Metaphysical Musings

Have you ever met someone who, within a few minutes of conversation, felt like a long-lost friend?  Or, conversely, been introduced to someone described as a “really great person” and yet you cannot get away from this individual fast enough?  To not trust someone you have just met is every bit as illogical as feeling an almost instant connection to a complete stranger.   And in matters of the heart, I can tell you that in many of my tarot/palm readings I have sat across from men and women who have described in great detail meeting a person at a soul level – a very rare encounter with another which leaves an indelible mark on their heart, mind and palm – for the rest of this life and lifetimes to follow.  

I believe these meetings reflect past-life experiences, all part of what is known as reincarnation.  In brief, this is the premise that one is born into a physical body, lives and dies, then is reborn into another physical form.  This is a core belief in both Hinduism and Buddhism; and is quickly being embraced by many in Western society as well.  Most pagan religions  accept reincarnation as truth – however, there may be some reason to believe that even the Christian Bible speaks of this as well.  In the Book of Matthew, an intimation is made to Jesus as the returning prophet Elijah.  Also Exodus 20:4 and Psalms 90:3 make mention of this concept as well.  Leaders of the early Christian Church removed several books from the Bible in the hope of eliminating references to reincarnation at the council of Nicaea, 325 C.E.  By eliminating the idea of birth to rebirth from their doctrine and replacing it with the idea of only one lifetime per person followed by either eternal hell or heaven, their beliefs created a greater need for the Christian Church as an institution for salvation from death.  As individuals seek truth in their spiritual journey, they may find that they can break with some aspects of their religion but retain the core faith/worship.  In fact, the majority of Talisman’s patronage comes from what are called ”Mystic Christians” - those who follow the path of Christ but are open to exploring new-age concepts such as reincarnation, spirit guides, shammanic ritual, energy healing, etc. 

Along with reincarnation comes the concept of “cell memory” - that we take along with us, as we are reborn into new bodies, a cellular memory of past lives.  This can explain many phobias, i.e., why someone has a deathly fear of water (say) for no logical reason … that they may have drowned in a past life and the fear of water/drowning is carried into their current reality.

Two conditions can affect the cycle of life and death in reincarnation - karma and dharma.  “Karma” refers to the good and bad actions taken by someone during a lifetime which will sometimes determine that person’s destiny in a present incarnation.  An example of this is the belief that if you are suffering hardship and trouble in this life it is because of your actions from a past incarnation – such as someone who (in a past life) intentionally suffocated another being afflicted with chronic asthma in this life.  Recognizing the karmic debt and then changing your behavior results in the release of this debt – because you have “learned your lesson”.  Suffering in this lifetime helps achieve balance, but karmic debt is not paid until full realization followed by self-forgiveness is completed.  Dharma is the opposite of karma as it solely involves good thoughts and actions.  Karmic debt can be eliminated in a very short time when you help or serve others unselfishly, with pure motives.  Once karma is addressed, those energies driving it are neutralized and balanced.  This does not mean forgotten, for the soul always seeks to use all experiences in its journey towards perfection and reunion with its Creator.

A past life regression, when conducted responsibly through either a guided meditation or hypnotherapy, can assist in physical and emotional healing as well as the release of fears and phobias.  When past life issues are remembered and brought to the surface of the conscious mind and analyzed, it can result in the release of feelings/behaviors or lessen their impact.   The process of past life recall can help heal relationship problems by allowing recognition of negative patterns and understanding of where love/hate relationships originate.  In some situations, gifts and attributes can also be “remembered” and knowledge gained in previous lives’ can be reawakened.

Why bother to ponder or entertain these ideas and concepts?  Because the knowledge that you are eternal and are the composite of all your lifetimes allows you to understand who you truly are, why you are here, and where you are going after experiencing this realm of existence.

Blessed Be!   Laura

Nelly & Dixie

Each year over the Fourth of July holiday, our family vacations (kids and all four dogs along for the ride!) at my husband’s family camp on Fern Lake,  Vermont.  This year we arrived heavy hearted – only a day earlier we lost Dixie, a little pug/chihuahua mix, to congestive heart failure at the age of 12.  After unpacking, I took Nelly (a mini-dachshund) for a walk down the dirt road that leads to the camp, then off on a side-trail which takes you to a secluded area of the lake.  Close by, I found a rock roughly twice the size of my fist and carried it to a boulder where I could sit comfortably with it and watch the lake – and keep an eye on Nelly, too.

In the manner of the Lakota, I asked the rock to tell me a story.  I immediately saw within the outline of a small dog.  My eyes filled and, blinking away tears, I gave the rock a quarter-turn and looked again.  Before I could focus, however, I noticed a small brilliant turquoise-colored dragonfly, which settled close by.  Occaisionally I paused to gaze out onto the lake or check on Nelly – but no matter where I looked, dragonfly moved so as to to remain in my line of sight.

Turning my attention back to the rock, I saw Crane – one of my personal animal totems.  Giving another quarter-turn, I saw the outline of an antelope.  Finally, giving the rock one last turn I saw the outline of Mother Bear – a totem I both respect and fear.  Mother Bear is the spirit of Goddess Kali-Ma, a protective mother who can be driven to a murderous rage … but only if one of her young are threatened.

I translated the Stone’s story as follows:  It began by acknowledging my deep sadness at the loss of my dear little dog.  Crane came to bring peace, stability and harmony. Crane feathers are used by Native Americans in healing cermonies to take away negative energy and anger, and bring peace and harmony to a situation.  Antelope is a messenger and warns of human behavior.  Due to the proximity of Mother Bear, I realized that no matter how sad I was feeling, I needed to remain vigilant in overseeing my children, especially the five year old around the lake.   Warning heard – message heeded. 

And what about dragonfly – what lessons does he teach?   The power of Dragonfly lies in its ability to see around things by looking from different angles. Using its ability to transform colors and lights by reflecting and refracting them, Dragonfly shows us that life, like light, can bend, shift, and adapt in various ways, making life’s appearance never be what it appears to be. Dragonfly’s magic shows us to see through life’s illusions and find our true vision. It calls us to transform within our lives and reminds us to feel deeply so we will have the compassion necessary to help ourselves and others.

I said goodbye to Dragonfly, carefully put the rock back exactly where I had found it, called to Nelly and returned to the camp – less sad, and a little wiser than before.  I honor this experience – and Dragonfly – through writing and sharing this memory with you, gentle reader.  So many have asked me about divination and expressed their frustration with trying to “read” tarot or runes.  Why not take a walk in the woods or on the beach – or just visit your own back yard – and try to do a little stone storytelling yourself? 

Goddess Blessings, Laura

While I have heard mention of the 11:11 phenomenon for some time now (if you use google you will find an abundance of information) I honestly didn’t research or even pay much attention to this particular aspect of synchronicity until it began happening to me.  I never wear a watch or even feel particularly compelled to pay much attention to clocks in general, but recently, I have been having the most interesting experience.  It seems like every time I make a definitive statement, have a deja vu moment, feel I am losing patience with a situation and utter a ultimatum - I catch myself glancing at the clock (any clock – home, work or car) and invariably the time reads 11:11.  

There are several schools of thought to be considered to explain this.  One is that an individual learns of a faddish idea and then subconsciously programs themselves to a behavior, ie, “coincidentally” glancing at the clock at a certain time.   This is similar to a hypochondriac learning of an illness then manifesting its syptoms.  However, since I have been hearing ”11:11″ discussed off and on for well over two years now, I don’t think this is the case (at least not for me personally).

Doreen Virtue is a spiritual doctor of psychology and a fourth-generation metaphysician who works with the angelic, elemental, and ascended-master realms in her writings and workshops.  In her new book, Healing With Angels, she discusses the topic of recurring number patterns/sequences at length.  The following excerpt presents her take on this: 

The angels do their best to get our attention and to communicate with us. In this way, they help us heal our own lives. However, we often discount the signs they give us, writing them off as mere coincidences or our imagination. The angels say: “We can’t write our messages to you in the sky. You’ve got to pay attention and believe when you see any patterns forming in your life especially in response to any questions or prayers you’ve posed. When you hear the same song repeatedly or see the same number sequence, who do you think is behind this? Your angels, of course!” 

Your angels often communicate messages to you by showing you sequences of numbers.  They do this in two ways.  First, they subtly whisper in your ear so you’ll look up in time to notice the clock’s time or a phone number on a billboard.  The angels hope you’ll be aware that you’re seeing this same number sequence repeatedly.  For instance, you may frequently see the number sequence 111, and it seems every time you look at a clock the time reads 1:11 or 11:11.

The second way in which angels show you meaningful number sequences is by physically arranging for, say, a car to drive in front of you that has a specific license plate number they want you to see.  Those who are aware of this phenomenon become adept at reading the meaning of various license plates.  In this way, the angels will actually give you detailed messages. Here are the basic meanings of various number sequences.  However, your own angels will tell you if your situation holds a different meaning for you. Ask your angels, “What are you trying to tell me?” and they’ll happily give you additional information to help decode their numeric meanings.

111 – Monitor your thoughts carefully, and be sure to only think about what you want, not what you don’t want.  This sequence is a sign that there is a gate of opportunity opening up, and your thoughts are manifesting into form at record speeds.  The 111 is like the bright light of a flash bulb.  It means the universe has just taken a snapshot of your thoughts and is manifesting them into form.  Are you pleased with what thoughts the universe has captured?  If not, correct your thoughts (ask your angels to help you with this if you have difficulty controlling or monitoring your thoughts).

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The book is a fascinating read and I do recommend it (sorry but no, Talisman does not have it in stock at this time).   As always, it’s best to remember that thoughts DO become things – the hallmark of manifestation – and hey, knowing the angels are on your side and listening can only be a good thing, right?

Brightest Blessings,

Laura

Introduction

While researching the Indian festival of Diwali I found so many fascinating references relevant to Universal Spirituality, astrology and history that I compiled this rather lengthy blog from several sources.   Diwali (aka Deepawali or Deepavali) is the 5-day festival of light that will be celebrated by Indians throughout the world beginning on October 17th.  U.S. President Barack Obama celebrated Deepavali by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the White House amidst chanting of Vedic mantras seeking world peace, becoming the first U.S. President to personally grace the occasion.  “I think it’s fitting that we begin this work in the week leading up to the holiday of Diwali — the festival of lights — when members of some of the world’s greatest faiths celebrate the triumph of good over evil,” Mr. Obama said in his remarks on the occasion at a White House function held at its historic East Room on Wednesday.

This is for the first time that a U.S. President attended and celebrated Deepavali at the White House — thus giving an official recognition to the festival of lights celebrated across the world by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.  “This coming Saturday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting ‘Diyas’, or lamps, which symbolise the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance,” Mr. Obama said.  Among those present at the occasion were several eminent members of the Indian community, nearly half a dozen members of his Cabinet and several Indian American members of his administration.  The visiting Union Minister of Commerce, Anand Sharma, and Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Meera Shankar, were in attendance as well.

What is Deepawali?

Deepawali is the festival of light celebrated since times unknown in every part of India, from grass-thatched mud huts to palaces.   Not only Hindus and followers of other indigenous sects (Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists) but even Christians and Muslims are enthusiastic about it.   More than a religious festival or the festival of a community or race, Deepawali is perceived as the battle of light against darkness – a tiny lamp’s determination to illuminate the earth and the sky setting them free from the all-enshrouding darkness.  People see in the effort of the tiny lamp (or “diya”) their own effort to wade across the ocean of adversities, and this sense it fills them with renewed confidence and fresh vigour for the days to come.

Deepawali is the festival of renewing confidence in oneself and among all. It is a festival that inspires universal goodness and prosperity for all beyond caste and creed.  Whatever its sectarian contexts, for centuries it has attained the magnitude of a national festival which breathes a strange sense
of belonging to all.  Whether the lamp is lit in a temple or chapel, in a hut or palace, before the image of Christ, Mahavira, Buddha or Lakshmi and Ganesh or Kali - it represents essentially a desire for light, an intrinsic determination to combat darkness and the inherent compulsion for freeing oneself from all that is narrow. 

Light : The Crux Of Deepawali

Sectarian contexts apart, light imparts to Deepawali universal breadth, unique magnificence and divine dimensions rarely associated with a festival.  As light is benevolent and auspicious, light’s birth -  its emergence - is by itself a celebration.  Seers saw light as both the Supreme Creator and also the Creation.  Re-iterating Kabir, when Guru Nanak sang : ‘Eka noor te saba jaga upaya’, that is, the entire universe is born of one light; or when Prophet Mohammad uttered that the universe is nothing but the extension of His ‘noor’ (light) they both saw the Creator as a glow of light.   When a living self passes away, the wise say: ‘jyoti mein jyoti samani’, that is, the flame has merged with the Supreme Flame.   The Rig-Veda holds Surya, the sun-god, in highest reverence – for unless there is light even the manifest does not manifest.  The Upanishadic interpretation of the Rig-Vedic Sukta is far clearer.  Emergence of light is also the emergence of cosmos for even if the cosmos existed it would not manifest unless there was light.  That is why the tradition re-iterated : ‘Tamsoma jyotirgamaya’ – let the darkness depart and the light emerge.  Metaphorically or otherwise, it is by the emergence of light that the factum of Creation has been indicated, not in India but also beyond.  The Biblical tradition heralds: ‘Let there be light and the light was there’.  Here also the Supreme One desired the emergence and once the light was there, there was the Creation too.  Light is God’s verse that he writes on the face of the universe, and hence, whatever is divine is endowed with light.

This light is the endless celebration - for both man and nature.   With light is associated love, optimism, delight, festivities and everything that is auspicious, holy or divine. In its intrinsic form light is the attainment of ultimate knowledge and thereby of the supreme bliss, and thereafter there is no darkness and nothing in between the seer and the seen.  The light is, thus, the ultimate vision of this world and the world beyond, and so its celebration, a thing of this world as also of the other.

Deepawali : Its Beginning And Initial Forms

Historical evidences reveal that the earliest celebrations that the semi-civilized man organised were held around light and fire, maybe for protection against wild animals that the fire frightened, and the light alerted against emergent dangers.  Out of this people (perhaps those from early civilizations) developed their own festivals of light, independent ones discovering the glory of light, such as the Indian festival of Deepawali or those associated with some religious events such as the Christmas and the New Year in the Christian world, or the Shab-i-barat in the Islamic.  Whatever the theological contexts attached, the primary thrust of these festivals is the victory of light over darkness.

 Deepawali: In New Contexts

By “modern” times, Deepawali was now the most captivating annual event, seen as the epitome of people’s endeavour to fight against darkness, which later widened into a battle against all that was evil, dark and gloomy – the victory of good over evil.   As reflects in the entire body of Indian theology (irrespective of this or that sect) some kind of utility aspect – ethical, social, or moral - is found linked with all major religious practices and popular beliefs.  After Deepawali gained popularity among various sects, it was also linked with hygiene, strengthened ties (social and within the family), improved living and inspired charity.  As per one’s status and means every household was required to repair and put in proper shape his monsoon-worn house and disinfect it with lime-wash.  The Brahma Purana acclaimed that lighting lamps on Deepawali is as virtuous as distributing alms equal to one’s body-weight.  It cautions that one should not celebrate Deepawali unless the house has been duly cleaned and one wears new, or at least neat and clean bejeweled clothes.  Further that it is inauspicious to eat any food unless one shares it with those held in reverence, members of the family and the village, and the household servants.  

Deepawali : A Composite Festival

Deepawali celebrations stretch into a group of at least five minor festivals and thus Deepawali is a 5-day festival of composite nature.   The first of them is Dhana-Terasa (translated:  ’thirteenth, the day of wealth’) that is, two days before Deepawali – which takes place on the fifteenth (Amavasya).  Deepawali celebrations are fixed for the Amavasya night of the month of Kartika but this Amavasya is not a mathematically counted day.  It is rather the outcome of the planetary position.  The Zodiac is divided into twelve parts having twelve Zodiac signs - the cycle of the sun’s movement across them is the basis for determining both Deepawali as well as Holi, another equally popular festival of India.  Deepawali occurs on the day when the sun transits from Virgo, the sixth sign, into Libra, the seventh – a planetary position on the Kartika Amavasya.  From this Amavasya the later half of the planetary year begins. The planetary position on this day determines the prospects across the year not only of those born under this or that zodiac sign but also of society in general, as well as the entire world.  Being linked with the arrival of crops, which equips all with buying capacity, Deepawali has special meaning for traders - accordingly they maintain their account books from Deepawali to Deepawali, often maintaining this periodicity as their calendar.

First Day of Diwali
The first day of Diwali is known as ‘Dhanteras’. People renovate, decorate their houses and workplaces on this day and make traditional ‘Rangoli’ motifs on the entrance, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Lamps and candles are lit throughout the night. It is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver on this day. Many people opt for buying new utensils on this day. In Maharashtra, offerings of lightly pounded dry coriander seeds with jaggery are made to the Goddess. Rural people revere their cattle on this day and cows are considered especially auspicious.

Second Day of Diwali
On second day, people take bath before sunrise, anoint themselves with oil and ‘Ubtan’ (scrub made up of gram flour and fragrant powders). Bengalis believe that Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day. A general custom followed during the second day of Diwali is to burst crackers. People illuminate their homes with diya, to set the mood for celebrations in the following day.

Third Day of Diwali
The third day is the main day of the Diwali festival. Jains have their own religious significance of the day, because they believe that Lord Mahavir attained ‘Nirvana’ (or Eternal Bliss) on the day. Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the great saint who gave rise to Hindu Renaissance, also left the mortal world on this day. On this day, people wear new clothes and share gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives. Women prepare delicacies and whole house is illuminated with ‘diyas’ and candles. Fireworks and crackers are the kids’ favorites on this day.

Fourth Day of Diwali
On the 4th day is the ‘Govardhan-Puja’ or ‘Annakoot’. In the temples of Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are bathed with milk and adorned with precious clothes and ornaments. Then offerings of a large variety of delicacies are made to them.

Fifth Day of Diwali
The 5th day or the last day of this festival is called ‘ Bhai Duj ‘. On this day, sisters invite their brothers and their family to their homes and treat them with delicacies. In turn, brothers offer them with gifts and sweets.

Deepawali Rituals

Lakshmi is unanimously revered as the presiding deity of Deepawali.  In the Deepawali context Lakshmi is the presiding deity of riches, prosperity, fertility and well-being.  The image of Ganesh, when accompanied by his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi, has greater auspices. While Ganesh checks negatives, Riddhi and Siddhi operate and produce results.  Kali Puja is a festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new day of the Hindu month Ashwin in Bengal.  It coincides with the pan-Indian Lakshmi Puja day of Dewali.  While rest of India worships goddess Lakshmi;  Bengalis, Oriyas and Assamese adore Kali.

Conclusion

May I suggest Diwali as being a most auspicious time to light a white candle over this five-day period and join our President – and the world - in a universal prayer for peace?  

Namaste!  Laura

Whether it is his image in statuary, oil, incense, books … if it bears the name “St. Michael” then it is certain to be a best-selling item at Talisman.  Michael is generally shown with a sword, but is also depicted as holding the scales of justice or bearing a blue flame of protection.  But exactly who is Saint Michael the Archangel - and why does he have such universal spiritual appeal?

It is traditionally believed that angels were created by God on the second day of Creation (Psalm 104).  Angels are awesome and powerful beings – because they are aware of this, the first words an angel says to a human in the Bible are “Do not be afraid.”  Angels are perfect spiritual beings whose purpose is to minister, help, protect, and sustain everything created by the Divine in the Universe.  Everything – even a humble rock, or cooling breeze – has an angelic intelligence behind it to ensure that the Will of the Divine be done.  

People have always argued about the existence of angels, yet there is a large amount of information concerning angels in the ancient religious texts of most traditions.  Archangels are the best known of all the angels – and of these, Michael has always been considered the most important.  He is mentioned by name in the religious texts of Judaism, Islam and the Christian bible.  He is known as Indra in the Indian Rig Veda, Vahman in the Persian Denkard, Marduk in the Babylonian Epic of Creation, and associated with the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, who was the “weigher of souls”. 

In the Jewish tradition, Michael is seen as the keeper of the keys of heaven and the protector of Israel.  In the Islamic tradition, Mika’il (Michael) is in control of the forces of nature and has an army of angels to assist him.  According to the Gnostics, Michael was present at the creation of the universe.  In the Dead Sea Scrolls he is referred to as the Prince of Light, the warrior against darkness.  He is generally seen as the heavenly warrior who tirelessly fights the forces of evil.  

Michael gained popularity in the fourth century, and his appearance at Monte Galgano in 492 c.a. did much to help his reputation.  From the fourth century onward, he became the angel to pray to in times of crisis, especially at the moment of death.  In the fifth century, the Romans created a holiday for Michael – to this day, the Feast of Michaelmas is celebrated on September 29 each year.  During the Middle Ages, that feast became extremely important as Michael was the patron saint of knights.  Michaelmas also marked the start of autumn and the time to let go of anything no longer serving a purpose in your life (relationships, behavioral patterns, bad habits/addictions and negative thoughts).  Joan of Arc (c.1412-1431) began hearing, and eventually seeing, Saint Michael at the age of thirteen.  He constantly encouraged her, and even suggested what flag she should use when leading her troops.  At her trial, she told her judges that Michael had walked on the ground, but they did not believe her.  In 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed Michael to be the patron of policemen – an appropriate tribute to the archangel reported to have led the angels of light in a battle against the angels of darkness. 

It is interesting to note that while angels are viewed by many as highly Christianized; Michael the Archangel plays an important role in the spirituality of many modern pagans and new-ageists.  Those who follow the Strega path (Italian witchcraft) call upon the four archangels to watch over and protect their sacred space or circle.  As someone who celebrates Universal Spirituality as a Wiccan, I find it heartening when individuals celebrate (rather than abandon or scorn) aspects of the religion of their upbringing – even as they spiritually evolve and incorporate other Faiths or traditions into their own highly personal version of “worship”.   A formal means to communicate with the archangels is to light a candle.  An unlit candle represents the element Earth, but when it is lit it symbolizes all four elements:  Flame (fire – Michael); Air (smoke – Raphael); Water (melting wax – Gabriel); and Earth (candle – Uriel).  Gold is traditionally linked to Michael, so you might wish to burn a gold candle in his honor.   Rutilated quartz is a wonderful stone to use in angelic meditations (it is sometimes known as “angel hair” stone because the silver and gold inclusions inside the clear quartz look like trapped hair).  Gaze deeply into the stone and follow the strands within – you will clear your mind and center very quickly.  

It always saddens me to sit in a reading and have someone tell me they believe they have done such awful things that they are beyond redemption and undeserving of love – by either God or Mankind.   Even more distressing is the fact that I’ve heard this more than once or twice – addicts are particularly prone to this mindset.   Unscrupulous “psychics” will often take advantage of folks such as these, telling them they are “cursed” and offer to pray and work magick to lift it for them (often for a hefty fee).  But anyone can confidently call on St. Michael for help and strength. 

Perhaps that is why angels are so special – they allow us to remember the innocence and prayers of our childhood.   And Archangel Michael has been forever known for imparting courage, strength, truth, integrity and protection to those who call on him for assistance.

Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Michaelmas! 

Laura Lenhard

As noted in an earlier blog, I want to use conversations or experiences from Talisman (my new-age shop in Monroe) as blog topics in this forum.  And thus, the subject of Kundalini energy - exactly what it is, how to raise it, and why one might wish to make the effort in the first place – all of which were discussed at the shop this past weekend.  

Kundalini is a psycho-spiritual energy, which is thought to reside within the sleeping body, and is aroused either through spiritual discipline or spontaneously to bring new states of consciousness, including mystical illumination.  Kundalini is Sanskrit for “snake” or “serpent power,” so-called because it is believed to lie like a serpent in the root chakrah at the base of the spine.  The power of kundalini is said to be enormous. Those having experienced it claim it to be indescribable. The phenomena associated with it varies from bizarre physical sensations and movements, pain, clairaudience, visions, brilliant lights, superlucidity, psychical powers, ecstasy, bliss, and transcendence of self.  Kundalini has been described as liquid fire and liquid light.

Indian yoga, with its emphasis on the transmutation of energy to higher consciousness, was the chief contributor to the cultivation of kundalini and the preservation of its knowledge prior to present times. Kundalini was a rarity in the West before the 1970s until more attention became centered upon the consciousness. In 1932, for example, psychiatrist Carl G. Jung and others observed that the kundalini experience was seldom seen in the West.

However, an examination of mystical literature and traditions showed that kundalini, called by various names, seems to have been a universal phenomenon in esoteric teachings for perhaps three thousand years. Kundalini-type descriptions or experiences are found in esoteric teachings of the Egyptians, Tibetans, Chinese, some Native Americans, and the !Kung bushmen of Africa. Kundalini has been interpreted from the Bible as “the solar principle in man,” and is referenced in the Koran, the works of Plato and other Greek philosophers, alchemical tracts (the philosopher’s stone), and in Hermetic, Kabbalistic, Rosicrucian, and Masonic writings.

There has been an awakening of kundalini knowledge among the Western populations since the 1970s because of two major reasons: more people who are trained in the spiritual disciplines are likely to release the energy, and the increased number of people that are aware of kundalini are more likely to recognize its symptoms or benefits.

Not all kundalini experiences are identical to those classical awakenings experienced in yoga, but may vary in intensity and duration. Typically an individual would meditate to arouse the kundalini and then to raise it through his or her body. (It should be remembered though, not all types of yoga are devoted to the arousal of kundalini.) First, there is a feeling of  heat at the base of the spine, which may be intensely hot or pleasantly warm. The energy then travels up a psychic pathway parallel to the spinal column.  As it rises the kundalini activates the chakras in succession. The body becomes cold and corpse-like as the kundalini leaves the lower portions and begins to rise. The yogi is likely to shudder, tremble, or rock violently, feel extreme heat and cold, hear strange but not unpleasant sounds, and see various kinds of lights including an inner light. The length of the kundalini may be fleeting or last several minutes. The objective is to raise the kundalini to the crown chakra, where it brings illumination.  One would then attempt to lower the energy to another chakra, but not below the heart chakra because descent to lower chakras is thought to produce ego inflation, rampant sexual desire, and a host of other ills.  Ideally, by repeatedly raising the kundalini to the crown, the energy will permanently stay there.

It is said that kundalini opens new pathways in the nervous system; the pain associated with this apparently is due to the nervous system’s inability to immediately cope with the energy. Yogis assert that the body must be properly attuned for kundalini through yoga, and that a premature or explosive awakening can cause insanity or death.  In the final awakening of the kundalini, it has to move gradually through each chakra, and it has to remain awakened until the union happens at the crown chakra.  However, this cannot (or should not) be achieved until attachment to material things, excessive selfishness, tendency towards passion, ambition and assertiveness, as well as attachment to ego leaves the individual.

This is why all yogis and adepts advocate a long and patient preparatory stage to purify oneself so that the movement upward can be smooth and uneventful. Ultimately, although kundalini can appear to be a wholly physical phenomenon, its progress depends on one’s mastery over one’s emotions, desires and thoughts.  Writes Swami Rama of the Himalayan Institute in an article in the book, Kundalini: Evolution and Enlightenment: “To genuinely awaken kundalini, one must prepare oneself.  Without long and patient practice in purifying oneself and strengthening one’s capacity to tolerate and assimilate such a flood of energy, the awakening of this latent power would deeply disturb, disorient and confuse the student.”

Now, moving back to conversations at the shop:  There was some discrepancy in terms of the process and length of time needed to achieve illumination.  Through the use of chakra-healing meditations, it is generally a two-year process.  However, someone trained in energy manipulation (hopefully working toward the highest good) can almost instantly cause the kundalini to rise.  Because of risks involved in premature or sudden kundalini awakenings, having a guru or teacher to work with you through the process is almost unanimously viewed as being of highest importance.  Once initiated, the process cannot be halted or reversed.  One of Talisman’s readers described to me the first time her kundalini rose – and she experienced a petit mal seizure, and wound up hospitalized!  In other words, this isn’t an experience one would forget or attribute to anything minor – it is a stellar event with long lasting ramifications.

Kundalini is fairly infamous because of yet another way in which it can be raised:  Tantric sexual practices.   Here, copulation takes place up to the point of orgasm – at which time, you cease and immediately move into meditation - channeling the unreleased orgasmic energy through the chakras and clearing the way for the kundalini to rise.   Apparently, this is viewed by many gurus as a less enlightened pathway.  There are also more risks involved because the chakras and nervous system may not be sufficiently prepared for the energy burst.  

Last, there is the question of WHY would one wish to raise their Kundalini?  Well, plainly spoken – for the potential connection to the Universal consciousness and amplified intuitional knowledge.  It is believed that you may become more empathic and sometimes telepathic.  You may also develop a higher IQ, greater sensitivity, occasional psychic abilities, slower aging, superhuman strength, creativity, alpha sexual attraction, charisma, leadership, luck, sense of calm, increased wisdom, and experience of spirituality.  It’s not a bad exchange for regular meditation!

Myself, I have not experienced this state of being.  While I meditate regularly and do my best to ascribe to a fairly spiritual and naturopathic  lifestyle, I am content in the belief that  if or when I am meant for this – then the process will be facilitated.  For anyone  interested in learning more, I would advise cleansing lifestyle changes including diet modifications, time allowances for regular/deliberate meditation, adopting a study of Reiki or other energy-based healing modality – and remember the wise words “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

Fools rush in … !

Gently yours, Laura

Have you ever had that awful feeling in the pit of your stomach that something was about to go terribly wrong?  It reminds me of the feeling I’ve gotten after being strapped into the seat of one of those insane roller coasters.  The feeling of dread begins as it ascends to the top – click, click, click – and with each “click” you realize you are in no way prepared for what is about to occur.  You eventually reach the top and then are summarily dropped, plummeting to the bottom – you’re spun, turned and flipped upside-down … finally returned to the station, completed wrung out and shaking … but still alive.  Barely.

That’s what I’m talking about.

That feeling has been dogging me for some time now.   Apparently with due cause this month – the planetary lineup in September is abysmal for us Pisceans.   My dearest friend Kim alerted me (in typically understated Scorpio manner) by asking if I had ever checked out astrologer Susan Miller’s predictions on her site www.astrologyzone.com – and if not, perhaps I might want to.

So I did.  Oy vey!

Before I open this particularly nasty can of worms, allow me to make note of the fact that the three astrological signs most easily “recognized” by the general public are Leo, Scorpio, and Pisces.  Leos are, in my opinion, a breeze … just look for the guy or gal in charge.  Usually a first born, often a Leo (or vice versa).  Very nearly always a CEO or President, but even if he is a janitor, you can bet Mr. Leo is Head Janitor.  Not just a carpenter – but a Master Carpenter.   You get my drift.  They may be a sucker for a compliment, but please don’t take advantage of the Leos in your life.  They have hearts of gold, and only ask for a little attention in return.  Oh, and can you answer that phone for me?  And hand me the remote?  And maybe fix me a sandwich while you are up – if it’s not too much trouble, of course.  

Did I say a little attention?  I meant the sort of slavish attention that would embarrass anyone else – but not a Leo.  But then why, when they are King or Queen of the jungle, should admiration or attention prove embarrassing?  How silly of you.  Good thing you’re not in charge, huh? 

Most Scorpios keep their sun sign under wraps, but this is no surprise as they like to move amongst the rest of us mortals incognito.   Plus they get pretty sick and tired of all the fuss made about their presumed sexuality – whose business is it of yours, anyway?  Just because this sign rules the genitals is no reason for anyone to get their panties all in a bunch.  But you might want to rethink any off-colored joke or offensive remark made in their general direction.  The Scorpio proclivity toward revenge is legendary … and deserved.  But then, you DID have it coming – and you were in fact warned.  Or did you mistake that half smile and those flashing eyes for a friendly overture?  

In that case, perhaps you are stupid.  At any rate, you won’t remain in a Scorpio’s company for long.  They’ll suffer anything – except a fool.  Or a liar.  Or a cheat.  But then, you’d have to be a fool to try and cheat or lie to a Scorpio, huh?  Buh-bye.

On to Pisces, the last of the twelve zodiac signs.  If, as some believe, an individual incarnates through each of the twelve signs in his/her many lifetimes – then by the time you reach Pisces you have seen and done it all.   And the rest of the populace seems to instinctively know this … and comes running with their problems, worries, vices and addictions – to dump them square in the lap of the hapless (but not helpless) Pisces.   Pisceans combine a generous nature with a warm heart and goofy sense of humor – a mix guaranteed to take the edge off the misery of most.  By all accounts, Jesus was a Pisces – his life’s story fits the bill, plus March DOES mark the lambing season. You do realize that’s why all those shepherds were around, right?    

But I bet HE is glad he died some 2,000 years ago.  Because September 2009 promises to be a lousy time for us fish folk – luckily, one whose planetary lineup won’t repeat until 2036.

Astrologer Susan Miller notes (in summary):

By midmonth, Pisces will get into the most challenging time of the month, extending from September 15 to 23.   On September 15 Saturn in Virgo will oppose Uranus in Pisces at 24 degrees. Pisces who were born on March 15 plus or minus four days will feel this day the most. Saturn is the planet that represents tradition, and Uranus is the planet of innovation and sudden change. Old and new will clash in a powerful way, and it will be up to you to decide what needs to stay and what needs to go.  The wind gusts of the coming cosmic storms will pick up speed on one of the most dramatic and difficult days of the month – possibly of the year – on September 17. Uranus in Pisces will oppose the Sun, and Saturn will conjunct the Sun. These are nerve wrecking, draining aspects and you must do all you can to protect your health. Life events may wear you down, and should you feel overwhelmed, call a friend or a therapist, and do all you can to get more rest.  I don’t remember ever seeing such powerful aspects happening on the very same day. These testing aspects will create a strong desire to separate from a personal or business partner or from a situation, if you feel it has been difficult for a long time and you have lost all hope it will improve. You won’t have any more patience with people who don’t appreciate you, don’t support you, or don’t understand you.

One day after this very troublesome day comes September 18, but rather than provide a soothing sense of calm, Uranus and Saturn will come gunning for the new moon. Your seventh house of partners will be full with planets – Mercury, Saturn, the new moon, and the Sun – and on the other side of the sky Uranus will be staring at each planet. Some sort of situation seems to be reaching a breaking point.  The level of dramatic cosmic energy this month in Virgo and Pisces will be highly unusual, and anything that is not firmly fastened will come flying off the walls of your life. Because Uranus is involved, you may be surprised at what weak link is revealed.

It must be obvious to you by now that you won’t know what part of your life to attend to first. If you can keep your schedule fairly open and elastic, it will be easier for you to attend to all you need to do! On top of all this planetary action, on September 18 or 19, depending on your time zone, transiting Mars will oppose the exact degrees of the July 7 eclipse. This indicates that a friend may suddenly jump to your aid and help you in a very significant way – or become a problem. Again, the situation will present itself in the extreme, for Pluto will be in hard angle to Mercury.

The barrage of angry planetary energy will continue on to only one more day, September 23, when Mercury will oppose Uranus. This too is a very difficult aspect that usually makes one feel as though one’s nerves have been zapped by a sudden, quick little bolt of electricity.  Keep an eye on your home situation and your parents near September 23. Mercury rules your domestic condition, so you may hear unexpected news concerning your residence, other property, or your parents near September 23.  Alternatively, you may find that an unhappy, pressure-filled relationship becomes just too much and suddenly decide to part. With Mercury in retrograde, make sure you are not making a decision based on faulty information or a simple miscommunication. As unlikely as this seems, there is that possibility, so be careful, and resist being impulsive. This month, your only danger is being a bit too hasty.

By time you get to September 24, all the cosmic storms will have passed. I promise nothing like this will come again, not ever. The outcome will be quite positive for you, and you must trust in this. By the time this month is over, you will know what is valuable and what is not. All the weak links in your life will be exposed and either swept away or rooted out by you.

… And there you are, my fellow Pisceans.  You’ve been returned to the station, completed wrung out and shaking … but still alive.  But just in case, I plan on spending my time between now and September 17 looking for a nice safe cave to hide in!

The rest of you – do check out your horoscope at Susan Miller’s site.  I’ve done a quick review and unless you are a Pisces, you’re safe!  But hey, she DID say the outcome would be positive, didn’t she?  Well then, in the words of another dear friend, Jamie (a Capricorn) I say to the Cosmos – “Bring it!”

Onward and Upward!  Laura

Ah, love.  Seems every other person I meet is either hooking up, shacking up, shagging someone new (or two) … or thinking about it.

This means lots of calls for love spells:  “Bind him to me!” “Keep him from looking at another!” “Make her love only me!” “Make him leave his wife!”

Um … a word here, okay?

The word is no.

First, there is the matter of that whole “Free Will” thing we’ve discussed in earlier blogs.  Can’t impose or force your will on another.   At least, not ethically (and I do try ever so hard to be ethical).   And please, I’ve heard it a hundred times … “But it is in his (her) BEST INTEREST to be with me!”  That’s just a sweet way of being completely selfish, and you know it.  WHOSE best interest, again?

I thought so.

Love magick is best worked on yourself – to make you attract what it is you are looking for.  Not so much a who, but what … such as a kind, intelligent, funny, financially stable (okay so a little wealth never hurt!) man or woman who will treat you with care and concern.  A more realistic option.

We like to start with a pink 7-day candle, dressed with a little love drawing oil.  We add energy to charge.   When you bring the candle home, set it where it can remain lit until it burns out.  Put pictures, items – anything that speaks of “love” to you, maybe a statue or picture of Aphrodite or Cupid (a valentine?) around the candle.  Build a shrine to love.  Spray some perfume.  And every time you pass your little love shrine, stand in front of it, close your eyes and see (don’t imagine, really SEE) yourself with someone – getting dressed to go out, sitting next to them at a movie theatre munching popcorn and telling jokes, bringing them home to meet mom and dad.  The point is, you are letting the Universe know in no uncertain terms that you are READY for love.  And that this is the kind of love you are ready and waiting for.

Before you begin, I’d like to suggest you watch my favorite movie in the whole world “Deja Vu” (1998) starring Stephen Dillane, Victoria Foyt and Vanessa Redgrave.  It is fabulous and always makes me cry.  The promo reads “When the powerful attraction that strangers sometimes feel toward one another becomes overwhelming, one’s orderly life-plans can be suddenly and totally disrupted.”

The hell you say!  Now I really love this movie because the stars, rather than being beautiful twenty-somethings, are normal looking people engaged in seemingly normal lives.  But there is a metaphysical overtone that I can’t discuss, lest I ruin the movie for you.  Bottom line:  If the Universe decrees you will be with someone, you WILL be with them regardless of how impossible it may all seem.  And not just in this lifetime – but countless lifetimes before, and more to follow.  The combinations are endless:  Husband/wife, brother/sister, mother/son … finally, you will manage a magical combination that ends in bliss.  Or you will screw it up totally in this life and have to wait for the next to start all over.   Wheee!

Want to make sure you screw it up?  Magically “binding” someone to you … that’s a good start.   I have a couple of horror stories (er, cautionary tales) I can share in a more private forum.  Point being – Set forth your intention and leave it alone.  And while you are waiting, do interesting things.  Read.  Visit art galleries.  Hike in the woods.  Walk on the beach.  Volunteer at a soup kitchen or animal shelter – help others.  Create.  Take a yoga or meditation class.  Change your haircolor.  Learn a foreign language.  Memorize a few good “knock knock” jokes and come to Talisman and tell them to my five year old son – his one joke is getting worn out, and I would appreciate him learning some new material!  And in case you’re curious:  “What do you call a snail in a boat?”  “A Snailor!”  Now, say it fifty million times and see if you can keep laughing.   Uh huh.

But anyway — occupy yourself while your intention manifests.

And before you meet that someone special – that tall, dark, mysterious stranger - you may fall in love with someone else first.  Yourself.

And that’s the greatest love of all, baby!

Blessings all around – Laura