 We all require our own space from time to time. A place where we can be alone, quiet, reflective, or creative. I've discovered how important it is to have a space like this for myself, a place where I can retreat to write, read and create. The more I settle into my connection with nature, the cycles of the moon, and using ritual and meditation for manifestation the more I find my sacred space to be just that, sacred. And even if you don't have an entire room to dedicate to such endeavors that doesn't mean you can't sprinkle it among your home-which I do as well! I have several altar spaces set up around my home, some simple and subtle, others more elaborate. I may set up a spring altar in my main living space with symbols of the season; newly sprouted plants, eggs, bunnies, items which represent fertility and renewal. I place sprigs of lavender and rose petals around the rooms with crystals for creating a peaceful and loving home. I've fashioned my own special curio for my oils and herbs I like to use in my bath and to anoint my candles for meditation or ritual. The kitchen is a magical place, as I love to cook and entertain! I put out fresh herbs, flowers and fruit, and when a bouquet of flowers or herbs is on its way out I simply dry them and decorate the table or save for sachets, dream pillows or other uses. I love to sprinkle dried herbs and petals onto candles, to infuse elements of nature into all I can within my space. I feel as though I am embraced in a warm hug from Mother Nature and can find meaningful expression of my moods, my desires and what I honor in life. I'm fortunate to have my own den at home, where I choose to surround myself with 100s of books, art, and all my treasures. I've created a meditation station/altar space for daily contemplation and sacred ceremony, and have my desk where I can write my classes, workshops, stories and this article! Even if you have a small space in your yard, front porch, or anywhere you can have a special chair or cushion, you don't need much to create your own sanctuary in and around your home. Here are some ideas on creating a sacred space and bringing a little more magic and nature into the home:
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 I enter into the moonlight, the crisp air of the night brushing my flesh as the slight beat of a rattle and a drum pulse behind me. I look around to see tree lines, a quiet wood, and a blazing fire before me. The smoke speaks to me, wishing to whisk me up into the sky for the answers that I seek. "How do I remember?" I ask. "How do I see?" I wait in anticipation to be consumed by the flames, looking above for guidance 'Can they hear me?' I wonder. The rattle ceases and the drumbeat grows louder, a steady pulse rushing through every ounce of my being. The rhythmic, cardiac beat entrances me and my sensations begin to shift. Eyes closed, I feel a gentle tugging at my heart as though something nudging to lift me up. To fly me up into the sky, through the cosmos and into the upper world. I sit, I surrender, I wait for the lift. The tugging continues, but I do not ascend. Looking around I see that I am still alone, the blackness of the evening hovering over the landscape and holding my energy onto the earth. I begin to feel a different pull, a knowing that the underworld is where I am meant to go. Turning around I see a distant cave, its open mouth leading straight down into the earth. Without hesitation I make my way into the grotto and follow the dim light deep down beneath the earth's surface. Moving with ease, the beating of the drum follows me and leads me along my way. Easing past the twists, turns and dark corners my anticipation grows as my heart goes along with the rapid beating of the drum. Dark gives away to light then turns back into darkness, flashes of earth and rock blaze past my eyes. I was moving with some speed and knew I must be getting close.  -Finally I arrive into the underworld and my guide awaits me. Soft grey hair, jetting out in every direction like short silk strands moving through water. Reaching taller than I, her eight arachnid legs grappled the uneven earth as her one red eye peered at me. "What messages do you have for me?" I asked. "How do I remember? How do I see?" Not needing words she infused a flash of white light into the dark cave, illuminating an enormous web. It faded back into the darkness just as quickly as it came. 'Create'. was the message I received. 'Just keep creating.' She invited me onto her back and we began to journey deeper into the cave, I held onto her soft grey hair as her legs crept up around me like a cage she walked. She moved with the quickened beat of the drum that pulsed all around us.  She brought me to a well of water, its surface illuminated the inky air and shadows around us. She walks us up to the edge and peers into the rippled surface. I see not only our reflection in the water but the reflection of a circle of women all around us. Wise women of old, their grey hair long and their faces loving. Were these the women who had come before, who were to come still? Were they perhaps a reflection of myself from a time long ago, or still to come?Again no words were spoken, but impressions were being made and messages received. That sense of remembering that's been burning in my belly ignited even more, knowing that down to every cell in my being I was moving in the right direction. To remember. To answer the call. Looking over to the side of the cavern a white rat with red eyes had joined us. It too offered me messages without words; climbing up and scratching the walls as though to find its way. The yogini in me knew the red in the eyes of my guides had to do with the root chakra, fear, and a sense of safety and security. My spider guide's red third eye was telling me to release my fear and trust my intuition and I knew that I would be safe and protected. She and I climbed onto the back of the rat as all three of us now worked to make our way. We went down a few tunnels, none illuminated by the light and we had to eventually turn and try another way. We came upon a tunnel glowing with the light I knew I needed to follow. It welcomed us all like it was lighting our way home. 'Follow the light'. They sent me up into this tunnel on my own, staying behind for when I needed to return for more counsel. The drumbeat began to slow as I made my ascent back up into the woods. As I reached the top I emerged to see the moon still shined bright, quiet and formidable. The forest was still and the only sound was a gentle breeze moving through the branches. The final strokes of the drumbeat solidified my consciousness back into my body, the cool crisp breath energizing all of my senses. As the pulse ceased and the final drumbeat was struck I felt the silence ringing in my ears. It felt as though the soul whispers I had been receiving were still resonating within the fabric of my being, and woven into my heart~ This was a Shamanic journey I had taken, a practice to work with direct revelation and connect to my ancestors, spirit and animals guides. It is a powerful practice to connect with your own Divinity, tap into your creative potential and ignite your inner light. It is the most ancient form of meditation dating back over 77,000 years. I am very new into this practice and am thankful for having found it. See my Shaman friends and inspiration below! *The spider symbolizes balance, wisdom, creativity, communication, a networker, cyclical, crafty, fate, protection. * The rat represents fertility, stealth, scavenging, intelligence, enjoys luxury, intelligent, wealth, success, drive. *Get a full list of Animal totems and guides here Try a journey with Shaman Sandra Ingerman Begin your own journey practice at home with Teri Williams to connect you to wisdom, unconditional love and healing One of my other favorite Shamans and business neighbor, Megan at New Myth Energy Shaman Apprentice Lisa Harthun at Healing Balance will be performing beautiful Crystal Bowl Healing meditations at the studio for each solstice and equinox of 2018 to help shift our energy with the seasons Answer the call with the book Witch by Lisa Lister and the book Rise Sister Rise by Rebecca Campbell I thank you for letting me share my journey with you and as the Shamans say....Aho!   You may or may not recognize my logo as The Seed of Life, a member of sacred geometry and universal symbol of creation. This is a newly found fascination and interest of mine....when I first saw the shapes and images I wasn't sure how to decipher them or knew what they were all about. Then I began my research and journey on this truly amazing subject stemming thousands of years. Sacred geometry is where science meets mysticism. There are universal shapes found all over history, nature and the universe; sacred patterns that design everything in the cosmos. These natural occurring patterns can be measured, repeated and found EVERYWHERE. We've all heard the phrase 'as above, so below', well blessed be these forms are found from the spirals in the galaxies to the shell of the tiniest sea creature. There is an interconnection woven into the very fabric of existence! Based on geometric structure, mathematics and form this concept has modern day scientists agreeing with ancient mystics. For thousands of years churches, temples, mosques and more have used this sacred geometry in their design. 'God's blueprint', as it's been known. The geometry contains circles, triangles, hexagons, spirals and more and are also connected to the elements of earth, air, fire and water. Combining these with the 5 platonic solids you get sacred geometry. Common sacred geometry figures include the Flower of Life, The Seed of Life, and Metatron's Cube. Metatron's Cube has an interesting story and it explains the birth of the universe itself  Metaton's Cube is constructed of 13 spheres held together by many intersecting lines. The spheres represent a feminine aspect of creation, the lines the masculine. The weaving of them together creates total interconnectedness and wholeness. The shapes that create the universe are inside of it's structure. This is the most sacred of the figures and the number 13 has it's significance. It's said the 13 spheres represent: 13 archangels, 13 energy centers, or chakras, and the 13 keys of creation. Enter the Seed of Life, which is a universal symbol of creation. It's deeper meaning is infused in it's shape, and it is the seed of the flower of life, which which then leads to the fruit of life. Don't let it seem complicated, as it's already everything that's around us it's simply learning a deeper meaning behind it! Included in the seed of life are the feminine circles representing the 7 days or creation, as well as the 7 Chakras. The 7 circles in total, 6 each connected perfectly around the 7th, creating that delicate seed in the center. The seed of life can be found in most major religions and ancient cultures.  Here you can see the Seed of Life, how it is the 'seed' in the Flower of Life, which holds the Akashic records of of living things in the universe. Within the Flower of Life you can find the Tree of life and it's 13 spheres, used in the Kabbalah. Everything in the universe is constructed by these sacred blueprints! Leonardo da Vinci used sacred geometry in his work, see it depicted here.  The Hexagon can be made by connecting the points through the seed of life (as you can see to the left), making an even deeper connection. The hexagon I wanted to incorporate due to it's significance to community. Hexagons are found throughout nature, including snowflakes, beehives and represent communication, balance, union, harmony and integration. This powerful symbol is found everywhere, down to a cloud vortex on Saturn and our own DNA! Hexagons are tessellate, meaning they can be repeated across a single surface without any gaps or wasted space. Bees (and nature) and truly tuned in to using this shape in beehives to insure there is no room for wasted energy and most efficient. These interconnected bonds from space to space insure that each individual unit is an important part of the whole. So there you have my introduction to sacred geometry, this is a vast subject I will continue to study, interpret and incorporate into my teachings. I wish you well, make your day as magical as it can be and remember you are an important part of the vast picture of the universe, and the fibers of your being are interwoven into everything around you. Be well and live your magic!   Well this super-charged month of transformation is upon us....are you ready for what it's about to bring? With two eclipses this month, a full moon lunar eclipse followed by a new moon solar eclipse we are being presented with an auspicious opportunity for a full cosmic reboot. While astrology is not my strong suit, research is. So while I'll not spend this article talking about your sign or what houses the eclipses fall in, I've done the research and have you covered on what to expect and how to use these energies coming forth this month. Eclipses are a time of change and transformation, as are the beginning and end of a lunar cycle. Typically the time of the full moon is a peak time for emotions and manifestation, as well as a time to let go of what's no longer working. The new moon is our reflection time and a time to plant new seeds and set new intentions. The moon is our 'inner world' and emotions (yin energy), the sun is our 'outer world', our actions (yang energy). Lost yet? Stay with me. Before we get to the nitty gritty on what to expect, let's take a moment for a little Eclipse 101. Here's the basic breakdown of lunar and solar eclipses. What is an eclipse? An event that involves 3 celestial bodies and their relationship in position to each other; the sun, the moon and earth. Lunar Eclipse: An event that happens at night when the earth passes between the moon and the sun. This event is safe to watch with the naked eye. Solar Eclipse: An event that happens during the day when the moon passes between the earth and the sun. This is NOT safe to view with the naked eye as it can cause serious damage. (see where to get your solar eclipse viewers below) Ok, now that we have the basics down, let's explore what can expect with these two celestial events. Eclipses are ways for the Universe to help get your soul back on track. In our human experiences our egos can get in our way and we get off course, distracted by the many things in life. And as Yasmin Boland of Moonology put it, 'these two eclipses act as a portal to a new existence, it's whether or not we choose to go through it or not!' It's important to remember the energy at the time of an eclipse can be 'solidified in the air' on Earth, and this energy can be felt for 3-6 months after the eclipse. The heightened energies being put forth can begin to be felt 2-3 days before the eclipse, so it's important to pay attention and be mindful of our thoughts and actions. Let's start with the full moon lunar eclipse to happen on Monday August 7th. This heightened time of energy will work as a SUPER PURGE to ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. Don't fight the change and don't fear the clearing process! The glow during this lunar eclipse will work to illuminate all that is not working in our lives, a time to really see and accept what we need to let go of. So take this time to look at yourself square in the eye, be real, be honest, and get to the raw underbelly of your emotions. Let go of any resistance and consciously work to release what's been holding you back from your true or SOUL purpose. The color of the lunar eclipse can vary, and this all depends on the amount of dust in the atmosphere. Color of the eclipse can be changing shades of gray, dark brown, to gorgeous and fiery red or orange. From what I've found it's said that we will not be able to view the lunar eclipse from North America, but you know I'll still be outside doing my work! Click here to download my lunar eclipse musing and meditation sheet to use during the eclipse! Now it's time for the new moon solar eclipse to take place just two weeks later on Monday August 21st. Times for the maximum view of this event vary depending where you are in the world. If you're in Detroit as I am, the count down and beginning is at 1:00 pm and the max view of eclipse is around 2:27 pm. This event will end 3:47 pm EST, so it lasts for almost 4 hours! The event has a larger energetic effect on us as well as other animals, plus cool effects to really pay attention to. So to begin, think of this eclipse as a SUPER CHARGED new moon. This is the end side of the portal we must choose to move through to find real transformation. The sun and the moon come together, and a brave, warrior energy revolutionary with inspiration will come through! This is the time to close a chapter in your life for good, to see what you have learned up until this point and how you can move forward from this point on. This can also been seen as a disruption in energy flow, so be aware of how you are feeling. Hyper-awareness can emerge and it can be confusing to some, so stay connected to your intuition. And here are some really cool things to look for during the solar eclipse. Remember, you can NOT safely look at the eclipse without proper eye wear, I ordered my eclipse viewing glasses here.
Well, there you have it. My breakdown on what to expect during these two rare events that could very well change your life! And to make it extra interesting, Mercury goes retrograde in between it all on Saturday August 12th! But that's a whole other discussion.......Join me in my Goddess Session on Thursday August 31st to discuss our experiences with the eclipses and discuss what Mercury in Retrograde means and how to work with it properly. Good luck and God speed, lovlies. See you on the other side of the portal!
Many Blessings, Akasha Rae Resources: www.moonconnection.com www.darkstarastrology.com www.moonology.com www.educateinspirechange.org www.siddhayoga.com  Every month we get a change for a fresh start, a clean slate. When we sync our energy with nature we can follow the path of least resistance and learn to go with the flow as oppose to pushing against the tides. The moon controls the tides of the oceans, and since we are made up of mostly water it’s said the moon has a tremendous effect on us as well!
The full moon is the height of the lunar cycle, where things come into fruition, built up energy comes to a climax, emotions can run amuck if we aren’t careful. Tremendous yet subtle power is coming at us even if we aren’t aware, so positive intentions are key! Whatever we put out we get back amplified. This transformative time of the month is a time to let go of what no longer serves us and make room for change in our lives. A time to detox, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. Old thought patterns, self-sabotage, toxic or negative beliefs or people can be obstacles for bringing into our lives what we want. Challenging times teach us lessons. We must acknowledge and thank every lesson brought to us, good or bad. Find gratitude in it all then release what you no longer need to hold onto. Take the time of the full moon to do some internal work-reflect, forgive, find gratitude and release! Make room to manifest what you do want and stop giving energy to what you don’t. Keep it positive and remember your given a monthly opportunity to make real changes in the direction of your life. Musings for this Meditation: *What is keeping you from bringing what you want into your life? *What lessons have you learned? What can you acknowledge, honor and release? *What has worked for you this month? What has not worked? How can you make a positive shift to create what it is that you want?  As summer nestles down into a slumber and we get that first rush from a cool breeze, something happens and we begin to shift our energy. Whether we realize it or not, we follow Mother Nature’s lead and sync with her circadian rhythms. She has spent the last season on fire reaching a height of growth and fertility, celebrating the power of the sun. Our energy matched hers, spending time outdoors and enjoying all she has to offer. Some of us may have even celebrated the Summer Solstice by offering 108 Sun Salutations with the rising of the sun. Longer days prevailed, and now they have begun to wane. Longer, regenerative nights lie ahead-and we need to take advantage and set our intentions to match hers.
At the Autumn Equinox we hit a complete balance of light vs. dark, and have now just fallen past that tipping point. Now that we’ve burned off that fiery energy of the sun we can begin to shift to a more reflective, cooling energy of the moon. A season of letting go, we begin to settle under a blanket of reflection to see what hasn’t worked in our lives. Reaping the harvest of our past few months of hard work and investments, it’s time to till the soil and release what didn’t pan out. Our lives mirror the seasons, and if we align our energies properly with can work with the cycles instead of against them. So as the world is set ablaze with the colors of the fall, here are 6 ways to align your energy with Mother Nature and find magic this season: 1. Let it go Use the elements of Mother Nature to let go of what no longer serves you. Allowing for contemplation, autumn is a time to turn inward for deeper self-healing and take a look at all we’ve worked to build. What do we need to work on? What didn’t work, and we can release? Create your own ritual of letting go. You can write down what you wish to release, toss the paper in to a fire (only safe practices here, a fire pit or other means of outdoor burning) and watch it turn into ash and disappear. You may also bury the list into the dirt and allow it to be consumed by the Earth Herself. Perform these rituals under the full moon to enhance their effects. Gather a sage bundle or smudge stick, used in purification and protection, to cleanse your home of negative energies. You may also use Palo Santo, wooden sticks made from a mystical tree in South America, found in some metaphysical shops. Related to Frankincense and Myrhh, this ‘Holy Wood’ helps to cleanse home and energy, enhance creativity and enhance immunity. 2. Protection Yourself & Your Home Every fall we gather beautiful chrysanthemums to adorn our home with beautiful colors of the fall. But did you know these are known to be flowers of protection? When we get closer to Halloween then the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest this flower is said to keep the evil spirits at bay. Red mums offer love, yellow & orange bring joy & good cheer, purple represent power & passion, white invokes the truth & bronze encourages a loving, happy home. Gather your mums to create a happy, healthy environment for your pets and your family. You may also set out stones of amber for added protection. 3. Make a Feast! Gather friends and family to celebrate this time of harvest. Foods of the season include root veggies such as beets, potatoes and carrots, nuts, breads, corn, figs, honey, as well as apples which are said to be a most magical fruit! Pomegranate and its seeds are related to Greek Goddess Persephone and her return to the underworld every fall season. Cider, beer, wine and mead can be added to the table as loved ones offer gratitude and reflection during this celebratory time. 4. Set Up Your Meditation Altar Create your space to align your energy with the shift in seasons. The colors yellow, orange, red and brown set the tone for autumn and the changing of the leaves as they work to let go and prepare for winter. Some elements to adorn your altar include: candles, herbs of ivy, myrrh and sage, cloves, cinnamon, and stones of amber and hematite to offer protection and grounding. Add photos of loved ones and what holds gratitude in your heart, or write down a mantra you can return to every day during this shift. Offerings of fresh cut flowers, honey and mead can add another element to invoking the creative and nurturing side of nature. 5. Keep a Gratitude Journal Listen to the transition, journal and prepare for self-healing and reflection. You find you can sense, feel and become one with the change happening all around you. Once you’ve released what you no longer need you are more able to sit back and look at all that you have. Cultivating gratitude is very powerful and has a tremendous effect on your over-all health and well-being. You may choose to journal outside in nature, sitting under an oak or maple tree to connect with their energy and wisdom. This is also a nice ritual to be before you go to bed at night. Begin with some light yin yoga poses to offer the cooling energy of the moon and set a reflective and restorative tone for your journaling. 6. Seva-The Art of Selfless Service When we cultivate gratitude we see all that we have, but may also become aware of what many do not. Take this time to practice the art of Seva, or selfless services. Offer to volunteer at a nursing home or hospice, bring offerings and your kindness to the homeless or disabled veterans. Offer some free classes or services to those who may otherwise not be able to afford such things. Join together communities and help to offer gratitude and self-healing to others and match the nurturing side of Mother Nature during this time. Mother Nature has all that we need readily available at our fingertips, we simply need to know how to apply it and connect with her energy for transformation and change. So let’s work with the currents of the Earth and find a ride with them into beautiful alignment, peace and well-being. Bring a little magic back into your life this fall and nurture your mind, body and spirit. Namaste. |
AuthorHello lovelies. Thank you for letting me express my journey of discovering my magic and Divine Feminine. I am happy to share my experiences with you to heal, love, and evolve. 
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