Divine & Enlightened

Oh, Beltane - how I celebrate your hope and revel in your energies!

Beltane is a festival having to do with heat, passion, spontaneity, survival, fertility, balance and joining.

Think of Beltane as a wedding feast celebrating fertility. The Goddess, now ripe and receptive, unites with the Sun king and will, in due course, give birth to the crops of the fields that will nourish us throughout the year. This is a time to not only recognize life but to also take action on the activities and projects planned and begun during the Vernal Equinox.

Much of the tradition and ritual associated with Beltane has to do with marriage and fertility. Long-ago, it was important to recognize this season, for a good harvest could come only from fertile soil, ample rain and care given to the crops as they matured.

So, too, must we recognize the pivotal impact that a balanced union of the Divine Feminine with the Enlightened Masculine has on our personal, local and global communities. Care must be given to cultivating humankind. 

When speaking of feminine and masculine energies, we are reminded that one could not exist without the other. When we try to understand what it means to be male, what it means to be female, we observe not only differences in our outer form, but diversity at the very core. Let us not react in fear to what we see. Instead, when these differences and insights are revealed, let us embrace and honor them. For the fundamental truth remains - part of our selves lives within the other.

At this stage in the development of the universe we shall only progress as the Divine Feminine and Enlightened Masculine converge. If reconciliation of our differences ceases, we will lose sight of one another (each other) and lose as well, our ability to recognize our selves in the other. We must view each other through the eyes of curiosity and wonder. There must be understanding among us to effectively heal and move beyond any preconceived or displaced notion of injustice and injury. We (each of us) must strive to rise above ourselves (our egos) and release the limiting bonds of emotional and psychological wounds. For we each hold within ourselves these qualities and, through the mirror of the other, see our complete Self.

Humankind is elevated through Man's (the Enlightened Masculine's) ability to embrace the qualities of the Feminine. Man's protecting spirit, acceptance, appreciation, courage and willingness to work in unison with the Feminine will bring into focus the energy of Love and Oneness. Without this we (as individuals and as the Whole) along with our world will perish.

What are the qualities of the Enlightened Masculine?
Through his conviction of purpose and use of skillful means, Man is the navigator through obstacles and the builder of cities (kingdoms). Through perseverance Man explores - discovering and retrieving that which is Pure and Real. While Man creates anew, Woman contains and nurtures what has been created.

What are the qualities of the Divine Feminine?
She is the Cradle of Ageless Wisdom, the Strength of Unfolding Creation, the Ferocity of Necessary Destruction (cutting away that which is false), the Safeguard of Home and Innocence, and the Nurturer of Life and Death.

The whole and vital question for each of us (all of us) is, "How shall the Divine Feminine and the Enlightened Masculine recognize one another?" and, "Do we recognize each other now?" Man and Woman are Husband and Wife, bride and bridegroom to Evolutionary Creation. The Light that emerges when each individual finds all these qualities within her/himself shines upon a Blessed Marriage. The result of which is not only the realization of Divine Love, but bringing it to true fruition. Love is a sacred reserve of energy.

In our society, which has a tendency to stereotype and pigeon-hole, we must constantly focus on achieving our full potential. We, (in our culture), tend to separate things. We put up fences (or walls) - dividing, "ours" and blocking out, that which is "other's" - forgetting we are all interconnected. When we stop and go within, we are deeply made aware of our essential essence. We are more than a body, more than gender, more than our sexuality, more than a name - we are Divine Spirit. We discover the wonderous Mystery within us (within each of us) and become conscious of the fact the other person is a reflection of the same Mystery. Through feeling this sense of togetherness - that we are as One - we must learn to share those resources of Love and Light that are inside us.

It has become brutally obvious to see the great imbalance, destruction and cruelty that has happened to humans and Mother Earth, caused by the lack of inner harmony and balance within each individual's Inner World. Every human being contains both masculine and feminine energy. These opposites unite and untie us - forcing us to find our spiritual center. It is the coming together of these two energies that will make a difference.

Love will always find a way and the new energies coming to Earth are the energies of merging and allowing. The merging and allowing of the Divine Feminine and Enlightened Masculine to interact, intertwine and, together;  transcend. 

Find more mystical musings at 

https://audioboom.com/channels/4991359

Planetary Energies

Planetary magick is a complex system which blends astrology, ancient cosmology and celestial intelligence in an attempt to bring the most effective results. I am going to present the planetary rulers of the seven days of the week and the best day to perform different types of magick or ritual.

You do not need to spend hours drafting and interpreting intricate star charts in order to give your workings a planetary boost. By applying basic principles of planetary timing, you can align your ritual or spellwork with the most helpful planetary influence.

Records show that the concept of planetary correspondences to the days of the week, dates back to Babylonian astrology. They assigned a planet to rule each day, then divided the day into planetary hours. Planetary magick was re-discovered by medieval magicians who looked to their world for inspiration. The tradition of using different days, and specific hours, for particular types of magick can be seen in the Key of Solomon, a 14th century text that presents a typical example of Renaissance magick.

For our purposes, the sun and moon are utilized as planets. This approach is based upon the interpretations of the skies by ancient astronomers. I am also going to stick to the planets and days and skip the individual planetary hours. Keeping the information simple makes it more accessible and user friendly...feeling overwhelmed cramps one's flow.


The Sun -- Sunday
Because of the Sun's role as light-bringer, illumination is the theme for Sunday workings. Its energy can add a sparkle to money magick and add a warmth to health intentions and the Sun relates to vitality and success. It is also related to new beginnings, self-confidence and courage. Sundays are great days for beginning new projects, giving fresh momentum to older ones, improving health and calling for professional success to you.

The Moon -- Monday
Much of the folklore surrounding the Moon focuses on this astral body's changing looks. It is traditionally associated with psychic concerns and our human desires to shift our emotions, energies and situations. Throughout history, cultures worldwide tracked the Moon and noted its cycles, sometimes encrypting this information in the alignments and designs of their architecture.

Mondays are ideal days for working with the subconscious thought introspection and dreaming. Scrying, development of psychic abilities and utilizing cartomancy for personal insight each benefit from the Moon's energies this day, as do workings for emotional health. Because of the Moon's influence on the tides, Mondays are good for any type of water ritual or magick. It is a potent day to create travel amulets and to cleanse magickal tools.

Mars -- Tuesday
Utilizing the assertive powers of Mars can add tremendous power to workings that initiate big change, call upon action, week victory and expand our strength.

Tuesdays are good days to activate protective talismans, reinforce your home's barriers (both energetic and physical) and to cultivate personal energy. Traditionally, Tuesdays were for blessings cars and machines, forges and new gardens. (A side note for those whom may be wondering when to cast those "not-so-nice" workings; Tuesday's warring Mars energy is what you want.)

Mercury -- Wednesday
The energy of the messenger god, Mercury, makes Wednesday an appropriate day for all types of communication and divination. Workings for travel, luck, creative thinking and business endeavors will be bolstered and given fleet momentum when conducted on a Wednesday. Mercury rules over the acquisition of magickal knowledge, aids in travel between the worlds and guides the souls of the dead.

Last month, I made a horse hide drum and recently learned that Wednesdays are beneficent days for drumming. That aspect, combined with my love of divination and natural proclivity for spirit communication, has made for some potently deep work.

Jupiter -- Thursday
This planet is beautiful, slow and stately, qualities that ancient magicians interpreted as themes of abundance, judgment and wisdom. Thursday is a great day to perform workings for legal matters, faith and long lasting prosperity. This is an auspicious day to purchase property, sign contracts, bestow blessings on family, friends and your home.

Venus -- Friday 
Venus encourages us to celebrate the joy in the realms of music, food, the arts and love. It is also a day to utilize when we need to honor our personal struggles in these areas.

Because Venus is closely connected to the natural world (it is our morning and evening star), Friday is a beneficial day to harvest herbs and plants that will be used for magickal purposes. Infuse potions, perform mirror magick and take ritual baths with the joy of Venus on Fridays.

Saturn -- Saturdays
Saturn, the Lord of Endings. According to astrology, Saturn's position helps us learn from life, set the past behind and to move forward.

In some circles, Saturday has gotten the reputation as an inauspicious day for magickal workings. Personally, I do not subscribe to this thought. I find Saturdays a fine day for banishing and binding works, as well as a very powerful day for ancestor communication and mediumship. It is also a good time to understand our personal limits, establish personal boundaries and to bolster self-discipline.


Will your rituals or workings fail because they are not aligned with a particular planetary energy? NO! Work your energy when you can and if you feel the need or a strong pull to, for example, throw down some luck mojo on a Sunday instead of of a Wednesday - do it!

For me, over the years, something that I have appreciated about taking the time to incorporate planetary magick into my practice, is that it helped me slow down, center and proceed in a mindful way. It helped me establish discipline and preparation that added strength to my self-confidence and thus, to my workings. I also felt that the knowledge that thousands upon thousands of like-minded people around the world were working similar energies on those days, added potency to whatever I was doing. The ability to tap into that collective, while adding my own frequencies to the mass, has been insightful, humbling and empowering; there is strength in numbers after all.


Bright Blessings!

I wish you peace and grace.
~ Amber

For a deeper look into The Key of Solomon, as well as other fascinating sacred texts, 

click the link below. 

h ttps://www.sacred-texts.com/grim/kos/index.htm 

Help Your Body Adapt

Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that help the body reset stressors of all kinds, whether emotional,  physical, chemical or biological. These herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions. 

Adaptogens are a unique group of herbal ingredients used to improve the health of your adrenal system, the body system that is in charge of managing your body's hormonal response to stress. They help strengthen the body's response to stress and enhance its ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue - slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. They are called adaptogens because of their unique ability to adapt their function according to your body's specific needs. The the effects may initially be subtle and take time to make themselves felt, they are real and undeniable.

Unlike drugs from the big pharma realm, adaptogens were not born yesterday. In fact, they have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, to boost energy and resilience in the face of stress. Recently, several studies have found evidence to support what those of us in the sustainable wellness field already knew - that adaptogens offer positive benefits - and are safe for long-term use.

Think of adaptogens working like a thermostat. When the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high, it brings it down; when the room temperature is too low, it brings it up. Adaptogens can calm you down and boost your energy at the same time without over stimulating. They can normalize body imbalances. By supporting adrenal function, they counteract the adverse effects of stress. They enable the body's cells to access more energy; help cells eliminate toxic by-products of the metabolic process and help the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently.

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used to help increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, promote longevity and strengthen the immune system. Today, herbalists often recommend it for people with high blood pressure, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome. It enhances endocrine function, especially they thyroid and adrenals. Ayurvedic healers have long prescribed the herb to treat exhaustion brought on by physical and mental strain.
** A note of caution ** Avoid using ashwagandha during pregnancy, if you are taking sedatives, have gastric ulcers or are sensitive to the nightshade group of plants.

Asian Ginseng has been one of the most valued medicinal plants in the world. It is believed to affect the body by influencing metabolism within individual cells, and it has been studied extensively for its ability to help the body withstand stress. Research shows that Asian ginseng promotes a sense of well-being in its users. Western herbalists say that it restores and strengthens the body's immune response, promotes longevity, and enhances the growth of normal cells.
** A note of caution ** Consuming large amounts of caffeine with large amounts of ginseng may increase the risk of palpitations, insomnia, over-stimulation and digestive upset. If you have high blood pressure, monitor yourself when taking ginseng. This herb is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Holy basil (also referred to as tulsi) is another beloved plant in the Ayurvedic traditons. Its benefits are many and in relation to restoration of body and mind, it is helpful to know that tulsi is overall calming and fosters a sense of well-being and relaxation. It is wonderful for help unwinding after a long day and rough Mercury retrogrades.

Cacao is high in magnesium which is a calming nutrient that many of us do not get enough of at all. Yes, cacao contain some caffeine which can be stimulating, so while you may not want to eat chocolate right before attempting sleep; eating dark choloclate or adding raw cacao to a smoothie or oatmeal earlier in the day may help to improve your sleep in the long run. The bonus is that it tastes delicious, is packed with antioxidants, and can act on our neurotransmitters to help increase our mood.

Eleuthero is used in Chinese medicine for muscle spasms, joint pain, insomnia, and fatigue. In Germany, its use is approved for chronic fatigue syndrome, impaired concentration, and convalescing after illness. Western herbalists note that it improves memory, feeling of well-being and can lift mild depression.
** Note of caution ** In rare cases patients with cardiovascular disorders have experienced agitation and insomnia while taking large doses of eleuthero. If you have high blood pressure, monitor yourself closely while using this herb.

Reishi mushroom is a claming adaptogen that can help improve sleep overall. This happens to be one of the most studied plants is popular use and has and its list of  beneficial uses is long. It is useful for helping you to chill out after a long day and can be a great aid for insomniacs who have chronic challenges with sleep.

Rhodiola rosea acts like a hormone thermostat, especially as it pertains to coritsol, one of our main stress hormones. I believe that cortisol, which is secreted in sync with our circadian rhythms is usually, if not always, out of whack when we are stressed out and exhausted. This means the cortisol level is either too high when it should be low, or not high enogh when we need more. Getting your cortisol back in rhythm when your are compromised is crusial and rhodiola literally helps balance the cortisol levels in your body, raising or lowering it as needed. That is why this herb is particularly useful for treating my stressed out clients! Rhodiols has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support cellular energy metabolism. It positively affects brain function, depression, and hear health. In my experience, most clients who take rhodial start feeling better within three to four weeks.
** Note of caution ** Avoid if you have manic depression or are bipolar! Rhodiola is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory super root that is wonderful for cooling any inflammation in the body. If pain and discomfort is part of your sleep challenges, I recommend incorporating turmeric ASAP. My favorite way to consume it is at night in warm coconut milk with a little ginger, black pepper (which helps your body absorb the curcumin), a pinch of cinnamon, raw honey and coconut oil; comforting, relaxing and delicious.

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!