A Healthy Voice

It is not uncommon for the throat chakra to become unbalanced or blocked. When this energy center is not working properly, we may experience physical symptoms such as ear aches, thyroid imbalances, laryngitis and jaw pain.

When our 5^th chakra is clear, it brings about clear communication and creative expression. We feel confident in expressing our feelings, our creativity and saying what we really mean. The two-way energy flow between you and others is greatly enhanced. In fact, the two-way energy flow between you and your own body begins to improve as well.

Keeping our throat chakra healthy is important so that we are able to speak out with ease to support and protect those around us, as well as ourselves. In addition to the use of gemstones and healing visualizations, the use of foods and herbs can quickly clear the energy flow to this chakra. The 5th chakra is the center of communication. Balancing it can help you reconnect with your true nature and make you feel safe enough to express it. 

A great place to begin is by eating blue foods. Blue, purple and red foods contain phytochemicals that are responsible for their color and are an indications of the presence of flavonoids; critical antioxidents that support and strengthen our immune system.

Blackberries
Black olives
Blueberries
Currents
Elderberries
Grapes
Plums
Red/purple cabbage

Wheatgrass and barley are the grains that best support this chakra. Since the 5th chakra anatomical area includes the thyroid, sea vegetables are helpful due to the iodine in them that is crucial for proper thyroid function.

The following list contains herbs that I have found effectively clear and balance the 5th chakra.

Blue pea flower

Cinnamon

Clove

Ginger

Lemongrass

Marshmallow

Peppermint

Slippery elm

Meditation mantras support this process well. My clients and I have found the following examples most effective when addressing the needs of the 5th chakra.

"I am an empathic listener and a clear communicator".

"My voice is important in this world".

"When I speak, my words are honest and balanced".

"I am always understood by others".

"I honor my true voice and let it speak".

However you choose to support and balance your chakra health, do it from a place of grace and love for yourself and the world in which you live. 

~ The herbal and natural health suggestions posted within this blog are 

not intended to replace medical treatment or the taking of prescribed medications. ~

Lifebeats

Native American teachings explain that the shape of the frame drum is a circle to symbolize the endless cycle of life. The beat of the drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth and calls the spirits and nations together. Hearing or facilitating the "heartbeat" by playing a drum, brings healing and a deeper understanding of our connection with all life. The drumbeat is of such a low frequency that it vibrates not only the air but also the ground and can be felt by humans and animals alike. Even those with hearing loss are able to feel the beat of the drum and use it to communicate. Drumming synchronizes the left and right brain hemispheres, which brings about deeper awareness of self and connects us with the Divine and all that is.

We are all born with our own personal drum - our heartbeat. We hear the heartbeat of our mother while in her womb, and the drum's beat is the heartbeat of the Great Mother held in our hands. Throughout history the heartbeat of the drum has been used in personal and healing ceremonies, for journey work, celebrations and mourning rituals.
The beating of the drum brings the primordial rhythm of life to a ceremony. The dances, chants, and rituals of all indigenous cultures employ the beating of the drum to mark the beginning, rhythm, and end of their traditional rites. Shamans throughout the world use the beat of the drum to induce a state of ecstasy and to invoke spirits.

When the practice of drumming is undertaken in a sacred way, profound altered states of consciousness can be experienced. Group drumming can double the alpha brain waves, induce deep states of relaxation, reduce stress and connect one to their transcendent nature. The drum is a messenger from Spirit/ the Divine and people can awaken to their true infinite spiritual nature. One enters the realm of miracles where there are no boundaries between self and the vast spaciousness of being. It is here where one is transported beyond the ego's confines of the conditioned self and enters the world of the Divine. These ancient rhythms have the power to elicit healing. As the vibration of the drum permeates the entire body and soul, profound peace is felt and effortlessly radiates out as love for self and others. The ancestral wisdom carried in the lineage of rhythms is a tool for building community, creating loving interactions, and awakens one to the miracles of the Divine.

Scientists, researchers and psychologists are able provide research on the therapeutic effect of rhythms and frequencies. Their recent findings show that drum rhythms strengthen the immune system, produce endorphins and release emotional trauma to create states of well being. The healing power of drumming creates a balance that maintains the connection between body, mind and soul.

Shiva, the Indian deity, holds a drum in his extended right hand. This symbol reminds us that creation (or manisfestation) begins with the first beat of the drum and ends with the last beat; and that creative destruction is a natural, ongoing process of the material realm.
The esoteric lesson offered us by Shiva's drum is that all material things march to the beat of time; they have a beginning, a limited time-span, and an end. When we concentrate on time (duality and matter) we shut out eternity (unity/oneness). However, when we focus our concentration on eternity, time and matter become insignificant. It its most sublime essence, the drumbeat symbolizes the heartbeat of the universe. In its most basic essence it is the rhythmic reminder that, "Time has come".

The drumbeat marks time in the realm of matter. Time cannot exist without matter, for matter has a limited time-span. Conversely, matter cannot exist without time, because without time matter cannot experience the cycle of creation, expansion, decay and rebirth.

Lunar Eclipse for Your Heart

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly behind the earth and into its shadow. This can occur only when the sun, earth and moon are very closely aligned, with the earth between the other two.

According to astrology, a lunar eclipse usually marks culminations and ending points. Eclipses (both lunar and solar) are dramatic markers and one of the most dramatic ways that the Universe uses to get our attention. Once we are alerted, we are guided to honestly look at the areas of our life that need change. The prevailing energies during this time uproot us, surprise us and shake us out of complacency so that we may move ahead in the physical and spiritual realms.

Lunar eclipses are auspicious times for meditation, inward reflection, self-care and connecting with the Divine. During these practices we often receive insights and information that can provide important direction and act as a catalyst for the action needed. In this way, lunar eclipses can show us that we are capable of much more that we previously thought.

Where solar eclipses support new beginnings, lunar eclipses often bring us final endings and can be emotional times for many. They tend to make us aware of the passage of time and our own mortality. A lifetime of memories and recurring dreams may be brought into the forefront of our thoughts, causing us to become nostalgic and sentimental. Honor the emotions that come up, express gratitude for how they helped your growth then, with great love, release them to the Universe.

The total lunar eclipse of January 20, 2019, occurs in the sign of Leo at 9:12 pm PST. This is the final Leo eclipse from a series that began in February of 2017 and included the fierce total solar eclipse in August the same year. This lunar eclipse will manifest situations that have been developing over the last two years. Leo is the guardian of creativity, romance and fertility. With the support of this full moon, we will see our efforts come to light and changes coming our way. We may feel ourselves pushed to look in new directions and to change any of our long-standing limiting mindsets.

Allowing ourselves time to process what we experience during this lunar eclipse is an important tool for utilizing the transformative energies available. Be patient with yourself. Extend patience to those with whom we interact. Speak with gentleness. Extend gentleness to others. Act from compassionate heart-space. Extend your compassionate heart to others.

Move in New Directions with Gemini Flexibility

Those born under one of the mutable sun signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) will feel the effects of this New Moon most strongly. From my personal experience, those of us whose ascendant sign falls under one of those will also experience clearing energies and a period of new beginnings. People born under these four signs of the zodiac are the most flexible and changeable. They often easily adapt to new surroundings and situations, employing their natural creativity to complete projects.

New moon cycles are often accompanied by uplifting motivational feelings that urge us to try something new and different. This particular new moon, falls in the sign of Gemini which represents our adaptability and duality. During this new moon phase we will find ourselves wrapping up most of the personal inner work that we delved into beginning in January. This process tends to make us more clearly aware of our thoughts because blockages have been moved to give light to new paths.
Take this opportunity and utilize the current energies to set new intentions as you become the best possible version of yourself. Be aware of your thoughts. Acknowledge those that prevent you from growing and moving forward then let them go. Remain open to new ways of thinking that will help you reach your full potential.

I came across a mantra from Tanaaz of, Forever Conscious, that you may find helpful as you create sacred space to set your new intentions:

    "I cleanse my space, I Feel myself expand. 

I cleanse my heart. I feel myself radiate and glow. I cleanse my mind, I feel light and free.

I cleanse all of me so I can begin again". 

Tanaaz also suggests that you pose the following five prompts to yourself, freely writing down whatever comes to your mind. 

1. The things that are blocking me the most right now

2. Things that I need to let go of

3. Things that are no longer working out for me

4. The story I keep telling myself

5. Things that drain my light

My clients have found that when they adapt these prompts to a tarot or oracle card spread, their intuition is clear and the insights they receive are profound. I added five more prompts to complete the spread.

1. Keys to a new path

2. What thoughts should I keep

3. What things are working out for me

4. Possible new outlooks and avenues

5. What things feed my inner light

Here is an example of how the spread may look; feel free to use all tarot cards or all oracle cards for your personal spread. Choose what feels right and most comfortable. Pictured below, I used tarot for the initial five prompts and oracle for the second set. 

(The Druid Craft Tarot by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm; illustrated by Will Worthington)

(The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards by Colette Baron-Reid; artwork by Jenna DellaGrottaglia)

As you review the cards you pulled, make notes of any recurring themes, patterns of thought and situations that reveal themselves. Allow your intuition to transmit personal messages and interpretations of the cards. After you have completed reflecting on the prompts, form statements or mantras that will help you release what is required and claim new thought and behavior patterns.

I, personally, feel fulfilled when I am able to help other people, as well as myself. 

How can we support ourselves and those close to us during this changeable period? 

Here are a few star-guided insights:

As far as how this Gemini New Moon will directly effect our mutable sun sign friends; Gemini and Virgo folks should be prepared for people to notice them and call upon them. It is a great time for those born under those signs that want to expand their business, seek promotions, start a new venture, or increase their social media following. The Sagittarius people in our lives may experience sparks of romance that rekindle their current relationships or ignite new ones. They will be motivated to make each of their relationships work whether those be personal or professional. Let the Pisces folks in our lives know that, during this moon phase, they will most benefit from setting aside their worries and spending time relaxing at home with their pets and/or families, enjoying a quiet meal and sipping soothing teas. 

Remember that you are divinely supported.

Breathe deeply, be proud of who you, spread kindness and smile more!

Motivation, Persistence & New Moon Wishes!

                                          (image credit, M. Rutan)  

A Capricorn New Moon urges us to aim high in our lives; personal, professional, emotional and spiritual. Its energy is a strong motivator for the creation and patient cultivation of our plans and desires. Set your intent, begin small projects and gently tend to them while patiently waiting to see positive results by the light of the corresponding full moon on June 28th.
    "Hold on, Amber, you mean we have to wait six months"?
Yes, my friends, you do. Utilize that time span to refine your plan, take small steps toward your goal and even allow yourself to explore options and alternate avenues. Capricorn energy includes persistence. Remain calm. Conserve your energy. Prepare to take action when planetary energies shift and your plans take flight!

What can you do during that six month development period? Work on your personal balance and alignment. This can be done in a variety of ways with varied approaches. The following suggestions may be helpful as you utilize Capricorn influences and turn within, make sensible decisions, keep commitments, use opportunities as they present themselves and express gratitude for your accomplishments.

  Honor any personal, family and hereditary traditions. Recall family histories, revisit moments of your life that brought you to where you are, learn about the cultures that have shaped society and especially those that run through your own veins.

  Capricorn New Moons are supportive times to connect with important male figures in your life and for balancing the yang (masculine) energy that lives within us all regardless of gender. Promote balance within yourself to carry into the new calendar year. If relationships with males in your life are strained, this is an opportune time to create and perform a personal ritual of forgiveness and release.

  Work with crystals! This new moon phase is an powerful time to work with crystals and gemstones. The sign of Capricorn is often associated with garnet, black onyx, smoky quartz and lapis lazuli. Have you ever used gemstone essences? If not, perhaps look into purchasing one (or more) to try or research how to make your own!

Fifteen years ago I learned a useful tool to employ during new moons - making ten wishes. These wishes are best made during the fullest power of the new moon; during the first eight hours after its exact timing (the new moon on January 16 occurs at 6:17 pm PST) though wishes can be made for up to 48 hours. The Capricorn new moon energy will only be around for two days, however, its energy will carry you through to the Leo Blue Moon on January 31st. Think about all the things you need or want in your life and make your wishes accordingly.

Look at that moon!

Preparing a workshop outline provided me the opportunity to revisit notes I made over the years regarding my experiences during several moon phases. Many of my observations have held true and played out in my own life or the lives of friends, family and even throughout the world's social experience and politics. Sharing what have now become truths for me feels appropriate at this time and gives birth to a new series of moon astrology posts.

As many of us are aware, any full moon can bring with it times of heightened emotions. I have found that the full moon intensifies the energies of the particular sign it falls in, as well as having influence on the traits of the current sun sign. 

The full moon of September 2017 travels through the sign Taurus, while the sun sign is firmly in Scorpio until November 21st. Earth and water. Fluid, emotional Scorpio grounded by practical, steady Taurus. While the usual steadfast, strong reliability of Taurus gives Scorpio the security that is integral for its balance, the full moon's influence on Taurus may increase the potential for us to become materialistic and only focus on the superficial instead of digging down to the roots of a matter. This often plays out as greed, uncontrolled consumerism, and reacting rashly or becoming overly emotional. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed with emotion or seeing red, confide and vent to a trusted neutral third party. Pull your thoughts together, allow yourself time to find the most appropriate words before engaging with the offending person(s).

Ruling the throat chakra (fifth chakra), Taurus urges us to communicate confidently and honestly. Utilize the supportive energies during this full moon to express yourself - use your voice! It may be time to tell someone how you really feel, promote yourself or apply your voice to activism.

When friends struggled with anxiety around the apparent lack of funds in their accounts, a Taurus full moon acted as a reminder that money is energy. Keeping money in circulation by putting it back into small businesses and the local economy, creates a circle of good will, community and support that yeilds beneficial returns. They succeeded when applying this concept to their lives along with hard work, honesty and humility.

Another way I have found to tap into the energies of the Taurus full moon is through the use of essential oils and aromatic herbs. Play around to find the combination of herbs or oils to which you most favorably respond; a few  herb suggestions are peppermint (brew a cup to sip as well!), thyme, eucalyptus, violet, catnip, marsh mallow and sage. When choosing essential oils, do use organic varieties and if you like please try the following blend that I have used;

*This recipe blend is the creation of Kristina Bauer, The Untamed Alchemist. 

To 2 ounces of a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut) 

Add 1 drop ylang ylang, 2 drops cardamom, 4 drops cinnamon and 4 drops vetivert

I repeatedly find that the days leading to and just after a Taurus moon guide me strongly to take myself (and urge my clients) into nature. We often spend more and more time inside disconnected from the Earth. This pulls us spiritually, mentally and physically out of alignment. We become out of balance, being in such a state will impact each aspect of our lives and how we choose to go about them. Get outside! Breathe fully the fresh air! A walk through a local park or even through your neighborhood streets will help reset and refresh you.

However you choose to utilize the energies available, remember to do so with clarity, thoughtfulness and at an even pace.

My mind is fire; my soul fire. - Wild Wisdom Wednesday 12April2017

Fire represents our passions, compulsions, zeal, creativity and motivation. It is our inner light as well as a symbol of the Divine fire that burns in every soul. It is a source of energy that requires careful tending or we will burn out or be burned. Maintaining healthy and realistic boundaries for this fire is critical so we are able to tend it as it dims and contain it should it move to engulf us. Be it the hearth fire, the heart of the home, or a ritual fire around which people dance magic into being, the inherent nature of fire is combustive and transformative. As fire consumes, it gives back light and warmth. It gives life.

Far Eastern philosophies see fire as forceful and primal. Its physical manisfestation is our metablolism. Mentally it translates into personal drive, intention and desire. Ancient Greek philosophies classified fire as a foundational element tied to passion and desire.

Fire plays an important role in Native American traditions and is often present during ceremonies and rituals. Fire acts as a messenger and is a gift from Great Spirit. Smoke from the fire is used to cleanse sacred items as well as the body. Fire symbolizes the heart of the People and its smoke carries prayers to the Great Spirit. It represents cleansing and renewal because from the fire's ashes comes new growth , new thoughts and new plans.

What are your passions?  What ignites your inner flame?  What gives you a creative spark?  What is your truth?

Fuel your fire.

Tend the coals.

Mind the flame.

When writing and speaking about fire, the image of a great Phoenix rising in glory and grace, is close in my mind. Stories of this mythic bird span several cultures each focusing on the creature's ability to rise anew from its own ashes - the sum of its experiences and the whole of its wisdom wrapped in a stronger, more vibrant body. Creation from destruction.The immortal essence remains.

Becoming the Phoenix

The Book of Going Forth by Day (The Egyptian Book of the Dead)

"I flew straight out of heaven, a mad bird full of secrets. I came into being as I came into being. I grew as I grew. I changed as I changed. My mind is fire, my soul fire. The cobra wakes and spits fire in my eyes. I rise through ochre smoke into black air enclosed in a shower of stars. I am what I have made. I am the seed of every god, beautiful as evening, hard as light. I am the last four days of yesterday, four screams from the edges of earth - beauty, terror, truth, madness - the phoenix on its pyre.

In a willow I make my nest of flowers and snakes, sandalwood and myrh. I am waiting for eternity. I am waiting for four hundred years to pass before I dance on flame; turn this desert to ash, before I rise, waking from gold and purple dreams into the season of God. I will live forever in the fire spun by my own wings. I will suffer burns that burn to heal. I destroy and create myself like the sun that rises burning from the east and dies burning in the west. To know the fire, I become the fire. I am power. I am light. I am forever. On earth and in heaven, I am. This is my body, my work. This in my deliverance.

The heat of transformation is unbearable, yet change is necessary. It burns up the useless, the diseased. Time is a cool liquid, it flows away like a river. we shall see no end of it. Generation after generation, I create myself. It is never easy Long nights I waited, lost in myself, considering the stars. I wage a battle against darkness, against my own ignorance, my resistance to change, my sentimental love for my own folly. Perfection is a difficult task. I lose and find my way over again. One task done gives rise to others. There is no end to the work left to do. There is no end to becoming. I live forever striving for perfection. I praise the moment I die in fire for the veils of illusion burn with me. My nose fills with the acrid smoke of death so that years from now I might look on that scar and remember how it was to hold the light, how it was to die and come again radiant as light walking on sand.

I change and change again, generation after generation. I find anguish then peace. I am satisfied with my birth and the faith to which it led me. I do not regret the discomforts and terrors of my mortality and more than I regret the company of angels. I have entered fire. I become invisible; yet I breathe in the flow of sun, in the eyes of children, in the light that animates the white cliffs at dawn. I am the God in the world in everything, even in darkness. If you have not seen me there, you have not looked. I am the fire that burns you, that burn in you. To live is to die a thousand deaths, but there is only one fire, one eternity".

(image credit to , Tara Buel)