Orionids Meteor Shower 2020

Orionid Meteor Shower: How to tap into its powerful energy

by Astrological EventsEnergy HealingFeatured

The Orionids Meteor Shower Peak will return to our skies in just a couple of days, allowing minerals to be redistributed throughout the universe and help harmonize everyone and everything on the earth, as well as the earth itself. This glittering, display of magnificent shooting stars will be at its most powerful, and harness incredible energy during the night of Wednesday, October 21st, 2020.

The Orionids Meteor Shower Peak is the most abundant meteor flurry that is connected directly to Comet Halley. These mystical shooting stars are essentially minute meteors, or pieces of debris that is left by comets burning up in the earth’s atmosphere, giving us another earthly light show, and when combined with meditating, brings deeper insights to our lives.

When the comet moves through the solar system at intense speed, the sun displaces ice which, in turn, allows rock fragments to come away from the comet. These particles continue on the comet’s trajectory and appear as firey meteors when they pass through the earth’s upper- atmosphere. If a meteorite lands on earth, it can epitomize your life purpose by providing a line of clear communication to your spiritual journey.

People across the world wish upon shooting stars. It is thought that the rarity of such stars gives them magical powers which might lead to a wish being granted. Some historians believe that Greek astronomist, Ptolemy, started this “conscious-tradition”. He wrote extensively about the Gods that looked down upon the earth from their heavenly homes. He believed that the shooting stars would open a portal between heaven and earth, which allows human souls to travel. Perhaps our ancestors are right, they are extraterrestrial messages that bring us optimism, wisdom, and courage beyond our current existence.

The Orionids are so named because the point they appear to come from, called the, “radiant”, lies in the constellation of Orion. The meteors, however, can be seen over a vast area of the sky.

The moon during the Orionids phase in 2020 is in its waxing crescent phase and provides the perfect dark backdrop for this year’s display. You’ll usually see the highest number of meteors a couple of hours just before dawn. These ultra-fast meteors will plunge into the earth’s atmosphere at almost 70 km per second. Orionid meteors leave persistent trains, or ionized gas trails, that last only for a few seconds. After the meteor and its tail have gone, you’ll be able to trace the trail back to Orion. It’s like your own ethereal paint by numbers.

This is a great opportunity to really connect with Orion during this energetically powerful cosmic event. Find a peaceful location, as far away as possible from any light pollution, sit or lie comfortably. It’s worth allowing your eyes to adjust to the dark for about 15 minutes, so that you don’t miss even the faintest of light trails. Spend a few minutes out there, lying in comfort gazing into the night, and watch in awe, as the light crisscrosses the inky-black canvas. Take this time, being surrounded peacefully by our night skies, and collectively, we can resonate with the universe, and expand our consciousness.

August Full Moon

Will You Take Advantage of the August Portal to the Astral Plane?

by Astral ProjectionAstrological EventsEnergy HealingFeatured
August Full Moon

Here you are at the peak of summer and likely staying close to home. No large family reunions or adventures in far-away places, but lots of “staycations.” Chaos may be swirling around in the outer world with pandemics and politics and protests, but there’s nothing blocking the energies that come from the higher astral realms . . . and you can access those energies throughout the night sky of August.

The August Full Moon

Monday, August 3rd, is the Aquarian full moon. As you may recall, the moon doesn’t have its own light; it reflects the light of the sun. When those two heavenly bodies are directly opposite each other, the whole surface of the moon is totally illuminated by the sun. The full moon’s energy lasts for around three days both before and after the official “full moon” moment.

For many centuries, humankind has lived by the lunar cycles (just ask any woman), knowing there is a synergy between the great cosmos above and our lives here on earth. Since the waxing moon gathers the light of the sun for the two weeks following the new moon and is completely filled with light during the full moon, you too can fill with light at this time and use it as your springboard to the higher realms.

Your intuitive pull to the light peaks when the moon is full; your mind opens, you can find it easier to adapt to the conditions you find yourself in at the moment, and you can find new opportunities for spiritual awakening.

Sit outside at night to absorb the beauty and the light of the August full moon. Even sleep outside if that’s possible where you live. Native Americans have called this “the Moon When All Things Ripen,” referring not only to your baseball-sized zucchinis, but also to the ripening of your inner strength and your ability to tap into astral wisdom. Think about using your time under the full moon to connect with the Ascended Masters of the higher realms, your spiritual guides, your angels. Open yourself to receive their gifts and blessings and feel how your Higher Self is ripening into fullness.

The Perseids Meteor Showers

Another spectacular display in the August night sky is the Perseids meteor shower, which will peak on the warm summer nights of August 11, 12, and 13, but know that the shower began its annual appearance in mid-August and will last for 10 days or so after the peak. Every year around this time our planet crosses the orbit of the Comet Swift-Tuttle; it’s the debris from this comet that becomes the “shooting stars” of the meteor shower. Much more poetically, the ancient Greeks said the Perseids shower began with the visit of Perseus’ father Zeus to his mortal mother Danae in a shower of gold.

But consider that it is meteoric “debris” that gives stargazers such a spectacular display. Comets are composed of ice, dust, and gasses. You can think of them as representing your frozen emotions and anything you have ignored or suppressed, the “dust” of your fears. To the ancient wisdom keepers, seeing a comet spoke of great change to come. So a meteor shower, which comes from the breakup of the comet, represents great beauty arising from the ashes, like a lotus emerging from the mud.

Connecting to the energy of the Perseids meteor shower is a way to experience the sparkling bursts of moments of awakening. Think of all the spiritual insights and astral wisdom you can gain by breaking up that which may be frozen inside you, by burning up the dust of your difficult thoughts and emotions in a shower of gold.

In the Northern Hemisphere, you can start seeing the Perseids at mid-to-late evening, with the “radiant point” coming around midnight, sparkling the sky as these meteors are only 60 miles or so above the surface of the Earth as they burn up. Give yourself at least an hour to observe the dark open sky as it may take 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness. The meteors come in bursts and fly in all different directions across the sky.

As you enjoy the exquisite night sky dancing above you, reflect on how you will use this burst of cosmic energy. How will you tap into your potential within? What ways will you be inspired to use your creative energy as you release your fears? What astral wisdom will light up within you?

Catch a falling star and let it carry you far beyond your earth-bound self as you go through the portal of the August night sky into the highest realms of beauty, truth, love, and compassion.

Cosmic events like these enhance energy that you can tap into and use in your life. But Astral Realms are always available for wisdom, guidance, and healing. You just need to know how to get to those realms.

Right now, you can learn those life-changing skills during the launch of our innovative Astral Wisdom course. Learn more by clicking here.

2020-5HealingRituals&PracticestoHonortheSummerSolsticeBlog

5 Healing Rituals & Practices to Honor the Summer Solstice

by Astrological EventsEnergy HealingEnergy MedicineFeaturedSolar

Summer Solstice is coming up fast, and now is the time to decide how you want to celebrate…

On June 20, we honor this major celestial event in the Northern Hemisphere — a magical time when you can connect with the sun’s vital power and usher in spiritual initiation and CHANGE.

What exactly IS the Summer Solstice?

The word “solstice” comes from the Latin words for “sun” and “standing still.” On the 20th, the sun will reach its highest position as seen from the northern half of the Earth, and it will appear to stand still as it marks the height of long days and the abundant aliveness of Nature. Summer Solstice also marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year. And of course for folks in the southern part of the planet, the reverse is true: Winter Solstice comes at this time, bringing the regenerative darkness that nurtures the rebirth of life. (We are thinking of all of our students and friends Down Under)

In ancient cultures around the world, Summer Solstice was considered the turning point of the year. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes the solstice as the way out of the physical world and into the spiritual realms. It’s a time (as is the Winter Solstice) when the veil that separates you from nonphysical reality is so thin that it can be easily pierced. Especially if you’re highly attuned to the cycles of the Earth, you might be able to feel this shifting of energy. It offers a powerful opportunity for renewal that stays open for several days before and after the actual occasion.

Summer Solstice rituals & ceremonies

Just as the ancients held special ceremonies on the solstice, you too can connect to the sun’s heightened energy at this time, and take advantage of its radiance to shine light on whatever you want to transform in your life or the world. Plus, if you’re starting to shift out of shelter-in-place, this is an optimal time to explore more deeply what you’re thinking of stepping into.

So let’s take a look at some simple things you can do to celebrate your connection to the sun, and take stock of where you are and what you want to accomplish.

5 healing rituals & practices to honor the Summer Solstice

  1. Call in your highest intentions for your life or the world. As we birth a new consciousness across the Earth, harness the energy of this day to help usher in change for the better. Light your favorite yellow or orange candle. Call in your angels and guides. Journal about or pray for what you’d like to see come to fruition. Summer is the time of flowering, so let the warmth of the sun help you grow the seeds of your intentions into an abundance of health, happiness, wisdom, peace, and justice.
  2. Take a gratitude sun bath. Try watching the sunrise on solstice, or do Sun Salutations, and give our life-giver your gratitude for gracing the Earth, for bringing warmth and helping seeds grow. And while it can be hard to keep in mind that good things are happening on Earth, acknowledge a change that’s come that you’re happy about. For example, this week we saw a historic national ruling in the US that protects LGBTQ workers. Another example is that more and more companies are honoring Juneteenth as a paid holiday. While we’re bombarded by bad news left and right, it’s crucial to honor everything you view as positive. That’s one of the keys to uplifting consciousness — and higher consciousness uplifts our physical reality.
  3. Meditate on this: What role will you play in evolving your community and our global family? This is the time to ask yourself: “What can I do now to welcome the change I want?” This year more than ever, people have felt like everything is out of our control, but the truth is that you always have the power to start working with the universe toward meeting a goal. What steps — even if they seem small — can you take now to uplift your workplace, to change a law in your community, to ensure justice, to shift a broken system, to help someone who’s struggling
  4. Visualize yourself crossing a threshold. See the place you’re crossing from as what you’re ready to leave behind. See the place you’re approaching as what you’ve been longing for. With the sun shining brightly ahead of you, will you enjoy more nurturing relationships? Make a job change? Be more creative? Use this time when the sky is at its brightest to welcome more nurturance into your life!
  5. Recharge your life-force energy in nature. As a spiritual teacher and energy healer, I make sure my ties to the sun, the Earth, the sky, the wind, the stars, the plants, and our fellow animals are always intact. I have my favorite places in nature that support my spirit and strengthen my knowledge of the unconditional love and universal connection we all share. Are you making good use of the power of nature to soothe and guide you? Choose a favorite tree to hug. Lie on your back under the sun with your palms up in a receiving position and watch the sky. Marvel at the absolute majesty.

Most of all, enjoy this magical time of year! The more open you are to new energy, the more you’ll increase its presence within you. Remember that like the sun, you can shine brightly, and you have the power to help bring forth the great new growth that’s so needed on this beautiful planet.

To learn more about tapping into powerful life-force energy, check out my master-in-training certification course here.

Work one-on-one with Deborah
2020 June Eclipse

3 Practices to Embrace Hidden Aspects Through June’s Full moon + Lunar Eclipse

by Astrological EventsEnergy HealingEnergy MedicineFeaturedLunarSolar
2020 June Eclipse

This month’s full moon is INTENSE — but there’s hope…

Are you feeling it? Tensions are mounting, personally and collectively — and here in the US we’re seeing this energy play out with strong reactions to deep-seated issues with racial injustice and police brutality, to name just a few of the conflicts that have been erupting.

Full moons in and of themselves are all about illumination — both literally as the moon brightens the night sky — and figuratively as it lights up different aspects of our personal and collective lives…

And this month on June 5 or 6 (depending on where you live), our full moon is also a lunar eclipse. I’ll tell you about the significance of the lunar eclipse shortly, but first I’ll tell you that this week’s full moon is also in a T-square with Mars and Neptune.

In a nutshell, the T in T-square stands for Tension. Some of the manifestations of Mars include energy, action, and drive — and the tenser manifestations include violence and upheaval. Some of the manifestations of Neptune include oneness and deep sensitivity — and the tenser manifestations include deception and emotional turbulence.

In Vedic astrology, eclipses herald change. Combine that with Mars’s energy for making something happen, and Neptune’s energy for oneness, and we have a recipe for people gathering to create necessary change that’s long overdue.

This applies especially in America right now, but you’ll likely be able to see it wherever you live on one scale or another — perhaps with families and educators coming together to change the way we teach our children, or maybe in your personal life with a job or a relationship.

After all, we know that tension and conflict drive action, right?

As I shared in a post about transforming your perspective during the pandemic, there are different levels of perception — and with the God brain, we can see this as the potential to make the necessary changes that need to happen for us to grow, to change, to step ­up in consciousness, and to progress to higher levels of being.

Which is something we ALL need, right? You’re very likely seeking to step up personally, and I bet your intention — like mine — is to help humanity rise up from its current state.

As individuals, and society as a whole, if we make racial bias a moral issue, then no one will want to embrace their bias, because most people don’t want to be a “racist.” However, the truth is, we all exist in a society with inherent bias built into the system, therefore, we all carry bias — consciously or unconsciously.

The path forward is in embracing our bias… which means digging into our inner work and exploring our shadow aspects.

Fortunately, there’s tremendous opportunity for positivity that we can reap from this moon, which has the potential for great transformation — a potential driven by tension and drive, determination, and resolve.

Harnessing the Power of the Strawberry Full Moon Lunar Eclipse for Healing and Transformation — and Embracing Your Shadow

The strawberry full moon lunar eclipse? You read that mouthful right — the June full moon is traditionally called the strawberry moon or the rose moon — because strawberries are abundant and roses bloom in June. (There’s a little opportunity for some vibe-lifting, chakra-clearing gratitude!)

Because emotions are heightened during a full moon, it’s a perfect opportunity to acknowledge and release them.

Try these full moon cleansing strategies to access the full spectrum of healing energy from this cycle’s moon.

Journal to release racial bias and inherited imprints & beliefs
Want to see big benefits during the full moon? Journal to express your inner feelings and observations, write out your intentions for change, make decisions about what to do next, and channel tension into positive action.

Try these journal prompts to help you get started:

  • What does Black Lives Matter mean to me?
  • Do I hold any pain my ancestors experienced through racism? Do I hold any responsibility? (If you feel you do, call on your guides and the Violet Flame to help you release old wounds.)
  • What did I learn about race from my mom, dad, or family in general?
  • What is hidden or eclipsed in me? Are there experiences or beliefs I can release?
  • What are my deepest desires when it comes to racism and humanity?
  • What actionable steps can I take to help heal racism?

Meditate, meditate, meditate
In Vedic astrology, eclipses are caused when the North and South Nodes of the moon, Rahu and Ketu, swallow the sun and the moon. The moon at these times is not actually auspicious to watch with the naked eye, but going inward and meditating is extra beneficial.

I recommend meditating for 20 minutes twice a day with a mantra I give you. If I haven’t taught you yet, here’s a link to learn. Use this contemplative time to receive messages from your inner guidance, spend extra time grounding and connecting to the creative and generative power of the Earth, and open to the wisdom being revealed to you.

Your meditation and prayer time is also vital to helping every other sentient being on the planet. Dedicate your practice time to amplify vibrations of higher consciousness raising the unified field around all of us. Our world needs healing more than ever right now, and by consciously sending healing intentions into the universal field, you’ll help create the healing our planet needs so desperately.

Protest peacefully
If there are protests taking place in your community and you feel called to join, do so, guided by your heart. If you’d prefer to stay at home and drop in to the reflective time that lunar eclipses call for, watch this TedTalk with Damon Davis. Courage is contagious, he says, which could not be more true.

In everything you do this week and always, know that you can navigate turbulence with grace, and your thoughts, prayers, and intentions will help make this a turning point for upleveling consciousness — yours and the people in your life and the planet’s. You are never alone; call upon Spirit and your guides to help you harness this moon’s power for personal and collective upliftment.

Full Flower Supermoon

5 Practices to Access the Healing & Transformative Power of the Full Flower Supermoon

by Astrological EventsFeaturedLunar
Full Flower Supermoon

The moon is your ally…

Its size and brightness are immense (especially a Supermoon!) pouring out healing energy for you to soak up…

You can draw on its magnetic power — an awe that lights you up till you start shining like the moon herself.

The full moon is all about illumination — both literally as it brightens the night sky — and figuratively as it lights up different aspects of our personal and collective lives. It shines a light on what’s been going on (which is why full moons can be intense), and it brings any intentions you set at the new moon to fruition.

And the energy will be especially strong because it’s a Supermoon, when Luna is closest to the Earth, shining up to 30 percent brighter than the rest of the full moons this year!

This month (May 7-9) we will be treated to our third Supermoon in just as many months. And this Supermoon is in Scorpio…

Even if Scorpio isn’t your sun sign (what people typically think of as their “sign”), we all actually have Scorpio somewhere in our charts — meaning you have a Scorpio part of you in some aspect. (In fact, we each have all 12 zodiac signs in our charts!)

Scorpio is often associated with sex, lust and power — but the truth is it’s also about life-changing transformation, fierce protection, and deep healing.

And we could really use some deep healing right about now, yes?

We’re certainly going through a life-changing transformation…

And, combined with the May moon which is known as the “Full Flower” moon because it marks a time of new blooms (new growth, new beginnings) this Supermoon is sure to bring you the added boost you’ve needed… or a kick in the pants?

So how can you harness the power of this month’s full moon to get unstuck, heal what’s been blocking you, and usher in deep transformation — for yourself and for all of us around the globe?

This Thursday through Sunday, May 7-9, you can draw on the healing power of the final Supermoon of 2020.

It’s the perfect time to invite the change you’ve been seeking. Even if you don’t know exactly what you need, the amplified power of the Full Flower Moon and the Supermoon and in Scorpio, will bring clarity and a surge of energy to move you to your next step.

It’s also a powerful time to release fear and trauma, receive blessings, and invite your highest intentions to bear fruit in your life and our world…

There’s an added dimension too. Vesak — the Buddhist (and for some Hindus too) celebration of Buddha’s birthday — falls on Thursday’s full moon.

During Vesak, Buddha is said to pour blessings over people gathered in ceremonies, and the blessings then flow to everyone everywhere, regardless of creed/country/status/etc.

Needless to say, this is a powerful and MUCH-NEEDED full moon!

Here are 5 Practices for Access the Healing & Transformative Power of the Full Flower Supermoon:

    1. Tap Into the Wisdom of Your Guides
      Draw on the effortless magnetism of this month’s Supermoon, to access the wisdom and guidance of your spirit allies. Spend some extra time in prayer and meditation, using a journal prompt to guide your inquiry and reflection. Trust the answers and inspiration that come to you. Also notice the different symbols and signs that you see during your day. Maybe a message that catches your eye, a certain animal that comes to visit you, or a song that starts playing… open to the communication that is all around you.

 

    1. Increase Your Meditation & Prayer Time
      I recommend meditating for 20 minutes twice a day, with a mantra I choose for you. If I haven’t taught you yet, here’s a link to learn.You can use this contemplative time to receive messages from your inner guidance, spend extra time grounding and connecting to the creative and generative power of the Earth, and open to the opportunities being revealed before you.Your meditation and prayer time is also vital in helping every other sentient being on the planet. You can dedicate your practice time to amplify vibrations of higher consciousness raising the unified field around us. Our world needs healing right now, and by consciously sending healing intentions into the universal field, you are participating in this great healing.Meditating in a group can be particularly powerful too and be effective in raising our collective consciousness. (I am leading weekly guided meditation on Facebook Live every Thursday during the panedemic (except for this Thursday, where I’m doing an Open House), you can get the details and join here.)

 

    1. Journal to Usher Your Ideas Into Being
      Take some extra time this week to journal. To tap into greater creativity and messages from your intuition, try journaling with your non-dominant hand. You can also use this time to draw and allow your pen to be guided across the page and reveal to you words, signs, and symbols that can take on new meaning during this time.You can also take time on Thursday to journal about your deepest desires for your health and the health of medical staff, grocery workers, the elderly, the immune compromised, and all of humanity. Write to your Higher Self… your soul, asking for guidance. Record the responses you receive. Invite in the moon for her illuminating wisdom too.

 

    1. Take a Healing Moon Bath
      The moon is associated with water — the tides, women’s cycles, motherhood, the womb — so every full moon is the perfect time to connect with the energy of water. Scorpio, too, is a feminine water sign.So on Thursday night, fill up your bathtub, adding lavender oil, Epsom salts, or your favorite bubble bath. Soak in the nurturance and surrender to the warm water, spending some of this time thinking positively about your deepest desires for your health and our Earth.. Thank the moon, too, for blessing us with her light, power, and healing presence.Or take a literal moon bath…
      Especially if you live near a body of water, go outside during the moonrise, and sit near the lake, river, or sea and bask in the light of the moon.

 

    1. Immerse Yourself in the Creative Arts
      Poetry, stories, music… your creations will be supercharged with lunar energy and divine inspiration during this time.Even if you do not think of yourself as a writer or artist, surrounding yourself with art — and not just classic art forms, from kid’s art to family heirlooms to beautiful vases to graffiti — music, an inspirational podcast, or powerful poem (ala Maya Angelou, Still I Rise) will help you access the transformative power of this time and receive messages from Spirit.Full Moons, especially the Full Flower Moon, is a time for magical energy too. Using crystals, adding a sacred bowl of water to your altar, even fresh flowers from your garden, will help activate your senses and stimulate the energy of this Supermoon.

 

To deepen these skills, and to learn more about healing the past, thriving in the present, and growing into the very best version of you, check out my course on LifeForce Energy Healing® here.

2020 April Supermoon full moon

5 Healing ‘Supermoon’ Practices: Release Old Beliefs & Manifest New Dreams

by Astrological EventsEnergy HealingFeaturedLunar
2020 April Supermoon full moon

The moon has long been a source of guidance for planting and harvest, spiritual illumination, and play…

As a child, you may have seen the “man in the moon” or “the girl on the rabbit,” or believed your parents when they told you the moon was made of cheese!

The full moon is also a powerful symbol of abundance, fertility, and rebirth….

And like every celestial body, the moon vibrates energy and its gravitational pull affects the rise and fall of ocean tides. And it can affect our bodies, our moods and our relationships.

This energy is strongest during a Supermoon, when the moon is closest to the Earth and shining up to 30 percent brighter!

Pink Moon… Sprouting Grass Moon.. .Fish Moon… Hare Moon… Egg Moon, the April full moon has many names around the world.

This coming week, April 7-8, you can witness the biggest Supermoon of the year and receive the healing energy of Earth’s only natural satellite.

You can begin to tap into the creative, healing, manifesting power of this Supermoon starting now.

This Supermoon is a perfect time to release limiting beliefs, set intentions, and begin manifesting a project or lifelong dream…

Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed or triggered by the fear in the collective…

You can invite the vibrations of this giant sphere of light into your body, heart and mind…

The Supermoon is also a time for affirming the GOOD in our lives…

Here are 5 Healing Supermoon Practices & Rituals:

  1. Release a Belief that no Longer Serves You

    Find a quiet place, light a candle if you have one, turning off any digital devices to set a sacred space.On a sheet of paper, write down the belief you want to release down such as “I’m unworthy of love,“ “I don’t deserve abundance,” or “If I let go of control, everything will fall apart.”Burn this sheet of paper in a safe place and when the embers have cooled, sprinkle them in your garden, on your lawn, or in a potted plant. Give this belief, now transformed by the moon’s healing light, back to the Earth.

  2. Take a Gratitude Moon Bath

    In the evening, fill your bathtub, adding lavender oil, salts, or your favorite bubble bath, if you wish. Soak… and surrender to the warm water, spending some of this time meditating on what you’re grateful for. Perhaps, family and friends you’re missing in this time of social-distancing, your health, or a thing of beauty in your home.Thank the moon, too, for its beauty, illumination, and healing presence…

    Or you can take a moon bath, literally…

    Go outside during the moonrise, and sit someplace in the light of the moon, which won’t be hard…Bathe in this light, thanking it always being there for you, in Full Moons and New Moons…and times of sickness and times of health…
  3. Offer Your Fears & Worries to Up to Mother Moon

    List all of your fears on a piece of paper, no matter how small or big the fear. Close your eyes and ask the Mother, Divine, Spirit, God, to replace these fears and worries with acceptance and courage.Say a prayer or create daily affirmation, that will support you in releasing these fears into the loving care of the Universe.

  4. Set an Intention for Daily Self-care

    Are you getting the physical exercise you need? Maybe your routine has been upset by shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders in this time of social-distancing.Or, maybe you’re not eating as well as you could…such as too much sugar or foods that aren’t healthy for you.Perhaps have a simple spiritual practice you can recommit to, or begin doing in the morning, evening, or anytime in between to reconnect and reground…You can use this Supermoon to recommit, TODAY to do one thing for your selfcare.

    Create a short affirmation or statement of intention, committing to this act of self-care.

  5. Journaling with Your Soul to Manifest Your Dreams

    Take some time to journal about your Highest desires. Begin a dialogue with your Higher Self… your soul. Invite in the moon’s illumination for guidance.The Supermoon has super powers for manifesting — and here three journaling prompts to help you align with it:

    1. Spirit, Source, my soul, what do you want to say to me right now?
    2. When I was a child, I dreamed…
    3. What do I feel most called to create in my life right now?

To learn more about tapping into the power of the moon and the entire cosmos, you can checkout my course on Astral Wisdom here.

Winter Solstice

A Long Cold Night: Healing with the Winter Solstice

by Astrological EventsFeatured
Winter Solstice

Here’s a riddle for you:

When is growing darkness and disappearing light a reason to give thanks?

When the sun moves south toward the Tropic of Capricorn and the shortest day of the solar year arrives in the Northern Hemisphere—in other words, the winter solstice.

This annual planetary event—which comes this year on December 21—has been celebrated for its spiritual importance since ancient times. The days grow shorter and the nights longer until the solstice.

At the winter solstice, the balance of dark and light tips, and the sun begins a return trip that promises such good things as new life, new growth, increasing warmth, and those bright spring blossoms that gladden your heart! Whether your longest night is truly frigid or just chilly, those hours of darkness are a gift and a time for special spiritual reflection.

Are you ready to pause for a prayer of gratitude for the gift of another year of life and love?

As a spiritual teacher and energy healer, I invite you to celebrate this seasonal cycle by creating your own personal rituals to mark the passing of darkness and the coming again of healing, life-giving light. The winter solstice is a time of rebirth, a special window of peace and renewal. The quiet calm of a long winter’s night welcomes you to look within and nurture your connection to Source. Now is the perfect time to honor your own inner light with renewed attention, awareness, and gratitude.

What are some healing gifts that you can give your spirit this December?

Winter solstice healing practices:

1. Give thanks for the sheltering night

Meditate on the blessings of restful darkness when the busy daytime work is done. Reflect on the amazing spiritual gift of being able to restore your strength and energy whenever you need to. You can create light whenever and wherever you need it. Embrace the quiet, the calm, and the peace you have been given.

Send forth prayers for all who need rest, including yourself, and give thanks for the wisdom to recognize your need to reach out for loving assistance from the Source of All Being.

2. Reflect on the need to let go

At the winter solstice, the sun changes course and begins to move in a new direction. It’s a perfect time to think about the course of your life and decide if you, too, are ready to change direction. With the return of the sun and the longer days to come, what will you do with your “new light”?

Use your journal to reflect on ways you might deeply long to change course.

  • What would you do with a new chance to reinvent your life?
  • Do you need to let go of negative thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back?

Let go of fear and let feelings of love and gratitude rise and refresh your spirit.

3. Imagine ways to re-engage

The return of the light that follows the winter solstice has long been seen as a time of awakening for higher consciousness. The growth of your inner light reflects the growing return of sunlight to a world in need of healing energy. The time is right for you to nurture your spiritual practice, to diminish your personal darkness and increase your light.

  • How will you move forward in the months ahead?
  • How will you contribute to your own healing and thereby help to heal the world?

Honor the solstice by spreading light to others who are in need.

4. Remember the natural world

What’s going on outside as winter begins?

Find time to observe the night sky and study the wonder of the stars in the cold, clear air. Look for bird and animal visitors to your yard and neighborhood. They may be looking for shelter and sustenance that you can help provide. Notice how the trees and plants adapt to a new season. Like them, you are connected to the cosmos.

Can you restore that feeling of connection by getting outside for a while each day?

5. Cultivate joy

From ancient times, the winter solstice has been a time of celebration. The dark that has been building will now retreat. Light begins its return with all the gifts that longer daytime brings—warmth, color, and the power to grow! The year-end gathering of friends and family, the food and drink, the music, and the traditions are all part of the seasonal longing to celebrate happiness and community. Taking good care of your spirit is part of the healing promise of a new season.

You can make your winter solstice a turning point and a time of renewal. Use these spiritual practices to shine your light of love and peace into the world!

Leonid Meteor shower

Leonid Meteor Shower: Catch a Falling Star

by Astrological EventsFeatured
Leonid Meteor shower

“Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away…”

This week the Leonid Meteor shower is due to hit Earth on its yearly path, when the orbit of the Earth crosses the trail of space debris left by the Comet Tempel-Tuttle each November. Pieces of the comet, usually no bigger than a grain of sand or a pea, fall toward the surface of our planet and burn up as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere, giving us a fantastic light show in the night sky. These burning balls of light are called meteors (or “falling stars”); when a larger one survives its atmospheric entry and crash lands on the Earth’s surface, it is called a meteorite.

This year the peak meteor shower will be from midnight to dawn next Monday, November 18th. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place, like I do, in Ojai, where the night sky is dark enough to see the stars, you will likely be able to catch the heavenly appearance. 

If you trace the meteors of the Leonid shower backward, they would seem to radiate from the constellation of Leo the Lion, from the star Algieba in the area of the lion’s mane. This is called the radiant point, the area in the sky that seems to be the starting point for these particular meteors. In other words, these little specks of a comet that flash so enticingly across the sky come to us as extraterrestrial greetings, or as the ancients saw them, as gifts from heaven—lights in the sky that bring awareness of something beyond our daily existence. 

These sparkling lights in the dark night sky are a reminder that “cosmic” consciousness is a living frequency—the original “star dust” of life. When you see the dazzling display of meteors, or when a meteorite lands on earth, you are in the presence of the far-flung inhabitants of the galaxy. Mystics have always used the term “light” to represent consciousness, so it’s as if the meteor shower brings cosmic consciousness raining down on Earth. You are impacted by the vastness of space, which can seed a new awareness in your heart—an awareness that we are connected to a much larger unfolding drama than just what is happening here. 

Since meteors are seen as coming from other worlds, throughout history meteor showers have been deemed sacred and are said to hold supernatural powers. The Orionid meteor shower, composed of debris from Halley’s Comet and originating from the constellation of Orion, is believed by Australian aboriginals to form a mystical canoe that carries the spirits of the dead and sends a message to their loved ones back on earth that they have arrived safely in the land of spirit. The Chumash, the local tribe of my Ojai area, call meteors Alakiwohoch, meaning “shooting star,” which they believed was a person’s soul on its way to the afterlife, while the Wintu of northern California thought of meteors as the spirits of shamans on their way to the afterlife.

Shooting stars have been a symbol of reaching your destiny, but they also have been seen as bad omens. In Christian and Jewish traditions, falling stars are fallen angels and demons. In parts of Asia, a falling star may predict war or death. Usually, however, it’s a good omen; when you see a falling star and “put it in your pocket,” your wish will be granted, since the gods are clearly looking down and can hear your wish.

Shooting stars certainly bring an influx of energy that can be accessed for healing purposes. As can meteorites, when the falling star actually lands on earth. A meteorite can actualize your purpose here, a trusting energy that opens lines of communication and provides the strength to endure on your spiritual quest. Small pieces of meteorites can be used to strengthen the blood and tissues, and to help you merge with spirit while in the physical body. 

It is said that the rare nickel-iron meteorites (less than 1% of all meteorites) in particular help you develop the patience you need while walking the spiritual path, and stimulate the third eye and crown chakras in preparation for spiritual awakening and inner vision. These meteorites were used in ancient times to make weapons that were powered by star energy. They also stabilize “walk-ins” and give them the ability to navigate unfamiliar environments.

Stony meteorites (which make up the great majority of meteorites that have made it to Earth), have been dated to be over 4.6 billion years old, and vibrate at a frequency that is attuned to interdimensional communication with extraterrestrials. They can be programmed to store information and may contain the history of other entities in the solar system. Other types of meteorites (called Pallasites) open your heart chakra so you don’t fear expanding your consciousness beyond your body and can resonate with the universe, while helping those who are empaths to stay grounded.

So if you’re able to be out under the dark sky in the pre-dawn hours next Monday, November 18th, see if you can catch the falling stars and reap the spiritual other-worldly energies that can connect you with your higher self. You can also connect with the love from the stars and the celestial beings who can expand your consciousness and bring you into harmony with the cosmic One. And if you want to converse with ET, here is your opening!

Strawberry Moon Summer Solstice

2019 Strawberry Full Moon and Sagittarius: Summer Solstice to Follow

by Astrological EventsEnergy HealingFeaturedLunarSolar
Strawberry Moon Summer Solstice

This week, as we move into summer, we are gifted two wonderful opportunities to experience the incredible healing energy of the cosmos.

First: The Full Moon

Take some time tonight or tomorrow night to sit outside and connect to the feminine energy of this week’s full moon, known as the sweetest moon of the year. Since ancient times, Native Americans have given very descriptive names to each full moon, inspired by what’s happening in nature at that time of year. They call this full moon in June the Strawberry Moon because it is the time of year when wild strawberries ripen and are ready to pick.

As you sit outside under the night sky, allow the light of the full moon to gently open your spiritual side. And listen to whatever fruitful guidance she may offer you. I’ve had some of my biggest spiritual openings outside, under the light of a summer full moon, feeling her energy and receiving her counsel. So head outside and let the moon do her magic on you!

Then you’ll be ready to make the most of the solar energy of solstice this Friday – you’ll be open to hearing what’s best for your body and how to restore and optimize your health, open to hearing the perfection of the now.

Next: The Summer Solstice

The Earth is closer to the sun this week than at any other time of the year, and we are bathed in solar energy. In summer, we celebrate the incredible bounty of the earth and the powerful energy that can turn tiny seeds into nourishment. The warmth of the sun can help you to grow the seeds of your inner being into an abundance of health, happiness, and wisdom.

For those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, Friday, June 21st marks the longest day of the year. Ancient astronomical monuments like Stonehenge are aligned to the sunrise of summer solstice, celebrating the height of glory for the Sun King before the days start growing shorter once again. You can connect to the sun’s vital power at solstice during the extra hours of daylight and remember that you, too, can burn brightly and bring nurturance into your life.

Summer is the time of flowering, a time to reap the rewards of your spiritual efforts and grow in the Light. It’s also a powerful time to recharge your life force energy out in nature, seeing how everything is alive and vibrant under the sun.

Summer is a happy time of year, filled with incredible energy. Use the available energy to walk in the woods (and try Forest Bathing, see last week’s blog, swim in the ocean, or a lake, tend your organic garden (even if it’s just a pot or two on the windowsill) and relish the beauty of nature’s patterns in the vegetables and flowers you grow. Align with the influx of powerful solar energy as you swim or kayak across the water, the sun sparkling its surface and infusing you with joy.

Fuel Yourself Accordingly

It’s a good time of year to eat more lightly, and the perfect time to try eating a more plant-based diet with so much fresh produce readily at hand. Remember to stay well hydrated while out in the summer sun. There are so many luscious fruits available to help your liquid intake. Try blending chunks of watermelon into juice; it’s about 92% water with lots of nutrients and beneficial compounds that lower inflammation and improve your heart health as well.

The Light – It’s Here For You

When the sun is shining and your body is warming along with the outside temperature, and you’re able to sleep outside under the summer’s night sky, you are content in the moment and grateful to be able to serve the light – the moon light, the sun light, the star light, and the inner light of Spirit. So let the light of the full moon and the glorious sunrise of the summer solstice awaken you and guide your way.

full moon ritual 5

Full Moon Magic: Harness Lunar Energy for Healing

by Astrological EventsFeatured

You don’t have to be a NASA scientist, astronomer, or astrology-aficionado to appreciate the sheer awe-inspiring magic of a full moon.

It’s an experience we’ve all encountered: after a long day, you’re heading home at twilight and suddenly you notice a stunning full moon rising on the horizon. Whatever thoughts were on your mind disappear and you feel an amazing surge of energy and awe. Your connection to the natural world wakes up and you, too, begin to shine!

Full moon energy

Full moons stir up our emotions and amplify mystical powers connected to the human spirit. You take joy in watching what was once dark come into the light, your mind plays out scenes of potential chaos in a wild and untamed world while also basking in deep and uninhibited feeling that is impossible to define.

The time of the full moon is a powerful energy healing opportunity, an optimum time for meditating, recharging your energy field, and clearing your chakras. That is why so many cultures have full moon rituals and ceremonies—there’s so much pure energy in the moonlight that anything it touches can’t help but respond to its radiance and love.

Using the lunar energy of a full moon can yield incredible healing results, both physically and mentally. Full moons bathe your skin in a soft light, while also illuminating the often overlooked crevices of your subconscious—giving you insights into your spirit and soul.

Five full moon rituals that use the healing power of lunar energy:

Full moon ritual #1
Shine a light on your emotions

full moon ritual 1

During the full moon, emotions are magnified. You have probably heard people blame the full moon when human behavior gets a bit wacky.

Because emotions are more easily accessible during a full moon, it’s a perfect opportunity to acknowledge and release them. By releasing strong emotions that come to light during a full moon, you’ll clear your chakras; this full moon cleansing ritual ensures that you are able to capture the full spectrum of healing energy from the full moon.

If you actively journal, you’ll see big benefits during a full moon.  In addition to expressing your inner truths and feelings, it’s a good time to write out your intentions, make decisions about what you really want, and fully embrace your truest self.

Below are a few journal prompts to help you get started:

  • What does my physical body most need right now?
  • What environments make me feel good?
  • What self-care routines most nourish and heal me?
  • What am I stopping myself from doing?

Full moon ritual #2
Take a moon bath

full moon ritual 3

Moonlight has holistic healing properties and is able to cleanse your mind, body, and spirit. Spending time under a full moon’s vibrant white glow is like stepping into a warm soothing bath (without the water).

Take a walk under the full moon, preferably with some of your skin exposed to its healing light. As you begin to relax, gaze up at the brilliance of the full moon and bask in its energy and love. Pay special attention to the feelings and emotions coursing through your body and in your chakras. Listen closely to your subconscious: perhaps there is a message that the moon is lighting up inside of you.

A moon bath steeps your body and spirit in purifying light, washing away negativity and leaving you fresh and renewed.

Full moon ritual #3
Tack up some dreams

full moon ritual 3

Harness the positive energy of the moon by envisioning your goals and dreams. Picture your life as you wish it to be and tack up some actual pictures of your dreams and desires on your vision board. As you dream, so shall you become!

What are your intentions? Your goals? Bucket list experiences?

The full moon will magnify any energy you send out, and help guide it into the welcoming embrace of the universe. Be clear and specific about what you wish to manifest and don’t be surprised when your intentions come true.

Full moon ritual #4
Turn toward the positive

full moon ritual 4

The full moon’s light is so strong, it’s hard for darkness to stand up in the face of its glory. Use this opportunity to discover and release negativity.

The moon can reach the deepest parts of your soul and pull out the things you’ve been hiding or trying to ignore. The moon illuminates any negative emotions stored in your chakras or your body and reflects that knowledge back to you so that you can begin the process of clearing those blockages through meditation, healing courses, or other practices.

Full moon ritual #5
Turn down the covers—outside!

full moon ritual 5

I have always tried to spend my summers sleeping outside, especially during the full moons. While some are puzzled by my choice, anyone who is a camper, hiker, or nature-lover understands my habit instantly: in addition to grounding myself to Mother Earth, I give my body much needed Vitamin M (moonlight, that is).

So, grab a sleeping bag and pitch a tent in your backyard or, find a warm blanket and string a hammock between two sturdy trees. Falling asleep under twinkling stars and a glowing full moon will leave your body, mind, and soul more rested than eight hours of sleep ever could.

Go one step further and meditate or pray, and let the peace and beauty of the full moon soak into your body and soul while you drift off to sleep. You’ll wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.

Your meditations, prayers, dreams, willingness to forgive, and extend love are all magnified by the lunar energy of the full moon. Whatever good feelings you experience for yourself (or wish for others) are more powerful than ever right now. Any love you send into the world and any service you perform will be extra powerful.

Give yourself the gift of moonlight this week. Get outside and enjoy the benefits of spending time in the soft white glow of the full moon.

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Winter Solstice

Vedic Fire Ceremony: Commemorate the Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice is upon us. We’re at a turning point as our planet Earth makes its annual rotation around the sun. For those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, the next 24 hours will be where we get the shortest amount of sunlight because the sun is lowest in the sky. In fact, […]

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Light Up Your Life

Light Up Your Life

by Astrological EventsEnergy HealingEnergy MedicineFeaturedSolar
Light Up Your Life

Winter Solstice is a time of great symbolism and a time of reflection as the darkest and longest night of the year gives way to the return of the sun. Solstice actually lasts for 3 days, since the change in the Sun’s path is so slight on the days around the solstice that the Sun seems to “stand still.” The “high noon” of Solstice is when the Sun is exactly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn. This year, that moment is on December 21st at 5:22 p.m. EST.

This is a great time to ask yourself: What in your life needs to emerge from the darkness into the light? What seeds have been nurtured in the depths of your being that want to find expression in the light?

All ancient spiritual teachers had some type of ceremony to honor the return of the sun, and they left us some vivid reminders. Stonehenge in England is known for its precise alignment with the movement of the sun and has been a sacred place to celebrate the solstice for thousands of years. The same is true for Newgrange, a burial mound in Ireland that is over 5,000 years old. It has a 62-foot passage leading to a chamber. During winter solstice, the rising sun comes through the top of the chamber and lights the room.

All over the world, there are festivals and rituals to mark the beginning of longer days and the return of the Sun, symbolized by Christmas tree lights, menorahs, Kwanzaa candles, and Twelfth Night bonfires. Another of the ancient customs comes from the Druids and Pagans, who still call their celebration Yule and burn a yule log. The log, an emblem of the returning Sun, is a huge block of wood, meant to last for the 12 days of Christmas, turning night into day and illuminating the house.

There is something within us all that needs to know there will be light after the darkness of the longest night. So how will you celebrate the Sun’s return to greater light?

You could make your own yule log. Each type of wood has its own spiritual qualities, and the type of wood you burn in a ritual can indicate your hopes and prayers for the new year ahead. Aspen brings spiritual understanding; oak symbolizes endurance and strength, victory and triumph; pine (fir, juniper, cedar) can bring prosperity and protection; the yew tree connects with immortality and longevity; and birch is associated with rebirth and regeneration, as well as fertility.

You can decorate your yule log with candles and greenery. A sprig of holly ensures your family’s safety and brings good luck. And do you know the song about “the holly and the ivy?” Ivy lives on after its host plant has died—a reminder that life goes on. It symbolizes healing, protection, and the binding of lovers together, so it’s associated with loyalty and the powerful bonds of family and friends. And then there’s mistletoe, associated with peacemaking and the end of discord, not just kisses, although nothing wrong with them either!

Wrap your log loosely with ribbons of different colors. Here again, see what you want to symbolize. Red, which we associate with Christmas poinsettias, holly berries, and Santa’s suit, is used to indicate passion and prosperity and good fortune. Green, the other color associated with the Yule season, is a reminder of the evergreen tree, and therefore everlasting life. White symbolizes purity and truth and represents purification and spiritual development. Gold, of course, is the blazing sun. It was one of the gifts brought to the newborn “light” of Jesus by the Magi, and the first menorah was made from a single lump of gold. Gold ribbons invite in wealth for the coming year and a sense of revitalization. You can also decorate the log with pine cones, dried berries, cinnamon sticks (makes a lovely smell as the log burns), along with the ribbons and the cuttings of holly and ivy.

When you’re ready to burn your yule log, you can do it in a fireplace or outside in a fire pit. Write down an intention for how you will live in the light during the coming year and stick the paper in with the log. On the night of winter solstice, set up an altar with pictures of your loved ones and spiritual guides, and turn off all the lights in your house, and then meditate. At the end, and facing the altar, say a blessing for the return of the light.

It could be: “The wheel of the year has turned once more. Tonight, the darkness starts to retreat and the light begins its return. The sun returns to us once more.” Then light the log or some candles, and say, “The shadows vanish and life continues. We are blessed by the light of the sun, and the inner sun of our divine self.”

Rituals are reminders. This time of year, in the midst of the usual holiday chaos, align yourself with the solstice and mark the birth of more and more light in your life. It is your light that brings you immortality.

Harvest Moon

The Night of the Harvest Moon

by Astrological EventsEnergy HealingFeaturedLunar

INDULGE IN THE HEALING LUNAR ENERGY

Harvest Moon

Weather permitting, don’t miss your chance to experience an amazing annual event that takes place tonight. Just after sunset the moon will be magically transformed into a giant ball of glorious orange gracing the night sky.

Lunar Energy is a powerful source of energy healing, and a full moon is a perfect opportunity to activate your chakras. This Harvest Moon may well be the best of all.

With its unique properties, the moon has been endowed with names to capture its monthly lunar transition. For me, nothing quite compares to the Harvest Moon. I hope you’ll take advantage of this rare and wondrous opportunity to join me in meditation under its glow.

A Time to Recharge and Reflect

Harvest Moon is the name given the full moon that is closest to the Autumnal Equinox that occurred just a couple of days ago, this past Saturday. Year to year, it can be up to two weeks before or after, and while the Harvest Moon typically is in September, it can also happen in early October.

What’s unique is that unlike any other time of year, for a few special nights the moon rises earlier than usual, just after sunset, giving you a perfect evening of moon gazing.

We’re treated to a visual feast and a spiritual reawakening all in one.

For a spiritual teacher, it’s hard to ask for more.

Why the Harvest Moon is Special

This is the night sky at its most romantic and dramatic, affording us a connection with the fullness of the season and the bounties of the earth. Since ancient times, the Harvest Moon has been revered and central to our celebration of the seasonal harvest traditions timelessly binding our cultural and spiritual fabric.

This annual celestial event is one of nature’s great visual displays but what we see only hints at the role it has played in different cultures around the world.

Celebrated Since Ancient Times

In the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the beginning of autumn. Many believe the origins of the Harvest Moon date back to Europe in the 700s. In the centuries since, observances and cultural traditions have been recounted around the world. Two are particularly intriguing.

In China the Harvest Moon is celebrated with a festival where games are played and delicious treats, ‘mooncakes’, are enjoyed. Due to calendar differences, the Chinese call it the ‘August’ Moon.

In America, the Algonquin Indians, among other indigenous tribes, not only celebrated the Harvest Moon but put its unusual brightness to work. Like Mother Nature’s flashlight, they used its light to harvest crops well into the night.

One of Nature’s Optical Illusions

What we see is bigger and bolder than usual, and the moon’s surface appears warmer and a vibrant orange. An optical illusion that is the result of the moon’s positioning, the Harvest Moon’s remarkable brightness occurs because we’re viewing it through the lower, and thicker, part of atmosphere.

While the moon’s color is inarguably more intense, and it appears larger and warmer, as it rises through the night, the moon will appear smaller and cooler.

Upcoming Lunar Events

For those of you who like to plan ahead, a truly rare event is when the Harvest Moon falls on the night of the Autumnal Equinox. This wont won’t again until 2029, but let’s start planning now!

Next up, however, and usually in October as it is this year, is the Hunter’s Moon; the first full moon after the Harvest Moon. It also features unique color, this time red, not orange, and it’s known as a Blood or Sanguine Moon.

Get Out and Experience It

Wherever you are, I urge you to get outside, even if just for a few minutes, and bask in the lunar energy on display and become part of a celestial event celebrated around the world for millennia.

And no worries of you miss it tonight – there are encore performances for a few nights after that are nearly as spectacular.

Worldwide traditions transcending our differences and bringing us together like these should be cherished, so I offer three words of advice:

Sit. Meditate. Enjoy.

That’s what I’ll be doing.

Separated by the miles, we’ll be together in spirit.

Deborah

Pink Moon

Let April’s Pink Moon Shine for You!

by Astrological EventsFeaturedLunar
Pink Moon

You may have heard that April showers bring May flowers. That’s a lovely positive affirmation when spring is taking a little too long to arrive and the storms won’t stop rolling through with showers that are white and icy! That is probably how we got the Native American’s traditional name for the April full moon. The Pink Moon of April usually coincided with the appearance of blooming ground phlox, a stunning pink carpet of tiny flowers. Ah, Spring at last! This year’s full Pink Moon appears on April 29, and with a little reflection, it might bring you a very special spiritual bouquet!

Think about how sweet it is to spot the first flowers of spring—whether they are crocuses peeking through the snow or daffodils, tulips, or hyacinth pushing up through the soil in your garden. The ground phlox that inspired the Pink Moon’s name is a North American native whose meaning in flower lore is “harmony” and “sweet dreams.” The first-blooming flowers of spring do bring a feeling of hope, sweetness, and the excitement of new possibilities. Which one is your favorite?

Bring yourself into the spirit of the Pink Moon with a nature walk in a spot you love. While you walk, let your eyes take it the details of the setting that make it unique. Are there any plants, trees, flowers, or rocks that you have noted in passing but not truly studied? Take time to look closely and focus on the light, the color, the shape, or the feeling of one or two familiar features. If you can find a flower, look inside—like modern artist Georgia O’Keeffe loved to do. (Watch out for bees and bless them for their vital work in pollinating the plant kingdom.) Try to really examine your flower’s form and consider the complexity, artistry, and beauty you see. Are there any birds or small animals to observe? Could they be present with you right now for a purpose?

Take a deep breath as you enjoy the natural surroundings you have chosen to visit. Remember to give thanks for your senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste which allow you to experience the natural world on multiple levels. You are part of the natural world, too, part of the work of the creative universe. During the last few days before the full Pink Moon, think about ways in which you can make your life more joyful and purposeful. Each cycle of the moon marks the passage of time, and this Pink Moon marks the beginning of a new month and a new beginning for any dream or endeavor or developmental step you have been thinking about.

Here are three questions to consider as you prepare for the next step:

What do you know?
Do you know yourself deeply and truly? How would you describe yourself? What are your greatest strengths and abilities? Do you know the desires of your heart? Do you know what you really want to do? Do you feel that you know your life’s purpose? Where do you want to go? How do you want to feel? Who and what do you love? What do you believe? What are your values?

What do you want to know?
If you know your life’s purpose, do you want to know whether your present actions are taking you in the right direction? Or do you still need to discover your purpose? Do you want to know how to do something that interests you? Is there some knowledge or skill that you want to explore? What are the biggest questions in your life that you would like to answer? What are the biggest challenges in your life that you would like to face and find ways to overcome?

Who can you ask?
Where do you go to seek wisdom? How do you fill your need for spiritual guidance, fulfillment, and inner peace? Where do you turn in times of need? Who can you call? Do you seek help from the Divine—“Ask and it shall be given”? Do you rely on friends and family for solace? Do you have a tool kit of practices for comfort and healing? Do you call on the angels, guides from the spirit realm, spiritual teachers and counselors, sacred texts, or the energies of nature? From whence cometh your strength?

Exploring the answers to these questions helps you connect with your higher Self, and brings comforting knowledge of who you really are and why you are here. Self-discovery brings peace, joy, and a sense of what is possible for you in the new span of days opening before you.

May the full Pink Moon bring you a new awareness of the miracle of being you. And may you be blessed with the radiance of healing moonlight on the evening of April 29.

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Spring Equinox: 7 Methods to Clear Your Chakras

by Astrological EventsChakrasEnergy Healing
Spring Equinox Chakra Clearing

As the last snow of the winter season disappears from the ground and green stems start to push through the soil that has protected them from the harsh elements, the cycle of life begins again with the annual spring equinox. During the spring equinox, the plane of the Earth’s equator passes through the center of the Sun, resulting in the day and night being equal in duration — an astrological event of absolute balance.

The spring equinox is a time of rebirth for all life on our planet: plants sprout from the ground and colorful flowers bloom; animals emerge from hibernation to mate and give birth to new generations; and birds migrate north for nesting and nourishment opportunities. As winter places us in a life of darkness, the spring equinox is a time of joyful celebration as all life on Earth receives an extra dose of nourishing sunlight.

When the day and night are in equal balance, it’s no surprise that your body, mind, and spirit feel naturally energized (probably more so than you have at any time during the dark winter months). You may already have plans to spring clean your home — changing the batteries in your smoke detector, donating accumulated items that you do not use to goodwill, and cleaning behind the refrigerator — so, what better time to take stock of your spiritual house and do a bit of spring cleaning. Just like your physical home, the debris of everyday life can accumulate and cause clutter in your energy field; use the natural energy boost that the spring equinox gives you to clear away stagnant energy in your chakras and ensure you start the cycle of rebirth both healthy and happy.

The annual spring equinox: a time of balance, rebirth, and rejuvenation

March 20th marks the vernal equinox and official first day of spring, and the weeks before and after this significant date are a time of balance, rebirth, and rejuvenation.

Equinoxes happen twice a year (in the spring and fall), giving you the opportunity to use the natural balance of solar-lunar energies to achieve balance in your own life. Working in alignment with nature’s vibrations boosts your spiritual efforts, and this time of reawakening is ripe for clearing and balancing your chakras and energy field. Harness this power of renewal to purge the unnecessary from your energetic closets and vacuum up any emotional residue. It’s time to spring clean your soul!

Clearing your chakras = cleaning debris out of your pipes

Your chakras are invisible (but vital!) energy centers that are designed to move energy between your personal field and the universal field, and, when spinning correctly and unencumbered, these chakras are the means by which you replenish your energy and restore your health. If you’ve been studying energy medicine with me, you know that your body is made from your energy field — and that anything that goes on (or in) your energy field has a direct impact on your body. So, if your chakras are blocked, energy is unable to flow freely in your field; eventually, the clog will result in physical symptoms, which can be anything from headaches to chronic disease.

One way to visualize your energy flow is to think about it in terms of the water pipes in your home (your energy = water / your chakras = pipes). Just like your chakras, if there is a clog somewhere in your home’s pipes, there will be water back-up…which eventually has to go somewhere and will likely cause damage to the pipes and structures around it. Just like that water, your energy has to go somewhere…and keeping your chakras clear and your energy flowing is the best way to keep your body from experiencing injury or illness as a result of clogged pipes.

Clear away old traumas and release built-up emotions

So, how can you keep your chakras clear?

Clogs and blockages in your chakras are caused by traumas that aren’t fully released or emotional build-up (that can be two days, two months, two years, or two decades old). And just as it’s never too late to tackle the often overlooked places in your house (like the chimney or under the couch cushions) that can go years without a thorough clean-up, it’s never too late to clear out old traumas with energy healing. Every bit of work you do toward improving the flow of energy in your field and body is going to make you feel better.

There are activities that will do a general job of clearing negativity from your field, like meditation, but there are also targeted methods for balancing each of your seven main chakras. To find out which of your chakras is dysfunctional, you can work with a spiritual teacher or energy healer, or have a friend check your chakras with a pendulum.

Spring Equinox: Energy Healing Rituals
Like the tiny purple crocuses that appear like clockwork every spring from the fertile soil, when your chakras are clear you are providing your entire an environment that encourages personal and spiritual growth.

Energy healing methods to clear and balance your chakras for the spring equinox:

Together, your chakras govern all areas of your life: relationships, weight loss, stress, career, self-esteem, love, spiritual progress, and everything else. When they are in balance, you are in balance, and your whole being is lighter, freer, healthier, and happier. So take advantage of the days getting longer and the blossoming of nature this spring, and rejuvenate your soul with the clearing, charging, and balancing of your chakras.

[icon_counter border_size=”2″ border_color=”#ffffff” icon_type=”custom” icon_img=”id^32700|url^https://deborahking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Root-Chakra_400x400.gif|caption^null|alt^Blocked root chakra|title^Blocked root chakra|description^null” img_width=”200″ text_color=”#ffffff” bg_color=”#d32237″ block_title_back=”Your first chakra is all about security and feeling safe in your environment. To ground yourself and strengthen your connection to Mother Earth, try walking barefoot in freshly grown grass or on a sandy beach.” cont_align=”on”]
[icon_counter border_size=”2″ border_color=”#ffffff” icon_type=”custom” icon_img=”id^32705|url^https://deborahking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Sexual-Chakra_400x400.gif|caption^null|alt^blocked second chakra|title^Blocked second chakra|description^null” img_width=”200″ text_color=”#ffffff” bg_color=”#eb953f” block_title_back=”Your second chakra governs how you experience pleasure, and a common issue for this chakra is shame. Water has cleansing and healing properties, so immerse yourself in water for 20 minutes — in the ocean or a clearing bath with sea salt and baking soda.” cont_align=”on”]
[icon_counter border_size=”2″ border_color=”#ffffff” icon_type=”custom” icon_img=”id^32707|url^https://deborahking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Solar-Plexus-Chakra_400x400.gif|caption^null|alt^Blocked solar plexus chakra|title^Blocked solar plexus chakra|description^null” img_width=”200″ text_color=”#ffffff” bg_color=”#eac726″ block_title_back=”The third chakra is where your will and self-esteem resides, and physical movement, especially outside in the early morning sun or in the evening before sunset, really recharges this chakra.” cont_align=”on”]
[icon_counter border_size=”2″ border_color=”#ffffff” icon_type=”custom” icon_img=”id^32709|url^https://deborahking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Heart-Chakra_400x400.gif|caption^null|alt^Blocked heart chakra|title^Blocked heart chakra|description^null” img_width=”200″ text_color=”#ffffff” bg_color=”#bdd860″ block_title_back=”Your fourth chakra is the heart chakra, and when it’s open, you can give and receive love easily and in a healthy way. Practicing love with a pet who loves unconditionally is a great way to heal your heart and become open to trusting love again.” cont_align=”on”]
[icon_counter border_size=”2″ border_color=”#ffffff” icon_type=”custom” icon_img=”id^32710|url^https://deborahking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Throat-Chakra_400x400.gif|caption^null|alt^Blocked throat chakra|title^Blocked throat chakra|description^null” img_width=”200″ text_color=”#ffffff” bg_color=”#66c9d4″ block_title_back=”The fifth chakra is about speaking your truth, choosing to express the real you. Journaling with total honesty can clear and charge this chakra—and help process old traumas. Journaling is a major part of energy medicine and is incredibly freeing!” cont_align=”on”]
[icon_counter border_size=”2″ border_color=”#ffffff” icon_type=”custom” icon_img=”id^32711|url^https://deborahking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Third-Eye-Chakra_400x400.gif|caption^null|alt^Blocked third eye chakra|title^Blocked third eye chakra|description^null” img_width=”200″ text_color=”#ffffff” bg_color=”#9e2064″ block_title_back=”Your sixth chakra, the “third eye,” is where your higher intellect and clarity of vision reside. Daily meditation—another essential part of energy healing—helps to awaken this chakra so you can increase your intuition and inner wisdom.” cont_align=”on”]
[icon_counter border_size=”2″ border_color=”#ffffff” icon_type=”custom” icon_img=”id^32712|url^https://deborahking.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Crown-Chakra_400x400.gif|caption^null|alt^Blocked crown chakra|title^Blocked crown chakra|description^null” img_width=”200″ text_color=”#000000″ bg_color=”#f2e8bd” block_title_back=”An open seventh chakra can be attained through meditation and prayer since the crown chakra is what connects you to spirit. Here you can ask your higher self for guidance.” cont_align=”on”]

Interested in learning more about your 7 chakras?

Download your printable Chakra Wisdom Chart PDF today (it’s free!).

free chakra chart
Free Chakra Chart

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winter solstice traditions

Winter Solstice Traditions from Around the Globe

by Astrological EventsFeatured
winter solstice traditions

The winter solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years by people from all over the globe. Every year in the Northern Hemisphere (on Dec. 21 or 22) and the Southern Hemisphere (on June 20 or 21), the sun appears to stand still at the Tropic of Capricorn, shinning directly overhead at 12 noon, before reversing its direction. At the winter solstice, the balance of dark and light tips, and the sun begins a return trip that promises such good things in the months ahead…new life, growth, warmer weather, and those beautiful spring flowers that push their way out of the soil like clockwork and bring a smile to your soul.

The days leading up to the winter solstice might be dark and cold, but this is actually nature’s way of helping us to come together as a community and focus on spiritual rebirth. It’s always easier to work with Mother Nature, so take advantage of these shorter days and dedicate time to feeding your spirit, nurturing your soul, and reflecting on your journey over the past year—you can then set your intentions for the year ahead and celebrate the return of the light.

People have been celebrating the winter solstice for thousands of years—and yet, while these winter solstice traditions and rituals are diverse and unique, each is centered around the universal theme around light and renewal. You may already have your own winter solstice rituals in place, so you can clear away past trauma, find strength in the present moment, and pave the way to the future of your dreams…but what if there’s a tradition from a far away ancient civilization or culture that can help you move to the next level in your spiritual journey? Keep reading for winter solstice traditions and rituals around the world and different ideas you can use to incorporate elements of the celebration into your own practice.

Winter solstice celebrations around the world

Winter solstice rituals from all over the world

The Labyrinth of Light in Vancouver, BC

Winter solstice labyrinth of light

Photo credit: Flickr

Every year, Vancouver residents and visitors join together to celebrate the winter solstice at the Labyrinth of Light, an evening of processions, music, and art performance. The event is organized by the Secret Lantern Society and attendees are invited to wander through intricate light mazes (created with 700+ beeswax candles!) for a meditative experience that fosters relaxation and encourages self-reflection.

The concept of a “labyrinth of light” has long been used in cultures around the world for meditation and prayer on the winter solstice. Vancouver’s interpretation, with its self-guided ceremony, helps attendees to release old attachments and envision new possibilities for the future while the darkest night of the year gives birth to a new season filled with hope and light.

Labyrinth of Light celebration idea:

Create your own maze of lights
If you’re not able to make an impromptu trip to Canada, you can still capture some of the magic that happens at the official Labyrinth of Light by creating your own “mini” version at home. On the night of the winter solstice (Dec. 21), setup rows of beeswax candles throughout your home or backyard; if you have young children, or are nervous about having so many candles burning simultaneously, pick up some flameless candles at your local craft store or Amazon.

Winter solstice celebrations around the world

Winter solstice at Stonehenge in England

winter solstice stonehenge

Stonehenge is synonymous with the summer and winter solstices because of the ancient structure’s precise alignment with the sun’s movement, as well as the fact that it is a bucket list item for so many.

Every year, thousands of revelers make the journey to this sacred place of worship to witness the mid-winter sun set perfectly between the two upright stones of the Great Trilithon at dusk. For those lucky enough to witness the magic of Stonehenge in-person during the winter solstice, there will be lots of activities going on around you: dancing, singing, Druic ceremonies, and Pagan celebrations, to name a few. The grounds open at first light the next morning (December 22) to allow thousands of druids, pagans, and other devotees to celebrate the sunrise in a spiritual, respectful manner (which does not involve activities like drinking alcohol, playing loud music, or using fireworks).

Stonehenge-inspired winter solstice celebration idea:

Say a little prayer (for you and for the Earth)
The weather outside might be frightful, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing going on below. Think about your own life and what might be lying dormant at the moment, and then envision what may bloom a few months from now.

A Prayer to You and the Earth at Yule
Cold and dark, this time of year,
the earth lies dormant, awaiting the return
of the sun, and with it, life.
Far beneath the frozen surface,
a heartbeat waits,
until the moment is right,
to spring.

Winter solstice celebrations around the world

The Dōngzhì Festival in China

winter solstice dongzhi festival

The Chinese winter solstice Dōngzhì festival is a major winter solstice and holiday in East Asian culture, dating back thousands of years to the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). Dōngzhì festival revelers celebrate the time when winter’s darkness begins to give way to light by gathering together with family for celebratory meals and trips to temples to honor ancestors.

The concept of balance is integral to East Asian philosophy of Yin (positive) and Yang (negative) and its influence can been seen in the Dōngzhì festival: at the Winter Solstice, Yin is at its peak and will gradually disappear, while Yang will become stronger from that day forward.

Dōngzhì festival celebration idea:

Cook: family meals are central to Chinese winter solstice celebrations, so cook up (or order from a specialty store) a hearty, nourishing meal to share with family and loved ones. Traditional foods served during the Dōngzhì festival include tang yuan (glutinous rice dumplings) and lamb dumplings.

Winter solstice celebrations around the world

Yalda Night in Iran

Yalda winter solstice festival

Yalda, or Šab-e Yaldā, is an Iranian festival held on the “longest and darkest night of the year” – the winter solstice. Yalda means “birth,” and Yalda Night is viewed as the birthday of the sun god Mithra and the victory of light over dark.

During this ancient festival, which originated prior to the advent of Islam and at a time when the majority of Persians were followers of Zoroastrianism, people were advised to stay awake most of the night and gather in the safety of groups, while sharing the last remaining fruits of summer. The same Yalda winter solstice customs are carried today, with families gathering together, eating, drinking and reading poetry (Hafez) throughout the evening to pass the darkest night of the year with laughter and joy. Iranians believe that those who begin winter by eating summer fruits (especially pomegranate and watermelon as the red in these two fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and the glow of life) will not fall ill during the cold season.

Yalda is also celebrated in parts of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan.

Yalda Night celebration idea:

Read: Hafez was a 14th-century poet in Iran whose mystical love poems express the ecstasy of divine inspiration. Join people in Iran as they open the Divan of Hafez to a random page and read the poem on it, which is believed to be an indication of things that will happen in the future. If you can’t locate a copy of the Divan of Hafez in time for Yalda, don’t stress! In addition to the Kindle edition on Amazon, both Google and Apple have apps available in their stores.

Winter solstice celebrations around the world

Inti Raymi in Peru

winter solstice southern hemisphere

Peru, located in the Southern Hemisphere, celebrates the winter solstice on June 24. Inti Raymi (Quechua for “sun festival”), which takes place on the solstice, is dedicated to honoring the Incan sun god, Inti.

Prior to the Spanish conquest and colonization—which had a devastating impact on the Indigenous Peoples of South America—the Incas would fast for the three days leading up to the winter solstice. Before dawn on the fourth day, they would travel to a ceremonial plaza in Cusco and wait to see the sun rise on the horizon. When the sun appeared, the Incas would crouch down before it, offering up golden cups of chicha (a sacred beer made from fermented corn) and hundreds of animals (mostly llamas)  in sacrifice.

When preparing for the ceremony, the Incas would use a mirror to focus the sun’s rays and ignite a flame that would be kindled into a fire. Sadly, after Spain conquered the Incan civilization, Inti Raymi was banned. However, modern society has revived the ancient festival (sans the live animal sacrifices) and the yearly re-enactments bring thousands of people from all over the world to Cusco, the ancient Incan capital.

Inti Raymi winter solstice celebration idea:

Dance!
Traditional Incan music and dance are a big component of the Inti Raymi celebration, so why not watch the YouTube video below and try the moves out yourself?

Winter solstice celebrations around the world

Toji in Japan

Winter solstice japan

In Japan, the winter solstice is less a festival than a traditional practice centered around starting the new year with health and good luck.

During this sacred time of year, farmers welcome the return of the sun’s nourishing light after a long, dark winter. To encourage the sun’s return, people create massive bonfires that burn on Mount Fuji every December. In addition to ensuring the earth gets off to a healthy start, Japanese winter solstice participants also focus on healing their own bodies by taking warm baths scneted with yuzu, a citrus fruit that is believed to ward off colds and facilitate strong health. If you are lucky enough to be in Japan during Toji and you happen to stop by a public bath or hot spring, you’ll notice that yuzu has been thrown into the water; most-likely, you’ll also be served kabocha squash during a winter solstice meal in Japan, as it is thought to bring luck.

Toji winter solstice celebration idea:

Relax in a nice hot bath
After all the praying, reading, cooking, and dancing you’ve been doing in celebration of the winter solstice, perhaps it’s time to wind-down and help your body relax. The Japanese use yuzu in their baths during the winter solstice, but you can use whatever essential oil you find relaxes you (lavender is always a good choice when you want to rest). As you let your muscles relax in the warm bath, focus on letting go of anything negative that you’ve been carrying around all year…and when you’re ready to rejoin the world, pull up the bath plug and watch as all that heavy energy whisks away down the drain.

Winter solstice celebrations around the world

Additional materials for the winter solstice

Winter solstice journal questions

  • What would you do with a new chance to reinvent your life?
  • Do you need to let go of negative thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back?
  • How will you move forward in the months ahead?

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