White Lotus Magazine

EDITOR’S NOTE: Selenite has many known physical, metaphysical and spiritual benefits. Yet, it’s a mineral that never ceases to amaze me with its countless healing qualities. Consequently, Selenite is my very favorite crystal.

ATTRIBUTES: Transformation, Spiritual Activation, Mental Clarity

ELEMENT: Wind

CHAKRA: Sacral Chakra

SIGN: Cancer, Taurus

MINED IN: Morocco, Mexico, Russia

Peach Selenite (Satin Spar) ranges in color from light peach to deep orange and is often called Orange or Red Selenite. A form of gypsum, Selenite is a soft mineral. Its thin layers create a moon-like luminescence. It is named after the ancient Greek Moon goddess, Selēnē.

Peach Selenite has been known to be an extraordinary healer and a transformation stone. It can help us heal old emotional wounds; and is believed to transform negative energy to love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Peach Selenite can be used to increase self-awareness, self-esteem, and willpower. It could also be beneficial when traveling a new path.

BENEFITS

• Promotes mental clarity
• Enhances consciousness
• Clears blockages in the aura*
• Cuts cords of dysfunctional energy from the etheric body*
• Ideal for purification and energetic cleansing
• Directs high frequency energy into the body, stimulating spiritual, physical, and emotional healing
• Opens the inner self to the spiritual world
• Magnifies the energy of whatever is placed on it many times over (including other crystals)
• Adds positive intentions into the energy body
• Acts as a tool for enlightenment as it creates a link between spirit and matter

SELENITE vibrates at a very high frequency. It quickly disperses accumulations of negativity in the aura, and will remove blockages and stagnant energy from the body.

Sleeping with or near Selenite can induce lucid dreaming; it can help you recall your dreams more easily, and understand the messages that they are bringing to you.

Selenite is a calming and soothing crystal. It instills a deep sense of inner peace. Selenite is said to be a “bringer of light”, the “stone of mental clarity”, enhancing awareness and strengthening the ability to make good decisions. It can be used to meditate on one’s life purpose, and as a tool in accessing past and future lives.

Selenite heightens spiritual insight and creativity. It helps to open the crown and higher chakras, which can result in deepening spiritual connections from guides, angels, the Creator and your own Higher Self. It creates a clear channel to the soul and to the highest levels of self.

On a physical level, Selenite can help to relieve tension from the body. It is especially useful for skin issues such as: wrinkles, age spots, acne, itchy dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, shingles and pressure sores. It assists in maintaining skin elasticity and a youthful appearance. It’s also beneficial to the skeletal, muscular and cellular structure. Although, its finest healing takes place at the energetic level.

Selenite cleanses itself and it never needs to be cleared or charged. You can even cleanse or amplify other crystals by placing them on top of Selenite.

NOTE: Selenite is very fragile and dissolves when wet.

POSITION
Wear around the neck or place between yourself and the source of electromagnetics (computer, cell phone, TV). Carrying a small piece in the pocket or sleeping with one in the pillowcase can provide cleansing for the auric field* and help clear confusion, as well as calm down heightened emotions.

GRID
Place Peach or White Selenite at each corner of the house or room to form a protective grid and remove negative energies. Selenite in the center of the home can create a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

MEDITATION
Meditation with Peach Selenite can help you access past lives and enhance the communication with your Higher Self, spirit guides, and angels.

REMEDY
Put into a mister with water, let it sit overnight, and spray around the body for aura cleansing. Spray around the head to bring mental clarity and focus.

*AURA/AURIC FIELD: The subtle biomagnetic sheath that surrounds the physical body, containing information about the person’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state of being.

*CHAKRAS: Energy centers of the body. The term comes from the Sanskrit word chakram, which means ‘wheel’.

*ETHERIC BODY: The first or lowest layer in the human energy field or aura. It is said to be in immediate contact with the physical body, to sustain it and connect it with the “higher” bodies.

SOURCE:

The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian
The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall
www.seleniteswordmaker.com
www.healingcrystals.com/Red_Selenite_-_Red_Selenite__Satin_Spar__Chunks__Morocco_.html

by Beth Brown-Rinella

During this last very powerful full moon I realized, again, how important it is to take care of ourselves in times of celestial influences. Are you feeling emotional? Are you feeling drained? Are you experiencing a lot of funky things coming up? You are NOT alone! The effects of the moon stages on our bodies and emotions have been continuously studied, extensively researched, questioned and often doubted — yet many of us strongly believe that they are real. So what can we do about them? How can we care for ourselves during these times?

You can begin with clearing up some unwanted energies you may be carrying. Cleanse your body and mind with the amazing Purification Soap from Gaia’s Healing Gifts ($5 – we carry it at Goddess I AM) or add a cup of sea salt to a bath and let the energies float away.

Burn incense. Select Frankincense alone or together with Myrrh to dispel negative energies and purify your space. Patchouli is also a great incense when grounding is necessary.

We have a saying at Goddess I Am: “Go Smudge Yourself!!” Literally, smudge yourself when feeling emotional, drained, or overwhelmed. Then smudge your home and work area, include your car, and even walk the perimeters of your property to release negative energies and to build and protect the positive energies that you live within.

Use Frankincense essential oil on your body to mitigate virus, bacteria, and dense energies. I add it to my body oil, lotion, and inhaler as well.
Meditate! Meditation is vital and necessary to navigating through these energetic times. We need to bring ourselves to center and calmness in the flood of upheaval-type energies. It is just a wonderful practice no matter what — in easy times and rough times.

Go for a walk at the beach or on the grass to get grounded. Being grounded offers you the support of the Earth energetically. You will feel calmness, a sense of centeredness that only being grounded gives you. But getting grounded may be hard, if not impossible for some. I never realized how difficult it is for some people to get grounded. I can help with that! I recognize that it is caused by the way their energy system is wired. Certain techniques can be applied to assist with that.

Eat of the Earth. Make a big pot of root vegetable soup. Add nuts and some warm bread, and yummmm! You will feel so grounded and nurtured. When we feel nurtured in our body, it fills us emotionally too.

Wear or carry crystals that are dark colored. Tourmaline is great for grounding and protection. Pyrite, Red Jasper, Bloodstone, and Obsidian are all useful during times like these. Say to your crystals to activate them, “I charge you with grounding me and protecting me energetically at this time.”

These are some of my favorite techniques for navigating upheaval and disquieting energies. Pay special attention to the full moons, eclipses, and holidays. Give yourself the gift of self-care during these times!

Namaste,
Beth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beth is the owner of Goddess I AM Healing & Art Center in Naples, Fl. She is available for appointments by calling 239-228-6949. Long distance and in-person readings are available. Visit www.GoddessIAM.com

by Annamaria Geresdi

A couple of months ago my brother excitedly said to me, “I’m going to Texas off-roading in the desert!”

If anyone can take care of himself, that’s most definitely my brother. Still, upon his announcement, the thought immediately ran through my head like lightning: going by himself is just not a smart idea. So without further contemplation, I responded, “No, you are not – WE are!”

Not that I was particularly interested in going to Texas, nor was I looking forward to a road trip, since anyone who knows me well enough knows that I can’t stand long-distance traveling. My limit in the car before I get fidgety and uncomfortable is about an hour (not to mention my need for frequent bathroom breaks). So the thought of a twenty-some-hour ride in the car all of a sudden didn’t feel very appealing. But the more I learned about the area he planned to visit, the more convinced I became that he should not go alone.

The destination was the Big Bend National Park which is located at the southwest tip of Texas by the Mexican border. It is a huge and absolutely gorgeous park that seemed like the perfect place for a backcountry fun trip. Yet I felt that hiking, camping, and off-roading in a location so close to the border might not be very safe for anyone by himself. So volunteering myself to join him was the smart thing to do, while my brother clearly had no desire or need for company.

I convinced myself that this trip could be an excellent opportunity for me to take a break, also for being in nature, taking photos, and for some well-needed rest. It was going to be my ‘walkabout’ in the desert.

In the following weeks my brother planned the trip, outlined the trails for hiking and off-roading, packed everything we would need for the ride as well as the days in the park, and was getting his vehicle ready. In the meantime I was mentally preparing myself and had assembled a full arsenal of crystals, rattles, and essential oils for our protection. We even received a travel blessing  from the Shaman Lady the day before we left. We were ready for the adventure!

Needless to say, the approximately 1700 miles to our destination did not feel like a joyride to me with the frequent rain storms, construction zones, accidents, and my struggle to hold out (well ‘in’) until the next pit stop.

But we made it to Texas, and almost to the park when the back brakes started squeaking. Apparently, all the weight the car was carrying for all those miles had taken a toll on the brake pads. At the next sleepy little town we stopped to have them checked out. At the first shop they said they might be able to look at the car on Friday; (this was on a Monday). They told us that all the shops in town were busy. After calling a few others where they said the same or “Maybe next week”, my brother decided to keep going and hope for the best.

The park was about 100 miles away. After the distance we had already traveled, that seemed like nothing. So we got back on route, riding (and squeaking) along a desolate road, headed towards the mountains in the distance. The road was bordered by rolling hills, old Sucker Rod Pumps, and majestic wind mills. We didn’t see many vehicles, only a few cows on the surrounding fields trying to hide their baby calves from the sun, and some tumbleweeds rolling around – just like in the old western movies. We were a long way from Florida.

After about a good 2-hour ride we arrived at the Big Bend National Park. We purchased an entrance ticket and headed to one of the Visitor Centers located high up in the mountains where we were going to get the permits for the campsites. We almost made it there! Just about a mile away from our next destination, the car was having difficulty going uphill. The transmission was overheating and by this time the brake pads must have completely disintegrated. The sound of the squealing noise of metal on metal echoing off the mountain sides was unbearable. So with a quick turnaround, my brother announced that we were going home!

Luckily there was a small inlet nearby where we stopped and took a break to assess the situation. We unloaded the cooler, set up the chairs and the canopy, and had an ‘emergency picnic’. With a full stomach, everything seemed less complicated. Fortunately, we were close enough to the visitors’ center, so there was cell phone reception and we were able to call a few more repair shops. After the third call, we found a tire place in the same town we stopped at on the way, where they said they could look at it the following morning. With the feeling of new-found anticipation and determination, we packed up and left the park.

Two hours later, we were back in the ‘nearby’ town and found a little inn to stay for the night just across from the tire shop. First thing in the morning, my brother rushed the car over to be the first in line. After having to wait for the mechanic to show up, then for numerous calls to find the right brake pads and have them delivered, the car was finally being fixed. A kind-eyed older Mexican man who didn’t speak a word of English other than “okay” very slowly and carefully replaced the brake pads and unknowingly saved our trip!

By early afternoon we were back on the road again. We passed the rolling hills, the old oil pumps, the wind mills, and the cows with their calves. After another two-hour ride, we reached the visitors’ center, purchased the permits and some ice, and were headed for the first dirt road outlined on our travel map.

My brother couldn’t wait to finally go “off road”. The park had many off-road tracks and he planned to drive on a lot of them. They were unsurfaced dirt roads, mostly unmaintained and often made up by rocks and riverbeds. The worst they seemed, the more fun we’d have! The adventure in off-roading is merely testing the vehicle’s (and the driver’s) ability to drive on these roads – and the passenger’s capability to take pictures from a wobbling car while fighting motion sickness.

It was adventurous indeed. After a nice overnight rest and equipped with fresh brake pads the car was handling the road well. Even though our teeth were rattling and occasionally our heads would hit the roof, we were having a blast. The one thing we didn’t exactly calculate was that by averaging 5 to 10 MPH on these roads it would take us more than five hours to get to our campsite, which was not enough time to get there before sunset. After a few miles we turned around once again and decided to drive to our first campsite on the main paved road.

Since we made excellent time on the smooth surface, we could make a quick stop at a hot spring by the Rio Grande River. The approximately two-mile gravel road leading to the Hot Springs Historic District was narrow and rather scary at times without any railing present. I could swear that one or two wheels were hanging over the cliff at certain points. The hot spring was a short walk from the parking area with a hiking trail  enclosed by tall rock formations on one side and serene bamboo plants along the river bank on the other side. Ancient pictographs decorated some of the slates along the way.

A long time ago a bathhouse used to stand where the spring is now, contained by the remains of its foundation. The water was crystal clear and somehow felt ‘sacred’. Heated by underground geothermal processes the spring had a temperature of 105° F. The dissolved mineral salts are believed to give it “healing powers”.

When I said that the spring was by the river, I meant it literally. We could step into the Rio Grande right from the spring! (Well, as it turns out, one could also fall into the river gracefully if he didn’t watch out for the slippery moss growing on the edges of the foundation.) We soaked in the spring water for a while and listened to the sound of the Rio Grande rushing by. The landscape was just spectacular with the giant rock formations on one side and Mexico just on the other side of the river.

After enjoying the quick rest and the healing powers of the spring, we headed to our first campsite. As we were driving again on a dirt road, we saw lots of lightning-fast jackrabbits and tiny ground cuckoos (which we both remembered from the old cartoon “Roadrunner”).

Our primitive campsite was marked by a couple of wooden beams lying on the ground and a little hand-carved sign reading: “The Gravel Pit”. It was located by the foot of a smaller hill that was part of a chain of several rolling hills. Before we even set camp, we went to explore our hill. To our great surprise and amazement, we were welcomed by an abundance of crystals sparkling all over the hillside. It was as if a carpet of crystals had been rolled straight down just to greet us. It looked like the hilltop had opened up and spat out its dazzling treasures, landing right at our feet. I was in ‘crystal heaven’!

The majority of crystals seemed to be some sort of quartz and others included calcite and chalcedony. So we collected a bunch with the intent to bring them home as gifts, then we set camp. I used a lot of our new found crystals (along with the ones I brought from home) as part of the protection grid I built around our campsite. After that, we just enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness of this perfect little spot we had to ourselves for the night. We watched the sunset from the top of the closest hill and took some photos of the surrounding area. Then we made a small campfire, burned sage and incense, and ate dinner under the night sky. Despite my fears before the trip, it all felt safe and serene.

I was still somewhat anxious about snakes and possible four-legged intruders, so I chose the safety of the car and made it my sleeping quarters, while my brother was enjoying the boundlessness of sleeping under the stars on a camping bed. The next morning I made Turkish coffee that somehow just tasted better than any coffee made with a machine.

After breaking down our camp, cleaning up, and collecting some more crystals, we set out on a full day of off-roading across the southern part of the park. Tons of fun and teeth-rattling followed, until we reached an abandoned old mine site that we decided to investigate. After a small hike and some exploring, we took cover under the canopy by the car and had lunch gazing at the surrounding mountains and enjoying the deserted yet beautiful scenery. We got back on the road heading towards our next campsite up in the Chisos Mountains. We drove for hours on different and sometimes challenging terrains.

But we made it to the campsite called the “Twisted Shoe” just before sunset and had enough time to take some photos, unload the car, build a crystal grid, and set up for the night. Just as the sun was setting, we heard rumbling behind the mountains. We could see some storm clouds collecting in the distance, but we were hoping that they wouldn’t reach us, since the weather forecast predicted a rain-free week during our trip. Well, the forecast was wrong. The storm was getting closer and the wind was getting stronger by the minute, so we decided to break our camp down and put everything back in the car. Just as we tossed the last things in the car, the first drop of rain fell and we jumped in.

Sitting in the only metal object around, high up in the mountains, we were definitely concerned as lighting was non-stop hitting the peaks surrounding us in each direction. Even though the car was grounded by the tires, I wasn’t convinced about our safety. The thunder sounded louder and somehow scarier than in Florida as it echoed among the mountain tops. It rained heavily and it seemed that lightning hit almost every other second lighting up the sky almost continuously.

Strangely enough, we both could see a flickering light through the car window — even through the heavy rain, on the mountaintop across from us where lightning hit several times. We weren’t sure if something caught on fire or if it was someone trapped up there. We even tried to joke that perhaps something or someone traveled down via the lighting bolt, basing the idea on some alien movies. The night just got more interesting.

As the storm turned worse, ensconced in the back of the car with my rattles in hand, I was concentrating on the protection grid I built around the campsite and was ‘holding the energy bubble’ around us. I was rather petrified so I closed my eyes and prayed that somehow we would make it through the storm in one piece.

Quite unexpectedly, I had a vision. With my eyes closed, I ‘saw’ what I thought to be four Native American spirits on top of four peaks in four directions. They were just standing there, so I asked them for protection — as if it was the most natural and ordinary thing to do, given the situation. The one on my left seemed to have answered me and granted us protection. I only ‘heard’ him as a thought in my head, but he pointed out quite clearly that “the crystals belong to the land”. I was puzzled for a second, thinking how that could be relevant, but then I remembered — and immediately felt ashamed for collecting so many crystals earlier and not thinking of that, as we were on land that once belonged to Native Americans. So I promised to leave the crystals behind the next morning as a form of offering and apology.

After the storm passed and we apparently lived through it, my brother and I looked at each other and started laughing. “Wow, what the heck?” we asked at the same time, still in a shock. Then I told to him that he may not like the ‘price’ we had to pay for the extra protection, and he instantly knew: “We are leaving the crystals behind, right?

So the next morning, without much talking, we climbed up the nearby boulders and carefully placed all the crystals that we collected the previous days on top of the rocks in many different grids and formations thanking the four spirits for their protection. After another delicious Turkish coffee and some cleaning up, we left our campsite and started descending from the mountains on the muddy road, hoping not to get stuck.

Our next destination was the Santa Elena Canyon. We drove for hours on many different roads and terrains with occasional stops to take photos and to explore. I suspect that we were tested even a couple of times, because wherever we stopped, there were crystals lying around, sparkling in the sunshine. After the previous night’s learning experience, we mostly observed them, and asked permission before taking one or two small pieces, leaving offerings in exchange.

When we reached the canyon, we decided to cross the shallow stream that ran into the Rio Grande River, and took a short hike following the path on the other side. The hiking path climbed high up on the rock wall offering incredible views of the river and the surrounding areas, then it lead back down to the river bank encompassed by lush vegetation and peaceful, majestic rocks. In spite of the heat, the scenery was well worth it!

After the hike, we got back on the road and found a great shaded picnic area nearby where we ate lunch and then set out to find our next campsite. After hours of more off-road driving with some occasional stops to explore, we found the location, but surprisingly we didn’t like it. It just did not feel ‘safe’ for some reason. Probably because it was in the open, with no hills to provide a sense of security — and just maybe because we saw a bright red snake sunbathing not too far from there. We even checked out the neighboring campsites, but neither of them felt right. So with a unanimous vote, we decided to head back to the first night’s campsite.

To save some daylight, we turned around and drove on the paved roads to the other end of the park instead of cutting across on the rocky and slower off-roads. We stopped at the hot spring once again for a quick healing mineral soak. After the previous night’s rain, the river was rushing by the spring quite forcefully, but the sound of the water was relaxing.

The crystals welcomed us back with intense shimmering in the sunlight at the Gravel Pit. The energy of the place felt amazing; I felt very safe and at peace once again. Setting camp and building a protection grid went smoothly by the third night, almost like a ritual, and soon we were eating dinner by the campfire. That night we had clear skies and my brother was able to take some photos of the Milky Way – which was one of the must dos of the trip.

The next morning, after my last Turkish coffee in the desert, we packed and cleaned up after ourselves one last time, waved good-bye to the crystals and the hills, the bunnies and the roadrunners, and then we left – both of us with a long face. On the way out of the park, we stopped at a couple of rock formations for quick hikes and photo opportunities, trying to postpone the inevitable departure from a truly beautiful and one-of-a-kind place we fell in love with during such a short period of time.

Needless to say, the following hours of driving home were not my favorite part of the trip. Except for a couple of hours when we stopped at an incredibly beautiful cave called the “Caverns of Sonora”, located about half-way between Big Bend National Park and San Antonio, Texas. We took a guided tour and I just was in awe of the stunning array of calcite crystal formations. Once again I was in ‘crystal heaven’!

After this amazing experience, it was almost completely nonstop driving until we got home as my brother only stopped to get gas. Out of courtesy, I tried to stay awake, watch the road and make conversation, but by the time we reached the bayou of Louisiana in the middle of the night, I finally fell asleep. The last thing I remember is that I was concerned staring at the foggy road, thinking that a werewolf or a vampire, or perhaps a witch could jump out of the swamp in front of us any second. (Apparently, I watch too many movies and shows on Netflix!)

I woke up in Northern Florida with bright morning sunlight in my face when we stopped in a McDonald’s parking lot. I got a coffee that didn’t even come close to the Turkish coffee I made in the desert. Nevertheless, I was awake for the rest of the way, which seemed like nothing after the many hours we had traveled. I still don’t know how my brother managed to drive all the way without sleep, but we finally made it home!

The day after our return home, my brother called to check on me to see if I had recuperated from the trip. Still worn out, but full of exciting stories to share with our loved ones, we both agreed that it was a lot of fun and we felt that we were ready to go back right away for more exploring and more off-roading. If only it wasn’t for the 1700 miles in between!

Looking back, I’m glad I joined my brother for this adventure in Texas. Although I planned for this trip to be my ‘walkabout’ in the desert, it became more like a ‘drive-around’. It was much too hot to go on the planned hikes, so we only did easy climbs and short walks. But even those proved to be exhausting. However, we enjoyed the off-roading tremendously and by the end of the trip, I got quite used to the wobbling and the teeth-rattling (and I even managed to take decent photos from the moving car).

Revisiting the Big Bend National Park is definitely on the Bucket List!

“Every atom, every molecule, every group of atoms and molecules however simple or complex, however large or small, tells the story of itself, its pattern, its purpose, through the vibrations which emanate from it. Colors are the perceptions of these vibrations by the human eye… Color seems to be a characteristic of the vibration of matter, and our souls seem to reflect it in this three-dimensional world through atomic patterns. We are patterns, and we project colors, which are there for those who can see them.” – Edgar Cayce

THE AURA

The aura is the electromagnetic field that surrounds the human body and every organism and object in the Universe. This energy structure that envelops the physical body is often referred to as “Auric Field” or the “Human Energy Field”.

Metaphysical and energy healing studies explain that this field is comprised of energies of varying densities that permeate through the body. The particles of subtle energy are spread through and around the physical body in an oval-shaped field, forming an ‘auric egg’ that extends approximately two to three feet in each direction.

The aura contains different layers that are called the “Subtle Energy Bodies”. These vibrational fields of energy overlap and affect each other profoundly. It is their unrestrained flow of life force energy that maintains the physical body. These layers vary in depth, energy, and frequency at any given moment in time. They fluctuate in response to our physical health, our experiences, thoughts, and emotions. As a result, they are dynamic and ever-changing in nature. (Read more in our previous article, Beyond the Physical Body – Understanding Our ‘Energy Bodies’, published in the September 2015 issue, or online at www.WhiteLotusMagazine/Articles.)

This electromagnetic sheath that exists around the physical body contains information about our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state of being. Auras can reveal insights about us: about our true selves, about our thoughts, feelings, dreams, and even underlying health problems.

AURA COLORS

In the world of energy medicine, it’s believed that all living beings emit energy that vibrates with specific frequencies, associated with specific colors. The colors can be seen by gifted people and those trained in the arts of energy healing. Energy healers are not only able to see, feel, and read auras, but they can also manipulate them for effective healing. The perception and understanding of the aura colors is beneficial, often essential to their healing work.

Auras typically contain several colors, often with one predominant color. These colors can change based on our soul’s evolution, our experiences, thoughts, emotions, and even the food we eat. Each color indicates unique conditions and carries specific attributes. Understanding them could be the key to achieving and maintaining our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

SEEING THE AURA

1. Stand in front of a good size mirror. It is best if the background behind you is softly illuminated, plain white, and there are no shadows.
2. Choose a spot to look at. The middle of the forehead is often recommended (the location of the Brow or the Third Eye Chakra). But you can also look just a few inches above the top of your head.
3. Look at this spot for 30 to 60 seconds.
4. After 30-60 seconds, analyze your surroundings with your peripheral vision, while still looking at the same spot. Continue focusing on the same spot. Resist temptation to look around. You should start to see that the background around you is brighter and has a different color than the background further away. What you are seeing is your aura! The longer you concentrate, the better you will see it. Remember, concentrating on one spot increases your sensitivity by accumulating the effect of the vibration of the aura reaching your eyes.

You can further practice seeing auras with the assistance of other people. Keep practicing until you feel confident about recognizing the different colors. Soon you may see everyone and everything quite literally in a different color!

RED
Red as a dominant color in the aura indicates force, vigor and energy. It may also signify money worries or obsessions, anger or inability to forgive, anxiety, or nervousness. Red can also imply aspects of survival, raw passion, frustration, determination, a sense of importance, or feeling overwhelmed by change.

INDICATIONS: energy, strength, courage, force, passion, anger, anxiety, survival, determination

TEMPORARY CLOUDS, FLAMES OR SPARKS: They represent materialistic thoughts and thoughts about the physical body.

BODY PARTS/ORGANS: the physical body, heart or circulation.

AFFLICTION: nervous troubles, egotism

MUSICAL NOTE: Doh

CELESTIAL BODY: Mars

RAY OF LIGHT: the first-ray quality of will.

DARK RED
Dark red indicates high temper. This color is a symbol of nervous turmoil. It suggests a dominating personality or someone who is quick to act.

DEEP RED
It reflects a grounded, realistic, active, survival-oriented person with strong will-power.

CLEAR RED
Clear red indicates a good, bright and pure state. This bright, clear red energy can demonstrate a healthy ego and characterize a powerful, energetic, competitive, and passionate person.

ORANGE
Orange is the color of vitality, vigor, good health, and excitement. It generally indicates thoughtfulness and consideration of others. It suggests that the person has lots of energy and stamina, and a creative, productive, adventurous, courageous, uplifting, absorbing, inspiring, and outgoing nature. Orange in the aura relates to sensuality, physical pleasure, emotional self-expression, creativity, lacking reason, lacking self-discipline. It could indicate that the person is currently experiencing stress related to appetites and addictions.

INDICATIONS: vitality, stamina, good health, excitement, creativity, sensuality, physical pleasure, and an uplifting, inspiring, and outgoing personality

TEMPORARY CLOUDS, FLAMES OR SPARKS: An orange cloud over the head may suggest thoughts about exercising power and the desire to control people.

BODY PARTS/ORGANS: Orange may indicate kidney trouble.

AFFLICTION: Laziness, repression

MUSICAL NOTE: Re

CELESTIAL BODY: Sun

RAY OF LIGHT: the fifth-ray energy of concrete science.

ORANGE-RED
It suggests creative power and confidence.

ORANGE-YELLOW
It indicates a creative, intelligent, detail-oriented, perfectionist, and scientific personality.

GOLDEN ORANGE
It indicates self-control and vitality.

BROWNISH ORANGE
It may signify lack of ambition and a “don’t-care” attitude.

YELLOW
Yellow symbolizes joy, freedom, non-attachment, and releasing vital forces. It shows that the person is full of joy, very generous, and not attached to anything. It is the color of awakening, inspiration, intelligence, perfectionism, organization, and action. It suggests a creative, friendly, playful, optimistic, easy-going, child-like, or ego-driven personality. It may also indicate mental alertness, analytical thoughts, happiness, optimism, thinking at expense of feeling. A yellow halo around the head is a signature of a spiritual teacher.

INDICATIONS: joy, wisdom, clarity, direction, intelligence, organization, affection, confidence

TEMPORARY CLOUDS, FLAME OR  SPARKS: They indicate a moment of joy and contentment.

BODY PARTS/ORGANS: the spleen

AFFLICTION: weakness of will

MUSICAL NOTE: Mi

CELESTIAL BODY: Mercury

RAY OF LIGHT: the third-ray energy of active intelligence.

GOLDEN YELLOW
It symbolizes health, well-being, and good mentality. It implies spiritual energy and personal power. Golden yellow characterizes an inspired, awakened person.

PALE YELLOW
Pale yellow in the aura may reflect merging psychic and spiritual awareness. It could also suggest optimism, hopefulness, and excitement about new ideas.

BRIGHT LEMON YELLOW
It may suggest that the person is struggling to maintain power and control in a personal or business relationship. It indicates fear of losing control, prestige, respect, and/or power.

DARK BROWNISH YELLOW
A student, or one who is straining at studying; overly analytical to the point of feeling fatigued or stressed; trying to make up for lost time by learning everything all at once.

GREEN
Green suggests natural healing abilities and a restful personality. When seen in the aura it usually represents growth and balance, and most of all, something that leads to change. It could also indicate love of people, animals, and nature. It signifies a teacher or a social person. Green relates to healing, peace, nurturing, new growth, need for security and balance.

INDICATIONS: healing, hope, peace, balance, calmness, compassion, and love of nature

TEMPORARY CLOUDS, FLAMES OR SPARKS: They indicate a restful state and healing.

BODY PARTS/ORGANS: heart and lungs

AFFLICTION: jealousy, fear, and envy

MUSICAL NOTE: Fah

CELESTIAL BODY: Saturn

RAY OF LIGHT: the fourth-ray energy of harmony through conflict

BRIGHT EMERALD GREEN
It represents a healer. It could also characterize a love-centered, helpful, strong, friendly, and peaceful person.

LIME GREEN
It may indicate deceitfulness.

YELLOW GREEN
It signifies creativity and a communicative nature.

DARK/MUDDY FOREST GREEN
It symbolizes jealousy and resentment. It might indicate that the person is feeling like a victim of the world. It could also identify insecurity and low self-esteem; lack of understanding personal responsibility; blaming oneself or others; and sensitivity to perceived criticism.

BLUE
Symbolizes balanced existence, sustaining life, eased nerve system, transmitting forces and energy. They are born survivors. Cool, calm, and collected, caring, loving, love to help others, sensitive, intuitive. Relates to verbal communication, free-thinking, structure and organization, emphasis on business, male energies, sadness, possibilities. Blue has always been the color of the spirit; the symbol of contemplation and prayer. Almost any kind of blue is good, but the deeper shades are the best.

TEMPORARY CLOUDS, FLAMES OR SPARKS: They suggest thoughts about achieving a balance of the mind, or a thought about surviving.

BODY PARTS/ORGANS: the throat, thyroid

AFFLICTION: Struggle, Melancholy

MUSICAL NOTE: Sol

CELESTIAL BODY: Jupiter

RAY OF LIGHT: the second-ray energies of love, attraction, wisdom, and radiance

PALE BLUE
It may indicate a struggle towards maturity. The person might have many heartaches and headaches, but he keeps trying and going in the right direction.

SOFT BLUE
It reflects peacefulness, clarity and communication. It suggests a truthful and intuitive person.

AQUA
Aqua signifies a person who has talent, works hard, and gets a lot done.

ROYAL BLUE
It represents clairvoyant abilities. It indicates highly spiritual nature. It can suggest generosity, being on the right path; and that new opportunities are coming.

TURQUOISE
It often characterizes healers. Turquoise implies a sensitive and compassionate personality.

DEEP BLUE
Deep blue reflect a spiritual-minded, unusual person, who has found his work and is immersed in it. He’s also apt to be moody, usually dedicated to an unselfish cause, and has a mission that he steadfastly goes about fulfilling.

MUDDY BLUE
It indicates fear: fear of the future; fear of self-expression; fear of facing or speaking the truth.

INDIGO
It reveals an intuitive and sensitive person with deep feelings. It also signifies a seeker: always searching for a cause, an answer, a religious experience.

INDICATIONS: calmness, perception, intuition, psychic abilities

TEMPORARY CLOUDS, FLAMES OR SPARKS: Indigo clouds or flames represent intuitions and divine thoughts.

BODY PARTS/ORGANS: pituitary gland

AFFLICTION: obsessions, difficulty concentrating, detachment from reality

MUSICAL NOTE: Lah

CELESTIAL BODY: Venus

RAY OF LIGHT: the sixth-ray qualities of devotion, idealism, and religious fervor

VIOLET
Violet points to a very spiritual person. It usually indicates evenness of mind and searching for a cause or religious experience. The person with violet in his aura tends to be overbearing. Violet also represents wisdom, authoritative nature, female energies, matriarchal qualities, sense of superiority, control, imagination, and intuition.

INDICATIONS: inner peace, transformation, spirituality, awareness, mental peace, intuition, imagination, and wisdom

TEMPORARY CLOUDS, FLAMES OR SPARKS: Violet usually is not a strong point in the aura – it appears only as temporary clouds and flames, indicating truly spiritual thoughts.

BODY PARTS/ORGANS: pineal gland and nervous system

AFFLICTION: spiritual attachment, arrogance

MUSICAL NOTE: Te

RAY OF LIGHT:  Associated with transmutation because of its connection with the seventh ray

CELESTIAL BODY: Moon

LAVENDER
It indicates imagination and the connection with the Etheric plane. It characterizes a visionary, a daydreamer.

SILVER
This is the color of abundance, both spiritual and physical. Lots of bright silver can reflect to the awakening of the cosmic mind. Bright metallic silver indicates that the person is receptive to new ideas; he is intuitive and nurturing.

GOLD
When seen in the aura, gold indicates high spiritual vibration, wisdom, integrity, respect, freedom, clear seeing, and the assimilation of spirit and body. It can also denote an enlightened spiritual master. It represents that something wonderful is taking place in the person’s life.

WHITE
White represents a pure spirit and perfect balance. It indicates a pure state of light. It often represents a new, not yet designated energy in the aura. It also suggests spiritual, etheric and non-physical qualities, transcendence, and a connection to higher dimensions. It symbolizes purity, truth, and angelic qualities. White signifies very high spiritual vibration, and divine inspiration. It implies that the person is seeing the spiritual ‘big picture’. It could also indicate that angels or guides are nearby.

PINK
Pink in the aura reflects a loving, tender, sensitive, sensual, artistic, affectionate personality. It indicates self-love, tenderness, female energies, and the emphasis on physical appearances. It symbolizes purity, innocence, and compassion. It could also point to a new or revived romantic relationship. It may signify a balance between spiritual awareness and the material existence. It can refer to having the gift of clairaudience. Dark and Murky Pink may indicate an immature or dishonest nature. 

BROWN
It relates to down-to-earth, practical, male energies. Brown in the aura could be a sign of invalidating, emphasizing body and denying spirit, feeling worthless and insecure, and holding on to certain not-so-beneficial energies.

GRAY
Gray in the aura shows that residue of fear is accumulating in the body, with a potential for health problems — especially if gray clusters are seen in specific areas of the body. Gray indicates blocked energies. It also characterizes negative, dark, depressive thoughts and emotions.

BLACK
Black in the aura implies hatred, anger, revenge, and malice. It represents issues relating to death, unresolved karma, and dark intentions. It usually indicates lack of compassion and long-term inability to forgive (oneself or another person). Black in the aura draws energy to it and in so doing, it distorts that energy. It captures light and consumes it.

DISCLAIMER:
This article is proposed for informative purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

SOURCE:
Auras by Edgar Cayce
Soul Psychology by Joshua David Stone, Ph.D
www.reiki-for-holistic-health.com/auracolormeanings.html
www.thiaoouba.com/see_aura_color.htm

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It is not necessary to feel or to see the energy in order to perform any healing. However, since most people can learn to see the energy within a few minutes, why not try it? Personally, I don’t use this ability when I work one-on-one with my clients although I may take a quick glance at them when I see them the first time. However, this is one of those abilities that helps the visualization process when performing long-distance healing (LDH). It is also quite cool to see the auras at some special events or occasions, such as looking at the singers’ energy at the opera or the actors’ energy at the theater. When they are at their very best, you can literally see a bubble coming out of the top of their heads!

For the first exercise, choose a calm and plain background. It is best if it is a one-color wall indoors, with lighting that is not too bright. Some people prefer white while others like darker colors. You will find your favorite as well. Facing the bare wall, lift your straight arms, with the elbows slightly bent, to eye level. The palms of the hands should face you, fingers spread, with the fingertips pointing at each other. Leave about 4” of distance between them. You will need some concentration at this point: focus your eyes at the area between the fingertips of the middle fingers (sure, you can choose any other two fingers, but these are the longest and thus the most convenient ones to look at). Don’t look at the fingers and don’t look at the background. Your focus should be entirely on the area between the fingertips of the middle fingers. What do you see? Can you see the connection between the fingertips? At first, it will be very faint, but the more you focus on the exact distance and the area between the fingertips, without glancing to the wall or the fingers themselves, the clearer it will become. Is it a bit hazy, watery, foggy, misty, or smoky? Does it resemble the air above hot asphalt in the summertime? Whichever it reminds you of the most, it doesn’t matter. Either way, you are seeing it!

About 90 percent of people can see this in their first try. If you don’t see anything, you have to adjust your focus or change the background or the lighting.

Once you can see the connection between the two fingers, you may try to see it between all of them. All it takes is adjusting your focus so you have all the fingers in your sight. What happens when you move one hand up and down an inch or two? Can you see the connections moving as well?

Now keep the left hand up as before with the fingers spread and only the forefinger of the right hand pointing at the forefinger of the left. First establish the same vision as before: see the connection between the two forefingers. Now move the right forefinger slowly down. You’ll see how it connects first to the left middle finger, then the ring finger, and finally the pinky. If the distance is far enough, it will keep the connection with all the fingers!

Look at the right forefinger by itself. Keep it at arm’s length, eye level and pointing up. You have to adjust your sight to look at the area around the forefinger, without concentrating on the background (which is still a plain wall). Your focus is not on the finger, but around it. Can you see the haziness around the finger? If you move your focal point to be the top of the finger, right above the fingertip, the density will be a bit different. Can you see it? It is a little bit thicker and brighter, almost resembling a funnel. This little tornado shape comes from the energy center of the fingertip, which is also known as a Chakra.

The term chakra comes from India, and it refers to the energy centers of the body. There are seven major chakras around the midline of the body and twenty-one secondary chakras elsewhere. Additionally, each fingertip and toe-tip is a mini chakra. Some other theories count nine or even eleven major chakras. We won’t get into a discussion about these—let the scientists decide. It is not necessary to know the exact location or number of chakras in order to perform healing. It is a nice exercise to try to see them though, so let’s see the crown chakra for our next exercise.

Have a friend stand against the same plain wall you have been using. Stand about ten feet or more in front of him. Look at the area right above his head. In a similar fashion as looking at the fingertip, try not to look at the wall or at your friend. Your focus should be on the area (and distance) right above the head. Can you see the same haziness as you saw above your finger? It is obviously bigger and brighter. You may see the funnel shape easier as well. It may appear to be like a shadow, so to remove all doubt, try the next simple exercise.

Tell your friend to visualize the happiest moment of his life, and watch what happens. The aura above his head starts to rise! It may not appear all straight or perfect. It may even pull to one side. However, it will be super bright and happy. As mentioned before, try this exercise at the theater or the opera. You will be blown away by the size of the energy bubble above the singers’ or actors’ heads!

If you want to see more drastic changes, tell your friend to think of the saddest moment of his life. The aura may darken and shrivel up to almost nothing.

You can practice seeing the energy around just about anyone. You will also see big differences at various locations from restaurants, schools, court rooms, theater, to public transportation, airports, and so on. Some of you may develop a keen eye for the aura and may choose to rely on your vision to perform the energy diagnoses, but most people are quite happy with just feeling the energy.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Csongor Daniel has more than a quarter of a century’s experience in bioenergy healing. Starting with a gift but no healing knowledge while an engineering student at the age of 21, he went through the full spectrum of education, from self-learning to studying with one of the world’s foremost healers, Zdenko Domancic. Fresh out of college, he managed to work on 30 people a day within the first three months of his practice. In the United States since 1991, Csongor (pronounced Chongor) has published two books on bioenergy healing and a T’ai Chi double DVD set to share his knowledge. His acclaimed light and humorous lectures, both in the States and internationally, continue to expand the number of his followers and the advocates of this simple yet powerful healing method. Csongor’s books and videos as well as online lectures are available at www.csongordaniel.com.

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The color turquoise is commonly associated with tranquility, wisdom, protection, creativity, emotional balance, good luck, friendship, joy, patience, intuition, and loyalty.

POSITIVE ASPECTS:
Peacefulness, Serenity, Wholeness, Creative Expression, Empathy, Optimism, Renewal, Innovation, Intuition, Humanity, Joy, Patience, Protection, Wisdom

CHALLENGES:
Pessimism, Lack of creative expression

CHAKRA: Throat & Heart

MINERALS:
Turquoise, Aquamarine, Amazonite, Chrysocolla, Boulder Opal, Gem Silica, Apatite, Smithsonite, Hemimorphite

Did you know?
The word turquoise comes from the French pierre turquoise, which means “Turkish stone”, as the gem was originally imported from Turkey. In old times, these blue-green stones were widely sold and bought in Turkish bazaars. The Turks favored this color so much so that they decorated many of their buildings with turquoise glazed tiles.

Originally mined in central Asia, Turquoise reached Europe through trading routes that passed through Turkey and quickly became a popular gem for jewelry and ornamentation. Grave furnishings with turquoise inlay were discovered in ancient Egypt, dating from approximately 3000 BC. Native Americans also found deposits in rock layers in cliffs and believed this mineral had spiritual significance and ceremonial relevance.

COLOR HEALING / COLOR THERAPY

The color turquoise ranges from light aqua to radiant azure green and from vivid sky blue, called celeste,todeep shades of teal.

Turquoise combines the calming, expansive nature of green and the cool, quiet flow of blue. In Color Therapy, turquoise is often used for invoking courage and strength. It can also be applied in order to influence honest communications and to encourage communication with higher dimensional beings. Most commonly used modalities include Crystal Therapy, Visualization, Color Silk Therapy, and Colorpuncture.

ATTRIBUTES

Turquoise is believed to enhance intuition and sensitivity. It can help calm the nerves and bring a sense of confidence. It is also said that the color turquoise could motivate us “to experience life to the fullest”.

Turquoise is associated with the desire for freedom to be a unique individual. It allows the expression of our dreams and wishes. It brings together the green energies of growth and desires with the blue qualities of communication.  Whatever the need may be in the heart, the blue ingredient in turquoise ensures that it will communicate itself and be recognized

Those with a preference for turquoise typically don’t want to feel restricted in any way.  They are extremely adaptive and efficient. A person with an aversion to turquoise may be unable to communicate emotions and reluctant to think originally or to walk new paths.

WEARING TURQUOISE
Incorporate turquoise into your wardrobe when you feel depressed, have low energy and a lack of interest in life. Wearing turquoise may be beneficial when you feel that you don’t fit in with your surroundings or when you need courage to strike out on your own. You can wear turquoise jewelry to give yourself confidence and strength.

TURQUOISE IN THE HOME
Turquoise is believed to provide protection from any negativity and to attract prosperity. In the home, turquoise can establish a connection to the elements, especially water and air. This calming as well as uplifting color can bring peace and higher energy to any space. It can be applied as a wall color or accent color for children’s rooms, home offices, and family rooms. Use turquoise in moderation, as too much of this color can cause us to become overly analytical, fussy, and egocentric.

SOURCES:

www.bourncreative.com/meaning-of-the-color–turquoise
www.deeptrancenow.com/colortherapy.htm
www.energyandvibration.com/colorturquoise
www.fengshui.about.com

1. JUICE FAST
Juice fasting is believed to be the ultimate cleansing method by millions of health enthusiasts around the world. It’s said to provide “a healthy amount of calories and nutrients specifically suited for weight loss and cleansing, all while resting the digestive system and allowing the body to heal naturally”.* Depending on your reasons for a cleanse and your state of health (as well as tolerance), the juice fast could last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The juice consumed during a juice fast should consist of freshly pressed and preferably organic fruits and vegetables. If you don’t have a juicer or don’t want to deal with the process (and the mess) of juicing, you can purchase organic, cold pressed juices locally at Food and Thought or from Juicelation. Whether you choose the occasional 1-day cleanse or go for a week-long or even a 30-day juice fast, the health benefits seem to be indisputable for people of all sizes, ages, and levels of health.

2. LEMON WATER CLEANSE
One of the simplest ways to give your body a break from processed foods and stimulate the body’s natural detoxification processes is the infamous lemon water cleanse, also referred to as the “Master Cleanse”. Recipe: Mix 2 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder, and 8 ounces purified water. If possible, use organic ingredients. It’s recommended to drink between 6 and 12 glasses of lemon water each day during your cleanse. Some people prefer the 1-day lemon water cleanse once a week, while others believe it should last for a minimum of 10 days. In addition, there is a recommended 3-day “ease-in” period to prepare the body and a 3-day “ease-out” to follow the 10-day cleanse, and also other important steps to consider. See details at www.themastercleanse.org.

3. OTHER CLEANSING/DETOX PROGRAMS
There are endless detox products and cleansing protocols available online and in health food stores. Finding the one that works for you may be a challenge and will involve some research, as well as trial and error. One system comes highly recommended by numerous individuals who have tried many cleansing programs: the 10-Day Transformation Cleanse by Purium. It is an incredibly simple system, containing highly-alkalinizing, super-concentrated, organic and vegan superfoods that will help detoxify your body, reset your metabolism, clean your digestive tract, and break your addiction to processed foods. You can find it locally at the Salt Cave or online at www.mypurium.com/saltcave.

4. EXERCISE & SAUNA
Try to exercise at least 30 minutes everyday. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are evident, but we all need a little reminder and motivation every now and then. Any form of physical exercise is known to release endorphins, making it a perfect stress fighter and mood booster. In addition, it can help remove toxins from your body, as it increases oxygen to the cells and stimulates better circulation. Whether you join the gym or a yoga group, whether you prefer to run on the beach or just to go for a brisk walk around the block, daily exercise is an excellent way to improve your mood, boost your energy, fight disease, and to keep your body fit and clean.

The health benefits of Infrared sauna are also tremendous. Some of these include detoxification, relaxation, weight loss, lowering blood pressure, pain relief, and blood purification. Studies have shown that during a 30-minute far infrared sauna session an average person will sweat out 20% toxins and 80% water, and burn up to 200-600 calories. Heating of muscles with far infrared heat produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during exercise.

5. DETOX FOODS & WATER
Incorporate certain foods into your daily diet that are well-known for their natural detoxifying properties, such as: garlic, kale, ginger, turmeric, wheatgrass, cayenne pepper, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, beets, avocado, cabbage, green tea, seaweed, lemon, and grapefruit. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water. Water is essential for all of your organs, and for flushing toxins out of your body. If you are exercising and taking saunas to help release the toxins, it becomes even more important to stay hydrated. Add a hint of Himalayan salt or a drop of sole to each cup of water in order to replace vital minerals and trace elements that get flushed out of your body by perspiration during exercise. If you’re not used to drinking water daily, be sure to increase your intake by only one cup at a time so you don’t overload yourself. Your kidneys won’t know what to do if they’re not used to getting water and then get a ton of it. See more at www.bembu.com/detox-foods.

6. ENERGETIC CLEARING
In addition to cleansing your physical body, you should consider clearing your ‘subtle energy bodies’ as well. They form the layers of your energy field, also called the aura. Your aura contains information about you, your physical health, your experiences, thoughts, and emotions, your spiritual path, and your soul’s true essence. Traumas brought on by people, events, and past hurts can leave negative energetic imprints on your aura that in return can affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s recommended to get an energy healing session or ‘aura cleanse’ on a regular basis to help clear your energy field of debris. You can have an aura cleanse done by a certified Energy Healer, a Shaman, or a Reiki Practitioner. You can also cleanse your aura yourself and get rid of the stagnant, negative energies around you by “smudging”: that is by burning herbs like sage (most commonly used), sweetgrass, lavender, and tree resins such as frankincense, myrrh, and copal, or even by burning salt and certain wood like cedar or Palo Santo.

7. CHAKRA CLEANSE
A chakra cleanse can be done with the help of crystal layouts, chakra meditation (or the combination of the two), Color Silk Therapy, Colorpuncture, Visualization, or energetic stimulation done by an Energy Healer. The principle of a chakra cleanse is to activate, balance, and align the whole chakra system and to get rid of blockages. Each chakra corresponds with specific areas of the body and stores information about your state of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Chakras transmit and receive life-force energy often called qi (pronounced “chi”), prana, or universal energy. When this flow of energy is disrupted in any way — for examples by stress, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, exposure to toxicity, etc., life force energy cannot flow in and out freely and the chakra system becomes blocked or out of alignment. Blockages and imbalances in the chakras can manifest as physical and emotional problems; therefore, it’s crucial to keep them clear and balanced with frequent chakra cleansing.

8. CRYSTAL THERAPY
Many crystals are believed to have cleansing properties and are able to help clear mental and emotional blockages. Some of these purifying crystals are: Amethyst, Citrine, Amber, Peridot, Danburite, Smoky Quartz, Tourmaline, and Dioptase.  Numerous minerals are also said to provide aid for physical detoxification, including Herkimer Diamond, Calcite, Jade, Opal, Charoite, Bloodstone, Flourite, Obsidian, Ruby, and Stillbite. Often, just by carrying a small piece in your pocket or as jewelry you could benefit from the vibrational healing energies of the crystal. Meditating with crystals or building crystal grids are also common practices for utilizing their cleansing and detoxifying abilities.

9. EDITATION
To meditate is to become deeply aware of your eternal essence; it’s about learning to clear and quiet your mind so that you can focus your awareness on the present moment. The practice of meditation can help you stay centered and calm regardless of your surroundings and circumstances.

“It doesn’t teach you to avoid pain or discomfort but to experience and accept it so you can move through any situation with profound clarity and a sense of inner peace and calm.”** Meditation has been practiced for millennia for purifying the mind and the body. The physical and emotional benefits of this ancient practice are well-known: it balances the body’s neurochemical system to reduce anxiety and depression; it slows your respiration for longer, deeper breaths; it boosts your immune system by slowing the production of the stress hormone cortisol;  it also stimulates the nervous system that helps your body return to a calm, relaxed state,  in which your body can naturally rejuvenate, repair, and rebuild itself.

Buddha was asked, “What have you gained from meditation?” He replied “Nothing! However, let me tell you what I have lost: anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death.”

10. MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is a practice, rather a life choice perhaps, which helps to keep your mind and body clean, centered, and calm. It is defined as becoming aware and accepting of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment,  without judgment. When you practice mindfulness, your thoughts tune into what you’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. According to Jeffrey Brantley, M.D., and Wendy Millstine, NC, mindfulness is “… an awareness that is sensitive, open, kind, gentle and curious. Mindfulness is a basic human capacity. It arises from paying attention on purpose in a way that is nonjudging, friendly and does not try to add or subtract anything from whatever is happening.”***

11.SOUL CLEANSING
A sure way to purify and uplift your Spirit is by letting go of anger, bitterness, hatred, and fear; and by filling your heart with love, joy, gratitude, compassion, and light. It might be easier said than done, but simply becoming aware, making a conscious effort, and making the very choice to cleanse your entire being and to get rid off your negative emotions can set you off on the right path.

SOURCES:
*Master Cleanse and The Lemonade Diet by Mike Olaski – www.themastercleanse.org
**Meditation provides physical, mental, and emotional benefits – An Excerpt from YogaFit by Beth Shaw on www.humankinetics.com
***Daily Meditations for Calming Your Anxious Mind by Jeffrey Brantley, M.D., and Wendy Millstine, NC

Alternative Treatment for Chronic Swelling and Vein Problems
– Compression Therapy, an Effective Post-Surgical or Preventative Modality with Many Health Benefits

While those who suffer from lymphedema and chronic venous disease are the main candidates for Compression Therapy, this unique treatment has been found beneficial as a complementary therapy for enhancing the immune system, digestion, circulation, detoxification, wound care, weight loss, and cellulite reduction as well.

Broadly used in hospitals in Europe and now also offered by numerous specialists in the US, Compression Therapy provides a safe and efficient way to relieve symptoms of lymphedema, venous diseases, and several other conditions.

What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the chronic swelling of the limb caused by impaired flow of the lymphatic system. It is a degenerative condition which can get worse over time without treatment.

The lymphatic system works as a filtration system: it is a network of specialized vessels (lymph vessels) throughout the body that collects excess lymph fluid containing proteins, lipids, and waste products from the tissues. This fluid is then carried to the lymph nodes, which filter waste products and contain infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. The excess fluid in the lymph vessels is eventually returned to the circulatory system (bloodstream). When the lymph vessels are blocked or damaged, they are unable to carry lymph fluid away from the tissues, and localized swelling (lymphedema) occurs in the limb as a result.

Lymphedema most often affects a single arm or leg, but in rare cases both limbs can be affected.

Causes
There are two types of lymphedema. Primary lymphedema is the result of an anatomical abnormality of the lymph vessels and is a rare, inherited condition. Secondary lymphedema results from an identifiable damage to or obstruction of normally-functioning lymph vessels and nodes caused by medical procedures, injuries or infection. This type of lymphedema often occurs in women who have had breast cancer surgery, particularly when followed by radiation treatment.

Symptoms
Most common symptoms are swelling, aching, discomfort, restricted range of motion, non-healing wounds, hardening or discoloration of the skin, recurring infections, and cellulites. Lymphedema first may be noticed as a feeling of heaviness, tingling, tightness, or shooting pains in the affected area. These symptoms may be present before there is obvious swelling of an arm or leg.

While according to the medical field, there is no cure for lymphedema, Compression Therapy has been proven a safe and effective way to provide relief and help reduce the swelling and discomfort.

What is Chronic Venous Disease?
Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) refers to chronic conditions related to or caused by defective or damaged veins, typically occurring in the legs. Increased blood pressure (most commonly caused by excess weight, leg injury, or blood clots) strains the veins, which can prompt valves within the veins to fail to work efficiently, resulting in the blood flow to back up and eventually pool out in the legs. This can lead to the development of varicose veins, spider veins, and painful swelling of the legs.

Causes
The most common factors in the development of chronic venous diseases are the following: leg injury or surgery; excessive weight gain or obesity; prolonged standing; extended periods without movement; blood clots; weak vein walls (hereditary); hormonal influences of pregnancy, puberty, and menopause; the use of birth control pills; exposure to ultraviolet rays; and conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen, such as tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles.

Symptoms
Symptoms of CVD include aching, swelling, numbness, tiredness, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling, or heaviness in the legs. The appearance of thin blue, red, or purple lines that can branch out depending on the severity of the blood flow restriction is an indication of dilated veins called ‘spider veins’. Large, swollen, and bulging blood vessels that can be seen through the skin are called varicose veins.

Pain caused by varicose and spider veins is usually relieved by elevating the legs. But without effective treatment, they can worsen over time and lead to more severe conditions, such as sores, rashes, or skin ulcers, and severe venous insufficiency that could cause deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Compression therapy has proven to be an effective source of treatment for CDV that can help alleviate aching and loosen constriction between the vein walls.

The painful swelling, non-healing wounds, and continuous discomfort can decrease your mobility and your quality of life. Remember, once you notice any symptoms, it’s imperative to have an appropriate diagnosis and a treatment plan in order to reduce the risk of developing more dangerous, often life-threatening conditions, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis.

If you suffer from lymphedema or CVD and are looking for an efficient and safe treatment, you might want to consider Compression Therapy. The benefits may exceed your expectations!

Compression Therapy
Compression Therapy, also called “Wave Massage” in Europe, uses pressure cuffs (or sleeves) with a peristaltic compression pump that compresses in a rhythmical, wavelike cycle — similar to the normally functioning lymphatic and circulatory systems.

During the therapy, the limb is surrounded by an inflatable cuff with several chambers, which are inflated sequentially so that there is a wave of compression travelling up the limb. The chambers inflate in the direction from foot to thigh in short bursts and either remain inflated until the end of the cycle or get deflated depending on the program selected for the treatment of a particular condition. Different settings of pressure and duration can be chosen to fit the needs and comfort of each individual.

The effects of this wavelike compression technique have been astonishing. Besides the evident benefits on the lymphatic and circulatory systems, it has shown promising results in stimulating the immune system, strengthening the connective tissue, improving digestion, accelerating detoxification, cellulite reduction, and more.

Remember, any sign of swelling is the indication of an underlying problem! If you have questions about Compression Therapy or about lymphedema, CVD, and other health concerns, you may find the answers at the Salt Cave!

SOURCES:

http://www.medicinenet.com/lymphedema/article.htm
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures-spider-veins
http://alakformalas.hu/doctor-life-mk300-profi-hullammasszazs-keszulek#.VgBth5dgIlA

Black is most commonly associated with mourning, elegance, secrets, magic, and the Earth element.

POSITIVE ASPECTS: Grounding, Protection, Self-Control, Fertile Soil, Earth Energies

CHALLENGES: Emptiness, Fear, Uncertainty, Depression, Grief, Apathy

CHAKRA: Root/Base and Earth Chakra

ELEMENT: Earth

MINERALS: Jet, Shungite, Onyx, Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, Apache Tear, Petrified Wood, Black Agate, Black Kyanite, Boji Stone

Did you know?

Black is an achromatic color, meaning that it is literally a color “without color”. It is the absence of light: the result of the complete absorption of all light.

For centuries black cats have been considered symbols of bad luck and have been accused of being the spirits of witches (or actual witches in animal form).

COLOR HEALING / COLOR THERAPY

Even though black is often associated with death, violence, magic, evil, and witchcraft, in Color Therapy it actually is a very beneficial, protecting color with strong grounding, stabilizing, and shielding properties.

Black absorbs negative energies, therefore it is most commonly used for protection. It is believed to provide a protective barrier that shields from harm and all sorts of negativity. Black can be utilized in different forms when applied in Color Healing. The most commonly used modalities include Crystal Therapy, Visualization, and Color Silk Therapy. Black crystals are often worn as talismans for protection.

ATTRIBUTES

Black represents calmness, rest, and renewal. It carries energies of potential for growth and new possibilities. The color black symbolizes the earth, from where all life springs and to where the dead are returned.

In Color Healing, black is often used for grounding. It is believed to increase our awareness of our physicality and immediate reality. Black may help with breaking free from bad habits or addictions; it can instill deep meditation and open deeper levels of the unconscious mind.

Those who are unsure about themselves and have low self esteem seem to be drawn to the color black and use it to protect and hide their true feelings. For them, black may represent comfort and provide a protective shield from the outside world. But having too much black around can be very depressing and it may promote pessimistic thinking.

A person who has an aversion to black may be afraid of the unknown, or have fear of the abuse of power.  He may desire to become free from all kinds of dependency, blockages, and addictions.

WEARING BLACK

Dressing in black can make a bold statement of self-control and resilience; it can reflect a collected, centered, and grounded personality. Black clothing can suggest a sense of mystery, sending out a message: “Notice my presence, but do not invade my personal space!” Incorporate black in your wardrobe when you need to feel calm, in control, and grounded. Wearing all black clothes over long periods of time could be draining and depressing. Introduce a hint of color to reflect your personality.

BLACK IN THE HOME

Black in home decor can provide stark contrasts to showcase other colors used with it. It grounds chatter and commotion from the outside world to add calm and quiet to a space. Black reflects sophistication and elegance. It is mysterious, full of the divine feminine/Yin energies. Black is bold, protective, shielding, and strong. Do not use in excess, as too much black may bring a sense of emptiness and silence in your space where fears and depression can be amplified.

SOURCES:

Healing with Crystals and Chakra Energies by Sue & Simon Lilly
http://www.alizons-psychic-secrets.com/black.html
http://www.deeptrancenow.com/colortherapy.htm
http://www.old-earth.com/color-meanings.html#anchor-black
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black

CONTENT IDEA by Guy Cerrito

Are we being mislead into wasting tons of money on the kind of gas most of our cars don’t actually need? When it comes to gasoline, we tend to associate higher octane numbers with higher quality and higher performance.

Most people think that Premium fuel is supposed to be better for their vehicles. Gasoline companies know this and do nothing to deter drivers from wasting money. Labeling 87 octane gas ‘Regular,’ and 91 or higher octane ‘Super’ and ‘Premium’ reinforces this myth — while gas companies are profiting billions at our expense. After all, since Premium is priced higher than Regular gas, it’s in their best interest to let as many people as possible believe that paying ‘just a bit more’ means getting better quality gas.

We are led to believe that Premium fuel burns cleaner, and that it will give the vehicle extra power and better fuel mileage than Regular gasoline. This is simply not true. In fact, the octane rating for gasoline has nothing to do with the amount of power locked inside of it – it actually relates to just how much a fuel can be compressed before igniting. The higher the number, the less likely it is to ignite under pressure.

When gasoline is sprayed into a cylinder by a fuel injector and mixed with oxygen, it remains there in vapor form until it is time for the spark plug to light it up, causing the explosion that drives the piston down to generate horsepower. The timing of this explosion is critical, as gasoline that ignites too early causes ‘knock’, which reduces engine output and efficiency. In most engines, knock is rarely an issue because the compression ratio (the pressure that the air/fuel mixture is put under in the cylinder) is low enough that Regular gasoline’s octane rating is sufficient. There is absolutely no benefit to running high octane fuel in a standard motor, since it will never be able to take advantage of Premium gasoline’s higher knock resistance. However, more aggressive engine management schemes, especially those found in turbocharged or supercharged vehicles, can turn up the compression to a high level, requiring much higher octane gasoline to avoid knock.

So unless you have a car with an engine built and tuned specifically for Premium fuel, you really don’t need high octane gasoline. You will not see the power or fuel efficiency increase by running high octane fuel in an engine that has been tuned and designed for Regular gas, nor will doing so perform any extra ‘cleaning’ inside the motor. So next time you fill your tank, do not waste money on Premium if your vehicle does not require it!

SOURCE: www.nicoclub.com/archives/gasoline-octane-myths.html