So my life has recently brought some changes into it. And with change comes the closing of my Etsy store, Sofia's Rose. I am hoping that this is only a temporary closing and that next year at some point I will be able to reopen. So until then I am offering a 40% off sale in my entire store. Use coupon code 40OFF .
Sofia's Rose Etsy
Welcome to my world of Crystals, crafting, and general day to day life.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Day to Day
Monday, October 1, 2012
KYANITE
 |
| Smooth Kyanite wand |
This stone helps self expression and cuts through fear. It unmask ignorance and opens one to spiritual truths. Helps confusion, anger, and stress. Used as a mediation tool, Kyanite shows how one has created the role they are in currently and how to create balance.
Buy Kyanite Now!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Pink and Pretty!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Some Good in the Midst of Bad on Etsy
Today I am off work! YAY! I haven't really done anything today- just rested and chilled in the Florida heat. I have done a few small things. Lite a candle for my business/ Lakshmi, Ishtar and St Claire (3 seperate candles!). Worked on a Smokey Quartz necklace for a friend and had some cookies. I have been watching a BNR (Buy ~N~ Replace) board on Etsy today. A fellow estian's(Treasure Kelly) son was in an oil rig explosion and was badly burned and flown to the Minnesota Burn Unit. These wonderful people put this BNR together in hopes of raising money to help Kelly be able to fly out and be with her son. The son is in an induced coma currently and I can NOT imagine the horror that Kelly must be going through. In 3 hours they have had 34 sales, raising at least $170.00. Several people did not buy in, but did make a donation. How wonderful to know that people out there still care! They are continuing to plan out other ways to help this wonderful person who has helped so many of us.
~EDIT~ As of 08/22/12 $1000.00 has been raised to aid Kelly and her son!
There has been a lot of issues for me going on dealing with Etsy and their new guidelines. I understand that these guidelines are coming from the FDA,but the way that Etsy has handled it is what upsets me. It affects a lot of people on there and they don't seem to give a hoot about that fact. Many herbalist, pagans, bath and body, free loving spirits, and anybody else that would use a medical term are now having to change their listings (some have 100's of items). Disclaimers are still allowed, but do not affect the fact that medical terms are no longer allowed to be used. For example- acne, insomnia, headache, rash, depression- are words no longer allowed to be used in descriptions. For some this would hardly seem a horrible thing, but to those that make or sale items for these types of things- it hurts.I recently bought a organic lotion for problematic skin that works wonder. But the owner will have to edit the listing since it has the word acne in it. And I can't help but notice that Etsy is looking to become public with the stock, instantly making a lot of employees very rich. While good for them, how many new rules with there be placed on sellers. Etsy is not a new form of Ebay and sellers don't want it to be. Etsy has been a great venue for me to start out and I would seriously hate to leave (at this point I am in compliance with the new rules), but if the rules get in tighter, I will have to leave. Is this the start to a modern day witch hunt? Or maybe the government just wants us to have no free will? Or do you think it simply boils down to making Etsy employees/ owners instant millionaires?
I have been looking at ArtFire and I do know that they have been contacted about the new guidelines on Etsy and to see what their stance is on the matter. They have agreed to look into it and I know that several shops are considering ArtFire as a possible new venue. I just do not know if ArtFire has enough traffic to help these sellers actually sell their items.
Ok, so maybe I should have reversed the two topics to end on a positive note!
New Guidelines
Questions about new guidelines
More info on the new Laws
Article of Taking Etsy Public
These articles are just a few, if you want to know more feel free to look us up on Yahoo chat groups were there is much debate about what is going on Herbal Sales Team .
~EDIT~ As of 08/22/12 $1000.00 has been raised to aid Kelly and her son!
There has been a lot of issues for me going on dealing with Etsy and their new guidelines. I understand that these guidelines are coming from the FDA,but the way that Etsy has handled it is what upsets me. It affects a lot of people on there and they don't seem to give a hoot about that fact. Many herbalist, pagans, bath and body, free loving spirits, and anybody else that would use a medical term are now having to change their listings (some have 100's of items). Disclaimers are still allowed, but do not affect the fact that medical terms are no longer allowed to be used. For example- acne, insomnia, headache, rash, depression- are words no longer allowed to be used in descriptions. For some this would hardly seem a horrible thing, but to those that make or sale items for these types of things- it hurts.I recently bought a organic lotion for problematic skin that works wonder. But the owner will have to edit the listing since it has the word acne in it. And I can't help but notice that Etsy is looking to become public with the stock, instantly making a lot of employees very rich. While good for them, how many new rules with there be placed on sellers. Etsy is not a new form of Ebay and sellers don't want it to be. Etsy has been a great venue for me to start out and I would seriously hate to leave (at this point I am in compliance with the new rules), but if the rules get in tighter, I will have to leave. Is this the start to a modern day witch hunt? Or maybe the government just wants us to have no free will? Or do you think it simply boils down to making Etsy employees/ owners instant millionaires?
I have been looking at ArtFire and I do know that they have been contacted about the new guidelines on Etsy and to see what their stance is on the matter. They have agreed to look into it and I know that several shops are considering ArtFire as a possible new venue. I just do not know if ArtFire has enough traffic to help these sellers actually sell their items.
Ok, so maybe I should have reversed the two topics to end on a positive note!
New Guidelines
Questions about new guidelines
More info on the new Laws
Article of Taking Etsy Public
These articles are just a few, if you want to know more feel free to look us up on Yahoo chat groups were there is much debate about what is going on Herbal Sales Team .
Friday, August 17, 2012
Clearing Negative Energy With Salt Water
Guest Post by Francie (Abbie)
We have all heard of clearing a space of negative energy with a smudge stick or smudge mix as the Indians did but what about Salt Water! Salt naturally cleanses and absorbs negative energy from your home.Sea salt is best for this purpose! and change the water everyday so you get rid of all that negativity!!! keep a bowl of salt water in places you feel you need a little extra cleansing.So next time you grab that sage bundle for a house cleansing don't forget about SALT! It can be a very useful tool for clearing a space of negative energy.
Legendary Crochet
LH Team Blog
We have all heard of clearing a space of negative energy with a smudge stick or smudge mix as the Indians did but what about Salt Water! Salt naturally cleanses and absorbs negative energy from your home.Sea salt is best for this purpose! and change the water everyday so you get rid of all that negativity!!! keep a bowl of salt water in places you feel you need a little extra cleansing.So next time you grab that sage bundle for a house cleansing don't forget about SALT! It can be a very useful tool for clearing a space of negative energy.
LH Team Blog
Monday, August 13, 2012
Goddess Ishtar
From an Akkadian hymn to Ishtar, translated by Ferris J. Stephens: Man, Myth and Magic. Vol.13. It was written in the latter part of the First Dynasty of Babylon, approximately 1600 BC.
 |
| photo © 2006 , Flickr |
Praise of Ishtar
Praise the
goddess, the most awesome of the goddesses.
Let one revere the mistress of the peoples, the greatest of the Igigi.
Praise Ishtar, the most awesome of the goddesses.
Let us revere the queen of women, the greatest of the Igigi.
Let one revere the mistress of the peoples, the greatest of the Igigi.
Praise Ishtar, the most awesome of the goddesses.
Let us revere the queen of women, the greatest of the Igigi.
She is clothed in pleasure
and love.
She is laden with vitality, charm, and voluptuousness.
Ishtar is clothed in pleasure and love.
She is laden with vitality, charm, and voluptuousness.
She is laden with vitality, charm, and voluptuousness.
Ishtar is clothed in pleasure and love.
She is laden with vitality, charm, and voluptuousness.
In lips she is sweet; life is
in her mouth.
At her appearance rejoicing becomes full.
She is glorious; veils are thrown over her head.
Her figure is beautiful; her eyes are brilliant.
At her appearance rejoicing becomes full.
She is glorious; veils are thrown over her head.
Her figure is beautiful; her eyes are brilliant.
The goddess - with her there
is counsel.
The fate of everything she holds in her hand.
At her glance there is created joy,
Power, magnificence, the protecting deity and guardian spirit.
The fate of everything she holds in her hand.
At her glance there is created joy,
Power, magnificence, the protecting deity and guardian spirit.
She dwells in, she pays heed
to compassion and friendliness.
Besides, agreeableness she truly possesses.
Be it slave, unattached girl, or mother, she preserves (her).
One calls on her; among women one names her name.
Besides, agreeableness she truly possesses.
Be it slave, unattached girl, or mother, she preserves (her).
One calls on her; among women one names her name.
Who - to her greatness who
can be equal?
Strong, exalted, splendid are her decrees.
Ishtar - to her greatness who can be equal?
Strong, exalted, splendid are her decrees.
Strong, exalted, splendid are her decrees.
Ishtar - to her greatness who can be equal?
Strong, exalted, splendid are her decrees.
She is sought after among the
gods; extraordinary is her station.
Respected is her word; it is supreme over them.
Ishtar among the gods, extraordinary is her station.
Respected is her word; it is supreme over them.
Respected is her word; it is supreme over them.
Ishtar among the gods, extraordinary is her station.
Respected is her word; it is supreme over them.
She is their queen; they
continually cause her commands to be executed.
All of them bow down to her.
They receive her light before her.
Women and men indeed revere her.
All of them bow down to her.
They receive her light before her.
Women and men indeed revere her.
In their assembly her word is
powerful; it is dominating.
Before Anum their king she fully supports them.
She rests in intelligence, cleverness, (and) wisdom.
They take counsel together, she and her lord.
Before Anum their king she fully supports them.
She rests in intelligence, cleverness, (and) wisdom.
They take counsel together, she and her lord.
Indeed they occupy the throne
room together.
In the divine chamber, the dwelling of joy,
Before them the gods take their places.
To their utterances their attention is turned.
In the divine chamber, the dwelling of joy,
Before them the gods take their places.
To their utterances their attention is turned.
The king their favorite,
beloved of their hearts,
Magnificently offers to them his pure sacrifices.
Ammiditana, as the pure offering of his hands,
Brings before them fat oxen and gazelles.
Magnificently offers to them his pure sacrifices.
Ammiditana, as the pure offering of his hands,
Brings before them fat oxen and gazelles.
From Anum, her consort, she
has been pleased to ask for him
An enduring, a long life.
Many years of living, to Ammiditana
She has granted, Ishtar has decided to give.
An enduring, a long life.
Many years of living, to Ammiditana
She has granted, Ishtar has decided to give.
By her orders she has
subjected to him
The four world regions at his feet;
And the total of all peoples
She has decided to attach them to his yoke.
The four world regions at his feet;
And the total of all peoples
She has decided to attach them to his yoke.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Day to Day
Today is just a little day to day blog. Yesterday, my roomy, my self, and my parents spent about 3 hours doing yard work just in the back yard! That's 12 hours of labor and it is still not done. *sigh* With all the rain we have been getting the grass grows quickly and so does the weeds! I love the rain. I love the coolness it brings and the noise of the rain drops are soothing. But it makes more yard work for me!
Speaking of the rain, my roomy's dog, Petey, is absolutely terrified of the rain. Even a little sprinkle. He starts to shiver and pant so badly we think he may hyperventilate! She puts his "rain shirt" on him and that does help some, if it is a lite rain, but if it is a thunderstorm - forget it! So that's about it, just a little update on what's been going on! Not too much!
 |
| Petey |
Friday, July 20, 2012
Special Guest Post by Gathered Roots
Reiki is the energy (or spirit or essence) of everything. There are not different flavours of Reiki - rather different flavours of thought, practice, and intention. It is the energy that envelops and forms all things, including humankind. The systems of Reiki, too, teach that when humans work consciously with Reiki they begin to evolve and strengthen their connection with the universe.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene
The quote above defines Reiki quite beautifully! Reiki is a term composed of two Japanese kanji and is most commonly pronounced Ray Key in the English language. The kanji Rei refers to the spiritual, sacred, divine, and/or miraculous entity or power while Ki is defined as energy of the universe. Together Reiki means "Universal Life Force" with a spiritual context.
To explain how Reiki works using analogy, envision a simple water system in your home. The water system as a whole represents a human and the individual parts of that system, such as the pipe line, faucet, and drain correspond to human organs. Reiki as Universal Life Force is compared to the water that flows throughout the system. When the system is maintained, the water flows freely and fully throughout the system. Debris will inevitably appear at times, and it represents emotions such as anger, worry, grief, fear, etc.
In relation to the human experience, debris can arguably serve its purpose by providing us with valuable life lessons, understandings and insights. The concern arises when the debris is left unattended and unresolved. Over time, the water flows more slowly and can perhaps even become blocked altogether. Similarly, as the Universal Life Force that flows through each of us becomes increasingly obstructed, our ability to function at an optimal level decreases and stagnation may occur. It is believed that many of the diseases and symptoms we experience develop as a result.
Reiki practice is energy-based and holistic. During a Reiki treatment, the practitioner channels Universal Life Force and uses a series of hand positions either directly on or above the client's body. The procedure allows the client to draw upon the amount of energy required to clear the debris and obstructions, and for the flow of ki to be re-established. This in turn can support the body's natural ability to heal physically, emotionally, mentally, as well as spiritually. Continued Reiki treatments serve to maintain and strengthen the energy flow.
Services can also be offered through a second method, commonly referred to as “Distance Reiki.” Distance Reiki is convenient for clients who would like to receive the treatments but cannot schedule in-person appointments because they live in a different city or country, or are busy with their every day life (ie: work, errands, etc). For those who also prefer the extra privacy and comfort, remote Reiki healing can be a great choice.
Distance Reiki sessions are available for purchase in my Etsy shop, Gathered Roots:
30-minute Distance Reiki Treatment : $15.00 USD
45-minute Distance Reiki Treatment: $20.00 USD
All Distance Reiki treatments are done in the same treatment room used for clients who receive the services in-person at the Gathered Roots office. The photos shown in the listings are of the actual room; a clean and comfortable setting that is free of outside distractions. During a session, I channel the Universal Life Force and use a series of hand positions over a “Reiki doll,” which represents the client. Throughout the treatment, the energy is channeled and directed for the client only (multiple clients are not scheduled together).
The Reiki treatment typically beings at the scheduled time but at the client's request (while scheduling the appointment), arrangements can be made to meet over Facebook for a 10 minute chat. This period allows the client to receive confirmation that I am present for the appointment and allows for any questions to be answered. This offer is extended to both new and repeat clients.
I recommend that clients settle into a comfortable position during the session, either by laying down, sitting in meditation, etc. This can help bring the sensations and effects of Reiki to awareness. While the experience is an individual one, tingling and warmth is very common, as are feelings of enhanced well-being, relaxation, and creativity. Sometimes, there will not be much, if anything, that is felt at all. This is especially true if the client is busy during the treatment. However, whether a client is paying attention and noticing the changes or not, the energy is nonetheless reaching him/her and doing its job!
It's encouraged that the client practice a grounding exercise at the end of each session. The exercise can be as simple as envisioning himself/herself as a tree for a few minutes, and feeling the roots penetrate deeply into the earth. Ensuring an adequate water intake throughout the day of the treatment is also advised.
Clients are also welcome to contact me after each session to share their experience, ask questions, and/or schedule another appointment.
The Benefits of Reiki
Ultimately, Reiki supports the re-alignment with Source as well as the strengthening of that connection. We are all traveling a unique path however, and so the exact changes and benefits that manifest, as well as the pace at which they occur, can differ greatly.
One important but simple factor in benefiting from Reiki healing is that the client be receptive of it. Returning to the analogy, the water will only flow through the faucet if the tap is turned open. Similarly, the position of the tap will also determine the pressure of the water as it pours out of the faucet.
The following are some of the changes I have personally experienced since working with Reiki:
* Clears obstructions and toxins
* Re-establishes and/or strengthens the flow of ki
* Re-aligns one's self with purpose
* Restores the state of natural balance
* Promotes feelings of relaxation, wellness, and creativity
* Instills feelings of empowerment and confidence
* Reduces and/or releases stress and ailments
* Facilitates the transformation of life patterns
* Enhances personal self-awareness and clarity
* Enhances intuition (clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, and claircognizance)
Understanding the theory is a great starting point but building a relationship with Reiki through direct experience is the best way of becoming familiar with its power. I invite you to discover for yourself how life-changing Reiki can be!
Please note that Reiki is intended as a relaxation technique and as a complement to natural health care. Reiki Practitioners do not diagnose conditions, prescribe substances, perform medical treatment, nor do they interfere with the treatment of licensed medical professionals. Those experiencing physical or psychological conditions are encouraged to speak with a licensed physician or licensed health care professional prior to beginning a Reiki regimen.
Jessica Bergeron is a Reiki Master, a student of metaphysics and natural health, and the owner of Gathered Roots (www.gathered-roots.com). Her awareness of and dedication for healing is always growing and she tries to regularly practice Reiki as well as herbalism as a means of reaching a higher state of consciousness and to be in alignment with her path.
To read other articles written by Jessica, please visit Gathered Roots' Blog (gatheredroots.blogspot.ca/). You may also purchase Distance Reiki Sessions and a variety of herbs through the Etsy Shop (www.etsy.com/shop/GatheredRoots).
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Pretty Purple Stone
 |
| Light Amethyst from Brazil |
Being one of the most common crystals there is, Amethyst is
a very powerful and protective stone. It
aids in guarding against psychic attack, turning that energy into love!
Amethyst has long been used as a calming stone; it’s great to keep near one’s
bed for a restful night’s sleep. It is also a great overall healer. Back in the
day, it was thought to protect one against drunkenness. People would wear it and go to town! When mediating with it, Amethyst helps calm
and focus the mind. Amethyst is great for balancing the ups and downs of life.
Keep a tumbled stone in your pocket if you have a stressful job or keep some in
the main location of the home to aid in tranquility. Amethyst also aids in
increasing the effect of other crystals, so it is a great stone for crystal
grids.
 |
| Dark Amethyst from Uruguay |
When I use amethyst, I noticed that depending on the
coloring, it has different effects for me. The lighter Amethyst is more nurturing,
while the darker is more protective. I wear an Amethyst bracelet to aid in
keeping my emotions in check and do notice a difference when I do not have it
on. I love to meditate with Amethyst and use it in my crystal grids for its
calming and amplifying effect.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Semi-Precious Jewelry
 |
| Chalcedony Bracelet I created. |
Recently I started making semi-precious gemstone jewelry to offer in my
shop! YAY! I have really enjoyed creating works of jewelry art to be able to
offer. It is a therapeutic venture so to speak. When I am working on these
creations, I have to focus on what I am doing. My mind tends to wonder a lot,
even as a child every question started with “I wonder…”. That little phrase still follows me today!
When making my jewelry, I really only like to use natural stones and crystals
and not glass or plastic. I don’t have any thing against those that do, but I
want to offer the metaphysical side of jewelry. Healing jewelry is used for
several different reasons. One is to aid
the wearer in whatever it is that they need aid in. It serves as a reminder to
them also. Plus, it looks purty! So if someone was feeling unhappy, they could
wear some amber. Amethyst would be great for someone who has a high stress job
since it calms. So to wrap it up (pun intended! *giggles*) - What kind of stones do you like as jewelry and why?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Guest Post About Tarot
Special Guest ~ Fracesca
This covers you. This crosses you. This is beneath you. This is behind you. This crowns you. This is before you.
This little mantra is a handy mnemonic to learn and lay out the much-loved, and equally dreaded, Celtic Cross Spread. It makes the whole process of doing a reading mystical and mysterious for the querent, and difficult to master for the student.
After the cross portion with its handy and rhythmic layout, comes the staff portion, which for the most part, seems to tell what the querent likely already knows; Fears, Family Opinion, Hopes, and Final Outcome.
No wonder so many Tarot newcomers have trouble understanding and mastering this spread! But we should always remember that Tarot is ours to interpret, work out, and reinterpret. If the positions seem unintelligible to you, start moving things around a bit.
The first thing I felt about it was that placing the "before you" card after the "crowns you" card seemed anti climatic. So I switched the order, though not the placement, of those two cards around.
This is the original order and layout:
1. This is You
2. This Covers You
3. This is Beneath You
4. This is Behind You
5. This Crowns You
6. This is Before You
But this way works a little better, I think:
1. This is You
2. This Covers You
3. This is Beneath You
4. This is Behind You
5. This is Before You
6. This Crowns You
Still, it doesn't help one to learn what these positions mean. Gray has short explanations that are a little bit helpful, but she explains that the Before You card is, "the near future" The Crowns You card is also supposed to be something that will happen in the future and, over on the staff, the last card is a future card. Why have three cards that mean basically the same thing?
It seemed to me that the only way to wrap my head around all this was to read, read, read the cards. I read the cards, studied the examples in the books, and bumbled around as best I could.
At some point I found that I had acquired a modest but decent library of Tarot books with lots of different points of view on the great Celtic Cross Spread. Greer, Gray, Pollack, a few others. I began to compare and take notes. One book focused on exploring the meaning of the first two cards renaming the positions to The Situation and The Challenge. Of course! What crosses you is what challenges you!
Someone else changed Family Opinion to External Influences, and somewhere else it came up as Resources. These worked when the question concerned something the family had no knowledge of or no stake in.
In a basic”very basic”way, the cross seemed to show where you were and how you got yourself there, while the staff showed how to move beyond that or at least make progress.
I began to read books and interpretations of the spread as much as I read the cards to try and master it. I used different position names and ideas until I finally came up with a Celtic Cross that flowed for me and was helpful. The one I use now is not really a fortune telling spread the way the original tried so hard to be. Rather it is one for insight and inspiration, and helpful clarity.
I put this new and hopefully improved version of the Celtic Cross below. Ultimately, though, I use the notes as guidelines. I prefer to find the story in the cards and what I see does not always correspond much to the position names. In fact, I consider the position names to be handy for adding another layer to the reading if needed or wanted.
CROSS
1. Situation: This is the core of the question. It should help to clarify the situation or a specific aspect of the situation
2. Challenge: This is the challenge the querent must meet in order to change or fix the situation.
3. Roots or Unconscious Awareness: What you don’t know you know. This could indicate ingrained habits or ways and means that fuel the question.
4. Intuition or Inner Voice: Some deep feeling or idea that the querent may have surrounding the situation. This card can move forward to #5 so that the intuition and inner voice guide the next card.
5. Potential Action (outer): A potential action the querent may take and is directly guided by the Intuition.
6. Goals and Aspirations or Conscious Awareness: Some more options that the querent may wish to explore, and which she may already be aware of.
STAFF
7. You: The state of the querent at the time of the reading
8. Environment and Resources: What the querent may or may not be able to depend on when resolving the situation. Can be an inner resource but probably something or someone from the outside environment.
9. Hopes and Fears: So often the same thing!
10. New Focus or Resolution: Where you go from here.
This covers you. This crosses you. This is beneath you. This is behind you. This crowns you. This is before you.
This little mantra is a handy mnemonic to learn and lay out the much-loved, and equally dreaded, Celtic Cross Spread. It makes the whole process of doing a reading mystical and mysterious for the querent, and difficult to master for the student.
After the cross portion with its handy and rhythmic layout, comes the staff portion, which for the most part, seems to tell what the querent likely already knows; Fears, Family Opinion, Hopes, and Final Outcome.
No wonder so many Tarot newcomers have trouble understanding and mastering this spread! But we should always remember that Tarot is ours to interpret, work out, and reinterpret. If the positions seem unintelligible to you, start moving things around a bit.
The first thing I felt about it was that placing the "before you" card after the "crowns you" card seemed anti climatic. So I switched the order, though not the placement, of those two cards around.
1. This is You
2. This Covers You
3. This is Beneath You
4. This is Behind You
5. This Crowns You
6. This is Before You
But this way works a little better, I think:
1. This is You
2. This Covers You
3. This is Beneath You
4. This is Behind You
5. This is Before You
6. This Crowns You
Still, it doesn't help one to learn what these positions mean. Gray has short explanations that are a little bit helpful, but she explains that the Before You card is, "the near future" The Crowns You card is also supposed to be something that will happen in the future and, over on the staff, the last card is a future card. Why have three cards that mean basically the same thing?
It seemed to me that the only way to wrap my head around all this was to read, read, read the cards. I read the cards, studied the examples in the books, and bumbled around as best I could.
At some point I found that I had acquired a modest but decent library of Tarot books with lots of different points of view on the great Celtic Cross Spread. Greer, Gray, Pollack, a few others. I began to compare and take notes. One book focused on exploring the meaning of the first two cards renaming the positions to The Situation and The Challenge. Of course! What crosses you is what challenges you!
Someone else changed Family Opinion to External Influences, and somewhere else it came up as Resources. These worked when the question concerned something the family had no knowledge of or no stake in.
In a basic”very basic”way, the cross seemed to show where you were and how you got yourself there, while the staff showed how to move beyond that or at least make progress.
I began to read books and interpretations of the spread as much as I read the cards to try and master it. I used different position names and ideas until I finally came up with a Celtic Cross that flowed for me and was helpful. The one I use now is not really a fortune telling spread the way the original tried so hard to be. Rather it is one for insight and inspiration, and helpful clarity.
I put this new and hopefully improved version of the Celtic Cross below. Ultimately, though, I use the notes as guidelines. I prefer to find the story in the cards and what I see does not always correspond much to the position names. In fact, I consider the position names to be handy for adding another layer to the reading if needed or wanted.
1. Situation: This is the core of the question. It should help to clarify the situation or a specific aspect of the situation
2. Challenge: This is the challenge the querent must meet in order to change or fix the situation.
3. Roots or Unconscious Awareness: What you don’t know you know. This could indicate ingrained habits or ways and means that fuel the question.
4. Intuition or Inner Voice: Some deep feeling or idea that the querent may have surrounding the situation. This card can move forward to #5 so that the intuition and inner voice guide the next card.
5. Potential Action (outer): A potential action the querent may take and is directly guided by the Intuition.
6. Goals and Aspirations or Conscious Awareness: Some more options that the querent may wish to explore, and which she may already be aware of.
STAFF
7. You: The state of the querent at the time of the reading
8. Environment and Resources: What the querent may or may not be able to depend on when resolving the situation. Can be an inner resource but probably something or someone from the outside environment.
9. Hopes and Fears: So often the same thing!
10. New Focus or Resolution: Where you go from here.
Francesca reads
the Tarot with intuition, compassion, and accuracy. She has many years of study and experience
with the cards behind her, and is an artist and blogger as well. She can be found at her blog, This Pagan
Place, on Facebook, and Etsy.
This Pagan Place
Frankly Tarot FaceBook Page
FranklyTarot on Etsy!
This Pagan Place
Frankly Tarot FaceBook Page
FranklyTarot on Etsy!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Day to Day
 |
| A seagull standing pretty while I snapped a picture! |
Friday, July 13, 2012
Totem Being and Auralite 23 Meditation
07/10/12
I just finished doing a 30 minute meditation with Auralite
23. A quick note on Auralite 23; this stone is Amethyst based crystals found in
Canada containing at least 22 other minerals. It stimulates higher awareness
and telepathic connections with one’s guides and guardian spirits. Caution- when
working with Auralite 23, make sure to do some major grounding afterwards, I recommend
Black Tourmaline.
I have recently discovered my Totem Being. I call them beings’ because they can be more than just animals, but insects, marine, and mythical. Mine happens to be a brown stallion. For my meditation I do ten minutes of relaxation to help me get in the alpha state of being. The alpha state of mind is your day dream mind. There are no conscious thoughts, just unconscious ones. Due to working with such a powerful crystal, my totem horse was at my side before I was even finished with my relaxation. It was somewhat comical as he was pawing the ground, basically telling me to hurry up! I guess patience is not a virtue for him. After my 10 minutes of relaxation, along with images of him filling my mind’s eye, I was ready to let him show me what it was that I needed. My first images were of racing at full speed across the earth, no harnesses, no saddles (Beaches, fields, mountains, and so on). Then my mind started to wonder a little. All of a sudden I was hit full force with the power of my Totem! It was as if I had been stopped by a Semi truck.
In a fast forward like visual, I was looking into his eyes (beautiful brown
and honest) and transported to another existence.
I saw the universe, ours then others. All
perfect in their own glory. A deep sense of calm and understanding came over
me. We are not alone in that great vastness. There are guides that are just
waiting to be called upon. Not only do we need them, they need us. For without
us, they are nothing other than a fanciful passing thought. We make them real;
we make them whole and alive. And they in turn will aid us, care for us, and
guide us through life. My totem showed me all of this. This beautiful freedom
and strength are what my Totem Being wanted to share during this lesson. An
important one for sure, for going forward I will have this deep understanding
respect for my Totem and his lessons, knowing that we care for each other.Thursday, July 12, 2012
Crystal Grid Question
Do you mess with the crystals after a crystal grid set up? Let me know! Leave a comment below.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Horse Totem- Some Thoughts
Having recently discovered my totem being,
a brown stallion, I have been obsessing with what does that mean spiritually,
physically, and energetically. I have
loved horses as a living animal since I was a small child, and so there are
some thoughts that come to mind about the possibilities of representation. In
my vision, my totem was not bridled or harnessed in any way. Horses have long
represented freedom. In this case, I feel that my totem was the absolute in
freedom and free will. Having struggled with the concept religiously, it is a
major lesson to learn that while society says one thing, I do have the freedom
and free will to be my own person. And just as we raced with utter abandonment,
I feel that we also have the right to live with that same abandonment. Live by instinct,
live my choice- how many of us conform to western thoughts? These people say we
can only live one way (and this “way” can change with who you speak with!).
Spiritually the horse as a totem represents
freedom, friendship, adventure, stamina, psychic abilities, a warning of
possible danger, spiritual freedom, joy, perseverance, creativity, and expression.
People that have the horse totem are
very independent, intuitive and compassionate people who can be teachers,
leaders or healers. I work in a hospital lab and while I do not directly deal
with patients, I have a direct impact on their care.
Physically and energetically for me, right
off the top, horses represent strength. How wonderful, just to visualize the
brown stallion and feel a boost of strength and energy! Standard rule of thumb
by veterinarians is a horse can carry 20%- 37% of their body weight! My horse
totem was large, tall and muscular with boundless energy, the feeling of
endless stamina! We could have ridden for much longer and he and I both would
have been fine. Being female, I think that it is important to note that my
totem was a stallion (male). This has so many meanings for me. The strength,
courage, and also the lack of a 'strong' male influence currently in my life come
to mind.
While I am still in the process of getting
to know my totem being, my horse friend, these thoughts are what have occurred to
me since this discovery. If you have any other thoughts, please share them
below! I would love to hear them!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Totem Beings
Having recently discovered my animal
Totem (a brown Stallion) I have naturally begun a journey of understanding what
a Totem is and what a Totem does. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary a
Totem is – 1 a : an object (as an animal or plant) serving as the
emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry; also
: a usually carved or painted representation of such an object
2 : one that serves as an
emblem or revered symbol
So according to M-W, a totem is a
symbol, a symbol of family history (i.e. Coat of Arms) or an emblem/and or
symbol of self. This describes what a Totem is. Now what does a Totem do?
A
Totem is an animal (mammal, insect, marine, and/or mythical) being that aids us
throughout life. Some believe that we only have one Totem throughout our life,
others I have seen feel that we have many and they can change as we ourselves
change (physically and spiritually). My thoughts on the matter are that we all
have one main Totem and then have “Totem helpers” along our life’s journey. A
Totem inspires and gives us confirmation as to the path we need to take, or even
confirmation on the path we are on. Totems can be powerful allies and sources
of strength during difficult times. They can also remind us to be compassionate
and calm. Totems encompass attributes that a lot of times we already have, but
sometimes can have attributes that we need to work on. D.J. Conway’s book Animal Magick discusses
“The Art of Recognizing & Working with Familiars.” While this book deals
with familiars, I have found it to be an excellent source for working with
Totems. There are chants and also explanations for many Totems beings as well
as how to connect to them on all levels. Meditation is a great way to work with
a Totem or even to discover what your Totem is. When in an alpha state (day
dream state) ask for your Totem and pay attention to what appears and/or
happens. Any living or even non living (mythical) being could and can be a
Totem. Take note of what you see. Compare this with your life. Do you see this
animal on a daily basis (birds, insects, mammals). Is this a being that you have
loved and adored since you were a child (unicorns, dragons, griffins). This
could be your very own Totem Being!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)