Simple Fall Equinox Ritual 🍂

This morning I woke up thinking about the time I met the great Hopi Elder Thomas Banyacya. It was 1992, and my friend Eleanor Johnson arranged an evening in her Village loft, where he could meet our NY community. 

He was coming to deliver the Hopi prophecy to the United Nations that warned the world against a devastating purification and disruption that was threatening the world because we were living out of balance with spiritual laws. His message was clear: we needed to change our consciousness and come into the right relationship with the earth and her resources.

How true are those haunting words?

However, he also described a time when ”If we return to spiritual harmony and live from our hearts, we can experience a paradise in this world."

As Thomas said so clearly, we are living out of balance and out of sync with Nature and our Creator. To be able to navigate this time of change and chaos, we need to reconnect with the natural cycles of Mother Earth. What better time than this weekend as we move into The Fall Equinox - Mabon (Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). 

And, it is also the UN International Peace Week, where there is a call for Peace on Earth by 2030. This will take a deep transformation of people’s hearts and minds and will take dedication to clearing out the old worn-out beliefs that we are holding that keep us from connecting to our god/goddess presence and real peace.

Fall Equinox Ritual

APPRECIATING WHAT IS. Stop treating life like it’s a race. Let go of rushing from one thing to the next like life is an endless race to complete your to-do list.

Recognize the beauty and the gift of each moment instead of running past them.

Go outside Saturday Night and wish on a star.

“Star light, Star bright, 
First star I see tonight.
I wish I may, I wish I might.
Have a wish I wish tonight.”

Now make a wish. Let it be something that brings peace, joy, and balance into your life!

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Rituals that Bring REAL Comfort

I just read that approximately 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and as much as 33% of people are lonely. 

9/11 and other tragedies have taught all of us that comfort in the face of life’s challenges is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Comfort rituals are the universal lifelines that offer us deliverance from fears real and imagined; they resurrect us from the heart of despair and return us to wholeness.

Yet, I notice that many people bury the vulnerable need to be comforted and feel connected. We con ourselves into believing that we can substitute cold comforts like drinking, smoking, drugging (legal and illegal), overeating or workaholism for genuine comfort. Cold comforts are sanctioned escapes for many people. They numb us to the sometimes-overwhelming conditions that we cannot or chose not to face. Cold comforts devitalize us and ultimately drain us of our energy and resources.

And I constantly see lukewarm comforts like the young student who struck an impressive yoga posture in the park while smoking a cigarette, or the lawyer who wanted to meditate after three glasses of wine. 

True comfort rituals offer us safe harbor in the sea of the unknown. Many are simple rituals that can be done in a moment of silence all by yourself or they can be orchestrated for a throng in the middle of a noisy convention hall. Comfort rituals can teach us the art of returning to the place within where we are comfortable just being. The place where our inner resources can fuel our outer expression because we have returned to our center, the surest place of comfort in our soul.

Notice what really brings you comfort this week. Here are some suggestions:

• Hang out with your pet.

• Take a warm bath with your favorite oils, especially those that relax you like a few drops of lavender or sandalwood) or try a few drops of jasmine, orange or ylang-ylang to uplift you. If you have sensitive skin, mix them with some carrier oil like coconut oil before adding to your bath. 

• Have a conversation with someone who really listens to you and has your best interest at heart.

• Spend time in nature and engage your senses to connect to the earth under your feet: smell the grass and flowers, feel the air on your face, hear what surrounds you (birds, insects, water flowing), and see what is around you.

• Let the sunshine in! Exposure to sunlight has been shown to promote the production of serotonin, a brain chemical associated with mood regulation. 

• Dance to upbeat joyful music. As my friend Lavinia Errico always says, “movement is medicine.”

• Eat some ritual food that reminds you of happy times and a connection to something larger than yourself. For example: For the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana) starting Friday, September 15th, we dip apples in honey to represent having a sweet new year. Even if you are not Jewish, try this ritual with a friend or family member.

• And this is a perfect time to reach out to neighbors, colleagues and family members. Sometimes all it takes is a quick smile and hello while passing someone in the hallway or buying a cup of tea at your favorite café,  sending a short text saying, “I am thinking of you”, or just doing a random act of kindness. As the song says, “we all need somebody to lean on.”

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Surprising ways The Universe sends you messages 🦉

In many traditions, divinations are made around the end of the year or a new season. We ask what do the deities have in store for us and how are we to conduct ourselves. As we move into this new Fall Season, I suggest you open to receiving information from The Universe by noticing which animals appear to you.

First, take a moment to set your intention that an animal spirit (or spirits) will appear to you. Now go outside and see what catches your attention. 

You may be surrounded by dogs going for a walk (loyalty, protectors) or notice an Eagle in the distance (ability to see above the mundane, vision). Maybe you hear frogs (cleansing of spirit) or see a hummingbird (joy, celebration). Don’t discard the smaller ones like spiders (creativity) or ants (strength and willpower). 

Just pay attention. You may also notice animals on posters or on a t shirt that someone is wearing.

Once you receive your animal guide, sit quietly and journal about what messages you are being given. If you want, you can always look up the spiritual meaning later the internet.

Now act on whatever guidance you have been given.

Until next time,
Barbara

Tips for Sailing Through Mercury Retrograde ⛵

As I was rushing to physical therapy the other day, my metro card suddenly didn't work. I kept swiping it and nothing happened. Then, I heard a voice behind me say, "Let me use my card”, and a total stranger swiped her card to let me through. I turned around to thank her and she was gone.

Never underestimate the kindness of strangers, even during the chaos and harshness we all hear about constantly in the news.

And….let’s all play it forward. Kindness creates kindness.

Tips for sailing through Mercury Retrograde, beginning August 23rd.

Mercury Retrograde on August 23rd offers us the opportunity to stop and take stock of where we are. Not only do we need to look forward to our future, but we must also look back and see where we have come from.

As a spiritual practice let us take the time to remember all those who helped us become the people we are today. Then reach out to them symbolically or physically and say thank you. I like to write actual notes and send them in the mail if possible. You will be surprised how meaningful that is in our era of email and texting. 

If they have passed on, you may want to light a candle in his/her/their honor, do a good deed in their name or simple say “thank you”. 

As always, slow down and make sure you pay attention to what your body needs to stay healthy and resilient.

And don’t forget to back everything up, double check travel plans and pay attention to details!!

I will be taking the rest of the summer off, so book your Fall Space/Energy Clearings, Rituals or Intuitive Tarot Reading Now. Setting clear intention is an integral part of creating success, joy and health.

PS: Make sure to visit the Events page to see what is coming.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Creative Power of Uncertainty and Leo New Moon Energy

After a long day of facilitating a women’s leadership training, I came home trying to figure out what I wanted to write in this newsletter.

Then I was reminded of a quote from the Polish poet and Nobel laureate Wislawa Szmborska on the creative power of uncertainty. What stood out for me was this…"whatever inspiration is, it's born from a continuous ‘I don’t know’."

As we surrender to not  knowing, we are then capable of experiencing what Szymborska says is the seedbed of our capacity for astonishment, which in turn gives meaning to our existence. This is exactly what my spiritual teacher Brugh Joy used to say when he constantly told us, “Delete the need to know”.

As we move into this Leo New Moon, we are being called to step into our unknowing and open to possibilities that have never existed before. Passionate Leo is reminding us that there are still opportunities waiting for us. The key is to be in a state of curiosity and openness.

I love how astrologer Chani Nicholas calls this New Moon a wildcat energy and recommends that we focus on any parts of ourselves that we have pruned or clipped to fit societal expectations and set it free.

Take some time on Wednesday and physically shake off the constraints you have taken on that bind your spirit. Slowly spin three times counterclockwise releasing all energy that does not support your transformation. Then open your arms and state, “I am free to be me”.

Help Hawaii: 

Contribute to high-impact organizations: After extensive discussions with officials, non-profit leaders, and community members in Maui, it has been determined that the most effective immediate contribution is through monetary donations to established community-focused organizations with a strong track record of efficiently distributing funds where they will have the greatest influence. These include:

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Stong Fund
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Kākoʻo Maui Fund
Maui United Way’s Maui Fire Disaster Fund

Work with Barbara:

We are on a mystical journey at this moment: a Global Initiation and it is crucial that we allow our minds and bodies to recalibrate, strengthen and open to a higher level of love and connection. Through years of spiritual study and practice,  I have amassed hundreds of techniques and practical tools to guide you to a higher level of success and happiness. If this resonates with you, set up an intuitive tarot reading, ritual or energy clearing.

Corporate Events: practical tools for wellbeing, navigating change, dealing with stress and anxiety, building emotional intelligence, creativity, and inspiration. Download my one-sheet here >>

Until next time,
Barbara

The Lions Gate Portal Culmination ✨

Today is 8/8: the culmination of the Lions Gate Portal and a great time to focus on opening your heart chakra to activate and unlock all the codes in your body as you receive  the downloads for abundance, wisdom and love coming into our planet currently.

My teacher Brugh Joy always said that transformation only can occur through the heart center, and I share that belief with him. He taught us that if we connect to the attributes of the heart each day, miraculous states of consciousness can occur. They are:

Unconditional Love: this is beyond personal love, there is nothing you must do to deserve it, it is your birthright.

The Healing Presence: the ability we all have to bring healing into our lives and to share with others.

Compassion: opening to gentleness and kindness for ourselves as well as others.

Start by putting your right hand over your left on the center of your chest (heart chakra)

1. Inhale to the count of 2 through your nose

2. Exhale slowly though your mouth allowing your breath to  drop into your heart. 

3. Say to yourself, "I love you”, “ I accept you”, “I appreciate you.”

4. Continue until you can feel the truth of these words.

5. Imagine that you can connect to each attribute of the heart center as you breathe in and out.

6. Smile.

Allow this energy to clear out any old sorrow, anger and trauma that has kept you from living in love, joy, and abundance.

For additional support you may want to listen to my Chakra Clearing, Healing Emotional Pain and Self Forgiveness Meditations.

Until next time,
Barbara

Using This Full Moon Energy to Generate Your Dreams

In the Northern Hemisphere, August is a month of lazy summer days at the beach, iced tea, fresh picked corn and luscious fruits and vegetables. Yet, we forget that our ancestors used this time to harvest the first crops of grain, wheat, and oats.

The tradition in Northern Europe was to celebrate the beginning of the harvest on or around August 1st—it is called Lammas, or sometimes called Lughnasadh after the god Lugh-of craftsmanship. This was midway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.

It was meant to remind us to be grateful for what we have now and to acknowledge the turning of the seasons. It was a great celebration of the baking of bread from the first wheat harvest as each person participated in honoring Mother Earth. We must remember how important grains were and still are to most of the world. 

Many Native American tribes also celebrate the harvest during this time as the Corn Mother. The Green Corn Ceremony, which is tied to the ripening of the corn crops, is marked with dancing to give thanks to the Great Spirit/Mother, feasting and religious observations. Before any new corn can be eaten, there are rituals of purification and forgiveness.

HANDFASTING

During the 15th and 16th Century, couples participated in hand-fasting ceremonies at Lammas fairs across Europe. Handfasting was performed by a couple in front of a witness or two. They joined hands and declared themselves united, sealing it with a kiss. These were trial year- and -a day marriages and one had to renew them more often than traditional wedding vows. If at the end of the trial the couple felt it was not right, they were free to go their separate ways.
 

FULL SUPER MOON IN AQUARIUS

According to astrologer Lisa Zimmerman, this Super Moon in Aquarius rules authenticity, independence, rebellion, revolution, innovation and your community. You may be shifting your relationships to your tribe as you evolve and grow. All Full Moons can be highly emotional, so take a deep breath and do whatever you can to stay proactive rather than reactive.
 

LAMMAS RITUAL

I want to share a ritual that my soul-sister Deborah Roth and I did in central park pre-covid. You will need some corn husks, corn kernels, raffia, or string.

1. Take some time to reflect and journal on what you have harvested this season since the Spring Equinox. Based on fears being transformed, what are your hopes for this harvest? What are your gifts and skills to support those hopes? Where do you need help?

2. Write your harvest intention on a husk with a permanent marker and pick as many corn kernels as you need to represent your hopes/skills/gifts. Then wrap them in the corn husk and tie with raffia or string—each knot represents support, what you need to ask for/do to manifest intention. When you are finished, find a place in nature and offer it to Mother Nature. 

 Have Fun, Give Thanks and Be conscious of how you treat our Planet.

Until next time,
Barbara

This Week's Gift From The Universe ✨

What if you were given a special day that was not on your calendar? A day of sacred pause, of forgiveness and true freedom? A chance to start over? Well, today is that day.

According to Jose Arguelles, “The Mayan Calendar - a 13-Moon Calendar that was devised by the Mayan Timekeepers, the Jaguar Priests, measures the  year in 13 even months of 28 days each: a perpetual calendar of 52 perfect weeks, making a total of 364 days. 
 
With this Mayan Harmonic Time Standard, we usher in Galactic New Year’s Day on July 26th, and the day before that, July 25th, is the 365th day of the year on this 13-Moon Calendar. That day falls between the end of one calendar year and the beginning of the next, so July 25th is known as THE DAY OUT OF TIME as it literally is not a day of the week or day of the month at all. 

The Day Out Of Time has been celebrated worldwide since 1992 as part of a growing World Peace Movement. For this reason, this special day is observed as the day to cancel all debts, pardon, and forgive, and to celebrate life through art and nature. It's a day to experience true freedom...a time to ground the consciousness of and truly manifest unlimited prosperity and abundance as we usher in Galactic New Year’s Day on July 26th!! 

On this day, honored by both the Egyptians and Mayan cultures, the Star Sirius (sacred to the Ancient Egyptians as the energy of Isis) rises with the Sun and a portal of creative potential is activated as we cross the Galactic Equator.”

So, look at this time as a gift from the universe to make a fresh start…and wipe the slate clean. It is important to stop, see where you have been, and look at what you want to bring into the New Year. Use this day as a time to stop business as usual and tune into possibilities. See it as an invitation to explore your hidden talents and gifts that are ready to express themselves.

Create art, do healing work (especially around forgiveness), read poetry, play an instrument, go barefoot in nature, and focus on your big dreams and visions. I personally love writing positive affirmations on rocks and placing them around my neighborhood for people to find.

And don’t forget to put your arms around yourself and say, I LOVE YOU!!!

Until next time,
Barbara

The Violet Flame: Transmute Negative Energy

Monday’s New Moon in Cancer is asking us to look at how we are spending our time, energy, and money. However, be aware that you may be feeling extra sensitive and more emotional than normal, so find ways to take care of yourself by being in nature, doing things that bring you joy, and focusing on ease.

Personally, this has been a very emotional time for me: two of my friends have lost siblings in the past few days, which bring up a lot of vulnerability for me. It reminds me, once again, that time is precious, and it is important to reach out to those you love while we can. 

When I feel my monkey mind beginning to spin out, I always use the VIOLET FLAME. For those of you who are not familiar with this concept, the Violet flame is a combination of the Divine Masculine’s Blue flame of divine will, power, protection and authority and the Divine Feminine pink flame of Divine love, oneness, and reverence for life. It can transmute back into Light all fear, worry, trauma, anxiety, negativity, and lower frequencies. Evoke this Sacred Flame daily.

VIOLET FLAME INVOCATION

In the name of the I AM Presence I now call forth the violet Transmuting Flame to be activated and surround every thought, feeling, word, action, memory, or belief that I have taken on or have created that is reflecting anything not of perfect Love, Harmony, and Abundance. Release, consume, cause and effect so I may be free.

With deep gratitude, I now ask for the action of the violet Flame to manifest in my energy fields right now and continuously.

As always, I am available for personal intuitive tarot readings and rituals to guide your way.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Power of the Year 2023 Mid Point

I love books. I have shelves of art books, travel books, spiritual books, divination books, business books, novels and much more. I have read most of them, but there are many that I just haven’t gotten around to reading. They are my “someday I will read  books.”

I look at this as a metaphor for life, so as Mars moves into Virgo today, let’s look at what we have put on our “someday shelf". Maybe it is time to recycle past dreams and projects. And maybe it is time to simply let them go to free up energy for something brand new.

Remember that we are half-way through 2023 and this is the perfect time to do a reset and revision for the next part of 2023. In fact, July 26th is the Mayan New Year and I will be doing a live Mid Year Reset online via zoom (please visit the Upcoming Events Page for more details).

Work with Barbara and learn tools for spiritual alignment:

I would love to support you on your journey. I offer practical techniques for dealing with stress, clarity on what energy and opportunities are around you, tools to release the old and align your goals with your deeper purpose in a way that will bring you joy, peace and true abundance. Here are some ways that you can work with me:

A personal intuitive reading - Book Here >>
A personal ritual - Book here >>
Energy and / or Space Clearings - Book here >>
Corporate Events, Brand Activations, Wellness Events. Download my one-sheet here >>

Until next time,
Barbara

Spiritual Practice for the Full Moon of the Guru

I am writing this on Guru Purnima: in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions this is the Full Moon of the Guru and a time to honor our spiritual teachers.

Today I want to dedicate this newsletter to Carolyn Congers - one of my teachers, who passed into Spirit on June 23rd. I met Carolyn in the 90’s while studying with one of my main teachers: Brugh Joy. She was an incredible role model for me, and I was blown away by her embodying the power of the Feminine. As my friend Susan Rosen said, “she was one of our greatest treasures”. 

Carolyn encouraged me to write and teach on ritual, and she showed me how to access and honor both the dark wild part inside of me as well as the gentle compassionate side I tend to show the world. 

I learned from her that a true teacher helps others discover their innate spiritual wisdom. She was a wisdom guide in the fields of healing, intuition, creativity and dream work and she brought her real-life experiences with tribal societies into all her teachings. My first trip to Bali was with her (photo below).

We all need mentors in our lives. Expand your network. Become a mentor, allow others to guide you and find a community that encourages your greatness. We are all mirrors for each other. 

As a spiritual practice: reach out and freely share your wisdom with others this week without expecting anything back.

Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate: remember that real freedom holds the best of all possibilities.

Until next time,
Barbara

What I Learned From Doing 15 Tarot Readings in 1 Day

Question: What does a 14-year-old girl have in common with a successful 65-year-old career woman? 

After doing over 15 intuitive tarot readings last weekend at J Horton store in Madison CT, this became obvious. 

Answer: In some way they all wanted freedom from anxiety, stress, confusion, comparison, the past, and having to fit in to other people’s expectations.

As we move into the 4th of July holiday In the USA, let us embrace the concept of Freedom and Independence. And I do not mean the dysfunctional independence so many of us have taken on. There is a time to do it alone and a time to reach out for help and support.

As we approach this holiday, make a commitment to let go of all old energy patterns that keep you stuck. Then pick one modality that allows you to bring in emotional/mental balance and joy. 

Some of my favorites are meditation, dance, tapping, being in nature and swimming in the ocean.

If you require assistance, contact me for a private session via zoom or in person.

“Barbara has helped me clear negative energy and focus on positive energy in my life. I am creating a vision and life of my dreams. Her ritual and meditation work is transformational”- Emil Wilbekin, Founder Native Sons

Until next time,
Barbara

Summer Fun and Magic 🪄

As a kid, summer always meant fun.  I could ride my bike, swim, catch fireflies, draw, read books for pleasure (we did not have homework over the summer—imagine that!), eat ice-cream, corn on the cob and cherries and stay up late. It was a time of freedom. Whether I was home or at camp, it offered me a portal through which I could connect to my playful, artistic self.

As we reach the Summer Solstice this year (the longest night of the year), you can feel the change in the air. It is a time of celebration…time to honor our connection to this inner firepower that keeps us alive and brings us abundance and nourishes us with the potential for growth.

In fact, the ancient festival was named after Litha—the goddess of fertility, power and order. It was a time to invite in the power of fire to burn away the old and light the flame of creativity that lives inside of each one of us. It is a time to remember that we have the power and responsibility to nurture and sustain life. So, seize this moment to align with your solar power and let it imbue you with love, strength, clarity, and compassion.

Here is a fun ritual to symbolically amplify your power to make things better in your life and in the world.

Create a Magic Wand

Go outside and find a natural tree branch. You can then paint it or simply decorate it with feathers, gemstones, glitter, stickers, symbols, ribbons or cord.  Each thing you put on your wand represents a quality or energy you require in order to own your power. 

Feathers can represent Spirit helpers, birds or simply a larger perspective, the color red can mean passion while green can represent healing, a symbol of a heart says love and compassion. I also like to add a picture or symbol of a spiritual teacher or guide. Use your imagination.

If you want to really amplify the power, place a clear quartz point about an inch or so in length on the end of the stick. Tie it on with copper wire (which is a great conductor of energy). Part of the crystal will stick out beyond the end of the stick….think of it as an arrow head. 

Now hold the wand in your hand and call on the energy of the Sun to bless you with an abundance of energy to go out into the world with passion and purpose. You can use it whenever you want to empower a wish. Visualize your wish as an accomplished fact and send energy through your wand to energize it. 

Until next time,
Barbara

The Power of Summer Solstice 🌞

I love this post from Laura Fortgang on Instagram and wanted to share it:
 

A shark in a fish tank will grow 8 inches,
but in the ocean it will grow 8 feet or more.
Change your environment and watch your growth.

In the Northern Hemisphere  we are almost at the Summer Solstice (June 21st). This marks the longest day of the year when the light is at the very peak of its power. Why not use this energy to make the changes necessary to allow for the new growth that wants to live through you. The Summer solstice holds the energy for fulfilling your potential, which requires  a renewed commitment to God / Spirit and yourself.

RITUAL OF COMMITMENT

1. Light al yelow candle for the Solar Energy

2. Breathe and center yourself

3. Take some time and answer this question: What do I need right now? Clients, money, a relationship, a bigger space? Go with the first thing that comes into your mind.

4. Fill out the commitment contract

COMMITMENT CONTRACT

I now make a sacred covenant with Mother/Father God/Spirit to live a powerful life and to accept myself as a powerful creator.

I hereby commit to ……………………………………..

I release all obstacles in the way of my full expression.

I am now ready to receive the abundance of the Universe with good to all concerned.

Signed .....................             Date .....................

Until next time,
Barbara

Spiritual Practice for June

Russ Gotter, co-founder of Spirituality Week, asked me what spirituality means to me. I answered that to me it is connecting to the sacred and bringing it into my daily life.

That is why I love rituals and spiritual practice. As my friend Robin Quivers said so elegantly when talking about my book The Joy of Ritual, “These rituals are spiritual nutrition. Open to any page and get a hearty meal.”

For the month of June, let us see how we can take everyday moments and reflect on how they can be beneficial to our lives. See how you can create rituals of connection, appreciation, inner-guidance, and celebration. As we look through the eyes of the sacred, we become more present in our lives and integrate new tools to bring In peace, joy, healthy relationships, abundance, and optimism.

Use your morning shower as a ritual of purification, make your morning tea or coffee a time of reflection, make your walk to the store a walking meditation. The choices are endless.

To learn more, join me in one of our spiritual adventures and/or book a private reading or ritual. 

Until next time,
Barbara

Memorial Day Meaning and Ritual

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer vacation in the USA. When I think of Memorial Day I have images of backyard barbecues, public pools opening, beach picnics, and taking out my summer clothes. And, traditionally, you could only wear white after Memorial Day (personally that never made any sense to me and luckily no one cares anymore).

However, the real meaning of this holiday commemorates soldiers who have died in the war. I never really knew the origin, so I did some research and want to share it with you.

Originally Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day and was created to honor the soldiers who had died after the Civil War. In 1868 Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30 and flowers were to be placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  

It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country and it did not commemorate any special battle. However, the South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).

National Moment of Remembrance:

In 2000 President Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act. This year on Memorial Day (May 29th) Americans are asked to observe a moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. As the Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella La Spada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

As a conscious ritual, let us all make a commitment to embodying peace. As the song goes, “Let peace begin with me”.

Until next time,
Barbara

Spiritual Summertime Fun

I just read in the Explorer’s Magazine that when British Egyptologist Howard Carter first investigated the tomb of Tutankhamun, he was asked, “Can you see anything?” Carter replied, “Yes, wonderful things.”

That is how I feel about exploring spiritual sites around the world. On Saturday. I took a group to explore the rituals of the Hindu tradition at the Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens. We participated in a Vishnu Pooja and then had a special Archana done for Lord Ganesha - to overcome obstacles and bring in success.

Being able to experience the sacred rituals in these holy places is an opportunity to receive blessings and wisdom on an entirely different level than if you were just an observer.

And, I have found a way to do this even at the Egyptian collection at the Metropolitan Museum, where we can access the wisdom of the many sacred objects that reside in the museum. Come with me and experience it for yourself! Next trip is June 10th. Register here >>

If you are ready to join me and Jai Varadaraj in October on a spiritual pilgrimage to India, we are doing a free Q and A on Wednesday, May 17th, at 3 pm to answer all your questions. Learn more about this trip here >>

Until next time,
Barbara

The Power and Tradition of Aromatherapy 🌺

Ever since my friend John Steele - an amazing aromatherapist - told me that the ancient Egyptians believed you could not be reincarnated unless you were anointed with sacred blue Lotus oil, I have been obsessed with the power of magical aromatherapy.

And I was especially touched when I watched the coronation of King Charles the 3rd, when in order to become a king he had to be anointed with the sacred oil. This oil was created using olives harvested from two Groves on the mount of olives—a mountain ridge to the east of Jerusalem’s Old City, which holds religious importance to Christians.

Olives from the Monastery of Mary Magdalene and the Monastery of the Ascension were pressed just outside Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born, according to Buckingham Palace.

The King’s sacred mix is made of oils of sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber and orange blossom – without any ingredients from animals.

As I have explained before, magical aromatherapy is a combination of visualization and the essence of flowers. For over 6,000 years, certain plants were worn or sniffed to heal the body, attract love and change one’s state of consciousness.

To try out some of my fabulous magical aromatherapy blends that are specially designed to calm your nervous system, stimulate love, joy and abundance, open your psychic abilities and foster deeper connection to Mother Earth, go to my online shop. 

Until next time,
Barbara

My Spiritual Tools for Physical Healing + Spring Savings 🌸

Happy May everybody. This is the month that has the energy of fertility and new possibilities. It also has the energy of Mother Mary for healing and heart opening. There is also a very powerful full moon on May 5th -  Vesak festival - celebrating the birth of the Buddha.

Quick update: I was knocked over by a kid on a citi bike and had to have an operation on my right wrist. I wanted to share with you what I did to prepare for the surgery:

1. Did a Violet flame meditation to release any trauma, fear, worry or concern that I was holding on to.
    

2. Brought my Space spray into the hospital and explained it to all the admins and nurses, who were very open to having me clear the energy. I wasn't allowed to bring it into the OR, however, I did my triple grid healing where I called in the destroyer force angels and the power of the Violet light to clear out anything that would not be conducive to an easy, positive, successful operation.
    

3.  I asked my surgeon to only speak positive words when I was under anesthesia, because I am a big believer that the subconscious hears everything, even if you are under anesthesia. He happily agreed with me. Thank you, doctor Etan Sugarman.
    

4. Called in my MAP team (medical assistance team) and my Body Elemental to be in the operating room and to work with the surgeon and anesthesiologists for the highest and best outcome possible. Had people send me healing energy during and after the surgery.
    

5. Post Surgery: working with my chiropractor - doctor Stephen Oswald, Naria Chi - acupuncturist, and taking herbs and supplements recommended by them and by doctor Vincent Pedre.
    

6. Most importantly, I am resting and asking for help when I need it. Big shout out to Josefa Vincent  and Rande Brown for all their help. And to all the people who've been reaching out to me - I really appreciate it.

If you ride a bike, especially in New York City, please pay attention to the lights and check your brakes - the reason I was hurt was because the brakes failed to work on a citi bike. And if you're a pedestrian, look both ways and be vigilant.

Because May is such a powerful time to create shifts in our life, I am offering a special 20% savings on Tarot Readings with code MAY23 at checkout. The Reading must be purchased in May and claimed within 60 days of purchase.

Until next time,
Barbara

Man Plans and God Laughs

Man plans and God laughs. On Sunday I was going to the movies and a kid on a city bike knocked me over. He told me that the brakes weren't working well, and he couldn't stop even though he saw me. End result... I now have a broken wrist.

The good news is the tools that I have been using to keep me calm are working. In fact, I was chanting Ganesha’s healing mantra the whole time I was waiting in the hospital for my X-rays. It calmed me down and I believe in the long run will help me heal faster.

The big lesson for me is that you can't always control what happens on the outside, but you do have control on how you react. I am not dwelling on the spiritual lesson of this accident, rather, I am focusing on my healing.

Speaking of Ganesha, I am really excited that our trip to India is moving forward and the people who are signing up are totally into our spiritual adventure. I'm really looking forward to this trip in October, and for those of you who are interested, Jai and I will be doing another Q&A next week.

Our Spirituality and the City: Pilgrimage to Ancient Egypt will be postponed until June. We will still be doing our tour of the Ganesha temple in May. For more information, check our events calendar.

Until next time,
Barbara