Interesting Times

As an empath, these days are very interesting and extremely challenging for me.  The energies around at the moment are ... well ... interesting - and that's putting it mildly.

From a small child (most of which I can't remember) I had built walls around me to protect myself.  I come from a twice broken home.  My Mother has undiagnosed mental health issues.  My family are very, very, very Christian.  I didn't leave the church myself until 6 years ago now.  I have spent the last 6 years trying to - I want to say "recover", but it would more be a mix of "recover" and "de-program" myself.

I was always the odd one out.  I still feel that way.  I pick up on the littlest thing, but other times I can be as thick as two short planks.  I pick up on energy, not always what people say.  Sometimes I have to read something 3 or 4 times for it to sink in.  Being easily distracted (read "ADHD") doesn't help this.  I try my best, and that's all I can do.  I live for me, not anyone else.  My life is mine, and my path is mine.  Not yours, not my mother's, not anyone's.  I'm open to suggestions, but not people telling me what to do.

I've been through a lot of shit in my life.  I often wonder why, but then I remember that before I was incarnated this time my higher self decided on the lessons I needed to learn this lifetime.  Kinda puts a different spin on things when you think like that.  You realise that your life isn't a series of random events, but more like a carefully orchestrated symphony.  How hard my life is, or can be, is totally up to me.  If I chose not to learn a lesson, around the mountain I will go ... again and again until I learn that lesson.  At every single moment in my life I have a choice, whether to be the victor or the victim.  It's my choice.  You can't make it for me.  You can enlighten me to that choice, but you can't make it for me.

Once I chose to stop being the victim, everything changed.  Things started to fall into place.  I found myself empowered to change my life and to do amazing things.  I found my path in life to be more joyful.  I found my giftings started to surface from where I had buried them long ago.  It was like welcoming an old friend.

I allowed those walls I had built as a child to start to crumble.  I have slowly been dismantling them over the last 12 months.  I still have a ways to go, but I can function now as I should be.  I'm living, not just surviving.  When you ignore your gifts for as long as I have there is going to be a period of adjusting, of learning, of accepting.  Things don't just fall into place overnight.  It does take time.  Each day is a learning experience for me.  I have grown and changed and matured so much in the last 12 months.  But I've only just scratched the surface, there is so much more to discover and learn and enjoy.

This last week has been very interesting.  The energies have been very unusual, and I feel it more than most because I'm empath.  I'm not saying that to boast.  I'm saying that to explain.  I have been a mess of tears since last Wednesday.  There's a lot of endings in my life at the moment, and some new things coming, so close that I can reach and and touch but not here yet and it's so frustrating.  These are things I've been believing for, praying for, spelling for, I have crystals and altars set up.  These are things that I need in my life, like my Twin Flame.  But I am at the endings bit, not quite at the beginning bit, but it's soon.  So soon.

All I can do is hang on for the ride.  I am stronger than I think.  Crying doesn't mean that you're weak.  It is a way of releasing pressure and cleansing yourself to be ready for the next thing.  The strong cry because it makes them stronger.  Sounds weird, but it's true.

Hang on to your dreams.  Don't ever let them go.  Don't just follow them, chase them down and crash tackle them and make them yours.  Don't ever let anyone steal your dreams.  You CAN do it.  You can be whatever you want.  You can have whatever you want.  You are strong enough, just like I am.  Hang on tight.  This ride is about to get wilder.  Are your ready?

Children Have Worries Too

I had a suggestion from a friend leading up to the last market to make some worry dolls suitable for boys.  I’ve only just been able to get to working on the idea now that the market is over.
This is what I’ve come up with.  They are Worry Monsters.  They are roughly 20cms tall.  They all have a heart applique, because you need a heart to really be able to listen.  Monsters come not named.  I think it’s better for the child to name their monster themselves.  These monsters will listen to your child’s worries and not tell a soul.
They will sell for $10 each and will be available in my Etsy shop over the next few days.  The black one has already found it’s keeper. <3

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from the Oracle of the Shapeshifters by Lucy Cavendish.  Words from the accompanying guidebook.

BATS IN THE BELFRY – You Can Achieve Great Things

You have managed to actively show through the choices you have made that it is possible to do what others once insisted could not be done.  You have clearly shown that the miracle that is your life is a result of the decisions you made to no longer be limited by fear and conditioning.  You have been so very brave.  The choices before you now are expansive.  Don’t become too light headed.  Consult your self, and heed the advice of others who too have broken free and are flying high.  This does not make their advice right for you, in a rote and formulaic way – it makes their example authentic – far more so than those who suggested you stay smaller than you obviously had it within you to be!

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from Ravynne Phelan’s Messenger Oracle.  Words are from the accompanying guidebook.

HAVE COURAGE

There are times when you feel small, afraid and alone in the world, but you are not alone.  You are watched over and cherished by Gaia and Great Spirit.  Know that you have within you the strength to overcome all obstacles placed in your path no matter how daunting or large they may seem.  Have courage.  Now is the time to trust in yourself and have confidence that you will overcome all.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day – from Oracle of the Dragonfae by Lucy Cavendish.  Words from accompanying guidebook.

GWYNNE AND ELLUISH – Attunement

Communication between beings, including people, animals and magical beings via the senses.  Incredible understanding between beings: soul-fusion and comprehension of meaning without a word being spoken.  You may have recently discovered that yu can often understand what another being has to say without them uttering a word.  Becoming more clairaudient, being able to receive messages that you “hear”.  Development of the chakras to do with hearing.  Becoming much more sensitive to sound.

Working with Gwynne and Elluish

Trust your dreams, intuitive messages, insights and visions.  Know you are receiving messages telepathically at this time.  Take heart if people do not understand where you are receiving information from.  If your friendships seem strange to older friends or family members, do not buy into their judgment.  Finding animals or other beings easier to understand than people.  Developing your intuition to a more subtle level, befriending animals, plants and looking to the natural world for love and support as much as you do the world of people and technology.  Letting go of unnecessary technologies.  Listening to the whispers of spirit and of the soul.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from Messages from your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards by Dr Steven D. Farmer.  Words are from the accompanying guidebook.

PLATYPUS – Stop complaining and focus your attention on the blessings in your life.

Complaining about this or that is a way to blow off steam, which can be healthy to a degree, but ultimately, it isn’t very helpful – for you or anyone around you.  Lift yourself up no matter what your present life circumstances are, face the day head-on, and notice which thoughts you tend to put most of your attention on.  Whatever the nature of those thoughts, the consequences manifest not only in your feelings, but eventually in the world around you.

Power flows wherever your attention goes.  Power is Life Force, or Spirit.  When your attention is focused on negative thoughts, negative experiences result.  So whenever you notice yourself repeatedly attending to negative thoughts, practice shifting your attention to thoughts of gratitude.  Consider the blessings in your life.  What are the things that make you happy?  You may find a discrepancy between what makes you happy and what you’re doing in your life right now.  If that’s the case, choose to alter one or the other:  Either change your life and start doing what makes you happy, or change your thinking to enjoy whatever is happening in the moment.  It’s up to you.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from Ravynne Plelan’s Messanger Oracle.  Words are from the accompanying guidebook.

WASH AWAY YOUR BURDENS

As you have moved through life, you have undoubtedly experienced moments that have inspired feelings of regret, remorse, shame and guilt.  You have made promises you have not been able to keep.  You have judged and blamed yourself and others.  You have burdened yourself with feelings born of acts that cannot be undone, which still bind you to the past.  It is time to forgive.  It is time to lie down in the healing waters and let them wash away your burdens so you can move forward with spirit cleansed.

Rune of the Day

PERTHO – Words are from “Reading the Runes: A Beginner’s Guide” by Kim Farnell

Pertho’s primary meaning is that of initiation, of things that are hidden and unexplained and of the working of the fates, which leads to its association with the Nornir.  It points towards that which is beyond our powers.  Powerful forces of change are indicated, so at times it represents surprises, gains or rewards that you did not anticipate.  Being concerned with the deepest part of our being, Pertho refers to the bedrock on which our destiny is founded.  It can refer to transition or letting go of everything.  Those things that you know on an unconscious level can come into the light and help you to understand the higher meaning of things.  Pertho suggests the vagaries of chance that cannot be controlled.  It symbolizes the warrior who constantly tests himself against chance and luck.  Because of this, it also represents luck in action or any gamble or risk that is undertaken.  It represents the uncertainties of life and the interaction between your personal free will and the constraints of your circumstances.

Pertho is also the Rune of memory, recollection and of problem solving.  It shows an unexpected resolution to difficult situations.  As a Rune of mystery, it reveals hidden things and secret or occult abilities.  Its appearance often refers to the disclosure of some sort of secret.  In general terms, Pertho refers to mysteries, the occult, psychic abilities and revelation.  Tradition says that if this is the first Rune to appear in a casting, the reading should be aborted because any advice that follows will change the course of fate and anger the Norns.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from Dr Steven D. Farmer’s Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards.  Words are from the accompanying guidebook.

PEACOCK – Let yourself stand out and be noticed.

It’s time to step forward and stop hiding behind any of the facades that you’ve developed over the years.  Although these personas have been highly adaptive and have helped you along the way – for which you can be grateful – there’s more of you to express to the world, and it’s ready to emerge.  There’s a certain safety and comfort in being inconspicuous and always staying in the background, yet in playing it safe this way, others don’t have the opportunity to get to know who you really are, and you don’t get to experience the richness and textures that are possible by participating more fully in life.  By remaining in the background, you nor only alienate yourself from others, but often end up allowing others to choose for you.  Doing so can make you feel like a passive victim of life.

Being noticed does have some risks.  People may criticize or judge you, particularly if they’re not used to you asserting yourself in such a way.  Or you may even judge yourself, which can be an even harsher sentence.  These are the likely risks, but they’re actually very minimal.  So shed any guilt or shame about coming out with who you are.  Wear more colourful clothing, sing, dance, and let others know your thoughts, feelings, and opinions.  You can do so with grace, dignity, and enthusiasm – and you might even enjoy it!

Counting Down

Only a week to go until my market on Facebook.  I’m getting really excited now.  I have a few more things I want to make, some more necklaces and some plain tarot pouches and a couple of other things.

This is a necklace I made yesterday, yes for the market.  The pendant is Mother of Pearl and the beads are rose quartz.  I did the macramé cording so it is symmetrical.  It’s a shorter necklace, but not so short that it’s a choker.

Really happy with how my necklaces are turning out.  They are so relaxing to make.  Love doing handwork.

The top left is a piece of Australian lepidolite, and the top right is a piece of Rhodonite.  The colours are not true to what they are in real life.  The lepidolite is more purple and the rhodonite is more pink and black.  The mother of pearl pendant at the bottom is what I used in the necklace above.  I am planning to turn the other two into necklaces this week for my market.

Really excited at what I’ve been making and how things are turning out.  This has stretched and challenged me no end.  So much fun.  <3

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from The Faeries’ Oracle by Brian Froud.  Words are from the accompanying guidebook.

THE GUARDIAN AT THE GATE

Passages to new life.  Openings.  Gatekeeping.

Drawing this card indicates that a passage is being made to the beginning of something new in our lives.  It speaks of new opportunities and new openings.  Passing through this gate may lead to a physical journey, a mental or an emotional one, or a journey of the spirit.  It always leads to adventure.  This gateway will also lead to significant change in our lives.  The passage through such a gate changes us.

The gate we face may not seem like much, the decision to enter may not seem to be a matter of great moment, but the presence of the Guardian at the Gate tells us that something important is happening.  It indicates that going forward through that gate is no small thing, but something to be approached with awareness and prayerfulness.  We are embarking on a new phase of our lives, and there will be no going back once this gate has been passed.  That is the kind of transition the Guardian at the Gate leads us to – always irrevocable change.  We may, of course, ask the Guardian at the Gate for guidance and protection on our journey – and we would be wise to do so.

Alternatively, the presence of the Gatekeeper in a reading may indicate that the querent is being asked to help open a gate for someone else, to help provide an opportunity for them.  The job of a gatekeeper (or gatekeeper’s assistant) is merely to open the gate, not to push people through it.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from Brian Froud’s The Faeries’ Oracle.  Words from the accompanying guidebook.

LUATHAS THE WILD

Haste. Impulsiveness. Fire. Spontaneity. Balance.

This card says that wild creative energies are being brought to whatever position it represents in the card layout.  It often fires up the things that surround it (represented by other cards), energizing them as well.  It tells us that is it important to think and act creatively, and it says that the energy to do so is available.  New approaches are called for here.  Old ideas and old behavious will not do it.  Sometimes it may be useful to draw another card (or do an additional layout) to get some suggestions about what those new ideas might be.

Alternatively, Luathas may be telling you to go for something – NOW!   Sometimes it is important to take the risk of making a fool of yourself to gain something amazing and wonderful and miraculous.  Sometimes when Luathas says, “GO FOR IT! NOW!” it is important to do so.  And sometimes it isn’t.  If the only reason for caution is that you’re afraid of looking silly, it probably is time to go for it.

Remember, then, that you need to keep an eye on Luathas.  Don’t let him have control of your schedule or the accelerator in your car.  He always thinks going faster and taking chances is better, and sometimes he is even right.  Use sense and stay grounded, even while he takes you off on a flight of fancy.

Shaman Necklace

I had purchased this gorgeous Chinese Jade Shaman pendant from Worldly Treasures in Orange.  It is very old.  I’ve forgotten just how old so am trying to find out.  I fell in love with him when I first saw him and decided he would be the first of a hopefully long series of shaman necklaces that I was hoping to create.

I matched him up with some turquoise beads and natural coloured hemp cording and created this piece.  I am totally in love with how he has turned out.  He is certainly a piece of power.  He will be for sale at my Earth Walkers market in just over a week’s time.

Speaking of market, I still have a lot of things I want to create for market, but think I might run out of time.  There’s so many ideas swimming through my head.  I am using this market as a gauge to see what I should focus on.  So far the two pieces that have received the most attention are this necklace and the doll that I made.  Shall see what sells quickly on market day.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from Messages from your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle by Dr Steven D. Farmer.  Words are from the accompanying guidebook.

SEAGULL – “Now is the time for deep emotional healing”

The emotional sea that’s hovering just below your consciousness is a well of feelings that needs to be acknowledged and expressed.  Expressing emotions doesn’t mean indulging in them compulsively or creating drama around them.  If there are tears, let them simply be tears and allow them to flow.  Cry or laugh as much as you need to.  Explore these feelings by sharing them with someone you trust, or write about them in a journal, paying particular attention to the sensations in your body.  These sensations are clues to the layers of emotion that are just below the surface of your awareness.  By either talking or writing them down, you bring them into your awareness, find relief, and create an opportunity to release them.

Don’t let this be a theatrical exercise, one where you act or try to force yourself to feel something you’re not.  Make sure that you include a good dose of humour from time to time, particularly is you’re dealing with darker and scarier emotions.  It’s not necessary to cleanse the emotional and psychic scars that remain from earlier experiences too frequently, but now is the time to do so.  Should you find yourself starting to get lost in the whirlpool of traumatic memory, change the scenery by physically moving or intentionally distracting yourself in some way.  It isn’t necessary to cure yourself of the feelings associated with these memories all in one setting; instead, simply relieve some of the pressure that lurks below the surface.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from Ravynne Phelan’s The Messenger Oracle.  Words are taken from the guidebook.

Do not distance yourself from life and those around you.  Reach out.  Ask for help or support if you have need.  Or, if someone within your circle is in need of care and support then give it without hesitation or question.  A trouble shared is a burden halved.  Now is not the time to withdraw and be alone, nor is it time to leave another in need.  Be aware.  Be caring.  Be compassionate.  Reach out and be a friend and allow others to be a friend to you.

Bags and Dolls

I am still busy creating for my market.  It’s less than two weeks away now.  I know I will have enough things made.  I’m getting excited seeing so many lovely creations in my home.  Will be nice to see them all go to their forever homes.

I still have a few things to make, and lots of ideas ready to explore after market.  This has become a really exciting journey for me, and I’m happy to be able to share it with so many.  There are lots of great things happening in my personal and spiritual life too.  But those stories have to wait for another day.

Here is one of my latest creations.  It’s a cute little monster bag.  I’m thinking she needs eyebrows.  But I’m so happy with her.  Lots of work in her, as the seam on the inside is hand-stitched to cover the raw edges, and the handles and binding around the top are hand-stitched on as well.  She is once again lined with dense cotton batting, and she has a small magnetic snap for closure.  I’m hoping to have another one made for market, but I’m not sure if it will happen yet.

This is my pride and joy.  She still needs some finishing touches.  She is from Magic Threads’ pattern, The Secret Keeper.  She is a little Halloween crone, as yet un-named.  She is 12” tall.  I will only have one available at the Market, and she will be at a very special introductory price.

There are more goodies yet to be made, and I will be offering some readings at very special prices as well.  Even though I am really busy, it is lots of fun and I am enjoying myself immensely.

Rune of the Day

Rune of the Day is URUZ.  Words are from “Reading the Runes” A Beginner’s Guide” by Kim Farnell.

Uruz is always concerned with some sort of beginning, the birth of something new and the end of one cycle and the start of another.  It represents challenges and everything concerning the unknown.  This Rune contains great creative power, it also represents free will and the ability to make decisions that can take you onwards into new circumstances.  It is a force for change and shows a time to take action.  Personal success could be at hand, and you need to be ready to accept the power that comes with it.  Uruz is the Rune of strength, good health and sometimes advancement in your career.  When included in a casting it can show that your dream or wish is coming to pass.  In some positions it can represent the male in a relationship.  Uruz represents a strong, masculine force of energy and assertiveness.

The appearance of Uruz suggests that you will soon notice an improvement in business and finances, although you have to work for these.  Although there are new challenges ahead, you will have the energy to work at them.  It is primarily a Rune of  good fortune, exciting events and success.  Uruz represents energy, passion, vitality, fertility and the unconscious.  It is mostly concerned with the natural and instinctive sides of our nature.  It also represents bravery, questing, initiation, challenge, untamed spirit, masculinity, stamina, independence, strength and action.  The outlook is particularly good for vitality and the return of health after a period of sickness.

Card of the Day

Card of the Day is from the Messenger ORacle by Ravynne Phelan – Embrace the Dark.  Words are from the accompanying guidebook.

You have been taught that all is either good or evil, negative or positive; good gives rise to good, and bad gives rise to bad.  It is wrong to have feelings of anger, dislike or fear as these emotions are born of our shadow self.  This is not Truth.  Everything happens for a reason.  Love can give rise to destruction, and hate can inspire acts of genuine love.  The lessons offered by our shadow often teach us the most.  Know your shadow self.  Love it.  Without the darkness, the stars cannot be seen.

Rune of the Day

Rune of the Day is ALGIZ.  Words from “Reading the Runes: A Beginner’s Guide” by Kim Farnell.

As a Rune of protection, Algiz often tells of a fortunate new influence entering your life.  It also suggests that this is the right time to follow your instincts.  Friendships are in the forefront of your life now, and an old or new friend may offer assistance.  It may tell of an opportunity that someone will offer you.  Accepting the opportunity or offer can turn you in a beneficial new direction.  It may indicate that a guardian angel is hovering in the background.  Algiz indicates assistance and warning of danger, in addiction to indicating those people and places that will give you support.  It offers new opportunities and challenges, along with the emotional stability needed to cope with them.  Things may be turbulent at this time but it indicates that you are making progress.

Algiz symbolises resistant power and is the most powerful defense Rune.  It acts as a shield that can repel evil.  If you are sick, this Rune indicates the return of good health, and it can also signify friends and loved ones who help you to regain your health and strength.  There is a slight warning for you to look after yourself and not to wear yourself out on behalf of others or to allow lame ducks to drain you.

Rune of the Day

Rune of the Day is BERKANO.  Words from “Reading the Runes: A Beginner’s Guide” by Kim Farnell.

This Rune represents birth or rebirth and it is also often referred to as the “birth Rune”.  The birth in question might literally be the birth of a child, but it can also refer to the birth of an idea.  Berkano is considered to be especially powerful in women’s matters.  It is concerned with the power of woman, with birth and with regeneration.  It can be thought of as the family Rune, so it may refer to a happy family event.  Being associated with motherhood, it can relate to one’s own mother, but it is especially connected to the ideas of fertility and the care and nurture of infants and children.

Berkano represents new ideas, fresh starts and new projects – sometimes even a new romance, but whatever the new situation might be, it will be something that brings happiness.

New growth is also symbolized here; tenderness and compassion.  The new idea or project will need careful tending if it is to grow and develop, because if it is not properly attended to – like a neglected child, it will die off.  This Rune is strongly connected with the family and home.  It is also a Rune of co-operation and perhaps a nicer and more peaceful atmosphere within a family.  Berkano represents increased understanding and emotional stability.  It hints at hidden transformation, awareness and growth that may be attained after asking for spiritual help and guidance.

Rune of the Day

Rune of the Day is Raido – words come from “Reading the Runes: A Beginners Guide” by Kim Farnell

Raido refers to travel and also the means of transportation.  It may signify a journey that is taken by necessity or one that is taken for pleasure, and if this is a literal journey, it will be safe, pleasant and enjoyable.  However, Raido can show a metaphorical pathway or road, which can be a way through a dilemma, a journey in consciousness or a change of view. It represents the “vehicle” or method by which you achieve an object or goal.  It allows you to channel your energies effectively so that they will help you.  Thus, the journey in question may be a journey of the soul, taken in order to bring about some form of healing.  Representing movement and motion, Raido symbolises travel and exploration, but it can also denote taking a new start, taking control, leadership and promotions.  This Rune suggests that this is a good time for negotiations and discussions and a time when it is possible to reach a compromise.  Depending on the surrounding Runes, it may indicate unexpected news or that this is a good time to buy or sell something of importance.  In modern terms, this might be a vehicle, a computer, fax, telephone or some other form of communications equipment.  Raido can refer to a quest and your destiny in following such a quest.  Decisions need to be made alongside an ability to see the larger picture, as it advises not to focus solely on your problems or become isolated from daily events but to take the wider view.