Lotus Moon

LOTUS MOON JULY 2015

Breaking Patterns for

SPIRITUAL FREEDOM FREEDOM TO BE YOU A life lesson...

PATRIOTISM

AND THE SPIRITUAL RAVAGES OF WAR

Astrology 4 America USA’s astrological forecast

Elizabeth Catherine Artist of the Angels freedom, will & witchcraft Respecting free will in magicalLOTUSworkings MOON 1

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Meet the team

HEATHER

Founder, Editor-in-Chief Layout Designer, Graphic Artist, Contributing Writer Lead Photographer

GRAYCE

Awakening Grayce Director Contributing Writer

KELLY T. SMITH Advertising Director Contributing Writer

TANYA

Holistic Health Director Contributing Writer

JHENNIFER

AIYANNA

Crystal Director Contributing Writer

Astrology Director Contributing Writer

ADELINA

KELLY STROUD

Essential Oils Director Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

About Lotus Moon Magazine: Hello everyone and thank you for your interest in Lotus Moon magazine. I founded this magazine with the hope of spreading love, light, spiritual education, acceptance and spiritual freedom throughout the hearts of people worldwide. We are all here to change the world one small piece at a time, and by allowing light and love into your heart, you are welcoming spiritual evolution into your life. All who contribute to this magazine are on a spiritual journey to help transform the lives of others through love and healing.

They want to share with you their knowledge and experiences to help you do the same. Please read and share this magazine with all you know, and together let’s affect positive change.

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ELIZABETH CATHERINE JULY’S FEATURED SPIRITUALIST

FEATURE ARTICLES

Painting by Elizabeth Catherine, entitled “Serenity”

MONTHLY

6 Freedom to Be You

16 The Savior

4 Astrology by Aiyanna

10 Freedom: Will & Witchcraft

26 Featured Spiritualist

8 Awakening Grayce

A life lesson on acceptance

Practicing magic that harms none and obeys free will

14 Breaking Patterns for Spiritual Freedom

Everyday healthcare to free the mind, body and spirit

18 Patriotism and the Spiritual Ravages of War

Healing the emotional and spiritual wounds of war

Ordinary people who effect great change in the world

Meet a spiritual artist whose paintings are world-renowned but also inspire healing and inner transformation

36 Red, White & Blueberries Kitchen magic with fresh summer fruits

38 Astrology 4 America

America’s 1776 birth chart and 2015 forecast

What does July have in store for you astrologically?

Grayce’s Spiritual Awakening

22 Crystal Corner with Jhen Rubellite: Soulful Love

24 Healing with Adelina

The freedom of essential oils

34 Love & Peace: Intuitive Forecast for July

Love and peace reign for the July forecast, find out what else LOTUS MOON

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Astrology Aiyanna by

T

he summer solstice is over, and here in the Northern Hemisphere we are headed into the long, hot, ‘dog days of summer’; the time of year when planting and growth give way to the coming harvest.

This July, the full and new moons occur in the Cancer/Capricorn axis on the wheel of the zodiac.

The astrological sign Cancer is ruled by the moon, which is associated with nurturing, home and family. The sign Capricorn is ruled

by Saturn, the planet associated with father figures. Both of these signs seek safety and security, albeit from different directions and with different values.

Capricorn represents the structure of a stable foundation upon which all things can be built. Cancer seeks emotional security and stability, and provides the depth needed to balance the enterprising nature of Capricorn. July is a good month to look at the structures in your life, compare them to your 4 LOTUS MOON

emotional needs and address any gaps.

Both Capricorn and Cancer are cardinal signs, meaning they carry the initiating energy needed to start new things, and create new beginnings. Use this energy to your advantage as you decide to make changes in your life.

Full Moon: July 1st 7:20PM PDT in Capricorn

A practical approach is highlighted during July’s full moon. Delving into details and being attuned to the present will light your path forward during this moon. This full moon is in close relationship to Pluto, the planet of death and re-birth, and is opposing the Sun and Mars in Cancer. Stay grounded through whatever arises, even if you feel like running from commitments. Emotions are high, to avoid being overwhelmed focus on the task at hand and take one step at a time.

Identify what current structures and relationships are supporting you, and which are not. Seek to create the structure you need slowly and steadily. This moon may bring with it the tendency to be too hard on yourself. If you notice this happening you, take a deep breath and a step back. Adjust your perspective in order to see what you may normally view as a shortcoming, as an actual strength.

For example, perhaps you feel you are too quick to trust and that others frequently let you down.

Rather than lowering your expectations, view your ability to trust as a reflection of your openheartedness.

Improve your boundaries by getting clear on how others treat you, and trust yourself to see others more clearly.

Colors to work with during this full moon are black and blue-violet. Gemstones are onyx, jet and turquoise. Plants are rose, lavender and calendula; and herbs are comfrey and horsetail.

New Moon: July 15th 6:24 PM PDT in Cancer

The new moon is the day to invite in the support you need. The astrological sign of Cancer is ruled by the moon, therefore the moon is considered ‘at home’ in this position; although the moon is happy here, not everyone will experience it this way.

For many, it’s easier to see how support is missing rather than feel the support that is available. Sun, Moon, Mars, and Mercury are all in the sign of Cancer during July’s New Moon, encouraging you to identify and ask for the support you need. Moon in Cancer asks you to confront your vulnerability and ask yourself, What am I holding onto that needs to be expressed?

Cancer’s initiating and manifesting energy coupled with the New Moon supports you in casting your intentions to create a life that you feel ‘at home’ in. This New Moon supports you going deep inside of yourself to access what healing you are in need of.

The New Moon in Cancer supports intentions in the areas of self-care, creating a safe and supportive home life, offering support to others while being mindful of boundaries, both yours and theirs, restoring a healthy relationship with food, spending more time with family, letting go of emotional armor and honoring the power of vulnerability.

Venus Retrograde in Virgo: July 25th Beginning July 25th, the planet Venus, representing beauty, truth, and harmony in relationships, will back track through Virgo, returning to Leo by August 1. In astrology,

when a planet is retrograde, the energy that it represents reflects back upon itself rather than forward and outward.

During this time, old loves and passions, projects related to beauty and truth, and harmonious relationships have a tendency to resurface for whatever do-over is needed. Venus will be retrograde Leo until early September when it begins moving forward again.

We are being asked to look at our relationship with beauty and truth, and to look for balance in all of our relationships.

Blue Moon: July 31st 3:43 AM PDT in Aquarius

A Blue Moon occurs when there are four full moons in a season.

This summer we have an extra dose of lunar energy on July 31st with a Full Moon in Aquarius. This Full Moon feels chaotic. Aquarius is a freedom-loving humanitarian sign, but the moon is opposing the sun in Leo, which would love all of humanity to drop everything and admire it. There is a lot of creativity built into the sky on July 31st, but you’ve got to be super focused not to get lost in all that is offered.

Also on July 31st, Neptune, a dissolving energy, opposes Jupiter, an expanding energy; Mars, the action hero, squares rebellious Uranus and activates the Uranus–Pluto square that we have been evolving under for several years now. If you can’t be focused on this day, trust that whatever is unfolding is for your highest good. With Neptune opposing Jupiter AND in a harmonious aspect with Pluto, there might be changes happening that will make sense later. might see something interesting.

This Blue Moon’s element is Air.

Colors to work with are electric blue and multi-hued colors; gemstones are sapphires and opals; plants are borage, hydrangea, delphinium; and herbs are ginger, and cayenne.

Saturn Retrograde in Scorpio: All Month Saturn turned retrograde in Sagittarius last month, entering Scorpio in mid-June where it will remain until mid-September. Here again we are being given a chance for a do-over. The planet Saturn represents boundaries and limitations, but these need not be considered bad; boundaries and limitations are necessary for lasting structure.

This do-over period gives us a second chance to get our minds, and hearts, in alignment for Saturn’s journey forward into Sagittarius, the sign of the teacher and the traveler.

Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, Sagittarius is likewise an expansive character on the astrological stage. Saturn retrograde will give us a chance to set goals and make plans to reach for the stars, looking forward to lasting and successful outcomes with big projects.

If you would like a more in-depth look at where these planetary events are likely to show up in your life, look at your natal chart finding Capricorn and Cancer, and Leo and Scorpio. The houses, planets, and aspects found there can provide insight on how these particular transits may affect you. You can create a natal chart for free on the Internet. You can also consult your local astrologer for assistance and insight.

See you in August!

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2 BE YOU

Freedom

A LIFE LESSON

As

an intuitive life coach, I often find myself preaching about releasing judgment toward yourself and others.

Recently, however, I found myself challenged by my own advice. You see, I have a dear friend who calls herself a witch. She is someone I trust with all my heart and someone I absolutely adore. She has high integrity, is full of love and light and above all, is true to who she is, regardless of what other people think. She is courageous, funny, smart and extremely talented, and is the reason this magazine is what it is. She also challenges me to practice what I preach.

Last week we were discussing content for July’s issue. She told me she would be writing an article about spells and magic. She knows me well, understanding that I fear such things, but she also knows that I accept her for who she is regardless of what I believe. In the midst of explaining her article to me there it was, the one word I often try to run from, WITCH. I immediately felt a tightness in my stomach. I could feel the sweat starting to pour down my face as tension gathered at the base of my 6 LOTUS MOON

neck. I instantly felt panic radiating from every fiber of my being. My first thought was, I cannot be associated with a magazine that talks about witches and spells on the front cover, it scares the crap out of me!

What if other people think I am a witch? What if other people associate me with something that doesn’t resonate with who I am?

After the first series of what ifs, hundreds more flooded my mind.

By this time, I couldn’t hear anything else she was saying. All I could do was react to the fear that had overtaken my mind. I butted in boldly to let her know that it wasn’t in my best interest to be associated with something I didn’t believe in, it wasn’t personal, it just made me nervous. I could feel the heat beginning to seep through the phone as the silence became louder than the conversation. I took a deep breath and asked, “Are you mad at me?”

She said, “No, I just don’t want you to leave the magazine.” I said “Heather, I am not going to leave the magazine, I promise. You know I believe in you and everything you stand for, I just think there is a stigma with the word witch that scares people, and it definitely scares me

to be associated with it.”

Then she gave me a dose of my own medicine. She said, “I could have sworn you just said that if I wrote anything about witchcraft on the front cover you did not want to write for the magazine.”

I am pretty sure I denied it and said, “No, you misunderstood me, that is not what I meant,” but in truth that is exactly what I meant. I couldn’t help it, that was how I felt.

Then she said something profound that kicked me back into my rational mind, and even brought me to a state of compassion.

She said, “The whole point of this magazine is to bring people from all walks of life together to honor their beliefs. Each one of us comes from different upbringings, and we all have different spiritual beliefs, understandings and knowledge, but we still love and accept each other regardless of what we believe. That is what makes this magazine so special. We honor all beliefs and judge no one.”

After we got off the phone I was still a bit worried and not sure what to do. On one hand, I have personally known heather for almost four years and she is one of the kindest

most loving people I know. She is very head strong as well, and even though she knows some people will judge her for her beliefs, she refuses to let them tell her how to show up in the world. She knows some people have preconceived notions about who she is and what she believes, but that if they got to know her they would quickly figure out they were misinformed. If not, she did not need them in her life.

All of a sudden a light went on in my head! I got it; I understood, this was not about Heather’s beliefs verses my beliefs, this was a lesson about having courage to face the world and be true to who you really are. Heather does that well, she leads by example and does not shy away from being true herself based on what others will think of her. I on the other hand, was afraid to be associated with something I don’t even understand. That got me thinking.

How often do we allow fear to control our decisions and keep us from stepping into our greatness? What would our life look like if we had courage to face the world Heather-style! Think about that for a moment. How would your life change if you allowed yourself to be 100 percent true to who you are, regardless of what other people thought?

I also thought about how we judge each other without even realizing it. What would the world look like if we mirrored Heather’s vision for the magazine out into the world, all coming together to celebrate one another regardless of our

beliefs, and without judgment?

The answer to that question, we would have managed to find peace on Earth. So in this amazing month of July, the month that represents our freedom, remember this, you have the freedom to be true to who you really are. No one can take that away from you. That is your right

as an American citizen and more importantly as a Divine child of the light. The only person who can rob you of your right to express yourself freely, is you. If you don’t believe me, just ask my dear friend Heather, AKA the Earth Witch who works with Angels.

Written by Kelly T. Smith

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Grayce

AWAKENING

A

ngel numbers, that’s how it all started, my awakening that is. 111, 222, 444...all day, every day. For weeks I saw these repeating numbers. Once I noticed them I saw them more and more, they were like a disease, but what did they mean, if anything at all? Am I the only person seeing these repetitive numbers? I wondered to myself.

I began scouring the Internet for validation that these numbers did in fact mean something. I was overwhelmed with the amount of information I found, and became hesitant even looking because so much of the information was related to the occult. What I was doing was surely going against my Christian faith and what I had been raised to believe, right?​ I noticed the term ‘angel numbers’ coming up a lot, however. Angels?

Angels aren’t a bad thing right? Even though I had been raised Christian, I always felt in my heart there was more to this world than what I had been taught. As a child, I was drawn stories of magical realms and mystical creatures. As I got older I found supernatural and metaphysical topics of great interest, and began feeling like I was trapped between two worlds, the world of my reality and a world where anything was possible.

It always felt wrong ignoring my gut feelings that angels and spirits were real, and magic existed; this was my wake up call. The signs and symbols I was noticing became more and more prevalent. I started reading about angel numbers

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and became voracious for more information on this new world of spirituality that was revealing itself to me.

I read about tarot cards, crystals, spirit guides, angels, faeries,​and so much more. I began to see that many of the people and situations throughout my life had actually been leading me to my ‘awakening’.

This knowledge felt like a switch had flipped inside of me and I now understood what the Universe had been showing me all this time.

My hunger to learn about the mysteries of everything metaphysical wasn’t going away, and I didn’t want it to. I bought books about angel numbers and being intuitive, and began to read. Finally I was getting answers for things I had never been able to understand about myself, or explain. Like why I often knew something was about to happen before it happened,

knowing who I was going to bump into on the street that day and why certain situations felt bad when rationally they were good.

My next step down my awakened path was purchasing a deck of angel oracle cards. I loved them and immediately felt connected. I explored my oracle cards and continued reading, about grounding, about meditation, about clearing chakras and smudging to banish negativity.

The more I read, the more I realized there were others in the world who had been through a spiritual awakening just like I was experiencing.

One day I came across an Internet radio show with weekly programs discussing all of the metaphysical information I had been exploring.

The show, and it’s host, immediately resonated with me and my spiritual experiences. I became an avid listener, often calling in to talk to the host and asking many questions.

It was a wonderful experience of enlightenment and validation.

Through that show I was welcomed into a social media group with others who were spiritually enlightened and understood the spiritual awakening process. It’s been several years since I started my spiritual journey and since have learned so much about myself. I have made amazing connections in my new awakened state and I can’t wait to see where my journey takes me next.

Written by Grayce

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KELLY T. SMITH’S

Intuitive Life Coaching ORACLE CARDS

www.indie-goes.com/intuitive-life-coaching-oracle-cards LOTUS MOON

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FREEDOM WILL & WITCHCRAFT H

ave you ever wished for a love potion? Or for a magic spell to keep your lover faithful and by your side forever?

Part of my life’s work is helping people manifest what they desire through magic. I do so with great love for my craft, great honor to the Earth and the Divine, and the best intentions for my clients. All too often I receive requests for love-related spells, “Can you make him love me?”, “Can you make him come back to me?”, “Can you make him leave his wife?”, “Can you make him propose?”, etc. Once I even received a spell request to make a client’s girlfriend more sexual.

Unfortunately, what these requests have in common is they all violate one very important Universal law, the Law of Free Will.

As a child, my favorite show was Bewitched. I mean who wouldn’t love a sassy, gorgeous woman who could wiggle her nose and get whatever she wanted? Unfortunately, as darling as the show was, it never illuminated true witchery, and portrayed a normalcy of exerting control over others.

Being a witch is a powerful experience, a powerful and beautiful experience, however witches like all other beings must respect the power we have been blessed with.

True witches are hard to come by.

Many proclaim they are a witch, but do not honestly understand the fragile balance of light and dark energy, and the intricacies of prac-

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ticing magic that respects free will.

The ability to harness energy and manifest one’s desires is a gift, a gift from the Universe that comes with great responsibility. As not only a witch but a clairvoyant and empath, I have come to understand the critical importance of practicing magic with good intent.

I see and feel energy, the energy people put out and the energy that is returned to them. I have seen the negative effects of power exerted over others on both the recipient and the one exerting the power.

Exerting power and control over another can cause many problems including physical ailments and mental illnesses. These problems can result to major issues in life, and sometimes great loss.

If you truly love someone and want them to return your love, are you willing to hurt them in the process? Are you willing to have that same energy returned to you?

Most witches follow the Witches Creed, also known as the Wiccan Reed, and the Law of Three. The Law of Three is simple, whatever

you do comes back to you times three. The Witches Creed is a long and beautiful poem, but its message is simple, to use magic as you will as long as it harms none.

The problem is, ‘harm’ is a subjective word. Does that mean refrain from physical harm, or does that include mental and emotional harm? What does mental and emotional harm even mean? It means that as witches, we cannot control, we cannot interfere, we cannot hex or send bad juju, we cannot elicit fear, and we cannot exert power.

Witchcraft is not an exercise of power, it is a beautiful instrument gifted to all by the Universe to manifest what they need. It is a tool.

Unfortunately, too many people believe magic is a right, a right to control energy how they see fit—to manipulate situations, to control others, to bring justice or to carry

out revenge. It is not. These types of spells are sometimes done with good intentions, but the fact still remains, no one should ever tamper with energy that affects others.

I have heard it said that the Law of Three and the Witches Creed are simply to scare witches, to control their power or to make them tow some sort of coven line. I assure you, they are not. The dangers of harming others energetically are very real. Even if it is not immediately apparent, energy catches up to everyone. Whether it is immediately, a year from now or a lifetime from now, the energy that you send out into the Universe will be returned to you in some form or another. Another warning, the energy may not always be returned to you in the same form in which you put it out.

I had a client who was very dis-

traught over a recent miscarriage.

She contacted me to understand why this had happened. As it turned out, the baby’s soul was the mom’s love interest in a past life.

They had not been able to be with each other in that life and had unresolved anger toward one another.

In order to break that Karmic anger pattern, the man was reincarnated as the mom’s baby to elicit unconditional love, especially the kind of unconditional love that comes from the loss of an innocent.

Energy does not always take the same form in which it was exerted. The energy exerted to make someone love you may come back to you in the form of your boss unjustifiably denying you a promotion, or your car being rear-ended.

The Universe has utter control, and places events in your path that elicit spiritual growth. Although the

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Universe loves you unconditionally, you never know how it will choose to teach you about control and the Law of Free Will. I don’t say this to strike fear in everyone, just to help you understand how important it is to understand energy, control and free will.

Spells to make someone love you, to make someone return to you, or to hurt them as they have hurt you are all witchcraft no-no’s. There are many witches who have no problem performing these spells, but the fact remains, energy will be returned to you no matter if you are the spell’s creator or executer. Energy is energy and can wreak havoc whether it comes from a ritual or something as simple as a thought.

When creating or purchasing spells, always honor free will. It is not your place to affect the lives of others without their consent. If a person has chosen a path, it must be respected. If a relationship is meant to be, it will be. If someone hurts you, that energy will come back to them eventually. Trust in the Universe and have faith that all things will work out for your highest good.

Each of us has a spiritual support team comprised of the Universe, God, angels, the Goddess, the God, ascended masters, loved ones who have crossed over, etc. These beings will never interfere with your life unless you ask for their help, and they will never break the Law of Free Will.

Your choices, good and bad, are beautiful as they lead you toward your destiny, helping you learn and grow as you go. Journeying down your life path is a sacred experience, a personal experience, and an experience others should not interfere with. Everyone has moments of magic, moments of tragedy and 12 LOTUS MOON

moments of insight, growth and joy, but what would those moments be if influenced by others?

Many of you are here to be spiritual guides, helping people heal and find their path, but you must do so at their request. I am often asked to send Reiki to others, to help them without their knowledge, but even that I cannot do. Reiki is a very powerful energy that can affect change not only to a person, but to their soul, in-turn affecting change across other planes of existence.

Although I love helping others, I cannot do so unless the individuals themselves seek help. I help people who want help, and send love and prayers to everyone else. There are many ways to practice magic without exerting control over others, so that is what I focus on. Whether by removing blocks, helping to break negative thought patterns or

by energetically sending love and forgiveness.

I implore all of you to think carefully before engaging in magic that energetically harms someone, or tampers with their free will.

Search your soul and ask yourself if you really want to harm another, and yourself, for something that is not likely for your highest good to begin with.

Use your magic for good, for joy, for prosperity, to help others, to bring about love where it is meant to be, to spread forgiveness and acceptance, and above all, to help others find their light and share it with the world.

Written by Heather Noble

Blossoming Light S

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HEATHER NOBLE

INTUITIVE, ENERGY HEALER, EARTH WITCH, REIKI MASTER

INTUITIVE READINGS - LIFE COACHING DISTANCE REIKI - SPELLS & CHARMS GUIDED MEDITATIONS - CHAKRA CLEANSING B L O S S O M I N G L I G H T . C O M

blossoming light - blossoming-light-intuition - intuitivewitch1 - blossoming light - blossoming light LOTUS MOON

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Breaking Physical Patterns for

Spiritual Freedom M

ind, Body, Spirit. We hear the term a lot. Many of you probably have a general idea what the term means, but how many of you actually find a balance between your mind, body and spirit?

They are likely just words you discuss without recognizing all are part of a whole. Human nature tends to focus on one and hope the others sort themselves out. Unfortunately, this simply does not work.

Many people spend their entire lives trying to figure out why they aren’t spiritually connected, why they feel bad when they are so spiritual in certain aspects. “Why am I not getting anywhere?”, “Why don’t I feel free?” In my spiritual practice, I hear variations of these questions all the time. People feel bad because they are focusing on only one aspect of the whole.

Too often spirituality is used as a band-aid to treat all of life’s ailments rather than addressing the root of the problem. Most people rarely consider changing their daily patterns instead letting their health falter because they are stressing over the simplest of things, not fully addressing emotional trauma’s, eating non-food all day, and too often exercise consists of walking in the door and to the refrigerator. These things can’t possibly be important to spiritual health, or can they?

True spiritual freedom starts with tackling the basic human needs many people ignore.

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Luckily, the solution is fairly simple, getting back to basics and honoring the body. From now on, before doing or eating something, ask yourself, “does this honor my soul AND body?” There is no magical formula or single way of living that will cure what ails you, but there are healthy living basics that ring true for all. Below are five strategies for finding your path to a healthy body, mind and spirit. The key to manifesting a healthy lifestyle is starting slow. Make simple changes over a period of time and watch freedom ring.

1. Whole Foods & Water

The world is inundated with diet fads, and this diet or that diet being the best—it’s overwhelming. Many just give up in a flurry of frustration and head to the nearest fast food establishment. The truth is, eating healthy isn’t about a diet but a lifestyle. Eating whole foods and drinking enough water is something everyone knows they need to do, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to actually accomplish, especially if you haven’t done it before. It takes time to figure out how to make it work for you, so be

patient and find a plan that you can stick with.

First, start by making simple changes, one at a time. Add one serving of fruit or vegetables to your day. Rather than eating a frozen meal from the grocery store, make your own frozen meals by preparing extra portions when you cook and freezing them. Second, set goals for yourself such as eating one piece of fruit each day for an entire week. Drink one extra glass of water each day, or if you have to eat fast food, get a salad instead of a burger and fries. Implementing small changes and setting goals will help you succeed. You don’t have to diet and you don’t have to be perfect each day, you just need to start walking the road of awareness.

Laughter is more important to spiritual health than most people realize. Start doing things that bring you joy, watch funny movies and look for the irony in everyday life; stop taking life so seriously. Most people are far too humorless in response to daily life. Holding onto this approach robs your life of joy.

Just remember, no one makes it out of this life alive so you might as well have fun while you’re here.

2. Exercise

I know, I know! I can hear the groaning already. This one is always difficult but there’s good news!

Exercise does not mean you have to run a marathon, unless you want to of course. All you have to do is move. Moving could mean walking down the hall to let your coworker know they have a phone call instead of paging them. It could be parking in the back of the parking lot instead of parking as close as you can to the front door. It could be a 30-minute walk in the evening with your loved ones. People tend to get caught up in an ‘all or nothing’ mentality when it comes to exercise, but the Universe is very clear on this, you just need to move and love your body’s ability to do so.

3. Laugh

When was the last time you laughed? As I was channeling information to create this list, laughter caught me a bit off guard. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed, not a real laugh anyway.

control over. There are, however, things everyone can control their exposure too. Food, soap, beauty products, clothing and so many everyday items most wouldn’t consider to be toxic, are.

BPA, for example, is found in the lining of canned goods. When heated, it leaches into food and acts as a hormone disrupter known to cause reproductive cancers in both men and women. Antiperspirants have been linked to the development of breast cancer in women.

Make a simple and conscious switch to chemical-free everyday items. Your body will thank you!

Start living more in-sync with your mind, body and spirit. Remember: start small or with one thing and work your way up to a whole new lifestyle.

Written by Tanya Lynn

4. Get Physical

Hug your loved ones, and hug them often! Kiss your partner and children! Embrace your sensuality and explore your sexuality! It’s so easy to get caught up in the ‘spirit’ of mind, body and spirit, and forget about the physical needs humans require to maintain healthy and well-rounded lives here on earth.

People connect physically and ignoring that aspect of human nature limits everyone’s spiritual evolution.

So get out there and hug it out!

Tanya Lynn is a Psychic-Medium and Holistic Healer. She offers intuitive readings and spiritual guidance. As a registered nurse, Tanya combines her knowledge of healthcare from a physical and spiritual aspect offering healing at all levels of the mind, body and spirit aspect.

To book a reading with Tanya or speak with her about her services, contact her at Blessedte@gmail. com, or find her Facebook page, Cup of T

5. Avoid Chemicals

We live in a world overrun with pollution, and are constantly inundated by chemicals very few have LOTUS MOON

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the

SAVIOR

T

hey say that a wound makes a place for the light to come in. The word bless comes from the word ‘blesson’, to make holy with blood, it’s roots going back to pagan rituals consecrating an altar with blood. This is the beginning of the journey of the Savior. The Savior must first experience pain and suffering, the pain driving the soul to find a cure; the transformation begins...Victim becomes Wounded Healer.

The Wounded Healer sees the suffering surrounding them and tries to help. To go from Wounded Healer to Savior, the soul must be courageous enough to speak the truth to the community. I say courageous enough because it takes a true spiritual warrior to speak the truth and topple towers of illusion.

The truth-teller will be loved and hated...the truth-teller will at some point be the scapegoat, so the Savior must also have great love to know the risk of betrayal and still speak. Saviors change the world.

Saviors have great endurance because they are so very often tested, yet maintain their integrity.

In modern times, we have been blessed with many Saviors who have stepped up to change the world, Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and now Malala Yousafzai. Martin Luther King Jr., Gandi, and Mandala all modern-day saviors for their people, their greatness inspiring and uplifting many.

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At this time in the world where children are being murdered, girls abducted, women mutilated and raped...the sacred feminine needs a Savior. The patriarchy has overtaken the world and it has become harsh and oppressive. The way to a new world is through creation.

Man cannot create new life without woman. It is time now to be courageous truth-tellers and Saviors. It is time now to support the truth-tellers and Saviors.

Apathy is what allows these great ones to be martyred and sacrificed. The blood of women and children have already been spilled.

Enough! The atrocities we have witnessed affect us all.

What can we do?

Not all saviors have global recognition, some are everyday Saviors like my friend Michelle.

Michelle is a social worker for the state and is an advocate for children, teenagers and abuse victims. She is not popular in her work environment because she makes waves.

Even those who support her do it secretly, out

of fear of being ostracized by their co-workers.

Michelle is brave enough to risk losing her job to stand up for the rights of those who are not yet strong enough or old enough to stand up for themselves. Unfortunately, the apathy of the people around her is slowing down her ability to make positive changes.

We need to pray for the courage to speak up. We need to stop being so apathetic and distracted. We must stay focused and brave in order to create a better world.

Story & Artwork by Nicole Feltovic

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LOTUS MOON

17

& PATRIOTISM THE Spiritual Ravages of War

A

s we enter July, the month of our Nation’s independence, it is important to remember that freedom is never free. Many have given their lives and personal freedoms for patriotism, while many more struggle with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual battle wounds on a daily basis.

Although I have never faced the heat of battle, as an ex-military member and spiritual healer I have watched people’s lives torn asunder by war, through death and through the mental and emotional trauma that follows. In my spiritual practice, I work with service members who have returned from war emotionally broken and spiritually lost.

18 LOTUS MOON

I see what they saw and feel what they felt; fear, anger, sadness, regret, loss…the feelings are overwhelming and at times, unbearable. I have seen the toll war takes on these men and women, and their families, and was guided to share this healing process in hopes of helping even one person struggling with spiritual war wounds.

Emotional and spiritual wounds are often elusive, and can even evade those they afflict. Some service members return home physically whole but missing their ability to trust, their willingness to love, their closeness to spirituality or even their faith in humanity.

The ravages of war have no bounds where spirituality is concerned, but

there is always hope to heal, and help others do the same.

Whether you are a spiritual healer, a family member or you yourself are a service member with emotional and spiritual wounds, the first thing you must do is to recognize that the experience caused change. I know this seems simplistic, but it is essential.

The changes experienced aren’t always negative, but too often they are, so it is important to remember that all life experiences change us in some way or another. That’s why we have them, to learn and to grow, but its necessary to view these experiences as developmental instead of detrimental. You must look at how these experiences

caused change on a physical, emotional and spiritual level, and begin discovering why that change was necessary.

Unfortunately, recognizing the how and why of these changes isn’t always possible during war because emotional and spiritual balance rarely exists. Root chakras are in overdrive, heart chakras are shut down, sacral chakras are invaded and torn asunder, solar plexus and throat chakras are denied, third-eye chakras are dismissed and crown chakras are disconnected.

Service members are thrown into life and death situations with only a limited understanding of life, death and spirituality. Many holding beliefs they acquired as children and some having no beliefs at all, become pawns in a violent game where death is a tool to gain power, control and political dominance.

The emotional and spiritual burdens placed on these men and women take their toll, crippling even the strongest of people. Far too many service members return from war return in a fog of emotional chaos, tragedy and spiritual separation. Some return with wounds in their flesh while others return with wounds in their souls, many with both.

There are doctors treat the physical and emotional wounds, but how often is healing sought for spiritual wounds? Healing spiritual wounds on a soul-level can have a positive impact on healing at all levels, and can improve all aspects of life. It’s not an easy process, but its a process that is necessary for positive change and personal development.

for the loss of your innocence, the loss of a friend or even the loss of an enemy, the grieving process must occur. Military culture perpetuates a climate of strength and fortitude, too often overlooking the necessity of emotional healing through grief. Unfortunately, the emotions elicited by experiencing death, or fearing for your life come from the same place as all of your emotions.

Denying grief can also deny the emotions of love, compassion and everything in-between. Although these emotions can be suppressed, they never disappear. Repressed emotions always find a way to surface and often come in the form of drinking, violence or obsessive compulsive behavior. So whether done alone, with a professional or with a friend or loved one, grieving is paramount.

Healing Soul Wounds

1. Grieving: The first step in healing soul wounds is allowing yourself to grieve. Whether you grieve LOTUS MOON

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2. Spirituality: The second step is getting in touch with spirituality.

Everyone has different spiritual beliefs, walks a different spiritual path and has different spiritual practices that work for them. Spirituality and beliefs can change and evolve, and that is fine, the important thing is finding something to believe in now—belief in a higher power.

It’s often difficult trusting in the Divine or God when you have witnessed the atrocities of war. It’s difficult believing that benevolent beings of the Universe would allow such horrors and hatred to exist in the world. What you must understand though, is that through spirituality, you will discover the answers to those internal dilemmas.

All you have to do is believe that you are loved unconditionally, and supported fully by the Universe and many spiritual beings.

3. Community: The third step is seeking out a community support system. Friends, family, spiritual healers, mentors, religious leaders; anyone who can offer true friendship and love, and be there for you in your times of need. The caveat, however, is maintaining balance in your friendships.

Many who return from war with physical and emotional damage tend to isolate themselves with their war friends. It’s easy because they understand what you have been through and share experiences, tragedies and memories with you.

However, when you only associate with war friends, you are reliving these experiences over and over again emotionally. This is an unhealthy environment of cyclical emotions. Your friends are in the same state of emotional confusion, all of you simultaneously seeking some way to dull the pain of loss or 20 LOTUS MOON

fear, but not dealing with it.

Others may not understand what you have been through, but they can bring light into your life that is desperately needed. The ideal people to seek out are those who have experienced the tragedies of war and have healed their soul wounds.

They understand what you have experienced and are going through, and can illuminate ways to the bring light back into your life.

4. Love & Forgiveness: The fourth step is accepting love back into your heart through forgiveness.

This means forgiving yourself and others. You must find ways to un-

derstand that you are loved unconditionally by the Divine, learn to love yourself, and allow others to love you in return.

Maintaining love for yourself and love for humanity during war is difficult and complicated. Too often hatred is the predominate emotion, its the easy emotion, and service members return with a void in their soul that was once their ability to love. Many find it hard to love themselves when they lose a friend or are forced to take a life.

I was once asked by a client, “How can I love and forgive myself when I should have been the one who died?” How can you love yourself

and moved on, or they chose to exit this life at that particular time.

when you blame yourself? Or others? Forgiveness.

Forgiving others may be difficult so start by forgiving yourself. Humans error, it is part of life and our soul’s journey, but the Divine does not blame you for your actions, either should you.

5. Perspective: The fifth step is finding perspective. The cycle of life is everywhere, but it’s sometimes hard to understand what that really means. This can be especially difficult when people’s spiritual beliefs differ from the idea that life and death are continuous. Many don’t believe souls are born time and

time again, and that is fine. What is important to understand, however, is that death is not black and white.

There is much that people do not understand about death, life and the Universe, but that is where faith is essential.

Death is heartbreaking for those left behind. In my experience, those who die have chosen to do so.

Whether you believe that or not, at least believe that any loss is a Divine event. If you have lost a friend, embrace the sadness over no longer having them in your life, but find a way to be happy for them. Either they did what they came here to do, they learned a necessary life lesson

6. Abundance: The last step is appreciating the abundance you have in your life. This can be very easy or very difficult. Many say they appreciate what they have in their life, but don’t truly believe it. Appreciation needs to begin in your heart.

For service members returning from war, that’s not always possible at first but over time you will come to appreciate all those who love you, all those who support you, the gift of your life, and above all, your experiences. No matter how those experiences changed you, they also taught you some incredibly powerful life lessons.

As you journey down this road toward healing your soul, always remember that you are loved unconditionally, and supported by the Divine, no matter what. Don’t look for love in others, find love in yourself. Allow others to help you. Even if they don’t understand what you have experienced, their love and light may be something you need.

Trust in the Divine with the understanding that everything you experience is for your highest good, even if it doesn’t feel that way. Release yourself of blame as you learn to forgive yourself and others, and see the world as it is in its imperfect state. Lastly, seek peace within your heart, your mind and your soul.

There is no world peace without internal peace.

Note: The guidance provided in this article was taken from my personal experiences as a professional spiritual healer working with wounded veterans, and channeled from the Divine. It is for healing on a soul level. This guidance may not be appropriate for everyone.

Written by Heather Noble LOTUS MOON

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CRYSTAL CORNER Sparkly Rock Chick

Jhen with

J

uly’s featured crystal is Rubellite, a stone of peaceful love, love of self, and unconditional love for all. It’s a stone that epitomizes universal love resonating more deeply than other heart stones to promote love in all forms. It is a reminder that love is Divine, and is our ultimate connection to Source; a relationship to Source each of us holds in our heart, but a relationship that is delicately fragile.

Focusing too much energy on external factors can drain you of your energy and light, and dampen your connection to Source. Rubellite can refocus that energy to help you reconnect with your heart, and the heart of the Earth and Divine.

This spiritual coupling revitalizes the purity of your love light and gives you the energy to spread it worldwide.

Rubellite is a bringer of peace to your thymus chakra, also called your higher-heart connection, and enhances your ability to understand love on a soul level. It leads you to inner joy, and assists you in finding faith in yourself and faith in others.

Rubellite empowers you to hold true to what is in your heart never letting your faith falter. It bolsters courage to move beyond the limiting patterns holding you back and provides emotional resolve in opening your heart to receive love and support in all that you do and for all that you are.

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Rubellite balances both the root and heart chakras, and encourages you to accept abundance as you work though emotional turmoil and life circumstances. It grounds your emotions helping you overcome any fears related to safety and stability, and renews your passion for life. Rubellite also provides courage to embrace life’s challenges in the face of adversity.

Rubellite teaches you to appreciate all of life’s lessons, and guides you in understanding that even

hard lessons have their purpose, providing greater enlightenment of your heart’s truth. It brings you face to face with your hard truths as well, helping you see that the lessons you have traversed have transformed you into the person you are meant to be.

When you acknowledge your inner truths, you begin to stand in your light, a beacon of love, hope and faith. That light radiates from your soul touching everyone around you and spreading truth far and wide. It takes but a spark to start a fire, and one light to light the hearts of many.

Rubellite also reminds you that grief and adversity are just as valuable to your spiritual growth as joy and success. They open your heart to self-acceptance, and lead you to realizing the mistakes you’ve made have helped you move beyond points in your life where you have felt stuck and hopeless.

Rubellite stones vary in hue from pale pink to a deep red; the deeper the color the stronger its vibration.

Rubellite carries the generic properties of Schorl or Black Tourmaline including the properties of grounding and protection. Tourmaline is a common stone, found on every continent, however gemstone quality stones are difficult to find and can be quite expensive.

Rubellite works in harmony with all types of tourmaline. For heart healing, use with Green Tourmaline or Seraphinite. For enhancing love, use Rose Quartz, Morganite, Kunzite, or Rhodocrosite. To connect with the heart of the Earth, use with Gaia Stone. For Universal love, Rubellite combines well with Danburite, Petalite or Azezulite.

Chakra Association: Root and Heart Issues and Ailments: Depression, Fear, Panic Attacks, Abuse, Self-Esteem, Energy Blockages Astrological Association: Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio Numerical Vibration: Hardness: 7 - 7.5 Color: Pink and Red Rarity: Common Alias: Red Tourmaline

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Self Empowerment

Self Awareness

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LOTUS MOON

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Essential Oils

Freedom of Health

I

magine the freedom in knowing a single drop of essential oil will relieve whatever ails you. Now imagine finding inner peace-of-mind knowing you have used something natural, from the Earth itself, free of chemicals and synthetic scents.

Learning to take control of your wellbeing confidently is not only empowering, but gratifying. Essential oils offer more healing options while providing the independence to maintain your family’s wellbeing from home. In my family, we use essential oils as a companion to everyday health care and preventative remedies. I work with our family doctor to identify and naturally treat ailments using holistic remedies like essential oils.

Fever is a common ailment, especially in households with small children. To relieve fever, most medica24 LOTUS MOON

tions can only be taken every four hours. Peppermint essential oil, however, can be applied to the bottoms of your feet every 20 minutes to reduce a fever. Using peppermint oil to reduce fever also reduces the likelihood of liver or kidney damage that can result from prolonged use, or misuse, of over-the-counter fever medications.

These type of damaging side effects from medications occur because of their synthetic contents— ingredients the human body considers foreign. Our bodies prefer natural remedies because they are broken down and distributed without compromising the immune system. Oils, unlike medication, are derived from plants, and most are completely natural. This does depend on the brand of oil, however.

Usually cheaper oils have synthetic ingredients or pesticide residue.

Essential oils come from tiny sacs of oil extracted from the roots, bark, flowers, leaves and resin of plants. These sacs are the plant’s immune system providing biochemical protection from microorganisms, insects and herbivores.

Since plants and humans are both carbon based life forms, plants provide relief without harming the body, or disrupting its natural rhythm. Essential oils can quickly and effectively target threats within the body without causing unwanted side effects like those of synthetic medications.

A drop or two of essential oil is often more beneficial than overthe-counter and prescription medications, and can be used for both adults and children, even infants.

Many oils can be used topically to bring relief to areas of concern, like peppermint oil. If you have sore

muscles, take a hot bath with peppermint oil and Epsom salt to bring them soothing relief. Peppermint oil applied to the back of the neck and temples can bring relief from hot flashes.

Internally essential oils boost your immune system and help your digestive system. Ginger, peppermint, grapefruit and fennel are known to calm motion sickness, upset stomachs, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion and other digestive concerns.

Whether the ailment is a minor cut, a burn, cancer, heart disease, depression or chronic arthritis, essential oils are not a fad. They have been used for centuries as medication, as perfumes and so much more. In 1922, 350 liters of oils were discovered in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun along with more than 800 different herbal preparations to support health and wellness.

During the time of Hippocrates, romans used diffused essential oils to purify their temples and political buildings. They also used them for immune protection against seasonal threats, and in their baths to revitalize the skin. Essential oils are relied upon world-wide for health and wellness, and can offer healing for more than just physical ailments.

Essential oils can also be used to aromatically stimulate your mind and help you stay focused. Diffusing essential oils help calm anxiety, stress and fears. An entire room can benefit from a few diffused drops of mood uplifting oils.

Unfortunately, many of the scents you experience today are synthetic. Whether a bottle of soap or a candle, much of what you smell is a chemical replica of a plant’s scent.

Lemon, lavender and peppermint

are scents many people love, but all too often when you find them in candles, soaps, bath salts, room deodorizers, etc, they are artificially produced. So how can a drop of lavender, lemon or peppermint essential oil change your life?

Lavender can be used to calm emotions and mental stresses. It helps achieve a more restful night’s sleep and is non-habit forming.

Lavender is also an antiseptic so I use it on paper cuts. It is gentle and calming on the skin making it a go-to oil for bug bites and minor irritations.

Lemon essential oil is one of my favorite oils for a sore throat or cough. Just heat a cup of warm water, add a drop of lemon and mix with honey. Lemon is also beneficial for respiratory infections and inflammation, because of its antibacterial properties and soothing effects.

Given the many health benefits available to your family from essential oils, why not learn how to integrate these natural solutions and remedies into your life, and set yourself free from synthetic medications?

Tip of the Month: Take back your yard! Need an alternative to DEET for keeping away insects? Try doTerra’s repelling blend, TerraShield,containing Citronella, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood and other oils. Simply add 40 drops to a 12 ounce spray bottle of water to spray clothing, doors, screens and anything in your back yard play or entertainment areas. It does not stain clothes and has a pleasant scent perfect for any outdoor gathering.

Note from the Author: There are many essential oil brands available. I have a positive bias

towards one company because of positive healing success I have experienced, and because of the company’s high quality oils, high testing standards and responsible sourcing. My goal is to educate and empower all oil users, however the advice shared has not been evaluated by the FDA. I am sharing information that has blessed my life and my family’s, but it is up to you to research and find your own conclusions on the information provided.

The products and methods recommended here are not intended to diagnose, cure, advise, or prescribe for any human disease, ailment, injury, infirmity, deformity, pain or any other condition, physical or mental, real or imaginary, by any means or instrumentality. It is important to consult your medical professional.

Written by Adelina Waters

Adelina is a natural healer and essential oil expert. Also certified in the AromaTouch Technique, a clinical approach to essential oil application, she offers frequent workshops on natural remedies and healthcare solutions using essential oils. To find out more about her products and services, go to: www.mydoterra.com/awaters LOTUS MOON

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Elizabeth Catheri

Magical Brushworks of Spir

26 LOTUS MOON

ine:

rituality

“E

verything I do in my life I do in hope of creating a more compassionate world. I’m worried about what I see happening around me, and the only way I can think to improve it is for the human race to become more compassionate and conscious as a society. Everything I do in my life is with this goal in mind. I hope people will open their hearts just a little bit when they see my work, recognizing how wonderful it feels to do so, and next time they open their hearts maybe they will open them a little bigger, and so on. Basically, I’m just throwing a pebble in a pond hoping it will ripple.”

Elizabeth Catherine’s paintings evoke a spiritually mesmerizing connection with the Divine. They elicit magical wonderment and inspire other-worldly curiosity from all those who gaze upon her artful masterpieces. Her passion for color and skillful combination of artistic mediums speak for themselves, as her artwork draws the attention of artists and collectors world-wide.

Elizabeth is more than just an artist, however, she is also a healer and spiritual leader. She pairs each of her paintings with a soulful meditation creating an audio visual journey for the soul. The meditations are available on her website allowing anyone to enjoy the beauty of her artwork while exploring new realms of inner transformation.

Elizabeth’s artistic works are unique on many levels; her combination of pastels and oils, the meditations that accompany each painting, the channeled visions that become her creations, and most incredibly, the healing energy that accompanies each of her pieces.

“She flew into the wind, liberated, full of love and knowing that she LOTUS MOON

27

“Gwendolyn” by Elizabeth Catherine

was now free to fully express herself for who she truly was; a guardian of the light,” from Elizabeth’s painting entitled Finally.

Other pieces by Elizabeth include Hope, Love, Journey, Financial Freedom, Let Go, Dark Night of the Soul, Shine, Kindness, Waiting for the Wind, The Ancestors, Kindness and many more; each providing ancient wisdom and the opportunity for personal growth.

LOTUS MOON: How long have you

been an artist?

ELIZABETH CATHERINE: For as

long as I can remember. I always knew I was an artist, and thankfully, my parents encouraged me.

I started professional lessons with my first mentor at the American Academy of Art when I was nine. I studied drawing and figure draw-

28 LOTUS MOON

ing, but my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts is in illustration LM: What is your primary artistic

medium?

EC: Painting. I usually use oils, but I

do a lot of mixed medium with pastels, oils and watercolor. My current work is mostly drawing in pastel and painting over the top with oil. I don’t really see a difference between painting and drawing, so it’s kind of a trick question. She developed a new technique of art combining two mediums that are not usually combined.

LM: Do you have a particular paint-

ing style?

EC: I have so many painting styles it’s hard to say! My major influences were the impressionist and post impressionist painters featured in the Art Institute of Chicago, such as

Van Gogh and Monet, but I like to mix it up with landscape, abstract, and portrait.

LM: Does your art fall into any particular genre?

EC: I have been through many phases and styles, but I have been known to paint a faerie or nature spirit here and there. Actually I have a whole style that I worked on for years, watercolors on reversed glass. The pieces represented our world through the eyes of nature spirits. They were basically landscapes, but more colorful and alive.

Recently I have been painting people and the energy around them as they relate to others, to the experience they are having or to nature.

They have all been focused on one specific spiritual principle, that we are all one. We are all individual

“Serendipity” by Elizabeth Catherine LOTUS MOON

29

parts of the same Universal Spirit bringing us to life, like raindrops in the same storm or many waves in the same ocean. The Universal Spirit is known across many landscapes by many names, Qi, Chi, Prana, Mana, Pheuma, Ruah, Spirit, God, Allah, Buddah, Yahwey, but it holds the same meaning, love. We all know it to represent love.

LM: Where do you get inspiration

for your art?

EC: I need life around me, trees, nature, the beach...anywhere I can be silent with nature. In the woods, among the quiet, still, peaceful plant beings, I find it so easy to feel connected to the Universal Spirit.

Their quiet ways allow my own mind to become still, listen, and feel, and so I do. In nature I find

understanding that we are indeed all one spirit.

In my life I find many ways to connect with the Universal Spirit, and feel particularly connected through the trees, hence, my many years spent painting landscapes and working with nature spirits.

LM: What is the spiritual influence

behind your art?

EC: For me, art is spirituality. There is no difference. Since my art is my spirituality, I meditate prior to beginning a painting to connect with its energy, then paint what I see.

LM: Do you feel your work portrays

magic?

EC: I wouldn’t say it portrays magic, but inspires people to find their own magic. It opens their hearts

and shuts down the mind enabling a moment of silence and reflections where we can feel the magic that lies within us. They help us connect to nature, each other, love and the serenity within.

LM: What do you love about your

work?

EC: I love the process of creating. I love the colors in my work. It brings me joy pairing the colors I love with colors they vibrate well with. I love finishing a painting I’m in love with. Most of my friends have the notion I can’t stand my paintings, but it’s not true, I love some of them so much. When I finish one that I love, I’m on a high for a day or two.

Unfortunately the high is followed by anxiety fearing I won’t be able to create another painting that lives up

“Beacon” by Elizabeth Catherine

30 LOTUS MOON

“The One” by Elizabeth Catherine LOTUS MOON

31

to the last one.

LM: What is special

to you about being an artist, and creating the art that you do?

EC: The most special part is feeling at home in my work. It is the only time I feel totally comfortable and confident in what I am doing. I think that is the true gift of being an artist. In art there is no wrong, there is only you. I feel so lucky that, for whatever small part of my life, I can feel totally confident in what I am doing.

LM: What do you find most difficult

about painting?

EC: The most difficult thing for me is that not every piece turns out as well as I would like it to. Sometimes I finish a painting and its underwhelming. It’s just “meh”. When things are going south with a painting, my whole family knows it. I’m a total bear. It’s kind of pathetic, I am a total slave to my work. Thankfully, I am only hyper-creative for about four months of the year. The rest of the year may not be as colorful or productive, but we all get a break from my artistic moods!

LM: What are you currently working on?

EC: I’m working on a piece that is the second painting in a series for the Connection Project. It’s moving slow at the moment because I’m struggling with it. I thought I had finished it, but decided I couldn’t stand it, so I have been slowly adjusting it. I think I’m nearing completion though. This particular

32 LOTUS MOON

“Let Go” by Elizabeth Catherine

painting is of a person meditating.

It has a lot of color and light around the subject in somewhat of a floral shape. I will be adding more painting to the project series this fall, I’m thinking about 20; fall is when I am most prolific with my art creations.

LM: Could you tell me about the Connection Project?

EC: The Connection Project is an artful journey to discover how our connections with spirit, and each other, effect our own spiritual growth. It is the creative documentation of my own search for the Universal Spirit. On the way I hope to find deeper connections with my peers, and to discover the common threads in how we connect to each other.

It started with wanting to get off Facebook and connect with people in person. I went in search of a deeper connection with others, and with spirit. I started thinking about what I could do to bring deeper connection into my life, and a deeper understanding of the Universal Spirit to myself and those

around me.

I came up with the Connection Project to bring people together in life and in spirit. I have been interviewing people about their spiritual journey. I see what it stirs in me, I write about it and I paint about how the connection makes me feel. It’s in the baby stage still, but I see it as a long term project.

LM: What do you hope others take away from your art?

EC: Peace and wonder, and sense of unity among all the beings on this planet. I hope my art inspires people to believe there is some magic in the world, and to find a connection with beliefs they may have lost long ago.

Elizabeth sells her paintings out of her studio, her prices ranging from $725 to $1450, depending on size.

To learn more about Elizabeth, the Connection Project or discover your own spiritual connection with her beautiful work, go to: www.elizabethcatherine.com.

“Meditation” by Elizabeth Catherine LOTUS MOON

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LOVELPEACE July Intuitive Reading

J

uly is all about slowing down.

It feels a little odd to say since July is the height of modern summers, but after June’s fast pace, we need a reprieve. The major theme I am seeing for this month is communing with nature and living for all that is natural. Focus your attention on natural environment experiences, and find your inner peace and joy in being outside.

If you are in a climate that is not conducive to spending time outside, bring the outdoors in. Adorn your home with plants, sprinkle seashells and beach glass about or build an indoor fairy garden. The important thing is to revel in the beauty and quietude of nature, taking your cue from the natural world...no deadlines and no obligations, just beauty and abundant life to frolic in. July would be a perfect month to take your summer vacations, even if just for a quick overnight stay somewhere.

July is also the month to take special time just for you, to once again get in touch with all that makes you, you. Immerse yourself in pampering and give over to rituals and fun that let your inner light shine brightly. May and June haven’t allowed for a lot of self-indulgence so be sure to take time now. Adorn your head with a crown of flowers and skip through a meadow, or treat yourself to a day at the spa; whatever is in your heart to do that will help your soul sing and your auric field feel revitalized.

Don’t forget your pets either; fur babies, familiars and furry friends

34 LOTUS MOON

all need extra love and attention this month. With our busy schedules and strenuous obligations of May and June, it is necessary to show them lots of affection, and offer them plenty of play time with their human family members.

Magic surrounding nature rituals will be heightened this month, so ready your wands my fellow witches! Although the Summer Solstice is a big day for commitment ceremonies and hand-fasting rituals, July’s energy will also be perfect for such events. The energy is a peaceful energy, a perfect energy in which to express your love or take your romance to a new level.

A moonlit walk on the beach to proclaim your love, proposing in a beautiful garden or forever committing yourself to your betrothed in the middle of a forest would be well planned for this month. Faery and nature magic, purification

rituals, love and romance spells and family enchantments would also be perfect for July as the energy is centered on peace, love, purification and family.

The last bit of angelic insight coming up for July is mentorship.

Be on the lookout for a new mentor, someone who you can learn from and look up to, even if only for a brief time. This person is surrounded by magic and spirituality, and will help you empower yourself and communicate in new ways.

Some mentors are non-traditional in the sense that they don’t actually mentor you, but affect change that stimulates growth. This month, however, I am seeing a definite mentor figure. This is a person who you can trust, and who will help you learn and grow both in life and spirituality.

Written by Heather Noble

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clairvoyantlifecoaching.com “As a Clairvoyant Life Coach, I am able to motivate and inspire you to uncover your life purpose. I am here to enlighten, empower and connect you to your higher self. What differs between a regular life coach and myself is that I have the ability to see, hear and feel messages for you before, during and after our sessions. These messages are sacred, precious and unique to you and your journey of self discovery. With the loving guidance of your angels and guides, I provide pieces of the puzzle that have been missing for you, and together, we build a picture that assists you in mapping out your next step.� ~Kelly LOTUS MOON

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RED, WHITE

Blueberries M &

agical blessings from my kitchen to yours, dear ones! This month as we celebrate our nation’s independence we should also celebrate the tasty natural abundance of the summer season. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are ripe for the picking and make delicious summer treats that are perfect for scrumptious edible magic.

Blueberries are best known for their protective properties. They do well guarding against psychic attack, and can dispel treachery and deception. These little bits of protective heaven can also clear your aura, and bring peace and calm acceptance to erratic situations, or during fierce changes.

Strawberries attract favorable circumstances of all kinds; love, success, good fortune and luck are all synonymous with these sweet red berries. They have also long been associated with romance and tender love. Both the fruit and the flowers are potent ingredients for many types of spells.

Raspberries’ magic is ideal for love, happiness and protection spells. They can often raise your spirits when eaten, and have been said to even transport you back in time to childhood memories so real you can taste them.

The following spells are best accomplished during the waxing moon, July 15th - 31st. Be sure to 36 LOTUS MOON

clear your space and call on your spiritual team before performing these spells.

Simply prepare a dish such as fruit pie, a tart or even a fresh fruit salad. Make sure you prepare it yourself thinking only of your desires. Recite the following spells beneath the light of the moon allowing your tasty treat to soak up the moon’s energy and your words.

Eat your treat after your spell is completed. Add candles, oils, herbs, and charms to your spell as desired.

Love Protection Spell: “Cupids arrow hath befallen me, I embrace my new love with passionate glee. Precious Divine please hear my plea, dear moon above please help us be; Protected in our love from the harmful intent of others, Basking in each others arms, both friends and lovers. Until

our love ends and we go our separate ways, Or ’til death do us part is uttered one day. Protect us from harm, protect us from ill intentions, Please protect our love from jealous interventions.”

Financial Luck Spell: “Prosperity flow, finances grow, loving Universe please bestow, Flourishing finances and success’ sweet glow, Fortuitous fortune and abundance of dough. O Fortuna please take my hand, together we journey, side-by-side we stand.

Amidst the chaos of life, opportunities beckon, your luck leads us toward something grand. I am grateful for your blessings, dear Universe, and for all that I possess, Family and friends, love and joy; spiritual gifts, life lessons and now financial success.”

Written by Heather Noble

July Moon Guide Full Moon - July 1st 7:22pm PDT

Third Quarter - July 8th 1:26pm PDT

New Moon - July 15th 6:26pm PDT

First Quarter - July 23rd 9:05pm PDT

Full Moon - July 31st 3:45am PDT

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Astrology America 4th of July: 1776 Birth Chart to 2015 Nation Forecast

L

ooking at the astrological ‘birth’ chart for the United States of America, we find a surprisingly accurate reflection of the principles upon which our nation was founded.

‘Born’ on July 4th, 1776 at 4:50PM in Philadelphia, PA, the United States’ sun sign is Cancer. Simply, it is the sign of home, motherhood and apple pie.

The US was born with a collection of planets in Cancer, in addition to the sun, which represents vitality.

Mercury, the planet of thought, communication, technology and travel, Jupiter, the planet of expansion and luck and Venus, the planet

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of beauty, truth and harmony. All of these planets in Cancer are in astrological placement to represent shared resources.

The US was born at an expansive time--created from a beautiful idea of a new kind of national partnership. Neptune was in Virgo, meaning the planet of dreams was in the sign of the humble servant. It was located at ‘high noon’ on the astrological chart in an area called the midheaven, which corresponds to work that is visible to the world.

The US’ rising sign is Sagittarius, the sign of the sage and traveler. In astrology, the rising sign is considered to represent the inspiration for

coming into being, so Sagittarius fits a nation built of people who left the familiar shores of home and journeyed across the ocean to a new land for opportunity. The moon was in Aquarius, sign of the idealist and humanitarian, and what can be more idealist than establishing a brand new nation?

In 2015, Mars, the planet of action, is in Cancer, activating the natal placement of Jupiter and Venus for the US. Mercury meets up with US’ natal Mars and Pluto, the planet of death and rebirth, opposes the US’ natal sun in Cancer. These alignments tell us that we need to take a look at how things

are done, and understand how they correspond to our intentions for our homeland.

This year on the 4th of July, Pluto requires us to revisit what is beautiful and true about our nation. What are we doing? What do we want? Neptune, the planet of dreams, opposes natal Neptune this year giving the US an opportunity to choose which of its dreams are more appropriate for its future, those of the past or those of the present.

Natal progressed charts portray natal charts in motion; planets progressing though the signs and houses throughout their lifetime.

Over the past 239 years, the sun sign of the US has progressed from Cancer to Pisces, representing the merger of all that is.

Cancer is now in an area of the chart representing self-transcendence. The nation’s moon is now in the deep, emotional sign of Scorpio, Mercury has moved into idealist Aquarius, Venus is in independent Aries and warrior Mars is in Libra, the sign of partnerships. Everything is up for review!

Venus, which can represent the feminine, has moved from Cancer, the sign of motherhood, to Aries, the sign of innovation and leadership. Mars, which can represent the Masculine, has moved to Libra, the sign of partnership and balance.

Much like all of us, the nation is in the process of defining a new normal.

Just like its citizens, the US is still an idealistic nation, but one that is growing up; taking a look at its issues, addressing them and making changes based on what is found.

Written by Aiyanna

Meet Aiyanna. She is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, meditation master, Reiki master, transpersonal coach, shamanic sound healer, astrologer, empath, intuitive, and regular person. Allow Aiyanna to introduce herself...

“I’m Aiyanna (eye-on-ah), and I’m a Mender. I was born with the ancient wisdom needed to balance - to mend - mind, body, and spirit.

I’ve been on a non-traditional spiritual path since childhood. Once I reached mid-life, I began to delve into more esoteric areas in my quest for understanding who we are and why we are here. I dove into the rabbit hole in order to understand and heal old, dysfunctional ideas and patterns, and remember what I know, and it has worked. Now it’s time for me to give back by sharing what I learn on my journeys of remembering myself and expressing my potential.

For too long we have been compelled to live in boxes too small to contain who and what we really are. It’s time to uncover our truth and authenticity. It’s time to not only think outside the box, but live outside of it and to live at our full potential.

Join me and I will guide you to remember your full potential and live your authentic life.”

Aiyanna is a monthly contributing writer focusing on sharing new and informative astrological occurrences.

For more information on Aiyanna, visit her on Facebook at:

facebook.com/avalonyoga LOTUS MOON

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Tucson, Arizona

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