Leslie Evans

The breakdown before the breakthrough

Out of curiosity:

Does one truly have to go through a dark night of the soul in order to grow?

Is change really that painful?

So often in life, we have to work up the courage to be our own champion. Never have I felt that more than now. I guess you could say I’ve lead a pretty easy, sheltered life. Some may even say spoiled. I grew up in a tight-knit, loving family. I did well in school, got the high marks, finished Uni, and got a decent job.

I basically “gave it all away” when I packed up and moved to Ireland, leaving everything I knew behind, including a teaching job which I felt gave my life meaning. Within me, I knew that moving away and furthering my education was the right thing to do at that time. Yet, a year later, a feeling of regret lingers in my chest along with the proverbial “Did I do the right thing?” question floating around in my mind..

Regret is not an empowering feeling to say the least. I blame myself for being silly enough to throw the comforts of a stable job away, to move to a country where I feel like an outsider. And yes, at times I do feel lonely and homesick, especially when the sun doesn’t appear for days on end and I long for a few moments of Houston’s heat and humidity.

Last night, after spending an entire day indoors because of Hurricane Ophelia, my boyfriend and I were preparing for bed. He looked over and asked:

Is everything okay?

Me: Yeah, why?

Him: You honestly just seem a little down recently.

Me: I guess it’s just who I am.

We ended up staying up the entire night talking (and me crying like a sap into a cup of tea). Understandably, he was concerned by my low mood and, in typical boyfriend form, tried to come up with ways to solve it. Perhaps I was feeling sad because I was stir crazy from staying in the house for so long because of bad weather. Maybe the lack of a “normal” 9 to 5 has me feeling unimportant. Or maybe, the metaphorical elephant in the room was my loss of direction in my life and feeling as though I have nothing to show for myself. Quite a heavy discussion topic for a Monday night, but my rock of a boyfriend gave me the chance to explain myself completely.

The truth is: The self-respect I’m so desperately searching for will not appear from outside sources. I cannot make other people, especially my boyfriend, responsible for my happiness. Additionally, I cannot let my memories of the past occupy too much headspace. As the saying goes, “comparison is the thief of joy.” Having spent so long comparing my life in Ireland now to what I had, did, etc. in Texas stole any chance I had on being content.

*Que the messy, ugly, emotional breakdown*

I’m shedding my perception of what makes me who I am. Without the labels (i.e. student, teacher, etc.) used to describe myself, I am left to define myself in new terms which is both liberating and terrifying. I’ve always had opportunities presented to me. I always knew my place, the role I had to play, the tasks I had to accomplish. Now I’m left with a blank page in front of me. Where do I go next? What should I do??

Each day is a chance to move forward. Though I may not have the clearest picture of where I hope to end up, fulfilling goals each day and being open to challenge myself are ways to fulfill my need for self-approval and dignity.

So, to answer the questions presented earlier:

Does one truly have to go through a dark night of the soul in order to grow?

YES!

Is change really that painful?

YES!

In closing, I am glad I shared my sadness and worries with my partner, and now I guess, the Internet community. Each day may be different, my mood may shift, yet I have to always remember that I have to experience the pain of uncertainty in order to grow and reach my full potential.

Unsolved Mystery Show: Exploring Hy Brasil

This week’s episode focuses on strange phenomena resulting from extraterrestrial encounters and the mystifying “lost island” of Hy Brasil off the Irish coast. This subject matter is always very compelling as with most paranormal and spiritual topics, lost worlds and civilizations are always shrouded in mystery.

COTW: Labradorite (“The Bringer of Light”)

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to this crystal. Upon first glance, the stone appears to be plain black in color. When light hits it, however, an enchanting iridescent blue color emerges.

Judy Hall, the reigning expert on the metaphysical properties of crystals, labradorite should be the ideal stone (either worn or carried) for intuitives and psychics as it has the ability to protect energy by strengthening one’s aura while simultaneously allowing energy to be open to receiving new information. This stone can powerfully raise our vibrations, enabling us to better connect with the metaphysical realm.

Additionally, labradorite is known to bring healing and comfort to empaths and is a great stone to use when overcoming pain from past lives. Meditating with a piece of labradorite on the third eye is always said to be a powerful experience. Working with labradorite can also:

assist with astral work
stimulates intuition and psychic gifts
helps bring messages from the unconscious to the surface
banishes insecurities
helps remove people’s projections that have been imprinted on your aura
bring positive, fun energy into the home
aid in dealing with changes in the workplace
inspire fiction writers, play writes, screenwriters, composers or anyone in the creative arts
reconnect psychics to their intuitive gifts and abilities
sleeping with labradorite under one’s pillow is said to bring about creative dreams

Labradorite can be properly cleansed and recharged when there is a rainbow in the sky. How cool is that?

AOTW: Bat (The birth of the old self and the rebirth of the new)

The cute and spooky quintessential October animal, bat, represents the concept of rebirth. The bat symbolizes being able to release and let go of old emotions, anger, resentments, past hurts, disappointments, etc. Seeing a bat in real life or an image of a bat delivers a reminder to release any negative emotions and feelings which do not serve in your best interest. Grow and become your future.

While it may not be wise to get close to a wild bat, these bat wings would be the perfect costume for your pet. Perhaps a “cat-bat” can channel the same energies of rebirth and personal growth. In the very least, dressing up your pet in an adorable costume will bring a smile to your face.

Deb and Samantha then go on to tell the story of a possible extraterrestrial encounter in 1980. I encourage you to take the time to listen to this incredibly interesting story for yourself! If you have the slightest interest in UFOs or aliens (ancient astronaut theorists unite!), you will thoroughly enjoy this episode.

The book of the week is Atlantis and Other Lost Worlds by Frank Joseph. You can download an audible version of this book using a free trial through www.audibletrial.com/psychicteachers.

Five Baby Goats

By now it should come as no surprise that I frequently have very vivid and intense dreams. It’s almost as though I live in two different worlds: the “normal” world when I’m awake and a fun, animated dream world when I sleep. Because of this, I very much look forward to sleeping as I know I’m about to enter a new existential dimension.

Last night I had a very curious dream steeped in symbolism. I dreamt that I was boarding onto a boat, similar to the one used for casual riverboat tours. Accompanying me on my voyage were five baby goats (three female and two male, I believe). They were small, fragile, and delicate. I carried them in crates that looked almost like vintage cat carriers. I boarded the boat and was directed to sit in a section away from all the other passengers. There I sat with just myself and my five baby goats who simply slept in their crates. Very bizarre. I remember feeling as though I had to care for and protect them.

Being the inquisitive, spiritual-seeker that I am, I decided to look into the meaning behind the key symbols from that dream.

Boat

The setting of a dream is always important. Luckily, this dream was pretty straightforward as I specifically remember boarding onto a boat. Symbolically, a boat represents calling upon one’s intuition when navigating forward in life. Mainly, seeing a boat will bring about the question, “Where am I going?” I’m sure I’m not the only one dealing with thoughts, fears, and hopes for the future. As this being a main symbol in my dream, perhaps my subconscious is evoking my fears surrounding my future. Is this really the path I should be on?

Goat

Besides being incredibly adorable, characteristically rambunctious, and overall goofy, goats are a favorite farmhouse animal because of their uncomplicated nature around other animals. Goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated over 10,000 years ago and have adapted to being in close company of humans. While social in nature, goats tend to graze alone. Symbolically, the goat represents a sense of independence. Coming across a goat in real life or the in a dream calls for self-reflection and learning to gain strength from one’s own abilities. Goat symbology teaches us that often the greatest lessons learned through self-discovery are learned alone. The main symbolic meanings associated with the goat totem are as follows:

Faith
Peace
Respect
Balance
Dignity
Exploration
Independence

In Shamanic belief, the sure-footedness exhibited by goats reminds us to be confident in ourselves as we strive to new heights. I couldn’t, however, find exact information on the symbolism of baby goats. This is left up for me to interpret. Perhaps, the baby goats represent my budding sense of independence as I move forward with freelance writing and building up this blog. I have chosen (for the time, and hopefully, indefinitely) to pursue a creative path which will result in self employment and freedom from a standard 9 to 5 career and cubicle lifestyle.

The number 5

If numerology teaches us anything, it’s that there is metaphysical power within numbers. Following my brief research, I have found that the number five is representative of several things:

5 is known as a number of balance
According to numerology.com, five “is the most dynamic and energetic of all the single-digit numbers,” further noting, “The 5 is extremely independent in mind and soul. She is an adventurer and a risk-taker who has a hard time staying in one place, in one job, in one house or in one relationship.”

Talk about synchronicity! Not only does the goat symbolize freedom and independence, but the number 5 emphasizes this notion.

As I move further away from a conventional lifestyle (i.e. embracing spirituality) and learn to embrace my interests and gifts, I am beginning to develop a stronger sense of identity. Understandably, truly accepting who I am involves a journey towards independence- avoiding the fear of what other’s may think and being self-assured in my own path and uniqueness.

Here’s to springing forward with confidence and fearlessness.

Cannabis conquers my migraine pain

I’ll never forget the moment cannabis entered the scene for me.

I was struggling with yet another migraine. Suffering in silence, laying in bed, clutching a wet washcloth to my forehead. The typical routine for me. I would have to wait several hours until the pain would pass as the three ibuprofen I had taken earlier had no pain-relieving effect at all. That’s how nasty these migraine episodes could be.

A friend of mine texted me, asking to hang out. I replied that I was seriously on my deathbed. This migraine would not subside. He wrote back that he was coming over anyway and that he had something that would help. Inquisitive, I told him to come over ASAP. I was hopeful that maybe he would supply me with a highly powerful pain reliever (prescription migraine pills are somehow easy to find, my mom’s coworker even supplied me Imitrex back in the day). And if anything, perhaps the company and laughter would cheer me up from my migraine-induced slump.

When he arrived at my place, he greeted me with a perfectly rolled joint. Perplexed, I asked him if he was serious.

“Serious as a heart attack,” he said smiling as he handed the spliff to my shaking hand (the excruciating pain from my migraines usually makes me tremble in pain, especially when I’m standing and attempting to live out a normal day).

I was not a pot smoker back then. I was, however, a social drinker, which in retrospect was kinda gross but normal. Most people in their late teens and early twenties partake in social drinking, accompanied by the several occasions of binge-drinking. Downing shots and sipping on vodka sodas (because they’re low-cal!) are all part of a normal life of a young professional. Somehow, as a society, we’ve allowed the copious consumption of toxic beverages to be the mainstay weekend activity. On the other hand, marijuana gets a bad rap for making people lazy. Someone who smokes is labeled a “stoner” while a drinker is considered a “social butterfly” or “party girl.” The discourse alone sways people’s opinion on this harmless plant.

Lighting up and taking a deep inhale into my lungs, I instantly felt the pain begin to dull. I relaxed, sitting on the sofa, and puffed away. Each inhalation drew the pain further away. I was able to sit up straight, something non-migraine sufferers don’t understand. When you’re entire head and face feel like they’re going to explode, merely sitting upright can be challenging.

Nausea and light sensitivity so commonly related to a migraine episode also began to dissipate. I was finally experiencing relief, all thanks to a plant which receives such unfair ridicule and subsequent illegality!

From that moment on, I have come to find solace and relief in cannabis. For me, it has worked wonders as far as pain relief and migraine symptom alleviation. The only downside, of course, is that many countries, states, whatever, do not consider marijuana to be a proper form of medication and it is therefore illegal. This causes issues in getting access to my medicine and forces me in a bind. I risk possible arrest and prosecution in procuring marijuana. I also have to put all my faith into a “drug dealer” to have access to it. I also cannot buy marijuana when I need it as it cannot be easily purchased. Overall, marijuana illegality is a pain (in the head, teehee).

Despite countless scientific studies and reports from leading researchers and peer-reviewed journals revealing the medicinal properties of marijuana (especially for migraine treatment), governments are slow to act. Under the guise of “protecting the public,” government officials are happy to approve dangerous pharmaceutical drugs which come with a hefty price tag and a long list of potential side effects. It truly is baffling how backwards our judicial system is, especially when millions of people can benefit immensely from the legalization of this plant.

As apathetic as I am about corrupt government and greedy politicians (because if I think about it, I become enraged), I choose to live my life focused on positivity, health, and happiness. I believe that perhaps one day we will witness marijuana legalization across the globe. Until then, I will rely on my friendly “drug dealer” (who is actually a nice clean-cut, professional) and the curative powers of cannabis on my migraine pain. For now, I have to embrace being a “criminal.” At least I won’t be a prisoner to pain anymore.

11:11

*Sees “11:11” on the clock

“Make a wish!”

Where does this superstition come from? Does the number sequence 1111 really hold any spiritual or metaphysical significance?

As the Paulo Coelho taught us in his work The Alchemist, our everyday life is full of omens-signs from the Universe or higher power. As many spiritual gurus and freethinkers believe, numbers hold strong significance and meaning.

To begin this discussion, one must look at the big picture. It is understood that everything in life is made up of energy, nitty-gritty atoms (the building blocks of everything). From our bodies to the water we drink, the food we eat, and everything around us, energy is everywhere. The key element to realize, however, is that energy operates at various frequencies or vibrations.

Most of us cannot see angels, spirits, and other beings from “behind the veil” because the vibrational energy of these beings is much higher than ours. This is why when someone begins a path toward spiritual awakening and enlightenment, the phrase “raising your vibrations” is a common expression. By tuning in to one’s inner voice either through meditation or chakra work (such as Reiki), or participating in spiritual practices such as crystal collecting, yoga, card reading, just to name a few, the veil between the physical world and the ethereal world becomes thinner.

Which brings me back to omens. It is said that seeing certain numbers or objects (let’s say, a feather) fairly often shows that the Universe is trying to communicate with you. Specifically, the number sequence 1111, as with other repetitive number sequences, signifies a message from your guardian angels. Numerology teaches us that numbers hold vibrational energy. Renowned angel therapist Doreen Virtue explains that the number sequence 1111 holds the highest frequency and demonstrates a clear path to our angelic team.

This Willow Soul article also outlines 5 reasons why 11:11 keeps popping up in your life. For me, I routinely notice the time 11:11 every morning and every night. Each time I see it, I sense the excitement and connection with higher energy outside of myself. I’m grateful for the reminder that I am on a path towards spiritual awakening (as I am actively writing and maintaining a metaphysical blog). This numerical occurrence emphasizes that I am on the right path and I must stay true to my interests (no matter how bizarre or nonconforming they may be).

Even if you are not a firm believer in angels or fru-fru spiritual things (maybe one day you will be!), just making a wish at 11:11 is a great way to connect with the present moment, literally. Every superstitious ritual, including making a wish at a certain time, is steeped in spiritual importance. Take note of the next time you see the time 11:11 or even a sequence of repeating numbers pop up. Perhaps you will begin to tune in to the messages that the Universe is trying to communicate.

Harvest Moon

Tonight’s full moon (Thursday, October 5th), is sure to rev up your independent and courageous spirit! As the first full moon in Aries, the energy from this celestial event will encourage you to recognize the traits which make you feel confident, strong, and self-assured. A well-written article about tonight’s full Moon can be found on mindbodygreen.

The name Harvest Moon refers to when farmers would need to start gathering in the food in preparation for the lean winter months. Occasionally, they would do this by the light of the moon.

As this year’s autumn equinox is making a late appearance, tonight’s Harvest Moon is the first one to be seen in October in nearly ten years and the next one will occur only in 2020.

How to take advantage of the full moon energy:

#1: Give thanks

Deb from the Psychic Teachers explains that full moons remind us to be grateful. Having begun my gratitude journaling on my birthday, October 3rd, I intend on continuing my thank-you list to the Universe once the full moon is visible in the sky. By simply jotting down ten things for which you are grateful or making a clear mental acknowledgment of your blessings, you will feel a renewed sense of humbleness and appreciation.

#2: Charge your crystals

Lifestyle coach and spiritual guru Ashley Neese has a wonderful and thorough how-to guide on charging crystals with moonlight. I am simply laying out my crystals along the windowsill so that they can each take in the light from the Hunter’s Moon. Additionally, my hardest working stones (such as my go-to rose quartz and clear quartz which I usually carry with me) will be cleansed with sage smoke. My crystal menagerie is due for a lovely cleansing session.

#3: Connect with nature

Sometimes there’s nothing more gratifying than a stroll on a cool, clear evening. Full moon nights only occur once a month, so take in the beauty of nature while getting some fresh air. Spend tonight outdoors rather than staring a screen.

Feel free to establish your own full moon ritual. Keep track of this year’s remaining full moon happenings by checking out the trusted Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Gratitude

It’s funny how synchronicity works. Whenever you really need something in your life, the Universe seems to deliver it at the most opportune moment.

This morning, I woke up in a bit of a sour mood. Despite today being my birthday, a day I usually would be excited for and wake up with a bit of zest and joy, I felt depleted, low, and empty.

I can’t believe I’m 29. I haven’t accomplished anything.

The negative voice in my mind was louder than ever. The self-doubt, black hole of lacking self-confidence manifested into a mopey, whiny birthday girl. I could’ve stayed in bed all day, lamenting on how awful my life had become.

What have I accomplished in my 20’s? I’m not engaged, not married, haven’t had any kids yet. I don’t even have a decent job. What is wrong with me? Seriously, what the hell?

The gross, toxic self-talk blared in my head. Not the best way to start a new day, especially on one’s birthday! I had to actively work on shifting my thoughts in order to lift my mood and increase my energy.

Is my life really that awful? The short answer: hell no! Following a pep talk from my beloved boyfriend (my amazing motivator and biggest fan) and listening to a motivational speech on YouTube (seriously, these always change my perspective and bring me back into focus), I am finally able to move on with my day and stop belittling myself and the decisions I made in the past.

That’s the thing: the past has a way of coming back to haunt me. Not like I had an awful life or troubled past or anything, but an overactive mind has the tendency to focus on the not-so-relevant things. I’ve been told that I think too often about the things I cannot change. The past seems to be a comfortable destination for my thoughts to settle, and it’s becoming a tremendous mental roadblock. The proverbial “What if….” plays out in my cognition, tainting my present sense of self and crumpling my confidence. However, when I’m in the negative place of self-ridicule I don’t think in such rational terms.

Learning to live in the present and deal with the situation in the “here and now” is a practice I (and I’m sure many people) must work on constantly. My mood fluctuates throughout the day, one moment of fleeting accomplishment and joy from completing a task or doing something worthwhile and fulfilling is followed by horrible feelings of criticism and worthlessness.

Here’s where the Universe gave me a swift kick in my butt, awakening me to a spiritual practice I have abandoned some time ago. While doing research for a freelance article, I came across a page which sparked my attention. The article entitled, Gratitude list- the help you need on bad days leaped off the screen. I knew it was time to get my feelings into check and start feeling better about myself. I mean, it’s my freakin’ birthday for crying out loud!

Several years ago, following the success of the ever-popular The Secret book series, I read Rhonda Byrne’s The Magic. Being an energetic, ambitious young woman in her early-twenties, I eagerly completed the tasks outlined in the book. Essentially, the book asks you to keep a daily log or journal of at least ten things you are grateful for. I carried my “gratitude journal” around with me everywhere and religiously wrote in it every morning during breakfast. It became my routine. I was actively engaged in counting my blessings. And, as cliché as it may sound, beginning to take stock of all the things I was grateful for enhanced my life in unbelievable ways. I became self-reflective in a more positive way. The more I contemplated on the good on my life, the less space and time I had to think of the negative. I began to believe in myself more as I noticed all the good things in my life. As the old adage goes, “like attracts like.” As I was thinking about and writing down the things I was grateful for I began receive and experience more blessings.

Waking up this morning in such a low mood was a scary indication that I must start NOW on actively making changes to better my life, or at least my perception of it. Today marks the beginning of my journey with gratitude. Each day I will write down at least ten things I am grateful for.

#1: My family

Though there are only four of us, my immediate family is very close. Given that we all now live in different countries and are separated by many miles and time zones, I know I can always count on my parents and my brother. I am thankful for their unconditional love, the fun times we share together, and the unparalleled respect and support we all have for one another. I sometimes hear horror stories about broken families or rifts between family members and it is heartbreaking. I couldn’t ask for better parents or brother. My family consists of wonderful, talented, kind, and loyal people. I am forever grateful for them.

#2: My BFF

I’ve known Paulo since we were silly, naive, Freshman in a Math 101 class my first week in University. We have watched each other grow throughout the past decade, and I couldn’t be more happy to have a friend as funny, witty, loyal as Paulo. His sense of humor, his empathy for others (though he claims he’s not sensitive), and his ability to bring light to everyone he meets makes me proud and happy to call him my friend.

#3: My beloved

I am truly thankful for my amazing boyfriend and companion, Denis. His strong values and unshakeable sense of self motivate me to pursue my goals. We complement each other and make a great team. His vision for the future help keep my mind on track, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us.

#4: My home

A negative mindset can truly cloud one’s mind, making the good things less visible. As I begin to focus on the good things, I’m realizing what is around me. I live in a beautiful place with stunning nature, lovely views, and incredible scenery. I took the above photo while going on a stroll through my city. While not every day promises sunshine, I am grateful to have scenery like this surrounding me. I am grateful to live in a green country that is safe, serene, and quiet.

#5: Travels

When I reflect on all the amazing places I’ve visited I’m in awe that I even have to remind myself on how awesome my life truly is. I am grateful for all the incredible travel opportunities I’ve had throughout my life. Having visited more than fifteen countries, I realize that I am beyond lucky to have seen and experienced so much of the world.

#6: Gardening

Though still a novice, I have taken up gardening as a hobby. Summoning the green thumb powers hasn’t been the easiest while navigating weeks of rain, cold temperatures, and pesky magpies rummaging through the garden. I have found joy in connecting with nature and watching seeds blossom into vibrant plants.

#7: Humor

It’s incredible how something as simple as a meme can bring laughter and joy into one’s life. I am grateful for the moments in life where I can genuinely laugh. Seriously, this Judge Judy meme always make me smile.

#8: Sports & socializing

I’m forever grateful for the fun, joy and laughter from my volleyball team. A wild group of international students from all across the globe make for one amazingly talented and fun-loving community.

#9: Animals

Animals bring joy into our lives because they are always living in the present moment. They remind us to live, think, breathe in the present, rather than waste precious time and brain cells running through past events (which leave us depressed) or anticipating the future (which causes anxiety). The little monkey in the picture is Pierre, and he’s been in my life for nearly ten years. I am eternally grateful for his loyal companionship, his laid-back personality, and his comfy cuddles (despite his stinky cat breath when he yawns in my face).

#10: Being alive & healthy

Although I may struggle with pessimistic thoughts from time to time, I must say I am grateful to be able to experience life (with its good and bad) in a physically healthy body. My health has kept me alive for 29 years. My strong body has allowed me to travel, play sports, walk, run, roam, and experience life. I am grateful for my able body.

After completing my first gratitude list, I must say I feel empowered and rejuvenated. It feels almost cathartic to pull forward my happy thoughts and replace the negative ones. Gratitude isn’t a one-time thing, and I am encouraged to call upon my blessings and gifts whenever I sense the toxic thoughts creeping back.

Here’s to a new and fabulous year!

XXIX

Libra season

Libra season officially kicked off on September 23rd, and I must admit, I’ve already noticed the positive shift in energy. As a Libra myself, I thrive on the happy, joyful power of my astrological sign.

It may be a personal qualm, yet I have never truly connected nor gotten along completely with most Virgo people. I find Virgo energy to be a bit too uptight, too orderly, strict and at times, very boring. Most of September felt like a struggle for me as I worked towards finding an appropriate job (which required many interviews, countless hours of prep work, etc.) and sorting out a pending legal case. During this time I had to stay organized, remain focused, and tap into the more “serious side” of my personality to pull through. Almost miraculously, following the transitioned over into Libra season, I felt a metaphorical weight of negativity lift from my shoulders. My legal case settled and finalized. My job search finally manifested into a great job opportunity. I am beginning my first day of training today!

Selfishly, I very much appreciate Libras, as they possess positive attributes mostly focused on maintaining peace, beauty, and harmony. Innate diplomats, Libras are adverse to fighting, arguments, tension, and awkward social situations in general. Personally, this trait resonates strongly with me as I am very sensitive to negative vibes in a social setting. Thankfully, as I grow older, I am actively selecting which situations I choose to engage in. My naive Libra-self typically would attempt to be friends with everyone, believing that there is good within everyone. While I do believe that everyone has positive qualities, I’ve learned it’s not worth sacrificing one’s personality, happiness, or self-worth attempting to fit in or be liked.

A negative aspect of being a Libra is that pleasing others is a priority before tending to one’s own needs. Throughout October, I am going to work on turning some of that quintessential Libra energy of balance, laid-backness, and kindness towards myself. I intend on becoming my biggest fan and finding ways to enhance my self-confidence. As I take in the good vibes I have felt throughout the past week; I am confident that this astrological season has wonderful gifts in store.

September Q & A

COTW: Fuchsite (aka green muscovite, “the Cinderella stone”)

A powerhouse stone, this crystal possesses a myriad of metaphysical benefits. One of fuchsite’s main jobs is to help those who are codependent and stuck in a victim-based situation. It teaches “chronic people pleasers” to stand in their own power.

Getting most of her information from Judy Hall’s The Crystal Bible, Samantha explains that fuchsite can help us deal with issues of servitude from past and present lives and can assist in reversing a tendency towards martyrdom. This stone can therefor be used by those dealing with codependency issues, teaching you to say “no” when appropriate and recognize when you’re trying to constantly save someone else. Overall, fuchsite will assist in gaining assertiveness, self-worth, and acknowledge one’s own strength and power in relationships.

AOTW: Elephant

Representing gentleness, wisdom, strength, and connection to sacred feminine energy (as evident through elephants’ social structure and reliance of alpha females as group leaders). Elephants have been seen in many ancient cultures, notably the Hindu god Ganesha. Symbolically, seeing an elephant in a dream represents overcoming obstacles, particularly in relationships. Samantha also brings up the good point that elephant energy reminds us to reassess our fears. Common knowledge tells us that the large, mighty elephant’s biggest fear is the tiny, unassuming mouse. Be mindful that your fears are often largely amplified in your mind/imagination than they are in real life.

Listening to the ladies discussing the elephant is inspiring me to watch the lovely Disney classic Dumbo. I must have been no older than five the last time I saw that movie. My only memory of it is that I was moved to tears. Why is it that movies that feature animals are the most emotional?

As with all of the Q&A shows, I recommend taking the time to listen to the full episode to see if any of the topics resonate with you.

The book of the week is The Interior Castle by Saint Terese of Avila. You can download an audible version of this book using a free trial through www.audibletrial.com/psychicteachers.

The Tarot Archetypes Finished- Judgement and World

This week’s episode concludes the ladies’ discussion of various archetypes of Tarot. Each month, Samantha and Deb go in-depth discussing a card from the Major Arcana of the Rider Waite deck. The last and final cards of the series are keys 20 and 21, The Judgement and The World.

COTW: Green Aventurine

This stone was recently discussed in a #tbt episode. You can find the crystal’s information here! Samantha also explains that green aventurine can protect you from Energy Vampires, particularly those who are passive aggressive. Furthermore, green aventurine, along with fluorite, absorbs invisible magnetic energy emitted from our electronic devices. A dealer on Etsy hand makes and sells beautiful green aventurine cellphone cases which would be worth looking into if you’re worried about being inundated with “energetic smog.”

AOTW: Donkey (here’s a unique gift for the donkey fan in your life!)

Since antiquity, donkeys have been revered as intelligent, hardworking animals. The ancient Egyptians used this animal as the symbol for Ra, the Sun God. Metaphysically, these animals represent the ability to be versatile and remind us to be open-minded with our world views. Donkey energy also encourages us to be open for opportunities to learn and grow. Further, donkey medicine encourages us to work hard, believe in our endeavors, and keep the faith in ourselves.

Key 20 of the Waite-Rider deck, Judgement, Depicts Archangel Gabriel blowing his horn onto a group of nude people who appear to be emerging from coffins (creepy!). A solar cross (a representation of the equal balance between light and dark) is seen below his breast plate. Seven rays of light can be seen radiating from his golden trumpet. These represent the Word of God delivering hope and joy to humanity.

According to Deb (she gets her insights from this guidebook), this card represents the reawakening of nature under the influence of spirit. Namely, this card evokes the mystery surrounding birth and death.

The man seen rising from the “Tomb of World Beliefs” represents the consciousness while the woman depicts the subconscious. The children in the image represent the childlike, joyful energy we become when we reconnect with Spirit.

The power belongs to him he knows. And he who knows is then responsible.

Overall, this card showcases “the fool’s” journey that through effort and suffering the secrets of life will be revealed. It is through physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that our true selves are known. This is the card of self-realization.

The 21st key of the tarot, is all about hope and promise. The card features a dancer wrapped in a scarf holding wands in both hands. She is standing in a position that makes her look like a right-side up triangle. This is the opposite position of the “hangman” key. She is surrounded by a wreath where the red ribbons appear to make the infinity symbol. In the corners, the representations of fire, air, earth, and water (the 4 elements) are seen. These signify the balance which is needed to support life.

Essentially, The World card signifies that “you are in a timeless state of grace and all is well.” Seeing this card in a tarot reading indicates that you are on the right path. Maintain faith and confidence that you are succeeding in your current goals.

The book of the week is The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene. You can download an audible version of this book using a free trial through www.audibletrial.com/psychicteachers. This book explains how to wake up to your true calling and fearlessly go after your dreams. I am definitely downloading this ASAP. Can never have too much motivation/inspiration.