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Happy Hallowe'en... or Happy Samhain... or should I say Happy All-Souls Day? October 31 has significance in many traditions and has evolved over time to mean a variety of things. You could read internet articles for hours on this subject. Hallowe'en used to be my favourite day of the year, as I loved to wear costumes as a child. This carried over to my adult life, and I dressed up most years, whether it was to party late into the night as a teen and young adult, taking my kids out when they were little, or dressing up for parties at work. I always loved to find a costume at minimal cost. I didn't see the fun in buying a ready-made costume, when I could raid a thrift shop, an old box of clothes in the basement, my husband's hats, my kids' clothes and my own make-up stash. That provided a challenge! Over the years, I have dressed as an angel, a devil, a mermaid, a pirate, an alien, a clown, a lumberjack, an Asian princess, an ice queen, a flapper, a punk rocker, a groupie, a hippie and more. I also went through a phase of my life when I dabbled in Wicca, and celebrated some of its feast days, including Samhain. I attended some goddess parties complete with costumes, crystal balls and rituals. It was then that I learned that Hallowe'en was based on the traditions of earth religions, and melded with traditional religions over time. I like the concept of All Souls Day. I know there is a historical component that may be a little morbid or even spooky, but my simplified version includes the acknowledgment that this day is when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, and we are more likely to be able to communicate with those who are in the spirit world. Today, I remember my ancestors and deceased loved ones, as well as the angelic realm and other unseen guides and spirits who are nearby, just waiting to assist us. I see my father, who died in his fifties from alcoholism. I see my mother, whose body finally gave out at age 83, although her mind was still as sharp as ever. I see my nephew who left this world at a young age, and a sister who was stillborn. I see both sets of grandparents, two of whom passed well into their nineties. I see all these people and more as peaceful spirits who served their purpose in the role that I knew them, fulfilled that purpose and moved on. It is not for us as human beings to really understand why some people die in infancy or their teen years and others approach the century mark. Our human hearts ache to hold on to our loved ones, while deep-down, our spirits know that all is well. Today is a great day to speak to those loved ones, to acknowledge that although their bodies are gone, they still exist. According to the first law of thermodynamics, "energy cannot be created or destroyed; it just changes from one form to another." That includes the energy of a loved one. We can acknowledge and sense that energy, and be comforted, knowing that our loved ones don't leave; they just transform. This is a great time to call in Archangel Azrael. He will help us to deal with issues of loss and grief over our deceased loved ones, as well as to help them to cross over gently and without fear. I am reminded of a friend who died twice (so far!). She died in childbirth and she also died in a car accident. She sensed the light and peace and wanted nothing more than to "go into the light", as it were. Both times, she was sent back because she had not yet completed her life purpose. Her story lets me know that death is nothing to fear and that although we may miss our deceased loved ones, they are living in light and peace and we need not worry about them. So take some time today, amidst the ghosts and goblins and candy and pumpkins, to send love to those on the other side and be open to receiving their love in return. Remember them with love and joy; they have never left us. And one day, when it is our turn to cross over, we will not leave those who are around us now. Happy... um, whatever day this is to you! If you like this blog, please click "Like" below and recommend it to your friends! 
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This is the third in a "Getting to Know the Archangels" series. There will be a total of fifteen. Do you ever feel flat and uninspired? Are you looking for ways to make your mind work for you rather than against you? Do you need to expand your intellect and ability to succeed in scholastic endeavours? Could you use a little help with creative problem-solving? Would some new ideas and insight make a difference in your life? It is time to bring the glorious golden-yellow energy of Archangel Uriel into your life. Uriel oversees the realm of intellect and you can find him primarily in two areas of the body. He is the guardian of the third chakra, which is our centre of power and intellect. He is also found in the sixth chakra, which is our intuitive centre. Visualize, sense and experience Uriel through these two royal colours dancing together: ribbons of yellow-gold intertwined with deep, rich purple threads. Although I had heard of Uriel, I did not think too much about him one way or another. Attending the Angel Therapy Practitioner® Course changed everything for me. I realized that I have been working closely with Archangel Uriel my entire life and he is one of my personal guides, but did not have an understanding or a name for it until now. Uriel is associated with claircognizance, which is the extrasensory quality of clear knowing. That is the "clair" that most deeply resonates with me, the ability to know things that I shouldn't really know, rationally speaking. It is deeply comforting to be able to identify this familiar energy as Uriel. I was born under the sun-sign Gemini, which tends to be associated with a quicksilver mind, one that constantly shoots off in all directions. I am an idea generator with little wheels and gears that never seem to stop. Some people cannot sleep because of worry; for me, it is because of creative energy coursing through me that gets the adrenaline going. This makes me pop out of bed at odd hours to write something down or make notes about a new project I want to try. I have not found any sources that link Uriel with Gemini but intuitively I know he is a profound underlying influence. Archangel Uriel has a mysterious record in religious texts and traditions. He is named as one of the four cardinal archangels in some, along with Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. He is referenced by different names in others. He was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, then had this honour revoked. The Anglicans still revere him as the Patron Saint of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and use this little intercessional prayer to invoke him: Oh holy Saint Uriel, intercede for us that our hearts may burn with the fire of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Assist us in co-operating with the graces of our confirmation that the gifts of the Holy Spirit may bear much fruit in our souls. Obtain for us the grace to use the sword of truth to pare away all that is not in conformity to the most adorable Will of God in our lives, that we may fully participate in the army of the Church Amen. Although Archangel Uriel does not yet have his own Hollywood movie, as does Michael, there is no shortage of references to Uriel in literature and pop culture. John Milton celebrates Uriel in Paradise Lost as "the sharpest-sighted spirit in all of Heaven" with guardianship of the Orb of the Sun. In Joseph Haydn's masterpiece Creation, Uriel is the voice of the tenor. Uriel even appears in a Dean Koontz novel as well as other books, poems, television shows and video games. I see him as a glowing figure with his arms outstretched at his sides, with his palms facing out, with the yellow light of intellect radiating from him. He is often depicted with a candle or light, as he illuminates the darkness with wisdom, understanding, intellect and inspiration. Call on Uriel when you are studying or need to recall facts or information; when you are stuck and can't figure out a solution; when you need to find just the right words to help someone else. Surround yourself with Uriel's light to keep your mind sharp and your wisdom readily accessible. For something completely different, we'll end with The Heavens are Telling, a classical piece from Haydn's Creation, featuring Uriel on tenor. (Note: the card at the top of the page is from Doreen Virtue's Life Purpose Deck.) If you like this blog, please click "Like" below and recommend it to your friends! Manifestation has been a hot topic for quite a few years now, particularly since The Secret made this principle so mainstream. We eat this up, don't we? We want to know what the secret really is and how to make it come true in our lives. We hope that if we dream of winning the lottery, we will then magically find the winning ticket in our hands the next day. If only it were so simple, but it doesn't seem to work that way! And why doesn't it? I think about this quite a lot. Like many, I have read and tried many things and don't always see results, especially the results I want. So is there one formula that works? My conclusion is that there are many elements to manifestation. I got two powerful messages this week, from two of my mentors. The first came from Cheryl Richardson. I listened to her most recent Laser Coaching session on YouTube, and this line really stuck out for me: Affirmations plus consistent actions create miracles. I believe in the whole movement of cognitive change. Change your thoughts, change your life. Affirm positive things until they replace the negative programming in our minds. Cheryl takes this one step further by reminding us that actions are needed in order for our lives to shift. Does it do any good to say, "I now live in my dream home surrounded by abundance with a loving life partner" and then sit on the couch waiting for it to happen? But wait. The second mentor with a message on this topic this week was Doreen Virtue. In a telephone interview on the Aware Show, she answered a listener's question by saying that we only need to ask for our dreams once. She used the example of ordering a sandwich. We place our order once, and then wait for the sandwich to be delivered. We don't follow the server into the kitchen, questioning when the sandwich will be ready. This is quite a different perspective. The equation is a little different from Cheryl's. It seems to be: Asking plus trusting equals manifestation. There is no mention of actions. So which is it? I have come to believe that life has its cycles, and there is a time to be active and a time to be passive. I know there are some days when I have a very active energy, and I want to go out and Do, Accomplish, Make Things Happen. On these days, I take lots of actions and act on my inspirations and instinct. It's like I am in a fabulous boat in a river and I am fishing. I feel energetic and enthusiastic, knowing it is a great day to reel things in. Sometimes I row upstream because something there catches my attention. I throw my line out and hook all sorts of objects and opportunities. I am using affirmations plus consistent actions and miracles result. Other days, a more passive energy takes over and I know I must Wait, Be Patient, Trust. On those days, things can come to me effortlessly. It's like I am floating in a stream and I do not know its destination. I still bring my positive intent, but I just relax and let the stream carry me. Objects and opportunities float along with me and become part of my experience. It's a totally different way of doing things, but the result is still that I get what I want. One is not better than the other; it's a matter of balance. It's a matter of staying in tune with life, inside me and around me, and then I'll know which energy will work best for me at that time. Searching for work is a great example in my life of how these two energies work at different times. When I was a teen, I needed a summer job, and got a position babysitting a houseful of young children. This was not a good match for me, but I needed money so I took it. A few days later, I rode with my friend to the gas station so she could fill up her car. The gas station manager was a family friend of hers, and out of the blue, he offered me a job! I worked the 3-11 shift for a year and paid my way through my first year of college with this job. This is an example of being in the flow and allowing life to take care of me. The universe and I both knew that I needed a job, and but the universe had a better idea of how it should look, and I was handed this job on a silver platter. A few years ago, I found myself needing a job, and I was more active in my approach. I wrote down my requirements. I talked to a few friends and brainstormed. I was led to an agency I had never even heard of before, and was immediately offered a position that exactly filled my needs. Now I find myself "unemployed". I am not nervous or worried. I absolutely know the right thing is brewing for me. I am affirming my abundance. I am affirming that the universe always takes care of me. I am exploring the unique opportunities that have presented themselves. And I am open: it doesn't matter to me whether I have to paddle upstream to catch my symbolic fish, or whether I lay back and let the fish hop into my boat. At the end of the day, I know I'll get my fish! I'll end this musing with a great old song by the Byrds, recorded in 1965. The lyrics are taken from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. I don't necessarily agree with each point, but the message is that there is a season for everything and it is all in Divine Order. Let's ask Archangel Haniel to help us to be in touch with our own inner seasons so that we can manifest the amazing life that already exists in our dreams. To everything - turn, turn, turn A time to build up, a time to break down A time to gain, a time to lose
There is a season - turn, turn, turn A time to dance, a time to mourn A time to rend, a time to sew And a time for every purpose A time to cast away stones A time to love, a time to hate under heaven A time to gather stones together A time of peace, I swear it's not too late! A time to be born, a time to die A time of war, a time of peace A time to plant, a time to reap A time of love, a time of hate A time to kill, a time to heal A time you may embrace A time to laugh, a time to weep A time to refrain from embracing -The Byrds, 1965 If you like this blog, please click "Like" below and recommend it to your friends!  This is the second in a "Getting to Know the Archangels" series. There will be a total of fifteen.
As the old saying goes, "You learn something new every day." Last week, on September 29 in fact, I learned that it was Michaelmas. This is something I had never heard of before. Thank goodness for social media; this is how I found out that people around the world were celebrating the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. As an Angel Therapy Practitioner® and as a former practicing Catholic, perhaps I should have known this beforehand. My experience as a Catholic, however, was that we knew very little about the Bible, its stories and many of its key characters. As an ATP, I am now making it my business to get to know fifteen archangels on a personal basis. Archangel Michael is probably the most well-known, across the board. Whether it is through religion, spiritual studies, symbolism or Hollywood, Michael seems to be widely known and loved. Hey, how many archangels actually get their own movie? Through my ATP teachings, I believe Archangel Michael has two primary roles. One, he is the protector, and is often depicted with a sword. Michael's second role is to help us with our life purpose. Michael is the only archangel referenced in the Bible by name (according to some sources... I am no expert!). He is the defender of all that is good and pure, and works relentlessly against evil, bringing demons and dragons to his feet in submission. Personally, I have a somewhat updated view of Michael. He is there to protect us from anyone with less than positive intentions toward us and unknown situations. He uses his mighty sword not to wound and kill, but to slash through any unhealthy energetic ties that we may have with others. As for the sword, it is made of light, not metal. Michael also has an extensive collection of healing tools in addition to his sword. We as ATPs are trained in the use of his sacred vacuum cleaner, but I have also seen his sacred pruning shears, pliers and tweezers! He will use anything to help us release unhealthy energy lines. He is the one to call on when you need to feel safe and protected. Michael's other major job is to help us with our life purpose. He is there to send signs, messages and clarity when we are struggling to figure out what we should be doing, or when we know what we want to do but don't know where to start. As with any angel, we must ASK Michael to come into our lives. In fact, you can even ask him to move into your home! Angels can be everywhere at any time; there is no such thing as monopolizing an angel. Often when I do group work, I imagine seven Michaels surrounding the six clients and myself (I always sneak myself in when doing angel therapy!) and he is able to split himself into as many parts as needed. There are several ways you might know Archangel Michael is with you. Deep blue, purple and gold are traditionally associated with him but I experience him in the colour electric blue. These colours, the image of his sword and feelings of warmth may indicate his presence. You may get specific messages from him if you work with oracle cards. He may show up in your dreams to guide you and speak to you. I also experience Michael most strongly in the third and fifth chakras: the power and communication centres. I knew from a very early age that I was protected. I didn't have the language to name Archangel Michael, but as I began a conscious spiritual path in my mid-thirties, I was drawn to anything to do with him. The meditation groups I attended often spoke of Michael, and that felt very familiar and comforting to me. I sensed that he'd been with me always. I believe that many of us feel very connected to Archangel Michael to the point of being his symbolic children or his crew. It's as though we are lightworkers who directly answer to Michael, our supervisor. Are you a Child of Michael? I had a profound experience while doing a healing session on a woman who was to become one of my closest friends. I was doing energy healing at her throat and I had a strong feeling of someone standing beside me. It was so tangible that I had to open my eyes and look, and of course, there was no one there. After the treatment was finished, I asked my friend to draw an angel card to get a message, and she drew the one that said Michael. That confirmed what I'd suspected: that he had been standing beside me and assisting in the healing. Michael is to archangels as lavender is to aromatherapy: multi-purpose, appropriate for almost any situation, easily accessible and reasonably priced! Well, Michael is actually free. In addition to protecting and advising, he can fix electronics, charge batteries, make mechanical repairs and keep us safe on our travels. Archangel Michael is just waiting for you to call on him. If you like this blog, please click "Like" below and recommend it to your friends! |
AuthorI am a Mystic Angel with some Fairy energy whose Life Purpose is to learn, teach and share the esoteric and mysterious. Archives
June 2014
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