Jul
25
2010
Imbolc / Candlemas
The Goddess stirs and prepares to return
Seeds that have lain dormant put up the first new shoots
Roots awaken as the Sun returns
The Earth begins to live again
The earth turns as do the seasons and as the legend of Persephone is told, this is the time she will return to the earth and her mother Demeter, bringing with her new life and new growth for the coming year and leaving behind her husband, Hades, in the underworld where she has spent the winter months and the earth has lain barren. Upon her return the first signs of life begin to return to the earth. Snowdrops start to appear as if from nowhere and often blooming where the ground is still frosty and snow bound.
Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Irish calendar, celebrated either at the beginning of February or at the first local signs of Spring. Originally dedicated to the goddess Brigid, in the Christian period it was adopted as St Brigid’s Day. In Scotland the festival is also known as Latha Fhèill Brìghde, in Ireland as Lá Fhéile Bríde, and in Wales as Gwyl Ffraed. In Irish mythology, Brigit or Brighit (”exalted one”) was the daughter of the Dagda (and therefore one of the Tuatha Dé Danann) and wife of Bres of the Fomorians. She had two sisters, also named Brighid, and is considered a classic Celtic Triple Goddess.
Imbolc is a festival of the hearth and home, and a celebration of the lengthening days and the early signs of spring arriving. Many Rituals are held, involving hearth fires, special foods, divination or simply watching for omens, a great deal of candles, and perhaps an outdoor bonfire if the weather permits. This festival was traditionally associated with the onset of lactation of ewes, soon to give birth to the spring lambs, which could vary by as much as two weeks before or after the start of February.
In Scotland, Imbolc fell in the middle of the period known as the Wolf-month; it was also known as the Dead-month. The Old Woman of winter, the Cailleach, is reborn as Bride, Young Maiden of Spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire, turning scarcity into abundance. The land seems dead and barren but new stirrings of life begin to appear, lambs were born and the soft rain brought new grass, ravens begin to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice.
In Ireland, the land was prepared to receive the new seed with spade and plough; new calves were born, and fishermen looked eagerly for the end of winter storms and rough seas to launch their boats again. That Imbolc was an important time to the ancient inhabitants of Ireland can be seen at a number of Megalithic and Neolithic sites, such as at the Loughcrew burial mounds and the Mound of the Hostages in Tara, Ireland. Here, the inner chamber of the passage tombs are perfectly aligned with the rising sun of both Imbolc and Samhain. Similar to the phenomena seen at Newgrange, the rising Imbolc sun shines down the long passageway and illuminates the inner chamber of the tomb.
On this Sabbat the maiden is honoured. Straw Brideo’gas or corn dollies, are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo’gas door to door and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brigid’s Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honour the re-birth of the Sun.
Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the “water of life” is poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and also in the newly turned furrows of the ploughed field, as offerings to the nature spirits. It is also considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Imbolc is traditionally a time of weather prognostication, and the old tradition of watching to see if serpents or badgers came from their winter dens is perhaps a precursor to the American festival of Groundhog Day. The following are the words said to predict the weather for the coming spring and summer;
Celtic:
“Thig an nathair as an toll
La donn Bride,
Ged robh tri traighean dh’ an t-sneachd
Air leachd an lair.”
Translation:
“The serpent will come from the hole
On the brown Day of Bride,
Though there should be three feet of snow
On the flat surface of the ground.”
Fire and purification are another important aspect of this festival and the Goddess Brigid was usually associated with perpetual and sacred flames, such as the one maintained by 19 nuns at her sanctuary in Kildare, Ireland. The tradition of women tending her sacred flame is far older than Christianity, and goes back to a time when the flame was maintained by priestesses. Her sacred flame at Kildare was surrounded by a hedge, which no man could cross, if a man did attempt to cross the hedge they either went insane, died or had their “lower leg” wither.
One of Brigid other guises is as the goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft. As both goddess and saint she is also associated with holy wells, sacred flames, and healing. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.
As one of the most popular goddesses worshipped by the Celtic peoples, including the druids, many of her stories and symbology survived in the persona of Saint Brigid. She was the goddess of all things perceived to be of relatively high dimensions such as high-rising flames, highlands, hill-forts and upland areas; and of activities and states conceived as psychologically lofty and elevated, such as wisdom, excellence, perfection, high intelligence, poetic eloquence, craftsmanship (especially blacksmithing), healing ability, druidic knowledge and skill in warfare.
Her British and continental counterpart Brigantia seems to have been the Celtic equivalent of the Roman Minerva and the Greek Athena. Also Brigid has an incarnation known to practitioners of Voodoo. Maman Brigitte can be found as a “lwa” or spirit in Haiti and other countries which practice the Vodun religion. In this aspect, she is the Lady of the Cemetery and has the trademark red hair and her colours are purple, violet and black. She is the wife of the King of the Cemetery, sometimes known as Baron Samedi. Maman Brigitte may be characterised as a hard working, hard cursing woman who can swear a blue streak and enjoys a special drink made of rum laced with 21 hot peppers. Anyone suspected of faking a possession by her may be asked to drink her special rum or rub hot peppers on their genitals, which she occasionally does. Those who are not truly possessed are soon identified and the grave of the first woman buried in a cemetery is dedicated to Maman Brigitte. It is likely she came to the new world through indentured servants or Stuart loyalists, and she lives on in her descendants of the African Diaspora.
And so the seasons continue to turn and once more the earth becomes green as the seeds sown at Imbolc begin to grow and produce new seeds of their own, ensure that the cycle of life continues for another year.
Winters Dawn
Snow drifts across the moon’s path
Rath gate opens on a world of wonder
Ponder the magic of the dark of night
White and silver against tall trees so dark
Spark within the branches to the east
Least little bit of the fire to come
From palest goldie-pink to red
Spread across the land
And reflecting back a rosy glow
Jul
25
2010
Special Screening of
‘This Sacred Earth: The 2012 Phenomenon‘
This Sacred Earth: The 2012 Phenomenon is a documentary that uses the 2012 prophecies as a way to ask how we can fall back in love with Mother Earth to save both ourselves and the planet.
Filmmakers Billie Dean and Andrew Einspruch imbue this film with their trademark lightness of spirit, love of beauty and reverence for the natural world. From their belief that a disconnection from nature is at the root cause of our planetary crisis, the film asks wisdom keepers around the globe what each one of us can do to ensure the 2012 indigenous prophecy of a millennium of peace becomes a reality.
Uplifting, inspiring, entertaining and chock full of down-to-earth wisdom, this is a documentary that takes away uncertainty and replaces it with love and excitement about the future. It could be the most important film you ever watch.
Come and have a social afternoon with friends and explore the 2012 prophecies together.
This event will be taking place in Wollongong, NSW on Sunday 8th August at 3pm.
The cost of this special afternoon is $15 with 40% of the proceeds going to the Ballyoncree Animal Sanctuary a forever home for animals in Braidwood, NSW.
We feel very privileged to be able to bring this film to you and we hope that you gain as much from it as we have.
Jul
25
2010
The Cat Whisperer
Published in the Northern Leader, 21st July 2010
By Emily Duncan
THE notion of humans communicating with animals may seem far-fetched but Megan Campbell is advocating very pragmatic ways of forging closer connections with our pets.
“Just have a conversation with them,” she said. “Tell them what you’re doing with your life.
“We can all interact and communicate with animals; we just don’t realise it.”
The Wollongong-based Reiki Healer and co-founder of Shamanic Spirit is holding meetings on the fourth Friday of every month to help pet owners forge closer bonds with their animals.
She said that common problems people faced with their pets, such as aggression or misbehaviour, could be overcome with clearer communication.
“It’s not about us speaking English to them,” she said. “It’s more on a psychic level.
“People blame the animal. It’s more complicated than that. Animals react to what’s going on around them.”
She said people only had to look at the way animals communicated in the wild and how pets responded to their owners to realise there was more than meets the eye.
From her own childhood growing up with dogs and cats to her explorations in the woodlands surrounding her English home, where she lived with her partner and colleague, Alison Arcehelizaga, Ms Campbell said she had always had a special bond with animals.
The amateur photographer used her skills to convince wild foxes to pose for photos and said she took great joy in meditating on the beach as the whales migrated north.
She said people had a lot to gain from her monthly workshops.
“Our pets are part of our lives,” she said. “Everyone loves their animals; this is a way of deepening our relationships with them.
“We’ve separated ourselves from animals and nature and from our own communities. So many people feel like there’s something missing in their lives… animals can help us get back in touch with our natural instincts.”
Contact 0420 208 879 or email megan@shamanicspirit.com.au.
Jul
14
2010
Megan Campbell, NLP Coach, Reiki Master and Reiki Healer for animals has recently set up monthly meetings in Wollongong simply to
allow you a deeper connection to your animals.
Animals have a right to be heard, understood and treated with respect and Megan had this to say about her connections, “My love and empathy for the animal kingdom plus my passion for healing has lead me to want to connect more and more to the world of creatures around all of us”
Animals to Megan are her brothers and sisters, living alongside her on the planet. She enjoys many cuddles and chats with her cat, Winston and has a special connection to the Ravens that regularly visit the area. She goes for long walks at night finding wombats, foxes and possums on her travels and she finds great joy in meditating on the beach as the whales migrate north.
There are many things to be gained by coming to this circle, for example… Do you have a dog that goes nuts every time you leave the house or arrive home? Or your cat gets stressed when a friend comes over?… Imagine if you could communicate to your dog that you’ll be only gone for a short while and take away all the anxiety they have around you leaving or ask your cat why they don’t like your friend. Well at these meetings you can!
The monthly Animal meetings will be held at Shamanic Spirit, in central Wollongong, on the 4th Friday of every month and here you will enjoy a real and lasting connection to your four legged friends and the creatures of this beautiful earth.
Megan can be contacted for private healings for your animals friends and to book your place at these meetings on megan@shamanicspirit.com.au / 042 020 8879.
www.shamanicspirit.com.au
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15
2010
Over the centuries aromatherapy has become a science but this was not always so. I am going to take you on a journey to explore the part of aromatherapy, plants and flowers that makes my heart sing and my soul feel light, the part of me that wants to know more.
To discover the power of smelling a Rose at twilight, the beauty of Melissa when the dew is still clinging to it, the cleansing scent of Lavender as it brushes against you. These are all parts of a mystical magickal journey I am taking to discover the magick of aromatherapy.
To discover this magick we need to travel back in time to lands lost in myth and legend, to times when the main recordings are the pictures painted on tombs, the huge monuments and shrines built to honour and worship the ancient pagan Gods and Goddesses. Back to the great vanished civilisations of the Middle East, Egypt and the Mediterranean, the great empire of China, Greece and Roman Empire and back into the dark ages of Celtic Europe, now long past but not forgotten.
I have put together a series of explorations looking at the magick of Aromatherapy through these powerful societies. How each has produced its own methods, spells and herbal remedies from each culture. Bringing together the many herbs and plants, still used today in Aromatherapy and showing you how they were used centuries ago by the peoples who worshiped and honoured the old gods and pathways of nature.
Our journey begins in Egypt…
Egypt during the reign’s of the ancient pharaohs, was the cradle of the sciences in the ancient world. The Egyptians were the first people to extensively make use of the essential oils and incense produced from many varieties of herbs and included their use in religion, cosmetics, perfumery and medicinal purposes.
There were many temples built to the Gods and Goddesses of Lower and Upper Egypt, deities like Hathor, Bastet, Sekmet, Ra, Maat, Osiris, Isis and Horus, and these Gods demanded daily worship so as to keep the community safe from harm and keep the animals and crops healthy.
Every day the Priests of an Egyptian temple would awaken early to bath in the temple pool to cleanse themselves of impurities and then they would shave each other to make sure there were no hairs on their bodies, this was a mark of respect to the Gods. They would then ready themselves to pay homage to the Gods.
The priests would burn many incenses to both cleanse the sacred space of the temple and honour the Gods and Goddesses that the temple was built for. Among the incense burnt was Frankincense and Myrrh; exported in from far off lands to pay homage to the Gods. Many of the pharaohs of Egypt would pay for great amounts of these to be shipped in as gifts to present the Gods in return for a long reign as pharaoh.
Below I have listed some of the essential oils and incenses used by the Ancient Egyptians in the temples and places of worship and how we might bring this magick into the 21st century.
FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia Carterii)
Frankincense is know by many other folk names: Incense; Olibans; Olibanum; Olibanus
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Air
Burned in honour of Ra and Baal
Frankincense would be burned at sunrise to honour Ra
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense include:
Spirituality, Meditation, Protection, Exorcism, Purification and Consecration
- When burned frankincense releases powerful vibrations uplifting the area and driving out unwanted presences and negativity.
- Two drops of essential oil on a tissue or burning incense can be used to induce visions and to aid meditation to produce a lightened awareness of the spiritual realms and to deepen any religious experience.
- It can be added to sachet, poppet or talisman to add good luck, protection and spiritual growth.
- The aroma reduces stress and tension by revealing that our lives are bound up in more that one reality reducing the burden of adversity and hardship.
- Inhaling frankincense calms the physical form and awakens the high self.
- Using frankincense in past life rituals can induce great visions and healing.
As we travel away from Egypt across the Middle East, we come to a land shrouded in sands of time, full of ancient learning and magick, the land of India.
India is a land also known as the ‘Mother of Fragrance’ and for millennia, has burned incense as a devotional practice, both to purify temples and in worshipping the divas or divine archetypes, the Gods and Goddesses.
Over thousands of years, these temples have perfected the art of hand rolling incense. Nag Champa, a hand-rolled incense, carries this tradition into the 21st century and into our temples, being burned for ritual and mantra, combining the power of sound and scent together to awaken the kundalini, allowing the snakes to rise upwards and connect us to a higher place.
Many plants and flowers were used to make up these divine scents, among these is Sandalwood, which were also very tradable overseas bringing prosperity to India. The Lotus (the Indian national flower) was thought to have magickal properties, awakening the crown chakra – Sahasrara (means thousandfold) – and connecting you with the whole universe, especially powerful when used with the Chant AUM. Cinnamon is another spice used to awaken energy and also for trading.
SANDALWOOD (Santalum Album)
Sandalwood is known by many other folk names: Sandal, Santal, White Sandalwood, White Saunders, Yellow Sandalwood
Gender: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Moon
Magickal Element: Water
Aromatic Element: Water
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Healing, Spirituality and Visualisation
- Mix Sandalwood with Lavender to conjure spirits to you.
- It possesses very high spiritual vibrations and is used at full moon rituals.
- It is used in meditation to awaken sexual desires and can help to heal frigidity.
- Sandalwood oils are used to cleanse and awaken the throat chakra allowing cleansing voice to flow.
In India they believed in exploration of feeling into your body and the bodies of your lovers as written in the Karma Sutra. Oils were used to supple the skin and to soothe and feed the whole mind, body and soul.
Offerings were also made to the Ayurvedic God of Healing, Dhanwantari, who ruled all health and was the physician to the Gods.
LOTUS (Nelumbium Nelumbo)
Gender: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Moon
Magickal Element: Water
Aromatic Element: Water
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Protection, Lock Opening, Love and Good Luck
The Lotus was also sacred in Egypt and was used a on offering to appease the Gods and ask them to grant life and spirituality to all. It was also thought to be the centre of the universe in the East.
- Lotus oil is used today in many love potions and spells to ensure the blessing of the Gods and to bring good luck to the person wearing the scent.
- The Lotus flower is the symbol used to awaken the crown chakras connecting you to spirit, very useful in Mediumship.
- Also used as a symbol of protection.
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Goddesses associated with cinnamon are Venus and Aphrodite
Used in the Egyptian mummification process to smooth the journey to the next life
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Protection, Lust, Love, Healing, Spirituality, Psychic Powers, Success and Power
- Cinnamon when burned raises spiritual vibrations and stimulates your psychic powers to produce positive vibrations.
- Use it to raise energy during esbat or Moon rituals.
- When you breath in the aroma it can be used to visualise increased financial power and freedom as it produces money energy.
- Stimulates the Sacral Chakra – Svaddisthana (means sweetness) – connecting us to Mother Earth and her sacred community.
- Stimulates sentimental memory when the oil is burned.
As we move away from the East and India our journey takes us to a land not yet explored in the ancient known world. A land where nature is the ruler, a land of high, rough mountains and clear blue skies where the Condor flies. A land where sacrifices were a way to appease the sun Gods and the people lived off the land.
One of the main parts of their religion was their belief in many gods and goddesses. The Aztec people were a polynomial society and believed in over a hundred different gods and goddesses. These gods and goddesses each ruled separate human activities or aspects of nature. Since their society was based mainly on agriculture and farming, they had many gods and goddesses for agriculture, which were made up of 15 main ones that held most of the power.
Two of the crops grown were diviner’s sage used mainly for divination and the curing of ailments and avocado were grown to eat as an offering to the Gods. Also grown by the Aztecs was the ancient copal tree, which was sacred to the Aztec’s who burned its incense at the sites of the many sacrifices made to their Gods at the top of their pyramids.
SAGE (Salvia Divanorum)
Sage is known by many other folk names: Ska Maria, Sawge, Diviner’s Sage, Mountain Sage, White Sage
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Magickal Element: Air
Aromatic Element: Air
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Divination, Healing, Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Memory and Conscious Mind
The Aztecs would use Sage in many of their religious rituals to cleanse and purify the space.
- Used to aid the memory and help with visualisation techniques.
- Used in many money spells and to bring luck to the grower, although you should get someone else to plant it for you.
- Used to clear a sacred path to the ritual site and to ensure protection or the rite to be performed.
AVOCADO (Persea Americana Miller)
Avocado is known by many other folk names: Alligator Pear, Ahuacolt (known to the Aztec’s as the ‘Testicle Tree’), Persea, Zaboca
Gender: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Venus
Magickal Element: Water
Aromatic Element: Water
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Protection, Beauty, Love & Lust
The ancient Aztecs used to eat the avocado to induce lust and several parts of the tree were used to help cure ailments. It was also used to protect their skins from the parching, hot, dry winds of Central America. Legend says that it was also used on their hair to promote growth.
- If you grow a plant from the pit of an avocado, it will promote love, beauty and peace in your household.
- Used to make wands as an all purpose tool for ritual.
- Carry the pit of an Avocado to promote beauty in yourself and your life.
COPAL (Bursera Odorata)
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Purification and Love
The ancient Aztecs used to burn copal on their ritual sites on the top of the Aztec pyramids to purify the space for sacrifice. Copal was known to the Aztecs as the food of the Gods and links closely to maize, which was also an offering made to the Gods.
- Used today in many love spells, skrying and divination.
- Use the resin of copal to purify a ritual space and stare into its smoke to see you future.
Leaving that land of the Sun behind us we catch a ride on the back of Pegasus and continue our journey back over the Atlantic Ocean across the Mediterranean Sea to a land of giants, centaurs, minotaur’s and titans, where the Gods of Mount Olympus were worshiped and feared. Where the Goddesses of hearth and home were worshiped with fresh flowers and scented woods.
We travel now to the ancient land of Olympians in Greece.
The medicinal wisdom of the Egyptians were taken over and absorbed by the ancient Greeks. They used resins, oils and incense in similar religious ways to the Egyptians, in the worship of their Gods and in the burial process of their people. The Gods demanded offerings and the people used incense and oils to anoint and purify themselves before sacrificing a goat or sheep to appease the Gods.
When someone had died the Greeks would use cypress wood and burn it to help them find their way to the halls of Hades when they died and would also be used in the burning of incense at rituals to the Gods and Goddesses.
CYPRESS (Cupressus Sempervirens)
Cypress is known by other folk names: Tree of Death
Gender: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Magickal Element: Earth
Aromatic Element: Earth
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Longevity, Healing, Protection, Comfort, Eternity and Immortality
In ancient Greece the cult of the Cypress spread from Crete to Cyprus to mainland Greece where it was worshipped as a divine symbol. Symbolising the descent of the soul to Hades.
- Cypress is used today to ease and calm the mind especially in times of crisis and mourning, when a loved one has died.
- Wands are made from cypress to assist in healing damaged limbs and wounds by searing the afflicted area with the heated tip of the wand.
- When cypress is grown near the home it is said to bring protection and blessing to the household.
Other herbs and flowers used to appease both the Gods and heal the ailments of man were roses, lavender and marjoram.
ROSE (Rosa Damascena)Gen
der: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Venus
Magickal Element: Water
Aromatic Element: Water
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Love, Healing, Protection, Luck, Psychic Powers, Divination, Peace and Beauty
Some of the Deities that Rose is used to honour are Hathor, Demeter, Isis, Adonis, Aurora, Eros, Harpocrates, Hulda, Cupid, Venus, Bacchus
- Roses are the symbol of love and as such are used in many magickal practices associated with finding a romantic partner to stimulating loving energy in the home and aiding the romance of an already linked partnership.
- The scent of roses will bring happiness and peace into your home and are used in spells to alleviate sexual problems.
- Through using the aroma of the rose and visualisation you can enhance your internal beauty thereby enhancing you external beauty also.
LAVENDER (Lavendula Officinalis)
Lavender is known by many other folk names: Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Magickal Element: Air
Aromatic Element: Air
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Love, Happiness, Peace, Chastity, Purification, Longevity, Protection and Health
In Ancient Greece Lavender was burned in offering to the Gods and Goddesses.
- Lavender is used to promote spiritual love, peace and is known to dispel depression. Used in ritual to balance and purify a working space against negativity.
- Lavender is used for wish divination by placing it under your pillow whilst your asleep and if you have dreamt of anything like you wish then is will come true.
MARJORAM (Origanum Marjorana)
Marjoram is known by many other folk names: Joy of the Mountain, Knotted Marjoram, Marjorlaine, Mountain Mint, Pot Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Wintersweet
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Magickal Element: Air
Aromatic Element: Ai
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Love, Happiness, Protection, Health, Wealth and Money
Marjoram was used to honour the deities Venus and Aphrodite
Used in ancient Greece for its healing and analgesic properties and also placed around a household and renewed every month too shield the household from evil.
- Marjoram is added to food to strengthen love and is often used in love spells.
- If you carry Marjoram it can shield you from negativity and also cold weather.
- Often used for depression to bring the person wearing it happiness.
- Sometimes it is used to attract money when mixed with other herbs.
Many other herbs, woods and flowers where used in the worship of the Greek Gods and Goddesses to ask for the gifts of health, wealth and the continue growth of crops.
The Greek God of healing, Asclepius, would often be invoked in to a persons dreams to tell them what herbs to mix in order to treat their ailment correctly. Asclepius inspired many great Greek physicians among them were Hippocrates and Plato who understood the values of herbs and the oils derived from them. They understood the properties of marjoram were sedative, the properties of juniper were diuretic, the properties of costus were aphrodisiac and the properties of cypress were astringent.
From Greece we continue our travels north over huge mountain ranges and across great stretches of water. Travelling the way of the Nomads, Gypsies and Celts. Through the great lands of the Norse Gods and on to distant shores. Here are druids, the wise women, witches and pagans who live by and call upon the natural ways of the land.
Here we find ourselves at our last destination in our travels through the Ancient World, the land of Britain.
Before the Romans came to Britain, it was a land separated into many small settlements, people lived in caves and stone dwellings. They saw their homes as shields protecting them from the forces of nature and from the powers that forced the moon and sun across the sky, delivering fires and warmth in winter. Homes became sacred dwellings and sacrifices were made to the Gods and Goddesses of the household, including fruits and grains, and the home would be guarded by hanging garlands of garlic at the threshold to attract positive energy and repel negative energies.
GARLIC (Allium Sativum)
Garlic is known by many other folk names: Ajo, Poor Man’s Treacle, Stinkweed
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Mars
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Exorcism, Lust, Protection, Healing, Anti-Theft and Courage
- Garlic was and is used to guard against illness, by either wearing a clove of garlic of rubbing it into the afflicted are of the body.
- Said to give courage and protection to soldiers who would eat it before going into battle.
- When evil spirits are about bite into a clove of garlic to send them away and brides would carry a clove of garlic in their pockets to keep evil at bay on her wedding day.
In these times and for many centuries since the people of a settlement would turn to the local wise woman to aid in healing and cures for many ailments or even problems with their live. She would help by using herbs, plants and woods in potions to aid with recovery. These women would live by the natural cycles of the earth and would pick their herbs at the right point in the moon cycle and plant them at the right part of the day for them to be imbued with healing and spiritual properties.
The ancient Celts had a very extensive knowledge and reverence for the magickal and healing properties of herbs. Like many cultures before and after them, the Celts believed that there was an energy flow contained within each herb which could be tapped into and used for a higher purpose. Amongst the herbs used in these practices were Mugwort, Mint and Juniper to create potions for love and healing.
MUGWORT (Artemisia Vulgaris)
Mugwort is known by many other folk names: Artemis Herb, Artemisia, Felon Herb, Muggons, Naughty Man, Old Man, Old Uncle Henry, Sailors tobacco, St.Johns Plant
Gender: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Venus
Magickal Element: Earth
Aromatic Element: Earth
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Prophetic Dreams, Astral Projection, Protection, Strength,Healing and Psychic Powers
Mugwort was used at celebrations of the moon to take the seerer to the shadowy world of the deep consciousness.
- Mugwort when burnt, drank as tea and inhaled will produce the right mood for skrying, astral projection and divination.
- Carrying Mugwort will protect you from harm by poison or wild animals.
- Mugwort should always be picked before sunrise to be effect at strengthening.
- Used to help cure disease, madness and increase lust and fertility.
Mugwort is only used in its herb form as the essential oil is considered a hazard to health.
MINT (Mentha)
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Magickal Element: Air
Aromatic Element: Air
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Healing, Protection, Money, Travel, Exorcism and Lust
Mint was used by the Celts to protect the traveller on his journey
- Used in many healing potions known to help with stomach pains and headaches and if you wear mint on your wrist this will assure that you will not be ill.
- Keep some mint in you wallet or purse to ensure that it will attract money.
- Fresh mint used in ritual will ensure the presence of good spirits to aid you in your magick.
JUNIPER (Juniperus Communis)
Juniper is known by many other folk names: Enebro, Gemeiner Wachholder, Geneva, Gin Berry, Ginepro, Gin Plant
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Health, Protection, Love, Purification, Exorcism and Anti-theft
Juniper was burned to the Gods and Goddess of ancient Sumer and Babylon and was sacred to the Goddess Inanna. It was exported to Britain and smouldered in the fields to release protective energies to guard the livestock and crops.
- Detoxing and purifying for homes and peoples to guard against negativity and harm. Used in visualisation techniques to ward of danger and negativity.
- The aroma of Juniper helps you visualise good health and eating habits and exercising properly.
Moving away from the ancient world through the centuries we see the world change in many ways, new religions sweep the land, industry and farming are modernised, people start to group together in larger and larger settlements but constant throughout all these changes is nature itself, the seasons remain and with them the plants, trees and flowers. We see medicines developed and scientific research done into plant oils and the benefits they have on the mind and body.
Although the religions of the world have come and gone and revived, there have always been traits and similarities passed from one religions to another from Paganism, Witchcraft, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism to Judaism and many, many more. To many the old Gods and Goddesses have still remained and there are still men and women who practice the craft of the wise, using herbs and natural remedies, burning incense in worship of the Gods and using oils in amulets and lockets for love and protection.
Aromatic herbs have been the domain of priests, Goddesses and Gods since ancient times. They have been used in religion to cleanse and purify the temples before, during and after rituals in the form of incense and essential oils, also used to anoint the priest or priestess during or before a ritual and they have been used in the form of perfume, for the daily purification of the priests and priestesses who lived and worshiped the deities of those temples.
During the 4th century in Europe there was a decline in the use of herbs and essential oils, this was due to the growth in Christianity. Early Christians feared the old Gods and due to ignorance began to ban the practises of ritual and worship in Europe and incense, oils, perfumes and scents were denounced as decadent. Nobody during this time was allowed to grow herbs or make essential oils for medicinal purposes or otherwise and this saw a significant reduction in the medicinal and perfume industry. There was one group of people still allowed to grow and produce medicinal treatments for the local people, the local Christian monks who would sell these to the villagers causing the old wise women of the villages to hide their skills for fear of persecution. These monks, being allowed this freedom, actually discovered many of the restorative properties of herbs, flowers and plants that we know today.
Moving further on through the centuries to the 16th to 18th centuries when there were many plagues in Europe caused by the foul smell of the cities, this belief was backed up by the fact that plague victims smelt foul too. There were many superstitions about at this time and this fuelled a desire to clean and purify the air so authorities came up with some interesting ways of combating the stench and disease. They would light bonfires of aromatic woods, physicians would wear a nose bag containing herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage to stop them from getting infected by the plague, people would carry an orange stuffed with cloves for protection and sickrooms would have herbs placed at the window, rose water and vinegar sprinkled on the floor and an aromatic fire burning.
It was during these times that saw the beginning of doctors carrying herbs, which became more commonplace and most herbalists would have some essential oils remedies with them when working i.e. rosemary and lavender
ORANGE (Citrus Sinesis)
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Love, Money, Divination, Luck, Purification, Joy, Physical Energy and Magickal Energy
- Used for purifying the mind, body and spirit of all ills and transforming energies from negative depression to positive peace and joy.
- If you have a question to be answered, think of it then cut the orange open and count the seeds, if there are an even number then the answer is yes and an odd number means no.
- Orange is added to incense to bring prosperity and luck.
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary is known by many other folk names: Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrope, Incensier, Libanotis, Polar Plant, Sea Dew
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Love, Healing, Protection, Purification, Exorcism, Sleep, Mental Powers, Youth, Longevity and Memory
- Rosemary has a long folk magick association with love and was used in the bridal wreaths to promote lasting love in a marriage.
- When placed on the pillow it drives away nightmares and promotes a good nights sleep.
- Used in ritual to disperse negativity prior to performing magick.
- Said to ensure youthfulness and aid the memory.
As I bring our journey to a close, having travelled back in time to lost civilisations, past beliefs and a time of ancient ritual. I have shown you the magick that is imbued in nature, the wonder that is creation, the life force that runs throughout history, the power of herbs, plants, trees and flowers and what they have to offer us. Working with essential oils and incense’s in magick has shown me that they not only have a part to play in the medical and scientific part of society but also in universal energies of the world and the magickal energies that is all around us every day of our lives.
There are many ways to tap into this magick and use it in your every day lives as well as in ritual.
- When you are selling your house you could brew a cup of coffee, bake pies or bread to create the feeling of home and entice the smell sense of a potential buyer, regardless of whether or not that buyer’s home life actually involved home made pies or not.
- You should burn some sage incense making sure it passes into every corner of the house, this will encourage positive energies and banish negative feelings and emotions making the home more harmonious again.
- Sage is used in its herb form as both a healer and cleanser and has been used in magic for many centuries, often used in ancient ceremonies to cleanse the temple before the rituals began or burnt to inspire good health in the place it is used.
- Anointing the four posts of my bed with sandalwood oil for protection and a good nights sleep
- Burning lemon oil in the house for protection against bacteria
- Using salt in all my cooking as a protection against poisons in the food
- Burning sage and myrrh to cleanse and bring peace to my home
- Using eucalyptus oil in the bath when I have allergies or a cold
- Sprinkling lavender on the carpet to cleanse and refresh it
Here are some of the more traditional incense and spell combinations that are used to attract the desired circumstances, to you:
- Myrrh and peace
- Sage and health
- Cedar and cleansing
- Bay and increased spell power
- Rose and love
- lemon and cleansing
- Shaman and healing
- Ocean and peace
- Dragon’s Blood and love/sex
When I burn incense, oils or even light herbs, when performing magick, I am allowing my subconscious memories of the Goddess to come forth, connecting to a place inside me where both my dark and light aspects dwell. Burning the right incense, using the right oils and herbs with the properties needed for enhancing a particular spell can put you in the right frame of mind and spirit to welcome the Goddess.
LEMON (Citrus Limon)
Gender: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Moon
Magickal Element: Water
Aromatic Element: Water
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Health, Healing, Love, Purification, Friendship, longevity, Physical Energy
- Used for purification of amulets, ritual tools and other objects obtained second hand. Clears negative vibrations from the household and yourself.
- Used in cooking to ensure a lasting friendship and to purify the food.
- Lemons are natures natural cleansers and their magick can be used in nearly every household job, cooking and cleaning, purifying and cleansing.
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus Globulus)
Eucalyptus is known by many other folk names: Blue Gum Tree, Stringy Bark Tree
Gender: Feminine
Ruling Planet: Moon, Mercury
Magickal Element: Water
Aromatic Element: Air
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Healing, Health, Protection and Purification
- Used in candle magick with visualisation to relieve cols and bring the person concerned back to health.
- You can also hang a branch of eucalyptus over a persons sick bed and carry some with you to ward away colds and sore throats.
- Protection against negativity and evil.
BAY (Laurus Nobilis)
Bay is known by many other folk names: Baie, Bay Laurel, Bay tree, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, Laurel, Laurier D’Apollon, Laurier Sauce, Lorbeer, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Healing, Strength, Protection, Purification, Psychic Powers
Honour would be paid with Bay to Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus, Eros
The ancient Priestesses of Apollo would chew the bay leaves to induce a prophetic state of mind.
- Used a lot in clairvoyance and wisdom brews and to induce prophetic dreams and visions.
- Bay is worn as an amulet to ward off evil spirits and negativity and scattered to exorcise a ritual space.
- Used to break hexes or curses and to ensure strength in the face of competition.
- Wishes are written on Bay leaves, which when burned will come true.
CEDAR (Cedrus Atlantica)
Gender: Masculine
Ruling Planet: Sun
Magickal Element: Fire
Aromatic Element: Fire
Magickal Effects of both the Essential oil and the Incense:
Healing, Spirituality, Protection, Purification, Self-control, Money
- The wood smoke of cedar is very purifying and can help to clear bad dreams.
- Keep cedar in your wallet or purse to draw money to you.
- Place a carved three pronged fork of cedar near your home to ward away evil spirits and attract positive spirits to your home.
- Cedar is a safe place for storing ritual tools and is also used for storing herbs and spices.
- The fragrance of cedar when inhaled before ritual will deepen your connection to the Gods.
I hope you have enjoyed our magickal journey through the ages, learning about many magickal herbs, plants, flowers and trees from many different lands and eras. Travelling great distances and leaping across centuries only to discover that these herbs and trees and plants and flowers are still all around today and if we look at their magickal properties and their medicinal properties, I think you would agree that they are very similar even today.
I leave you with this thought:
“In our infinite diversity we travel the same path,
let us help each other along the way.”
Sheldon Kopp
Mar
11
2010
Imagine…
A village green on a beautiful spring day, a gentle breeze carries the sound of a melodeon beginning to play as the tinkling of bells breaks the calm, as the Goat Foot Morris dance on whooping and yelling, staves clashing, tatters flying, swooping together then outwards once more.
This is Border Morris Dancing…
Border Morris comes from the Welsh borders of England and has many stories connected with where it came from…
Some say it has Pagan roots in the marauding clans fighting each other across the borders of two land, where masks and face paint to frighten the opposing side.
Some say it comes from the farming culture of England… when farm hands were laid off by the farmers for the winter, to survive they would black their face and make their clothes into rags and go down to the village square and dance for alms and this way they would not be recognised by the farmers and be rehired the following year for the harvest.
There are also stories about coal miners upon finishing a shift with their faces all black, would go dancing in the town square for fun before going for dinner or a beer.
Where ever this wonderful tradition came from, it is still very much alive today and you will always recognise a Morris person by their tankard full of beer… we do love our elbow bending exercises!
So if you want to do something original, exciting and fun… come and have a go with Goat Foot Morris Now!
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26
2010
The rhythm of the drum has been used for centuries by Shamanic cultures all over the world. Drumming is used to create healing through medicine drumming and to aid you in journeying to find answers and to retrieve soul parts that have been lost.
Now the rhythm of the drum has found its way into the healing energy of Reiki and you can experience this unique healing technique for yourself.
If you are a Reiki 2 (Okuden) or above then you can learn the Reiki Drum Technique and begin to bring this gentle healing to others.
Receive your own drum and beater plus a detailed manual for future reference. Learn ways of healing with affirmations, journeying and chakras. Reiki is opened up with drumming for you to explore.
Early bird discount for Reiki Drum ends on 20th March and it’s booking fast.
Feb
14
2010
Wow… what a special and exciting time this is.
Since I arrived in Australia so much has happened to me and the main one being all the wonderful people I have met here through Shamanic Spirit, Bushcare, the Illawarra Folk Club and through family and other friends.
I have now taught my first Reiki 1 course in Australia and it was lovely to see such great people opening to the healing energies of Reiki in such an easy fashion. The two days of the course were excellent and I really enjoyed the teaching experience. I am very much looking forward to teach ‘Crystal Healing’ in March and more Reiki courses in the future.
The Psychic Circles that run weekly are growing bigger and bigger by the week and this has been a wonderful way to bring a like minded community to us, whilst being able to share in the path of others with them.
Walking on the beach beneath the stars and paddling in the ocean has been a joy and I am loving going to Bushcare each week and learning more and more about the native species of the vast land.
Recently we volunteered and attended the Illawarra Folk Festival and met up with some old friends there called “Jigzag‘ – a wonderful group of people that have a great sound – it was great to catch up with them as we had last seen them in London when staying with us whilst on tour.
During the two days of the festival we also met up with a couple of local Morris sides and this gave us a yearning to get back to the Morris… so ‘Goat Foot Morris’ here we come 
Things are really starting to settle down for us here and I have been enjoying the warmth and the storms of the Illawarra summer… I didn’t know thunder could sound so loud… its scary but fun!
Have a great February
Bright Blessings
Alison x
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29
2010
More and more people nowadays are recognising that we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves well. A trip to the doctor is sometimes necessary, however there are many occasions where we can help ourselves or at least try to find an alternative to taking a few pills. Most alternative or holistic therapies have one thing in common, they are more in tune with nature and that has to be good for you.
Alternative therapies won’t necessarily cure every ailment, and not every ‘alternative’ may suit you, but that shouldn’t stop you looking. Many of these therapies have been for thousands of years and have been handed down from generation to generation.
I have had many Shamanic, Reiki, Aromatherapy and Reflexology success stories both from clients, family and friends in dealing with health issues and stress and have helped to enable them to live a fuller and more relaxed way due to these and other healing treatments. Also I have found that by using these natural methods as a compliment to traditional medicine, I have saved many from using pharmaceuticals.
Using natural alternatives will cause you and your body far less stress than most pharmaceuticals and do not generally have any side effects. Alternative therapies do not always work as quickly as pharmaceuticals, but getting your body in tune will make you feel a whole lot better and enable your immune system to fight for you, after all that’s what its there for!
Now all you have to do is pick the therapy that feels right for you and come and have a go. Why not reap the benefits of improved well-being and vitality and live a happier, stress reduced life, full of natural health!
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29
2010
Seeing Auras Workshop – Sunday 7th April at 10am
This workshop has been designed as a half day workshop to empower you to know the power of your own energy field and how to use it to your advantage, plus we will be doing many practical exercises designed to enable us to see and experience the auric field for ourselves.
This workshop is packed with practical exercises and tips for experiencing energy including:-
- Aura Meditation
- Discovering what energy is
- How to feel your own energy
- Working with other peoples auras
- Chakras and how they effect our aura
‘I really enjoyed the course, it was everything I wanted’ Gill, Kent
Law of Attraction Workshop – Saturday 6th March at 10am
This workshop on the universal Law of Attraction has been designed to guide you through meditations and techniqes for bringing this powerful force into alignment in your life.
The Law of Attraction bring all that we feel and think about into our lives and if you have watched ‘The Secret’ or read any of Ester and Jerry Hicks books on the teachings of ‘Abraham’, then you will be aware of this powerful way of being.
We all want to be someone, create something, or do something unique to ourselves in life and the Law of Attraction can help you achieve this.
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29
2010
If you are feeling down at going back to work, now that the holidays are over, why not try aromatherapy to lift your mood. Each of the oils below can really help to give you that feeling of happiness and rejuvanation that you are looking for…
Rose Oil:
The properties of this oil have an uplifting effect on your mood and can be used in face and body massage, skin care, baths, or vaporiser to stimulate happy hormones within us.
Lavender:
The balancing properties of lavender can bring back balance and stability to your life. Its calming effect will induce a restful sleep. Try 1 drop of lavender oil on your pillow or a few drops mixed with a very small amount of vodka then swirled into the water of an evening bath (please limit the amount you use as this oil is very potent)
Neroli (oil of the orange blossom):
Neroli is one of the most wonderful essential oils to relax and soothe the troubled or stressed mind, as it has a very positive calming influence on mind, body and spirit.
Or you could have Alison at Shamanic Spirit, make you a special blend of massage oil, body lotion or bubble bath personally tailored to your requirements.
NB: Please note that if you are using a diffuser or an oil burner, do not put more than two drops of oil in at a time. It is very important that essential oils do not make direct contact with the skin and are not over used as this can have a detrimental effect instead of a beneficial one.
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19
2009
Reiki Level 1 – Shoden
- Sat 6th Feb
- Sat 13th Feb
Introduction to Crystal Healing
- Sun 7th Feb
Reiki Drum Healing
- Sat 20th Feb
- Sun 21st Feb
Intuitive Healer
- Sun 28th Feb
- Sun 28th March
- Sun 25 April
- Sun 23rd May
- Sun 27th June
- Sun 25th July
Crystal Healing for Practicioners
- Sat 13th March
- Sun 14th March
Violet Fire
- Sat 27th March
Reiki 1
- Sat 3rd April
- Sat 10th April
Introduction to Crystal Healing
- Sun 4th April
Violet Fire
- Sun 9th May
Reiki 2
- Sat 15th May
- Sat 22nd May
Crystal Healing for Practicioners
- Sat 29th May
- Sun 30th May
Reiki Drum Healing
- Sat 5th June
- Sun 6th June
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19
2009
Seasons Greetings and Welcome
Well christmas is upon on us again and we have decided that in the spirit of this lovely season of giving, that we at Shamanic Spirit, will stay open throughout the holidays, so you can all experience the warmth of sharing within a community.
We also celebrate the Summer solstice at this time of year, the time of the Sun recieving its full power and beginning the countdown to harvest time. We wish all of you seasonal greetings at this time of joy.
We have lots of exciting new courses on offer, starting in February, to offer you new insights into your path, helping your spiritual growth. There are our regular circles, for continued ongoing growth in Psychic development awakening your intuitution, Shamanic healing, rituals and rites following the ancient path, inspiring peace and harmony in our Drum & Mantra circle and for all you Reiki healers out there a chance to share your experiences and healing with others of like mind.
For more information on any of our circles, courses and treatments go to www.shamanicspirit.com.au or call us 042 020 8879 or 042 038 1436.
Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends and family and anyone who may be interested.
“In our infinite diversity we travel the same path, Let us help each other along the way.”
We are blessed and honoured to be travelling our paths with you.
Bright Blessings
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9
2009
Reiki is an oriental method of working with energy that you can use for your own benefit and for the benefit of other people. In its original Japanese form in the 1900s Reiki was very much about working on yourself, it was a system that you could use for self-healing, self-development and spiritual development.
Reiki is also a system used for healing others both by treating and reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It is done both by using hand positions touching or in the energy field around the body and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
There are very many different ways of practising Reiki, with lots of different Reiki ‘variations’ having been developed in the West over the years. I have been lucky enough to receive teachings that draw on the intuitive and spiritual methods favoured in Japan, where the healing system was begun by Mikao Usui.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.
Do you want to know more about Reiki and its benefits or maybe you want to pass on those benefits to others. Let me know your opinions by getting in touch or commenting below.
Reiki is an oriental method of working with energy that you can use for your own benefit and for the benefit of other people. In its original Japanese form in the 1900s Reiki was very much about working on yourself, it was a system that you could use for self-healing, self-development and spiritual development. Reiki is also a system used for healing others both by treating and reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It is done both by using hand positions around the body and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
There are very many different ways of practising Reiki, with lots of different Reiki ‘variations’ having been developed in the West over the years. I have been lucky enough to receive teachings that draw on the intuitive and spiritual methods favoured in Japan, where the healing system was begun by Mikao Usui.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.
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8
2009
I must have lived a very strange life compared to some as I have never really consciously associated memory with smell, whilst using smell in my life all the time. There is the odd instance when I will associate a smell with a time or place i.e. when it has been hot for several days and then rains, the acrid smell that follows reminds me of the time I spent in Egypt around the time I first got into tarot reading, meditation and astrology.
When merged with memories, smell is incredibly powerful, for instance, when you are selling your house you could brew a cup of coffee, bake pies or bread to create the feeling of home and entice the smell sense of a potential buyer, regardless of whether or not that buyer’s home life actually involved home made pies or not. This is just one way smell can be used in everyday life to gain the intention you want to happen.
Another way you can use smell to enhance your surroundings and the energy around you, is when your house is feeling stagnant or there is discord at home. You should burn some sage incense making sure it passes into every corner of the house, this will encourage positive energies and banish negative feelings and emotions making the home more harmonious again. Sage is used in its herb form as both a healer and cleanser and has been used in ceremony for many centuries, often used in ancient ceremonies to cleanse the temple before the rituals began or burnt to inspire good health in the place it is used.
Incense and therefore smell can unlock old memories and to create new ones through meditation whilst the oils or incense is burning. We also use smell to enhance visualisation and creativity, thus this has been used in many magical circles to enhance your ability to hold a visualisation, making the end creation even more powerful. With any sort of spell or magic there is a warning attached “Be careful what you wish for” as the exact visualisation might be what comes true and it takes practise to get this technique right.
However there are other reasons for the use of smell in ceremony and ritual . It is believed by some practitioners of magic that incense separates the sacred and the profane. I do not believe this and would say that everything is sacred and that it is our perception that changes. The smell of the incense burned during ritual helps us to change this perception. This is especially true of frankincense, myrrh and sandalwood, all of which are commonly used for ritual and meditation purposes, this is due to the deeply spiritual nature of these incenses and woods.
Above the lower plants it towers,
The Fennel with its yellow flowers;
And in an earlier age than ours
Was gifted with the wondrous powers
Lost vision to restore.
Here are some of the more traditional incense combinations that are used to attract the desired circumstances, to you:
• Myrrh and peace
• Sage and health
• Cedar and cleansing
• Bay and increased spell power
• Rose and love
• lemon and cleansing
• Shaman and healing
• Ocean and peace
• Dragon’s Blood and love/sexuality
When I burn incense, oils or even light herbs, I am allowing my subconscious memories of the God/Goddess to come forth, connecting to a place inside me where both my dark and light aspects dwell. Burning the right incense can put you in the right frame of mind and spirit to welcome the change in energy. If you burnt an incense that didn’t connect with you then the result may not be what you expect.
Incense (the burning smoke) is also recognised as a symbol of the element of air. Of all the elements, air is perhaps the most elusive, it can be the most difficult to describe and visualise, but can also be one of the most vibrant. Air brings us the light sensation of a cool breeze, the sudden rage of a storm, and the sweet smell of every scent we experience.
Thou pretty herb of Venus’ tree,
Thy true name it is Yarrow;
Now who my bosom friend must be,
Pray tell thou me tomorrow.
Other ways to use smell and aromatherapy are…
- Anointing the four posts of your bed with sandalwood oil for protection and a good nights sleep
- Burning lemon oil in the house for protection against bacteria
- Using salt in all your cooking as a protection against poisons in the food
- Burning sage and myrrh to cleanse and bring peace to your home
- Using eucalyptus oil in the bath when I have allergies or a cold to stimulate the sinuses
- Sprinkling lavender flowers on the carpet to cleanse and refresh it
When I harvest home grown herbs I make sure that they are picked on a full moon to make sure they have kept the powerful energies of the moons rays (this is also known as ‘Moon Gardening’). It is not wise to pick herbs on a waning moon as this means they will be losing their power.
In aromatherapy there are so many ways to use oils, incense and herbs, woods and flowers that make it such a fascinating subject to look at, and also to experience. Not only are essential oils used to stimulate healing for many different conditions but also used in incenses and resins to create different states of mind and thus change our lives for the better, if we so desire.
As for rosemary,
I let it run all over my garden walls,
Not only because my bees love it,
Because it is the herb sacred to remembrance,
And, therefore, to friendship.
N.B. Please remember when using essential oils, that less is more and it is better to ask advice from a trained professional, like myself, if you are unsure about quantities and qualities
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30
2009
Crystals can be used to assist women of all ages and in all stages of healing. The awakening of the Self to a spiritual journey is not an easy task. It can demand much time and resources to achieve self-development and growth. Some choose not to undertake the risks and perils of peeling off our defenses to become fully human and alive, and to experience the full wealth of life.
“Isis Unveiled” is a term which refers to the Egyptian goddess whose face and form was covered with a red cloth, symbolic of the ignorance and emotionalism that stood forever between a person and Truth. To the wise, Isis lifts her veil, dispelling and revealing the mysteries of the Universe. The inner journey becomes sacred to those who can withstand the intensity of full consciousness.
Crystals have a healing role to play in this fantastic journey. Like the mysteries of a woman’s consciousness, crystals help to contain the inner processes of “Isis Unveiled”, and help to prepare the unveiling of female consciousness through healing all levels of her being. Crystals provide protection and give sanctuary for the deep healing a woman does within herself. I have listed a selection of ten crystals and gemstones from a group of forty-four that are useful in healing women and women’s issues.
Amber
A “Gentle Stone.” Amber is very soothing and calming to the nerves. It can uplift a negative disposition and encourage you to take life less seriously. It promotes fidelity in relationships. As a self-healing stone, amber guides the emotions into a clearer mental outlook and to take greater responsibility for one’s choices in life.
It is also excellent for soothing emotions during postoperative care.
Amethyst
A “Master Healing Crystal.” Amethyst purifies and transmutes negativity. Amethyst provides protection and balance during transition periods. It reduces the feeling of being victimized, giving you a spiritual perspective on life’s circumstances. The lavender-pink color amethyst relates to the Heart chakra, to open and lighten up a betrayed heart and to heal the sense of loss of life and innocence. The blue-red color amethyst promotes a deep spiritual connection between one’s self and one’s life challenges, supporting the challenge one has taken on, giving patience and calmness despite overwhelming odds. The Chevron Amethyst (banded white and purple) helps peel off old karmic patterns to promote self-love and the ability to get along with others especially with one’s Soul Mate or family members.
Apache Tears (transparent Obsidian)
The “Grief Stone.” Apache Tears allow for tears to be shed, stimulating emotional spontaneity and the release of barriers that prevent you from experiencing deep sorrow. This stone is excellent for transmuting one’s own negativity under stressful situations. The Apache Tear is a dark black stone of obsidian and when held up to the light appears transparent. However, it has been noted that the grief one feels goes into the stone and can turn it opaque.
Coral – Red Coral
A “Woman’s Stone.” Red Coral quiets the emotions and dispels feelings of despair and despondency. It encourages a passionate energy, and stimulates and strengthens female reproductive organs through tissue regeneration. This stone relates well to the Spleen meridian for blood circulation, and to purification of the kidneys and bladder. Red Coral is considered to be “The Blood of Mother Earth” by Native Americans and is considered particularly precious by Tibetan women for menstruation and fertility.
Garnet
The “Sex Stone.” Garnet strengthens the life force and provides for the spontaneous availability of energy when needed. This gemstone is especially good for the restoration of victimized and abused women, helping them reclaim lost power. It promotes regeneration of emotional energy and the acceptance of one’s thoughts and emotions. Garnet stabilizes energy devoted to accomplishing one’s purpose. It also empowers and strengthens the Root and Navel chakras. Garnet heightens sexuality (the physical aspects) and increases fertility.
Jade
A “Crystal of Tranquility.” Jade soothes the emotions and helps keep the peace for community relations. It provides a sense of self-worth, self-sufficiency and capability in dealing with any situation. Jade promotes harmony, balance, and tranquility through emotional detachment. Jade is excellent for recovery after an unpleasant experience (minor surgery, divorce, funerals, loss of job). See also Amber.
Jasper
A “Nurturing Stone.” Jasper makes it easier to use one’s own power and to know that it cannot be taken away. It calms aggressive energy, and facilitates safety and protection during recovery periods (e.g., from stress, operations, and other life traumas). Red Jasper provides lively fresh energy and reduces feelings of being victimized. Yellow Jasper balances hormones and protects during travel. Green Jasper restores energy and focus during recovery from burnout.
Rose Quartz
“The Love Stone.” Rose Quartz is a Master Healer and transmutes emotional negativity at all levels. It enhances meditation and healing by harmonizing and balancing energy fluctuations. Rose Quartz embodies the __expression “Love Conquers All.” It is excellent for calming the Heart and Solar Plexus chakras after situations involving emotional upheaval, chaos, trauma, or crisis. Rose Quartz allows love to come to the wearers who have trouble finding love within themselves to give to either themselves or to others. This is also a great friendship stone to give to someone you care for.
Smokey Quartz
The “Emotional Balancer Crystal.” Smokey Quartz clears and transmutes negative emotions. This crystal is an excellent stabilizer for mood swings and grounds all kinds of negative energy. Excellent for PMS sufferers and other cranky persons. It is an excellent crystal to use in times of stress, and to rebuild emotional burnout by offering protection during the healing period. Smokey Quartz reduces the fear of failure, unblocks self-limitations, and lets you risk trying some new experiences.
Sodalite
“A Stone of Peace.” Sodalite helps alleviate insomnia caused by overactive mental chatter. It helps to dispel irrelevant thoughts, provides mental focus, and maintains logical reasoning with regard to emotional upsets. Sodalite promotes issues of trust, enhances companionship and the commonality of goals with others. It is excellent for busy women who find no time for peace, who need to relax and to restore one’s mental energies. [Sodalite is actually a "rock" composed of several types of micro-crystals.]
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2009
Crystals have been used both in spiritual rituals and as aids to physical healing throughout history and have slowly become more and more essential to us in our everyday lives. Nowadays, Crystal therapy uses crystals as conductors to focus energy via a person’s thoughts to stimulate healing – both physical and non-physical.
An Introduction to Crystal Healing
This 1 day introductory course will lead you through the basics of healing with crystals, sensing and applying the energy of the crystal using both colour and correspondences to create a gentle healing technique, powerful in its simplicity.
Next Course Dates…
Introduction to Crystal Healing – Sunday 7th February 2010
Crystal Healing for Practicioners
This 2 day practicioners course will lead you through all the techniques need to apply crystal healing to healing others. we will be covering associations, colour, using the energy centres (chakras) of the body, dowsing, layouts, working with your intuituion and journeying to connect with your inner crystal power. You will also be asked to do some case studies and a further half day one-to-one to gain your full qulification in Crystal healing.
Next Course Dates…
Crystal Healing for Practicioners – Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th March 2010
This is a gentle healing practice which is powerful in its simplicity.
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29
2009
Shares are open to Reiki people from any lineage and at any level – all who have been ‘attuned’ to Reiki are welcome.
Reiki shares are held every month on the 3rd Friday of the month from 7pm in the evening and we usually start with a group empowerment, then all attendees will receive an intensive treatment from the group, finishing up with some distance healing for all who request it.
Please let me know if you plan on coming to the next share, or contact us if you would like to receive email reminders before each share.
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29
2009
Not two weeks after arriving in Oz, I am finding myself without a garden, an outdoor space in which to play with my Gnome friends, a place were I can find my inner peace, as I have always done in my garden back in England. When suddenly, out of the blue, Megan hands me this article from the newspaper saying ‘Bushcare Volunteers Needed’ for a community project at the local park ‘ Wiseman’s Park’. So I figured I’d give it a go…
I turned up, slathered from head to foot in Suncream (it was about 25C that day), looking like a gormless tourist, but I found the group and introduced myself, telling them that I was new to the area (the accent did rather give me away) and wanted to learn more about the local flora, and what this project was all about.Not two weeks after arriving in Oz, I am finding myself without a garden, an outdoor space in which to play with my Gnome friends, a place were I can find my inner peace, as I have always done in my garden back in England. When suddenly, out of the blue, Megan hands me this article from the newspaper saying ‘Bushcare Volunteers Needed’ for a community project at the local park ‘ Wiseman’s Park’. So I figured I’d give it a go…Not two weeks after arriving in Oz, I am finding myself without a garden, an outdoor space in which to play with my Gnome friends, a place were I can find my inner peace, as I have always done in my garden back in England. When suddenly, out of the blue, Megan hands me this article from the newspaper saying ‘Bushcare Volunteers Needed’ for a community project at the local park ‘ Wiseman’s Park’. So I figured I’d give it a go…
I turned up, slathered from head to foot in Suncream (it was about 25C that day), looking like a gormless tourist, but I found the group and introduced myself, telling them that I was new to the area (the accent did rather give me away) and wanted to learn more about the local flora, and what this project was all about.
So I was given gloves (which I immediately discarded, I love to feel the earth in my fingers) and a trowel and shown to a patch of cleared ground where some native plant were starting to push their way to the surface once more as the weeds had been cleared from this spot… she pointed to a patch at the edge of this area and told me I’d be working here… Before you now it I was clearing weeds like Lantana (lantana camara) from the South America’s (although DNA testing has been done and they can’t trace which variety of lantana the Aussie weed comes from, it must have morphed) a difficult one to pull up; Panic Veldt Grass, very easy to remove; Asparagus, not the edible type though some of the Italians in the area do come and pick the tops to put in their pasta dishes because it tastes remarkably like asparagus, this one is a bugger to pull up so it is tied in a knot and sprayed bu special bushcare crews.
I won’t bore you too much with all the names, I am still learning them myself if I’m honest, though the fact that Honeysuckle and Verbena are weeds here is a real shame but they are not part of the native habitat so, I guess…
Well I had a wonderful time getting my hands dirty (reminds me of making mud pies as a kid) and then we were shown down to the local creek that runs through the park… and guess what… when we crossed it I fell in… trainers are now very muddy but hey:)
Over the last 3 weeks we have planted more native species into the area, weeded more non-native species out of the area and I have started to get to know the people too, which is a great bonus.
And there my friends is my first foray into the native Aussie bush… great fun
I turned up, slathered from head to foot in Suncream (it was about 25C that day), looking like a gormless tourist, but I found the group and introduced myself, telling them that I was new to the area (the accent did rather give me away) and wanted to learn more about the local flora, and what this project was all about.
So I was given gloves (which I immediately discarded, I love to feel the earth in my fingers) and a trowel and shown to a patch of cleared ground where some native plant were starting to push their way to the surface once more as the weeds had been cleared from this spot… she pointed to a patch at the edge of this area and told me I’d be working here… Before you now it I was clearing weeds like Lantana (lantana camara) from the South America’s (although DNA testing has been done and they can’t trace which variety of lantana the Aussie weed comes from, it must have morphed) a difficult one to pull up; Panic Veldt Grass, very easy to remove; Asparagus, not the edible type though some of the Italians in the area do come and pick the tops to put in their pasta dishes because it tastes remarkably like asparagus, this one is a bugger to pull up so it is tied in a knot and sprayed bu special bushcare crews.
I won’t bore you too much with all the names, I am still learning them myself if I’m honest, though the fact that Honeysuckle and Verbena are weeds here is a real shame but they are not part of the native habitat so, I guess…
Well I had a wonderful time getting my hands dirty (reminds me of making mud pies as a kid) and then we were shown down to the local creek that runs through the park… and guess what… when we crossed it I fell in… trainers are now very muddy but hey:)
Over the last 3 weeks we have planted more native species into the area, weeded more non-native species out of the area and I have started to get to know the people too, which is a great bonus.
And there my friends is my first foray into the native Aussie bush… great fun
So I was given gloves (which I immediately discarded, I love to feel the earth in my fingers) and a trowel and shown to a patch of cleared ground where some native plant were starting to push their way to the surface once more as the weeds had been cleared from this spot… she pointed to a patch at the edge of this area and told me I’d be working here… Before you now it I was clearing weeds like Lantana (lantana camara) from the South America’s (although DNA testing has been done and they can’t trace which variety of lantana the Aussie weed comes from, it must have morphed) a difficult one to pull up; Panic Veldt Grass, very easy to remove; Asparagus, not the edible type though some of the Italians in the area do come and pick the tops to put in their pasta dishes because it tastes remarkably like asparagus, this one is a bugger to pull up so it is tied in a knot and sprayed bu special bushcare crews.
I won’t bore you too much with all the names, I am still learning them myself if I’m honest, though the fact that Honeysuckle and Verbena are weeds here is a real shame but they are not part of the native habitat so, I guess…
Well I had a wonderful time getting my hands dirty (reminds me of making mud pies as a kid) and then we were shown down to the local creek that runs through the park… and guess what… when we crossed it I fell in… trainers are now very muddy but hey:)
Over the last 3 weeks we have planted more native species into the area, weeded more non-native species out of the area and I have started to get to know the people too, which is a great bonus.
And there my friends is my first foray into the native Aussie bush… great fun
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29
2009
Shamans around the world come together in groups to perform healings, to journey and to create a community that is filled with support for all within it.
We have set up this group to explore Shamanic ritual, drumming, dancing your power animal, power retrivals, energy and the light body and much, much more.
No shamanic experience is required, in fact no healing experience of any kind is necessary to reap the benefits of being part of a community event like this.
This circle meets every 1st Friday of the month from 7pm and all are welcome.
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29
2009
Psychic Circle
This circle is for the growing community of peopl wanting to explore more of the world, seen and unseen, around them.
We will be exploring your psychic skills and the psychic energies that are all around us, in a calm, safe environment.
Learn about tarot; oracle; psychometry; auric dowsing; mediumship and many other psychic tools as we explore the unchartered world of psychic wisdom together.
Evening and Daytime circles run on a weekly basis. We are an open group and all are welcome. Get in touch www.shamanicspirit.com.au
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