Universal Magazine Issue 4

UNIVERSAL ISSUE 4

MIND BODY SPIRIT

Angel Creations Angelic Art

Body Mechanics

WIN

Inspirational books from Singing Dragon

Koko’s Kitchen Raw Peppermint Chocolate Squares

The art of the Sarling Technique

Empowering The Goddess Within The digital magazine for Holistic Living

UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE

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Join our Universal tribe visit us at Facebook

CONTENTS

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Contributors Gallery - Meet the Tribe

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Aspects of Love - Part 2 Loving Ourselves

On the Couch - Empty Nest Syndrome

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Intuitive Tarot - The Numbered Cards

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The Links - our previous issues

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Wake Up and Eat The Kale - Psychic Surgery

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Crystal Healing - Sacral Chakra

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Life After Death - Reincarnation

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The Cosmic Web - Interconnectedness

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Ancestral Heroes - Article 3 in the series

Body Mechanics - The Art of the Sarling Touch

28 Koko’s Kitchen - Raw Chocolate Peppermint Squares

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Definition of a Goddess - Enhancing the Goddess

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Archangel Raphael - The Angel of Healing

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Competition Page - win 1 of 3 Inspirational Books

Chirology - Part 4 The Fingers

38 Angel Creations - Angelic Art 46 The Book Shelf - Recommended Reading

Bach Flower Remedies The Bach Flower Remedies are a completely natural and gentle way to help you gain clarity, balance and joy as you experience the myriad of trials and tribulations of life Dr. Bach realised that flowers and trees held natural healing qualities and so created the Bach Flower remedies. He discovered 38 different states of mind and emotions with a coresponding flower remedy to help to bring each one of those emotions back into a state of balance. The Bach Flower Remedies are beneficial for emotional conditions such as; stress, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep problems, lack of confidence or motivation, concentration, relationship challenges, anger and feelings of depression.

Dr. Bach realised that when the emotional state of mind is balanced there is often an improvement in physical conditions as well. With a course of treatments with the Bach Flower Remedies you can find your true self, gain clarity, motivation and renewed direction in your life.

If you are feeling confused or have lost your way I can help you to understand your own feelings and the Bach Flower Remedies will help bring you back to a feeling of wellbeing and happiness.

The Bach Flower Remedies were a life-line for me and this is why I am so passionate about them still, so many years on. Wherever you are I can help you. With a telephone consultation I can create a personal remedy to support you, delivered to your door by postal service.

Many people feel relief and hope in the very first consultation, beginning their first course of flower remedies. Allow me to help you to help yourself as you begin the journey back to wholeness and a lif of fulfillment that you truly deserve.

Dawn Chrystal www.chrystalclear.co.uk

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Greeting and welcome to issue 4 of Universal Magazine.

As we joyfully give birth to another issue of Universal Magazine; I feel truly blessed to work and connect with our Universal tribe of Souls, unified by a mutual vision - to be of service to others to inspire, empower and encourage our readers to embrace life in all it’s multi-coloured glory.

Strength in adversity is a common theme that has woven it’s delicate threads through the lives of our contributors; Wendy Banting continues to share her incredible journey of triumph through alternative healing as she traversed the cancer path.

In the 2nd part of our series on page 14 - Wake Up and Eat the Kale.

On The Book Shelf on page 46, we feature ‘The Illusion of Mortality’ by Phyllis Walsh, a story of hope and courage to help others through the trials and tribulations of this physical life.

Phyllis is a true warrior goddess!

What is your definition of a Goddess? On page 70 I share my personal perspective, plus tips to enhance the Goddess Energy and a visualisation to empower the Goddess within.

For even more feel-good factor check out our delicious recipe from Koko’s Kitchen on page 28 - Raw Chocolate Peppermint Squares; mouth-watering, mood-boosting indulgence food, a ‘must try these at home!’

With that scrumptious vision engraved in my memory, until the next issue; You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.

William W. Purkey

To discover our competitive advertising rates, please email /contact Samantha Yates

Love, light and blessings

Samantha xxx

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Our UNIVERSAL Tribe Greetings, I’m Samantha; Editor and Chief at Universal Magazine. I have a passion for life, sharing knowledge, holistic health, any subject dealing with the hidden aspects of existence and our fabulous British weather!

For me the secret of happiness is integration, blending the spiritual and the physical into a harmonious balance. I feel as excited and inspired today as I did when I began my spiritual and personal development journey many years ago.

The magazine is the platform to share my discoveries and those of others, to offer an alternative perspective on reality and to infuse you with the courage and inspiration to embrace this amazing serendipitous journey that is LIFE! I wish you an abundance of love, laughter and happiness on your journey.

Samantha Yates Koko Brill is a certified raw foods chef and also holds a certificate in baking and pastry arts. After several health struggles, Koko turned to natural healthcare for healing. She learned about holistic nutrition extensively, and now uses her knowledge to create recipes that benefit body, mind, and soul. She is a self-proclaimed “spirit junkie” and is passionate about the powers of positive thinking, and love. Koko is also a novice aromatherapist and enjoys learning all she can about essential oils.

Koko believes that organic food is the key to successful preventative healthcare and feels it’s her job to make whole foods as enticing as possible for her readers. www.kokoskitchen.com www.instagram.com/kokobrill koko@kokoskitchen.com

Wendy Banting was always a person who practiced natural and holistic healing in her life. However in 2010 when she was diagnosed with advanced aggressive breast cancer she knew she was going to have to delve deeper into this philosophy. Taking natural healing to a whole new level to show herself and others that it “can” be done, she is almost five years into her profound journey around the possibilities and successes in self healing.

She is now a full time author and speaker who takes joy in sharing her experiences in the hopes of inspiring others to believe in their own power!

Facebook http://www.wendybanting.com

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

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.....the Contributors 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

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

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 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

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Our UNIVERSAL Tribe the Contributors 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

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

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

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Aspects of Love

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...Part 2 Loving Ourselves The key to love, and to being able to find love outside us, is to firstly be able to find love inside us - to love ourselves. And this is potentially the most difficult aspect to come to terms with, to accept and to embody.

Our society teaches us that loving ourselves is selfish and egotistical. We have been brought up with the idea (i.e. belief) that we are a better person if we give of ourselves to others, act selflessly, do the “right” thing, and have others think well of us.

The problem here is that, if we liken “us” to an amount of money that we have in a pot, and we keep giving it all away, without refilling it, eventually, “us” (and the money pot), will run dry. We start to look outside for more, but it is never quite the same, nor is it ever quite enough.

The answer lies in seeing that within us is a continual inner fountain of love, which is who we are innately, and when this wells up inside us, and exceeds our needs, it leads to an outpouring of love, that others can feel and are attracted to. It is not needy.

When we run dry we come across as needy, and we feel the need for someone or something to fill us up. It is unattractive and very easy to spot!

We will experience a deep need for approval.

And it drives many of our actions and behaviours in life, mostly unconsciously. We are always looking to other people to tell us, in some way or another, that we are OK. It either makes us into people pleasers or, when

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we don’t do what they want or what we think we should, we feel guilty and ashamed. This concept is so flawed.

When we accept that we are OK, at our core, in our essence, and it is only the layers and filters that detract us from our goodness, then we no longer need to seek anything from outside.

When we see that we are OK despite our mistakes, despite our flaws and perceived shortcomings, then we relax our guard, and we can let love into our lives, firstly from within us, recognising who and what we are, and secondly, open heartedly accepting from others. We stop blocking it through feeling undeserving (because of our terrible flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings).

When we realise that we are beings of love, and we learn to treat ourselves with love, then the inside out approach starts to work.

How do we do this? We can start by looking to something or someone to whom we show open-hearted love - a pet, a grandchild, our garden, whatever or whoever gets your attention and care to ensure their needs are fully met. If you do not honour yourself with the same approach, then you are not loving yourself, and nurturing your internal source of love. When we feel bad, we see bad in others.

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Much has been written on the subject of loving oneself. It simply needs an understanding that innately we are OK, and that we are deserving of our own acceptance, our own forgiveness and our own love.

Acceptance is the fact that we all have flaws, and make mistakes, and that as long as we try to learn from them and move on, it is human nature.

Forgiveness is the ability to say to oneself, Whoops, I made a mistake. I will make amends where I can, and try not to repeat it again, but then move on.

Loving oneself means looking deeply at your life, where you are lacking in love and where you could fill that gap and change so that you do not look for someone else to fit a unique keyhole that only you truly hold the key for.

From this place, you can venture forward into the world and be ready to engage firstly with others, and then with the rest of the world with your overflowing love.

The final challenge will be covered next time.

Sandra Boatman www.insightsandinspirations.co.uk

Don’t miss our series instalments in each issue of Universal Magazine!

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Wake Up and Eat The Kale In the continuing journey of how I healed myself naturally from cancer, (for the first part of the series see Universal Magazine Issue 3) I would like to relate my fantastic experience with “psychic surgery”. Psychic surgery is relatively unknown in the western world. It is however, practiced routinely in such places as the Philippines and Brazil. It has been called “faith healing” in other cultures and times.

I had heard about faith healing in my very early twenties, and for some reason it impressed me deeply, to the point where I consciously put it into my memory for retrieval at some further time in my life. I can remember doing this. Just prior to my getting a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer, I had been on a cruise to the Caribbean with my husband. We serendipitously met a young couple who were working an art auction on the ship.

We did a day trip together and during lunch our Swiss friend, out of the blue, starts mentioning this famous psychic surgeon in the Philippines named Jun Labo. He spoke to us of how he went there with his mother who needed repair on her bladder, and had opted to try psychic surgery. He went with her and told us that while he had been prepared for what was to happen, he was totally unprepared for how much blood there was with the procedure. I felt very focused in that moment, almost like a bell had gone off above me, telling me to pay attention!

I knew that this was why we had met these people.

If you are listening, your soul will always give you exactly what you need when you need it.

To describe the process, a psychic surgeon uses nothing but his hands to open your skin and go inside of you. They have a gift that allows them to be able to move energy in a way that allows diseased material to be sort of “magnetized” to their fingers. This gift allows them to go inside the body and bring out various organic anomalies.

Then with a small touch of the hand your skin is closed just like they were never there. It’s pretty much magic! However, there is a lot of blood which is not quite as magical. I realize that this may be difficult for people to digest out of hand in an article. I can only tell you that both my husband and I went and had this done to us for 10 days

in a row, and we marvelled each day anew at the amazing reality of such a thing. There is video footage of Jun Labo doing this on YouTube for those readers who would like to see a more visual representation of what I am describing.

Based upon a synchronistic meeting with a man on a ship, I decided that my first step in healing myself from cancer was going to be a trip to the the Philippines to meet Jun Labo. I was not disappointed. You are not required tell him that you are coming, you just show up at his compound in Baguio City at 9 am each weekday morning year round. It is advisable to check and see that he is not travelling so as to be sure he is in residence. We had done this. You sit on a bunch of couches with a lot of other people from all over the world. He shows up, smiles at everyone, and then does a few prayers or affirmations, something to that affect.

He does say that his gifts of healing come from the Christ Consciousness and also Rama whenever he is working with people of Arabic descent. He is just the conduit for this higher energy to come through. Everyone is then herded downstairs to his facility and asked to disrobe down to their underwear.

It is very easy to see the change in him as he goes into trance to do this work. A line is formed and you are asked to quickly jump up and lie down on a table. He holds a white sheet over your body, (this shows him what he needs to know) and then his fingers go to work. It feels much liked being tickled, his hands seem to be everywhere at once, and you can feel and smell the opening of your body to his hands. There is quite a lot of blood as he removes whatever it is that needs to come out.

Everyone in the room is about 4 feet from the table so it is easy for all to see what is transpiring.

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Many people talk about charlatans involved in this form of healing, and I will agree that there are various levels of abilities in psychic surgery as with anything, some are authentic and some are not as authentic. Jun Labo is probably the world’s most famous psychic surgeon and I can certainly personally vouch for his amazing abilities.

Burt Lancaster did a show in the US whereby he brought Jun Labo to a university and they hooked him up to various instruments to try and figure out what he was doing while he worked on a patient.

At the end of the documentary they summed it up by saying “We don’t know how he’s doing what he’s doing, but he’s doing it!” The Germans have published a Reader’s Digest Book on Jun Labo.

During my first time on the table, he immediately put his hand to my breast and took out a rather large tumour and then various other pieces of organic matter from my abdomen and womb area.

I could smell the tangy coppery scent of blood and disease. I felt no pain. It was a really weird experience, but thrilling in the same breath. And just like that it was over, I was told to jump off the table and get out of the way for the next person to be worked on. A very nice man washes you off with warm wet towels and you then get to watch the next person being worked on. It was fascinating.

My husband decided he too would have the experience based upon advice from our guide, who stated it would be a shame to come all this way and not try it. He had blood clots from his years of marital arts removed along with various other non life threatening anomalies.

When every one has had their turn, you get dressed and go upstairs to meet with Jun Labo.

At this point he is out of trance, and back to his charismatic and charming self. He retains knowledge of all that has transpired while in the surgery. So you never at any time tell this man what you came for, he tells you what is wrong with you after his first session. He told me that I had breast cancer and that it was travelling to various parts of my body. He told me it would take 10 treatments for him to remove it, and he could not be sure until the end whether he would get it all.

I would like to say here that it is not necessary for a person to travel to the Philippines to heal themselves of cancer. At the end of my time with Jun Labo, I knew that he had not taken it all, and that was in perfect order for my life’s path at this time. He did however, clean me up quite a lot and 16

give me breathing space to take personal charge of my healing into the next phase of my journey.

I do believe that I needed this rather dramatic revealing of things metaphysical and outside the dogmatic arena of science to show me wonders that are available to us if we will only open our minds and see from a limitless perspective. I have seen energy manipulated in ways that defy our minds, and such a wonder cannot be denied for me because I now “KNOW” such things are possible.

This was to give me trust as I moved into other areas of energy medicine. To be able to share with others my knowledge and trust of new ways of healing. I came to understand that I had emotional areas that needed healing, and that I needed to move into these areas of awareness and a letting go that would get to the root of what was causing the physical manifestation of cancer.

My guidance would next lead me in a totally different direction of healing - to Brazil and my meeting with John of God. I will share that no less amazing experience in the next segment of my story.

Wendy Marie Banting www.wendybanting.com Facebook

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I create green energy drinks primarily to keep my body in an alkaline state, which really inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

In addition, the fresh vitamins from the ingredients raise the vibrational level of the body into a more harmonious balance.

Wendy Banting Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

1/2 tsp grated ginger 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/2 green apple 1 peach 1 kiwi 2 cups loose chopped kale 1 tsp lemon juice 1 avocado 2 tbsp brown rice syrup

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The Cosmic Web

Photographer: Nigel Dugdale

The Cosmic Web Astronomers recently captured images of ‘The Cosmic Web’, the web like structure that stretches between galaxies and connects the known universe.

However, the cosmic web was mentioned in a sacred Hindu text in 1000BC and can also be found in Mahayana Buddhism dating back to 560BC. Interconnectedness is at the heart of both new science and the ancient traditions.

The Hindu/Buddhist myth, known as ‘Indra’s Web’, describes the interconnectedness of the universe, all beings and phenomena are related to each other and connected in a web of life.

The moral of Indra’s Web is that the compassionate action of a person produces a ripple effect that reverberates throughout the universe. By the same token, if you damage one strand of the web you also damage the others.

Buddhism teaches that all life is interrelated, all living things are interconnected and form a single living whole. The world is seen as a perfect network where all things and events interact with each other.

By living and fully experiencing interconnectedness we can develop

sustainability and produce a healthy future not just for ourselves but for the planet and beyond.

The illusion of our separateness is fading and we are now able to realise the true basic nature of reality. We are all connected and a part of the web of life. The cosmic web that holds us, is a part of us and we are a part of it. It connects us to the soul of the cosmos.

The shift is happening now and it is allowing us to see our true position.

As we become more aware of the true nature of all things and of our connection to and with all things, the living pulse that reverberates throughout the cosmic web can be felt clearly within us.

This living pulse is our own pulse.

It is our lifeline.

Anne Fallas www.annefallas.fr

The earth is our mother.

Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. This we know.

All things are connected. Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves.

Chief Seattle

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ISSUE 1

UNIVERSAL MIND BODY SPIRIT

Intuitive Tarot

Gratitude Animal Healing

Soul Freind WIN

Yoga &

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The digital magazine for Holistic Living

Ancestral Heroes...

Through my spiritual experience, having tip-toed into many rivers of faith, I would like to suggest how this can be possible. My direct experience of the invisible world and its illimitable powers will be the basis, combined with my conviction that we each are endowed with a divine spark or a true or higher nature, which has become tainted by chronic materialism and secularism. However, with the right aspirations, we can polish away this tarnish using the many different techniques available to us today, to allow that flame to burn brightly again.

This series of articles ventures into two seem to be the opposite of each other the invisible - what

Our sacred spirits were made flesh exactly and exclusively so that we can bring divine love into the suffering human world. It follows therefore that we can be happiest if we recognize our true nature and put our short lives to work in making other people happy. The more we can do this, the greater the harmony and peace in the world will be.

In short,during our human lives, we each have the potential to become either a Buddha or benevolent all-compassionate god, or a demon or destructivespiteful god. It is my wish that this series of articles will convince you that you actually have that choice.

Ancestral Heroes The notion of ancestors to many people is passĂŠ, old hat. Modern people in developed countries tend to brush aside old-fashioned approaches, branding them as backward, ignorant. They are always looking to the future and progress, technology making the world a dynamic and ultra-convenient place in their eyes, they are proud to be civilised and sophisticated. On the other hand, ‘uncivilised’ and indigenous peoples continue to revere their ancestors, believing them to be eternal and their spirits always watching over them, the elders of a tribe to be the keepers of the law and accumulated wisdom. In Japan where I live, an increasingly secular country, which lies 22

somewhere between the modern and the ancient, the custom of offering green tea and a portion of rice to our ancestors continues in most households today. Sadly we are prone to forget exactly how we became so-called civilised! We forget the struggles our ancestors had first to survive, and then to produce and rear future generations for an unknown and unstable future. Long before the existence of data and scientific investigation, people lived or died by trial and error, amidst infectious disease and insanitary conditions, unrestrained criminals and ruthless exploiters,

. our Karmic Inheritance

worlds which, on face value, would - the visible - what we can see, and we cannot see.

bright lights and controls of modern life, accessible at the flick of a switch or voice command, could never have been imagined in days and nights mostly dictated by Nature and her sounds, or their imitation by human voices. The animal and plant kingdoms, waterways, mountains and fire, had to be partnered so that harmony between man and Nature could be established and survival guaranteed.

Our ancestors therefore are truly worthy of great respect! Without their existence and their determination, we would not exist today. In fact, our safe comfortable lifestyles are a direct result of the empirical wisdom of our ancestors. In addition, we inherit their DNA, or biological blueprint, which we cannot easily change though some of us try with surgery and brain-washing.

We may physically resemble our ancestors, or are carrying around their proclivities or passions, the seeds of their faith or the trinkets of their fears, with us in daily life. If we accept that every being has a unique mission, then what were their missions beyond sheer survival and procreation?

And did they realize them before they became immortal? If we believe that their spirits are indestructible, then how can we listen to their frustrations and wishes, and continue on our lineage in the best way?

plus many other conditions unthinkable to most of us today. To survive such lives, they needed faith, and as the divine spark was still alight and media hype had not yet been born, their true natures were much more likely to be intact.

It is probable then that most of us were produced from reservoirs of pure belief: belief that we would live through the night, that food and fresh water could be found, that some benevolent power, the power of Good, would prevail to enable survival through natural disasters and evil assaults. The

The link between us and our ancestral line is in fact unbreakable. We may try to bury it out of shame, arrogance or ignorance, but like the blue sky above grey clouds, we can never eradicate it.

In modern life, as most of us live in large societies or communities, our blueprint must be slotted into social and educational systems, and must be adapted to conditions of membership of those groups.

Often we cannot change or adapt easily, so we suppress our true nature and put on social masks in order to be accepted and to fit in. But our true 23

inheritance, and our universal mission, lie behind those masks. We can learn to live without the masks through various spiritual and re-educational techniques, developing the courage to be more honest, to let the divine love flow at the same time as maintaining social harmony.

As humans, we must of course fit in, but at the same time, we must not lose our ancestral voices; we must not stop singing our special song and telling our unique stories though harsh criticism and jealousy may seem to be obstacles. We may not appear to have many choices in terms of harmony and happiness in social life, but we do have the choice to seek self-education or to improve ourselves by diverse means. In this era of secularity and pluralism, it is easy to be overwhelmed by such choices and to lose site of the inherited mission assigned to us in a time when the gods walked among us and our divine connection was strong. I believe we need to listen carefully to those echoes from our sacred origins.

The Buddha Buddha experienced new insights into the existing Brahmin scheme of our human lives at the time of his enlightenment approximately 2,600 years ago. His urge to alleviate the sufferings of human life led him to single-pointedly focus himself on unearthing a solution to it. In this endeavour, one of the most exciting realizations was that nothing and no being was independent; in other words, that everything and everyone depended on conditions at all macro and micro levels.

Everything in the universe is continually changing according to ever-changing conditions. This notion is perhaps the hub of the wheel of the Buddhist teachings, known as ‘Dependent Co-Arising,’ and the continual changes can be likened to the spokes of this wheel. Consider the following: The sun and moon depend on the universe to provide the heavens in which they sit; then, the planets depend on the sun and moon so that they can thrive; animals and plants depend on the energy of the planet to produce water and food so that they can grow; human beings depend on the love of their parents to be born and on a million other conditions to bring about their survival, and so on. In short, nothing in existence is independent of contingent conditions.

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The Buddha went on to reason that in the Buddhist cosmos, the condition of one human being is dependent on all the beings that have come before, and that beings still to come will depend on that human being: The cycles of energy and life are eternal, constantly in motion like interdependent spirals.

Karma In ancient Sanskrit the word karma (in Pali-the spoken language of Buddha, kamma) means ‘to do, make, perform, accomplish, cause, effect, prepare, undertake. ‘Karma usually refers to the notion that the intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual. It is symbolised in Indian religions by an endless knot or a constantly turning prayer wheel, both of which illustrate that life is eternal and ever-changing, composed of the dynamic and indestructible energy of the universe.

Another way of putting this is that life is not linear, beginning and then ending. Rather, a life is created from conditions and then becomes the conditions which influence other lives, and so on.

If we drop a stone into a small pool, it cannot enter the pool without disturbing the conditions of that pool. The stone depends on the pool to be able to enter it. And similarly, the pool needs the stone and many others to create it. The pool and the stone are mutually interdependent. However, if a huge rock, bigger than the pool itself fell into it and the water was forced out destroying the pool, the huge rock and the small pool would be negatively interdependent. If we think about it carefully, it is clear that nothing exists without conditions whether they are positive or negative.

So, our karma, which is inherited from our ancestral line via their DNA, may be either positive or negative. If our ancestors were good honest and caring people who lived without harming others and treated the planet with respect, then our modern lives will be smooth and joyful.

On the other hand, if members of our lineage consisted of villains and people motivated by evil, who committed atrocities and lived selfishly and without respect, then our lives may be filled with suffering, hampered by disease and social distress.

In this light, we can see the particular vibrations of the energy of our DNA either resonating concordantly or discordantly through our own lives.

This idea of interdependence can help us to live our lives mindfully. If we understand that nonvirtuous or virtuous actions or thoughts will have a consequence at some point in the energy strands of our lineage, then we may be able to live more consciously, more carefully. Karmic awareness will inevitably lead to harmony with others and in general in the world.

This concrete link with our ancestors provides us with a life-scheme guaranteed to bring about true happiness, and inspires strong motivation to hand over the torch of goodness to future generations. In this process, we can kindle the positive emotions of gratitude and respect for the wisdom of our elders.

Perhaps modern humans have become arrogant, and arrogance can be defined as ‘a narrow sense of self-importance, of overbearing pride or superiority’; whereas, its opposite, humility, is ‘a wide sense of the importance of others, of modesty, of integrity and a will to have harmony.’

In my life, I have found great joy in striving for true humility, and respecting hard-earned wisdom. It has also been exciting to do more than just idly listen to the family stories. I have deeply appreciated the great virtue that my line has generated, but also developed a sincere wish to purify its negative karma through meditation and spiritual practice, and by putting others before 25

myself and so bringing positive energy to my surroundings. This is the legacy, the concordant resonance, that will be handed over to future generations. As we live in such troubled times, I am fully convinced that my actions and thoughts now during my life will have consequences in the future, so I strive to make all my thoughts and actions sincere and consistently compassionate.

Awareness of karma is a sure way to live in the moment, to stay focused and mindful of what is happening inside my mind and how that is taken into my actions. I can listen deeply to my mission in this incarnation of my DNA and put all my energy into creating new ripples on the ocean of all existence.

The Cathars The Cathars,a medieval sect of Christians branded as heretics and eradicated by the Church of Rome,

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in their creed for The Church of Love which they left behind, stated boldly that the Good should ‘salute those in the past who blazed the path but have paid the price.’ Again, humility and gratitude were the mainstays of their existence.

By way of an example of karma and appreciation of those ‘who blazed the path before us,’ I would like to share a little of my personal destiny which has been changed by this awareness and by living according to it.

My Personal Journey...

I was born a Christian and became the pride and joy of my devout Catholic maternal grandmother.

However, she became sick and died when I was a teenager, and she had hoped that her grandchildren would carry on her devotions. We found it difficult to continue without her, and eventually, influenced by the general diminishing of religious practice and our atheist peers,

we backed away from Christianity. It seemed outdated, narrow and hypocritical. It was during my university studies that I encountered the Buddha and became fascinated by these genius explanations of our human life which I had never been able to find within the Christian framework.

I soon started practising as a Buddhist, steadily working my way through all the teachings as expressed through various cultures, e.g.Tibet, Britain, Vietnam, China and Japan. As mentioned earlier, I could set about balancing my karma using an array of techniques such as meditation, fasting, rituals and working to elevate spiritually.

People around me wondered why I had become a Buddhist when there had been no Buddhist influences in my life. Then, I remembered that in my childhood when listening to the radio, before TV was common, I had heard the following: ‘Encountering the Buddhist teachings is as rare as a sea turtle spotting a piece of driftwood on the surface of the ocean with a hole in it, and swimming up to poke its head through.’

From that moment on, even though I didn’t know what or who it was, I was determined to find the Buddha and take this rare thing into my life. And so it was. Of course, my grandmother’s devotion remained a precious part of my inheritance which never faded.

Much later, I went to live in the Eastern Pyrenees as mentioned in the previous article Our True Fragrance (see issue 3 link on page xx) in the land of the medieval Cathars. At the time I knew nothing about them so started to research and sense their deep pool of faith. They were branded heretics because they rejected most of the paraphernalia of the powerful Roman Catholic Church. Instead, they followed the original teachings of Christ to the letter, a spirit Christ not the human teacher who was born and was crucified.

Gradually, I realised that their beliefs were very much in tune with Buddhist beliefs, so I felt a great sense of relief in being able to finally embrace my grandmother’s religion. It was at that time that I had a series of dreams about her devout faith and the Cathar, many of whom were women even though the Catholic Church would not sanction women as leaders.

Finally, I understood that my grandmother had not been totally satisfied by her Catholic faith, but had continued on with her beliefs, putting negative thoughts selflessly aside. Then in one remarkable dream, I had a very clear vision of her as a leading Cathar, her devout eyes filled with compassion were unmistakable to me. I realised that Buddhist beliefs are compatible with any other belief systems, exactly because they are so flexible and can be tailored to suit each being’s needs and conditions, each karma. It is even accepted by some that Christ was a Buddha and vice-versa.

This experience and insight has allowed me to have a wide interfaith horizon, and the realization that human beings have only one faith, that of humanity and unconditional love. All doctrines, rituals and practices bring us to the same revelation! That the mission we and our ancestor heroes have been entrusted with is simply to love and be loved.

More recently, two things have served to substantiate what was suggested could have come from my imagination concerning my story. First, it was verified by members of my family through genealogical research that my grandmother’s line had been Spanish lace-makers from Seville, and travelled through Catalonia around the Middle Ages. So it is physically possible that she became a Cathar. Secondly,that the predictions made by the Cathars before they were all burned at the stake as heretics, revealed a Cathar revival 700 years later, and specified that Cathars would be born in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, in Europe. My birthdate falls within these decades, so I feel a strong part of such a revival, carrying on my grandmother’s mission!

In conclusion, it is entirely thanks to my Christian and Buddhist ancestors that I was born a Christian, and then became Buddhist against all odds. I feel my grandmother’s spirit is satisfied now as I live my life of divine love with the support and guidance of Cathar, Buddhist and many other spiritual beliefs.

But above all, I remember constantly that during this acutely secular/materialist period of history, I am above all a human of living faith and love.

Linden Thorp Website

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Raw Peppermint Chocolate Squares

These have a really nice, subtle peppermint flavour because most of the mint flavour comes from real mint, not mint oil. You can, of course, up the amount of peppermint oil but I like the soft mint flavour with the raw cacao chocolate. These are best kept wrapped tightly in the refrigerator or freezer in order to keep the beautiful green colour. To get that colour, I added some frozen spinach to the mix but trust me, you cannot taste it. Would I make a dessert that tastes like spinach!? I’ve also used buckwheat groats to help create the mint filling. This is a nice lower-calorie option to use in raw desserts instead of purely cashews and coconut oil. Just make sure you really blend the mixture until smooth!

Koko’s Kitchen Recipe Raw Peppermint Chocolate Squares These tasty raw treats are packed with healthy fats, spinach (Yes! Spinach), antioxidants from raw cacao, and fresh mint flavour. Makes one 8 x 8 pan, about 16 squares.

When you’re deciding how much peppermint oil to add, simply start with 1/4 tsp and taste test. Remember that once cold, the flavour will not be as pronounced in the squares.

Ingredients: Crust: • Raw Almonds – 1 cup • Medjool Dates – 1 cup • Raw Cacao Powder – 1 Tbsp Mint Filling: • • • • • •

Cashews – 1 cup Buckwheat Groats – 1/2 cup Fresh Mint – 1/4 cup, loosely packed Melted Coconut Oil – 1/4 cup Maple Syrup – 1/4 cup Peppermint Oil – 1/4-3/4 tsp, depending on strength of peppermint taste you want • Frozen Spinach – Scant 1/2 cup • Almond Milk – 1/4 cup

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Chocolate Topping: • • • •

Raw Cacao Powder – 1/2 cup Melted Coconut Oil – 1/2 cup Maple Syrup – 1/4 cup Cacao Nibs – to garnish

Instructions: Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with plastic wrap so you can easily lift the whole square out later to cut.

In a food processor, combine almonds, dates, and cacao powder. Process until mixture is crumbly and can easily be pressed into a crust. Evenly pack crust into prepared pan.

In a food processor or high speed blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour on top of crust and refrigerate until set.

Whisk together all chocolate topping ingredients except cacao nibs.

Layer half the mixture on top of the peppermint layer and sprinkle with cacao nibs. Let set for a couple mints. Layer the remaining chocolate on top, and again sprinkle with cacao nibs. This creates a nice crunchy, cacao layer!

Refrigerate until set. Slice into 16 pieces. Enjoy! www.kokoskitchen.com 31

Chirology

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Palm Reading for Beginners In the fourth part of our Palm Reading series Ursula Oak introduces readers to the significance and definition of the main lines on the palm of our hands.

Welcome to the fourth 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, it 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.

We will take a brief look at the main palm lines, the ones which most people are familiar with, they are: The heart line.

The head line.

The life line.

The fate line.

It is interesting to note that the lines of the palm develop within the womb at 12 weeks gestation suggesting that some of our character has already formed before we are even born. As we grow up our palm lines change to reflect the changes which happen in our life.

THE HEART LINE The heart line gives information about emotions, relationships and the physical heart.

Hold your hand with palm facing upwards. As you look at your palm the long line which runs across the top, just below the fingers is the heart line. The heart line begins at the outside edge of the palm, beneath the little finger, and runs across the palm towards the first finger.

On some palms the line is short and straight, in others it is longer and curves up towards the first and second fingers.

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Generally speaking, the more curved the line the more emotional, or able to show emotion the owner of the palm will be. The nearer the ending of this line is to the gap between the first and second finger, the more able the person is to show love to others, and can mean the person is very open and giving.

A person with a short straight heart line may have problems opening up, or may keep their emotions tightly under wrap, they are often level headed and not swayed by emotions.

Major emotional upsets show up on this line as little bubbles. The length and size of the bubble indicates the length and impact of the upset. If you spot a bubble or two, tell the owner you are seeing a time of stress which occurred in their past, if there is more than one bubble you can roughly say how close together these incidents were by how close they appear on the line.

Should the heart send a branch down to touch the head line this can mean that decisions made by this person are usually ruled more by the heart than the head.

It is on this line that signs of heart attack or heart disease can show up. If the owner of the palm has had a heart attack you may notice a small break, star or disruption to the line. If you then look at the life line you are likely to see a similar mark roughly the same distance along the line. When I see this kind of mark I always say that I am seeing signs of ill health, at that point the person whose hand I am reading will then usually tell me of any recent health problems. The point to emphasis is that if a person changes their lifestyle this will be reflected in the lines of the palm, we all have the ability to change and improve our future.

THE HEAD LINE The head line gives information about mental stability, how a person copes with stress, and problems with depression.

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The head line is directly below the heart line. It runs from under the first finger, across the palm and will finish approximately ž into the palm.

Occasionally you will meet a person who has a heart and head line which appear to merge into one line. This is called a single palmer crease.

The single palmer crease can have two very different meanings.

The medical profession has long known that some children who are born with Downs syndrome have just one line in place of the heart line and the head line, it runs from one side of the palm to the other.

Otherwise, if the single palmer crease appears in your palm, or in the palm of a person you are looking at, it is a powerful sign as the owners of this type of palm crease are very single minded and usually determined to achieve their goals and achieve personal success. A look on Google reveals that Tony Blair, Hilary Clinton and Robert de Niro all have a single palmar crease, a very powerful mark indeed!

A head line which dips steeply down into the palm can indicate problems with depression or an inability to cope with stress. Many years ago when I was conducting a palm reading for a young lady, I saw that her head line sent a fine offshoot down into her palm. I discussed what I was seeing with her, she had been having a very difficult time, was feeling very down, and doubted she would ever ‘bounce back’, by telling her that this need not be a permanent situation, that her palm lines would change as she changed, and reassuring her that nothing stays the same, she was encouraged. When I saw her again several years later she told me she was in a much better place and a look at her head line showed it had changed and improved.

A straight head line usually belongs to a person who is very level headed and able to cope with most of what life throws at them, they usually have

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a rational approach to many situations and an ability to work things out.

Should the head line end in a fork, this is a lucky sign, showing a creative and active mind. You may find this mark on the hands of authors as it has also been referred to as the writers fork.

THE LIFE LINE The life line runs in a curve around the base of the thumb. It begins under the first finger then curves out into the palm and back around the base of the thumb.

This line, more than any other, causes concern to people having their palm read, the first thing I am often asked is, ‘how long will I live’. A palm reading cannot indicate the length of a persons life, but a look at the life line can often indicate the quality of their life.

It is very important that you remember that a short life line does not mean a short life!

As you look at the life line you are searching for breaks, disruption, an overlap or a cross on the line.

Generally speaking, a cross on this line indicates a significant problem which has impacted on the person’s life. The larger the cross the bigger the impact of the problem.

A bubble on the life line indicates a time when the person needed support through a difficult phase.

A clean break indicates a problem which last for the length of the break.

Little lines rising from the life line indicate opportunities, improvements and success.

To work out the age which something has

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happened can be difficult. As a guide, the point where the line is at its furthest point as it curves out into the palm, is approximately age 50, so to find age 25 you would be looking at a point on the line between the start of the line and the age 50 point.

THE FATE LINE This is sometimes called the Career line.

The fate line starts low in the palm near the wrist.

It runs up the centre of the palm. Its length is very variable and can run the whole length of the palm ending just below the second finger or just for a few cm/inches or stop and start one or more times.

The fate line gives information about the career path, career choices, if a person sticks at one thing or moves around trying different things.

A long fate line usually belongs to a person who has stuck at one thing their whole life. This can indicate, a stay at home mum, or a career person. So as you can see it does not refer to the type of career a person has, but how they apply themselves to it.

If the line stops and starts, that is likely to be how the persons working life has gone. Stopping and starting, or chopping and changing.

If two lines run parallel to each other the person may have two careers, or two life paths. This is a lucky marking to have as it makes all things regarding any career easier as the owner is able to weather the worst of any storms which come their way.

In Part 5, the penultimate part of this series, I will be explaining the significance of the mounts and any special marking you may see in a palm. www.UrsulaOak.blogspot.co.uk ursulacarrbooks@gmail.com

11th & 12th October 2014 at the

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

Guardian Angel Corinna

Angelic Art by Louise May Angel Creations Louise May is an Angel Medium creating stunning works of Art through connecting with the angels, archangels, ascended masters and other light beings to offer guidance and inspire fellow light workers to reach their full potential. By releasing obstacles or blocks they are allowed to step fully into their spiritual power; staying more focused on their soul’s wishes on this chapter of their physical life.

Louise is able to channel angelic energies, enabling her to create personal healing and transformational paintings; either of your guardian angel, your guides or reflections of your soul (with soul healing energy and coding).

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Mother Mary with Angels

Tree Angel

Guardian Ang

gel Bernice

Angel Creations offer workshops, Spiritual Coaching, Angel Life Guidance, Soul Path Guidance, channelled Angel Wisdom, Archangel Healing and attunements.

Louise May attends various Holistic Mind Body Soul events throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, the next date for your calendar is: Earth Angels 2014 Holistic Fayre on 2 November, 11-4 pm at The Blackbourne Centre, Elmswell, IP30 9UH - free entry, free workshops and demonstrations throughout the day, plus a wide variety of stands to browse.

Further information about Louise and her Artwork can be found at: www.angelcreations.co.uk Facebook as Louise May Angel Medium & Angel Creations.

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Guardian Angel Cheryl

THE BOOK SHELF

Love Spells

The Spirit of the Green Man

By Ursula Carr

By Mary Neasham

Love Spells can hep you find the secret of love and happiness using magical spells and visualisations.

The Spirit of the Green Man opens up a new

They are easy to perform and easy to fit into your life. They sparkle with magic and they are fun!

We are all magical beings with unknown power at our fingertips. Love Spells will show you how to tap into that personal magic.

Each spell has been written with a desire to encourage you to believe in yourself, and help you to use the subtle power within your physical and spiritual body.

By the same author; More Wish Magic. Wish Magic for Christmas. Secrets of Visualisation.

Secrets of Visualisation for Love.

To buy your copy of Love Spells please visit Amazon.

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understanding of this most potent of archetypes, who has never been stronger or more influential.

Although shrouded in mystery, he speaks directly to anyone who wants to hear him.

In her new book; Mary Neasham celebrates the contemporary appeal of this iconic image of fertility, the Greenwood and oneness with nature.

She emphasizes the importance of the Green Man’s message for environmental movements, The Pagan revival and the emergence of Green Spirituality.

The reader shown how to meet the Green Man through practical work, green awareness, magic and meditation and also how to interact with his spirit.

For more information about the author or buy the book - visit website.

Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul Joyce Carol Oates

The Illusion of Mortality

By Phyllis Walsh Phyllis Walsh is passionate in wanting to help people to overcome the ravaging turmoil of the pain and loss of losing a loved one. To pass on her guidance to enable the grieving to come through the other end of bereavement with consolation, healing and one of resounding hope. This is the hope that we will all see and be united with our loved ones who have passed into the light of the next life. She also wants people to realise that there is a bigger picture beyond this world, beyond our five senses. A world where our loved ones are still able to connect and help us while we remain on this earth dimension. The signs are all around us. All we need to do is to quietly listen and open our hearts and minds.

“The Illusion of Mortality” is much, much more than a book about a woman’s devastating journey through grief; it is a pure food for the soul. We often question why bad things happen to us and after reading this treat, it puts everything into perfect perspective. From Intuition and dreams, to the depth and scope of a father’s love, this book is a manual to live by. Phyllis Walsh is not only a gifted teacher, author and counsellor, but takes what at times can be a heady and unrelatable subject and brings it right down to earth for us to ponder the innate truths of our being. Thank you Ms. Walsh for sharing your story with us and being daring enough to perhaps heal the world.” James Van Praagh. NY Times best-selling author, International Spiritual Medium.

Book is available at Empower Words, Easons, Amazon and Original Writing.

For more information about the author - please visit Facebook.

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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?

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

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‘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

I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles Audrey Hepburn

On The Couch with Danny Hickling

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Empty Nest Syndrome Empty nest syndrome is a name given to a sense of loss and sadness that occurs when a child leaves the family home to gain independence.

This syndrome can also be extended to the feelings that occur when children leave the full time care of the main care giver, such as when a child leaves for nursery/ school, or in particular, boarding school.

Empty nest syndrome can occur at any time of year, and can exist in many different guises, but all occur when children leave their parents grasp and move out into the wider world.

The time of year when many parents feel this first loss is after the long summer holidays when many teenagers make the step to young adulthood and leave the family home for the first time to go to college or university. For other parents, the loss can occur at a much earlier age and in very different circumstances. Separations and divorce can lead to custody battles of children’s individual choices, leaving one parent adapting to a home which is now childless, and others can find their home once busy with babies or toddlers, transformed into silence as their children now attend school.

For others, this period of transition can occur later in life when children gain their independence, or leave to create their own marital home.

For many years where children are a focus of energy and attention, their loss from the household can be felt in a spectrum anywhere between sadness and grief. Where natural feelings of sadness exist at this loss in the transition of

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your children growing up. These can diminish over the weeks and months and be filled with the possibilities of future changes that can be made with spare time or even money that may now be available.

FREQUENCY These feelings are particularly prevalent, but by no means exclusive, to women. They tend to occur mostly to women because traditionally it has been the women who were the primary care givers to children, and in the past it was they who were often expected to give up careers and other interests to raise their children.

An additional reason why women might be more affected, is that an awareness of menopause and the biological incapability to raise more children can coincide with the departure of ones children.

Men are becoming increasingly affected in the western world, particularly so where the caregiving is shared between the parents.

However, while some mourn the loss of time with their children, other adults whom the parent may have contact with, can relish the spare time that this brings. This conflict in how others see the transition in their lives can lead the parent to be misunderstood and even lead to them not gaining the sympathy they may have hoped from their friends.

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SELF HELP Often the affected parents will carry on with day to day activities and feel occasional pangs of sadness.

I’ve heard of cases where a parent may spend time in the room of their fledged child to get a sense of being near them.

Assuming that your child is happy to communicate with you, try to keep abreast of all the changes in technology by communicating by phone, text and through the Internet on SKYPE. By all means tell them at the end of a conversation that you are missing them so they know they are loved, but if you are going through intense feelings its usually best not to share it with them but better to talk to an impartial person or a counsellor. Sharing these feelings with your child could add extra pressure or feelings of guilt to a child and make it feel more difficult for them to talk or share their feelings with you.

This loss can be tinged with regrets or feelings of guilt at decisions made in the upbringing or in decisions you made as a result. Often this sadness can be complicated by a lack of self worth if excess energy has been pushed towards the child’s progression at the expense of the parents personal progression for some period of time.

EXPAND INTO THE VOID The leaving of a child can lead to a loss of a role for the left behind parent, and potentially a loss of

On The Couch with Danny Hickling identity. Expanding oneself into this void by taking on new interests and meeting new friends can be very useful. This can take some perseverance at first, as possibilities that as a parent, you once took for granted you were unable to do because of your responsibilities for your child, suddenly become viable choices.

This requires, in effect, the retraining of the brain to remind yourself of options over and over until your imagination for possibilities for the future start to open up. As imagination increases, new neural pathways in your brain are forged and a new way of thinking about your future is formed. New hobbies, friends, a career or retraining, becomes possible in many areas of your life. Some people find this process easy and exciting, and require no help along the way, while others may turn to a counsellor or coach to help them forward.

WHEN TO SEEK FURTHER HELP Where feelings of sadness turn into feelings of hopelessness or emptiness in ones life, or are prolonged and involve a lack of purpose or worth, then the natural initial feelings of loss may have progressed into Depression. It is important if this occurs to contact your GP, and additionally a Counsellor for help.

Sometimes if prolonged sadness has turned to more prolonged feelings of depression, it is a sign that the change of childhood to independence is not the

only loss being felt. The loss of a role as a full time parent can make parents focus on the rest of their life. If they are single, it can remind them that aside from missing their children, it is possible that they are missing having something else in their life.

If they are already in a relationship, it can expose cracks in their own relationship with their partner.

If the parents leaving home or entering education was a painful time for themselves, their children’s period of change can re-trigger these feelings.

Whilst this is a common experience, it is important to validate these feelings and emotions, talk them through and create a supportive network of friends, that may have been through similar experiences and are empathic with your situation. A trained counsellor will help you through this difficult period by offering support; helping you to gain new confidence and gain insight into your new needs as the role of parenthood takes a different place in your ever changing life.

For more information about individual counselling or couple counselling on a wide range of issues, both face to face and online via SKYPE. Go to; Danny Hickling BSc. HONS MBACP UKCP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. www.crystalclearcounselling.co.uk

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Intuitive The Elemental Aspects Swords are the Air element in the Tarot. In simplest essence they are breath and all things we associate with Air. Mystically these things include aspects such as, inspiration, thought, communication, ideas, and words, writing, talking, and dreaming.

Cups are the Water element in the Tarot. Water is seen as the conduit for our emotions and I feel it also harbours the soul. It is the dominant element in our body. Mystically the cups concern things such as emotions, love, feelings, reactions, responses and our health.

Wands are the Fire element in the Tarot. All life has energy. The universe is basically differing forms of energy. How much any of us has at any given point differs. And the energetic interactions between ourselves and others, our environment, plant and animal life also varies in strength and intensity.

So Wands concern things such as, pure energy, interactions, abilities, stamina, direction, purpose and goals.

Pentacles are the Earth element in the Tarot. This represents the physical material world. And can incorporate all physical matter. The scientifically known universe is only about 4% matter. So earth appears to be in short supply. And yet as physical beings we are rooted in earth and seek spiritual awareness to widen this experience. For the elements to take physical form is miraculous and magical. It enables our souls to experience this life. Earth concerns things such as, physical, work, money, material objects, manifesting, substance, order.

ACES Key words - New, solo, independent, fresh, unique, initiative, pure, one, first, only.

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This is the final part of this short introduction to rea covered the Major Triumphs of the Arcana and the C layouts for you to try we meet the numbered cards. so we will cover the basics. They are separate

Tarot

ading the Tarot using your intuition. So far we have Court Cards. Before we look at some simple spreads/ The numbered cards are over half of a full Tarot set ed into the four suites as with the court cards.

Ace of Swords. Swords are Air/ Neutral - Breathe, idea, thought, word, inspiration, decisive, truth, firm.

The Ace of Cups - Cups are the Water element/ Feminine - Love, grail, womb, gestating, feeling, emotion, soul connection and reaction.

The Ace of Wands. Wands are Fire/ Masculine - Energy, creativity, passion, lust, desire, purity, phallic, project.

The Ace of Pentacles. Pentacles are Earth/ Neutral Material, physical, body, money, wealth, job, asset, manifest.

TWO’S Key words - Pairs, opposites, couples, double, duplicate, twinning, dualism, connect.

2 of Swords - Dualistic, tension, opposing, indecision, conversation, crossfire, doubt, and separation.

2 of Cups - Union, meeting, involvement, date, approach, infatuation, and obsession.

2 of Wands - Action, dynamic, decision, courage, twin, choices, combination, and protection.

2 of Pentacles - Sharing, adding, combined, partnership, splitting, dividing, tight, and second.

THREE’S Key words - Triplicate, extraneous, few, challenged, crowd, foundation, climbing, escalating.

3 of Swords - Resilience, thick skinned, spite, ignore, harsh, hurtful, tears and heart ache.

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3 of Cups - Joy, happiness, celebration, birth, marriage, engagement, party, and good health.

3 of Wands - Challenge, added, third party, gain, promotion, improvement, planning.

3 of Pentacles - Basics, foundations, surviving, pay rise, building, offerings, gifts, expansion.

FOURS Key words - Stable, safe, inner security, emotional satisfaction, consideration, contemplation, stuck, self-interest.

4 of Swords - Recovery, calm, rest, meditation, peace, subconscious, focus, and tranquility.

4 of Cups - Satisfied, passive, disinterest, stagnant, blocked, bored, stale, rejection.

4 of Wands - Completion, sharing, supported, safety, celebration, team, order, and a move.

4 of Pentacles - Stability, fixed, secure, home, room, agoraphobia, meanness, martyrdom.

ill health, and poverty, volunteer.

FIVES

SIX’S

Key words - Change, chaos, unstable, regret, disruption, variety, and alteration, stressful.

Key words - Balance, harmony, happiness, good health, restore, prestige, prosperous, success.

5 of Swords - Penance, doubt, procrastination, denial, rules, laws, regulations, testing.

6 of Swords - Re-balance, diplomacy, survive, organised, calmer, smooth, transition, cooperation.

5 of Cups - Disappointment, regret, upset, discord, argument, trust, loss, and crisis.

5 of Wands - Obstacles, pettiness, pursuits, restless, competitive, conflict, clash, peers.

5 of Pentacles - Loss, frugal, care, hardship, worry,

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6 of Cups - Health, well-being, nostalgia, attachments, old flame, pleasure, indulgent, synchronicity.

6 of Wands - Succeed, overcome, praise, victory, competence, responsibility, popular, confidence.

7 of Wands - Confrontation, inflammation, exaggeration, opposition, challenges, disorganised, creative chaos, stand ground.

7 of Pentacles - Resources, skills, self-esteem, selfworth, bridge, pieces, preparation, patience.

EIGHTS Key words - Effort, diligence, attention, cosmic order, infinity, eternity, concentration, absolute.

8 of Swords - Protection, limitations, restrictions, study, focus, imprisonment, oppression.

8 of Cups - Relief, freedom, dwelling, imbued, grief, sorrow, alcoholism, drowning.

8 of Wands - Progress, new growth, advancement, spring, positive, improvement, optimism, playful.

8 of Pentacles - Mastery, detail, industrious, training, course, skilled, apprentice, effort.

6 of Pentacles - Loan, support, inheritance, harmony, restored, social, group, generosity.

SEVENS Key words - Challenging, daunting, competitive, confrontational, disabling, stubborn, options, burdens.

7 of Swords - Responsibilities, overwhelmed, bogged down, secretive, prudence, care, ingenious, paranoia.

7 of Cups - Choices, unfocused, daydreams, emotive visualisation, illusions, eccentricity, unreasonable, unsure.

NINES Key words - Selection, effort, advancement, wasted, re-direct, energetic, goal, abandonment.

9 of Swords - Despair, worry, stress, insomnia, headache, self-loathing, unsure, hopeless.

9 of Cups - Wishes, healing, comforted, appreciated, loved, gratitude, contentment, rewarding.

9 of Wands - Close, multi-tasking, solution, energetic, self -reliant, stamina, decision, and ultimatum.

9 of Pentacles - Independence, release, savings,

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pensions, investments, self-employed, protection, insurance.

TENS Key words - End, best, fulfilled, betrayed, extremes, soul connections, absolute, as good as.

10 of Swords - Recurrence, dishonesty, betrayal, inherited problem, conflict, defeated, let off, global issue, careless.

10 of Cups - Soul mate, fulfilment, loving, nurturing, satisfaction, absolution, euphoric, well, positivity.

10 of Wands - Exhaustion, massive effort, obsession, consequences of actions, collapse, sleep, burdened, oppressed.

10 of Pentacles - Family, security, gathering, vocation, responsibility, wealth, traditions, expand.

You should have noted your own intuitive views on the numbered cards first but you can add mine should you wish to. You can also follow this up later with doing a course or reading books on the subject.

And now for some simple spreads; The simplest by far is the 3 card spread. You can be imaginative with this one. But the most common form is to see it as the past of a situation, the present and the most likely future. But all needs taking into consideration. And if any one element stands out as being dominant that also should be taken on board. As should the presence of any Major Arcana card. Shuffle the entire deck and draw out three. Then go with your intuition first.

Use this spread for simple questions but try not to expect a yes or no answer. Simply ask “Where did

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this originate, how is it now and where is it going?”

Next is the most commonly used spread of all The Celtic Cross. You need to draw out ten cards. The first one is central and concerns any underlying issue. Then place one on top. This is what is influencing this for good or bad. Next place one above these two, this is your spiritual influence.

Now place one to the left of the first two, this is what had past influence. Add one to the right of the first two, this is what is next up and often concerns work and social life. Now place one underneath the first two, this is what is below or the emotive response. Next put one down lower and to the right of this one, it is what is on your mind or your state of mind. Next place one above this one it is a guide to your home environment but can extend to where you wish to be and your general area. Now put one above this one, it represents your hopes

might wish to focus on for highest good. You can use all of the pack or just the major cards for this one.

The relationship spread is hugely popular. This requires you to separate the major arcana and only use them. Shuffle and draw out six. The first is the state of the relationship as it stands today. Next place a card below it, this is where the relationship came from or what energies sparked it off. Next place a card to the right of this one, this represents the querent and their role in the relationship plus how it is affecting them. Then place a card to the left of the second one, this is the other person in the relationship and an indicator of their role and energies. Now place one below the second one, this is the road ahead. And lastly place one at an oblique angle to this one, it represents the biggest obstacle (if there is one) to the future of the relationship.

or fears. And lastly put one above this one it is the outcome card or future influence.

This is the basic formulae. Each reader might vary it slightly.

When giving an in-depth reading I like to double this up and often end up laying 20 plus a few extra outcome cards to give a bigger picture.

Two more useful and popular spreads you could try are the Chakra health spread and relationship one. First the Chakra one. Shuffle and focus on health whilst you do this ask for insight. Then draw out eight cards and lay them in a straight vertical line. The first reading from base upwards is your root chakra. Use your basic chakra knowledge to interpret these cards. The eighth card is your higher self and used as an indicator of what you

Now you have three simple spreads all that is left is to recommend that you cleanse your cards fairly regularly especially if you use them a lot. Simply expose them to some frankincense and ask the universe to clear them of anyone’s energies and leave them neutral again. Dark moon is a good time to do this.

If you have been inspired and wish to learn more about the Tarot, I can offer one to one tutoring via my web site and skype. Occasional workshops are to be held over the winter months so keep an eye out. I also do personal one to one readings, phone, email and group readings. I attend MBS and Psychic fairs in East Anglia. Many thanks for reading this simple introduction, I hope you have enjoyed it.

Gill Macdonald www.tarotandhealing.co.uk

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Crystal healing.

Our body has seven major energy centres known as chakras (Base, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye and Crown) which should all be in a balanced state. During this series of articles I’ll be looking at the individual charkas in sequence.

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...Sacral Chakra The sacral chakra is located just below the navel and is coloured orange. It is the chakra associated with creativity, sexuality, morality and control, and presides over dreams, fantasies and emotions.

The kundalini energy rises up from the base chakra and at the sacral chakra splits into two energy streams, the male and female, which then intertwined flow upwards through to the rest of the chakras.

When the sacral chakra is balanced and open you are at your best as a person. You are sensitive, intuitive and full of dreams and fruitful desires.

You can easily adapt to change and go with the flow.

If this chakra is blocked however, you may find it difficult to ground yourself and set boundaries and become over emotional. You may also spend a lot of time daydreaming or prioritise sensual tastes. An unbalanced sacral chakra can also lead to depression as you may feel that nothing is good enough, you have no choices, no initiative or ability to change. You may also lack creativity, be unable to express your feelings, be insensitive to others and it can even lead to aggression. It can also affect your attitude towards sex bringing denial of pleasure and fear.

Physically this chakra relates to the body’s liquid elements such as blood, lymph, mucus, urine and saliva. It is responsible for the kidney energy and maintains the kidneys, bladder, urinary, reproductive and circulatory systems. Other health issues can include varicose veins, anemia, kidney and bladder problems, menstrual ailments, impotence and frigidity.

Many people believe the sacral chakra is mainly to do with sexuality however this is not the case, opening this chakra is more about letting go of guilt and frustration and enjoying the flow of life.

Very often imbalances within the chakra will have

arisen at childhood. The sacral chakra is thought to develop between the ages 7-14. It can be helpful to review your early childhood for any traumatic issues regarding sexual abuse, our emotional stability, creativity being stifled, suppression of emotions.

To delve further into any underlying issues with the base chakra it can be helpful to review the following questions and note your responses:* Am I able to express my emotions easily ? * Do I find being creative comes easily? * Am I comfortable with my own sexual awareness? * Is my outlook on life overly emotional or too negative? * If I feel swamped can I easily ground myself? * Do I become easily addicted to sensations or pleasures? * Am I open to positive changes?

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 being 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.

If nothing comes to mind as to why these issues may arisen try a simple meditation and ask how you might rebalance it.

Dietary needs As you work with your sacral chakra it is important that your diet contains freeing foods as much as possible and if feasible that these are organic. Also avoid overindulging as this will induce a heavy, sluggish energy. Such foods are:-

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* Drinks - Water, herbal teas and fresh juices * Sweet fruits – apples, pears, peaches, apricots, melons, mangoes, strawberries, oranges etc. * Vegetables – watercress, lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes 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 sacral 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. * I allow pleasure and sensuality in my life. * I am at peace. * I allow abundance and prosperity into my life. * I unconditionally love and approve of myself at all times. * I am a highly creative person. * I am open to experiencing the present moment through my senses.

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 long as you’re comfortable with. Choose either meditation to follow or both at different times, depending on your lifestyle.

• Sitting meditation

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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 sacral chakra and imagine this orange 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 orange.

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

If you wish to address and issues as mentioned earlier, simply turn your attention to them and ask to be given guidance. Note what comes to mind.

Ask that your sacral chakra is rebalanced.

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

• Moon meditation As the sacral chakra is largely connected with water and the moon governs the water and our emotions this is an ideal meditation to help rebalance the sacral chakra. This meditation will also help to let go of past issues which are hindering our growth and enable us to “go with the flow”.

Sit comfortably where you have a good view of the moon. Gaze at it for a few minutes and try to feel its energy flow into your sacral chakra.

Close your eyes and visualise being at a crossroads with many paths. The crossroads represent a coming together of all your hopes and dreams.

Sit (or lay) comfortably with arms and legs uncrossed and place the crystal on your sacral chakra.

Ask your higher self to direct your sacral energy to the right path in your life. Trust that you will go with the flow of your destiny.

Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply, in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, release

When ready, open your eyes and bring yourself back to your body.

Keep a notebook next to your bed and record details of any dreams you may have as they can guide you towards your true path.

particularly related to the sacral chakra so these are also useful to be burnt during meditations or at other times.

Colour and surroundings

Crystals can be carried around with you or used during meditations to help rebalance your sacral chakra, again any of a orange colour such as carnelian or citrine would be beneficial.

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

If you use incense ylang ylang and jasmine are

In the next issue we take a look at The Solar Plexus Chakra.

Pauline Street www.serenityforyou.co.uk 63

Life after Death...

...What happens after we die?

In the last of this 3-part series, author Daniel Parmeggiani explores reincarnation and explains why for him, it’s the only logical answer to life after death..

What happens after we die is the biggest mystery of all. But as we have seen in my previous 2 articles, there are really only three possibilities. We either stop existing altogether, we are judged and sentenced to eternity in heaven or hell, or we come back. So far, we have found no sense of fairness, meaning, rationality, or fulfilment in the first two alternatives. Now, in the final part of this series, we will look inside door number three and examine the concept of reincarnation to see if we finally find something that actually makes some sense.

The idea of reincarnation means that after our body dies, our soul or consciousness is born again into a new body. But why would we come back?

The idea is that there are still lessons to be learned, connections to be made, and issues to be resolved.

If we think of this planet as a school where we are to learn something important, such as discovering who we really are, or figuring out how to treat each other and the planet with unconditional love and respect, then reincarnation makes a lot of sense. If we look around at the progress our fellow humans make, it’s pretty obvious that it takes much more than just one lifetime to thoroughly learn such lessons.

If we are here to learn and grow, then there needs to be some sort of structure as we proceed from one life to the next. That’s where the concept of Karma comes in. Karma (the universal law of cause and effect) and reincarnation go hand in hand. Karma ensures that in our next life, we attract the appropriate “curriculum” (in the form of

DNA, sex, genes, zodiac sign, parents, nationality, social status, etc.) that will allow us to continue where we left off. The true meaning of Karma is “consequence” or “lesson” rather than reward or punishment, as some people mistakenly believe.

Reincarnation combined with Karma passes the test of fairness since, rather than being judged unfairly after just one lifetime, as Western religions believe, we are not judged but simply “reap what we sow” and continue on our path for as long as it takes for us to learn what we need to. This theory also passes the test of meaning and purpose, as it implies that many lifetimes, adventures and awakenings await each one of us as we continue on our individual journeys. However, there is one detail I would like to address before I give this theory my complete stamp of approval.

In 1900, the human population in the world was 1.6 billion. Now, it’s over 7 billion and is estimated to grow to over 10 billion by 2083. So, if every new baby is a reincarnation, why are there more people around every year? Where are these “new souls” coming from? As I thought about this one day, I noticed that while the human population keeps growing, a huge number of advanced animal species, such as dolphins and all 22 species of apes, are dying off quickly and becoming endangered or extinct (thanks to humans’ destructive practices). I suspect that many of these animal souls, especially our millions of household pets, are evolving into “entry-level” humans as the world population explodes. As a side note, the next time someone

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really upsets or confuses you with their behaviour, you might consider that this may be their first go around as a human being and they’ve not quite got the hang of it yet.

For my theory to have real meaning, of course, you must believe, as I do, that our personal path of spiritual development goes through many different stages, including the animal phase. But even if we disagree on this point, of all the possibilities of what might happen after we die, the idea of Karma and Reincarnation simply makes the most sense, by a long way. To think that we only live once strikes me as completely absurd and closes all doors to the sense of real meaning and happiness we so deeply long for. Alternatively, to believe that we were born sinners and that after just one life we are judged and sent either to Heaven or to Hell for eternity is just loony and completely unfair.

Karma and Reincarnation, on the other hand is, in my mind, the only theory that passes all the tests, provides the necessary playing field, and actually makes sense.

The Heaven we seek is not a magical resort in the clouds surrounded by pearly gates. Rather, Heaven is a blissful state of consciousness born of a healed and wise mind. To achieve this takes many lifetimes, together with an incalculable number

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of experiences and endless trial and error. Karma and Reincarnation is the only known system that fits the bill to make this work, and even though we can’t verify it yet with our own eyes, the wisest course of action is to embrace this idea. Doing so opens up all possibilities and empowers us to learn and grow, knowing that our efforts will have permanence and that we will not be terribly judged for our mistakes.

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

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

Available to purchase for your Kindle PC or Tablet from Amazon www.ursulaoak.blogspot.co.uk

Body Mechanics Therapy

The Art of

I first found out about Body Mechanics Th Upon awakening I had torn all of my neck

My journey began to discover a practitioner to alleviate the pain of my condition. My first stop was a sports injury therapist and was given some slight remedial massage and suggested some stretching exercises (which were too agonising to actually perform at that time). I was also given a neck brace, which I was told was only a temporary measure, as if used long term, the other supporting muscles would become inhibited and relaxed, causing more problems in the future.

I then spent the whole of my 2 weeks holiday in Turkey wearing the neck brace, even around the pool. So upon returning home, the problem still remained. Again I resumed my search and came across the BMT clinic in Ware Hertfordshire.

BMT later developed in to the Sarling Technique. The technique was founded by Grace-Olive Collins who had begun her career as a Ballet instructor. During my consultation, I was amazed to find that the initial area she studied was my feet! She immediately recognized the problem by the way in which my feet were splayed out and my body posture. I was fascinated and dumbfounded, I kept reminding Olive that the problem lay with my neck and not my feet. But the cause was discovered; my calves were tight and my knees locked back as I stood upright.

My posture was corrected by using light touch (akin to Bowen Therapy) to straighten up my lower back and neck. I became close friends with Olive after my treatment and also one of her students.

The Sarling Technique has developed in to an amazing bodily realignment system, that will show you how to correct your body’s own blue print. To change incorrect musculoskeletal structure with constant proprioception of your own body use. It is much easier to install the methods while children are young or until their late teens, but this method can be applied to any age to correct any structural body patterns that are causing a muscular, skeletal or load bearing joint ailment.

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At the forefront of this method is the reprogramming of the clients posture to reset misaligned structure with expert advice. When we approach twenty-six years of age our bones, joints and skeletal structure is already formed. But we can alter our daily habits of sitting or walking to improve our posture.

Many parents do not have the knowledge to recognize the signs of misaligned limbs like; the patella (knee cap) so often is not in line with the great toe. The hip mobility, or range of movement may be much less on one side than on the other.

The head may be held just a centimetre off centre, this is like holding a bowling ball at a slight angle with your arm which puts tremendous pressure onto the supporting muscles or skeleton.

In many eastern philosophies the structural load bearing joints are called the 9 gates ie: the Axis spine that supports the head, 2 shoulder joints, 2 hip joints, 2

the Sarling Technique

Therapy BMT, when I had slept on my friends sofa after a night on the tiles in London. muscles (trapezius & inner scalenes), I could hardly move and was in excruciating pain.

knee joints and 2 ankle joints. The arm and hand may hang asymmetrical. The scapula and clavicles could be misaligned. One hip may be more rounded or forward than the other and so much more that can be identified by the trained specialist in musculoskeletal conditions. “Skeletal muscles work in pairs - as one group shorten during movement, the opposing muscle group must lengthen. When muscles are correctly balanced, strain on the skeleton is minimised.� Grace-Olive Collins MCSP. For most people, at least four changes may be needed to be made to their skeletal alignment. This is normally taught over a six-week period, together with the Body Use Patterns. A Precision Exercise Programme is set at the first consultation, which may be progressed, if necessary.

The Body Use Patterns can be incorporated so that there is no disruption to daily lifestyle. These can,

very soon, become a way of life; as natural as your daily hygiene routine. Make these your new good daily habits!

The Sarling Technique is a complimentary therapy based on principles of Body Mechanics, used to ease pain and prevent injury, through safe exercise, body alignment and remedial clinical massage techniques.

For treatments or training courses as a Sarling Technique practitioner, please contact: For Norfolk Courses: Sarling Technique National registered practitioner & teacher: Philip R Cole BCMA ALTT. BMT dip. Reg Teacher. www. sarlingtouch.co.uk or call: 07879 243117 Or for Hertfordshire training by the founder of the Art: Grace-Olive Collins MCSP HCPC physiotherapist - BCMA /ALTT reg School www. sarlingtechnique.co.uk or call: 01920 485265

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Definition of a Goddess What is your definition of a Goddess?

The Oxford dictionary definition is; a female deity, a woman who is greatly admired, especially for her beauty. The Urban dictionary definition is; a woman who is so beautiful, brilliant and wholesome that she is simply not like any other women on earth and therefore possesses some sort of uncommon spiritual element that while it cannot be solidly defined, it is clearly present For me personally, it is a woman that is whole, at peace with herself and happy in her own skin. She has accepted and integrated all of the different aspects of her personality and the different roles that she plays in this physical life.

She radiates light, passion and joy. She longs to connect and share her life experiences so that other women may benefit from her knowledge and wisdom.

The Goddess of our present time is not a cold statue perched on a pedestal, an unachievable ideal that makes other women feel inferior or inadequate. Quite the contrary; she is a warm, down to earth woman that understands the importance of self love and care, to then be able to love, nurture and share her complete authentic self with others. Someone who flows through the trials and tribulations of life with quiet grace and dignity, she is the lover...to herself!

When I was younger, as a girl growing up we were taught not to dress too provocatively or display our sensuality as we would be judged, so we associated passion and sensuality as bad and not acceptable. We grew up denying our strength and passion. And if we did accidentally discover our Goddess energy when we fell in love, the energy once again goes into hibernation when we have children and take on our new roles as mothers.

The passionate Goddess energy is banished to her box (labeled nice but not essential) as the demands of life as a mother take over.

Motherhood is a difficult transition for any woman, it’s so easy to lose a part of yourself as

you become identified as ‘Polly’s mummy’. But we plod on being the mother, nurturer and love provider to everyone but ourselves.

This a stage that can last many years, but I do believe there comes a time in all women’s lives as the passion diminishes that we begin to wonder, “who am I?” “Am I happy and fulfilled?” “What do I want from life?” People around you will tell you that you are lucky and to count your blessings, but the little niggle, a flicker of something missing remains and you can’t quite put your finger on exactly what the problem is - it is your loss of self and a longing to feel passion and pleasure in your life once again.

When we are in love it is so easy to feel our love and bathe in that love, to mistakenly assign our love to another, but we are the source of that love.

No-one can fill us up or take love away from us, it is always our own love that we feel.

Each and every woman has this sensual Goddess energy residing within, patiently waiting to be resurrected, for us to tap into the well of creativity and enhance our life on this amazing serendipitous journey.

The first and most important step back to wholeness is to become the lover to ourselves, to fan the Goddess flame until it becomes a raging inferno! To have the courage to empower and inspire ourselves to create a life of joy, abundance and fulfillment in congruence with our true authentic selves.

Love & Light Samantha x samantha@universal-magazine.com

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Enhancing the Goddess Energy Practical tips for connecting to the Goddess energy within. `

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Use the visualisation daily and carry your Goddess crystals (page xx) so that you are equipped anytime and anywhere for a quick boost of inspirational energy. Always check that you are fully grounded before commencing your day, take a drink of water and a quick snack if possible.

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Dance! Allow the energy in your hips and lower abdomen to flow harmoniously. Stand with your hands on hips, keep your upper body still and move your hips around in a circle, try 6 circles in one direction and then 6 in the opposite direction. Or try alternating the circles. Even better invest in a hula hoop.

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Express your sensuality. You have a beautiful, curvaceous, soft feminine body; accentuate your best assets, ask a friend if you’re not sure. Wear clothes that make you feel good, colours that compliment your complexion. Clear out your wardrobe and donate any old unwanted items to charity. Wear a skirt to allow the energy to flow freely around your legs and lower abdomen.

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Learn to accept a compliment with dignity and grace. A “Thank you” is quite sufficient. Give compliments too, share the love. Both the giver and the recipient feel good so it’s a double burst of positivity.

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Lingerie - the closest thing to your skin. Wear underwear that you would be happy for a new lover to see you wearing. Forget practical. Treat yourself to some new items, maybe in a colour or design that screams “Ravish me”!

When you wear sexy underwear it’s

impossible not to have a twinkle in your eye. Become the lover to yourself.

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Every morning look in the mirror and tell yourself “I am a unique and beautiful Goddess!” Repeat 6 times. The number 6 is associated with the planet Venus, The Lovers card in the Tarot and is the number of the divine feminine.

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Always use positive self talk - if you find yourself being critical, stop and thank yourself for the observation and then choose to introduce a new positive statement. Learn to make your mind your friend. Be vigilant, negative self talk may be a habit you aren’t even aware of because you have practiced it for so long.

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Don’t compare yourself to other women.

Being a beautiful Goddess is not a competition, ignore the false image of perfect beauty that the media assaults us with on a daily basis. It’s not real!

Appreciate the beauty in others and your eyes will be open to see the beauty in yourself. There is no-one in the world like you.

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Create an affirmation to repeat throughout the day. Try something like “I am a sensual warrior Goddess, I create a life of Joy and fulfillment!”

Use your own words, whatever works for you. Don’t worry if you don’t believe what you say at first, just keep repeating until you can say the affirmation with conviction.

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Surround yourself with positive people that see your inner beauty and empower you to be your true authentic self, a passionate warrior Goddess!

Goddess Visualisation Purchase or create a set of Goddess crystals gather any 3 crystals associated with the lower 3 chakras - Base, Sacral and Solar Plexus. My own Goddess crystals consist of; Red Jasper, Carnelian and Citrine that I keep in a small organza bag that is soft enough to pop into the pocket of my jeans or carry in my purse.

1. To begin; find a quiet place to sit comfortably, where you will not be disturbed for 10 minutes or so. Sit with your back straight, holding your set of Goddess crystals in your hands, resting your hands in your lap. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and connect to Mother Earth.

Imagine roots of golden energy emanating from the soles of your feet, going down into the ground, deeper and deeper, becoming stronger and longer as they burrow deeper and deeper into the rich nurturing earth beneath your feet.

When you feel 100% grounded (you may want to count from 10% to 100% in tens) imagine wrapping your roots around crystal formations deep in the womb of Mother Earth.

2. Take a few deep breaths; slowly inhale to a count of 6 and then slowly exhale to a count of 6. Repeat a few times until you feel completely grounded and in the the present moment.

3. Visualise a tiny flickering flame in your Base chakra; see the deep ruby red flame swaying and moving fluidly. With each inhalation of breath see the flame begin to expand and swell.

Allow your breathing to remain slow and deep as you witness the rhythmic movements of the flame.

4. Next, take your attention to your Sacral chakra; imagine a tiny orange flame gently swaying, moving effortlessly and gracefully. See the two colours, red and orange merging together, creating a beautiful flame in your abdomen.

5. Following another few breaths, imagine a tiny yellow flame situated within your Solar Plexus chakra; as you take each inhalation of breath, visualise the three flames; red,

orange and yellow interweave as they create the most beautiful flame you have ever seen.

As it sways and moves feel the warm glow in your abdomen, visualise the warmth radiating outwards as the flame expands, swelling brighter and more intense with each inhalation.

6. Continue to breath slowly as the flame expands to the point where it encompasses your whole body. You are now encased in the sacred Goddess flame!

7. As warmth infuses the whole of your physical body, know that every organ, every cell, your whole being is being cleansed and purified.

Feel the heat of the flame burning away, and releasing with love, anything and anyone that no longer serves your highest good. As you stand within the Goddess flame you are your true authentic self; you are a beautiful, sensual, strong and powerful Goddess. As you remain in this sacred Goddess flame, you feel the Goddess energy rising, you are empowered.

You feel confident in your ability to create your dreams and a life of fulfilment that you truly deserve. You are unique and beautiful, just the way you are!

8. Let your breathing return to normal. Check that your roots are still attached and you are fully grounded. Your crystals are now infused with the Divine Goddess energy, to use as and when you wish to feel empowered and remember that you already possess all that you need to live and achieve your dreams.....

Love, light and abundant blessings Samantha xxx samantha@universal-magazine.com

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Archangel RAPHAEL Archangels are high ranking angels and their energies are very powerful. They are mentioned in many religions as having important work to do and they are held in high esteem.

Archangel Raphael - The Healer – Integration: I seek you in times of need To heal others and myself I am open to energies I utilise them in my daily life Raphael is known as the angel of healing. He enables our chakras to receive more light whilst he assists us with our own healing process. Call upon Archangel Raphael and you will soon begin to feel integration of your body, mind and spirit. His main purpose is to renew and change.

When we are prepared to leave the old behind, we allow space to welcome in the new. We won’t always find it easy to make this transition because we may feel stuck or not worthy to make this giant leap of faith, but Raphael understands our higher nature or divine self. He will send us powerful healing to help so that we can soon embrace the new. Archangel Raphael supports us during our healing by enhancing our intuition.

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When you feel as if you need a little assistance during challenging times; find a quiet place where you can sit and ask Archangel Raphael to infuse your aura with healing energy. You will soon notice a slight change in vibration as you feel his love flowing towards you and through you. This enables you to connect to your own intuition and listen to your inner guidance.

The energy connected with Archangel Raphael is very strong and powerful, his healing transcends all time and space. He is extremely virtuous. The emerald green light in Raphael’s halo is used to enhance healing, particularly effective for balancing our heart chakra.

You can request Archangel Raphael’s assistance and visualize his emerald green healing light

infusing your physical body as you slowly take each inhalation of breath. As you breathe in the healing green light, imagine pure healing energy entering your heart chakra.

The emerald green healing light brings both clarity and illumination. Raphael lights our path at the same time as holding the light for others to see clearly too. He heals both our emotional and physical bodies, allowing us to celebrate our true spirit.

Crystals for Healing - Green Emerald for our heart chakra, Rose Quartz for self love.

Jennifer Lynch Author of We Hear You Angels www.angelwisdom.co.uk

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UNIVERSAL competition 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

Eat to Get Younger Tackling inflammation and other ageing processes for a longer, healthier life Lorraine Nicolle and Christine Bailey

The Chinese Book of Animal Powers

You can’t escape the ageing process but you can slow it down. By helping you to identify and address the problem areas that are accelerating your rate of ageing, this book reveals how to become more energised, sleep better, get leaner, avoid or delay age-related degenerative conditions typical in your family, and generally look and feel healthier in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond.

Chungliang Al Huang For thousands of years, the Chinese have believed that each of us is born with the characteristics and powers of a member of the animal kingdom, depending on the month and year of our birth. Now readers of all ages can discover for themselves the fun and wisdom of this age-old Chinese tradition in this exquisite book by celebrated author and artist Chungliang Al Huang.

Find out which animal powers you were born with and which powers your friends and family possess.

Discover how to absorb and adapt other animal powers into your own. Have fun pronouncing Chinese names with sounds that date back to ancient times. Feel each animal’s graceful movements by tracing elegant brush calligraphy. With a full-page spread devoted to each animal, a glossary of movement and art, and an easy-to-use year and month chart, The Chinese Book of Animal Powers is a unique introduction to the Chinese Zodiac by an expert teacher and philosopher.

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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 DATEP ENDING. Closing date DATE PENDING. 76

Written by award-winning nutritionists, the book shows you how to manipulate your diet, supplements and lifestyle to strengthen the very body systems that are essential to extending your healthy years - systems such as inflammation, detoxification, carbohydrate metabolism and the stress response. It includes action plans for specific areas of interest, to help you focus on your own individual goal, whether this is reducing pain, improving your bones and joints, easing the menopause, losing weight, revitalising your skin, or reducing the chronic internal inflammation that is the precursor to most age-related diseases.

The Meditation Book of Light and Colour Pauline Wills Meditating with colour can be a powerful way to improve health and well-being and this simple handbook provides a full spectrum of new and easy-to-use colour meditation exercises.

With over 100 recipes, plus meal plans, lifestyle suggestions and questionnaires for self-assessment, the authors guide you through their easy-to-follow programmes that will help you feel and look rejuvenated, revitalized and youthful.

Red can be used to improve circulation and fight infection; blue to soothe the mind and lower blood pressure. Each chapter looks at a particular colour and its associated chakra, discusses the characteristics and healing properties, and offers a series of relaxing breathing exercises and transformative visualisations for working with the colour in question. Anyone can practice these simple meditations in the home, and they are ideal for colour therapists, energy healers, yoga instructors and meditation leaders to use with clients.

2014, Paperback: ÂŁ14.99/ $24.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-179-2

2014, Paperback: ÂŁ12.99/ $19.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-202-7

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

For more information about Singing Dragon - Jessica Kingsley Publishers please visit their website: www.singingdragon.com 77

UNIVERSAL ISSUE 4

MIND BODY SPIRIT

ISSUE 4 OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE 5 - OUT DECEMBER Editor Samantha Yates Publisher Andrew Dibble The digital magazine for Holistic Living