Bellesprit Magazine January 2012

Page 1

Bellesprit

Magazine

www.bellesprit.com

January 2012

Feng Shui Tips for 2012 Money Shortage,

REALLY? Corbie’s Way Back Machine

Is who I am because of who I’ve been?

L i v i n g by t h e N u m b e rs W h at t o e x p e ct fo r t h e New Year

Shay Parker

Beautiful Spirit Bellésprit Magazine 1


Become A Bellesprit Diamond Promote Yourself On Our Website Through Four Different Spotlights! ◊ Teach the World - Share your upcoming event. ◊ Be Read - Promote your book. ◊ Get Noticed - Share your product or service. ◊ Be Seen - Show off your video promotion.

2 Bellésprit Magazine

www.bellesprit.com/diamond-spotlight Bellésprit Magazine 3


Bellesprit Magazine is a free online magazine published monthly Executive Editor and Publisher: Belle Salisbury

Subscribe Online To Receive Our Newsletter Advertising Inquiries: www.bellesprit.com/magazine-advertising-rates Writers’ Guidelines: www.bellesprit.com/article-submission-guidelines Reprint Policy: Contact Belle Salisbury at belle@bellesprit.com

Editorial Team: Gina Wedlake - Executive Assistant Scott Haire - Marketing Director

Web Site: www.bellesprit.com Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/BellespritMagazine YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/bellespritonline Contact: belle@bellesprit.com

Graphic Design and Layout: Belle Salisbury Digital Images: www.Fotolia.com

Bellesprit is a Trademark of Belle Salisbury Fayetteville, North Carolina ©Bellesprit Magazine All Rights Reserved

January 2012 Cover: Shay Parker Cover Photo: ©Shay Parker Copyright Information: Original material provided by our columnists is copyrighted to the contributor. Reprint of material is strictly prohibited without written permission by the columnist.

Bellesprit is an online publication inspired by Belle Salisbury. All editorial material including articles, reader comments, and opinions contained in this publication represent the views of the contributing authors and does not necessarily carry the endorsement of Bellesprit and its officers. All the information provided by the contributors is considered to be reliable. Bellesprit does not guarantee any results from the advice or guidelines offered by individual columnists. 4 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 5


Bellesprit Magazine

For The Beautiful Spirit Within You

Cover Story

World Peace

Health and Healing 16 Crystal Light Connection 18 Healing Around the World 20 We Never Left You

Divination

8

Shay Parker A True Beautiful Spirit

Spiritual Growth 24 26 31 32

8

Psychic Art, Art of the Unknown Spiritual Feng Shui Therapy Insights Elemental Explorations

Abundance and Manifestation 36 38 44 52

Divinely Guided Money Shortage, Really? Feng Shui Tips for 2012 The Law of Attraction

Guidance 58 60 62

74

80 82 84

Creating World Peace One Person at a Time

Living By the Numbers The Faulkner Tarot January Horoscope

Angels and Inspiration 88

80

How to Dialogue and Heal With Your Angels

Paranormal

92 True Visitations 96 Midnight Syndicate 102 Diamond Investigators

True Stories

110 Lighten Up, Because I Said So 114 Life and Us 118 Life Lessons

96

Insight Through Photographs Agony Aunt Corbie’s Way Back Machine

Love and Relationships

44

62 6 Bellésprit Magazine

68 70

Spiritual Insight to Relationships The Love Channel

102 Bellésprit Magazine 7


Shay Parker...

Entrepreneur, Shay Parker is this month’s Diamond Feature representing the ‘Beautiful Spirit’ that Bellesprit represents. Although Shay says she isn’t a psychic, she is one of the biggest names within the metaphysical community. She owns, manages, and operates many different business,’ all of which are extremely successful. She founded both Best American Psychics and Best American Healers in an effort to provide a safe and professional service for those who seek guidance. Both sites are Internet directories, which focus on promoting professional and accurate practitioners who are known experts in their fields. Even with the existence of the two sites mentioned above, she is also the host of 2 radio shows on the CBS network. Shay gives freely of her spare time to mentor many in the metaphysical community. Guiding and advising, she does it all without asking for anything in return.

Born in DC, Shay grew up in an Italian American household with her parents and 2 siblings. “My parents worked all the time and had 3 jobs to make ends meet. We lived hand to mouth.” Shay begins to lighten the mood as she recalls her family dinners every night at the dinner table. “Mom would work diligently to cook the family meal and dad was always home for dinner. We all sat at the dinner table and ate together. We were very close.” Shay recalls her Sunday’s spent with her family after going to church. She says that Sunday was one of her favorite days of the week where she could spend the day with both mom and dad and her siblings. “Holidays were made special,” she recalls, “We weren’t rich financially, but we were rich in family life.”

A True Beautiful Spirit! By Gina Wedlake 8 Bellésprit Magazine

Ever since Shay can remember animals have always been her first love. As a child, she would rescue strays and bring them home to nurture and love. That love still remains today as an advocate for animal rights. Shay has dedicated her life to saving animals. Several years ago she founded the organization called Hope Through Havoc, an animal rescue service where animals are rescued from shelters and the streets. There she gives hope and love to abandoned animals. Her goal is to find caring individuals to adopt these animals as a loving addition to their family. When asked about Best American Psychics and if she herself was a psychic Shay exclaims, “No, I am not psychic!” So what prompted her to start her own business in the world of the metaphysical? Shay shared a chilling story of an experience which changed her life forever, not as a child, but as an adult.

Shay was well on her own as a young woman when she moved into a beautiful 100 year old cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. She lived in the guest quarters with her loving pets by her side. “I didn’t think of it as being haunted, but I started to have electricity problems, the lights would go on and off.” Shay considered herself a skeptic at the time and didn’t put much stock into these events being paranormal. Then one day a stranger commented to her that she had heard rumors of the old house being haunted by spirits and even asked, “Is your house really haunted?” This was the first she had heard of anything related to a haunting. She thought it was odd that this woman was making reference to her home as being haunted. There were some weird things happening, sure, but her house haunted? She quickly dismissed the notion of anything paranormal going on, at least for now. As time went by, the activity heightened. Shay recalls a time when she had arrived home during a storm. It was pitch dark that night and it was storming badly. She was exhausted from a long night at work. She entered her darkly lit home and flipped on the light switch. The lights came on briefly and then they shut right back off. She found herself shouting to the ghosts “Oh c’mon! Gimme a break!” Shay explained what happened next, “I kid you not! The light turned back on; that heavy old fashioned light switch just snapped back up to the on position!” She looked at the light switch and began to turn it off and on a few times. Dumbfounded, she just stood there and stared at it. She thought, ‘maybe it was just a fluke.’ She still wasn’t convinced her home was haunted. Bellésprit Magazine 9


The activity picked up when a strange female voice began coming from the bathroom. Her dogs would often bark at the bathroom at some unknown intruder. Soon afterward, she adopted a cat named Chance and even the cat began to be aware of the ghostly presence. She recalls a time when the mystery voice was calling to the cat. Chance got up and walked straight over to the voice. On one occasion Shay remembers being touched in a non-threatening way, thought it was odd and brushed it off. The final turn of events was when she had a group of friends over for an evening of fun. After everyone had left, one person remained to help clean up the kitchen. Suddenly Shay heard a loud cry from the kitchen. Her friend told her that she was tripped by an unseen entity and was pretty shaken up. Shay recalls, “This was the turning point. Something had to be done. What was going on here? “ This was when Shay decided to call in a professional medium. Something was definitely going on here, the animals knew it, her friends knew it, and finally she knew it. Shay called a local medium to help make sense of these bizarre happenings. She wasn’t sure what to expect from the medium’s visit and wondered what would transpire by having this stranger whom she didn’t know come into her home to talk to spirits. Finally she heard a knock on her door. The lady was invited in and asked if she may take a look around. She quietly walked through the home taking careful stock of each room, yet not uttering a word. Shay observed the woman from afar not sure what would happen next. The medium then went back to the bathroom and Shay started to say what she had experienced there. The woman said, “Wait! Stop! Give me a minute. What’s happening in here?” The Medium then began to explain, “This is where it happened, in this bathroom. There was a death in the bathroom, a female…,” she let out a long pause and continued, “She fell and hit her head, it was an accident. Her name is Carolyn,” another quiet pause,” And she is happy you got the cat. She loves cats! She has been here for many years.” When asked about her friend who had been tripped, the medium went on to explain that the reason Carolyn tripped the friend was because her friend did not like the animals! From that moment Shay‘s eyes were opened. Helpful and honest, the medium charged her normal fee and left. Shay stated, “I could have been rooked and been taken advantage of. She could have said I was experiencing a possession and try to string 10 Bellésprit Magazine

me along insisting more money would solve my problem, but the medium did nothing of the sort.” Shay was very thankful for the medium. “I had been telling my sister the whole time about the experiences I have had with the haunting. She had been at the house and didn’t have any experiences, but she knows I am a left brained person and she believed me.” It had finally made sense with all the bizarre events her animals were picking up on. This is the day that had changed her life forever. Coal and Java

Sydney

Chance

Mocha

Shay began to research everything she could get her hands on in relation to psychics and mediums. She did her homework and wanted to change others’ lives in the same way hers had been changed that day. “I began to delve deeper into it. I wanted to know what I was talking about.” Shay began to build the foundation for what is now known as Best American Psychics, a directory of proven psychics and mediums. “I feel very fortunate that I came out of it with a positive experience. I started to sketch the layout and how I wanted it to be different. I wanted credentials. It wasn’t about the money. I wanted to limit the number of psychics that I recommended and only have 50 people that are really gifted.”

makes BAP (Best American Psychics) lose credibility.” Shay’s main concern is for her clients. She ensures that they receive the best, safest and most positive experience that the service has to offer. Today Shay owns and operates Best American Psychics and Best American Healers. She is excited about a new project in the works called Ripple This!, which will be launched in late January. In addition to her services, she also hosts 2 of her own radio programs, Metaphysical Minds, and Best of The Best which are aired on the CBS Radio Network featuring many of her psychics and healers from the directory. Shay has interviewed such celebrities as Melissa Etheridge, Lisa Williams and John Oliver just to name a few. Somewhere in between everything she does there still remains her devotion to the animals which is a love that runs deep. The sky is the limit for Shay Parker. She never ceases to amaze those whose lives she has touched. Many of the psychics she works with associate her with the popular song by Bette Midler, ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ “It might have appeared to go unnoticed, but I’ve got it all here in my heart. I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it. I would be nothing without you.

Shay has very strict guidelines when having a psychic or medium added to her business. She hand picks all of her psychics and requires them to do a series of Did you ever know that you’re my hero? interviews and readings before they are accepted. “We You’re everything I wish I could be. test on so many different levels, including an eloquent I could fly higher than an eagle, delivery. Our testers have been trained to look for ac‘cause you are the wind beneath my wings.” curacy of the information being given. The person is also asked to do 2 readings, first by one of our testers, And rightfully so! and again by a volunteer client. We like to have 2 different opinions before asking a psychic to come on board. We want to know without a shadow of a doubt Wind Beneath My Wings Soundtrack that the psychic fits the quality of standards set by the ©1992 Atlantic Records service. The volunteers are prepped so that they know not to give the psychic any information. Shay does this because her main concern is for the safety and privacy for her clients. There is a code of conduct set in place in which all must follow; for example, not to share any information about the clients to anyone. The psychics are not allowed to ask for other fees outside of the reading which keeps it safe. She asks that all the psychics remain professional outside of the service which includes their personal Facebook and Twitter pages. “Clients see these things and if a psychic seems to have a hang-up about a particular group of people or ideas it

Bellésprit Magazine 11


Please visit Shay Parker’s website directories:

Shay’s radio programs:

Best American Psychics www.bestamericanpsychics.com

Metaphysical Minds www.metaphysicalminds.com Radio: http://www.newskyradio.com

Spread The Word Best American Healers www.bestamericanhealers.com

Coming in late January, Ripple This! www.ripplethis.com

Metaphysical Minds - Tuesday nights from 7-8pm EST on CBS - New Sky Metaphysical Minds - This show is about changing the world and every guest we have is an Origin of Change. About the show: Tune in each week as Shay Parker interviews the most prolific Metaphysical Minds and “Crusaders of Change” across the globe. With the approach of 2012, a Shift of Consciousness is taking place and now, more than ever, it is time for the world’s greatest Metaphysical Minds to come together. This show highlights those that are out there making a difference, and changing the world for the better. Best of the Best Wed nights from 6-7pm EST on CBS - New Sky Radio http://www.newskyradio.com

About the show: About the show: Each week, Shay interviews psychics and healers from both Best American Psychics and Best American Healers, giving potential clients the opportunity to get to know these professionals. Read more: The Best Of The Best With Shay Parker New Sky Radio http://sky.radio.com/shows/the-bestof-the-best-with-shay-parker/#ixzz1hwsBe4YO 12 Bellésprit Magazine

Advertise With bellesprit Bellésprit Magazine 13


HEALTH AND HEALING

For it is through loving self that the body responds with the blossoming energy of good health.

14 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 15


Crystal Light Connection

By Leigh Hickombottom

❦ Pink Tourmaline ❦ This beautiful STONE comes in different shades and variations of pink depending on where they came from. Its loving vibration is soft, gentle and envelopes the energy system of the body. It is true resignation in Love, HEALING LOVE. Pink tourmaline cleanses debris from the bodies including such things as past traumas, anger, and stagnant energy in the energy field which needs to be let go. This gentle in nature but GRACEFULLY POWERFUL stone is needed at this time for humans as well as Earth. This month’s transitions for all require shifting and letting go of those things no longer needed in your life as well as EARTH’S need, desire and willingness to also rid herself of such old patterns no longer needed. While there is a large amount of forgiveness needed on Earth, Pink Tourmaline will ever so softly aid in this area as well. ❦❦❦ Connecting To The Crystal ❦❦❦ There are two ways to connect with the crystal: ❧Have the actual crystal... First find a quiet space where you can be alone. Preferably out in nature of some kind. If not, that is ok too, as long as you will not be disturbed. If you have the actual crystal, then place it in your receiving hand or third eye. Your receiving hand is in most cases your non-dominate hand when you perform daily activities. So if you are a righty then it is your left hand. If you are a lefty your receiving hand will be your right hand. After you have placed the crystal in your hand or on your third eye, close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and visualize yourself stepping into this crystal. Allow yourself to feel the energy of the crystal and its heal16 Bellésprit Magazine

ing properties. Ask the crystal to bring forth emotions or experiences that need to be healed and processed. Allow yourself to sit there and feel what comes up, be that by image, knowingness or feeling. Acknowledge, feel, release for healing and thank both the situation and crystal for this help and lesson. Your intuition will guide you when your session is complete. Trust this in yourself. ❧The second way to connect is by calling forth the crystal energy. While asking Pink Tourmaline’s energy to present itself in meditation also visualize this crystal energy coming from CREATOR/SOURCE/ GOD/ DIVINE LIGHT or any other name you resonate with, directly through the top of your head (also known as crown chakra) straight down through you to the center of mother earth. This pink light going through you to mother earth is grounding you to her. Next see this light fully enveloping you in a cylinder like tube or circle of light. Chose that which you feel drawn to. After this, allow yourself to feel the energy of the crystal and its healing properties. Ask the crystal to bring forth emotions or experiences that need to be healed and processed. Allow yourself to sit there and feel what comes up, be that by image, knowingness or feeling. Acknowledge, feel, release for healing and thank both the situation and crystal for this help and lesson. Your intuition will guide you when your session is complete. Trust this in yourself. ❧❧ Know that by YOU HEALING yourself it also HEALS the same in mother EARTH. She sends all of her inhabitants LOVE and GRATITUDE. Do this meditation as you feel needed during this month and notice the shifts in yourself and in that part of mother earth where you reside. Your thoughts are powerful. Thank you for CO-CREATING with Earth her original state of LOVE and ONENESS. In LightNLoveNOneness, ❦The Angels, as written through Leigh Hickombottom Bellésprit Magazine 17


To become a healer it is important to maintain a clear and healthy aura. Life regularly presents us with obstacles and difficulties. Our reactions to these stresses and strains are stored in the auric field and can clog up the free flow of energy into our physical body. Some blocked energies are left over from the past, a past life or simply accumulated on a day to day basis. By using this colour breathing meditation we may energise and cleanse our Auras. This in turn helps to widen the channel that connects us with our spiritual guides and allows their gentle guidance into our lives. Colour Breathing Meditation To begin make sure you are in quiet surroundings. Switch off the phone, and TV or radio. Prepare seven small pieces of paper and colour one of each with red, orange, yellow green, blue, indigo and violet. Light a candle.

Now repeat with blue, Now repeat with indigo, Now finish with violet. Wriggle your fingers and toes and bring yourself back into the room. Eat and drink something light. Don’t forget to blow out the candle! Enjoy this energising meditation as often as you wish. You will soon feel the benefits! Until next month, Elaine.

Close your eyes and take several deep breaths and relax.

Healing Around the World

With Elaine Fessey

A very warm welcome to our readers of this first edition of Bellesprit magazine! Each month I will be featuring a meditation that will be shared simultaneously every Wednesday evening at 8:00 PM UK time, 3:00 PM EST. We will be meditating together and sending out love and healing energies all over the world. I would like to invite you to share your experiences that you received while doing these meditations or others of your favourites that you have done. Perhaps someone has an idea for the name of our worldwide healing circle? Please e-mail me at elainefesseyagonyaunt@bellesprit.com. I can’t wait to hear from you and share some of your experiences!

Keep the palms of your hands open and facing upwards. Visualise a golden egg shell of protection all around you. Ground yourself by visualising roots growing from the soles of your feet into the earth. Open your eyes and look at the red coloured paper. Feel the redness of the red. Breathe in the colour red, breathe it out, breathe it in again and as you breathe out let it fill all seven layers of your aura until it is gloriously red. Now repeat this with the colour orange. Breathe in the colour orange, breathe it out, breathe it in again and as you breathe out let it fill all seven layers of your aura until it is a striking color of orange. Now repeat this same process with the colour yellow, Now repeat again with green,

18 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 19


We Never Left You From the upcoming book by Belle Salisbury Tell Him I Love Him It was Mother’s Day 1998, and I watched as people began gathering at the front door waiting for us to open our doors for business. I was a retail manager and I remember thinking, ‘Shame on all of you for waiting until the last minute to get your mother something for Mother’s Day.’ I was just a little disgruntled at having to work on what was considered my special day as a single mother, so I was not in the best of moods that morning. When the doors were finally opened for business people rushed in to gather that perfect gift for their mother. I greeted them with a half-hearted smile and caught the eye of a gentleman as he asked me where our flowers were kept. I directed him toward the isle where our silk flowers were located and teasingly scolded him for waiting until the last minute to get his mother a gift. He gave me a sheepish smile and went on his way in the direction of the Mother’s Day flower arrangements. Suddenly I heard a soft gentle voice in my mind thought that said, “That’s my boy! He’s buying me flowers! He didn’t forget me.” I let out a sigh as I realized his mother was deceased. I instantly felt ashamed for scolding him. A short while later the gentleman returned with a beautiful flower arrangement made of pink carnations, a large white bow, and a sign that said, ‘In loving memory of my mother.’ As he waited in line at the checkout counter I heard his mother’s voice again. “Isn’t my boy wonderful? Oh, I just love him so much! Could you please tell him I love him?” I argued with her in my mind saying I was not going to do such a thing. What would he think? Her reply was pleading as she spoke, “Please, I need him to know how much I love him. I didn’t get to tell him that before I left my body.” 20 Bellésprit Magazine

I stood there watching him as he approached his turn at the cash register contemplating whether or not to give him the message from his late mother. I mean, who does this kind of thing to a complete stranger? I wondered if he would think I was a crazy woman and tell me off in front of everyone. How would he react? But his mother’s pleading voice rang in my head. I took a deep breath and called to him just as he was prepared to leave the store. I asked if I could speak to him.

her church meeting. “Yes!” he exclaimed, “That is my mother!” as his eyes began to fill with tears. Then I heard his mother’s voice again, “Lady, could I please hug my boy? I need to give him a hug.” I knew I could not refuse this woman the opportunity to hug her child. She was a very determined spirit. I told the gentleman his mother wanted to give him a hug. Again, in surprise, he asked, “You can do that?” I smiled and explained, “Yes. What happens is your mother will use my body to make physical contact with you. Although you will see me hugging you, it will actually be your mother’s energy that is doing the hugging.” “Will you be okay with that?” I asked. He quickly nodded his head in approval.

Instantly I could feel his mother’s energy as it began to fill the cavity of my body. I felt her loving emotions at being able to hold her son one more time. Even my own eyes began to fill with tears. These were her tears of joy. I opened my arms to his embrace as we stood there holding one another. And then, I felt my hand involuntarily reach up toward the back of his head as she stroked his hair and soothed, “It is okay son. I am here.” Standing at the front of the store, in lieu of everyone’s curious gaze, this man began to openly sob like a little boy. He choked through his tears as he exclaimed, “My mama used to stroke my head just like that.” I then understood why it was necessary for me to have had to work on that particular Mother’s Day morning.

He smiled and walked toward me. I apologized to him for scolding him earlier and he laughed and said he had it coming. He said he had been so busy lately and hadn’t had time to get her something earlier. I couldn’t help but notice that he had the same smile as his mother. I could see her image in my mind’s eye. There was something about his demeanor that made me feel much more comfortable regarding what I was about to tell him. I looked him in the eyes and said, “I have a message for you. I know you may think I am crazy, but ever since you entered this store your mother has been here with me. I am a psychic medium and I have the ability to speak with departed loved ones.” His mouth dropped open for a moment in surprise as he stared at me. I continued, “She wanted me to tell you how much she loves you.” His eyes began to tear as he spoke, “You, you can speak to my mother? You can see her right now?” I nodded and shared with him her lovely image as I saw her in my mind. Her hair was short and full, a deep black with a slight bit of grey streaming through it. Her figure was a bit rounded, yet she dressed nicely to compliment her fullness. She was wearing a hat that matched the outfit she was wearing; a navy blue jacket and skirt. Her face was rounded with high cheek bones that seemed to shine brightly as she smiled. She looked as if she was dressed and ready to attend

Belle during Message Circle in Watertown, New York

Content © Belle Salisbury

Background image © Eva Sangnoir http://eva-sangnoir.deviantart.com/ Bellésprit Magazine 21


Spiritual Growth Food for the soul bringing a weightless energy to your day.

22 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 23


Psychic Art

energy nearly always comes through with a strong emotional connection. A spirit guide’s energy will vary dependant on the guide, its work, and the connection level. Whatever energy it is that I connect with comes through quickly and transfers to canvas or paper at a fast pace. I never know where the starting point will occur or what the whole representation of the energy will be until it is finished. If I start to think too much about the picture that is manifesting, I get in the way, lose the energy, and have to re-connect again.

By Tina McNaughton I believe that everyone is capable of developing their ability to connect to this aspect of psychic energy and become a psychic artist. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be a trained artist in order to produce psychic art. Indeed, having formal training in art may well ‘get in the way’ of your ability to connect naturally with this energy.

To create psychic art you need to step into ‘the flow’ of your natural creative energy. Psychic art is about utilising the artistic or right side of your brain, and thinking ‘outside the box.’ I find that putting some upbeat music on is helpful for getting in to the zone. So what types of psychic art are there? There are many, including: automatic writing, inspirational writing, auragraph, healing art, spirit portraiture (people & animals), angelic art, elemental art, spirit guides, healing mandala’s, soul energy and personal power symbols for soul connection and progression. These are the ways that I experience some of the energies that I work with; however, the experience of connecting to each of them may be very different for you. Angelic energy is light, but has strength; fairy energy is lighter and playful. The energy of those who have passed over feels denser than angelic energy. This

Over the coming months we will explore the many forms that Psychic Art can take. My aim is to assist you to make those ‘Aha’ moments part of your daily adventure along your spiritual path. Each month I will provide you with an exercise to aid development of these skills.

January’s exercise is about creating the energy you wish for in 2012. Decide on a statement that focuses You can use any medium that you desire to produce your intent. psychic art. The secret is to have everything ready •Take a large piece of paper and write your statement. before you begin. I work with watercolours, acrylics, •Relax and channel the energy of this intent on to the pastels, different materials, glitter (lots of this), crystals, paper using whatever art materials you wish. glue and other craft materials. I have no rules; I often •Aim to create a mandala for manifesting the energy mix any combination of these mediums in one piece of you wish for the year. artwork. •Keep the finished mandala on display, to assist it in generate this energy throughout the year. I work intuitively, naturally dowsing or feeling the I would love to hear how you are getting on so please required colours, the materials needed and what effect e-mail. it may have. It is an exhilarating feeling and creates a fantastic energy in the room. Spirit portraiture is best produced with pastels; angelic energy looks particularly beautiful combining watercolours, glitter and pastels. Perception is the key and psychic art is all about extending the boundaries. I have personally experienced so many ‘Aha’ moments whilst developing this skill. I have learnt to look beyond that which I can see and to experience every moment in a unique way. The first time I attended a psychic art retreat, it turned out to be one of those wonderful turning points in life. I experienced many ‘Aha!’ moments during the retreat and learnt to connect with some amazing energies. I constantly challenged myself to let go and have fun without expectation. More importantly, I learnt that there is no wrong way to produce psychic art and that I had in fact already been connecting and producing

Art Of The Unknown

24 Bellésprit Magazine

some of this in the past. Now, through my teaching of this subject, I am lucky enough to witness many others also experience these moments.

Here is the Mandala for Angel Energies that I channelled. It has progressed over the years and started out very different but the same colours. The affirmation I use for the energy of the mandala is ‘Angel Energies for empowering myself and others.’ It has always been Purple for the energy of my Angelic guide, the diamond symbol in the middle is my personal soul energy/colours and the orange heart is the empowerment colour. I still have the original mandala and a further progression one. The current one is the focused energy that has developed through my work with spirit over the last few years. Bellésprit Magazine 25


Spiritual Feng Shui

Feng What? “Feng what?” was a question I heard frequently when I excitedly told family and friends I was studying this ancient science. Their puzzled looks turned to knowing as they said, “Oh, it’s that slow moving exercise.” To which I patiently replied, “No, that’s Tai Chi.” “This is a study of energy” – again that puzzled look! That was back in the late 1990’s and thankfully times have changed! Over the years I’ve incorporated the help of the Ascended Masters, Archangels and Angels to the practice of Feng Shui and it’s been a wondrous journey! I’d like to give you a little background of how the power of intention and Spiritual Law of Attraction worked for me. One day while connecting with my angels through automatic writing, I was told they wanted me to write about Feng Shui AND angels. I was a bit shocked because I planned to write a book about my angel experiences. I said out loud “really?” My answer was a loud “YES.” Who am I to argue with celestial beings? I had already written a Feng Shui e-book and I do love angels but how in the world would I combine the two? Being a strong believer in the Spiritual Law of Attraction, I told the angels and the universe that I would honor their request and I was leaving the process in their hands. Two months later a friend mentioned my name to Belle Salisbury. I was unaware that this had happened until Belle contacted me. She asked me to write about Feng Shui in the Bellesprit Magazine and I then asked her if I could include the angels. Belle thought it was a great idea and a new column was born! My mantra is: Ask, Believe, Trust and Receive - And so it is!

26 Bellésprit Magazine

By Donna Cantone

Let’s start at the beginning. You’ll need to understand more about Feng Shui so you can understand its powerful energy. Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway), is a creative and intuitive ancient art and science that originated in China approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. Literally, it means wind (feng) and water (shui) which are the unseen and seen energies within our environment, within us, and within all things. These elements are essential for our Chi (chee), our life force energy. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are based on the body’s meridian Chi energy. This gives Feng Shui a more holistic meaning. If you take Yoga classes this energy is called Prana. Same idea – different name! Feng Shui embraces the idea that everything in our environment contains energy. This energy has an impact

on every aspect of our life. If we live in balance with the energy of our environment we have good Feng Shui. If we are out of balance with this energy, we are not living the most healthy or abundant life we could be living. It’s all about balance! The subtle energy flowing through us and through everything in the universe when in balance can actually help us attain our life goals. It can bring us harmony, happiness, abundance, improved health and relationships, and enhance our creativity and career opportunities. How awesome is this? When I heard about the wonderful changes I could make in my own life, well, I just had to learn more. I began studying the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist type of Feng Shui because frankly it resonated with me. Keeping it short and sweet, let’s call it the BTB School. There are other Feng Shui schools. The BTB School was brought to the United States from China in the 1980’s and was created for Western use. Grand Master Lin Yun brilliantly chose the important and traditional methods from various teachings and created a contemporary, modern day type of Feng Shui. It’s easily understood, adaptable and very effective which is why it’s the most popular school in United States. The best part is that it will work anywhere in the world. Of course I have encountered skeptics. Let me say that once it begins to change their life for the better, they are no longer skeptics! One of the most engaging aspects of BTB Feng Shui is the emphasis it places on the power of intention to influence the energy of your space. Feng Shui combines spirituality, psychology, intuition, philosophies of the I-Ching, modern science, geology, karma, your physical, mental and emotional state, visualizations, spiritual practices, and meditations and mantras for added strength! Wow, that’s a lot to take in! It also creates the opportunity to use these principles as tools for increased self-awareness, personal growth and empowerment. Can’t you just feel this powerful energy? When my family and I traveled to China two years ago, our tour guides were shocked to learn that I was a Feng Shui practitioner. They spoke of it quietly and reverently but did not say if they practiced it or not, nor did I ask. In ancient times, Feng Shui was a secret known by few powerful people or those who were responsible for the health and wealth of the dynasty’s Imperial Court. During the long history of China, it was used Bellésprit Magazine 27


to locate auspicious areas to build cities, palaces and burial sites. In Beijing we visited the beautiful and extremely complex Forbidden City. I was not surprised to learn that it is the largest Feng Shui project ever built. I can certainly attest to this after entering the magnificent and foreboding front gate. This is known as the ‘mouth of Chi’ where all good fortune, luck and prosperity enter. You can think of your own home’s front door the same way. It might be a little less grand, but the idea is the same! This huge complex of palaces, quarters, buildings, temples and gorgeous courtyards was built to represent the harmony between man and nature. There were numerous statues including The Four Celestial Animals; Turtle, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix, not to mention Foo Dogs for protection. It has been said; “Where the dragon and the tiger embrace, there is Chi.” The residence of the emperor was purple which was believed to link him to the divine forces of the universe. Today this color commonly represents spirituality, imagination, wisdom, the higher self, royalty and the Crown Chakra; our connection to divine consciousness. It has been said about 1,300 years ago Feng Shui was finally handed down to the people of China. It seems like such a long time ago, but when you consider that China is a very ancient country it really hasn’t been in the hands of the common people very long. From generation to generation it was taught in the traditional verbal manner, the way I was also taught. Even by the mid 1990’s in the United States there were still very few books on the topic. Most people had never heard of Feng Shui. A few books started to appear and people wanted to know more about these secrets and how they could improve their own lives. Interest grew, the number of practitioners rose and more books appeared including my e-book, Live an Abundant Life with Feng Shui. Since Feng Shui is such a vast subject, my intention is to explain the many principles in this and upcoming Spiritual Feng Shui columns. There is so much to explore! I will clarify these ancient principles and symbols such as Yin/Yang and 5 Elements, talk about the psychology of Feng Shui and its nemesis - clutter! We’ll discuss the Bagua (energy blueprint) of your home, the sources of power, luck and Chi, explain how you can enhance the energy of the 9 most important areas of your life, and provide tools, tips and enhancements to boost your personal energy and that of your family and 28 Bellésprit Magazine

According to Grand Master Lin Yun, “having good luck is not as good as having a good flow of Chi.” Chi carries our thoughts, ideas and emotions which directly impact the cells in our body. Think of the proven mind-body-spirit connection. A good flow of Chi is one that gently circulates through our homes providing abundance, joy, good luck and good health to all. One of the most important Feng Shui tools to use this month is energy or space clearing. Actually it can be performed any time there’s been an illness, divorce, visitors and repairmen in the home, seasonal changes (seasons do change Feng Shui elements), arguments, a job loss or change, a partner or roommate leaves, a death, or you just feel a bit stuck in life and you’re not sure what path to follow. A very important time to do a space clearing is before moving into a new home. This is your new sanctuary so remove everyone else’s energy!

home. I will also incorporate my love of the Ascended Masters, Archangels and Angels who bring each of you unconditional love, support and peace of mind. They are readily available to assist you in cleansing your home of negative and stagnant energy by illuminating our minds and hearts. They are great providers of protection to you, your family and your home. They also add an enormous amount of spiritual energy to your intentions too! It’s January, 2012! There are many predictions about this year. My sense is that the higher vibrational energy of 2012 will usher in a ‘new world’ based on love, integrity and unity for mankind. Personally, I am looking forward to all the exciting opportunities and brotherly love this year is said to bring. I know these welcome changes will have a tremendous impact on our personal Chi and the Chi of our environment. Energy is in both animate and inanimate objects. To further explain that energy is within everything, try holding an object in your hand that has joyful memories attached to it and you will feel happy. If you hold an object that you dislike or have unhappy memories attached to it, it will have negative Chi and you will not feel very joyful. Try

it and notice the difference in the way you feel, that’s Chi! In Feng Shui there are different types of Chi energy. Negative Chi can come from the buildings we live in or work in. Synthetic materials in carpets and drapes, artificial lighting and cleaning chemicals are all artificial energy. These can cause physical ailments or discomfort which impacts our own energy, think ‘Sick Building Syndrome’. Stagnant Chi is produced by cluttered and dark rooms and corners, unused spaces with no means of fresh air. This type of Chi can lower your personal energy levels, cause a loss of abundance, missed opportunities and a loss of direction towards your life path. Fast-Flowing Chi moves too quickly to nourish you or your surroundings. This can be caused by long hallways, straight paths or long stairways. If Chi is directly headed for you watch out! It can make you feel uncomfortable, insecure and you might feel like you’re under attack. It can also negatively impact your career, luck, abundance and health. Can these situations be helped? Of course they can! As a Feng Shui practitioner for over a decade, I’ve never encountered a space where the Chi could not be improved!

Want to know the #1 step to enhance your Chi? Clear the clutter from your home and life! Clutter is a Feng Shui no-no! You’ve seen the hoarding shows and there is definitely a psychology to clutter. It’s ok to re-gift or donate that item someone in the family gave you but you never liked! I’ve work with elderly ladies who are downsizing but felt guilty about giving certain items away. I just let them know they can thank the item for being with them but now it’s time to go. Maybe a friend had always admired it and would like to have it. Remember; your trash is someone else’s treasure! You really need to remove clutter because it can make you feel trapped, stressed, emotionally or spiritually blocked or mentally and physically depressed. It blocks your own energy circulation and that of your home. Clutter can keep you stuck in the past and unorganized. Don’t you want to be free to move forward on your path? I’m a big believer in donating unused clothing and household items several times a year. Let others benefit from your excess! Clearing clutter can be very overwhelming depending on how much you have. Start slowly, do a little each day, make a list and check off items as you go so you can see your progress. Don’t forget to donate to food banks and animal orphanages! It does your heart good, you’ll feel so much freer and everyone benefits. When the clutter-clearing is finished you can move on to the principle of Energy or Space clearing. Energy clearing will get new abundant energy manifesting for the New Year! I have listed my own process Bellésprit Magazine 29


for space clearing and it may not be representative of other practitioners. I generally include the clearing in my on site consultations. For virtual consultations I will provide the specifics so the client can clear their own space. As a practitioner, I can feel where the energy might be stuck or stagnant. Always deferring to the client and their comfort, I’ll ask if they have goals or specific intentions they would like to state, a prayer they would like to say and if they would like me to include an invocation to the angelic realm. I don’t know of any other practitioners who incorporate the power and protection of the angelic realm. I believe spirituality leads to changes within a person and that it does raise their personal Chi. Before I begin, I visualize the pure white light of love, peace and protection from Archangel Michael surrounding the client and myself. I then say a prayer out loud or silently depending on the wishes of the client. I ask Archangels Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Jophiel and Gabriel to be present during the space clearing to help me remove all stagnant and negative energy, remove any blockages and limitations and to help release physical issues. I ask the angelic realm to bless the home with pure love and light to serve each person’s highest and best good. I also ask them to bless and empower the residents to follow their life purpose with great abundance, health and prosperity. I appeal to Michael for spiritual protection and the courage to make new life changes, Raphael for healing any physical, mental or emotional issues, Uriel for new ideas, fresh insights and to bring success to anyone studying in the home, Jophiel for helping to beautify thoughts and actions and clear the clutter out of your home (she is also known as the Feng Shui Archangel). I ask Gabriel to keep communication open and clear and to assist with all aspects of parenting. Prior to my work with the angels, I would have just asked that the Ascended Masters Buddha (for enlightenment, wisdom and peace) and Quan Yin (for empathy, peace and mercy) be present and to assist with all needs. I still invoke them along with the angels and they are happy to comply. There are other Ascended Masters in all faiths that can be of service and I’ll silently ask if they would like to come forward. Once all my Divine helpers are in place and I can feel their energy, I begin to ring Tingsha Bells to wake up the stagnant Chi and to signify clarity of intention as in the beginning of a meditation. It’s also interesting to 30 Bellésprit Magazine

note that ringing a bell is a method to call upon angels! I walk into every room and make sure the sound reverberates into the corners where the stagnant Chi resides. Once the home’s energy is awake I will ask the residents for any specific intentions/prayers to be stated. I then go into all the rooms again thanking all the Archangels, Buddha and Quan Yin and other Ascended Masters for their loving assistance. While doing this I like to cleanse the air with an uplifting pure essential oil spray. I also ask that the client open a window or door to bring in fresh air. You can also use sage or lavender to smudge or use sandalwood or other type of incense. You can also clap your hands to wake up the Chi followed by the use of essential oils. If you do smudge please make sure that the windows are slightly open as the scent of sage or incense can be strong. Feng Shui rules suggest this cleansing at least once a year. As I mentioned earlier, I would perform this energy clearing when circumstances arise that require a lifting of the home’s Chi or removal of someone else’s negative energy. The most important thing you can do for yourself, your family and your home is to actually take the time to do the space clearing! You will really feel the difference in the energy. It’s rare, but sometimes the practitioner may feel there is additional energy to be cleansed. Have no fear, there are also Feng Shui blessing rituals that can be performed! Since 2012 is a new and very important year, please make sure you do the energy clearing. Blessing your home adds spirituality, raises your Chi and the Chi of your home and blesses the occupants. Try it and let me know how it works for you. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact me. I would love to empower you to live your best life while creating a connection to your angels! Please visit the Bellesprit Services page of my website for exclusive fees just for being a reader of our new magazine! Abundant Blessings in the New Year, Donna Cantone Feng Shui Practitioner, Angel Communication Master™ Angelic Life Coach® Phoenix Holistic Services www.Phoenixholisticservices donnabellesprit@comcast.net 856-596-9135

THERAPY INSIGHTS BY ELAINE FESSEY THERAPY TIPS TO KEEP THOSE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

The countdown has begun. Clasping party streamers in one hand and a glass of sparkling Champagne in the other, you wait to hear the midnight chimes. “FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE.........HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!” The room erupts as everyone exchanges hugs, kisses and well wishes. As a surge of optimism lifts the atmosphere you silently vow that this is the year you will start anew. You will make your resolutions and stick to your guns. This will be your big year of change. Why is it that so many New Year’s resolutions fall apart before they even get started? Each one is well intentioned but so hard to maintain. Unfortunately old habits have been part of your life for a long time and they are there for a reason. Perhaps you have a history of over eating, smoking or difficult relationships? Maybe you want to chase that dream job or promotion only to find you lack self-confidence and are unable to take the pressure? We generally cover over our fears and deep intense emotions by over eating, drinking, smoking or behaving in a negative way. This acts as a comfort to prevent a connection with avoided emotional pain. We so wish to quit these destructive habits but fail to prepare for the covered up emotional blocks that make an unwelcome appearance once we remove the crutches from day to day life. By setting goals you are actively challenging yourself to face issues head on, often without preparing for the changes to come. Without coping strategies firmly in place change can be a terrifying, nerve racking ordeal. It takes time, personal effort and considerable courage to face the consequences of change. Old habits can act as a comfort zone, even if the situation you are in is a negative one. At least you know what’s coming next, whether that is gaining weight, getting breathless and out of condition or abuse within a dysfunctional relationship. All of these patterns are familiar to you and a “safe haven.” Unfortunately sticking with these negative habits and avoiding change prevents exciting new possibilities from entering your life. Why get stuck in an unhappy rut with no chance of personal or spiritual growth? Try to break goals down into smaller bite size chunks

that are easier to achieve in stages. Setting your sights too high is bound to end in failure. Congratulate yourself at the end of each baby step. Before you know it all of these tiny steps will add up to a major achievement. Give yourself enough time to adapt to change; rushing will make you feel as if you haven’t learned a thing. Focus on your strengths and don’t dwell on what you perceive as weakness. If something doesn’t work out the way you expected just say, “I did my best, next time will be better.” Never say,“I failed.” Reframe all negative situations and thoughts by changing the negatives into positives. If you fail at a job interview it’s because that wasn’t the right thing for you right now. If you feel overloaded at work it’s because the boss knows you are capable of taking on responsibility. Allow room for mistakes and always be gentle with yourself. Never self criticize, if you imagine what others think of you your imagination will go overboard and sap your self-confidence. No one would ever be as unkind to you as you are to yourself in your own mind! Fear is the reason many of us live such small and limited lives. Remember the acronym; False Expectations Appearing Real. Check the reality of your fears. What are they based on? List the fears you have in great detail, for example; “I’m afraid of social gatherings because I think people will find me uninteresting and I will make a fool of myself.” Include the things you would not usually admit to anyone. Now imagine a good friend had written the list and is asking for your advise. What would you tell them? How real are your fears now? Grade each fear from 0 to 9 with 9 being the most frightening. Now what advise would you give? How realistic are these fears in the cold light of day? Taking your own advise will require you to put pressure on yourself to behave in ways that are slightly uncomfortable. Take your time and always praise yourself for efforts made. Don’t avoid difficult emotions, they can teach you so much. Good luck with all of your New Year’s resolutions and welcome the positive changes they bring. After all, what’s the worst that can happen?

Bellésprit Magazine 31


Whilst walking in nature have you ever seen a quick darting movement, just outside of your peripheral vision? If so then you may well have seen a member of the elemental kingdom. Elementals are known as the Guardians of Nature. They occupy a different realm to us, where they work together to safeguard the earth. The Elementals are governed by the four elements: Air, Water, Earth and Fire. This is the realm where the Wise Ones and Devas of the landscapes reside. The element of Air is home to Imps and Sylphs. In Water reside the Mermaids, Sprites and Undines. Earth is home to the Tree Guardians, the Wisdom of the Stone Spirits, Crystal Devas, Faeries, Pixies, Elves and Wood Nymphs. The element of Fire is represented by Salamanders and Fire Djinn. Elementals can actually be found everywhere, even in your home and this time of year is a great time to connect with them. This will give you an excellent opportunity to welcome fresh positive energy in to all areas of your life. To do this you can simply sit quietly and ask to connect with the spirit or Deva of your home. Expand your consciousness and focus on how you are feeling, emotionally and physically. What are the first images or thoughts that you have? Sense the spirit of your home and ask what it needs. Next tidy and then cleanse your home. Native Americans cleanse their environments by burning bundles of herbs containing white sage and sweet grass, releasing the healing properties of the smoke into the atmosphere. During this process the elements of fire, air and earth combine powerfully to remove any negative energy. Creating a Faery altar can be a focus for connecting with the elemental kingdom. Each of the elements should be included in some way; a natural candle to represent air and fire, a stone or crystal to represent the earth along with a small water feature. You could also include a representation of the spirit of your home on your altar to assist with deepening this connection. Now, to spoil yourself make this a ritual and designate time to thoroughly nurture yourself. Go for a walk in whichever landscape appeals most strongly to you. It may be by the sea or in a wood. Take time to complete a meditation in your chosen environment. Connecting with the Guardian of a Tree is a powerful experience, as is connecting with a Water Spirit. Ask them to enfold you in their energy and cleanse you of all negative energy. Meditating at night and connecting with the 32 Bellésprit Magazine

energy of the Moon is also highly effective for clearing the mind, body and spirit. Never forget to thank the Guardians of the Elements when you have finished your meditation. Upon your return home, continue your cleansing ritual with the elements. Take a soak in a bath filled with natural plant based products or essential oils. The natural healing properties of plants and herbs have been used effectively in many cultures for centuries. The spirits of flowers and plants can assist to nurture your creative energy and develop your natural healing ability. To honour and empower yourself, put something symbolic on your altar that represents you and the positive energy you wish to manifest during the year. To continue the connection with the nature spirits and refresh the energy, position some plants and fresh flowers around your home. In your garden, whatever its size, you can connect with the elemental kingdom in many ways. A particular favourite of mine is to create a Rainbow Tree. This consists of tying small pieces of coloured ribbon to the branches of a tree as gifts to the elemental kingdom and to ask for healing when needed. I also ask the Faeries to assist me in the garden such as helping my plants to grow strong. It is a good idea to let a section of your garden stay ‘natural’ and let the elements take over to create a haven for the insects and butterflies. Once you have done the above you should feel lighter, positive and more focused. To maintain this positive feeling why not treat yourself and buy a new journal. In this you can record your thoughts and experiences of connecting with the elemental kingdom over the coming year. Over the coming months, I will assist you to deepen your connection to the Elemental kingdom and also share with you my experiences of working with their wonderful energy. I will leave you with a channelled message from the Fairy of the Sun’s rays: “I come to remind you of the importance of following your dreams, make each moment count and shine your light in to the world. Be a ray of hope for others and let your love radiate out and accept the love that the universe reflects back to you.”

Elemental Explorations

By Tina McNaughton Bellésprit Magazine 33


Abundance and Manifestation

The tools lie within you.

34 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 35


TammyMurray-Cousins

Divinely Guided By Debbie Edwards Unlocking the Door to New Opportunities Stepping into the 2012 year we are given an opportunity for newness, change and growth. What a terrific time to make a new shift into a future of positive manifestation! Many people are confused on how to create change for themselves, especially when they are looking at redirecting their thought process and focusing on new steps that will improve their personal environment. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by not knowing where to start, a simple visualization to open the process of creativity works wonders! Sometimes our biggest obstacle is actually ourselves. So many times we get in our own way because we repeat the same steps that were not productive. We trip over our own feet and stall the process of recognizing pathways to solutions that will help us overcome the obstacles we are facing because we fall into the trap of our own making by keeping ourselves limited by repetition. So, instead of repetition working against us, we can create a visualization and mantra of repetition that is useful.

the form of a message that will be a guide for you. You notice that the tree has been carefully planted in a large ornate pot and is being nourished by soil that is rich in truth and integrity. Its roots run deep and have been planted by the seed of promise; promise for a new and better tomorrow. The trunk is strong and its branches reach to a higher source of knowledge. Each leaf is an idea and the tree itself is a messenger of ideas that can become so many things. As you look care-

In front of you is living tree. Its leaves are robust and full of brilliant color. Nature has brought you a gift in 36 Bellésprit Magazine

As you look closer into the blossoms, you see that one branch in particular has a note attached to it that has been signed. The signature is familiar but new and you realize that it has been signed as an endorsement from your spiritual guide that is offering you a reminder that you are not alone in your journey. Can you see the name? Can you see who it is that has come to you to help you on your journey? It is your guide sharing their name and identity with you. The tree is a gift to you. It is a giving tree of messages and if you need to see the progress in life or how a situation is turning out for you, all you need to do is picture this tree and see how the fruit is growing. The tree will always tell you the truth in a simple visual way because this is your tree of counsel gifted to you by your guide. Many times we hesitate in going forward because we lack the reassurance or feedback as we go along. So, opening a door to a new way of receiving guidance can help us receive what we need in order to take the next step.

Let’s start with one simple word; yes. Say yes to opportunities and reaffirm that intention with a simple but effective visualization. See yourself standing in front of the outside door to your home. It’s closed but not for long. Once you insert the key and turn to unlock it, you are opening a door to a solution for yourself. See the key go into the lock. See the key turn and you can hear the click of the keyhole unlocking. When you place your hand on the handle to open the door, you are initiating a new start to your life. On the other side of your door is something good that you have been needing to see for a long time; a messenger.

on what you have set into motion.

fully into the branches and study the leaves, you notice at the top there are blossoms. It is a fruit tree and it is beginning to bear fruit. You realize that all ideas eventually bear fruit of intention and expectation and this tree is ready to help you bear your own fruit of health, wealth and happiness. This tree is growing with you and as the fruit ripens, you will see that all you have set into motion, even from this very moment, will come to fruition at the proper time. The condition and color of the fruit will always tell you how your situation is developing based

The door is in front of us. We are at home in this place and it is up to us to unlock its potential. All you need to do is have the courage to turn that key. You can learn more about Debbie by visiting her website at: www.debbieedwardsinternational.com

Live a More Productive Life Discover Your True Nature Eliminate Anger & Frustration Love Yourself Unconditionally!

tammymurraycousins.com Energy Life Coach, Reiki Master /Teacher, Human Design Specialist, Angel Communication Specialist tamc2006@gmail.com

617-827-5897 Sessions held on the phone or in Kingston and Plymouth

Lead a healthier happier life! Bellésprit Magazine 37


Money Shortage, Really?

38 Bellésprit Magazine

As a life coach and business owner experiencing the financial crunch of this challenging economy, I would like to offer the following to those feeling the pressure of seeking a stable income stream. Let’s stop placing the wrong vibrations into the universe by stating that there are NO jobs and that money is scarce.

your overall view of money while reading. Taking a nice slow deep breath, clear your thoughts and for a few seconds and focus on the words.

Now, look around you and see the money that’s being spent. People are still buying, working, selling, and exchanging money. Shortage of anything in this universe is in the First, let’s clear up a heavily mismindset, this is where the concept guided concept about money. of lack of money is born. It’s a Money is plentiful. There is really popular thought wave right now NO SHORTAGE of money. Money given our present economy. But is energy just like everything else. did we do this to ourselves? From This is a proven fact. The only childhood we’ve lived in a society reason people are experiencing the that has always been on the brink of lack of money is because they keep fear, fear of losing that which they calling this experience to them. have and the resource to acquire Many will read this with a glass half more. This is type of fear is not so empty reaction, but those awakenobvious. It is born in our thoughts, ing or awakened will understand but we are not taught to recognize this concept. Take note of this if that Thoughts ARE Real. Our you’re still reading, because how thought patterns are actual subyou decipher the previous statestances that come into form on the ment dictates exactly what type of material plane from the mental area financial situation you’re presently of our minds. Thoughts are energy, dealing with in life. I’m not writand energy goes where thought ing to upset anyone I’m hoping that flows. If you think you have limited my writings will actually give you a resources, guess what, you continue new outlook about money. If I acto receive limited resources. No complish that by the time you finish matter what those resources may reading then we have one more be. The nature of our universe is light that is shining positive vibraprecise without prejudice. This tions into the universe making it concept is not one that requires you possible for other lights to awaken to agree with it. This is the law of to the concept of abundance. This the universe. What you give out will cause a ripple vibrational wave you receive back; you reap what that will hopefully spread until you sow. it reaches the ends of the earth. Everything I state in this article is Thinking you only have limited truth, but every soul must find its funds in the bank keeps you on that own path to truth. Just hear me out same wave vibration. We really are and decide if this is one of those what we think. In all honesty, repaths you’re meant to take. versing this negative way of thinking will not automatically make In order to understand my point massive amounts of funds appear about money being abundant in overnight, that’s just not the way the world, you’ll need to broaden the universe works. You get what Bellésprit Magazine 39


you put out. You see it took you time to build up a negative vibration regarding monetary resources regarding debts and losses. A good example would be the loss of a home or job. Let’s not politely step around the present state of events; these are tough economic times we’re dealing with right now. There is no one who is not feeling this crunch at some point on this journey. Not even those whom we view as having more than enough money. What happens when things tend to get tough? The tough get tougher and the mediocre crowd start panicking. Pondering over what you might lose before that bridge is crossed is a setup for a fix-up in this matrix system. The reason why is because we’ve been trained to fret about a thing before it even happens. It’s a hereditary trait that was passed down from your parents, family members, friends, awe heck, society in general. We never learned while growing up that we could easily escape it by changing our thoughts. What typically happens is this; we are going through a challenging experience that calls for us to generate our energy to that situation. Now this is where choice comes into play. You see it’s all in the reaction. How we react to our situations determines the choices we’ll make, which in turns yields the natural course of events for that experience. To continue thinking you have or are receiving limited funds keeps you on that same energy stream of receiving just that, limited resources. The world as we know it is not only changing, but rapidly so, and the idea of having a Job is becoming more and more obsolete each 40 Bellésprit Magazine

month, day, and hour. There is a skill that lies within you that is your meal ticket. At this point you have exhausted all of the regular avenues one would use to forge ahead in gaining financial stability in this present economy. Who can say they haven’t worked hard to find another JOB (Just Above Broke). I mean, let’s face it, if you’re employed right now getting paid less than $25 to $40 per hour is living pay check to pay check. It’s no secret that many have earnestly attempted to obtain gainful employment. The media makes us aware of the statistics surrounding the unemployed of the natation almost daily, airing dreary interviews of those who have experienced huge losses in this inflation. Working at my desk this past week I heard one such interview on the radio. The story goes like this: There is this couple that became unemployed before they met. After meeting and marrying they kept trying to obtain work. Finally receiving a break the women gained

employment, and shortly thereafter, after much nagging and pushing from his wife the man also obtained employment. This new found employment was well below the usual take-home-pay they received before

they lost their original jobs but that was okay, anything to pay the mounting debts. Whew, that stress was now being relieved. Thinking that their nightmare was over they began falling in line with this new schedule of employment. They fell back into the routine of awaking each day, spending the majority of the day making less than they made before, even with their combined incomes. Then the unthinkable happened, the wife lost her job. While searching for another the husband lost his as well, both were laid off again. This happened at least three times in a row to the wife until finally she has landed a job that seems to be lasting. Unfortunately, their past experience of worrying about getting a job and once obtained if they could keep it manifested according to the universal laws of attraction. This is a classic example of sending out those worry vibrations and receiving what you sent out. The real challenge for these two will be their ability to conquer their fear of losing a little and opening their minds to the possibility of gaining through another way of thinking. Change comes by the renewing of your mind and this is a big step for some. Here’s a thought, the next time you find yourself continuously coming up against a brick wall when you’re attempting to manifest something into the universe take a look at the results you receive after two or

three times of trying. If you keep bumping your head, reassess your actions and thoughts by finding out the right steps to take in going about what you wish to manifest. In the above scenario it’s clear that what this couple wants to manifest is no different than anyone else’s desire in this economy, a stable income that provides the means for all financial responsibilities to be met on time and in full payment. Unfortunately, as you can see, for some of us that’s not going to cut it at this point. Our world is transitioning and we must move with the rhythms of this change. This is the time to think outside of the box. I know this sounds corny, but its truth. To find your fit in this vibrational wave, focus on a skill (gift) you have that will provide you with the stable income you seek. Stop what you are doing and invest in THAT right now. Follow that passion inside of you. Each of us has a passion for something. Stop that mechanical thinking of “my passion could never make me a living,” do you truly know this? Have you really given it a chance? Why not take a gamble on yourself? Try it and see what happens. Don’t waste another minute of your personal power thinking about what you can’t have, do, or earn. Instead use this energy to your benefit. Stop looking for the answers on the outside of you because the answers to your present challenges lies within you. Take your thought energy and focus on your abilities. Allow the Universe to lead you to your next source of income. In focusing like this you WILL yourself from thinking about your limitations (you know, what you don’t

have, or can’t make happen), and start focusing on new possibilities. I mean, let’s face it, you didn’t kill over, you’re still here, which means there’s something left for you to do or complete here on earth at this time. If you begrudge your existence or the experience you’re going through you’ll only attract more of what you don’t want, because you’re focusing on only that one thing.

get you to that point where you can exhale. Believe it or not, you have been here before, between income streams, and if you haven’t, then welcome to your new beginning. Even if you can’t see what that next step is right now, let go of your present thought pattern because it is limiting you in moving ahead, and isn’t that what we all want, to move on with our lives?

What is happening to all of us right now? The universe is forcing us to use the spiritual gifts and talents that we possess within. Don’t take what I say to be the last word on the matter, test my statement. If you weren’t in the situation you’re presently experiencing would you be searching desperately for income resources, stressed or reading this now?

This is not an easy transition and many of us are facing that fact, as evident in our income source, however, we can beat this. We can weather this storm. We can make a whole new market if we pool together by focusing on our inner gifts, skills, an abilities. Okay, so the corporate world won’t take notice that we are fast learners, dedicated, and hardworking but we know who we are and what abilities we possess. It’s time for us to create new markets by marketing these abilities ourselves. We have a plethora of friends who will support us, if

As for your immediate financial issues, trust that the universe will find a solution and in your trusting use your natural ability of belief to

Bellésprit Magazine 41


we will use these abilities to create fresh new markets in this economy. I know what you’re thinking; I don’t have the means to get started with creating the market I require for the abilities I possess. The one thing I know about the universe is this, you get started with only faith in your pocket and just watch how situations, people, and resources start flowing to you from out of nowhere! It’s called manifesting, like attracts like. It’s time for us to use the power we entered this realm with. The time period we are traveling through dictates that we need to think outside of the box. It’s also time for all of those we know who are still able to maintain a stable income to support those making an effort to create brand new markets in a challenging economy. The universe is now demanding that we support each other under a new way of thinking, by opening our minds to new ideas translated in new innovative market products. Bargain deals can now be found among old and new entrepreneurs. If you’re on a tight budget seek these resources out. If you support the small businesses popping up all around you, you’ll find that not only will you receive good quality products but great customer relations too, because you’re going to be appreciated for your service! For all of us, no matter what end of the hour glass we are on, the universe is demanding that we embrace new ideas, take on new concepts, invent and introduce new products into our economic markets on a global scale. It has given us all that we need, from the power we possess within us to the World 42 Bellésprit Magazine

Wide Web at our fingertips. At this time in human history we are being asked, some forcefully and some subtlety, to renew our ways of thinking and to stop relying on the old ways of receiving stable income streams. Feel the fear and do it anyway! Take belief in your abilities [inner gifts] and create something that someone has been waiting to receive! You’ll never know who will want what you have to offer until you put it out there. In Humble Servitude, Divine Love and Light to YOU!

Rev Pamela B. Cummins Psychic and Medium Readings http://pamelapsychicinsights.wordpress.com www.successfulrel.com

973-229-9704 Specializing in Self Growth, Love, Relationships, Life Direction, and Dream Interpretation

By Charene Henderson Charene holds an MS in HR Management and a BA in Business Management. She is a Spiritual Metaphysical Life-Coach, Certified Reiki I and Sacred Triad healer, and an Inspirational speaker. Charene is a Psychic/ Clairvoyant medium and a very strong Empath. As a writer, she is able to use her gifts to assist others in their spiritual awakening through creative philosophical literature. Charene is the Executive Director of Rescue Rangers OPES.

Rescue Rangers OPES Executive Director of www.rescuerangersopes.com Copyright-2011:

“Empower yourself, empower your relationships.”

Spiritual Feng Shui - Donna Cantone Viritual Feng Shui Consultations, Angelic Life Coach, and Angel Card Readings Visit my web site on the Services page for exclusive Bellesprit specials! Phoenix Holistic Services www.Phoenixholisticservices spiritualdonna@bellesprit.com 856-596-9135 Let me empower you to improve your life and home in all aspects while creating a connection to your angels. I feel so blessed to meet you! Bellésprit Magazine 43


Feng Shui Tips For 2012 2012 is the year of the dragon which starts on Lup Chun (Li Chun). Lup Chun is the first day of the spring. In 2012, Lup Chun is on February 4, 2012 (Chinese New Year is on Jan. 23, 2012). 9 flying stars that occupy in 9 different locations will change to different locations from this day (Lup Chun). Following are the details of the significance of these 9 flying stars and their locations. They will be acted as the general Feng Shui tips for 2012 and the Feng Shui guide to arrange your house according to flying stars.

A East of the House:

Flying star #4 will fly to the east side in 2012. #4 is the auspicious flying star that is in charge of education, exams or promotion. East in original Bagua is Zhen Gua that represents the eldest son and males between the age of 30 to 45 years old. It also signifies the Chinese zodiac sign Rabbit. So the eldest son, males between ages 30 to 45 years old in your family, or those people born in the year of the Rabbit will benefit from this good star: promotion or good school achievement. If your main door is on the East side, your whole house will also gain from this auspicious star. In addition, #4 flying star also stands for love. Those people who are eldest sons, males between ages 30 to 45 years old, or belonging to the Chinese zodiac Rabbit will expect to encounter his/her lover and even get married in 2012. 44 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 45


Feng Shui Tips: Move your desk to the East side of your house or office. Place your child’s study desk in the East region and let it face to the East. In order to boost up this good star, display Wen Chang Pagoda or hang a Wen Chang Education Amulet in the East if someone at your home is in school. For career, display Monkey on Elephant on your desk to reinforce your promotion luck. If someone plans to marry in 2012, you can display Mandarin Ducks and Happy Kissing Couple in the East to welcome the happiness star home.

C South of the House:

Flying star #1 is the auspicious flying star that is related to further education, official ranking, prosperity, and relationship. It will help your business grow and career advance. In the original Bagua, south is Li Gua that represents the middle-aged female, or the second daughter or females between 16 and 30 years old, or the Chinese zodiac sign of the horse. As a result, people who were born in the zodiac sign Horse, middle-aged female, or the second daughter or females between 16 and 30 years old will take advantage of this auspicious star. If the main door or store door is located in the south your business or wealth will be better than the previous year. However one very ominous conflicting star called Three Killings or San Sha locates in the South in 2012. This conflicting star can bring deadly disasters such as accidents, sickness, etc. Feng Shui Tips: Flying star #1 belongs to the Water Element. On the other hand, south belongs to Fire Element. Thus, there will be some conflict here - not as smoothly as you expect. In order to lessen the conflicting energy and strength the propitious power of flying star #1, you need to display Victory Banner or hang Victory Banner with Evil Eye to achieve your triumph. One Carp Fish Jumping Over the Dragon Gate on your desk can also increase water element and help you achieve your goal. Especially for those who seek a promotion, social fame, traveling and higher education. It is recommended to carry the Feng Shui Amulet which is good for producing wind and water energy. Keep away from 3 Killings - don’t do any construction and keep this area calm. In addition, don’t sit in the South for too long even though the auspicious star #1 is in the South. If you sit in the South location, it is better not facing South. The Feng Shui cures to conflicting star Three Killins are displaying 3 Divine Guardians with Flaming Sword for 3 Killings or hanging the Three Celestial Guardians Amulet Plaque in South.

B West of the House:

Flying star #8, which is the luckiest star will be in the West side in 2012 is the wealth star that brings money luck and prosperity. If your main door is in the West side, you will have extra income in 2012. West in original Bagua is Dui Gua that represents the youngest female, or the third daughter, or females under 15 years old, or the Chinese zodiac of the rooster. So those people will benefit from this emperor star. Feng Shui Tips: Flying star #8 belongs to the Earth Element while the West region belongs to the Metal Element. Metal energy decreases Earth energy. Hence the Flying star #8 will not be too strong. In order to strengthen the Earth Element and enhance flying star #8, you can display the Money Tree with Crystal Base, Bejeweled White Dzambhala or Bejeweled Green Dzambhala in the west side of your house. Those who were born in the year of the Rooster can carry the Rich Amulet with Red Tassel to increase more money luck.

D North of the House:

Flying Star #2 is known as the inauspicious flying star of sickness that causes illness, disease, and health problems. North in original Bagua is Kan Gua that represents the second son, or the middle age son, or the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rat, or the male between 15 and 30 years old. If your main door is in the North region, you need to pay attention to people’s health in your house. Kan Gua also represents the kidney, bladder and urinary system, blood, ear, and anus. Be precautions of these illness. Feng Shui Tips: It is better that this illness star is not strong since flying star #2 belongs to Earth Element whilst North belongs to Water Element. Water Element can reduce Earth Element. However, it is better to do some early preparation to prevent your family members from illness than to let it happen. Wu Lou is one of the most powerful Feng Shui products to ward off sickness energy. Display one Tiger and Dragon Wu Lou or Bejeweled 46 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 47


Medicine Buddha in the North. For those who were born in the rat, the second son or the middle age son, or the male between 15 and 30 years old, carrying the Medicine Buddha Pendant is suggested.

F SW of the House:

Flying Star #3, which causes trouble, damage, arguments, lawsuit and legal entanglement, etc, will occupy SW in 2012. In the original Bagua theory, Kun Gua is in the SW. Kun Gua represents the mother, female household, female over 45 years old, and the Chinese zodiac signs of the Ram and Monkey. Therefore, flying star #3 will affect mostly those people (mother, female household, female over 45 years old, Chinese zodiac Ram and zodiac Monkey people) and the people whose main doors are located in SW. Feng Shui Tips: If your business door or office door is located in SW, be caution about arguments, lawsuit and legal entanglement. Hang or put more red items in the location to dissolve this inauspicious star’s deflects. The best Feng Shui products in this location are Flaming Sword or Ksitigarbha Fireball for Displaying. For those who were born in the year of Ram or Monkey, or female household, mother, female over 45 years old, carrying one Red Dragon Amulet With Red Jewel or one Magic Fire Wheel is recommended.

E

SE of the House: We need to pay attention to SE region in 2012 since one most deadly fictitious star with the name of Five Yellow and Tai Sui are both in this location. Five Yellow is the flying star #5 which brings all kinds of bad luck, disasters, wealth loss and sickness. In original Bagua, Xun Gua is in the southeast whilst Xun Gua represents the eldest daughter, widow, female between ages 30 to 45 years old. As a result, these people and those whose main doors are located in SE will be affected seriously by this star. Feng Shui Tips: Besides the flying star #5, Tai Sui/Grand Duke stays in this area, too. We need to cater Tai Sui instead of offending Tai Sui. Avoid any new constructions in the location where Tai Sui is located. For the Chinese zodiac signs of dragon or dog, or eldest daughter, widow, female between ages 30 to 45 years old, it is recommended to carry Tai Sui Amulet or Grand Duke Appeaser Amulet. In addition, display one Feng Shui Pi Yao in SE to favor the energy of Tai Sui. Since flying star #5 is the most deadly fictitious star. Its destructive effects can’t be underestimated. It is better to keep its effects down before the disasters take place. Don’t put a water fountain or something that can bring active energy in this location. Avoid TV or big red items, too. One Five-element pagoda, 5 Element Pagoda with Mantra or 3 Chi Lin Mystic Knot Wind Chime is the powerful traditional Feng Shui cure to flying star #5 in Feng Shui.

w NE of the House:

Auspicious flying star #9 will be in the NE in 2012. #9 is the star that stands for delightful events such as promotion, new start of enterprise, marriage, giving birth of new baby, etc. In the original Ba Gua, Gen Gua is in the NE. In the aspect of manifestation in the family, Gen Gua represents the third son or the youngest son, or the Chinese zodiac signs of Ox or Tiger. So this auspicious flying star #9 will be a great benefit to those people (the third son or the youngest son, or zodiac Ox or zodiac Tiger) and the people whose main door is located in NE. Feng Shui Tips: Flying star #9 belongs to the Fire Element and NE belongs to the Earth Element. So this auspicious flying star #9 will be not very powerful in 2012 since Earth element will weaken the Fire Element. For this auspicious star, we need to vitalize its favorable cosmic energy. We can display Dragon-Snake Nine Rings Sword of Power or 9 Ring Sword to activate flying star #9 and wipe out any obstacle in the path to the delighting events.

48 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 49


x NW of the House:

Besides two unfavorable locations SE and North that we need to watch out for, there is also another region we need to pay attention to - NW for one disaster flying star #7 is in this corner. Flying star #7 is an inauspicious star that causes fighting, robbery, stealing, accidence, etc. In original Bagua, Qian Gua is in the NW region whilst Qian Gua represents father, male household, males over 45 years old, Chinese zodiac Dog and zodiac Pig. Consequently these groups of people will be affected by this inauspicious flying star (father, male household, males over 45 years old, Chinese zodiac Dog people and zodiac Pig people). People whose main doors are located in NW should also pay extra attention to the forthcoming unfavorable energy.

y Center of the House:

The heaven star Flying Star #6 for career success will be in the center in 2012. Since it is embraced in the center, its good affection can’t be exposed clearly. Job searching will be still tough and difficult. The effective way to activate flying star #6 is using the Feng Shui product - 6 Metal Emperor Smooth Coins, 6 Big Metal Emperor Smooth Coins or Set of 6 Heaven Prosperity Coins.

This inauspicious flying star represents stealing and losing. It may sound untenable to have the property lost all of a sudden. Nonetheless, the most common case by our experience is that we may lose value in our stock market or housing market. Accordingly, investing in 2012 will be very careful. The star will always find certain way to release its energy. Feng Shui Tips: Since flying star #7 and NW region both belong to the Metal Element, the bad effects caused by this inauspicious star will be double and appear in a more manifest way in 2012. Especially for male household, zodiac Dog and zodiac Pig should be more careful when they are operating metal tools since metal injury is indicated. It is imperative to carry Blue Rhino Amulet to lessen the effect of the flying star #7 and put one Nanbu Lock Coin inside your desk drawer or near your desk to lock your money luck in 2012 for those people (father, male household, males over 45 years old, Chinese zodiac Dog and zodiac Pig). In addition, Blue Rhino and 6 Tusks Elephant and Blue Rhinoceros and Elephant Charm in NW are the best feng shui cures to this unfortunate star for every house. Furthermore NW is the opposite side of the Tai Sui location. It means that one bad afflicting star Sui Po is in this location. Coping with Sui Po is the same rule of what we deal with Tai Sui (no offense to its energy) - avoiding any new constructions and keeping this area calm.

Conclusion of Feng Shui Tips 2012: East, North, NE and South will be four auspicious locations in 2012 whilst SE, SW, North and NW will be the locations we need to watch out for and prepare more for in advance. Since both locations (SW and NW) for male and female household are occupied by inauspicious flying stars and flying star #7 is very strong, the phenomenon such as financial problems and money losing will be more apparent than 2011. Furthermore, job marketing can’t be open more since flying star #6 is embraced in the center. 2012 will be the year of more difficulties and challenges. It is better to stay conservative and find the way to secure your wealth and money. Good luck in 2012!

Click the logo to visit this site.

We would like to offer a special thank you to our friends at Feng Shui Import for allowing us to share their Feng Shui tips for 2012. Visit their web site at www.fengshui-import.com/ for your Feng Shui product needs. Be sure to tell them you heard about them through our Bellesprit Magazine!

50 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 51


The Law Of Attraction: Breaking Free of Our Addictions & Entering Into A Collective Consciousness

By Mandy Peterson One Step Further On Your Journey Toward Evolution The first time I heard about the law of attraction was in 1996. It wasn’t called the law of attraction yet, but the main precept was largely the same: as within, so without. Our outer world was a mirroring process that reflected our inner thoughts. It was becoming more widely accepted that there existed a bodymind-spirit connection beneath every illness and situation we might face in life. I’m not here writing to refute this; I just feel something is yet incomplete in what seems to have become a primary focus. I have not addressed this until now because I’m afraid to be a hypocrite. Who am I to say anything, when I’m as trapped in the whole system as anyone else? And how do I know what I say is going to be of any real or practical truth when this world, in the end, is just an illusion? Even so, I feel compelled to put some of this information for52 Bellésprit Magazine

ward, to go beyond my fear with the knowledge that none of us are perfect. Some of this information is already out there and attached to giving our power away to “Illuminati” or banking conspiracies. However, if you see the truth beneath those conspiracies, then we can have the awareness to make new choices from a place of knowing not only what we want, but also what we do not want and how to play a part in not creating it... if one chooses to take this route. As I already stated earlier, our Earthbound experience may be considered to be illusion anyway, so you can always start from this point, too. The “Me First” Movement Has A Purpose How the law of attraction is being used now is still a crucial step towards moving to the next level. How can we really understand how the law works on a

collective level if we have never experienced it on a personal one? However, the planet is evolving in ways where we will always have choice. And possibly, just possibly, a small doorway can open toward new possibilities if we don’t run away in fear and close it shut. We have been falling into the illusion that we are powerful because we are manifesting “things” and “creations” within a “box.” What does this “box” serve and manifest? Only when you attempt to break free of that “box” will you realize exactly what you are manifesting yourself into. This is not negative or positive, it just is, and it has been a choice we have been making for a very long time. And ask yourself, would you be trying so hard to manifest within the structure of chasing after money and “things” if society wasn’t set up to trap you those ways? And, how do you even know what thoughts and wants and needs are even really your own when you have been exposed to constant advertising on a continual basis? The truth is that “The Secret” did bring forth a lot of new information on our power to manifest. However, we are getting stuck on the personal level. Why? Because we still believe that collectively we have little power to change. This is an untruth of course, but our inability to see this as our prime motivator in everything we want to create, keeps us creating within the “box” rather than outside of it. We can’t create anything outside of us if we are not yet taking responsibility that it was first created from within. Responsibility is the key. Because, if we can look beyond ourselves into how we are manifesting collectively, then we can come to understand that we have more collective power than we acknowledge. And with power comes responsibility to use it wisely. By using our power on an individual level, and by manifesting in our own little worlds, we are affecting the collective – sometimes even negatively. I am emphasizing our desperation to use the Law of Attraction to give our power away to things, like more money, fame, fortune etc. We have power within our manifestations to affect both the material world and a collective stream of consciousness. We use this power every day, but do we really understand what we are manifesting collectively with it, or even why?

Moving Out Of A “Me First” Mentality and Into The Idea Of A Collective “To understand ourselves is to understand our environment and our neighbor because we are truly one” ~ Ryan Gear We have been locked within an age of “me first” for some time now. This has not necessarily been a “bad” thing. Many of us needed to know we had value and that we could be creators in our own right. As a society we became more individualistic, had more dreams, aspirations, roles and destinies. We realized that we didn’t always have to be slaves to other people and their ideas. We could have and find our own. Moving out of this “me first” mentality, we still can and will have dreams, aspirations, roles and destinies, but we may now wish to move towards making our dreams and aspirations more holistic -- to come together in new ways to get ourselves out of the box we have collectively created. As individuals, we can choose to not think collectively, but the end result will not be our freedom. We cannot logically keep going how we are going and keep everything on earth in balance and treated with the respect that it/we truly do deserve. However, it is not productive to go into thinking about all of this too deeply. However, there are some things you can do. 1. Give yourself permission to think as a collective rather than just an individual Most of us haven’t been raised to care about the collective as a whole. We care for parts of the whole and ourselves, but we have a hard time seeing beyond into the bigger picture of things. There is a way we can move towards thinking more expansively. We can expand your perception towards beginning to think as a “collective” and how we affect that collective in everything we buy, create, think or do. 2. Give yourself permission to stop waiting for something outside of yourself to bring the collective back into balance. Sometimes we act out of a sense of powerlessness Bellésprit Magazine 53


on this planet. We wait around for the government or even Mother Nature to correct things. I have heard some spiritual people tell me not to worry about the planet because Mother Nature knows how to correct things and bring things into balance. Others seem to think the opposite -- that some mysterious ascension shift is going to come along and make it easy for us. But why do we need to wait for this? Why wait to create our circumstance and then dump it onto Mother Nature, the government, or some other outside force to fix it for us?

outside of yourself, you will realize that underneath anything you try to attain or create there will be one message -- a call for love. Even in our successes and glory, what are we looking for? And in our depths of despair, what are we hoping to receive?

3. Give yourself permission to take responsibility for your role in manifesting a collective state

So, when thinking about True or False Light, you may just want to think about whether the ideas and philosophies you are buying into move you closer to finding your light within. Or, are you buying into something that keeps you lost and looking outside of yourself?

The Law of Attraction puts forward that we must be responsible for what we manifest in our personal lives. However, this equally holds true for the state of the whole world as well. If we, in a collective sense, want to complain about the government and hold them responsible for why things are not changing, that is our choice. But, as without is also within. We are the ones creating it. We mindlessly buy from companies that completely control our governments and realities. Such companies may pollute, harm or abuse other creatures or work within ethics we do not always support. No one is forcing us to become part of the problem rather than the solution here. We choose support these companies to all by ourselves. Why? 4. Give yourself permission to distinguish what is True Light from what is False Visualize two cups, one filled with coins and the other water. Now, drop coins from the first cup into the cup with water. What happens? The water gets pushed out. Becoming close to God isn’t about taking a vow of poverty. That’s making it about suffering. Then the cup becomes empty of both water and coins. It’s about becoming more whole, more full, more clear... ‘till you are less needing to fill coins in your cup. Distinguishing true light from false light isn’t about duality and either type of light being good or bad. Right now it is about building bridges. If you look out into the vastness of space you will see darkness intermingling with bright stars, but you wouldn’t be able to see the stars unless there was the dark space around them. If you go deep enough into anything 54 Bellésprit Magazine

So how should one distinguish True Light from False Light? I personally simply see it in terms that one light you will find within you (true light), the other light you will find outside of you, in your outer world (false light).

5. Give yourself permission to go beyond applying affirmations There is passivity in how Law of Attraction can be used. Though I do believe it all comes down to thought, you don’t want to make the Law of Attraction only about employing affirmations. Much of what we manifest largely comes from unconscious habits and behaviors. When kept hidden and unidentified, these unconscious habits and behaviors can never be turned into lessons in unconditional love. The truth is you do not have to “do” anything to force change. You can use your consciousness to connect with your being, and to what you want and feel, and why. Then, give yourself permission to be accepting and loving to all your parts and from that place everything else will come together. You may find you stop needing what never served you, or that you start moving away from negative habits and behaviors... You may stop needing “coins” and other “things” of the world to fill or “pollute” your cup. I love Eckhart Tolle because he talks about the “now,” and entering the “portal called Allow.” You can be in the “now” and watch everything without judgment. When you start doing this you start seeing things differently and can detach, seeing things you never saw before. Look in a detached way at the new and flashy gadget

you’ve always wanted to by. Without judgment, just step outside of yourself. Why do you want that new electronic gadget? Who or what told you to get it? A commercial? Do you really need it? Will it make you free? How can it impact the collective if everyone is buying one? What is the energy of the company you will be manifesting into if you buy one? The list goes on. Now bring yourself back to your heart in an expansive sense again by imagining your heart is not just in your body but expands out into the totality of everything. What is your heart saying? If you can feel these with your heart and again expand yourself rather than contract yourself, you can gain a lot of peace and awareness.

now and becoming more aware of a collective energy and experience.

We can advance to the next level. We can think individually, but in a more collective way, without waiting on anything or anyone else to support us in this. Meditation:

If you can’t do this exercise perfectly, of course don’t be hard on yourself or try too hard. Use whatever works for you that moves you toward getting out of the mind and into the heart as an individual and a collective. Learning how to do this may also help us to be able to feel ourselves, and feel why we want what we want as well as gain insight into the bigger picture of the world, the collective.

Visualize something higher than yourself and your own world for a moment. Take your vision through the light of your entire energy field and use it to feel the whole planet and all its people, plants and animals as if it was ONE living being. Feel the energy and go into it. What is that energy saying? What is it asking for? What is it feeling? As you sense the collective Earth energy and allow yourself to truly “feel” these energies, your heart may wish to overflow with love, compassion, or even other emotions you might deem as negative. Allow it. You do not have to judge any of this as good or bad. This will be open to your interpretation and coming from a place of mirroring something within yourself, because you are a part of that collective and how you perceive it reflects how you perceive your own personal world. If you go even deeper you can feel into the Oneness and Expansiveness of the all “that is” in its perfection, free from the illusionary dream. It’s about moving your consciousness the step beyond where you have it right

Now move your awareness back towards just your own energy field. How does that feel? What is the difference between the two feelings? Doing this exercise, it is important to attempt to pull your focus from the heart rather than using the mind. We want to feel the collective and the planet rather than “think” about it. The mind loves duality and will make all sorts of judgments, but if it does, just allow it to, it is okay. However, the aim is to go into your heart.

Visit Mandy Peterson’s web site at: www.mysticmandy.com

Bellésprit Magazine 55


Guidance

When a little insight can guide your way.

56 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 57


Insight Through Photographs

My name is Kristen Leona and I am a psychic medium and an empath. By looking at photographs I am able to obtain information about the subjects.

What is a Photo Reading? A photo reading consists of receiving psychic information from studying photographs. I can connect to a person’s (or animal’s) energy from concentrating on photos of them. The subject of the reading can be living or passed on. Before a reading, I will light a white candle and ask for protection and guidance. During the reading I take notes of any information I receive. When the reading has been completed, I will type out my notes and send them to the client.

lot and likes to lie on newspapers that are in the process of being read.

From this photo, I know that Pamela is a very peaceful person and is well grounded. She has a healing business and helps others. A few of her close friends, she considers family. There is a wonderful energy coming from her. She has Divine help and guidance. She is very health conscious and is extremely aware of the energies around her. A health scare? She’s alright now. Pamela is a very trustworthy person.

If you would like to have a free reading to be published in Bellesprit Magazine, please send up to 4 photos of yourself or a loved one and up to 5 questions (if you would like) to: kristen@bellesprit.com. Have a terrific January! ~ Kristen Leona ~ www.kristenleona.com

58 Bellésprit Magazine

Thank you for allowing me to do this reading for you. Blessings, Kristen Leona Message from Pamela: Thank you Kristen. The reading is very accurate and I would love to give you some feedback. When Merlin was a kitten he had ringworm from the cats where he was staying before I adopted him, so he needed antibiotic and cream. He still is playful and attacks me! Yes he is the boss. He is picky about certain cat food. He is very demanding and wants what he wants. But he is my baby and I do spoil him.

The subjects of this month’s photo reading are Pamela and her cat, Merlin. Four photos were provided and no questions were asked.

From this photo I can tell that she is very natural and possesses great healing abilities. She loves animals and is helpful by nature. She is close with her family and enjoys spending time with them. She enjoys being outdoors and being out in nature. Taking walks relaxes her. Pamela has a beautiful heart and is very giving. She has a close relationship with The Divine and is a very accurate intuitive and reader.

From reading this photo of Merlin, I can see that he was very playful at this stage - he would attack feet and ankles. I believe that he had an infection that required antibiotics. Did or does he have UTI issues? He is very picky with his food and diet.

From this photo, I can see that Merlin is like her child. She is very connected to nature and to animals. I believe that she can ‘read’ animals as well as people. Pamela is surrounded by healing energy and is very peaceful. She is an intuitive and empath. There are connections on a heart level. Merlin is a very loving little boy and is also demanding. I believe he has hearing or ear issues. He is the Boss of his house. He plays a

I became a healer before doing readings. I love nature and animals. In fact there are times I prefer animal companionship to humans. I am close with my family and enjoy spending time with them. I do have friends that I consider family. I am very natural and health conscious. I did go through some painful female issues that did not respond very well to western medicine. In fact diet, spiritual modalities, and emotional work cured it. Blessings, Pamela Bellésprit Magazine 59


What do these visions mean? John, Cornwall UK. Agony Aunt: Hello John, Thank you for contacting me. You have the ability to see the future through clairvoyant vision. Your guides are taking great care of you by warning you of future dangers. You have a job as a spiritual healer and teacher and your guides will not allow any harm to come to you. The people who attacked you are on a particular path to learn lessons. You have enabled them to learn a lesson with no harm to yourself whatsoever. Continue to pay attention to your visions and enjoy your healing work. Elaine QUESTION:

Agony Aunt, Elaine Fessey Question:

A very warm welcome to all our readers. In this first issue of Bellesprit magazine I have been entrusted with two problems. My guide and I have been working hard to find the best guidance possible. If you have a problem that has been bothering you or a spiritual dilemma that would benefit from some guidance please do not hesitate to write into me here at the agony aunt page. I promise to treat your problem with the upmost care and concern. From your very own agony aunt. elainefesseyagonyaunt@bellesprit.com

60 Bellésprit Magazine

Dear Agony Aunt, When I relax and close my eyes I sometimes see visions. I once saw a kaleidoscope image whirling around. Suddenly three foxes began chasing each other round and around. I watched until they ran completely out of sight. The following day I was working at my job as a milkman. Three youths chased up to me and demanded money from my takings. I got out of my vehicle and they ran away. On another occasion I saw an old fashioned gun lying broken on the floor. The following week as I worked delivering the milk a man pointed a gun in my face and demanded money. I grabbed him and pushed him to the floor with superhuman strength and shouted “your gun is broken.” He got up and fled the scene.

Dear Agony Aunt, My friend was contacted by a psychic acquaintance who warned her that she had been given a message in a dream. My friend was told to leave her home at once, before it was too late! What can I tell my friend to help her? My friend lives in NYC. Pete USA. Agony Aunt: Hello Pete, Please tell your friend not to worry. In dreams we re-live our fears and worries in order to understand them. The psychic was not being warned of anything terrible to come. Actually the psychic has been tested recently after a spell of self development and is feeling fear as their blocked emotions are clearing. Many sensitives are aware of the changes all around us now. The message was not that she should run from home but never to run from the emotional blocks clearing now. She and her friend will then be prepared for the changes coming. Best wishes, Elaine. Bellésprit Magazine 61


Corbie’s Way Back Machine By Corbie Mitlied

Is Who I am Because of Who I’ve Been? Corbies Past Life Readings I’m delighted to be part of Bellesprit and bringing you a column about past lives. This is my specialty and you can get a real taste of what I do in the book, YOUR SOUL’S PLAN by Robert Schwartz, where I am one of the four featured psychic mediums. This column will focus on YOUR past lives -- but there are certain parameters. Don’t just say “who was I?” You have hundreds of lives to look at, but only some of them will be relevant to the Here and Now! So focus on one of these: •A phobia (“why am I afraid of spiders...getting my head wet...eating at a stranger’s house?”) •An obsession (“I used to hate hearing German spoken and now I want to learn to speak it myself...I have a compulsion to save Victorian houses...when I see a dead animal by the road I have to stop and bury it.”) •A place you’ve never been to that you are drawn to (“Why do I love Switzerland...the Gobi Desert...Route 66?”) •A person (“why do I try so hard to please my mother even though she always belittles me...why can’t I forget the guy I had a crush on in third grade...I saw a picture of a girl in a newspaper and it was like I knew her for years.”)

recently and paid for a “detailed” reading and each answer was about 5-10 short sentences in length. I guess I expected a bit more. The answers were so vague and general. For example, when I asked which past life is affecting me the most in this life I got the answer, “I feel that in your last life you did not complete what you wanted to, in this life you are still working on this.” In your opinion, is this detailed? I understand that the answers to Life aren’t usually handed out, that we need to discover things for ourselves, but if a reading offers nothing that is helpful, how does one learn to find a better way to phrase questions or seek qualified psychics? Secondly, I had a dream last night that could have been a past life experience, and this experience was traumatic. This dream could answer a lot of questions I have about myself and why I fear intimacy. Is it possible for a reader to hone in on a specific past life, sort of a way to validate that my dream really was a past life experience? Gayle Gayle, you have several queries here: 1. What constitutes a “detailed” reading? 2. How do I make sure I’m getting a good one? 3. Can a psychic help me understand a dream and tell me if it is, as I suspect, a past life?

Let’s go right to the past life situation, as that seems the most pressing for you. To me a past life, even if only When you send your question, please also send your described in a few sentences, should give you a defifull name as listed on your birth certificate (example: nite feel for your character/personality, a time period, Mary Jane Watson), your current name (example: perhaps a country, and a bit about WHY this is imporMary Parker), and your birthday (example: April 3, tant for you to recall during this incarnation. Examples 1975). If you are asking about someone you know, might be: include that information for them, too. (This informa- •“The constant conflict with your sister this lifetime tion will be used in my channeling only and will not be stems from a life when the two of you were brothers, published!) and she stole your inheritance during the Franco-Prussian War.” Send your questions to Corbie@bellesprit.com with the •“This soul has come in as your best friend in many subject line PAST LIFE COLUMN. lives past, but chose to incarnate as your father this time to give you extra support. He has ongoing Karma Question: with your mother stemming from a life with her in When a reader states they will deliver “detailed” an17th century Tibet.” swers, what does that mean? I asked several questions •“You have died or been killed several times because 62 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 63


you chose to have children out of wedlock, including in the most recent previous life, in Chicago during the 1940s. Therefore, this time you chose to focus on a life unburdened by children of any kind.” When you sit with me and ask for a session about your past lives, I will often give you a whole scenario — but past lives are my specialty, and I am not sure that my level of detail is a common thing. Can a psychic pick up on a dream and identify it as a past life? It’s happened. In fact, one of my favorite ‘client stories’ is about a past life reading I did that described a life during the Civil War where my client was heavily involved in the Underground Railroad. The scene I unfolded for her during trance was the same dream she had been having for years, right down to what the building looked like and the dress she was wearing at the time. And she hadn’t said a word about it to me before the reading. Does this happen all the time? I wish it did! But it happens for me often enough that I know it’s truly possible and not just an occasional fluke. Meanwhile, if you have a particular past life you are interested in, try giving the psychic just a couple of salient details (something like “I keep seeing myself in France running away from two highwaymen”) and see if what they have to tell you matches up, or at least correlates well, with the information you’ve been given through dreamtime. As for the detail situation, I can only say that I myself am all about giving details, because YOU are the one who needs to make decisions about your life, not me. So I would not count this reading, if this is all it was, as detail. To be fair, however, part of the problem may be with it being a written reading. Frankly, I hate reading by e-mail, to the point where I no longer bother with them; I can’t get the information I’m receiving down fast enough. I far, FAR prefer either phone readings or doing the session on a CD to send you. When I speak information flows better and you get more of it because it doesn’t have to process from brain to hand to keyboard to computer page.

want to go somewhere else. There are a lot of good intuitives out there, so don’t give up. Just choose wisely. Always do research on them ahead of time, ask for references, and remember that none of us will be more than 85% accurate. The only one 100% accurate is God, and God isn’t doing private psychic counseling as far as I know!

Rev. Corbie Mitleid FIRE THROUGH SPIRIT www.firethroughspirit.com 518-275-9575 877-321-CORBIE CROSS THE BRIDGE from fear to fearlessness -and fly! Featured in YOUR SOUL’S PLAN by Robert Schwartz www.yoursoulsplan.com

•••••••••••••

For a real understanding about how to choose a good psychic and how to prep for a great session, I always recommend my articles PSYCHICS 101 and PSYCHICS 102. Read them both, and if you truly were not comfortable with the reading you received, you may 64 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 65


Love and Relationships

With the right tools and guidance the sands of time can wash away what may be seen as past mistakes and provide a clean slate enabling personal healing.

66 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 67


Spiritual Insight To Relationships By Donnie Reed

Hello Everyone! It’s January, and the beginning of a ‘New Year.’ I’m looking forward to the New Year with high hopes! If you’re like me, I’m looking for new ways to making that happen! My name is Donnie, better known as PsychicXjourneyman, the host of the Blog Talk radio talk show ‘PsychicXjourneyman’s Spiritual Link. My goal with this column is to reach more people with my personal experiences and Spiritual insights to help you change the way you think. I have gone through these things myself and I want to help you by utilizing my own spiritual changes and experiences that I have gone through to get to where I am today. I hope to help you see that I don’t just teach it, I live it as well. This is a column about relationships where we will cover all relationships, including: 1. Your relationship with yourself 2. Relationships with everyone of the World; your harmlessness and harmony that exists between you and them 3. Your family and the love in your family unit 4. Your friends if they were attracted with your fears 68 Bellésprit Magazine

5. Your special someone, your twin flame for the romantic relationship life partner for life So as we go through the months of the New Year and go over these 5 Steps, you should be able to change your life and your relationships into more loving relationships, which means: 1. You will love more unconditionally, giving your love more freely and that love should be returning to you in a more bountiful measure. Also, you should be open to knowing that you are worthy of love, of being “loved, and be able to accept that love from others unconditionally 2. All the people you see or think about by name, no matter who they are or what they’ve done, you should be able to send unconditional love to them and see the God-Self in everyone including yourself. You should feel the harmlessness and harmony that truly exits between you and them 3. You will be able to look at your family and see love, goodwill, kindness, and respect with everyone concerned 4. You will see your friendships as deeply loving and

joyful, and you will have a mutual understanding. You will also know the ones who don’t understanding that they are not on your path manifested” out of fear 5. You will know if the person you are with is the one or not. You will be able to let go of that person knowing that there is a special someone for both of you with over flowing love to share coming to you, being attracted to the love you have to give. It is over flowing unconditional love knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that you both will then be living the future you’ve always seen saying to yourself, “Oh How I Love ,Love!! So let’s start with how is your relationship with yourself going. Do you love yourself unconditionally? Be honest with yourself right now. Can you say with all you heart and soul tapping into your God essence and say you ‘love you’ with all your heart, with all your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength? If you can, that’s a start to having successful relationships in your life right now. When you can, then you are ready for the world; your twin flame, your friends, neighbors, and family. So how do you get there? Well, I’m glad you asked. Everyone talks about the list for manifesting their twin flame, soulmate and career. You need one for yourself as well! So get started! I did, you can do the same. I found that your Horoscope, your astrological sign, can give you a blue print to work with. It is one of the many tools used to go within yourself to realize how you can and will have the love of your life. It can help you take the steps to go within yourself to change the perception of your beliefs, your thoughts, and can change your life. I know what you’re saying. Isn’t it important to have your significant other first? Yes it is, but that’s YOU! When you love yourself, you love God, when you love God, you love yourself! See how it works? To help you, I have a great Meditation for you: First put your head down, Focus on the space behind the heart,

Focus on seeing a Blue Aqua Plasma. When you have that vision in your mind, Focus on that space behind the heart again. Say to yourself, “I Love, I Love, I Love!” Say it until you feel your vibration rising up and up. Keep going, higher, and higher. Now work with that. Really get to know yourself. What do you really want? Who are you? Who do you really want to be with? Work on your Spiritual Self. Focus on all these things while being honest with yourself. Make your list.

Tune in next month as we go into that list of yours and I will share my list with you. We will discuss how I changed to become the person I love unconditionally which helps me to follow my heart always to see the truth about everyone and everything. A thought to think about; I was looking for peace in my life by looking for that missing piece, which turned out to be me! Until Next month, Love & Light Donnie Reed Always Give Love Where Love Is Given May God and the Angels Bless You Every Minute of Everyday Bellésprit Magazine 69


The Love Channel With Relationship Expert, Pamela Cummins Do you have questions about your love life? Do you have issues with a family member, friend, or coworker? Well, you’ve come to the right place to receive insightful and inspired help from one of the best Relationship Experts around! If you have a relationship question, my Angels and guides have the answer. Please email pamelabellespirit@gmail.com and I will answer some of your questions right here each month in our magazine. Dear Pamela: What actions should I take to allow love into my life in 2012? And what are three things I should not do? Lily Dear Lily: My angel is going with the three things you should NOT do first, which will give insight on how to allow love into your life. 1. Do not have negative thoughts when it comes to love. Let go of past experiences with your relationships. There is also

a part of you that feels like it is never going to come. It will. You analyze love, love cannot be analyzed. 2. Stop judging peoples relationship and men. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. Again my guides are saying you think too much when it comes to love. Love is a feeling. You will never understand another’s love relationships because it is their lesson to learn. Be grateful that it is not your lesson. When it comes to men it is very easy for you to find their flaws. And flaws they have just like women do. Look for the good in a man even when you find him icky. If the only thing you find is he keeps his fingernails trimmed, that is enough. It just means he is not the one for you. God always gives you choices. 3. Let go of how the outcome should be, expectations of how he should be and do. I’m hearing the song lyric “you got

70 Bellésprit Magazine

to let love rule” by Lenny Kravitz. There is nothing wrong with having standards, but also allow for it not to be perfect. You will learn balance when it comes to love. God has plans for you. The good news is it feels like love will come in before summer, spring. Now I’m hearing the old song, “In the very, very month of May.” It’s funny I’m seeing a lady in old fashion clothing, twirling her umbrella. What that means to me is you want courtship and there will be courtship. You will be able to set the pace. In the meantime show the universe you want a relationship by taking action steps. Visualize what you want, write down what your relationship would be like, and let it go. I’m seeing you burn what you have written and also putting it in a stream and letting it go. The next thing is to go on ‘five’ different dating sites. I have no idea why five. And go out with them. I’m getting a vision

of you looking over a box of chocolate and tasting the variety. Some you will like and others you will not. Some you need to test drive a couple of times. There will be a few you will not give a second chance. Go to places you enjoy and make sure you do one social function a week. Most of all – Have Fun! Do not look at the men as if it is a job interview. Stay in the moment. If someone is not interested in you, know that he was not right for you. We all have choices including them. The one that feels right for you is tall with dark hair, and fit, I only see the back of him. I see you meeting him in a coffee shop/ café area. He is smart and intelligent. It just clicks. Blessings, Pamela

Bellésprit Magazine 71


World Peace...

Is within your hands

72 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 73


The End of Apologies and Forgiveness We have all learned as children how important it is to take ownership of our lives and to say sorry for our wrongs, especially when we have hurt others; to avoid apologizing is to be stubborn, self-centered, and egocentric. This is true within the dream state of duality, where there is a right and wrong choice, solution, and path to follow; where the law rules our everyday lives. According to Dictionary.com, an apology is: “A written or spoken expression of one’s regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another.” And to forgive is: “To grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve. To cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one’s enemies.” An apology, and the subsequent act of forgiveness, is on opposing sides of the same coin; in the first, we are

the process of life, into what is consciously experiencing and creating each moment of the eternal now with confidence and a truth based, unconditional love. I practice and teach a form of relating called “relationships as a mirror”, in which we see all people, especially those we are close to, as reflections of our childhood beliefs and experiences. In my blog post, “Relationships as a Mirror & EFT”, I wrote: “If we are really just repeating patterns from our early childhood, then each relationship that we engage in is a reflection of our early lives. Our romantic interests, friends, financial situation, pets, and surroundings reflect back to us our beliefs about life. If we feel anger or sadness in a particular relationship, they are only reflecting back to us our desire to heal a childhood trauma, pattern, and/or belief. It is a well-known idea within psychology that if one hundred people are placed in a room, and there is one perpetrator and one victim mixed among them, the two will almost always meet. This is because we send

Creating World Peace... One Person At A Time By Nathan Martin

admitting that we have been wrong, while in the latter we are accepting their admission of guilt and pardoning their behavior. When we are living life unaware of our feelings, the moment, and our true responsibilities, this process can be a very healing act, however, once we discover that we are the sole creator of our own lives, we can drop the idea of blame and integrate the concept of complete ownership of our experiences that we alone have created. There are two states of being, the state of being either a victim or victor, which can be called “the dream state” or “duality”, and then the state of awakening which is living in “presence”. The hallmark of the first state is that of blame, where life is random and competitive, and where what we call love stems from fear and a need to control. In the second state, we surrender into

74 Bellésprit Magazine

out energetic signals based on our family system of origin that people pick up on. In this model, instead of seeing this as sick and dysfunctional, it can be seen as a blessing in disguise, an opportunity to heal an old pattern that is no longer serving us as adults. So then, in any relationship, we can see that each time we feel any of the three core feelings, anger, fear, or sadness, it is our feelings and nobody else is to blame. If we follow these steps, we can heal our interactions with all of our relationships easily: 1. Recognize the reflected feeling. Is it anger, fear, or sadness? 2. What does this incident and triggered feeling remind you of from your past prior to the age of eight? 3. What is the limiting belief (hidden message that Bellésprit Magazine 75


causes powerlessness) that the childhood memory taught you? 4. Tap on the root memory, along with the associated feelings and limiting beliefs, using EFT.” One of the things I have learned from thousands of hours of EFT (the Emotional Freedom Techniques), and from teaching and experiencing unconditional love, is to avoid apologizing or offering forgiveness— for I have come to realize that I am apologizing for their feelings when I do so. “I am sorry I hurt their feelings?” If I really believe that all of life is a reflection, then how can I be sorry for allowing them to experience an opportunity to learn and heal? Unconditional love allows people to experience and own their feelings, while saying sorry is admitting that blame and fault are ok. Blame in any fashion is a low vibration; it keeps us trapped in a victim or victor energy, while ownership of our life leads us to an awakened state of beingness. Let’s look at how forgiveness typically looks in a real world situation: A father is upset at his children because he feels powerless to make them quiet down and behave, out of options to ‘make them’ behave, he yells at them with an angry and threatening tone. The children shape up from a space of fear of their father, and he now feels guilty for yelling at his children like his own parents used to do with him. The father may now go on to apologize for his behavior, making a concerted effort to learn a better way to deal with his feelings of powerlessness and lack of institutional control over his children’s unacceptable conduct.

Unfortunately, this behavioral pattern with those he loves is more than likely to continue on some level, even if the father takes parenting classes or receives 76 Bellésprit Magazine

from the same victim or victor energetic frequency. In fact, working relationships as a mirror with gratitude instead of apologizing and offering forgiveness will actually create forward movement and healing within our own personal evolution, relationships, and growth. In conclusion, to say I’m sorry and to offer forgiveness are two sides of the same victim energy, where the dance of blame and fault are a cornerstone of life. Resolution and peace are impossible from this energetic space; however they are entirely attainable when working relationships as a mirror with gratitude—instead of saying “I’m sorry” or “you’re forgiven”, it’s time to say “thank you for being my reflection and teacher”. emotional therapy. Utilizing “relationships as a mirror.” Let’s explore a different approach to this same behavioral pattern: A father is upset at his children because he feels powerless to make them quiet down and behave, out of options to ‘make them’ behave, he yells at them with an angry and threatening tone. The children shape up from a space of a fear of their father, and he now feels guilty for yelling at his children like his own parents used to do with him. Instead of apologizing to his children, he thanks them for reflecting back to him a destructive pattern from his own childhood, and vows to release it and grow from the experience. He then goes back in time with a coach, a trusted friend, or by himself, he finds the childhood roots and feelings of powerlessness that were causing the pattern to repeat, releases them and his need to control his children through EFT or another method of ‘letting go,’ thus causing the pattern to end forever. He again expresses his gratitude toward his children for being his teacher, healing this generational pattern once and for all for both him and his children.

I encourage you to learn more about the different forms of releasing and letting go that are available, including EFT and The Sedona Method, and to implement this new practice of relating into your lives and relationships—please feel free to visit my blog and its archives to learn more at FreeWithEFT.com.

Where the first option allowed the pattern to repeat indefinitely, stuck in a cycle of guilt, apologies, and forgiveness (victim and victor energy), this second option of ownership creates a mini awakening in this aspect of our life, ending the cycle forever, thus allowing freedom, flow, and presence. As we can see from the second example, removing apologies and forgiveness from our personal dictionary will not give us permission to treat people with disregard or to run over them roughshod, as that would still be operating Bellésprit Magazine 77


Divination

Brings you divine guidance

78 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 79


Living By The Numbers By Basayda Dorrell

The Year of 2012 in Review

Journey into January, the 1st Month of the year 2012

Welcome 2012! The Universal Energy will be a 5, with 2 and 7 being the supporting energies.

The 1st physical energy is a New Beginning taking a new approach in life as you walk in confidence. The 6 energy is the Universal Energy of the month. It is about being responsible and taking care of your responsibilities in your life especially in your home, family, friends and your community. It is a good month for marriage or to commit to something that will bring you happiness. This month is about LOVE. Ask yourself, how can I Love and care about people more?

2012 is about freedom and change in all areas of life. Opportunities are abundant so it will be important to communicate your feelings in a peaceful way. This is a great time to change your routine as it can lead to many open unknown doors. Your words are your wand as you are ever co- creating with the energies of life. The 5 energy brings the energy of surprise which has something in store for ALL of us in 2012 so be open and flexible in your thinking. It is a perfect time to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do such as travel to a foreign land, or explore cultures that are different than your own. Add fun and adventure to your life. Promote your great attributes and let others know who you are, as well as who you are in the business world if you are a salesman/woman. The Universal Energy is saying to be patient and don’t force anything. Go with the flow and pay attention to details (Love is in the details). Be sensitive of other people’s needs since the Universe will be sensitive to yours. The Universe is challenging us ALL to go deep within ourselves and find truth in who we are. Have faith and study your Faith. Self-analysis is vital and self-awareness is the key. Be mindful of the air and water this year. Send out blessings to these elements because the body needs them both. This is an important year for Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, and Pisces, and for those that are born in the physical energy months of February, May, July, November, and the spiritual months of June, September, and November for people who were born on the days of 2, 5, 7,11,14,16,20,23,25,and 29, and people with the Life Path that adds up to a 2, 5, or 7, including people, places, things or ideas with the initials of B,E,G,K,N,P,T,W,Y. Also, those born on a Monday or Wednesday are a day of favor too. If your Karma is positive it’s your time to shine, or if your Karma isn’t this will not be a good year for you. For Spiritual assistance, call on Archangel Raphael, “GOD HEAL” in your prayer life. So let us all welcome the energy.

80 Bellésprit Magazine

There will be moments where being social and going out for some entertainment and self-expression will be very helpful. This is also a time when things will be ending and it’s a good time to finish up tasks you’ve been putting off. This January is also a time for giving, so give to the least of your brothers and sisters that are around you. The one thing I’ve learned is you don’t get punished for giving good gifts from the heart, so be charitable this month. Reflect on your past, however reflect only on the good that has happened and listen to your intuition. Always be compassionate. Let’s look at the people who are going to be more noticeable this month. I call it ‘leading the train of life’, ‘time to shine’, or ‘backside door’ to the bad Karma that’s been done. People who are born on 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27 on any month, and also life paths and names, personal year and months that add up to numbers 3,6,9, Aries, Taurus , Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius ,Pisces; people who are born in March, June, September, December. People, places, things and words with initials of C,F,I,L,O,R,U,X. Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, Friday’s are days of favor too. Don’t be surprised to see or hear of this. For Spiritual assistance the Angel Anael or Archangel Jophioel “LOVE, GOD of BEAUTY” I hope you find this as a helpful and useful guide as you continue your life journey throughout this month. I’ll see you next month... To know more about your energy this year and what’s in store for you in 2012, email me at basayda@bellesprit.com. Email today to schedule a time for your 2012 reading!!! The more you know, the more you are prepared, the more opportunities present themselves, the more success you will have. Peace and Love.

Bellésprit Magazine 81


The Faulkner Tarot The modern black and white photographic deck Rhiannon Faulkner was widowed at the age of 36 and is mother to five young children. Her late husband Dave is pictured on many of the images on the deck, as are her children. She donates 10% of all profits to cancer charities and is in the process of setting up a sanctuary in Devon UK to offer support to other families in the same situation. You can see her teach how to read the tarot on Youtube on The Faulkner Tarot Deck Channel. When you think of tarot readers, do you imagine an old woman with a scarf on her head, hooped earrings, and a scary looking pack of cards in front of her? Most people do. For years, the idea of having a tarot reading has quite frankly scared the living daylights out of a lot of us and going by some people’s experiences, quite rightly so. I am the author of The Faulkner Tarot Deck, and I want to show you that used in the correct manner, the tarot can be a modern form of counselling and a tool for self help in all situations in life. I created a modern photographic deck, using images of everyday life that we can all relate to, such as the stresses in the office, the happy moments in our love life, and even photos showing how we struggle with money. This deck is being used worldwide by new and experienced readers alike. Having removed the traditional scary images of swords being stabbed into the backs of people, kings and queens sitting on the strangest of thrones and the frightening images of people jumping for their lives from a burning tower, we can now see how these cards actually refer to situations in our normal lives. 82 Bellésprit Magazine

The meaning for this card is a new beginning. It could be related to your love life, - a new romance, or a new job, depending on what question you asked the cards to answer. It signifies a new chapter starting – but we need to look closely at the picture to see if we will be happy with this and whether it is the right thing for us to do. This is where the magic in the cards kick in! What jumps out of the picture as you study it, thinking of your new start? Is it the bright blue sky or the rainbow? This would signify to me that it is going to be absolutely fantastic and you would be mad not to go for it. But, what happens if you are drawn to the large black island in the middle of the water? I would now say that maybe the new chapter or offer of a job is not right for you. It is not going to be as good as you first thought. Pull another card and place it next to this one. This next card tells us even more detail about the situation.

beginning/new offer in our life is going to be fantastic and we should go for it! Reading the tarot should always be done with good intention. Remember to be a professional and accurate reader you need to work with love and light at all times. Light a candle, say a little prayer, and ask for true guidance from above before you start. I never use reverse meanings, remember the Faulkner Tarot is the modern non-scary way of bringing the tarot into the 21st century – so we only like to give positive guidance. Reverse meanings scare the living daylight out of people and we don’t want to do that. Yes, we can predict negative situations and times of hardship – but look at every situation in life from a positive view, giving hope and promise to people having a hard time. Even in the darkest moments of our lives there is always a way of rebuilding and starting again.

The tarot is a tool for you to receive messages from spirit. If you can’t yet hear or see your guides, this is a way that they can prompt you to say and see what advice they are trying to give you. Always let the pictures talk to you – I can give 7 or 8 readings in a row and the same cards come out, yet I am prompted by my guide, Brian to notice a different aspect of the photograph. Let’s take the first card in the deck as an example – The Fool. The Star Card! This is the wish card in the major arcana. It means all your dreams are coming true and a happy message of promise. It is also the card of recovery so an all round wonderful card to have in your reading. This is now telling us that the new Bellésprit Magazine 83


Horoscope January 2012

CAPRICORN

Horoscope Columnist Jeanne Marie Douglas

December 21 - January 19

Aries

Gemini

Leo

Libra

Sagittarius

Aquarius

Your attention turns away from home and family matters, especially being as certain understandings and resolutions have been reached. Moreover, suddenly the world seems a much larger place, with lots to offer – that’s if you can overcome a natural ‘fear of the unknown.’ Look out for a great career opportunity and one which will involve handling power and authority. You will feel most inspired and determined to be successful! A new romantic link provides much solace and support. At last!

You’ve caught up with financial concerns and can now put all this ‘heavy stuff’ behind you! Practical tasks around home and family are most physically demanding, as well as involve considerable time. It will be difficult indeed to avoid duties and responsibilities towards your ‘nearest and dearest!’ But good communication ensures pleasant feeling between the two of you. A strong and influential friend comes to the rescue in some way, revealing a totally new perspective and a new, upbeat attitude.

You know that it’s time to ‘go back to the drawing board’ when it comes to long-term plans. For some reason, the direction in which you were once heading now seems far less attractive. Remember that it’s okay to change your mind and good practice to revise your goals every now and again! You may be concerned that you’re spending money a little too quickly these days. It’s a good thing that you’re also able to raise it quite efficiently. Work is fun when you wield power. A new romance is wonderful.

With worries and concerns ‘on your mind,’ you would do well to make a few plans and so put your fears to rest a little. This will help you feel as though you’re in control, especially as a work project comes to an end – leaving you with more time on your hands with which to ponder your new direction. Speaking to as many folk as possible certainly gets you onto the right tracks, as well as helping you to get a few matters ‘off your chest.’ Time at home is also helpful, as well as a lovely new friend.

Hard work comes easily to you, especially when others are too busy to provide distraction! You also have an idea of how to raise considerable finance, even though the risks are a little ‘over the top.’ Being true to yourself, you know that you just have to ‘have a go’ – and, with any luck (and you certainly have enough of this!), you are likely to succeed. A new job opportunity will also be on offer and one which appeals to your more creative side. A new romance is also pleasing and rewarding.

With almost a humorous attitude, you are determined to throw yourself around a little and get your own way! This makes you rather feisty where others are concerned but it seems as if your behaviour is certainly appropriate in the face of their complacency. As a result, you find contentment with your own company, happy to do your own thing especially hobbies. Being as you’re so happy in your own world these days, it’s a good time to make a few plans. A new romantic attachment is also welcome.

Taurus

Cancer

(20 April – 20 May):

(21 June – 21 July):

Virgo

Scorpio

Capricorn

Pisces

A change to the daily routine is imminent! This coincides – naturally – with completions of projects and the ending of an old phase. The resulting surplus energy is redirected towards a ‘tired’ social life, as you catch up with all your fun and exciting friends and providing a little entertainment in the form of ‘yourself’! Romance is also interesting as you decide to pursue the object of your desires but it is a genuine connection that you’re looking for. An artistic project proves appealing.

You feel as if you have achieved some personal goal and this is a relief in itself. As a result, you are brighter and more responsive to others and their thoughts and feelings. Get ready for a very busy phase as there will be little time left to yourself. You will also need to make sure that you don’t ‘overdo’ things and recharge your batteries at intervals. A more practical approach at work certainly gets you noticed and others simply won’t be able to keep up with you or compete at all! Romance is ‘rife’!

You’re determined to follow through with new ideas and are incredibly excited ‘at the thought!’ You may suddenly realise that you’ve left one or two familiar faces behind, as life moves on and certain changes take place that are difficult to prevent. This is all within the natural order of things and it is best to simply ‘go with the flow’ – at least for now. Good communication with family gets matters onto an even keel. You find that you have some social duty or obligation to fulfil and one that involves authority.

It may seem as if you’ve come to the end of a phase, but it’s just a quieter time – which you can put to very good use. For it seems ages since you’ve had the time and energy to reflect and contemplate life, your circumstances and situation! So make the most of the current climate in order to reprioritise your life more along the lines that you feel that you should – or want to go! This helps you start the New Year off in the right style. You get the chance to prove your worth at work – and impress them all.

You and a loved one reach a major decision, which actually affects the rest of your life together! This is heartening and puts you into a most upbeat and positive mood indeed. Moreover, you feel empowered and able to address difficult problems of a more long-term nature. A new way of raising cash also uplifts you, especially when you can afford something rather special that you’ve been wanting for ages. You also spoil a loved one when you lavish them with some gift or other, putting them into positive spirits also and putting yourself firmly in their ‘good books.’ Life is good.

You’re happy enough letting a loved one take the lead – and have their own way! You feel a little stumped when it comes to your social life, which seems to have disintegrated slightly over the last month or so. This could be quite difficult for you unless you push ahead regardless and take the lead, becoming more assertive when it comes to getting what you really want. Yes, you do need to factor in your own needs and desires rather than falling in with others quite so readily. So you make new plans.

(20 March – 19 April):

84 Bellésprit Magazine

(21 May – 20 June):

(22 July – 22 August):

(23 August – 22 September):

(23 September – 22 October):

(23 October – 21 November):

(22 November – 20 December):

(21 December – 19 January):

(20 January – 17 February):

(18 February – 19 March):

Bellésprit Magazine 85


Angels and Inspiration

“Be Ye not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

86 Bellésprit Magazine

…Hebrews 13:2

Bellésprit Magazine 87


How To Dialogue and Heal Wit h Your Angels By Desiree Szabo

The Angels are so delighted that you want to have communication with them. They are sending sparkles of white light upon you. The Angels are applauding in heaven, singing a song, and playing musical instruments in appreciation that you want their support, guidance and healing light. They have been waiting so long to be acknowledged and to have interaction with you. So let’s get started. First, find a place where it is quiet and you will not be disturbed. Next, situate yourself in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Breathing is essential. Inhale your breath to four counts, one, two, three, and four. As you breathe in think positive loving thoughts such as joy, confidence, and love. Know that you are being loved and cared for by your Angels and that they are here to assist you. Exhale, one, two, three, and hold. Exhale negative thoughts, worry, anxiety, lack, and self-doubt. Repeat this exercise four times. Breathing will center, ground, and relax you. Ask your Guardian Angels to come close to you, your body, and surround you with their energy. Feel the presence of one or two; feel if it is a female or a male Angel. If you want to receive your Angel’s name just ask. Ask out loud, “Angels, who is on my left shoulder,” and then ask again “Who is on my right shoulder? Whatever name comes through, trust what you are hearing. If nothing happens, do not be discouraged. A sign may appear in an animal, number, bird, email, or a license plate. If the sign appears three times you have

88 Bellésprit Magazine

Image © LittleBlackGoddess www.deviantart.com/littleblackgoddess

validation that your Angels are lovingly and joyfully nearby. Again, remember this is simple to have dialogue with your Angels. All you have to do is ask in some shape or form. Say a prayer, just cry “help” out loud regarding an issue or a situation that is bothering you, make a wish, visualize that you see them, affirm that the Angels are with you or just have a loving thought of their existence. The Angels hear you and it doesn’t matter how you ask them for guidance. The point is that you ask in some way. Ask for whatever you need, the bigger the better, and be very clear and specific what your desires are. Believe and have faith that you have been heard. Let go, release and surrender that the Angels will help you. Leave your requests alone. You don’t need to figure out the how, that is up to your Angels to work that out. Thank your Angels for being at your side. They love appreciation and gratitude. Just remember that you are not alone. Desiree can be reached for Angelic counseling at Adored Angel (818) 200-7431, email her with requests at: adoredangel@live.com, Website: adoredangel.yolasite.com

Bellésprit Magazine 89


Paranormal

Do not fear what the eyes cannot see; for it is with knowledge that we shall find the key.

90 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 91


True Visitations By Angie Kruger My personal spiritual journey and my professional work started back in February 2000. I have been truly blessed to have connected to my two beautiful Spirit Guides Master Hirioto and Richard. Over the years, as part of my work, I have encountered many Ghosts and Spirits. It has always been a privilege. So I thought it would be nice to respectfully share their stories. That is what I’ll be doing here each month, so onwards and upwards. For quite a while my working Guide, Richard had been telling me about a place called Port Meirion in North Wales. Saying it was where the 60’s TV series The Prisoner had been filmed. We had on many occasions embarked on discussions on this subject, as I had always thought that the program had been shot in Cornwall but he insisted that it had been a Welsh venue. Many weeks went by until one evening I was looking at a British map whereupon he had popped into my head saying, “Look, it’s where I said, see I WAS right.” Richard’s accuracy is a real bonus when we demonstrate or have private sittings, and in that respect I am profoundly proud of him. However - when we go head to head on a personal debate, his smug confidence can really ‘get my goat’! Anyway, the Universe being what it is, not too much time went past before we were required to travel to that part of the country. So as we were to be quite close I promised Rich that we’d visit as it had been a favourite place of his. (He tells me he used to go there when he needed to get away for a break). The drive from Penzance to North Wales is quite a long one, several hundred miles actually. So I decided not to do the whole drive in one day and resolved to find somewhere to stay for the night. After driving for some hours we arrived at a small village in mid Wales and came upon an old Inn called The Royal Oak which offered Bed & Breakfast accommo92 Bellésprit Magazine

dations. I had with me for this trip a Spiritual Healer friend of mine called David Maunder, who had often been my ‘wing man’ during demonstrations and Spirit rescue work. The pub was owned by a land lady and her daughter, Ann Marie, and they had only very recently acquired the pub. Ann Marie was a pretty girl with long dark hair and a lovely smile. We sat for a while chatting and then decided to go for a walk by a local river before returning for our evening meal. Ann Marie suggested that we eat in the lower bar as it had a nice atmosphere and was her favourite room. So on returning from our walk in the beautiful Welsh Countryside we settled down in the lounge bar and ordered our evening meals. By then quite a few other guests had arrived and

were also settling in for a nice relaxing evening. The lower bar had a huge open fire where crackling logs burned brightly. The ceiling was supported by heavy oak beams and hung with historical farm implements, old weapons and horse brasses. Everyone was chatting away waiting for their meals when a most amusing thing started to happen. As Ann Marie went about the business of serving the food she kept getting in a terrible muddle; she didn’t seem to be able to get any of the orders right, forgot major parts of meals, and left people sitting around very perplexed with only half of their orders. Most of the guests took it quite well, and some suggested that being new to the business maybe she had sampled rather too much of the local ale! Eventually, after quite a wait, our meal arrived, but no sooner had we started than I began to feel unwell and thought maybe this was due to the long drive. As time went by, however, it became apparent that this was not travel sickness but that I was

experiencing all the symptoms of an on-coming spirit visitation. My ears started to ring, I felt shivery and light headed. I knew these sensations were not from my Spirit Guides, as they have very specific energy signals. No other spirit seemed apparent so I decided to call it a night and get some much needed rest. As soon as I’d got into bed all the feelings vanished and I had a lovely restful sleep. The next morning we went down for breakfast which was being served in the lounge Bar as the night before and already other guests were seated enjoying their meals. Once again though, it became very clear that Ann Marie was still having a problem focusing and seemed forgetful and confused. As I started to eat my meal I once again began to pick up on the energy that I had felt the previous evening. This time it was much stronger. I started to shake, which much to my embarrassment was making our cutlery rattle. Sensing a strong vibration I looked up and there leaning on the bar in a very casual manner was the Ghost of a strikingly handsome young man with long, red, wavy hair. He had an air of self confidence and watched me with an amused grin. I told David who turned to look, but not being a meBellésprit Magazine 93


dium was unable to see our visitor, although he could feel him quite clearly. I described our spirit friend. He was dressed in a red riding jacket, heavy breeches and long brown boots that were buttoned at the side. By now most of the other guests had left the room, no doubt not wanting to share breakfast with a mad woman. A few though, were spell bound. At this point the young man started to speak. He told me he had been travelling by horse back on a very important secret mission for King James Stuart and that the Inn had been a favourite place for him. He told me that he’d often stayed there over night whilst on his way delivering mail and had been very fond of the Landlord’s daughter. Then he explained that on the night of his demise he

wasn’t supposed to stop, but was to ride straight on to make his delivery as it was of a very sensitive nature, but because of his passion had stopped off to ‘quench his lover’s thirst’. In the early hours of the morning however, when he went to saddle his horse. He’d been set upon by scoundrels, and had been grappled to the ground and had his throat cut. He asked me if before we left I would pass on his message to the new lady owners. He wanted them to know that he would be a regular visitor and that he really liked Ann Marie. She had reminded him of the Landlord’s daughter from back when he was on the earth. This must have been why Ann Marie had been getting so confused when she was in the lower bar. Subconsciously she had been picking up on his energy and because he was flirting with her was unable to think

straight. When I told the Ladies, they weren’t surprised at all. They suspected the Inn was haunted and confirmed that it had been used as a stable for the horses of travelers and stage coaches. They told me that when they brought the Royal Oak they had been told by the locals to be careful because it was haunted by a headless horseman, but thought it was just a tale. At this point I felt a hasty prompt from the departed rider. He had one last request. Please would I be so kind as to tell the ladies that he wasn’t headless, retorting, “They only cut my throat!” His spirit body was intact. He was a very pretty soul and I can only presume that vanity prevented him in coping with the thought that people might believe him to be haunting in a decapitated state. He had been, and still was quite a catch and didn’t want to

spoil his chances. I could hardly believe how unconcerned he was about his murder. It almost seemed unimportant to him. I guess it had been SO long that he’d just let it go. He was happy and at peace and still enjoyed a brew with the locals! Bless. Richard and Angie have worked the world over demonstrating Trance to many thousands of people. Rich is funny, intelligent and sharp as a razor bringing comfort, reassurance and wisdom to all who connect with him. Their work has been featured in very many international magazines. They have also published three books. Angie feels truly blessed to have been linked to such a beautiful and innovative soul.

Photographs ©Angie Kruger Artwork © domitaliajinx www.deviantart.com/domitaliajinx

94 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 95


I

was lucky to meet these gentlemen in 2009 on a popular radio show just before Halloween of that year. Back then, I wasn’t big into Halloween due to events in past years but this duo brought my Halloween heart back 10 fold, not unlike the famed Grinch of the Dr. Suess book himself. Their gothicinspired soundtracks can take your mind to places only fools dare trespass, from the haunted house of Haverghast to the asylum where the Gates of Delirium will always open for one more guest. Maybe the carnival is a little more your speed, I’m sure the experience on the carousel will be a heartstopping unforgettable one for you... if you live to tell about it.

A

s darkness falls across the land I guarantee somewhere along the way you will hear the duo I am speaking of; if you know them, well then I bid hello to the Legions of the Night, but if you don’t, let me have the honor to introduce you to the duo of Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka collectively known as ...

Midnight Syndicate “Fallen Grandeur” from their CD “The 13th Hour” 2005 96 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 97


The Sound of Midnight A look at gothic horror muscians, Midnight Syndicate By Scott Haire Midnight Syndicate’s formation began in the mid1990’s with an idea Edward Douglas had to form a band that would create “soundtracks to imaginary films.” After releasing the self-titled debut CD in 1997 (which was more of a solo project for Douglas), Edward sought out a writing partner for the 2nd Midnight Syndicate disc. Enter long time friend Gavin Goszka, “I wanted another musical mind and a writing partner going forward after that first disc,” said Edward in a phone interview I had with he and Gavin. “I saw a lot of common ground between us.” Gavin stated as he reflected back on the meeting of the two minds, and it wasn’t long until the duo brought their creative minds together successfully and created a monster the likes they didn’t even comprehend as of yet. The first steps to the trademark Midnight Syndicate sound came with the July 1997 release of “Midnight Syndicate.” The album saw many styles of music from rap to new age, but it was the darker tracks that set the tone for their September 1998 follow-up. “Born of the Night” was released in time for Halloween that year and established their trademark sound and concept. The duo became an instant success and realized they may be on the verge of something special, “We did a trade show in Chicago and were getting a lot of great feedback about the CD.” Gavin commented. With the reaction and success of “Born of the Night” the band knew that the bar had to be raised even higher in future projects and Ed and Gavin wouldn’t fail on this challenge. After the band’s 2000 release “Realm of Shadows” came, in this writers mind, two of the best examples of what Midnight Syndicate are about, the 2001 release “Gates of Delirium” and in 2005 “The 13th Hour”. These two works take you through the story of the Haverghast family; first “Gates” takes you through the vast and intimidating Haverghast Asylum where the patients of the present and the 98 Bellésprit Magazine

past wait to welcome you to your new home. The 2005 release “The 13th Hour” continues the tour as you, through the music, explore the dark and desolate corners of the doctor’s old Victorian Mansion in the mist with an equally sinister past. The 13th Hour is the most successful release for the duo and it became the first album in history to receive both The Origins Award and the ENnie Award for Best Game Accessory the industries two highest possible to receive. The band has also tapped into the worlds of gaming and film, in 2003 the group collaborated on the industry’s first soundtrack to the classic “Dungeons and Dragons” role playing game, they also have licensed their work for other online games and various X-Box video games like “Baldur’s Gate 2”. The band has also had the opportunity to align with Universal Studios in the creation of the music for Halloween Horror Nights XVIII, and developed the soundtrack for Robert Kurtzman’s (Producer of From Dusk till Dawn) film, “The Rage”. In 1995 with a budget of $2000 Ed Douglas directed, scored, and produced his first movie titled “The Dead Matter.” The movie tells the story of a girl named Gretchen whose ambition to reunite with her dead brother finds her exploring the realms of the undead and the world of the vampires. Ed’s goal was to remake the movie someday with an actual budget. In 2010, Ed was able to realize that dream when he teamed with movie producers Robert Kurtzman and Gary Jones (“Xena,” “Hercules”) and formed Midnight Syndicate Films. The 2010 remake of “The Dead Matter” is a major motion picture starring Andrew Divoff (“Lost”), Jason Carter (“Babylon

5”), and Tom Savini (“Dawn of the Dead,” “Friday the 13th”). The band performed the soundtrack to the film and released a second CD of music inspired by the film entitled “The Dead Matter: Cemetery Gates” (released in 2008). The film has been well received by many in the media and by fans alike, and has also won many awards as well including Best Film and Best Director (Edward Douglas) at Nashville’s 2011 Full Moon Horror Fest and Best Soundtrack by the indie-movie award team at the Golden Cobs. The film is currently being played in many festivals around the world, and looks to be a fan favorite for many years to come. In the same year the duo performed together for the first time on camera in their first music video for a song entitled “Dark Legacy” from the “Cemetery Gates” album. It was the first time Ed and Gavin had performed live and as the characters seen in the liner notes of albums like Gates of Delirium and The 13th Hour, when I asked them what the inspiration was for the characters I was amazed at the response. “Good question Scott we have actually never been asked about that before.” Ed stated laughing. “The characters are a part of us,” he continued, “an amalgamation of our interests and things that inspire us.” The band also released a second music video produced by 529 Studios for the song “Lost” off “The Dead Matter: Original Mo-

tion Picture Soundtrack”. I asked about the inspiration of the “Lost” video as it took a different turn from the previous concept used in “Dark Legacy”. “529 (Studios) came up with the entire concept for that video and produced it, “Gavin stated, “we really enjoyed how they worked in the Midnight Syndicate references throughout the video and tied things together with the “Dark Legacy” video at the end.” I asked the guys if there are any future videos in store for the fans; Ed Douglas stated, “We would like to do one for the new CD.” More on the “new” CD to come soon. In 2010, the band gave a new feel to their music with a six-song EP entitled “The Dark Masquerade.” In it, vocalist Destini Beard takes tracks the band had previously released and “transforms” them through the addition of new vocal tracks which she performs. One of the most popular titles off the CD is a dance remix of “Troubled Times” from the “Dungeons and Dragons” CD that Destini chose to make her title track. “We had a great time working with Destini on that CD and the feedback on it has been tremendous” Gavin stated. I asked the guys if that meant a new album with Destini,”It’s already underway,” said Douglas. “Destini will be releasing a full-length CD in mid-2012. We just heard some of the early tracks and it’s sounding great!” Ed and Gavin also have side projects they have worked on for many years. In addition to Ed’s “The Dead Matter” film, Gavin has several other music projects that he has produced. Parlormuse, one of his projects, revisits the music of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Parlormuse’s first release titled “It’s Not the Coat That Makes the Gentleman” features popular music from that era with modern day arrangements. Parlormuse’s second release, “A Day for the Feast” takes other songs from the Victorian era and recreates them with historically-accurate interpretations. Gavin also has a love of Japanese anime music and released an inspired CD titled “Kaleidoscope” in 2010. Bellésprit Magazine 99


I asked Gavin if we may ever see a gothic Japanese anime Midnight Syndicate project. “These are two separate worlds and I don’t know where there would be commonality out there for the two,” Gavin said laughing. To be fair he did feel inspired when I said it could give us the chance to see Ed in an Anime outfit not unlike the characters they take on with “M.S.”, so you never know folks. With 2011 comes the latest Midnight Syndicate creation as Ed and Gavin give us “Carnival Arcane” which could be the best title to date. “Carnival Arcane” takes you on a visit to the Lancaster-Rigby Carnival where you learn quickly that not all is happy and joyous within the company of these visitors. The album pushes the Midnight Syndicate sound to new heights also with the introduction of new instruments and their now 14 years experience in the genre aiding as well. “We were really able to study the old carnival attractions and sideshows and I think it really helped when we went to arrange the music.” stated Gavin. The group also called on many to do voiceover work for the album to help with the atmosphere, Jason Carter, Brian Van Camp and Dennis Carter Jr. from “The Dead Matter Movie” left their mark on raising the bar for the band’s projects. Listening to the CD does let you enter a world in your mind which will at times make you sit straight up in your chair, but the interesting thing always with their CDs is although there is the suspense, you can also have a beneficial escape from the real world for a while which is what I love about the music. Oh and a bit of advice, if you are reading this and don’t particularly like clowns, don’t listen to Track 17 on the CD if you want to sleep again.

“Freakshow” from the CD “Carnival Arcane” 2011 100 Bellésprit Magazine

“Images and music shown here © Midnight Syndicate

The guys wanted me to make sure I talked about the fans of the band as

they mean the entire world to them. Dubbed by the two as their “Legions of the Night”, the group is very aware that they wouldn’t be as far as they are without the Syndicate support around the world. The group, as a thank you, started a Legions fan page on their site, www.legionsofthenight.com, so their supporters have a place to showcase their works and talents. The other thing they stated to me as we were talking was how they like to let the listener create their own world as they listen to the music. “We love to let our fans create their own worlds around the tracks on the CD, I think it enhances the whole listening process a great deal for them,” stated Edward Douglas. Midnight Syndicate information, Music and “The Dead Matter” movie can be found and purchased at their website www.midnightsyndicate. com; you can also give them a shout out on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter as well. Their music can be purchased through amazon.com along with many other retail sites, and if you wish, they can be found for purchase on ITunes and ITunes Europe. You can also find them on YouTube if you want to get a taste of their gothic genius before diving into the deep end of the madness. When an exploration into the depths of the darkness finds you, remember to look to the Clock tower when Midnight Beckons. Beware though when you do my friends, there may be no way back when the sun rises next... Scott is the Director of the Central Connecticut Paranormal Society (CCPS) in Connecticut (USA), if you have any comments about any past writings drop me an e-mail at Scott@ bellesprit.com Bellésprit Magazine 101


By Gina Wedlake

Introducing SIGN; Southern Indiana Ghosthunters Network

Featuring the best in the field of Paranormal Investigation.

102 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 103


Jack Oliver is the founder of Southern Indiana Ghosthunter’s Network, called SIGN for short. The Sherlock Holmes of the paranormal,” Jack has been investigating for upwards of 18 years and only uses the scientific approach to investigating. Because of his knowledge, experience, etiquette, and community service, Jack, along with his cofounder Beverly Leavell and his group are well rounded and respected in the paranormal community. Jack founded his first group back in 1994 before investigating was in the mainstream. Jack became interested in paranormal investigating when he worked 3rd shift for an alarm company in Louisville, Kentucky. He said he would get alarms in the middle of the night, and he would dispatch the police. One night, he received a call from Liberty Hall in Frankfort. Jack said that every now and then the motion detector would go off in that building. He called to see if the owner wanted the police to be called. The owner said no, that it was just the resident female ghost. “WHAT?” exclaimed Jack, “a female ghost?” Jack then began to ask questions. The man told Jack that the home was occupied by a female ghost, and Jack became increasingly curious. The owner invited Jack to do an all night lockdown, so that he could see for himself that there was indeed a ghost inhabiting the premises. Curious, skeptical, and alone, Jack took him up on the offer. He arrived at the home just at sundown armed with a large pack of Coca-Cola, a bulky Sony camera that used 3.5 floppy drives, and a flashlight. Jack didn’t see the gray lady that night, but he did hear loud footsteps that further sparked his curiosity, and from that night forward, 18 years ago, his journey began. “Before the paranormal became a household term due to a flood of television programs, ghost hunting was a taboo topic.” States Jack, “It was considered the occult, and was a hush-hush topic in mainstream society.” Paranormal investigating was not advertised at is it is today. Jack would go to the library and look on bulletin boards where others would be looking to join certain groups, like chess clubs, or bird watching. Jack decided to put up an ad looking for others interested in investigating ghosts. Soon he received a call from a real country boy name Jamie Levine, who shared his passion. The two began investigating together, and Jamie had a cemetery in his backyard out in the middle of nowhere. ‘We didn’t have any 104 Bellésprit Magazine

equipment back then, says Jack “just a camera, mag light, flood light, and flashlights.” Jack and his new friend investigated Jamie’s property at every chance they had. They were looking to have experiences in the beginning, and hope to get a picture or two. As time went on, Jack and Jamie had acquired more members in their group. They began to add new tricks of the trade, like compasses and, baby powder! Cheap and reliable, baby powder would be sprinkled where footsteps had been heard. The team, careful not to backtrack their steps, would leave the area locked where nobody could access the powdered area. Jack tells about the time they got foot tracks on an investigation. “We used baby powder to capture footsteps heard by the home owners. The old deceased owner used to go fishing by the pond there on the property. We got back and saw bare feet tracks in the powder!” He later saw photos of the man fishing while barefoot. When asked about the compass, Jack explained that when one encounters paranormal activity, the compass would spin. Eventually, the guys became more sophisticated in their quest of the paranormal. The group had been hearing about various instruments being used by other groups and soon

heard about the Polaroid One Step Camera, Geiger counters, gauss meters, and infra- red security cameras. The down side was that these instruments were very heavy, bulky and were not easy to transport. Still, the guys pushed on using the equipment in hopes of catching evidence of activity. Soon Jack and his team added the analog “shoe box recorder,” which had taken the paranormal community by storm. Jack states, “I watched a show one afternoon and there was this lady name Sarah Estep who had captured a disembodied voice on a recording device. Today that lady is referred to as the pioneer of Electronic Voice Phenomena. “ The voice recorder is used by every group today and is considered to be one of the most reliable. He was learning and teaching himself about the question and answer method of EVP. He would ask a question and would give a long pause in hopes of capturing a voice on the recorder. Jack and other pioneers have set the strict guidelines for which new investigators today use when recording EVP sessions. In the mid 90’s, Jack started, SIGA, Southern Indiana Ghosthunters Association. “There was about 35 of us -Jamie had gotten married and moved , others dropped off, and I started my first paranormal group, well, it wasn’t a real paranormal group but we called it that!” All of a sudden Jack lets out a boyish chuckle. “Well we all got together and decided to call ourselves SIGA”. I asked him why he was laughing and he says, “It was kinda funny at the time, nobody here thought of us of having a namewell this was before groups really had official names, and people just called us the Ghost Busters! Hey look, they have the equipment like the ghost busters have, referring to the Geiger counters! So that was the reason we named ourselves.” Jack says that it still happens, and people refer to him as a ghost buster by strangers walking by.

As time went on, in the mid to late 90’s, Jack’s paranormal arsenal began to grow; the digital recorders, EMF Gauss Masters, MEL meters, and air ion counters. “There were other equipment available then, but we couldn’t afford it, like the VHS Camcorders,” states Jack. In the late 90’s, the show, Ghost Hunters came out and the paranormal field became a popular fad, and the topic became a regular household term. Jacks say the cemeteries were flooded at night with wannabe’s. They had watched a couple of episodes of the show, and were then calling themselves experts!” says Jack. He goes on, “at night, the cemeteries were over run by people; we were stepping on top of each other, literally!” Many times people ask if I am a member of the TAPS team from TV! Let me make this really clear, I am NOT with them!” says Jack. Today, Jack volunteers his time as an EVP instructor, and gives lectures to college students in his spare time, when he is not investigating, that is. He teaches new investigators Paranormal 101, and Paranormal 102. Both classes teach the proper way to conduct and EVP session, and utilize computer software to analyze their findings. His equipment arsenal ranges from digital recorders to mini DVD recorders, and the MEL meter, to name just a few. He uses the scientific approach to investigating, and does not use the newer radio wave scanning equipment used by newer groups today. He prefers to keep his methods strict and scientific. His methods are more reliable when it comes to being accurate, especially when he presents his findings to clients. Jack’s excitement shows through when he talks Bellésprit Magazine 105


about the paranormal. The excitement in his voice when he talks about investigating makes him one of a kind. Investigating is his life, and it has become a life long journey. Because of his extensive background, he is often asked to analyze evidence from other groups that he doesn’t even know. “It’s all about team work, we investigators help each other out, and that is what I love about the paranormal community.” Because Jack and SIGN enthusiastically spend much of their free time investigating along with educating the community, SIGN has been chosen as a Diamond Spotlighted Group. To say that SIGN is indeed one of the Crème De La Crème of investigation groups would indeed be an understatement to the highest degree! I feel honored to have spent time getting to know Jack Oliver. If you live in or visit Indiana and would like to meet Jack, he invites you with open arms. You can contact Jack on his website. Please visit http://www.indianaspooks.blogspot.com/

During an investigation at the Robinson Bowling Alley in Robinson, Illnois Jack and his team were standing on one of the bowling lanes when they captured this EVP stating, “Get the hell off the floor!”

106 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 107


True Stories

Through the experience of others we can find inner strength and courage to overcome obstacles. 108 BellĂŠsprit Magazine

BellĂŠsprit Magazine 109


Lighten Up! Because I Said So!

By Lisa Haught

butter out of your hair), she sat down to talk with me. “I still don’t see why you say these kids are bad.” I just laughed and in my mind I knew that she would see by the end of the day.

The Bad

Keep in mind that she was suppose to be staying the whole weekend. It was only Saturday. She still had another twenty four hours. However, after re-clothing my son (who loves to strip naked and hide his clothes and diaper) about three times, taking him off of the kitchen table (which he loves to climb up on and throw things off of) about six times, and putting the glass back into the coffee table (which he loves to push out with his feet) four times, she started having doubts.

My mother-in-law has made it her mission in life to ensure that my children never think they are bad. Which they are! She makes sure to tell me that they are absolutely perfect, and even if they do something that I don’t like - kids will be kids. One day I decided to give her a real full-day experience. I wanted her to see what everyday life was like in our household. That way, I could see if she still thought good was a word that one could use in reference to my children.

The Good, The Bad, and The Smelly

The Good Mother’s day is usually a day filled with flowers, cards, and burnt eggs. At least, that’s how it is in my household. The one day of the year when my husband and kids are allowed to be in the kitchen unsupervised. It was two mother’s days ago when we decided to move to our current home. At that time, our daughter was just two months shy of her third birthday and our son was only one month old. After being told numerous times that I was absolutely not allowed to help move anything, I finally gave up and sat down with the baby. I have come to realize that even if your children are being perfectly quiet and well-behaved, things are much more complicated with two kids. Moving is especially chaotic. That day we ended up filling our new home with two moving trucks full of boxes. However, that was the easy part. After almost eight hours of internet guys, cable guys, refrigerator boxes, and trying to figure out where the 110 Bellésprit Magazine

you don’t get any flowers because your daughter picked all of the petals off of them in the car; even if you have to eat your dinner covered in a slimy goo, the laughter of a baby can make the day perfect.

toilet paper was… we were exhausted. As we sat down for dinner, the baby began to cry. The baby eats first because he is the loudest. This is not just my rule, this is generally a rule observed in all households as dictated by an often hungry baby. Once my little piglet had finished his dinner, I sat him up on my lap to burp him. Everyone was sitting at the table waiting for me to come back before they ate, so I was trying to hurry. Pat, pat, pat. Nothing. Pat, pat, pat. Still nothing. If he doesn’t burp he will spit up. Pat, pat, pat. Finally, I gave up and stood up to go lay him down. I had walked no more than three feet when SPLAT! All over my clothes. Everyone was looking at me, and I looked down at my sweet little son who had just spit up more than he had eaten. I said, “Feel better?” I had no more than gotten these two words out of my mouth when the baby started laughing. Out loud. For the first time! Then everyone else started laughing. That was the day that I learned the true meaning of mother’s day. Even if you don’t get your burnt eggs because the frying pans are all packed up in boxes; even if

It was a Friday evening when I decided to take a minivacation from my life. My mother-in-law had come for the weekend. I didn’t plan to go out of town, or to a spa, or on a road trip, my plan was worse. When Saturday morning arrived, my husband went to work, and my mother-in-law got up and started making her coffee. My daughter was the next one to get out of bed. She went to potty and then went to the kitchen. “I’m thirsty.” Two seconds later, she was seated at the dining room table with a cup of milk. “I’m hungry.” Grandma came to the rescue with peanut butter toast. Everything was going smoothly when the baby started crying from his room. After changing a dirty diaper, putting new clothes on the baby, and putting him in his highchair, she went to get his breakfast ready. A cup of milk and a piece of peanut butter toast for him, too. The first thing she realized was never give an 18-month old a cup without a spill proof valve in it. Once she got all the milk cleaned up, she fixed him another drink, this time with a spill proof valve in it. As she walked back into the kitchen to get her coffee, something hit her in the back of the head. When she got out of the shower (the only real way to get peanut

By the time my daughter had slammed her bedroom door in her face twice, spilled shampoo in her purse, put potato chips in her coffee cup and hidden a diaper in her coat pocket, I asked her if she still thought my kids were not bad. All she said was, “I forgot I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, and I think I should go home today.” I am going to first of all point out, if you are going to come up with an excuse to leave in the middle of a trip, remember that doctor’s offices are not open on Sundays. I am also going to point out that in the dictionary ‘good’ is defined as: that which is morally right; righteousness. Nowhere does it say: that which throws food, climbs on counters, slams doors, ignores mommy, plays in toilet water, knocks over chairs, pulls hair, bites, and runs screaming. Bellésprit Magazine 111


The Smelly When I was a kid and my dad would tell me to clean my room, I would shout at the top of my lungs, “Why!? It’s my room!” Naturally, his response was the same as 99.8293% of parents worldwide (that’s an approximation): “Because I said so!” The four most dreaded words of adolescence (followed by: do your homework, go to bed, and not right now). In the almost four years that I have been a parent, I have learned that annoying my children is almost a privilege. Therefore, I have tried to make the most out of it while I can. About a month ago, my daughter was in her room playing quietly. Unlike most parents, I couldn’t stand that she was in her room being quiet, (it makes me nervous) so I decided to go see what she was doing. As soon as I stepped into the danger zone, her room that is, I noticed she was in her closet. Now, her closet is the size of a small bedroom, so most of her toys are in there. Anyway, I looked in the closet and saw that she had used a black crayon to ‘decorate’ the closet walls.

day, and she won’t like a closet with black crayon all over the walls. Why? Realizing I was getting nowhere with my explanations, but still not wanting to use the four little words that haunted my youth, I decided to take a different approach. I went to the kitchen and retrieved the garbage can. I carried it into her closet and shut the door. I went back out and sat on the couch with my inquisitive daughter once again. After about 30 minutes of unsuccessful attempts at quenching her thirst for answers, I got back up. I went into her room, opened the closet door, and took the garbage can back out. After returning the garbage can to its appropriate place, I told my daughter to follow me. As my adorable, sweet, naïve four year old approached her closet, she started to wrinkle up her nose. That day, she learned a valuable lesson. The reason that we don’t color on our closet walls is because: it makes the closet stink. I, too, learned a lesson: with a little patience and a garbage can full of dirty diapers, I can achieve anything. As parents, we learn to deal with almost any situation. Sometimes we enjoy what we do, and other times it is an overwhelming mess. However, no matter what the issue at hand may be, it is always worth the time and effort we put into the job. The things we teach our children today will be things that they teach their children in the future. Our grandparents taught our parents, and our parents taught us; but now it’s our turn for the good… the bad… and the smelly.

Once I had turned on the A/C, gotten a drink, and found a paper bag to help with the hyperventilation I was experiencing from the yelling, I sat her down to talk. I explained that we do not use crayons to decorate our rooms, and she asked me, why? As calmly as I could, I said that it was because we decorate with pictures in frames, and posters, and calendars. Once I finished describing the one hundred ways to properly decorate a bedroom wall, she asked me once again, why? As my nerves began to twitch a little, I told her that it was because we rented our house, like a library book. It isn’t ours. Some other little girl will want it one 112 Bellésprit Magazine

Diamond Review

Submit Your Product or Service For Review By Our Bellesprit Team Let the world know you’re worth it! http://bellesprit.com/diamond-reviews Bellésprit Magazine 113


Life And Us

By Bryan Wright

Our life experiences are the key elements which help to mold who we are today. We are always ever changing with the choices we make throughout our life and the people we open our hearts to. I am a true believer of the philosophy that all things happen, when they happen, and how they happen for a reason. Do you ever think back and say, ‘If I’d known then what I know now, I’d have done things differently?’ Man I have! But guess what... If you didn’t do those things, HOW WOULD YOU KNOW TO DO THEM DIFFERENTLY? I have said the very same thing, but I know now why I know what I do. If I hadn’t fallen... how would I know to get up? If I hadn’t slipped...how would I know how to recover? If I hadn’t made that choice...how would I know what choice was there to make? I have made decisions, some wrong, but I’ve come to learn that all decisions are a hidden lesson you will learn. In a rush to start my adult life I chose to do an early graduation from High School; bad decision. I should have stayed the full year just to grasp the concept of responsibility. I had a job waiting for me after I graduated but was too wrapped up in my youth and lost that job. I learned something from this; dedication to your work is important. I didn’t wake up to that lesson until years later. I had to get help from my then girlfriend’s mom to get another job. I did well there. Our crew was laid off two years later, but I stayed dedicated to the job. Lesson learned and a new one on the way. I joined the Army in 1984. I received a few career options and chose to become an Electronic technician; good decision. I developed an alcohol problem while in the army and recovered from that. Four years later I had foot surgery and was medically discharged. No regrets. After my discharge I turned to pain pills which soon 114 Bellésprit Magazine

proved to be of no help so I turned to drugs, cocaine; BAD decision. After a night on a binge, I scared myself clean. I truly thought I was not going to wake up the next morning. Thankfully I did awaken that next morning and decided then and there to get clean. Throughout my life I made some good and bad career choices. I walked out of one job just because of conflicting work ethics. I am more of a customer oriented technician. The company was all money first. This was the wrong priority sequence for me. That company has since lost three out of the five shops it had when I left. One decision that stands out for me is going into business for myself. I know now if I had just stayed in the service of electronics I probably would have been fine but I tried my hand at selling the new thing on the market, two way radios; bad decision. I killed my business financially. But I learned what it takes to run a business; still no regrets. So when I went back to work for a radio shop I had a new respect and understanding of the business itself. I looked at everything I did from an owner’s standpoint. In 1988 I met Ann, who would later become my wife, and we began our lives together. Life was good for us until a few years ago when we had a rude awakening and faced a life changing event to our easy going life.

My wife of 19 years developed breast cancer.

cations, and enjoy watching TV.

Two years earlier Ann had found a lump in one of her breasts. After three biopsies the determination was not cancer, but a calcium buildup. That determination later changed from a calcium deposit to stage-three breast cancer. Our life then changed from an active lifestyle of bowling, yard sales, and going out to dinner once a week to weekly doctor appointments.

Soon the cleaning would wear Ann out quickly and she needed to rest, eventually unable to perform any tasks at all. Depression set in and instead of her watching TV, the TV was watching her. I had to make sure I was home when it was time for her to take her medications. Ann had given up. Her spirit to live was very tired. She just laid in one spot hoping and wishing to just pass away. I would physically pick her up, put her on her feet and tell her I was not giving up on her and I didn’t want her to give up fighting either.

It was determined that several tests had to be done. For the next two months we had two to three doctor appointments a week. More biopsies, tests for her heart condition, lots of blood work, and check-ups for her physical condition and overall health, for what? The doctors had to be sure of what they were dealing with, where the cancer was and if it had already spread somewhere else in her body. Plus they needed to figure out if Ann could physically handle a mastectomy and chemo therapy. The woman I loved seemingly became very sick over night. She had the mastectomy and then chemo therapy every three weeks for a period of six months. Then when the doctors thought they had gotten all the cancer, we were Survivors. This turned out to be a short lived celebration. Three months had passed and Ann was in constant pain. After several more tests, MRI’s, blood testing, CT scans, the Doctors found the cancer had indeed spread to Ann’s chest and back bones. Radiation was the recommendation.

She went from pretty good health to being very, very sick. Being a man and her husband, I became frustrated that I was unable to fix this problem. That was very hard to deal with in my mind, but physically I was able to perform amazing things trying to help her. Ann became unable to take care of herself. I carried her to the bathroom, helped her to the toilet, and cleaned her up. At times she was unable to maintain control and I had to clean up messes on her, the furniture, and the floors. This will humble a man quickly. Bathing was difficult for her. I had to place her in the tub, wash her, get her out, dried off and dressed. Ann stayed so sick to her stomach she was unable to keep any foods down. I thought it was my lousy cooking, but toast and grits are very easy to make. Nothing tasted good to her. My own heart, mind, and body were fatigued, but I forced myself to keep pushing and giving her positive support.

Our lives became the proverbial monster roller coaster; nothing was ever going to be the same again. I learned there are no limits to what a human spirit is capable of handling... with God on your side.

Ann was having trouble breathing the weekend prior to Christmas 2010. I finally convinced her we needed to go to the doctor and find out what’s wrong now. Tuesday Christmas week I took her to the clinic. The news was not good. I was told I would not be taking her home this time. It was pneumonia.

I watched an active woman come to a complete stop in two years time; all the treatments wore her out. Some symptoms came slowly. At first she was still able to clean house, wash clothes, keep up with her medi-

Ann was admitted to the hospital and immediately put on oxygen. I stayed by her side during the days and nights that followed. She fought the oxygen mask, constantly trying to take it off of her face. I kept putting it back on begging her to leave it alone, she needed it. Bellésprit Magazine 115


By Thursday that week she was struggling to breathe. I had to come to peace with God knowing Ann’s time was very short. She managed to fight long enough to see her son and grand kids that drove up to see her that Friday, on Christmas Eve. Around 9:15 that night they gave her a breathing treatment to help her lungs. I stood at the foot of her bed and watched her. Ann took two deep, lung filling breaths at the very end of the treatment. I commented to the technician I had never seen the treatment work like that. The young lady put the oxygen mask back on Ann’s face.

Wind Chimes

It soon dawned on me that she and I have only today to live for… tomorrow is not guaranteed. However, on Christmas Eve her tomorrows stopped. Twenty-three years with my soul mate came to an abrupt end.

I am very uneasy about my wife’s condition. She has been here since Tuesday. Lord she is very sick and suffering. She is struggling to breathe. Please help her.

Ann never took another breath. At 9:30 PM Christmas Eve Ann was no longer suffering. I had a sense of calmness, peace, and extreme sorrow. I told her I loved her and that she had put up a good fight. I sat next to her with my heart feeling very heavy, prayed, and cried. I cried harder than I have ever cried before, not knowing how to take another step, or what that step would be. All I really knew was I had to get off the floor and continue moving forward. As hard as it is to keep going, I still have today, and I must live it the best I can...

My heart is very heavy with sorrow, already knowing I won’t be bringing her home. How do I handle this Lord? How can I come to peace with it? My Angel is lying in a hospital bed dying. Lord please help me. Family is here so I take a walk. I am going out front of the hospital for a smoke. It is a cold day, calm, kind of gloomy which fits the feeling in my soul. Suddenly a breeze blows as I pass between the trees. What was that? I think to myself, and where is that wonderful sound coming from? I look up and there is a large wind chime in the tree. I never noticed it there before. It has a low calming tone. I go stand under it and absorb the sounds. A rush comes over me and calms my spirit. I look up at them again and again; it is still emitting that warm sound. No more wind blew. I have become calm. My heart ache has lessened. All I feel now is peace. I feel the need to utter a few words. “Ok, I understand” is all I said. I put out the cigarette and walked calmly back into the hospital with a smile, on my face, in my heart and soul. Somehow I have come to peace with the inevitable passing of my soul mate. I know it is going to be hard on me but God is with her and we will both be fine. I know this now and only wish to be there to comfort my wife of twenty-two years until it is time for her to go. Ann, I will always love you with all my heart and soul. I pray for the day we can be together again in Heaven. In memory of my soul mate and wife: Ann S. Wright, March 12, 1950 - December 24, 2010 God bless you. Bryan K. Wright - 12-28-2010

116 Bellésprit Magazine

I have had many experiences in my own life that have been unexplained, explained, or really on the fringe of reality as most folks know it to be. We all have had experiences in life that change us. We make decisions daily that affect us and others. Some decisions are forced on us, others are life matters. To my own benefit, and sometimes to my demise, I am an electronic technician. I am trained to analyze electronic equipment problems and come up with a solution for repairs. Guess what? Yep, I analyze EVERYTHING, including family, love, life, heck just name it. I even analyze my decisions before I make one, AND then analyze it again wondering if it was the right one to make. After my wife’s passing I became reacquainted with an old friend that blossomed into a loving relationship. It soon became apparent that this woman had certain ‘needs’ that did not resonate with my standards. I am not a person looking to change anyone, you are who you are, but some things are not acceptable in my little part of the world. I was in a position to help and support her from my heart and soul. The issue? I was not helping. I became part of the problem. My wallet was helping the wrong part of the support system. I had to cut that part off and found myself alone again. I decided to make a major change in my life. Needing a fresh start, or restart, I moved to Salcha Alaska, near Fairbanks in September 2011 to be with my brother and his family. I went back to the basics of life; family, friends, neighbors, Mother Earth and nature. Back to living off the land, working the land, and understanding and respecting the world of nature around me. I no longer have the feeling of being trapped in the fast paced city life. There is nothing wrong with it, but I

needed a big change from that life, and I was not even living in a BIG city. On December 5th 2011 I moved again to Moose Pass, Alaska to start a new chapter in my life with Cynthia, a wonderful woman who lives by the same standards as I with a desire to live a simple lifestyle. I know we are experiencing many changes at this time in our existence here on earth. Our experiences are more intense, meaningful, and filled with growth opportunities. Our life is not meant to be lived as we did 10 years ago, or even 5 years ago. Things have changed. I have felt the need to change from deep within my soul. I feel as though my past mistakes weren’t mistakes at all but lessons for me to grow through. I know I am supposed to let go of the baggage I’ve carried with me for years, and each time I do I allow forgiveness for myself and others. Now I feel as light as a sun beam. I know there is purpose to why I am here and I intend to live this life to the fullest and discover the best possible me I can be. Questions, Comments, need guidance? Email me at: bwright@bellesprit.com

Bellésprit Magazine 117


Imagine... You are on the brink of losing everything...your job, your home, your lover. Do you think you have the strength to trust in God, and yourself? It’s funny; something so easily said “Let Go and Trust” can be so hard to do at times. We tend to get our heads so wrapped up into the fears of the situation, holding on to the point where we find ourselves struggling with anxiety, depression, headaches, stress, etc. Basically bringing on all the negative energies that are not healthy which only binds and limits us from the blessings that God has intended for us. This experience I know so well and I thought I would share my story to help you understand how you can benefit from truly letting go of what no longer suits your highest good and trusting all will be exactly as it is meant to be. God will never give us anything more than we can handle and all we have to do is turn it over and allow Him to provide what it is that we truly need. Not always is it what we think it should be but what He knows is best for us in the long run. Hello, I’m Lori! I have been divorced for 2 years now with 3 beautiful boys; Casey-23, Aryen-19, & Spencer-16. Spencer and I moved here to Fayetteville, NC about a month ago which is an amazing story of its own and that is what brings me here today, to share with you.

Life Lessons By Lori Christensen

For over 10 years I struggled through a very rough and seemingly endless marriage of 17 years dealing with an alcoholic husband. Don’t get me wrong, he is a good man but he got himself lost in the alcohol. I found myself holding on for dear life thinking that I could fix him to help him get out of his rut and back on his feet again which seemed the more I did this, the worse he got. In all actuality, I was enabling him to continue down that path to continue sinking deeper into his rut and allowing him to take advantage of my lovingness. Sure, he stepped up when I or the kids were sick but that’s about it. For the most part, he was lost behind his beer and the TV remote control, sitting on the couch watching five time reruns. Ughh! So boring! I found myself having to be the strong one of the

118 Bellésprit Magazine

family with the stable income and provide for us all. I always did my best to make sure everyone else was taken care of and put myself on the side lines. This was normal for me being one with a big heart, very caring and loving, never expecting anything in return, and not realizing I was losing myself more and more as I neglected my own needs. I was so focused on saving the marriage because I was taught that divorce was bad, and God forbid, I wasn’t going to fail at this marriage. My parents were divorced several times through my childhood and I was determined to not become my mother. Seventeen years later when a very good friend of mine opened my eyes to what my life really was, I realized that I was just that, the spitting image of my mother and her marriage with my dad. Go figure, huh?? Ha-ha, funny how that works. Here I was holding on to a broken marriage for over 10 years, finding I didn’t even know who I was anymore. No self esteem, no motivation, no self love, no self worth, and no self respect. I was just going along with the motions, as we all tend to do. It was thanks to my very good friend, David, who ‘pushed my button’ so to speak and woke me up to realize there is much more to life than what I was allowing for myself. This is where my journey began in becoming the person I am today. After several attempts of putting some responsibility onto my husband’s shoulders and telling him what needed to change to save the marriage, unfortunately with no results, I found this to be my last resort. I decided to take a 6 month assignment with my company to Massena, NY to assist in closing a GM plant. The assignment would basically alternate 2 weeks in NY and 2 weeks home. I turned the household responsibilities over to my husband to see if he would step up. As time went by, I turned my attention on me and doing self healing though reading materials online. I began working with counselors such as Belle Salisbury and Angela Bales and focused on healing myself of all the damage from over the years. I soon realized my husband wasn’t going to change. The more I felt better about myself, the more resistant he became. He was always trying to start fights when I was home but I stood my ground and told him I wasn’t going there with him. I booted him out of our bedroom and made him pretty much live in the living room. I turned my bedroom in to a peaceful haven where I could continue to focus on me while I was home which allowed me to continually detach Bellésprit Magazine 119


from his negative influences. The more I let go of the situation, the better I felt. I started exercising more, eating healthier, and actually caring about myself again. When there was finally no more pain from the situation that is when I realized it was time to move on. Once I reached that conclusion, I told him my decision. I realized I was losing weight with no extra effort. I lost 70 pounds in 6 months just from removing myself from a stressful environment. Holding on to things that are not healthy for us causes stress which is very unhealthy on the body causing obesity, insomnia, anxiety disorder, and other medical conditions. I only name these few since I did suffer from them at one point in my life. I found I was feeling and looking 20 years younger and I felt like I was on top of the world. I took my power back, walked away and moved forward toward a new chapter in my life. I fell in love with NY after my 6 month assignment and decided to move to New York making the final decision to leave my marriage. I found a job with a company in Watertown, NY and the following 2 years were the hardest I have ever been through. Those 2 years turned out to be the biggest learning experience I have ever had and I am very grateful for them. If it wasn’t for me going through all that I did during that time, I wouldn’t have recognized my self-worth, how to truly accept myself for who I am (self-love), or learn to trust myself and listen to my intuition which we all have. Our intuition is a gift from God to help guide us through our journeys and keep us on the right path. Although we have the free will do as we choose, God honors those choices and recognizes it is an experience we have chosen to have. The trick is to learn from the experience or it will just keep repeating itself over and over, which is what happened to me. I kept finding myself drawn to men that were not healthy for me. Those who were always selfish to their own needs; ‘Forget about Lori, just get what I want and that’s good enough for me.’ Riding that merry go round for a bit, I found myself to the point where I was so done with men! I just wanted to chop their heads off and be done with them, ha-ha, rather than dealing with anymore of their lies, selfishness, and uncaring attitude toward me. Yeah, I know… a bit extreme huh?? I went from Fun-Loving Gal to a Warrior Princess and you better not mess with me attitude… ha-ha. This attitude in itself wasn’t healthy either. It was one of my sons who told me, “You know mom, you don’t 120 Bellésprit Magazine

getting too close and followed his head (or was it his fears) and not his heart.

Image © ephesdesigns http://ephesdesigns.deviantart.com/

always have to be so mean.” This is when I recognized I needed to let go of my anger and frustration which was enabling men to take my power away from me. I realized then that allowing my feelings to be affected by others was giving a little bit of myself over to them. This is where it is important to not react to their actions. I knew at that point I needed to continue working on my self-worth through more meditation, self healing and affirmations. In the midst of all this, I met a guy that I totally clicked with and found myself very drawn to him. I soon found out through the guidance of a dear friend, that he was a soul mate, however this was a time for lessons and not a reunion. He had many life lessons to learn before we could truly be in a long and healthy relationship. I was counseled that I should end the relationship and that I would know when the time was right and I should follow that guidance. Ha-ha-ha! Very funny! Lori, do the smart and sensible thing??? Yeah, right!! I’m always finding myself doing things the hard way. The connection with this man was hard to say no to when everything felt right when we were together. Just being around him made all my worries seem to just fade away, and how I felt when he touched me, oh my! It was nothing I’ve ever experienced before, so of course, I didn’t end it. I continued to the point where I allowed myself to open my heart and fall hard for him even though I knew he wasn’t good for me. He was not always so nice to me except when he wanted my intimate company; then it was Mr. Charming. He was basically pushing me away every time he found himself

After 6 months things around me began to slowly fall apart. My work wasn’t satisfying me anymore, my finances were slowly dwindling, and everything was just building up and I couldn’t understand why. Through working with my Doreen Virtue Angel Oracle cards and Messages From Your Angels cards I learned to trust my intuition and guidance that I was given. Things started making more sense. Something I was doing was causing the chaos in my life once again and THAT is when I realized I was in the same situation, although a different scenario, that I had with my ex-husband. I was accepting an unhealthy relationship and knew I needed to walk away.

...I was in the same situation, although a different scenario, that I had with my exhusband. This is where it got hard. I chose to follow my heart, which in actuality was my ego that didn’t want to let go of him and the feeling I had when I was with him. How can it be so wrong when everything felt so right? Once again, that was the soul connection. It didn’t mean it was meant to be forever. He was just here to teach me some of the biggest lessons of all; realizing my selfworth, not allowing behavior that isn’t healthy for me, and recognizing that I deserved much better than what he was giving. I realized I needed to let go of the situation by trusting it to be what it is meant to be and not to control the outcome. Once I finally let go of him and completely cut ties, my life began to quickly change. My landlord raised my rent by $350, which would have made my rent $1250, and if I didn’t agree I was to consider it my 30 day notice. First thing in my head is, ‘oh my, I can’t afford that! What am I going to do?’ Then I got this knowing about the situation and knew it was time for me to move on. With all that I had been through, I knew to trust my instincts and know it will all play out in the way it was meant to. I was standing strong on my faith for once. I had no clue exactly where I was going but knew that everything was just fine, even though it seemed so gloomy. From that moment on it was like a door of blessings was opened and things started flowing so quickly. All I had to do was follow my guidance,

pay attention to the signs, and listen to my instincts. I took a negative situation and turned it into a positive one. I had wanted to go to Tennessee for the past 8 months because a few years ago I went there on assignment for work and fell in love with the area. That was another manifested experience but I will discuss that at a different time. The energy there felt so positive and right as if I was meant to be there and made it up in my mind that I would move to Tennessee at some point in my life. With things being at a dead end at work and no growth for me anytime soon it was definitely time to move on with my life. I wanted to go somewhere by choice and not because I needed a job which is what brought me to New York in the first place. At this point, I was already applying for work in Tennessee since January of this past year with no results, but I trusted the right job would come in due time. Now that I knew what direction I was headed, I started making calls inquiring about programs for my son, Spencer due to his disability. I wanted to find the best program that would benefit him and help him to adapt to the move much easier. Ironically when I called the Autism Organization of Tennessee I was told, “I would LOVE to say come on down, we would love to have him, HOWEVER, with the state cut backs this year, there wouldn’t be much we could offer him. Have you tried our program in North Carolina? It’s one of the best programs we have and I feel he would love it so much better.” I’m like; ok maybe I will just do that. I pondered on this thought, but with me being drawn to Tennessee I found myself struggling over which decision to make so I prayed about it and let it go. I began to pray stating, “I have come to a cross roads and I need your guidance in which direction to take.” That is all it took and I got my answer. Later that evening I was talking to a friend discussing my conversation with the woman in

Bellésprit Magazine 121


Tennessee and how she referred me to North Carolina. My friend replied, “Oh yes, you should look into that because I have a very good friend who has an autistic child and the state helped him with his education then helped him transition into a job and into his own place. They have an awesome program built into the state to assist those with disabilities.” So, you see, there was my sign right there in front of me. I knew North Carolina had to be the place for me. I called my good friend Belle Salisbury and told her I was thinking of moving to North Carolina and she told me the house next door to her just came open, so I called the owner and what do you know, she said it was mine if I wanted it. WOW, isn’t that amazing?? I didn’t even have to search for a place to rent! Having a 98 pound dog is normally a big pain or lots of money up front and this landlady had no problem with our big fur ball. Keep in mind this is only 2 weeks after being told my rent was being raised. So, I took the next step. I went to my boss and told him it was a good time for that raise which he had been promising me for the last 2 years since my rent was being raised and I could no longer afford living in the area at my current salary. His response was, “I hear you and understand.” I replied, “Well you realize that I have proven myself many times over to the company and I truly deserve better compensation or I will have to search elsewhere.” He replied with the same statement. I asked, “Then, can we work something out with the company truck I am driving since we have been discussing allowing me to take over ownership of the vehicle for over a year and a half?” He then replied, “That we can do, but give me a week.” Yeah, I think we all know what that means, ha-ha. I didn’t let this discourage me. I just let it go and trusted that it would all work out. I touched base with him a week later and he told me they were going to keep the truck. Okay, well I guess that finalized my decision. I called the owner of the home I was to rent in North Carolina and paid the deposit over the phone. Now it was officially mine. That weekend I got an e-mail that talked about releasing material items from our lives to help clear ourselves of old energies and it resonated with me. I 122 Bellésprit Magazine

KNEW I was to sell all of my household items and just replace them when I get to North Carolina. It wasn’t an easy decision to let go of the washer and dryer, my living room set, and other household furnishings, but I had to remember, all these things were what I had acquired when I was married and it was the last bit of my life tying me to a bad marriage, so it made sense. I had everything sold by the end of the month and enough money to rent a truck and take ourselves to North Carolina. Now all that was left was to get a place for my son Aryen to live. He was staying behind to finish his senior year and auto tech school and to be with his baby girl, Lyric. Wouldn’t you know it, the last week for us to move he found the perfect place and a perfect roommate? What a relief that was! I began getting overwhelmed with the feeling of joy at this time. I couldn’t believe how fast things were changing for the better and it still wasn’t over yet. I was so grateful and that is another thing everyone must remember. To ALWAYS be grateful and be sure to state it often. Thanking God for the gifts we have and even the ones we haven’t received yet. Always go forth in love and gratitude. All this just from letting go and trusting no matter how scary or hard it seemed that everything will work out just as it is meant to. I kept taking deep breaths and stating I let it go and trust. The breathing really helps in releasing the anxiousness. Remember, the key is about truly believing and feeling it. KNOWING God will provide you with everything you need. Sometimes it comes at the very last moment but I believe that is his way of just testing our faith and helping us grow stronger. I put my remaining things in storage and moved my son into his new place. A lot of the household items that I did not sell went to Aryen to furnish his home. He asked me if he could have my couch and chair, so I gave it to him. I also gave him a queen size bed, kitchen table, pots and pans, and some dishes. What a better way to start out on your own at the age of 18 than to have a fully furnished house. I put in my 3 week notice at work. During that discussion, my boss realized I didn’t have a vehicle to take me to North Carolina and he wondered what I was going to do. “Well I am going to make do”, I said. “I will get a moving truck and drive

down there and go from there.” He just looked at me in wonder, “Oh,” he stated, “I thought you already had a vehicle. The only reason I decided to keep the truck instead of giving it to you was I thought I was helping you out financially with repairs and such.” I told him, “Ironically it was your decision that made my final conclusion to leave.” He was in awe, or was it dumbfounded, and didn’t know what to say. We finished our conversation and went on about our day. Here it was the day before walking away from 2 years of pouring my heart into this company, bringing them out of a failing system to a much more stable environment to the point where I didn’t have to be there every single night. We all know that working in the computer field can be very stressful with long hours. But with the skills that I have accrued over the years, I was able to manage this company all on my own. My boss called me into his office and I truly believe my leaving finally sunk in at this moment when he stated; “So, tomorrow is your last day?” He had been so busy he really didn’t have time to think about it or even start looking for my replacement, go figure, huh?? Something as big as replacing your IT Manager you would think you would be right on top of that... ha-ha! Keep in mind during this whole 3 weeks I am working, the thought about not having a vehicle when I get to North Carolina was riding in the back of my head but I kept letting it go and trusting it would all work out. Wouldn’t you know it, on my last day my boss comes to me with an offer; for me to stay on board for remote support for 3 months with full benefits, a blackberry, notebook, AND ownership of the company truck! My salary was cut down to half but how can one argue with that. His offer would give me time to find a new job in North Carolina. Crazy huh?? I thought so too… the crazier the better! It’s all a true blessing to me.

There is one thing I feel is very important to share.

It seems right when you begin to make that big step forward to a better life, obstacles seem to be placed in front of you bringing up fear and anxiety that is making you wonder how in the world I am going to make this work. For example, here it is 2 days before I am scheduled to leave I had picked up the U-Haul trailer, planned to load it up the next day and taking off bright and early the following morning. All was set and flowing smoothly, so I thought. Well my oldest son, Casey called me that evening telling me he had a situation that he needed help with. He needed assistance on paying some back rent or he would be out on the street. He and his girlfriend had an insurance check deposited in the bank but the funds wouldn’t released until, hmmm yeah, the day I was leaving, go figure. As much as I struggled with this, I should have listened to my instincts on this one but I didn’t. I loaned him the money and I told him he HAD to pay me back exactly when he said he was going to because that was my gas money to go south. Well, long story short, he never came through with the money and when I sat down to balance my check book before leaving, I noticed after getting all the equipment on the truck to prepare for the trip, such as a hitch, oil change, etc I had depleted all my funds and didn’t have any clue how in the world I was going to pay for the gas to get there. When I had picked up the trailer I didn’t realize they froze the money from my bank account to secure their funds, and it really set me short. It was one thing I wasn’t counting on. I was feeling stressed all day and trying not to worry and just turn it over to trust. LOTS of breathing and stating, “I trust and release, I trust and release.” This whole experience is about letting go and trusting, so I knew it’s got to be okay. Well that evening I prayed about it and had a very restless night, but when I woke up in the morning I had a refreshing outlook. I told my mother who was making the trip with us, “Let’s just do this! This is about trusting and having faith. So, let’s load up the trailer and stay on schedule.” Later that day, I ran across a credit card in my purse. OH WOW! It was my 1st credit card since my divorce and I got it JUST to purchase the gas to get to North Carolina, duh… ha-ha! With all the craziness going on, I totally forgot about it. I am so glad I stood strong by my faith, listened to my guidance and intuition and kept moving forward no matter what fears were placed in front of me. And the topper of all of this… since I have been here in my new home, I was given my Bellésprit Magazine 123


first month’s rent free, I went from an empty home with no furnishings, except for my queen size pillow top mattress, one TV, my son’s top mattress, and the basic things such as clothes, dishes etc. to now having a nice cozy home with all that I need to feel at home. The kicker; three quarters of it was ALL free. I found every time I stated I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE… the next thing I know, it was falling into my lap. Wow, that is how powerful your words can be if you truly clear yourself of all the negative crap in your life and truly believe in your heart that you are provided for. I am so blessed and grateful for all that I have. I’m not saying it’s easy by any means to stay clear and free of the negative stuff. It takes some effort and I do still struggle with it from time to time but I just keep reminding myself what it is that I need to do. I can say it does get easier over time once you get used to doing it. It’s just a matter of making a habit of quickly letting go of the situation and trusting you are safe and secure right here, right now, ALL IS WELL!

If I can go from completely rearranging my life to what I now have; peace, happiness and a sense of contentment for the first time in my life, you can do it, too! LESSON LEARNED: Truly letting go and trusting everything will be exactly as it should be for the best for everyone involved. You must allow God to take back control of the situation and everything will fall into place with no effort as long as we just ask for assistance. We are always watched over and provided for, we just need to remember to let it go and trust your instincts, releasing completely. Feeling what it is that you are wanting and it will come. Sometimes if we can let go of our expectations, we will find that what we get is even better than what we had ever imagined. 124 Bellésprit Magazine

Mz I.T. Consulting Lori Christiansen The PC Guru

Providing Local and Remote Technical Support for your Computer needs

Contact: Lori Christiansen 910-339-0285 E-mail: pc.guru.01@gmail.com

Software Updates Virus Protection E-mail Configuration Purchase Consultation Phone Consultations Printer Set-Up Local Only Computer Upgrades System Repairs File Recovery local only Training Available Microsoft Windows Microsoft Office E-mail Utilization

“The Point of Power & Change is in the Present Moment.”

You Are Your Birthday!

Basayda Dorrell

Numerologist Vibrational Advisor Affirmation Coach Radio Show Host www.T2NRock.com http://youareyourbirthday.wordpress.com/basayda-dorrell Contact me for your Personalized Numerology Reading basayda@bellesprit.com

Bellésprit Magazine 125


B ellespritMagazine

Helping people to become more aware of how their daily choices affect the planet. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

From the inspiration of Belle Salisbury

Our Contributing Columnists: Gina Wedlake - Feature Column, Diamond Investigators Donna Cantone - Spiritual Feng Shui Leigh Hickombottom - Crystal Light Connection Scott Haire - Feature Column, Paranormal Education Lisa Haught - Lighten Up! Because I Said So! Lori Christiansen - Life Lessons Belle Salisbury - We Never Left You Jeanne Marie Douglas - Monthly Horoscopes Desiree Szabo - Dialogue and Heal with Angels Kristen Leona - Insight Through Photographs Bryan Wright - Life and Us Rhiannon Faulkner - The Faulkner Tarot Corbie Mitlied - The Way Back Machine Is Who I Am Because of Who I’ve Been? Charene Henderson - Metaphysical Reasoning Angie Kruger - Ture Visitations Elaine Fessey - Therapy Insight, Healing Around the World, Agony Aunt Nathan Martin - Creating World Peace Debbie Edwards - Divine Guidance Donnie Reed - Spiritual Insight to Relationships Mandy Peterson - New World Healing Tina McNaughton - Psychic Art, Art of the Unknown, Elemental Explorations Basayda Dorrell - Living By the Numbers Pamela Cummins - The Love Channel

126 Bellésprit Magazine

Bellésprit Magazine 127


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.