Archive for September, 2009

The official date of the Fall Equinox this year, where night and day meet in equal balance, is September 22, 2009 at 5:18 pm EDT. For many cultures the fall equinox is celebrated on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels including; gathering the harvest (abundance), offering thanks for the bounty received (gratitude) and reviewing the results from the growing season (reflection). It is a propitious occasion to reflect upon the undertakings of the year, using the opportunity to transform each experience into wisdom and restore balance if needed. Given that the equinox of 2009 occurs during Mercury retrograde, there is greater probability that actions from this year will return for review. As the autumnal season signifies the final harvest from the fields, it’s also time to review how well the seeds of thoughts and dreams planted in the spring have flourished into an abundant harvest this fall.

In this spirit of thanksgiving and contemplation, take the time to offer gratitude to each person met this year, whether the encounter appeared to have been positive or not. By doing this each person who created an impact on one’s journey is honored at the soul level. In life all people are simultaneously teachers and students. It is difficult to fully understand what has not been experienced. Thus, the journey of life is one of seeking experience. From experience comes knowledge and applied knowledge ripens into wisdom. By honoring the experience, each moment becomes sacred with personal and divine value representing that all encounters present the opportunity to learn and grow.

These cumulative actions create an auspicious window to release excess baggage and stagnant energy (prune), in which to begin the new year with a clean slate. Letting go of limiting thoughts and actions (what has been reaped and sown), changes the future by manifesting an open, positive and receptive atmosphere to bring new ideas to fruition.

Of great importance to remember during this time is that the only constant in life is change; events will occur, choices are made, and actions are generated. While the past cannot be altered, the bountiful harvest of wisdom gained from each experience is a gift. Life can present us with great tragedy and tremendous joy. With a discerning mind, we can locate the grains of wisdom and insight to plant as seeds for the future.

Ways to Celebrate: The Fall Equinox is a wonderful time to celebrate abundance, gratitude and reflection with family and friends. Celebrate this occasion by hosting a special dinner. Decorate your home and table using leaves, berries, cornucopias and the colors of Autumn; orange, brown, red and gold. Pumpkins, apples, seeds, bread and gourds are traditional items to display and include in the dinner. To connect each guest with the celebration, ask them to bring an item to share that signifies what they harvested this year, whether in their garden or in their life. For example, one could bring honey to signify they have learned how to appreciate sweetness in life. At the dinner party ask each person to share what they have learned this year regarding gratitude, abundance, growth or creativity and then offer a toast to each experience with red wine or apple or grape juice. Enjoying the equinox with good friends can lead to empowering conversations, facilitating the opportunity for each guest to reflect on the good in their lives and reaffirm their commitment to go forth and create their dreams.

More about Kala Ambrose:
Kala is an award winning author, intuitive and talk show host of the Explore Your Spirit with Kala Show. Her thought-provoking interviews entice listeners to tune in around the globe! Described by her guests and listeners as discerning, empowering and inspiring, she speaks with world renowned authors, artists, teachers and researchers delving into metaphysical, holistic and paranormal topics. Kala’s  book, 9 Life Altering Lessons: Secrets of the Mystery Schools Unveiled delves into the mysteries of ancient Egyptian mystery schools and explains their wisdom teachings. Kala lectures on Esoteric Teachings,  Developing Business Intuition, Working with Auras, Chakras and Energy Fields, and Wise Woman Wisdom. Kala’s Guided Meditations CD’s have just been released with Spirit of Hawaii and Egyptian Mystery Temple and Tibetan Mountain Journey.  More info: www.ExploreYourSpirit.com

Since the first cave paintings, we humans have found creative ways to express ourselves with art. We naturally draw, paint, and doodle to capture thoughts and feelings. Art has also been used throughout history for healing. Studies show that it creates brain wave patterns that enhance the autonomic nervous system, hormonal balance, and brain neurotransmitters. While doing artistic expressive art, the body’s physiology shifts from stressed to serene.

It’s often easier for a child to talk about pictures than about himself or his feelings (grief, anger, shame, etc.). Drawing will allow your child to express difficult feelings or to disclose what he might not share verbally. Your child’s artistic expression will give you a clearer sense of his inner struggle, an insight that will help you guide him.

Drawing also increases your child’s awareness of his inner world and creates a window onto that landscape. In addition, a child’s artwork can be a launching point for conversations that reveal her thinking about the world around her.

You don’t have to be a trained therapist to use some art therapeutic techniques with your child. Just stock up on a variety of supplies—giant rolls of paper, colored paper, crayons, and a variety of markers, including scented, metallic, fat, thin, even markers that change color as they write over another color. Then try the following art exercises to explore new ways to communicate with your child.

Draw a self-portrait. On a large sheet of paper, trace your young child’s body. Have her fill it in. Older children can design and complete their own. Drawing increases your child’s awareness of her inner world, and it’s easier to talk about a drawing than to express troubling feelings.

Picture the future. Artwork is also an effective starting point when you’re working with clear end-goals, like getting a good night’s sleep or reducing a fear. Have your child draw two drawings—how things are now and how he’d like them to be. Kids often hang these pictures in their bedrooms to remind them of their desired direction.

Show and tell. After an imaginary journey, such as a walk through a special place she imagines with her eyes shut and tells you about, have your child draw her experience. The picture gives you both something to look at and discuss. If the drawing illustrates a problem—say, a dangerous goblin or a fire at home—ask her what might solve the situation. She can even draw the solution right onto her picture.

Accept every drawing. Some kids have a tough time committing their mental pictures to paper; they fear they won’t measure up. Reassure your child that anything he creates is fine. Sometimes all that comes are strokes of bold color evolving out of a wonderful or terrible feeling that is finally set free on paper. Praise each one. They are the artifacts of your child’s inner world.

Talk to the image. Once your child has spilled his feelings on paper, he can converse with them. He might use his picture of Fear to ask what it needs to calm down, or to tell it to leave. It’s much easier to speak to feelings when they’re outside than when they’re gnawing away at his tummy.

Take artistic action. It’s a great release when a child can draw her angry, hurt, or upset feelings, but pictures don’t have to be static. She can erase part of it, or draw over it in “healing” colors with a changeable marker—an immediate transformation that feels magical. She can even rip up or throw away the paper. These actions can offer a hurting child a sense of control and satisfaction.

Capture the memory. The special places your child visits on her imaginary journeys are personal healing sanctuaries. Hanging pictures of them somewhere private but visible will remind her that she can return whenever the need arises. Drawings of trusted animal friends and wizards can help her remember support is always near.

* * * * *

More about Charlotte Reznick…

Charlotte Reznick is a child educational psychologist, an associate clinical professor of psychology at UCLA, and author of a new book, The Power of Your Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success (Perigee, 2009, $14.95). More information at: www.ImageryForKids.com

Talk about armchair quarterbacking with a twist. Courtney Roberts has an M.A. in cultural astronomy, specializing in the history of astrology in ancient religion with more than 25 years of experience in consulting, teaching, publishing, research and organizational work. Courtney brings a refreshing and unique perspective to the whole idea of cosmic influences in our daily lives.

With football season ready to rumble, I sat down with Courtney to discuss the astrological impact on this year’s NFL lineup. Courtney shares not only predictions, but also looks into the personalities of the players and candidates. I’m not the only person to discuss football with Courtney, she was just on ESPN reporting about astrology and football. If you love the game or have a friend or family member who does, this is one interview not to miss!

Kala: Courtney, nice to chat with you again.. We’ve had you on The Explore Your Spirit with Kala Show as a guest discussing your book, The Star of the Magi and also again to discuss the impact of astrology on the president election in 2009. It’s wonderful to now have you here for my column on the Examiner.

Courtney: Thanks, Kala! It’s great to talk with you again!

Kala: Few people know that I’m a fan of football and have always loved the game. College, Pro, even a backyard game of flag football, I enjoy it all. ESPN recently had you on to discuss astrology and how it can demonstrate real astrological principles in action. Tell us about this, how did you first determine that you could use astrology to predict football and other sports?

Courtney: Kala, I’m excited to learn that you’re such a big football fan! I just love the game, and the people in it. I was first introduced to sports astrology back in 1994, and immediately became fascinated with the proposition that sports presents to astrology. Sports, in general, and football, in particular provide the perfect proving ground for astrology, and a great forum for observing astrological principles in action. It’s one area of human endeavor that is completely objective, verifiable, and timed right down to the very minute. After over a dozen years of observations, I’ve learned so many amazing things about astrology from football, and from watching how all the planetary possibilities play out. While astrology is certainly not the only factor in winning, I can say that it definitely is a factor.

Kala: All right, let’s get right into it. This season, what do you see. Can you give us an astrological rundown on how the season’s going to go?

Courtney: The season gets off to a rather surprising start, with some startling upsets, and grinds down to a grueling end, by January. All in all, a tough season with some difficult disappointments before the eventual champion emerges in February.

Kala: Brett Favre turns 40 in October, reports tell me he was born: October 10, 1969 in Gulfport, Mississippi. What do you see in his astrological chart that may have caused him to retire from Green Bay in 2008, then come right back out of retirement moving on to the New York Jets in 2008 and now with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009? Why does he push on at his age, when most other quarterbacks have retired at this point in their career?

Courtney: I believe the biggest factor in Brett’s original decision to retire is his birth date – he’s getting on. That’s no surprise, but it’s no secret that Librans are notoriously indecisive. Relationships have so much bearing on anything he does. His relationships in Green Bay were obviously wearing thin, plus he’s worried about spending enough time on his family relationships. Still, once he gets down on the farm, he misses the game, and maybe that’s the most important relationship of all. The guy just loves to play.

Kala: Regarding Brett Favre, he is the only player to win the AP Most Valuable Player three consecutive times and he led the Packers to seven division championships, four NFC championships games and two Superbowls. He holds many NFL records including: most career passing yards, most pass completions, and most career touchdown passes. Like him, love him or despise him, the man has skills. What do you see in his chart that foretold of this and can parents look at charts of their children and see similar potential?

Courtney: Brett has a great chart – again, no surprise there. His combination of the Sun conjunct Jupiter in Libra, in a square aspect/angle to Mars in Capricorn, is just about as good as it gets. He’s gifted, fortunate, attractive, and highly competitive. He’s also been very fortunate in his relationships, beginning with his first coach, his father. There are a number of pro athletes born on or about the same day as Favre, including figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. For success in sports, a strong aspect between the Sun and Jupiter is a big help, and obviously, one would need a very macho, competitive Mars. One word of advice for parents: astrological potential always manifests in action. If your child loves sports, and loves to play, that’s always a good sign.

Kala: This year we celebrate the 50th season of the American Football League. Originally, there were eight charter teams which included the: Buffalo Bills, the Dallas Texans (now Kansas City Chiefs), Los Angeles Chargers (now San Diego Chargers), Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans), Boston Patriots (now New England Patriots), Denver Broncos, New York Titans (now New York Jets) and the Oakland Raiders. Any astrological thoughts as to what this particular birthday will bring for these teams? Interesting to me as well, that this season kicks off during a Mercury Retrograde, how will that affect the teams in September?

Courtney: Oh Kala, you are a fan! How exciting: 50 years of AFL football! It was a very Leo league from day one, full of competitive drama, big plays, high-flying offense, and larger than life heroes. I’ve been an AFL gal all my life. The original charter teams are all going through significant reorganizations, just like the rest of us, trying to keep up with the every-changing economic landscape, but make no mistake about it, they’re still going strong. Lamar Hunt and his original partners had the right idea at the right time, and the AFL charts serve as a model for good astrological business organization. You’re right, the season does kick off while the planet Mercury is Retrograde (appears to be moving backwards) but I’m more concerned about a much larger configuration: Saturn in Virgo in opposition (180 degrees from) to the planet Uranus in Pisces. That’s signaling significant upsets and big surprises in store, and it directly affects the birth planets of key figures like Mike Tomlin, the Head Coach of the league’s reigning champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, whatever happens in Sept./Oct. could be old news by January, when an entirely different planetary picture shapes up.

Kala: This season’s SuperBowl, Super Bowl XLIV will be held on February 7, 2010 in Miami, Florida at Dolphin Stadium.
Two questions:
1. What can you tell us astrologically about this date surrounding the SuperBowl…

Courtney: It features some very exact alignments between Jupiter in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn which strongly favor clayers/coaches who were born with Planets in the early degrees of Water signs like Pisces and Scorpio, and Earth Signs like Taurus and Virgo. It also features a very difficult square (90 degree angle) between Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn, which puts a rather harsh spotlight on players/coaches with planets at 4 degrees of the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). These guys will be playing at the highest level of intensity, but will most likely be frustrated in the end and the championship will go to the guys with the good Jupiter aspects.

Kala: 2. Once the two teams are announced who will play in the Super Bowl, could you look at the date and predict which team would have a better advantage according to the date?

Courtney: I have to say that the Super Bowl tends to be pretty easy to predict, especially on the point spread. That’s mainly because it’s such a big game, with so much attention focused on it that the astrological indicators are quite large. I cast charts for the beginning, middle and end of the game, and analyze the performance of key players within that time frame. It’s a lot more technical than most folks realize, and a lot of math!

Kala: I’ve got to ask about my favorite team, the New Orleans Saints. Any good news for us this year?

Courtney: Oh Kala! You? A Saints fan? They are one team that has an historically documented lack of luck, so I admire your loyalty! They’ve got a good lineup this year, and while it will be far from their worst season, … I daresay their luck will once again run out in the end. Sorry, but, Someday!

Kala: I’m from Louisiana Court, got to love the Saints and LSU, Geaux Tigers! Thanks so much for joining us Courtney for this chat. If your schedule permits, we’d love to bring you back early next year to discuss the two teams who will play in the Superbowl.

Courtney: That’s a great idea. At the beginning of the season, there are so many variables in play that it’s just too early to try to narrow the field down. Once we get to December/January the data becomes a lot more manageable and we can begin to get a lot more specific. So yes, I would love to come back, and I’m always happy to talk about pro Football, America’s game!

More about Kala Ambrose:
Kala is an award winning author, intuitive and talk show host of the Explore Your Spirit with Kala Show. Her thought-provoking interviews entice listeners to tune in around the globe! Described by her guests and listeners as discerning, empowering and inspiring, she speaks with world renowned authors, artists, teachers and researchers delving into metaphysical, holistic and paranormal topics. Kala’s  book, 9 Life Altering Lessons: Secrets of the Mystery Schools Unveiled delves into the mysteries of ancient Egyptian mystery schools and explains their wisdom teachings. Kala lectures on Esoteric Teachings,  Developing Business Intuition, Working with Auras, Chakras and Energy Fields, and Wise Woman Wisdom. Kala’s Guided Meditations CD’s have just been released with Spirit of Hawaii and Egyptian Mystery Temple and Tibetan Mountain Journey.  More info: www.ExploreYourSpirit.com

Enjoyed this article? Kala welcomes your comments and reads them all. For more articles by Kala Ambrose, visit her main page at National Metaphysical Spirituality Examiner.

This Summer, I began a new feature on the Bohemian Blog, dedicated to Inner Beauty and Fashion. It was originally meant to be a summer time feature, a brief respite and break from our busy lives and a moment to relax and reflect on the beauty in our world, both natural and man made. These articles have proved to be so popular though, that I’ve decided to continue them year round as I meet more beautiful and talented artisans who bring such natural wonders to our world. We continue here with this next article, as we move quickly into the fall season. On this path, I encountered Melissa Harris, the founder of Creatrix. Her work speaks to the Inner Goddess in every woman. Join us here as we enter into a sacred space and discussion. Enjoy… *~Kala~*

Kala: Hi Melissa, Thanks for joining us here on Kala’s Bohemian Blog. We’re featuring a special section on the Bohemian Blog entitled Inner Beauty and Fashion for the Body, Mind and Spirit. Your company, Creatrix features art on Women and Magic, Women and Nature, Women and Dreams, Women and Love, Women and Meditation, Women and Cats and Cycles of the Moon. What was your inspiration to create this metaphysical line of art centered on women?

Melissa: I’ve always been interested in women’s empowerment.  If you looked at my astrological chart, you’d see that I am all about that, and, in fact, women’s issues in general.  I love examining how women are so connected to the earth and how that connection manifests, including how we are so aligned with the cycles of the moon.  At the risk of sounding as if I am anti-men, I believe that in recent times women really are the care-takers of the planet and are helping to bring things back to a balance whereby we all, as a people are more connected to and have a greater respect for this beautiful planet we live on.

Kala: I’ve enjoyed your work for years, purchasing your Creatrix line of products in various stores on notecards and prints. Recently I discovered that you offer Spirit Essence Portraits. Tell us about these portraits….

Melissa: Thanks Kala. I have been psychic all my life and worked as a professional psychic reader in the 80’s until I felt like I was missing my painting too much and didn’t have time for it all.  I put that aside for later and about 4 years ago was missing doing that work.   I wanted to find a way to combine that with my artistic talents and voila- the Spirit Essence Portraits were born. These sessions are an opportunity to receive the gifts of my intuitive abilities as well as owning an original Melissa Harris watercolor painting.

Kala: I recently commissioned a Spirit Essence Portrait from you, as seen here. Describe what is being portrayed in the portrait here and how the process unfolds for you. Do you work with spirit guides, are you being guided as you paint? Does the reading come first and then the artwork or do they flow out at the same time?

Melissa: The sessions work like this: I light a candle, say a prayer and call in my spirit guides as well as the spirit guides around the other person as well as any other friends in Spirit that may want to join us. If the person is present we hold hands (since I work also through touch), do a general attunement and see what unfolds and if we need more info we go in deeper to that particular area. When that part of the session feels complete I put on some music that feels appropriate for that particular person and issues that the are working with and create the painting as they sit right there.

If I am doing a remote portrait I have the person send me a good close up photo along with a list of a few questions that they may want guidance on. I perform the same ritual of lighting a candle and calling in the Guides and then take detailed notes on my answers, which I later record and send the recording along with the painting.

Kala: How important is it do you think to connect Body Mind and Spirit in all activities? Were you always connected with Spirit from childhood or was that something that occurred later in life for you?

Melissa: To answer your first question: I have this conversation often with my life partner. We both feel strongly that it is important to keep all 3 healthy because we experience such quick manifestations of our thoughts coming into reality on the physical plane. It’s really always been that way with me.  I have to be very careful to keep my physical body in good shape because I have manifested some health issues that I have dealt with but that were so obviously a direct consequence of some of my beliefs.  I could go on and on about this subject but to sum it up, YES I feel it is my responsibility to stay connected to where I am emotionally so that I am operating at optimal levels at all times.  I have a lot to do in this lifetime and a passion for doing it.

I have always felt connected to Spirit though when I was a child I experienced that feeling mainly through Nature. I also remember looking into a mirror and realizing that I was a soul separate from that person and that experience always amazed me.  When I was in my late twenties I experienced my channel opening in a profound way and it was right after that that I began offering my insights to others. There is a long version of this story on my website in the bio section if others are interested in learning more.

Kala: Your education and background includes being a Fulbright Scholar who studied in Paris for 2 years on a grant for painting. You have a BFA in painting from Syracuse University in NY, and a MFA in painting from Queens College, in Flushing, NY. You also studied at the University of Virginia, the Brooklyn Museum Art School, and The New York Studio School. You teach private classes combining drawing, painting, and meditation, and have held workshops at the Omega Institute, The New York Open Center, and other centers throughout the US.  In  addition, you’ve shown at nearly two dozen solo exhibitions, and many dozen more group exhibitions, in both the US and France.  How has your time spent in Paris inspired you and what you create as an artist?  Do you find travel and life experience to be the best tools an artist can access or is formal education in art more important?

Melissa: Paris – wow, it was a long time ago but I can go back there mentally in a heartbeat,  it was so intense  Actually, in reality it was not one of the easier periods for me in my life in an emotional sense.  Paris was the longest period of time in my adult life that I had the luxury to focus solely on my artwork and not consider my livelihood or anything else for that matter.  I spent a huge amount of time alone meditating and going to yoga classes taught in French.  It was a time of much inner exploration.  Since I lived in sort of a dorm like situation in a building that was for US students studying in France, I was among the oldest there and didn’t have much in common with the others living there.  It forced me to become comfortable with a solitary lifestyle in a way that I had not experienced before.  Sometimes I found myself depressed due to lack of socialization that fulfilled me.  But it was also very rich in that I was learning how to channel and becoming very attuned to my guides and own inner voice.

For me and many artists that I know travel is very important because most creative people need outside stimulation for their expression.  I definitely am inspired by changing my environs frequently, since a good part of my recent body of work consists of landscapes. This was not always the case since in my early artistic career all of my work was inspired by people around me. Now it’s a combination of nature, relationships and Spirituality in it’s many forms.  So I do need to move around a lot to continue to discover all the beauty to be found in Nature.

Other artists may work abstractly or with portraits or still life and may not need as much change or stimulation. I need a good amount of both. I don’t think that there is a formula for what an artist needs. Only that person knows what they need for inspiration.  Many people come to my classes that are blocked and we work on discovering what might serve as catalysts to get them excited about expressing. I love helping folks make those discoveries.

Kala: As an powerful entrepreneur, you’ve found an outlet to share your talents with the world. How does what you do for a living also express who you are as a person?

Melissa: Good question! What I do for a living really IS who I am as a person on many levels and I am so fortunate to be able to say that.. So much of who I am consists of being both intuitive and creative. If I were working in a different sort of environment these components of myself would not be best utilized, although I am always “tuned in”. When I am not painting, however, I actually get very grouchy- (just ask my partner or my friends). So it is not in my best interests NOT to be working creatively daily.  I worked for many years waitressing, so that I could work at night to make money and use my days for painting. I was annoyed all night long that I had stopped where I was at with my painting that day and ended up manifesting some back problems as a result of both the lifting on the job – but also from the anger I held in my body from having to stop painting and “go to work”.

Kala: The colors and images in your work are both inspiring and empowering and it’s beautiful to see how you connect with the Divine Feminine energy.  How would you describe your personal spiritual path? Do you feel that you are continuing the work as described in the past as of the Goddess or walking a similar path?

Melissa: Incarnating in this lifetime as a woman has been very important for me. I feel that it has been part of my path of service to do as much as I can to empower women and contribute to the awakening and strengthening of the Sacred Feminine. I used to consider myself quite masculine since I can be aggressive about voicing my opinions and getting my work done but a therapist once pointed out to me that I am actually very, very feminine in that I am SO RECEPTIVE, which is really the embodiment of the feminine principle.

Kala: Do you accept custom orders for art beyond the Spirit Essence Portraits? What has been your favorite product or artwork that you have designed thus far?

Melissa: Yes, I accept custom orders for any type of artwork, whether it be a traditional portrait, a pet portrait, a painting of one’s home, etc as long as I have time to fit it into my schedule.  I also accept commissions for book and CD covers.

I have several favorite images and they change as I continue to add to my huge collection of images. My favorite product is my CREATRIX “Anything is Possible” activation card deck since it was a lifelong dream to create a divination card deck.

Kala: You mention your affirmation deck called Anything is Possible. Tell us about your affirmation decks.

Melissa: I have 2 decks out- The Goddess on the Go affirmation card deck and the deck mentioned above.  The Goddess on the Go deck was created by Amy Sophia Marashinsky, who contacted me to do the artwork.  It’s a a small deck of 33 uplifting and stunning paintings of women on the go combined with a heart-centered nourishing phrase. Designed especially for the fast paced life style of today’s women/Goddesses, it is small enough to fit anywhere and light enough to be carried around everywhere. Goddess On the Go is accessible, positive and upbeat, your own private support group that can cheer you through difficult situations, soothe your raw edges and help you back on track when you feel overwhelmed.

The CREATRIX Anything is Possible activation card deck showcases the universal stories of women I have gathered and archived in the thought-provoking art in this deck. These activation cards serve as a guide through 33 universal challenges women experience. Women can turn to this accessible tool for inspiration, contemplation, comfort, direction, exploration, or daily as a reminder that anything is possible. The cards are organized into four suits including invocation, grace, keys and initiation. The accompanying 48-page booklet includes definitions of each card written I wrote with inventive ideas for divination and guidance spreads.

Kala: Who is Melissa Harris? If your friends and family were to describe you in five sentences, what would they say?

Melissa: When I asked my last partner if they had to use one word to describe me what it would be he said “intense”. I recently asked my current partner and he said “perfect”. I like both of these descriptions!  Depending on which women friends you asked they might say “silly, passionate, driven, creative”.  My father often describes me as “sweet” and also “spacey.”  My siblings would comment- “emotional,”  moody, supportive and possibly “controlling” .

Kala: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to connect more with their entrepreneurial side and start their own business?

Melissa: I would advise them to be very honest with themselves in asking if they have what it takes to self motivate each day instead of getting up and going where you have to be at an appointed time. I am very driven and don’t have any problems getting myself into my office or studio daily and going to work with an enthusiastic attitude even if all is not going smoothly.  THIS DOES NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE. Some people get discouraged easily. If you are not a “type A” personality I would advise you trying to get others to publish your work and stick to a more traditional job. Having one’s own business is not for everyone.  It’s a never ending job and some folks (including myself) don’t always know when to call it a day and take a rest.

Kala: Beyond your work here Melissa, what inspires you? How do you Explore Your Spirit?

Melissa: I guess I would say that I am always connecting to my inner self and asking what I need to stretch and grow.  That often comes through things I have always mentioned, people and travel. I had a spiritual awakening early on and did all sorts of reading and studying on many subjects, anything I could get my hands on, and in those days there were no such things as New Age Books or bookstores. I studied astrology, Native American traditions, theosophy, and Pathwork (more on that on my website.) These days I often accompany my partner to Spiritualist Church services and sound healing sessions with a local sound healer that I love.. But always, it is by being surrounded by nature (especially water), as well as those I love, and continuing to paint that makes my spirit sing.

Kala: It was a pleasure speaking with you Melissa. Looking forward to experiencing more of your divinely inspired artwork and best wishes for your continued success.

Melissa: Thanks Kala and all the best to you as well.

Melissa Harris was a former guest on The Explore Your Spirit with Kala Show. Listen to her interview in the archives here: http://www.exploreyourspirit.com/Media/shows3.shtml#CREATIX

More about Melissa Harris…

Melissa Harris holds an MFA and BFA in Painting and was awarded a Fulbright grant to study painting in Paris. CREATRIX is her company featuring her artwork and messages on notecards, prints, and other gift items. Her work can also be found on book, magazine and CD covers as well as calendars. She teaches art-making workshops at spiritual centers throughout the US and at her home studio. Melissa finds her inspiration in nature, travel, personal relationships, and dreams. Series include butterflies, women and magic, women and nature, women and dreams, cycles of the moon, intimacy, and more. Melissa states, “Whatever my subject matter is, I like it to have a certain edge whether compositional or emotional. I like to think that a key word for my work could be “depth”, depth of space and depth of emotion”.  More information at: http://www.melissaharris.com/

What is Consciousness? I spoke recently with friend Eva Herr about this very question. In her experience as a radio host and author, she has asked more than fifty learned people to respond, scholars in the study of the mind and consciousness. She said that she received fifty different answers. But I have a short and concise answer that she just may not have heard uttered. I want to share this with you.

Today, as I cut the grass on a beautiful and warm Hawaiian day, I didn’t think of consciousness as I steered the riding mower around the couple of lawn acres, not thought of it at all until I had to trim along the fences with a self propelled hand mower which, on the uphill grades, is not always effortless. Then it hit me: To have two gas-powered machines, let alone the fact that one can be mounted like a horse and has a drink receptacle, was truly a gift. I could have had to push some old-fashioned reel mower which would have required days of effort and may have stressed my heart. Well, it came soon on the heels of that thought that just to be able to ponder such a question is another gift, just as is my stopping to view the beautiful fluffy white clouds in an azure Hawaiian sky. So, what is consciousness?

My friend Robert Bruce, author of Astral Dynamics, asked me a dozen years ago if I could fashion an appendix for his book. He wanted me, as a brain surgeon, to describe the location of consciousness and the seat of the soul. I did this for him, taking time to study the work of great scholars.

There were many guesses as to the location of consciousness, but none seemed to be correct. According to Gerald M. Edelman, “Consciousness is neither a thing nor a simple property.” Edelman has asserted that a fundamental property of consciousness is that it cannot be broken down into independent components. That is to say, consciousness is integrated within the brain, and involves many widely separated areas.

I began my study with the work of the famous neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield (Montreal Neurological Institute), who found that vast areas of the cerebral cortex can be removed without affecting consciousness. However, small areas of the brainstem, when destroyed, will seriously affect or abolish consciousness. Brain stimulation cases show that found that the “mind,” not the brain, watches and directs human cognition and function.

Thanks to Robert’s request for my opinion, I came across something that allowed me to finish my book, Medicine, Miracles and Manifestations as it seems to prove that we incarnate on Earth to follow a carefully crafted plan. That critical piece of information is the Bereitschaftspotential and as demonstrated by the work of Dr. Benjamin Libet, (University of California, San Francisco). Libet described it as a “readiness potential” that can be picked up by EEG electrodes (a la Libet) or in modern times, functional MRI studies. It is a brain signal that precedes a consciously-made motor movement by roughly 350 milliseconds and it indicates that what we seemingly do of our own volition is actually initiated in the subconscious mind. Although we feel we have made a conscious decision to do perform an act, it is not so.

I investigated the work of many other luminaries in the field and was left with the thought that can be best described by the following quotation:

On the surface of things, nothing appears as it is.

And yet, everything that appears unreal,

is more real than the surface of things appears to be.

Now, after having a few years to reflect on consciousness, to study the work of others and to listen to their learned discourses, I have reached a concise description of what consciousness is. Perhaps in a few years my thoughts will change, but for now, I will say this:

“Consciousness is a gift.  Consciousness is a miracle”.

Dr. John L. Turner was a guest on The Explore Your Spirit with Kala Show Listen to his interview here: http://exploreyourspirit.com/Media/shows8.shtml#TURNERMEDICINE

More About Dr. John L. Turner:
After graduating from the Ohio State University with a degree in engineering physics, Dr. Turner continued in graduate school at the Ohio State University, Department of Physics. Three years into the PhD program, he was given a book about Edgar Cayce, The Sleeping Prophet. This changed the course of his life! He was excited about the existence of a spiritual world and made immediate plans to attend the Ohio State University’s College of Medicine where he earned his M.D. He completed his internship year in general surgery and his first year neurosurgical residency at Ohio State University. He completed the remaining four years of neurosurgical training at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. For eighteen years, he served as the sole neurosurgeon on the island of Hawai’i, initially performing lifesaving procedures with a marginally trained staff and substandard equipment. By all measures, John L. Turner is a surgeon with classic western medical credentials. From his first day on call in Hilo, Hawai’i, metaphysical events appeared for his edification and continue to the present day.

Medicine, Miracles, and Manifestations, is the twenty-year story of Dr. Turner’s contributions to the field of neurosurgery through Integral Medicine. The concept of Integral Medicine has been written about by notable members of the medical community, including Andrew Weil, Larry Dossey, Deepak Chopra, Mehmet Oz and Dean Ornish. Each of these writers is a physician who specializes in internal medicine or surgery. What makes John Turner similar to these writers is that he, too, is a physician. What makes him different from these writers is that he is a neurosurgeon. In fact, he is the only brain surgeon to write of medicine from this perspective: hand’s on use of complementary techniques prior to, during and after surgery, and exploration of pathways that lead to the spiritual world. The tools of the surgeon normally have more immediate, measurable results on patients’ health and well-being. With the opportunity to study and operate on the brain, Dr. Turner was in a perfect position to explore the mind-body connection. Medicine, Miracles, and Manifestations reveals how metaphysical events such as remote viewing, telepathy, consciousness and life-after-death are verifiable manifestations of the manner in which the human brain interfaces with the universal consciousness that author Lynne McTaggart refers to as The Field. More info at: www.johnlturner.com

America’s Haunted Road Trip tours the greatest haunted areas around the US and now they want to hear from you!

Do you have a haunting experience that you’d like to share with others, which could possibly be published in a GhostHunting book?  America’s Haunted Road Trip is publishing a collection of great ghost stories  and spooky photos in a book entitled Ghosthunting USA 2009  made up of the best entries in their first-ever writing and photo contest.  If you’ve got a ghost story you think will scare the wits out of readers or a photo you’ve been dying to share, this is the contest for you.

The deadline for ALL contest entries is OCTOBER 1st.
The complete contest guidelines and entry forms are available for download here: www.americashauntedroadtrip.com under the “Ghostwriting Contest” tab.

So if you have a friend or family member you know is itching to fill everyone in on their spooky tale,  let them in on the America’s Haunted Road Trip GHOSTWRITING Contest.

–America’s Haunted Road Trip GUIDELINES——–
(see their website for full information on the contest rules and entry form)

STORY CONTEST
Sure, Hamlet saw a ghost, but we’re not looking for Shakespeare—just well-told, clearly written stories that will fascinate readers and give them a good scare.  The best 25 stories will be included in the published book, as will the authors’ names and titles of all entries.

Your story must be:
True! We’re looking for the real deal. Nonfiction. No fiction, please.
Between 500 and 1,500 words (Include the word count on the manuscript).
Typed and double-spaced.  Include a title.

Tips: If you or someone you know has had a paranormal experience, write it down. Your story could also involve a local legend that people believe is true or a family story that you believe is true.

Before publication, the stories will be professionally edited (editors are already chosen).
Winners will be notified by October 15.
Cost to enter: $15 per story.

GHOST IMAGE CONTEST
Not a writer? Then send us your scariest photograph—one that suggests the presence of paranormal activity.

Your photos must be high resolution—a minimum of 300 dpi—and clear enough that they will present well in a printed book. Cost to enter: $10 per image

Fall is my favorite time of year.  Every summer, right around the end of August, I start getting that itch, that nagging feeling that I’m ready for the seasons to change. I do love all of the seasons and celebrate the coming and going of each one but for me there’s something extra special about Fall. I love everything about that time of year- the beauty in the colors of the changing leaves, the smell of mulled apple cider on cool evenings, the sound of honking geese as they fly south for the winter, and that warm snuggly feeling you get when you put your favorite sweater on for the first time that season.  It feels like a magical time to me when we finally get a reprieve from the long hot summer.

Spiritually, one of my favorite things about this change of seasons is the Fall Equinox and the rituals that are associated with it. I believe, as many others do, that the Fall Equinox is the true Thanksgiving.  It is the time of the harvest and a time to look back on the past year and reflect on what we have experienced and learned.  It is a time of gratitude and abundance. The equinox is the perfect time to release excess baggage or stagnant energy you may be carrying so that you can start the new year (November 1) with a clean slate.

There are a number of rituals that can be done during this time and, being that I own a holistic bath products company, one of my personal favorites is a ritual bath or shower. Unfortunately most people on most days don’t really think about their bath or shower- except to think they need one. I think that people would be much happier in general and certainly happier with their bodies if they were more mindful and thoughtful during their bathing time. What we are thinking about during that very personal time can have a great impact on our physical and emotional well-being.  There is much more to go into on this topic but we’ll save that for another time.  For now let’s focus on what we should be doing for the Fall Equinox.  There are many good resources available that can guide you on rituals for your house and home but again, we’re going to focus on a bathing ritual.

I do this ritual the day before the official Equinox day.  I do this so that I can focus on other rituals and celebrations related to my home and family on the day of the actual Equinox.  Because this is the time to reflect on all of my actions (and inactions) and experiences over the past year I light a candle and spend some time sitting quietly and thinking of all that has come to pass since the last Fall Equinox. I think about the lessons I have learned and those that I am still working on.  I try to pay close attention to any negative thoughts or energy I may have.  I also try to think about the seeds that I want to sow in the spring, the lessons and adventures I want to take on in the coming year. When I feel like I have gone over the past year and my experiences and taken note of any negative thoughts and energy I want to be rid of I get into the shower.  I actually prefer a shower to a bath for this particular ritual because once I am in the shower I take all of those negative thoughts and energy and I visualize them being washed away as the water washes over me.  I see them swirling down the drain, away from and out of me. When I feel that my etheric body has been cleansed I move on to my physical body.  For this particular ritual I use the White Light soap from our Celestial Farms product line.  This soap has a clear quartz crystal embedded in it which is useful here because clear quartz enhances energy by absorbing and balancing it- which is exactly what we want at this time- absorbing (negative energy) and balancing (equinox literally means equal night or  balance).  I wash my body with the soap (and the embedded crystal) from head to toe, all the while thanking the Universe for all that I have and all that I am. Since I am bathing I pay particular attention to my body and I say things out loud such as, “I am thankful for the body I have been given in this life. I am grateful for all that is has done for me and I treat it with love and respect”. I also take a few moments to give thanks for my family and friends, for the life that I have and for the coming year.  Once I have rinsed the soap from my body I use the White Light Dead Sea Salt Scrub where I gently exfoliate and purify my body with the therapeutic energy of the Dead Sea.  The salt scrub also has a clear quartz crystal in it so I know I’m doing even more to absorb negative energy and keep myself balanced.  Once I have rinsed the salt scrub off I am ready to get out of the shower.  As I towel myself off I visualize myself surrounded in a blanket of White Light and I say out loud, “I am surrounded by Pure White Light and all that happens, happens for good”.

And remember it’s Thanksgiving so give thanks and live abundantly!

Next time we’ll talk about the importance of positive thinking while bathing.

More About Niki Fountain….

Serene Bath & Body was the vision of its owner and founder, Niki Fountain. As a young woman, Niki, like many girls her age, found herself with a poor body image and did not treat her body with the love and respect it deserved. One surefire way to lift her spirits when feeling down was shopping for and using sumptuous soaps and lotions. Nothing felt better than indulging in a little luxury (even if, while in college, the checkbook didn’t agree). The act of bathing with a wonderfully smelling soap and finishing with a silky smooth lotion created a sense of peace and well being. Through the years Niki was able to overcome her body issues and realized that everyone, especially young women, needed to learn to care for and respect their bodies- physical and otherwise. She wanted them to experience the same indulgence and feeling of serenity that she felt while caring for her body. This is what inspired Serene Bath & Body. She wanted to create products that would help young girls and women learn to love their bodies and treat them well by using high quality products that nourish the body, the mind, the spirit and the soul. Niki earned her Masters Degree in hydrogeology and has a professional background in developing and perfecting soaps. She spent several years in a university laboratory as a hydrogeologist developing soap formulations to be used to “clean-up” chemicals that had been spilled into groundwater. She has been applying this experience and knowledge ever since while working in the environmental industry, cleaning up sites that have been contaminated with chemicals. She has since taken this knowledge and experience and applied it to developing and perfecting formulations of soaps for people. Additionally, being a geologist, she is intimately familiar with crystals and gemstones and both their physical and metaphysical properties. She uses this knowledge while creating new formulations for Celestial Farms that include various combinations of bath products with the appropriate crystals to obtain an array of desired outcomes (relaxation, invigoration, aura cleansing, etc). More info at: theserenestore.com