Time to write a new story and make your own happiness

At the age of 95 my mother fell in a yoga class and broke her ankle in numerous places. From that moment on, she was basically confined to a wheelchair.

I remember her best friend Gert coming to visit and asking her, “Diana, after being so active playing golf, swimming and tennis, how can you stand being so restricted? You must be miserable!”

“Gert, my mother said, you make your own happiness.”

And as many of you know, my mother lived to be a happy 99-year-old and Gert lived to be 104.

This New Moon in Taurus is offering us an invitation to change our lives and move into a new level of abundance. This is the last new moon before the eclipse season begins and Mercury turns retrograde again. And Venus has entered Gemini which means love is more available now.

And that is the message of this New Moon in Taurus. You can make your own happiness. You can bring in the support you require. You are being given an invitation to change your life and move into a new level of abundance. It is time to write a new story and become the heroine and hero of your own life.

Focus on stories of abundance, healing and success. See how others have overcome obstacles in their lives. Read or watch inspiring biographies.

If you can see brilliance in another, then it already exists within you.

This week, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself the love and caring you give to others. If you feel pulled in different directions, focus on the qualities of Taurus. Go barefoot on the grass, give yourself a nourishing meal, turn your phone on airplane mode, take a long soak in a bath, and look for simple ways to organize your life. And don’t forget to flirt and have fun!

Join me live tonight on Zoom (will will record this one in case you cannot be there live) for a power packed Women’s New Moon in Taurus Circle =>> SIGN UP NOW

Work with Barbara:

Many of us are battling with self-doubt, fear and feeling stuck as our world slowly begins to open. Dreams we had in the beginning of the year may not have the same potency we felt in the beginning of the year, and we may be feeling a discontent and longing for something that we cannot even name. These are all signs from the Universe that something new is about to emerge. Remember, what you resist will persist.

If this resonates for you, it is time for an intuitive tarot card reading and/or coaching/rituals to guide you through this time of change and transformation. Sessions are tailored towards your personal and professional needs.

I am also available for house/office clearing/blessings, weddings, baby blessings, pre-nuptial rituals, and fertility rituals. Please contact our office if you are interested in booking a service.

Until next time,
Barbara

Do You Really Know Why We Celebrate Mother’s Day? 🌷

Mother’s Day is celebrated this Sunday May 9th throughout the US. Since my mother passed a few years ago and the fact that my son lives 3,000 miles away, It has become a bittersweet holiday. I can move from joy to tears in the blink of an eye. I’m sure a lot of you can relate.

Mother Goddesses

The ancient Egyptians celebrated the Mother Goddess Isis, while the Greeks celebrated the Goddess Rhea, who was the Mother of most of the major deities including Zeus. In ancient Rome, Cybele was the major Mother figure and as early as 2250 B.C., the Romans celebrated a festival of Hilaria, which occurred in the spring and was dedicated to the Mother Goddess. In Taoism May 25th is celebrated as the mother of the world day. Since the belief is that the goddess is the mother of all; she is the origin of all things. Incense is burned and the focus is on meditating on Divine Harmony.

During the Middle Ages, people in remote villages attended the main church in their parish- the “mother” church - for a special service. In England, a day known as “Mothering Sunday” fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was a day when working people had a vacation and went home to visit their mothers.

Original Meaning of Mother’s Day in North America

Did you know that the first North American Mother’s Day was actually a call for peace? Julia Ward Howe wrote a proclamation in 1870 that called for mother’s to stop their sons from killing the sons of other mothers. She asked for an international Mother’s Day of Peace. Imagine if all mother’s around the world could stop their sons from killing!

Our Mother’s Day was started in 1908 by a West Virginian daughter, Anna Jarvis, to honor her own mother, who held a Mother’s Friendship Day in order to bring together families and friends that had been divided during the Civil War. Anna Jarvis gave her mother’s favorite flower to every mother who attended. Today, white carnations are used to honor deceased Mothers, while pink or red carnations pay tribute to Mothers who are still alive. Finally in 1914 Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

Mother’s Day Around the World

Many cultures use this day to enjoy traditional dishes that their mother’s taught them to cook. In Mexico a mother is serenaded by her family or a hired band and in Japan, children would enter drawings of their mothers in a contest that celebrated mothers and peace. Sweets and flowers—especially violets—are given to Mom on Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom. It is customary to serve Simnel Cake, a glazed fruitcake inspired by a folk tale about a married couple, Simon and Nell. So, the story goes, this pair could not decide whether to bake or broil a cake. So, in the end they did both. Thus, Simnel Cake was born.

In addition to flowers, cards, jewelry and chocolates, it is customary for Australians to exchange perfume and teas on Mother’s Day. In Canada there seems to be an added emphasis on doing chores for the Mother and cooking her supper. Sweden’s Mother’s Day, which takes place on the last Sunday in May, has a strong charitable focus: the Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers leading up to the holiday, and the proceeds raised are given to poor mothers and their children. The Native American culture celebrates Mother Earth as our mother and councils us to take care of her.

Who’s the mother?

With the changing configuration of families today, we need to also honor the stepparents, foster parents, godparents and mentors - both alive and deceased - who have played an important role in our “mothering” and of the “mothering” of our children.

This Mother’s Day be creative and make an Appreciation Box (adapted from my book The Joy of Family Rituals).

To Make an Appreciation Box: You can use a shoebox, hatbox, cigar box, or any kind of container that appeals to you. Decorate it with markers, ribbons, flowers, photographs, beads, feathers, or jewels. Use your imagination. This is great to do as a family project and can include small children as well as adults.

Place drawings, home baked cookies, Mom’s favorite bath oil, a poem or any other objects and symbols that show love and appreciation for your mother. Write down things that you love about her: “I love the way you bake me banana bread on my birthday” or “I love the way you always see the bright side of life”. Also, include written promises to do something special for Mom. A ten-year-old might promise to cook dinner once a month while a child living out of the home may want to take Mom out for a day of spa delights.

My friend David made his mother a great playlist of her favorite songs as well as one he wrote especially for her. My son Jourdan (an animator) always includes a unique cartoon that he draws on my cards. Love the company Tribute, who makes special videos for any occasion.

Especially in this time of Covid separation, by taking the time to really appreciate your mother you will be giving her the best gift possible. And let us not forget Mother Earth, who is responsible for the bounty of all of life. If your Mother is no longer alive, you can still bless her by having a meal in her honor.

Until next time,
Barbara

May Ritual: Show You Care 🌸

Since coming back from LA last week, I am feeling a new sense of freedom and possibilities. Getting a good dose of hugs from my son, daughter in law and friends has totally changed my energy. Hugs are the best medicine!

I can hardly believe that we are about to celebrate May Day. It suddenly feels like time is speeding up. After a cold dark winter, we all can use the passion, healing and sensuality of the Goddess of May. So go outside, surround yourself with flowers and dance in the new season.

Many years ago, I created a Maypole on my roof. I was teaching a group of kids about global spirituality (thank you Elizabeth Cutler for suggesting this) and wanted to share with them this fun custom. We used a Christmas tree stand and put up a wooden pole that we decorated with colored ribbons. Then we sang songs and let the children dance around the NYC Maypole. Love how easy it was to transform an ordinary roof garden into a sacred space. Watch the video here.

In ancient times this was a night of sexuality and passion… an honoring of the fertility of the king/god and queen/goddess. As men and women danced around the Maypole, they symbolically acted out the love-making of Nature. The pole representing the male and the ribbons the female. The goddess Maia represents the fertility and abundance of blessings available at the beginning of this summer season.

MAY RITUAL: SHOW YOU CARE

There is a wonderful custom of leaving baskets of flowers in front of your neighbor’s home as a sign of friendship and caring. You can also leave fruit, nuts and other treats with a note letting them know you care. You can do this with the cashier at your grocery store, the person who delivers your mail and/ or packages, your doormen, or anyone you choose to acknowledge.

Until next time,
Barbara

Enlightening Story About Conflict and Unity 🤝

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I’m looking for a few days work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?”

“Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor, in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us.

Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence –– an 8-foot fence – so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.

It was a bridge — a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other!

A fine piece of work handrails and all — and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched. “You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.” The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.
“No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you, ”said the older brother. “I’d love to stay on, ”the carpenter said, “but, I have many more bridges to build.”

- Author Unknown

As we celebrate Earth Day this Thursday, let us remember that we are all living on this planet together. Our actions impact the environment. Each thing we do can help or hurt our planet in many ways.

As we focus on making this Earth a better place to live, let us build bridges not fences.

Until next time,
Barbara

Honoring Triple Aspects of the Divine Feminine 🌺

This week we are blessed with the energy of the 9 nights of the Goddess or Chaitra Navratri - a Hindu holiday that honors the Divine Feminine/Mother and begins this year on April 13th.

Whether you celebrate this holiday or not, I invite you to use this week to meditate on the triple aspects of the Divine Feminine. Journal what comes up for you and be open to shifting your energetic frequency to embrace more abundance, love and joy.

The first 3 nights are spent meditating upon the Divine Feminine in her powerful and destructive aspect known as Durga or Kali. We ask the goddess to help us identify and eliminate those aspects of our self that are not helpful, skillful, or productive, such as greed, envy, procrastination, laziness, lying, gossiping, etc.

The second set of nights are spent meditating upon the Divine Mother in her spiritual wealth-giving aspect known as Lakshmi. We ask the goddess to help us develop and maintain helpful qualities, such as patience, forgiveness, compassion, loving-kindness, and integrity. We open to giving and receiving abundance in all forms.

The third set of nights are spent meditating upon the Divine Feminine in her spiritual wisdom-bestowing aspect known as Sarasvati. We ask the goddess to help us to achieve self-realization and understand universal truths such as our divine nature and the interconnectedness of living beings. We connect with our power and ability to speak our truth and share our gifts.

The tenth day is spent offering gratitude to the Divine Mother and is spent celebrating in a state of sat-chit-ananda or truth-consciousness.

This is a mantra you can use during this time:
OM KLEEM SHREEM HREEM SWAHA

Mother’s Day coming up May 9th:
give her the gift of aromatherapy or a special ritual

Until next time,
Barbara

Step Beyond Your Limits

Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and exemplifies the energies of new growth, clear intention and focused action. Can you feel it? The earth is waking up with her magnolia trees blossoming, forsythia and daffodils bursting with color and the birds are singing a concert for the planet.

As my late friend Elizabeth Rose Campbell wrote in her book Intuitive Astrology, “Aries explores obstacles and becomes the spiritual warrior who knows there are no enemies except the self. With that knowledge, Aries is unstoppable, the will focused into a laser capable of expressing harmlessness and power simultaneously.”

Because I will be traveling to California for the first time since lockdown, I will not be holding my monthly New Moon Circle in April, so I want to share some things you can do to see what this New Moon is all about for you.

Remember that this is the moment when we need to embrace our beliefs and live them—not by fighting against the old but by imagining and living the new.

This is the only New Moon of the year when we get to start all over again. If this past year has left you feeling beaten down, depressed, and physically or emotionally wounded, this is the New Moon to start anew. When darkness comes into our lives, we must remember that the dawn will eventually come.

Aries is all about adventure and the indomitable spirit of the adventurer helps open us to trying something different; something you think isn’t you… but might just be. Reinvigorate your lust for life.

Ritual for the New Moon in Aries

Remember that ritual speaks directly to your body and is perceived of as being real. That is its great power as the Spiritual Tech of our century.

You will need:

-Red or white candle
-Space spray or something to clear your energy
-Paper and pen
-Fireproof bowl and matches
-Flower

1. Take a Moment to light a red candle to call in the energy of Aries. If you don’t have a red one, white will do.

2. Clear your space (use my Space Spray or burn some sage or copal).

3. Take a few deep breathes and center in your heart.

4. Now ask yourself: Where have I given my power away? Where have I given control to others to dictate my life? Where have I listened to others about who I should be and what I should do? Write down what comes to you on a piece of paper.

5. Ask yourself, Am I willing to be a powerful creator and live a life of abundance, joy and purpose?

If the answer is yes, take the paper and safely burn it in a fire-proof bowl or in a fireplace. If the answer is no, be gentle with yourself, but you may need to take more time to see what benefit you gain by holding on to these limitations and you may need to seek out support to help you move forward.

6. Feel the space you have created.

7. Commit to something that holds the positive energies of Aries: it is time to take action and give it your all. It is time to stand in your power and be courageous.

Write down at least 3 small realistic action steps you can take between now and the Full Moon on April 27th.

8. Take the flower and offer it to the Earth as a symbol of your commitment to moving forward.

Until next time,
Barbara

Tips for Moving on Out of Lockdown

At our first Clubhouse event last week, I noticed that many people were sharing about their fear and anxiety regarding re-entering society after having been alone for almost a year. It reminded me of a mental condition called Post-Incarceration Syndrome: adjusting to reality after being in prison.

As we all begin to move back into society, we are in uncharted waters. It may seem the same on the outside, but life has changed. And so have we.

There isn’t a class that really prepares us as we move into this new stage. Be aware that something as simple as walking into a store or shopping mall can be so overwhelming you immediately need to leave. Riding a subway or going to an airport can bring on a panic attack.

Everyone will react differently, so be aware that not everyone will be comfortable with your hug just because you both had vaccines.

Post Lockdown Ritual

• Take it slow as you begin to socialize.

• Even if you feel safe, know that others may not feel as safe as you do.

• Continue to wash your hands and social distance.

• Breathe: take slow deep breaths to stabilize your emotions.

Balancing Breath Technique

Inhale slowly to the count of 5 through your nose while touching the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
Exhale to the count of 5 through your mouth, resting your tongue on the floor of your mouth.
Focus your thoughts on the concept of balance.
Continue for 2 minutes.

Until next time,
Barbara

The deeper meaning of Dayenu

As millions of people prepare for both Passover and Easter, these holidays have taken on a new meaning this year. I would like to suggest we take a time out from being productive in the outer world and use this week to go in and get the healing and guidance we require in order to move into alignment with this new time of spiritual growth and acceleration.

Passover represents Freedom.

The Passover story is based on the theme of oppression to freedom. Now, more than ever, This is a resounding theme for our planet.

Many have found themselves oppressed - oppressed by gender, oppressed by race, oppressed by society, oppressed by hunger and disease, oppressed by unequal pay, illegal trafficking of women and children and pervasive bigotry.

That is why we continue to tell the story to freedom: to share hope for the future. Storytelling is one of the first rituals and continues to be one of the most potent ones I know.

There is a song/prayer we say at the end of the Passover Meal. It is called Dayenu, which means “it would have been enough.” Dayenu provides a powerful contemporary outlook on life, a call to mindfulness about the way we currently lead our lives.

Looking both backward to the past year and looking forward to this new season, what is your Dayenu?

If we care for the earth as we care for our family - Dayenu
If we create art and music - Dayenu
If we volunteer our time - Dayenu
If we listen with compassion and caring- Dayenu
If we take the time to play and experience joy: Dayenu
If we help our neighbors: Dayenu
If we have compassion for ourselves as we do for our loved ones: Dayenu
If we open our hearts to each other: Dayenu
If we respect the rights of all people: Dayenu
If we live each moment as a sacred gift : Dayenu
If we say “thank you” for all that we have: Dayenu

Work with Barbara

I am so honored to be doing in person space clearings and blessings for homes, businesses, restaurants and this week, The Daryl Roth Theatre on Union Square. Our environment is constantly affecting us. And we all require a space that offers us peace, joy, health, inspiration, rest, creativity and love.

If you want clarity on moving forward, schedule a house/business clearing, tarot reading or special ritual. Also, this is a great time for Fertility Rituals—for calling in children and new projects.

P.S. I have a limited number of appointments available in the LA area April 12-16th.

Until next time,
Barbara

New Season: New Beginnings

Did you know that many cultures still celebrate the New Year at this time? One of the best known is The Persian New Year Nowruz which will be celebrated on March 21st.

Think about it, The Spring Equinox is a time of new beginnings and new possibilities. A perfect time to begin anew. Makes sense to me. And if it weren’t for The Romans changing the calendar in 45 BC, we too might be celebrating a New Year at this time.

The days are longer. The air feels fresher (even if it still is cold). The energy of hope and new possibilities is palpable.

It is Spring. Actually, the official date starts Saturday March 20th, when we experience almost equal amounts of day and night as the sun passes over the Equator. Happy Autumn Equinox to those of you in the Southern Hemisphere!

Especially after being in lockdown for a year, I love the idea of a New Year just as the earth is waking up and there is a feeling of new beginnings.

Spring New Year Ritual

Light a candleto welcome in Spring.

Quiet your mindby counting to four as you breathe in and counting to four as you breathe out. Slow deep breaths.

Now ask Spirit, What would enrich my life this season? Write down whatever comes to you.

Toground this energy, take some seeds and go outside.

Spend some time connecting to the Earth energy: touch or sit under a tree, walk in the grass, breathe in the air, engage all of your senses.

Plant or sprinklethe seeds in the earth and visualize how each seed holds potential life.

See your projects growingwith these seeds being nourished blessed and protected by the elemental powers of the goddess and know that new life will begin.

Work with Barbara

New Season: New Energy. It is time for a reboot. If you want clarity on moving forward, schedule a house/business clearing, tarot reading or special ritual.

Until next time,
Barbara

Spring Forward 🌱

March 9, 2020: Celebrating in Mexico.
One year ago, I was having a blast in Mexico with a fabulous group of women of all ages while celebrating my dear friend Lavinia’s birthday. We swam, did yoga on the dock, danced, got massages, wandered into town, experienced rituals and had an amazing week. That was the last time life seemed normal.

March 14, 2020, I landed back in NYC and immediately went into lockdown. NYC emptied out and my neighborhood was surreal. We stocked up with toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hand wipes, water and canned goods.

Schools shut down. Kids went on line 24/7. Work/Life balance had a new meaning.

March 9, 2021: The light is returning. Although many still are suffering from the pandemic (physically, financially, mentally and emotionally) the vaccine has given hope and a sense of new freedom to many. For the first time in a year, many of my friends and clients are making plans to finally visit their families who they haven’t seen since the lockdown.

A new consciousness is slowly being birthed and more people are truly understanding that we are all in this together and that change starts within.

That all being said, it is important to remember that every thought and interaction we have is imprinted on our consciousness and remains in our physical space. You cannot work and live at home and have your kids go to school online without bringing into your space all kinds of anxiety and stuck emotions. Our world is not just physical: it is alive with subtle spiritual energies.

For thousands of years, shamans, priests/priestesses and holy men and women were called on to bless a home or release negative spirits from a space. For many cultures it is believed that the world of the spirit is real and powerful. Illness, poverty and bad relationships are thought to be the result of the influence of spirits.

There are many ways to clear energy… Whichever way is adopted, the result is the same after a space cleanse – you will feel that your space is immediately lighter, clearer and fresher.

Sunday March 14th, we change the clocks to bring in more Light. And Saturday March 20th is the Spring Equinox. This is a perfect time for a Covid Space Clearing.

Depending on how stuck the energy is, you may want to consider booking a space clearing for your home or office. They can be done via FaceTime or in person.

"Barbara did a space clearing at Sloomoo Institute, cleansing the energy of COVID and inviting in a fresh, healthy, new energy of abundance and joy. We literally sold out every weekend since and it has been truly beautiful - our guests have been full of pure happiness!"

-Karen Robinovitz, Co-Founder at Sloomoo Institute

Here is a short version to try on your own:

Start by Connecting to the spirit of your home. Open your front door and Introduce yourself. Say, “I am …… Please help me co-create a safe and sacred space.”

Spray my Space Spray (or burn sage or copal)in every room. As you walk around your home, open all the windows. Whenever you feel energy congestion, clap quickly to break up stuck energy.

When you are finished, create an altar to the new energy you want to bring in. I always like to use crystals, flowers, a special candle and some water.

To Uplift energy use: Happiness and Love
For Peace and tranquility: Unplug
For focus and creativity: Focus and Power
For Success and Abundance: Manifest and Magnet
For Protection and Grounding: Grounded and Protect

Work with Barbara

Spring is coming and time for a reboot: Book a reading or ritual to give you clarity and practical tools to move forward.

Many Blessings, 
Barbara

Women’s International History Month: The Heroine’s Journey

I remember being a part of a “consciousness raising group” back in the 70’s. We were young feminist and determined to change how women were perceived and treated in the world.

My journey took me into the discovery of the goddess and the ancient mystery schools, healing the myth of being a superwoman/mom and the reclaiming of the power of the feminine.

As I look at our world today a lot has changed and a lot has stayed the same. We are living in changing times. Many things will never be the same which gives us a rare opportunity to do things differently for ourselves, our families and the world.

In order to make the shift that is being called for, I passionately believe that our innate connection to the Divine Feminine will guide us and give us the wisdom and tools to move forward in a way that gives real value to ourselves and the world.

1. Follow what has heart and meaning to you
2. Create strong boundaries
3. Invest in yourself
4. Develop compassion
5. Know your worth
6. Celebrate others and collaborate
7. Honor yourself as sacred and precious

Work with me

We are moving into a new season and it is a great time for a space clearing (via Zoom or in person depending where you live), tarot reading for clarity or ritual to move you forward. These rituals are for becoming a parent, launching a new project, releasing ancestral karma, calling in love and/or baby and more.

Many Blessings, 
Barbara

How to Honor and Acknowledge Your Ancestors

The end of February was always a time to celebrate my parent’s birthdays… February 26th for my Dad and February 28th for my Mom. Although, my mother never liked anyone to know how old she was, she still liked to celebrate.

So, this week I will be creating a special ritual for my parents.

Honoring and Acknowledging ancestors is a tradition that has been alive and well for thousands of years. It is understood that the ancestors live within you. By acknowledging the past generations (even if you have never met them), you forge a bond with your spiritual lineage.

I will discuss breaking negative family patterns at another time, but for now let us see how we can honor our ancestors. And I do believe that our ancestors do learn and grow and can become their best selves once they have passed on. That is why we offer prayers and do rituals to the ancestors.

Remember, even if you had a dysfunctional childhood, your ancestors gave you the gift of life. And that is very precious.

Create an Altar: This is a way to create a sacred space in your home.

Place a photo of your ancestors on the altar.

Include symbols of their lives - maybe you have a special candle holder that belonged to your grandmother, piano music that your grandfather played, a ring that your father wore, and/or your mother’s favorite earrings.

Alternately, you may include symbols that represent where your ancestors originally came from: sand from the dessert, a bowl of water if they lived near the ocean, photos of the countries they came from.

Food: include their favorite food or drink: I like to put a bar of halvah that my dad loved or some scotch that my mother enjoyed when the sun was setting.

Include flowers and incense if that is something that will uplift you. Smelling gardenias always reminds me of my mother and makes me smile.

Candle: Light a candle and from your heart, offer up prayers to your ancestors. If possible, open up your heart to forgiving them for anything they did consciously or unconsciously that has harmed you in any way. Ask for forgiveness if you have harmed them in any way by your words , deeds or actions.

Open to receiving back healing, wisdom and blessings.

Make sure to keep the altar clean and fresh. Replace dead flowers and offer food to the earth when your ritual is over.

My parents, Diana and Julius Winer

IG LIVE ON WEDNESDAY

I am looking for people to interview on my Joy of Ritual Segment on Wednesdays. If you have an interesting ritual and/or ritual product to share on my IG, please contact me at info@barbarabiziou.com.

For those of you who celebrate: HAPPY PURIM!!!

Many Blessings,
Barbara

A Unique Ritual to Deal With Transgression

As I was organizing my files, I found one of my favorite rituals from South Africa. In this time of polarity and focus on “the other”, this gives me hope that we can one day resolve conflict in a peaceful way. Thank you Jerri Allyn for introducing it to me years ago.

The Babemba Tribe in South Africa have a unique solution to deal with transgressions in their society. When a member of the tribe acts irresponsibly or unjustly, she is seated in the center of the village alone. All work stops and every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused.

While they are sitting on a chair, each member of the tribe has a turn telling him all the good things the person in the center of the circle has done in his or her lifetime. They speak of every incident, every experience that can be recalled with detail and accuracy. They speak out loud about his/her talents and gifts.

There is only one rule. No one can tell anything that is not true. No one is allowed to fabricate, exaggerate or be facetious about his or her accomplishments or personality.

Imagine sitting on a chair for hours … sometimes days… and only hearing good things about yourself. Everyone, from the oldest grandmother to the youngest child has their chance to sit with you and share with you your positive attributes, good deeds, strengths and kindness.

The ceremony lasts until everyone is drained of every positive comment she has thought of about the person in question.

At the end of the ceremony, the circle is broken and a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe. The person is also expected to make retribution for his/her deeds in some way.

Create a version of this ritual to bring into your company, school or organization. Then share with me your results.

IG LIVE ON WEDNESDAYS

I am looking for people to interview on my Joy of Ritual Segment on Wednesdays. If you have an interesting ritual and/or ritual product to share on my IG, please contact me at info@barbarabiziou.com.

Many Blessings,
Barbara

Lessons from my sister Sandi

Today would be my sister Sandi’s birthday. It is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that she is not 24 - the age she was when she died.

When she died I was 6 weeks pregnant and was warned not to mourn her too deeply because it could hurt my baby. I believed them because part of me was not ready to deal with the enormous grief I was feeling.

And as I wrote about in The Joy of Ritual, it was not until I was in a workshop with my teacher Brugh Joy in Arizona, did I discover the healing power of ritual. During a 7 day retreat with a period of silence and fasting, I hiked up a mountain until I spotted a beautiful large tree. I dug a hole near the tree so that I could literally pour my grief - my tears - into it. In this place I finally felt free to express my emotions and pent up sadness. I felt comfortable talking to Sandi. I told her how much I missed her, that I was sad she never got to meet Jourdan, how sorry I was for not being able to really say goodbye, and how I longed for a relationship that her death cut short. The more I spoke, the harder I cried and I rocked back and forth as I poured out all my pain into the earth. After some time I knew it was over and closed up the hole in the earth.

For the first time in years I felt lighter and knew that participating in this ritual changed me on a cellular level.

This is why I am so passionate about rituals. As my friend Dumisani Kumalo once said to me, “rituals are the language of the soul.”

I want to encourage anyone who is feeling anxious and grieving to consider creating a ritual, or reaching out for guidance to help you.

Make time to grieve
Make time to connect to the Earth
Make time for friends and family
Make time to be gentle with yourself
Make time to listen to your wise inner voice

Many Blessings,
Barbara

Seeing with New eyes 👀

A friend of mine just had what she thought was a simple routine cataract surgery. It didn’t turn out that way and now she is struggling with her sight and the prospect of another surgery to repair the damage of the first.

As we were talking about this journey (she is very spiritual and understands that things happen on many different levels) I had the thought “It is time to see with new eyes”. Our old way of seeing just isn’t going to cut it in 2021 and beyond. We are in a new time and have to be willing to let go of the old perspectives of how we do things.

Yes, on one level it sucks big time, however there is a bigger picture here that she and I know will reveal itself as time goes on.

The last time I got this message was a few weeks before 9/11. I had just had Lasik surgery and wanted to throw my contacts off the top of The World Trade Center to represent my new vision. But, every time I planned on going there, something else got in the way. So on September 9th, 2001, as I was flying to London to teach at a conference I symbolically released them at JFK.

The Universe did not want me to have the energy of the World Trade Towers as my “new vision”. Two days later, 9/11 happened and life was forever changed.

Today we honor the fire goddess Brigit on Imbolc (Candlemas). Traditionally it was her snake (not the groundhog) that came out at this first moment of Spring and the ritual was more about seeing our own shadow than worrying about a groundhog’s. Since it is the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, this is the time to discover what is out of balance and to put in corrections so we may plant new seeds whose growth will support us moving forward.

Then we can truly SEE with new eyes.

In honor of Black History Month, I want to do a special shout out to Emil Wilbekin and his Native Son Foundation for all the amazing work he is doing to empower Black gay/queer men in the world.

Work with me

Clearing/Healing: It is time to sever negative energetic cords from past relationships including your ancestral inheritance so you can move forward with more ease. Book a session now or set up a Tarot Reading to get clarity on the forces around you that want to leave and the new energy that wants to come in.

Many Blessings, 
Barbara

Awaken your gifts of leadership

Wow, I am still in the energy of our amazing Vision 2021:The Great Reset. People came from Slovakia, Turkey, Hawaii Honduras, Bermuda and all over the USA. This has been my personal vision: to create global transformation through ritual and spiritual practices. That is the silver lining in doing workshops via Zoom.

And I want to give a special shout out to Lana Smith and Joule L’Adara for keeping everything running smoothly, Emily Fletcher from Ziva Mediation for her powerful vision exercise, Biba, who zoomed in from Turkey to dance our vision out in the world, Joule L’Adara for her healing sound baths and Miriam Novalle for making us special Vision teas.

Today, I simply want to share this message from the late John O’ Donahue.

May the gift of leadership awaken in you as a vocation,
Keep you mindful of the providence that calls you to serve.
As high over the mountains the eagle spreads its wings,
May your perspective be larger than the view from the foothills.
When the way is flat and dull in times of gray endurance,
May your imagination continue to evoke horizons.
When thirst burns in times of drought,
May you have the wisdom to read time clearly
And know when the seed of change will flourish.
In your heart may there be a sanctuary
For the stillness where clarity is born.
May your work be infused with passion and creativity
And have the wisdom to balance compassion and challenge.
May your soul find the graciousness
To rise above the fester of small mediocrities.
May your power never become a shell
Wherein your heart would silently atrophy.
May you welcome your own vulnerability
As the ground where healing and truth join.
May integrity of soul be your first ideal.
The source that will guide and bless your work.

-John O’ Donohue

MERCURY RETROGRADE ALERT: JAN 30 - FEB 20
SLOW DOWN AND BACK UP EVERYTHING

Shine your light ✨

Dear Friend,

This is a monumental time in the history of the USA. We have an opportunity to create a new beginning that will focus on unity, justice, wisdom, truth, freedom and compassion for all.

Each one of us is called to acquire greater wisdom, deeper love, empathy and greater self-mastery. Now is a time of conscious enlightened action as we draw from the lessons of the past to focus on the unlimited possibilities of the future. This is the way forward.

Take extra time this week to meditate and connect with your higher wisdom and guidance. And pay attention to your nervous system as well as your physical body.

Here is a short technique I learned from my teacher Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov to soothe your nervous system and re-energize your mind, body and spirit. Think of it as charging your batteries.

Go into a quiet room where you will not be disturbed.
Stretch out face down on a bed, or yoga mat.
Relax your arms and legs.
Imagine you are sinking into an ocean of light.
Allow yourself to sink deeper and deeper into this pool of light.
Feel every cell in your body relaxing.
Deeper and deeper
Stay here for 3-5 minutes.

Today at 5:30pm The Presidential inaugural Committee is hosting a memorial in honor of the lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic. You are invited to light a candle and ring a bell in a national moment of unity and remembrance.

Please send Light to the Inauguration on Wednesday. Imagine filling Washington DC with a force field so strong that it will transmute all desire to use free will destructively, and replace it with the intense desire to serve God and Humanity with Reverence for ALL Life. Let us call for a protective sapphire blue shield of energy to surround all for a peaceful transition of power. May light and protection be sent to:

The President of the United States of America and his Cabinet—now and forever.
The Senate and the House of Representatives for the United States of America—now and forever.
The Supreme Court and ALL Courts of Law, and ALL legal procedures—now and forever.
The United Nations and ALL of its members—now and forever.
Through ALL World leaders and those associated with the Governments of Earth at national, state and local levels—now and forever.

(to read the full invocation of Light from Patricia Cota Robles, I have posted it on my FB page)

VISION 2021: THE GREAT RESET is almost here.

Join our amazing community to take a deep dive into what we most require this year. We must learn from our past, but not allow it to direct our future. 2021 is a doorway into this new age of Aquarius and it is calling us to co-create a new world together.

Through meditation, spiritual practice, ritual, sound-healing, art and dance we will dare to dream big and open to the support necessary to write our new stories.
Payment Plans available. Register now!

Many Blessings, 
Barbara

Turn this mess into your message

Many of you have asked me why I am holding Vision 2021 at the end of the month this year, since I have run this for over 25 years earlier in the year. The short story is that I was guided not to do this workshop before the Inauguration. I felt that January was going to be a time of breakdown and chaos and wanted to start our journey together with new energy.

As I was meditating this morning, this song from Carousel kept looping through my mind.

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Never walk alone

When we are wrapped up in fear and powerlessness, we lose our objectivity and make choices that limit our options. The best thing we can do at this time is to be present with what is, feel our feelings, do whatever we can to stay centered and grounded, reach out for support and trust our ability to handle change. A good question to ask yourself at this time is, “What can I change alone and where do I need help?”

If it were stormy outside, you would put on a raincoat, rubber boots and protect yourself as best you can. The same goes for your energetic field.

Shields Up!!

Imagine a golden mesh shield around you that acts as a repellent to negative energy. It also transmutes your own negative thoughts and absorbs them so they do not get embedded in your field or get sent out to the world. I also like to imagine a double rainbow around myself and my friends and family for extra protection.

Together we can safely navigate this time.

Join me at VISION2021: The Great Reset.

“Vision 2020 was my fifth time participating in this life-affirming weekend intensive and this year’s program was the most powerful yet! I ended 2019 feeling depleted and defeated. My attitude has shifted 180 degrees, from “Why me?” to “Why NOT me!?” Just a few days out, I’ve returned to my businesses not only recharged but rebirthed, taking the lead on setting up meetings, completing stalled projects, you name it.”

—Hope C. Tarr, Multi-published author and third-degree Reiki practitioner

Work with Barbara

Clearing/Healing: It is time to sever negative energetic cords from past relationships including your ancestral inheritance so you can move forward with more ease. Book a session now or set up a Tarot Reading to get clarity on the forces around you that want to leave and the new energy that wants to come in.

Many Blessings, 
Barbara

How to move forward in 2021

Dear Friend,

It is crucial to be willing to adapt to change. Life has an ebb and flow and this year, more than ever, we need to trust ourselves and trust life as we surrender to the flow of the Universe.

As I have been saying for months, the energy that has entered the planet is new. It is a higher frequency of Divine love with wisdom and in order to receive it and integrate it, we must expand and strengthen our energetic container and ground ourselves in this new state of awareness. We are going through a cosmic initiation as we awaken knowledge from within and from our spiritual ancestors.

On that note, please be fully present with what is and do not rush to make resolutions or set goals that are based on the past. If you have a project launching that you love, that is fine, however if you are still not clear on where to put your energy, that is totally perfect since this is a time of flow… of being.

This is not an instant fix. We have to learn how to give ourselves the time, silence and trust that this process takes. Then we can embrace our passions, rather than fear them; otherwise, we will diminish our power and allow others to invade our boundaries. And we have to learn to use our voices if we want them to be heard.

By the end of January, it will become clearer, what you need to focus on and that is why I have moved our Vision Workshop: The Great Reset to January 23-24. And I am thrilled that we will be joined by Emily Fletcher (Ziva Meditation), Joule L’Adara (Sounding Circles) and Bianca Rothchild (artist and founder of Alchemy of dance).

The weekend will be a true celebration of our Spirit and a powerful reset for love, abundance and success with good to all concerned. SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICE ENDS JANUARY 10TH.

Join us to create rituals for transition that support us to move beyond anxiety and procrastination, and that honor the fear and help us face our lives head on. This shift will bring us miraculous new resources, liberating us to expand and seek new horizons.

Many Blessings,
Barbara

An inspiration to start off 2021 🌟

Much has been written about 2020: It will certainly go down in history as one of the most challenging years of the 21st century. So now it is time to say goodbye and open to the new frequency of 2021. Your destiny is calling.

2020 taught us how to prioritize our health, deepen our spiritual practice, appreciate our friends and family, navigate the world of Zoom and technology, juggle work and kids and take a hard look at how we use our time and energy. Many of us became great cooks, fabulous gardeners, graduated from schools and online courses and watched more Netflix and Amazon than ever before. We struggled with depression, food insecurity, illness and lock-down anxiety. We re-connected with The Earth and each other. We watched a New President become elected and a country divided.

2021 gives us the opportunity to do things in a different way. It is time to step up and shine your light, dare to dream and create strong communities that will stabilize and sustain us in the coming years. The time of silence is over. The time of “fixing” is over. The time for creating is now.

The Age of Aquarius offers us many gifts of innovation, creativity, and expansion. And it cautions us to create rules, traditions and structures that will support the new growth. We are the ones we have been waiting for as the saying goes. Right now, is the most important time of our lives. Right now we are creating our futures with good to all concerned. We are the ancestors of the future.

The vibrational frequency of the planet has shifted and we are required to shift with her. I have spoken about the intense downloads that we have been experiencing, and the key to receiving them. We must expand and ground our energetic containers. We can only receive what we have the capacity to hold. Think of a high voltage of electricity going through a small light bulb. It will shatter it.

We upgrade our phones, our computers, our cars and televisions, but are not always aware that we require energetic upgrades as well. That is why I have been offering power time activations, new and full moon rituals and workshops as well as private sessions.

MY GIFT TO YOU

As always, I am offering my FREE 12-day intention intensive. You will be receiving one mp3 daily starting January 1st to guide you in setting intention for 2021. As my teacher Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov taught, the first 12 days of the year set intention for the entire year. If your friends want to receive these, have them go to my website and sign up for our newsletter.

And to lighten your spirits, here are some global New Year’s Rituals.

Spain: Eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the coming year.

Southern USA: Black eyed peas and collard greens are believed to bring money and abundance into your year.

Greece: Vasilopita is eaten (cake with a coin inside). Whoever finds the coin in her piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

Italy: Throw out old furniture, clothes, pots……open the windows to throw out the old. I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU THROW THINGS OUT THE WINDOW. Best to put them out on the street for people to take.

Japan: Eating soba noodles on New Year’s Eve or Day is believed to bring in longevity and abundance.

BRAZIL: New Year's Eve priestesses of the local macumba voodoo cult dress in blue skirts and white blouses for a ceremony dedicated to the goddess of water, Yemanja. A sacrificial boat laden with flowers, candles and jewelry is pushed out to sea from Brazil's famous Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro.

South America/Mexico: For travel in the coming year, walk around the block with an empty suitcase.

And don’t forget to wear Red Underwear to bring in Love and Passion. (I will share more about the psychology of color at another time)

VISION 2021: THE GREAT RESET

I urge you to give yourself the gift of support, practical spiritual tools and inspiration to start off 2021. This weekend is packed with rituals, sound-healing, spiritual activations, meditation, art and movement. It is a life-changing experience.

It is a time to RECALIBRATE and leave the struggle and chaos of 2020 behind. If you are ready to move into this new year with passion and purpose, then this is the shift that will make a difference. I want you to live your life to the fullest.

Special guests: Emily Fletcher of Ziva Mediation will be sharing a powerful manifestation practice and Joule L’Adara of Sounding Circles will be immersing us in her sound healing bath. Stay tuned for more surprise guests.

And to make it easy, we have an Early Bird Savings if you register by January 10th and payment plans are available.

Vision 2020 Participants

But don’t take my word for it, hear what others have to say:

“There is nothing quite like Barbara Biziou’s Vision. And with such a traumatic year behind us, we are in absolute need of this spiritual detox and refresh in 2021! Ever since I started going in 2016, I so look forward to the magic of Vision. A weekend of meeting and re-connecting with amazing people, all gathered together to build something beautiful. From meditation and release rituals to sound healing and vision boarding, there is truly something that speaks to everyone. So, no matter who you are, what age, what background, whether it’s virtual or not, I promise you, you don’t wanna miss out on Vision. We all deserve a better 2021, and it starts with our vision for it.”

- Alex Remmel

Many Blessings,
Barbara