Embracing the Winter Solstice ❄️

Dear friend, take a deep breath as we enter this sacred time of the Winter Solstice, a moment of transition and renewal. Amidst the noise and chaos of 2023, let's pause for quiet reflection and inner nourishment.

Winter Solstice: A Sacred Gateway In the Northern Hemisphere (Summer Solstice in the Southern), we stand on the brink of external and internal change. It's a time to go inward, to ignite our inner light, and embrace the shortest day and longest night of the year.

A Time of Rebirth and Reflection across cultures, the Winter Solstice symbolizes the birth of a sun child— the Egyptian deity Isis gave birth to Horus, the sun god; the Greek Leto gave birth to a shining Apollo. In the matriarchal religions, the rebirth of the goddess herself as celebrated-Persephone, Besana, Amaterasu, and Sun Woman. Mother Nature invites us to release beliefs and habits contributing to chaos, paving the way for abundance and joy.

Hold the Light for Yourself and Others As we approach this transformative time, remember that the world needs your light. In the words of India Arie,

"I am light, I am light
I am not the things my family did
I am not the voices in my head
I am not the pieces of the brokenness inside.
I am light

I'm not the mistakes that I have made
Or any of the things that caused me pain
I am not the pieces of the dream I left behind.
I am light

I am not the color of my eyes
I am not the skin on the outside
I am not my age
I am not my race, my soul inside is all light
All light
I am divinity defined
I am the god on the inside
I am a star
A piece of it all
I am light."

Be a beacon of positivity and change.

PS: Make sure to check out my Upcoming Events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Turning Goals into Achievements: Your Blueprint for the Rest of 2023

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the cosmic energies of the upcoming New Moon in Sagittarius beckon us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, freedom, and optimism. In the spirit of this celestial alignment, I invite you to join me in unlocking the boundless potential available currently.

Crafting a Vision for a Fulfilling Life: Begin to consider a new or expanded vision that propels you toward a more expansive existence. Which area of your life is ready for growth and transformation? Identify where you may feel limited or restricted and, more importantly, question who or what is imposing these limitations. Your journey to self-discovery begins with these profound inquiries.

Igniting Inspiration for a Meaningful Life: The month of December is a great time to seek inspiration as the catalyst for a purposeful life. What stirs your soul? What ignites the fire within you? Embracing inspiration is the key to crafting a life rich in meaning and fulfillment.

Embracing Truth and Ethical Living: Sagittarius, the ruler of ethics, prompts us to examine our lifestyles. Are our actions in alignment with our professed values? What do we truly stand for? It's time to confront the truth within and align our choices with our deepest convictions.

Navigating Mercury Retrograde: As we navigate the cosmic currents, Mercury Retrograde (Dec 12- Jan 1) invites us to slow down, reflect on the past, and ensure the secure backing up of all aspects of our lives. Take the time needed to navigate this period mindfully. Mercury does not go direct until January, so let this time be one of exploration and completion rather than initiation.

Join me on this transformative journey as we countdown to 2024. Together, let's embrace the cosmic energies, stand in our truth, and move forward with renewed vigor.

Follow me on social media for updates on upcoming events and rituals to both end the year consciously and open new energy for 2024. Your path to enlightenment awaits!

PS: Make sure to check out our Upcoming Events.

In cosmic synergy,
Barbara

Ignite Holiday Magic: Create a Blessing Bag 🎁🛍️

After spending Thanksgiving in Vermont with my family, I realized how privileged I am to be able to travel and share special moments with those I love. And I get to go to LA to see my son, daughter in law and friends for Chanukah. (I will be seeing a few clients the week of Dec 11th, so contact our office if you would like to make an appointment for energy clearing, ritual or reading).

As we are moving into the December Holidays (Holy Days), let us all consciously create acts of kindness. Our consciousness creates our reality.

CREATE A BLESSING BAG 

I saw this idea on Facebook and wanted to share it. If you drive, keep a few blessing bags in your car, and if you are in a walking City or Town, carry one with you during the day. The idea is to fill it with items like socks, gloves, toothpaste, wipes, snacks, and other items that can help someone who is homeless or in a bad way. If you feel moved, throw in some money, just because.

HOLIDAY GIFTS

Give yourself or a loved one a personal INTUITIVE TAROT READING to gain clarity. Gift certificates are also available. Book here >>

AROMATHERAPY SPRAYS: a perfect present to add positive vibrations—for your personal use and for your home and business. Shop here >>

HOLIDAY RITUAL for your friends/family. Barbara is available for private parties to do short entertainment readings and special rituals. Reach out to us >>

Until next time,
Barbara

A Pause for Gratitude: Thanksgiving Ritual and A Free Meditation

As we approach Thanksgiving in the U.S., a time traditionally dedicated to gratitude, this year has presented unique challenges for many. In a world marked by stress, war, uncertainty, and loss, finding moments of joy and thankfulness becomes a potent remedy for the soul.

This Thanksgiving, irrespective of whether it's your holiday or not, I invite you to join in a special ritual.

A Pause for Gratitude

1. Release the Weight of the Past: Set aside the burdens of yesterday and express gratitude for the gift of the present holiday.

2. Complaint Fast: Challenge yourself to abstain from complaining, shifting focus towards positivity.

3. Embrace the Present: Be present in the moment, acknowledging what is instead of dwelling on what isn't.

4. Gratitude for Small Things: Find gratitude in the small joys of life, appreciating the beauty in simplicity.

5. Avoid Comparison: Stop measuring success against impossible standards or comparing yourself to others.

6. Embrace Openness: Acknowledge the countless gifts in your life and remain open to future possibilities.

7. Cultivate Joy: Incorporate laughter and activities that bring you joy.

   To enhance this experience, I've recorded a special meditation as a gift to you -LISTEN HERE.

Holiday Gifts

Give yourself or a loved one a personal INTUITIVE TAROT READING to gain clarity. I am offering a special savings of 20% during my birthday month (use code NOVEMBER20 at checkout), so buy one now and use by January 30th, 2024. Gift certificates are also available. Book here >>

AROMATHERAPY SPRAYS: a perfect present to add positive vibrations—for your personal use and for your home and business. Shop here >>

HOLIDAY RITUAL for your friends/family. Barbara is available for private parties to do short entertainment readings and special rituals. Reach out to us >>

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

Embracing the Power of Connection: Finding Comfort in Togetherness

In these challenging times, we often seek comfort and solace in different ways. However, what I have found that truly brings real comfort is simpler than we might think—being connected to one another.

It can be as straightforward as your dentist calling to check on you after dental surgery (I know that this is rare nowadays, but my dentist did this Friday) or your friends reaching out daily or weekly just because you share a deep friendship.

It's about asking your local supermarket checker about her daughter, showing that you genuinely care about the people in your community. And I have discovered that the  simple act of inquiring about the name of a homeless person as you offer them support in the form of money or food can create a profound connection. In fact, one man told me no one had looked him in the eye and asked what his name was in months!

Sending birthday or anniversary cards to celebrate the people in your life is a beautiful gesture, showing that you cherish them. And attending a meditation group is an excellent way to add more light to the world.
 

THIS WEEK'S RITUAL

Reach out and make some real connections. Remember, we are all connected, and as you uplift someone, they can pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of positivity.

Together, we can make a difference and bring comfort to those in need. Let's embrace the power of connection and support one another in our shared journey.
 

HOLIDAY GIFTS

Give yourself or a loved one a personal INTUITIVE TAROT READING to gain clarity. Gift certificates are also available. Book here >>

AROMATHERAPY SPRAYS: a perfect present to add positive vibrations—for your personal use and for your home and business. Shop here >>

HOLIDAY RITUAL for your friends/family. I am available for private parties to do short entertainment readings and special rituals. Reach out to us >>

PS: Make sure to check out our upcoming events.

Until next time,
Barbara

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