Intuitive Innovations

Where does your soul go?

2006-10-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

Deepak Chopra asks, " What do you think happens to your soul when you die?"

Participate in his survey at Yahoo Answers

It's getting thick around here...

2006-10-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

** Looks like we're in for an interesting week....

Astrologick Weekly Forecast Report
October 20-26, 2006
By Gary Paul Glynn

The Thickening

This weekend's Libra New Moon marks the beginning of our collective journey through the thickest concentration of astrological activity we've seen so far this year. A new cycle based on cooperation and a healthy appreciation of ambiguity commences along with loud reports and perhaps an overwhelming urge to DO SOMETHING. Mercury is radioactive right now, forming contacts with planets it will repeat again after it turns retrograde on Oct. 28, coinciding with feelings of déjà vu through mid-November.

The New Moon opens on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1:14 a.m. at the very end ofLibra (28Lib40), but it opens on an aggressive note as the New Moon falls right on top of Mars, even as the warrior planet struggles to reach his home territory in Scorpio. To say that issues pertaining to war and peace are emphasized at this time is probably an understatement. Something large is set into motion in the days surrounding the New Moon that will reverberate through the end of November.

On Tuesday, we'll have a rare cluster of planetary bodies in Scorpio:the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter - six of 'em. A whole lotta Scorpio intensity in the air with passionate displays and more drama than we really need to see. Even more ominously, we see Pluto intersecting the Moon's nodal axis, sticking the finger of fate into the eye of the storm on Wednesday. On the same day, Jupiter squares Saturnfor the third and final time, often an indicator of wrenching social change and collective impasses.

This is also the last full week before Mercury stations retrograde,making this an ideal time to take care of Mercury-related business by way of placing orders by phone or Internet, signing or mailing important documents, booking reservations or getting cars repaired. Likewise when it comes to buying computers and other communications equipment or software. Even so, Mercury is bumping heads with the likes of Saturn andJupiter this week, recommending a patient, yet persistent approach overa quick and dirty one. Mercury turns retrograde on October 28 and remains that way until November 17.

Gary Paul Glynn is a professional astrologer with over 25 years experience in personal birthchart interpretation and is available for consultations by appointment. His biweekly astrology forecast can be found in the pages of the Bloomington Alternative on newstands throughout the Bloomington area. You can reach Gary at 812-333-1346, or mailto:gpg@bluemarble.net

Awareness is 99%

2006-10-16T20:58:00.000-04:00

Recently, I sent out this message as a mid-month inspiration to my eNewsletter mailing list. I received so many emails of thanks, because it was perfectly timed and just what they needed to hear, that I thought I would share it here. I hope it's a helpful reminder...

Lately, I've been thinking about what it means to deal with everyday happenings in a more conscious way. One of my favorite sayings is "Awareness is 99% of everything." When we have awareness of what is happening around us and within us, we have the consciousness and the power to make changes as needed. It is when we remain unconscious or unaware, or even when we live with denial, that we feel powerless and not in control of our life circumstances.

When confusion and lack of direction is what you're feeling, think about your foundation. Get grounded, exercise more and really leap into your life.

When frustration and obstacles appear, write and burn, use a punching bag, pull yourself deeper into your body and get recentered.

When you bring more awareness to your physical body, you are more present in the now moment. Being present you can make decisions and take action as needed. When you are ungrounded, you are unable to make good decisions, to think clearly and affect any change.

Start by choosing to become more aware. Set an intention to be more present in your body. Create an affirmation such as, " I am one with my body. I choose to open to greater levels of awareness." Spend time writing in your journal. Spend time sharing with others, and ask for assistance when needed.

Something smells fishy....

2006-10-12T19:52:00.000-04:00

Astrologick
Weekly Forecast Report
October 13-19, 2006
By Gary Paul Glynn

Fishy Business

Despite daily headlines raising alarms over real and imaginary threats, this coming week appears to be the proverbial calm before the storm. Paging through my notes, we're entering into the last full week of astrological calm that we're likely to see until December. With Sun,Venus and Mars moving toward the end of Libra, this is also a good time to solidify partnerships and to make peace before these three planets plunge into the dark waters of Scorpio next week.

A standout alignment this weekend involves Mercury square Neptune -often the sign of a forked tongue. Deceptions, confusions, misinformation, disappearances, tamperings, straw men, shell games and red herrings. With Mercury also in Scorpio, there is a higher probability of conspiracies and manipulations as well. More innocently, Mercury-Neptune can often coincide with confusion, misunderstandings, blind faith, oversights and omissions - especially when it comes to words and ideas. Not a good time to sign contracts or place orders; nor is it a good time to believe everything your hear.

What gives this rather common Mercury-Neptune high priority has to do with the fact that this will be the first of three such squares between these planets due to Mercury retrograde making repeat alignments to stationary Neptune. This often suggests an on-going story that doesn't find completion until all three alignments take place. The story begins this weekend but then finds greatest expression when it repeats itself November 7-8, during the midterm elections. Can you say, voting irregularities? Not only will Mercury retrograde be squaring Neptune, but Mercury will also perform a rare transit of the Sun (where Mercury moves across the Sun's face) on November 8. Closure isn't reached until the end of November when the third and final Mercury-Neptune square takes place.

Watch to see if any news, announcements or proclamations with a fishy scent find their way into general circulation. Such items could be aset-up for a bigger deception when Americans turn out at the polls next month.

Mercury Retrograde Alert

As mentioned above, Mercury will be making its third and final retrograde of 2006 in a couple of weeks. The planet of information is now gradually slowing its speed ahead of stationing retrograde on October 28 in late Scorpio (25Sco04). It will remain retrograde until November 17, messing with our best laid plans and casual assumptions while giving us a chance to take a look inward.

With roughly two weeks remaining before the planet of communication and transportation throws it into reverse, this is a good time to cover yourself. Once we get past this weekend's blind spot (Mercury-Neptune), it would be good to deal with unfinished business under the Moon's Last Quarter Phase. Mailings, editing, bookings, car repairs, orders, real estate closings, contract signings and other finalizations are encouraged between now and the New Moon on October 22. The week following the New Moon leading up to Mercury retro would be the time to put new projects and plans into first gear - just don't expect things to move quickly or easily while Mercury is retrograde.

Gary Paul Glynn is a professional astrologer with over 25 years experience in personal birthchart interpretation and is available for consultations by appointment. His bimonthly astrology forecast can be found in the September-October edition of Branches Magazine or at http://www.branches.com. You can reach Gary at 812-333-1346, or mail to: gpg@bluemarble.net

astrology

October full of loose ends...

2006-10-08T20:16:00.000-04:00

Eileen Nauman at the Medicine Garden has posted her October forecast. It looks like it's going to be a month of taking care of all those loose ends in our life.

She says, " This is a month of tying up a lot of loose ends in our personal life, in our business and career. It is a time of compassion, of patience and being aware and sensitive to the needs of others. It is not a time of selfish narcissism raising its head. This is a month of endings. What you do not need any longer (whether you know it at the time or not), will be removed. This is a month of losing friends, loved ones, a job--understanding that everything has it’s own cycle of completion. This is a month, for some people, that looks as if their lives are being taken away from them. But nothing could be further from the truth. From time to time, the Cosmos takes what is no longer needed from us to REPLACE it with something we do need..." Read the Full Article

What haven't you completed that needs to be finished?

I've been thinking about this and as a result I've taken a hard look at my "To Do" list. It feels like time to clean a bunch of tasks off the board that have been on there for way too long... and seems like practicing the Art of Detachment might be in order.

astrology forecast, astrology

Friday Full Harvest Moon

2006-10-06T22:30:00.000-04:00

The Full Moon forecast by Astrologer Stephanie Austin has been posted at Intuitive Living:

"The next Full Moon peaks on Friday, October 6th at 8:13 PM PDT at 14 degrees of Libra-Aries. Libra, symbolized by The Scales, represents the quest for balance and equality, partnership and peace. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is the energy of initiative and courage. This Full Moon shines a spotlight on where the Scales of Justice and relationships have become uneven. What is out of balance? What's not fair? Where are we giving or getting more than our share? What agreements need to be clarified or renegotiated?"...

Read the Full Post

full moon

My Daily Visitors

2006-10-03T22:47:00.000-04:00

7 Wild Turkeys

They visit my back yard just about every day. They aren't skittish. In fact, I took this picture while my dog was lying on the grass at the bottom of the back steps, just quietly watching them. They didn't seem to care.

Turkeys represent abundance.

I definitely like having them around...

13 Simple Thoughts

2006-09-28T22:05:00.000-04:00

April Elliot Kent at Big Sky Astrology posted this list in her blog. I think it speaks volumes for the energy we face during these times...

1. Be patient.
2. Be kind.
3. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
4. Measure twice, cut once.
5. Take your time.
6. Be reasonable.
7. Get enough rest.
8. Nothing is as urgent as it seems.
9. It’s not a contest.
10. Give yourself a break.
11. Let it go.
12. Breathe.
13. Imperfection is sometimes exactly what is needed.

We all have needs...

2006-09-20T20:50:00.000-04:00

We all have basic needs that must be met. From Uncommon Knowledge, is an article about the 9 Basic Human Needs. It's a good reminder...

"Problems due to missing 'basics' in peoples lives tend to develop over time, and so can be easily missed. Then, when the problem arises - be it anxiety, depression, addiction or some other nasty - they can't for the life of them fathom out why!

It's therefore a great idea to know what your own garden needs in order to grow well, so when you see something starting to wither, you can check your list and apply the necessary nutrients..." Read the full article

self help, Personal Growth

What's a Meme? .. a Nourishing Meme?

2006-09-17T19:23:00.000-04:00

Phylameana at Spiral Visions has challenged me to join the Nourishing Meme. I thought, "Why not?" But, it also meant that I had better know what a meme is. So off I went to the dictionary.

Meme: "A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. " Ok, that explains a few things...

These five questions are intended to promote a "Nourishing Meme" in the blogosphere that was birthed by Joanne Hay.

Here are the questions:

1. What is the most nourishing thing you frequently do for yourself?
2. For your health, what will you never compromise on?
3. Where do you get most of your health information?
4. What single whole food or supplement has turned your health around the most?
5. What is your favorite natural therapy?

My answers:

Q. What is the most nourishing thing you frequently do for your self?

A. Working from home, I make sure that everyday I go out. It may only be a trip to the post office, or to the grocery store, sometimes the coffee shop, but it helps me feel nourished and part of society.

Q. For your health, what will you never compromise on?

A. Because I know how important feeling our feelings is to our health, I don't compromise on acknowledging my feelings. Any of my clients who have worked with me for years will tell you that I always say, " Awareness is 99% of everything." I believe in being aware of my inner self and the feelings that reside there, then actively give them the space to be expressed or released.

Q. Where do you get most of your health information?

A. Recently I have been working more closely with my Osteopath, so I would have to say that more is coming through her at this time. I also work with Medical Intuitive Christopher Stewart. He has guided me to new levels of healing and ways to provide my body with the nourishment its asking for.

Q. What single whole food or supplement has turned your health around the most?

A. Iron supplements, along with a good vitamin/ mineral regime. I was diagnosed with extreme anemia several months ago and the change in my energy level, focus and health has been dramatic since I began the supplementation.

Q. What is your favorite natural therapy?

A. Flower essences. I have been a flower essence practitioner for over 20 years and I feel very strongly about their healing effects of our energetic bodies (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual).

Now, as the word meme implies... I need to challenge other bloggers to take the ball and roll with it, answering the questions and passing it along.

I'm sending out the call to Fellow Carnival of Healing hosts:

Christopher Stewart, Medical Intuitive at Intuitive Living

Evelyn Rodriguez at Crossroad Dispatches

Elisa Camahort at Hip and Zen Pen

I'm also sending out the challenge to everyone reading this post. Please answer the 5 questions by posting a comment below...

Thanks!
Jaelin :)

nourishing meme, health, holistic healing

Living in transition...

2006-09-15T22:24:00.000-04:00

Since Wednesday, the day I 'changed my name', I have been feeling the waves of transformation sweeping me along. Jaelin Reece is emerging while 'Jodie Fster' is falling back and allowing the new energy to surface. It's an interesting ride...

I want to thank everyone who has sent me emails over the past few days with well wishes and congratulations. Many of you have sent stories of your own name change experiences. I am truly touched by the sharing and outpouring of support. Thank you!

While I know this change is feeling strange right now, it will sink in over time. I see how much the process is about embracing the new identity and releasing the constrictions of the previous identity.

Funny how much energy goes into our name. We see ourselves as the picture we have in our mind, and when that changes, a new picture is created. The new picture is like a canvas that we paint in layers. I can see that I have laid down the base color (I like the hot pink) and am deciding what color to use next. It will be a colorful work of art when I am completed.

I'm hoping for a masterpiece... :)

Blessings,
Jaelin

name change, changing name

Change Happens...

2006-09-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

Last month, I spoke about the many transformations that I had underway, and I mentioned there was still another big change coming. Well, I�m finally ready to announce it. I am changing my name.

No longer will I be Jodie Foster, a name that is shared with the actress. I have chosen the new name Jaelin K. Reece. While my reasons for the change are personal, it is connected to the major transformations that have been happening in my life. I have chosen to institute this change now because Wednesday, September 13th is my birthday and I felt it was only fitting to have the birth of a new name at the same time.

Over the next few weeks, you will see the changes reflected in my blog and website. While this is a big change, I know it will feel odd for a while. I ask you to bear with me as I make adjustments. For now, I will be signing my newsletters and email as Jaelin K. Reece (fka Jodie Foster). Fka stands for �formerly known as�.

Pluto, now termed a �dwarf� planet, went direct on Sept 4th. This means that it is now appearing to move forward once again. In its retrograde period, it seemed as if everyone was stagnating in the swamp of their own emotional baggage, trying to keep it hidden under the proverbial rug. Now with the direct motion of this planet, the transformations need to be made visible. The changes we have been working with to create are finally ready to be revealed, such as announcing my name change. It has been in the works for several months, but now is ready to be illuminated.

What major transformations have been happening within you that are ready to be revealed? Maybe you are planning a job change, or a move. Maybe you�ve been meaning to clean out the garage or basement and it�s finally become an insistent need pushing down on you. These are all actions of Pluto in motion.

Pluto by its very nature is about CHANGE. You can choose to ignore the changes needed, or face them with grace and courage. One way or another, the change will happen. Like the butterfly, you can choose to gracefully accept the transformative action and learn how to fly with a new sense of freedom, or you can be stubborn, do it the hard way and experience pain. Pluto�s main intention is to help you get in touch with your SELF. As one astrologer so beautifully put it, �And so many of us fear ourselves and what we don't know or realize/recognize about ourselves--so we entrench, we fight back, we refuse to budge.�

Think about your choices. Lay out all your options and simply take an action. Sometimes all that is required is just the act of taking a step, allowing the rest to fall into place because you have faith.

Sometimes it�s just about a leap of faith...

transformation, change, leap of faith

Just do it!

2006-09-08T21:46:00.000-04:00

Check out the Eight Irresistable Principles of Fun... you're worth it!

Would you take more risk?

2006-09-08T21:12:00.000-04:00

... if you knew you wouldn't fail? Fear of failing is one of the underlying causes of procrastination, albeit an unconscious one.

Success.com offers an article by Deon Du Plessis, creator of A Course of Action, a free e-course designed to empower you to break through your limitation, take action and transform your ideas into reality.

What would you attempt to do if you know you could not fail?
by Deon Du Plessis

"The fear of failure is probably one of the biggest reasons why most people never even start to pursue their dreams. This fear is not always a conscious fear but mostly an unconscious reaction that prevents you from taking the very actions that will lead to the achievement of your goals. What happens is that the majority of people never even start to pursue their dreams as the mountain of success seems too big to climb and the road to success too long to travel. So, they start finding excuses and blame their position on events and circumstances. For them, living an extraordinary life is something that is "given" to other "lucky" people. Even the few who do eventually draw the line and take responsibility for their destiny run into fear along the way. The way you deal with your fear will determine whether you "make it" or not.

The only way to eventually make any change in your life is to take action. Dreaming and hoping won't..." Read the full article

success, Personal Growth, Self Improvement

Phone Intuition?

2006-09-06T21:54:00.000-04:00

We've all had that experience of thinking about someone and they ring the phone calling you. Now someone has actually done research on it....

Telephone Telepathy-

Wed Sep 6, 11:36 AM ET

NORWICH (Reuters) - Many people have experienced the phenomenon of receiving a telephone call from someone shortly after thinking about them -- now a scientist says he has proof of what he calls telephone telepathy.

Rupert Sheldrake, whose research is funded by the respected Trinity College, Cambridge, said Tuesday he had conducted experiments that proved that such precognition existed for telephone calls and even e-mails.

Each person in the trials was asked to give researchers names and phone numbers of four relatives or friends. These were then called at random and told to ring the subject who had to identify the caller before answering the phone.

"The hit rate was 45 percent, well above the 25 percent you would have expected," he told the annual meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. "The odds against this being a chance effect are 1,000 billion to one."

He said he found the same result with people being asked to name one of four people sending them an e-mail before it had landed.

However, his sample was small on both trials -- just 63 people for the controlled telephone experiment and 50 for the email -- and only four subjects were actually filmed in the phone study and five in the email, prompting some skepticism.

Undeterred, Sheldrake -- who believes in the interconnectedness of all minds within a social grouping -- said that he was extending his experiments to see if the phenomenon also worked for mobile phone text messages.

intuition

Rules for the School of Life

2006-09-05T21:21:00.000-04:00

1. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life. Each day you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think your assignments are stupid and irrelevant but each one has a purpose that is special for you.

2. An assignment will be repeated until you have learned that lesson. Do you find yourself experiencing the same (unpleasant) event again and again? One of your current learning projects is to discover whatever you need to do so it either stops happening or no longer affects you .

3. New assignments and projects may appear before you are ready, but you will only learn from them when you are ready - If you are not, you will do whatever you need to do to avoid learning - That may be how it has to be for the present. Don�t worry, when you are truly ready they will be presented again.

4. Your assignments will be presented to you in various forms - There are no coincidences. Whatever is going on around you is happening today because it�s part of your lesson for today.

5. Any task that presents you with a difficult question will offer teachers to help you. The best teachers guide you towards a number of choices rather than one �right� answer. They will help you decide for yourself which answers will work best for you in the long run.

6. There are no mistakes, only lessons. - Growing is a process of experimenting, of trial and error. You can discover as much from a �failed� experiment as you can from the experiment that ultimately �works�.

7. Learning lessons does not end. - There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. Once you have learned one lesson you move on to the next one. If you are still alive, there are still new lessons to be learned.

8. Learning and growing means moving from �here� to �there�. - But once your last �there� has become your new �here�, you will be given another �there� that will again be better than �here�.

9. Others are mirrors of you. - If you love, desire, hate or reject something about another person it reflects something you love, desire, hate or reject about yourself. Learning to see this clearly is one of the greatest lessons of all.

10. The answers to Life�s problems are already inside you. All you need to do is look, listen and trust. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. What you make of your life is up to you and how you do it is your choice.

11. You will forget all this, until you realise that learning these rules is also one of your lessons.

~ Original author unknown

When you're ready to slow down...

2006-09-05T19:56:00.000-04:00

sit back and relax...

center yourself...

breathe deeply...

then visit these 2 sites...

Mezzowave

The Dash Movie

relaxation

Pluto goes Direct...

2006-09-02T17:18:00.000-04:00

Sept 4, 2006 - What does it mean? That the pressure we've been under is going to finally pop open! What a relief...

Eileen Nauman at MedicineGarden.com has laid it out for us.

She says, "On September 4, 2006 transiting (daily motion of a planet) Pluto goes DIRECT. At that time, it will be at 24 degrees of Sagittarius. We are now in the �shadow� period of it going direct and I dare say, rivets are popping loose on people�s lives, right, left and center. Big �aha�s!� are being made. Life-altering decisions are being considered RIGHT NOW. Decisions that WILL change your life will be determined shortly... " Read the full article

pluto, Astrology

a Love UpGrade

2006-08-31T22:02:00.000-04:00

INSTALLING LOVE

Tech Support: Yes, ... how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me though the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running ?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness.Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components " What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes a while, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you, God.

love, Relationships, Personal, self esteem

The quickening...

2006-08-30T21:35:00.000-04:00

"When we raise ourselves through meditation to what unites us with the spirit, we quicken something within us that is eternal and unlimited by birth and death. Once we have experienced this eternal part in us, we can no longer doubt its existence. Meditation is thus the way to knowing and beholding the eternal, indestructible, essential center of our being."

~Rudolf Steiner

meditation, Rudolph Steiner, spirit

You mean there's rules for being human?

2006-08-30T21:16:00.000-04:00

You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for as long as you live. How you take care of it or fail to take care of it can make an enormous difference in the quality of your life.

You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time, informal school called Life. Each day, you will be presented with opportunities to learn what you need to know. The lessons presented are often completely different from those you think you need.

There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error and experimentation. You can learn as much from failure as you can from success. Maybe more.

A lesson is repeated until it is learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it (as evidenced by a change in your attitude and ultimately your behavior) then you can go on to the next lesson.

Learning lessons does not end. There is no stage of life that does not contain some lessons. As long as you live there will be something more to learn.

�There� is no better than �here�. When your �there� has become a �here� you will simply discover another �there� that will again look better than your �here.� Don�t be fooled by believing that the unattainable is better than what you have.

Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself. When tempted to criticize others, ask yourself why you feel so strongly.

What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you create with those tools and resources is up to you. Remember that through desire, goal setting and unflagging effort you can have anything you want. Persistence is the key to success.

The answers lie inside of you. The solutions to all of life�s problems lie within your grasp. All you need to do is ask, look, listen and trust yourself.

life, being human

A Virgo in a Virgo New Moon....

2006-08-28T21:24:00.000-04:00

... what to do... what to do? And there's going to be 2 Virgo New Moons back to back... ohhh the perfectionism...

Astrologer April Kent has posted her thoughts at Moon Circles. I always enjoy her musings...

She comments, "When you get right down to it, life is a grand mess - and in fact, it�s kind of beautiful that way. Maybe everything is already perfect, just as it is, and your only job is to figure out your place in it, and to do the best you can with what we�ve been given. Become better, urges Virgo; more useful. Be of optimal service. Figure out what the world needs from you, and organize your life in such a way that you�re able to give it. If we orient ourselves in that way, I can�t help but think Virgo will be pleased with us - no matter how messy our houses, how unbalanced our checkbook, or how abundant our cellulite."

Read the full article

new moon, Astrology

An Oldie, but a Goodie...

2006-08-26T12:23:00.000-04:00

I had the feeling this morning that I should reprint this article about choosing happiness. With all the turmoil in the world, it's important to remember that we can choose to create our own happiness. We do not need to be immersed in mass consciousness.

Think about what you choose...

Choosing Happiness

Did you know that it�s up to you?

It�s actually your choice.

You can choose to be happy instead of waiting around for it to suddenly appear out of nowhere one day and land in your lap. Happiness is called upon and cultivated.

Now keep in mind, this is my personal perspective of happiness. You might have a different view. Everyone has a unique view point, especially where emotion is concerned. But, nonetheless, I like my outlook on happiness. It helps me to see that I am the creator of my own thoughts and state of mind. It is my choice what feeling I choose to have on any given day. This does not mean I don�t go with the flow of feelings, but that I can choose at any given moment to change what it is I desire.

For example, if I am having a hectic day, and I do have my share, I can choose to be breathless with activity or I can remind myself to stop and choose to be calm. I can go out for a walk and embrace the beauty that surrounds me and choose to experience that aesthetic as appreciation, gratitude, joy or numbness. I can choose to vacate and disconnect from my feelings, I can space out and be oblivious, or I can call upon the grace of the moment and be one with the beauty.

These are all options.

I think we as a society, collectively lose sight of how powerfull we really are. I mean really full of power. We have the power to choose. It is something we are born with.

No one has the power to take that away from us. It is our birthright.

The key to owning that power fully, is to accept that you are a rightful heir to it. Knowing that you are empowered within to choose your emotion, to choose how you respond or react to something, is all up to you. It is all choice.

Many times, our childhood experiences and life learning gear us away from our power. We learned to give it all away, to quietly accept whatever happens to us, without question, without standing up and saying �No!� We have become a passive society of powerless and uninspired automatons, going along with the crowd. It�s a sad state of affairs that we have been raised in. Somewhere along the line, a standard was laid out and we are �expected� to magically meet this invisible �standard� by compromising and living according to someone else�s perspectives. Where is the happiness in that?

I guess that leads me back to my original statement.

Choosing happiness is a choice.

Anytime you choose, you are making a decision. You are engaging your power.

Think about how you are feeling right now. How long has it been since you chose what you wanted to feel?

I am not suggesting that you go into a state of denial if you are in trauma, but I am suggesting that you insert a new option for yourself. Instead of sitting in pain, decide for 10 minutes that you will focus on happiness.

How does it make you feel? Are you lighter? Was a burden lifted? Even if it was a mere 10 minutes, it was a starting point. It was a choice. Would you rather go through life choosing happiness and drawing happy experiences to you, or by sitting in pain and expecting the worst, thereby feeling the worst?

It is still a choice.

It is your choice.

I ask only that this stirs a thought within you. It is my hope that you will look at the power you possess and carpe diem � seize the day! Make a choice! Choose to experience happiness in your life.

It�s all up to you.

Enjoy � or not- it�s your choice.

� 2004 Jodie Foster

happiness, Life

Significant Changes now til 2012

2006-08-25T09:41:00.000-04:00

With all the talk about Pluto these past two weeks, I thought I would point out that Pluto plays a key role in the deep transformation that everyone is experiencing right now.

Astrologer Maya del Mar had written the article, The Road to 2012 , back in April, but decided to rerun it in August because the timing is so fitting.

She talks about the upcoming astrological highlights and the planetary effects we will be experiencing between now and 2012. Because the key players in these astrological transits are the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto (now called a dwarf planet), the affects are universal, meaning they affect society at large.

As many of you know, the year 2012 has been predominent in prophecy and is the time when the Mayan calendar ends. According to Maya,

"The three outer slow-moving planets form the backdrop for these times. These planets are Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus. They are the energies which correspond with deep changes in consciousness, and major social change. They are makers of history.

Pluto, for example, has a 250-year orbit, which means it energizes any given degree of the zodiac only once every 250 years. Think of a Pluto cycle starting on any given degree of the 360-degree zodiac. 250 times 360 means that it takes at least 90,000 years to complete Pluto�s cycles through the zodiac. I call Pluto the Lord of Evolution. Birth and death are his realms.

In addition, the combination of the cycles of the three outer planets is always different. We can see that the outer planets take us into new spaces and unknown places.

These outer planets are in a special space right now. Since Pluto entered Sagittarius (the sign of religion) in 1996, all three of the outer planets are traveling through universal signs...."

Read Maya's full article

Pluto, Solar System, astrology, 2012, Prophecy

Once there was Nine...

2006-08-24T16:30:00.000-04:00

Our solar system is now a mere 8 planets with 4 'dwarf planets', say 2500 astronomers meeting in Prague today. Here I was thinking they would be adding 3 planets- Ceres, Charon & Xena. Now they've subtracted one instead!

"The International Astronomical Union's (IAU) decision means textbooks will now have to describe a Solar System with just eight major planetary bodies. " according to the latest BBC news brief. Read the full article

Here's the latest picture:

This decision has already stirred a lot of controversy.

What effects do you think it will have beyond the need to change textbooks??

pluto, Pluto Solar System, Astronomy, planet

Want to play Secret Psychic?

2006-08-23T20:32:00.000-04:00

This is an interesting post from a newsletter I received this week from Mark at 12house.com . It's a cool idea for people who work together....

The Secret Psychic

My staff and I started something last month that has been unbelievable in its effect and I thought that you might see if a variation of this could work in your office, home, or with your personal group of friends.

I've always been touched by the idea of Secret Santa, an office tradition where someone doesn't let you know that they are your Santa and they sneak little treats to your office. Now the truth is, I worked for The State, an entity that doesn't necessarily engender generosity, so my gifts were often little pieces of hard candy but it's the thought that counts (of course my thoughts didn't count because they were often so cruelly judgmental but as is typical, I digress). The Point is, with the Secret Santa, regardless of the gift, was a reminder that someone had their eye on us. It was a sweet idea so we took it just a little further.Here at The Twelfth House (yes, we are a real store in Denver), my staff and I invented a game called The Secret Psychic.

Here's how it works:

FIRST PICK A NAME:
You put everyone's name in a bowl on paper that you can burn later (we use Flash Paper). Each person carefully and privately picks a name ( you must be sure that NO ONE sees the name you pull except you!). This is going to be the person for whom you will be the secret psychic. Your job is to silently intend that the person gets their goal. You help by seeing them as already having achieved it in everything they do.

THEN STATE YOUR GOAL:
Each person in the group announces aloud what they would like to achieve in the next 30 days. It could be anything but the goals should be sincere. It's okay if someone took notes to summarize the goals of each person. Listen carefully to the goals of the person who's name you chose."

NOW DESTROY YOUR NAME:
Carefully burn or destroy the name you pulled with the intention that you will 'Join with that person's goals to see that they are fulfilled'.

You can vary your directions but here's our rules:

You will NEVER divulge whose name you have. Not before, during or AFTER the 'game'. This encourages our egos to remain out of the loop and fosters love without agenda. If you pull your own name, you keep it (assuming that you need to keep your focus on you).

For the next 30 days you will simply hold an intention that BOTH you and the name you pulled get their desire. (You must put your own desire in that goal.) Have someone send the list of goals around so that everyone can be refreshed as to the desires (we sent ours by email). Certainly, just because I didn't pull Betty's name doesn't mean I can't visualize her success. Meet again in 30 days to review, share and draw new names!

Miraculous things started to happen here. Starting simply with the level of love that started to emerge (but people started sharing breakthroughs right away). Certainly, there are a million reasons NOT to participate in this. Some people don't trust anyone to support them, so why not make that one of your 30 day goals and start playing? In fact, I can already see you in your bliss!

psychic, affirmation, intention

Virgo New Moon

2006-08-23T14:48:00.000-04:00

Intuitive Living blog has posted this month's New Moon forecast by astrologer Stephanie Austin of EcoAstrology.com

"The last Full Moon illuminated the heights of our dreams and the depths of our shadows; the next New Moon, which forms on Wednesday, August 23rd at 1 degree Virgo, focuses our attention on the spiritual goals of Virgo: humility, discernment, and service. Humility is not self-effacement, but simply knowing and living who we really are. Discernment is the ability to distinguish what is relevant and efficacious--for this moment, this person, this situation. Service is the end product of humility and discernment--the capacity to make a difference..." Read the Full Post

new moon, Astrology,

Finding & Sustaining True Love

2006-08-22T11:15:00.000-04:00

Here are the rules for finding and sustaining true love

1. You must love yourself first.
Your relationship with yourself is the central template from which all others are formed.
Loving yourself is a prerequisite to creating a successful and authentic union.
How you perceive and treat yourself is how others will perceive and treat you.

2. Partnering is a choice.
The choice to be in a relationship is up to you.
You have the ability to attract your beloved and cause the relationship you desire to happen.

3. Creating love is a process.
Moving from "I" to "we" requires a shift in perspective and energy. Being an authentic couple is an evolution, from connection to commitment.

4. Relationships provide opportunities to grow.
Your relationship will serve as an unofficial "lifeshop" in which you will learn about yourself and how you can grow on your personal path.

5. Communication is essential.
The open exchange of thoughts and feelings is the lifeblood of your relationship.

6. Negotiation will be required.
There will be times when you and your partner must work through impasses.
If you do this consciously and with respect, you will learn to create win-win outcomes.

7. Your relationship will be challenged by change.
Life will present twists and turns in the road.
How you handle those obstacles determines the success of your relationship.

8. You must nurture the relationship for it to thrive.
Treasure your beloved and your relationship will flourish.
Avoid taking your love for granted; devote time, energy and attention to your connection.

9. Renewal is the key to longevity.
"Happily ever after" means the ability to keep the relationship fresh and vital, through humor, imagination, and spontaneity.

10. You will forget all this the moment you fall in love.
You know all these rules inherently; the challenge is to remember them when you fall under the enchanting spell of love.

Author Unknown...

9, 12, 53 ~ Which is it??

2006-08-18T21:53:00.000-04:00

Astronomers can't seem to make up their mind.

What IS a planet?

The proposed 12 planet system

According to Space.com:

"The tally of planets in our solar system would jump instantly to a dozen under a highly controversial new definition proposed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Eventually there would be hundreds as more round objects are found beyond Neptune.
The proposal, which sources tell SPACE.com is gaining broad support, tries to plug a big gap in astronomy textbooks, which have never had a definition for the word "planet." It addresses discoveries of Pluto-sized worlds that have in recent years pitched astronomers into heated debates over terminology.

The asteroid Ceres, which is round, would be recast as a dwarf planet in the new scheme.
Pluto would remain a planet and its moon Charon would be reclassified as a planet. Both would be called "plutons," however, to distinguish them from the eight "classical" planets.
A far-out Pluto-sized object known as 2003 UB313 would also be called a pluton.
That would make Caltech researcher Mike Brown, who found 2003 UB313, formally the discoverer of the 12th planet. But he thinks it's a lousy idea.

"It's flattering to be considered discoverer of the 12th planet," Brown said in a telephone interview. He applauded the committee's efforts but said the overall proposal is "a complete mess." By his count, the definition means there are already 53 known planets in our solar system with countless more to be discovered... " Read the Full Article

planets, PLUTO, Astronomy, solar system

Beauty in the fields...

2006-08-18T21:26:00.000-04:00

Crop Circle
August 6, 2006

Blowingstone Hill
Oxfordshire, UK

Visit Crop Circle Connector for more amazing photos

of this month's crop circles.

crop circles, crop circle

Transformation: React, Resist or Respond

2006-08-17T20:19:00.000-04:00

Transformation is evolution. We do not control transformation, or instigate it. It comes in its natural cycle, uninterrupted by daily life events. It does however demand our attention. It stirs from deep within our being and has an insistent demeanor that permeates our thoughts, actions and emotions.

How we respond to transformation however, is up to us. We may choose to react, resist or respond. Reacting comes from an instinct propagated by fear. That fear can cause emotional outbursts, frustration, anger and resistance to change.

When transformation or change is taking place, we move from the known to the unknown. When this happens, fear may arise. Even if we are transforming from an uncomfortable place within, however, it was familiar and we knew the boundaries.

When we face the unknown, fear may surge from within causing gripping or grasping actions within the body. Its resistance can lock tight in the muscles and a general feeling of heaviness descends over the body. Joints become stiff and achy, fatigue is extremely noticeable. Its as if the body as come to a halt. You are no longer flowing. The fear has triumphed in that moment. It is the victor and you have become the victim.

Choosing to respond has a different feel and involves action versus stagnation. Taking responsibility for the transformation creates a relationship with the moving, changing energy. You see it, observe it, take it in and embrace it. It is then that you can formulate a response to it. You are opening to work with the flow of the new energies. You didn't hold yourself back, fearing what lies on the other side. You showed courage in the face of the unknown. This makes the transition smooth, unencumbered by the fear. Every day of our existence we are evolving. Choosing to evolve with ease and grace makes the experience more exciting and an enjoyable adventure. Is it really worth it in the long run to sit and hold on to our fears?

I think not today.

Today I choose the easy path.

Tomorrow I can choose again.

� 2006 Jodie Foster

transformation, self help

Time to Reinvent Yourself?

2006-08-16T21:46:00.000-04:00

The About.com Exercise Guide, Paige Waehner has an interesting blog post today. She asks if its time to reinvent yourself.

She says, " We all lose our way from time to time on the way to our fitness goals. Sometimes it's because life gets in the way - you get sick, move, get a new job or just get busy - and sometimes you just lose interest in what you're doing. If you're like me, you may keep trying to force yourself into an old routine that just isn't working anymore...don't we all go back to what's familiar and safe? ..."

As I read this, I thought about how true it is for all areas of our life, not just our exercise routines. We can lose our way to any of our goals. The key to reinventing yourself, as I see it, is AWARENESS.

Looking into the mirror, doing some soul searching and paying attention to the reflections presented by others in your life all requires your conscious awareness. Without awareness, you can float through life in a perpetual state of denial, numbness or obliviousness.

Does this sound like you?

Is it time to become aware?

Is it time to reinvent yourself?

exercise, Fitness, Health and wellness

Money as a Spiritual Practice?

2006-08-15T20:42:00.000-04:00

Joan Sotkin's from Prosperity Place included a useful article in the latest issue of her newsletter about our relationship with money as a form of spiritual practice.

She says, "If you think a lot about money and have strong money feelings, then why not take your money thoughts and feelings and let them work for you in a positive way that will lead you on a path to self-knowledge and inner development. You can use money and how you deal with it to help you understand the laws of creation and to help you become a co-creator with the Universal Force."

She offers several suggestions in her article: Using Money As a Spiritual Practice

money, spiritual practice, prosperity

Solar Closeup

2006-08-14T23:02:00.000-04:00

I guess I'm on a fire kick tonight...

The Sharpest View of the Sun

This stunning image shows remarkable and mysterious details near the dark central region of a planet-sized sunspot in one of the sharpest views ever of the surface of the Sun

Credit: SST, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

sun, astronomy, NASA

Rainbow on Fire...

2006-08-14T22:05:00.000-04:00

It looks like a rainbow that's been set on fire, but this phenomenon is as cold as ice.

Known in the weather world as a circumhorizontal arc, this rare sight was caught on film on June 3 as it hung over northern Idaho near the Washington State border.

The arc isn't a rainbow in the traditional sense�it is caused by light passing through wispy, high-altitude cirrus clouds. The sight occurs only when the sun is very high in the sky (more than 58� above the horizon). What's more, the hexagonal ice crystals that make up cirrus clouds must be shaped like thick plates with their faces parallel to the ground.

When light enters through a vertical side face of such an ice crystal and leaves from the bottom face, it refracts, or bends, in the same way that light passes through a prism. If a cirrus's crystals are aligned just in right, the whole cloud lights up in a spectrum of colors. This particular arc spanned several hundred square miles of sky and lasted for about an hour, according to the London Daily Mail.

When light enters through a vertical side face of such an ice crystal and leaves from the bottom face, it refracts, or bends, in the same way that light passes through a prism. If a cirrus's crystals are aligned just right, the whole cloud lights up in a spectrum of colors.

This particular arc spanned several hundred square miles of sky and lasted for about an hour, according to the London Daily Mail. June 19, 2006�

Are Pink Bras Contagious?

2006-08-11T18:19:00.000-04:00

Yup, the pink bra is back! It's contagious....

Darcy at Prosperity Happens blog stopped by, spotted my post about color and emotion featuring the pink bra hanging in the breeze and she was hooked! You can read her comments under that post..

So, what did Darcy do with her inspirtation and giggles? She wrote a long post in her blog about it and suggested making Joy Journals... What a COOL IDEA!

She says, "I just absolutely loved this picture she put up with this pink bra hangin' in the wind. I don't know what it is but this picture just makes me smile with joy and incites feelings of happy freedom. And...it got me thinking more about joy...

...It's kind of like a dream journal or dream board but you just put pictures in it that make you smile or give you happy buzzy feelings... or even warm fuzzy feelings (I'm leaning towards happy buzzy... feel the difference between happy buzzy and warm fuzzy?). You could put pictures of anything....family pictures, pictures from magazines...pictures you print off the web... or you can even put words. If daisies make you smile you could even put a pressed daisy in it. "

Read Darcy's full post

So, after reading this I began to think that pink bras hanging in the breeze on a sunny day might stir all sorts of thoughts and feelings... joy, silliness, sensuality, playfulness, and more. And just think, pink bras may be contagious... maybe everyone will giggle when they see one hanging on a clothesline on a sunny day... :)

What makes you giggle with joy?

Think about it and make your own Joy Journal.

joy, happiness, Fun

Full Moon opposition shaking things up

2006-08-09T22:14:00.000-04:00

Jeffrey Kishner at Lunar Tunes has posted a look at today's Aquarius Full Moon....

"OK, boys and girls. It's here ... the Saturn-Neptune opposition! It's all astrologers will talk about for months. Saturn is the planet of reality, and Neptune is the planet of fantasy. There are many permutations of how this planetary opposition will manifest.

When these two planets face off:

We have difficulty turning our dreams into reality
We try to transcend our limitations
We become disenchanted ... our illusions are busted
Structures in our life dissolve
We have problems with water, gas and viruses

This opposition between Saturn in Leo and Neptune in Aquarius (which will last through next summer) is tightly conjunct "..... Read the Full Post

full moon, astrology

The pink bra says it all....

2006-08-06T18:15:00.000-04:00

Today someone asked me what my favorite color was. I had to stop and think about it for a moment. I guess I don't have one particular color I gravitate to. I like magenta and deep blues, but greens are nice and I look good in a deep coral color. My youngest brother has always been very clear on his choice of green and my Dad thinks everything in the world should be blue. Of course, he's color blind and blue is really the only color he can make out- so I suppose it's only normal that it would be his favorite color.

I used to rent the bottom floor apartment of an old farmhouse. It had layers of wallpaper on the walls that was dated back into the fifties. As we peeled the layers we could see how the styles had changed. When I finaly got to the wall, after much repair and priming, I finally painted. I made it my own with light green walls in the living room, a nice violet shade in the halls and a beautiful blue in the kitchen. In my healing room I used reds, oranges and yellows sponged into a treatment on the walls that looked like fire. It was wonderful! It seemed that the moment I was finally finished painting all the rooms just the way I wanted them, the house was turned over to a new owner and I moved.

I often think about that house and reflect on my painted rooms. I kinda miss them... It's like this great photo of the pink bra hanging in the breeze. Dare to be bold. Dare to wear what color feels right to you!

I found an interesting article on The Psychology of Color by David Johnson. While it doesn't follow chakra color associations, it is an interesting view of why we might be drawn to particular colors. Color also affects our emotions.

color, chakras

You Can Wear Goggles if You Want to...

2006-08-03T23:46:00.000-04:00

I came across a wonderful post that I wanted to share. It's about showing up in the world and daring to be fully who you are in every moment.

You Can Wear Goggles if You Want To

"Last week after lunch I was driving through a quiet neighborhood admiring the homes, when suddenly a woman in a bathing suit and flip flops, a towel wrapped around her waist, stepped into the street with a stop sign in her hand.

I looked around. No school in sight, certainly no crossing guard uniform, but this was definitely an official stop sign. So I dutifully stopped, curious to see what would happen. Within seconds I was rewarded by the sight of a long line of 6-year olds, walking hand-in-hand, two-by-two, dressed in all kinds of swimming attire.

As they trooped across the street, I was struck by how individually each child was dressed. Here came a girl with short dark hair, sporting a pair of cowboy boots and a smart two piece bikini; there was a tiny boy with manly boxer trunks, planets all over them; next a boy wearing light-up sneakers, and a girl with old-fashioned white sandals.

But the most arresting sight to me was a little long-haired blonde girl in a one-piece no nonsense bathing suit, the curls of her hair peeking out from beneath the straps of bright blue swim goggles. The goggles firmly in place on her face, eyes intensely peering through the blue lenses, she walked with clear purpose, looking ahead to their destination: the gate in a fence on the opposite corner.

OK, now stop right here and answer this:

When was the last time you marched across a city street, wearing only your bathing suit, hand-in-hand with someone who may or may not be your best friend, WITH YOUR SWIM GOGGLES ON? And ditto for wearing your cowboy boots with whatever you pleased or insisting that every piece of clothing you own has planets on it.

Well, you may have graced the neighborhood with your unique outfit just last night, but I haven't had the occasion to do so recently. Seeing those kids got something going in me.

First, I was definitely jealous. I remember having a major fight with my mother and being late for kindergarten because I wanted to wear my frilly dress-up socks to school and she adamantly refused to let me. Goggles would have blown her mind.

But the whole energy wasn't really about socks vs. goggles, of course. Something much bigger was grabbing my attention here. What was so appealing?

Here it is:

These children were expressing themselves, unselfconsciously and with freedom. They were walking in the world, living in the moment, looking forward to a great swim. They had staked their claim about who they were and were wearing the clothes to reflect it. And they had no awareness that".....

Read the Full Post

When it seems you journey alone...

2006-08-02T20:41:00.000-04:00

... do you really?

I was asked this question recently:

"Jodie, I was wondering if you might do a post about people who don't really have any families or relations or if they do there is no "love or bond" or caring whatsoever and we are on our own struggling to just survive and live each day without any help or understanding or friends nearby,etc..fear of becoming homeless soon....how to deal with this?"

It can be a challenging life path, no doubt. In times of perceived aloneness, it is important to remember that there is a world of spirit that walks with you. Know that your guides and angels are your family and your loved ones as well. You never walk alone. I often think about the poem "Footprints" when someone faces these feelings.

It is also important to work with your root chakra which is the base of our energy body. The root chakra is our connection to the earth and is our foundation in this lifetime. It centers around survival issues and our connection to the Mother. At the same time, look to the crown chakra as the connection to the Above, or Father energy. It is these two chakras that are our support system. I suggest reading the book Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith for helpful information regarding the emotional issues that may reside in each of these chakras.

My sense is also that you have experienced past lifetimes where you were sequestered and kept in isolation. It is therefore difficult for you to reach out and trust that others are worthy of your trust, and actually care about you. I know how hard it can be to reach out, and the internet has made communicating with others somewhat easier, but it is necessary to ask others for help. In this current lifetime it is your time to overcome your distrust.

Speaking with your guides and with others that understand your journey, you will find that you are not alone, or sequestered in this present time. In this life you are free. You are a beautiful soul and have so much to offer. Begin by acknowledging that you are valuable and worthy of not only loving yourself, but of being loved and respected by others. You are no longer a servant, or leper. You are a beautiful, whole being capable of much love and equally as worthy of that love.

Know that you have a home within your body and on this earth. Connect with others and ask for help. Contemplate a move, or maybe a roommate which would help conquer some of the aloneness.

Above all else... trust yourself to make good choices and trust that the universe is helping you and supporting you every step of the way...

My Blessings to you!

Jodie

past lives, chakras, Healing, footprints

August 1~ Unresolved issues coming to light

2006-07-31T23:28:00.000-04:00

This month begins with Jupiter (10 Scorpio) nearly exactly square the Sun (9 Leo) and square Chiron (7 Aquarius). The Moon joins Jupiter tomorrow (though visually very near Jupiter tonight) forming aspects with both the Sun and Chiron. The Moon is a catalyst to these forming energies especially when we are acting through passionate aliveness and the willingness to live beyond our current edges. Many have felt stretched far past any familiar edges in recent months, facilitating deep inner and outer changes giving us opportunities to expand and grow beyond previously known territory. All unresolved shadow issues will continue surfacing for acknowledgment and loving release. Denial becomes more and more painful to continue as we are being called to release it through acceptance and forgiveness.

from August 2006
Celestial Timings
by Cayelin K. Castell

Shamanic Astrology

astrology

#48 Carnival of Healing- A Peace Prayer

2006-07-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

With more chaos and fighting breaking out in the Middle East and beyond, my heart goes out to the innocents who are having their lives ended or ripped apart by the blasts. So many homeless, so many hurt. Putting aside the politics involved, let�s look at the lives being lost. Mothers and wives want their soldiers to return home, children expect to have homes to return to. This 48th edition of the Carnival of Healing is a Peace Prayer for them - A Carnival of Global Healing.

The blog world is filled with people�s thoughts and political opinions, but that is not our mission. Our mission today is one of prayer. We do not always understand what higher meaning may exist within the actions of others, but we can understand that we have the ability to communicate on a global scale and join forces of our own in prayers of peace.

Rallies around the globe call for peace and ceasefire. The pope calls for all followers to implore from God the "precious gift of peace", while another man in Virgina is arrested for wearing a peace t-shirt. Where does common sense end and senselessness begin? With an obvious picture that shows us a great need for joining together in prayer. Christopher at Intuitive Living reminds us that we are all alike in front of the Almighty.

How do we pray? As unique as we each are, so are our ways to pray. Prayer does not need to conform to a specific set of rules, or only happen in a church, synagogue, temple, or facing Mecca. While all those methods of prayer are sacred, so is a simple whisper asking for help, or lighting a candle with intention. There are many ways to pray.

There is a field
Out beyond ideas of wrong doing

and right doing there is a field.

I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass

the world is too full to talk about.
~ Rumi

Mevlana who is also known as Rumi, was a philosopher and mystic of Islam, but not a Muslim of the orthodox type. His doctrine advocates unlimited tolerance, positive reasoning, goodness, charity and awareness through love. To him and to his disciples all religions are more or less truth. Looking with the same eye on Muslim, Jew and Christian alike, his peaceful and tolerant teaching has appealed to people of all sects and creeds.

Listening in silence , we can open our minds and hearts to feel the peace within that we are asking for. The Street Prophets offer a Prayer Closet for anyone to post their prayer request so that all may add their good energies and intentions. �I welcome all people to join in as the power of prayer/good energy is undeniable. If you have any favorite prayers or passages or quotes or meditations, please send them.� Woodsong offers a Hummingbird prayer.

Prayers stretch across time, adding to Eclectic Itchings' exploration of what evangelical Christians can learn from esoteric movements like Wicca, NeoGnosticism, Yoga and Zen. Does prayer exist beyond dogma, beyond words? Maybe it�s simply about Attention and Intention.

Science Musings blog writes about Attention being the highest form of prayer:

"In the 'prayer of the heart' we seek first of all the deepest ground of our identity in G_d. We do not reason about dogmas of faith, or 'the mysteries.' We seek rather to gain a direct existential grasp, a personal experience of the deepest truths of life and faith." A quote by Thomas Merton, he continues, "We discern this truth in direct and simple attention to reality."

"Intention is a powerful tool in the acceleration of personal evolution, because our intentions change the way the world responds to us. Just as a water crystal is affected by the energies around it, the world is affected by the intentions we have for giving and receiving from it. Strong, coherent intentions have a resonance. They induce a response in the world from everything that has a similar quality-the world literally sings a song to us as we walk through it!

It is this vibrational relationship with the world that creates synchronicity. People, resources, and events seemingly appear from nowhere to respond to, and connect with, our intentions. It is this flood of connections that allows highly-intentional people, and highly-intentional organizations, to create in really big ways." � from The Savvy Quester by Kevin Kaiser.

In prayer, take someone's hand and listen in silence, open your heart and ask for peace. It is with my deepest intentions that I offer my prayers for peace, and I ask everyone that reads this Carnival of Healing to post a comment, a thought, a prayer, or an intention below so that our energies combine to create a vibration of global healing.

With Many Blessings and Prayers for Peace & Global Healing,

Jodie

The last Carnival of Healing was hosted about healing.about.com . The next edition is looking for a someone to host. If you are interested please visit the Carnival of Healing home page and Volunteer to host.

carnival of healing, healing carnival, global healing, prayer, peace, Middle East

Blog Peace Prayer

2006-07-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

A Stop the War blog protest rally is taking place at Truthseekers blog. My blogging friend Rhi has started this blog protest in response to all that has been happening in the world as of late. The death toll mounts as so many innocents pay the price for the crimes of the few.

Instead of adding another protest here, I will suggest you visit Rhi's blog to add your commentary in protest. What I would like to do here is to create a Blog Peace Prayer. I would ask each of you to please post your comment below, adding your thoughts and prayers of peace to descend over the Middle East. As many gather to send the vibration of peace, the energy that is radiated into that part of the world will begin to grow.

My Blog Peace Prayer:

I call upon the angels and all the love of heaven to guide these souls in bringing peace into their hearts. I ask that the children be safe and protected from the devastation of the crimes, and that their mothers be held in love to nurture and nourish them. I pray for all those who are in the path of harm, that they are lifted into safety and be wrapped with your loving wings.

And for all those souls who decide this fate, I ask that their guiding angels clear their thoughts and open their hearts to see what devastation they deliver. I ask that your love and guiding wisdom bring them to the awareness of peace and the knowledge that war and death is not the answer.

I call upon the Divine Mother to wrap your loving arms around this area of the world, bringing your nurturing warmth and radiance to the Middle East. I pray for resolution and peace, so that all may find home once again.

Blessings and Light... Amen.

war, Middle East, Iraq, israel, lebanon, News

Intuition- Tune in or Tune out?

2006-07-26T19:10:00.000-04:00

Tune in to your intuition
Posted on Mon, Jul. 24, 2006

Wouldn�t it be great to know what you should do, no matter what the circumstance? In the July issue of Prevention magazine, Sarah Mahoney�s article �Going With Your Gut� offers tips for developing intuition, the ability to know things without immediate logical processing:

�Guess: Predict which grocery store checkout line is the fastest or try to figure out what a movie�s about with the sound turned off.

�Laugh at your mistakes: Humor stimulates the part of the brain linked to intuition.

�Chill out: Calm down with meditation, prayer or yoga.

�Ask others: Compare your gut feelings with the judgment of a friend or co-worker.

�Limit your logic: Study a problem for a while but not forever. Then let it go and forget about it. An answer may come to you later in the form of a feeling or a dream.

Connie Post, Dayton Daily News

intuition

Ways to Increase your Focus

2006-07-19T17:18:00.000-04:00

Remaining focused on positive outcomes and intentions delivers a powerful message to the Universe and to your own Higher Self stating what you want in your life.

Here are some resources you may find helpful to increase your focus:

Tips for Using Affirmations

Putting in your Order... be Concise

I'll take some Harmony please...

Taking it Step by Step

When Power is False

affirmations, positive thinking, Self Improvement

A new look...

2006-07-18T19:59:00.000-04:00

My website, Illuminations has been redesigned- take a moment and stop by!

www.IlluminationsNetwork.com

World Turmoil & Reality Shifts

2006-07-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I received an email asking me to speak on the turmoil that is happening in the world.

Julie writes, " Why is it the leaders (prime ministers, presidents etc) who are in a position to do good, act like school kids, and argue and do not give in - when they are in such a wonderful situation where world peace could happen?"

Thank you Julie...

With the conflicts taking place on a global scale, it may feel as if you have no say in what is happening, and can affect no change. I disagree.

We each have the ability to hold the vibration of peace and unity within our bodies and energy field. This vibraion, when combined with others around the world holding the same vibration, can affect the feeling state of the entire globe.

Fear lowers our vibration and can cause wide spread panic when it is fueled out to the masses, like the President's consistent reminder of fear and terrorism. When anyone lives in fear, the need to control others becomes primary. Just think about times when you have felt insecure and out of control. Haven't you reached out, attempting to grasp onto anything that makes you feel in control and safe once again?

Power and insecurity can exist in the solar plexus chakra. When people, such as the President live mostly from their solar plexus, they live their life all about power and control fueled by fear. Unfortunately when people 'in charge' in the government are ruled by this, the country suffers their fears.

Many of you have evolved higher in your consciousness and energetic vibration. You have moved into your heart chakra and are developing your throat chakra and third eye. I have found that while we exist in higher vibrations, it is important to acknowledge that not everyone has reached that stage in their evolution yet. Institutions like the government are still ruled by the very mental solar plexus. If we continue to raise our vibrations and send that energy out into these institutions and into the areas where conflict is taking place, we may begin to affect a shift in energy.

The Lipstick Mystic has a potent message for the turmoil happening in our world today.

She says, " As crazy events kick up around the world, it's more important than ever for us to maintain our focus on peace and healing. Your thoughts, emotions, and the very vibration you hold in your body can create a huge difference in the world."

Her article is a good reminder:

Reality Shifts and Prayers for Peace

During times of political upheaval and international stress, when tempers seem to be running short and the future of the world appears to hang in the balance, it's important to realize how much power YOU have to affect events around you in a positive way.

Usually, we can observe this in small, personal ways. For instance, have you ever had a day when you were in the best mood EVER and everything around you seemed to flow like magic? You truly felt bullet-proof as your confident attitude seemed to generate waves of success. Who knows - you probably WERE bullet-proof!

And chances are you've experienced the opposite, too. You've had times when you felt downhearted, discouraged, perhaps even a little paranoid about all the evil you perceived in the world. As the vibration of fear picked up within your cells and you allowed chaos to overtake you - sure enough - chaotic things started happening all around you. Somebody cut in front of your car during rush hour, nearly causing a serious accident. Coworkers seemed to be in unusually grumpy moods, and you noticed more disruption within your own family after you got home. It was like your inner world (chaos-based) totally mirrored your outer one.

Well, quantum physics is slowly but surely verifying what metaphysical types have been saying for ages: the vibration that you hold within your own mind and body will be a direct reflection of what you see manifesting in the world around you.

Now, the trick is not to allow yourself to get caught up in feelings of hopelessness, fear or despair just because others on the world stage need to be playing out these tired old games of doom. Because you, my dears, are creatures of light, and your origin is a universe of love and peace.
And if you're anything like me, you've long felt that your "mission" here (if you choose to accept it!) is to anchor those vibrations of peace onto this lovely planet, a troubled yet glorious world of great potential and tremendous opportunity.

So, I felt inspired to write to you all today and share my hopes that you will join with me in spending five, maybe ten minutes a day consciously anchoring energies of love, peace, and balance on this Earth�..not just for yourselves and your loved ones, who certainly deserve peace, but for all those people, animals, and plants in other parts of the world who need your prayers right now.

A prayer is actually a feeling-state, a vibration that you hold within your cells, that you project out into the world. It's not so much a request to a divine deity or spiritual creator, although it can certainly be helpful invoking the help of those who are so much wiser than us!

A prayer is really a form of conscious creation or "white magic" where you boldly step up to the plate as a being of power and start creating a reality shift to something better, brighter, and more beautiful��holding that frequency and joining with others who are holding it, so that we all create something NEW here on Earth�

Something beautiful. Something lovely. Something glorious.

So as your attention gets pulled to violent or hopeless images being broadcast in the media right now, and as your heart feels compassion for those in Lebanon, Israel, Korea, the Middle East, Sudan, and other troubled places, realize that you CAN do something. You can send them the vibration of healing and love. And you can set the intention that their leaders and citizens "catch" this vibration and ride it in a sudden wave of sweeping change�

Change that resonates with the deepest aspects of Spirit and anchors a new reality here on this great planet.

So how about it - are you with me?

A good time to set vibrations of loving peace is when you yourself are feeling peaceful. For some people, the early hours of the morning are a great time. For others, those moments before you drift off to sleep at night are a good window of opportunity. You can even do it before or after an afternoon nap or during your morning yoga session or weekend Mass attendance.

Just try it. It will make a difference, I promise. And the more minds and hearts that can unite in love, the more we set that vibration into motion as a permanent state of being for more and more people, because this vibration will spread outwards in ripples. Let�s go for it!

check out Lipstick Mystic

Terrorism, Current Affairs, Middle East, Bush, lightworkers, chakras, Healing

Today's Outlook...

2006-07-15T13:17:00.000-04:00

July 15, 2006
from Beliefnet.com

Today's Outlook:

We are still riding the powerful tailwinds of Venus and Mars, the cosmic lovers, as they move away from a close encounter with intense Pluto. But we may not get a chance to recover from the emotional storm, for the reflective Moon in imaginative Pisces dynamically squares both Venus and Pluto today. It may seem as if we are experiencing an instant replay of the past few days, yet we suddenly find ourselves in new territory when the Moon blasts into pioneering Aries at 8:39 pm EDT. The weekend may be half over, but it could feel like it's just starting.

Rational vs. Intuitive?

2006-07-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

Medicine vs. healing, war vs. peace and male vs. female thinking (opinion)
Posted Friday, July 14, 2006 by Mike Adams
www.newstarget.com

Wherever you go, if you talk about nutrition, healing with food, natural health or any similar topics, you'll find that women are far more open to these ideas than men. I have wondered for a long time why this is, and I have a few ideas on some possible answers. For the men out there reading this, you're probably excluded from the generalizations I am about to offer, because if you're reading this, you are open to new ideas. In fact, you'll probably agree with most of this. The question is, why do other men have such closed minds when it comes to new information about natural healing or healing nutrition?

One of the answers, I believe, is that many men want to believe they already understand the way the universe works. Men like to be rational. In fact, they often disparage the intuition and emotion more readily demonstrated by women. They tend to believe that intuition is false and that making decisions with emotions is somehow inferior. They think rationality is the highest form of intelligence, which, of course, is a belief that deserves some rational questioning all by itself. For one thing, there is no such thing as objective reality because mere existence is subjective. Being alive, being born, breathing, seeing and feeling turns you into a subjective reality filter, so everything you observe throughout your life actually becomes subjective. There's no such thing as a truly objective human being.

I believe most men also don't like the idea of thinking they're not in control... Read the Full Article

alternative medicine, intuition

What is an intuitive reading?

2006-07-14T17:28:00.000-04:00

So often I am asked this question. I say that it is different for each person because everyone has their unique energies, circumstances and life issues.

During a reading I help you to illuminate what is transpiring within you and your life, shining the light into the areas you have not been able to see. I show you how to transform those areas of your life. I help you take charge and create change within, so that you can be open to receive all the positive results you want.

Using my intuitive insights and sensory abilities, I reveal a world of possibilities, giving you the tools and techniques needed to ignite your transformation. When you partner with me during intuitive sessions, you have a mentor and support system providing clarity, direction and guidance.

Intuitive readings take place by phone, so you have the comfort of speaking with me while you are in a comfortable and safe environment. Readings can be recorded for you while we speak if you like so you can refer back to the information given.

While you may have uncomfortable things happening in your life, I help you to uncover the positive and show you how to empower yourself within the situation. You may have homework after speaking with me, but that is designed to help you achieve the changes you are looking for.

When do people look for an intuitive reading?

When there are so many options that it is difficult to sort out, or when they feel stuck and unable to move forward. Sometimes it is because they are having relationship difficulties.

When both partners are willing, I do work with each individually in order to help them achieve a new understanding, clearer language and sense of togetherness.

Others are looking for understanding about the changes they are going through, such as spiritual development and evolutionary transformation. Some people want to work through old emotional patterns that they are tired of living with. Transformation is a perfect time for a reading- any sort of transformation.

What is on your mind?
What would you like from an intuitive session?
Would you love some clarity?

I would be happy to speak with you about how an intuitive reading may be helpful for you. If so, please contact me at illuminationsnetwork@adelphia.net or you can visit my website for more information: www.illuminationsnetwork.com .

intuitive reading, intuitive readings, intuitive counseling

Do People Create Their Own Luck?

2006-07-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

from ivillage.com
UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 2006

Does success make you happy, or does happiness make you successful? This might sound like a pleasant topic to debate over tea some afternoon. But for psychologists, poll-takers, economists, and other observers of behavior, it's crucial. Their quest for answers has recently produced a 50-page article in the Psychological Bulletin, which reviewed 225 scientific studies of this subject.

So what did the researchers find out? The short answer is that while success probably does make people happy (it's better than failure, at any rate), it is also true that having a happy temperament (defined in the article as "long-term propensity to frequently experience positive emotions") enables you to do the things that turn into success. Your "positive affect," which is the outward sign of your happiness, will make it more likely that you'll land the job, find friends, form a happy marriage or other intimate long-term relationship, make money, be loved in your community, and be healthy. The evidence regarding health is only suggestive--happy people tend to say they are healthy, but that doesn't mean they really are. We do know from other research that having friends, love, respect, "social support," and agreeable employment--as well as optimism and a positive attitude--do tend in the long run to make people healthier.

Plowing through their accumulated evidence, the researchers asked whether happy people are better off, whether they cope better, whether they reap larger social rewards, and whether they have stronger immune systems. And the answers were invariably yes, even though the evidence for stronger immunity is, again, only suggestive so far. But happy people seem to do better socially--they seek out other people, they solve problems creatively, and so on. They are more resilient and thus adapt better to adversity.

Be happy, don't worry?Still, questions remain. Most of this research applies only to people in western cultures--and in relatively nonthreatening situations. Maybe "a propensity to experience positive emotions" works well when you have no serious problems anyhow; but when the hurricane or the earthquake shakes you up (or you get fired, or are diagnosed with a serious illness), a propensity to happiness may be less helpful. And as the researchers point out, a happy scam artist might be more effective at committing fraud without getting caught than an unhappy scam artist. Sometimes happy people are judged shallow or complacent. Furthermore, discontent or deep unhappiness can be huge and effective motivators. Some unhappy people are very successful and creative. There are always costs and trade-offs.

Perhaps the most that can be said is in the study's conclusion: happiness is a great asset, but no guarantee of a perfect life.

happiness, luck

Intuition whispers

2006-07-09T20:49:00.000-04:00

How do you hear your intuition speaking to you?

It doesn't exist outside of you. You don't have to reach out to find it or grab it. It exists inside you.

It usually comes in whispers, quiet little thoughts that are mingled with your own thoughts. The difference with intuition is that is will be a thought that was not previous in your mind. For instance, when you are thinking about something on your to-do list and suddenly you hear the thought that a friend you haven't spoken to in years is going to call you. When you check your voice mail later that day, sure enough they had called. This is your intuition speaking to you.

It can appear as a feeling in your belly, a sudden knowing or a random thought.

The best way to hear it? By listening and paying attention.

Awareness is 99% of everything...

intuition

Full Moon Monday...

2006-07-08T22:34:00.000-04:00

Monday, July 10th is the Full Moon in Capricorn.

It's a good time to think about your personal boundaries. Are you an Over-Giver running on Empty? Being too much of a caretaker also means you might be over stepping someone else's personal boundaries. It may be time to re-examine your own boundaries and see where you may need to sturdy your fence, or rebuild a wall, or maybe take one down... think about it.

full moon, astrology

When chaos interrupts the peace...

2006-07-08T21:49:00.000-04:00

Have you ever noticed that when people around you are caught up in the energy of moving from one home into another, that everything around them seems to get caught in the whirlwind?

My neighbors are moving and there was a whirl of activity today. I felt it so distinctly that I said to myself, "Ok, let's get out of the house for a bit. It's a little to frantic around here."

I, like so many others, get accustomed to my peaceful environment. When chaos descends, it can feel disruptive and out of harmony. I notice that I lose my train of thought more easily, I forget things and I don't meet my needs as effectively. Often I can meditate to bring myself back to center and find that peacefulness once again. But when two lawnmowers are running, a huge burning pile is smoking in the backyard and cars are going in and out of the driveway constantly, it can be another story! My meditation then shifts to driving. I don't mean I consciously meditate when driving- no way. What I mean is that driving in the car with the windows open and the radio on can be very peaceful and somewhat meditative for me.

I drove for quite a while and did manage to accomplish several errands, so it was productive on many levels.

Things quieted down late in the afternoon and I returned to my peaceful surroundings once again.

Interesting the things we take for granted isn't it? We don't miss it until it's gone. Like a quiet peaceful environment. Somedays I miss it, other days I'm looking for some noise and excitement. I guess it all depends upon the mood of the day...

peacefulness, meditation

Transits happen -get over it!

2006-07-07T21:53:00.000-04:00

April Elliot at Big Sky Astrology blog has posted a her thoughts on taking planetary transits personally... it's fun to read and gives you a different sort of perspective, how to get over the worrying about it and just go with the flow.

Take a moment to read her post: Taking planets... personally

planets, astrology

Meditation How- to's

2006-07-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

Deepak Chopra has a wonderful explanation of how to meditate in one of his recent blog posts~

How to Meditate:

"When you are ready to begin, sit quietly holding your hands lightly at your side or in your lap. Now, with your eyes closed, start to breathe lightly and easily. Let your attention easily follow your breathing. Feel your breath entering your nostrils and flowing down into your lungs. Don�t inhale deeply or hold your breath, just breathe normally. When you exhale, let your attention follow the air up out of the lungs and softly through the nostrils.

Nothing is forced here. The breath is moving easily and gently; your attention is following it softly as it leaves swaying in the treetops. As your breathing relaxes, make it a little lighter. Again, don�t force this, but when you feel that your breathing wants to get a bit shallower and lighter, just let it happen. If you start to feel short of breath, don�t worry. This means that you need a little more air and that deep stresses are coming out. Or you might also be forcing your breathing to be lighter than it wants to be. Return to whatever rate of breathing your body feels comfortable with.

When you are comfortable with this effortless process, you can add the mantra "so hum" to the procedure, silently thinking the word "so" on each inhalation and "hum" on each exhalation.

Continue this exercise for two or five minutes, just closing your eyes and focusing your mind on easy, natural breathing and silently repeating "so hum" with each cycle of your breath. What is happening with this exercise? You probably noticed that just by paying attention to your breathing you sank deeper and deeper into relaxation, and as you did so, your mind naturally became quieter. Did you sense that? If so, you probably experienced a few glimpses of complete silence, which you aren't likely to have noticed, because I didn't ask you to be on the lookout. If you had looked for silence it wouldn't have appeared. Yet I imagine there were stretches where you lost track of time, which is a good indication that you were getting very near to the goal.
Most people experience much fainter thoughts than usual, which is another good sign.

As you gain experience with meditation, you'll begin to feel the reappearance of youthful energy and vitality that is being released form a deeper level of the nervous system. This is a very profound change and the real fountain of youth. Although mediation has been wrapped in an aura of mysticism for many centuries, at its heart lies this extremely practical and unmystical process of quieting the mind. It is the surreal way to open a channel of healing."

Read the Full Post from Intent blog

meditation, Spirituality, deepak chopra

Are you an Over-Giver running on Empty?

2006-07-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

I have been working with many women lately that are focusing on the feminine energy of receiving. When we open our being to receive, we are one with the Divine Feminine energy. She is the Goddess, the bearer of all life and is represented as a bowl or vessel waiting to be filled.

As consistent givers we naturally flow energy out to others, even when our bowl is empty. We don�t wait for others to fill our bowl; we just continue to give until we run on empty. We look at our empty bowl and see lack and scarcity. We see all that we don�t have. It�s like the old adage of how you see the glass; is it half empty or half full? It�s all a matter of perspective.

Emptiness can seem scary. We look outside and grasp for something to fill the emptiness within, often turning to food, alcohol and other addictions. Caffeine is an unsatisfactory replacement for an empty bowl. What can we do with our emptiness?

Looking to the bowl with fresh eyes we can say its emptiness gives way to all possibilities, a new vessel, open and receptive to all life flowing into it. It is spacious and offers new opportunities.

There is a practice called the begging bowl. Each day a monk goes out into the public with his empty bowl and whatever is placed in his bowl by those passing by, is his nourishment for that day.

I guess the questions that surface from hearing this story can range from varied perceptions. Does the monk go out knowing his bowl is empty and feels he must beg because he is experiencing scarcity and lack? Or does he go out with the knowledge that the emptiness of the bowl offers all possibilities of being filled because life is abundant and receiving can come in all forms? It is all a matter of perception.

If the bowl is a feminine vessel, then is our feminine spirit within experiencing emptiness as lack, or emptiness as spacious and full of all possibilities? There are many ways to explore this, just as there are many emotions involved.

TRUST - FEAR
FAITH - SCARCITY
HOPE - LACK
LOVE - DISTRUST
ABUNDANCE - INSECURITY

These are all options. They range from the concept of the bowl being empty to beg with and the bowl being overflowing with abundance and possibilities.

What if your inner bowl is already full? Or maybe it�s too full? What is it full of? Is it so full that you have no space to receive?

Is it you that fills it? Or is it full of debris from others that they have placed in your bowl as they have passed by? Does it overflow, resulting in a perpetual state of overwhelm?

I see an overflowing bowl when I look at people who live their lives in huge amounts of clutter and confusion. Some may say its better to be full with things you know and are comfortable even if those things make you uncomfortable. At least you don�t have to live with that empty bowl. That may be �too scary�.

I look back at my life and see when my bowl was so full of debris and �stuff� from others. I was young and overwhelmed. I never wanted to receive anything, in fact I worked hard not to. When I was little I received some not very nice things. I also had several members of my family deposit their anger and emotional overflow into my bowl.

I look back now and see that my life and my clutter reflected all that. Every time I moved to a new home, I had loads for the garbage dump. One of my moves several years ago, I had an entire truck load going to the dump and a truck load for Goodwill. I had been radical in my cleaning. Purging the physical �stuff� instigated the emotions to also be released.

When I moved again the following year there was even more I cut away and let go of. I purged and purged, all the while seeing the emotional freedom growing.

When I moved into this present home, I was amazed that once again I purged. I had released so much again that I shocked myself. Now I look at my office and say, �Well, there are still 2 boxes of miscellaneous stuff to sort through and there�s still a need for more organization in my closets.� It is a feeling of awe when I realize that I am enjoying and looking forward to the emptiness.

I realized my bowl has been so full of �stuff� and �things� and �feelings� that I looked forward to the state of the empty bowl as spacious and allowing for all possibilities to be received.

I have a new outlook on making space and being organized. Oh, and by the way, I did manage to clean my office! It�s much better. I still want to organize the closet more, but the filing cabinet is operating efficiently and the desk is clean

One thing that amazes me the most about being receptive is realizing how many ways we unconsciously keep ourselves blocked. I found 2 cases of old paperwork, going all the way back to 1990! I sat for over 3 hours shredding paper! It�s all stuff I didn�t need to keep� miscellaneous �stuff� I no longer needed. It felt great! Now I know I can create more space to receive.

As you read my story of creating space to receive, think about your bowl. Is it empty and feeling scarce? Is it full and overflowing? Is it cracked and always leaks? Is it full of emotion and you�re not sure where to start?

Many people turn to me and say, �How do I make changes Jodie?� I guess my most frequent answer is that you create awareness. �Awareness is 99% of everything,� I always say. Awareness opens the door for you to take action. The difficulty lies in not being able to see the forest for the trees. That means sorting your emotions first. Sort what is in the way. Identify what is yours and what isn�t.

Start a little at a time. Work a little bit every week to sort, release and clear the path through the old emotions that are no longer required. It will be a great awakening for you, and your house will be cleaner too!

Happy 4th!

2006-07-04T09:38:00.000-04:00

I wish everyone in the US Happy 4th of July!

I know many of you will be attending cookouts today... enjoy! I'm having the family over for some good 'ole Maine lobster... ayuh! Of course we'll be throwing a few burgers on the grill too because I don't like lobster. I know- how can a girl born an raised in Maine not love lobster? ...go figure. It's never been a taste I enjoy- now fried clams on the other hand- that's my idea of a Maine summertime seafood feast.

I heard fireworks from my back porch last night, but couldn't see them. They must have been a few towns over. Maybe I'll venture out for fireworks tonight... depending on how late we party...

What have you got planned for today?

4th of July, Fireworks, Maine, lobster, BBQ

Women Bloggers: Imagining Ourselves

2006-07-01T19:56:00.000-04:00

Blogging has become a tremendous communication tool throughout the world where anyone can share their thoughts, ideas and opinions. The International Museum of Women has created a campaign called Imagining Ourselves.

What Defines our Generation of Women?

Imagining Ourselves connects women in their twenties and thirties around the globe, inspiring them to create positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world. This historic global conversation, includes an online exhibit, a series of global events, and a new book.

Throughout March, April, May, and June, notable women around the world explored the themes of love, money, culture, and the future as they pertain to women in their twenties and thirties. Meet the fabulous line-up of distinguished bloggers

85 New stories collected for July 2006 Theme
185 Countries represented by authors and members involved with Imagining Ourselves

The Imagining Ourselves online exhibit showcases beautiful imagery and evocative written work to help you explore your own life, and create positive change in the world.

Check out the exhibit , join in the conversation and post your own stories.

international museum of women, women bloggers, Blogs, Blogging, BlogHer

Carnival speaks to my love of flowers

2006-07-01T12:06:00.000-04:00

Carnival of Healing #46 is posted at Natural Remedies blog today...

"I love flowers the ways they smell, look and make you feel not to mention all of the great natural healing powers in them! But why should they just be for women isn't that being stereotypical? I'm sure men like getting flowers just as much as women it's a way of showing and knowing someone is thinking of you. Men and flowers dispelling the myths deeps further into this.

If flowers don't do the trick for you read more about how awakening chakras, especially the solar plexus around power, helps us in discernment of what is healthy, whole, life-affirming in everyday choices with Gut Check: Shopping with Awakening Chakras, Naked Presence. "

Read the Full Carnival

carnival of healing, Blog Carnival, chakras

Article Archive Updated

2006-06-30T20:40:00.000-04:00

I've recently added more articles to my article archive.

Visit my listing at: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jodie_Foster

articles, article writing

Productive rambling uncovers your goals

2006-06-29T21:29:00.000-04:00

Goal setting- is it really as difficult as it can sound? Not really.

Sitting down with a pad of paper, set a timer for 10 minutes and write your stream of thought. Do not take your pen up off the paper, even if it seems you are just rambling. As you write, you'll be surprised just how many inner thoughts will surface to be written down. Usually the 'to do' list comes out first, but underneath that you'll begin to see the inner desires and thoughts. Keep writing. If you feel unfinished when the timer goes off, keep writing. There is no limit, just a minimum of 10 minutes.

After you're finished take a separate piece of paper and make a list of all the themes that are in your ramblings. Those subjects, or themes are the beginnings of your goals list.

Think about each item on your list. What would you like to have happen? What do you see a year down the road? Write it down on your goal list.

Often it is the clutter in our mind that keeps us from realizing our goals. Sorting the subjects that float around in your mind can easily lead you to uncover the things you would like to have in your life.

Do this exercise often to keep your mind clear.

As you accomplish each goal, put a checklist next to it on your list and pat your self on the back. What new goal will you add to your list in it's place? The sky's the limit. You can accomplish any goal you set your mind to.

goal setting, Goals, Motivation, Success

Fear of Abundance?

2006-06-29T10:32:00.000-04:00

Abundance: The Fear of Abundance

Is it possible for someone to fear abundance?
Who would not want to live the abundant life?

Polarity is a universal law. The law of polarity contends that everything has its polar opposite. The scales of life assures the existence of polar opposites. In conjunction with the Law of Rhythm, everything returns where it begins. Like a pendulum swinging, this is life. Meaning those things that begin with great expectations manifest greatness. Those things that begin with the purpose for serving humanity and the greater good manifest as beacons of light.

Everyone who researches the field of human potential, human development, personal development, religion, philosophy…at some point crosses the concept of a human emotion often called fear. It is comfortable for us to talk about the fear of poverty, however, we ignore our fear of abundance.

The reality is, if you fear poverty, then you fear its polar opposite–abundance. If you fear poverty you fear wealth and abundance. All these fears congest our lives and we are literally paralyzed.

Fear impacts our expectations. The principle of Expectations is linked to the Law of Abundance hence, "so a man thinketh so he is." The principle of Expectations contends that energy follows thought. If you fear poverty, then somewhere inside, you believe you will live in poverty. Consequently, energy has followed this thought and in due time, your expectation of poverty actualizes.

Now the connection between the fear of poverty and the fear of abundance. Let’s just end this debate right now. No one wants to live in poverty. Poverty means you have very limited options, and no assets. When you live in poverty, you struggle and have limited options. Moreover, poverty means your basic needs are at threat, limited, or diminished. Even those who take a vow of poverty for religious or spiritual purposes have there basic needs met.

So why would anyone have a fear of abundance? Some people believe that abundance and wealth would only lead to corruption and destruction of the human spirit. Not one person who is corrupted or on the path of destruction is living the abundant life. NOT ONE. Abundance is not just about material wealth, however, it does not exclude material wealth!

Abundance is about living healthy, vibrant, with purpose, resources, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of our true self. Material wealth is a manifestation of mental and spiritual wealth that lies within the individual. We should not concern ourselves with the fear that material wealth will corrupt us. Material wealth, including money, will only make you more of what you already are.

Therefore, if you are kind, giving, loving, and creative, you will be even more kind, giving, loving, and creative while enjoying a life of abundance. If you are insecure, selfish, hoarding, and deceitful, you will be even more insecure... Read the Full Post

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carmellita Brown is Wellness and Success Coach. She is the instructor of the Online course entitled: Abundance Training 101: The Universal Law of Abundance available at: http://universalclass.com/i/crn/14056.htm and the online Course entitled Lose Weight While Becoming a Wellness Coach” available at http://universalclass.com/i/crn/9478.htm.

I received these today

2006-06-28T23:40:00.000-04:00

and I've been smiling all afternoon...

It's the simple things that bring joy- like receiving roses when you least expect them. What simple things in life bring you the most joy & makes you smile?

Reincarnation, soul connections & more...

2006-06-27T20:36:00.000-04:00

Do you believe in reincarnation, past lives and soul connections? Have you had experiences remembering a life you lived before?

It's been my personal experience, as well as experiences with hundreds of clients over the years, that we are influenced by our past lives and memories. Some of these memories are powerful and speak to our level of mastery in areas of our life and evolution. Other memories or unconscious feelings can be from traumatic death experiences or soul connections that have been triggered by meeting that soul in this present life.

What past life memories have you realized in your life? Do feel partcularly drawn to an area of the world, do you remember a town you lived in, a job or task that you performed, or a tragedy that keeps entering your dreams?

Please click on the comments link below this post and share your past life memory, or experiences you have had regarding a soul connection. Maybe you think its all mumbo jumbo as her question states below- let me know what you think!

The following is an except from the Intent blog about past life memories. You can click on the link to read the full post.

- from Intent Blog
Reincarnation, soul connections, astrology, intuition, past live regressions, reiki
Kavita Chhibber - June 25, 2006

Is it all mumbo jumbo?

I had my first encounter with reincarnation when I was 11. My dad was sent for a 2 month military course, along with several other officers from different parts of the country. The course coincided with our summer vacation; the place where it was held was very scenic, so while the dads were away training, the moms and kids, all of similar age groups bonded.

One day I over heard my friend Amrita(name changed) fighting with her younger brother Anuj(name changed) and she said at the end-"Go back to your fruit selling, you fruit seller's son..go push your cart and say-3 tomatoes for a buck." Anuj went crying to his mom. He was about 6 then. The next time Amrita teased her brother, many other kids ganged up on him, along with her until Amrita's mother overheard the commotion and called all of us to her house along with our moms. She said that after her son was born, he remembered his past life as a fruit seller's son and that he had died young after being bitten by a snake. Every one indulged him thinking it to be the creative imagination of a young child, until he started insisting he wanted to see his parents and tell them he was okay, and gave the address. When finally they gave in and went to the address, they did find the fruit seller, and the story of his death was accurate. Many years later when I reconnected with my friend in college, I was told as Anuj grew older his past life memory became hazy and he forgot everything... Read the Full Post

past lives, karma, reincarnation, Soul, Soul connection

Q. What is intuition?

2006-06-27T20:29:00.000-04:00

Intuition comes from attention to inner self

question from-- W.R., Boca Raton

A. Nancy Pohle and Ellen Selover of the Association for Research and Enlightenment have addressed this question in detail. They illustrate below that intuitive impressions come in a variety of different ways.

"Clairvoyance [clear seeing or clear vision] is experienced when an individual discerns objects, people, or situations, not with the physical eyes, but with an internal sense sometimes referred to as the `third eye.'

"Clairaudience [clear hearing] is the ability to receive thoughts or information about a person or situation through an auditory sense instead of a visual one. It often comes as a voice that is literally heard either directly in the brain or through the auditory sense, as if it comes from beside or behind the person."

Clairsentience [clear sensing] is probably the most frequent way intuition manifests in our lives; through hunches, gut feelings, or a sense of knowing. This `sensing' is often accompanied by a physical sensation in the solar plexus or in the heart area."

At times, intuition may come as a thought that walks across the mind in a natural although subtle manner. When intuition comes to us in this way, it is so much like the regular musings of our mind that we can easily miss, dismiss or mistake for our own ruminations."

Edgar Cayce said, "Seek not from without, but to those voices, feelings and vibrations that arise from within."

The regular practice of prayer and meditation will open the channels for intuitive communication. The more spiritually attuned we become, the greater our ability to understand, interpret and follow through on the guidance we receive.

Liz Sterling is founder of LifeWorks in Boca Raton.
Posted June 10 2206
Sun-Sentinel.com

intuition, edgar cayce, clairvoyant

10 More Easy Activities to Reduce Stress

2006-06-26T16:31:00.000-04:00

Managing stress can be challenging for anyone with a busy lifestyle, a hectic job, a family, a health concern, or concern about a loved one. Stress doesn't discriminate. It can and does affect everyone. Some people notice it in subtle ways like feeling more tired at the end of the day, or feeling tightness in your shoulder and neck muscles. Others notice profound effects such as migraine headaches, back pain, upset stomach or ulcers, even hair loss and addictive eating patterns.

Stress is a major health concern since we have become a technological society with ever increasing financial burdens and the need for both parents to work outside the home. The family dynamic has changed radically since the 1950's and earlier. More ways to cope with a hectic life and to reduce stress are needed.

Here are 10 more easy ways to reduce stress:

Eat only when you are hungry. Food is necessary fuel to sustain your body, but eating to fill a void or to comfort yourself in times of stress only adds more stress to your body.
Eat healthy food. Junk food and high caffeine drinks add to stress and do not properly feed or nourish your body. While they may give you a small sense of instant gratification, think about how you will feel hours later. Eating a balanced, healthy diet will reduce the stress on your body, will sustain your energy for longer periods of time and help you get a good night's sleep.
Laugh. Rent a comedy and enjoy yourself before going to bed. It will release the tension built up in your muscles throughout the day and will prepare you for a solid night's sleep. Laughter is also a way to reduce stress when you are with others. It can relieve tension in a group and put everyone at ease.
Create a routine that works for you each day. Having a specific focus and a routine to follow can be very soothing and meditative for most people.
Meditate or pray in the morning and again before bed. This can be a simple exercise of clearing your mind of all thoughts and focusing on your breath for 5 minutes. You'll feel much calmer throughout the day and notice the effect it has on reducing your stress. You will respond to situations in a lighter, more balanced way.
Keep a journal. Writing thoughts and events that happened during the day in a journal before you go to bed can be very freeing for your mind. Going to sleep while ruminating about the events of the day only makes you relieve them in your sleep. This is stressful on your mind as well as your body.
Write a ‘to-do’ list each night before going to bed. This will ease your mind and you will not spend the night worrying about the next day and whether or not you will remember to do something. Keep the list small and written for the next day only. Make a separate list that includes big, long term things to do. Post it on your fridge so it has a place of importance, but it is not next to your bed. Remember to check off things as you have accomplished them.
Clean the house. Clutter adds stress to your mind and body by accumulating stagnant energy which adds pressure to your life. Sort and organize your space so that you feel calmer in your environment.
Give away all the clutter that no longer serves you. If you haven't used and item or worn a piece of clothing for one year, it’s a good sign that it is time to release it. Cleaning your closet can be calming and can give you a sense of accomplishment. Your heart will also be lighter from having gifted those items to someone who may need them, i.e. Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc.
Receive. Allow yourself to receive care and concern from others around you. Resisting their affection or help only adds more burden to your already long to-do list. Their love and attention is also very healing for your heart and mind. You deserve to receive just as you give. It is a two way street. By only giving and resisting receiving, you delete your energies without replenishing. This adds stress to your body, mind and spirit. Receive. You deserve it!

Above all, remember that you are doing your best each day. You are only one person and you can only do so much each day. Know your limits and stick to them. Learn how to say, "No." It may just be the best stress reducer of all!

© 2006 Jodie Foster

stress, Anxiety, depression, Mental Health

When the cravings take over...

2006-06-24T18:07:00.000-04:00

Someone asked me today about food cravings...

"Why do I feel out of control sometimes? It's like this little voice inside takes over and all I want is food that I know is not good for me."

Well, there can be a variety of reasons physically such as hormones, candida, etc. But, one of the most predominant reasons, or should I say instigators is emotion. Usually when there are feelings churning within, but you aren't in touch with what they are, they will kick avoidance mechanisms into gear. Once such avoidance mechanism is food cravings.

Ever have one of those days or a night watching tv when suddenly you want chocolate or anything sweet and you will go out of your way to find it? Have you ever driven an extra 5 or 10 miles just to get the type of food you're craving- the one thing you can't seem to get out of your mind?

What feelings are you trying to squash down by getting your body drunk on sugar or fattening foods?

When we have surges of unknown feelings like fear, anger, guilt or sadness, we don't really want to acknowledge them or feel them, so we eat to cover it up. It would be helpful to sit down with a pad of paper when you notice these types of cravings taking place and simply start writing. It doesn't really matter where you start. Just write your stream of consciousness; write about what is going through your mind in the moment and just see where it leads.

Usually this sort of writing will lead you to what the feelings are inside- what is really going on with you. By taking the time to slow down, give your feelings a voice and a safe place to express, they will surface into your conscious awareness. Feel the feelings. You will feel lighter and less inclined to eat emotionally or mindlessly.

If you find that you have anger bottled up inside and it comes out in your writing, give it permission to really come out. Allow yourself to write the anger, scribbling and tearing the paper if it helps. When you feel empty as if all the anger is spent- take the pages outside and burn them in a safe manner, such as a BBQ grill, fireplace, chiminea or a old coffee can. Watching the pages burn you'll see the anger transmuting, going up in smoke. It is a relieving feeling.

You may notice that you are very tired after a writing and burning session. Releasing heavy emotion can be more tiring and draining than an entire day of hard physical labor. Get some rest and drink lots of water. The water will help flush the emotional residue out of your physical body and rehydrate you.

Regardless of what the feelings are about, just know that it's safe to feel the feelings and release them. Holding onto them only makes you uncomfortable, overwhelmed, upset and hurt. The cravings are a good indicator. Find an outlet for your feelings rather than burying them with food, alcohol, etc. Even work can be used to avoid feeling your feelings...

food addictions, food cravings, addiction, emotional health, self help

Joy...

2006-06-24T12:05:00.000-04:00

All over the world.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4

Music makes us Smarter & Healthier

2006-06-23T20:14:00.000-04:00

Music Thought To Enhance Intelligence, Mental Health And Immune System
Source: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Posted: June 22, 2006

A recent volume of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences takes a closer look at how music evolved and how we respond to it. Contributors to the volume believe that animals such as birds, dolphins and whales make sounds analogous to music out of a desire to imitate each other. This ability to learn and imitate sounds is a trait necessary to acquire language and scientists feel that many of the sounds animals make may be precursors to human music.

Another study in the volume looks at whether music training can make individuals smarter. Scientists found more grey matter in the auditory cortex of the right hemisphere in musicians compared to nonmusicians. They feel these differences are probably not genetic, but instead due to use and practice.

Listening to classical music, particularly Mozart, has recently been thought to enhance performance on cognitive tests. Contributors to this volume take a closer look at this assertion and their findings indicate that listening to any music that is personally enjoyable has positive effects on cognition. In addition, the use of music to enhance memory is explored and research suggests that musical recitation enhances the coding of information by activating neural networks in a more united and thus more optimal fashion.

Other studies in this volume look at music's positive effects on health and immunity, how music is processed in the brain, the interplay between language and music, and the relationship between our emotions and music.

The Neurosciences and Music II is volume 1060 of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences .

music, healing, health

Update for Subscribers

2006-06-21T19:23:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to everyone who subscribes to Intuitive Innovations blog...

I know you haven't been receiving regular email updates from the Bloglet provider. I have finally corrected this by shifting to Feedblitz.

What does this mean? It means you will start receiving email updates once again- yeah! I apologize for the confusion and the interruption of service... I finally looked into the problem this afternoon and turns out Bloglet is no longer providing service and has recommended everyone transfer to Feedblitz.

Thanks so much for subscribing to my blog. I hope the updates will be a welcome addition to your email inbox!

Blessings,
Jodie

Solstice Flashpoint: Enter the Revolution

2006-06-20T20:45:00.000-04:00

June Solstice 2006

The Solstice this week is a profound expression of the times we live in, the path we have chosen.

Solstice occurs when the Sun enters Cancer, this year at 8:26 AM EDT, 12:26 PM GMT on June 21. There are layers upon layers of significance in this moment. Our level of consciousness as we pass through the Solstice gateway will be imprinted into future generations. The implications are limitless.

Energetically, the Solstice chart for June 21, 2006, resembles the Grand Fixed Cross Solar Eclipse of August 11, 1999, and the Harmonic Concordance of November 8-9, 2003, two pivotal moments in the transformation of consciousness leading to and through 2012. Both accompanied mass spiritual awakenings.

And now we have the June Solstice 2006. This Grand Cross initiation portal is a unique event of infinite potential amplified by the Solstice gateway and Pluto's conjunction with the Galactic Heart.

The Solstice

Solstices and equinoxes are cardinal points of the solar year, marking special alignments of Sun, Earth and Moon as the Sun makes his annual journey through the zodiac. On the Solstices, we have the longest and shortest days of the year; at equinoxes, day and night are of equal length.
These, along with the cross-quarter Sabbats, are highly charged energetic portals when the veils between worlds thin and our intent radiates throughout the galaxy.

In the Northern Hemisphere, we’re approaching Midsummer, the apex of the Solar Year. In the pagan calendar, Litha is a time to pause and celebrate between the agricultural seasons of planting and harvesting. In the Southern Hemisphere, we honor the Return of Light, the promise of new life during the longest night of the year.

While the Equinoxes are a point of balance, the Solstices are a point of extremes. We're certainly seeing extremes played out in our world today, as well as in our personal lives.

The Cross

Much of the power behind this Solstice erupts from a Grand Cross in fixed signs. Mars and Saturn in Leo oppose Chiron in Aquarius; Jupiter in Scorpio opposes the Moon in Taurus. The zodiacal symbols of these signs (the bull, the lion, the eagle and man) synch up with the imagery of the "four beasts of the apocalypse" described in Bible prophecy. The arrival of these energetic messengers tells us the end of the world (as we know it) is here.
A new consciousness is being born.

Divine consciousness is encoded in the symbol formed by the planets in the Grand Cross. The equal-armed cross is the symbol of the Cosmic Christ, Quetzalcoatl, Melchizedek, Padmasambhava and other enlightened masters. The cross symbolizes the union of opposites, the resolution of duality...unity consciousness.

A Grand Fixed Cross, formed by different planets, was in place at the Total Solar Eclipse on August 11, 1999, a moment of inflooding divine cosmic intelligence, a mass spiritual awakening.
This cross reminds us the old is passing away. A new paradigm is being born. The cross represents a turning point, a new beginning.

Through the Grand Cross/Solstice portal, we have a special opportunity to:
- Redirect the focus of the self in relation to the collective- Reach beyond our individual lives, beyond our communities and nations to connect with the Cosmos- Heal personal wounds so we may walk fully in our power and serve at a higher level- Merge the spiritual and material planes
Within the tense squares and oppositions of this cross, there's tremendous energy for change. In an instant, we could release the past and emerge as bold, courageous, creative, empowered individuals expressing a specific destiny and purpose.

Or we could lock ourselves down in old, comfortable, outdated patterns, allowing the emotions of past hurts to control us or diminish our highest expression. Is this your cross to bear, or a cross of purification and initiation? It's your choice.

The Fire

Energies are running high as the Solstice alignment heats up. The Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus are all in emotional-water signs, while Mars, Saturn and Pluto transit creative-fire signs. Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius fan the flames. The lunar node at 0 degrees of Aries sets off this astro-pressure cooker.

The Sun's entry into Cancer, the sign of nurturing and home, is a heart-warming event celebrated with dance, song and feasting in the northern latitudes. This year's Solstice is complicated by hard aspects to the Sun from the Moon's nodes and transiting Pluto out there in the fringes of our solar system, aligned with the Galactic Center.

Pluto opposes the Sun, purging the Self of emotional and karmic debris to prepare our hearts for the infusion of Divine Love coming our way when he crosses the exact degree of the Galactic Center later this year. The north node at 0 Aries emphasizes the initiation aspect of the Solstice gateway. The first degree of the first sign of the zodiac represents a new beginning at a higher level of consciousness. The Aries Point could bring integration, balance and wholeness upon completion of a cycle. Aries is also the headstrong, impetuous warrior, eager to set free the energies of initiation.

The efficiency of this chart is astounding. This is a flashpoint, a moment of cosmic potential.

Quantum Opportunity

The June Solstice alignment creates an extraordinary opportunity for higher, expanded awareness to infuse a new reality on planet Earth. Your participation is requested.
What you are holding in your consciousness at this special alignment will be magnified throughout the cosmos and all dimensions. How will you focus the energies in this moment?
To find the time of the Solstice alignment in your area, check the World Time Clock:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

Whether you're at work, in school, at home, in temple or at an ancient stone circle, you could hold an intention of peace and empowerment in the moment when the planets align in their sacred dance.

As you focus, you are simultaneously receiving the initiatory frequencies and transmitting them with your personal energy signature into the Earth grid and throughout the Cosmos. Bring this energy, especially, to the hot spots on our planet - Indonesia, the Middle East, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and others you know about.

Critical mass is forming now, today, to facilitate a shift of consciousness unprecedented on planet Earth. How will you spend this moment of extreme opportunity?

It's your choice.

Solstice Soul Attunement

If you've been sleeping or weeping a lot the past week, you're not alone. Emotional clearing is intensified as we make our way through the Solstice alignment. We're recalibrating to a higher frequency.

The Grand Cross formed by two pairs of opposing planets all square to each other is a symbol rich in metaphysical meaning. This equal-armed cross represents the union of seeming opposites. Darkness and light. Masculine and feminine. Heaven and Earth. Spirit and matter.
To help bring our experience of masculine energies into balance, we have the two male powerhouses in this cross - Mars and Saturn - together in Leo both opposing the tiny planetoid Chiron. The conjunction of Mars and Saturn was exact on June 17. Their opposition to Chiron continues through the Solstice.

Personal and social change is on the horizon.

Saturn-Chiron

Saturn represents father, karma, control, responsibility, law, structure, the status quo. Chiron, his son, chose a different path. He is the holistic practitioner, the metaphysician, the visionary, artist and wounded healer. They have been locked in opposition for the past 19 years, and we've been dealing with issues of authority, conditioning, limitation, personal and cultural wounding throughout this time. We're facing up to our choices, paying off karmic debt, healing the wounds of childhood.

That pattern is about to change.

This is the final direct opposition in this cycle. After the Solstice, Saturn and Chiron will go their separate ways. If we're willing to take responsibility for our choices, freedom from the past is imminent in this release.

On the collective level, the Saturn-Chiron cycle helps raise human consciousness from the level of personal, self-interest to a state of broader, social action infused by an awareness of the indwelling spirit of all creation.

The current cycle began in 1966 and lasts until 2028. Think of the changes in social awareness that happened throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and you'll get a picture of the potential in this passage. Saturn-Chiron deals with important changes in the mentality of the individual in relation to the collective. Social movements arise. Often these shifts are not easy, and occur only after a series of dramatic changes.

Mars-Chiron

The Mars-Chiron opposition is the mid-point of a two-year cycle that began in March 2005. Mars-Chiron offers the opportunity to heal the martyr complex, the clinging to woundedness so common among holistic, metaphysical students and practitioners.

In healing deep wounds today, we need to move beyond embracing the pain and forgiving others. Forgiveness implies someone has wronged us. From the perspective of the soul, there is no right or wrong, only experiences that contribute to our evolution.

We've felt our pain, experienced the illusion of separation. Now it's time to move on.

Together, Saturn, Mars and Chiron encourage us to walk the edge between authority and autonomy, to stand in our wholeness and reclaim our power as defined by Self, not by Other.
With this Solstice passage, everything you've ever dreamed of is yours, in an instant, if you'll let go of the past, the beliefs and wounding, the illusion of limitation that have held you back. Allow the Solstice fires to purify your being. Come home to your soul.

In letting go of the past, the promise of an enlightened, empowered life is fulfilled. We are free to create joyfully, to live from the heart, to see through the eyes of a child. This is a gift of higher consciousness.

Enjoy the journey!

Allison Rae
http://www.StarPriestess.com

solstice, solstice june 2006, astrology, earth changes

Furry Friends- More than Just Friends

2006-06-18T18:10:00.000-04:00

The Pet Prescription
See Spot run. Then see Spot lower your blood pressure and boost your immunity. Really.

By Josh Fischman
USNews.com
12/12/05

FALLS CHURCH, VA. --"Can I pet your dog?" asks Suzi Zarkin, leaning over a rangy yellow Labrador, who picks up his square head at the sound of her voice. "Sure. His name is Miles," says Leslie Horton. A typical street-corner conversation, but this is no street. It's the oncology floor at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia.

Zarkin, 26, of the nearby city of Alexandria, confers quietly with Horton and then the trio sets off on a journey down the hall toward a window, Zarkin gripping the stiff handle of Miles's harness. "OK, Miles, we're almost there, almost there," Zarkin says. It's her third day in the hospital; she's battling cancer in her spine. "My right leg is pretty much paralyzed from the knee down. Miles was helping me keep steady. If I have a dog to walk, and my cane, too, I can go forever. I love the dogs that come up here. It just makes me feel better."

That means more than just an emotional boost. The unconditional support shown by a pet inspires physical benefits, too, says Horton, who directs the hospital's animal-assisted therapy program, one of the largest in the country. "We have patients who have trouble walking down one hallway, but when we put them next to a dog, they do two hallways or four." More exercise leads to more strength, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries. And not just at Inova Fairfax. A few weeks ago, researchers at University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center reported that heart-failure patients had better heart function after a bedside visit from a dog. Pet owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than non-pet owners, regardless of the severity of disease. And caring for animals reduces antisocial behavior in troubled teens and children. Discoveries such as these have inspired a boom in animal-assisted therapy, in which animals, under the supervision of a physical therapist, nurse, or other professional, work to help patients achieve specific rehabilitation goals.

Pet chemistry. But before people start to gush about pets as cure-alls--and there are plenty of willing gushers--experts caution that animal therapy has limits. "Look, a visit from a dog is not a panacea," says Erika Friedmann, a biologist at the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore who studies human-animal interactions. Research hasn't shown miracles, and some studies haven't shown any advantage at all.

And to clear up one point quickly for the owners of America's 90-odd million cats: Most animal-assisted therapy uses dogs. It's not that cats can't help, but more people are allergic to them. And every time they work in hospitals, therapy animals have to get a bath and have their teeth brushed. It's hard to find a cat that will put up with that.

Pet benefits may begin with changes in body chemistry... Read the Full Article

dogs, Puppies, Pets, Pets and healing pet therapy

Are you worthy?

2006-06-16T13:41:00.000-04:00

Do you have difficulty owning your true self worth?

Is it difficult for you to stand up tall within yourself and really feel good about yourself?

Do you have an undercurrent that runs within you that tells you you're not good enough? or that you don't meet the standard? or that something is wrong with you?

Many people carry this inner belief that permeates through their entire being and tainting every thing they do, see, touch, or create. It is like a corrupted computer software program that eats away at your computer as a virus. Low self worth, or believing that you have no worth can be as debilitating to your system as a computer virus on your hard drive. It is a false program that you believed as true.

When you give power to a false idea or belief, it is similar to the power that propaganda has. False beliefs feed on your true sense of power within, corrupting your energy and mindset, until you surrender to its message- the message that you aren't good enough to be worthy.

Usually when you think back and really take a good look at yourself, you can't find anything that you did that was so bad to cause you to be unworthy. And whose invisible standard are you measuring yourself against to say that you aren't good enough?

When we compare ourselves to others, or to implied standards, we are creating the harshes judge within ourselves and choosing to give him all might power over us. Does this sound like the best thing to you? Not to me.

Working to build your self worth means uncovering your true spirit within and to stop comparing yourself to others. Owning your true self worth means owning your power. It means claiming that you not only have a right to exist, but that you are worthy of it!

Marianne Williamson's book- A Woman's Worth is an excellent read for owning your true worth.

self worth, self esteem, Self Confidence

Very Intense week beginning...

2006-06-15T20:09:00.000-04:00

Astrologick Weekly Forecast Report
June 16-22, 2006
By Gary Paul Glynn

Turbulent Waters Ahead

"Fasten your seatbelts, this week looks like a bumpy ride as a cluster of some of the more volatile alignments gather in the heavens. Most of the action appears centered around this coming weekend with Sun opposing Pluto; Mars conjunct Saturn, Mars square Jupiter and Uranus stationary retrograde. This last item sets a strong undertone of collective uncertainty and instability, providing a setup that can make the other alignments more problematic than might normally be the case. Uranus' reputation for unexpected developments is well known - particularly when it appears to stand still (station) ahead of a directional change. In this case, we're looking at Uranus turning retrograde on Monday, in the middle of Pisces (15 Pisces) which could manifest as sudden revelations involving previous deceptions or something far more explosive when fused with Mars-Saturn.

Prometheus Unbound

Individuals with planets or sensitive points located in mid-Pisces where Uranus is currently stationing are highly susceptible to the uncertainty factor. For instance, people born on or close to March 5 have their Sun located at 14-15 Pisces which suggests sudden changes, abrupt departures or intense revelations involving themselves or people they are closely related to (particularly men, fathers or bosses). This can also manifest in the way of rebellious freedom and doing one's own thing - rules be damned! Yet with Saturn (rules) in the headlines this weekend, the possibility is strong that there will be repercussions for flip-off behaviors. The same more-or-less holds true for individuals with their Sun or planets located in the middle degrees of Virgo, Sagittarius or Gemini.

Burning one's bridges is a favorite Uranus-Sun pastime, as is breaking the chains that bind one to the known, familiar and oftentimes dull (Saturn). Considering that Uranus is one of the three outer planets, it tends to work through the unconscious mind - often bringing change in a form that appears to originate outside of ourselves (fate). This can occur with a job or a relationship in which a person feels stifled or profoundly unhappy, yet clings to it out of a feeling of security.

Uranus can often show up by way of the partner doing something (like having an affair) that ends the repressive relationship; or perhaps by getting oneself fired from a dead end job - without ever consciously doing anything to provoke these responses.Uranus is about breaking new ground by way of invention, innovation, excitement, revolution, rebellion, breakdowns, accidents and radical extremes in behavior. If you find yourself getting smacked-down by the unexpected, get up, brush yourself off and go with the flow - Uranus represents the universe granting your unspoken request.

The Big Picture

Chances are good that this coming week will see more than one major shake-up on the world stage as the primary thrust of the current cluster of alignments involving the traditional "malifics" is pointing toward the need for accountability; something we seem to be collectively lacking in a profound way.

This weekend's Mars-Saturn conjunction is a case in point, placing a greater emphasis on taking responsibility for actions or facing the consequence. With the Moon's North Node* crossing the Aries Point** - reaching the most intense location this week - we might see something new emerge with regard to the use of force. Whether this involves a resistance to violence, frustration or explosive release is hard to say, but considering the symbolism of Saturn is restriction and containment while Mars is about outwardly directed energy and fire, you can see where the notion of explosive force comes from. In addition, Mars-Saturn will move opposite Chiron even as Jupiter moves into a square alignment to Mars-Saturn later in the week, placing even more stress on this volatile combination via a tense, T-Square configuration.

Speaking of Jupiter square Saturn, this alignment becomes exact on June 22, marking the second of three such alignments between these planets due to retrograde. Of all the alignments, the 20-year Jupiter-Saturn cycle is the one most closely associated with social, political, religious and financial changes. The current cycle opened in Spring/Summer 2000 when Jupiter and Saturn were conjunct one another (what the ancients called "The Great Conjunction"). This was back when George W. Bush became a major player in the run-up to the 2000 election as well as the dot.com market crash that wiped-out trillions of dollars in tech stocks, just to name two of the more memorable events.

The current square alignment between Jupiter and Saturn is what astrologers call a "separating square" in that Jupiter (the faster moving of the two) forms a 90-degree aspect away from Saturn, testing the structures that came into being in 2000. Such tests tend to point to the strength of existing boundaries in the face of expansive growth as well as hard reality vs. unfounded optimism. The first of the current series of Jupiter-Saturn squares occurred back in December, at the same time that the Bush administration first denied, then defended the secret NSA wiretaps on Americans. Between now and the final Jupiter-Saturn square in October, we'll see where all of this is going. Hopefully, corrections will be made now as the next major phase of this cycle will take place when Jupiter moves opposite Saturn in 2010-2011 - a time when any unfinished business we're faced with now reaches culmination.

Summer Solstice

Amid all of this troubling news, we see the temperatures rising steadily as we head toward Midsummer. The Sun reaches its furthest point north of the celestial equator (Tropic of Cancer) even as it enters the tropical zodiac sign of Cancer on Wednesday, June 21 at 8:26 a.m. Although the Summer Solstice is seen as the beginning of Summer, it is actually the midpoint; and from here, the days will begin to gradually grow shorter in length. The blaze of Midsummer gives birth to a tiny seed of Winter's darkness which will grow over the course of the next six months. And so the wheel of light and darkness turns . . ."

Gary Paul Glynn is a professional astrologer with over 25 years experience in personal birthchart interpretation and is available for consultations by appointment. His bimonthly astrology forecast can be found in the May-June edition of Branches Magazine or at http://www.branches.com. You can reach Gary at 812-333-1346, or mailto:gpg@bluemarble.net

astrology, Horoscope

Full Moon Overdrive

2006-06-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

April Elliot at Big Sky Astrology writes in her blog:

Eclipse Midpoints: Kickin' up dust

Just when the dust had finally settled from last March's eclipses, along come this month's lunations to kick it up again.

On June 11, the Full Moon at 20.41 Sagittarius formed a feisty square to last March 14's lunar eclipse point (at 24 Virgo). And on June 25, the New Moon at 3.58 Cancer squares the solar eclipse point at (8 Aries) last March 29.

Eclipses tend to briefly grab our attention twice each year, at six month intervals, when the eclipses actually happen. But like all astrological events, eclipses are part of larger cycles and represent not just solitary moments in our lives, but ongoing processes. Eclipses themselves are ground zero of a pivotal turning point in your life; but the midpoints in the cycle, when the New and Full Moons reach the 90 degree mark between the year's eclipse points, are turning points within turning points... Read the Full Post

astrology, full moon

Something I found roaming...

2006-06-11T14:50:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Living A Full Life blog:

What I wish people knew....

An apple core left under the van seat begins to stink in hot weather.
Spiders, toads and bugs come into the house when you open the back door 250 times in a 5 minute span.
Dogs do not like the trampoline.
The air conditioner can not do the job if you open every window and door in the house.
Peacocks scream loudly. They also charge small childen holding pretzels.
Under the couch is not an appropriate place to store books, socks and shoes.
The ice cream needs to go in the freezer, not the pantry.
Toothpaste will not go back into the tube. Stop trying.
There is no magic fairy to turn off lights.
Play-doh is not a subsitute for glue, breakfast or floor covering.

What would be on your list of things you wish people knew??

I had to think a few minutes, then came up with this list of my own:

Other people are trying to shop in the same grocery aisle.
Red lights do mean STOP.
Blinkers are meant to be used.
Relationships work better when both people are participating.
Grunting is not a replacement for actual conversation.
Not everyone is a morning person.

I'm sure I could come up with a few more if I spent some time on it.

What's on your list? Leave some comments and share your thoughts.

Full Moon Sunday

2006-06-10T20:51:00.000-04:00

This month's full moon forecast by astrologer Stephanie Austin has been posted at Intuitive Living.

" The next full moon peaks on Sunday, June 11th at 11:03 AM PDT at 21º Gemini-Sagittarius. This extra potent Full Moon heightens our awareness of the power of the mind and the power of our beliefs. The Gemini Twins gather and share information; The Sagittarian Archer aims for the truth. What do we think, and what do we know? What have we learned, and what were we born to teach?....." Read the full post

full moon, astrology

Are you a Perfectionist?

2006-06-06T19:28:00.000-04:00

The Goddess of Happiness on Perfection:
Why It's Really Overrated
by Debbie Gisonni for iVillage

When I was a girl, I wanted the perfect nose - one of those small, indistinctive noses that blends into the background of the model's face on a magazine cover. My Italian genetics, however, gave me another type of nose: a little long, a little bumpy, not terribly unpleasant, but definitely ethnic. I've thought about fixing it many times, particularly when I started appearing on TV. (We all know the camera adds five pounds, and noses are no exception.) So far I've resisted the temptation partly because my nose is an integral part of who I am that I don't want to lose, and partly because there's a rebel inside of me who hates to conform to what society says is perfect.

I once read that when Sofia Loren was trying to get into the movies, she was told that everything about her was too big (nose, eyes, lips, body), but she didn't give up. She believed in her unique features, which has made her an undeniable goddess throughout her life. Even today, she continues to exude inner and outer beauty.

Women in particular seem to be conditioned to spend their entire lives chasing someone else's definition of perfection. The perfect face without wrinkles or prominent features, and a body without one dimple of cellulite! Have you ever met anyone like this? The perfect entertaining skills, where you gather the twigs and leaves you'll be gluing together for the table centerpiece prior to preparing a dinner from scratch for 12. Do you even own a glue gun? The perfect man who treats you like a queen, loves your mother and never leaves his dirty socks on the floor. Are you sure he's straight? C'mon, women - what 1950s sitcom are you living in? None of these scenarios resemble real life.

Think of perfection as the carrot on the end of a stick mounted to your head. You keep thinking you can grab it if you run hard enough, and sometimes you can get a little taste of it, but it's never enough. You want the whole thing, and even if you get that, right around the corner is another carrot waiting to be chased. You'll grow old and angry chasing perfection. So why bother? Wouldn't you rather spend time playing with your kids instead of mopping the kitchen floor? Wouldn't you rather look unique instead of like a mannequin? Wouldn't you rather be happy instead of perfect? I know I would, because when you're happy, everything is perfect.
Here, then, are three ways to stop chasing perfection:

Redefine reality from what you see in the media to what you see around you in real life.
Love your unique traits; they make you interesting to others.
Be perfectly happy by enjoying everything you are and everything you have... every day.

perfection, life

Do you 'show up' ?

2006-06-03T17:55:00.000-04:00

With the energies of our planet changing so rapidly, not only because of intense solar activity, but also the Pluto/Galactic Center conjunction that takes place through 2007, I am noticing more and more people 'out of body'. Why?

When things start shifting energetically so quickly, and emotional changes are happening, it can be challenging to stay grounded.

Being fully grounded means being fully present in the moment, or 'showing up'.

What are some tools for staying grounded?

Hug a tree- trees are deeply rooted and have such a strong grounding energy running through them that just a few moments of hugging the tree will help you ground into your own body
Carry a piece of Hematite stone in your pockets. These are shiny, charcoal-looking stones that are polished. You can usually find them at a metaphysical shop, or order them online. For people that have extreme difficulty being grounded, I suggest wearing hematite as ankle bracelets.
Working with your root chakra energies is also helpful. In meditation, bring your focus to your root chakra and feel its energies radiating down your legs and running deep into the ground.
Drink 1 drop of ingestible peppermint oil in a large glass of water. The oil is quite strong, so only use one drop. The peppermint oil bring you back into your body quickly. If you are traveling, carry a tin of original peppermint flavored Altoids. They have peppermint oil in them and will do in a time of need. ( ** It's importnant that the peppermint oil is ingestible- this is not aromatherapy oil!)
Spend time in the garden planting, getting your hands in the earth. This helps you reconnect to your roots and to Mother Earth.

If you notice that you are out of body often, take time to check-in inside yourself. Ask some important questions:

Am I avoiding feeling my feelings?
Am I responding to outer energies, such as planetary activity, solar flares, etc?
Am I feeling overwhelmed by someone else's energy or emotional drama?
Am I avoiding my body?
Do I want to be in my body?

These are just examples, you may have other questions you need to ask depending on your personal circumstances.

Are others counting on you to show up and be fully present? You may want to ask people close to you if they notice you being out of body often. If they do, maybe they can help you sort out when you are more apt to be out of body. Is there a particular time or theme that is predominant? Think about what might be causing you to vacate your body. Determining the possible 'why' behind your difficulty may pinpoint an issue that you need to address within yourself.

If you have difficulty with this and would like some assistance, consider scheduling an Intuitive Counseling session with me. You'll be surprised just how much information you'll receive along with other tools and support. You'll be much more grounded and ready to 'show up' for yourself and for the other important people in your life.

grounding, intuitive counseling, intuitive readings

Portrait of a Psychic Intuitive

2006-06-01T23:52:00.000-04:00

Intuitive Energy Insights

Many people ask me how I started doing this work.

As a child, my earliest memory is being 3 years old and telling my mother things that I could not have possibly known. I would tell her stories about ladies she socialized with and various relatives. At first she thought I’d ‘overheard’ this information, but then realized that the stories were ones that were shared when I wasn’t there. I told her how the people felt, and about other people connected to them that I had never met. Eventually she became ‘used to’ my stories and knew I had something that was special.

Knowing things about people unfortunately brought sorrow to me early on in life when I ‘knew’ that my father was going to die. I was 7 years old. The day he died, my mother came to pick up my brother and me from elementary school. I already knew what had happened.

All though school, I knew what other people were feeling. Mostly I felt flooded by emotion, often reacting to feelings I’d ‘picked up’ from others. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I thought I was a basket case.

After these and many other experiences, I knew that I had to learn about what was happening to me. So, at the age of 17, through a series of highly synchronistic happenings, I began an internship with an Intuition specialist to learn about and hone my abilities.

During my training I began to understand some of what I went through as a child. I analyzed myself as I learned. To this day, I still work to sort myself from others’ feelings. I am more conscious of it now and it is relatively easy to sort.

My training was ‘hands-on’ in that I worked along side my mentor as he consulted with clients. I watched, studied, learned and joined the consultation. I explored their energy field, their issues and complaints (with their permission of course). This was my best form of training. Eventually I began to take over the consultation sessions, slowly building my own clientele as I trained.

My abilities fall under several categories, clairvoyant, clairaudient and clairsentient. Clairvoyant, meaning ‘clear seeing,’ is the ability to have visions or ‘see’ a psychic impression. Clairaudient, meaning ‘clear hearing,’ is the ability to ‘hear’ psychic information from another’s energy field or from higher guidance. Clairsentient, meaning ‘clear feeling,’ is the ability to ‘feel’ or sense the energy field of another and experience psychic impressions in an emotional or physical way.

My brother has a similar gift. We like to say he has ‘radar’ or his ‘antennas are on’ because he just ‘knows’ things. My abilities are similar, but are enhanced in the realm of sensing what is taking place in a person’s electromagnetic energy field. I am an Energy Intuitive, ‘seeing’, ‘knowing’ and ‘feeling’ others. Intuitives are not mind-readers. We are highly sensitive beings that have learned how to synthesize the information that we sense around us.

My training taught me to hone into the core of what is taking place in someone’s energy field. This ability allows me to get right to the center of an issue. The source may be karmic memory (past life related), childhood patterns, emotional overwhelm, mental confusion, etc. It may even be emotion that source’s from another person (like a child feeling a parent’s feelings).

I actively read anything I could get my hands on about intuition, counseling techniques, self-help books, meditation, etc. I took training courses, earned a degree in psychology, went on retreats, participated in workshops, learned breathwork, I even hosted my own meditation group. I gathered tools, tips, techniques and methods to develop my own intuition and I began to teach others. My internship lasted 5 years and by the time I completed my training, I had a full client list.

People of every walk of life are interested in learning about their intuition. Mostly, they are looking for answers. They have questions within themselves, feel conflicted and confused---- without answers! Ultimately they want to feel better. They are looking for a way to feel better about themselves, get past their fears and begin moving forward in their lives. They want more and don’t know how to get it.

During the coaching / intuitive counseling process, we begin sorting through the emotions, mental chatter and confusions. Collectively we analyze their current situation, the echoes of the past that are influencing them, and then develop an active approach to move forward and transform their lives.

My own intuitive energies come forth, guiding them and directing their inner quest. As intuitive messages come forward, I deliver them and help the client to surface the emotional / mental / physical / spiritual pieces involved to catalyze a transformation. The working plan of action may include various assignments and tasks for them to complete along with goals to work towards.
In this work, I promote active participation in clearing inner chatter and identifying old patterns. Intuition is an inherent trait within us all. Learning to listen to it, work with it and create life changes out it is a powerful experience that brings many rewards.

© 2005

Jodie Foster
Intuitive Readings ~ Intuitive Counseling
www.IlluminationsNetwork.com

psychic, Psychics, intuitive, intuitive counseling, intuitive readings, psychic readings

Healing Lost Relationships...

2006-05-31T19:26:00.000-04:00

What do you do when someone who you have held close as a friend for many years moves out of your life?

Recently one of you posed this question.

In short, it's important to look at what is moving in your life. When you are in a position of spiritual growth, deep transformation and physical changes, sometimes it signals a change in relationships as well. In other words, if you are moving, maybe the others in your life aren't as ready to move. When we are evolving spiritually and are consciously working to make changes, others around us can feel left behind, neglected and even out of place or envious. Sometimes its a matter of two energies going in two different directions.

Think about two people, you and your friend for example, walking along the same path, side by side. You're going along and enjoying each others company for the duration of the journey, when you start moving faster, feeling an urge to make a change. This path simply no longer serves you. It's an uncomfortable path and you know there is more to life than this path. You are ready to make a big move.

At that moment of decision, the path forks into two paths; one that you traveled on to get here and the other is the new path that awaits you. Being curious and having outgrown the old path, you take the fork in the road. You have begun a new adventure. It's exciting and you can hardly wait to see what this new path holds for you.

After a while, having settled into your new path, you realize your friend is no longer walking the path beside you. You miss this friend and seek them out, only to find they no longer choose to walk with you. Hurt, dismayed and feeling alone, you continue on, not knowing what happened.

The friend also felt that aloneness, only it was at a time when you were excited and were facing a new adventure. They weren't able to join you, or even feel happy for you because all they could see and feel was the loneliness of being left behind.

As we spiritually evolve, we come across many forks in the road. I like to call them different levels of attainment. It's when we have learned something powerful and are ready to go on to something new. Those people who are with us aren't necessarily ready to travel to that next level with us.

The wonderful thing about this transformation is that you are always given the opportunity for new people to enter into your life. Be open to allowing someone new to travel beside you on this new path. Going backwards isn't a possibility, but moving forward can be exciting. It's the old saying, when one door closes another door opens.

My answer to the question:

When you have journeyed far with someone and it is time for you to move forward, do so with joy at your new prospects, and with compassion for those who cannot come with you. Know that they will also have someone new to walk beside them as they journey forward.

Each of us learns and evolves at our own pace and in our own time. Healing lost relationships does not mean that you can mend that which is not broken. Evolving and moving forward on your path is not a state of brokenness, it is simply another opportunity to grow and evolve.

Hold love and compassion in your heart and wish them well, but also look forward and embrace the joy that awaits you on your new path.

Many times this is a subject that is brought up in an intuitive session. If you have a similar experience or questions and would like to consciously work to move forward, I suggest contacting me for an intuitive session. The details can be found on my website: Illuminations Network

Many Blessings,
Jodie

healing relationships, soul healing, spiritual healing, relationships, Friends

The Path of Greatness Within You

2006-05-30T11:33:00.000-04:00

If you are quick to take offense, then you'll be under the control of those who you find offensive.

If you are easily angered, then your actions will be dictated by those who anger you.

If you are obsessed by what other people think, then you will be imprisoned by their thoughts.

If you yearn for easy answers and quick solutions, you'll fall prey to people who offer you nothing but promises.

If you find the truth too difficult to bear, you'll be enslaved to those who tell you what you want to hear.

When you have the courage to think for yourself, the strength to accept what is, the commitment and discipline to make a difference, then you experience freedom.

You have true freedom to live with purpose, joy and fulfillment. Let your life be defined, not by reactions to what others do, say, or think but rather your own unique vision.

Raise your eyes above the pettiness and follow the path of the greatness that is within you.

~ Author Unknown

wisdom, Philosophy, Life

Carnival of Healing #43: New Moon Manifesting

2006-05-27T10:03:00.000-04:00

Today is the New Moon in Gemini, and because new moon cycles are always the start of a bountiful two week cycle, I thought it was a good focus for this week’s Carnival of Healing.

Healing takes many forms, and in each form it begins with harnessing your inner power. Working consciously with cycles of timing and abundance we can enhance our healing process, bringing new and exciting aspects to life.

The moon has always been a source of life and fertility for civilization throughout history. As the moon is a source of feminine energies, it is associated with fertility, birth, abundance and new life. Each month as the moon cycles into it’s NEW MOON phase, we have a two week period of new life, fertility and abundance, while the FULL MOON cycle is the waning time that brings endings, transformation and completions. Working with the moon cycles we have the opportunity to enhance these particular energies in our lives during the respective cycles. Christopher at Intuitive Living offers wonderful insight into working with the new moon and full moon timing.

Knowing when the cycles are happening, you can take steps to enhance them. For instance, about a year ago I was introduced to a process of writing abundance checks on the new moon.

How to write your new moon abundance check:

Within 24 hours of the new moon taking place, write a check to your self, signed by “The Law of Abundance”. In the area where you usually write the $ figure numerically, write “PAID IN FULL”. On the line where you write out the $ figure in words, also write “PAID IN FULL”. Do not put on a date on the check.

Now, having written the check, put it someplace that has special meaning to you, i.e. and altar, keepsake box, etc. I usually keep mine in a small glass pyramid case that opens and I keep it in the prosperity section (feng shui) of my home. Pyramid shape is known to amplify energies. I definitely want to amplify the abundance.

Letters from New England and Lunatic Ravings from the Summit offer their experiences of writing abundance checks. They also remind us that abundance comes in many forms, not always as money. This is a powerful truth that has shown itself to me over and over since I began this practice. I have been blessed by abundance in all forms. The one thing that I have the deepest awareness of entering my life abundantly is harmony.

Harmony is that sense of peace that comes from deep within, reminding you of the blankey you had when you were little. That sense of everything being right with the world when you had your blanket is powerful.

Manifesting harmony or manifesting money may be nice, but what about manifest a mate? Phylameana offers 9 steps for manifesting your ideal mate.

“…7. Dedicate your "manifest list" with an affirmation or prayer asking for it to be fulfilled with the aid of the universe.

8. Allow it to cook and simmer. The universe has now received your request and it is left to you to trust that everything will work out perfectly. ..”

Prosperity Happens writes about 22 steps to prosperity that have been really working in her life. She’s realized healing in her life as she works through the steps, allowing her to receive, but also to acknowledge all the bounty she has.

According to Inspirational Daily there are Three Gratifying Ways to Add Abundance to Your Life. This article by Catherine Franz, focuses on 4 areas of energy reserves in your self: peace, joy, happiness and love.

What brings you peace, joy, happiness and love? At Bunny Pie, Debbie shares her love of food and cooking. I enjoy visiting her blog and checking out the great recipes she shares.

Well, there’s a variety of abundance, huh? From manifesting money, to an ideal mate, to peace, harmony and love, even yummy food, there are so many abundances in our lives to be grateful for. With the new moon upon us today, what are you grateful for? Think about it and write a list of gratitudes.

So what does this new moon hold?

According to astrologer Stephanie Austin, "The next New Moon forms on Friday, May 26th at 10:26 PM PDT. At 6º Gemini, this New Moon shifts our attention towards gathering information and making new connections. What are we ready to see? What do we need to say? Gemini, the first air sign, deals with cognition and communication. With the Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Gemini, the cosmic spotlight is also on paying close attention to how our thoughts create reality. What we are thinking, we are broadcasting....Use this New Moon to clarify and empower your intentions. Make a list of what you wish to bring in and strengthen in your life. Keep your antennae out and observe your mind closely. What we think matters as much as what we say and do."

I think gardening is my path for abundance this month. I'm making a new connection with Mother Earth. It’s going to be a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend here in Maine. Time for more planting…

In the meantime, remember all those you love, especially those who have passed on. Maybe a trip to the cemetery to do a bit of planting would be a good use of the new moon energies this weekend.

I’m off to the garden…

Blessings!
Jodie

Last week the carnival visited home at Healing.About.com, next week Phylameana ventures over to her blog site at Spiral Visions. Our Carnival of Healing hosting calendar is open, would you like to volunteer to host?

carnival of healing, Blog Carnival, new moon, Astrology, gardening, manifesting, prosperity, Success, Personal Growth, ideal mate, soul mate

The Carnival is coming to town!

2006-05-25T10:51:00.000-04:00

I'll be hosting this week's Carnival of Healing. I haven't yet decided on a particular theme for this week. If anyone has suggestions, please post a comment.

Healing the Heart & Opening to Love

2006-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

As babies, we enter this world wide open to receive, share and to have experiences. Unfortunately, if our family of origin is co-dependent, dysfunctional, critical, negative or addictive, then what we receive as love may come with lots of strings attached, family patterns and emotional baggage. Because of our naïve vulnerability, we soak it all in because we need to be loved.

When our source of love is riddled with energetic/ emotional ‘garbage’ as such, it doesn’t feel so good. It hurts. It also paves the way for our future understanding of love. Our blueprint has been imprinted with unhealthy understandings of love and it has painful feelings attached to it. We have not yet learned discernment and the ability to sort. That comes much later after the damage is already done.

Our early vulnerability can set the pattern of rigid control in later life. Because we could not control how we received, and what we received early on, now we block everything out, creating a wall around our hearts.

Our feelings, our innocence and openness have all been suppressed and closed off for our own safety. We learned the painful heart feelings before and we don’t want them to happen again- so we wall it off by setting barricades of protection and control.

Our relationships suffer. We attract the same type of partner again and again, each time upset that they are not emotionally available, when they are only a mirror reflection of ourselves.
How can we heal the heart and open to love when we remember the pain?

We have to give the love to ourselves first. We begin by listening, hearing our inner voice and whispers that come from the heart. We open and allow those trapped feelings to emerge and be expressed. We begin by loving our self.

When we give the heart the love it craves, the defenses begin to fall, the tears begin to flow and the control begins to relax a bit. We are breaking through the boundaries and are finally being nourished. We have the ability to choose how to love our self. We learn to sort the love that comes from others from the emotional strings that are attached to it.

We open to love with filters in place- ready to sort and clarify that which is being received. It makes it safer to accept the love that others offer. Once we have sorted, we have the power to choose what is worthy of receiving because it feels good, and what doesn’t. It’s up to us now.

© 2006 Jodie Foster

healing the heart, mind body healing, love, Life

Finding my Green Thumb..

2006-05-23T21:44:00.000-04:00

The rain that we have been flooded with for the past two weeks seems to have finally subsided and the sun has been out since Sunday. So, first thing Sunday morning I was out in my back yard digging out an area for a new flower bed. It felt so nice to be out in the sun and getting my hands in the earth. It was the grounding that I needed after so much water for so many days.

I planted lavender, yarrow, snapdragons, coreopsis, columbine , rosemary, peppermint, chives, lamb's ear, onions, impatiens, and morning glory seeds. I haven't planted for the past two years and it feels good to get back to the earth in this way. I'm setting up an office on my back deck for the summer, so I will have beautiful flowers to look at while I work.

Usually I do just a few pots on the deck. Getting into the ground to do a bed is something new for me. The last time I remember working directly in the ground is many years ago when I still lived at home and helped my Mom with her gardens. She is in a new house this summer and is starting to plant some new flower beds herself. I know she planted rhododendrons and clematis this weekend and has plans for a new patio deck. She loves feeding the birds and she has several large feeders set up in her yard.

I have two feeders on my deck and have been watching the chickadees and goldfinches.

I realize that I am working to create more than just a garden or an outside office space for the summer. I am creating an atmosphere. Finding my green thumb is only the beginning. I can't wait to see what else I discover...

gardening, garden, outdoors, Nature, birdwatching, Birds

Feelings Wearing You Down?

2006-05-23T17:29:00.000-04:00

The Mind-Body Connection:
How Three Emotions Can Make You Tired

Your energy level is a reflection of your state of mind," says Erika Schwartz, M.D., a New York City internist who specializes in treating fatigue. "If you're thrilled with your life, you'll have a lot of energy. If you're depressed, anxious or unhappy, you won't." In addition, the following emotional habits can drain your energy:

Worrying
"Fearing that something might or might not happen in the future doesn't solve the problem and it fritters away your energy," Schwartz says. A better tactic: Set worry hours ‑- say, half an hour in the late afternoon ‑- and worry your heart out about everything you can think of. Try to think of positive solutions, then put the worries out of your mind. Or schedule that dental appointment for first thing in the morning so you don't spend all day fretting about it.

Feeling guilty
"Constantly questioning what you're doing is draining," says Alice Domar, Ph.D., coauthor of Self-Nurture: Learning to Care for Yourself as Effectively as You Care for Everyone Else. How to get rid of guilt? Listen to what you're telling yourself and think of where it came from, she suggests. Did someone say this to you once? Or is this your fear speaking? Then ask yourself if it's true. If not, the guilt is likely to vanish; if it is, you can do something about it.

Not asking for help
"So many women are running around, doing so many things for others and feeling like their needs aren't being met," Domar says. "Ironically, many women don't even know what their needs are." Rx: Think about what you really want and need. Then figure out which needs your partner can meet, which your friends can meet, which your job or church can meet and which you can meet yourself. "Doing stuff for yourself isn't selfish," Domar says. "It's self-care."

Part of a larger article: 12 Surprising Things That Are Making You Tired (and How to Fight Them)

mind body, mind body spirit, emotion, spiritual healing

Hope, Heart & Healing

2006-05-17T00:12:00.000-04:00

I don't know how many of you are aware of this.... so I thought I'd jot a note about it.

Christopher Stewart at Intuitive Living, the home of many wonderful Carnivals of Healing and astrological data, is a Medical Intuitive. He hosts a regular column called Ask a Medical Intuitive at About.com

Recently Christopher has been posting many of his responses at his blog. Check out his posts and get a feel for the type of healer he is and the work he does. If you feel drawn to his work and have particular areas in your own health and wellbeing that you would like to address, please consider contacting him for a personal medical intuitive consultation. So much more can take place when you speak with him directly.

He works by phone with clients all over the world and his healing work has personally helped me more than I can share within these words. He is a gifted medical intuitive and is a true healer. His compassionate and caring ways are felt through his energetic presence and the gentle sound of his voice through the phone lines. His readings are detailed and he provides a tape of your session along with recommendations.

Details about individual medical intuitive consultations with Christopher are available on his website at www.ClairvoyantGuide.com

If you are experiencing imbalance, physical or energetic, please contact him.

Christopher's email: medicalintuitive@comcast.net

medical intuitive, medical intuition, healing, health, wellness, ask a medical intuitive

What kind of vessel are you?

2006-05-16T23:47:00.000-04:00

The Buddha compared people to four kinds of clay vessels. One type of vessel has holes in the bottom. We can pour in as much water as we like and it runs right out. When this type of person hears the Dharma, it goes in one ear and out the other. The second type of vessel has cracks. Though we pour in the Dharma, it seeps out slowly until the vessel is empty again. The third vessel is full to the brim with stale water--views and opinions. One can't pour anything new in, everything is already known. The only useful vessel is the fourth, without holes or cracks and totally empty.

-Ayya Khema, "Be an Island"

~ a book that I have found very helpful is "Everyday Sacred" by Sue Bender. It is about her journey to understand her own vessel. It is very simply written, but stirs deep contemplation. I highly recommend it.

buddha, Buddhism, Philosophy, dharma, Spirituality

What are you doing with your life?

2006-05-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

This is a fabulous article for anyone searching to find meaning in their life, their work and thier passion. Please take time to read the entire article. It's long, but well worth it...

What Should I Do With My Life?

The real meaning of success -- and how to find it.

Fast Company January 2003 Page 69 By: Po Bronson

It's time to define the new era. Our faith has been shaken. We've lost confidence in our leaders and in our institutions. Our beliefs have been tested. We've discredited the notion that the Internet would change everything (and the stock market would buy us an exit strategy from the grind). Our expectations have been dashed. We've abandoned the idea that work should be a 24-hour-a-day rush and that careers should be a wild adventure. Yet we're still holding on.

We're seduced by the idea that picking up the pieces and simply tweaking the formula will get the party started again. In spite of our best thinking and most searing experience, our ideas about growth and success are mired in a boom-bust mentality. Just as LBOs gave way to IPOs, the market is primed for the next engine of wealth creation. Just as we traded in the pinstripes and monster bonuses of the Wall Street era for T-shirts and a piece of the action during the startup revolution, we're waiting to latch on to the new trappings of success. (I understand the inclination. I've surfed from one boom to the next for most of my working life -- from my early days as a bond trader to my most recent career as a writer tracking the migration of my generation from Wall Street to Silicon Valley.)

There's a way out. Instead of focusing on what's next , let's get back to what's first . The previous era of business was defined by the question, Where's the opportunity? I'm convinced that business success in the future starts with the question, What should I do with my life? Yes, that's right. The most obvious and universal question on our plates as human beings is the most urgent and pragmatic approach to sustainable success in our organizations. People don't succeed by migrating to a "hot" industry (one word: dotcom) or by adopting a particular career-guiding mantra (remember "horizontal careers"?). They thrive by focusing on the question of who they really are -- and connecting that to work that they truly love (and, in so doing, unleashing a productive and creative power that they never imagined). Companies don't grow because they represent a particular sector or adopt the latest management approach. They win because they engage the hearts and minds of individuals who are dedicated to answering that life question...

Read the Full Article

career, Work, Life, passion

Pondering Passion....

2006-05-12T23:16:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking tonight... about what stirs passion in people. I'm not talking about sexual passion at the moment- more like creative passion and excitement.

I know I get very passionate about my work and love it when someone really makes huge progress and has a breakthrough on their healing journey. I get very excited and passionate about this.

Spending quality time with those I love dearly. That always is a passion of mine.

What else am I passionate about? Knitting, I am really on a knitting kick lately- mostly knitting socks. They are fun and don't take as long as sweaters, so faster gratification, I guess!

Dogs. My family has a beautiful girl named Bridget. She is mixed- part newfie, part spaniel and we think she has some setter and chow as well. She's all black with long hair that trails like an irish setter. She's my girl.

Unfortunately, being all black, she's hard to photograph so you can really see her features. So I've included a photo of one of my favorite type of dog- shelties. I had the honor of meeting a little shelty girl named Hannah tonight at a friend's home. She was so sweet...

These are some of the things that stir passion for me. What stirs passion in you? Think about it...

passion

Some Fun for Mom...

2006-05-12T19:02:00.000-04:00

Here's a few fun things for Mom this Mother's Day.... check out the Cappucino Pound Cake- sounds yummy!

Mother's Day Door Knob Hangers

Mother's Day Word Search

Create a Carnation for Mom

Cappucino Pound Cake

3/4 c Oil
1/2 c Honey
4 Eggs
1/2 c Milk
1/2 c Sour cream
1 tb Creme de Cacao
1 tb Kahlua
2 c Flour
1 c Sugar
1/2 c Cocoa
2 ts Baking powder
1 ts Baking soda
1 tb Instant coffee
2 ts Cinnamon
1/4 ts Nutmeg
1/4 ts Cloves

Coffee Kahlua Cream Glaze:
1 c Cream
1 ts Instant coffee
2 tb Sugar
1 tb Kahlua

Mix together the oil, honey, eggs, milk, sour cream, Creme de Cacao, and Kahlua and beat for 4 minutes with electric mixer.

Mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, instant coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and add to wet mixture, mix well.

Spread into greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 1 hour 10 minutes.
Coffee Kahlua Cream Glaze:Beat together the cream, instant coffee, sugar, and kahlua and spread over cooled cake.

mothers day, Mothers-Day, Mother's Day

What does Mom mean to you?

2006-05-12T09:47:00.000-04:00

Here's an oldie, but a goodie...

M - O - T - H - E - R

"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"

"A word that means the world to me."

~ Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

mothers day, Mothers-Day, Mother's Day

Great Words ~ Great Wisdom

2006-05-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

The Dalai Lama on Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

dalai lama, Dalai-Lama, Buddhism, Philosophy, Life

Scorpio Full Moon Saturday

2006-05-11T10:33:00.000-04:00

An excerpt from...
Full Moon Reflections:In the Belly of a Duck
by April Elliott Kent

"...But at this Full Moon in Scorpio, the sign of magical, unseen forces and the power of universal support, I find myself dazzled by such a generous display of cosmic goodwill. It’s illuminating to contemplate that among the Gods of mythology, Pluto/Hades – ruler of Scorpio – was known as "The Rich One." In astrology, Scorpio, Pluto, and the 8th house have come to symbolize the world’s riches – "other people’s money," inheritance and loans, mysterious windfalls. It makes sense to consider that what we put forward from Venus and the second house must eventually find a response from Pluto and the eighth house.

And yet, it’s very hard for some of us to rely upon Scorpio’s cosmic trust fund, the enormous stockpile of goods, services, and enlightenment that sits waiting for us to draw checks against it. I grew up among farmers who worked extraordinarily hard for every dollar, and I definitely absorbed the ethos that hard work alone, not magic, would summon financial security (although none of the hard-working families around us seemed especially prosperous)..."

Read the Full Article

full moon, astrology

Releasing Old Patterns & Habits

2006-05-11T08:45:00.000-04:00

When do you notice yourself getting in your own way?

It can happen pretty easily. It's when you unconsciously slip into denial, or when an addiction takes over, or when you go on 'automatic pilot'.

When there are unconscious patterns or habits happening within you, it's easy to remain oblivious and not conscious to what is really happening. It's easy to follow old habits and routine because you may be comfortable in it, but is that really living fully and being spontaneous?

What patterns & habits are you noticing in yourself that you would like to release? First they must be identified. With me, it's easy for me to slip into my usual morning routine and it can be 1pm before I get out the door to do my errands, etc. I've really taken notice to this pattern in me and I'm choosing to face it. In doing so, I choose to be conscious of my choices each morning.

What old patterns & habits do you have that you would like to become more conscious of, thereby working to release them?

What Are You Reflecting?

2006-05-05T12:55:00.000-04:00

Have you looked in the mirror lately?

I mean, really looked in the mirror. What did you see? Were you surprised by the image being reflected back to you? Did it look like you? Did it meet the image you hold of yourself in your mind?

If it didn’t match, what were the differences? What was the image telling you?

What do you think the image is that you are projecting out to the world? Does it match your inner view? How has it changes from a year ago? 5 years? 10 years?

Think about the image you have of yourself. Has it evolved over the years as you have? Do you still see yourself in your 20’s even though you are in your 50’s?

So often, we lock an image in our mind of who we are, never upgrading it or enhancing it as we change in the world. We upgrade our technology, cell phones, computers, etc, however we forget to upgrade our inner view of ourselves.

Think about how much you’ve changed and ask yourself if your image is really outdated? Is your inner image stuck in the 70’s and disco, while your outer self approaches the world in the latest fashions?

Internal imaging is not only about your body image, but it is about your entire being, mind, body and spirit. Body image is such a powerful subject in the media of late with actresses coming forward to speak about their struggles with food and image.

While the pressure they are under comes so much from their industry, it is also self imposed. Insecurity about their appearance existed deep within their being and rattled their inner foundation long before the external pressure began.

Think about your inner foundation. Is it stable or rickety and swayed by the latest fashion model to be on the cover of a major magazine? If you don’t feel stable and sure of yourself and the image you have of your self, what steps can you take?

First, identify that the image is just that- an image. The image is not a real thing, but just a picture or idea you took and filed away in your memory. That snapshot has been subjected to years of media influence, family and society influences.

The snapshot is no longer a clear picture, its been subjected to many layers of distortion and became an image that resembles a digitally enhanced, high-tech animation or caricature. It is no longer the truth.

After many years of distortion, it requires clarity. Sorting through the layers may take some time and concentrated effort. It takes patience and commitment, along with a good dose of compassion and self nurturing.

As you peel away the layers, each step of the way its important to clarify the truth. Ask yourself if the image you are seeing is the core truth for your being. Listen to your intuition. Feel the answer deep within your belly. Does the belief attached to that image ring true? Is it your belief or society’s? Is it your mother’s voice you hear, or maybe another’s?

Then ask what motivates that particular image. Is it motivated to please mother? Is it motivated to please father’s image of you? Could it be motivated by attracting attention, or by not wanting to attract attention? What is the deepest motivator? Could it be motivated by aloneness and the quest to never be alone? Could it be motivated by comparison and the need to meet some fictional inner standard?

Once you have identified your motivators, you can choose to address the core issues. You can face the emotion that is connected to the belief and release it, then replace the belief with a new truth.

You define your own truths. You create your own images. You define who you are and how you choose to present yourself to the world. It’s all up to you. You are the creator of your world. Regain your power from the fears you have held within you. Call on friends, family, or counseling for assistance in sorting the facts from the fiction.

You are the only one who knows the truth for you. Others can try to define it for you and tell you who they want you to be, or you can look to others who will help you ask questions and uncover your own truth.

Seek empowerment, not mass media and pre-determined molds to try to fit in to. Seek your inner path and find the light of your own truth, then radiate that light out for the world to see.

You are a unique being with your own inner beauty and shining light. If you recognize it, own it and value it, then so will others. Let that be the new image you show to the world.

© 2006 Jodie Foster

self improvement, Self Help, Personal Growth, body image

10 Great Ways to Beat Loneliness

2006-05-05T12:46:00.000-04:00

Are you one of the millions of people who experience loneliness?

Is it because you live alone or work at a home business all day? Over 4 million people worked from home according to the 2000 census, and the numbers have steadily risen since then. With commuter costs rising as well, even more people will turn to home offices as an economical option. Unfortunately, working from home can present other challenges. One of the most common complaints among people who work at home is the loneliness.

Working in the public and being with co-workers all day brings a sense of comradery and companionship that is missing once you work at home. While it’s nice to work in your pj’s at times, the loneliness can become a challenge for many.

How do you cope? What steps can you take to overcome it?

Here are some simple steps you can take:

Find a local coffee shop to hang out once or twice a week, bring your laptop, have a cup of coffee, knit, etc. It helps you feel like you are spending time with others.
Join a local group for networking, knitting, book club, etc.
Take up a new hobby, fly fishing, knitting, quilting, boxing, etc. and then join others in the endeavor. Remember, to be interesting, you need to be interested.
Call friends and invite them to lunch out with you- set a regular schedule for once or twice a month – don’t wait for them to call you.
Volunteer at the local library, hospital or school. Participating and helping others is a great way to beat loneliness.
Join an online discussion group or forum- chatting with others can relieve that sense of aloneness too.
Get a gym membership- working out with others is fun.
Take a class- learn something new and meet new people.
Check the local paper for free concerts, events, etc, to participate in or attend.
Get out of your routine by going for a walk in the middle of the day when the loneliness is apt to set in. Exercise will increase the oxygen you take into your body, helping you feel more energized and better about yourself.
Get a pet.

It’s important to have something to look forward to each day that is not just part of your to-do list. Above all else, make it a priority to get out of the house at least once every day. Write it in your day planner or appointment book. You’ll find yourself coming back to the office feeling refreshed and invigorated, ready to go on with your day because you know you’re not alone.

© 2006 Jodie Foster

loneliness, depression, WAH, WAHM, self improvement

Homemade Goodies for Mom

2006-05-04T12:10:00.000-04:00

With Mother's Day right around the corner, have you thought about what to do for your Mom? A very creative & talented friend of mine has put together specialty gift boxes to provide Moms everywhere with some comforting homemade treats.

Esther has formulated a unique menu that includes some different flavors and textures along with some comforting classics. There are three sizes available for order and the menu is listed below. Each will come with a personalized card, menu card, will be gift wrapped, adorned with ribbon and have a seed packet of flowers attached. UPS shipping is available for an additional charge upon request. The photo shows the small & medium size boxes.

Orders need to be reserved by May 8th- so hurry!

Prices are - Small Hat Box-$30.00, Medium Hat Box-$40.00, Large Hat Box-$50.00, plus shipping if needed.

Examples of menu selection that will be included -each will contain a sampling of these or similar recipes-Chocolate peanut butter cookies, Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, Cranberry-golden raisin biscotti, Oatmeal butterscotch cookies, Spiced almonds and walnuts, Almond-amaretto biscotti, Chocolate covered pretzels, Lemon-poppy seed crisps, Chewy molasses cookies, Lavender shortbread, Spicy brownie bites, Citrus shortbread, Caramel bars, Fruit tea assortment & sugar molded flowers with orange essence for your tea. Note: some recipes contain nuts or are baked in a facility where nuts are used.

To place an order, get more details or if have ?'s contact Esther Holden by email at eholden1@maine.rr.com.

For those being shipped they will be mailed on Thursday May 11th by UPS ground unless paying extra for faster delivery. If shipping to states close to Maine/New England most should receive in time for Mother's Day, if outside that area please email for options and time frames. All local orders will be available for pick up on Friday-12th or Saturday-13th. Payments must be received before ones being mailed UPS.

*Special* If you place an order and you pass along this e-mail to others and refer someone to Esther and they purchase a box then you will get $5.00 off the price your order when they state who they were referred by. Or if you order 2 boxes then you will get $5.00 off your 2nd box.

Please pass it along to others who might be interested too!

Esther Holden
A Touch of Comfort
Scarborough, Me 04074
eholden1@maine.rr.com