A “Live Your Faith” Spiritual Challenge! October 8, 2009

Hello Dear Readers!  This idea came to me, and I hope you all will enjoy it, or at least find it a bit intriguing:

Life can be challenging.  And living out your spiritual ideals in day-to-day life can be especially tricky sometimes.  So, I’ve decided to post “challenges” occasionally.  This is in NO WAY meant to be a competition, or to pressure anyone.  I just know it’s helpful for me to ask myself “what do I need to work on?  How can I challenge myself to be a better person, and let go of things that are keeping me back or bringing me down?”

So go ahead and give the challenge a try!

Challenge 1: Forgive

Forgive someone who has hurt you (on a large scale or a small scale)/Forgive yourself for something/Forgive a situation.

By holding onto resentment, anger and hurt, we end up poisoning ourselves.  Our emotions get tinged with negativity whenever we think of that person or situation.  Although your anger may be completely justified, try to forgive.  And believe me, I know how difficult it can be.  When we are angry it helps us feel empowered. Letting go of anger can leave us feeling deflated and reeling from disappointment and regret; so it seems so much better to stay angry.  But if you give yourself time to work through the emotions, then you can reach a state of true resolution (and hopefully peace).  Even if you can’t fully forgive, at least start the process by affirming that you WANT to forgive.  This allows compassion and forgiveness to gain a stronger foothold.

 

How is your spiritual challenge of forgiveness going?  How easy or difficult is it for you?

A Beautiful Prayer October 4, 2009

This prayer is taken from the book Brida by Paulo Coelho.  The first part is said by a Magus and the second prayer is said by Brida -the main character who is in training as a witch.  I say both prayers together.

 

“We are human beings, Lord, and we do not know our own greatness.  Lord, give us the humility to ask for what we need, because no desire is vain and no request is futile.  Each if us knows how best to feed our own soul; give us the courage to see our desires as coming from the fount of Your eternal Wisdom.  Only by accepting our desires can we begin to understand who we are.  Amen.”

“Lord, help me understand that all the good things in life that happen to me do so because I deserve them.  Help me understand that what moves me to seek out Your truth is the same force that moved the saints, and the doubts I have are the same doubts that the saints had, and my frailties are the same frailties.  Help me to be humble enough to accept that I am no different from other people.  Amen.”

Feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi

Today, October 4th, is the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi!  Saint Francis founded the spiritual order known as the Franciscans, was the first person to ever receive the Stigmata (the physical manifestations of the wounds of Christ), and was well known for his connection to and healing of animals.  Hundreds (if not thousands) of people take their pets to receive blessings on this day.  Even if you do not have time to take your pet to a location where blessings are being done, you can call upon Saint Francis yourself and ask for a healing and protection for your pets.  

Since Saint Francis is so connected to animals and the outdoors, take the time to spend part of the day enjoying nature!  Connect with Saint Francis and ask for his guidance, peace, and to help you follow your heart.  If you’d like, you can say the popular Prayer of Saint Francis, written below.  (Personally, I do not believe that you need to subscribe to one particular faith in order to call on a Holy figure from that path.  All Holy beings exist in a state of Love; so anyone can call on them – no matter what spiritual path you do or do not affiliate with.)

 

"Scenes from the Life of Saint Francis: Stigmatisation of Saint Francis", Giotto, 1325, Fresco, Bardi Chapel - Florence

 Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

when there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so

much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand,

to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is pardoning that we’re pardoned,

and it is in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

Crystal of the Week – Citrine October 1, 2009

Self confidence, focus and business success are not always easy things to maintain.  Which is why it’s wonderful to have a stone like Citrine around that can bolster these aspects of your life!  This beautiful gemstone corresponds to the Solar Plexus chakra and ranges in color from bright yellow, to yellow-brown, to almost clear. 

I’ve found that citrine is an almost “self-clearing” stone; meaning that it does not retain negative energy as much as other stones, and doesn’t require cleansing as often. (It is still a good idea to clear out the stone occasionally.)

 Since it is a stone that helps memory and focus, citrine is an excellent stone for students to use.  Place a piece on your desk or take it with you when you are studying.  I would sometimes take a small piece of citrine (and another gemstone, fluorite) into exams with me and hold them when I felt “stuck” on an answer. 

 Citrine is also wonderful to have with you during job interviews or in any social situation.  Something that I have had success with is a citrine necklace!  You may be thinking….”But she just said citrine corresponds to the Solar Plexus chakra.  Why would you wear a citrine necklace where it will be working with the Throat Chakra?”  Well, since citrine promotes confidence and personal power, wearing it by your throat helps you speak confidently and with authority.  I’m sure mixing the necklace with blue stones such as lapis would create an even stronger effect!

 This gemstone is also believed to bring good luck and good fortune (especially in business ventures).  It gives off such positive and happy energy that I’ve found it can help bring new friends into your life.  Or, strengthen friendships that you already have.

 A very dear friend of mine got me a piece of citrine about two weeks ago and I have been meditating with it every night.  Since this piece of citrine was a gift, I feel like it’s properties are even stronger because the stone was given out of loving friendship.  The effects are wonderful!  I’m taking better care of myself (taking more time to dress nicely, eat better, and spend time with friends).  Even when I’m very sleepy and can’t do a focused meditation, I take just a minute to lay down with the citrine placed on the very center of my Solar Plexus chakra.  Every time I use it I can feel the citrine powerfully clear out and strengthen my chakra. 

 It really is a multi-layered stone so I’m sure you can find a way to use citrine in your life!

 

Properties:  Confidence, Personal power, Studying, Success, Good Luck, Good Fortune

Charge of the God September 24, 2009

(The Charge of the Goddess was posted on 9-17-09, if you would like to read both together.)

The Horned God - Cernunnos; Artist info was not listed with image.

Charge of the God

Listen to the words of the Great Father, who of old was called Osiris,
Adonis, Zeus, Thor, Pan, Cernunnos, Herne, Lugh and by many other
names:

“My Law is Harmony with all things.
Mine is the secret that opens the gates of life and mine is the dish of salt of the
earth that is the body of Cernunnos that is the eternal circle of rebirth.
I give the knowledge of life everlasting, and beyond death I give the promise of
regeneration and renewal.
I am the sacrifice, the father of all things, and my protection blankets the earth.”

Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirs the
winds, whose voice calls the seasons:

“I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light, sun among the clouds
and the secret of the flame
I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me.
For I am the flesh of the earth and all its beings.
Thru me all things must die and with me are reborn.
Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold all acts of willing sacrifice
are my rituals.
Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing
within you.
For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all
beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings.”

~(I am not sure who wrote this version of the Charge of the God.  If anyone finds out who it is, please let me know! Thanks!)

What does The Charge of the God evoke within you?

Crystal of the Week – Mahogany Obsidian September 22, 2009

I chose this Crystal of the Week with Mabon in mind – Blessed Mabon to you all!!! (For information about Mabon, please see the entry Mabon 2009 (The Autumnal Equinox) which was posted on 9-18-09.)

Mahogany Obsidian is an interesting stone that lends a variety of properties when used.  Even during periods when I am not actively working with it, I enjoy picking up my piece of Mahogany Obsidian to feel what energy is coming from it that day.  Mahogany Obsidian always gives off the aspect of its energy that the user most needs (or perhaps we unconsciously draw the aspect we most need from the stone?)

There are really three main components that I feel make Mahogany Obsidian such a diverse stone.

Fire – Like all obsidian, mahogany obsidian was formed from lava.  The Fire component of this stone gives it energy, vitality, inspiration and passion.  It also engenders courage and confidence in the user.

Iron – This form of obsidian gets its red-brown mahogany coloring from iron particles that were trapped as the lava cooled.  The iron enables this stone to give the user strength, determination and conviction.  As the fire aspect helps the user have inspiration and courage, the iron aspect then helps in maintaining that courage and ensures the user’s strength of will.

Earth – Although the iron technically makes up the “earth” part, I wanted to talk about the rock aspect itself.  Mahogany obsidian can just give off a very earthy vibe!  It’s great.  Really grounding and stabilizing.  It’s like the last part of this amazing triple action team!  After the fire sparks inspiration/courage/passion the iron maintains/strengthens it, and then the earth ground and stabilizes everything.  How awesome is that!?!  The earth properties also give mahogany obsidian excellent protection energy.

I realized one day that I had been overlooking other really obvious elemental connections:

WATER and AIR – There is always a certain amount of water content included.  Sometimes the water bubbles are visible to the naked eye in certain forms of obsidian.  But even if they aren’t, they can usually be spotted easily with a microscope.  Water lends the mahogany obsidian emotional balance.

And of course the lava is cooled by air.  Air gives the stone the properties of communication and clear thinking.

So overall this is a great stone!  Fire and Earth are the strongest energies in Mahogany obsidian, but all the elements harmonize together to help the user in multiple ways.

I encourage you to use Mahogany Obsidian as a way to do a daily “Self-reflection.”  Sit quietly with your mahogany obsidian and see what aspect/element reaches out to you most strongly.  Write down your observations and see how it changes over the course of about two weeks (or whatever length of time works for you.  You can also try doing it once a week and just make sure you do it for about 8 weeks, if you don’t have time to do it daily).  Did the obsidian share more of its Iron aspect with you?  Or perhaps you received grounding energy?  Or a boost of energy?  Make a note of any messages, thoughts and energy shifts that happen when working with mahogany obsidian.  Going back and reading your daily reflections will help you see patterns that might point out areas you need to work on.

Properties:  Strength, Courage, Grounding, Protection, Willpower, Self-reflection

I enjoy posting this as the Crystal of the Week on Mabon since it has such a balance of elements within itself, and Mabon is a time of balance.  It also reflects the “harvesting” idea in a nice way.  After the action of the lava bubbling up and cooling (which reflects the summer months of growth), the rock is harvested with all its wonderful properties solidified (which resonates with the completion of goals and reaping of blessings that occurs at the end of harvest time).  Plus, the stone itself is a pretty autumn color!

Enjoy!  And again, Blessed Mabon!

Mabon 2009 (The Autumnal Equinox) September 18, 2009

Ahhh, autumn is upon us and it’s time to celebrate the progression of the seasons!  Tuesday, September 22, 2009 is Mabon, also known as the Autumnal Equinox.

Mabon is a Sabbat, a day when we celebrate Nature’s cycle of progression.  There are eight Sabbats which make up the Wheel of the Year.

Our ties to the cycles of Earth can be roughly placed into four categories: Planting, Growing, Harvesting, and Planning.  The Sabbats represent the start of these phases, and their midway points throughout the year.

Mabon is a Sabbat of the harvest time.  The last of the harvest is traditionally completed during this period, making Mabon a day to reflect on all that you have achieved, or harvested, in your life.  Be sure to give thanks for all that you have been blessed with.

Mabon is when day and night are of equal length.  (Mabon’s counterpoint is Ostara, or the Spring Equinox – the only other day of the year when day and night are equal).  The Earth reaches a perfect balancing point of experiencing Light and Dark.  This is a powerful time to achieve balance in your own life.  Take time to give thanks and then reflect on the things you need to bring into balance.

One of the things I most look forward to during the year is watching the sun set on Mabon.  On this Sabbat the sun sets directly in the west!  (Because of the Earths rotation during the course of the year, the sun doesn’t actually set directly in the West like it will on Mabon!)

Seeing the day actually shift into night, and knowing that it is equal, creates a profound sense of balance and connectedness.

I absolutely love gathering with my friends and preparing to watch the sunset together.  It’s even better if you have autumn season foods to snack on – apples, apple pies, corn bread, anything with cinnamon (yummy!) and so on.  Use appropriate Mabon colors to decorate with such as brown, orange and red.    Even if you are not doing a big ceremony, it’s still fun to decorate, eat and be with your friends on a Sabbat!

A small ritual you can do together (or on your own!) is to pour a drink such as apple juice, wine, or even water into a single cup (a chalice if you have one).  Take turns passing the cup around and as it gets to each person, say one thing you are abundantly grateful to have harvested into your life.  In this way you are blessing the liquid with your gratitude.  When everyone has given their thanks, pour the liquid onto the Earth so she can absorb your thanks for all she has given you.

Another ritual you can do on Mabon is a Self Balancing ritual.  I like to use two candles – one white and one black – in order to represent the equal day and night.  You can write down a list of things you need to bring into balance, and then burn the paper in the candle flames (be careful and have water nearby!).  Or you can just stare at the flames and let them help bring you into a meditation where you journey inward to achieve balance.  Whatever you feel moved to do!  It can be as simple as writing in your journal!

Mabon is the final Sabbat of the Wheel of the year, a time of culmination.  In October we celebrate Samhain (Halloween).  Samhain is a time of simultaneous beginnings and endings, when the veils between the worlds are thinnest.  Samhain is called the Witches New Year, and I see it almost as the Void before the birth of the God at Yule.  It is when Yule comes around that rebirth really starts to happen.

But we will talk more about Samhain in October.  For now…Blessed Mabon!!!

What are your Mabon plans?

Charge of the Goddess September 17, 2009

"Spirit of the Elements" by Josephine Wall

Charge of the Goddess

Listen to the words of the Great Mother,
who of old was called
Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite,
Cerridwen, Diana, Arionrhod, Brigid,
and by many other names:

Whenever you have need of anything,
once a month, and better it be when the moon is full,
you shall assemble in some secret place
and adore the spirit of Me Who is Queen of all the Wise.

You shall be free from slavery,
and as a sign that you be free you
shall be naked in your rites.
Sing, feast, dance, make music and love,
all in My presence,
for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit
and Mine also is joy on Earth.

For My law is love unto all things.
Mine is the secret that opens
the door of youth,
and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is
the Cauldron of Cerridwen,
that is the holy grail of immortality.

I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal,
and beyond death I give peace and freedom
and reunion with those that have gone before.

Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold,
I am the Mother of all things
and My love is poured out upon the Earth.

Hear the words of the Star Goddess,
the dust of Whose feet are the hosts of Heaven,
Whose body encircles the universe.

I who am the beauty of the green earth
and the white moon among the stars
and the mysteries of the waters,
I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me.

For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe.
From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.
Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices,
for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.
Let there be beauty and strength,
power and compassion,
honour and humility,
mirth and reverence within you.

And you who seek to know Me,
know that the seeking and yearning will avail you not,
unless you know the Mystery:
for if that which you seek,
you find not within yourself,
you will never find it without.

For behold,
I have been with you from the beginning,
and I am That which is attained at the end of desire.

~As adapted by Starhawk

What does the Charge of the Goddess evoke within you ?

Art Meditations – The Sensual Surrender to Art September 16, 2009

Artwork:The Open Window, Matisse

I realize that art on a spiritual blog may not be quiet expected.  However, it is one of the many mediums that humankind has used over the centuries to reach the Sublime.  I’ve found that looking at art is a way of absorbing the collective creativity and passion of generations before.

The more obvious choices for art meditations would be religious art, and I will definitely be using those later on.  But I wanted to start with a secular piece in order to highlight that Spirit is incorporated into every work.  Every manifestation of Inspiration, Beauty and Creativity is a work of the All Creator.

I am experiencing art in a new way.  As a student of art history I have had the privilege of learning remarkable facts and stories surrounding works of art and the artists who brought them into fruition. When I look at “The Open Window” I realize that there are many things I can tell you about it.  I can give you information about Matisse himself and his companions in the Fauvist movement.  I can tell you the date it was painted and the medium that was used, and what significance it plays in the world of art.  But those things are for the classroom where I learned them.  That time of my life has come to an end and I realize it’s time to see what significance art plays in my world.  How does this painting transcend the limits of time to become an active part of my reality?  It is time to go beyond facts, and beyond the awe of seeing a work of art in person.  In order to grow and truly understand the works I must absorb them into my very psyche; break them down and perceive them through the illumination of my own experiences.

When you do this, the work becomes a personal reflection of your life and your relationship is undeniably intimate.  You understand the work in a way nobody else ever will.  A secret exists between you and the art.  Tangible.  Alluring.  Frightening.  Arousing.  Unforgettable.

Surrender to art and you will forever be changed.

“When I put a green, it is not grass.  When I put a blue, it is not the sky.” ~Henry Matisse

"The Open Window" Henri Matisse, 1905, Oil on Canvas

Take the time to meditate on the painting and see what happens.

Pay close attention and analyze as many details as possible.  Be a
critical viewer.  When you have thoroughly examined the painting,
allow yourself to relax and sink into the image.  Don’t consciously
analyze things anymore – just let it flow.  You’ll start to realize
ways in which the painting relates to aspects of your own life.

**There is NO right or wrong way to do this exercise.  Just relax, enjoy and appreciate whatever comes to you.**

If you would like, feel free to read about my own meditation experience:

When I enter “The Open Window” I enter into a world of vitality, potential and serenity.  My Inner Child responds to the bright colors and texture of the brushstrokes.  By connecting with my Inner Child I am able to experience the painting more fully.  It is not just my Middle Self (or Talking Self) that is engaged.

As I am absorbed into the painting I realize how well I resonate with the imagery.  I can place myself in the work.  I am standing just in front of the window.  While it is a beautiful view I am not able to see everything.  I am only capable of seeing the one path in front of me.  In order to see the entire panorama I must move beyond the window.  This is a reflection of a life lesson I must learn.  In order to really see what options are available to me, I must go beyond the limitations I have set for myself.  The window is already open for me, but I must follow through and ACT.  Otherwise I will continue to sit and observe the ships (opportunities) come and go.  It is comfortable to stay inside the room because it is familiar and non-threatening.  Just as in life it is easy to stay where I am because it is familiar.  Even though I might yearn for a change…I might yearn to leave the window and actually find a way to go outside and get on a boat…it is so much easier to stay where I am.  Because when I make a change I am taking a chance and taking charge of my own life.  And that is scary.  What if I make a mistake?  What if I choose the wrong boat (wrong direction to follow)?

Then I realize: even if I choose the wrong boat at least I am still out on the Ocean.  At least I am still having an adventure and can now see all the options and beauty around me.  I am no longer passively watching, but acting and taking chances.  I might have to switch over to many other boats, maybe even take a rest stop on an island somewhere, and then start sailing again to get to my end destination.  But the voyage is necessary and worthwhile.  I use my joy and passion as a compass, and sail on fearlessly.

What was your experience like while meditating on The Open Window?

Crystal of the Week – Hemimorphite September 15, 2009

Keywords: Listening, Self Confidence, Inner Guidance, Ascended Masters/Spirit Guides, Balance, Energy Assimilation

Hemimorphite is a stone that I have been working with for a relatively short period of time.   One of my friends sent me earrings made of the stone last year for my birthday.  I had never heard of it before!  It’s a light blue stone that looks similar to pale pieces of turquoise.  I love that my first pieces of hemimorphite came set in earrings because they helped me be quiet and listen.  Blue stones are always great for communication.   Since your Throat Chakra is blue energy, blue stones help aid in balancing and strengthening the chakra.  But sometimes it becomes so easy to communicate yourself to other people by talking and talking, that we forget to listen.   I know it’s something that I have to remind myself of.  So having hemimorphite close to my ears helps me maintain the communication balance by listening more.

I’ve also found that it helps me listen to my inner guidance, and assists in getting clear messages from my Angels, Spirit Guides, and other helpful beings such as Ascended Masters.  I think this is because of hemimorphite’s very high energetic vibration.  It is beneficial to the Crown Chakra and can help the user gently assimilate higher energies.  It is a good idea to use hemimorphite often, as it will aide you in opening and maintaining channels of communication with your Guides.  Another aspect of this is it’s ability to help you “open” and focus while meditating.

An exercise that I find to be very soothing is to lay down comfortably and place a piece of hemimorphite on my heart chakra. I close my eyes and let my thoughts wander.  Sometimes I ask questions about things going on in my life, and then I just drift along and don’t push for answers.  I’ve found that hemimorphite helps link the Heart and Mind, so that you create or find solutions to problems that are in accordance with both.   As a message on a Yogi Tea bag reads: “The head must bow to the heart.”   I really like that quote and I feel like hemimorphite can help establish that.

In addition, this exercise boosts my self confidence and strengthens my faith in myself.   I feel energized and renewed when I work with hemimorphite.