Make Failure Fantastic!

Every now and then, you encounter a book or a film that not only reignites the flames of hope in the face of a world filled with negativity, but also profoundly reshapes your perspective and outlook on life.

For me, that transformative experience came with "Radical", a film rooted in a true story. It narrates the journey of Sergio Juárez Correa, a dedicated teacher in a Mexican border town, brilliantly portrayed by Eugenio Derbez ('CODA'). Sergio embarks on a radical approach to teaching, aiming to unlock his students' full potential.

What struck me the most was the notion that failure is not just accepted but encouraged. Sergio urges his students to embrace their curiosity and welcomes their failures with open arms. In doing so, he removes the heavy burden of always having to be right.

Reflecting on this, I recall a time when I was teaching a spirituality course to kids. I posed a question, met with silence. But when I asked, "What would your answer be if you knew it?" Suddenly, everyone was eager to share their thoughts.

As we step into the spiritual portal of 11/11, a period that promises new beginnings, it's the perfect time to abandon the old ways of being right and having all the answers. Instead, let's embrace curiosity, innovation, and boundless joy on our quest to forge new paths and manifest unique visions.

November 12th begins the Hindu Festival of Diwali – representing light over darkness. As a ritual to bring in light at this time, light a candle to call in the Light of The Divine (God, Goddess, Spirit, Creator) to transform hatred, anger, ignorance and greed into love, compassion and true wisdom. Feel free to make this prayer your own.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Rituals To Do on Halloween

In all transparency, I love Halloween. As a kid, it meant candy, costumes, and trick-or- treating. Today, as a New Yorker, it means one of the biggest parades of the year with a focus on fun and celebration.

Yet, Hallows or Hallomas started out as a festival to honor the Crone, -the wise grandmother. Over the years it has been transformed and commercialized into wicked old witches flying on broomsticks with black cats. Even the cauldron has changed meaning as it represented the womb of the Goddess –a symbol of rebirth.

For the Celts, it is called Samhain- summers end- and it is the beginning of the Celtic New Year. From darkness, endings and death comes light and rebirth. Something we all need to remember.

This is a holy time when the veil between the worlds is thin. Many cultures believe that the ancestors return to visit at this time and can communicate with the living.

In Ireland, it is believed that the fairies come out on this special night. One of these days I will write about my personal experience up in Lilydale where I saw fairies for the first time.

Honoring Ancestors

In Mexico and over Latin America, El Dia del las Muertes – Day of the Dead – (Nov 1st and 2nd) is celebrated at the cemetery. Families sweep the graves, bring food, create altars with marigolds and sugar skulls and celebrate those who have died. It is also a way to teach children that death is part of life and not to fear it.

Christians all over the world celebrate All Souls Day (Nov 1) to remember all 
Saints and Martyrs and All Saints Day (November 2) to pray that all those who have passed will rest in peace.

Rituals to Do

In the true spirit of Halloween let us take some time to honor our ancestors and to share their gifts and history with our children and community

Why not make this Halloween a time to honor our elders by asking them to share stories of their past. Personally, I love doing video interviews. 

And remember that we are the ancestors of the future, so include your stories here as well.

Until next time,
Barbara

Invoke The Energy Of The Great Mother For Comfort And Protection

This week we have 3 powerful goddesses who are said to visit the earth plane to help fight our internal and external battles during the Hindu Festival of Navratri.

It is believed that this is the time when the Shakti power is most available for protection, destroying dark forces and obstacles, bestowing supernormal perception, and giving us health and abundance.

No matter what your religion, this is a powerful time to invoke the energy of the Great Mother for the comfort and protection you require during these turbulent times.

The three goddesses celebrated at this time are:

DURGA: Powerful aspect to release negative and destructive energy. Let her light your source of internal power to clear out toxic habits, thoughts, and patterns both personally and globally.

LAKSHMI: She represents both the physical aspects of wealth and the ability to use it to contribute great worth to the world. 

SARASWATI: Goddess of enlightenment and spiritual wisdom. She guides you to discern right from wrong and to activate your powers of communication.

Meditate on these aspects this week and see what comes to you.

This is the general Navaratri mantra you can chant each night if you feel called. Do it 108 times with devotion and intention.

OM AIM HREEM KLEEEM CHAMUNDAYE VICHCHE SWAHA 

AUM   AYM   HREE-M   KLEE-M   CHA-MUN-DAYEE   
                          VISHAY- SHA  - SWA-HA

Currently, there is an unusually large amount of emotional and mental energy that is congesting and creating disturbances in our bodies and homes. It is important to clear out this energy so that positive energy can flow into your body, home, and place of business.

If you would like to schedule an energy clearing, please reach out to me. Clearings can be done in person, via Zoom or FaceTime.

Until next time,
Barbara

Connecting With Spiritual Resources During Violent Times🕯️

As I was watching the horrific violence in Israel and Palestine this weekend, I realized that I was taking on the sadness, anger, overwhelm and hatred that was occurring in the Middle East.

There is no easy answer to this situation when terrorists commit horrendous acts of violence against men, women, and children. 

Yet, it is crucial that we clear our energy of this collective horror so that we can move into whatever constructive action we are called to do. For some of us, it is prayer, for others donating money, volunteering, and/or taking political action.

First: Give yourself time to grieve. Then when you feel ready, clear your energy field by calling in the Violet Flame, offering your pain to the Earth, screaming out your frustration, taking a bath or shower in sea salt or any other means that work for you. It is crucial to take care of your anxiety so it does not get stuck in your physical body and make you sick. 

Second: Connect to your Higher Self to access the higher frequency you require to stay connected and present. Breath work, meditation, prayer, a consistent spiritual practice, and movement can help.

Third: Pray for Peace. I want to share this from One Spirit:

We grieve for all those who have been killed, we pray for comfort and solace for their loved ones, we pray for healing for those who have been wounded or injured, we pray for shelter for those who have been forced to flee their homes, we pray for the safety and the safe return of those taken hostage. We pray for the wisdom and courage that have so far eluded us to resolve the underlying and ongoing conflicts that explode into violence again and again. We pray for some way to undo the generations of hate and strife that cause people to see others as less than human.

Fourth: Become a warrior/warrioress for restoring peace in the world.

This weekend we have a New Moon/Libra Solar Eclipse and the beginning of the Hindu Festival of Navratri (9 nights of the goddess).

On Sunday, I will be doing a special ceremony to align us to the power of the goddess Durga- She is a warrior goddess who represent the Power of the Universe and our own power- something that is truly needed at this time of chaos and strife. We will also honor the goddess Lakshmi to bring in the wealth and love we require as well as celebrating the goddess Saraswati to connect us to true spiritual wisdom  and the ability to communicate it to the world for good.

Being in a supportive community can hold us up and give us the resources required during this difficult time.

And a happy Thanksgiving to our friends in Canada who celebrated yesterday.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

The Path of True Transformation 🦋

There is a lot of talk about transformation, yet it takes time and a willingness to let go of the old for it to happen. This article says it all. I have shared it before, but it is worth reading again.
 

FEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
 

"Sometimes I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. I’m either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along or, for a few moments in my life, I’m hurtling across space in between trapeze bars. 

Most of the time, I spend my life hanging on for dear life to my trapeze-bar-of-the-moment. It carries me along at a certain steady rate of swing & I have the feeling that I’m in control of my life. I know most of the right questions and even some of the right answers. But once in a while, as I’m merrily (or not so merrily) swinging along, I look out ahead of me into the distance, and what do I see? I see another trapeze bar swinging toward me. It’s empty, and I know, in that place in me that knows, that this new trapeze bar has my name on it. It is my next step, my growth, my aliveness coming to get me. In my heart-of-hearts I know that for me to grow, I must release my grip on this present, well-known bar to move to the new one. 

Each time it happens to me, I hope (no, I pray) that I won’t have to grab the new one. But in my knowing place I know I must totally release my grasp on my old bar, and for some moment in time I must hurtle across space before I can grab onto the new bar. Each time I am filled with terror. It doesn’t matter that in all my previous hurtles across the void of unknowing I have always made it.  

Each time I am afraid that I will miss, that I will be crushed on unseen rocks in the bottomless chasm between the bars. But I do it anyway. Perhaps this is the essence of what the mystics call the faith experience. No guarantees, no net, no insurance policy, but you do it anyway because somehow, to keep hanging on to that old bar is no longer on the list of alternatives.

And so for an eternity that can last a microsecond or a thousand lifetimes, I soar across the dark void of “the past is gone, the future is not yet here.” It’s called transition. I have come to believe that is the only place the real change occurs. I mean real change, not the pseudo-change that only lasts until the next time my old buttons get punched. 

I have noticed that, in our culture, this transition zone is looked upon as a “nothing,” a no-place between places. Sure, the old trapeze bar was real, and the new one coming towards me, I hope that’s real too. But the void in between? That’s just a scary, confusing, and disorienting “nowhere” that must be gotten through as fast and as unconsciously as possible. What a waste!

I have a sneaking suspicion that the transition zone is the only real thing & the bars are illusions we dream up to avoid the void, where the real change, the real growth occurs for us. Whether or not my hunch is true, it remains that the transition zones in our lives are incredibly rich places. They should be honored, even savored. Yes, with all the pain and fear and feelings of being out-of-control that can (but not necessarily) accompany transitions, they are still the most alive, most growth-filled, passionate, expansive moments in our lives.

And so, transformation of fear may have nothing to do with making fear go away, but rather with giving ourselves permission to “hang-out” in the transition between trapeze bars. Transforming our need to grab that new bar, any bar, is allowing ourselves to dwell in the only place where change really happens. It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening, in the true sense of the word. Hurtling through the void, we just may learn how to fly." —From the Essene Book of Days

All of my spiritual practice is focused on raising my energetic vibration so I can have a stronger connection to Divine Guidance. Without this connection, I find it  incredibly challenging to shift, be present with what is and make space for something new to enter. 

If this is something that resonates with you, I would love to be your guide. It is time to shine and share your gifts in a way that is true for you.

Until next time,
Barbara

Ritual Of New Beginnings🕯️

Fasting and contemplation are a major part of my ritual on Yom Kippur (the Holiest Day of the Year in Judaism). No matter where I am in the world, I stop and spend a day fasting and in prayer. I have learned that there is a power in stopping and unplugging from my ordinary life.  When I can quiet my mind, Spirit has the opportunity to share ideas with me….It is time when I can get a new perspective on my current situation and on the world.

This has always been a time of reflection; looking at the things I did that worked and those that did not. And I know that Spirit is always showing me my “shadow” aspects reflected in the people and situations I have around me. As much as possible, I use this time to take back my projections that I have put on others.

During this practice there are two times when traditionally we ask God to forgive us and release us from  any vows we have made to ourselves and God, and then again we ask forgiveness for anything we have done that has harmed another.

I look at this as a time to examine my actions without having to carry the heaviness around into the next year. It is a way of wiping the slate clean and then re-committing to becoming the person I choose to grow into. I choose to connect to the higher frequency of love and wisdom to make a positive difference in the world.

As I think of the children of the future looking back at us, it is a reminder that we are the ancestors of the future and therefore the choices we make today ripple through time, impacting the world for generations. It underscores the importance of living with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.

Yom Kippur not only honors the traditions of Judaism but also It's a testament to the transformative power of ritual and reflection. No matter what your religion or spiritual practice is, may this sacred day continue to bring you clarity, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

RITUAL OF NEW BEGINNINGS

1. Take some clay or play dough.

2. Create a symbol or figure that represents you.

3. Sit quietly and focus on things you want to create or change.

4. Bless it with health, wealth, the potential for spiritual growth , wisdom, creativity, love and/or anything else you desire..

5. Visualize yourself with these new qualities.

6. Keep it on your altar as a reminder of the New You.

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

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