Opal Rising FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

OPAL RISING Sharing Wisdom

Rainbows & the Violet Flame The Nature Lesson Everywhere we look, we see new life emerging from old and I believe there's a lesson to be learned.

When the Student is ready, the Teacher appears.

My Journey in Crystal Healing How I took charge of my own health and healing with crystals.

OPAL PUBLISHING

OPAL RISING

Holistic healing modalities, empowering personal stories, and a deep exploration of the spiritual and metaphysical modalities. Join us on this journey towards holistic wellness and energy healing.

Opal Rising Magazine is published in the beautiful port city of Nanaimo, B.C. and we are proud to live and work in the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw first nation.

Cover Image

Design & Graphics

Photo by Vetrestudio

Magazine Layout ...Cindy DeJager

Columnists Boris Glikman Bonita Mosley Angel Morgan Veronica Weston Jeannie Vassos Dr. Stephen Hobbs Ms. Kat Berard Theresa Stone Wendy Hawkin Jacinta Yang Freda Glow Cindy DeJager

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Submissions Inquiries The opinions expressed within any published

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article, report or submission reflect those of the author, and should not be considered to reflect those of Opal Publishing. The information contained in this magazine is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted to be so.

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FEBRUARY 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 4

Message from the Publisher

43

Advertise/Submissions

44

Shop Our Products and Services

44

Events and Announcements

MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS

36 Rainbows & The Violet Flame | Cindy DeJager

38

METAPHYSICAL & SPIRITUALITY

The Reluctant Leader - Anger Part 3 | Sandra Bargman

40 Why Have An Altar? |Jeannie Vassos

8 The Power of Words |Theresa Stone 10 The Nature Lesson |Freda Glow

HOLISTIC WELLNESS

11 Does Art Really Heal?|Bonita Mosley 14 Angel’s Animal Corner | Angel Morgan 16 My Journey in Crystal Healing | Jacinta Yang

19 The Gift of the Night |Wendy L Hawkin

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE

22 Sharing Nature’s Narrative | Dr. Stephen Hobbs

ASTROLOGY & THE HEAVENS 30

Manifesting LOVE | Veronica Weston

33

A Remembrance of Things Imperfect: JUPITER| Boris Glikman

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MESSAGE FROM PUBLISHER

THE

Hello everyone!

Here on beautiful Vancouver Island the heavy rains are turning everything green and washing away that heavy record breaking snowfall that we experienced a couple of weeks ago.

It feels like spring and that means I am back to having my morning cup of coffee on my balcony as I watch the sunrise over the harbor and listen to the birds waking up.

Putting this February issue together has been a longer process this month - but it no way lessens the excitement and joy that I feel when I work on it.

This month I have three guest writers: Jacinta Yang, Wendy L. Hawkin, and Freda Glow.

Jacinta is a Crystal Master and I am pretty sure she will be staying on as a column writer.

♥

Wendy Hawkin is an author and book reviewer and is sharing a book review of The Gift of the Night, by Philip Carr-Gomm.

Freda Glow is an Alberta writer who I am pleased to have as a guest in this issue. She is sharing The Nature Lesson with us.

And as a final note, I have contributed my own article this month: Rainbows and the Violet Flame.

As always, enjoy this month’s issue!

ENERGY HEALER, SPIRITUAL TEACHER AND GUIDE Providing Energy Healing and Advanced Spiritual Training from the Lineage of King Salomon, in affiliation with the Modern Mystery School.

Jeannie Vassos | Book a consultation Distance Healings - receive 20% off Ensofic Reiki or Spark of Life Email: jeannie@themiddlepillar.ca | www.themiddlepillar.ca

In Joy, Cindy |4

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

OUR COLUMNISTS | PRACTITIONERS Angel Morgan, Raising Energy Angel Morgan is a recognized and highly sought after media clairvoyant, animal communicator, and energetic expert.

She strives to bring awareness to clients and audiences everywhere that we are all a bridge to many worlds. http://www.raisingenergy.com/ http://angelmorganpetpsychic.com/

Veronica Weston, Personal Development Coach Veronica works with individuals, couples and small groups to assist them in getting clear about what they want to create, and how to create it. https://www.facebook.com/VeronicaWestonPersonalDevelopmentCoach

Theresa Stone, Lightworker Navigation Theresa is a lifelong learner and holds knowledge in several areas within business and the metaphysical. Lightworker Navigation, utilizes her long-hidden divine abilities, which she has been honing for 20+ years to guide those dealing with fear, uncertainty, and or curiosities of the supernatural to help them live masterfully and love wholly.

Theresa is honoured to hold the space of love for all those guided her way, helping them shift into more of their divine brilliance!

Learn more about Theresa here: https://linktr.ee/LightworkerNavigation

Bonita Mosley, Visionary Optimist Bonita Mosley is a freelance content copywriter, artist, vision board workshop leader, and children’s book illustrator. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonita-mosley-customer-success-story-content-writer/

Dr. Stephen Hobbs, Wellth Movement Guide Agers-Elders who are solo-aging to share the legacy they intend to live as mentors & eco_agers, while assisting the funding of green initiatives & writing foresttree stories. https://wellthmovement.com/ http://wellthmovement.com/wellth-blog/

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OUR COLUMNISTS | PRACTITIONERS Boris Glikman, Philosopher Boris is a writer, poet and philosopher from Melbourne, Australia.

“Writing for me is a spiritual activity of the highest degree. Writing gives me the conduit to a world that is unreachable by any other means, a world that is populated

by Eternal Truths, Ineffable Questions and Infinite Beauty.” https://www.facebook.com/bozlich

Sandra Bargman, Luminary Leader Actor/singer, author, ordained inter-spiritual minister and host of the weekly podcast, The Edge of Everyday on TalkRadio.NYC, based on her hit solo show of the same name. Contributing author to the #1 bestselling book, On the Shoulders of Mighty Women. http://www.sandrabargman.com/

Jeannie Vassos, Professional Energy Healer, Spiritual Teacher and Guide Jeannie’s passion is offering tools of Empowerment to others by facilitating Energy Healing and Advanced Spiritual Training as a Professional Healer, Teacher, and Guide.

She is Initiated as a Celtic Shaman, Knights Templar, Kabbalist, and Magus Hermeticus.

Her Energy Healing and Advanced Spiritual Training is in the prestigious Royal Lineage of King Salomon. http://www.themiddlepillar.ca/

Ms. Kat Berard, Just Breathe Medium Clairvoyance Readings, Reiki Healing (Reiki Master Teacher), Spiritual Teacher, Spiritual Life Coaching, Meditation Circles, Louise Hay Heal Your Life Coaching ®.

Motivational Speaking, Group Sessions and Workshops.

Ms. Kat embraces her Connection with Divine Guidance with Love & Light. Connections with Archangels assists in your Healing as she channels the Guidance needed at this time. http://www.katberardjustbreathe.ca/

Jacinta Yang, Jacinta Healing Arts Jacinta Yang, a gifted holistic healer and author, transitioned from floral design to holistic healing, infusing funeral flowers with profound energy. Her books, "Take Charge, Reclaim Your Life and Be Your True Self" and "My Spiritual Journey," share personal and spiritual growth. Recognized for impact, she received United Way certificates for 'Take Charge of Your Life,' fostering mental well-being. Certified in Reiki, Reflexology, and Crystal Healing, Jacinta, founder of Jacinta Healing Arts, empowers others to reclaim happiness and inner power. With a personalized approach rooted in mindfulness and energy healing, she guides clients to emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

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Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

metaphysical & spirituality

Metaphysical & Spirituality

Theresa Stone, Lightworker

The Power OF WORDS

A ww, February! I find its energy for those

experiencing the cold winters leans heavily toward a collected sense of impatience and urgency for the quickening of spring. The opposite could be said for those soon entering fall, where there is a certain level of sadness for the end of long summer nights, carrying the promise of cooler days; devoid of little to no light.

Then when you add in the fading of the once hopeful feelings of the New Year, with its limitless opportunities, giving way to the overwhelming feelings of reality for the tasks we’ve committed to, sprinkled with a touch of frustration for the continued waiting of our goals to be fulfilled. The energy can certainly feel like it’s dragging on, bringing with it a heaviness.

I share these collected feelings with the intention of bringing our attention not only to our perspective, but also to how we speak, feel, and think about the experiences we’re in; as a way to help us use this month to cultivate a deeper sense of being, and focus on embodiment with the power of our words.

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While reflecting on my intentions from 2023 and planting my 2024 intentions, I was reminded several times how the power of my words matter.

At first, and I’m going to be honest, I absolutely hated hearing this message, it brought up so much resistance and push back, but after sitting with my emotions, I realized there was truth in what I was being reminded of. This message was being guided my way from my Spirit Team to help me ‘wake up’ and be more mindful in my day-to-day activities.

I’m genuinely grateful for the beautiful reminder of the power of words and the frequencies they hold!

From this re-awakened state, I found my attention being drawn to words like, ‘hard’, ‘challenge’, ‘try’, ‘problem’, ‘should’, etc., any words that when spoken leave a taste in the mouth; a residue in the energy field.

I was also reminded of the Yoda quote from Star Wars about ‘try’, perhaps you know the one, ‘There is no try, there is only do or do not.’

This is a great message to open a person’s awareness, but I find it lacks support in that it doesn’t explain what to use instead while a person is actually working towards creating their goals.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

THE POWER OF WORDS

When we look at the basic meaning of the word ‘try’ it is used as a way to explain the attempt of something or the effort put forth to achieve something.

Although, as we can see with the Yoda quote, there is an inherent meaning that plays on an unconscious level, implying that you are either doing something or you’re not, there is no in-between.

This brings us to look at the energetic frequency of the word ‘try’ which seems to hold an underlying meaning of it being an excuse or cop out, conveying to someone that when you’re ‘trying’ to do something, you in fact have no real intention of carrying it out.

Let’s say you’re sharing about an exciting project you are ‘trying’ to create, a project you’re super thrilled about, if you use the word ‘try’ to share your thoughts, it may come across that you’re not serious about it.

Or we could do away with the word ‘attempt’ altogether and use phrases like, ‘I’m moving towards creating blank.’, ‘I’m doing my best to blank.’, or ‘I’m taking action steps to blank.’

Both examples are great replacements to actively shift the energy around the word ‘try’ and get a person moving and aligning with their goals.

As for the energetic frequencies of other words, and how to determine whether a word is supporting you or hurting you, one only needs to feel into its energy when spoken.

So, what is a person to say when they are legitimately wanting to bring something to fruition and they are diligently working towards it?

To start we can reframe our words, or rather, shift our approach to what we are saying by replacing a word like ‘try’ with another word that energetically aligns with the intention we are looking to express.

The word ‘attempt’, which is used in the definition of ‘try’, could be used instead, since it holds a different vibrational frequency than that of ‘try’.

This is how music, movies, plays and great pieces of literature have the ability to move us so deeply.

In these moments you were feeling/sensing the energetic frequency of the words and the intention of the writer. When you become consciously aware of the vibrational frequencies of words, it then becomes easier to discern which words are hindering you or uplifting you.

You could rephrase your explanation to, ‘I’m attempting to honour my intentions to bring blank to fruition.’, ‘I have been attempting to focus on bringing blank to life.’, or ‘I love how my attempts to bring my goals to reality are helping me grow.’. You could even say, ‘I’m putting forth the effort to build my goals.’.

If you don’t know what I mean, let me ask you…

Have you ever read a text, or book, or some type of advertisement or whichever, where upon reading you feel like you were slapped across the face, or gave pause, or perhaps were confused, or maybe you felt such love and kindness pouring from the words you just read…

Have a little fun listening to different types of music and connect into how each one makes you feel. Or the next time you watch a movie look at how the story takes you through a series of emotions that yes, are brought to life by the actors, but it’s in the words that hold the power to bring out and move you through an array of emotions.

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THE POWER OF WORDS

THE NATURE LESSON

Once you’ve experienced this with new eyes, start listening to the words you speak.

What emotions are you evoking? What messages are you sending?

Are the energetic frequencies of the words you’re using match what you’re intending to bring forward?

Are the words you’re using supporting your goals and dreams or are they working against you?

Be mindful of the words you use and how they may be impacting your goals.

I’m grateful for this reminder to lovingly support myself through the power of my words!

May this be your invitation to explore and have a bit of fun with the power of your words to see how you can shift the energy around what it is you’re saying to align deeper with the goals you’re creating!

Much love, and gratitude, Theresa Stone

the nature lesson GUEST WRITER: FREDA GLOW

With eyes focused upward, I trip over a protruding root. This swiftly brings me down to earth. "Watch your step", cautions my companion. I sigh. I'm used to solid concrete underfoot and lands that stretch as far as the eye can see. This trek is a new and novel adventure.

We pass deep gullies, masses of decaying foliage and fallen giants. I hear gurgling water.

Parallel to our path is a turbulent creek, frothing with determination. "It eventually empties into the ocean", informs my genial host." I'm a landlubber from the centre of Canada.

I still can't believe the Pacific Ocean encircles this island.

"Check out the ranges", suggests my son, "Today there's snow on the mountain tops".

This too is a mind-blowing experience.

Whenever the mist clears, I can't stop staring.

Daniel is now comfortably settled in Campbell River, after a long marriage and divorce. I'm facing progressive old age. We can't think of a better place for us to regain our spirit and heal.

Everywhere we look, we see new life emerging from old and I believe there's a lesson to be learned. Like prolific nature, life continues to surge on, generation after generation. It’s a comforting thought.

We are but shadows that pause for a moment to leave our imprint on the shifting sands of time- and then move on. Let’s hope history tells the true tale of our lasting legacy.

An emerald light filters down through the leafy canopy overhead. I'm strolling with my son and his Yellow Lab in one of the many forest enclaves on Vancouver Island.

Sprightly green ferns and fifty meter high trees edge the winding trail, creating a surreal wonderland.

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Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

Metaphysical & Spirituality

Bonita Mosley, Visionary Optimist

Does

ART Really Heal?

I believe in the healing power of creativity.

Looking over my life, I wonder what would have happened to me if art hadn’t been an important part of it. Here’s how art influenced my heart, mind and spirit. I wonder if you have a similar story.

Her art books opened up worlds to my curious mind. I loved the stories and works of the great artists. So I became a happy reader and history lover. Music became an escape as I played in the high school band.

When I shut my bedroom door to practice with my clarinet, it was like a cocoon of peace settled around me.

But, there were many years when I forgot about art due to the work of making a home, an income, and family. The only escape, at that time, from unwise decisions and their consequences for me, was great literature- the art of the pen. I immersed myself into the list I had found at the library, of the world’s top 100 greatest works of literature. Again, this art comforted me like a soft warm blanket.

Living in Taiwan during my husband's overseas military duty, I fell in love with Ikebana. It's an ancient art of floral design practiced by the Japanese Samurai warriors. I found I had a gift for the beautiful, precise, form of floral design that required focus and discipline. I loved the peace of deliberately placing each branch and flower in the best position to create unity and show off each flower’s beauty. My heart and mind loved practicing this art. During the turmoil of the Vietnam War, and a marriage being blown to bits, this was a place of beauty.

The reading skills I gained, the curiosity developed, and the practice of music, unknown to me, were the best coping tools for ADHD. They allowed me to have mental discipline, curb impulsiveness, and enjoy self-confidence in my abilities that many teenagers find difficult to attain.

Years later when the day’s activity settled, I sat down with my paints to a realm of peace all of my own. I explored limits, I practiced tradition, I copied masters and invented my own style.

Friends were found in the local art community and later online.

My story began in my Grandmother’s small workshop. Her artwork was admired all over the Midwest but she had no greater admirer than me. Her rural home was a sanctuary away from the anger and chaos of my home.

I spent summers watching her paint and apply her creativity to anything not moving.

It was lifegiving stress relief to me as a child.

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DOES ART REALLY HEAL?

I became a teacher, exhibited my paintings and textile art in shows, and sold them to people who appreciated the story my art told. Art became a major part of my identity.

Why was it possible to find a safe healing haven in art? My life has been a vortex of living among exploding relationships, health crises, high stress work schedules, financial disasters, and the other things sometimes found in life. But art is my happy place. I think I know why.

When I'm creating, I am the maker of my world. It’s my choice to play a song that comes from my heart or immerse myself in a great master’s work. I choose to pick up cadmium yellow or raw sienna on the brush. I can write without punctuation or in perfect King’s English. I dance slowly to the sway of the wind, or fly around the room like a blowing leaf.

In the space of time that I create something, I have power that I don't normally have in the outside world. I also have a conversation with my real self that is so private and soul searching, yet it will shout from what I’ve made. I have a voice, a style, a way of doing something that is uniquely mine. I have room to breathe freely and I find myself healing. So will you.

There’s only one clear rule. While engaged in creating, you have to listen to your heart and spirit. At first it’s difficult because you’re bogged down with learning techniques.

When you pass that stage, you’ll become aware of choices and hear within how to make decisions. Your hands, voice or body will become the instrument of the creation.

You’ll become a part of the making.

Be careful to block out the critic. He’ll want to scold you for wasting time. He’ll accuse you of doing this when you're not worthy, and echo what some ignorant person said without thinking.

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Lock the critic out and throw away the key. He doesn’t belong in your safe creative place and he’ll prevent the healing you could otherwise enjoy.

That is not to say you don’t learn to hone your skills and strive for excellence. Just not at the expense of your authenticity. Listen to yourself A way that I’ve found to edit without beating myself up is to freely work on your art piece or writing then put it away. Come back later, or the next day and fix the thing that really stands out.

Put it away. Do this two or three more times until you hear your piece tell you clearly what it needs to call itself finished. I’ve even hung a painting for months on the wall, when one day, walking by it, it calls out “hey, I need this and you’re done and I’m happy.” This is incredibly healing!

Aquarius Ruled by Uranus 11th Sign in the Zodiac 11th House Element: Air Crystal: Amethyst

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

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Product code: 357503 $43.42 // 15 ml

CINDY DEJAGER Distributor Young Living Essential Oils To Place an Order Email: cindy@opalpublishing

Commonly Used For Promotes feelings of calm and fights occasional nervous tension Has balancing properties that calm the mind and body Helps to support digestive discomfort Reduces the symptoms of cough and cold Can be soothing to the skin after a day in the sun Reduces the appearance of blemishes Helps to relieve headaches Supports aging skin Includes the naturally occurring constituents linalyl acetate, linalool, and ocimene Helps to relieve joint or muscle pain associated with sprains, strains, and rheumatoid arthritis

Do you have a pet pal question? We all do!! Fill out our QUESTION FORM and we would be happy to include you in our upcoming editions! You can also email us at angelmorgan.orm@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to visit our website angelmorganpetpsychic.com, or on Instagram @angelmorganpetpsychic Why has Rocco started nipping at people he doesn’t know. He is 4 years old and started doing this in the last 2 years.

Toni Monteleone - King City, Canada

As an animal communicator I like to look at the practical as well as the esoteric. In this case between 2-3 years old a puppy starts to install its dominance. Territory is what I get “Everything is mine, they are mine so you better watch out, these are my people” even the way I hear these are my people sounds more tribal than family.

He is a protector like dad and has much of his dad’s qualities of family. He loves his mom and I feel like his family as a whole is what makes him feel safe. In this case I would recommend Vervain and Vine Bach Remedy together in a spray bottle with filtered water and spray around the house once a day for 7 days. This combination is for territorial behaviour and rigidity in thinking. After that, anytime you see him being edgy. Back to puppy school would also be a good option, but for this I hear “Not for me, not gonna happen!” (Little guy, big personality! Lol!) He does love being around other dogs, so this is another way of socializing him with new humans too.

(How to work with Bach Remedies Watch Now)

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Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

ANGEL’S ANIMAL CORNER

Does Woody miss me?

Annabelle Testa - USA

Woody is an awesome spirit level communication animal. He not only misses you, he keeps energetic tabs on you too!

When a pet pal like this who can communicate on all levels (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual) all he has to do is think about you and he will connect.

Those times when you are doing something with your day and he “pops” into your head seemingly randomly, he is actually coming by to say hello. Take a moment, close your eyes and say hi back. He will hear you.

He says he has moments when he gets lonely without you. He misses you playing with him. It was the way you looked and how it made him feel. I keep seeing you throwing something and playing catch. I see your walks and quiet time at night. These were a few of his favourite things.

And chewies, he said he loved Chewies. I feel like that refers to something he like to gnaw on, and something soft he liked to play with.

(The four levels of communications Watch Now)

Coka is a 13 yr old little lady who isn't doing well at all. It is the worst thing my family and I are experiencing. Her days here are coming to an end. My husband and I would like to know what's going on with her? And what messages she has for us? What can we do for her right now? We need to know what has happened to her and why so quick.

Donna - Toronto, Canada It is difficult to watch the decline of our elderly family members, both human and pet pal. But pet pals can be the most difficult because they are forever children. They are those lives that depend on us and in return give us the best of themselves always.

In Coka’s case this is beyond true. This little healer is love personified and is one of the biggest emotional support systems in this family. Age is the biggest culprit here. Her decline is a part of nature's call to us in our last phase of life.

Mom, your voice has always been like singing to her. cuddling has also always been a favourite thing. She says she doesn’t feel pain, but has been so tired. She also says thank you for everything you have always done for her, she loves you all. She is also showing me the day you brought her home and how that was scary, but so wonderful when she realized this was all hers now!

(More on elderly animals read here)

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My Journey

in Crystal Healing

Jacinta Yang, a gifted holistic healer and author.

Certified in Reiki, Reflexology, and Crystal Healing, Jacinta, founder of Jacinta Healing Arts, empowers others to reclaim happiness and inner power. With a personalized approach rooted in mindfulness and energy healing, she guides clients to emotional, mental, and physical well-being

People have often asked me how I got into crystal healing. I thought this would be a great time to share with you a bit of my background to help understand my spiritual journey that led me down that path.

We tend to be skeptical of things we cannot see, touch or feel. Logic tends to talk us out of things we DO sense and feel and NOT see. Those of us who are spiritual or believe in spirituality know that there are things and experiences that we sense and see with the mind's eye that are very real.

Being a very logical person, yet born with spiritual gifts, it was a very interesting life journey. As a child I had many spiritual experiences which were not dismissed by my parents as a wild imagination, but rather it was just who I am. I did not know I was different from people outside of my family, because we had a very sheltered life. I soon realized that I was not like most people.

I have always experienced paranormal activities around me, to draw my attention to what I need to look out for and what's coming next. |16

Initially, I practiced Reiki and Reflexology before getting into crystal healing.

Paranormal experiences consistently guided me, prompting crystal awareness through YouTube. During a Reiki course, I sensed electric currents from crystals, which my teacher validated. However, I dismissed the significance. Eighteen years later, intensified paranormal activities compelled me to look into crystals and learn more about them.

Moldavite is a crystal that has strong transformative powers, and wow does it ever have that strong transformative power!

Shortly after my first purchase, I soon became addicted to learning as much as I could about crystals and their healing powers. I enrolled in a Crystal Master and Certified Crystal Healer courses and started setting up crystal grids and the results from that were beyond believable and surely transformed my life.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

MY JOURNEY IN CRYSTAL HEALING

While I was doing a crystal healing course, I started using crystals to heal myself. In three months I started noticing the difference in my health and improvement, and I decided to wean myself off from the prescriptions and treatments I was on. I was a hopeless case for my doctors.

When I informed my doctor of my decision to heal myself and wean myself off the multiple medications prescribed to me using crystals for healing, he laughed and made fun of me and told me he would give me a rock from his garden. I assured him that I intended to prove him wrong and show him the benefits of crystal healing and that I would appreciate him working with me.

He grudgingly agreed. I am no longer on various treatments or prescribed medications.

In addition to using the crystals to heal myself I started to use them in my healing practice with amazing results, so much so that even the skeptics could not deny the results they experienced and learned to have trust in the healing modalities I practice. My doctor too was pleasantly surprised with what he saw. He told me he never had anyone get off any medications as I did and that it was good since I have fewer chemicals in my system.

Eventually, the events were necessary for removing negativity from the individual's life.

Despite initial challenges, the crystal grids I've set up for various purposes consistently produce positive results, even though it may not seem so initially. The results convinced me and strengthened my faith in the power of the crystals.

In conclusion just as I have told my doctor, I do not care for any explanation of how the crystals work to help us, what I care about is that it does work and it helps to heal on so many levels and I am speaking from first-hand personal experiences as well as witness to those that have trusted me with the work I do with crystals for them.

Initially relying on education to set up crystal grids, my inner guidance led me to trust my instincts in selecting crystals, which I found to have more effective outcomes. While seeking help from crystals, I discovered their influence may not have as immediate results as expected. For instance, a protective crystal grid I set up for a client seemingly coincided with a person's life challenges, but my inner guidance advised against dismantling it.

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holistic wellness

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BOOK REVIEWS Guest Writer: Review by Wendy Hawkin

The Gift of the

NIGHT Philip Carr-Gomm For most of us insomniacs the night is no gift. Even if we’ve done our best to follow a sleep-inducing routine, we may not fall asleep or stay asleep. Many of us sleep soundly until two or three a.m. only to awaken and lie tossing and turning until morning.

Sleep is not time wasted nor is the time we spend trying to sleep. Rather than suffer, we can transform it into a magical time using a set of tools and techniques. What occurs at night while your body is at rest is: healing, problemsolving, creativity, inspiration, and spiritual development.

What psychotherapist Philip Carr-Gomm proposes in his latest book is a six-step program to cultivate better sleep. Based on the latest sleep science and tested through his sleep clinic, he offers understanding and relief. I’ve been following Philip since he was Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, a position he held for thirty-two years (1988-2020). I participated in his sleep clinic a few years ago, so I was pleased to see the outcome of his studies appear in the form of this book.

What Philip outlines in this book is a way to encourage and allow that shift in consciousness so the magic can happen.

What Philip proposes is a shift in our attitude toward sleep. Those of us who suffer from insomnia know that lying in bed worrying about all the things we have to do tomorrow and how wretched we’re going to feel is the absolute worst thing we can do.

The shift is this: Think of the night as a magical time when “the conscious and unconscious minds, the ego and deep self can cooperate to give you the fullest possible experience of life” (20.)

His work is both scientific and spiritual. You will learn about your body but also about your mind and spirit. What does he suggest will lead to a generally good night’s sleep?

Spend time daily with Nature. Communing with trees, plants, and animals and spending time in the sun helps put our Circadian rhythms back on track.

Address your stress levels through daily practice: mindfulness meditation and visualization, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, sophrology, or yoga nidra. Philip has studied these practices and leads weekly meditations on “Tea with a Druid.”

Tend to your emotional life in whatever way works for you (counselling, journaling, dealing with your stuff, etc.)

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THE GIFT OF THE NIGHT

Part 1 of the book is structured in six steps. Briefly: 1. Stop fighting and reframe the night. If you can’t sleep, then rest and meditate.

This alone will induce a shift in consciousness. Something that I’ve researched myself is how meditation lowers the speed of our brain waves from beta (jumpy, monkey mind) to alpha and theta (a blissfully creative state.) I use this technique to write novels.

2. Tune in to your personal sleep story, your patterns and nature, and your chronotype. Are you a lark or a night owl? When is your optimal bedtime?

3. Understand the body and how it’s affected by various substances. Here, Philip provides his opinions (based on facts) about what works, what might work, and what doesn’t work.

4. Create a sleep-inducing setting.

5. Experiment with techniques. He describes thirteen methods to either send you to sleep or into a creative mode.

6. Explore rituals and routines that work for you.

In Part 2, Philip answers most every question ever asked regarding sleep.

All in all, The Gift of the Night is a step forward in sleep consciousness. If you find one or two things that help you personally, it’s worth the cost. For me, it’s visualization and binaural beats; for you it may be hypnotherapy, EFT, or a daily yoga practice.

Note that if you purchase the audio edition, Philip will read the book to you in his soothing British voice. For a sample, join him for “Tea with a Druid”—live-streamed every Monday at 8pm UK time (noon on the Pacific Northwest coast)—for a conversation and meditation lasting 20-30 minutes.

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You’ll be in the good company of hundreds of druids from around the world who meet together in the sacred grove. You can find recordings of over 250 of these programs on his YouTube channel. And you can read or listen to interviews here.

One more thing. This lullaby from the Highlands of Scotland is one of the most beautiful and relaxing pieces I’ve ever heard. You can listen to it here. It’s called “Healing Sleep.”

Published by Findhorn Press, 2023 W. L. Hawkin’s latest book, Writing with your Muse: a Guide to Creative Inspiration offers techniques, tips, and stories to writers eager to get their words on the page. Find her at Blue Haven Press.

Amethyst Color: pale violet to deep purple Chakra: Third Eye, Crown Physical: immune boost, deeper sleep, hormone production, headache relief Spiritual: awaken third eye, enhance intuition, meditation, protection Emotional: provide clarity, mental balance, relieve stress Keep a piece of amethyst on your bedside table or under your pillow to relieve the days stress, promote a calm mind and deep sleep.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

Our Relationship with Nature

DR. STEPHEN HOBBS

SHARING NATURE'S NARRATIVE: Boost Your Writing's Reach and Spark Transformation in Communities Moving In: Welcome to the third article of the 3-article series amplifying the connection among journaling, awareness writing, and wondering and wondering with nature.

This article covers two topics best understood if you’ve read the previous two articles in Opal Magazine found here: December 2023 issue (here) pp: 22-29 January 2024 issue (here) pp: 24-31 As to the topics below: First, we answer the question, “What is the importance of sharing your nature awareness writing?” with five audiences.

Second, we review 11 ways to share your nature awareness writing with your communities.

Sharing your awareness writing–using nature as muse–goes beyond mere personal expression; it becomes a channel for connection, awareness, and shift on multiple levels. For this article, it’s 5 levels of audiences.

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Sharing Your Nature Awareness Writing For Self Self-reflection and Growth: By articulating your observations, feelings, and ideas about nature, you engage in a process of introspection.

Sharing these writings can solidify valuing living life, while helping you recognize meaningful patterns, emotions, and connections you might have overlooked. This act deepens your bond with nature and enhances self-awareness.

Confirmation and Fulfillment: Sharing your perspectives can validate your experiences and the evidence collected. When others resonate with your observations or offer feed-forward, it reinforces your connection with nature, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your journey.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

SHARING NATURE’S NARRATIVE

For the Reader: Inspiration and Connection: Your nature awareness writing can inspire readers to perceive the world–the surrounding planet differently.

Through your lens, they might discover new facets of nature or reflect on their experiences, fostering a deeper connection with the ecology and environment.

Education and Awareness: Your insights can educate readers about ecological nuances, fostering a greater appreciation for nature's intricacies. This awareness can drive readers to adopt sustainable practices, conservation efforts, or simply spend more time appreciating nature, wild kin, all relations inorganic and organic.

For the Community: Building Collective Consciousness: Sharing your nature awareness writing contributes to building a collective consciousness around environmental stewardship. As community members engage with diverse nature awareness, it fosters dialogue, collaborations, and initiatives focused on conserving and celebrating nature.

Cultivating Empathy and Collaboration: By sharing personal experiences and observations, you cultivate empathy within the community. This shared understanding can lead to collaborative efforts, community (legacy) projects, and shared experiences that advance and amplify the direction and impact of individual/collective actions.

For the World: Promoting Environmental Advocacy: Your nature awareness writing can serve as a catalyst for broader environmental advocacy.

By highlighting the beauty, challenges, and intricacies of nature, you inspire readers worldwide to champion conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice on a global scale.

Cultural Exchange and Global Understanding: Sharing your perspectives on nature offers a glimpse into diverse ecosystems, cultural practices, and environmental challenges worldwide. This exchange fosters local-global (glocal) collaboration and shared responsibility for preserving our planet's biodiversity and natural wonders.

From the Whole: Wholistic Perspective: Collectively, sharing nature awareness writing contributes to a wholistic perspective on our interconnectedness with the environment. By weaving together diverse voices and experiences, we gain a comprehensive understanding of our role within the intricate web of life, fostering respect and reverence for and with future generations.

www.opalpublishing.ca

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Outreach for Awareness, Engagement, Shift Connecting with your existing and new readership, and contributing to the growing community of nature writers or a community of your involvement, means leveraging various platforms and techniques to engage, inspire, and educate your audience.

AS TO YOUR WRITING PRACTICE Does one of these phrases encourage you to pick up a pen to write, pencil to sketch, brush to paint, clay to sculpt, hammer to build - insert your creative process phrase:

Here are 11 ways to connect with your readership, ranging from blogging and social media to public speaking and advocacy.

This presentation is general rather than specific. As you move 1 through 11 there is a greater commitment to your allocation of time, effort, and money. In the same direction, free to paid involvement is possible.

Share your nature awareness writing

Just before we move into the 11 ways, celebrate by leveraging these strategies and platforms, you can

transcends individual expression.

Weave a tapestry of connections through your words.

Inspire readers, empower communities, impact the world.

Nurture our collective consciousness.

Embrace the power of your words.

Recognize your words have the potential to ignite shift.

Celebrate the profound beauty of nature's wonders and wanders one word at a time.

Contribute to the growing community of nature writers.

Inspire audiences to appreciate, protect, and preserve the natural world through the power of writing and story-sharing.

Tailor your approach to align with your interests and expertise (and future career aspiration or as a legacy project).

Foster meaningful connections and collaborations within the nature writing community.

Foster meaningful connections and collaborations within a community of practice, community of significance.

Click image to access his YouTube channel!

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Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

SHARING NATURE’S NARRATIVE

1

3

Blogging… is the act of regularly updating a website with content, typically written in an informal or conversational style, to share information or personal experiences on specific topics. The website is owned by you or you can use a commercial platform like Superpeer, Medium, Substack, etc.

Maintain a consistent and engaging blog where you share insights, experiences, stories, and reflections related to nature writing, ecology, and environmental awareness.

Create valuable content, establish credibility, and foster a community of like-minded readers and writers passionate about nature and conservation.

Public Speaking with or without Workshops involves delivering a speech or presentation to an audience, conveying a message. Workshops further refine skills, while attending enhances knowledge and networking opportunities.

Take part in speaking engagements, workshops, conferences, and events focused on nature writing, environmental awareness, and conservation.

Share your expertise and experiences with audiences, inspire aspiring writers, and foster connections within the nature writing community and beyond.

2 Social Media Engagement… refers to online platforms (apps) that facilitate the creation, sharing, and exchange of content.

Through these platforms, users actively interact, engage, and connect with others.

Utilize popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest to share content, engage with followers, and promote your nature writing initiatives.

Create compelling posts, visuals, and interactive content that resonate with your audience and encourage sharing, discussion, and collaboration like YouTube, TicTok, etc.

4 Networking with Collaboration … involves nurturing deep relationships and building friendly connections with individuals or groups for mutual benefit. Collaboration within this context means working together to achieve shared goals for self and outcomes with others when and where everyone is cooperative and confident.

Collaborate with fellow nature writers, authors, bloggers, and environmentalists to exchange ideas, resources, and opportunities.

Join writing groups, associations, forums, and communities dedicated to nature writing, ecology, and sustainability to expand your network and support system.

www.opalpublishing.ca

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5 Guest Posting while Contributing … involves writing content for another person's publications via websites or platforms. Contributing refers to providing articles, insights, or expertise to external platforms, enhancing mutual visibility and knowledge sharing.

Contribute guest posts, articles, essays, and interviews to reputable publications, websites, blogs, and platforms focused on nature writing, ecology, and environmental topics.

Share your perspectives, experiences, and insights with broader audiences and establish credibility within the nature writing community.

6 Podcasting as Audio Content … is creating and sharing audio content online, typically in episodic series. It allows hosts to discuss topics, interview guests, or share stories, reaching audiences through digital platforms.

Launch and host a podcast series or audio content focused on nature writing, story-sharing, ecology, and environmental awareness.

Interview fellow writers, authors, experts, and advocates, share stories, and engage with listeners passionate about nature and conservation.

Engage in initiatives promoting environmental conservation, sustainability, and nature awareness.

Collaborate with organizations, nonprofits, and communities dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment, wildlife, and natural resources.

8 Live and Online Courses for Education and Transformation … provide structured educational experiences using interactive methods, accessible remotely or in-person.

Move beyond information transfer to wholistic transformation, blending knowledge acquisition with practical skills, fostering personal growth, and enabling learners to apply insights to real-world situations.

Develop (co-develop) and offer online courses, workshops, and educational resources focused on nature writing, storysharing, ecology, and environmental awareness.

Share your knowledge, skills, and expertise with aspiring writers, students, educators, and professionals interested in nature and conservation.

7

9

Advocate and Activist … advocates support a cause or policy, aiming for a shift.

Activists take action, often through protests or campaigns, to bring about social, political, or environmental shifts.

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Book Clubs and Reading Groups … convene individuals to discuss and explore literary works collectively. They promote shared reading experiences, foster meaningful discussions, and deepen understanding through diverse perspectives and insights.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

SHARING NATURE’S NARRATIVE

Join or create book clubs, reading groups, and communities focused on nature writing, literature, and environmental topics.

Discuss and explore books, essays, poems, and articles related to nature, ecology, sustainability, and conservation with fellow readers and writers.

10 Local and Community Engagement … involves engagement within one's community in the ways mentioned above.

Alternatively, communities could be regional, national, and international.

Whatever the sphere of community, fostering connections and collectively working towards shared outcomes, it’s important you share your voice, authorship, mastery, and position.

Engage with local (and extend further into) communities, schools, libraries, and organizations to promote nature writing, story-sharing, and environmental awareness.

Organize and take part in events, workshops, readings, and activities that celebrate and educate audiences about nature, ecology, and conservation.

11

Develop relationships with media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and influencers covering nature writing, environmental issues, and sustainability.

Pitch story ideas, share press releases, and contribute content to local, national, and international publications, platforms, and channels to reach broader audiences and raise awareness about nature and conservation.

Moving Forward: Dear Opal Reader: The focus of the 3 articles in the series was journaling, awareness writing, and nature. For this context, let me know where you are along the writing continuum of beginning, belonging, being, becoming, and befriending as you improve, focus, and strengthen your projects, stories, and contributions. What additional concepts and practices would you like to read and use?

AND, as a reader of this magazine, whatever the wholistic topic you support, combine your expertise and experience with journaling and awareness writing to leverage your [legacy] projects, stories and contributions through the 11 ways to engage with your readership. In what ways can the Opal Rising Magazine community support you?

In celebration of writing, Stephen

Media and Press Outreach … involves communicating with journalists and media outlets to share information, stories, or updates about a particular topic, organization, or event for broader public awareness and coverage. Again, extend beyond local to international, consider small to larger audiences, and celebrate your contributions as your way to make an intergenerational difference in being for the world, with the planet, and from the whole.

Sense the possibility of your words. It’s about being better and kinder! And it's your combination of words, delivered, that may spark the imagination of someone to live a legacy they intend to leave and/or plant a tree.

www.opalpublishing.ca

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Currently available are Legacy Journal, Notebook, and Workbook, AND Nature Journal and Notebook. If you prefer access to a pdf version to print selected pages, reach out through the contact page WellthMovement.com/contact Connect: https://wellthmovement.com/contact – Fastest way to say hi and ask a question. https://wellthmovement.com/store – Journals and Prompt Notebooks

BE A BUSINESS SPONSOR Opal Rising highly values our Business Sponsors.

When you support our Opal Rising Magazine and online content you are helping to ensure that I can continue to offer all the magazine and its content to our readers for free every month.

CONTACT cindy@opalpublishing.ca Visit http://opalpublishing.ca/advertise |28

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

Astrology & the Heavens

Veronica Weston, Moonologer

Manifesting Love

W elcome to February, a month known for

Valentine’s Day. Like it or not, the subject of love, dating and relationships seems to ramp up this time of year. Regardless of your relationship status, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about what you wish for in this area of your life.

Friday, February 9th we will experience a Super New Moon in Aquarius, with Chiron approaching the moon’s North Node. If you practice Moonology, manifesting with the magic of the lunar cycle, this is the day we make our wishes. Understanding more about the sign the moon is transiting at the time, and what other planets are forming aspects with the moon, can help you personalize your intentions and maximize the benefit of your New Moon practice.

The Super Moon is named that way because the moon is at its closest distance to Earth, amplifying the impact we feel from the moon.

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Chiron, the healer, approaching the moon’s North Node will support us to go deeper, be braver and step out of our comfort zone in order to heal and grow. Which House is ruled

by Aquarius in your astrological chart is determined by your Rising or Ascendant sign, and will indicate which area of your life is affected by this energy. Whichever House in your chart is activated, Aquarius will support you to be authentic and open about who you are and what you want.

If you’re called to make a wish for a new Romantic Relationship in the near future, the first rule of manifesting love is: We don’t wish for a specific person. If you wish to be with someone specific, I recommend being proactive, placing yourself within their line of sight and expressing your interest authentically.

If it is meant to be, it will be. Otherwise, as always, it’s best to make your wishes based on how achieving the goal will make you feel.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

MANIFESTING LOVE

Don’t attempt to manifest a person, instead, manifest the relationship. How will it feel?

Use the words to describe how it will feel and focus on that. As you date and meet people, you’ll know it’s right because you will feel exactly how you want to feel.

In my coaching, I always say that relationships are our teachers in life. Our intimate relationships can teach us the hardest lessons. This Super New Moon in Aquarius, with Chiron approaching the moon’s North Node, will call on you to be fully self-expressed and authentic in your relationships in order to heal and grow with their support. If you’re currently in a romantic relationship, you can use your intention this month to bring you closer and take your connection to a higher level.

If you’re dating, take risks and worry less about what others think of you. Honor yourself, allow yourself to be totally authentic. Let your true self shine. Not only will this improve your own self-esteem and confidence, but it’s the best way to attract people that align with us.

Happy Manifesting!

Venus Orbit around the Sun:

225 Days

Rules: Taurus, Libra Rules the 2nd and 7th HOUSES Desire, Love, Beauty, Value.

To love and be loved.

To seek and create beauty and harmony.

Veronica Weston Personal Development Coach and Certified Moonologer

www.opalpublishing.ca

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Joy essential oil has a frequency of 188 MHz the natural frequency of a humanstanding body is 10 Hz 1 MHz is a million times faster than 1 Hz!

Ingredients: Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Lemon, Coriander, Tangerine, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Palmarosa, Rose †100% pure, YLTG Essential Oil

Joy gives one a glorious feeling of self-love, confidence, and creates a frequency around oneself of the energy of love; the true source of healing.

Young Living Essential Oil Distributor | Cindy DeJager | cindydejager.editor@gmail.com

REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS IMPERFECT

jupiter

Image credit: Alicia Pacheco

It is the middle of a perfect August day.

I am running down the stairs, quickly and excitedly, with my neighbours hot on my heels.

We all want to see Jupiter.

It has just landed in the town square, right next to the city hall.

There it is, lying on the concrete surface, looking like the multicoloured shiny marble I played with earlier today.

It radiates a natural confidence and displays the total control that only the most powerful possess, no matter where life throws them.

A haughtiness of presidents, prime ministers, kings and queens is strutting round it, paying homage to the highest ruler of all.

Bursting with curiosity, I try to take a closer look, but am pushed back by a cordon of security men, bodyguards and policemen who have surrounded the planet.

Obviously one needs a special invitation to meet Jupiter, and my name is not on the guest list.

As my view is blocked, I turn around in frustration and disgust and leave, feeling denigrated.

Trudging back home I realise, to my profound dismay, that snobbery, social injustice and inequality extend to the cosmic realm too, and that deep space is not the haven of utopian existence I have always believed it to be.

BORIS GLIKMAN, Philosopher

www.opalpublishing.ca

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Uranus

Rules Aquarius Associated with Change, Rebellion, Freedom, Liberation, Reform and Revolution.

The unexpected breakup of structures, revelations and awakenings, technological invention, esoteric knowledge, space travel and aviation.

Full Snow Moon February 24 The Snow Moon is a reminder that change is not always showy.

It illuminates the gentle stirrings that often create the most meaningful shifts. This is the time to trust the stillness and the truth of your own knowing.

Credit: https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/spiritual-meaning-of-the-snow-moon |34

Meditation & Mindfulness

CINDY DEJAGER

RAINBOWS & THE VIOLET FLAME In Maui there are rainbows every day.

I could watch a rainbow develop over minutes and peak at its highest visibility.

The bow of colors would intensify and reach across the ocean and into the clouds above.

I could see the end of the rainbow that appeared to be just above the water.

I was mesmerized every day and I never tired of capturing photos of this beautiful phenomena.

When I got home and fell back into my routine I was doing my monthly shopping on Amazon and reviewing the books on my Wishlist. About a year ago I had stumbled upon a title that instantly intrigued me, Violet Flame, by Elizabeth Clare Prophet.

This interested me because a few years ago I had the experience of being flooded by an intensely beautiful violet light during my first ever Reiki session. After that, each time I meditated I would again experience this violet flowing and ebbing of waves.

It may have meant nothing to me had I not had two experiences in my lifetime that instantly made me take notice of this.

In 1985 when my grandmother died I had a vision of seeing her standing in her garden in the most vibrantly beautiful violet dress.

I have always been receptive to spirits but I had no idea what the significance of the violet colored dress was.

Many years later in 2015 my mother passed away and a few days later she came to me wearing what I can only describe as a beautiful violet adornment around her neck.

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The beauty of it mesmerized me and I found myself waiting to see if something would manifest similar to it. Not long after that my sister and I attended a group meditation class hosted by my sister’s friend Alishia.

At the end of the class my eyes were drawn to the back of room where Alishia had some crystals and crystal jewelry.

The most beautiful Amethyst necklace caught my eye. They were large naturally shaped stones and almost looked crown-like - and was so very similar to what I saw my mother wearing.

Well I bought that necklace, still not understanding what all this meant.

Again, time went by and about two years later I would meet Marta who was a Reiki Master.

Marta was writing short articles for the monthly publication where I worked as the Senior Editor. I can’t remember anymore what I did for her, but to thank me she offered me a free Reiki session.

I did not believe in Reiki. But I really admired Marta, and so I thought it couldn’t hurt.

That Reiki session changed my perception, my mind, and my life.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

RAINBOWS AND THE VIOLET FLAME

Waves of violet exploded in my head and in front of my closed eyes.

As the session went on I saw my mother she was there with me and I was remembering one day when she was dying and I gently held her hand in mine.

At that moment Marta took my hand - I began to cry.

After the session Marta told me that my mother was with us and my mother told her to take my hand.

Marta also shared with me that she could feel my joyful energy and she saw me as a young girl walking on a beach in the sand with bare feet.

I was stunned - this is how I have always ‘felt’ myself to be. I am a ‘flower child’ of the 60's and for as long as I can remember - and no matter how old I get -

I will always see myself as this young girl with flowers in my hair and bare feet, walking in the sand along the beach.

As you begin to use it [violet flame] you may gain a new perspective. You may feel a sense of relief and joy, which can be subtle or more pronounced.

You may even feel like you’re a child again carefree, playing in the sand, in the sea, with the gentle breezes all around you.

Did I receive the Violet Flame, or have I always had it? Did the Reiki session just open my Chakras?

I ask these questions because I have always been sensitive - when I was a child and throughout my teens I astral traveled, I have communicated with spirits of loved ones and even those I do not know personally - I have dreams and premonitions.

So far, it has only been my grandmother and my mother who have appeared to me in violet.

Is there a significance there?

I am looking for answers.

When the student is ready, the teacher appears. And it is so, with this new book.

I am vibrating with excitement as I immerse myself in these new lessons. And I am especially eager to share everything I learn.

And so what do rainbows and the color violet have in common, and what does this all mean?

I ordered the book, Violet Flame. I felt strongly compelled to do so. I guess the rainbows in Maui and the energy that I felt in Maui was so powerful for me that I just couldn’t ignore it.

When I opened the book I tingled all over my body.

In Joy, Cindy

It began, The violet flame is one of the most life-changing gifts anyone could receive. ...it is a high frequency light that spans physical and spiritual realms...transmutes energy from its current state into a higher one. ...the highest color that can be seen in any rainbow is violet.

www.opalpublishing.ca

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Meditation & Mindfulness

Sandra Bargman, Luminary Leader

A Personal Experience

ANGER E ager to play again, when I got outside to the

pavement, I heard my name being called.

“SANDY!” It was coming from the other side of the pavement. Then I saw a line of girls, all holding hands, walking across the pavement and I could hear them all shouting my name! My heart skipped a beat with surprised happiness. As I ran to get closer, my heart sunk. “We hate Sandy. We hate Sandy.” The entire line of girls, in unison, chanted over and over.

It wasn't the boys, with whom I had played.

No, I had their admiration, however begrudgingly. It was the girls who organized, eager for a take down, competitive, and cruel.

Lesson learned. Being my full self, my proud, athletic, playful and powerful Self did not bring support, acceptance and celebration, but rather jealousy, alienation and non-communication. I share this early event that had such a breathtaking effect on me simply because it illustrates what we as women face over and over again from other women, throughout our lives and careers, from those whom we would wish the most support.

Not getting what we want and getting what we don’t want. This is the source of the ANGER.

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Part Three: Why are women in this world angry?

As an actor, a counselor, a public speaker, and coach, I believe we all want greater connection and therefore better, deeper communication.

How do we get real, get brave, get risky, and communicate effectively around our anger?

The first step is getting in touch with it.

Young women are socialized firmly with the idea that anger is incompatible with femininity and with understanding oneself as a good person.

Case in point.

My professional life began with highly competitive conservatory training at CarnegieMellon University, followed by a career devoted to acting, singing, and performance based in New York City.

I became aware of my anger when I was in conservatory. A rabid anti-smoker at that point in my short life, I became a smoker, a powerful self-harming “smoke screen”.

I’ll never forget in one of my earliest acting classes, I was doing a 2-person scene with a fellow student in which I needed to become enraged. My partner and I rehearsed relentlessly and finally we were ready to present our scene to the class.

Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

THE RELUCTANT LEADER

We emoted, rolled on the floor, threw props, finished, and took our places for notes from our instructor as well as our fellow classmates. Over and over, from each classmate and from my instructor, my note was that they didn’t believe me, that I wasn’t angry enough. I was speechless and confounded. I was so unaware, so detached from anger, and what it even meant for myself, that I couldn’t conjure it. By the time I was a young adult, I had developed the firm belief that I was not someone who experienced anger. Like Ms. Chemaly, I couldn't identify feelings of anger in myself at all.

I’m not angry, I’m passionate, assertive.

Little girls learn early, Ms. Chemaly said "that there are penalties for displaying anger, we know that there are risks to expressing your needs. Which is what I think anger is - it's a self-defensive emotion. It's provoked by care or threat or indignation.

The question is, why do we learn as girls, which we do, to ignore those feelings. What possible good can come of that, to us?"

At their core, both fear and anger are rooted in feelings of control. In most cases, when we experience fear we may feel as though we have lost control of a particular situation, circumstance, or individuals. Anger is the unaware attempt to gain control, to combat feelings of victimhood and helplessness.

Anger… thwarts love and happiness. destroys relationships. crushes the spirit of children isolates us from everyone around us.

A spectrum of poor mental and physical health outcomes can be traced back to mismanaged anger.

There are higher incidences of depression, binge drinking and smoking among women as evidence of the damage internalized anger is wreaking. Depression - and there are many types of depression - is anger turned inwards.

Many women never learn how to express anger, which in turn makes them angrier.

So how does my anger relate to my LEADERSHIP? It’s been said that anger is the mask of pain and grief. I had the stereotypical life of an artist – many thrills, accolades, successes and magical adventures alongside many heartbreaks and misfires, jobs taken away, jobs given away. My sadness and pain cut deep. In addition to being a terrific smoke screen for my feelings of vulnerability, anger opened the door to my righteousness, power, and moral superiority.

Hadn’t I been done wrong by those less talented, those looking to hurt me, jealousy, those chanting “we hate Sandy”? My selfrighteous anger was addictive and I was free to be bitter, critical, and judgmental.

The heartbreaks and losses are to be expected, but often, they felt planned, vindictive. Hadn’t I whittled myself down enough to make everyone comfortable? I rest assured that my subsequent anger was a repellent to the very people I wished to attract.

But here’s the deal with this kind of anger…I can’t predict anyone’s behavior but my own.

Yes, righteous anger is real and necessary. Yes, victimization occurs. I am in no way looking to diminish the outrage and anger caused by severe trauma and victimization. I am however, suggesting that we must search for reconciliation. If I, if we cannot find a way out of feeling helpless, then we can not find our voice.

We cannot change our worlds.

At some point I must decide that I am not helpless.

That, ultimately, I am not a victim, that I do have choices.

www.opalpublishing.ca

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Jeannie Vassos, Professional Energy Healer, Spiritual Teacher and Guide

Why Have An ALTAR? What do you think of when you hear the word altar? Usually, it is associated with a wedding ceremony (“He was left at the altar!”), something sacred and holy (located in a place of worship), and even sacrifice (providing an offering). While there are many traditions and rituals associated with altars, an altar acts as a conduit for the energies of the Universe to come down and anchor in this physical world.

An altar can look many ways, have many different objects on it, but most importantly it needs to have an intention.

The last party you attended or planned had a theme, right? For this party there would have been a colour scheme, decorations, music, food, drink, sent invitations, and the room would have been arranged in a thoughtful way. The reason for all that was for everyone invited to have a specific experience. If it was done well, the guests would have had a great time, and the intended plan was successful.

Just as there would be food/cake (earth), drinks (water), balloons (air), and candles (fire) at a birthday party, what are some items you could place on an altar?

To begin, since every living thing on earth consists of the five elements, Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Spirit, having something symbolizing them on the altar represents the spiritual aspect, or the divine essence of them here in the physical.

An altar can be a focal point in a room, but it can also be blended in, with the five elements, to almost any décor. An altar is usually a table (size doesn’t necessarily matter), but can be a shelf, and may or may not have a tablecloth or covering. Items such as a bouquet of flowers or plants can represent both earth and water.

Essential oils and incense can represent air, and of course candles represent fire. What represents Spirit to you? The options for all five elements are endless.

Life is a celebration, right? So, while some religions may not quite agree with this, an altar can be loosely compared to throwing a party.

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Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

WHY HAVE AN ALTAR?

With those five basic items, what else would you add? This depends on your intention.

Take some time to think about what is going on in your life. If you are working on a project, you can place something that represents the final result. What are your goals? Maybe a photo or a written description of the goal. Sometimes an envelope with money is placed on the altar to represent abundance, or a photo of someone who is going through a trying time and is in your thoughts and prayers. Just like your life, what you add to your altar is limitless.

If you are hesitant to create an altar in your life but are intrigued and know you should have one, you can also think of it somewhat as a 3dimensional vision board. The point of a vision board is to get you thinking about what your life is like right now, and what you want it to add to it.

If you’re reading this, you are already more interested in the spiritual and metaphysical aspect of life and would like to know and do more, and creating an altar is another way to add and expand this.

Because your altar represents you, your physical life, and the Divine, it should be treated with much respect. The items on it should be meaningful, and of the best quality you have. It should be a part of your space, but meant as an elevated area (brighter, more beautiful, and not used to also hold your drink or snack). Add, take away, change, and update it as needed, as your life changes or weekly, monthly, seasonally. You can also have more than one altar!

An altar is a perfect way to express your creativity too!

What colour tablecloth will you use?

How beautiful and ornate will your items be?

What item/items best represent you?

What do you need to bring into your life?

What or who’s assistance from the spiritual realms do you need?

Where will your altar be?

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Heart Chakra Affirmation

The more love I give, the more I receive. credit: https://blog.gratefulness.me/heart-chakra-affirmations/

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Essential oils are a part of my daily living in every part of my life. I'll introduce you to some of my favourites in my ads and articles in this magazine. To place an order or open your own account please reach out to me.

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Holistic Wellness and Mind Body Soul Balance

Blissfully Happy ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER BLEND for Valentine’s Day

4 drops orange 2 drops grapefruit CINDY DEJAGER Distributor Young Living Essential Oils To Place an Order Email: cindy@opalpublishing

Credit: https://www.thewelloiledlife.com/essential-oilrecipes-just-in-time-for-valentines-day/