Universal Magazine issue 3

UNIVERSAL

ISSUE 3

MIND BODY SPIRIT

Wake Up And Eat The Kale

Aspects Of Love

On The Couch With Danny Hickling

Life After

Death Archangel Uriel The digital magazine for Holistic Living

UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE

Join our Universal tribe www.facebook/Universal-Magazine

CONTENTS

6

Contributors Gallery

54

Intuitive Tarot

10

Aspects of Love

58

Karuna Reiki Healing

12

Wake Up and Eat the Kale

60

The Book Shelf

16

A Turning Point

64

Numerology

18

Our True Fragrance

66

Animal Healing

22

Koko’s Kitchen

68

Chirology

26

Breath In Space

72

Archangel Uriel

34

On the Couch with Danny Hickling

74

Life After Death - Part 2

40

Yoga Health

78

Crystal Healing - The Base Chakra

44

Art by Mariko Kinoshita

82

Competition Page

3

Empower yourself to uncover the courage to embrace change and welcome the life of joy and fulfilment that you truly deserve I have been working with the Spirit Realm, Bach Flower Remedies and Reiki Healing for many years. I a Medium, a Reiki Master and a Bach Flower Remedy practitioner. Through my own life experiences I has discovered an array of tools, techniques and healing modalities. My passion is to help others and share my knowledge with my clients in the Uk and around the world.

Bach Flower Remedies are Natural, Safe and Gentle. They can help to turn almost any negative state of mind into a positive way of feeling, to enable you to feel uplifted and take back control over your life.

Finding a New Way of Life with the Angelic Realm. During my Journey I was introduced to the Spiritual World. I felt enlightened and uplifted. It wasn’t long before I realised I had been using this special guidance throughout most of my life, but now I have a greater understanding of how it can help us, and give us strength and support to move through life.

step guide to help you recognise where you need to make changes in your life and learn to work in harmony with the Spiritual Realm.

An uplifting and inspirational book to help you follow your true path and find your natural gifts.

ISBN: 978-1-4467-4667-7 Meditation Cd’s to allow you to you centre and ground your energies and connect with your friends from the spiritual realm. To help bring you clarity and peace of mind.

Reiki Healing is a system of healing with Universal energy.

In the early 1900’s Dr. Mikao Usui developed the Usui Reiki System. It is one of the most powerful, yet gentle ways of healing your mind, body and spirit. Reiki healing works on the emotional, physical and spiritual levels. It helps your body to release old hurts and ailments, allowing the true healing to take place on all levels.

As well as doing Spiritual & Angel Readings, I also run Personal & Spiritual Development groups and workshops, to help others develop their natural gifts, and enjoy the guidance from our spiritual friends. Skype

One to one healing sessions are available plus courses for level 1 and 2 Reiki Healing.

Divine Intervention Spiritual Development Workshop Manual by Dawn Chrystal - A step by

Dawn Chrystal www.dawnchrystal.co.uk

Wherever you are I can help you to help yourself and take the first step on the path to healing.

Greeting and welcome to issue 3 of Universal Magazine.

As the wheel of the year continues it’s circuitous journey through the seasons, we now find ourselves in the height of Summer, wedding season and Love is in the air. Lazy, hazy days and sizzling summer nights....

We begin issue 3 with a new 3 part series by Sandra Boatman Aspects of Love on page 10. Part 1 - Loving Another, “ How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...” How do you feel about love?

Where did you learn the skills to love? These are the questions being explored ‘On The Couch with Danny Hickling in another new series, delving into the depths of Psychotherapy on page 34.

Wendy Marie Banting shares her inspirational story and her decision to choose the road less traveled in the battle against cancer - the Holistic route. Read the first part of her incredible story in our series on page 12 - Wake Up And Eat The Kale. The book of the same title is also featured in The Book Shelf on page 60.

On page 78 we embark on a journey through the chakras with Pauline Street in our Crystal Healing series, beginning with the Base Chakra - survival, instincts, security and stability. An imbalance or blockage in the Base or Root Chakra can manifest in the physical as back problems and pain. Barbara Ives offers relief to sufferers in the form of The Reclining Twist in our Yoga Health series on page 40 Niki Senior Animal Healer shares the wonderful story of her very special soul friend Timmy on page 66. I love cats, the best friends are feline friends!

Universal Magazine are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to join our Universal Tribe, working freelance to secure advertising for the magazine. For more information contact samantha@universalmagazine.com

I have felt cats rubbing their faces against mine and touching my cheek with claws carefully sheathed. These things, to me, are expressions of love.

James Herriot

Wishing you all the courage to embrace change on this amazing serendipitous journey that is life and the faith to trust the whispers of your intuition, the language of your soul.

Love, light and blessings

Samantha xxx

5

Our UNIVERSAL Tribe I am a teacher/author (both non-fiction/fiction)/editor (academic/general/religious) living and working in Japan. I am an ordained Japanese Esoteric Buddhist priest (Shinnyo-en), Alexander Teacher, Sound/Music Creativity Therapist, Indigenous Peoples’ Advocate, and involved in the Cathar revival. My mission is world peace and harmony. My religious pathway has been from Christianity, through Hinduism, Islam, Sufism, Humanism, Catharism, to schools of Hinayana, Vajiriyana, and Mahayana Buddhism (I am now serving and training in the final teachings of the Buddha Shyakyamuni).

C. Linden Thorp M.A. (E.L.T.) lindenthorp@gmail.com www.lindenthorp.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/linden.thorp.9 Sandra became a registered nurse in 1980 and since 1996 has gained qualifications in a range of holistic therapies. These include Massage/Aromatherapy, Crystal Therapy, NLP, Hypnotherapy and EFT. Sandra offers Life Coaching and Crystal Healing in both personal sessions and group workshops, with the intention of bringing emotional balance, coupled with deeper clarity and understanding of how we can live our very best life, despite circumstances. AND she still has time to run a full-time dancing school!

She believes passionately in people learning, exploring and discovering their own inner source of wellbeing and happiness, and then sharing that joy with the rest of the world!

Sandra Boatman www.insightsandinspirations.co.uk As a qualified psychologist Niki had a very scientific view of life – until she suffered a stroke at the age of 24.

This was her awakening, she found Druidry and she re-trained as a complementary therapist 20 years ago.

Her deep connection to animals from the age of 8 led her to develop a unique animal healing technique which she has taught professionally for over 10 years. In 2010 Niki was awarded training school status and is 1 of only 3 in the UK that offers professionally certificated animal related therapy training; Animal Magic School of Animal Therapy.

Niki Senior BSc (Hons) VTCTDip IIHHTDip AMHC BABTAC & Reiki Master Teacher – 17 Years. www.animalhealingcourses.co.uk Telephone: 07939 722792

I have always been at home with the spirit of nature, content with the trees and grasses, flowers,moon and stars. This affinity fuels my writing and is the source of my inspiration. Nature is the real world.

Ecology, transition and positive change feature strongly in my work, so does esoteric thought. Man stands between the heavens and the earth and we are all equally linked to both realms. My writing expresses elements of this sacred space. www.annefallas.fr

6

.....the Contributors Greetings! Gillian here. I specialize in Tarot & Rune Readings but also offer Reiki healing and EFT - Emotional Freedom Techniques as well as Past Life Regression.

I try to be flexible in my approach to my work and fit in with clients wishes as much as possible. There are many types of readings and deals to choose from. For clients living farther afield I can offer email and phone readings and also offer EFT via Skype.

I am fully covered by third party insurance and accredited to AAMET the regularity body for EFT Therapies. For much more information please see my website.

Gill Macdonald www.tarotandhealing.co.uk

Barbara Ives is a qualified B.W.Y. Diploma and Foundation Course Yoga Teacher, Business and Health and Wellbeing Coach and NLP Practitioner.

Barbara has a passion for people and it is through her love and passion of yoga and coaching that she is able to help individuals make positive changes within their own lives, to develop self-awareness, mindfulness, realise opportunities, discover their true Self and their vocation in life.

She has a unique ability to inspire and instil in others, the philosophies of yoga and to inspire them to live a conscious, happy and healthy life.

Barbara Ives (BWYDip) Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Holistic Health & Wellbeing Coach www.yoganorfolk.com T: 07788581662 E: barbara.ives@tesco.net As a qualified accountant Pauline Street had always had a very logical approach to life. It was when her parents passed away in her early 20’s that she began to realise life wasn’t quite as organised and rational as the safety of numbers is. She began to explore her spiritual side and during the last 20years has trained as a qualified Crystal Healer and Reiki Master. Her business, Serenity For You, was launched in 2012 with a view to helping clients overcome obstacles and progress on their life path.

At Serenity For You, treatments on offer are Crystal Healing, Reiki, Bach Flower Remedy consultations, earth and house healing,and spiritual counseling.

Pauline can be contacted on 07900988138, email info@serenityforyou.co.uk, find her on facebook https:// www.facebook.com/serenityhealingforyou or www.serenityforyou.co.uk

Daniel Parmeggiani is a modern-day spiritual teacher whose approach is unaligned with any particular religion or tradition. Driven by intense psychological turmoil, Daniel discovered within himself a deeper reality that not only saved his life, it also showed him the way to permanent happiness and inner peace.

Feeling it is his responsibility to present this important spiritual message to the world in a ‘real’ and unpretentious way, Daniel decided to write his first book, The Magnificent Truths of Our Existence, out April 29th, 2014. He lives in Pompano Beach, Florida, with his wife, Susan, and their dog, Chewy.

www.magnificenttruths.com

7

Our UNIVERSAL Tribe the Contributors After many rewarding years as a Hospice Staff Nurse, Ursula chose early retirement to allow her to care for her husband following his devastating stroke. This allowed her to discover a passion for writing. She devised a formula using magical wishing and visualisations for personal enhancement, happiness and fun and created the Wish Magic series of e-books.

Ursula has also published a vegetarian cookbook, and a compilation of loving and uplifting messages received from spirit during 25 years of giving psychic palm and tarot card readings to family and friends is the next project in the pipeline.

Ursula Oak www.UrsulaOak.blogspot.co.uk UrsulaOak@gmail.com Danny Hickling. I am a fully qualified Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and I’m registered with the main two counselling bodies in the UK. I believe we are all unique as individuals, so rather than using one set of traditional counselling techniques I try to tailor the work we do in a way that is unique to you. So in addition to using traditional counselling techniques, the use of crystals, guided visualisation or outdoor work etc. can be incorporated into sessions.

I work from my home in Cromer on the North Norfolk Coast and in Central Norwich. Also if it is difficult for the client to get to me I also offer sessions online, via SKYPE. Working with both individuals or couples on a wide range of issues such as Relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias, bereavement, separation, divorce and low self esteem.

Telephone 01263 519049 or 0745 702267 via e mail at danny@crystalclearcounselling.co.uk or via his website at www.CrystalClearCounselling.co.uk

Vikki Lightweaver - I am an hereditary psychic and Empath and have worked as a Healer and Numerologist at events around East Anglia for over twenty years. I offer Intuitive Numerology Readings, Charts, courses and workshops. Tarot readings ,Sacred geometry readings, workshops and courses.

Reiki Attunements to Master/Teacher level and Healer development. Meditation classes and development circles. I am fully insured and work mainly from home. Many of my courses and readings are available online via web chat or e-mail.

For more information you can contact me at: www.lightweaver.co.uk www.facebook/TheNumberwitch vikki_lightweaver@hotmail.com Jennifer Lynch is an experienced holistic therapist and life guidance counsellor who firmly believes that the key to healing involves integrating the mental, physical and emotional bodies, treating the client as a unique ‘whole person’.

She works from her home in the Suffolk countryside giving Massage, Reiki and Angelic Aura readings whilst also attending various events throughout the UK. Author of 3 books;The Silver Lining, Skin Deep and Liberty Angel, which can be found on Amazon.

She recently ventured onto a new path as presenter of a new radio show on Natural Health Radio called Natural Co-Creators, on Thursdays between 12.00 and 1pm. Jennifer is looking for therapists and creative people to interview for her show. For details go to www.naturalheathradio.co.uk More about Jennifer and her work can be found on her website: www.angelwisdom.co.uk

8

Aspects of Love ..

Part 1 Loving another Love is what makes the world go round, according to the songs, and finding our “true love” is indeed what most of us seek throughout our lives.

It is a universal quest, and yet so many of us end up feeling betrayed, lonely, and disappointed because of our experiences.

Many give up and become cynical or weary of the search; for others that search becomes the be all and end all – the one thing that will give their life a sense of completion and purpose.

We often seek to fill a gap in our lives by finding someone to love us – we fall in love, we love everything about that person, we are hyped up by the hormonal changes in our bodies to be “blind” to any flaws This is being “in love” and it is a highly addictive state!

But when the hormones settle down, and reality kicks in, we can find ourselves judging the other person, finding them wanting in various ways, perhaps discovering we do not share the same values. That romantic love can fade and we can literally fall out of love!

Our human nature and evolutionary needs cause us to seek a partner, after all, it keeps the planet going!

And the rewards of finding the perfect mate are indeed wonderful – the bliss and utter joy of romantic love, which develops and matures into deepening love and companionship as you grow (older) together.

However, if we have found love and lost it, for whatever reason, we are often reluctant to actively seek it again, and we can hold ourselves back for

10

This is the first in a series of 3 articles on damental emotion that it seems to deser it. It is, after all, who we are in essence, each section and then piecing them all feel about love, and how it shows up in you will approach it in a different way – of the wor

.. Healing the Planet from the Inside Out

on love. It is such an important and funrve more than just one piece written on and I hope, that, after reading through together, you may ponder on how you your life, from today onwards. Perhaps – a way that will change your experience rld forever.

fear of being re-experiencing the deep emotional pain that heartbreak brings.

Could we be looking through the wrong pair of glasses when we look for love in another?

Perhaps we have forgotten, or have never even considered, that we see the world through our own personal filters. These filters are our gender, our culture, our upbringing, our experiences, our beliefs and values, fears and insecurities. And we project these onto others, subconsciously.

Who we attract then is not necessarily who we would most desire, (and who would fill the “hole in our soul”). Instead we often get the one who reflects our beliefs and values about the world and ourselves; the one who will ultimately treat us the way we treat ourselves, and thus, we can be very disappointed! If we do not realise what is going on, this becomes an ongoing pattern in our relationships with others.

We need to be aware of the fact that we interpret the world through these unconscious filters and then we react, we judge, and things get in the way of us feeling love.

I would like to suggest that, as humans, often single mindedly searching for “the one”, we can tend to forget the other aspects of love, those which have the power to turn our lives around and bring joy, love, purpose and fulfilment.

Those that have a positive effect on the people and environment around us, in fact, on the whole planet.

We will explore these in the next part of this article.

Sandra Boatman www.insightsandinspirations.co.uk

11

Wake Up and Eat The Kale I am always pleased to be asked about my healing journey, because my highest motivation in writing a book about it is to share my success. To offer others choices that they might not have otherwise considered. To provide hope that alternative choices can be highly successful and meaningful in ways not thought of beforehand. And ultimately to empower others to empower themselves. You are your best chance to heal. Your attitude and your willingness to engage in your own decision making around healing is your best road to health.

My name is Wendy Banting, I am 55 years old and I was diagnosed with advanced aggressive breast cancer in the spring of 2010. I was told that my chances of surviving my particular cancer were very low, and so I was offered a regime of chemotherapy and radiation in the hopes of shrinking the cancer enough so that they could do surgery with the overall hope of getting me six months. I declined the treatment offered to me. I decided that I would take a self inspired road and somewhere deep in my heart I knew that I was meant to do this, and that somehow my choices would serve something larger than myself.

My story is unconventional, and while much of what I speak about may seem remarkable to others, the end result is that I have been successful when science and the medical profession dictated otherwise. I have defied science and here I am.

My desire is to encourage others to step out of the limiting beliefs that hold us in bondage and to be courageous enough to consider new ideas. Let the mind stay quiet while the heart considers new energy from a wider, more expansive place. I want to offer hope through my story to inspire others that alternative medicine can be highly effective.

Prior to my getting this drastic diagnosis, I had been on a journey of self discovery around life, higher consciousness and my part in the overall scheme of material physical existence. These sorts of philosophical musings had been coming to me for about 5 years prior to manifesting cancer. I felt quite driven to contemplate such things, and the universe was sending it to me relentlessly. Books, people and information came my way daily. I could not seem to step out of this avalanche of spiritual

12

knowledge. Quantum theory/physics, frequency, vibration, multidimensionality, channeling, energy medicine, aliens, reincarnation…….just to name a few of the subjects being placed in front of my awareness. I was being shown that there were questions and knowledge that transcended our accepted way of living and being here on planet earth. The purpose of such heart and mind expansion became obvious to me the day I received the diagnosis of a life threatening illness. I was in training so that I could understand what I had to do when life sent me this steep hill to climb.

I knew I would take no traditional treatment, so the next question was - what would I do? I felt quite stressed and fearful at this point, yet I knew I was here to do something different. How was I going to achieve this? What would taking no treatment mean in the reality of everyday life.

Everyone from the doctors to family members and friends thought I was crazy, and they were pressuring me on all fronts to take treatment. My immediate family were much more accepting, as they had been exposed to my metaphysical beliefs for quite some time at this point, and while they were very concerned they had enough trust and respect to let me make my choices. I was very grateful for this. Was I in fear? Yes I was. I felt great waves of confusion, indecision about what I needed to do, and a palpable sense of wanting to preserve myself at any cost was waging in my mind. Yet………I knew on a more profound level that I was going to heal myself holistically, or I was going to die. There was really no other option, that is how intense this motivation was within me. I was that strongly guided.

13

14

Here is what I did. All the awareness that had been coming to me over the previous years crystallized. I moved into a state of surrender. I felt guided by the innermost part of myself, call it soul if you want, but I knew I had to stop trying to understand or control any of this. I asked myself if I believed I was more than just a physical body, and because I was aware that everything is energy, be it a body, a thought or an event, I also answered myself in truth - yes, I knew that at the core of everything, we are all energy, and that energy pathways can be changed by your intention and your will. That while the body dies, consciousness is eternal. I knew that if I trusted my soul that I would be guided hour by hour, day by day through this experience. You see, I knew that I had created this very disease to show myself that we are not the body, although we inhabit one, that we are consciousness inhabiting the body for the purpose of experiencing physical life. The disease was showing me that I was in a state of denial of my body, not trusting it, and so I was to begin a journey of self discovery on a level not anticipated at that time. Now on the other side of it, I can say it has been the biggest gift of my life!

with healing modalities that consisted of holistic natural practices like changing my diet, cleaning up my body, having reiki sessions, just to name a few. A vast range of alternative choices that were presented to me each day and week. Just like before, I listened to my soul, to my guidance, and it never steered me wrong. I never felt pain once I started on this new journey. If for some reason I veered off it, if I fell back into old ways of behaviour, (which I did from time to time) I would feel myself move out of harmony. I would start to feel off, and this would be my barometer to move back into surrender and acceptance. Taking action on the physical front supported the intuitive guidance I was receiving, it translated into actual changes in my body. I was beginning to heal.

Suddenly, I knew what I was supposed to do. It starting coming to me each day, and all of it felt right, and moved me into a state of healing. It began

Wendy Marie Banting www.wendybanting.com Facebook

I was to do many things in the course of my healing, and I state emphatically that not all of it is necessary for each individual to do, as all paths are different, and each healing journey unique. My story does take to me the Philippines for psychic surgery and to Brazil to meet John of God. Those parts of my story are for the next part of this series.

Let the Eos Programme help you figure out what really matters to you, and give you what you need to make it happen.

The EOS Programme is an inspirational 2 day course I'veI am thought aboutfrom! it a The lot, course and I can't that still buzzing allowsreally you to look at your from describe whatlifeEos is. anAllalternative I know is perspective tht over theand past uncover what it is that you truly want to achieve. two weeks, since I did Day 1, I’ve gone from 'I'm There is something so empowering about spending not thewith of like-minded of person who does anythingsharing, out of the time ladies; connecting, laughing, crying and bonding.

It was sensational! ordinary to Just wat me!

Samantha Yates, Norfolk

Intrigued?

Call 0843 523 5373 or visit: www.eosprogramme.com to find out more

A Turning Point

We are all shifting, bending and moving with the changes that are taking place. By letting go of the old we are able to move into the new space that is opening up in front of us. We are challenging the fear that has held us back for so long and this is allowing us to to realise our true identity. Just as we are moving into the new, so too is the whole of nature The dysfunctional society that we are a part of, has used and abused nature, the earth has been treated as a commodity. We are realising that the earth is NOT a commodity, she is alive, she breathes and she has a soul. Every aspect of nature is alive, breathing and shares a soul.

We can all make positive changes, all of us and we can actively live as one with our planet mother earth.

We are a part of everything on this planet. The earth is our mother, she gave birth to us and she sustains us. By living lightly we can help to generate her healing and there are many simple steps that we can take.

We are in a position to consume less and to save energy and water. We can all help reduce some of the strain that we are placing on our planet.

Many people are saying ‘NO’ to non-organic produce. It is well known that pesticide use is taking a very heavy toll on the soil, on the bees and on our own bodies. There are simple solutions, we can either grow our own organic produce, share local organic produce or buy the readily available organic produce from the shops.

People are voicing how they feel about many issues, including saying ‘NO’ to GMO’s and ‘NO’ to fracking. Voices are joining together and strongly expressing how they feel.

Alternatives are now being seen in a positive light, e.g. alternative energy production, the production of hemp for paper and fibre, natural remedies taking the place of pharmaceuticals, the non testing of products on our fellow creatures etc., We are at a turning point.

These are early days and although we are still finding our feet, we are joining together and sharing a vision of the future. It is the future we want for our children, it is the pure future we want for our mother earth, it is the future we want for the trees, the flowers, the animals, the rivers, the oceans and all living things.

The purity and the realisation of this future lies in our own hands.

Let’s make it happen!

Anne Fallas www.annefallas.fr

Photographer: Nigel Dugdale - click to view website

17

Our True Fragrance

We all have a divine nature. In our natural state we are like a fragrance. We are fragrant blossoms that bloom from shallow mud: like the Lotus which displays its seed case alongside its blooms, indicating its perennial and indestructible nature.

By keeping the scent of our original spirit pure, we can maximize the power of our minds for the greater good. We can empty ourselves of limited happiness and fulfillment generated by the egomind, and instead locate and revive our true nature, our true fragrance.

One way of starting this process is to accept the mysteries of human life and realize that some questions were never meant to be asked, and certainly have no answers. Spirits are not curious or acquisitive, but mere energy taking on a form.

In human form we are essentially spirit in training to be excellent humans. Animals, plants and other natural phenomena are also spirit made form.

Today, a surprising number of people are skeptical about life after death and past lives. This seems to be rooted in irrational fear and fascination about death and ‘ghosts,’ werewolves and vampires, gruesome homicide crime scenes so fashionable in popular media nowadays. Mention of the validity of rebirth or the afterlife can arouse anger or morbid curiosity. But, if we are not part of something bigger than ourselves, be it past and future generations of humans, or the invisible world, then what gives us our purpose in everyday life?

The truth is that we have lost touch with our natural spirit. Perhaps our divine flame is guttering fiercely or has even extinguished, so we invest all of our mind power in making a synthetic custommade version of reality, and then live according to this distorted, idiosyncratic view. We may be skilled with logic and deduction, with analysis and

measurement, but each of us is living our lives in a matrix unique to ourselves, sometimes called our ‘comfort zone,’ often oblivious to the greater reality.

These micro worlds created inside our heads are behind the diversity and pluralism driving the world today. In our societies, there are an overwhelming number of choices, endless possibilities, combined with strict rules, and if we don’t get our own way, our irritation can turn to killer rage!

When the gods walked among us, we were one, one culture, one religion, in one heart, unlimited and fulfilled.

We are each constellations of energy, measurable energy, and all energy is in a perpetual state of flux and movement. We flicker throughout our days, changing minutely every second in anticipation of or in reaction to our environment and other fields of energy inside it. If we can accept that our human form is merely a convenient vehicle for this energy, this fragrance, to convey it where it is needed, then it can help us to accept the event of our death and the shifting of our energy body from its temporary local accommodation into the infinite and eternal energy field. Our indestructible fragrances exist outside the manmade concepts of time and space which were first contrived to allow the intellectual mind to deal with incredible and mysterious reality.

But many of us cannot accept our energy body even though it is scientifically measurable, because we have become attached to our physical bodies and our version of a reality based on our

19

sensual and intellectual needs. The idea of our impermanence perhaps insults our pride and negates our need for control. We want to be or possess the end product of all our concrete efforts, and are not willing to see the greater importance of the process.

Human life is a precious process or a means whereby: we strive and we transform and we transcend in the temporal and spatial. There, we are either successful or unsuccessful human beings in terms of compassion and unconditional love, and then we move on to other missions and dimensions.

Sages have seen and still see our energy field as a fragrance or essence. Its visibility is greatly overrated, while its invisible qualities, its constantly changing aromas, are usually ignored or played down. So, if we are energy constantly in flux, how can we die? If we are mere energy then how can pain, which according to research exists only in the mind, debilitate us so completely, and fear of it dictate the way we live?

20

they hid from the ruthless Catholic inquisition. I felt I had come home. I spent my time absorbing the spiritual power abounding in my daily environment, and experiencing as much as I could of them.

Cathars believed that death was simply a fine veil separating the visible from the invisible, and that this was the only separation. That we humans are essentially spirit made flesh, and that the human world of transient suffering and joy, of the finite and limits both imposed and chosen, is a training ground. Once we have elevated, the veil of death will be removed and we will be released to be again one with the Universe, with God, with the Holy beings.

They operated in secret swishing along the sandy pathways of the mountains in their simple robes, helping people to live with complete compassion and purity, so that the veil could be lifted quickly and easily. They were unafraid of their impending and cruel deaths at the stake, devoting all their energies to guiding others back to their spirit origins.

The Cathars were a sect of religious mystics, present in medieval Europe. They were Christians putting the early teachings of Christ into practice, but they were pronounced heretics by the Catholic Church of Rome because of their spiritual nature.

Eventually they were hounded and burned at the stake. Before their complete annihilation they predicted a Cathar revival in 21st century, 700 years later.

Insights like this can transform the limited way we live and act in the world. We can open ourselves up to the greater universe, put our trust in constancy, and in love and acceptance in our relationships and communities. We are pure constellations of good energy, nothing more! Our mission is to make that energy shine brightly even in the midst of adversity, and to put aside our obsessive clinging to form and results.

Almost 20 years ago, before discovering the truth about this revival, I went to live in a remote part of France, in the south-east, high in the Pyrenean mountains. This area was the last refuge of the Cathars, littered with crag-top fortresses where

Our sincerity is invisible, but it reaches all beings in all dimensions.

Linden Thorp Website

Tropical Veggie Burger These burgers are exactly what you need for a summer barbecue. Just one bite and they’ll whisk you away to a tropical paradise complete with white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean water, palm trees, the new Drop Dead summer range, and plenty of rum…or maybe that’s all in my head.

22

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 cups cooked quinoa* 1 Tbsp coconut oil ½ cup red onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup any colour bell pepper, diced 1 cup zucchini, grated 1 mango, diced 1 Tbsp ginger, grated ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes ½ tsp sea salt 1 tsp ground cumin juice of 2 limes (about 3 Tbsp) zest of 1 lime 2 cups oats (use certified gluten-free if you want to keep these burgers GF) • 1 flax egg (mix 1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds with 3 Tbsp water and let sit for 5-10 minutes until thickened and gelatinous) • 1 540ml can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed • ½ cup chopped cilantro

23

Tropical Veggie Burger

Instructions

In a pan over med translucent. Add g mango, ginger, spi liquid.

In a large bowl, co

In a food processo of a mixture. Stir m

Heat 1 Tbsp of co patties and press fl

Cook in frying pan

* To cook quinoa, r bring to a boil. On lid on and let sit fo may use 1 cup of d

Toppings • mango chutney • romaine lettuce • avocado, sliced • mustard • ketchup • red onion, thinl • grilled pineapp • hamburger bun

*Either use a can o pan or on the barb

www.kokosk 24

s:

dium heat, add coconut oil. Add onion and sautĂŠ for a few minutes until onions are garlic and cook for one minute. Add bell peppers and cook 2 minutes, Add zucchini, ices, lime zest and juice. Let mixture simmer for a couple minutes to reduce some of the

ombine quinoa, oats, flax egg, chickpeas, cilantro, and mango mixture. Stir together.

or, process 2/3 of the mixture until smooth but chunky. Don’t over process into too wet mixture back into bowl with remaining 1/3 of recipe.

oconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Using a 1/3 cup measure, form round burger flat.

n for about 3 minutes on each side. Alternatively, you may barbecue these.

rinse it well and place in a pot. Use about double the amount of water to quinoa, and nce boiling, cover, and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, leaving or 5 more minutes. At this point, the liquid should all be soaked up. For this recipe, you dried quinoa and 2 cups of water, and you may have a little bit left over.)

y e d

ly sliced ple* ns, or whole wheat pitas

of pineapple rings, or even better, use a fresh pineapple and cut into rings. In a grill becue, grill pineapple until nice grill marks appear (a few minutes on each side). Enjoy!

kitchen.com 25

Breath In Space The magical and ancient island of Kefalonia, Greece, is the picturesque setting for An Introduction To Psychic Awareness Retreat with international author Jennifer Lynch and Spiritual Holistic Life Coach Detta Darnell.

52 26

53

Breath In Space The retreat is an introduction to and further development of Psychic Awareness, which covers various workshops on; Auras, Angels, Runes, Divination, Reiki Healing, Goddess Readings, Soul Cards, Intuitive Art, Psychic Energy Fields and making a magical beach labyrinth. The retreat is suitable for those just starting out and also anyone that wishes to develop their psychic gifts, or try out something new, in a relaxed and tranquil setting giving you a chance to reconnect with your soul.

Your inspirational weeks holiday will include a beautiful island trip to discover secret places, a boat trip offering the opportunity to see dolphins, great food, blue seas, amazing mountains and wonderful natural surroundings. There is also plenty of time for rest, relaxation and renewal, to recharge your energies with laughter, fun and magical moments.

The groups are deliberately kept small to assure

28

personal attention, group bonding through friendship, love and nurturing. Breath In Space is a truly unique and very special retreat in a traditional setting beside the beautiful Ionian Sea.

29

The accommodation is situated in the village itself with the choice of shared and single rooms available. There are quaint café bars and tavernas at the end of the road (approximately 100 paces!) beside the sea. You will be also be very welcome to enjoy The Enchanted Garden of the Six Potatoes - a magical place full of lemon trees, orange trees, flowers, hammocks and a shady terrace to relax.

This is the fairyland garden of Detta Darnell which is next door to your accommodation.

Prices for the retreat begin at £750 for 1 week which includes airport pick up and return, a welcome evening meal, celebratory leaving dinner, breakfast in your apartment each morning, lunches on field trips plus a visit to a delightful mountain taverna for a real Greek Lunch cooked by Eleni, followed by a visit to Detta’s very special house of The Old Kafenion, an ancient dwelling which is

30

ready for restoration and holds an amazing energy field around it.

Especially for the night owls there is a traditional night of wild Greek Dancing beside the sea where you will see local people dance for the love of it, to the unforgettable sounds of the bouzouki players and Greek singers ... you can dance if you dare!

This promises to be unlike any other retreat you will go on, both Detta and Jen eagerly await to show you their Island and share the secrets it holds.

Many magical moments are promised, psychic development for all levels, plus personal insights using different reading techniques. The retreat offers the opportunity to gather new tools, refresh old knowledge and return home restored, renewed and ready to embrace the next part of your soul journey.

Breath In Space

31

Breath In Space

32

Introduction to & Further Development of Psychic Awareness SEPT 11 TH - 18 T H 2014 KEFALONIA Jennifer Lynch

Bernadette Darnell

www.angelwisdom.co.uk www.naturalco-creators.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/retreats.kefalonia.uk.spain http://www.creativelifearts.com https://twitter.com/daretodreambig

Contact: 01449 613433 / 07856076343

Contact: 01638 669574 / 0791 560 5961

jenniferlynch7@gmail.com

bernadettedarnell@hotmail.com

33

On The Couch wit

34

th Danny Hickling How to make sense of our Relationships and discover how we can repeat mistakes and how to break these Patterns.

You might be reading this because you are experiencing problems in your current relationships. These problems, whilst seemingly unique, could have a pattern to them that has run through past relationships in various forms, and to look at this possibility might require us to look to the first experience of a very different type of ‘relationship’ we ever had - with our Mum! It could be however, that you are adopted, did not have a mum or were looked after from the start of your life by your Dad, Grandparent or even a foster parent - if so, this relationship would still apply.

Throughout the period from 1948 to 1962 two now well known names in Psychology John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth closely studied the relationships between mothers, whom Bowlby termed ‘primary caretakers’, and their children. Bowlby believed the bond that holds relationships together from the cradle to the grave was learnt at this early age and called it simply ‘attachment.’

In the experiments that Mary Ainsworth conducted, a young child was temporary separated from their mother for a few minutes and the child was was closely monitored to see how they reacted. The brief period they were separated for created what was termed by Bowlby ‘separation anxiety’ and the reactions of the children were eventually subdivided into three sets of behaviour.

It was later noted by Hazan and Shaver that these early behaviour patterns were carried through to adulthood; we will examine these three resulting groups later.

35

As I mentioned earlier in most cases we are brought up in our early years by our birth mother. When this isn’t the case we generally all at least had a primary caregiver who took on this role i.e. an adopted Mum, a single parent Dad or Grandparent, and this relationship together with the relationship that we built with them and other family members in the first 7 years of life (particularly in the first 3 years), creates a template of how we relate to others in the world. In particular, how we relate to those whom we are having an intimate relationship with and if we go on to have children, any members of the family.

It is known that this time period is also the crucial period where, as an infant, we realise we are separate to our mother, and begin to develop a sense of self, ideas of who we are and how we need to behave in order to ensure our parents or caregivers will continue to look after us.

We are all born into the world helpless - but with a primeval instinct that ensures our survival. At this age we cry for attention and seek out a face and eyes to connect with and respond to. We find a caregiver to look after us which logically is usually our biological Mum. After around six months bonding with this caregiver we begin to notice if the caretaker changes and feel unsafe and insecure if someone else holds us.

As a young child we ensure that they are never far away by having a clingy nature to ensure our caregiver is close by. As we grow older we learn through experience if that caregiver is there for us, but at times of need return to them regardless!

As we develop through adolescence into adulthood we look beyond the caregiver and immediate family for support and subconsciously try to replicate this relationship in a very different way this time with an intimate partner in a adult relationship.

If our relationship with our original caregiver and

36

their relationships with the other parent was a positive experience when we were young, then we are more likely to choose the partner whom we can have a more harmonious relationship with - if however our experience was less positive, the risk is higher that we will repeat a similar experience in adulthood repeatedly until; a. We get it right, or b. We recognise and intervene in this process changing it to a more positive experience.

A desire to find a replacement caregiver is carried into adult life, this primeval need to create ‘the relationship’ in addition to our earlier experiences of a caregiver creates a desire to attempt to replicate our earlier experiences of relationship or conversely we look for the polar opposite in an attempt to get it right! Helen Fisher (2008) talks of how Love, Sex and Attachment are intertwined as driving forces within us. Each are accessible in their purest form as we forge a relationship, but each soon blend to become a complex web as adult relationships continue i.e., if we have romantic love in time we desire sex, these two keep us together long enough to form attachment. Conversely we may subconsciously desire attachment and later have sex which increases feel good hormones such as Oxytocin & Dopamine. These in turn can stimulate feelings of love which allow us to stay around long enough for attachment to occur.

We have looked at how our early experiences affect who we are today as we have a tendency to follow through from early childhood certain sets of behaviour. As we choose an adult partner some of this behaviour repeats itself in this relationship and of course our partners have their own patterns, how our two styles of behaviour merge certain patterns can play out.

I mentioned earlier that Mary Ainsworth broke

On The Couch with Danny Hickling children’s behaviour into two main groups with differing attachment styles, the last of which is subdivided into two sub types according to their attachment types or styles. As I explained these patterns were then noticed by two researchers (Hazan and Shaver) who identified that as adults we often follow similar behaviour in our relationships. The three groups of people that both Ainsworth and Hazan and Shaver identified are listed below.

Secure Attachments are more likely to state the following about themselves in relation to romantic relationships.

“I find it relatively easy to get close to others and am comfortable depending on them and having them depend on me. I don’t often worry about being abandoned or about someone getting too close to me” (Hazan and Shaver).

People with a Secure Attachment tend to be attracted to more stable partners who can give them what they need from the outset. They are more accepting of their partners minor flaws and stay in relationships for much longer periods of time than people with the other attachment styles.

Anxious Avoidant Attachments are more likely to state the following about themselves in relation to romantic relationships.

“I am somewhat uncomfortable being close to others; I find it difficult to trust them completely, difficult to allow myself to depend on them. I am nervous when anyone gets too close, and often, love partners want me to be more intimate than I feel comfortable being” (Hazan and Shaver).

People with an avoidant attachment style change relationships more frequently or can often have longer periods out of relationships. Whilst they

may seem happier in their own company there is a tendency to push others and relationships away, this pattern is a common one and as such appears in many song lyrics such as Robbie Williams ‘Feel’ “Before I fall in love I’m preparing to leave her.”

Despite the apparent lack of desire for close relationships Avoidant attachment styles often have an inner loneliness, tolerating one relationship in the hope that the perfect partner is around the corner.

Anxious Ambivalent Attachments are more likely to state the following about themselves in relation to romantic relationships.

“I feel that others are reluctant to get as close as I would like. I often worry that my partner does not really love me or will not want to stay with me. I want to merge completely with another person, and this desire sometimes scares people away” (Hazan and Shaver).

People with this attachment style tend to have a great need to be in a relationship and desire greater level of codependency when in one. However once a relationship has been established there can be a growing insecurity and resulting anxiety that ‘they are not enough’ to keep the relationship going as this attachment style is hyper vigilant to the signs that a partners feelings might be waning. They can be very ‘giving’ if they feel they are losing their partner or become excessively jealous in a misguided attempt to protect the relationship if they feel it might be under threat from another.

The attachment style you belong to and that of your current Love partner has an effect on the relationship and the way in which you behave with each other - it does have to be noted however, that the way we are with our partner can change, and so can our attachment style throughout this

37

experience of our relationship. Therefore a bad experience can lead a secure person to become temporarily insecure. Conversely, a person with an insecure attachment can, fortunately, through the nurturing experience of a secure adult attachment figure, shift to a secure attachment pattern.

Any experience that makes us feel vulnerable loss, illness, tiredness and bereavement etc, can increase the need and anxiety in a person with an insecure attachment putting pressure on the relationship.

Of course every relationship is unique but there are some common patterns that can be recognised when partners from different attachment styles enter into a relationship, these are listed briefly below.

Both Partners Secure: In Relationships where both partners have a secure attachment style both partners have an awareness of how third actions effect the other.

38

Both partners in this type of relationship can shift between being the supporting partner to at times of need, being supported by the other partner.

Both have empathy for their partners feelings and understand their partners thoughts and beliefs.

Both Partners Anxious Ambivalent: Both partners long to be loved by the other, yet the love shown to each other is never enough to cover insecurities and can create anxieties and jealousy, so the relationship can be demanding and volatile.

Both Partners Anxious Avoidant: Both are independent and self sufficient and may have very separate friends hobbies etc. At one end of the spectrum the desire to be together can be minimal meaning these partnerships can desire to live apart or even hunt out or tolerate long distance relationships particularly well. Short term neediness created in one partner caused by illness, bereavement etc can cause anxiety, feelings of suffocation and retreat by the other partner.

Anxious Avoidant with Anxious Ambivalent: This relationship can create passion on all levels as these two partners have very different needs from a relationship and this fuels insecurity in both partners in which the Anxious Ambivalent may pursue the Avoidant partner for more attention and the Avoidant parter may then push away or verbally attack the Ambivalent partner, leaving them to feel abandoned whilst the ambivalent partner could feel distain towards their partner.

Although this partnership can create waves it doesn’t mean that its impossible to be together the key is communication and understanding of each other to help smooth the waters.

Secure Attachment with any Insecure Attachment.

This can often work as the relationship with a secure attachment style person can provide a nurturing experience and provide an environment where the insecure attachment can heal and then interchange roles by supporting the person with the secure attachment equally.

I let you see the parts of me That weren’t all that pretty And with every touch you fixed them Just Give Me A Reason - Pink This is just a brief snapshot of how our past shapes both ourselves and how our relationships evolve.

It has to be noted that if you fall into an insecure attachment style that your style can change, this can occur if you are in a relationship with someone with a secure pattern or counselling can create a change within yourself by allowing you to examine your patterns and reactions to the relationships you are in. If you would like to discover more about yourself through individual counselling or couple counselling on a wide range of issues including relationship, both face to face and online via SKYPE. Go to; www.crystalclearcounselling.co.uk Danny Hickling BSc. HONS MBACP UKCP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.

39

Yoga Health - Relieve Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people join yoga classes and it is said that at some point during our lives we may very well experience some form of spinal discomfort When you are kind to the body it will respond in an incredible way Vanda Scaravelli.

40

those postures very restorative postures and if approached correctly can feel very supported.

Because you are lying on a good surface supported by the earth you can surrender your body to gravity. A number of props and modifications can be used to aid comfort in the posture. The twist can also be performed whilst lying in bed and is great to do when you wake and before you step out of bed.

How to perform a reclining twist; Step-by-step: 1. To begin, make sure you have any props you may need around you,e.g. bolster, rolled blankets, cushion, yoga block.

I teach a specific ‘yoga for lower backs’ course aimed at those who have lower back pain and discomfort. The course is helpful for prevention and management of lower back pain and gentle reclining twists are just one of the beneficial postures included in the programme. The reclined twist is a versatile posture because it can be modified to suit every body.

2. Prepare the floor putting down a yoga mat or use two yoga mats or anything that will be firm and comfortable for you to lie on.

I have yet to hear of one of my clients say that they do not like Reclining Twists. It is one of

4. Lengthen your neck and spine and keep your tail bone grounded. Allow your lower back

3. Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet to the floor and relax for a few minutes. Tune into your breath and allow your spine to settle on the floor.

e Lower Back Pain with a Reclining Twist to be neutral finding its natural arch. Soften your shoulders back towards the earth, arms by your side resting on the floor. If you find your head naturally tilts backwards use a small neatly folded towel underneath your head to lengthen the neck and encourage chin toward your chest.

5. Take a few gentle, breaths relaxing your whole body a little deeper on the exhalation.

6. Bring awareness to your naval and remember to draw the naval toward the spine to support your lower back.

7. Spread the arms out and place them on the floor, just below shoulder height, palms face up toward the sky.

8. Bring the knees and feet together.

9. Take an inhale and as you exhale slowly with control and naval engaged allow your legs to roll to your right side.

10. The twisting action is most effective when the left shoulder stays firmly on the ground. If the arm floats and your arm won’t reach the ground use a folded blanket or cushion and

place underneath the arm for support.

11. Aim to rest your right knee on the floor with your left knee on top of the right. If you find your knees do not reach the floor once again use a prop underneath the right upper outside of leg, e.g. bolster, cushion.

12. Turn your head slowly to gaze toward the left thumb and then close your eyes so you can tune into how your body feels, being mindful of any signals your body may be giving you.

13. The longer you stay in the posture the more you will feel the benefit. While you are trying to deepen the stretch, become fully aware of every part of the body that is feeling the stretch.

14. Relax the body and focus your awareness on your breathing, breath in to the side, back and front ribs. Wherever you feel any tightness let go and relax those muscles and allow your body to ease into the posture slowly. As the muscles relax, you may be able to go deeper into the twist.

15. Let go of any effort to deepen the stretch and simply allow gravity to do its work while you

41

1. maintain total mindfulness of every muscle that is feeling the stretch. Hold the twist for five minutes or longer.

2. To release the twist, turn your head to centre, engage your naval toward the spine and gently draw your knees back to centre.

3. Adjust your starting position and when you are ready repeat the above steps on the other side (left).

4. When you have finished lie in Shavasana (relaxation) for a few minutes.

5. Draw your knees towards your chest and turn slowly to your side using your hands to help you and roll up to sitting or standing.

Props If you find the above too strong on your lower spine modify using props. For example, place a small yoga block or cushion between to the inside of the upper thighs. This is a softer version and modification. Alternatively if you would like to deepen the twist you can start with the knees hugging in towards your chest, keep your knees together and roll slowly to your side on an exhale.

Benefits: • Stretching and twisting of the spine makes the back, especially the lower back, strong and supple.

• Great for the health of the spine and the entire nervous system as all the nerves pass through the spine.

• Encourages massage of the internal organs e.g.

42

liver, pancreas and the intestine, improving their functioning.

• Helps digestion.

• Improves blood circulation throughout the body.

• Helps eliminate metabolic waste and toxins. The organs also get fresh oxygenated blood.

• Reduces fatigue and brings about a feeling of well-being and relaxation.

• It is said the posture is also helpul for those suffering from migraines and headaches.

From the photos you will see I have included various modifications of the reclining twist.

Contraindications Avoid the posture if you have severe back pain or any form of disc problems.

Avoid any compression to the abdomen if you have had recent abdominal surgery or pregnant.

As tension is released and joints become free new deep muscles awaken, increasingly movement takes place in the spine rather than in the large superficial muscles that are accustomed to working Vanda Scaravelli Barbara Ives BWY(Dip) Health and Wellbeing Coach www.yoganorfolk.com

ISSUE 1

UNIVERSAL MIND BODY SPIRIT

Intuitive Tarot

Gratitude Animal Healing

Soul Freind WIN

Yoga &

3 books In our free competition

Weight Loss?

To advertize your business, product or services and to discover our incredible rates contact: samantha@universal-magazine.com

The digital magazine for Holistic Living

Mariko Kinoshita Art works : 1985-1994 霧幻想 蘭を描くと、蘭の森になりました。 そこには、鹿達が楽しそうに駆け回っています。 自由に、美しく・ ・・夢のよ うな世界でした。 Kirigenso – Mist Mirage: 1994 Osaka. Fantasy Watercolour The form of the orchid was painted first, and then suddenly the orchids became strange trees in a forest and deer leaped between them. Nature first: phantasy later.

44

Art by Mariko Kinoshita... ...A Fusion of Nature and Phantasy Mariko Kinoshita is an artist and Buddhist practitioner. She has spent a large part of her life working to bring true and lasting happiness to the Japanese people through the Buddha’s teachings. Born in the south west of Japan, her paintings come from her imagination first stimulated by natural phenomena, which later create fantastical visions. She is especially inspired by any field-flowers growing naturally because of their freedom and strength which she respects, and she loves to travel and collect impressions, which later are worked into pictures. In the future, she is interested in capturing more of rural Japan combined with spiritual images on byobu, traditional folding screens used to adorn and divide rooms. She works closely with writer Linden Thorp to produce illustrations and book jackets.

Mariko Kinoshita - Facebook

45

カノーラのひと 人里離れたウッド湖のほとりに、物憂げな女性。 サマーデイジーを摘みながら、寂しさを紛らわしているの でしょうか？ Kenora – Loneliness: 1984, Kenora, Ontario, Canada. Fantasy Watercolour.

Painting beside the Lake of the Wood, summer daisies were in abundance. A sense of the dramatic quality of Japanese culture as compared with the neutral of central Canada created a feeling of loneliness.

46

岸辺 故郷に向かう道。春の花が川辺にあふれています。 日本の春は桜のイメージですが、 私は黄色い野の花に魅せられます。暖かく、私の故郷を彷彿とさせる風景です。 Kishibe – Flood Plain Flower; 1991: Abstract Watercolour On my way to my hometown on the north-western coast of Honshu, Japan, spring flowers were abundant.

Spring is a joyful time in Japan everyone taking to the sakura picnic areas. But I prefer the yellow of these field flowers. They signal the warmth of summer which is my natural element as I was born in southern Japan.

47

48

コスモスの夕べ 家路に向かう、秋の夕べ。楽しかった一日。友と手を 取り合って、又明日も遊ぼうね！ と、懐かしいあの頃を思い出します。 Cosumosu 4.岸辺 故郷に向かう道。春の花が川辺にあふれています。 日本の春は桜のイメージですが、 私は黄色い野の花に魅せられます。暖かく、私の故 郷を彷彿とさせる風景です。 Kishibe – Flood Plain Flower; 1991: Abstract Watercolour This is from a childhood memory. As a child going happily home with friends as the sun set among fields of Cosmos in old Japan with its pagodas and temple roofs.

49

7.シクラメン シクラメンの女性的な物腰。妖精が生まれてきそうです。 Cyclamen – 1987: Osaka: Fantasy Watercolour The Cyclamen Fairy used her magic to create new cyclamen fairies. This is a self-portrait, gorgeous, feminine.

50

ニューイヤーイヴ カナダの冬。 キーンと澄んだ空気。 カウントダウンの時に外に飛び出すと、 そこには月輪が・・・幸せのオー メンなり！ Kenora New Year – 1984: Fantasy Chalk and Watercolour This is cold, clean and sacred. The Moon Halo inspired me to wish for happiness for all beings in the coming year.

51

原野 春を告げる菜の花は、 日本中いたるところで咲きます。 シルエットにすると。原野になりました。 Gennya – Wilderness: 1994 Osaka. Fantasy Watercolour.

Nano-hana is a common bright yellow field flower in bloom all over Japan in early spring. By putting the flower itself into silhouette, the feeling became wilder.

52

蓮 蓮畑の中を抜ける通勤道。大きな葉をベットにしたら、 どんなに素敵でしょうか？ Lotus – 1990: Kyoto; Fantasy Watercolour On my way to work across the marshes reclaimed from the swamps, I imagine myself slumbering on a bed of lotuses which filled the fields.

53

Intuitiv If you have been following this series of articles and putting some of this into practise you should now have a rough idea of how to open up on a psychic level and a little on the Major Arcana of the Tarot. Using your own intuition you will gradually gain insight and confidence in reading the cards.

Now we are going to look at the court cards. These represent the people you encounter in life. The court cards often cause the greatest difficulty in understanding the Tarot. Which, if we think about it is probably a true reflection of how complex and complicated people are. Traditionally they have very fixed interpretations but personally I find these too limiting.

Normally, in most sets, there are the Kings, Queens, Knights and Pages. Now to me this has always presented an imbalance. Here we have what appears to be three varieties of male cards with Kings, Knights and Pages and all the females must be the Queens. In real life this isn’t so. My best advice on reading these cards is to see them as a-sexual. By taking the qualities that each image gives you it is possible to see the people as either sex. So try not to be blinded by the titles.

With the Kings and Queens most readers agree that these represent adults in our lives. And Knights are often viewed as young people from teens to midtwenties. With the pages sometimes being children or messengers. But each pack varies so keep an open mind and go with what your gut instinct and intuition is saying. So if, for example, you feel that the Page of Swords is an old man then fine, that is what your inner knowing is guiding you to see. There are no real strict boundaries here. All we really have to do is see them as people.

The court cards are similar to the ones you find in normal playing cards. They are split into the four suites, so for hearts see cups. For diamonds see pentacles or coins, for spades see swords and for clubs see wands. So we have Kings, Queen, Knight

54

ve Tarot and Page of Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands. This gives us 16 court cards.

If you are familiar with astrological sun signs it is also possible to link the Kings, Queens and Knights to these. Once you have worked your way through each card making your instinctive and intuitive notes relating to them then take a deeper look at them based on this extra information.

Kings of Cups - Cancer - Ruled by the Moon.

Some words associated with this one are, intuitive, empathic, protective, healing, sensitive, needy, crabby, tenacious, and moody.

Queen of Cups - Scorpio - Ruled by Pluto. Some words associated with this one are, passionate, intense, deep, transformative, enquiring, mysterious, addictive, louche, and vengeful.

Knight of Cups - Pisces - Ruled by Neptune. Some words associated with this one are, dreamers, hypersensitive, adaptable, mystical, intuitive, escapists, creative, morose and pessimistic.

King of Pentacles - Capricorn - Ruled by Saturn Some words associated with this one are, industrious, funny, eccentric, capricious, secure, resourceful, controlling, awkward, harsh.

Queen of Pentacles - Taurus - Ruled by Venus Some words associated with this one are, empathic, materialistic, stamina, earthy, sensible, prudent, cautious, stubborn, mercenary.

Knight of Pentacles - Virgo - Ruled by Mercury - some words associated with this one are, perfectionist, idealist, practical, visionary, creative, fecundity, obsessive, irritable, ruthless.

King of Swords - Libra - Ruled by Venus - Some words associated with this one are, balance, harmony, fairness, equality, mindfulness, authority, power, wilful, canny, divisive.

55

Queen of Swords - Aquarius - Ruled by Uranus (some also say Saturn) - Some words associated with this one are, original, individualistic, visionary, imaginative, artistic, organised, methodical, spiteful, arrogant, depressive.

Knight of Swords - Gemini - Ruled by Mercury.

Some words associated with this one are, communicative, sociable, active, youthful, playful, mischievous, opposing, dualistic, and devious.

King of Wands - Aries - Ruled by Mars. Some words associated with this one are, energetic, enthused, busy, active, creative, strength, impatient, confrontational, selfish.

Queen of Wands - Leo - Ruled by The Sun. Some words associated with this one are, fun, gregarious, compassionate, proud, helpful, generous, lazy, insensitive, morose.

Knight of Wands - Sagittarius - Ruled by Jupiter.

Some words associated with this one are, lucky, knowing, sharing, alertness, changeable, restless, neurotic, unstable, explosive.

This information does take us beyond the intuitive but where the court cards are concerned, and people in general, I think it is invaluable to glean a little more information. And with this in mind I find this enormously helpful in getting to grips with these cards. Having a little knowledge about the generalised qualities of each sun sign can give greater insight into the person each card is drawing our attention to. Don’t worry if the person concerned is not born of this sun sign, it just means that they have strong energies around and in them right at this moment that relate to the sign.

So knowing this we can intuitively start to see each of these cards begin to truly become an individual personality. The Pages are slightly different however.

These are more to do with having an important

56

message for you. So each one can mean that someone is appearing with just such news.

Page of Cups is normally positive emotional news of some description. If relating to a person it is normally someone who is loving and caring and only has your best interests at heart.

Page of Pentacles is normally positive news regarding

When relating to a person this is someone who has much energy and little focus.

All of the above further information is hugely generalised. For going beyond the basic and into deeper waters with the Tarot it helps to study both the Qaballah and Qlippoth that give you both sides of the Tree of life and much more psychological insight.

Given the wide diversity of personalities in the world it is hard to see how just 12 cards can possibly manage to describe all the people we meet and have in our lives. But, just like the astrological sun signs do, the court cards normally manage to give enough information about a particular person for us to have a rough or indeed accurate idea of who each card pertains to.

Now other clues are also helpful, such as, the cards before and after the court card, any that you cross or place upon it. All these elements help us to identify who the person is that the card relates to. And then it is normally just a matter of feeling our way to the greater or deeper message within.

So try a simple spread using one random Major card and one random court card.

Look at the overriding advice of the Major card, what is it trying to say to you about your relationship with this person? Can you work out who this might be? Is it relating to you rather than another person? work, money and or a materialistic item. If denoting a person this is someone who is good with money and hardworking.

Page of Swords is often news that is overdue and might cause concern. This can imply someone who is not to be trusted or is being devious.

Page of Wands is news regarding future actions.

Next time we journey into the minor arcana and complete our brief exploration into Intuitive Tarot.

If you would like to know more about working with Tarot then check out my web site for up and coming workshops.

Gill MacDonald www.tarotandhealing.co.uk

57

Karuna Rei The Karuna Reiki® System was originally developed by William Lee Rand and other healers at The International Center for Reiki Training.

William Rand has described how the Reiki came about:

I received my Usui Reiki training in 1981 and 1982 while living in Hawaii. I became an Usui Reiki Master in 1989 after moving to Michigan. After becoming a Master, I decided to study with other Reiki Masters so as to deepen my understanding of Reiki. I went on to take the Usui Master training from three other Usui Masters as well.

The roots of Karuna Reiki® come from Usui and Tibetan Reiki. During the time that William Rand travelled around the country exchanging treatments, information, attunements and techniques with other Reiki Masters and Practitioners, he believed that healing is a never ending study and greater benefits will come from the Higher Power if they are sought. In 1989 William began using non-Usui Reiki symbols and attunement techniques which were claimed to have been of great benefit. Then in 1993, he gathered together a number of his best students and they began to experiment with the additional non-Usui symbols. William Rand and these students helped guide this new form of Reiki along with new symbols and attunements. In 1995 this new healing Reiki became named Karuna Reiki® which can be defined as Reiki of Compassion. The energies that are connected to Karuna Reiki® are unique to the system because the attunements are different and so is the intention.

58

It is extended to others out of love and a compassion for others. Karuna Reiki® opens us up to work more closely with all enlightened beings, physically and spiritually. Thus the healing is quickened. Karuna energies can lift us up to a higher understanding and a healthier way of living.

Once you’ve decided to follow your path along the Karuna Reiki® way, you tend to have already

iki Healing

Combining the Karuna Reiki® and Usui Reiki when working on clients, allows the two energies to blend together ‘giving’ wonderful results which leaves clients feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The Karuna symbols can be chanted during a session or used telepathically depending on the clients’ preferences.

made a decision and choice which is to allow old ways to be released. The Karuna Reiki® will bring about a feeling of oneness and will aid progress along your spiritual path by bringing about feelings of compassion which can be felt in the heart.

The energies heal us and also reach out to others around us through the use of the symbols which can be combined with sound.

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.

Hyppocrates For more information and available courses go to; www.serenitytouch.co.uk Hayley Pearson

59

THE BOOK SHELF

Wake Up And Eat The Kale

Divine Intervention

By Wendy Marie Banting

By Dawn Chrystal

In 2010, Wendy Banting was diagnosed with advanced aggressive breast cancer. In that lifedefining moment, she felt strongly that she needed to leave the traditional medical model of treating cancer in favour of a more natural approach. In the pioneering spirit of her famous relative Sir Frederick Banting, discoverer of insulin, who was also working towards a cure for cancer in his last days, she has forged a new vision and model to address cancer as it becomes more prevalent.

Wendy believes that the possibility of healing naturally lies within each person. Discover the steps Wendy took to cure her own cancer, without surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Your Spiritual Development Workshop Manual Helping you to help yourself.

“It is not the paved paths that advances our knowledge, but the ventures beyond conventional wisdom that constantly opens our eyes to endless possibilities. The readers of this book may agree or disagree with the path Wendy has chosen to fight cancer, but we can only admire her courage for pursuing unconventional healing strategies.

Her cancer journey is remarkable, and will remain an inspiration for many who seek hope in the face of harsh reality.” Dr. Tallal Younis Medical Oncologist, Halifax www.wendybanting.com

60

Have you ever felt a real need to change something in your life, or an inspiration to do something but don’t know where to start? Dawn takes you on a journey of self discovery and development.

Your Spiritual Development Manual will take you through gentle steps to show how you can simplify your life, and find all the answers you seek.

We are all working through times of great transformations. These changes will bring about great rewards, so we are sending you help to show you how you can take control of yourself through these exciting times.

The book is a simple step by step guide to give you the realisation of the outside experiences we all get caught up in. When you recognise the effect this can have, we know you will want to make the necessary changes. You will be able to recognise where you are, work gently through the changes, and work on being true to yourself.

This is your journey. www.dawnchrystal.co.uk

Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disenfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourses of my book friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness Helen Keller

Temple of the Phoenix

By Linden Thorp ABOUT THE BOOK: Have you created your own private universe in your head? Is your life troubled by ups and downs, by doubts and fears, by anger and bitterness if you fail to get your own way? Dr. Meredith Capethorne lives her life in such a private vacuum, certain that everything outside her universe is none of her concern. Then she comes to Japan, during which time she encounters the mysteries of the universe at large and steps out of her own forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Linden Thorp is currently a university teacher in Japan specialising in Academic English, but she has lived many other lives, which she now feels she is sufficiently wise to engage fully in the process of writing new works about and in editing and revising old so-far unpublished ones, in order to share her enchanted life experiences with the world of readers at large.

Born in 1952 in Manchester, in the northwest of England, she has vigorously pursued many dreams and been able to realise most of them. But through many adventures, such as two years backpacking around the world, living with Australian aborigines in the process, and six years residing in a remote village in the French Pyrenees, and several careers, as professional musician, music therapist and teacher, Alexander teacher, organic gardener, chef, reporter and restaurant reviewer, temple keeper, turkey farmer, and academic skills lecturer, there have been two consistent threads. One is ‘scribbling’ as she calls it; the other is Buddhist study and practice.

Writing and the practice of Buddhist teachings are infinitely compatible in her view in that they both reach the realm of the higher self, the place from which we can be enabled to live life to the fullest. She is a published poet and academic and has written two novels and a series of short stories. Nowadays, the mystical atmosphere of Japan stimulates all aspects of her life, and she has found the Buddhist teaching of her dreams in a branch of the Shingon School of Japanese Buddhism, in which she is about to be ordained.

Available on Amazon in paperback and Ebook

61

THE BOOK SHELF

No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to selfchosen ignorance Confucius

The Earth Changes by Anne Fallas Anne Fallas’s allegorical tale challenges us head on to question our views on our dependence upon consumerism; the politics of greed; our general apathy as to the power of nature; and asks should we consider alternatives before one or other catastrophe engulfs us, or will circumstance be allowed to dictate our ultimate condition?

62

form a close relationship. On an individual level they face personal challenges, overcome hurdles and move into positive change.

As a group they build a small self-reliant community and together they face immense challenges. Supporting each other they adapt and with a greater awareness and a new vision, they help create a new world.

“This is a very rare animal, an eco-novel written well. Set in France at time when the Earth’s climate is unravelling, it tells the story of a group of people who are struggling to make sense of their lives, build a small, self-sufficient community and prepare for a post-technological world. Rather than being gloomy, it treats the exploration of a new way of living with optimism and joy.

Encoded in the tale are metaphors about human and planetary evolution that would be familiar to students of esoteric psychology. The novel works.

I read it cover to cover and enjoyed its style and structure and I didn’t find it obvious or preachy.

Worth seeking out.” Maddy Harland, Editor, Permaculture Magazine

‘I realised when I was young that I was living in an unstable world,’ Charlie shrugged. ‘I didn’t and I still don’t, want to depend on a society I can’t trust.’ [ext chap 13]

A small group of people are drawn together and

www.annefallas.fr

‘The rules and confines of man were being replaced by an order that was natural, pure and whole. It had no limits. It was linked to and by the waves of celestial thought. This was truth radiating and illuminating itself.’ [ext epilogue] “We are nature, we are human, we are spirit and we all share the vision.” Anne Fallas.

ISBN: 978-0-9568937-0-3

Numerology... ...Connecting to the inner spark or Soul Essence

The first vowel (a.e.i.o.u.) in the first name as given at birth gives the number of the inner spark or soul essence. It is the essential spark of our true self. It is the spark of the Divine light which burns within us all.

To link to your inner spark or soul essence you need to look at the first vowel letter of your first name, see RED GRID oposite. For example if your first name is Sheila then the first vowel would be ‘e’ which gives a number value of 5.The number of your soul essence is 5. To see what this means for you see the interpretations below.

If you have a name where y is used as a vowel i.e.

Lynn, Wynn etc. Then use the y as a vowel.

A and I ( and Y ). =1) This number brings great inner strength and a need to be in control of your own life. It’s no good anyone trying to tell you what to do or how to do it. If they ask you nicely that’s a different story. You are not a follower and need to be allowed to find your own way through life and are fiercely independent from a young age.

Influenced by the sun you have wonderful warmth to you that which enables you to motivate others through quiet encouragement. To tune into the energy of 1 wear red and visualize a circle which represents pure potential.

E=5) This is the number of the free spirit and of adventure. Communication is the gift of the five along with an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Where?, Why,? When?, How?, so many questions.

This soul seeks to learn everything about everything and to explore the world around them from a very young age. The five really does not like to be restricted in any way and needs room to grow. There is often a love of Theatre, Art or Music with this as your soul essence number. The colour which links to the number five is a bright light sky Blue. The shape is the Pentagon or Pentacle.

Often associated with magical properties this shape simply brings together the five elements of Air,Earth,Fire,Water and Spirit.

64

O=7) The number of the philosopher. A high intellect with a need to analyse. There is a need to know how things work. These are the children who take things to pieces and often manage to put them back together again. Deep thinkers and very private about their personal life none the less the seven needs a stable family life. The seven needs to have quiet time to themselves to contemplate and meditate and to simply BE. Seven is the number of the Mysteries and also of Music and with this as a soul essence number you will almost certainly be drawn to these subjects. To connect with the energy of seven try a Sound Bath or walk a Labyrinth or Spiral. The colour is Purple or Lilac.

U=6) Sensitive souls with an inner need to care and to nurture. There is a love of nature and of beauty and an ability to adapt to any situation.

The six loves people and especially family. It is important that the home environment is a place of harmony and balance in order for the six to function at their best. The six is badly affected by dis-harmony or negativity. Six needs emotional stability, to love and to be loved. Often the six will have creative Artistic abilities which tend to be used to make their home unique and beautiful.

The shape to connect to six is the Hexagon and the colour is Deep dark blue. To connect with the energy of six spend time in Nature. Take time to really appreciate the Beauty of nature. As six is all about balance then exercise such as Yoga or Tai Chi or Pilates would be beneficial.

For further information or to book a personal reading contact; Vikki Fosdal - Facebook

The western version of the Chaldean /Hebrew conversion chart: 1

2 3

A B C I

5 6 7 8

D E U O F

K G M H V Z P

Q R L J

4

S

T

N W X

Y

65

Animal Healing It was the early hours of a cold, early November morning and I was tucked up in bed. All of a sudden I felt the sweep of a cats’ paw brush over my face. I started to cough and feel dizzy and the brush developed into a tap. I thought I was dreaming until I awoke from my slumber wheezing and gasping for air.

One November night Timmy rescue. Can animal communi

As I opened my eyes I saw a white mist swirling around my bed. I sat up and became aware that the mist was actually smoke; and it was permeating the whole of my bedroom. Timmy, my cat, was frantically meowing, almost wailing at my bedroom door.

I rose to my feet and was a little disorientated as I stepped onto the landing. I was met by wall to wall of thick black smoke. I staggered into my parent’s room and tried to rouse them, but I failed. By this time Timmy was shrieking and I knew he was in distress. I screamed as loud as I could, my parents awoke and started to choke on the smoke fumes that had engulfed the whole of the upstairs.

I grabbed Timmy as we made our way downstairs and out of the front door; no time to put on shoes or coats. Flames consumed the whole of the first floor of our neighbour’s house and a man stood shouting, banging on the window frame trying to escape.

Dad saw the commotion and went to help him.

As I stood on our lawn frightened and trying to console Timmy, neighbours had started to gather.

Luckily someone had called the fire brigade as we didn’t have a telephone in the early 1970’s.

‘Jump’, my Dad called out, ‘smash the window’, he said. With an almighty bang a chair landed on the front lawn, along with a load of glass and debris.

66

The man was reluctant to let go of the window frame but with coaxing from Dad, the man let out a scream as he leapt, landing straight on Dad’s foot!

He was in agony but he tried not to let it show.

Timmy had begun to become even more agitated

...Timmy

expressed his gratitude for his ication from a cat save lives?...

Dad; Dad had a broken foot. We were taken to a neighbour’s house as a fire officer questioned Mum and I about the event. The officer informed us that our house was unsafe to return to, and said that another 2 minutes of smoke inhalation could have killed us all.

Extraordinarily, Timmy was never allowed to sleep indoors. Somehow he must have sneaked back in after Dad had put him outdoors for the night. Timmy saved our lives, and for this I will be eternally grateful.

Timmy was undoubtedly the catalyst for my journey into animal healing. He awakened the healing potential within me. The healing power that we all possess, if only we would all ignite it.

Little did I know that my journey working with animals would be one that would span many years and see me work with hundreds of animals each one having a special place within my heart. My remarkable journey has also enabled me to make many personal discoveries and acquire much profound knowledge from the animal kingdom.

so jumped from my arms. As the commotion progressed with the arrival of the fire brigade, the flames were being extinguished as the smell of acrid vapour was all around.

An ambulance took the man hospital, along with

From that initial connection with my scrawny black cat, Timmy has guided me every step of the way and has pushed me on to share my knowledge of healing and communicating with animals. From my first introduction into animal healing at the age of five, to developing professional animal therapy training courses within my training school: Animal Magic School of Animal Therapy, I know Timmy has walked with me every step of the way‌ Niki Senior www.animalhealingcourses.co.uk

67

Chirology Welcome to the third part of palm reading for beginners, using my personal style and method of palm reading this series will give you an overview of palm reading and show you how to conduct a basic reading for yourself and your friends.

The series will help you to understand what the length, shape, and size of the fingers, and the lines marks and mounds on the hands represent. This knowledge can give you a wealth of information about the character of your own palm, or of the owner of the palm you are looking at.

The fingers When looking at a person’s fingers it is important to look at the non-dominant hand first and then compare this with the dominant hand (the one used for writing). You will then be able to see how

68

the person has used and applied the traits they were born with shown in the non-dominant hand, with the traits they have developed, shown in the dominant hand.

You are likely to be surprised at the amount of information you can learn about yourself, or the person you are reading for, just by looking at each finger.

Palm reading for beginners The middle finger is known as the finger of Saturn.

The ring finger is known as the finger of Apollo.

The little finger is known as the finger of Mercury.

The middle finger, the finger of Saturn is the balance finger, and usually the longest of the five fingers.

As in the example on page 68, Jupiter and Apollo are usually roughly equal in length.

Mercury - usually reaches to just below the top section of the Apollo finger, this can be a confusing finger to read as you need to adjust the comparison length due to the downwards slope of the palm.

This is done by measuring the Mercury finger then comparing that measurement to the finger of Apollo. Using my own hand as an example and taking two measurements, the Mercury finger measures 6cm and the finger of Apollo 5.5cm, this makes the Mercury finger long. A difference of 1cm would be short and anything in-between average.

For each finger you need to compare its size compared to the non-dominant hand and its size in relation to the other fingers.

Let us begin with the finger next to the thumb, Jupiter.

Jupiter – confidence, assertiveness, taking risks.

Take a look at your own hands, palm side up and identify the names for each finger.

The example on page 68 shows a hand with ‘average’ finger lengths. Many of the hands you look at will be average, look for any unusual features to focus your reading on.

The index finger is known as the finger of Jupiter.

Jupiter, reflects how confident a person is, how assertive they can be and how they apply these traits to their daily lives. The longer the finger the more confident and more of a risk taker the person may be.

If the non-dominant hand has a short finger of Jupiter, and the dominant hand has a short finger of Jupiter, the person in question may prefer not to take any risks in life, they may be cautious with

69

money and always need to feel secure.

If the non-dominant hand has a short Jupiter finger and the dominant hand a long Jupiter finger it would indicate that the person has worked hard to improve their confidence and their belief in themselves. This may also indicate success in business.

If the dominant Jupiter finger is exceptionally long it is likely to belong to someone with plenty of confidence and exceptional leadership skills.

If the both fingers of Jupiter are of average length, that is similar in length to the Apollo finger, the owner will have average confidence levels.

Saturn – balance: As previously mentioned the middle finger, Saturn, is the balance point of the hand.

A long Saturn finger can indicate a person who wants things done their way, they can be dominant in their determination to achieve their goals.

A short non-dominant Saturn finger and a long dominant Saturn finger can have the person feeling in conflict with their own desires and ambitions.

A person with a short finger of Saturn is often a free spirit, they dance to the beat of their own drum but may need plenty of will power to stay on track with any area of their lives.

An average length Saturn finger is owned by the person who is on the whole balanced in all areas of their life.

Apollo – creativity, love and emotions.

It is worth mentioning that most men will have a longer Apollo finger than Jupiter finger compared to women, so bear this in mind when carrying out your assessment. This is thought to be due to males experiencing a higher exposure of testosterone when in the womb.

70

The Apollo finger reflects a person’s attitude to life, love and commitment and also the creative side of their nature.

A short non-dominant finger combined with a long dominant finger shows the person has worked to develop creative skills in their life.

A long non-dominant Apollo finger and a short or average dominant Apollo finger show the person has hidden talents waiting to be developed.

An overly long ring finger is the sign of a risk taker in all areas of their life, this person may find commitment difficult and are likely to be very sensitive.

A short Apollo finger can indicate a weak or selfish nature.

Studies have shown that people with a longer than average Apollo finger on the dominant hand, excel at mathematics and physics.

Mercury – communication and language.

Use the method of measuring described above to determine if the Apollo finger is long, short or average.

The mercury finger reflects all areas of communication and language in our lives be that the spoken word and language, the written word or the language of love!

A person with a long Mercury finger is likely to have an artistic or creative nature. They may be musical, if this is the case the palm is likely to have a sharp angle at the base of the thumb. They will be good communicators with speech or the written word.

Very long Mercury fingers are often found on the hands of an actors and those of a flamboyant nature. Those individuals with long Mercury fingers are often good with money and creative with words.

Often the owner of a long Mercury finger can be easily hurt or upset.

A short Mercury finger can indicate a person who is not interested in commitment and would prefer to remain ever young, refusing to grow up and accept any kind of responsibility.

Generally speaking, if the base of any of the fingers are soft and fleshy the person is prone to over indulgence.

If the base of the fingers is firm they can be very fixed in their ideas about life.

The wearing of Rings It can be interesting to notice which fingers people wear their rings on and how that reflects their nature and personality. Take a look at family, friends and those in the public eye to see if you agree with the definitions given below.

A ring worn on the thumb can indicate a person who wants to be in control at all times and can be very dominant.

A ring worn on the finger of Jupiter shows a desire to be the boss.

A ring worn on the finger of Saturn shows the wearer is concerned with maintaining personal and financial security.

A ring worn on the Apollo finger reflects matters of love and the heart.

A ring worn on the finger of Mercury indicates an interest in all areas of communication and business.

The History behind making a two finger gesture While researching for my book I came across this little piece of history which I found very interesting.

The offensive gesture of raising the two fingers of Jupiter and Saturn in a V shape is thought to date back to the hundred years war (1337-1453) between the French and the English. The English were excellent shots with their long bows and arrows. If an English bowman was captured by a Frenchman his two bow fingers (Jupiter and Saturn) would be cut off, this was the worst injury any archer could have inflicted upon them and prevented the bowman from ever firing his bow again.

Any English archers who had not been captured would taunt the enemy by raising the two fingers of Jupiter and Saturn to show they were intact and able to fire a bow and arrow!

NEXT ISSUE Palmistry for beginners part four.

The main palm lines. The heart line, head line, fate line and the life line.

For further information and for personal readings contact; Ursula Oak www.UrsulaOak.blogspot.co.uk

71

Archangel - Uriel Uriel – God is my Light -Divine Fire – Keeper of Earth Mysteries Angel of Fire You burn away my past.

As I let go, your flames cleanse my heart.

I rise up once again from the ashes to start anew I am moving into transcendence Uriel is both an Archangel and a Cherub or Seraph angel. His name means God is Light. He’s above us and he oversees us. He is very responsible for our connection to planet earth. He helps us to resolve international conflicts such as war and on a much smaller scale he helps us with our inner conflicts. His teaching is about forgiveness. As he washes away our negativity as we learn to forgive others and ourselves (in religious terms this is known as repentance).

Artist Helen Manville - Facebook

Uriel holds a disc of tarnished copper which reminds us of the stability of our connection through the earth. He represents our security and search for confidence and success. He’s often seen as an emblem of a bull because he’s extremely strong and determined, there’s no holding him back. He watches over thunder and terror and unleashes our inner wisdom. He’s also both a hurricane and a calm sea. He’s the angel of the southerly fair wind. He stands at the gate of Eden with his sword of fire. This archangel is very much connected to the elemental realms, or nature spirits, which restore harmony beauty and balance.

He is also associated with electricity, fire and solar energy.

Uriel brings peace to us by instilling determination.

If you are feeling annoyed, irritable or angry, he can help release this. Sometimes we really struggle to let go of a situation which no longer serve us.

Situations can make us angry and this can lead us into volatile or unstable relationships. This angel’s energy can help these feelings rise to the surface, so that they can be healed. He helps to clear the

solar plexus and purifies energies which are out of harmony.

Archangel Uriel is also connected to transformation and alchemy. He awakens our own abilities by awaking us to manifestation. He brings insight, knowledge and illumination. He’s particularly connected to the mental plane because encourages us to study and follow our spiritual path. By connecting with Archangel Uriel, we become aware of ideas and we can put those ideas into action. He helps us find the courage to move forward by transforming negative actions into positive and he gives us focus. Through connecting with his energy nothing remains hidden because it rises to the surface to be healed.

We are able to think more clearly and our spiritual growth is accelerated. When we connect with Archangel Uriel we are blessed by his knowledge and wisdom. His energy provides an open channel which connects in to the higher planes of consciousness so we can co-create in love and understanding.

Planet – Uranus – metal - copper – his rays golden orange, rose and purple.

Crystals – Amethyst for intuition and perception and angelite which is used to connect to the wisdom of the angels.

Jennifer Lynch For 1-1 Angel Card Readings go to: www.angelwisdom.co.uk

73

Life after Death... ...Is This Life All We Have?

Part 2: What happens after we die? In the 2nd of this 3-part series, Daniel Parmeggiani explores the western belief in heaven & hell as we continue our search for the truth about life after death.

In the first part of this series, we explored the “rational,” scientific position that this life is all there is and found that our intrinsic human spirit demands a lot more from our existence. If it’s true that ‘you only live once’, then Macbeth was right when he said that “Life is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” However, if we do go on, the plot thickens and the human story has a chance to provide all the meaning, fairness, connection, safety, and fulfilment we all naturally long for.

So, if death is not the end, what happens after we die?

There are two main belief systems on this subject, the Western belief in Judgment, or the Eastern belief in reincarnation. In Part 2 of this 3 part series, we will take a look at the belief in Heaven and Hell that we, in the Western world, tend to embrace the most.

We respect, watch and participate in sporting events partly because we are assured that there is a level of fairness for all participants. Now imagine a horse race where each horse has a different starting point. In this race, some horses are placed just before the finish line and must walk just a few feet to cross it while others are placed farther back and must gallop much further. Certain horses start out pointing in the wrong direction and for others, the gate never opens and they can’t run at all. When the race is over, only those that finish under a certain time are “saved” while the rest are

condemned. What would you think of such an event?

Being judged after our death is akin to such an unfair, ridiculous horse race. In a world where every person is exposed to a unique set of experiences, influences, and circumstances, some of us start out pointed in the wrong direction, while others might be born with a terminal illness without a chance to even get out of the starting gate. Still others are born into the perfect situation and learn all the right things, essentially placing them just short of the finish line.

More than 2.2 billion people in the world consider themselves Christian and believe that after we die, we experience divine judgment and are rewarded with eternal life in Heaven or eternal damnation in Hell. But given that each one of us has a unique set of experiences, fears, struggles and lessons, why should we be judged at all, especially after just one short life?

I’m just going to come out and say that this whole concept of eternal damnation in Hell doesn’t make any sense. Even at 13, when I was attending 7th grade at a Catholic school, I had to object. I thought it completely unfair that a God would judge us in such a way and dish out such a horrible punishment. Then I was taught that this same God loved me and that I was supposed to love him in return. Sorry, but I just can’t love something so mean and terrifying.

75

When you think about it, eternal Hell is the cruelest idea imaginable. Being endless, it is infinitely worse than life in prison, which is only temporary, plus in prison they don’t typically set you on fire. I would say that sending “sinful” groups of people to endure the fires of Hell for eternity is even worse than what Hitler did.

Hitler also judged and found others deserving of condemnation, but Hitler could only arrange temporary suffering for his victims. The idea of a God who is capable of sentencing any being to eternal suffering, without any chance of redemption or escape, has got to be the darkest, vilest concept ever invented, not by Jesus, but by a power-hungry Church hell-bent on scaring and controlling the masses.

Even if we are judged favourably and sent to Heaven, that may not be any better. Anyone who has suffered intensely knows that neither Heaven nor Hell is a place but a state of mind. When I was a tormented soul growing up, it didn’t matter where they put me because I always took my hell with me. My parents could have arranged a permanent stay in Disney World for me and I still would have been grumpy. If you look up in the sky with a powerful telescope and fail to find that place called Heaven, that’s because it is not out there but inside our minds, in the way we perceive

76

things. Perceive yourself and others as flawed and incomplete, and the most gorgeous setting turns into a slum. Learn to see the perfection in all things, and you can find Heaven on earth even in the most dire of circumstances.

The Heaven we seek is not a magical resort up in the clouds surrounded by pearly gates. Rather, Heaven is a blissful state of consciousness born of a healed and wise mind. But to achieve that state of mind, the lessons are many and the curriculum far too long to fit into just one visit to this school called Earth. In the next issue, in the third and final article of this exploration of life after death, we will look into the concept of karma and reincarnation to find out if the deep sense of meaning, fairness, connection, safety, and fulfilment that we all naturally long for can be found there.

Until then, thanks for checking in, and may these truths bring you the perfect happiness, love, and inner peace that you so rightfully deserve.

Excerpt taken from the book ‘The Magnificent Truths of Our Existence’ by Daniel F. Parmeggiani www.magnificenttruths.com

11th & 12th October 2014 at the

City Academy Norwich 299 Bluebell Road, Norwich, NR4 7LP.

Crystal healing... ...The Base Chakra Our body has seven major energy centres known as chakras (Base, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, Crown) which should all be in a balanced state.

If one chakra is unbalanced it is likely to have an effect on the other chakras as the energy will not flow smoothly throughout‌.think of it as a clogged plughole, if you pour waste water down a plug which is partly blocked it will take much longer to drain and some may accumulate a further build up where the blockage is. If chakras are blocked they will not be as efficient at doing their job and allowing pure universal energy to disperse through to the other chakras. One of the most important chakras is your base chakra which is located at the base of the spine and is red in colour.

It is the foundation of our being and is concerned with our physical needs and our connection to the earth. It focuses on our sense of security and our ability to provide for ourselves on a physical level, to ensure that we are financially stable and that we can provide food and shelter for ourselves and our loved ones.

When the base chakra is balanced, energy will flow in two directions, downwards towards the earth but at the same time drawing energy up from the earth. As a result you will feel secure and safe, life will be stable but filled with active positive energy and your patience and sense of community will bring rewarding relationships.

If this chakra is blocked or unbalanced, you may feel disorientated within your life, indecisive, unconnected to others, struggle with finances, jobs, relationships and feel tired. Also, an over concern with survival and security can result in over working and create problems connecting to the spiritual side of your life. Other signs of a blocked

78

base chakra can be fear, prejudice, intolerance, impatience and greed.

Physically this charka relates to the immune, skeletal system and the lower digestive tract.

Imbalances can create physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, weight issues, back pain, arthritis.

Emotionally, due to feeling ungrounded you may find that you try to overcompensate and have very fixed ideas therefore ignoring alternatives. You may become resistant to change and very controlling, maybe lacking imagination and initiative.

Very often imbalances within the chakra will have arisen at childhood and will determine how you view life and what causes you concern. The base chakra is thought to develop between the ages 0-7.

If you recognize some of the symptoms mentioned above and wish to look at why your base chakra may be unbalanced it can be helpful to review your early childhood for lack of nurture or there may be a feeling of abandonment due to the loss of a parent or a divorce. If your family was struggling with money this may also have given rise to feelings of insecurity and not being provided for.

To delve further into any underlying issues with the base chakra it can be helpful to review the following questions and note your responses:• Do I feel abundant or do I worry about money?

• Do I meet challenges with optimism or fear?

• Do you feel disconnected and caught up in personal dramas?

• Are your eating habits erratic? Ie worrying about where food is coming from?

• Do I feel secure in my all my relationships?

79

Once you have identified your answers to the above, isolate the areas of concern and go back through your life to ascertain where this may have arisen. This can helps to remove blocks as you begin to understand what has lead to these feelings and you can try to readdress your relationship with security and know that you will always be provided for.

Dietary needs As you work with your base chakra it is important that your diet contains grounding foods as much as possible and if feasible that these are organic. Also avoid overindulging as this will induce a heavy, sluggish energy. Grounding foods are:• Root vegetables – beetroot, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips • Vegetables – beans, dairy produce, nuts, legumes • Seeds – pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, sesame and sunflower seeds Affirmations Affirmations can help to remove blocks and reprogram our way of thinking and therefore can be very beneficial in rebalancing chakras, removing old out-dated thought patterns and replacing them with new positive thoughts.

Below is a selection of positive affirmations, specifically in relation to the base chakra. Review the list and pick what feels appropriate for you – either one or two but no more. Repeat this affirmation 11 times in sequence (it can be helpful to look in a mirror whilst doing this) and at least 3 times a day but more if possible. If you want to, you can always make up your own affirmation which is personal to you.

80

• I am safe, secure and trust in the normal flow of life.

• I am always provided for.

• I am peaceful, protected and secure.

• I have fulfilling relationships.

• I am grounded and secure.

• I am healthy and balanced.

Meditations Meditations and self healing are a helpful way to rebalance the energy through visualisation. If meditations are new to you, try to start with a five minute one twice a day and then work up to a longer duration that you’re comfortable with. Choose either meditation to follow or both at different times, depending on your lifestyle.

Sitting meditation Sit (or lay) comfortably with arms and legs uncrossed and place the crystal (suggested below) on your base chakra.

Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply, in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, release to a count of four, then after a count of four start again. After a few cycles of this you should start to feel relaxed.

Turn your attention to your crown chakra at the top of your head and visualize a white light entering your crown and slowly moving down your entire body to your feet and then back up to the top of your head.

Now place your hands over your base chakra and

imagine this red sphere which is your chakra. Take note of what you sense, if its spinning fast/sluggish or at all, if its a dull or vibrant colour, if its a solid colour or if there are shades. This chakra should be a strong, steadily spinning red.

Visualise this chakra becoming a deep solid red spinning and focus on this for the length of your meditation.

Ask that your base chakra is rebalanced.

When you feel ready slowly open your eyes and become aware of your surroundings again.

Walking meditation Within the soles of the feet are minor chakras which exchange energy with the outside world.

This is best done without shows or socks and outside in nature but sometimes that’s not possible.

If you use incense patchouli, sage and cedarwood are particularly related to the base chakra so these are also useful to be burnt during mediations or at other times.

Crystals can be carried around with you or used during meditations to help rebalance your base chakra, again any of a red colour although any black or dark will also have a grounding effect such as red jasper, hematite, smokey quartz.

In the next part of our Crystal Healing series we will take a look at the Sacral Chakra.

Pauline Street www.serenityforyou.co.uk

Walk barefoot on the earth very slowly, be very aware of your connection to the earth and how the ground feels beneath you. Walk on a variety of ground coverings if you can, ie grass, leaves, stones, sand. If possible walk for a short time with your eyes closed enhancing the focus on what you feel through your connection to the earth. This is also an ideal time to repeat your affirmations during this walking meditation.

Colour and surroundings Lastly, the colour red is extremely important in relation to the base chakra. As far as possible dress with something red on, even if it’s just a ribbon attached around you. Try and surround yourself during this time with red items, such as candles, lighting these when doing the meditations.

81

UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE We have 3 fabulous books to give away from Singing Dragon Publishing House - Authoritative books on complementary and alternative health, Tai Chi, Qigong and ancient wisdom traditions for health, wellbeing, and professional and personal development.

The Spirit in Aromatherapy Working with Intuition Gill Farrer-Halls

The Valley Spirit A Female Story of Daoist Cultivation 2nd edition

The importance of intuition in aromatherapy blending, essential and base oil selection and bodywork is the focus of Gill FarrerHalls’ authoritative new book. Drawing on her extensive experience as a practicing aromatherapist and aromatherapy teacher, she explores ways of increasing intuitive awareness of the nature and depth of individual essential oils, and takes the reader through meditative techniques that can help practitioners deepen their practice. She goes on to show how

Lindsey Wei A young woman, Lindsey Wei, graduates from high school in America and sets out to find her roots in China, questing for who she is and where her life path belongs. She discovers in herself a skill for martial arts and seeks the hidden knowledge of meditation. After three years of study in various martial styles and unveiling false teachers, she is finally led to the ancient Wudang Mountains. Here she meets a Daoist recluse, Li Shi Fu, who has renounced the world of the ‘red dust’ and long since retired into an isolated temple to cast oracles and read the stars. The coming together of these two extraordinary characters, master and disciple, begins a spiritual relationship taking the young adept on an unforgettable journey through the light and dark sides of modern China and deep into herself. Battling between earthly desires and heavenly knowledge, she makes the transformation into a dynamic and complete woman.

2013, Paperback: £12.99/ $19.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-131-0

For a chance to win one of these three books simply ‘LIKE’ our Facebook page and post one word to describe the magazine or the book title that you would like to win on the launch post, dated Friday 25th July Closing date August 31st.

82

an intuitive and meditative approach can, with time, transform clinical practice, and help practitioners create original, effective, synergistic and holistic blends as well as develop and enhance on-going work with clients.

July 2014, Paperback: £11.99/ $18.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-209-6

The Four Dignaties The Spiritual Practice of Walking, Standing, Sitting and Lying Down Cain Carrol Offering a fresh perspective on immediate presence and embodied spiritual practice, The Four Dignities shows how the mindful cultivation of the four essential postures – walking, standing, sitting, and lying down – are the basis for a formal practice

Alternatively you can email samantha@ universal-magazine.com, subject Universal Competitions and leave your one word to describe the magazine or book title.

to develop greater vitality and spiritual awakening.

The author reveals the subtle inner nuances of the four traditional meditations, and shows how they can be practiced as a unified system. Readers are given a profound understanding of correct posture, alignment, breathing, and attention, and the author explains the philosophical basis for the practice, offering a pathway toward realizing profound spiritual and energetic transformation.

This accessible yet profound study will be an invaluable resource for students and practitioners of yoga, taiji, qigong, and meditation, as well as spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in Eastern philosophy or the study of movement.

September 2014, Paperback: £16.99/ $24.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-216-4

For more information about Singing Dragon - Jessica Kingsley Publishers please visit their website: www.singingdragon.com 83

UNIVERSAL

ISSUE 3

MIND BODY SPIRIT

ISSUE 2 MAY 2014 ISSUE 4 - OUT SEPTEMBER Editor SamanthaYates Publisher Andrew Dibble - WADIT The digital magazine for Holistic Living