January, Oh January

January 2014 and it's full wolf moon has brought about many endings and as the new moon approaches I can only look forward to new beginnings.


I received an invitation to submit my artwork for Prim Magazine back in November. The submission for my Uncle Sam Crow knodder was accepted by Stampington & Co. and is scheduled for the May 2014 publication.


I moved during the month of December 2013 and getting myself settled here has been difficult to say the least. I have had  to adjust in many ways and actually still attempting to do so, I feel this is going to take some time. With new surroundings in a more traffic heavy place and a room mate to share space with my creativity is non-existent since most of my belongings are in boxes, crowding and cluttering up my mojo. I have space to create but no space (mentally) to create. My every move is monitored by the essence of another human energy.


I have lived alone since the parting of ways with my husband, for the last 10 years, free to do what ever, when ever I chose, making as much racket as I wished. I lived in remote areas of Wisconsin where the creatures are free range and there are few people or traffic of any kind, let alone someone in the same dwelling. This is a challenge since I am gainfully employed and work a rotating schedule outside of the home. My room mate is retired and watches tv during his waking hours or putzing around the yard, removing snow from the driveway, etc. but always stepping into the room to talk to me. It's kinda like having a two year old since he is not at all accustomed to computers, sewing machines, cell phones or any modern day gadgets, so you can imagine how these conversations go. It makes the ablitiy to focus slim to non


Then there's work, my schedule starts out on a mid shift 11-9pm the 6am-whenever, 7-5, 2pm-12:30am , 2-12:30 off ,off with a consistent flow of phone calls and text messages when I am not there and it pays $43,000 before taxes and insurance which doesn't leave much to live on let alone save anything or pay off medical bills from last year.  The spinning of wheels is how my life feels these days and I am really hoping that by time the new moon is upon us that things are going to change for the better.
I'll keep meditating to bring some kind of quiet to myself. Focus first. . . of course I am manifesting a clearer future where I may have the mental space I need to carry on with the things I love, a peacefulness in my environment and time to craft & create, oh and finally unpack my belongings. . .
till next time, watch for my published work in Prim Magazine in May 2014


Many blessings. . . .

5th Chakra, Throat Chakra, Clearing and Meditation, yoga

We are moving right along and it is already the 5th day of Chakra Clearing
Meditations,The 5th is The Throat Chakra,The Throat Chakra's sound is
 "Ee" and the color is turquoise. It's all about Expression and Communication.
The 5th Chakra is associated with sound and has to do with creative self expression, speech, honesty; to receive, process and assimilate information and to connect with and speak our inner truth all relate to the fifth chakra, the center of transformation and change. Element; ether, location; throat, neck, Associated body parts; throat, neck, ears, jaw, mouth, teeth, gums, tongue and thyroid gland. Basic issues; communication, creativity, expression, humility and manifesting ideas, Gemstones & Crystals; aquamarine, blue opal, carnelian Flower essences; cosmos, larkspur and larch, Essential oils; chamomile, Orange, rosemary and Eucalyptus,
Food; fruits (blueberries and blackberries)

Major issues of an unbalanced Throat Chakra are a lack of expression, an inability to express oneself, a feeling to stagnation, an inability to communicate and holding on to unexpressed anger. We may feel a sense of not being heard or an inability to make ourselves heard, as well as a failure to find the right words or a fear of speaking

Signs of an unbalanced fifth chakra;

• Emotional or mental issues; frustration, timidity, dishonesty, criticism of self or others, low self esteem, excessive talking, inability to verbalize, shyness, being overly opinionated
• Physical issues; sore throat, laryngitis, upper respiratory illnesses, dental problems, teeth grinding and TMJ (tempo-mandibular joint) problems, skin irritations, ear infections, inflammations, hyperthyroidism, stiff neck, shoulder pain, stuttering, attention disorders
• Common addictions; smoking, inhalants, exercise high

When the throat chakra is balanced, we are able to speak our truth, in the supreme sense. We feel balanced and centered, creatively inspired and able to express ourselves appropriately

A balanced throat chakra brings;

• an ability to communicate verbally, in writing, or creatively
• confidence in our beliefs and our ability to express them
• the capacity to listen and truly hear
• a respect for the power and impact of language

Beneficial activities that promote and maintain a well balance 5th chakra are; singing, chanting, reciting poetry, keeping a journal, painting, dancing and drumming

Now, let us start our yoga exercise with the grounding meditation from the other lessons. . . after completion let's do a Chin Press Breath

• Sit with the spine completely extended. Eyes closed
• Inhale and exhale completely. Inhale through the nose to the slow count of  7 seconds
• Life your breastbone and press your chin to your chest and exhale through the nose for 7 seconds
• Repeat this movement several times in coordination with the breath
• Visualize cleansing turquoise energy opening the gateway to true communication
• Continue for one to three minuets

                I am able to hear the voice of my soul
Benefits;

• stimulates the thyroid and regulates metabolism
• stretches the muscles at the back of the neck
• improves willpower and concentration
• promotes a sense of inner peace

join me tomorrow for the 6th chakra clearing and yoga meditation on the Third Eye Chakra
until then, have a most wonderful day

Part VI, Auras, Chakras and Meditation

As we move into the forth and final post of the Chakra series, I would like to start you with a meditation which brings balance through the focus of breath. Breath is what brings us to life. It is the essence of that which we are. In focusing on your breath and becoming aware of it you will reach a deeper state of understanding of your connection to the God force within you. Let us begin by sitting with our legs bent and crossed at the ankles, spine extended, shoulders down away from the ears, eyes closed or downcast with your chin close to your chest.

• Extend your arms to the side with your fingertips touching the floor
• Inhale and raise both arms above your head. Bringing your fingertips together above your head
• Turn your palms out and exhale as you lower your arms, bringing your fingertips back to the floor
• Repeat this motion in cooperation with your breath as you visualise diamond white or violet universal light streaming from the the crown of your head and surrounding your body
• Continue inhaling and exhaling, arms up and down for three more minuets

"I am balanced between earth and heaven."

Benefits:

• Increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body
• cleanses the blood, stimulates the nervous system and balances the glandular system
• tones the abdominal muscles and strengthens the diaphragm
• helps balance and move energy throughout the body

Starts to balance and strengthen the aura (eighth chakra) connecting physical matter to the spiritual realm

Third Eye Chakra

"Mysteries are not solved. The eye goes blind when it only wants to see why." - Rumi

The sixth chakra, the Third Eye Chakra, is associated with sight and seeing, both intuitively and physically. It is related to the energies of clear vision, intuition, light and spirit. It is through this chakra that we may tune in to the higher self in order to seek and receive inner guidance.

Color: indigo, Element: light Location: between and above the eyes, center the forehead, Basic issues: clairvoyance, telepathy, wisdom, connection to the higher self, imagination, dreams, ideas, reasoning, Gemstones: amethyst, lapis lazuli, sapphire, Flower essences: lavender, madia and Queen Ann's Lace, Essential oils: clary sage, lavender and lemon, Food: air (greens, green drinks or teas)

Major issues of an unbalance Third Eye Chakra include an inability to see the big picture and to keep and open mind. We may tend to follow illusionary ideas and have difficulty separating fact from fantasy. Reasoning and clear thinking, judgement, memory and concentration may be impaired.

Signs of an unbalanced sixth chakra include:

• Emotional or mental issues; fuzzy thinking, confusion, intellectual stagnation or decline and aimlessness
• Physical issues: headache, sinusitis, brain tumors, stroke, blindness, vision problems, learning disorders, anxiety disorders
• Common addictions: shopping, possessiveness, cult behaviors

When the Third Eye Chakra is balanced, we feel intellectually at the top of our game. Our imagination soars and we are in tune with and are able to draw upon out intuitive powers of reasoning. We are able to positively and realistically perceive and visualize the future. Because this chakra allows us to see beyond the material world, our psychic and telepathic abilities may be heightened.

A balanced sixth chakra brings:

• an ability to think clearly
• a comfortable detachment from worldly goods
• an ability to trust our inner guidance to "know the unknowable"
• attunement with our intuitive abilities

Beneficial activities that promote and maintain a balanced Third Eye Chakra: keeping a dream journal, a conscious awareness of coincidences and serendipitous occurrences, meditation

Crown Chakra

"Sages speak of the immutable Tree of Life, with it's taproot above and it's branches below" - Bhagavad Gita

The seventh chakra, the Crown Chakra, is known as the "thousand petaled lotus", the symbol of purity and spirituality. It is our highest energy center, both in terms of physical location and rate of vibration. This chakra represents liberation, bringing great knowledge, deep understanding, inner wisdom and a connection to the highest state of enlightenment and spiritual growth. It represents union with the higher self, the cosmos and the Divine. Color: white or ultra violet, Element: energy, Location: top of the head, Associated body parts: center of the head and brain (frontal) Basic issues: wisdom, intuitive knowing, spiritual development, humanitarian, selflessness, connection to the divine, universal higher consciousness Gemstones and crystals: black opal, diamond, quartz crystal, sunstone, Flower essences: Lotus, star tulip, yarrow, Essential oils: frankincense, geranium, sandalwood, Food: none (fasting, ingest only water, juices)

Major issues of an unbalanced Crown Chakra are lack of purpose, loss of meaning, indifference and depression. An attunement to materialism is central and ethical or moral beliefs may be weak. We may feel disconnected from the flow of life and nature. Spirituality is nonexistent or we may have an unquestioning adherence to religious dogma

Signs of an unbalanced seventh chakra:

• Emotional or mental issues: worry, depression, psychosis, insanity
• Physical issues: cranial and cerebral illnesses; skin problems, chronic exhaustion, hypersensitivity to light, sound and environment
• Common addictions: psychotropic and mind altering drugs, material acquisitiveness

When the Crown Chakra is balanced, it opens us to a profound awakening, like the lotus blossom when it opens. It connects us to our innate spiritual nature, as well as to the Divine or cosmic consciousness.

A balanced seventh chakra brings:

• fulfillment of one's destiny
• enhanced sense of of the spiritual
• access to the subconscious and the unconscious realms
• a sense of bliss

Beneficial activities that promote and maintain a balanced Crown Chakra: silent meditation, chanting and conscious breathing

I recently purchased a CD, guided meditation called "Journey though the Chakras" by Colette Baron-Reid which takes you to a place, that she refers to as Sanctuary, on a beach where you connect with all the chakras through gemstones that you pick up. The CD is a 45 minuet meditation, which is most relaxing yet energizing and aids in reducing that inner turbulence which comes with everyday stresses we encounter. I truly enjoyed her version of Chakra cleansing and highly recommend it to those who are beginning to find their way into the realm of spirit.

I will continue to post meditations for you to use from time to time, in the mean time, have a wondrous day and remember to take time for yourself, to just sit and breath in the fresh air in nature and connect to the earth in appreciation of all those gifts that too often go unnoticed. . . Who knows, maybe you'll encounter something new to your world.

with light and love. . .

Part III, Auras, Chakras and Meditation

I hope you all enjoyed the Memorial Day week end. I spent some time with friends and family enjoying each others company and holding in memory my gratitude for those who have served in the armed forces. Not just the ones that have passed over but those who are still with us. Those who work to protect us and keep us safe each minuet of their lives. If any members of the military are reading this blog, I'd like to say thank you for your continued efforts in keeping our main land safe from terrorists and others with ill intent. God bless you all



I've been writing a series on chakras, auras and meditation for the past few weeks and will continue on with the fourth, Heart Chakra and fifth, Throat Chakra in today's post. Enjoy. . .

"Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love." -Saint Francis of Assisi



The fourth chakra, the Heart Chakra, is located at the heart center. It may be thought of as the balance point between the three lower chakras, which are our physical chakras and the three higher chakras, which are our spiritual chakras. Representing true compassion, kindheartedness, selfless love and devotion, the Heart Chakra is where we process and store emotional experiences. The Heart Chakra speaks of "we" instead of "me."

Color; emerald green, Element; air, Location; center of the chest, Associated body parts; heart, lungs, diaphragm, chest, thymus, circulatory system, shoulders, arms and hands, Basic issues; love, compassion, kindness, relationships, self-acceptance, forgiveness, hope, sympathy and empathy, Gemstones and crystals; emerald, rose quartz, ruby, Flower essences; bleeding heart, holly and wild rose, Essential oils; marjoram, neroli, rose, Food; green vegetables (greens, leafy vegetables)



Major issues of an unbalanced fourth Heart Chakra are grief, despair, heartache, jealousy and sadness. Feelings of abandonment, isolation, loneliness, or shyness may dominate. We may be unable to feel compassion or empathy for others or ourselves and we may feel disengaged, unemotional and unable or unwilling to trust our hearts. Logic, not emotion, rules our behavior.

Signs of and unbalanced fourth chakra:

• Emotional or mental issues: resentment, suspicion, possessiveness, dependency, emotional insincerity, passivity, sorrow, melancholy and depression.


• Physical issues: cardiovascular problems, hypertension, stroke, respiratory ailments, upper back and shoulder problems, arthritis


• Common addictions: nicotine, marijuana

When the Heart Chakra is balanced, we are able to give and receive love, be compassionate and feel a a sense of wholeness and profound unity with others. We can let go, experiencing and enjoying a sense of our own emotional empowerment. This is when we begin to truly fathom the power of prayer, which emanates from our center.

A balanced fourth chakra brings:

• an overriding sense of compassion


• a willingness to share and give to those we love


• a "heartstrings" connection to those we love


• a sense of hope and inspiration

Beneficial activities that promote and maintain a balanced Heart Chakra: volunteering of involvement in charitable work, reading inspirational books, reading or writing poetry, watching romantic movies

"Think before you speak is criticism's motto. Speak before you thinks is creation's." -E.M. Forster



The fifth chakra, the Throat Chakra, is associated with sound and has to do with self-expression, speech and communication. The ability to speak honestly; to receive, process and assimilate information and to connect with and speak our inner truth all relate to the fifth chakra, the center of transformation and change. the Color; light blue or turquoise, Element; ether, Location; throat/ neck, Associated body parts; throat, neck, ears, jaw, mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, thyroid gland, Basic issues; communication, creativity, expression , humility and manifesting ideas, Gemstones and crystals; aquamarine, blue opal and carnelian, Flower Essences; cosmos, larkspur, larch Essential oils; chamomile, orange and rosemary, Food; fruits,(blueberries, blackberries)



Major issues of an unbalanced Throat Chakra are a lack of expression, an inability to express oneself, a feeling of stagnation, an inability to communicate and holding on to unexpressed anger. We may feel a sense of not being heard or an inability to make ourselves heard, as well as a failure to find the right words or a fear of speaking.

Signs of an unbalanced Throat Chakra are as follows

• Emotional or mental issues: frustration, timidness, dishonesty, criticism of self or others, low self-esteem, excessive talking, inability to verbalize, shyness, being overly opinionated


• Physical issues:sore throat, laryngitis, upper respiratory illnesses, dental problems, teeth grinding and TMJ problems, skin irritations, ear infections, inflammations, hyperthyroidism, stiff neck, shoulder pain, stuttering, attention disorders


• Common addictions: smoking, inhalants, exercise

When the Throat Chakra is balanced, we are able to speak our truth in a supreme sense. We feel confident, balanced and centered, creatively inspired and able to express ourselves appropriately.

A balanced fifth chakra brings:

• an ability to communicate verbally, in writing or creativity


• confidence in our beliefs and our ability to express ourselves


• the capacity to listen and truly hear


• a respect for the power and impact of language

Beneficial activities that promote and maintain a balanced Throat Chakra are; singing, chanting, reciting poetry, keeping a journal, painting, dancing, drumming

Meditation to balance the fifth, Throat Chakra-focus on the vibrations of the Throat, the sound of ee. Chant this sound silently or audibly three times.

• Sit with the legs crossed at the ankle, spine extended, shoulders away for the ears


• With eyes closed, focus on the middle of the brow


• Rest the backs of your hands on your knees or hold arms away from the body with elbows bent, palms up and thumb and index finger touching


• Silently of audibly, chant the following words, focusing on the energy moving from the base of the spine to the crown:

Sa (infinity)

Ta (life)

Na (death)

Ma (rebirth)

• Find your own rhythm and continue for one to three minuets

Benefits:

• balances all the chakras
• opens the channels of creativity
• starts clearing the aura
• promotes grounding and a sense of profound physical connection to the earth and the universe
• calms and clears the mind
• slows respiration and hear rate