An Introduction to the Chakras

An Introduction to the Chakras
By: John Culbertson

Within the metaphysical world we have a term that is called chakra. This is a term which was borrowed from the eastern part of the world (mainly India, but also parts of Asia). This word, which is Sanskrit, means spinning wheel. Thus, a chakra is a spinning wheel of energy located within the human body.

Each chakra is responsible for various human functions. These energy centers direct the energies of life and channel them into different areas. When a chakra becomes dirty or blocked, those energies have a harder time working. Ultimately, this will lead to disease and illness.

Likewise, when we experience certain problems in our life, they do affect certain chakras and can have the result of blocking or closing them.

This article takes a brief look at the seven main chakras that most people within the new age and metaphysical world need to be familiar with.

ROOT CENTER

The root center is located at the base of the spine with the entrance point for the energy being the vagina for a woman and the perineum for a man. Its color, in the physical world, is red. It is associated with the survival instinct. The fight or flight reflex is connected to this center as is our sexual desires when they are pure passion and animalistic in nature.

The root center helps to ground our energy into the physical world and is primarily responsible for us being alive. A closed root center can, and often times does, equate to death here in the physical world.

When we have emotional issues in our lives that deal with our need to survive, this center is likely blocked.

A blocked root center can cause problems to the prostate and uterus, kidneys, bladder, and bowels. Also the lower backbone and nerves can be affected.

Any type of physical exercise will help to clear and keep this center open and functioning. Additionally, dancing, yoga, massages, camping, gardening, and Tai Chi also help to clear and keep this center open and functioning.

An exercise for opening this center involves taking a martial arts horse stance and doing pelvic thrusts.

SACRAL CENTER

The sacral center is located about 2 inches below the belly button. Its physical world color is orange. It is associated with sex and sexuality from a loving perspective. It deals with creativity and gut level intuition. It also has to do with the pleasure principal, our general well being, and our abundance in our life. It sometimes is associated with communication, but this would be from a pleasure perspective as opposed to a persuasive/information oriented perspective.

Negative emotional reactions to any problems in life can cause this center to become blocked. This can result in illness connected to sexual organs and lower back as well as the pancreas, liver, and spleen.

Martial Arts, meditation, and sex with a loving partner can all help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning. Additionally painting, socializing, writing, and playing music/singing will help to clear, open, and keep it functioning.

An exercise for opening this center involves taking a martial arts horse stance and rotating your hips in a circle or doing belly dance figure eights.

SOLAR PLEXUS CENTER

The solar plexus center is located at the base of the sternum. Its physical world color is yellow. It deals with our mind, especially as it functions here in the physical world. Anything intellectual is connected to the solar plexus center as is most forms of communication from a mental perspective.

This center also deals with our self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, and personal power. Whenever we are submissive to others or even circumstances in our life, this center weakens. Likewise, not loving yourself or not being proud of the self can have the same effect.

This center and the heart center are usually so closely linked that they are considered tied together. When a person operates from the solar plexus level though, they tend to take things very personally.

Besides what has already been mentioned, emotional disappointment in love and interpersonal relationships can cause this center to become blocked. When blocked, illness can develop in the heart, stomach, liver, upper digestive tract, and lungs.

Anything intellectual in nature will help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning.

An exercise for opening this center involves jumping as high as you can.

HEART CENTER

The heart center is located in the center of the chest and the physical world color associated with it is green. This center allows a person to have the ability to be unconditionally caring and loving. This is not solar plexus, sacral, or root center love which many times are possessive in nature, rather it is a higher form of love where both the good and bad are equally embraced and accepted and is with total positive regard. It also allows a person to receive love in all forms and to feel joy, kinship, and peace.

This center usually becomes blocked when there is an overflow from a blocked solar plexus center. Any type of hate related emotions can also cause blockages to this center. Illness and injury related to a blocked heart center can develop in the heart, lungs, upper spine, and shoulders.

Playing with children or pets, being in the presence of beauty, and laughing will all help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning.

The psychic ability connected to this center is clairsentience, which means clear feeling.

An exercise for opening this center involves back bends.

THROAT CENTER

The throat center is located at the root of the tongue and has a physical world color of blue. It is the seat of our will and deals with our will power, manifestation ability, self-discipline, and control. An open throat center allows a person to have fortitude and to work through problems that would stop others. This center is also called the truth center, because in order to function properly we must be living our truth, in whatever form and belief that may be.

The center is most likely to become blocked when we hold back the things we really need to say and express or when we over express ourselves in a melodramatic way. A blocked throat center can cause illness or injury to the ears, throat, mouth, neck, and thyroids.

Chanting, drumming, journaling, saying no when we don't want to do something, expressing our needs openly and honestly, and discharging anger in an appropriate manner all help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning properly. Additionally, speaking in front of crowds and sharing problems with trusted friends will also serve to help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning properly.

The psychic ability connected to this center is clairaudience, which means clear hearing. It is our psychic ability to hear auditory voices from guides, angels, spirit teachers, and deceased loved ones.

An exercise for opening this center would be to rotate the neck in a circle from left to right and then switching and going from right to left. Do this multiple times with the mouth open.

THIRD EYE/BROW CENTER

The third eye, also called the brow center, is located above the bridge of the nose and in between the two eye brows. The physical world color that we associate with this center is indigo. When open and operating with an opened crown center, we usually gain the ability of clairvoyance, which means clear seeing. This psychic ability is the one most people have heard of and it represents the pictures that a person sees with their third eye, not their physical eyes.

This center also is connected to wisdom, intuition, and imagination. This center, when balanced, makes use of the whole brain as opposed to one side or the other.

This center usually only becomes blocked when a person misuse their psychic abilities, especially clairvoyance, to pry where they aren't suppose to. It can also become blocked when we try to manipulate others. A blocked third eye can result in illness and injury to head and eyes.

Visualizing the release of negativity in your life along with relaxing and having "child-like" fun can help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning. Additionally, reading spiritual based books, praying, meditation, and being thankful can also help to clear, open, and keep this center functioning.

An exercise for opening this center would be to rotate your eyes from left to right and then switching and going from right to left. Do this multiple times, but without causing eye strain.

CROWN CENTER

The crown center is located at the top of the head on the inside of it as opposed to the outside. The physical world color normally associated with this center is violet, but purple and white have also been used. It is represented many times by the thousand-pedal lotus opening up.

This center deals with spirituality and connecting to the divine in all forms. It is where our inspiration comes from and it brings insight into our daily lives when it is opened and functioning properly. The purpose of this center is to open us up to the beauty, that divine source, whatever we may think of it as.

This center can become blocked when a person is going through a spiritual crisis, has no spiritual base, or through an abundance of negative thinking. A blocked crown center can result in headaches and neck tension and a closed crown center could even lead to a brain tumor or other brain related illnesses.

Meditation for 15 to 20 minutes daily, inner reflections, prayers for the world and reading or listening to those works of great spiritual leaders like Christ and Buddha can all help to open, clear and keep this center functioning properly.

This center combines with the third eye center to help open us up to clairvoyance. It can also be related to a general "knowingness."

An exercise for opening this center is to rub the top of your head in a clockwise direction.

Additionally, the proper function of ALL chakras can be aided by doing a chakra meditation/visualization.

John Culbertson is a Mason and Rosicrucian. He owns a new age fantasy gift and book store called Starchild: www.starchildbooks.com His personal web site is located at: www.mysticjohnculbertson.com He enjoys teaching psychic development, numerology, tarot, and pretty much all aspects of the new age field. He is a ghost writer and sees clients on a regular basis at his store in Florida. He is also available for classes, speaking engagements, and private lessons.

Article Source: www.NewAgeArticles.com

Ten Ways We Hinder the Law of Attraction

by Wendy Betterini


"Why isn't the Law of Attraction working for me?" This cry of frustration is uttered often by people who are learning to consciously create better lives using the Law of Attraction. After spending weeks trying to raise their vibration, focus their minds and bring forth a better reality, they can't understand why they're not seeing results.

Does this describe you? Have you raised your eyes to the heavens and demanded to know why the Law of Attraction isn't working for you? Or perhaps you've resigned yourself to one of these deadly beliefs:

"It seems to work for other people, but I just can't get it right."

"I must be doomed to failure."

"I knew it wouldn't work, but at least I tried."

"I'm such an idiot; why do I keep getting sucked into these ridiculous schemes?"

"God must really hate me."

Well, wipe those destructive thoughts right out of your mind! Seriously, they won't serve you a bit, though I can understand why you're tempted to believe them - I've been there too!

Here's the good news: the Law of Attraction IS working for you. It works all the time, every time, without exception. If you're not seeing the results you want, the time has come to ask yourself what you're putting out there that is attracting similar energy back into your life.

Before you get angry at me for telling you you're "doing it wrong," please understand that you're probably NOT doing it wrong - but there may be one or two things you're doing that are creating resistance, which slows down your results.

Skim down this list of the most common ways we hinder the Law of Attraction from delivering what we want, and compare them carefully with your own habitual thoughts and feelings:


INDECISION

Do you have a clear vision of exactly what you want? Perhaps you aren't picky, you just want things to be "better" than they are now, whatever that ends up looking like. However, the Universe doesn't want you to settle for "something good," but instead attract EXACTLY what you desire!

What do you desire? Take some time to think about the facets of your life. Think about your job, financial status, relationships, health, body size, vehicle, residence, and more. Are all of these things an accurate reflection of what you would create if you could start over? Make a detailed list of EXACTLY what you want to create for yourself. Write down every tiny aspect you can think of. Then read this list frequently to keep your vision sharp and clear in your mind.


UNWORTHINESS

Do you REALLY believe you deserve the things on your list? What makes you so special that you deserve abundant health, wealth and happiness? That's not a rhetorical question. I'm really asking, what makes you so special? Don't have an answer? How about this: you exist. Someone breathed you into existence and infused you with all these desires, and for what? Why would your desires exist if you weren't meant to experience them?

Until you can understand just how special and unique you truly are, you might resist the abundance and joy the Universe is offering you. Embrace your true worth as a human being and let it be a shining example for all to see. Empower others (and yourself) with the knowledge that they too can create better lives.


DISTRUST

Some of us have a skewed view of the Universe (or God, if that term resonates with you). From an early age, we're taught that we have to comply with certain guidelines and behavioral rules - or else. We see the Universe as some angry force that will deliver a wrath of misery upon us if we do something wrong. It's no surprise that most of us end up feeling like we're walking on eggshells. We actually EXPECT bad things to happen because we've developed such a negative view of the powers that be. We're afraid to ask for what we really want because we might be viewed as greedy, ungrateful or selfish. We're afraid to hope for something better because we might get a lightning bolt up the wazoo.

How about turning this belief around? We can just as easily believe in a loving Universe, one that wants us to do well, be happy, and feel abundant. Rather than approaching the Universe with the mind-set of a scolded child, why not step forward confidently and joyfully and claim ownership of what is already yours? Believe me, the Universe will applaud you for doing so, and reward you beyond your wildest dreams.


DOUBT

Even if you WANT to believe that the Law of Attraction really works, you might be holding back somewhat to protect yourself from disappointment. If you don't give it your "all," you think it won't hurt so badly when it doesn't work out. However, doubt is like a big old rubber doorstop that prevents the gateway of prosperity from opening. You affirm, you visualize, you get clear, and the gate begins to swing inward, creating a crack through which shimmering golden light shines forth. You begin to step forward into your glorious new reality, when "bump!," -- oops, never mind, there's a doorstop there and the gap isn't big enough to let you through. Oh well, better luck next time.

Think of FAITH as the oil that keeps the hinges on the gates of prosperity operating smoothly. If you keep the hinges lubricated and the gates free of any obstructions (doubts) - they will swing right open and you'll be dazzled by what you see on the other side.


DISBELIEF

No matter how badly you want something, if you don't believe it's possible, you will resist it. Perhaps you've set some lofty goals for yourself, things that almost seem too good to be true. Perhaps you want to be a millionaire, but you're currently earning $15,000 per year. Or you want to meet your soulmate, but you long ago convinced yourself that he or she doesn't exist. Turning these negative beliefs around is CRUCIAL to attracting your desires!

For every limiting belief you hold, I want you to take a blank sheet of paper and come up with ten reasons why your desires are POSSIBLE. It's important to make the reasons believable and logical. For example, "It's possible for me to become a millionaire because other people have done it, and some of them started with less than what I have now!" Or, "It's possible that my soulmate exists because I simply haven't met every person on the planet yet. He or she might be searching for me even as I search for him/her!"

Keep repeating these reasons to yourself, until you are absolutely CONVINCED that your desires are indeed possible.


DUALITY

Do your day-to-day thoughts, feelings, and actions paint a very different picture than the affirmations and visualizations you project? Are you affirming your financial prosperity while at the same time worrying about your bills? Both realities CANNOT co-exist in your life. Either you're prosperous, or you're not. Either you're successful, or you're not. Either you're healthy, or you're besieged by aches and pains.

At every possible moment, you need to let go of your old reality - even if it means pretending that the symptoms of lack, struggle, and illness do not exist. At the very beginning, it will be a challenge to do this fully, but if you keep at it day after day, repeatedly turning your attention to thoughts of wellness, abundance, and joy, and focusing less on lack, struggle, and illness, you begin to shift your reality to what you focus on the most.


FEAR

Perhaps you're claiming to want something better, but you also fear it on a deeper level. If you want to be a best-selling author but you fear publicity and fame, guess what happens? You resist the formation of such a reality in your life because it makes you uncomfortable. If you want to be financially abundant but you worry about what others would think of you, resistance is woven throughout your desire for more money. In effect, you're asking for something but also pushing it away at the same time.

One good way to overcome these fears is by facing them on paper. Ask yourself how you would handle people who thought poorly of you for being wealthy. "I'd tell them to mind their own business," might be one response, or "Their opinions of me don't affect my life one way or the other" would work nicely also. If you get clear about your fears, you'll realize that most of them are irrational or irrelevant. Even the ones that hold merit, however, can be worked through and your resistance will dissolve in the light of clarity and purpose.


FORCE

You watched the movie, "The Secret," or read a great book about the Law of Attraction, and now you're all fired up! You're SO DETERMINED to change your life that you proceed full steam ahead. You begin religiously reciting affirmations and performing meditations and visualizations and feeling good at every possible opportunity. After a week or two nothing has happened, so you increase the intensity of your efforts. You start meditating not just for 15 minutes a day, but for two hours a day. Your affirmations become a litany of desperation to make something happen. Still no results, so you work harder, and harder, and HARDER at it - until finally you scream in frustration, utterly exhausted from trying so hard.

Lighten up! I know, that's easier said than done when you're not happy with your current reality. But seriously, the harder you "try," the worse it's going to get. Back off, relax, and just let it happen when it's going to happen. The more relaxed and joyful you can be about the process, the more quickly your desires will come forth.


FRUSTRATION

Speaking of frustration - it's yet another way we hinder the Law of Attraction. When we feel frustrated, we emit an unmistakable signal to the Universe that acts as a beacon to attract more situations to be frustrated about!

Remember the importance of FEELING GOOD! Why is it so important? Because of the signal it puts out to the Universe. The more you feel good, the more you attract situations and experiences that will help you to feel good. I know it's challenging to feel good when things aren't going the way you want, but it's so important to do so anyway! FIND things that make you feel good, and do them as often as possible. It is so, so, SO important! If you have a few moments of frustration here and there, don't sweat it too much, just do what you can to have MORE moments of feeling good than you do of feeling frustration. It will make an incredible difference.

And finally, the Number One way we hinder the Law of Attraction:


IMPATIENCE

Most of the people I hear uttering the weary cry above (Why isn't the Law of Attraction working for me?) haven't been working at it for long. Perhaps a few weeks, maybe even a few months. Believe me, I know the feeling of desperation to get things moving in a more positive direction, but it takes time!

Remember that we're constantly experiencing a RESIDUAL effect of our PAST thoughts, feelings and beliefs. It's unrealistic (though understandable) to want to change it all overnight. But it's not going to happen that quickly most of the time.

Simply do what you can to stay positive and keep up with the activities that will attract something better in the future. Be gentle with yourself, and know that this too shall pass. And in the very near future, when you really begin to see this force shifting the circumstances of your reality before your eyes, WOW - you'll be so glad you stuck with it through the tough spots!

The journey is worth it in the end, believe that.



About the Author: Visit http://www.MindfulAttraction.com for more great articles and ebooks about the Law of Attraction. Need some daily reinforcement? Sign up for our FREE Daily Align-ders - short and sweet reminders to help you get (and stay) in alignment with your intentions: http://www.MindfulAttraction.com/align-ders.html

Article Source: http://newagearticles.com

Green Tea: Help or Hype?

Green Tea: Help Or Hype?

by Laura Turner

There’s been lots of health-hype lately surrounding the benefits of green tea. I’m certain you’ve heard it, too. Have you ever wondered: “Is it really worth my while to drink tea of the green variety?” Stick around and decide for yourself.



First: The Claims:



A rich source of anti-oxidants:

What are anti-oxidants? Anti-oxidants neutralize “free radicals” or unstable molecules in the body that can eventually become unfriendly and wreak havoc on the cells. Free radical damage can cause everything from sun damage to hardening of the arteries. Green tea will help you bulk up on the anti-oxidant warriors that help to both lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease by controlling blood pressure.



Cancer prevention:

Green tea has been shown to lower rates of cancer in Asian populations. The cancers studied and which have been recorded include: bladder, colon, esophagus, pancreas, rectal and stomach. New evidence suggests green tea may also help prevent prostate cancer, as well.



Help with arthritis:

Studies also suggest there is possible anti-inflammatory and arthritis preventing effects in green tea although, I’ll admit, solid scientific evidence was difficult to come by. By simple suggestion, I’ll give green tea an A for effort in the arthritis category.



Liver protection:

Green tea has been proven to protect liver cells by stimulating the immune system. Green tea protects the liver by warding off toxins such as alcohol and cigarette smoke.



Teeth protection:

Green tea has been thought to promote oral health (although scientific proof was difficult to come by here, too). Green tea is supposed to work against bacteria, protecting teeth from cavities.



Weight loss:

Here’s another benefit that will raise many an eyebrow. Several sources I found claimed that green tea may actually help to stimulate weight loss. Yes! Green tea contains polyphenols (molecule compounds) that actually help the body to burn weight and regulate both blood sugar and insulin levels.



The Bad News



What’s the bad news?

The only negative side effect I’ve found is the simple recorded cases of insomnia due to naturally occurring caffeine in green tea. It looks like there’s only 30-60mg in 6-8 ounces of tea, however. That's less than half the caffeine content of coffee which weighs in at 90 mg. per 8 ounce cup.



Other FAQ’s About Green Tea:



How much green tea is enough to reap the benefits?

No one seems to be too sure about the answer to this question, either. Let's be realistic – most people could easily drink 3-4 cups of green tea daily. This is a good round number and one that I came up with based on its frequency in the research studied. A suggestion: why not try replacing your usual cup of coffee with a clean dose of health?



Where to get a good cup of tea?

Check out your local grocery for my favorite: Lipton. There's plenty of others, but I like the way Lipton aims to zip up green tea with variety. They even have a orange, passionfruit & jasmine flavor that's de-lish!



If drinking tea really isn’t your thing, but you still want the benefits – no problem! Green tea is now available in capsule form, too. This could be as close as your local pharmacy. Check around.



In summation:

In this scientist’s opinion, green tea is well worth your consideration. The simple speculation of benefits is enough to get excited about it. It’s easy to digest, tastes good and, hey, if it helps me with my goal of wellness and illness prevention, I’ll take ample tea time, any day!



Research for this article has been created through careful consideration of research and articles appearing on WebMD and though several working texts which include:



Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.

Mabey, Richard. The New Age Herbalist. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1988.

Mindell, Earl, R.Ph., Ph.D. Herb Bible. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.

Tierra, Michael L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998.



About the Author: Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts http://www.beauty-and-body.com and publishes the bi-weekly New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. ( http://www.new-body-news.com ) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!"



Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com

How To Incoporate Practical Magic Into Your Daily Life!

How To Incoporate Practical Magic Into Your Daily Life! by Cucan Pemo

More and more people these days are turning to witchcraft, paganism and wiccan spiritual practices as more meaningful and inclusive forms of religion. Since the printing of Gerald Gardner's Witchcraft Today, thousands have discovered the power it can have.

Although we live in a highly modernized, technological world, the ancient wisdom and knowledge that is imparted through witchcraft is still relevant today, if in fact even more so, since it is a peaceful, inclusive and deeply conscious tradition, that reveres the earth and earthly cycles. In this day and age, which is dominated by war and wanton environmental destruction, witchcraft offers a gentle nonviolent alternative way of making sense of our world.

Some people sadly, fear witchcraft because they wrongly associate it with the dark arts of Satanism. This is a grave misconception, which witches everywhere are seeking to dispel. According to Gardner, contrary to the popular perceptions, witchcraft is more to do with honoring the earth and the divine feminine. In fact, most people who practice witchcraft, do so because it is holistic, non-judgmental and non-patriarchal inasmuch as it honors the sacred creativity of women, and recognizes the life-giving force of the earth upon which we live. Many people see witchcraft as a deeply ecological religion, that seeks to protect the earth and it’s gifts to humans.

Whether you want to incorporate witchcraft into your life in a serious and dedicated manner, or simply want to explore this spiritual tradition, learning about it first is the way forward. Because it is such a poorly understood and much maligned spiritual tradition, many witches are very private about their beliefs. In fact, most will not reveal themselves to be witches. Whether you go on to join a coven, or merely incorporate magic into your life on a private level, you too can start to weave spells into your life in order to transform your day to day reality. Many novices start out by practicing what I like to describe as “practical magic” – spells that can be incorporated into your life without requiring much effort or time.

Here are two good everyday spells to add to your spell book.

Protection charm



If you are concerned about your own well-being, or the well-being of someone dear to you, make sure you (or that other person) carries something blue on the body. By wearing something blue on your person, you will ward off destructive or negative forces. A good tip for women is to sew blue ribbon into their bras and underwear so that no matter what you are wearing on the outside, you will always have something blue on your body to protect you.

For men, carrying blue beads in your pocket is one way of performing this charm. Although this is a simple charm to carry out, it is extraordinarily effective. I recently gave a blue bead on a string to a male friend of mine who had been unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend. He told me that within a day of carrying the bead he had not only gotten over his negative feelings about his girlfriend, but had secured a highly lucrative art deal and was felt he was on a path of rebirth. He carries his blue bead everywhere as a matter of course now.

House charm



Many people want to know how they can protect their homes from negative forces. This is a very simple spell that ensures your home draws in positivity, friendship and love. It can be performed at any time, but I recommend your do it when your family or flat-mates are not present, as you do not want to be interrupted.

To cleanse the house of any negative spirits or emotions, you light a candle and go from room to room, reciting the qualities that you want to exist in your home. When I performed this spell, I went from room to room, saying things like “Peace”, “Happiness”, “Creativity”, “Love”, “Friends”, “Laughter” etc etc. Once you have visited every room, take a sprig of lavender and tie it above each external door. By tying lavender above the entrances to your house, you ensure that only good elements pass into it.

The two charms above show how easy it can be to practice magic. Whether you intend to delve more deeply into witchcraft, or merely incorporate a little “practical magic” into your life, witchcraft is a deeply spiritual and conscious religion that draws on ancient wisdom and knowledge that can truly enhance your life.



About the Author: Learn how you can make your Dreams, Wishes & Prayers come true! This Book has changed thousands of lives for people who are lucky to gain access to it! Download your FREE copy today.
http://www.MessageOfAMaster.com
http://www.tarotreadingsecrets.com/pages/How-To-Get-FREE-Private-Members-Access



Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com

Relax - Buddhist Meditation Music - Zen Garden - Kokin Gumi

Tarot and Wellness

Tarot images have been used to create positive affirmations, or explore the emotional background of an illness. This will certainly do no harm, it might even do considerable good.

Tarot can be used as a tool to explore the realms of wellness, the harmony of mind, body and spirit. The most potent applications of any symbolic therapy will be to reach the body through the gateway of the unconscious, that part of us we do not see, we can not touch, yet we can bring into harmony with our total being and trust that it will open our world to the Universal abundance that is available to all of us.

Our well being does not just cover the physical and mental self. We draw strength from our Higher or Innerself to stimulate and develop our creativity, our intuition, that "gut" feeling we all experience. It is that voice within that sets off alarm signals when things start to draw negativities around us.

When we discover this mind-body connection, this helps us to maintain a positive outlook. In this respect, Tarot has a lot to offer.

On a very basic level, working with Tarot stimulates and strengthens right brain competence, the most synthetic, intuitive and creative side of the brain.

Tarot has been used in meditation for sometime. To take this further, think about what aspect of the psyche or of the body is in need of
strengthening or nurturing. Then choose a card that feels right to you. Use this card in meditation as you ponder on results you hope to achieve.

Examples: (as quoted from the book)

Low energy or lack of motivation might call out for the directed energy of the Chariot or the Sun.

Distractibility or nervousness could require the focused inferiority of the Hermit.

An upset stomach might be calmed by Temperance

Insomnia could be abated by the Moon. As well, the Moon offers the encouragement to deal with the"shadows", those nagging hurts, pain, frustrations, guilt and even vindictiveness that keeps you awake at night. It encourages you to be prepared to face the "unknown", that is Tomorrow.

Empress conditions: feminine body-related, fertility-related, reproductive disorders, PMS, eating disorders.What Empress character does one have too much of? Try to balance with the High Priestess, if there is a need to be more in touch with one's psychic energies; or the Sun, if there is a need to be more rational and less emotional.

James Wanless, creator of the Voyager deck found himself with chronic fatigue syndrome. This low-energy syndrome might need the boosting energy of the Charioteer the Sun, driven by a highly demanding career, he lost his balance, slipping in over identification with the Chariot. His remedy was to focus on
the feminine,passive energy of the Empress.

There are many ways the Tarot images can be employed therapeutically. In her book, Cynthia Giles goes on to say to turn to proactive attitude and consider how Tarot can be incorporated into a fitness program. Tarot and other symbolic therapies should be considered as tools for wellness,not as treatments for disease.

Use your imagination. The more you know about Tarot symbolism, the more connections you'll be able to recognize.


Reference: {1}Cynthia Giles: The Tarot, Methods, Mastery and More


Bonnie Moss write to inspire her readers to reach deepwithin, to find that important connection between mind,body and spirit. She draws from her life experiences andher deep interest in everything metaphysical.Read more articles on her website:

The Beginners Guide To Affirmations

The Beginners Guide To Affirmations! by Lance Beggs

Imagine what would happen if you approached someone and insulted them.

“I hate you! You're ugly! No one likes you! You're a really miserable person!”

Well, apart from receiving a slap on the face or punch on the nose, you're also quite likely to hurt their feelings.

What about saying something positive? Perhaps something like this:

“You are so beautiful. You're a really great person and a wonderful friend.”

Would you agree that this statement should produce a very different result? It will empower the recipient. It builds their self-esteem and feeling of self-worth.

Let's change the scenario slightly. In this case consider how you would feel if someone else approached you with the negative statement. Would you likely be hurt? I imagine so. Now consider your feelings if someone approached you with the positive statement. How wonderful would that feel?

Words are incredibly powerful! There is no truth at all to the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Negative words cut deeply, creating wounds that can last a lifetime. Positive words on the other hand have the power to heal those wounds, and rebuild you better than ever before.

Let's change the scenario again. This time, imagine you're standing in front of a mirror and repeating a negative statement to yourself over and over again. “I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!” How does this feel? Not very nice, is it? How about a positive statement? “You are so beautiful! You are so beautiful! You are so beautiful!” Now, that's much better.

I know what you’re thinking though. You wouldn't do that to yourself, would you? You wouldn't expose yourself to such negativity on purpose.

Well, I've got news for you. Your subconscious mind is already exposing you to tens of thousands of thoughts per day. And if you’re not already totally happy and completely successful, then your thoughts are most likely negative.

Take notice of your thoughts for the next 24 hours. If you're like most people, you'll be quite shocked at the negativity that comes from your subconscious mind.

And that, my friends, is affirmations at work!

An affirmation is simply a statement which you of the repeat to yourself over and over again. The statement may be positive, in which case it empowers you, or it may be negative, in which case it hurts.

Whether you like it or not, you are currently using affirmations. Unfortunately though, you’re not controlling the process and your subconscious mind is subjecting you to a constant barrage of negativity. Negative statement after negative statement after negative statement!

Years of negative thoughts have led you to have negative beliefs about yourself and your life. These negative beliefs led to negative habits. And these negative habits are what led you to the life you live now.

So if you're not totally happy with your life, what can you do about it?

It's really quite simple. You need to take conscious control of your thought process, and replace those negative thoughts with positive ones.

Conscious repetition of positive affirmations will in time lead to your subconscious mind also producing positive and empowering thoughts. These positive thoughts will lead to positive beliefs about yourself and your life. These positive beliefs will lead to positive habits. And positive habits will lead you to a life of happiness and success.

And that's a wonderful way to live!

So using affirmations for personal growth and self-improvement is simply a matter of repeating positive statements to ourselves over and over again. To make this most effective though, here are some simple guidelines:

1. Make the affirmation positive! Say, “I am happy!” rather than “I am no longer depressed!” Can you see how the first is positive while the second is a double negative statement?

2. The affirmation must be in the present tense. Don't say, “One day I will be happy!” Instead say, “I am happy now!”

3. The affirmation must result in good feelings. The more intense the feelings, the faster you will see a positive change in your life.

I personally find that the easiest way to create affirmations is to first write down my current negative thoughts. I then write the opposite of that thought, ensuring it is positive and in the present tense.

For example if you wrote down “I am feeling sad”, you could replace that with “I am feeling happy. I live a happy and joyful life with complete peace of mind. I constantly attract opportunities for happiness into my life.”

You would then repeat this as much as you could, until your subconscious believes it, and starts reinforcing your new way of life.

Try placing a copy on the wall beside your bathroom mirror, so you see it each morning and evening. Place a copy on an index card which you carry in your pocket, and refer to several times a day.

Partner up with an affirmation buddy. Arrange that every time you see or speak to that person, you will say an affirmation to them. And they’ll say one to you. Imagine how good it would feel to hear someone tell you several times a day, “I love you and I value your friendship so highly. You’re a wonderful person.”

If you’re serious about creating rapid change in your life, consider recording yourself saying the affirmation over and over onto a tape or MP3 player, and then listen to this whenever you have a chance. While getting ready for work, while driving to work, during your lunch break, driving home, and while relaxing in the evening. (Don’t do it while your partner is trying to talk to you though. I learnt that one the hard way!)

Commit to this for the next 90 days, and see the changes it makes in your life. I promise you it is incredibly powerful. Remember though, that this is simply one tool in your happiness tool-kit. Don’t neglect your other tools. Continue with your Gratitude Journal, your meditation, your EFT practice, or whatever else you enjoy. And ensure you use your affirmation correctly. Like any tool, if you use it correctly you’ll get great results. If you use it incorrectly, you’ll get poor results. So keep up the repetition until it is subconscious! Repeat the statements with intensity, and really feel how great it would feel to have that affirmation manifest in your life right now.

So, get started now. Create some positive happy affirmations for changing your life.

“I am a happy and cheerful person.”

“I attract joy into my life, all day long.”

“I am deserving of love, and I love myself unconditionally.”

“I accept my body as it is, with gratitude and love. I am a beautiful person.”

“I am a caring and compassionate person.”

“I attract only good people into my life, and build relationships based on mutual respect and love, for the betterment of all concerned.”

Whatever it is, go for it. Enjoy the process! It can be great fun.

Lance Beggs


About the Author: Lance Beggs is the author of the "How to be Happy Now" newsletter, and the soon to be released "How to be Happy Now" book. His mission is to help others live a life of meaning, love and happiness! Subscribe to his FREE Mini Course and ezine at http://www.HowToBeHappyNow.com


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