Four Tools for A Spiritual Makeover
I recently re-did my office to make it my “reading room” for clients. Put away are the corporate items that once dominated the room: files, binders with reports, back issues of trade magazines and biz-related books. Those now reside in a couple of big containers stashed elsewhere.
Instead, I’ve consciously reworked the space to give off a peaceful, healing and spiritual vibe. It helps me during the reading, but it also puts my client into a calm, positive space that they take with them afterwards.
Over the years, I’ve amassed a boatload of tools, tchotkes, potions, powders, Tarot decks, oracle decks, books and more related to the spiritual realms. I had fun dragging them all out and arranging them in my new room. But when it gets right down to it, there are four things that anyone can display in their home that will instantly pull in wonderful energies.
CRYSTALS
One of my friends had a living room that looked like a rock shop. Crystals everywhere. I haven’t gone that far, but I do keep some particular ones in my room: quartz, amethyst and rose quartz. Those are the go-to stones and cover a lot of ground, purpose-wise. Displaying even a single crystal in your home changes the energies. I wrote more about stones here and here.
CANDLES
The light from a candle isn’t just warm and peaceful, it serves as a beacon to helpful entities on the Other Side. They’re drawn to the gentle illumination. The ritual of lighting a candle instantly dials down the everyday drama and puts you in a more peaceful state.
INCENSE
There’s a reason churches and temples burn incense: it creates sacred space. In some traditions, incense “carries” our prayers to the heavens. Before my client arrives, I light the incense, then carry it around the room (in a dish of sand so no random embers drop onto the carpet). It’s the fastest way to “get in the zone.”
STATUARY
At last count, I had figures of Jesus, Mary, Buddha, Kuan Yin, Archangel Michael, St. Teresa, St. Anthony, St. Francis, random angels, a Native American shaman and some Hindu god whose name escapes me. Seeing this parade of enlightened beings from all traditions grounds me. It reminds me that there are entities available to help us as we navigate life’s ups and downs. But even a single image of a being meaningful to you instantly draws in powerful spiritual energy.
Got any favorite items of your own? How do you “make over” your space? Spill it in the comments!
How A Dream Journal Connects You to the Other Side
One of the most valuable sources of spiritual information available to us comes through our dreams. This is where our minds are stilled from the distractions of the day, where our subconscious relaxes and opens up. The dream state is the meeting place where our spirit guides, angels and loved ones on the Other Side can get in touch more easily.
And its where we can access information and messages from these entities. Keeping a Dream Journal allows you to compile this rich source of info; simply trying to “remember” a powerful image or dream experience pretty much guarantees it will vanish by the time you’ve finished your breakfast. Besides, some messages may resonate days or even weeks later. So writing them down is just smart.
Because this can be such a moving, enlightening part of your life, pick out an extra-nice blank journal and a pretty pen. Scrawling your insights in lipstick on the take-out receipt just doesn’t have the same vibe.
The info that downloads from the spiritual realm may come as a simple word, a feeling, an image – or a whole, long dream where you’re jamming with Aerosmith while wearing a hoop skirt straight out of Gone With the Wind.
I’m pretty good at recalling my dreams, and when I write them down, I go back and highlight particular words or feelings that jump out from the whole scenario.
Dating your entries is also crucial: when you look back, you may spot an overall “thread” that has meaning. Or individual dates may align with important events in your life: the death-date of someone special, your birthday, anniversaries, etc.
When it comes to both getting messages from angels, loved ones or spirit in your dreams – and recalling them in general –your intention is everything. Before you go to sleep, ask for something to be sent your way – and the ability to remember it. When you first wake up from your dream, stay still for a moment or two to “capture” it. Then record it in your journal. This becomes a practice, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a little time. It wlll happen.
I also keep a couple of “dream encyclopedias” by my bedside to help decode various symbols: many times, spirit utilizes universal images like rainbows or birds to communicate with us. No need to reinvent the wheel.
You’ll recognize true messages for the impact they have on you: they stand out from ordinary dreams. Sleep is a great thing – but that time drooling on your pillow can be incredibly healing in more ways than one. Nighty night.
Your 8 Spirit Helpers
The last couple weeks have been pretty cool. During my readings, I’ve been getting some very powerful connections with my client’s spirit guides.
Now, I’m used to linking in with a main guide – the one that stays with us from birth to death. But lately, I’ve had evidence of some of the 7 other guides that are available to each of us.
See, human life is hard. It kicks our ass on a regular basis. But we don’t go through it alone. Each of us has access to a robust “spirit team” that can offer inspiration, information, connections and help as we navigate our path. Unlike angels, spirit guides have been human. So they know what we’re dealing with and are ready to jump in with some help.
Here’s a quick breakdown of your team:
1) The Gatekeeper, Doorkeeper or Master guide. This is the guide who stays with us from the moment of birth to the moment of death. His/her job is to help us stay on track with the life plan we came up with ahead of incarnating. This is your go-to resource for any sort of guidance we need – just ask.
The Master guide also coordinates and monitors the other guides who are available:
2) Healer Guides: these can help with any kind of health issue, including emotional issues. Call on them to help you stick to a new diet or fitness routine. If you’re dealing with serious illness, the healer can direct you to information or practitioners that will assist you. Healer guides may have been doctors in their human life, or they may have been shamans, midwives, herbalists, anything related to caring for the body.
3) Teacher Guides: call for a Teacher guide if you’re trying to master a new skill, taking a course or trying to improve any aspect of your life. Kids can call on their Teacher guide to help them with school issues; if you’re having difficulty in a relationship, a teacher guide will present situations as “lessons” to help you break through roadblocks, etc. You’ll have a whole bunch of “aha!” moments with these guys.
4) Helper Guide: this guide only shows up at moments of great stress in your life. They will step in to assist in a health crisis or a situation that requires a little extra spiritual muscle. The energy is very potent, and they often show themselves as a medicine man or shaman.
5) Protector Guide: like a Helper guide, the Protector comes around when the person is in a dangerous situation. They appear as a very large being with a ton of energy emanating from them. Call on them when you’re in a risky profession, for people in the military or any time when you’re in a dodgy place. This doesn’t give you license to step in front of a bus, but when you need some extra protective armor, this is the entity to request.
6) Runner Guide: this guide connects us with the presence of loved ones in spirit or missing items that are especially meaningful to us. They literally “run” to fetch the spirit or information on the missing item – and for that reason, often appear as an animal. Runner guides tend to appear in our dreams, bringing you a link to the invisible dimensions.
7) Warrior Guide: this one is tricky. Warrior guides are there to help us pump up the badass, and help us master fear and weakness. But the energy of the warrior guide is so bold, that it can often lead you into some dicey situations – like turning you into that loudmouth drunk who thinks they’re bulletproof and eggs on a fight. So call on your Warrior guide sparingly.
8) Joy guides: I love these. The Joy guide will make us laugh, will lighten the energy of a heavy situation. Joy guides will lift the spirits of someone in a tough place – like a breath of fresh air. They often appear as little children, and the energy is very fizzy and sparkly.
One thing that I frequently stress in my sessions is that you don’t have to do your life alone. There are resources available to help you make better decisions and move forward in a meaningful way. Ultimately, you’re responsible – but you have a loving team who will give you fresh input and root you on. The only things you have to do are 1) ask for their help 2) pay attention to what they send you and 3) thank them.
I wrote about a meditation to help you meet your main spirit guide – but you can use the technique to meet your other team members.
Three Things About Your Life Purpose
At a certain point in our life, we may worry that we’ve missed the boat on why we’re here. I’ve had a ton of clients lately wondering what their “life purpose” is. That nagging sense of something unfulfilled, unmet – that’s the Universe nudging you to take another look at things.
Now before you start hypeventilating over what a big job that seems to be, take a second. Over the years, I’ve sussed out a few things about the whole “life purpose” thingy. Read on and relax….
1) The term “life purpose” is pretty overwhelming. Don’t know about you, but it used to make me think of folks like Mozart or Madame Curie or Madonna – they all did something big and huge and left a permanent mark on humanity’s radar. “Life Purpose” implies something major. But that’s more the exception than the rule.
I love the story of St. Therese of Liseux, AKA “The Little Flower.” Her thing was all about honoring God in little ways. Small kindnesses done to a single fellow human versus the big show in the ginormous cathedral. She famously said, “I only love simplicity. I have a horror of pretence.” Word, sister.
I think this is how, for many of us, our Life Purpose shows up. What seems to come naturally, easily are all hints of what you’re here to contribute.
One of my friends at the diner makes it a habit to tell me a corny joke every time I see him. I inevitably laugh and it sets my day off to a great start. This is no big thing – just a laugh shared from a friend. But to make others feel good, well, this is part of his Life Purpose.
So take your definition of “Life Purpose” down a notch. Or five. Not everyone will be Mozart – but each of us can contribute in small ways for the betterment of us all. And in the big picture, that’s more important.
2) Believe it or not, your life purpose is frequently uncovered by the suckiest things in your life. I just read a gentleman who recently endured both cancer and a heart attack. I saw very clearly that his experience would be useful for other folks dealing with illness. I also saw that he could use his talent for art to create little “healing cards” to distribute at hospitals, etc. That would be one way to make his “theme” work on a practical level.
When you look at the challenges and struggles of your life, what common thread runs through them all? This is very likely a key to what it is you came here to do.
3) Your Life Purpose doesn’t have to be the one and only thing you do. There’s this idea that, once you discover it, you quit your job, leave your home and family, and head off into the world to do it. For some people, that may be the case.
But for most of us, we learn to fold our purpose into our overall life.
Flip your thinking and see “purpose” more as a thread that runs through your life. Because that can be enough – giving you a compass by which to direct the rest of your actions.
Of course, if you discover that healing or helping others is what makes your heart sing, your job as a forensic accountant may not cut it. You may find yourself making changes in order to spend more time doing what makes you happy. But that’s not an absolute; don’t let this myth overwhelm you. Finding small ways to address your purpose is likely to make the rest of your daily life much richer and satisfying, and stop those nagging 3 a.m. moments.
Remember St. Therese. And if I can help you uncover your own Life Purpose by using the Tarot, past life readings and help from your guides and angels, get in touch.
How — and When–Change Really Happens
Her email was all in caps: HELP! I’M TRYING TO CHANGE, BUT DON’T SEE ANYTHING HAPPENING!!!! (Yeah, that made my head hurt, too.)
This client is not alone. Lately, I’ve had a run on folks coming by who are trying their damndest to make a shift – but the results don’t seem to be following. It’s super-frustrating.
Most of us think “change” is like a vending machine: we put our intention in, so we should get an instant payoff. Wouldn’t that be great? But the reality is, we feel like our intention is a stuck bag of potato chips. Hate when that happens.
What I frequently see is that the payoff is closer than we realize. We just have to keep on truckin’. That’s what the Universe asks us to do: keep walking. Have some faith. Because with each step we take, the Powers That Be take one towards us.
I’ve seen this happen time and again: we think that we have to do it all, but the truth is, we have partners. And when we show the tiniest bit of willingness to move ahead on our path, we get an assist. Our spirit guides, the angels, loved ones on the Other Side….these are just a few of the entities available to us to help us fulfill our mission here [the rule is, though, you have to ask them for help. Even if you’re not sure what kind of “help” you need, just send out a generic 911 call. Then watch for signs that you’ve been heard.]
I also think our idea of “results” needs to shift. Our society encourages the notion of “overnight success,” “instant this” and “instant that.” But successful change is a process. It’s not one moment, but a bunch of them. If Jeannie could blink and make it happen all at once, that would be cheating (remember how many problems her “help” caused for Major Nelson? Am I dating myself?)
The Moon card in the Tarot is all about this. You can’t see a foot in front of you in the dark. It’s all kinds of scary (hence, the yapping dogs). But in order to get out of that spooky forest you need to keep pushing through. If you just sit down and curl up in a ball, that’s how you’ll stay.
Be brave. Even when you can’t see the results yet, keep working it. Keep the finishing line in mind. All of a sudden, you’ll come around the corner – and there it will be.
If I can help you push past some obstacles and stay on the path, get in touch. In the meantime, sing us out, Bono.
Why Patience Is A Virtue…and A Pain In the Ass
One of my long-time clients has a problem with patience. That message comes up frequently in her readings – to the point that we both laugh about it. She’s a woman in a hurry and has lots of things she wants to make better in her life.
Her problem is, when they don’t occur on her timetable, she gets frustrated. Raise your hand if you know how she feels. I’ll wait…..
We want things, and as Veruca Salt sang in Willy Wonka, “I want it NOW.” It doesn’t make it any easier that we live in an age of ATMs, drive-thru windows, microwaves and instant downloads. Our ability to hang in for the long haul has atrophied.
But what we have to keep in mind is that the Universe has its own timetable. And I believe there’s a reason for that. By aligning ourselves more with the process than the result, we gain far more than the “thing” itself.
This is not to say that we just sit and wait and do nothing. We continue to put some effort towads our goals. We keep them in mind. But we’re not super-attached to the “when.” It’s a partnership with powers greater than ours.
The 7 of Pentacles in the Tarot shows a farmer looking at the results of his patience. These things have grown in accordance with nature’s clock – not his. In that time, he’s tended them, watered and weeded – but let Nature do its thing.
When something hasn’t manifested in your life just yet, the Universe may be telling you that you’re not quite ready for it. You’re still in the process. And there’s a ton of value in that.
Before she was twerking and sticking her tongue out at every photo op, Miley Cyrus did a song that is applicable to what I’m talking about. When you’re struggling with patience, take a look around at what “the climb” is teaching you. That will make reaching the peak that much richer.
Crystal Basics
Whenever you get a bunch of psychics together, there’s bound to be one who’s so loaded down with crystals it’s a wonder she can walk without assistance. To each their own, I suppose.
I’m a bit simpler with the use of crystals in my work. It wasn’t always that way: when I first discovered these wondrous stones, my apartment was littered with them. And so was I. With all that weight around my neck, it’s a wonder that I wasn’t making some chiropractor a rich man. But since then, I’ve learned a few things:
1) More is not necessarily better. In fact, my personal feeling is that using too many at once jam up their individual frequencies. I limit myself to three at any one time. For instance, when I read I’m wearing a quartz crystal and an ametheyst. And I have a piece of celestite (for higher vibrations) nearby.
Some days I swap out a piece of black obsidian to ground my energies, or some lapis. But I consciously choose what I need, rather than just piling it all on.
(I wrote about some essential stones everyone should have here.)
2) Crystals pick you. I spent many an hour perusing shelves of beautiful stones, only to go home with the fugliest one in the shop. It had everything to do with its energy and how it felt in my hand. This is probably one of the coolest things about crystals –actually feeling the energy they possess.
3) Size is meaningless. Unlike some of the men I’ve dated, size in a crystal isn’t everything. Sure, those ginormous hunks of amethyst are glorious to look at, but I have a teeny one that gives off some righteous vibes. Just like Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones, small can kick ass.
4) Same goes for raw versus polished. Personally, I like the look and feel of raw crystals, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily more powerful. The polished ones, that are all shiny and with the jagged edges smoothed off, work too. It’s an aesthetic.
5) Like a tired mommy, crystals need recharging, I have a giant slab of selenite that I use as a charging station for my smaller stones. Just leave ‘em on there and let them soak up the energy. But sometimes, I just put them on a tray and let them bask in the sun. When I’m feeling witchy, I do the same, but let them soak up the rays of a full moon. And occasionally, I put them all in a big bowl of salt water to clean off the funky energy they may have picked up along the way.
When I’m at the beach, I’ll to put them in a nylon stocking and swoosh them in the ocean, then let them dry in the sun. Now THAT’S the bomb of crystal cleaning.
So these are my fave crystal tips. Got any of your own you’d like to share?
Turning Your Life Upside Down Is A Good Thing
I recently discovered these guys, who call themselves 2Cellos. They’re classically-trained cellists from Croatia (and cute, too!) who found themselves, as many classical artists do, strapped for cash. They had an idea to do a homemade video of their version of a very UN-classical piece, Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”
Well, the thing went viral. They wound up on “Ellen”, on tour with Elton John and have garnered a whole new cash-paying audience who love their renditions of everything from U2 and Coldplay, to Guns N Roses and AC/DC. Here’s my current favorite, their take on Highway to Hell. Feel free to head-bang along…
These guys took their situation (starving artist) and completely flipped it on its head. By doing something radical, they got a new result.
Remember this episode of Seinfeld, where George does the “opposite” of everything and winds up with the life he’s been dreaming of?
This is the lesson of the Hanged Man in the Tarot; when you’re stuck, stand on your head (metaphorically speaking). See how things look from a different perspective. This guy is having a serious “a-ha” moment as he hangs upside down.
So what’s the opposite of your problem? If you’re broke, you’re now by definition, solvent; a lousy relationship becomes a loving one; family drama becomes family peace. You have a new idea and a new image of the situation – so how will you get there?
This is a powerful idea worth playing with. We get so locked in to our circumstances, that we never let any fresh air in. Don’t dismiss this exercise –that will just keep you stuck. Flip your life on its head and see where it takes you.
Hey, it worked for George Costanza.
How to Host the Angels
Have you heard about this thing where you host the Archangels? It’s been going around, sort of like a chain letter. Some say you need to pass it on to three people when you’re done; personally, I don’t think you need to. I think they’re happy to help you out, all on your own.
I hosted them once – and it was a pretty interesting experience. If you’d like to give it a go, here’s the breakdown on how to do it.
You’re going to be hosting the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael and Metatron. They’ll be staying with you for five days.
- Not the angels who’ll be visiting.
Start by preparing your space. Clean and tidy the house. Then make a little altar (I used the mantle over my fireplace) and place the following items on it:
-A white flower.
-A candle that will stay lit the whole time. I used one of the battery-powered kind, rather than stressing over safety issues.
-An envelope with a letter containing three wishes: one for Earth, one for your family and one for you. Keep it simple.
-An apple, which will sit atop the envelope for the five days.
On the night of your choosing, the angels will arrive at your home at 10:30 pm.. At 10:30, open your front door and read the following out loud:
“Hello, and welcome to our home. I’m grateful you are purifying and bringing peace to this place and to those beings who live in it. I’m grateful to you for bringing harmony, joy and serenity to all of us. I’m very grateful to you for granting me my wishes. Welcome.“
So now, you’ve got five archangels hanging with you. Take advantage of their presence by asking them questions – then stay open to whatever “answers” you get. For some reason, this works best if you do this around 10:30 at night. If you’re not up that late (like me), no worries –spend some time sitting quietly and allow the information to flow whenever’s convenient.
You may also find yourself being woken up between 3 and 5 in the morning with sudden insights or messages. Don’t they know that some of us have to work the next day????
Anyway, the angels can travel (obviously), so invite them to come with you wherever you go. They don’t take up any room in the car.
During the five days, stay aware for any changes in energy, any coincidences, dreams or other “hmmm” moments. After their five day visit, open your front door again, thank them for their help and wish them a safe trip. [If you do decide to send them along to three people, know that the angels rest for five days in between destinations. Give the angels the names of their next three people as you bid them farewell.]
Now, carefully burn the envelope. This releases the energy of the three wishes inside. Eat the apple, which has absorbed powerful positive energy during the visit. Place the flower outside so that it recycles back into Mother Earth.
Ever hosted the angels before? Let me know how it worked for you!
“What Are You Saving It For, Honey?”
I took ballet class for many years. It was – and still is – a passion of mine. Although now, I just watch from my seat at the Met.
There’s something that happens in class when you’re learning a combination: we call it “marking.” You’ll see dancers at the back of the studio, using their hands to “do” the steps, or walking through it with minimal effort before its their turn to perform it.
Marking is a way to get the piece in your head before you hit the center and do it “full out.” Dancers will hold back a little ahead of the performance, putting all their technique, energy and artistry into the big moment.
Here’s my favorite ballerina, Diana Vishneva, “marking” some variations. Isn’t she awesome? I have a girl-crush.
Anyway, some choreographers aren’t a fan of “marking” in rehearsal. George Balanchine would famously tell his ballerinas, “What are you saving it for, honey?”
That’s a good question for all of us.
One of my friends is planning on moving to a new apartment. After years of living in a tiny studio, she wants to upgrade to a larger place, which will mean needing more furniture. Her mother is telling her not to spend the money because she might be moving again someday. Someday. Someday.
In the meantime, in the here and now, my friend is being encouraged to stay in a cramped, bare-bones place that makes her sad. Because ….someday.
You could say my friend is “marking” her life. She’s not going full out, saving her dreams for some future day.
All of us have gotten this message at some point. We hold back. We don’t fully embrace the things that might make us happy, mainly for reasons that are fear-based.
Take a look at this Tarot card:
The guy is happily moving off a cliff, into the unknown. The little dog nipping at his heels represents those things that get in our heads: “Watch out!” “Don’t do it!” “It will never work!” “Don’t take any risks!”
But our guy is trusting that whatever happens in the next few steps, he’ll be supported by the Universe. He may not know what’s coming – he may be nervous and wanting to stay in his comfort zone – but he’s choosing to go full out with his life.
So whether it comes to choosing a better relationship for yourself, or just stating what you really want for lunch, ask yourself:
“What are you saving it for, honey?”
If I can help you sort out what’s holding you back, get in touch.