A day in the life of an intuitive healer.

My Ascendant and Chart Ruler

2011-01-16T12:00:00.003-05:00

So I have been analyzing my chart ruler, which is Venus, and Venus in my natal (birth) chart is in Aquarius. You find the planet that is your chart ruler by looking at your ascendant. The ascendant basically means the constellation that is on the Eastern horizon at the time of your birth. Since that changes every two hours you really need to know as accurately as possible, what your time of birth is. I actually have a story of my own about how essential it is to know your exact time as accurately as you can.

Having not been in possession of my actual birth certificate, I asked my parents what time I was born My dad told me sometime right after lunch and I believe it was my mom that told me about 12:35PM so up until I was almost 36 years old, I always thought my ascendant (aka Rising sign or AC) was in Aries. The planet that governs Aries is Mars and that would have made my chart ruler – Mars in my natal chart, is in my 12^th house and in Taurus.

Well since I wasn't 100% sure about the time - when my mom gave me my baby book just before my 36^th birthday – it has my birth certificate in it. That was when I found out (to my surprise) I was born at 1:48PM! That would make my ascendant in Taurus and my chart ruler Venus in Aquarius, because Venus rules Taurus and my Venus is in the 10^th house in Aquarius in my natal chart.

I find it amusing that even though for most of my life I thought I had an Aries rising and Mars was my chart ruler – I was still governed by Taurus or Venus and they both “rule” one another. I think that explains a lot why I gravitate towards Taurus people and they become my teachers in some way or another to me.

So it is interesting to me, when I realized that I am not governed by a planet of energy, pioneering spirit and swift motion (Mars) that is colored by an earthy pragmatic veil (Taurus). Rather my chart is ruled by an earthy, possession- oriented planet (Venus) that is colored by spontaneity, undisciplined, electricity and shock (Aquarius). It is interesting because both have similar qualities as one another but in a sort of more evolved way.

Anyhow, the point to that whole story is to know your birth time as accurately as possible because it can change your whole outlook on your personality. In some ways I identified with my chart ruler being Mars in Taurus, because I have always been an energetic person, and although I am energetic I have always had a pragmatic side to myself too. That is still part of my chart, because Mars is still in Taurus in my chart, just not as obvious or important factor as to how I present myself to the world.

The ascendant is called your “mask” what you project out into the world. It is how people perceive you, not necessarily the ego side of yourself, but how you are perceived by others. When you think about it being the point on the eastern horizon that is just peeking above the point of view when you were born, I see that as symbolic and just how the world is peeking into your personality... Key phrases here, “the world” & “is viewing you”. If we were talking about the placement of your sun, we would be talking about your ego, your core essence - but we are talking about the AC or rising sign, so its about how others see you, as that is truly what the ascendant is all about, your projections into the world and how the world is reflected back to you.

The part of my ascendant when I thought it was Aries with a ruling Mars in Taurus - that befuddled me, was that although I have always been energetic, I didn't embody the aggressive nature that Aries is so often known for being. I have always had that sort of soothing, sweet, kind, and overly caring sort of nature that Venus is known for. I've also been told by people that I seem to be balanced and have a good grasp on my “inner core”. That is not so much a Mars trait as it is a Taurus trait, Mars would rather run, skip and jump to make something happen, while Venus is more inclined to sweetly try to work their way into things happening the way they want them to be. Like, don't get me wrong, sure I want things to turn out the way I want them to - but I am not going to war over things if they don't turn out in my favor. I know that everything happens for a reason and I am cool with that. Taurus, although a fixed sign it wants peace, comfort and stability more then it wants to fight, or aggressively conquer before looking to the next thing to take over. Aries wants to pursue, fight and dominate over it, just because that's what Aries and Mars do... Venus and Taurus would rather just graze on the beautiful lush green grass and chill out some and hope things work out easily.

Which leads me to the present moment,, and my knowledge of Taurus being my ascendant and Venus being my chart ruler. First lets talk about Venus, it is the planet that everyone looks at to see what someone loves, sure that's true.. but it is also the planet that one can view how the person can be comfortable, or better yet what they feel comfortable in. Like color your comforting/heart (Venus) with the zodiac that it lays in (in my case Aquarius) and you will get someone that is comfortable with the unusual, the eccentric, the eclectic, the unstable, society in general and humanity as a whole. Since Aquarius is more of a Universal energy instead of a personal energy like Venus, one with Venus in Aquarius can sometimes feel awkward in close personal relationships but perfectly fine being the center of attention in a group setting. I find that to be very true of who I am sometimes. The beauty of that same aspect in someones chart gives the person the opportunity to reach many people from many different backgrounds and situations because the Venus in Aquarius ruled person is not fearful of the unknown or so comfortable just being in the comfort of their own sphere that they are lazy and don't want to go out and be bold in the world. There is always a positive and negative aspect to all of astrology, an ebb and flow of you will where you need to look at both sides of the same coin to understand.

I think after learning the correct ascendant for myself, it helped me understand who I am on a more deep level. I always had Venus in Aquarius in my natal chart, learning the new birth time for that did not change that aspect for me, but it did change that Venus in Aquarius was now the chart ruler and it changed my perspective on how much of an influence Venus really was for me.

For me I also feel that it helped me get in better touch with my heart. Venus always governs what we love and how we love, and understandingthat I embody and project towards others that I am a very loving person through my Taurus ascendant and my Venus in Aquarius chart ruler, helped me realize that its OK to be loving and caring.. its not weird, its just how I express the planets in my own natal chart, and those that understand that about me, become the closest people in my life. The most beautiful thing about astrology to me is that no matter how intense an aspect can be for someone, there is always someone else that will click with that in their own natal chart... Usually you find that person, and have curious feelings like, why do I feel this connection to someone... Then an astrologer will look at your chart and tell you --- this is why and it all pieces together.

So here is to your ascendant, learning about who you are and what you project to the world and embracing that part of yourself!

Now, you tell me --- Do you know where your ascendant is???

Starlene Breiter RMT
http://www.starlenebreiter.com

Starlene is an Astrologer, Metaphysical Gemologer, Reiki Master & Teacher and Spiritual Counselor. You can reach her websites by going to the above link. This article is copy-written in 2010 by StarleneBreiter.com if you would like to use it in your own blog or article, you must have written permission from us before using it. Contact us via the website above for details on how to get written permission for using the article.

Listen to Your Own Inner Guidance

2010-10-08T08:30:00.005-04:00

Listen to Your Own Inner Guidance

Let's think about our own inner guidance and the wisdom that comes from Spirit. One of the things that I have learned to do is trust my own intuition as no one can know what is good for me better than I know myself. Trusting my inner guidance and intuition is something that often gets better or easier with practice. And once you get it down, you feel safe and stable in life.

Think about all the different things that you do in your life, one of those things could be going to college and getting a degree in business because that's what your father and grandfather did. So when you graduated high school, you decided to go to college because that's what you were "supposed to" do. When you realize that it's not college, or even business - that you really want to do. What you really want to do is play sports, become a farmer, go to ballet school and on and on.

Now think to yourself, where does that idea of what were "supposed to" do come from? Sometimes it comes from our parents. Sometimes it comes from our friends. Sometimes it comes from feeling like we aren't good enough because we compare ourselves to an older sibling who is really smart or something along those lines. Sometimes it even comes from what you feel society wants you to do. So, despite not listening to your own inner guidance here, you end up doing what you don't want to do and find yourself down the road unhappy and not really understanding why or how to get out of that unhappy feeling.

Of course you can't go back and change the past, but you can live in the now and trust your own inner guidance to make decisions based on what you feel is right for your self - and not what others feel is right for you.

Sometimes this takes a little soul-searching, and that's okay!

Do yourself a favor and get in tune with your inner self. One of the ways you can do that is by having "quiet time" every day to just be with you. You can do this through meditation, and you can do this just by sitting quietly and thinking about your life and what makes you feel good and like you are living your life that you want to live.

Most importantly it's imperative to make YOU important to yourself. Listen to what your inner heart is telling you, that inner heart and Spirit I am talking about ~ is your connection to Spirit or God, or whatever name you call that Spiritual Oneness that is all of us. Once you listen to your inner heart, take steps to be - or do - what your inner heart is telling you to be, or do. Always remember that the first step is listening to your inner guidance then the second step is putting action towards that inner guidance, and the third step is getting yourself out of the way & trusting that inner guidance!

Once you start to work on yourself, and listen to your own inner guidance, little by little, you'll realize that it's actually easy to put you in high rankings of important people in your life!

It's my opinion that if you don't take care of yourself first and you are healthy in mind, body and spirit - then you can't really help other people. So many people, when you tell them to take time out for themselves have the excuse of - I don't have time because I'm busy helping other people - well if you first take care of yourself before moving on to other people then you have no excuses of not having time. If you can't give yourself the time to be quiet and listen to your own inner guidance, then that's okay too, just know that you might not be living to the highest potential that you could be.

So today take some time out to listen to your own inner guidance and follow your heart to an inspired and beautiful life!

Love, Blessings, Inspiration,

Starlene Breiter RMT

http://www.starlenebreiter.com

My Business Is Prosperous

2010-09-08T09:36:00.012-04:00

My Business Is Prosperous

I got the inspiration for today's blog from a little affirmation card that came from one of Louise Hay's affirmation decks. I love the simplicity of the message but at the same time you can take it to many levels and apply it to your life in general.

So the affirmation on the card goes like this:

My Business is Prosperous

I rejoice in other people's successes because I know there is plenty for everyone.

What comes to my mind after the initial warm fuzzy feeling I get after reading the card is:

The thoughts that we put our focus on.

In my last blog, I spoke about keeping your thoughts on the positive side of things and manifesting yourself prosperity. This takes it to another level, a level outside yourself. Because, sure, that affirmation works for me ----> And it works for YOU too!

It has been my experience through social networking websites and getting myself out there through my radio show, my websites, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Blogger, etc... Whatever sort of venue that I put myself on to meet others.

A simple rule is: the more I connect, network and communicate with other successful people ---- the more successful I become.

I think a lot of this has to do with how confident and positive you really feel about yourself.

I can tell you, I have a girlfriend that I have known for a million (in internet time) years... and she and I both make jewelery, we both pretty much started to sell our jewelery in our businesses at the same time. Through our connecting with others, and us helping one another out with ideas, brainstorming, positive reinforcement or just being there for the other - BOTH of our jewelery businesses are thriving and we BOTH have more clients all the time because of this. The whole worry about someone "taking" your business - has no place in an attitude that says we rejoice in other's successes --- because if you start to think like that. You will look for reasons to feel like that, and therefore create a moment of seeing that.

I could give you a good example of what I mean here.

So my girlfriend (I am gonna pimp her store out at the end of this blog too) Sloan is her name, she and I have our little Facebook pages of our shops on Facebook and someone that has been a client of mine sees her page and meets her. Then my client buys something from her too...

Now I could look at that two different ways. I could think to myself (which I totally don't)

"Wow, that client of mine went to Sloan and could have bought something from me - I lost a sale."

I could look at it like this (which is often how the story goes)...

"Wow, that client of mine went to Sloan and got something from her -- oh and it was that garnet ring I was eyeballing!! Lucky girls, they both are, I am glad they connected with one another!"

"...Oh and, look ---- one of Sloan's clients just bought something from ME!"

See, it is your perception in the whole idea of this scene I just shared with you. I think that Sloan's client would have probably bought something from me either way --- I really think when people shop they feel a connection to a certain thing, or they don't --- so it is not about you or someone else as much as it is about what the shopper is looking for. Besides - there is no room for "loosing a sale" because before you know it --- The Universe pays you back!

Now I do want to point out that perception is an energy, its an energy of thought. If you are perceiving the world in a worry, fear, loss, stressful way. Then quite simply, that is what you are going to see. If you perceive the world as an abundant place for many people to be prosperous, and lots of prosperity for all, then quite simply - that is what you are going to see --- and --- therefore ---- BECOME!

So ask yourself next time you see someone succeeding at what they do (or even at what you do too) How can I pat that person on the back and congratulate them? And how can I allow that happy energy for another inspire me to be the great and inspiring person that - I AM?!

See, it goes right back to having that inner confidence!

Instead of spending your energy in a negative or worrisome way - maybe look for a buddy that you can connect with, and continue your journey of prosperity with!

Thanks Sloan's ~ My sweet and ever LOVED Spirit~Sister,,, for allowing me to share a little of ourselves with others. I get lots of business questions, and although I am not a business advisor - I can see many principles that you and I naturally do, could help just about anyone in their work!

So check out Sloan's ~ Celtic Crossing Etsy Shop

http://celticcrossing.etsy.com

And of course Fan her page on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/Celticcrossing

Love and Much Prosperous Success to ALL!!!

Starlene Breiter RMT

http://www.starlenebreiter.com

Money, Money, Money!!!

2010-08-29T10:26:00.004-04:00

Want to know how to make more money, be more prosperous and feel worthy? There are a couple simple steps to get you moving in that direction --- read on to learn how simple it truly is!

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Of course the title of this blog caught your eye, most of us are looking to have more money in our lives! Have you ever read anything by T. Harv Elker? He is a wonderful author that is inspiring and helpful in teaching one to use those inspirations. One of this thought's and ideas that I love I wanted to share with all of you here...

Decide you're worthy.

If you say you're worthy, you are. If you say you're not worthy, you're not.

Either way you'll grow into your story.

I liked this thought for several reasons. I find that a lot of people that come to me for intuitive readings or guidance are stuck in this rut of feeling they are not good enough or they are not worthy of things, whether that be success, money, happiness, love or whatever. Some people have even said to me, how do you do it? How do I make myself worthy?

Well for one I start off with saying it, even if you don't believe it at first, say it! Affirmations are funny like that, we don't usually believe them at first or well, quite frankly, we wouldn't need them in the first place if we did, right?'

So say it, keep saying it.

I am worthy.

Then you start to do the things that make you feel confident and secure in what you are worthy of. If you want to be worthy of success you need to start taking a stand and believing in yourself. To be quite blunt and truthful no one is going to do it for you, so if you choose to be worthy then you are. If you choose not to be then you won't be.

Make good choices, because whatever you chose to be - you are.

I choose to be worthy, how about you?

((hugs))

Rev. Starlene Breiter RMT

http://www.starlenebreiter.com

Organized Chaos Jewelery Line

2010-08-22T12:37:00.003-04:00

One of the things that has kept me busy this past year is that I have created a jewelery line called Organized Chaos Jewelery. It is really beautiful and all the pieces are one of a kind. Mostly they are made of gemstones, crystals and wire wrapped stones. You just have to see them to understand them!

I really love how each piece turns out, and I feel the energy of them in my hands... Take a peek at my page of Organized Chaos Jewelery and let me know if I can make YOU a piece for yourself!

http://www.lightandlovereiki.com/organizedchaos

Namaste, Starlene

http://www.spititjewelers.com

Little Vacation but Home Sweet Home

2010-08-06T04:48:00.006-04:00

I have been on a little vacation from blogging for a while and even when I have been posting something, it has been sparse. Lots of things have been transpiring in my life lately, most wonderful ~ amazing things that I am going to happily share with the world through this blog... So those that are with me here on this healing journey -- Stay tuned, to hear more from me, more often!

I also wanted to share a few new links with everyone too. I have been using Facebook as a tool to share some of the things I am up to. I created several pages there that I offer different services through. I also do little contests and give stuff away on them too,, take a look at them and please share them with others!

http://facebook.com/StarleneBreiterRMT - this is my personal page, I post astrology musings and other things I am up to here

http://facebook.com/SpiritJewelers - This is where I share my beautiful jewelery creations with the world!

http://facebook.com/RocksAndReiki - This is where we share the new rocks that are posted on the Rocks And Reiki site & the new Rocks and Reiki Etsy shop

http://facebook.com/LightAndLoveReiki - This is where we post updates about the Light And Love Reiki site and we are soon starting a Reiki shared on the page too!

So check those out, we post on the pages fairly regularly and love connecting with others through Facebook. It has been a wonderful networking tool and way to meet lots of great people. And for those of you that wonder how on earth I do all this stuff... I have enlisted the help of Ann (my mother) and Ellie (my daughter) to pull it all together and make it happen! So thanks to them, this is all possible :)

Soooo see ya soon & check out those links!

Much Love, Starlene

Healing Spirit Radio Show with Starlene Breiter - 8 to 9PM EST

2010-03-01T16:29:00.007-05:00

My Radio Show... Healing Spirit Radio Show... Come listen *most* Tuesday nights from 8-9PM EST (Check the show page for more information on dates)

I share lots of interesting metaphysical things on the show, have special guests. Do astrological forecasts and take callers for live intuitive readings :)

Some of my topics include Reiki, Astrology, Gemstone and Crystal Healing, Opening your Psychic Side and much more!

If you can't make the show live, you can also listen to the archived shows via the link below!

www.healingspiritradioshow.com

See ya there!
Blessings, Starlene Breiter

Some Centering and Grounding Techniques for Reiki practitioners

2010-02-19T11:13:00.003-05:00

Grounding Techniques for Reiki Practitioners -

This should be done before you start a Reiki treatment in order to ground your energy to the earth's energy field, which will further prevent your energies from "flying" off, so to speak. If you find that you are "floating", or feel "tired", "headachy" or "spinney" after a Reiki session, it usually indicates that you were not fully grounded beforehand.

Tree Root Method:

1. Sit comfortably on a chair or you can also do this standing

2. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

3. Your intention and focus is to visualize tree roots spreading from your root chakra (the base of your spine or buttocks) down through the soles of your feet and continuing to the centre of the earth

4. See the tree roots spreading out in all directions, attaching themselves to the earth's centre

5. Feel and know that you are grounded firmly to earth energies

Cleansing - This is especially important to do after each Reiki treatment in order to disconnect your energy from your client's (this is done apart from washing your hands after each treatment). Cleansing can also be done during the day, as needed, especially if you are out in crowds - monitor your feelings and thoughts for negative changes to your overall well-being.

Dry Brush Method

1. From a standing position, use the palms of both hands to gently brush or dust yourself off starting from the top of your head and working down to your feet

2. Your intention and focus is to feel and know that you are cleansed from all debris, toxins, impurities, energy blockages or lower vibrating energies (also called negative energy)

3. Feel and know that these will flow to the centre of the earth to be transformed into higher, finer vibrating energy that will be re-used by the universe at the appropriate time

Waterfall/Shower Method

1. Sit comfortably on a chair or you can also do this standing

2. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

3. Visualize standing under a waterfall or shower (this can be clear, a specific colour or a rainbow)

4. Your intention and focus is to feel and know that the water is washing and cleansing away all energy blockages, all lower vibrating energy, plus all toxins and impurities from your body. Know that these will flow to the centre of the earth to be transformed into higher, finer vibrating energy (also called positive energy) that will be re-used by the universe at the appropriate time

5. You can cleanse several times per day if you feel that you have absorbed outside energies (E.g. you may start to feel a headache, or your energy may feel drained or you may become irritable or uneasy, etc.)

Protection - This helps to separate your energy from your surrounding environment or from the energies of others. After giving a Reiki treatment, make a habit of putting your client in a soothing, protective bubble of colour to induce further relaxation, protection and healing.

Bubble of Color

1. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

2. Visualize surrounding yourself in a bubble of color - any color that you are attracted to use; don't be concerned about the significance of the color's meaning

3. Visualize surrounding the other person in a different bubble of color

4. This separates your energy from the other person

5. Know and feel that you are always protected from outside lower vibrating energies (also called negative energies)

Many deep breathing techniques are influenced by martial art teachings and if you recall, Mikao Usui sensei was an expert aiki jutsu martial artist; therefore he would have utilized this knowledge and skill to strengthen and maintain his energy state while practicing Reiki.

Other benefits for practicing deep breathing are that it helps reduce stress levels by lowering your heart rate, blood flow and the amount of adrenaline produced during your "fight or flight" mode. You become calmer, less agitated and more focused with increased clarity as your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies become aligned and balanced.

Change Your Regular Breathing Pattern - most of us are used to breathing in quick short breaths from our chest, otherwise known as shallow breathing. But you can actually control and protect your energy level through conscious awareness in which you take deeper slower breaths. It takes time to change from old habits, but once mastered, you can then consciously move or circulate Ki or energy throughout your body at all times.

1. With your inhalation, slowly push your stomach out and then pull the air up into your diaphragm, hold for a moment

2. On your exhalation, slowly push the air down from your diaphragm and then contract your stomach inward toward the small of your back

3. Continue breathing like this slowly and rhythmically

4. Your goal is to adapt this method of breathing as your new, regular breathing pattern

Usui Reiki Principles

2009-12-21T20:38:00.006-05:00

These are the Usui Reiki principles as taught by Dr Miako Usui.

The original Japanese Principles/Affirmations

The Secret Method of Inviting Blessings
The Spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses

For today only, do not anger, do not worry.
Do your work (meditation) with appreciation.
Be kind to all people.

In the morning and at night with hands held in prayer, think this in your mind, chant this with your mouth.

The Usui Reiki method is to change your mind and body for the better.

The Western style versions of the Principles/Affirmations have adopted the following format.

They have been “Westernized” to be better understood but still have tremendous value.

Just for today, I will not anger.
Just for today, I will let go of worry.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.
Just for today, I will honor my teachers.

Some pretties that have been keeping me busy...

2009-11-21T18:05:00.011-05:00

Here are some pretties that have been keeping me busy... Hope you like... If your interested in purchasing any of these, just let me know (but hurry as they are 1 of a kind)!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Starlene
www.spiritjewelers.com
Namaste, Starlene Breiter RMT

This set is made of lava stone, black onyx and tourmaliated quartz... It would be great for someone that wants to connect to the earth and its wonderful grounding energy!

This set is made of Red Sponge Coral and Sunstone (Heiolite chips) it is a really vibrant piece that will help to awaken the root and sacral chakras... Sunstone is also wonderful for giving one energy so wear this set in caution!

This very looooveeely bracelet is made of dyed howlite that looks like turquoise.. Super cute and super fun to wear! I also attached a little bell so you jingle as you wear it! The turquoise howlite is an awesome stone for calmness, peace and tranquility!

This magickal necklace is made of different colored tourmaline, pink, blue, green & black and the focal is rhodonite along with some sphere rhodonite beads I snuck in there... I have contemplated keeping this one,,, its the only rhodonite focal heart pendant that I have like it,,, so its a unique one! This one has some super heart chakra energy to it,,, gotta love that!

This hot little number is real turquoise and super niiice!! The feel of this energy is so soft, calming and reminds me of the ocean. I am sure whoever winds up with this one is going to love it! Turquoise is helpful at healing, protection and promotes spiritual communication with the Spirit world!

I have also be wire wrapping a little, here is a brecciated jasper pendant wrapped with black copper,, its super energetic and brecciated jasper helps one to retain their balance and centering. I thought the black copper would make a perfect companion for this pretty!

If you are looking to purchase any of these pretties,,, be sure to check out the links above or contact me! I am happy to make something special for you or a loved one for the holidays too,,, just contact me and let me know what types of things you want to work on and I will choose special stones just for you! Those things could be anything from love, centering, grounding, healing, intuition, psychic energy or any other things you may want to work on!

Cryptic Messages...

2009-11-04T10:21:00.001-05:00

This came to me the other day, and I thought I would share it here...

I do a lot of intuitive readings for people and it is curious to me why people do this cryptic thing when getting a reading a lot of the time. For instance someone may say something general, like I want to know about my money situation, when later on in the reading it comes out they want to know about a specific job they applied for. Now I don't need someone to tell me what I see about someone, I can read their energy or pull a card and talk to them, but it always befuddled me why people often times were so cryptic in their first asking for guidance. Often times when you start to talk to the person, whatever it is they really wanted to know comes out anyhow, so why not just start the reading off like that in the first place, yanno? To me if someone is guarded, then they get a sort of guarded answer from me, their energy begets that sort of reading from me, if that makes sense!?

It made me think of a counselor. I have seen a counselor on and off in my lifetime, just to work on things with myself, which is super good to do... But if I was cryptic with her and leaving holes in the story the counselor may not get the whole picture to really help me work on the issues at hand... Get it?

Sooo, I leave you with this,,, next time your getting a reading, be blunt, ask for what you want, don't be afraid! I know myself, I would never judge someone, goodness knows I have been in a lot of things in my lifetime, to judge someone would be to judge myself too! Just get it out, ask the question and leave the crypticness to Halloween :)

Releasing the Egomotion

2009-08-23T14:57:00.004-04:00

Ok, so maybe egomotion isn't a word, but to me it symbolizes something essential to look at when we are look towards correcting our perception and living in Truth.

So what excatly is egomotion?

To me we exude two emotions, the emotion that comes from a place of Love and Oneness, and then we have a gamut of emotions that come from a place of ego. Those ego emotions can be disguised in many different ways, anger, fear, sadness, resentment, jealousy or even an infuriating feeling... All of those emotions that stem from the ego are what I call egomotions.

We have these little egomotions pop up all the time, being in these human bodies and experiencing the ego, (for that is what it means to be human afterall) we can't help but have egomotions come up to us. The thing we have to observe and work with is how we deal with them.

Dealing with our emotions can seem like a daunting task, seriously! I know people that just seem out of control with their emotions, ranging from happiness to negativity and everything in between. It really doesn't have to be a difficult task to undertake though, it is actually pretty simple.

To me, the way I can bring this control into play with my emotions is when I feel anger, frustration etc come over me, I bring my attention to the now. A question that I ask myself is, "What am I experiencing now?"

I don't know about you, but my mind wanders to many different areas throughout the day. Maybe you can call it a wandering mind, deep thoughts, it goes all over. Sometimes those thoughts go to something that happened in the past, and wow, that can really affect me! How do you deal with feeling embarassed in the 3rd grade when you tripped in front of your classmates? Sure that happens, but when you think about the situation that made you feel embarassed, is that affecting you right now?

How about how you felt angry when you found out someone lied to you. (I know that one is a toughie) Ask yourself though, why were you angry that the person lied to you?

Because you were afraid or hurt? Hmmm...

All these egomotions really boil down to fear, they have to, the ego only knows fear. The ego has its place in ourselves, if it didn't, we wouldn't need our bodies, we would be in total Spirit form,,, but how much of those egomotions do you allow to be part of your experience?

So what is the alternative to feeling these egomotions? For me the alternative is realizing that everything has its place in this world, nothing is ever wrong or bad, it just is. We can realize that there is nothing to gain when we focus our right now on feeling negative, all that does is keep us in the ego for a longer time.

The truth of the matter is that we only have right now, so how are you spending it? Focused on the ego, or the Loveeeeeeee?!

Blessings and thoughts, Starlene

Face Thy Ego

2009-08-15T01:30:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have acquired a totally different perspective on the ego. It is an interesting transition from believing the ego was something that I didn't identify with much at all, to the ego being inside my head on a continual basis. Looking back, it is sort of funny because all along, everything I studied and believed in was pointing me into the direction of really understanding ego... I was just not ready to embrace that I had one, or at least that one was very much a part of my experience. It is interesting how sometimes things are in your face for a long time before you open your eyes and even look at it.

That brings me to thinking ---- What is the ego?

In my earlier time when I felt like I didn't identify with the ego, I thought the ego was the typical business person that has a type A personality. Someone who is always uptight and always striving but never arriving. The ego could even be someone that simply centered themselves around themselves. I thought that the ego was related to the ungrounded type of person that cares little about anything but pleasure, money, and material things. (Wow, how close but way off I was!!)

I have come to understand that my perception of ego was not that far off, but it also was a LOT more. To my understanding the ego part of our human experience attempts to make us feel like we are separate from God, Spirit and everyone else. More then it being the part of our human experience that feels separate, the ego is something that will continually try to convince us that things in our experience are negative, separate, bad, evil, destructive, competitive, angry, even sad. Fairly simply put the ego is the cause of ALL negative experiences that we have.

To understand the ego, one must also understand that we have a real and authentic side to ourselves, our Higher Self, Light Body, Christedness, Spirit etc. (It doesnt matter what you call this side of you, it is always the part of us that is the "Spirit" of us) This side of ourselves is a constant and continual beacon of Light energy that is always coming from a place of Love.

So you see the dichotomy that we have, being in the human experience. On one hand we have the false sense of the ego and on the other hand we have our authentic Higher Self, always showing us the Light on the path.

(What on earth were we thinking when we decided to incarnate into human form, right??? - This could be a whole other story *wink*)

So this is pretty easy stuff, right?

Well when you look at it on the surface, you might even depict the proverbial angel on one shoulder and devil on the other. That analogy works well, but it goes even deeper then that.

When speaking of the ego, we are speaking of all and any thoughts, comments, ideas, desires etc, that are not coming from a place of Love. Think of the thoughts that are self defeating, criticizing of others, unhealthy, negative, pessimistic etc. Being that we are in these human bodies, (being in the human experience as I like to call it) we all have an ego to deal with, face and tame.

We can deny it by saying, I am always Light or always positive, but then when we have the negative thought, or feel sad about something... Where does that come from? It comes from ego.

I have talked with people that want to hold on to their "misfortunes", their sadness, diseases, troubles etc... All those things seem like they are really real to us in this experience, but when we ask ourselves, do those things come from a place or Love, the answer is obviously no,,, so where do those things come from?

Yep, you guessed it, ego.

I know, I know, I have done it too, and because I live in this human experience, I know that I am bound to do it again and again. Each time I "go there" with whatever ego related thing my very clever ego can muster up, I look at it as an opportunity to heal and turn that over to the Light and ask for forgiveness of the situation. This is part of the process that we are dealing with by having our human experience, we must face the ego.

To me, this process is happening in layers. I have a feeling that this is common amongst people that are doing this type of work on their Spirit, partly because as we go through the layers, we discover other ways that the ego tries to trick us into believing that some negative experience or feeling is actually real. It is also because the ego is a vicious defender of itself because if you are holding any thought, idea, emotion etc in the Light, then there really is no ego. This threatens the ego and the ego goes into overdrive working hard at defending its position or hierarchy in your mind.

Here is a scenario for you of the ego hard at work....

Life is just going along smoothly, your working a good job, making enough money to pay your bills, saving money, and even spend money on frivolous things without worry. You're happy with your partner, and generally feel good. You decide that although this lifestyle is good and all your physical needs are met, you just don't feel a sense of fulfillment. So your Higher Self side, the side that has always been part of you, (albeit a quiet and peaceful part of you) decides to search into something outside of this experience you have been having. You decide to go searching for something because deep down inside you know there is more to life then material things.

Well in this searching you have stirred up the ego and got its attention even more. The ego thinks, "WAIT, shes looking to find some peace outside of the physical world that I have so nicely put her in. What on earth is she thinking?!"

So you go to a spiritual event, place, or even start to have a spiritual conversation with someone. You start to question yourself, is there something more to all of this thing that we call life? You might even pick up a book on a spiritual topic. For this discussion lets say it was a book, its a spiritual book on connecting with your Higher Self.

Well you get into reading this book, its interesting enough and it starts to get your mind whirring around. You might even start to think that the book has some validity to it.

This infuriates the ego because as you start to think these things, your ego starts to think that maybe you will learn that the ego is not really real.

Lets say, you have typically been reading the book every night for an hour before bedtime. PERFECT the ego thinks, "All I need now is a distraction for her for that hour, and get her to stop reading that book!" So the ego has you decide that your PMSing or feeling ill to your tummy one night.

Just a note here, the American Medical Association -AMA- has come to the conclusion that 2/3 of disease and illness are in ones head.

So the ego decides to put that seed in your head... "Oh yea, remember that lady you saw at work today, she had a stomach virus, guess that's what you have!" There you have it, in your mind, I am sick, and you decide to go to bed early and not read the spiritual book that night.

Score 1 for the ego!!

That might actually take care of some of you, the ego won at this point and the book gets stuck on the shelf and never looked at again. (Hurrah ego)

To others it might take more then that. So the ego once again thinks, wow, this is tougher then I thought... Hmm, where can I toss in something good *rubs hands together* and really get her?

Ok, lets pull the "significant other card", that one works pretty good!

So the day you recover from your supposed stomach virus, your significant other comes home from a hard day at work and decides to take it easy and just relax and take a nap... In actuality, it doesn't matter what the significant other wants to do, the ego can make a mountain out of a molehill if it wants to. (Don't think so? Ever see someone flip out because they misplaced their keys? That my friend, is the ego's handiwork at its best!)

So no matter what your significant other wants to do, for this we will say that they want to sleep. The ego might go into this drama... "Oh gosh, I am so bored, all you do is sleep!" and the ego then creates a tension in your life, and guess what? You forget about the book once again!

Score 2 for the ego!!

This might finish you off and the book then gets buried under a stack of other books sitting around, if the ego has its way this is just how it will happen.

"No, not yet?" says the ego.... Will have to think of something more!!

Maybe you are single, and you are thinking to yourself, how can the ego distract me? If the ego is not manufacturing a sickness then I am good to go, right? Wrong. The ego can do something like pull the "poor me, I am single card" or even delve into the last relationship that you had that did not end on a good note.

Ooops, got lost in a pity party or took a trip down memory lane and decided to not read the book that day!

Score!!! Says the ego.

Do you see a pattern here?

The pattern, to me, has to do with the word distraction. The ego is wonderful at helping you uncover any and all distractions that will keep you from connecting with your Higher Self.

This all sounds quite easy and you might even feel like you don't have much of an ego. (Quite like I did) But I bet you, if you start to examine your life, thoughts and emotions, you will start to uncover more of an ego then you thought you had.

I have had people ask me, ok, got this information, it resonates with me on an intellectual level but how do I know if my thoughts, emotions or action are coming from a place of ego or a place of Love?

That is actually simpler to figure out then you think! You simply stop yourself in mid thought, action, emotion,,, and ask yourself. Is this a loving, thought, emotion or action? If the answer is yes, then you know it comes from a place of Love. If the answer is no, then you can rest assured it comes from the place of the ego.

I've watched many people grow in their spirituality, being a mentor and teacher of many spiritual topics this has been something that I have seen time and time again. How many of you can testify that when things seem too good, that the ego will throw a wrench in your happiness and try to distract you?

So think about your ego for a bit.... Think about all your thoughts, all your actions, all your emotions... Examine them, and ask yourself, where does this come from? Ego? or Love?

Thanks for reading.... Expression to me is one way my Spirit works in taming my own ego :)

Namaste, Starlene

Magical Waterfall and Fish Pond

2009-07-15T14:37:00.002-04:00

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In yOur Judgement....

2009-06-28T14:13:00.002-04:00

Have you ever pondered just a word? I mean really just sat down and thought about the meaning of one word?

I have been doing some deep thinking lately. Lately I have been thinking about the word Judgment. What does it mean to judge something? Good or even bad, what does that mean to you?

We can judge things for many reasons, whatever we are judging doesn't resonate with us well, ie, the car is dirty or the weather is cold, I feel sick, I feel excited.

We can also judge things in a positive light, ie, you look pretty, the flowers smell nice, my haircut is great.

We judge other people, she is overweight, he is handsome, they are a cute couple, hes angry, shes smart. How about, I just wish you could see things from my perspective!

We even judge ourselves... I didn't hold that yoga pose long enough, I should have been kinder, I should stop drinking, smoking, (fill in the blank), I love the way these clothes fit me, I did so well working out at the gym today.

All these things and many many more are judgments that we make each and every day about ourselves, others, things, places and even ideas. The culture that we have grown up in is full of judgments, from the moment we are first born,,, our parents swoon over us,,, "Ahh what an adorable baby!!, She is so smart, so happy, so cute!"

Now I'm not downing judgments here, nope, that would put me in a judging spot to do that, right?

I am just trying to open some ideas in your mind that may not have been present before. I have been playing a game with myself lately, and trying to stay out of judgment with myself, and when I catch myself making a judgment, lovingly remind myself not to judge and just be with whatever it is that I was going to pass judgment on. It sounds easier then it really is. Judgment is so embedded into our consciousness that we do it on a totally unconscious level most of the time.

Soooo, I propose to you to take a day (or a few hours out of your day) and try to be in a state of non-judgment. Just try it, and remember when you come out of it, as you likely will, guide yourself back into the place of just BE-ing with whatever it is that you felt like judging, and the trick is, don't be hard on yourself for slipping, as that too would be a judgment, right?

Thoughts, ideas, non-judgments welcome! ;)

Taking Time off....

2009-06-04T17:56:00.005-04:00

Taking Time off.......

Is good :)

I took the last month or so off from a lot of online stuff, or at least social online stuff, my blogs, my community, other social places.

So I took advantage of the "RE" effect of Mercury going into Retrograde (May 7 - May 30) to do some reflecting, reorganizing, reevaluating, returning, recycling things in my personal as well as business worlds.

It's funny that I didn't really plan on taking time off from things, I just felt drawn to doing things differently. Even though I have been quiet online, I'm still the busy person I always am... I have been working on new things, (as usual) and REvamping old things (there's that Mercury in REtrograde energy again) I will be sharing these new things with everyone here in the coming weeks... So stay tuned!!

One of the things is a whole new Healing Spirit Community... So that should be fun!

Many people talk about Mercury in retrograde phases as a bad thing, but I look at them on the lighter side. Or at least I try to do that! Mercury in retrograde helps one clear out old patterns and shake things up a little in ones life. Kind of like my ruling planet Uranus, it can't stand doing the same thing over and over and over again, it gets bored, if something is not working for you... Then do something different that does work for you!

Aside from the quiet reflecting and revamping energy, summer is out for our kids and I am thinking of what sort of fun things we are going to do this year.... I always try to mix fun with educational things to do in the summer time, probably visit a few museums, maybe make a trip up north for a while, spend time at the beach,, who knows! I wonder what others have planned for the summer?

Well blessings all, I just wanted to say hi and that I am back and will be catching up with everyone soon! I have been writing a lot lately, but more to myself then anything. Over the next while and in particular while Neptune is Retrograde, I will be working on the intuitive side of myself and writing more openly with some of the thoughts I have collected during my quiet time,,, so you should see me more!

((hugs)) and much love to all my friends!

xoxox Star

Bastet - Proctectress of Cats

2009-04-27T23:29:00.000-04:00

Bastet - Proctectress of Cats
cat or head of a cat
Bastet was sometimes called bast. She was the goddess of cats. She is a cat, or has the head of a cat, but originally she had the head of a lion.

Every day the sun god Ra would travel in his ship across the sky. Every night the snake Apep tried to stop the sun god's ship on his journey through the underworld. Ra was usually won these battles. However, on stormy days, or during an eclipse, the Egyptians believed that Apep had been victorious and swallowed the sun. Bastet defended her father Ra against the snake.

Bastet was the proctress of cats. The Ancient Egyptians had a great respect for cats since they protected the grain from mice and rats. Rats can also cause disease. Killing a cat was punishable by death. When a cat died, the family mourned it, shaving their eyebrows to mark their sadness. Cats were sometimes mummified, like people, and their mummies have been found.

GET YOUR WORDS TO MATCH...

2009-04-05T15:48:00.003-04:00

This little jewel was given to my from a friend and mentor of mine Jerry Erickson. He is full of wisdom and spiritual informaiton! He is also a Kabbalah teacher that has shared a lot of wisdom with me, so from time to time expect a blog here and there about his wisdom :)

Thanks Jerry, for all the light that you share!

<3 Starlene
www.lightandlovereiki.com

GET YOUR WORDS TO MATCH...

It has always been labeled a short-circuit when we don't practice what we preach.

I truly know that one better than most because my words and actions are observed by so many. But in truth, we all have that same responsibility to make sure that our thoughts, words, deeds and or actions are all aligned.

Try to always match your actions to your words. By doing this, you will discover a great (unknown to you) personal power that will lead you to an amazing sense of satisfaction.

(C)2009 illuministic - Jerry Erickson

Archangel Sandalphon

2009-03-28T23:50:00.002-04:00

Archangel Sandalphon

Archangel Sandalphon can help you with your actions and words to be more harmonious and healing. He is very connected with music, and has a soothing energy to him, so if you are looking to connect with Archangel Sandalphon, all you need to do is listen to some music, dance or sing and ask him to be present with you.

Archangel Sandalphon is the second of two Archangels that were once humans, it is because of that, that I believe Archangel Sandalphon can really understand us humans deeply. Sandalphon lived such an extraordinary life that he ascended into an archangel. You can ask Archangel Sandalphon to help you to also create an extraordinary life for yourself. He will guide you to live with intergrity, assist you with healing and gift you with spiritual knowledge if you invite him to do so.

Sandalphon also helps you to see and appreciate the miracles (however big or little they may appear) in your life.

Sandalphon is an angel of music and musings who carries prayers to heaven. His brother is the archangel Metatron. They were once mortal men, the prophet Elijah and wise man Enoch.

Archangel Sandalphon appears as very tall and dressed in black. His robe is made of pure energy. His name means, "Brother", and he is the twin brother of Metatron. Sandalphon is the Master of Heavenly Song. His primary function is to act as a Guide.

The Meaning of Namaste

2009-03-18T14:42:00.009-04:00

Many people ask me what Namaste means, so I thought I would give a
definition of what it means to me and to others.

Namaste comes from the Sanskrit word namah te. Namaste is pronounced Nam-a-stay. In Sanskrit namah means "bow, obeisance, reverential salutation, adoration". Te is the durative of the personal pronoun tvam, "you". A literal translation of Namaste (namah te) is thus "reverential salutation to you." It is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with the hands pressed together, palms touching, in front of the chest called Gassho.

Please feel free to contribute your translation below and it will be posted here soon after!

Often times one will use this as a greeting to say hello or goodbye. It is a
common greeting for Yoga or Reiki practitioners, but the meaning is far more then a greeting.

There are many translations in English to Namaste and here are some of
them:

* The Light in me recognizes the Light in You.

* I respect and acknowledge your place in the universe or simply "Amen"

* I remember you from then that you dwelled in heaven as a highly developed spiritual entity and now i find you on earth and identify you as an incarnated human being, radiating the same pure divine light from your heart. I recognise and honor me and you as the God, cause we're all loving children of God.

* The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you.

* I honor the light and love within you

* I greet that place where you and I are one.

* I salute the divine in you.

* I salute the Light of God in you.

* I bow to the divine in you.

* I recognize that within each of us is a place where Divinity dwells, and when we are in that place, we are One.

* I greet the place where you and I are one.

* I see and honor in you the place where God (or the universe) resides. When you are at that place in you, and I am at that place in me, we are one.

* The word Namaste to me implies that despite outward appearances to the contrary, there is really only one of us present. I am openly acknowledging this.

* Hello Star! (HUGS!) :)
Hmmm...this page got me thinking about how I use the word Namaste
besides as a greeting, etc. There's always a reverent feeling that washes over me whenever I whisper it aloud. The most "different" way that I use the word Namaste is as a sort of greeting, blessing/benediction, and thank you all in one. I do this when I am standing in front of my mirror and truly trying to see my "Self"--not preening or complaining about this or that facial feature, etc.
To me, it's almost like a meditation of sorts; it really does bring me to a deeper spiritual level, even if it is only for a few moments or minutes. I usually have my hands in the Gassho position ~or~ I gently cross my arms with each hand reaching toward the opposite shoulder. I look at the image reflected in the mirror and try to just feel the sense of "Self" that is there, the aura, and the energy that is around me. I also feel or sense that I am thanking my spirit guard and teachers when I do this as well, since I seem to feel their presence around me more vividly during that time; probably because it stills my mind so I can listen or focus better. This whole "meditation" can last a few seconds or a few minutes...whatever feels natural. After I feel I've reached a better, loving acceptance towards my Self, or just a more tranquil state of mind, I put my hands into the Gassho position, touch them to my heart, then to my third eye/forehead, and back to my heart, and whisper Namaste before I go. :)
Submitted by Maryann

* "May God be with you and protect you"

* The divine in me, recognizes the divine in you.

* I honor the place in you, where the entire Universe resides. I honor the place in you, where lies your love, your truth, and your beauty. I honor the place in you where... If you are in that place in you... And I am in that place in me... Then there is only one of us.

Submitted by Danielle

(I personally love all translations but use the last one most often myself!
Thanks Danielle ;))

Although often used to greet other Reiki or Yoga practitioners, I believe that the meaning behind Namaste is beautiful and whichever meaning you
connect with. They all gets us back to the same place, as one.

Namaste, Rev. Starlene Breiter RMT

Sooooo, what is your translation of the word Namaste??

Love Transfers to Love...

2009-03-09T01:38:00.003-04:00

This is a quote from the book A Course In Miracles, I have just started to study this book with some others, it has been wonderfully enlightning so far. I thought I would share a quote here...

Love transfers to love without any interference, for the two are one. As you perceive more and more common elements in all situations, the transfer of training under the Holy Spirit's guidance increases and becomes generalized. Gradually you learn to apply it to everyone and everything, for its applicability is universal. When this has been accomplished, perception and knowledge have become so similar that they share the unification of the laws of God.

Blessings of Light, Starlene
www.lightandlovereiki.com

Mindful Meditation

2009-02-15T13:55:00.004-05:00

Here is a cool Mindful Meditation that I like to incorporate into my day. I love taking time do be mindful and organize myself, it just makes things seem to flow better when I do :)

Blessings, Rev. Starlene Breiter RMT
www.lightandlovereiki.com

Make a list of the most important activities you need to complete each day to be successful. Now visualize yourself being mindful during the carrying out of each activity. Close your eyes and see yourself entering into a state of mindfulness as you undertake and complete the most important projects.

Notes from the Universe

2009-02-11T08:33:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite things about time and space, Starlene, is that absolutely NOTHING can ever happen there that can't be seen as a blessing in some wonderful way.

Perspective rules,
The Universe

I find these little jewels from this website...
www.tut.com

I just love how the Universe thinks!
;)
Star

Love <3

2009-01-28T08:30:00.001-05:00

Did you know, that whenever you feel love, you literally begin to glow? You probably did.

But did you know that the glowing is actually made up of zillions of minute sparkles? And that these sparkles receive as much energy as they create? And that because of this energy exchange you completely stop aging and look younger? Abundance is immediately drawn to you? Healing powers fill you? Muscles are strengthened, pounds are shed, and your vision improves? Lingering questions are answered? New friends are summoned? Old friends are poked? Problems are solved? And maple syrup tastes more maple-y?

All when you feel love.

It's true -
The Universe

A Very Interesting Conversation

2009-01-11T00:08:00.006-05:00

One of my students emailed me this conversation this week and it really made sense to me. I have been conversing with a Kabbalah mentor of mine, who also happens to be a friend as well and the lesson that we have been talking about really fit in along with this conversation. We really do live in a non dual world. The thoughts and ideas that we are separate are illusions in themselves, we are not separate from anything, we are connected to all, beings, animals, plant life even...

Enjoy the read and have fun!
Starlene

A VERY INTERESTING CONVERSATION

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the Problem Science has
with GOD, the ALMIGHTY. He asked one of his New Christian Students to stand and . . .

Professor : You are Christian, aren't you, son ?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, you Believe in GOD ?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD Good ?
Student : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL ?
Student : Yes.
Professor : My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill.
But GOD didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent )

Professor : You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, Young Fella.
Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good ?
Student : No.
Professor : Where does Satan come from ?
Student : From . . . GOD . . .
Professor : That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer)

Professor : Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness?
All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who Created them ?

(Student had no answer)

Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe the World around you.
Tell me, son . . Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student : No , sir.
Professor : Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD?
Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor : Yet you still Believe in HIM?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor : Yes, Faith. And that is the Problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor : Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor : Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn't. One

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events )

Student : Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat,
a Little Heat or No Heat.
But we don't have anything called Cold.
We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that.
There is no such thing as Cold.
Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat.
We cannot Measure Cold.
Heat is Energy.
Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.

(There was Pin-Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre )

Student : What about Darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student : You're wrong again, sir.
Darkness is the Absence of Something
You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light . . .
But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and it's called Darkness, isn't it?
In reality, Darkness isn't.
If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you?
Professor : So what is the point you are making, Young Man ?
Student : Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor : Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality.
You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD.
You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought.
It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that
Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing.
Death is Not the Opposite of Life: just the Absence of it.
Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your Students that they evolved from a Monkey?
Professor : If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the Argument was going )

Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and
Cannot even prove that this Process is an On-Going Endeavour,
Are you not teaching your Opinion, sir?
Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?

(The Class was in Uproar )

Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?

(The Class broke out into Laughter )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it? . . .
No one appears to have done so.
So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says that You have No Brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then Trust your Lectures, sir?

(The Room was Silent. The Professor stared at the Student, his face unfathomable)

Professor : I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir . . . Exactly !
The Link between Man & GOD is FAITH.
That is all that Keeps Things Alive and Moving.

That student was Albert Einstein!

Tarot Cards....

2009-01-02T16:55:00.006-05:00

I like to pull some cards as a general reflection to things going on in the world and with myself. Often times when I do this I feel it relates to society and myself as a whole. It is interesting to see the relationship between what I perceive in the world and what I perceive in my own life.

So today I pulled three cards out of my Aquarian Tarot deck...

I used the past, present, future spread...

Past - Six of Pentacles - This card is half way between the 2 of pentacles and the 10 of pentacles so it contains energy from both sides of the pentacle spectrum. This card talks about having or not having the ability to do something. Because it is a 6 and lies in the middle of the suit it does not necessarily mean one or the other, but a possible mixture of things. I feel like us as society are able to straighten things out, we have the tools,,,, but are we ready for the challenge? It is up to use individually to make that decision, so just take a moment to ask yourself... Is it time yet or do I continue to postpone this until a later date?

Present - High Priestess - This card tells you to look into yourself, for the magic that lies in all of us... What magic is there that you might not have been tapping into before? What things can you return to to help better the situation presented with the first card? I know we all have "stuff" to deal with, so ask yourself what stuff you want to release and better and then ask yourself where in my soul can I come up with those answers... The High Priestess tells us answers are there, just are you looking for them in the right places?

Future - Three of Pentacles - This card talks about enlisting assistance from other! What a fitting card to have as the future card.. We as humans need to band together to make things work and move in a positive direction. We need to recognise that we are all from the same place and have the same basic needs. When we realize that the butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world will cause a thunderstorm or better yet a rainbow on the other side of the earth,,, THAT is when we start to move forward!

One of my favorite quotes and I cant remember where I got this one from is... No branches of a tree is foolish enough to fight amongst themselves... Ponder that for a moment.

So basically I am seeing the scattered stuff flying all around out there, the crazy worry that is undoubtedly plaguing some of us and those that choose to focus on the positive side of things. We have the tools to fix this, so ask yourself what side of the High Priestess are you on? The side where your scattered with the tools, or the side where you called onto others and formed a union to heal, love, grow and be prosperous?

I know where I am :)

Blessings of Light, Starlene
www.unfogginthefuture.com

Law of Deliberate Creation

2008-12-28T13:05:00.002-05:00

Capricorn Energy

2008-12-27T11:34:00.002-05:00

~Capricorn~

December 23 - January 21

Your element: Earth Your ruling planets: Saturn Symbol: The Goat Your stone: Garnet
Life Pursuit: To be proud of their achievements
Vibration: Poweful resilient energy

Capricorn Secret Desire: to be admired by their family and friends and the world at large
Description:
The sign of the high roller, Capricorn is regarded as the zodiac’s top, but also quiet, life and business achievers. But, there are two very different types of Capricorns.

The first is represented by the mountain goat, always climbing higher and higher; never content until reaching the top. The second is the garden goat, with little adventurous spirit or ambition-happy to remain within a small domain, refusing to budge unless it is pushed. Either type of Capricorn, however, is patient and persevering. They reach their goals because they know the longest journey commences with a single step and that the first step is always the most difficult.

The one thing a Capricorn must always try to do is balance work with play; otherwise they can become too one-sided and work can replace true personal emotional fulfilment. Continually climbing the eternal mountain of success, Capricornians rise to the occasion when faced with a new task or deadline. Even if something comes to a grinding halt, their ambition to reach the ultimate keeps them moving forever onwards and upwards (prompted by the strict influence of ruling planet Saturn). Although conservative and cautious, Goats are willing to try unusual approaches on their road to success in business or in love. Romantically, they desire a permanent relationship with someone who'll give them the affection they crave (and often neglect to give themselves!)

The rulership of Saturn - the planet representing responsibility, structure and hard work - ensures that Capricorns in their truest of expression, are ambitious, practical and superb organizers. Although many Capricorns are borderline workaholics, this doesn't necessarily make them dull or gloomy! They have an offbeat sense of humour, which seems to erupt at the most unexpected moments. Their motivating force in life is success, money, status, authority and - although many might not admit it - love. By nature Capricorns are cautious when entering a new love relationship, but once they feel 'safe' with their partner, the cool exterior melts away to reveal a sensitive and loyal heart beneath. As a friend, Capricorns can be relied upon to provide the strongest and most sympathetic pair of shoulders in the zodiac...

Questions to Ask Yourself Regularly

2008-12-01T01:36:00.002-05:00

I chose this picture to go with this article because it is of a Question Mark Butterfly. If you look at the side of the wings you can see the small question marks on them....

Enjoy the article :)

Starlene

www.lightandlovereiki.com

Questions to Ask Yourself, Regularly

Someone once observed that you learn more by the questions you ask than by the answers you give. Call it Socratic learning, if you will, but I find that asking questions of myself helps keep me on track. Here are ten I ask regularly.

What am I resisting?
The seeds of growth lie in your resistance to what is new, unfamiliar, or unpleasant. All too often, the very things we resist most are the things that force us to grow the most. So, be attentive to those subtle gut-tightening signals that hint of an opportunity for learning

What is the lesson here?
There's a second step that is needed to reinforce the insight gained by asking the first question. In order to really benefit, we have to actually seek out the lesson, demonstrate that we really want to hear, and be willing to follow the often-subtle guidance that comes.

Have I been here before?
Often our most pressing issues are thinly disguised versions of problems we've failed to solve in the past. Different names and faces maybe, but the same underneath, destined not to go away until we meet and resolve them once and for all. If your answer to this question is, yes, then maybe it's time to get to the bottom of the issue and solve it!

Am I losing energy to this?
We pay a price for every negative thought we entertain, and it's measured in decreased energy, heightened depression, reduced immune function, and sometimes serious illness. Although you may believe otherwise, we have to reach the place where anger, frustration, worry, and criticism have no place in our experience. Until we do, we are losing energy, diluting our focus, and rendering ourselves vulnerable.

Am I holding on to something I need to let go of?
One of the most difficult tasks of this life consists in letting go-of our attachments, of ego, of our need to be right, and ultimately, of this life. You cannot fly unless you are willing to relinquish your firm footing on earth; flying requires that sort of faith, and commitment. The surprising thing is that, when we really let go, we begin to grow.

Am I in the present?
Every moment you spend regretting the past or worrying about the future is a moment of the present, lost. Yes, we need to complete the past, wind up our unfinished business, and be attentive to trends that portend of future events, but we can take action only in the present. So, that's where your full attention needs to be, and staying in the present is a full time job.

What do I need to do now?
To act or not to act, that is the question. Whether tis nobler in the mind to take action against a sea of troubles and so by doing, prolong them, or to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous inaction and so gain clarity. (Shakespeare would sue for what I've done to Hamlet's timeless prose) Put the question differently: is there a NEED for action now? Often, we act because we're afraid that, if we don't, things will get worse. The truth is that deliberate inaction is action, and it is often a way to allow a cloudy situation to become clear.

Who's in control here?
True or false?: It's important to be in control of your life. Control can be a big issue for some people, especially if they feel they don't have it. So, granted, it's perfectly reasonable to want to feel in control. Letting go of the past, staying in the present, and taking action (including no action) are all ways to develop a sense that you are in control. But, let me suggest that there is a step beyond control. It is to recognize that, ultimately, you are NOT in control-that you are always subject to a higher authority. Paradoxically, this recognition and your acknowledgement of it can free you from the need to always be IN control.

What is my responsibility here?
Have you noticed how some people have a need to involve others in their problems? If it's your boss, your significant other, or your child, it's normal to conclude that your have to do something. But, that something doesn't mean becoming part of the problem! Your responsibility, in this case, is to maintain a level of detachment that will enable you to see the situation clearly, and this clarity pertains not only to the solution, but to the extent that you should be involved in the problem in the first place.

Am I at peace with this?
Do you know when you're at peace with something? Chances are, it's when you can look at an issue, person, or problem and feel no charge, no subtle or sudden surge of emotion. But peace is something more. It's about balance, an inner certainty that you are untouched by it, him, or her. The peace-check is a key element in gaining closure, in ascertaining that the situation is complete.

60 ailments and their crystal cures!

2008-10-26T22:41:00.003-04:00

Are you ever stumped on which crystal to use for a certain ailment?

Well here is a wonderful list of 60 common ailments that we can encounter at any time and their crystal cures...

I personally love my crystal energy work and use them in my daily life. So have a look see and if you are interested in finding yourself a crystals, come check out my crystal store!

www.rocksandreiki.com

Namaste, Starlene

60 Ailments and Their Crystal Cures

1. It's hard for me to concentrate.
Sodalite. It helps to clear up both mental and emotional confusion which can prevent concentration.

2. I have a hard time making decisions.
Carnelian: It helps us to focus on the present, and our current needs.

3. I'd like to be more in touch with angels.
Angelite: This crystal helps us to be in touch with angels and animal guides, as well as assisting in distant communication with other humans.

4. I have lots of ideas, but I can't seem to materialize them.
Citrine. It helps you to manifest your ideas so that you can act on them.
Clear Calcite: Sometimes we can't find new answers because we're operating in a framework of old beliefs. Clear calcite helps us to change our perspective.

5. I have lots of ideas, but it's difficult for me to express them.
Turquoise: It helps you to clarify ideas and to express them creatively -- and to enroll others in helping to make them come true.

6. I have difficulty letting go of old ideas.
Clear quartz: Called the mirror of the soul, it helps us to see who we truly are, free of limiting ideas and beliefs.

7. I wish I liked myself more.
Rose Quartz: This is the stone for self-love, meaning appreciation of yourself, regardless of what you consider to be your shortcomings.

8. It's hard for me to be honest with other people.
Amazonite: For courage of personal expression.

9. Sometimes I wish I were in a different dimension of reality.
All grounding (black/red) stones help to reestablish a loving connection with the earth dimension. These include smoky quartz, hematite, tiger's eye, obsidian, black tourmaline, onyx, and red jasper.

10. I hate my body. I'm too (fat, skinny, short, tall, etc.).
Smoky quartz: Of all the grounding stones, it establishes the most gentle and loving connection with the body.

11. I never have enough money to satisfy my needs.
Citrine: for using one's individual and unique talents to create abundance.
Chrysoprase: Attracts abundance and helps in success with new ventures

12. I resent what some people have done to me, and find it difficult to forgive them.
Sugilite: This stone is especially effective in working on resentment and anger.

13. I know that I have a limited view of some areas of my life, but I don't know how to gain a broader perspective.
Hawk's Eye: This stone helps to provide an "aerial" and more objective viewpoint of one's situation.

14. I often find that other people's moods are contagious, i.e., if someone is sad I find myself feeling sad, too.
Hematite: In ancient times this stone was used as a mirror because of its reflective qualities. It can help you to deflect, rather than absorb, the moods of others.

15. I want to feel more at peace with myself.
Chrysocolla: Its deep blue-green hue soothes and calms the heart. It is also considered to be a stone to program for world peace.

16. I feel that I lack imagination.
Aquamarine, a stone which has been related to the sea, helps us to brave the unknown and experience the flow of creativity.
Clear Calcite: Lacking imagination is often the inability to see beyond the (invisible) mental boundaries we've set for ourselves. Clear calcite helps us to expand our vision.

17. I'm not in touch with my intuition.
Blue Agate and Malachite: Both of these stones assist in left/right-brain balance. Thus, those who feel stuck in their logical, rational selves can rebalance so that they may hear their intuitive voices.

18. It's hard for me to think logically.
As Blue Agate and Malachite help those who are mostly logical to get in touch with intuition, so mostly intuitive people can use these stones to experience their rational sides. Both stones relate to left/right-brain balance.

19. I find myself getting angry when I have to deal with incompetent people.
Rhodonite: Combining pink, the color for love, with black, for grounding, this stone promotes tolerance.

20. I feel stressed out a great deal of the time.
Amethyst: This stone is commonly referred to as nature's tranquilizer. It's also beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia or nightmares.
Amber: This stone helps with any kind of emotional turmoil.
Chrysoprase: Helps to release emotional tension and stress which has lodged in the physical being.
Green Tourmaline: All tourmalines help to balance energy, and green is one of the most soothing.

21. I have a low opinion of myself.
Smoky Quartz is the most widely-used stone for self-esteem.
Citrine is another good choice, as it balances both any tendency to have an inflated opinion of self as well as an inadequate sense of self.

22. I'm intolerant of others.
Rhodonite and Rose Quartz: Rhodonite is effective in dealing with intolerance of acquaintances and strangers; while Rose Quartz addresses the intolerance we feel towards those people who mirror what we view as our own faults.

23. It's hard for me to let go of anger.
Rhodonite: This stone helps us to be patient and to forgive.

24. I have goals, but I find it difficult to get from where I am to where I want to be.
Clear Quartz: A pointed crystal has the most focused energy, and clear quartz is the most powerful crystal to program for goals.

25. There seems to be a lot of negativity in my life.
Hematite and Black Tourmaline both help to deflect negativity.

26. I'd like to be more prosperous.
Green tourmaline for awakening one's creativity for the purpose of creating more abundance.
Citrine: for feeling confident about using those abilities.
Honey Calcite: for manifesting abundance in work-related areas.
Pyrite: For awakening the creativity and discovering new ways of creating abundance.

27. I want to understand myself better.
Moss Agate helps one to understand the self improves ego and self esteem.

28. I wish I had more creative abilities.
Malachite: for its ability to help balance the logical, practical and intuitive, visionary sides of the brain.
Carnelian: For helping creativity to flow.
Aqua Aura: Encourages self-expression in service to others.

29. I want to trust my psychic abilities more.
Labradorite/spectrolite: This stone assists us in the wise use of psychic powers; thus we need not fear using them for the wrong purposes.

30. I wish I were more in touch with nature.
Agate: This stone helps us to connect to nature and nature spirits.

31. I want to be free of past sorrows.
Aventurine: Sorrow is stored in the heart, and aventurine is an ideal stone for soothing heartache.

32. I have a lot of anxiety attacks.
Rhodochrosite: This stone assists in slow, deep breathing, which relaxes the solar plexus and sends needed oxygen to the brain.

33. I often feel emotionally unbalanced.
Moonstone: This stone assists you both when you're feeling over-emotional or out of touch with your feelings.

34. I would like more serenity in my life.
Amethyst: The most recommended stone for stress relief.
Aquamarine: This stone has the calming, soothing energy of the sea.

35. I wish good things happened more quickly to me.
Rutilated Quartz: Its high vibrations speed in manifesting what you want.

36. I wish I knew what's stopping me from having what I want.
Black Obsidian: This stone helps to bring to the surface the hidden and limiting beliefs which may blocking you.
Clear Calcite has the same effect in a more gentle way.

37. I'd like to be more patient with myself and others.
Rose Quartz: This stone teaches self-love and acceptance; when we feel this way about ourselves it's easier to have patience with others.
Rhodonite: This stone helps with patience.

38. I wish I could look at my problems more rationally.
Sodalite: When you feel completely confused this stone can help with mental calmness.

39. I'd like to know what's going on inside me.
Obsidian: This stone will tell you' be sure you want to know.

40. When I'm sick I get so nervous about it that it's hard for me to get well.
Amethyst: The stone for over stressed nerves.
Rhodochrosite: for relieving anxiety.

41. Sometimes I'm not sure what I feel.
Moonstone: This stone helps us to get in touch with our feelings.

42. I'm over-sensitive.
Hematite: Being over-sensitive usually means being over-affected by the opinions and/or feelings of others. Hematite helps to shield us from this.

43. Sometimes I don't trust myself.
Rose Quartz: This is the stone for loving ourselves, and trust naturally follows love.

44. I feel as if I'm on an emotional roller-coaster.
Moonstone: This stone helps to bring balance to the emotions.

45. I need to uncover my deepest fears.
Obsidian: This stone will bring up anything which is hidden, and is best used with any of the quartzes (especially rose quartz and aventurine) to soften its effect.
Charoite: Helps one to deal with both known and unknown fears.

46. I'm depressed a lot of the time.
Smoky Quartz: When we're depressed we feel both that we have no solid ground to stand on and that light is absent from our lives. This stone, which is dark and light-filled, can help.
Amber: This helps to draw out depression.

47. I need more passion in my life.
Ruby: This is the traditional stone for sexual and emotional passion.

48. I find it hard to ask others for help.
Amazonite and Turquoise: The first stone gives courage of self-expression; the second gives the ability to ask for help.

49. I have difficulty in asserting myself.
Amazonite: This stone helps us to say what we need to say.

50. I have frequent nightmares.
Amethyst: This is the traditional stone for peaceful sleep.

51. I feel that I'm too inflexible.
Green Calcite: This stone, formed in water, helps to bring flexibility to our perceptions of ourselves and others.

52. No matter how hard I try I can't seem to be objective about my problems.
Clear Calcite: This stone helps us to to draw on our higher or spiritual selves for creative solutions.

53. I feel as if I come from another planet.
Moldavite: Some of us may; moldavite can helps us all to feel more comfortable on the earth plane.
Ametrine: Helps us to balance the spiritual and physical words.

54. I have trouble meditating.
Kyanite: I have found that this stone helps me to be grounded and calm so that I can meditate.
Hematite: This stone helps to calm and stabilize our energy.

55. I would like to develop my intellect.
Fluorite: Known as the genius stone, it can help stimulate intellectual powers.

56. I worry too much about other people's opinions of me.
Rose Quartz: When we nurture ourselves with self-love other people's opinions of us will usually mirror our own.

57. I feel that I present to the world an image of myself which isn't really me.
Charoite: We often present false images because we're afraid that we won't be accepted for who we are. Charoite helps to dissolve fear.

58. I feel disconnected from other people.
Quartz Cluster: Helps us to see the beauty of community and helps with group meditations.

59. No matter how hard I try, I can't stick to my diet (or break another addiction).
Amethyst: Many people have successfully used this stone to help in releasing addictions.

60. I find it impossible to let go of old relationships:
Onyx: This is the stone for breaking unwanted ties to the past.

Reiki and Shamanic Energy

2008-09-20T19:14:00.004-04:00

So I have been convinced by a wonderful friend that I should be blogging more here, she is right, I should be. So expect something here more often from me... I would venture to say every week or so probably. Especially since I have a friend here with me!

This summer was an interesting one, I spent time with a friend that did Shamanic work, she did a soul retrieval for me. It was a very interesting experience. I love working with Shamanic Reiki energies,,, so I thought I would post an article that was about Reiki and Shamanic Healing. I feel really connected to the natural and spirit realms so the two healing energies are awesome to combine!

Enjoy the read...

Blessings,, Starlene

Reiki and Shamanic Healing

by Cyndi Power

At the age of 18 I was adopted into the Bella Coola tribe in Northern British Columbia. It was an isolated tribe where I learned everything from the basic skills of survival to the healing arts of trance work. Having been a practicing Medicine Woman/Shaman for over 20 years, I have added Reiki to my Shamanic skills and have become a Reiki Master. I am fascinated by how powerfully Reiki works with the traditional healing skills of the Native Americans.

In my training as a medicine woman I was taught to feel the Universal life force energy that runs through all things. I learned how to commune with the spirits of the trees and plants, to ask if they were what I needed to harvest. The life force that flowed through the plant/animal/mineral world was respected and honored. Working with Reiki I have seen humans, plants, and animals revived by Reiki. I believe this is natural since Reiki works directly with the life force that flows through all things.

Not only does Reiki fit in well with the Native American belief system, it can be used in or in conjunction with all of the Shamanic healing practices. There are many healing modalities in the Shamanic path. I mention a few of those which I use to show how I have incorporated the use of Reiki with them.

Herbal remedies are commonly used to balance the physical body and to restore health. Many of the herbs I use must now be purchased so I can not possibly know the attitude and thoughts of the person that harvested the plants. These thought forms can have a significant effect on the healing ability of the herb. If the plant was picked while the person was feeling angry or depressed, that energy will still be attached to the plant and will have a detrimental effect on the action of the herb. To ensure that the energy is positive and coming from a sacred space, I reiki the plants before using them. I also reiki any food before putting it into my body.

An extraction is a method of removing evil spirits or destructive patterns of behavior from an individual. Much like psychic surgery the issue is removed through ritual and given to the earth, the spirit world or the Light to be transmuted. After such a procedure there is a virtual void within the person which needs to be filled with positive energy to facilitate growth and health. This is where I like to use Reiki to fill this area with vibrant loving life force energy.

A soul retrieval is where the Shaman trance journeys through the Void to retrieve soul aspects which the individual has lost. I believe this is the same as what is termed disassociation in psychology. The Shaman finds these missing parts, negotiates for their return and replaces them in the individual. The individual is then responsible for integrating these aspects, seeing what that aspect can teach them and what they will need to do to retain each part. Reiking the individual before the ritual allows them to be more open and centered in the receiving of their soul part. Reiki afterwards facilitates the integration process.

The middle world is one name for the non-ordinary reality that is this world but without the constraints of time and space. Shamans travel through this world as part of their work and Eastern doctrine calls this Astral traveling. Much healing can be done in this manner as the Shaman trance journeys to any location in the present, past or future. For years before I had ever heard of Reiki, my power animals or guides would instruct me to perform a "laying on of hands" for healing in the middle world. Now, with Reiki I use it more often than not and with phenomenal results. Shamanic journeying facilitates the remote healing of Reiki and Reiki further empowers Shamanic journeying.

Shamanic healing and Reiki have existed for thousands of years. Coming from inner wisdom and based on human needs, they are a natural complement to each other. As we open our minds to the possibilities of our greater nature, we discover the unity that exists within all healing techniques.

Treating Depression with Reiki

2008-05-01T16:59:00.003-04:00

The world these days is filled with many different types of metal disorders. Depression is one of the most common ones. I have dealt with it in times of my life and always worked on healing it with Reiki. I came across this article that I really enjoyed and thought I would share on my blog. I think that when someone is in the depressive state, they want help but often times don't know how to get it. Reiki is a wonderful tool the heal alleviate depression. Of course I do not promote not seeing a physician about depression, but in conjunction with regular therapy (or not) Reiki can be a very useful tool in dealing with depression.If your interested in learning more about Reiki, please visit my reiki website at
www.lightandlovereiki.com
I do distant and local treatments, so you dont actually have to be where I am to receive a treatment. If interested or curious, check out my site and let me know!

Blessings of Light, Starlene

Treating Depression with Reiki

By Peter Tremayne

Reiki Masters believe that thought is energy vibrating at a very high frequency while the human body is energy vibrating at a lower frequency. Vibrations produce actions and actions produce reactions at grosser and grosser levels of frequency in a ripple effect!

While positive thoughts are universally acknowledged to manifest as health, negative thoughts are held to produce disease or lack of ease. Mental disease is manifested as depression, depressive psychosis, mania or even schizophrenia.

Treating depression with Reiki is fast becoming a sought-after alternative to modern drugs. Reiki deals with depression as negative energy. Negative energy manifests at the aura level as imbalance in the Chakras or energy centers and is visible to the Reiki practitioner as gray or black spots in the aura. Imbalance of the energy centers causes reactions at a physical level, for the energy center governs the health or disease of the organs and endocrine glands located within its purview.

The Chakra System and Depression

The Chakras that are usually blocked in a person who is depressed are the lower--the root chakra, the naval chakra, and to some extent the solar plexus chakra, which is part of the middle group.

The Root Chakra anchors the person to the earth. It represents the physical will and is associated with the spinal column, bones, teeth, nails, anus, rectum, colon, prostrate gland, blood and the building of cells. The Suprarenal glands, which produce adrenalin and influence body temperature, are governed by condition of the root chakra. The person whose root chakra is out of balance cannot accept life or enjoy physical existence. The creative energy of such a person is low and self-expression is not considered necessary. The person will have a tendency to overindulge in sensual pleasures such as overeating, alcohol, sex etc. He or she becomes selfish, self-centered. Physically the person becomes overweight and suffers from constipation. When challenged the person becomes irritable, aggressive, upset, violent and displays a complete lack of trust. If the Chakra is completely blocked the person will lack physical and emotional stamina and will be filled with feelings of uncertainty.

The Naval Chakra is the creative and reproductive center of the being. It is associated with the pelvic girdle, kidneys, bladder and all liquids such as blood, lymph, gastric juices and the regulation of the female menstrual cycle. The glands associated with this chakra are the Prostrate, gonads, ovaries and testicles. If this energy centre is active and free of blocks the person exhibits freedom in self-expression and life appears interesting. Interpersonal relationships are regarded as beautiful. A disharmonious chakra induces the person turn off sensual messages and display low self-esteem, emotional paralysis and sexual coldness. Life does not seem worth living and suicidal tendencies manifest themselves.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is the power center of the being. A harmonious Chakra gives the person a feeling that he has the power of shaping things. It is associated with the lower back, abdomen, digestive system, stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder and the automatic nervous system. The organ that is governed by this Chakra is the Pancreas. The body absorbs solar energy through this chakra. This nurtures the ethereal body and energizes and maintains the physical body. Emotional energy is also governed by this Chakra. Personality traits and social identities are determined by it. Since it is located between the lower and higher chakras it has the additional function of purifies the basic instincts and directing the creative energy to higher values of life. It is also connected to the astral body and helps us integrate our feelings, wishes and experiences harmoniously. A block solar plexus chakra deprives the individual of the zest for life. The person feels gloomy, unbalanced and moody. Negative vibrations impact the individual through this chakra. The person is restless and attempts to manipulate everything in accordance with his or her own wishes. There is a persistent feeling of inadequacy, which drives them to ceaseless activity. The person gets easily threatened and tends to feel dejected and discouraged. The person insists that obstacles are preventing them from realizing the true goals of life.

It is clear that the symptoms of a person in the grip of acute depression are as much physical as emotional and psychological. A block will exist in the root chakra, the naval chakra and the Solar plexus Chakra. The creative energies of the person will be at an all time low and the person will avoid situations where he or she has give expression to his or her feelings. He is self indulgent, selfish, self-centred and suffers from a large number of ailments related to the stomach and has a tendency to put on weight. He or she will lack physical stamina and will be moody, irritable, aggressive and defensive. He will have no interest in life and will refuse to socialize. In extreme cases he will attempt suicide.

Case Study of Treating Depression with Reiki:

Ms.L, an obese woman (she weighed 180 Kgs), had not stepped out of her front door for the last ten years. She was convinced that she could not walk without support and that she would fall down if she tried. She spent entire days in the house, refusing to talk with visitors. She had a compulsive need to eat and would cook and consume huge quantities of Chicken, eggs and meats at odd times of the day. She had tried anti depressant drugs and other methods of treatment that included Homeopathy, acupressure, acupuncture and anything that was recommended to her by her sister and brother in law. She was convinced that she was born unlucky and she would never be normal again. She would begin a treatment with lukewarm enthusiasm, but would soon slip into lethargy and refuse to go on with the treatment. When Ms.L was referred for Reiki, she had convinced herself that she had not long to live and had told her sister not to be surprised if she found her dead one-day. Her sister-- alarmed--rushed to the Reiki clinic for help.

Day 1: Since the patient would not come to the clinic, I decided to visit her home. It was clear from Ms.L's posture that she was in the grip of acute depression. She was seated on a sofa with her feet up on a footstool. Her body limp, her head bowed and her shoulders drooping. Her arms lay lifelessly at her sides. She seemed lost to the world and did not even look up when we entered the room. She merely lifted her eyes to look at us without enthusiasm when she was talked to. An aura scan revealed that her root chakra and the naval chakra were completely blocked and her solar plexus chakra was partially blocked.

With a lot of persuasion from her sister and myself, she got up and went to lie down on her bed. I noted that she used the walker even though she was perfectly able to walk without it. She seemed to cling to it as a means of support. I kept up a general chatter as I started the treatment. She continued looking at the ceiling blankly. After some time, she started to pay a little more attention. Her muscles would twitch and she lifted her head to see what we are doing. She called her sister near and asked her whether we were using some chemicals as she was feeling some heat where my hand rested. When she was assured that no chemicals were being used, she subsided once more into indifference. Slowly and visibly she began to relax. She soon fell into a deep sleep and began to snore. As the round of treatment was over, we let her sleep.

Day 2: Ms.L was waiting for me. She looked relaxed and calm. On inquiry, she replied, "I slept deeply and dreamlessly for the first time. I feel well". She then went willingly and lay down on her bed. After chatting with her for some time on a variety of topics (she did not reply), I started the treatment. While doing Reiki, I continued to chat and Ms.L replied in monosyllables to the questions being addressed to her. At the end of the hour she remarked, "That felt nice".

Day 3: Mrs. L was ready for me. She was lying down and eager to start the treatment. She began to talk about the weather all the time keeping an eye on me. When I agreed that it was hot, she began telling me how the heat was affecting her and how she could not eat as much as she used to. I made sympathetic noises to encourage her. She seemed to feel reassured and gradually opened up--almost as if she were talking to herself and occasionally asking me a question. Then, her tone changed and she became more emotional and personal. She poured out her feelings. She insisted that she was very depressed because God had taken away her husband and her children had all flown away to distant lands and nobody cared for her. She said she had hated God from the day he had taken her husband and she had not gone to church or prayed for a long time. Since she had been very religious, she felt guilty that she had forsaken God but, she hated him and she did not want to pray to him. She then began weeping and ranting at God and exclaiming that she should not be doing it! This emotional outburst lasted for almost an hour, during which I continued the treatment, unfazed. Finally, exhausted by emotions and relaxed by the Reiki, Ms.L fell asleep.

Day 4: Ms.L was waiting for me--a little shamefaced and diffident. She greeted her with a defiant "I was carried away a little yesterday. I am sorry". I assured her that it was ok and that she must not hold back her emotions and that I do not mind her talking to me about anything. She then, asked me a little suspiciously 'Do you think your treatment is making me unbalanced?". Well that was a tricky question at this stage and I was not very sure whether I should admit to the fact or assure her that it was not so. I intuitively felt that it would be better to explain to Ms.L and so I told her that Reiki dives deep into the psyche and stirs up emotional blocks for release. I explained that what she was experiencing was the release of emotional blocks and it was nothing to be alarmed about. It would help her come out of her lethargy and feel more enthusiastic about life. She was silent for some time and then said that she was glad that I had been honest with her. She only requested that whatever she said to me should be kept confidential. I agreed and she said she was looking forward to the treatment. As we went through the various hand positions, she started asking me about Reiki and what it was all about. I explained to her about energy centers and how imbalances in energy caused illness. She expressed eagerness to learn it herself. I told that it could be easily arranged. She then began to talk to me about her husband and the wonderful man that he had been and how cancer had eaten into his insides unsuspected. She described the shock they had experienced when the disease was diagnosed at a terminal stage. She described the trauma of waiting for death to part them. She re-lived the pain she had felt when he went to the hospital for the last time and she could not be with him during his last minutes, as she was laid up in bed at home with a fracture. She felt she had let him down and was guilty of continuing to live when he had died such an agonizing death. She then sobbed quietly till she fell asleep exhausted by her emotions.

Day 5: Ms.L was looking very anxious when I entered her room. She immediately piped up "Do you think God is cruel?" I cautiously replied "No". She then asked, "Do you think I should begin to pray to him? Do you think he will hear my prayers now? I have abused him so much!" I was impressed. I said, "Yes, you should. God is very forgiving and he is always happy to welcome his children, however abusive they have been!" She was content with my reply and got ready for the treatment. While I worked the hand positions she continued telling me how much she loved God and how she had missed her conversations with him. She then told me she is convinced that her husband was waiting for her in heaven and she would join him when God felt that it was time. Meanwhile she had a lot to do. She had written to her son and asked him to come back home to keep her company and was in hourly expectation of hearing from him. She then began thanking me for the wonderful treatment that I was giving her and she was convinced that God had sent me to her when she was most depressed.

Days 6-21: Followed with the patient very enthusiastic and cooperative. She gradually left off her walker and her posture improved and she stuck to mealtimes with determination. She even consented to step out of her house and take short walks in the corridor with her sister. A month later she completed a course in Reiki and even visited a textile showroom to select some dress material for her. She invited me over for a party she held to celebrate her Son's return home. (The boy had left his job to take up one closer home to be with his mother). She was bubbling with energy and extremely enthusiastic about life. A quick scan of her chakras revealed that the energy levels were normal and the gray spots in her aura at the root and naval chakra had disappeared. The Solar plexus Chakra was also open.

Combining Reiki With Other Therapies.

Many Reiki practitioners combine crystal therapy with Reiki to stimulate the chakras. Limonite, Lapis Lazuli, Pietersite, and Turquoise are used to stimulate the sacral Chakra Wardite, Mesolite, Jasper, and Jet, help the base chakra open up. The Solar Plexus Chakra is stimulated by chrysanthemum stone, gypsum, jasper, obsidian and rutilated quartz.. Wadeite is used to stimulate all the chakras. I personally, combine Reiki treatment with Bach Flower treatment and crystal therapy as I find that it accelerates the healing and gives the patient a psychological satisfaction.

As is evident from the above case study, that Reiki brings about immediate and dramatic improvement in condition of persons suffering from depression. It is also evident from countless testimonials that persons who have come out of their depression by using Reiki have not had a recurrence of the same. Many hospitals round the world are recommending Reiki as a parallel system of treatment. Treating depression with Reiki is becoming a recognized practice within hospitals and more so with local doctors. The efficacy and impact of Reiki is best understood when it is personally experienced.

Healing Properties of Emerald

2008-04-13T09:31:00.006-04:00

Emerald is green in color ranging from a bright crystal to a smaller cloudy crystal. Emerald's are often times faceted into jewelry which can be quite expensive but rough emeralds are readily available. Emerald is green beryl, an aluminum beryllium silicate mineral.

Emerald is known as the "stone of successful love". It promotes partnerships and domestic bliss. When placed in ones environment is can help to assist in calming the emotions. It promotes unity, successful relationships and friendships. Emerald keeps balance in any partnership and if it changes color it is said to signal unfaithfulness.

Emerald is helpful in enhancing ones memory and stimulates mental capacity. It will combine both intelligence with discernment. Allowing the right choice to be the only choice there is to make in a situation.

Emerald is wonderful at opening the heart chakra and will also stimulate a slow moving chakra. Since it is a stone of regeneration and regrowth it can help to assist ridding yourself of negativity in your life. It is said to also bring prosperity into ones life but one should not wear it constantly because it can trigger negative emotions.
In healing Emerald is helpful in the recovery after infectious diseases and illnesses concerning the spleen, heart, spine, muscles and sooths the eyes. It has a detoxifying effect on the liver also. It is also said to assist in the healing of diabetes an alleviate rheumatism. Its green ray of energy is said to assist healing of malignant conditions and worn around the neck emerald was believed to ward off epilepsy.

Emerald is associated with the astrological signs of Taurus, Gemini & Aries.

Chakra Balancing Meditation

2008-02-26T09:14:00.003-05:00

Chakra Balancing Meditation

The purpose of the chakra balancing meditation is to open and clear the chakras the Reiki way. It will align higher frequency energies and also purify/release any stored negative energy from your body/aura.

I personally use this chakra balancing meditation whenever I am doing a chakra balancing session for myself. It is helpful to me to use it when visualizing.

Here is the chakra balancing meditation:

Sit comfortably on a chair with your hands on your legs (I have found with the palms facing upwards more beneficial)

While sitting close your eyes and concentrate on your breath, nice deep slow breathing

Put you attention on the base Root chakra - visualize the chakra as a bright RED ball spinning clockwise - as you focus on the base chakra

- breathe in red - breathe out red. Repeat for 2 - 3 minutes.

NOTE: Ensure you see the red ball's energy is spinning at the Root chakra and also flowing down through your legs into Mother earth like a tree spouting its roots and connecting with the center of the earth

(This is grounding you.)

Put you attention on the next Sacral chakra - visualize the chakra as a bright ORANGE ball spinning clockwise - as you focus on the Sacral chakra - breathe in yellow - breathe out orange. Repeat for 2-3 minutes.

Put you attention on the next Solar Plexus chakra - visualize the chakra as a bright YELLOW ball spinning clockwise - as you focus onthe Sacral chakra - breathe in yellow - breathe out yellow. Repeat for 2- 3 minutes

Put you attention on the next Heart chakra - visualize the chakra as a bright GREEN ball spinning clockwise - as you focus on the Sacralchakra - breathe in green - breathe out green. Repeat for 2-3 minutes.

Put you attention on the next Throat chakra - visualize the chakra as a bright BLUE ball spinning clockwise - as you focus on the Sacral chakra - breathe in blue - breathe out blue. Repeat for 2-3 minutes.

NOTE: Ensure you see the blue ball's energy is spinning at the Throat chakra and also flowing down through your each of your arms and out though your hands meeting five feet in front connecting both blueenergies together; flowing. Remember "what you ask for you will get" well this is turning what you say more easily into physical manifestation.

Put you attention on the next Third Eye chakra - visualize the chakra as a bright INDIGO ball spinning clockwise - as you focus on the Brow chakra - breathe in indigo - breathe out indigo. Repeat for 2- 3 minutes.

NOTE: Ensure you see the Indigo ball's energy is spinning at the Third Eye chakra and also envisage you sitting in a chair in a Indigo room in your minds eye, looking out of a Window to the stars (i.e. Looking out of your Third eye)

Put you attention on the next Crown chakra - visualize the chakra as a bright VIOLET ball spinning clockwise - as you focus on the Sacral chakra - breathe in violet - breathe out violet. Repeat for 2-3 minutes.

NOTE: Ensure you see the violet ball's energy is spinning at the Crown chakra and also envisage the opening of a Violet lotus flower on the top of your Crown — make this as large and as magnificent as you can.

Finally See White light flowing down from the Heavens through your Crown
chakra all the way through all the other chakras and finally into Mother earth.
You should envisage your self as a glowing white being with all the Chakras
within that spinning brightly (for their chosen colour). Hold this for about for 2-
3 minutes.

You should feel exhilarated!

For information on how to recieve a chakra balangind Reiki session, please visit my website.... http://www.lightandlovereiki.com/Chakras/chakra_balancing.html

Namaste, Starlene

What is your birthflower?

2008-02-12T09:17:00.000-05:00

Birth Flowers

The month of our birth has many associations. Just as each month has a birthstone, each month also has a birth flower. Each birth flower also has a special symbolic meaning that results from the flower’s specific type and color.

Begun as a means of celebrating the season in which a child was born, birth flowers were an important tradition for welcoming a child as a gift rich in the texture of the time of year. Birth flowers are as diverse as the months themselves and offer an excellent opportunity to celebrate a birthday in a unique way.

Each birth flower is also rich in its own symbolic meaning, with each fresh flower bouquet steeped in history and tradition. Poems, stories, and paintings have all combined to create a lush arrangement of birth flower meanings, all of which celebrate the very special gift of a birthday.

Like the slow beauty of winter, the carnation reveals its color with a subtle grace and rewards close, attentive viewing. The carnation is a rich and fragrant flower, a sensual feast perfect for birthdays during this winter month.

The deep, warm color of the iris foreshadows the luxuries of spring. A February birthday also portends warmth and prosperity, making these two an excellent match. Match a lucky February birthday with this slender, magnificent flower.

The appearance of daffodils in the spring has long been associated with rays of sunshine emanating from the ground, bringing color, comfort, and beauty back to the world. March birthdays also add comfort and beauty to our lives, so celebrate this month with the daffodil’s fragrant sunshine blossom.

The modest, unassuming beauty of the daisy has a playful, childlike character that brings joy and happiness wherever it arrives. The many colored options of the daisy provide ample opportunity to match this lovely flower to a specific personality. No other flower can match the daisy for pure joy.

The subtle, majestic lily holds its delicate white blossoms snugly between its strong, broad leaves. This flower represents the both the strength and wild beauty in May birthdays. A fresh bouquet of lilies is a magnificent way to send your best, birthday wishes.

June must be the month of love, as it has been paired with the flower of passion, the rose. Roses have many significant meanings depending on their color and the number of flowers in the bouquet. June birthdays are also known for their passion, making June and the rose a perfect match.

The long, blossom filled stem of the larkspur has been chosen to represent July because their gorgeous and lush beauty fills summer meadows with an unmistakable color and fragrance. July birthdays are also known for their particular summer radiance.

The sword like blossoms of the gladiola are responsible for its name and also for its symbolic meaning of strength of character. August birthdays are also known for a strong sense of character and moral integrity. The gladiola also reminds us that strength of character and integrity can look gorgeous and be full of rich personality.

The dense petal formation of the beautiful aster allows its rich, deep color to radiate through with a lush, almost aquatic texture. This combination makes the aster the flower of magic and transcendence. September, the beginning of Autumn, is also a time of otherworldly transcendence, and September birthdays contain elements of seeing aspects of life often hidden from view.

The brilliant and unusual calendula represents October birthdays because its broad, colorful flowers follow the path of the sun throughout the day, soaking up all remaining sunlight left in Autumn. October birthdays are also known for being warm, receptive people who are easy going and easy to talk to. Celebrate their one of a kind beauty with the one of a kind calendula.

The bright butter yellow glow of the chrysanthemum brings joy, light, and cheer to the dwindling days of November. Chosen because of the cheer and joy November birthdays bring throughout the year, the chrysanthemum’s color and perseverance are a beacon of happiness.

The translucent white petals of the narcissus blossom bring the beauty and peace of a fresh snowfall indoors. The grace and sophistication of the narcissus bring a redemptive beauty to poor Narcissus, the mythological figure that fell in love with his own beauty and drowned kissing his reflection in a lake. Now, the narcissus represents peace and the possibility of renewal.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Regularly

2008-02-06T11:25:00.000-05:00

Questions to Ask Yourself, Regularly

10 Uses for Lavender

2007-11-25T23:46:00.000-05:00

10 Uses for Lavender

The hardy yet humble lavender plant embodies healing properties that benefit the mind and body. Find out how this garden favorite can help relieve stress, aid insomnia, fight depression and more!

Lavender flowers (fresh or dried) emit a strong, aromatic, uplifting scent when crushed between the fingers. For a quick mood pick-me-up or instant stress relief, crush and roll between your fingers a few of the flower buds and inhale the scent slowly and deeply. The combination of breathing deeply and inhaling the lavender scent will calm nervous tension, anxiety and panicky feelings within minutes.

A relaxing, soothing tea can be made from the flowers. Just put one heaping tablespoon of the fresh or dried flowers in a tea pot, and pour boiling water into the pot. Infuse for about ten minutes. This tea calms the nerves, settles the stomach and "butterflies" and induces sleep.

Lavender essential oil can be applied like a perfume to the hair, neck, ears or other body parts. Smells delicious!

Add several drops of lavender oil to your bath for a soothing soak, or just add a generous handful of the fresh or dried flowers if you don't have the essential oil.

To make sleep more restful, drip a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow. Another option is to wrap a handful of the dried flowers in a cheesecloth sachet, tie and throw in your pillowcase.

To soothe a sunburn, add a few drops of the essential oil to water in a spray bottle, and mist sunburned skin.
Wrap a handful of lavender flowers in a square of cheesecloth and tie with a string. You can also drip a few drops of essential oil onto the sachet for an extra aromatherapy boost. Throw the sachet in your dryer to make your clothes smell great. This will freshen up to 25 dryer loads!

Apply lavender essential oil to insect bites and stings, cuts, scrapes and abrasions. Lavender is very anti-septic and helps destroy germs that can cause infections.
Infuse fresh or dried lavender flowers as if to make a tea. But instead of drinking it, let it cool down and use as a hair rinse to reduce dandruff.

Pulverized lavender flowers can add a unique and delightful flavor to salads, custards, jams, jellies and cookies, especially sugar cookies. It is a culinary relative to mint, sage, marjoram and thyme and can be used in the same fashion as these herbs. Lavender is so versatile in the kitchen, that virtually any experimentation with it will yield favorable results.

10 Rules of Reiki

2007-10-23T06:09:00.000-04:00

In my journey of the internet and well life in general I have found that many people do not know what Reiki is... Being that it has been part of my life for so long it is hard for me to grasp that some people don't just think, well "Reiki It" whatever "It" may be... I have Reiki-ed myself, others, my kids, my pets, my computer, my car, my house, crystals, tarot cards, water, batteries, pens, paper, candles, food, flowers, my garden, jewelry... Wow this could go on all day for me... Well on to my point, anything and everything can be sent Reiki. I believe that anything and everything can benifit from Reiki. Is that to say Reiki will "cure" or "heal" everything, no, but can it assist anything with the process in iteself. If that process is healing then it will help heal, if that process it learning then it will help you learn, even if it is painful to do so.

Namaste, Star

www.lightandlovereiki.com (my reiki website)

The 10 Rules of Reiki

In this article I thought I would set down ten things that you can do “ten principles to take account of” to benefit your practice of Reiki. This is not something that has come from Japan, or from early practitioners of Reiki: it is just something that I have put together myself. I hope that this article will be of interest to people at all Reiki levels.

(1) Reiki is all about you

Although Reiki is sometimes presented in the West as a sort of complementary therapy, a hands-on treatment technique, or a form of Japanese spiritual healing, that is not what Reiki is all about. If your practice of Reiki consists mainly of treating other people then you are missing the point because Reiki is all about you! Reiki is a personal practice for your self-healing and your spiritual and self-development. You are the priority here.

In Usui’s time the treatment of others was not focused upon or emphasized, in fact treatments were a bit of a distraction from the main thrust of his teachings, which Usui Sensei referred to as a “system to achieve personal perfection”. Right from the start, the system was about personal development, not working on others.

So to gain the greatest benefits for yourself through Reiki, you need to establish a decent routine of working on yourself in whatever way that you were taught. If you were taught Western-style then do your hands-on self-treatment regularly, if you know about Japanese-style Reiki then practice your Hatsurei ho; if you know about Usui Sensei’s original system then add his self-treatment meditation to your regular Hatsurei.

I know that some people seem to have the view that working on yourself is in some way “selfish”, but if you cannot look after yourself properly then how can you help other people? By working on yourself regularly you make yourself a better channel and more effective at what you do in terms of treatments, so there are plus points all round for those who make themselves their Reiki priority.

(2) Base your practice on the precepts

Usui Sensei established a simple spiritual system that was rooted in his precepts, his “rules to live by”. Rather than being an interesting set of instructions to read on a course and put to one side, Usui’s precepts are at the very heart of his system, and it was said that as much spiritual development could come through following the precepts as would come through doing any of the energy work. If we are consider ourselves as “practicing Reiki” then we will follow the precepts.

So we need to think deeply about the precepts and how they affect our lives. We need to consider each precept in turn and reflect on how that precept might impinge upon and guide our thoughts and behavior and relationships and priorities. And we need to do this regularly, using the precepts as an ongoing source of guidance, the effects of which will make a real difference to us, and the people around us, over time.

The precepts are something that you we drip-feed into our lives, something that we refer to regularly and reflect on regularly, for our own benefit and for the benefit of the people with whom we come into contact.

(3) Practice mindfulness

Although not referred to on most Reiki courses, the practice of mindfulness was as important part of Usui Sensei’s system as were the precepts, and in fact mindfulness is hidden in the precepts! Mindfulness is a form of meditation that one can perform at any time, when carrying out ordinary, mundane activities like walking somewhere or washing dishes or sipping tea, and involves becoming consciously and fully aware of your thoughts and actions in the present moment, non-judgmentally, existing in the moment.

When you are living “in the moment”, fully engaged in what you are doing, fully aware of the present moment, then you are existing in a state where there is no anger and there is no worry. By not dwelling on the past or speculating about the future, by embracing fully the present moment, you are living the precepts, and mindfulness brings with it humility, honesty, compassion and forgiveness.

So mindfulness is a way of experiencing Mikao Usui’s spiritual principles.

(4) Work on yourself daily

Reiki isn’t something that you can pick up once in a while, play around with for a bit, and then drop again, not if you are looking to receive the many benefits that are available from the system, anyway. If you are looking for consistent benefits then you need a consistent practice. The precepts say “just for today”, and that is a good starting point: just do something with Reiki today. You can manage that. It doesn’t have to be hours and hour’s worth. Just do something for 10 minutes: you have ten minutes. Do something for 20 minutes. And if you don’t have ten minutes, get up 10 minutes earlier: problem solved.

Don’t worry about what you will do tomorrow: just focus on today.

When tomorrow comes, do the same. Just do something with Reiki, even for ten minutes. Don’t worry about tomorrow: just do something today.

(5) Commitment is the key

There are spectacular benefits to be enjoyed through practicing Reiki, and all you need to do is to work with the energy consistently, focus on the precepts and practice mindfulness. The benefits build up cumulatively, you see, and sporadic and occasional practice isn’t enough if you want the very best out of your Reiki. You will get out of the system what you are prepared to put into it, so Reiki deserves a little of your time each day. You need to plug away at a few simple things, a few simple exercises or routines, and make them a regular part of your day, as regular a part of your routine as brushing your teeth or your hair.

And once you have established a regular habit of working on yourself with Reiki then you will find that it is difficult to stop: you will find that you really miss your hatsurei session or your self-treatment if you miss a day. That is the sort of position you are looking to get yourself into and by committing yourself to working with Reiki each day, even if it is a little inconvenient, you will reach that point.

(6) Don’t try too hard

While we do need to commit ourselves and establish a decent routine of working on ourselves in order to obtain the many benefits that are available to us through Reiki, we should at the same time make sure that we do not try too hard, work for too long, or take our practice too seriously. Reiki is best enjoyed in a gentle, laid-back and light-hearted fashion rather than in a fists-clenched, furrowed-brow, tense, “ready for a lot of hard work” sort of way. We do not force Reiki and we do not force a fierce practice on ourselves.

Reiki is rather like a flowing stream of water, and we are a rough rock sitting in that stream. The rock will become smooth, of course, but this will be achieved gently, through having the water flow consistently, and this will be done in its own time.

We might read about some of the experiences that other Reiki people might have when working on themselves, or receiving attunements/empowerments, or treating others (seeing colors, feeling particular things) and we may not notice all these things ourselves; we may notice very little. We may then think that if only we tried a bit harder then we would notice these things and then we would then be “doing it properly”.

But trying hard and trying to force things is the best way there is to put a great big block on your progress. You will progress fastest when you give up trying and just be. Stand aside (metaphorically), do the exercises, treat people, and don’t think or worry about what you do or do not experience. Be a bystander, be neutral and empty, have no expectations. That is the best approach, the approach that will lead you to progress at the right speed for you.

(7) You don’t need to be perfect

Along with the need to be relaxed and laid-back and light-hearted about your practice, you should also make sure that you are not beating yourself up for not being perfect! You do not have to be perfect in order to obtain benefits for yourself through Reiki, or to treat other people successfully. No-one else is perfect, so you don’t have to be either.

So perhaps your mind wanders when you do a treatment or work on yourself. So what? This happens to everybody else. Don’t worry about it (there is something in the precepts about worrying). It you make a big thing about it and try through “force of will” to have an empty mind, you have just made things worse: now you have two lots of thought, the first thoughts and then all the new thoughts about getting rid of the first lot of thoughts! Don’t worry. Pay the thoughts no attention. Let them go. Bring your attention gently back to what you were doing. Feel the energy flowing through you; imagine yourself merging with the person on the treatment table. Over time your mind will settle, and you’ll spend more of your time in a nice empty meditative state, but thoughts may well intrude again, and some days will probably be better than others. That’s ok. You’re human. It will sort itself out with time.

(8) Don’t keep trying to puzzle out “why?”

To get the best out of your Reiki I recommend that you don’t spend too much time trying to puzzle out why you are - or are not, experiencing a particular thing. Don’t keep trying to work out what a particular color that you or the recipient saw during a treatment means, or ponder the significance of a color that you saw when self-treating. Don’t keep wondering what a particular sensation in your hand means or why you felt a lot of energy flowing into a particular area of someone’s body, or why you didn’t feel any energy flowing into a particular place. It doesn’t matter.

Your head can really mess up your experience of Reiki if you keep on frantically thinking about, analyzing and questioning things. Don’t think! Just be. Empty your mind, merge with the energy, if you are treating someone then merge with the recipient, and let it happen. Follow the flow of energy when you are treating, yes, and allow your hands to stay for longer in areas where more energy is coming through, but don’t start frantically trying to puzzle out what is going on: Reiki works on lots of levels and you won’t know what’s happening so you may as well give up thinking about it and let go: enjoy the process, enjoy your treatments and give up the mental effort! It makes it so much easier that way!

(9) Trust your intuition

Along with not questioning everything that you feel or don’t feel, you should also not keep on doubting the things that you are feeling and noticing. If you feel something, you feel it: you are not making it up. You cannot make yourself feel something.

So if you notice that energy is flowing into you more strongly in a particular area when you are self-treating, accept that and go with it, self-treating for longer there than in other positions. The same applies when treating someone else: if you feel that there is a “hot spot” or “fizzy area” then accept the sensations and treat for longer there. You are not making it up.

Neither are you making it up if you feel strangely drawn to a particular area of the body. You are intuitive and you can work intuitively straight away. All you need to do is to stop second-guessing and doubting yourself, be still, and simply accept what comes to you. It doesn’t need to make sense. Don’t try and puzzle it out: just accept it and treat in the way that feels appropriate.

(10) Ignore silly rules and restrictions

While we are making sure that we are not cluttering our practice with endless thoughts, questions and doubts, we should also thrown out as unnecessary the various rules, regulations and restrictions that we may have been taught. Reiki does not need to be controlled, blunted and restricted by man-made rules that have no basis. Reiki is safe and Reiki is simple, and simple approaches are usually the most effective.

So we do not have to slavishly follow a prescribed set of hand positions when treating ourselves or other people and we do not need to say a set form of words for our Reiki to work. We do not need to follow ritualized sets of hand and body movements in a particular sequence to be able to treat someone and we do not need to refrain from treating people with various medical conditions. Reiki is safe and Reiki is adaptable. It allows many different ways of working that are all valid. There is no “one” way that Reiki has to be used, and we should ignore admonitions that we should “always”, or “never”, do a particular thing.

So, to get the most out of your Reiki, I recommend that you make a commitment to yourself to work on yourself each day as your top priority, but not beating yourself up if you miss the occasional day. Use Hatsurei ho and self-treat, focus on the precepts and drip-feed mindfulness into more and more of your daily activities. Don’t try too hard though: be light-hearted and forgiving towards yourself because you don’t have to be perfect. Try not to clutter your mind with lots of thoughts and doubts and questions: just be neutral, have no expectations, be empty and content. And make sure you keep it simple.

Aligning your Chakras & Grounding Meditation

2007-10-15T11:33:00.000-04:00

Using the Chakra protection and Grounding meditation is an excellent way to bring more light into you. It's also one of the best ways of protecting yourself when channeling, doing readings or doing healings.

Namaste, Star

www.lightandlovereiki.com

Aligning Your Chakras & Grounding Meditation

Find a quiet room where you won't be disturbed.

You may light a candle if you wish, sometimes it helps to set the mood and bring tranquility.

Make sure you have loose fitting clothing if just starting to do this form of protection.

Sit comfortably feet flat on the floor, spine straight, hands in lap or on your legs.

Take 3-5 deep breaths breathing in the Universal Flow of Energy that is in and around all in existence.

Inhale through the nose and think Love, exhale through the nose and think Peace.

In your mind's eye (Third Eye) see a large shaft of Pure White Light come down from above you and into the top of your head (Crown chakra)

Bring this Light into your spine...notice how this feels as this energy is Unconditional Love, Peace and Harmony

Tell the Chakras to open, guide the Light to fill your Chakras completely

sit for a moment and feel all the engery & love encompassing your body.

Tell the Light to spin each Chakra into perfect balance and harmony and realign your Chakras into perfect heal according to your divine blue print.

Tell your Chakras to send this Pure Light to all the different areas and parts of the body they are over see

sit, relax and feel this as the Light being sent out through your body, now ask the Light to completely fill your body with its Light.

You will feel this Love as it permeates through you, through every cell, molecule and atom of your being.

Its a warm, gentle, beautiful and peaceful experience. Re energizing your entire being.

Now tell the Light to go out your tailbone, down deep into Mother Earth....connect with the earth and tell Her that you love Her, send your love to Her.

Wait a few seconds as the love will be returned to you. You will feel your heart to swell with love.

Ask that she share in this energy with you and Thank Her for all that she has given you.

Ask that Mother Earth to ground you.

Bring the energy back up through your tailbone up through your spine and out the top of your head in a beautiful Rainbow Fountain of colors cascading down all around you.

You are now protected by the Universal Flow of Energy and Grounded by Mother Earth.

You are ready to meditate or work.

After you have done this a few times, you will find that it comes automatic and and the feelings and emanations are always there through the energies.

You will also find that it helps you in many ways throughout the day.

What is Reiki All About?

2007-10-13T19:48:00.000-04:00

What is Reiki All About?

Reiki is a healing method that became popular in the Western cultures beginning in the twentieth century. It is an ancient healing method that has been used by the Japanese for several centuries. Through Reiki, many people will experience healing, balance, relaxation, and transfers of energy. By knowing how Reiki works, you will be able to use the technique in order to change your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual conscious levels.

When one begins to use Reiki as a practice, there are several principles that are used as guidelines. This will help the understanding of the use of energy to be taught at a higher level. By allowing the principles to be a part of the practice, one can use the energy for spiritual and mental healing easier.

Reiki is known to be a transfer of energy from external to internal environments. The practice began as defining a universal energy that is present in the universe. Those who practice Reiki will then be able to take this universal energy and transfer it into an individual. By doing this, it will change the internal energy level and allow several different types of healing to work.

In order for Reiki to be effective, one is expected to practice several different things. If you are practicing Reiki on your own, there are specific steps to follow. These steps allow you to become in tune to the universal energy, as well as allow you to become focused and relaxed when transferring the energy. Usually, it is best to take a class to learn how to do this effectively. If it is not done properly, it can cause the opposite effect.

The first principle that is taught in Reiki is in relation to the secret of inviting happiness. This is used in order to give students a basic understanding of the different energy flows that they will be using in relation to the Reiki technique. By doing this, the students will be able to understand a level of healing that is taking place. They will also be able to understand a new idea of happiness in relation to using the energy.

The second principle taught is that Reiki is a spiritual medicine for all illness. This idea is mostly taught in order to allow students to understand the basis of Reiki and where it’s emphasis and importance lies. Because it is an alternative healing method, Reiki is able to emphasize the spiritual ties to the method.

For those that are practicing Reiki on their own and decide to take a class, there are several things that will happen. Reiki classes are divided into levels. The more conscious you become of the universal energy and your internal energy, the higher of a level you can move to. Once you become an expert in these methods you can become a teacher, master and healer of this healing method.

The next that is taken in Reiki is to identify the different sources of internal energy that need to be transferred. These will usually be transferred by your breath moving the energy out of your body. Those with illnesses will have parts in their body that have a noticeable different source of energy. You can find this energy through either your intuition, or for those beginning the practice, they can use a light touch to begin recognizing the energy.

Once you recognize the internal and external energy, you can then begin to move the energies out of your body, and new energies in. This is usually done using two methods. Your breathing practice will often times help with this. You can also use a light touch in order to transfer a different energy from the universe. Reiki masters and trainers will usually do the healing using a touch when they are using the method on someone else.

Reiki is known to be an effective method of healing and balancing by several for centuries. By the continuous practice of transferring energy, one will find that healing, balance, relaxation and a different level of focus will take place. Several can use Reiki if they feel that they need a change of energy in their physical, mental, emotional or spiritual lives.

Can you feel the Mercury in retrograde coming?

2007-10-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

... I sure can!

Mercury goes into it's 3 week long retrograde phase on Octover 12 and wont be out until November 1.... Here is an article I wrote on for my blog about what Mercury in Retrograde means to us...

Mercury is the planet that governs the zodiac sign of Virgo & Gemini but at the same time, this retrograde period affects all of us. All of the celestial bodies (except the moon and sun) travel in a retrograde period at some point or another as it is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs from the orbit the planets travel around the sun and the viewpoint of the planets here on earth.

Mercury goes into it's retrograde period about 3 times a year and because it is the closest planet to the sun it is the most talked about and quickest to return to its forward moving state.

Mercury is the planet that rules all forms of communication, quick thought, processing thoughts, commerce, and transportation (and more, that’s the short list!). Mercury is all about clear thinking and focus so when Mercury goes into its retrograde period all of those things can and usually do go awry some.

Some things to watch out for are mis-communication of any sort, mail, email, writing, general conversation etc. Also cars, busses, trains, airplanes etc are all affected by this time period. So take note and double check the oil on your car or the water as well, preventive medicine is helpful here but not always going to fix it either! So aside from general maintenance on these things, stuff can still go screwy. It is also not an auspicious time to be doing anything in a legal sense, for example signing legal papers or going to court. I know we can not always help when we do these sorts of things but if you can defer doing something in the legal sense, I would suggest that.

Some things to think about when Mercury goes retro is anything that begins with the letters RE... ie, REmember, REflect, REview, REorganize, REcall, REturn. Pretty much anything that starts with an RE you should sort of take into action here. Mercury in retro is a great time to focus yourself and review things in your life that might not be working for you properly and then taking the time to reflect and move forward. In my experience with this time period it seems that people that once seemed to have moved in a different direction in life that I might have sort of lost touch with, they come back. It is often during this time period that people will remember the past and recall the people from there and reunite with them. Past friends, family, lovers etc. So all is not lost in this time period. I have discussed this with many other astrology students and the general thoughts on Mercury doing it's retrograde period is one of negativity and concern but in my opinion if we use this time and realize that this is only a cycle we can actually benefit from it.

The effect of Mercury in retro start about a week before it actually goes into its retrograde period. Which is about October 5, from then until October 12th, it actually looks like it is standing still in the sky and then on October 12th it starts to appear to move backwards. Mercury remains to appear moving backwards until November 1st when it will once again appear to stand still and then on November 8th it will start to move forward again. I have heard it described as a "shadow time" that starts 3 weeks before Mercury does its retrograde period, then it lasts for 3 weeks in retrograde and the final 3 weeks afterwards are the shadow time again. If that is the theory here the effects will last until November 15th.

Like anything else concerning astrology I feel there are many "cusps" where we have to sort of gradually move from one aspect to the other though so this shadow theory does make sense to me. At any rate expect the majority of effects of this astrological aspect to be between October 12th and November 1st and then it gradually tapering off. Not to worry though, in January next year Mercury will begin its retrograde period again!

Here is a cool visual about how Mercury travels in it's retrograde period...
This is speaking more of an Astronomers views in the article but as I see it Astronomy and Astrology are closely connected...
http://www.mercuryinretrograde.org/index.php?title=Mercury_in_Retrograde

So remember to review those letters before we send them off, be more careful how we interpret things said verbally and read, remember the past and most of all RElax!

Happy Mercury in retrograde….
(((hugs))) Star

Metaphysical Healing Properties of Garnet

2007-10-04T04:24:00.000-04:00

Today's article comes from something that is dear to my heart. Gemstones are fascinating to me, not only are they beautiful things that mother earth has given us, they are full of wonderful and vibrant healing energies. You will find that I blog about many different gemstones and crystals... Enjoy this article I have written!

Namaste Star

Garnet comes in a variety of colors ranging from pink to dark red or brown, almost appearing black. It is a very grounding stone that works with the root or base chakra. It is helpful at regenerating the chakras as well as energizing them.

Garnet is a popular stone that is often times faceted into jewelery or even worn as a raw gemstone as well.

Garnet is said to inspire creativity and is wonderful at employing energy at any stages of a project to enhance creativity and bring inspiration. It also inspires love and devotion. It can also control the Kundalini energy and aid in sexual potency.

Physically garnet stimulates your metabolism and regenerated the body, it is strongly connected to the pituitary gland, blood heart and lungs. Garnet is helpful at purifying, cleansing and elimination that which is in disorder, in the physical, emotional or spiritual bodies.

Garnet is said to begin stability and prosperity to business matters, especially square cut garnet.

Garnet can also assist one with past life recall, by placing a garnet on ones third eye while meditating. Garnet activates other crystals amplifying their effect.

There are several varieties of garnet that also have other attributes associated with those types.

Garnet is associated with the astrological signs of Leo, Virgo, Capricorn & Aquarius.

You can find more articles about gemstones and crystals that I have written on my website: http://lightandlovereiki.com/Crystals/crystals.html I am still growing that part of my website, every week I contribute a few more articles about gemstones and crystals. Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think!

What is a Chakra?

2007-10-03T00:49:00.000-04:00

Below is the article I wrote about all of the chakras. You can read the article below and click on the individual names of the chakras to read more specifically about each one!

Have fun!

Star

What is a Chakra?

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means wheel or spinning ball.

The chakras are parts of our spiritual bodies. We have three bodies, we have our physical body that we can all touch and feel, the emotional/mental bodies that we all feel on the inside and a "less known" but much more important (in my opinion) a spiritual body. I believe it is much less known or understood because it is more subtle, more delicate then our physical or mental/emotional bodies.

There are 7 main chakras in our spiritual bodies, some say we have an eighth
main chakra in our ears as well. We have lots of other little chakras in our bodies
that some called meridians, they are what acupuncturists deal with when creating channels throughout our bodies. So the thought and idea of these chakras is not some "new age" idea or newly discovered thing. In fact I believe it is because of the age we are in that people are becoming more and more aware of their spiritual bodies as we evolve.
The 7 main chakras in our bodies all govern certain areas of our physical and
emotional self. I will go in more depth about each one of them on each individual
chakra page, just click on each name of the chakra below to find more information about each chakra.

Root chakra ~ governs your ability to feel safe and connected to this earth. When this chakra is out of order one will feel insecure, not safe, not taken care of, I find lots of people have this trouble with their root chakra and in my opinion we need the root to be strong otherwise all the other chakras have a problem being on a shaky foundation.

Sacral Chakra ~ governs your sense of taste, smell, sensuality, sexual and
reproductive organs, it also governs the pancreas, spleen and intestines. When
the sacral chakra is unbalanced one can have problems in any of these physical
areas or have trouble with their own sexuality.

Solar Plexus ~ governs your connection to "the other side", it is also said that an
ethereal cord is connected from our physical bodies and our spiritual bodies
through the solar plexus chakra. This chakra also governs the "me" part of your
personality it is the center of personal power, ambition, intellect, astral force,
desire. If the root is your foundation and the sacral your senses then the solar
plexus is how you identify yourself.

Heart Chakra ~ governs our emotions and feelings. The heart also governs our
actual physical heart, when someone has heart dis-ease it is likely they
unresolved have emotional issues as well.

Throat Chakra ~ governs our voice and creativity. The throat chakra when open
someone will have the ability to speak their truth without worry and express
themselves well.

Third Eye or Brow Chakra ~ governs out psychic sense and visions. When this
chakra is open and working properly we will likely be very in-sync with other and
things around us.

Crown Chakra ~ governs our connection to "Our Creator" however it is you define
"Our Creator" usually this chakra is either open or closed, there is not usually an
in-between.

The Ego and The Spirit

2007-10-02T19:11:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

I begin my journey with this blog in hopes of sharing and my knowledge and learning from others. I intend live in Spirit while here and leave the ego checked at the door...
I hope to make lots of new friends while here, feel free to comment or share your thoughts with me. I try my best to have a mind that is open to everything and is attached to nothing!

Namaste, Star

www.lightandlovereiki.com

The Ego and the Spirit

The ego looks for peace — the spirit rests in it

The ego looks for love — the spirit gives it freely

The ego is in constant search for happiness — the spirit is absorbed in joy

The ego looks for control — the spirit is totally free

The ego looks for longevity — the spirit is immortal

The ego accumulates information — the spirit is Supreme Wisdom

The ego is limited by space and time — the spirit is boundless

The ego is only a player in a show — the spirit is life itself

The ego is false — the spirit is real

The ego wants more and more — the spirit has it all!