Overcoming Divisiveness: A Story Of Freedom And Resurrection 🕊️

Happy Passover and Easter to those of you who celebrate! I thought this was the perfect story to share this Holy Week of freedom and resurrection.

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. He recently 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 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 and 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 that stretched 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 toward them, 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 onto 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".

This week journal on the following questions:

1. What bridges do you want to build?

2. How can you soften your heart?

3. What holds you in bondage so that you do not experience freedom?

4. What needs to be resurrected in your life?

Until next time,
Barbara

A True Story of an Act of Kindness That Had a Ripple Effect

You never know how what you do can change a life… or lives.

Last week I went to the opening of Plaza Suite starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Sitting in front of me was the director/playwright Eric Rosen and his actor husband Claybourne Elder. Eric is the son of one of my dear friends Susan Rosen and it was the first time I had seen him in person in years.

Of course, I immediately reached out to Susan to share this small world moment and she told me something wonderful that I want to share with you.

Fifteen years ago, Claybourne Elder had just come to NYC from Utah to make it as a Broadway actor. Because he didn’t have much money, he bought a standing room only ticket to see "Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

A man and woman came up to him and asked him if he was from out of town. Clay replied, ‘Yeah, I'm just here visiting.' The man handed him $200 and said, 'You looked like you were having more fun than the people in the expensive seats. Go buy yourself a ticket to "Sweeney Todd" tomorrow. It'll change your life.”

The next day Clay bought "a great seat" in the mezzanine. And the star of that show was the legendary Patti LuPone.

Fast forward to today. LuPone is now his co-star in the hit musical "Company" — a twist of fate that goes back to the stranger who gave him the means to watch one of Broadway's biggest productions.

During Covid, Clay decided he wanted to give back to those who couldn’t afford to pay for a Broadway ticket. He started giving away free tickets to his show through social media. When he shared the backstory, people reached out to donate money, giving close to $10,000. Over 850 people have received tickets paid for by a stranger. To follow him on IG @claybourneelder

And to make this even better, he found the stranger who started it all…Mark Howell, who lives in Los Angeles.

Remember that each act of kindness can have a ripple effect. Each one of us has the power to make this world better.

Until next time,
Barbara

My Prayer For You 🙏

Sunday I met my friend Agapi for lunch, and we were discussing her new book, Speaking With Spirit: 52 Prayers to Guide, Inspire, and Uplift you. Agapi shared with me a pivotal time in her life when she was going through a challenging time. At a New Year’s Eve retreat, instead of sharing his wishes for the year, her spiritual teacher John Roger began praying for her. For the first time in ages, she felt seen, acknowledged, and loved.

At that moment, a light bulb went off. I realized that I always pray for others no matter what the situation, but when I ask others to pray for me, I only ask for prayers for potentially life-threatening situations like going into surgery, or life altering events like the death of a loved one. Occasionally, I will ask for prayers before doing a super important event like being on network television or teaching a large workshop.

What I don’t do is ask for prayers for myself that involve nurturing my inner child or taking my teachings out into the world with abundance, support, and joy. In other words, the day-to-day things that make up my life.

As I shared that aha with Agapi, she took my hands in hers and began to pray for me. Tears filled my eyes and I felt cushioned in the energy of that love and caring.

As Agapi says in her book, “Let us never underestimate the power of our prayers to help us support one another.”

My prayer for you as we enter this new season and energetic New Year.

Mother Father God,

I ask that all who read this be able to release into the Light all feelings of overwhelm, hurt, fear, anxiety, anger, and sadness. May their hearts be open to compassion and love knowing that violence is never the best recourse.

I call forth the Power of Divine Love to be magnified within our hearts and world daily.

May all connect with all the people, projects and support they require to walk this spiritual path with practical feet.

I ask for this for the highest good of all concerned.

So be it.

Work with me:

Let me be your guide as we walk into this new future together.

>> Book a reading to connect you to wisdom available to you.
>> Book a ritual to let go of the old mindset and bring in the new vision or simply to celebrate a joyous occasion.
>> Book a coaching package—plug into your truest self with new tools to navigate the tsunami of energy and uncertainty in the world.

Until next time,
Barbara

Techniques for Dealing With Stress, Anger and Fear 🤸🏻

Dear friends, happy Spring! Today I want to share some easy techniques that will help you deal with stress, anger and fear.

Instant Stress Relief: Hands-on Heart
This technique brings you from your head into your heart. It is comforting and nurturing.

a. Place your right hand over your left on the center of your chest (heart chakra).
b. Inhale slowly and gently through your nose.
c. Exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your breath to drop into your heart. Smile.
d. Repeat twice.
If still stressed, repeat twice, for a total of three rounds.

Fear Reset: Finger Press
Try this before or during a challenging or uncomfortable situation, or when experiencing stress. Use the thumb and middle finger on one hand or both hands

1. Place the pad of your thumb on the soft side of your middle finger (under the big knuckle).
2. Inhale while holding it light as a butterfly.
3. Exhale while pressing firmly with your thumb. It is a powerful acupressure point.
4. Repeat twice.
If still fearful, repeat twice, for a total of three rounds.

Anger Reset: Reverse Breath
Try this when frustrated, irritated, or angry. It can be done without anyone noticing.

a. Inhale gently and long through your mouth.
b. Close your mouth. Exhale gently and long through your nose.
c. Repeat twice.

Until next time,
Barbara

Amazing Acts of Kindness and Spring Equinox 🌸

Although the news is full of war and chaos, Nature, once again, celebrates the promise of infinite new possibilities as we enter the Spring Equinox this Saturday in the northern Hemisphere.

I had planned on writing about the rituals of The Spring Equinox today, however I saw an article this morning that my friend Diana posted on Facebook that made me change my mind and go in another direction.

The headline read, “Moms in Poland left their baby strollers in rail road stations for the Ukrainian moms that fled carrying their children.” This made me think about all the random acts of kindness that we are seeing amid the horrors of war and destruction.

At the Polish Border, people have come out to offer food, transportation, and a free place to stay.

Germans have welcomed refugees with flowers, toys for the children and a bed to stay in.

Romanians have come out in droves to welcome and help refugees.

Ukraine also borders Hungary, where volunteers from Khalsa Aid, a UK-based, Sikh run humanitarian relief organization are offering food to student refugees.

Even those who aren’t anywhere near Ukraine, or its borders are finding ways to help. Travelers have been booking Airbnbs in Ukraine (which they have no hope of staying in) as a way of sending money to locals. The idea was shared by a Twitter user and just hours after they posted hundreds of people had got in.

Now is the time to access what David Brooks calls our eulogy virtues…. How well do you love? Whom do you serve? When do you show character, conscience, compassion, and simple kindness?

I suggest that we use this Spring Equinox to do whatever we can to share love, peace, and hope for the world. And, if you can, donate to your favorite organization to help those in need.

Until next time,
Barbara

Women Who Make the Most Difference in Your Life

I remember sitting on a plane on my way to Kerala in India when an announcement came over the PA. “We want to honor all women today”, the pilot said. “Happy Women’s Day!” To say the least, I was happily surprised. Throughout the day, everywhere I went, I received small gifts of flowers, fruit, candy, and even a discount at a restaurant. I felt on top of the world.

The month of March is Women’s History Month and a time to celebrate all the women who make and have made a difference in your life. I want to give a big shout out to all the mothers, grandmothers, teachers, counselors, sisters, friends, and mentors who are showing up and adding their love, courage, and creativity to the world.

I totally appreciate what Ruth Bader Ginsbergs and Maya Angelous have added to the world; however, it is the everyday woman you meet in your life who can make the most difference.

My friends all remind me that I am enough and that I can just be me. They show up for me and I hope that I show up for them.

My clients inspire me to stretch my skills and constantly be open to new ideas.

My healers keep me on a path of wellness.

The creative women in my life (of all ages) show me the wonder of art, music, dance, and fashion.

The global teachers and priestesses I know have opened new doorways to Spirit.

My women in my spiritual community have given me the support I require to know that we are all connected and that it is safe to be vulnerable.

The manager at my local Gristedes supermarket Debbie, always makes me smile and feel special.

This list can go on for days.

So today I honor all women!

Until next time,
Barbara

Advice for Dealing With Anxiety and Fear

Monday on Ask the Oracles, Jeff Pulver, Monte Farber, Amy Zerner, and I were talking about love. Amy mentioned that Marianne Williamson had posted that A Course in Miracles says you either choose love or fear.

This reminded me of the old Cherokee story of the two wolves.

A young boy went to his grandfather for advice. The grandson was troubled and wanted help to deal with his anxiety and fear.

“There are two wolves inside of you," the grandfather told the young boy.

“One is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, arrogance, self-pity, false pride and fear. The other is joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, and faith. “A fight is going on inside of you,” he said.

“Grandfather, which wolf will win?” asked the boy.
The old Cherokee smiled and simply said, "The one you feed".

Yet in another version of this story, the old Cherokee simply replied, “If you feed them right, they both win.”

It is important to acknowledge all our feelings and see their hidden value. Maybe your anger has motivated you to start a foundation to help abused children, or your fear pushed you to discover new ways to deal with anxiety and overwhelm.

How you deal with your shadow can help bring you to a place of peace and wisdom. Then you can truly make conscious choices. Each choice you make creates your future. Choose wisely.

Until next time,
Barbara

How to Connect & Improve Your Well-Being During Isolation

One of the themes that came up during all three of the Vision Workshops that I have led in the past few weeks was the long term harsh reality of Covid Isolation and the longing for real community and connection.

When you isolate, it is easier to spin out with fear and anxiety. Having another viewpoint (from a conscious person or group) can open you up to new possibilities and help you deal with your current reality. That is why I love doing group work.

Remember the word communication comes from the root word “to make common”. It is all about connection.

Here are some ways that you can practice really connecting.

1. Connect to yourself daily. Place your hand over your heart, take a few deep breaths and ask, what would you have me do today?”

2. Connect to the Earth and the elements. Go outside every day, if possible, even for a few moments. Feel your feet on the earth, open to the wind, the sun, and the water.

3. Make eye contact. It is harder to know what anyone is thinking or feeling any more since we are all wearing a mask, but you can look someone in the eyes and smile with your eyes. This says,
“I see you!”

4. Learn to be curious and listen to understand rather than immediately reacting and becoming judgmental when someone shares an idea that you do not agree with. Even if it is just 10% curious and the other 90% is saying, this is bullsh*t! It can make a big difference.

5. Write the names of people you care about on small slips of paper. Place the strips of paper in a bowl and each day, pick one person to reach out to.

6. Connect in person (if possible) to at least one person a week. Go for a walk, visit a museum, have a beverage or meal together. There are many ways you can stay safe and still be with others.

7. Connect to Source/Spirit/God/Goddess. Meditate, attend a spiritual circle, go to Church or Temple, read an uplifting book, watch a spiritual teacher on IGLive or YouTube.

Work with Barbara:

As we move into this Mercury Direct Period, the Universe is giving us a push to move forward. This is the perfect time to get extra help in deepening your intuition, dealing with shadow issues, and creating action steps to manifest your Vision.

Book an intuitive tarot reading >> for clarity

Book a ritual >> to clear out the old and invite in the new

Book a coaching package >> to deepen your connection to your intuitive wisdom and give you consistent support to develop practical spiritual tools

Bring a Vision workshop to your organization >> These are tailored for your group. 1 hour motivational session, ½ day or full day interactive workshop.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Real Meaning of Groundhog's Day

Millions of people will be tuning in on February 2nd to find out if the groundhog will see its shadow. This is based on an old Pennsylvania Dutch legend that says if the groundhog sees its shadow, we will have 6 more weeks until Spring.

Guess what? February 2nd is the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and has been celebrated as Imbolc for centuries. No matter what this groundhog sees, spring is still 6 weeks away.

Imbolc, an ancient early spring fire celebration honors the goddess, Brigid. She is an aspect of the feminine who represents healing, childbirth, creativity, poetry, and smithing. She reminds us to connect to what is stirring inside of us that seeks to grow. She also asks us to look at our own shadow and what we need to integrate to make us whole. As we discover what is unknown or ignored, we can enter a healthy relationship with our disowned selves.

True shadow work is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves but may require a trusted guide to move us through this path consciously. Here we can reclaim undiscovered abilities, buried emotions and expanded vitality.

This is also a time of spiritual renewal and rededication to your spiritual path.

RITUAL

1. Light a Candle
2. Anoint it with a few drops of your favorite essential oil
3. Write a personal Vow to reaffirm your commitment to yourself and your spiritual path
4. Say the vow out loud
5. Place it in an envelope and put away until next year

Until next time,
Barbara

Imagine if Years Were Minutes? 🤯 Here is How to Savor Them

Imagine if time sped up and every few minutes you found yourself jumping forward to the next year of your life. This was the plot of an Australian movie Long Story Short that I watched the other night.

“When time-poor Teddy wakes up the morning after his wedding to discover that every few minutes he's jumping forward to the next year of his life, he must use every precious moment wisely to keep from losing the love of his life, and to learn to love the life he's losing.

This is how life can feel at times. Speeding forward so quickly that before you know it 5,10,20 years have whisked by. For those of you who have children in your life, you know exactly what I mean. I still can’t believe that I have a grown married son. If I close my eyes, I can still feel what it felt like to hold him as a cute cuddly toddler.

I am going to take this opportunity as we move into celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Water Tiger (February 1st) to really savor the moments and focus on what has heart and meaning.

Here are some things I plan to do:

1. Plug into the Light at least 3 times a day. It in this way I keep my frequency high, my intuition becomes strong, and I am guided by Divine Wisdom.

2. Let go of comparing myself to others. It is a real drain on my energy and one of my personal challenges.

3. Be in gratitude for what I do have. I like to walk around my apartment thanking my body, the plants, furniture, computer, and anything else I see.

4. Take care of my body. When my body is happy and strong, I am unstoppable. Thank you Lavinia Errico for your fabulous classes.

5. Spend more time with friends and family.

6. Do new things and have fun adventures. Bring in more joy and simple pleasures.

7. Consciously honor the goddess within me and allow the new to take form.

Work with me:

Why not have real support to be able to see clearly and shift perspective. Ideas are seeds when they first come to you, and they require that you nurture them in a way that they can grow and thrive.

Book an intuitive tarot reading for clarity >>

Book a ritual to clear out the old and invite in the new >>

Book a coaching package to deepen your connection to your intuitive wisdom and give you consistent support to develop practical spiritual tools >>

Until next time,
Barbara

What Commitment to Moving Forward Looks Like 🤸‍♀️

I am filled with gratitude for being able to have shared our powerful heart-felt Vision 2022 Illumination weekend. And I want to give a special shout out to Joule L’Adara, Rebecca Gordon and Parashakti for adding wisdom and practices that allowed us to release old stuck energy and access our deepest truth. And none of it could have happened without the support of my right-hand Lana Smith.

The path ahead into 2022 may not be clear, but what is clear is that in today's world we need more access to our deeper wisdom and to powerful practices and tools that empower us to stay focused and centered.

This wordcloud represents the answers to the qiestion "How do you feel about your 2022 vision?" at the end of our Vision Illumination weekend retreat.

Work with me:

We are still in the energy of Mercury Retrograde and this is the perfect time to become aware and release the patterns that keep you stuck in the old stories that do not support your growth. Then open to the new energy coming in.

To make the most of this time, give yourself new tools for renewal by booking a Space Clearing, a Tarot Reading or a Coaching Session (discounted coaching packages are available).

I am also available to speak at your conference, podcast, or streaming media.

Vision Workshops can be tailored for your company, organization and/or group of friends. Contact our office for information.

Until next time,
Barbara

Spiritual Lesson in a Verizon Store

Lessons can appear in the strangest ways. The other day I went into the Verizon Store to replace my phone screen. It was a mess, and I was having trouble seeing through it.

When I got home, I realized that I couldn’t hear any incoming or outgoing calls unless I put my phone on speaker.

The next day I woke up and it had snowed. Not wanting to slip on the ice I walked slowly down the street, I went back to the store and explained what was going on. The young woman working there looked at my phone and said, “the screen protector is too big, and it is covering the speaker”

At that moment I got it! Too much protection is not a good thing.

I realized how I was so focused on protecting myself against Covid, slipping on the ice, speeding bikes and other things that I had walled myself away from hearing, seeing and being present.

Taking a deep breath, I centered and as I have done for years in my practice, connected to the Light, and plugged in. Immediately, I felt clearer, calmer, and more present.

So instead of focusing on protection focus on expanding your Light which will give you the protection you require.

Work with Barbara:

Mercury is moving into retrograde (back up everything!) and this is the perfect time to tune in to what is working and what isn’t. What do you want to say No to? What do you want to say Yes to? Open to possibilities.

Book an intuitive Tarrot Reading for Clarity, a Ritual to Clear out your space – physically mentally and emotionally, or book a Coaching Package to strengthen your spiritual muscles and guide you on a new path for 2022.

VISION 2022 ILLUMINATION
 OPEN TO SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT 
with our Transformational Online Retreat
January 15th-16th, 2022

Vision 2022 is a mind-opening, energy-shifting, manifestation event designed to solidify your higher calling, help you create a visual representation of that calling and provide you with the practical steps to answer that call now.

Special guests include astrologer Rebecca Gordon, sound healer Joule L’adara and Parashakti (moment as medicine). You will experience:

•  Heart opening activation that plugs you into your truest self

•  Intuition initiation that links you to the wisdom available to you

•  An energetic empowerment that can boost your ability to create

•  Astrology Overview for 2022 that will give you insight on where to best focus your energy

•  Movement techniques that physically move out stagnant energy and allows the powers of creation into all your cells and muscles.

•  Sound healing that amplifies your personal vibration to match all these new energies opening up your body and soul.

•  A Fire release that burn up and pound out the old, stuck, toxic cycles you haven’t found a way to move away from…until now.

•  Vision board creation that emerges from the new, empowered, enlightened YOU: This will serve as a visual reminder of all the power you have claimed by showing up for yourself and participating in this weekend.

•  Small-Group sharing to get expanded insights and support

• YOU WILL STEP OUT INTO THE WORLD A STRONGER, MORE AWARE AND FOCUSED PERSON THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE.

>> SIGN UP NOW <<

PS If you missed this event, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this page to be notified about our next VISION workshop!

Until next time,
Barbara

Here is What One of My Personal Rituals Revealed to Me 📖

Happy 2022! We made it.

One of my personal rituals that I like to do is randomly open a book for guidance. This is what I picked today.

"Before embarking on an enterprise of any importance, the first thing to do is to enter into yourself and make contact with the invisible world so as to ensure the best possible conditions for action.

…You must first seek the light you need. Isn’t this true on the physical plane? Suppose you woke up in the middle of the night by a noise. Would you rush off to investigate in the dark? No, you know that would be dangerous. Before doing anything, you switch on the light. And, in every circumstance in life, the same rules apply: you must begin by switching on the light." (Golden Rules for Everyday life: Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov)

We are now in the year 2022 and the forces are stirring. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to set goals because the bigger Ah ha’s will probably come later in the month when we have clearer access to Divine Downloads.

This is why I am so passionate about VISION 2022 ILLUMINATION this year. Watch the video I recorded for you here.

Until next time,
Barbara

New Year's Rituals for Health, Prosperity & Love in 2022 🥂

2021 gave us the opportunity to do things in a different way. But did we? I think it was a mixed bag and now it is time to say goodbye to 2021 and really take some time to dive into what we have learned this year and what we want to change. Begin to be aware of what wants to live through you.

We live in extraordinary times. As I have been saying all year, the vibrational frequency of the planet has shifted, and we are required to shift with her. 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. And it cannot be done through the mind: it is only possible through the heart center.

2022 is the year of the Cosmic Mystical Heart: of Spiritual Empowerment and Illumination. It is a year of Either/And where we have the potential to move into a more holistic way of being.

And we cannot do it alone. Let us shape our collective destiny together with love, grace and joy!

MY GIFT TO YOU:

As always, I am offering my FREE 12-day intention intensive. You will be receiving one guided meditation recording daily starting January 1st to guide you in setting intentions for 2022. As my teacher Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov taught, the first 12 days of the year set intentions for the entire year. If your friends want to receive these, have them go to BarbaraBiziou.com and sign up for our newsletter by January 1st.

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 their 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.

Cuba: Water represents both cleansing and renewal, and the New Year is celebrated with rituals of splashing water. Water is tossed out of doors or windows (checking first for passers-by!) or into public fountains.

And don’t forget to wear something red to bring in Love and Passion. ❤️

Work with me:

It’s a New Year and a perfect time for a personal reading to gain clarity into the past, current and future events. Space clearings are also great to do at this time to open any stuck energy.

I am also available to speak at your company (zoom or in person) on Starting Your New Year with Intention, Clarity and Connection: Simple Solutions for Success.

Until next time,
Barbara

How To Create a Solstice Wish Tree 🎄 + My Gift To You 🎁

Although traditions vary greatly around the world, the spirit of Christmas transcends all differences. No matter what religion or culture you come from, watching the lighting of the tree in New York's Rockefeller Center is an awesome experience. Children from all countries delight in meeting Santa Claus. Listening to Christmas carols gladdens the hearts of millions.

When we thrill to such sights and sounds, though, most of us don’t realize that the roots of Christmas date back to the 4th century, when the Catholic Church began celebrating Christmas as a way of competing with the festivals of the rival pagan religion in which the Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god Mithras. The Church’s intention was to hold an annual celebration on the evening of the shortest day of the year and thereby replace the pagan celebration with a Christian one.

Pope Julius I chose this time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—although his birth is actually thought to be in the spring—because December 25th coincided with the ritual of winter solstice. Therefore, these original Christmas celebrants rejoiced at the return of light and the coming promise of spring. This holiday was also called Yule, a form of which is still celebrated today in the Wiccan tradition.

Many of the traditions associated with Christmas also have ancient roots. Evergreen, which symbolizes the continuity of life, rebirth, and protection, is found in Roman, Celtic, Teutonic, and Christian cultures. The Druids believed that holly stayed green to keep the earth beautiful when the sacred oak lost its leaves. Holly was also the sacred plant of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, and was used at the Saturnalia festival to honor him. The Romans gave one another holly wreaths; they decorated images of Saturn with holly. To avoid persecution, the early Christians decked their homes with Saturnalia holly. Eventually the holly lost its pagan association and became a symbol of Christmas.

Since I believe in the power of group intention, I want to invite you to Create a Solstice Wish Tree. I recommend using a living tree which can be planted in the earth at the appropriate time. Or you can decorate a tree outdoors. If you already are planning on a Christmas Tree, try adding some of the elements below.

Make some ornaments out of any arts-and-crafts material, or simply use plain store-bought ornaments which you can paint and personalize. These ornaments are not merely decorations—they are wishes. You can write words on them, such as peace, good health, prosperity, loving partner. Or you can paste pictures on them—for example, you might paste a picture of a wished-for car on one of your baubles, or the photo of a place you want to visit next year. Make some wishes for yourself and some for friends, family members or for the greater good.

My Gift To You This Holiday Season: Grounding Meditation

No one is exempt from stress, disappointment, trauma, physical and emotional disease in our complex and unpredictable world. Meditation has been used for centuries to elevate consciousness, achieve presence of mind and manifest health and wellness.

Listen to this guided meditation when your mind is racing, and you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. This will bring you back to the here-and-now and is very helpful in allowing you to calm down quickly.

LISTEN HERE >>

Work with me:
Limited spaces available for readings and rituals. See what needs to be cleared out to make space for the new energy of 2022. Book a reading, coaching session or a ritual >>

Until next time,
Barbara

How to Tap Into the Biggest Area of Growth and Transformation

A friend of mine just sent me a picture of her adventure on a flying trapeze. It took my breath away since this is something I have always wanted to do. And it reminded me of an article I read many years ago called Fear of Transformation from the Essene Book of Days.

To paraphrase, most of us spend our lives hanging on for dear life to the old until something calls us to let go and take a leap of faith into the unknown. It can be terrifying, yet we know we must release our hold on the past (the old trapeze bar) and soar across the vast void of unknowing to reach the new one.

We may feel scared, excited, confused, or disoriented, but this is where the real change happens… As we give ourselves permission to hang out in this transition between trapeze bars, we learn to fly!

As we move into the last few weeks of 2021, I invite you to spend some time looking back on what 2021 was about for you. Just BE present with what is. We are moving into 2022—a year of true Spiritual Empowerment: Illumination of the Cosmic Spiritual Heart and right now we are in the growing pains of this shift of consciousness.

“We are each of us angels with only one wing and we can only fly embracing each other.” - Luciano De Crescenzo

That is why I have created VISION 2022 ILLUMINATION. Together we are stronger. Together we are more creative. Together we can build the structures necessary for true manifestation. And together we bring in more love, joy, and success.

Maybe this will be the year you find your love relationship, bring in a baby, create your dream project, travel to a far-off land, buy a home, boost your health, reclaim your old dreams and discover a sense of magic and excitement.

Until next time,
Barbara

A Simple Morning Ritual To Shift Your Day ☕

How often do you say to yourself, "This day started off bad and just kept getting worse"? We all know that it's important to start the day with a positive and open attitude. But what happens when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Or the first thing in the morning, you get a text bringing unexpected bad news? A morning ritual helps you remember that even when your day starts badly, that doesn't mean it has to continue along that path.

In fact, taking five minutes for yourself in the morning will change the entire energy of your day. You will have more focus, energy, and creativity, and you will more likely appreciate what life has to offer you. When we are grounded in the present moment-we can make authentic choices that are based upon our spiritual needs. We can act appropriately, responding to what we truly need and want, instead of doing what we think we should do. Remember that many of our shoulds come from another place and time when we ourselves were different. I like to start off my day with a ritual of blessing; a reminder to pay attention to what has heart and meaning for me.

A cup of blessings

Fill a cup with your favorite morning beverage or simply warm water. Consciously take 4 sips.

1. Honor your ancestors and everyone who has added to your life.

2. Commit to being open to the new and allow in all the support you may require.

3. Dedicate this to all who need your help and who are marginalized by society

4. This last sip represents hope for a future that is heart centered, joyful and abundant.

Until next time,
Barbara

Prepare For The Big Shift 🌟

Monday was my birthday and this year I had a mystical experience, which I will write about in detail another time once I have fully processed it.

The main theme was: the old stuck patterns were being flushed out and I was being held in the loving embrace of the Divine Feminine. There was a flow and gentleness that was around me to prepare me for stepping into the fullness of my life.

Then this book jumped out at me when I walked into my office. My dear friend Elizabeth Rose Campbell (RIP) wrote this about Sagittarius in her brilliant book, Intuitive Astrology:

“Imagine yourself as the cosmic travel agent able to write yourself free tickets any trip. You are also able to do this for everyone you love and even people you don’t (but what might improve if they took a trip and got a fresh perspective.) As you write your own ticket, fears fall away about the unknowns involved.”

Pass on the faith in the adventure of life and every aha! through the flow…

The key here is FLOW.

Although it may feel chaotic out in the world, we are all being given a chance to make new choices aligned with our real purpose so we can share our unique gifts with the world. 2022 is around the corner and we no longer have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines.

Together we are strong. Together we can create miraculous shifts of consciousness. Together we can joyfully manifest a new vision. Together we can invest in ourselves and our communities. And it is not about pushing through, rather it is about being fully present and riding the waves of Spirit to become a spiritual surfer.

VISION 2022 ILLUMINATION - REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
January 15th-16th, 2022

Are you ready to activate your potential?
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Work with Barbara:
31 days until 2022! This is a perfect time to get a personalized tarot reading to discover the predominant energy that is coming in for you and what may need discarding and healing. Book online now >>

Until next time,
Barbara

My Personal Thanksgiving Recipe 🕯️

As I was teaching my first in-person Prosperity Ritual Saturday, I realized how connected the principles of abundance are to having a happy and connected Thanksgiving holiday.

For many of us in the USA, this will be the first time that we are getting together with our families since the Pandemic (or Global Pause Portal as I like to say) and it is bringing up a mixture of joy and fear.

Joy that we can finally travel and see our family and friends.
Concern that it may not be safe and worry about how to negotiate this new reality.

Abundance is a state in which our requirements are easily met, and our desires spontaneously fulfilled. We feel joy, health, happiness, and vitality in every moment of our existence.

Abundance is knowing that we are energy: that we are all connected to everyone and everything in our lives. Therefore money, love, joy and success are all a part of us. We are love. We are money. We are joy. We are success.

To truly live in the abundance paradigm, it is crucial to be in a state of gratitude for all that we have. For me, that is the real meaning of Thanksgiving.

I love what my friends Frederick and Mary Ann Brusset said in their article in Spirituality and Practice:

“The writer G. K. Chesterton had the right idea when he said we need to get in the habit of "taking things with gratitude and not taking things for granted." Gratitude puts everything in a fresh perspective; it enables us to see the many blessings all around us. And the more ways we find to give thanks, the more things we find to be grateful for.”

Here is my Thanksgiving Recipe:

1. Ask each person at the dinner table to light a candle. Let this represent bringing Divine light into our lives. Then each person shares what they feel grateful for this year.

2. Have someone do a blessing over the meal. Here is one that I really like, however feel free to use one in your tradition or create something new.

From the Native American Iroquois Tradition:
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,
the beans and squashes, which give us life.
We return thanks to the bushes and trees,
which provide us with fruit.
We return thanks to the Great Spirit,
in who is embodied all goodness,
and who directs all things for the good of his children.

3. A pinch of kindness mixed with compassion makes everything better. Remember that everyone has a different comfort level, so be extra patient at this time and set your intention to really listen to each other.

4. Reach out to those who cannot make it in person. Zoom, Facetime or a call goes a long way in making friends and relatives feel connected.

5. Plan in rest stops. You may not be used to being with a crowd of people so take care of yourself and take whatever alone time you require to recharge.

Hannukah: Festival of Lights starts on Sunday.

I will be doing a special IG Live on Sunday at 6 PM EST to light the first candle. To all who celebrate Hanukkah Sameach!

Until next time,
Barbara

Dealing With Hurt: The Consequences Of Spiritual Bipassing

This past weekend has been an emotional rollercoaster for me and as I do everything wholeheartedly, I felt I needed to share about it in today's newsletter. (*Vulnerabiltiy alert)

“She is in a better place.” "Everything happens for a reason." “It is all part of God’s plan.” are some of the lines I heard from many of my well-meaning friends who attempted to comfort me when they found out that one of my friends had suddenly passed on.

All my inner child heard was “Your feelings don’t matter, “You’re not really spiritual if you are feeling upset”, and “Don’t wallow in the pain”.

This reminded me of a story. Many years ago, while doing teacher training for a personal growth seminar, one of the participants in our group was mugged and had her wallet stolen at lunch. She returned to the seminar distraught and shaken. As she was sharing her traumatic experience, the teacher just looked at her and said, “What did you do to create that?”

Rather than simply being present with what was in the moment and exhibiting compassion, he immediately went into what therapist John Welwood in his book Toward a Psychology of Awakening called Spiritual Bypass.

Yes, I do believe that there is a lesson in every challenge, however it is not always apparent in the moment, and I know that it is important for me to be conscious of what I am experiencing in my emotional and physical bodies.

When I don’t acknowledge the small and large losses, I tend to carry this energy into the future. Grieving is a necessary process that will lead to healing and a new level of understanding and joy. As I wrote in The Joy of Ritual, feelings are energy and can easily get stuck in the physical if not expressed.

As a gift to yourself and others, the next time you immediately go to:

*Believing that traumatic events must always have a silver lining
*Focusing on the spiritual and ignoring the emotional
*Shifting to the positive before you or the other person has had time to process the experience

Take a breath. Sometimes you just need a hug, a good cry, a kind word, or the space to simply grieve.

Until next time,
Barbara