Gratitude

If we think about it I bet you have at least 3 things in your life past or present that you can say for sure you are grateful or blessed for and I bet also that after naming these 3 gratitudes you will follow up with a few negatives....am I right?

Our mind works in such a way that we think we cannot possibly show happiness for more than a few "good" times in our live so we tend to concentrate on what we never had or don't have.  We attract into our life energies of both a positive and negative nature and they take hold by lifting us up or bringing us down often without us really realising it.

We need to find a way of booting out more of what holds us back from our true potential and embrace words, thoughts and actions that help us build a firm foundation.  This might sound harder than it actually is because all we need to do is make some alterations in the way our mind works, we need to encourage the voice we hear daily that we want a change from feeling a failure or lost completely and that we want to be the best we can.

So how can we help ourselves to build a future that is bright, positive and how can we keep it going?  with the correct attitude we can bring gratitude to the fore front and allow it to spread throughout the day until we notice changes within us.  I do believe in our abilities to manifest and we have to acknowledge that the words we think and speak are powerful, they can bring about our dreams or they can destroy.

It can be easier to just bury our heads and continue on the negative path but I want you to try something different even if only for a week just to see that gratitude can alter our lives for the better.  Below are some pointers on how to start out.

*When you throw your legs over the side of the bed each morning and you sit there getting your balance to stand up say out loud  "Today is filled with love"

*As you check yourself  in the mirror just before you leave the house in the morning say out loud  "I am worthy of love and respect today"

*Throughout the day it is important to pat yourself on the back for doing a good job not only for yourself but for others too.

*Look around you, what are you grateful for that is in your life today? work colleagues that are helpful, the beautiful view you have from the window, a smile from someone that makes you feel less stressed.......all these we might take for granted and not give a second thought too.

*Keep a journal and every evening write down 6 gratitudes that have blessed you in one way or another today.  Do not follow these positive thoughts up with negative which is what we tend to do instead think about each one and what it brought to your day.

Once we begin to think more positively and savor those moments of gratitude our thought process changes and we begin to feel abundant for what we have and are lucky to have in our lives.  Let us celebrate family, friends, love, a safe haven we call home, our childrens laughter or a thoughtful act that another has bestowed upon you.

I am grateful and feel so blessed to have a loving and funny family, friends who care, a place to call home, being able to breathe in fresh air and to listen to the birds sing every morning and evening.  I remind myself of these wonderful energies every day and give thanks that I am able to experience them.  By changing just one or two thoughts can make a huge difference to the way we view our life and who we are.

Interview With Lyn Thurman A Goddess In Her Own Right

Huge thanks to Lyn Thurman for agreeing to our interview.  Lyn is a goddess in her own right and shares with us her journey as a author and of course a goddess.


The Goddess plays a significant part in your life, do you remember the signs she gave you that made you sit up and want to discover more?

I feel like I’m a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to learning about the Goddess.
I grew up in an atheist household so my only knowledge of spirituality came from school and that was back in the days when only Christianity was taught. I knew there were goddesses but it didn’t even occur to me that they were anything other than stories passed down in myths and legends.

My wakeup call came at a time when my life was in chaos but my spiritual path was emerging. I found a book on Wicca and it talked about a god and a goddess. That was a big ‘a-ha’ moment for me and it seemed to be the missing piece of my spiritual puzzle.

That was ten years ago and my understanding and curiosity of the Divine Feminine grows each day. It’s grown, perhaps, at a faster rate since my daughter was born because I see the necessity in teaching her about the sacred feminine presence and balance in all things.

How does magic and goddess work together when performing spell work?

When you begin to understand the divine feminine more, you see that there is an aspect of Her for any situation in life so you can ask that goddess to help you out in spell work. For example, if you want to cast a spell for more money in your life then you’d ask, respectfully of course, Lakshmi to lend a hand or if you want protection then you might ask Bastet to keep prowl.

When you work with deities, you have to remember that they have personalities and quirks so it’s important to research first rather than regret later.

I also think it’s very important to sacrifice to the goddess you’re working with too, rather than expect them to help you for free. The idea of sacrifice, to leave a sacred offering, is often overlooked or misunderstood. It’s a sign of respect and it doesn’t have to be anything huge or expensive– candles, incense, food, little trinkets or donations to a suitable charity for instance.

Any advice on how to connect to your inner goddess?

First of all, you have to realise you have an inner goddess!

It’s very easy with the super-fast paced and stressful world we live in to forget that we’re sparks of divinity and as women, we are goddesses. And as goddesses, we deserve and need to treat ourselves as such.
A very simple and quick way to connect with your inner goddess is to spend a couple of minutes in a peaceful environment. Breathe deeply and be aware of your thoughts floating by (don’t concentrate on them… just imagine them like fluffy clouds moving along the sky on a gentle breeze). When you’re feeling calm, put your hand on your heart and ask yourself “what does my inner goddess
want me to know right now?” Pay attention to the first thought in your mind or the first words from your lips because that’s your inner goddess speaking to you.

Most authors aim is to relay a message to their audience, what is your message to those who might be wondering about the goddess?

If you feel curious about the Goddess then reach out to other people who already bring the divine feminine into their lives (the internet is fabulous for reaching out to Goddess ambassadors), read books & visit blogs. While you travel on this path, look for ‘meaningful co-incidences’ and signs from spirit that help you. Most importantly; relax, explore, and have fun with the Goddess!

Facebook/Twitter/Website/Blog links? Website: www.LynThurman.com Soul Path Tribe: www.soulpathtribe.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynThurmanPage Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynThurman

Do you have any new books on the cards?

Nothing at the moment as I’m pretty busy with my Soul Path Tribe!

Weather Faeries Are Confused!

I am convinced the Weather Faeries are confused and that they are bustling about bumping into each other.....either that or they are drunk and are playing games.

This morning the clouds were black and heavy and a smell of rain hung in the air so typically it was the school run.  We'd been in the car for 2 minutes when the heavens opened and it was so bad I had the wipers on super speed which to be honest don't really do what you expect and you can't see too good so there I am squinting and driving about 2 miles an hour (not just me but other drivers too) and there are water blockages slowly building up.  I dropped the two older ones off and waved goodbye only to be informed when I picked them up at the end of the day they ended up getting drenched oops.

It's now late afternoon and hubby is fixing my car while I sneaked off to tend to my garden because the sun is shining, it's lovely and warm with a very gusty wind and to be honest watching hubby do mechanics isn't interesting stuff.  I've done well out back weeding, clearing away dead leaves although I have no idea where they have now come from, faeries probably having some fun I think.  I'm really very pleased with how my herb section is coming along, the Mint is pushing up as well as my Lemon, Sage, Chives, Fennel and boy do they smell lovely.  My Thyme has doubled in size outwards not upwards but I use this herb for protection of the home so that's good. 

My Jasmine is budding along with my Lavender, Heather, Carnations and my collection of other lovely flowers/plants, so I am one happy lady today.  So I was reluctant to come in but a cup of tea is calling to me while I settle and watch the news.

I love late afternoons outside, there are the birds who begin their song and the world seems to have slowed slowed down...or is that just me? mmm anyway I still believe the Weather Faeries are enjoying their fun and I have a feeling the weather isn't going to settle down just yet!

Blessings

Rachel x

Spring.....Or At Least It Should Be

Hi everyone,

I don't normally leave so long in between posts but it has been a mega busy period.  I hope you are all doing great?

We keep hearing the word Spring yet it has only been the last few days that I think we can say we have seen evidence that she is here......it's been bitterly cold and some places have even had lots of snow.  I've been quite excited for the arrival of the new season even if she hasn't really woken up fully because I can smell her fragrance in the air plus the nights are lighter which means more bird songs and I love to listen them to sing.

More evidence of her being around is that the flowers are pushing up and my Bluebells are included so I'm pretty excited to see them trying.....the trees have small buds still enclosed but very soon they will turn colour and will produce beautiful leaves.

So I think we can say that she has sprung but that she has been having a lay in and who can blame her for she works so hard, I am so looking forward to the full effects of Spring..oh yes and I cannot forget to mention the Sun King has woken up too.

Well it's back to writing more scopes for magazines plus some hobby time so whatever you are up too enjoy the moments.

Rachel x

Yule Faeries

The Yule Faeries

Yule being the shortest day, but it is the time of year when we welcome back  the sun's powers, the earth becomes bare and looks a little lonely and nothing much grows within mother earth. We also get to witness it's rebirth in that there are seeds sleeping under the ground waiting until Ostara (spring) begins it's life, we bring into our homes evergreens such as Ivy a reminder of the enduring life of nature, Holly which gives protection and Mistletoe for fertility. The word Yule is known as “Sun Return” and the Goddess with the help of the faeries particularly the season fae The Yule Faeries work tirelessly to bring forth the light.

I want to introduce you to Christibelle and Felixius, these two faeries represent Yule and they have a important job to do, this is to help wintertime do it's job and they work alongside Jack Frost to help kill off any germs in the ground that could harm our plants and animals, to remind us of what Yule means and to bring us together at a time of year that is special within our hearts. They also keep in check everyone and that includes us faery humans are contributing to the upkeep of the mother earth while she snoozes.

Christibelle is a beautiful dark faery who wears a gown of crushed red velvet with silver ribbons and pieces of small clear quartz on her gown, her crown is decorated with Ivy, red & mistletoe berries, entwined with quartz and silver ribbons. She takes flight upon a small robin with the reddest chest you will ever see. She has such a generous nature but likes to see a balance of people giving and receiving, to her life is never one sided and she will help whenever there are any disputes to be resolved.

Felixius is a dashing faery dressed in the finest velvet suit of deep green with flecks of gold thread throughout, his crown is made from red berries, fir cones, holly and gold leaves which sit proudly upon his black hair. His chariot is made from gold and at the front is his trusty Blackbird. Felixius has a easy going feel to him, he loves laughter and during the winter months can often be found where laughter can be heard, he will do his best to guide families and friends together at this time of year.

Yule Faery Magick

To call upon Christibelle place a red cloth upon your faery altar, light a silver candle and place a few drops of Clove essential oil in a oil burner (please be careful when using oils & fire), next add some Ivy to the altar.

“I call upon Christibelle the Yule faery,

to bring balance into my life,

guide those to me those who hold my heart,

let us come together in peace and in love,

to celebrate life, love and us,

Blessed be”

To call upon Felixius place a green cloth upon your altar along with a green candle, a few drops of the essential oil Cinnamon in a oil burner and Holly.

“I call upon Felixius the Yule faery,

to bring family and friends closer together,

so that we may share in the laughter,

to bring about happiness and memories,

let us join our lives as one,

Blessed be”

You can make some wonderful items to represent Yule and the faeries which can be used to decorate your altar and your home. Make a faery circle (wreath) add Ivy, Holly, Mistletoe, apples, oranges, painted fir cones, how about holly & ivy painted clay shapes. Tie ribbon around your painted fir cones, attach a few belles and tie to a tree so when the wind blows the bells will ring. And the best idea of all........mixed spice cookies, don't forget to leave some out for the fae, they will go down a treat.

© Rachel Curtis (The Faery Enchantress) 2011

De Clutter

Day 15

Over the years we collect items with the good intentions of using them but more often than not we put them to one side and they end up staying put, never being used.  I have this habit, I buy a book or oracle cards and get very excited not being able to wait to get home to take a look and that is as far as I get.

So I have been looking at my stash as I call them and have decided they need to go to good homes where someone can benefit from them, after all it is such a  waste for them to be sat on a bookshelf or inside a cupboard, this was not their purpose.  I do become attached to many of my items but this time I am going to be brave and will part with those that no longer serve me but hopefully will bring happiness and knowledge to others.

They do say that de cluttering is good for the soul and I do believe this, I feel such a release of stale energy and a renewed lease of life springs into action.  Why not try doing the same, you could gather all your items that are unwanted and invite friends over either as a swap item party or where you can sell your items.  Charity shops are always looking for peoples unwanted items or a school fete, whatever you decide the energies you build up will encourage you do de clutter the whole house!

Rachel x

Weather

Day 14

What's this weather all about, seriously Mother Nature is having a bad hair day and no offense meant to her. At the moment here in the UK we are having weird weather, the sun is shining and hailstones are falling thick and furious so really not a good idea to be out in it ouch they do hurt.  We've had so much rain too, in the week I was waiting in my car and the heavens opened, it was so bad you couldn't see clearly and cars were going along at 5 miles an hour, plus going through the village was a nightmare as the main road had flooded.

The weather definitely seems different to when I was a child, back then we had Summer in summer and snow in Winter or maybe that was my view as a child.  I love snow and yep I know it can be a pain but I still get excited watching the first snowflake fall to Mother Earth, it wasn't too much fun the year before when it snowed so bad over night and I had to drive to work, I work in a hospital so we have to try to get in, scary was not the word, my car wouldn't stop at a junction and just kept on going as a car was approaching, luckily he managed to bring his car to a halt.  By the afternoon the snow had melted! typical lol.

I do love the weather just not floods, hurricanes etc, we need rain, sun and yes snow because snow is magick but we just need the correct balance so there are no disasters and everyone is safe, maybe a personal hair dresser for Mother Earth is needed.

Rachel x

Follow Your Heart

Day 13

Sometimes to experience a spiritual moment you need to follow your heart, let that moment take you to where you need to be, to open your eyes and see the view.  We don't really follow our heart enough do we, how often do we shut down and block out moments of magick because we are too busy or can't be bothered.

Spiritual moments can happen at any time day or night, they come upon you when you are least expecting them and take you by surprise but just follow your heart and allow the moment to swallow you up, you will be so happy you did.

Rachel x