Life, Art Form or Race?

Think for a moment what comes to mind when thinking of art forms? Conversation, dance, and music are a few that may come to mind. These things are well thought and carried out; taking time and precise execution from beginning to end. That being said, I would perceive life as an art form, as life being lived deliberately. Such a life would be intentional, present, and mindful.

Now in contrast; think about what comes to mind when thinking of a race. Vehicles, bicycling, running, competition, hurry, and finish lines might come to mind. This seems to differ in execution as the race is fast, about who finishes first; with a spirit of competition.This too takes preparation, to avoid injury and ensure safety.

In life we can tend to live more one way or the other, or we might live a balanced combination of both. We get busy and feel the need to accomplish much in our fast-paced lives. We find ourselves either in a state of focus or feeling scattered. We need to be more mindful and discerning of what truly needs to be done with deliberation and planning. In so doing, we can have a good outcome, with with proper preparation, whether we are "racing" through life or "artfully" living. 

If we are more in tune, deliberate, present we can help to avoid injury, chaos, and the feeling of being disconnected. Remaining grounded, in touch with ourselves and in tune with Spirit; helps us to navigate through our lives be they art form or race. It helps us to balance the energy levels needed to accomplish what needs to be, minimizing harm.

I highly recommend finding more ways and time to live as an art form. Living in the moment, being deliberate, being in tune. It far outshines the chaos of the alternative unplanned, hectic, flighty life that at times precedes harm. So be prepared whether art form or race.

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!





  

Stones That Work Well With the Lunar Energies of the Waxing Moon

Here we are again in the energy of the Waxing Moon. The moon is coming to its fullness and growing in energy. The energy of the waxing moon is of manifestation and intention. This is a time to focus on new projects and ideas. It is a good time to build a crystal grid dedicated to success, prosperity and growth as well as toward your manifesting of desires.

There are quite a few stones that will serve well in aiding the manifestation of abundance and prosperity. During the Waxing Moon you'll find it is the perfect time to wear and use crystals that resonate with abundance and prosperity. Since this is the lunar energy that is present, you might find it best working with and wearing crystals such as  Green Aventurine, Malachite, Citrine and Ruby. these are all wonderful abundance crystals and a great place to start.

Remember to focus on new projects and mindsets as well. in doing this we are putting ourselves into a better alignment and position to receive, utilize, and share any abundance coming your way.

Here is a list healing of crystals to use in helping you along with your new projects, ideas, and areas of growth. Have fun with it as you learn which stones work well for you.

1. Agate: brings strength & courage, brings protective energies, balancing and accepting emotions
2. Amazonite: manifestation of hopes and dreams, calming and soothing energies, expressing your true self, starting over, a new beginning
3. Amethyst: wise decision making, achieving balance, breaking free from addictions & habits, furthering your spirituality
4. Angelite: relieving anger and tension, brings spiritual inspiration, encouraging faith and forgiveness
5. Aquamarine: clearing your mind, enhancing meditation, bringing discernment in love, releasing anger, making positive changes
6. Aventurine: manifesting prosperity and wealth, ease in changing your job
7. Black Tourmaline: releasing negative energy, protecting yourself from psychic attack
8. Bloodstone : increasing energy and endurance, courage and determination
9. Carnelian: strengthening motivation, increasing self confidence, increasing creativity, finding your personal power, weight loss and exercise
10. Citrine: manifesting your dreams, acquiring prosperity, increasing positivity and joy
11. Clear Quartz: magnifying intentions, clarifying the mind, amplifying energy levels, bringing focus
12. Fluorite: clearing confusion in your mind, releasing negativity, increasing concentration, wise decision making, expanding the mind
13. Garnet: increasing energy level, becoming more grounded
14. Hematite: connecting to the Earth, becoming more grounded and focused, releasing negative energy
15. Jade: releasing self-limiting thoughts, attaining goals, filling your life with abundance, living from the heart
16. Labradorite: discovering your true self, uncovering your destiny, finding your life purpose
17. Malachite: balancing your mind, bringing focus, life transformation, purifying your energy
18. Ocean Jasper: increasing positive feelings, relieving stress and worry, living with happiness, lifting your spirits, becoming more optimistic
19. Onyx: shielding your body and mind from negative energy, overcoming feelings of depression, reducing stress, calming your fears
20. Pyrite: overcoming financial hardship, making wise financial decisions, achieving success, increasing your willpower and motivation
21. Red Jasper: increasing motivation, speaking out, becoming more active, manifesting new ideas and projects for creative types
22. Rose Quartz: opening your heart to love, finding love, loving yourself, attracting a harmonious long term relationship, healing from emotional wounds
23. Rutilated Quartz: healing from a loss or death, connecting with your angels, increasing your willpower, starting over
24. Selenite Crystal: working on prayer or meditation, finding divine wisdom, healing
25. Smoky Quartz: releasing fear and anger, overcoming negative emotions, letting go
26. Tiger’s Eye: finding your personal power, strengthening your willpower and motivation to achieve goals, looking at the positives instead of the negatives, giving a creative boost

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

Embracing the Darkness

What is darkness? We first need to define it in order to embrace it. Darkness is defined as the polar opposite to brightness, is understood to be the condition of a very small amount or even an absence of visible light. 

That said, understanding that we as humans are unable to distinguish color in conditions of either high brightness or darkness it lets us see they are equal. In conditions of insufficient light, we perceive it as black, dark. It is known as a void.The emotional response to darkness has generated many notions that it is evil or scary. It doesn't need to be. 

The mental side of darkness can be debilitating when we are afraid to embrace the darkness. 

"The darkness, the void, the space that the mind is terrified to enter, is the beginning of all life. It’s the womb of being. Fall in love with it, and when you do, it will immediately be taken from you, as you witness the birth of light." (Katie Byron)

We need to learn to love what is. There is definitely a balance between dark and light. They are both defined by the lack of the other and eliminated by the presence of the other. The balance is where they meet and are both respected as equal and necessary.

Metaphors of darkness vs light that allude to the spiritual, behavioral, and mindset add to the fears we as humans can harbor. As in yin/yang philosophy there needs to be balance of these two opposites to maintain peace. This can be a struggle in our minds then as a result, our lives. Good vs bad, reward vs punishment are just examples of what we do to ourselves. These beliefs can cause stress and uncomfortable feelings blocking energy flow. This is the birth of the struggle.

If we would just accept what is as it is, see the beauty and value in these opposites, and the wonder at their union we would know peace and health - vibrancy.

We can change the way we think, we don't have to see things as positive or negative but as experiences of value. We can take each experience at its face value as something we've learned and experienced growth from.

I believe we would know true happiness if we would not let fear of the unknown block us from experience. If we could change our mindsets that dark is not bad, but different we may learn to not be victims, be fearful, angry, etc. I don't believe emotions to be good or bad. While I don't think we should deny our feelings, I also don't believe we should act upon them or feel victimized by our circumstances. 


If we could take our experiences as just that and not allow our mind/emotions to convince us it is wrong we can be happy. I personally have known suffering, as many have. I choose to be happy and grateful for what I have and have learned in life. I have physical limitations. I don't feel sorry for myself or victimized because of it. I enjoy fully what I can do and am glad for what health and life I have. Yes, there are times I get frustrated. I am human, after all. I just choose to find the balance, the union between what is and what I'd like things to be. 

We all have challenges. What we do with them; resist or face them head on, affects how we see and feel about them. The end result is how we perceive our lives - health, wealth, and relationships.


I truly hope we can all learn to embrace the so called darkness so that we can find the light.


Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

What's a Ritual?

What is a ritual exactly? Merriam Webster defined it  as, "something that is always done in a particular situation and in the same way each time." 

Rituals are everywhere in our daily lives. They are evident in everything from social customs such as handshakes and greetings to celebrations and what they entail, such as birthdays and holidays. Some have daily rituals to prepare for the day while others only partake for religious or social customs.

Some rituals are spiritual in nature like lighting candles for prayers or spells, ceremonies such as honoring our dead, honoring the cycles of nature and seasons or cyclical events like solstices, stellar events, and lunar cycles.
 

 Some rituals are more religious like baptisms, sacrament, certain holidays and feasts, and some weddings.
                            

Some rituals are more common, life events - learned behaviors such as how one gardens, sets a table for holiday guests, shares stories around a camp fire, interacts in certain social settings like graduations, weddings or memorials, etc.

 

Whatever the intent or purpose, rituals are a part of everyone's life to one degree or another. They are not to be afraid of or ashamed of. They are how we interact with the world we are in and how we relate to the events of our lives. Rituals are both personal and social aspects of our existence and help us put meaning in the things that we do.

For me rituals grant me a means to make changes and affect growth in my life. They provide me a way to celebrate the simple things and allow a spiritual aspect to the mundane. Rituals give me a way to daily, monthly, quarterly, yearly - take stock in the life I am living and allow me to continually work toward being a better version of myself. 

Next time someone mentions a ritual they need to do or have done, understand that it one way or another is an important part of who they are. Feel honored that they shared this information with you. If it is not something you understand, perhaps you can ask them to explain it to you.(Keep an open mind if you do.) There might just be something that you yourself can find useful and implement it into your own routines to add quality and depth to your own life. 

If you are still unsure what rituals can do to help you and would like to learn more there are many websites that list different types of rituals and even give examples of how to carry them out. Do some research, find what suits you in your present situation. Decide for yourself if you need to implement them into your life. Either way, I wish you a blessed, enriched life.
 

 
Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

Stones That Work Well With the Lunar Energies of the Waning Moon

Here are some of the best stones to use during this time in the Lunar Cycles. They are all known as love stones. Rhodochrosite, Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Ruby in Fuchsite, Kunzite and Danburite work well with self love and healing, exactly what is needed during the Waning Moon. 

Ruby in Fuchsite

Ruby in Fuchsite combines the qualities of Ruby and Fuchsite creating synergy for a beautiful heart stone. This stone is best known to help clear blockages within the heart, replacing negativity with pure loving energy. Use it to help clear destructive patterns and encourage new, loving ones.

           

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is known to bring a sense of balance to life. It allows grace to deal with life's annoyances, bringing a sense of peace and freedom. This can bring a deep sense of happiness and relief from ongoing stress and inner conflicts.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love. It has been used to open the heart to all forms of love. Its high frequency is believed to give this stone the property of enhancing love in any situation. Bringing love into our daily life brings a balance that helps keep stress levels down. Rose Quartz has been known to bring a sense of peace to all around it. Because of the happiness and love associated with this stone it is known as a love stone.

Danburite

Danburite is known to facilitate deep change and the ability to release what no longer serves one well. Use Danborite to bring about peaceful sleep, to stimulate the heart chakra, and to gain a closer connection to the Divine. It is believed that working with this stone can bring about spiritual and emotional healing and a generally positive outlook on life.

 Kunzite

Kunzite is known as a calming, relaxation stone. Kunzite opens the heart to all forms of love. It has been used to relieve tension and bring about a peaceful disposition. Kunzite has subtle peaceful vibrations. The gentle energy of Kunzite helps to release blockages allowing one to be more receptive. Use Kunzite to release daily stress, calm nerves, anger and fear.

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a stone known for compassion, forgiveness, and release. Rhodonite has been known to bring peace to troubled relationships and bring peace in troubled times. Use Rhodonite to help discover innate talents, in meditation, and general healing work.

These wonderful Heart stones can bring much needed healing and strength. As we go through our sloughing off stages in releasing, coming to find and love  ourselves, finding forgiveness in our hearts, and learning to love unconditionally may we find peace and growth. 

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

The Lunar Cycles, What Can We Gain From Their Symbolism?

Lunar cycles can be very meaningful and ritualistic in the growth of an individual. They are  usually in increments of 28 days to a cycle and each cycle has phases. These phases, if internalized, can help one grow and change according to their intentions and observation of these cycles and the symbolism tied to them.

We have a waxing moon, full moon, waning moon core, followed by the new moon cycle. Within this set there are also subsets of gibbous moon, meaning diminishing or increasing of illumination depending on if they are waxing or waning. The quarters fall into the gibbous stages and follow or precede the crescent just as it waxes full or wanes to new moon.

Just like the seasons have newness, growth, harvesting, then a time to rest before the cycles begin again. The moon too represents cyclic nature and continuing growth through change.

Some find meaning in following rituals either someone else's or of their own design. These rituals encourage awareness of the Lunar cycles and what they mean to the individual or group of participants. These rituals can be simple or complex. Either way it brings an awareness and connection to personal growth in cycles along with the cycles of the moon and seasonal cycles encouraging one to improve and carve out their path to wholenes.

There will be more talk about rituals, what they are, how to partake, and how they can enhance life in another post. In the meantime, this purpose of this post is to help some understand the ties between lunar cycles, and their connection to personal growth.

 

As the moon is waxing full we are seeing the fruits of the seeds of our intentions placed at New Moon. At Full Moon we discern what serves us well and what has not, lovingly releasing that which has not and adapting to create the changes we'd like to see come about for our benefit. As the moon wanes we rejoice in the accomplishments and continue to adapt and change for the greater good. Then at full circle at New Moon, we again reflect inward and plan our path to be closer to our heart's desires and plant the seeds of intentions for further growth. It is a beautiful thing.

I will save the matter of rituals for another post. I will however say that following the moon and syncing my spiritual path with its cycles is a beautifully sacred thing to me.

The Magic of Candles in Our Daily Lives

Candles have been used for many things throughout the years. They are used for comfort, ambiance, prayers, celebrations, rituals, and spells, to name a few. Let's take a look at some of the ways we use them.

I can't count the many times I lit a candle to lighten the atmosphere of a room or a mood. Sometimes I may choose a candle by color or scent to facilitate this shift. Imagine the scent or color of your favorite candle, remember how it made you feel when it was lit, the flame flickering and carrying your cares away, the scent soothing what ails you. Doesn't that feel good? Many of us do this without even thinking. We know that it will make us feel better. We don't question why, we just do.

In celebration we sometimes light candles for the blessings of the here and now, and for the hopes of what is yet to come, it lifts us up and adds to the joy. Think of weddings, birthdays, holidays, the list goes on. For each occasion the candle has a significance and we light the candles with purpose, with intent. 

As we light our candles with purpose and intent we are focusing our intentions on the candles. As they burn, the smoke raising up, the flame flickering, the scent wafting, we are placing these intentions, our hopes upon them to carry them off to the Universe, in hopes that our intentions are met. It is magical. 

Think of a birthday candle, "make a wish" we often say as the candles have been lit in celebration, the intended makes their wish (their hopes, intentions) then blows the candle out. It is this very act that is magical. Wedding candles lit for hopes of a blessed union, prayer/ritual/spell candles in hopes that our intentions and hopes will be lifted up.  It is the same. 

Candles are a perfect visual to connect us to the spiritual. Because of this, they help us stay focused. They are wonderful tools to add to our spiritual toolkits. Use them well, use them wisely. Remember your intent, light with purpose, light them often, and let the magic of happiness, comfort, peace, and deliverance from our burdens happen.

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!