Wake up, wake up!! Your Soul is calling!

Rooster, Streets of Abadiania, Brazil

Today, guidance is telling us to feel and acknowledge our inner soul stirrings. These feelings are likely uncomfortable: they can physically feel like a knot in the pit of our stomach, like butterflies in the belly, heightened heart rate, stifled breathing. sore muscles and tightness around the throat, neck, chest, arms... Mentally and emotionally, they may very well feel like stress and tension, with the age-old fight-or-flight hormonal response kicking in, taking blood away from our fore-brain.

But what is this all about?

If you're feeling this way, it's likely that your soul is waking up. Your soul is gathering strength and will no longer be shut down or ignored. The feelings of stress and tension are a response from your ego, trying to prevent the status quo to be upset.

Be honest. If you continue to do what you are doing, will it get you to where you want to go in life? Is this the life of your dreams? How satisfied are you? What's missing? What have you been ignoring and stuffing down for fear of change?

Reconnect to your authentic self by honouring your vibes and any psychic signal you're receiving now. Embrace your discontent as your soul's awakening. Take it as an invitation to grow. Will you accept this invitation how ever scary it may feel to your ego?

As an Intuitive Coach, I have a system to help you through this transition. I hold the energy for you as you navigate through your change. I hold the belief in you and your dream even when you don't. I can hold your hand until you transform into the beautiful butterfly you are meant to be, and then let you fly, or rather soar!

Can you afford to remain in your current vibration and level of existence? When you fully wake up, will you be amongst those who say "I wish I had done something different" or those who will say "What an adventure I had!".

Be yourself. Your authentic, soulful self. You deserve it.

PS - the photo of the rooster was taken in Abadiania, Brazil, on the street leading to the Casa de Dom Inacio where John of God has his ministry. It was wonderful to see all the animals roaming free.

Year of the Black Water Snake

 Happy New Year!

The year of the Black Water Snake has just begun, according to the Chinese zodiac and traditions. Snake is a powerful animal totem and generally signifies transformation and changes. With the water element, we are advised to be meticulous this year, and to advance with caution. Yet, some areas will know great advancement and changes - and especially if you are meticulous in your research before jumping on a new idea or venture.

Meditate on the snake for a few minutes. What images and feelings are evoked?

Jaz, September 2009

I've always been fearful of snakes.  Since one of my life's goals is to overcome my fears, I summoned up my courage during a summer fair a few years ago to handle a snake during a presentation by Little Ray's Reptile Zoo.  (See photo at left.  This snake, if I remember well, is the largest type found in Canada, in the Prairies.)  I was so surprised at how soft and gentle the snake was - not at all like the giant man-eating anaconda of my nightmares!  I gained a new respect and awe for the snake.

Still, meeting one in the wild is a very different experience, especially when you don't know the species and that its sudden thrust toward you brings you out from a meditative state!  Such was my experience when I visited the Casa de Dom Inacio, in Brazil, in August 2011.  I was at the sacred waterfall, which was powerfully moving energy in and around my body, especially in my heart.

The month of August is mid-winter in Brazil, and there is not a lot of water in the mountains.  The vegetation is very dry.  The waterfall was more than a trickle, but not much wider than 60cm.  Coming from Canada, I felt it was really warm, around 29 degrees - but for the local people and animals, it was chilly.  (Some local people were wearing winter coats and mitts in the cooler mornings!)  Animals too were seeking to soak in the sun during the day to fend off the cooler nights.

As I was showering and meditating under the Sacred Waterfall, I was dialoguing with Isis and Osiris, visualizing the snake of old which they often wear as a symbol on their crowns.  I knew the snake is a totem of healing, medicine, power and transformation.  I was asking to be relieved of fears and anger so that I could become a clear channel for the divine.  Water was splashing from my shoulders to the surrounding rocks.  I opened my eyes for a moment, seeking to adjust my body position and keep my balance.

I froze.  Right at my eye level, there was a yellow snake, same colour as the dried grass.  It was coiled up like a cobra (but it was much smaller).  It hissed and lunged at me!  Twice!  Then I realized that the water cleansing by body and aura was splashing its sun spot.  And I realized the irony that I was very fearful and panicked, although I was just praying to clear fear from my system.  I also realized in that split moment that I had stopped breathing.  And so I focused on my breath as I stared down the snake, thanking it for its visit during my meditation and lending me its totem energy... meanwhile strategizing on how I was going to make my way out of the sacred space without going near the snake - the path is very narrow and slippery with algae.

With a quick prayer to keep my balance and not slip on the rocks, I made my quick escape.  The snake lunged when I came close, but then turned around and slithered away.  We both left the sacred site at the same time.

Phew!  I had even more to meditate on that night!  My encounter with the snake was very powerful, on many levels.

And so I wonder, with the year of the Water Snake now upon us, what gifts of insight will I receive?  What fears will manifest so that I may release them?  What roles will my physical, emotional and spiritual awareness play?  What transformation will occur?  Will I coil up cobra-like and lunge at what/who is bothering me, at what/who I perceive as danger, or will I calmly and regally slither away to find a new spot in the sun?  Snake totem can be a powerful teacher.

Many blessings of Love and Light to all.  Enjoy the wonderful journey of your life!  :)

Practical Actions to Celebrate Goddess Brigid's Feast Day

Although today (February 2nd) is known in popular western culture as Groundhog Day and a day to forecast how long the winter will linger, this day is steeped in ancient spiritual lore.  Those who came before us looked to the Sun and the Moon, and to Nature's cycles to mark the passage of time and plan agricultural seasons.  Today, a mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox has traditionally been a time of increased hope and light.  The days are getting longer, and the sun is getting warmer.  It's a time of purification and healing from the dark forces of winter.

I find today particularly meaningful to me, because it is Goddess Brigid's feast day.  It was in 1998 that I attended an Imbolc ceremony.  It was very powerful and continues to influence me to this day.  My promise to Goddess Brigid that way was to make known the way of the Goddess.  She has worked with me and lent me her healing energy since then, in my own healing process and in my work healing others.  I am very grateful for having her energy in my life, and I am happy to continue to build a relationship with her.

 Brigid is the Lady of the sacred well, the Lady of the sacred flame, and the Lady of healing: a penultimate triple goddess.  Her waters would heal everyone who asked for healing.  Her sacred flames were also for purification and healing.  She had knowledge of healing herbs and taught that knowledge to the people.  With her fires, she taught people to work iron (a very important thing in iron-age Britain).  She also invented the written language, so that her knowledge could be passed on to all, and since it is easier to remember sacred texts and information when it rhymes, she is an inspiration to poets, singers and writers.

She was so important to the Celtic folks that she was later "transformed" into St. Brigid, and her sacred fires who used to be tended by sacred virgins, the Daughters of the Flame were then tended by christian nuns.  Her feast day, one of bonfires and blessings of water before letting the animals out for pasture has been transformed into Candlemas.  This ancient goddess of fertility and wisdom has traversed the ages, and her energy is strong to this day.

So, how can us solitary practitioners honour the Goddess on this beautiful day?   Here are a few ideas of activities you can do on your own or with a group of like-minded people.

• Go outside, and notice the change of the seasons.  Commune with Nature and its abundance.
• Journal on what is your passion - how will you keep your inner flame alive and thriving?  What support would you need?  To what do you commit yourself so that your flame can grow?  What shadows are you willing to relinquish to the new light?  What are you willing to let go, so that new ideas, projects, relationships, abundance can grow?  Write down the steps or actions you are willing to take to live your dream life, your passion.  Trust that the divine will meet you on your path and support you in your journey.
• Write a poem or a song.  
• Bless the water in your home.  Take a long bath and intend it to be rejuvenating and spiritually cleansing.  Give words of thanks to the water coming into your home and bless it for sustaining your life and your health.
• Have a great cup of tea.  Inhale its aroma as you become conscious of your breathing.  Enjoy every sip.  
• Work with metal.  Design a necklace or bracelet.  
• Light a candle and look into its flame.  As your focus softens, invoke Brigid and allow yourself to have a conversation with her.  What support do you need from her?  What can you do to share her knowledge and energy to the world?  Does she have a task for you?  Remember your role as co-creator:  she will hold her end of the bargain if you do yours.  Once you conclude your conversation with Brigid, take a beautiful ribbon and tie it to a tree as a reminder of your divine partnership.  Ideally, tie it to a tree branch where you can gaze at it everyday, and notice how the tree changes through the seasons.  If the ribbon is still in the tree by Imbolc next year, take it down and burn it; you will replace it with a new ribbon as symbol of your renewed partnership with Brigid.
• Celebrate the Goddess within you.  Look into the mirror and say, "I love you!"  Give yourself a hug.  Take care of yourself, body, mind and soul.
• As much as possible, try to include these three elements in your day:  fire or light (e.g. candles, sun-gazing); water (blessing, bath); and signing or writing about your life's passion and dreams.

Enjoy this beautiful day.  Sending you lots of good vibes, Love and Light!  May your spirit be renewed and your passion blossom.

Your February Spiritual Guidance

Here is February's "tarotscope" which I have lovingly prepared with the intention of gaining insight into the spiritual work that would benefit us the most, for our highest good, this month.  I was at first quite disheartened to see the Devil card followed by two 3 of Swords - a sign for such heartache, sadness and heartbreak.  Oh no!  My ego flustered a bit, as I had wanted to paint a loving picture for February, the month of the heart and Love...  So I regrounded myself and ensured I was well connected with Spirit before I continued my reading.   Bottom line is - we do have work to do improve make our lives, individually and collectively, and that work is to transcend the ego and transcend attachments to easy pleasure and material gain while releasing pains and heartaches.  This work will pave the way to a higher collective vibration.

This month, we all need to practice self-love, in the deepest and most meaningful way.  The world needs it.  Let's face it:  if we are not at peace with ourselves, how can the world be at peace?  The macrocosm reflects the microcosm.  We all have a responsibility in nurturing love inside ourselves, so that it may bloom, radiate and heal the whole.  We are all related, energetically and through Spirit.  What you do to yourself and the smallest amongst us, you do to the whole.  Therefore choose Love.  Not superficial love, the one that pleases the ego.  Not lust.  Real love from your heart and spirit centre. (Yes, it can include physical love, but not as an end to itself...).

Have fun this Valentine's Day.  Remember to love and respect yourself first.

**********

Robin Wood Tarot;
John Holland “The Psychic Tarot”    

For our spiritual growth this month, the Devil card invites us to release the bonds that keep us prisoners; we must understand that this is a prison of our own making, which we build with our thoughts and emotional attachments (3 of Swords). The Devil card invites us to explore the roots of our bondage – where do we feel constricted, stuck, enslaved? At the root of all these feelings of disempowerment, you will likely find fear. Name your fear and release it.

Regaining our personal power through releasing pain and heartbreak will be healing, and it is a major life lesson that we must learn. Empower yourself to explore your deep, buried or unconscious feelings. Challenge yourself to think, act and feel something new.

Three is a magical number, and this month’s reading is 3x3… It is the number of divine creativity, of karma, of completing cycles and lessons. It signifies abundance and self-expression. It is the number of the Holy Trinity. It is the formula completing many spells. Call upon all your spiritual helpers and guides this month to give you the strength to release your heartaches. With the 3 of Swords drawn twice, it will likely take a lot of strength and discipline to keep the mental focus to work through our spiritual assignments this month, without being distracted by the temptations of the seemingly easier material life.

Learn to embrace your fears, your mistakes and your doubts, for they are all learning experiences. Gaining the knowledge that the physical world teaches will help you transcend to a higher spiritual awareness. Life has a way of pushing us forward, and we must learn to trust our intuition and imagination even though we may not always know where it is leading us.

Keep up faith. The dark clouds will blow away.

Spiritual Assignments for this month 

Affirmations:

“I am embracing my role as divine co-creator. I create my freedom and my imprisonment through my own thoughts and emotions I therefore accept my responsibility in creating the life I want by releasing fears and negative thoughts and replacing them with positive and nurturing thoughts and habits.”

Journaling:

Where do you feel stuck, constricted or enslaved? Where are you “spellbound”? Is your work taking up all your time? Are you forgetting to play and have fun? Are you obsessed with sensual experiences and tend to indulge in the pleasures of life? Where in your life are you suffering from addictive behaviour, and what is the negative belief at its root? Do you feel your hard work is going unrecognized? Are the people, relationships, and events in your life giving you energy, or are they draining it?

Other:

1. Visualize going to the root of your feelings of disempowerment. What is the hurt or the fear? Name it, and release it. Once you know what it is that holds you back from fully enjoying your life, it no longer holds you: you regain your power. 
2. Take a break from television, radio, and any source of negative news, including office gossip, movies, novels and relationships / situations that bring you down; this will help you stay focused on healing your heart. 
3. Use your creativity to envision your new reality from today onward. What is past is past; do not dwell on regrets, hurts, lost opportunities, or heartbreak. Imagine your new life as abundant, creative, and rejuvenated. What does it take for your soul to feel free? Take three steps this month toward your personal freedom and empowerment, and know that Universe will be multiplying your efforts and will work on your behalf to make your dreams come true – but first, you must envision this state in your heart and mind, and you must let go what holds you back. Here are a few ideas to help you: 

• Create a vision board, and bless it everyday. 
• Keep a gratitude journal. 
• Ask for help in cutting karmic or etheric cords. 
• Meditate /pray everyday, for a minimum of 3 minutes. 
• Book a Reiki or intuitive coaching session to help you clarify and release your blocks.

I am sending you a lot of Love, and I pray that we can all feel the freedom and peace of divine Love within the innermost chambers of our hearts, and that we may learn to replicate this Love elsewhere in our daily life.

What are you "canning"?

As I was meditating yesterday and preparing the Inbox Guidance for February, this "canning" idea popped into my head... And I laughed when I found this war-time canning image this morning. :)

Here is what I am canning:

• I CAN love myself
• I CAN spend time just for me 
• I CAN treat myself to something nice
• I CAN make my dreams come true
• I CAN love my body
• I CAN enjoy time outdoors in nature
• I CAN develop and bloom on all levels
• I CAN enjoy my morning cup of coffee
• I CAN sing and dance and play
• I CAN be proud of my accomplishments
• ...

...And here are my "canning" labels, inspired from a site for the planning and preparation of canning projects and jam-making.  I developed this page using PowerPoint; you can to! (Ha! the pun...)  Email me if you would like me to send you my template.

What are you canning?

It's good to have those "cans" handy and in reserve for the gloomy days... :)

Everyday Magic: Everyday Awareness and Intention

What a wonderful January thaw! Hard to believe we were in our woolies a few days ago, and now it's +15 degrees!! Breathe it in!!

You know, raising awareness and consciousness is about all the small choices you make everyday, and about mundane things to which you give meaning. So today, open the windows of your home, your car... and intend at the same time to open the windows of your heart. With each window you open, state that your heart is ready for freshness. Is there something you want to let go - viruses, staleness, bad feelings? As you stand in front of the open window, state that you are letting them go, and invite them to leave. Is there something you want to breeze into your life - joy, abundance, self-love, a new job? State what you are welcoming in with the new breeze. Expect miracles - they do exist.

I am sending love to you on the rays of the new sun and the breeze gently blowing through the trees. I am standing outside with my arms wide open, giving you a hug and the encouragement you need to keep going on your path. xo

The Lady of the Well

I have been writing much lately on lessons of self-love and self-acceptance; on raising one's spiritual vibration; and on clearing out harmful beliefs and patterns.  As I am writing and meditating on these topics, I am doing my own inner work.

For the past few days, I've been feeling a new call for transformation.  It's almost like now that I've cleared a certain amount of junk I need to build a new representation of myself, especially when it comes to my Light Work.  It feels like it is now time to really step into my power.  And the starting point appears to be the creation of my "alter ego", or goddess-self.   Here's my first attempt at giving her shape and form.  Introducing: the Lady of the Well.

I am modelling the Lady of the Well after the celtic goddess Brigid: healer, wordsmith, teacher and leader.  I am the keeper of the well - of what is sacred and necessary to sustain life.  Like Tolkien's elvish Queen Lady Galadriel, I invite people to peer in the darkness of the waters, to see below the surface and discover the truth and the undercurrents of the psyche.

My hair is long and curly.  My dress is ankle-length, empire waist and V-neck, and its colour is white with the slightest hint of light green, almost like the first light in the Spring.  I am wearing roman-style sandals.  I am wearing a ring with a serpent coiled on its face, shaping a spiral or labyrinth.  My cloak, gathered behind my back, resembles a pair of folded wings, white with a hint of gold.  My eyes have a changing quality: sometimes as deep as the well, other times airy and other times still fiery like lightning.

My domain is the forest.  I feel many trees around, although the well is close to a clearing.  Animals are frequent visitors, and I can converse with them.  My home is of raw natural material: stone and wood.  I tend gardens of flowers and vegetables.  The scent of fresh bread, herbs and fresh turned earth mingle joyously.  There is a wind chime singing softly in the breeze, hanging in a tree to the east.

I commune with energy, Source and Spirit every day.  Every chore and task is an invitation to active meditation.  I feel energized and at peace.  I feel calm and strong.  Even if a storm is brewing, I know I will not be uprooted; I know all is well; I know all will happen for the highest good - unless I let my ego get in the way.

I am creative, artistic, deeply spiritual and reflective.  I am strong, driven, assertive yet gentle, soft and flexible.  I have a lot of Love to share, yet it is not necessarily the physical type that people are accustomed to.

And as for people around me - it feels fairly deserted right now, with a few on the outskirts of the woods.  Now that they know the well is tended, I pray they will find their way to the well and visit for a while.  Or at least throw a flare up so that I know where to meet them so I can greet them in my domain?

When coming to the well or looking into my eyes, I feel that others might be scared of what they see, or they might not like at all what is reflected to them and become angered.  I must remember that what is reflected are aspects of their shadow selves, and are not descriptive of me.  And yet I must learn to shield the watered mirror until the appropriate time, until the person is strong enough to peer into its truth, so that I do not become an agent of troubled waters.  Likewise, when I do not like what is reflected to me when I peer in someone else, I must remember that it is a reflection of my own shadows and learn from that experience.   I  must become wise in my use of the mirror.

...And so I am no longer hiding behind the well.  I am shattering the pattern of making myself small and unimportant not to shock, overpower or anger others around me who would be afraid of me.  I have to be me, fully completely.  Being anonymous and small served me well in my old workplace, in my old life, in my old definition of who I was...  but I have grown and matured.  I am uncovering and accepting the gifts offered to me since my birth, and because I have learned through Shadow what it is like to neglect or refuse one's gifts, I plan to now fully nurture, support and grow them for myself, and help others do the same.

I am... the Lady of the Well.

How would you complete the picture of the Lady of the Well?

I invite you to take time and paint the picture of your own alter ego.  Have fun with the exercise, and share your thoughts on your own representation of your divine self - what are the sights, sounds, smells, textures and feelings surrounding you?  Write, paint, sculpt, doodle your musings.  It's empowering, you'll see! :)

Much Love and Light to you.