Ritual for Better Family Communication

The holidays season is here and, for many, that means more time with family —- both nuclear and extended. It seems inevitable that unresolved disagreements, mistakes and misunderstandings will rear their ugly heads. Turn your dining table into a “secret weapon” against bickering and family blow-ups.

ITEMS NEEDED

• Dining table

• Blessed water

• Clean cloth

WHAT TO DO

• Ground & Center

• Dampen cloth with blessed water

• Wipe table while saying:

Let this table be a place of comfort.

May it serve as a place to learn, to support, and to share.

May the communication around it be clear, respectful and loving at all times.

And so it is.

How to Develop Your Intuition

Life can be overwhelming! Each year, society seems more and more to revolve around technology, screens, and stress. It’s far too easy to get caught up comparing ourselves to the perfectly curated lives and images we see on social media and television. Negative cycles of anxiety, fear, and stress are fueled by the never-ending 24-hour news cycle. It’s no wonder we find ourselves caught in negative cycles of anxiety, fear, and stress.

Thankfully, everyone is born with an ability to access a tool that can help us overcome today’s modern emotional and menal struggle. A tool that can help guide us through life and stay on the right path. It is our one true superpower, an ancient wisdom buried within each of us; it’s our intuition!

The definition of intuition is, “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.” In other words, it is knowing something without knowing why or how you know it --- you just know. Intuition bridges the gap between our conscious and unconscious minds. For example, have you ever had an unexplainable feeling in your gut that instinctively told you when something you were doing was right or wrong? That was your intuition speaking. Imagine what your life would be like if you were able to access that inner guidance system whenever you needed it. That sounds amazing, right? Who wouldn’t want more of that?

Listening to and trusting that little voice is a marvelous thing on its own but working to develop that little voice can make it even more powerful. We all have the sacred ability to grow and strengthen our intuition. The more we use it, the more it can expand and evolve. Think of your intuition as a muscle that needs exercise and nourishment to flourish. Let’s look at five ways to get in tune with and develop your intuition.

1. Meditate: Unless you have been living under a rock for the past several years, you know that you should be meditating. We hear about it everywhere. We all know that we should meditate more. Meditation helps us to tune into and grow our intuition. For most people, intuition has a very soft voice. If our minds are busy with the stresses of daily life, it can be very hard to hear that little voice. Meditation is a great way to clear the mind, quiet the constant inner dialogue, and make room for our intuition to come through. For a supported meditation, try Reiki help you listen and tune in to your inner spirit. Click here to schedule a hands-on or distance session with one of our certified Practitioners. Also, join our Founder, Rhonda Kuykendall-Jabari, for a guided meditation on Zoom every Wednesday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM Pacific. These sessions are sponsored by the Black Visions of Wellness program at UMMA Community Clinic. They are free and open to the public. Check our Events tab for details.

2. Dreams: During our waking hours, our cognitive brain is in control. It uses logic and reasoning to override our subconscious mind. However, during sleep, that conscious mind rests, allowing our inner subconscious to shine through. We can learn a lot about overcoming issues or problems by listening to this inner consciousness. Keep a dream journal. Keep a notebook and pen right next to your bed and immediately upon waking, try to record everything you remember about your dreams. Dreams begin to fade from memory immediately upon waking, so grab your dream journal before you do anything else. Like most things, this takes practice. Over time, you will get better at interpreting and recording your dreams. You will begin to see patterns and occasions where your inner consciousness is trying to help you solve problems or guide you in the right direction. Before going to bed, visualize yourself remembering your dreams. Picture yourself waking up and recording these dreams in your journal. Hold this thought in your head as you fall asleep. This will help imprint the practice in your mind and make it easier the next morning.

3. More nature: Spending time in nature, away from technology, is one of the best ways to quiet the mind. Nature is a great way for us to get in tune with our ancestral self and our celestial intuition. This is where we come from. Our ancestors relied on their intuition for everything from finding food, to avoiding predators, to finding the right path in life. Any time we immerse ourselves in nature’s beauty, we have an opportunity to dip our toe in another world, a world where intuition rules.

4. Get creative: Do something creative! Paint, draw, build, sketch --- anything that elevates your creative mind. When we are young, our inner voice is loud and not hesitant to shine through. As we get older, that inner voice is pushed down with responsibilities and the stresses of life. Tapping into this creative part of our brain can help re-ignite those pathways and amplify intuition.

5. Think less, feel more: Our cognitive brain thinks, our intuition feels. Our minds are always reasoning, questioning, and thinking their way through the day. After so many years of this, we don’t even realize it’s happening. If people could hear all the questions being asked by our cognitive brain all day, they would think us crazy. Try to slow down and “feel” more. Feelings that are grounded in the body are also grounded in truth. These feelings will never lie. Learn to listen to them more. Pay attention to those little signals that our body gives us like the heart beating faster, a knot in the pit of the stomach, feeling hot, cold, or a tingling sensation. You know the situation – like when you meet someone and immediately something is off about them; you can just feel it. Maybe they are lying to you or treating someone poorly. Your physical body can feel that and alert you. If you pay more attention to these physical cues, you can avoid many uncomfortable, painful, or awkward situations. This is your intuition speaking, and it’s trying to guide you in the right direction.

HERBAL BLENDS FOR MAGICAL LIVING

With the hustle and bustle of back-to-school in the rearview mirror, now is a good time to take back control of your home environment. Reclaim your living quarters and home office workspace with powerful herbal blends that can be used as simmering potpourri, or sweeping powder. You may also steep, strain, and use herbal blends as anointing potions.

Try these intention-fueled blends. If there is a scent that doesn't agree with you, chuck it! Results will ultimately depend on your stated purpose.

• Protection blend: basil, rosemary, vervain, pinch of salt, clove

• Productivity blend: cinnamon, clove, allspice, ginger, touch of orange peel

• Communication blend: carnation, lavender, nettle

• Healing blend: vervain, rose, chamomile

• Relaxation blend: rose, chamomile, clary sage

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CHILDREN

Society has always been wary of allowing children to use essential oils the way adults typically do. When it comes to young people, there are many things to consider, especially when using essential oils.

We can’t exactly use them the same way we would use on ourselves. Children are way more sensitive and susceptible to ailments than we are, even from well-known products we would use on ourselves. The most important things to keep in mind when using essential oils for kids are the following:

1. Quality, quality, quality! When it comes to children, their skin and bodies require the purest forms of the oil you could get.

2. Dilute, always dilute! Children are sensitive, their skin is sensitive and so are their bodies. This is why when using the purest of the pure, you have to dilute it more than you would for yourself with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. This will avoid sensitivity rashes.

3. Never, ever, EVER! Put oils directly into your child’s eyes, ears, or nose. This could be extremely harmful and will 100% send you on a trip to the ER.

Below are some guidelines for safe use of essential oils on children.

SORE THROATS

This will most likely happen quite a lot in children. Suffering from a sore throat can happen at any given moment and cause great discomfort. 

The best essential oils to use for sore throats are:

• Clove oil

• Eucalyptus oil 

• Cinnamon oil

• Rosemary oil

Depending on your child’s age, dilute any one of these oils and then apply it to their jawline and neck area. Otherwise, have them gargle a diluted solution: 3 drops of one of these oils into a shot glass of lukewarm water

RESPIRATORY ISSUES

The amazing thing about children using essential oils is that there is a specific market just for them with special blends for what they might need. If you need to open your child’s airways, clear congestion or clear a blocked nose then these are the best essential oils to use:

• Eucalyptus oil

• Tea tree oil

• Peppermint oil

These work best when diffused into the air or you could even add a few drops to the shower.

ALLERGIES

An age-old issue that millions of people around the world suffer from, regardless of the season we’re in. The best essential oils to use for your child’s allergies are:

• Lavender oil

• Lemon oil

• Peppermint oil

 Mix these three oils in equal parts (2 drops each) and add 5 drops of coconut oil with this. Apply this mixture to the bottoms of your child’s feet and their spine. This application works on adults, too.

ITCHY EYES

 When it comes to itchy eyes, regardless of age, lavender oil is perfect to use. Lavender oil should be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and applied around the eye socket. This will naturally ease up the itching and discomfort.

EARACHES

Earaches can make anybody moody. These are often caused by viral infections; bacterial infections tend to clear on their own. Grape seed oil and garlic oil very effective.. Apply a diluted solution of these two essential oils behind the ear at least twice a day to see results.

Since children are highly sensitive, they require a different form of care than adults. Regardless of the ailment, if symptoms persist, see a doctor. 

FROM PESSIMISM TO INNER PEACE WITH REIKI

People with pessimistic attitudes go through life feeling as though they are swimming upstream, fighting their thoughts and emotions every day. They want to feel more optimistic, but something inside gets in the way. When they are faced with an obstacle, they begin to feel they are undeserving. If they are rejected for a job, they feel that they are not good enough to have any job. They tell themselves that everyone thinks they are stupid, and the cycle of pessimism traps them into psychological immobility. Everyone experiences rejection at some time, but when your mind focuses on the negative aspects of a situation, it is hard to find inner peace. Reiki is one way to achieve the balanced perspective needed to circumvent pessimism and find inner peace.

The first step in finding inner peace is to think carefully about your goals. This requires some degree of clarity. What are you trying to achieve, and what are you doing that will take you there? Can you realistically reach your goals, or are you setting goals that are far beyond your reach? Do you have any goals? By putting your priorities in order, you will be on the path to peace; only chaos can result from clutter and disorganization of the mind. Start by setting small goals that can be easily achieved. Then, instead of focusing on failure, you can see the small victories along the way to reaching your goal. If you fail to reach a goal, or if you encounter a delay, use this situation to learn how to do better and move forward. Don’t wallow in your failure.

When you feel good about yourself, you will have an easier time finding peace of mind. Peace is essential for happiness. If you constantly feel sad, you are living under a great weight that brings you down to a point where you may find yourself in a prolonged state of self-pity. Self-pity only encourages negative thinking. Remember, you are not the only person facing rejection or hurt in life. There are others in more dire situations. People with negative thinking miss out on inner peace because they let every little setback throw them off track. They criticize themselves and tread down a road that leads to misery.

Sometimes, hearing the word “No” is a good thing. If you’ve lost out on a job, maybe that is for the best. What if you had been awarded a job position only to find out that it was not what you really wanted, or that the situation did not serve your highest good? Perhaps someone says “No” to you to keep you from hurting yourself. Maybe they say “No” because they love you. Try to see “No” as a sign from the Universe that now is not the best time, or the thing to which you aspire is not the best thing for you.

Everyone must face rejection at some time, so we would do well to turn our rejections into positive actions. Taking action can lead you to inner peace because activity makes you feel more positive about a situation. Positive attitudes result in peaceful states of mind. If you find yourself feeling bad all the time, try to break the cycle and get out of the habit of doing so. You can train your mind to think more positively. It will take work and effort, but it will lead you to inner peace, and this will be worthwhile.

Reiki can be a very effective way to overcome rejection. During a 45-60 minute session, you will be guided to go inward, open yourself to intuition, and shift your perspective to see things as they really ARE When you see things from a balanced point of view, you will see that rejection is simply an opportunity for course correction. Once you open yourself to positive possibilities, you will find your way to inner peace.

REIKI AS A GUIDE TO GENUINE HEART-CENTERED JOY

Everyone is worthy of heart-centered joy. Right here. Right now. In this lifetime. This can be achieved with a regular and ongoing practice of Reiki.

Reiki is a heart-centered practice. It encourages forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, and knowing when to let go. Reiki instills trust and allows us to shift our perspective from being on the outside looking in, to coming from the inside, where intuition and Higher mind reside.

THE FIVE REIKI PRINCIPLES

Just for today, I will not worry.

Just for today, Will not be angry.

Just for today, I will be grateful.

Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

The Five Reiki Principles are a gift from Sensei Mikao Usui. They help us to stay in the present as we navigate day-to-day challenges. Dr. Usui believed that by having these in our thoughts and what we say, we are able to live positive lives. If we dwell in doubt and other negative things, our dreams will never happen.

As Reiki practitioners, we should use our talent not only to heal ourselves and those around us but also the world at large. This is because attunement strengthens our thoughts, making us realize that we have a potential to do more in our life. The more we do in life, the more purposeful our existence, and the more genuine, heart-centered joy we can help others achieve.

Our creative power of divine heart and. mind connection is what sets us apart from other species on the planet. We just have to tap this gift and use it so we may be able to fulfill or even find our purpose in life.

One thing we have to remember is that there are universal laws that govern an abundance of joy and happiness. Seasons come and go and despite everything, we are just limitless beings. This is why humans must strive for the highest good and hold on to things that are of value. When we feel that things are not going our way, this is the time that we must reflect and see if the things that are considered to be important hold the same priority as they did before. If they do not, this must be removed and then changed to a positive energy that can produce something better. In essence, we let go of the old to make room for the new.

How do you begin this journey? By creating a list of what is important in your life and what brings you joy, reviewing each one, and then figuring out which of these have to go. It is best to pay attention to how you feel about each one and then only keep those that add value to your quality of life.

Receiving Reiki can be a pivotal starting point for profound self-healing, which will lead to genuine heart-centered joy. It is important to remember that your Reiki healing process does not end when your session ends. Universal life force energy continues to work toward your highest good for up to 21 days after each session. During this time, energy blockages are being released to support a gentle shift in your perspective —- empowering you to see things differently. When this new awareness takes effect, you will come to realize your innate ability to self-heal. This is probably the most important part of your Reiki healing process. Afterwards, you are better prepared to move on with life. This is how genuine heart-centered joy can be achieved, using Reiki as your guide.

To begin your journey to a life filled with all the joy you can stand, make Reiki a regular part of your self-care regimen.

SPIRIT GUIDES (WE ARE NEVER ALONE)

Even when you feel as though you are completely alone, there are Divine Companions who are always with you. Before your incarnation they chose to accompany you through your lifetime- from the moment of your first breath- until your last. Spirit Guides are highly evolved beings that have completed the cycle of birth and death in the physical plane and are now serving as teachers and guides to further elevate their vibrations. They are as "real" as you are- they are just vibrating at another level and reside in another plane of existence.

They work to guide you by working through your dreams and intuition. That quiet voice you hear is often the voice of your teachers and guides. They may also make themselves known to you through signs and symbols. For me, when I am at a crossroads in my life or journeying though a personal or emotional challenge- I find feathers everywhere or see repetitive numbers. I also see hear certain songs. It is a reminder for me to be still and listen to the guidance of my own personal guides. The feathers are representative of the energy of my guides.

Some individuals have one guide and others have multitudes- much of this depends on the path and purpose of your life. For instance, a teacher/professor may have several guides- one to guide them through the academic nature of their profession and others to assist them with the great emotional requirements of performing such an important task. A policeman, fireman, or soldier will often have a "team" of warriors guiding and protecting them. Much of who your guides are depends upon your own personal journey though life.

Spirit guides are almost never a loved one who has passed away. Although our loved ones stay with us in spirit and we can contact them, they do not serve the same role as a "spirit guide". Some individuals have Archangels and Angels as spirit guides who are always with them. Yet, the presence of Angels does not always mean they are your spirit guides. Angels can be called in times of distress to assist you for a short time. If you have an Archangel or Angel as a guide, chances are your mission in life is a complex one. Through my experience with being a psychic reader and spiritual teacher- I have found that individuals with a challenging life path often have Angels as spirit guides.

Your spirit guide is always with you, whether you acknowledge their presence or not. You cannot call them to you or send them away- they are part of you and your journey. However, you can choose to gain the knowledge of who they are and what their role in your life is. You can interact with your spirit guides in a more proactive way. If you want to know who your guides are, just ask. Get in a quiet and meditative space and ask that they reveal themselves to you. Do not get discouraged if you do not figure it out right away. Beings from the spiritual realm often communicate through signs and symbols. Once you ask- you must trust your own wisdom. Pay attention to the pictures that appear in your mind. If you see a man in a suit- stay with that- it could be he is a philosopher or scientist. You may see a Native American, a Buddhist Monk or you may see nothing at all. Keep your mind and intuition open. Pay attention to things that keep coming up after you have asked that they reveal who they are. If you are having a challenge discovering who they are you can also contact a professional psychic/intuitive to assist you.

Working with your spirit guides can be an incredible tool for your own personal and spiritual growth. Unlike beings who are in the physical- their wisdom and advice is not influenced by the "world." They dwell in a higher vibrational plane and the mundane particulars of your situation are not relevant. For example- if you seek guidance from your spirit guide regarding a relationship- they will lead you to focus on what you are learning, what you need to learn, what you are teaching your partner, and what is the true meaning of your relationship. The fact that they leave the toilet seat up or are terrible at budgeting the household finances will be irrelevant. The information that you will be provided will be actions that YOU can take to gain more understanding. You can also ask your Spirit Guides to assist you in physical healing. Before you go to sleep, ask that as you are sleeping- you receive healing.

You are never alone. Never. Take faith in knowing and understanding that there is so much magic and mystery in this life. Just for a moment, let the "world" disappear. Raise your vibration and allow the beautiful gifts of spirit wash over you. Life is so much more than what we see. Open your spiritual eyes and hearts and you will discover a world of wisdom, beauty and peace that you never knew existed. Of course, you can always choose to not believe. It is always your choice. But, why not? Why not step into another level of existence? Why not believe in magic? You do not have to announce it to the office, but you can embrace the wonders of spirit in your own heart. It will envelope you in a light of love and understanding, and will mysteriously transform you to a more connected and loving being.

MARS WATER (AKA WAR WATER)

This powerful magickal water is widely used in folk magic for protection and removal of negativity and obstacles. War water is a rugged tool and can be used to launch psychic attacks (not recommended unless absolutely necessary). Remembering that psychic warfare ALWAYS comes with a price, so ask yourself if you can handle your energy boomeranging back to you multifold. Mars water was originally used to treat anemia and other disorders where an increase in iron is called for. The recipe takes several days and can be replenished and stewed for years. I've come to believe that the time it takes is to give one ample opportunity to consider its use. It's a handy item to keep on hand in case of emergency --- but use with plenty of caution.

ITEMS NEEDED

• 21 masonry nails

• 1 glass quart jar

• Empty glass or other glass jar

• 1/2 cup storm water

• 1/2 cup tap water

• Pinch black salt

WHAT TO DO

• Place the nails into the quart jar

• Fill quart jar with 1/2 way with equal portiona of storm water and tap water

• Add black salt

• Cover jar and shake vigorously for a full 3 minutes

• Loosely cover the jar, allowing air to escape

• Brew in a cool, dark place where it will remain undisturbed for 7 days

• Check your water after 7 days. If it looks strange or weird (moldy, debris, growths), toss and start over

• If the water looks okay, shake vigorously and replace the cap loosely. Return it to a cool, dark place.

• Wait 7 days and check the water again. If it contains lots of rust and no mold or growth, it's ready for use.

• Strain what you need and save the rest for later.

• ~o continuing stewing this recipe, continue to add water as your supply decreases.

• Traditional use of this recipe is to put it into a small glass bottle and throw it onto the doorstep (breaking it) in the path of your enemy. Leave and do not look back. Be aware, this is probably considered assault (by law). So, again, not recommended.

• For protection and to get rid of negative energy, add a small amount to a wash for your porch or outside deck. You can also place jars strategically around your property outside.

REIKI IS MEDITATION IS REIKI

As Reiki grows in popularity, people ask, "how does Reiki compare to meditation?"

Headspace meditation says, "Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment. And eventually, you may start to better understand them as well."

As a complementary healing modality, Reiki helps clear and restore balance to the energy body by clearing and releasing energy blockages. It releases stress, relieves pain, and promotes self-healing. As a result, people experience a state of deep relaxation.

During both Reiki and meditation, people enter a state of relaxed awareness called, "alpha." In this state, the mind is clear and receptive to information from the higher or subconscious mind. In the alpha state, people are able to make connections and realizations that may be missed in a conscious state.

Like Reiki, meditation has been an integral part of many cultures. Records indicate that meditation was practiced in ancient Greece and India more than 5,000 years ago.

While meditation is widely accepted as part of religious dogma, Reiki is not associated with a specific religion. In other words, your beliefs have nothing to do with Reiki or its influence --- one does not need to believe in Reiki for it to work.

Meditation is one of the proven alternative therapies that in recent years have been classified under mind-body medicine therapies. It is continuing to gain popularity as more and more health experts believe that there is more to the connection between mind and body than modern medicine can explain. More and more doctors are prescribing meditation as a way to lower blood pressure, to improve exercise performance, to help people with asthma to breathe easier, to relieve insomnia, and generally relax everyday stresses of life.

Traditionally, both meditation and Reiki have been used for spiritual growth, but more recently, they are valuable tools for managing stress and finding a place of peace, relaxation, and tranquility in a demanding fast-paced world. A common benefit of Reiki is a shift from 'victim' mentality to a more empowered sense of self. When this happens, people are more likely to participate in their own healing process, as well as take positive actions toward their own best interests.
Some other benefits of Reiki and meditation are:

• Physical and emotional healing

• Easing stress, fear and grief

• Developing intuition

• Deep relaxation

• Exploring higher realities

• Finding higher guidance

• Unlocking creativity

• Manifesting change

• Emotional cleansing and balancing

• Deepening concentration and insight

Both practices counter stress and tension. In his book Awakening the Buddha Within, Lama Surya Das writes, “Meditation is not just something to do; it’s a method of being and seeing an unconditional way of living moment by moment. In other words, learning to live in this moment because this moment is all we have." Likewise, Reiki allows one to just ‘be’ in the present without distractions, because the present is all we have.

My Love Language is Intuition

Thanks to a recent bout with the COVID Omicron Variant, I've had plenty of time to self-analyze and reconnect with my higher intuition. Severe dizziness, fever, headaches, and debilitating fatigue rendered me motionless for several days. That's the bad news. The good news is I had plenty of time to focus on and practice mindful, purposeful, selfless, self-care --- genuine self-care. I did Reiki self-treatments three times daily. I drank at least 99 ounces of 9.5+ alkaline water each day. I religiously boosted my immune system with andrographis, Lypo-Spheric vitamin C, a calcium, magnesium, zinc supplement, apple cider vinegar, and vitamin D. When I felt unable to perform Reiki on myself, I sought support from other Practitioners in my circle. I spent hours in Q and A with my body; asking, "What do you need from me right now?" and listening intently for responses. Contrary to the popular adage, our bodies do come with an instruction manual, it's called "intuition."

We live at a time when the capacity to hear Spirit’s voice speaking within heart and mind has become greater, due to the intensification of light within the physical plane. As a result, even for those who have wandered far away from a spiritual path, the way back is more possible than ever before. All you need is a wish to return and give time and attention to the voice of inner knowing that you may have previously rejected.

This inner knowing is what we call intuition. It takes place in silence and in the presence of inspiration that arrives from another level, often by asking and waiting. Though some intuitive perceptions are primarily focused within the human plane, for example, knowing someone so well that we can anticipate how they might react to something or what they might do, the kind of intuition that may be called ‘higher intuition’ comes from a different place. It is the voice of understanding that translates messages from the level of the soul where Divine truth, light, and wisdom can be heard.

There doesn’t have to be a great difference between human intuition and higher intuition. And yet, for many there still remains a large gap – a space that makes it more difficult to hear the words that are being whispered to and from the soul. In order to bridge this gap, mind and heart have to be willing and there needs to be at least the beginning of trust in one’s capacity ‘to know’.

Intuition does not need to be taught; it needs to be allowed. It is a capacity that has always been within us in a dormant state, waiting for us to turn towards it, as a flower turns to the sun. We can start with a small willingness to 'know’ more of truth, light, and wisdom as it applies to our own life and to the lives of those we love. We can begin to pray to have the obstacles removed that cloud understanding or diminish our perception of what this truth might be.

A desire to make contact with higher truth begins to open the doors to inner knowing, especially when such desire is accompanied by a willingness to receive and to pay attention to what has been heard or sensed. There are people who ‘know’ things who do not believe what their inner senses tell them. They invalidate and reject what they feel or believe. This choice begins to close the doors to higher perception as it gives more power to fear; fear of being wrong, fear of being different, fear of needing to change one’s life based on what is heard. In order to open the doors to intuition and to keep them open, we need to be willing to hear and know, and we need to be willing to trust.

Trust is not a simple thing, for it often involves a reevaluation of how we have lived our lives. It may be that life has compelled us to be more practical, more focused on the daily tasks of living and providing for others. Or, it may be that we have made mistakes in the past concerning who or what to trust. It also may be that we have forgotten that we have the capacity to feel more, to sense more, or to be more open to life on all levels. Trust involves not only a willingness to receive something from another level of our being. It also involves a willingness to believe in our own capacity to flow with life and to change what needs to be changed on the outside or on the inside in order to do so.

There are many who know a great deal but who are afraid to let themselves recognize this because of where it might take them. This fear must be let go of in order to open the doors further to intuition and to the greater perception of light and truth.

Especially today, when there are so many great issues before us as a collective humanity, and so many actions taken that can have a profound effect on all of humankind, it is especially important that we reclaim our ability to know and to trust, that gives rise to intuition. To do otherwise leaves us in the precarious position of not knowing what or who to believe, not knowing which direction to go in, in terms of making the world a better place and relieving the immense suffering that currently exists. Without access to the deeper intuitive sense that is part of us, we live at the mercy of public opinion rather than in the presence of truth.

For reasons that are both personal and are simply part of being human, it is essential, now, for us to open to the light that is present so that we can participate more fully in the collective life of humanity, as well as, in the circumstances of our own lives. It is time to allow our inner senses to awaken and to become the light-filled beings that we are. The time we are in asks this of us, and for each of us, our hearts ask this of us so that we can begin to solve the problems and challenges that are immediately before us.

We can begin with a prayer or meditation; we can follow that with a period of silence and emptiness in which we do not know and wait to be shown; we can make ourselves ready to become vessels of truth and light. The recognition of intuition’s gifts may not happen immediately, but it will happen, and all of life celebrates when one who has left the path of recognizing their Divine self begins to tread the path of return.

QUICK STRESS RELIEVING RITUAL

Feeling stressed? Anxious? Tense? Try this calming ritual.

ITEMS NEEDED

• Blue candle

• Lavender essential oil

WHAT TO DO

• On a blue candle, etch the word "calm."

• If you are a Reiki Practitioner, etch Hon She Ze Sho Nen on the candle.

• Anoint the candle with lavender essential oil.

• Light the candle and sit quietly, gazing into the flame. Do this for 10 minutes. Breathe deeply and slowly. Focus on the scent of the lavender oil.

• After 10 minutes, snuff out the candle.

• Repeat this exercise every day until you feel your stress is under control.

For more rituals, spells, recipes and self-care, join our Members Only community by clicking Powerful Rituals in the top menu.

Benefits of Space Clearing

Space clearing is a specific process or practice to get rid of unwanted energy. It usually involves the release of lower vibration energy and setting intentions to welcome the vibrations you most desire in your home or workspace. The process may include incense, herbs, prayer, meditation, invocations, spray mists, essential oils, etc. As a ritual, it can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.

Space clearing is something you can do for yourself, or hire a professional to perform. It can be done in person as well as by phone or an audio/visual platform like FaceTime or Skype, or Zoom.

REASONS TO CLEAR SPACE | BENEFITS OF SPACE CLEARING

• Before or just after moving into a new home

• To address disharmony exhibited by arguing, sleeplessness, unexplained sadness, depression

• Shift perspective to see things as they really are

• Remove energetic obstacles that keep you from making sound decisions and moving forward in life

• Refresh/reset energy after a death or break-up

• Release stress, anger, anxiety

• Gently free the space from stubborn, stagnant, stuck energy by inviting it to move on

• When starting a new job to create vibrant, new energy

• Lay a foundation for authentic joy, happiness, and success

• Release energy that may be causing problems with neighbors

• Increase energy

• Create an inviting experience for prospective home buyers (for real estate professionals and sellers)

• Release and reset stagnation caused by trauma that occurred in the space

Space clearing can benefit you if you’re feeling ill-at-ease in your home, have experienced a loss or a string of bad luck, or just need to create a feeling of comfort and security. Schedule a space clearing session with Wellness Uprising. We combine smudging, clearing and cleansing to leave your home refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for all the joy you can stand.

Purple and Black Ritual Salts

At Wellness Uprising, we strive to honor and live in close communion with the flow of Mother Nature's seasons. While COVID-19 has temporarily halted our blessed gatherings, we continue to create and share the most special times of the year with our treasured extended family of clients and customers. Our goal is to offer items that you can take from our home to yours, and incorporate them into your family's rituals and celebrations for a touch of reverence and magick. You are the secret ingredient that fuels the our new Reiki-blessed line of spiritual supplies. We've taken time and great measures to ensure each and every item is handmade, prayed over, Reiki-blessed, and programmed for the highest and greatest healing and magickal good of the user --- causing no harm to anyone. A Wellness Uprising favorite is the ritual salt.

Our incredible purple and black ritual salts are powerfully charged for added clarity, protection and psychic connection during healings, prayer, meditation, readings, cleansing, clearing and any other intention-fueled task.

In rituals and spell work, purple salt is a useful aid that clears negative energy. It can be used to create an air of peace and calm so you can focus on your desired outcome. It clears and opens the third eye chakra (Ajna), which makes it ideal during healing work, Tarot readings, spiritual readings, prayer and meditation. Purple salt is also helpful in dream work and to strengthen psychic ability.

Just as purple salt clears negative energy, black salt absorbs negative energy. Add a bit to your floor wash to ward off and 'rinse away' unwanted energy. Use a small amount in the workplace to remove unwanted energy. Carry a small amount on your person to avert bullies, bad bosses, and gossip. Place a small amount in a bowl or sprinkle inconspicuously around your desk to cast a protective boundary. Use black salt in rituals where you reach across realms to connect with Spirit or ancestors. This will block any undesirable energy from entering the space. Its ability to absorb negative energy makes black salt ideal for weekly use. Toss a handful away from you in the wind, or sprinkle in flowing waters. Ground black salt into the earth to protect and banish evil.

If you'd like to experience the high vibrations of our ritual salts, grab yours at the weekly Reiki walk-in clinic every Wednesday, 11 am to 4 pm. To tap into Rhonda's armory of spells, rituals, affirmations, and self-care tips, join our Facebook Group, Powerful Rituals for Self-Care and Insightful Living.

Five Ways to Use a One Card Tarot Spread

At Wellness Uprising, we offer Tarot Readings by email and allow intuition to guide us to the best deck for the Querent’s needs. While most requests are for a 10-card spread, the Tarot is flexible and lends itself to countless layouts to get answers to our questions. Countless Tarot spreads and decks work together to offer up a world of insights that speak to every taste, preference and belief system that is open to The Tarot’s ancient wisdom.

One card Tarot spreads work well for quick, easy, and direct answers. They speak candidly to yes/no and either/or questions. Here are five times a one card Tarot spread can come in handy.

1. Card of the Day: If you’re looking for daily clarity and guidance, Card of the Day may be your closest ally. Use it alone or with a Tarot journal to track re-occurring or closely connected messages. Pull one card daily from a full deck of 78 cards. The best time is in the morning while you’re well-rested and completely relaxed and open.

2. Should I go for it/say it now?: In Tarot, the Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that speak to your path to spiritual self-awareness. There speak to events and occurrences that will have long-lasting effects. If you’re tiptoeing around something that you feel strongly needs to be said or done, but want to move with caution, ask your question and pull a single Major Arcana card. To ensure you are drawing upon the energy of the Now, pull this card on the evening before you need to act/speak out/go for it.

3. How should I get this done?: If the issue in front of you is about strategy —- how to approach a problem —- how to get something done, a one card spread can prove invaluable. Work only with the four suits (Pentacles, Swords, Wands, Cups) Ace to 10. Work this energy marlin in the morning for a timeline of the day ahead.

4. What is my strongest power in this situation?: It’s a question we’ve been asked thousands of times in job interviews; “What is your greatest strength?” I despise this question in a job interview because my greatest strength and value to the company is dependent upon the inner workings and nuances of the company, which I won’t know until and unless I am hired. Sorry —- back to the center. If you have a situation where you know there is an opportunity, and would like to know how to best leverage energy for your greatest outcome, this spread is for you. You only need to work with the 22 Major Arcana cards + the 16 Court cards. The best time to seek answers is, of course, before reaching out for the opportunity.

5. One Question: When you want a simple yes/no answer to a single questions, pull one card from the full deck of 78 cards. This work can be done at any time. The key is to keep it simple and straightforward. If you feel you need more information, pull a second card.

About That Pendulum

Pendulums come in a variety of shapes, materials, lengths and weights. At Wellness Uprising, we recommend that customers take their time and choose a pendulum that 'resonates' with them. There are no rules. When it comes to your dowsing preferences, it’s about your personal choice.

Some people like the feeling of a heavier pendulum, and some like to keep it light. The greatest bearing on the weight of a pendulum rests in the material of which it is made. Heavier materials and construction like solid copper or brass will move more slowly than lighter matter like a hollow wood or die cut metal.

Pendulum shape may be anything from a heart to a cone, to a 3d star, a sphere, or a faceted point. If precision is your concern, you will probably appreciate a pointed pendulum. If you like the vibration of energy moving through your dowsing session, you may appreciate a 3d star or any pendulum shaped fashioned in the form of sacred geometry.

Conductivity is another factor when selecting a pendulum. If clarity (clear messaging) is a concern for you, then you will want to go with something like quartz, which conducts more clearly than brass.
When it comes down to it, pendulum choice is about personal preference. The key is to go with your intuition and don't overthink it.

Whatever your preference, Wellness Uprising has a large selection of shapes, materials and weights for you to find with the pendulum that is right for you. Come give one of these beauties a permanent home among your spiritual tools.

To shop our current selection of pendulums, visit our Reiki walk-in clinic on Wednesdays 11 am to 4 pm.

5 Signs of Energy Body Injury

“Slow down, baby, you’re going too fast. You’ve got your hands in the air with your feet on the gas. You’re ‘bout to wreck your future, runnin’ from your past. You need to slow down, baby.” ~ India.Arie

 The mass consciousness is shifting and everyone is feeling the pain. We are constantly under physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attack. The strongest survivors are taking extraordinary steps to shield and protect themselves, but too many don’t even know where to begin. In fact, they may not even be aware of what is happening. We know what it feels like when the physical body is injured or exhausted. But how do our psychic and emotional bodies respond to injury?

1.  Chronic fatigue. Even if you have not been clinically diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, you may feel weary and worn all the time. You go to bed tired and wake up tired in the morning. The feeling persists no matter how much sleep you get or how much “down time” you take.

2. Feeling abstract. When the mind and soul are exhausted, it is difficult to tap into your usual systems of support. You may isolate yourself from supportive friends and family, and/or be disconnected from universal source. You may feel confused, alone, afraid and helpless to do anything about it.

3. Tearful. Do you find yourself tearing up or straight our bawling for no good reason? This is a sign of energy body fatigue. Your defenses are down, your chakras are dysfunctional, and your aura is weak and unable to appropriately process and understand day-to-day events. Because you are emotionally worn, your perception is skewed and your reactions are disproportionate to what is really happening.

4. Compromised immune system. When your aura is weakened, it cannot sufficiently withstand toxic assault, and this translates into physical illness. This may manifest as anything from cold- and flu-like symptoms to heart disease, COPD or even cancer. Dis-ease is not our normal state of being.

5. Insomnia or nightmares. Sleep is when the conscious mind surrenders itself to make way for messages from the Higher mind, which is tapped into the universal source of all knowledge. When we are mentally and spiritually fatigued, it becomes difficult to ‘power down’ for these nightly processing sessions. The conscious mind works overtime because the ego is trying to solve all of our problems instead of seeking help from Source.

Practitioners at Wellness Uprising are ready and waiting to support your self-healing efforts. Use the Services tab to learn more or schedule a session.

Incense Ritual for Good Home Energy

The 2020’s are here! As you welcome and progress through this new decade, take control of the energy in your spaces. Set the tone for positive change by practicing good energy hygiene. With all the negativity in the world, we cannot afford to skimp on this important self-care effort. It’s not a trend, it’s a way of life. If you’re dealing with overwhelm, sadness, a run of bad luck, or attracting negative people and circumstances, you’re overdue for a high-vibing practice to attract and maintain good energy. One way to invite more of what you want is to light incense and place it outside the doors of your home. Each morning, take a few deep cleansing breaths. Think about what you want more of in your life and in your home. Select an incense that appeals to your senses in that moment. I use my pendulum to select and burn five sticks each morning; that’s one for each person who lives in my home, plus one for the postman and one for anyone passing through or nearby who may need emotional support. This creates a beautiful portal of give and take between my home and the universe.

When you light the incense, allow the flame to linger on the tips. Give thanks for the purification and healing that is taking place. If you’re in a house, you can place them outside near the front stoop. If you live in an apartment, you can perhaps use the balcony or place them just inside your front door. Adopt this ritual for the next 30 days to initiate renewed passion and energy in and around your home. You will feel more relaxed and in control, plus you will become mindful of the many blessings in your life. One surprising gift for me has been neighbors who thank me for creating positivity for the entire block. I am honored to be of service.

High quality incense is essential for intentional energy shifting. Wellness Uprising uses recommends Incense Love and Meditation, incense ”curated as a therapeutic ritual for creatives, healers, and those seeking to vibrate higher.” Start your incense ritual for good home energy today.

Common Sense Self-healing

The nation’s focus on affordable healthcare has ignited greater interest in preventive care and steps we can take to help our bodies heal. Here are two simple things adults, children, and pregnant women, can do right now to support healing and good health.

 Drink plenty of fresh, pure water. According to Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj (Dr. B), water is not only life sustaining, but it is life giving! Dr. B conducted in depth research on the effect of chronic unintentional dehydration on the human body. His studies revealed how water prevents and helps to cure migraines, back pain, arthritis, asthma, early adult-onset diabetes, and other chronic diseases. How much water should you drink each day? Divide your weight by 2, and consume that number in ounces. For example, if you weigh 180, your minimum daily water consumption should be 90 ounces (180 lbs/2 = 90). If you’re exercising regularly or have a physically active lifestyle, you will need to drink more water. Learn more at www.watercure.com.

 Reduce your intake of, or avoid refined sugar. Refined sugar begins as raw sugar and is softened, dissolved and “purified” to remove impurities. The end result is a product that provides absolutely no nutritional benefit to the body, but causes a great deal of harm. Refined sugars include granulated sugar, sucrose, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, powdered sugar and processed raw sugar found on most grocery shelves. Sugar rots your teeth, depletes your energy and contributes to heart problems, ulcers, heart problems, diabetes, obesity, eczema and more. It creates the urge to binge, suppresses the immune system, weakens eyesight, robs your body of minerals and feeds candida. A good approach is to start by cutting back on refined sugars. Limit yourself to 15 grams of sugar a day from fresh fruit sources (whole fruits not juice, if possible), using sensible portion control (1-2 pieces daily). Read food labels to avoid refined sugar as much as possible.

 Whether you’re in good health or working to manage chronic disease and illness, these two lifestyle choices will tremendously improve your health and overall well-being. Give them a try and you’ll look and feel loads better! It works for everyone.

Natural Help for Fire-polluted Air

Recent California fires have had their way with my respiratory system and skin. At first I thought I was catching cold. There was coughing, nasal discharge and congestion in my chest, along with mild headaches and tiredness. At the same time, my skin was dry and lackluster, and I couldn't drink enough water. My normal essential oil and herbal remedies for a cold weren't having lasting effects. On day 4 of wiping morning ashes from my car and windows, it hit me that the same annoying muck that I was wiping away was entering my respiratory system and, consequently, my blood stream. It was time step up my self-care (and home-care) game.

Essential oils to the rescue?
My knee-jerk reaction was to whip out my essential oil diffuser and filled it with doTERRA Breathe to cleanse and purify the air. While I did feel better for a while, it occurred to me that perhaps I needed to concentrate on removing toxins from air, rather than adding particles to the air. After a bit of Internet research, I pulled out my ionic air purifier and placed it near the largest opening where polluted air was probably entering my home.

BEFORE: Ionic Air Purifier Filter after running for 12 hours

The ionic air purifier has helped to clear the air. However the way it works is that it releases ions that bond with toxins in the air. When this happens, the contaminated molecules become heavy and fall onto the floor and hard surfaces. So it is important to follow-up by dusting and vacuuming the area. A HEPA filter works differently. It sucks contaminants out of the air and releases fresh, purified air into the space. This eliminates the critical need for deep cleaning the area. Whichever method you choose, diffusing purifying essential oils is a safe and helpful addition after purifying the air.

AFTER: Same Ionic Purifier Filter - Cleaned

After using the ionic purifier(along with vacuuming and dusting) for a week, my nose has stopped running, no more itchy eyes, and my skin is return to its usual moist, pliable texture. My suggestion is, if you can afford it, invest in a HEPA filter air purifier to cut back on the work you have to do later. But, the ionic air purifier does the job as well we executed with a little conscious care.

Front and Back Reiki and Chakra Balancing

We are 3-dimensional beings, with 3-dimensional physical and energy bodies. Most general information about the energy body, meridians and chakras concentrates on the front energy body. However, just like the physical body, the front and back sides of the energy body are distinctly different and offer unique healing experiences. This is especially true of the chakra system.

The seven main chakras are shaped like cones that reach outward from the front, back, top and bottom of the body, attaching at the spine. Front-side chakras manage events and experiences that occur in this lifetime or incarnation.The front-side chakras are governed by the laws of the physical universe and they control our daily realities. Within the front-side chakras lies everything connected to this lifetime. They track and process our feelings, beliefs, needs, choices, actions and experiences from this existence. Through the front-side chakras we can heal from events that occurred in this lifetime by "doing" something.

At Wellness Uprising, we use Reiki in every session to address both front and back energy centers, as Reiki energy is intuitive and goes where it is most needed.

• Intensive front-side chakra and energy work takes place in Reiki and Chakra Balancing sessions.

• Chakra Aromatherapy supports back and front energy centers with Reiki and essential oils.

• Our premium Physio Spiritual Aromatherapy is an concentrated and comprehensive session that supports physical and emotional health and healing of front, and back energy centers.

• Healer's Heaven is our gold standard service, providing physical support, front and back chakra cleansing balancing and strengthening, and toxic release.

  Click here if you need help deciding which service offers the support you need right now.