re not moving for the winter, see if you can do a day trip or a weekend getaway.  Maybe you’d like to redecorate one room in your home, or take out the Fall decorations to change the scenery and feel of your environment.
• Give thanks for your many blessings and reflect on how you can improve yourself and your community.   
• Celebrate your business and personal successes.  Make an inventory of the seed-ideas you want to keep, those that need time or research before growing, and those that you want to release.  Clutter clear your office.

Spirituality, Intuition, and the Goddess
In Greek mythology Autumn is associated with the return of the goddess Persephone to the underworld.  Just the thought of loosing her beautiful daughter, even for only a few months, caused Persephone’s mother Demeter to act out in grief, anger and sadness: she created winter and her sorrow caused snow to cover the land and it was impossible to grow food.  Demeter went as far as making a pact with the Lord of Darkness and the underworld, Hades, to ensure that her daughter would be able to emerge to the surface for a few months every year - but how she grieved the absence of her daughter!

• To celebrate Demeter: acknowledge what gives you grief and anger at this time.  Write it out.  Yell it, cry it, dance it.  Keeping it in will only make matters worse, not only for yourself, but for the other people in your life who still depend on you.  Let it out, get the help you need…  and know deep down that “this too shall pass”…  Call upon Demeter’s energy to give you courage and strength to face your darkest fears.
• To celebrate Persephone: she was taken to the underworld against her conscious will.  Others decided her fate, and she had very little to say.  Acknowledge those things in your life where you feel lost, confused, and not in control.  Call upon the energy of Persephone to help you get out of the victim or martyr mode.  Ask her to keep your imagination and your curiosity open - so if Destiny brings you to a dark place…  what can you discover there that could be brought back up to the Light at a later time?  If you’re not in control of the situation, you can still be in control of yourself, your emotions, your reactions, and your fears.  What can you learn from your darkness?  Persephone can help light your way.

Can you see how tapping into the cycles of Nature, History and Spirituality can give sense to your every day life?  Does it help you understand the subtle energies that are currently influencing your mood, sleep patterns, choices and behaviours?  Do you need help navigating your darkness?  Would you like to learn to leverage your grief or deal with your jitters?  Let's talk.

I am wishing you an enlightened, joyful, and spirited Equinox.  May the Goddesses shower their gifts of wisdom upon you.

Unifying Shades of Grey

In a world of black and white, it's often the shades of grey that unify all of creation...

Two weekends ago, I participated in my first ever shamanic retreat at Northern Edge Algonquin Park.  It was a wonderful experience, and it really felt like a "coming home" for my soul.

From the moment we arrived, we were asked to walk in Nature, and reconnect with our inner guidance.  My steps led me to the dock.  I sat there several minutes, soaked from the fine mist, breathing in the moist air.  As far as I could see, there was the colour grey.  The sky, the air, the mountains, the water...  everything grey.  This grey, however, did not feel oppressive or depressing; it felt like a unifying colour.  It felt like everything in Nature melting into one another, such that each element's individuality was part and parcel of the next...

I was inspired to write this short poem.  Take a deep breath...  and allow for the energy of the words to seep through you, just like the mist.  Open your heart and your mind to areas in your life where you could just melt into the moment and release your individuality to become one with something that is bigger, and greater than the individual consciousness.  You won't loose yourself; the trees and the mountains and the sky only appeared grey; they didn't loose their individual vibrancy.  They only melted into one another for a moment, for a day.  Being ONE.  Feel the oneness...  Enjoy.

Unifying Shades of Grey

Sky melting into mountain

Mountain melting into trees

Trees melting into Earth

Earth melting into water

Water misting, moving shifting...

Everything appearing grey

...with its own shade

...its own texture

But ALL ONE.

I'm wrapping you up in White Light and sending you blessings of JOY.

Is that my ego or my intuition?

Tips for knowing the difference, and making a difference

I love this time of year.  The days are getting longer, and most of the time, warmer.  Birds are migrating back, and their song brings joy to my mornings.  The snow is melting.  The pets start wanting to spend more time outdoors (my cats do not enjoy snow or temperatures below zero).  I don’t have to put on so many layers of clothes when I leave the house.

There is this effervescence in the air.  I have this deep feeling that something great is going to happen; that Nature is fully awakening and is preparing a glorious spring.  I don’t see them; I don’t hear them…  but I know the flower bulbs gracing my gardens are getting ready to grow and bloom.  I trust that the season will change.

It’s odd, isn’t it, to say “I trust the season will change”.  Of course it will; it’s been doing so every year since forever.  It’s a fact of life.  It’s not magic; it’s the way things are.

This is the same way I feel about intuition.  Of course it exists; of course it provides me with insights that are beyond physical perception.  No, it's not magic hocus-pocus.  It’s not a question of belief to me; it’s a fact.  Just like I can feel the change in the seasons through my body, mind and spirit, I can sense changes in energy fields. 

Intuition, just like knowledge, serves to inform how I live my life.  

We live in a world of polarity where things are perceived good or bad; black or white; valid or invalid.  We are looking for certainty and we hate failure and mistakes.  The world of spirit is not anchored in this duality.  The world of spirit does not necessarily favour any one aspect of the duality over an other.  It’s a holistic and balanced approach:  our experience of the moon wouldn’t be the same without its monthly cycle of shadow and light; our experience of day wouldn’t be the same without night; our experience of love wouldn’t be the same if at some point in our life we did not experience resentment, jealousy and hatred.  Shadow and light are BOTH pieces of the same puzzle.  They are both valid life experiences.  They can both help us know more about ourselves, our true desires, and our core divinity.

There is an ego-driven form of spirituality out there, and it's been there for ages, where we believe that only higher wisdom is valid and we must reject all physical sensations and material wellbeing.  We start alienating and rejecting part of ourselves for being "less than".  We judge those who are "more spiritual" and those who are "not connected".  We'd often rather floating on spiritual cloud 9 instead of being grounded in the physical world we incarnated to experience.  Is this really Spirit talking?

And therefore, when you think these thoughts and you wonder, “is this my intuition or my ego?” - allow yourself to consider for a moment that it could be both at the same time; the ego brain feeding you information about your fears, your physical safety and your immediate wellbeing; and your intuition feeding you information about the greater energies available to you at this time.  Question both, allow them to inform you, then take a well-informed decision.  Experiencing your thoughts and feelings in a holistic manner, without judgement, will make a huge difference in your life and bring you closer to inner peace and meaningful satisfaction - because you'll learn to love all pieces of you.

That being said, many want tips on identifying the voices of ego and the voices of intuition; and these guidelines are very helpful!  Here are a few things to ponder.  Ask yourself how you feel when you receive the messages, and be mindful of any other information you are perceiving.

Are you feeling…

Lower Self - Ego	Higher Self - Intuition - Divine Messages
Fearful, jealous, judgemental, insecure, greedy	Loving, confident, fulfilled, calm, secure, positive

Are you…

Lower Self - Ego	Higher Self - Intuition - Divine Messages
Focused on the future	Focused on the present moment, the next right action
Being competitive, win-lose approach	Interested in win-win approach
Impulsive	Consistent with your core values
Acting out of fear of abandonment, rejection, or guilt	Acting out of love and compassion for yourself and others
Feeling better or worse than others	Believing that you are others’ equal
Feeling betrayed, isolated, needing to build up walls of protection around you	Feeling supported and nurtured

Are you perceiving…

Lower Self - Ego	Higher Self - Intuition - Divine Messages
An immature or demanding tone	A mature and direct tone
Going from topic to topic	Consistent guidance
A dissonance with your core beliefs	An alignment with your core beliefs
A feeling of being drained of energy	Enthusiasm, energy
Verbal, emotional, physical abuse	Direct yet loving and clear direction
Lots of words, logic and rationalizations	Empowering and motivational words
Manipulation, sneakiness	A feeling of what is right and ethical
Heaviness in your heart or over your shoulders	A lightness in your heart and a smile on your face

Remember that ego’s role is to see to your physical and material immediate wellbeing, and it can inform your life and your decisions.  The key here is to allow it to INFORM you; not rule your every decision and feelings!  When you notice ego’s head popping up, ask it what it really means to tell you, and thank it for its input.  This could lead to a self-conversation like this: "Yes, thank you ego, I am feeling rather insecure about my financial health at this time.  It’s true that meditation alone is not putting money in the bank quickly enough to pay the bills on time, and it’s true that one of my core values is to be timely with paying off debts.  Now, instead of complaining and feeling jealous of others who appear to have it all, let’s find an action I can do today to give me an increased sense of stability and confidence with my finances.”

Try this; it works!  Ego feels heard and validated.  It’s like a puppy to whom you just gave a cookie and can now relax knowing that it is loved and useful.  It will stop hounding you for a moment and give you some peace as you meditate on your next right action - as long as you follow-up on your promise and TAKE that action.

Winter is to summer what shadow is to light…  and what ego is to your higher self.  Part of a whole.  Both need to be heard and honoured.  Finding this balance brings inner peace.

If you need help sorting our your perceptions and making friends with your ego, I’m here for you!  The Spiritual Development Program would be ideal in this situation, because I will mentor you, over time, to be a better listener to both your ego and your intuition.  Finding this balance does not happen over night, which is why I offer mentored programs.  Contact me to receive more information - then let your higher self guide you.

Surrounding you in Love & Light.

Are you living your Truth?

Are you being true to yourself?
A mid-winter’s reflection on Imbolc through the lens of the Throat Chakra

I am celebrating my first year in business in my healing centre in Ingleside.  This is the anniversary of my decision to do this spiritual work full-time.  This is a reminder of my panic moments and my hopes as I left my work with the federal government to pursue my soul’s calling.  I celebrate my leap of faith…  and acknowledge any resistance to truly leaping with all my soul… ‘cause it’s darn scary at times.

The Universe, in its infinite wisdom, synchronized the opening of my healing centre with Imbolc - the feast day of Goddess Brigid who is my patroness.  It is a chant from Starhawk that inspired the name for my business; this chant is typically sung on Imbolc:

We will never, never loose our way to the well of her memory;
And the power of her living flame,
It will rise, it will rise again.

This chant resonates with my soul at such a deep level.  It seems to capture my soul’s purpose: to teach others, through self-reflection, how to re-ignite their passion for living an authentic, meaningful and joyful life.  To teach others how to live an empowered life where the divine can be celebrated every day.  To teach others how to overcome fear of intuitive gifts so we can all shine brightly and fully contribute to a loving, peaceful, planet.  My business - my soul's work - is an invitation for you to reconnect with your deep inner well of wisdom, inner peace and unique Truth.

This is the truth of my Soul.  This is the driving force behind my programs, workshops and articles.  On Brigid’s feast day, I take time to self-evaluate on how well I lived these soulful principles.  Have I lived in my Truth?  Are my emotions, my thoughts, my words, my lifestyle in line with this Truth? What can I celebrate?  What can I improve or change?  Where do I need more guidance and help?  Then I do a ceremony to rededicate myself to my soul purpose, under Brigid's tutelage.

In the world of chakras, living in your Truth and embodying your soul purpose is a function of the Throat Chakra.  Here are some indicators that can help you assess if there are blockages or energy imbalances in your Throat Chakra:

• you have chronic ear, nose, throat and respiratory problems
• you feel out of balance; you are either prone to loosing balance and tripping, or you feel a disconnect between you body and your mind, or your physical reality and your imagined or ideal world
• your thoughts are not fluid, and you feel yours words don’t express your true emotions or thoughts
• your inner self-talk is negative
• you have issues with your thyroid gland
• your neck is stiff or you suffer from chronic neck pain
• you are timid and afraid to express your beliefs and your true nature
• you talk incessantly
• you feel depressed as you hold on to the belief that no one can understand you
• in your relationships or at work, you feel that you must pretend to be someone else
• you know you have a soul purpose, but don’t know how to share it or “make it happen”, and this makes you feel lost and hopeless

Did you answer “yes” to several of the above indicators?  Then it’s time you honour your body and your soul to purify your Throat Chakra.  I will give you several tips and techniques this month.  Remember to reach out and talk to someone if you need help!

How well do you resonate with your soul purpose?  I can help you gain clarity and confidence in expressing your most authentic self.  My sessions are intuitive as I tap into what your soul wants you to know.  I connect to higher realms using Reiki, an energy that can help shift and deeply transform how you feel.  Click here to book an appointment.

Surrounding you in Love & Light.

Newsletter, Winter 2014

Below are image renditions of my latest Newsletter (I can't seem to be able to upload the document, and I don't want to loose the format by pasting in one article at a time... I worked hard to make it look pretty!).  Message me if you would like to receive a pdf version via email.  Many blessings to you!

Oracle Reading, January 2014

This month, we are asked to nurture our inner child.  We are reminded to play, to have fun, and to honour that spark of wonder and magic within us and within all of Creation.  Doing so, we will connect to what is beautiful within each one of us.  When we recognize our own beauty, life somehow becomes easier and more magical.  We feel less stressed, less tense when we agree to have fun with life instead of organizing everything and everyone to the finest detail.

Take your inner child out for a date.  Watch your favourite movie.  Have a pyjama day.  Find a recreational activity that makes you laugh and sing.  Take an afternoon nap.  Go to a store and play dress-up as you try on a new style.  Book an afternoon off and go to the spa - and pick a nice bright colour for your nails.

Look at the world around you with wonder.  See how everything is interconnected.  Notice signs from your angels and guides.  Count how many pennies you find on the sidewalk.  Have a conversation with your pet or with a wild animal.  Talk to a tree.  Have a tea party with fairies and garden gnomes.  Watch nature shows and be amazed by the force of life.

But most of all, as you meditate on your year ahead and if, like many at this time of year you are setting resolutions, remember to include fun and playtime!  Include your wildest dream.  What is it that as a child you wanted to do "when I grow up" - can you bring some of that dream into your current life?  Not everyone can be an astronaut... but perhaps you could plan a visit to a sky dome or to NASA.  Find a creative way to make at least part of your childhood dream come true this year.

When I was a child, I wanted to be a ballerina.  And a mom, a nun and a teacher.  (Only one choice was never enough for me!) I knew they didn't all go together; I knew that nuns could not get married and have children...  but that didn't matter.  I still wanted that spiritual life, full of dance and teaching moments and children's laughter.

...and you know what?  I think I can finally put a checkmark to all of these!  No, I'm not entering the nunnery!!  I am a mother, and this year I am finally birthing that business that has been gestating in my dreamworld for so long.  I do have a very spiritual lifestyle and I am looking forward to increasing the ways I can serve other's spirits through my work.  I am  now teaching #Chakradance, Lightworker Development training, and many workshops and activities.  It's not exactly what I had envisioned as a child -- it's much better!  I am filled with gratitude at this realization!

Have your childhood dreams come true?  What can you do this month to manifest some of that magic into your life?  How do you pledge to nurture your inner child?  Share your insights below so we can support one another in creating more magic in the world!

Cards used this month are from Doreen Virtue's "Healing With The Angels" and from Denise Linn's "Soul Coaching (R)" & "Gateway" oracle cards.

Winter Solstice Musings

Wondrous things are in store for me this year - which means more soulful sharing with you! 

As a winter storm blew fresh, scintillating snow and freezing rain on the land, I was feeling blue.  I enjoy celebrating the Winter Solstice with like-minded people and spend the whole night meditating, painting, and leading spiritual processes...  but in the hectic schedule of the last few months as I transitioned fully and definitively from corporate world to being self-employed, I had forgotten to book the celebration!  And now the winter storm seemed to validate that this was a Solstice to be experienced in quiet contemplation and meditation.  

Instead of dwelling on my blues, I decided to do something.  A personal ceremony was in order!  I took a long warm bath in salt water and essential oils, using my own "Forehead Chakra" mix.  I meditated on everything I was releasing from my life as I enter a new phase.  

Then, I took out my paint brushes out "to play".  I allowed the painting to reveal itself to me.

The Crossing, Winter Solstice 2013

This is the result of my meditative Solstice painting... I started by creating the indigo sky.  The paintbrushes wanted to spiral with the paint and create movement.  The entire canvas became filled with the indigo hue and a few tiny stars.  It then felt right to paint the golden mandala circle.   

Mermaid really wanted to be painted in so I invited her in my circle.  At first I thought, "I can not paint a mermaid, I don't know how!"  And on my exhale I let that restrictive thought go as I instructed Mermaid to paint herself in...  I was wondering what she was reaching for... then the spiral portal appeared with... me in the centre! Safely arriving through the portal! I wondered who else was there greeting me as I felt surrounded by more beings of Light and higher vibration.  Fairy appeared, wanting a pink dress, red shoes, and green flowers on her dress. Finally, my Guardian angels revealed themselves, enveloping the passage and lovingly guiding me through. 

The painting then felt complete and I set down the paintbrushes, said a word of gratitude and finally went to bed.  It was 3AM - this year, I did not wait for the sunrise before going to bed.  Filled with the bliss of my inspired creative work, I decided to go to sleep and perhaps find that portal through my dreams.

Soul Search, Winter Solstice 2012

I find it interesting to notice somewhat of a link between this year's Winter Solstice painting, and last year's...  Last year, I had painted a female figure in a Light bubble, travelling to the stars.  It seems that if last year I consciously set out on this journey, I have arrived at the threshold crossing this year!  The journey was arduous: I dealt with my depression and took a year off work to rebuild myself from the inside.  I got clear on my goals.  I started to really love myself and accept myself for who I truly am.  My return to work this Fall was a validation that the old me was no more and that it was no use to continue to follow that path.  It's time to forge a new path!

And here I am, very excited about all the opportunities this new year will bring.  I am feeling so very blessed and proud of the spiritual work I've done this past year.  I am also feeling some fear and anticipation for I am walking a path that is new to me...  at least in this life, for my soul remembers the way.  

I am wishing you merry musings, too.  When is the last time you took out your paintbrushes?  Just have fun, allow your imagination to guide you.  Don't expect a masterpiece - simply allow your inner self to express itself in full colour.  Enjoy the process, you can be surprised at the insights you will gain!

White Light Blessing to you!

I am seeing you today, wrapped in beautiful White Light like a comfortable blanket, sheltering your energy body and soothing your soul. Under this cocoon of White Light, your soul smiles and grows.

Stressed-Out Pufferfish and Lessons in Transformation

Pufferfish Jaz...

Many activities have started for me over the past 3 weeks: my (temporary!) return to corporate world, two classes for new certifications (and I am so looking forward to sharing these with you!), and one chakra clearing class.  I thought I was handling it all quite well and with grace until I hit a roadblock in one of my classes.

I have been feeling quite overwhelmed with everything going on, and I have been using all the tools I know to manage my energy - from positive thinking to salt baths and energy work.  But, working on my Sacral Chakra, I lost connection.  The communication line between my inner and outer selves went dead, so to speak.

In one of my classes, my homework was to feel the energies of the Sacral Chakra's archetypes:  the Empress (light aspect) and the Martyr (shadow aspect).  I felt no connection to either.  Nothing. Nada.  In the required body movement exercises, my body did not want to move, and my mind certainly did not want to go where the guided visualization was going...  "Lalalalalalala...  not going there.  Nope, just not going there..." seemed to scream something from deep within me.

I know I have my share of wounds in the Sacral Chakra, from childhood "you're so weird" / "hide your creative side" wounds to events redefining me as a young woman, dealing with infertility issues and so much pain.  There's much "water" under that bridge (heehee, yes water is the element of the Sacral Chakra) and yet somehow I choose to hang on to these sob stories.  There is much I have not forgiven yet.  There is an element of power when you don't forgive and hold on to a hurt, like a self-validation of sorts.  Not surrendering to healing is a powerful choice, one where I know it's MY will - not any one else's, and not the Divine's.  I decide.  I choose.  You can't make me.

In the midst of all this reflection, I clearly saw the situation from a higher perspective.  It was a bit of an epiphany, really.  The reason why I was not connecting with the archetypes and the feelings of this chakra was because I was acting out of the shadow of this chakra.  Ouch!  I can be quite the pufferfish in times of stress!  Swimming along and then BAM!  The don't-touch-me-get-away-from-me-you-suck pufferfish is all inflated, needle points out and all.

There have been many decisions and actions made from this shadow side, from hurt, pain, and ego.  But what would happen if I forgave myself?  What would my identity be then?  So many things would change.  I'd have to be accountable for my actions and my decisions and not blame others.  I'd have to move to self-love instead of self-loathing in this area of my personality.  I would not be able to recount the same old stories of hurt again and relive them with the same gusto once the balm of healing is applied.  The whole paradigm and perspective would shift.  Am I ready for that, or as the Martyr archetype would I prefer to continue to dig my heels in and resist?

There is a point of no return in transformation: once Love enters, there is no room for shadows, there is no room for the familiar.  A new path is laid out, needing to be discovered.  The comfort zone is abolished and one has to be ready for the new adventure that is Spirit-centered and infused with Love.

Spiritual transformation is not easy, because it means being ready to let go of old hurts and deep-set patterns.  Ego certainly prefers to keep the status quo, and the more a person is called to change and transform, the more the ego seems to resist.

The wonderful thing about working with shadow archetypes is that once you name the shadow, you own it - it does not own you anymore.  It brings out your truth and hidden motivations.  When you're ready to listen to its story, you can find healing and consciously continue your Awakening.

I still have some deep wounds to forgive and heal, but I've made a great leap with this shadow work.  I feel the pufferfish returning to its normal state, unthreatened and merrily swimming in the ocean.  Now, I can connect with the archetypes of the sacral chakra, and I can dance with the Empress, knowing that my seedlings nurtured in my creativity centre will grow and manifest, all with divine timing.  The dance of the Empress is one of Abundance and trust in the Divine.  It is a dance of Empowerment and unity with the Universe.  I am gaining confidence and comfort in this new awareness.  The path before me is not so scary anymore.

I think the Empress' parting wish would borrow from the Vulcans...  "Go forth and prosper."  ;)

What is your Lightworker name?

I created a bit of fun!  What is your Lightworker name?  Share it below.
My Lightworker name is Teacher Guide of Crystalline Cove.   :)

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Be sure to take a look at the new Lightworker Name tab !  That's the space where I share information on Lightworker Names and upcoming events to share the wisdom behind the names. :)

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Wow! This name game I created in July went viral on Facebook in November!  I am so pleased and blessed that people around the world are enjoying this game.  I have received so many emails and requests for information, I feel the need to provide some context...

I created this game one hot July afternoon.  I felt very creative and inspired.  There are so many name games out there where you can "discover" your stripper name, your holiday elf name, or share an action you would do based on birth month, the colour of your shirt, a letter in your name...  So I thought it would be fun to create something for us Lightworkers.  I just sat down at my computer and allowed this chart to come through.

Why have I picked the 3rd letter of your first name and the month of birth?  It felt right.  There is no science involved here.  It's totally based on my creative intuition.

Who are these characters and places I mention in the game?  I tried to represent as many talents and spiritual energies as possible, to showcase the broad range of talents we find in our Lightworker community, and the energies many of us are called to work with.  I included archetypes, spiritual guides, and characters that speak to me through legends, folks' tales and fables.  I included concepts of various spiritual traditions.  I included energies of the Earth, the Sea, the Stars and higher dimensions.

I am grateful to Spirit for helping me create this game, where so many Lightworkers feel a personal attachment, or vibe, with their result.  Thank you so much for vibrating to the beautiful, creative and joyful energy I infused in this work!  So many have written to me that they resonate with their Lightworker name, that indeed they do work with Fairies, or are more comfortable near the Ocean, or that they do feel that their soul comes from the stars, or that they do live their life applying that special talent...  I am amazed and so happy that Spirit worked through me as I completely surrendered to creativity so that "just a game" became very meaningful for so many!  Spirit works in wonderful ways!

If you want to know more about your personal Soul Profile, including your soul group of origin and your spiritual gifts, book a session with me.  I'll access your soul's information through the Akashic Records.  You will receive validation of your soul's core strengths and gifts.  You will receive guidance on how to flow with your personal energies, instead of fighting them.  You will also receive action steps to clear away old karma and blocks, so you can truly shine.  Hop on HERE to view more info on how to book a session.

Many many blessings of Love and Joy to you!

New! - Lightworker Training, Level 1

The first intake of this wonder-full training experience will be on the weekend of July 20-21.  Book your spot now to receive Early Bird Pricing! This will be a wonder-full experience for personal and spiritual growth! I'm looking forward to welcoming you to the Circle.

Are you ready to raise your vibration and awareness, and awaken your ability to send healing to your body, and to other beings in this physical realm - including other humans, animals, and plants?

Join me for an intense weekend of training where you will learn the basics of Reiki and energy healing, and you will receive personal guidance on your healing journey. You will also have lots of practice time to hone your new skills!

Level 1 will focus on physical healing, so the students are gently introduced to energy work and can develop their skills in channeling and conducting high-level energy. Students will experience a strong shift in their awareness of their own healing powers and may experience the release of acute or chronic physical symptoms. Most of all, students will unlock their ability to heal themselves, their pets and others - even things! - in various situations.

You are a Lightworker if you:

• Feel called to heal others;• Believe in the healing power of spiritual methods;• Have had mystical experiences;• Want to resolve the world’s social and environmental problems;• Want to heal your own life as a first step in healing the world;• Know that you are here for a higher purpose, even if you are unsure what it is or how to fulfill it.

Adapted from Doreen Virtue "The Lightworker's Way"

In Level 1, you will develop your healing hands. We will have fun exploring the realm of energy as you gain confidence in your ability to feel energy with your physical body. You will learn to channel high-level energy for healing work. You will also learn foundational knowledge on the life of a Lightworker: coming out of the spiritual closet, self-care, self-healing, and daily energy routines. All hands on deck for this training!

Your commitment as a student is to be fully present for the full duration of the training, AND for the follow-up group sessions - 3 hours a month for the following 5 months. I firmly believe the follow up sessions are of utmost importance because it is during this time that you will learn to integrate energy work in your everyday life, and this is where the questions come up. I want to be available to you during this time of integration, so that your new vibration level is sustained. During the months of the follow-up, you will also have to prepare case studies to record your sessions and your progress. It is also during one of these follow-up sessions that you will receive a Reiki symbol to deepen your practice of physical healing.

There is a minimum of 4 students required, and a maximum of 8. The cost is $360 per person for the weekend and includes all material and group follow-up sessions until graduation.
**Early Bird Pricing*** Save $61 and pay only $299 if paid in full before July 1st.

I am looking forward to serve as your coach and teacher.

Blessings of Love and Light.

Spiritual Guidance for June 2013

Decks used: Joules Taylor “Celtic Messages”; Colette Baron-Reid “The Enchanted Map” & “Wisdom of the Hidden Realms”; John Holland “The Psychic Tarot”;

It is my pleasure to share with you this oracle card reading, which gives us a glimpse into the energy at play in our lives this month.  We are all a thread in this beautiful tapestry of Life, and our individual energies connect and interlace to form such exquisite patterns, some more intricate and difficult than others, and yet what a beautiful design we see when we step back to look at the patterns of our life!  If you want to know more about your own thread in this collective pattern, contact me for a personal reading, an email guidance document (a personal reading in the style of this entry), a coaching session, or a spiritual/Reiki guidance session.

This month, we are asked to turn our attention outward.  The Hound card asks that we tap into our need for the community, and into our drive to protect and nurture the collective.  I’ve heard and read from many spiritual sources that there are dark forces looming at this time – let’s band together to chase them away.  Ask yourself what one action you could take in your community and in your family circle to chase away the gloom.  What intrudes on the inner peace, safety and security of the collective and those we seek to protect?  Some of us are called to speak out against injustice, against violence, against the pollution of our food and water supply, against the harm done to our environment and various ecosystems…  What is it that you feel strongly about?  Connect with that one thing, and protect it dearly.

As we gather to protect the pack and chase the darkness away, we may feel that we are not doing any progress.  In fact, many may think we have regressed or that we are walking in circles, especially regarding social and environmental issues.  Remember that the dance of life is evolving in a spiral, traveling up and around, always moving.  Steps backwards help us gain perspective and remember what is really important at our core.  At times, lessons need to be repeated for those unable or unwilling to learn them the first time.  Examine what pattern from the past is resurfacing – is this a lesson to be mastered, or is this a past success which lesson can be transferred to solve a current issue?

Our Helper card this month is Gaia herself, the spirit of Mother Earth in her abundant and glorious garden.  She reminds us that in truth, there is enough for everyone on this beautiful planet, and she reminds us to honour our natural resources and to share our goods as a global community.  She reminds us also that Spirit is present in all tangible things.  Respecting Nature and respecting the fruits of our own human creations is an extension of how we respect the Spirit residing within us.  We are all One in spirit – let’s remain aware of this fact in all of our relationships – relationships with people, with animals, with the environment, with our food, with our work, and even with money.  If you feel any blockage, call upon Gaia to help spirit flow through you, in you and with you.

The possible outcome of us coming together as a global community, looking for the highest good of all involved and recognizing the presence of Spirit in everyone and everything is the establishment of new leadership.  As this is a card from the Major Arcana, it is earmarked as a major life lesson in our collective history.  We have reached an important teaching point in our collective human evolution.  We see the cracks in our current foundation, and it is now time for we the people to make a plan on how to best resolve our social issues.  We are called to participate in grassroots projects; to participate in town hall meetings; and to provide our input to our political representatives.  Remember that social emancipation is not only a right, it is also a great responsibility and many of us have been taking it for granted for too long.  We are now encouraged to reignite or develop our inner and outer qualities of leadership, logic, strength, wisdom and power.  It’s time to stop talking, and act.  And it is time to act with wisdom, grace and compassion instead of belligerence, greed and self-centeredness. 

Remember – we are all important threads in this common experience of life.  In these times of shifting energy, every one of us is called to speak up for the Truth and for Love, and each one of us is called to do our share for the highest good of our family, our community, our country, and our planet.

What action will you commit yourself to today to serve the highest good?  Here are some ideas:

-       Research the social or environmental issue you are standing up for, and look for clues in the past that could help in the present: what has worked and what hasn’t worked before?  What is different now?  What is similar?  What acquired knowledge and experience can be transferred to this current situation? 

-       Purchase local goods, or goods with a low carbon footprint

-       Volunteer at a soup kitchen, a hospice or a hospital

-       Smile as you do your work and house chores

-       Donate blood

-       Clear your closet,  your garage, your attic and donate your items to those in need

-       Sing a lullaby to your child

-       Call, visit or write a letter to your political representative

-       Participate in townhall meetings; help organize one to discuss important social and environmental issues.  Remember that we are called to go beyond discussion and to put our plans to action.

-       Pray for peace in the world

-       Participate in online communities who connect, on an energy level, with the intention to send love and healing to causes and to the planet

Share your action below to place it in the energy grid.

Everything in moderation, including moderation!

There is a lot of peace and contentment to be found in balance. Living a spiritual life does not necessarily mean living a ascetic life! It is good to enjoy good wine, great chocolate, beautiful clothes with texture and form that feel good on the body, pampering, exercise, money flow... And yet, one should not overly focus on any one of these life's enjoyments for overindulgence brings a lack of balance - even overindulgence in meditative states!

You come out of centre when your life is all play and no work or the other extreme; when you overspend without the means to pay your bills; when you overeat or drink too much without any form of exercise; when you study too much without experiencing; when you are more in the spiritual realm through meditation or prayer and forget that you are living a physical existence; when you worry so much about others and you give so much of yourself and you forget or refuse to receive help, love and time-outs...

Moderation is a spiritual discipline. It allows you to enjoy everything life has to offer, without guilt or shame. As long as you don't let the sensual experiences overrun your good sense, you'll find life more robust and round - like a good red wine (cabernet franc?) followed by dark chocolate... (you know where my preferences are).

Many people who consider themselves "spiritual" tend to develop very narrow mindsets and unknowingly separate themselves from the One Love. They make such statements as "You should never drink coffee", or "Everyone should be vegetarian", or "You have to meditate 2 hours a day, or else"... They become so rigorous in applying their spiritual discipline and because it's a lot of work they start to believe that only their way is the right way, and those who don't have the same point of view are wrong. They start judging others, or because self-righteous. And when they miss their routine they feel all out of sorts because they have become dependant on the routine rather the the flexible flow of life and energy. They can feel headaches, body pains and anxiety if they miss their carefully set-up routine... those withdrawal symptoms are the same as for those coming off narcotics or coffee!

Life is about living, and having fun while we're learning our lessons. It's not about being perfect. Life won't always be pleasant and some lessons are tougher than others, but if we restrict our experience of life through our thinking and our judgements, we are doing ourselves a disservice and making life even more difficult for our soul. Nature is so bountiful and beautiful; it's by exploring and experiencing that we can find what works for us - and our own individual path might not be like everyone else's.

Honour yourself, your needs and your desires. Align yourself with Spirit and flow with its adapting energy. Bite into life and let that morsel melt in your mouth as you breathe and smile... Instead of chanting "OM", you might chant "YUM" today, just for fun.

Interpreting seemingly strange spiritual guidance... And a contest!

Spiritual guidance doesn't always make sense... I have a few spots left for the upcoming June 15-16 Reiki Level 1 class, and so I asked for guidance as how to reach out to those I can serve, those who could benefit from my teachings and from whom I could learn and grow as a teacher... I asked one Oracle card deck, then an other, and an other... the answers are the same: express sexuality, sensuality; flirt, have fun! Huh??? Won't this send the wrong message of what Reiki is about and cross professional, ethical and personal boundaries?? How do I interpret this message from the Fairies and my Joy Guides? Well, I'm laughing now and I put on some good music and was dancing outside in the sun and it really lifted my mood... does that count as sensuality? (it was not belly dancing or anything suggestive!!) Maybe I should let prospective students know that we will be using our creativity to access our deeper psyche, that we will dance together and do breathing exercises to help ego stand down and Spirit fully enter our bodies? Maybe I should get a new haircut, mani and pedi before the class?

I never thought that teaching Reiki could be a sensual experience - not in the physical sense, anyway... Although I am truly enjoying on the mental, emotional and spiritual level every moment I spend studying my material and preparing binders and exercises for the wonderful students who will grace me with their presence and energy!

How would you interpret this reading for me?

Well, this isn't "sensual" as per my spiritual guidance this morning, but since I really enjoy giving freebies to allow more people to experience Reiki and the joys of working for spiritual evolution... here's your chance to win your tuition for the upcoming Reiki Level 1, on June 14-16, 2013 (+ 5 additional 3-hour classes for the following 5 months which are mandatory for certification). That's a $360 value! Grab your chance to rock your world as you develop your ability to channel Spirit's healing energy!

What you need to do to enter the draw: "Google +" my blog (if you haven't already done so), and "+1" this post, then write "done" below so that I can see your name and enter you in the draw.  Make sure your name is entered in the comment box too, if you're not signed in on Google... it would be difficult to award a tuition scholarship to "Anonymous"...  ;)

Sending you lots of Love!

Be mindful of your thoughts

There appears to be an archetypal energy in the air about our responsibility to choose our thoughts and emotions, and the need to quiet down the busy-ness of our lives to truly listen to our inner and spiritual guidance...  Once I posted this image online, I noticed many synchronous events and many postings on Facebook from teachers and healers talking about this same concept today.  I smiled when I realized the card I picked as our message for today echoed that common thread...   We are all interconnected and weaved together into a fabric much greater than our individual selves.  It is wonderful to receive this validation once again!

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Is your head filled with the voices, choices and opinions of others? Are these shouting so loudly in your head that you are loosing your connection with your inner guidance system? Are you so worried about pleasing those voices and opinions, doing the right thing by them and fearful of making a mistake that you feel paralyzed into inaction? If you're tired of this struggle, consider it a "wake-up call" from your Spirit. You are making progress by acknowledging all the noise in and around you, and with your desire to reconnect to your authentic self.

Did you know that the voice of your inner wisdom can sound almost flat and devoid of emotion? It does not seek to flatter you, to coerce you or even to make you feel special. It is very subtle, yet consistent. It will not compete with all the other voices and opinions in your head because it fully supports your free will and freedom of choice: you can choose to listen to this subtle guidance and tune out the noise, or you can choose to listen to the noise and tune out your subtle guidance.

Today, choose to listen to that still voice within. It will take your commitment to make space in your head. It will require you to be selective about what you take in from the outside world. It will require your patience and your willingness to be fully present in the moment.

Here are a few techniques to help you stay true to your commitment to your Highest Self:

• Take a break from listening to the news: turn off the TV, your RSS feed, your talk radio. Put down the newspaper.
• Take a 5-minute break just to be you, be centred, and breathe deeply into your belly. 
• Enhance your breathing practice with the aroma of peppermint, eucalyptus or lemon. Either dab a few drops of essential oil on your temples, or have a nice cup of herbal tea.
• When a thought, belief or emotion pop into your mind, ask yourself if it really belongs to you, or if you've picked it up from someone, somewhere, your upbringing... Ask yourself if it still serves your highest good, and if not - are you ready to let it go? 
• Take time to clean your closet, your desk space or that junk drawer. Intend that by clearing this space, you are also clearing your mind.
• Allow the sun to shine on your face. Image its rays entering your body through your Crown chakra and shining a light on all your inner cobwebs, clearing them away as each ray brushes through your body.

Sending you lots of Love and Light!