100 Wishes for 2008

Our very own Modern Goddess, Nicole, has posted a fantastic exercise to do in her blog.

One of her soul sisters, Sophia of Soul Wings, told her about a practice she started doing many years ago… it is an activity where she writes down 100 wishes for the coming year. She does say that it must be completed by midnight on New Year’s Eve (if at all possible).

So here here are my 100 wishes:

1. To find my bliss
2. I live life passionately and courageously
3. I live my truth
4. I find my life partner
5. Surrender myself to love
6. To live in love not fear
7. All my needs are met above and beyond my greatest expectations
8. To be happy
9. Love and accept myself
10. De-clutter my life
11. De-clutter my home
12. My energy field is cleansed of all that I do not need
13. Buy my home
14. That the decisions I make are right for me
15. That the decisions I make don't hurt anyone
16. My life is divinely guided
17. My family finds peace and acceptance
18. To find a closer connection with my immediate and extended family
19. Have a child
20. Peace, serenity and love fill my life
21. I am healthy - I eat nutritous and tasty foods
22. I am fit - I practice pilates and work out every day
23. I reach my goal weight and maintain it
24. Have a massage at least once a month
25. To laugh more
26. To dance more
27. To meditate every day
28. Surround myself with positively wonderful people
29. Surround myself with beauty
30. Inspiration becomes my constant companion
31. To be debt free
32. Continue to find inspiration for Rainbow Dreams
33. To let go of anger
34. To forgive
35. To be forgiven
36. To heal the rift with my brother
37. See my niece and nephew more
38. To reconnect with friends that may have drifted away
39. To visit my friends interstate more regularly
40. To host more dinner parties
41. To continue my studies in French
42. Spend more time in nature
43. To enjoy the simple things in life
44. Not to take things so personally
45. Take more holidays
46. Visit the coast more often
47. Find a 'home' for Chakradance
48. My Chakradance practice takes off in Canberra
49. My Chakradance classes are full to capacity
50. To run a Chakradance retreat on the South Coast
51. Success fills my life in ways beyond my greatest expectations
52. To attend a spiritual retreat in Bali
53. I travel to California and complete a soul coaching course
54. I travel around the US and Canada
55. To visit India
56. Spend some time in an Ashram
57. To visit Bali for a yoga retreat
58. I get to meet some of my blogging soul-sisters and brothers in my travels
59. I find an exciting new job which is rewarding and challenging
60. To work with fun, professional people who I respect and who respect me
61. To work 4 days a week without losing money of a 5 day a week job
62. To speak at conferences around the country
63. To write and sell freelance articles
64. To create a journal
65. Create a meditation garden
66. Create a writing room
67. Learn a new form of meditation
68. Explore Buddhism
69. Spend more time working with the Goddess
70. Explore the masculine and the feminine of spirituality
71. Learn yoga
72. To try something new at least once a month
73. Wonderful new experiences fill my life
74. Do volunteer work
75. Connect more with my neighbours
76. We are kept safe from bushfires and natural disasters
77. Dad finds a hobby to keep him busy and happy
78. My brother realises the danger he is in and loses weight to a healthy range
79. Marnie and Dennis have a healthy baby
80. Natasha and Craig fall pregnant, and have a beautiful healthy baby
81. Maureen has her successful ankle operation
82. Maureen starts making money out of her readings
83. Yen gets a great record deal
84. Yen tours around Australia to sell-out crowds
85. Jo finds what she truly wants to do
86. Jane gets an amazing job that she loves
87. Jane finds her soul mate
88. That Suzie finds an incredible place to live
89. Dion's business takes off and is successful
90. That my neighbour stops getting crippling headaches
91. The world finds tolerance and peace
92. The world takes environmental issues more seriously and starts proactively doing something about it
93. The drought breaks
94. The grass grows again
95. They find cure
96. The sensless hunting of whales and other animals ceases
97. To let go and live!

I'll be back to finish this ....

Goddess meditation

Season's Greetings

Season's greetings everyone! I hope you all had a magical Christmas and got to spend time with those you love.

Its been so long since I last posted, properly anyway.

November and most of December saw me travelling around the country on photoshoots. My life has been one crazy whirlwind of hard work and adventure. I've had the opportunity to work with some of Australia's best photographers, and I've met some incredible people.

And then, my 4 weeks annual leave was upon me. I was so excited, I had so much planned. And then the universe told me I needed to slow down. On my first day of leave I came down with tonsillitis, I felt as if I'd swallowed a pack of razor blades.

My tonsillitis is still hanging in there, and I'm about to start round 2 of anti-biotics - honestly they look like horse tablets, and I have no idea as to why pharmaceutical companies think someone who is having trouble swallowing water can get one of these babies down. Sheez!

But on the bright side, its been good to have some down-time.

Over the past week and a half, I have started meditating again, I've booked into private training sessions for pilates, and I've read Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love - and if you haven't already read this book, I highly recommend it!

I'm not waiting for the New Year to start my resolutions, there's no time like the present!

I'm blue

You Are A Blue Girl

Relationships and feelings are the most important things to you. You are empathetic and accepting - and good at avoiding conflict. If someone close to you is in pain, it makes you hurt as well. You try to heal the ones you love with your kind and open heart.

What Color Girl Are You?

A meme

I swiped this "meme" from Boho, who swiped it from daisies.

It looks like fun. Go ahead... you do it too!

1. Do you own a gun? No. Are you kidding me?.
2. What do you think of hot dogs? I think they are disgusting, revolting, unhealthy creations (and everything else Boho said).
3. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? A decaff, skinny latte with two sugars
4. Can you do push-ups? How many are we talking about?
5. What’s your favourite piece of jewellery? My chakra pendant.
6. What is your secret weapon to lure the opposite sex? My sense of humour.
7. Middle name? Eileen
8. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment:
   1~ I need to get my sheets out of the washing machine.
   2~ I need to make my bed
   3~ I'm tired
9. What time did you wake up today? 5.30am
10. Current hate? Hypocracy
11. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink:
    ~ peach iced tea
    ~ milky black tea
    ~ coffee
12. Do you own slippers? Yup, now where the hell are they?
13. What shirt are you wearing? My black 'Katwomandu' T-shirt.
14. Do you burn or tan? tan.
15. Favourite colour(s)? Green
16. Would you be a pirate? Hell yeah!
17. What is your favourite holiday? Bah humbug!
18. What songs do you sing in the shower? OMG ... I don't!
19. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? cockroaches
20. What’s in your pockets right now? I don't have pockets on ...
21. Last thing that made you laugh? One of the guys at work, recounting a conversation with our GM
22. Best bed sheets as a child? definitely the purple ones.
23. Worst injury you’ve ever had? broken nose and fractured cheek bones
24. Are your parents still together? No. Mum died 12 years ago.
25. Do you wish on shooting stars? Always!
26. What is your favourite book(s)? way too many to count
27. What is your favourite candy? Pods - choc-mint.
28. How is the weather outside right now? Its cool and damp.
29. What was your first thought this morning when you woke up? Geez ... when am I going to sleep in!

Pensive

I find myself in a strange place at the moment.

My emotions are all over the place. There is so much uncertainty in my world at the moment.

A Note from the Universe lands in my in-box:

"Do not judge the journey, Mich, by the path you're now on.

Like driving cross-country, you can't possibly know in advance if or where you may encounter detours, hairpin turns, or passing cars passing cars with noses and whatnot pressed to the window.

Moreover, little, if any, of the scenery you travel through will remotely resemble the destination you have in mind.

Yet neither the "constellations" you see nor the unexpected maneuvers you take will ever mean you aren't headed exactly where you want to go, moving as swiftly as possible, getting closer every flippin' day.

Road trip!"

The Universe

ARE WE THERE YET !?!

Contemplation

I've been in need of some guidance these past couple of days, so I pulled a card tonight from the Inner Child deck.

My card was the Seven of Hearts.

Seven is a mystical number representing visions, dreams, and contemplation. It is associated with the seven chakras, the seven pillars of wisdom in the Middle East, the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades, and the seven stars of the Big Dipper in the constellation of The Great Bear (Ursa Major).

The peaceful mermaid in this card meditates below an arch of seven Winged Hearts in a submerged Atlantean temple. She wears a seven-pointed star symbolising the light of spiritual protection and guidance. In a sense, she is stargazing.

When you meditate on universal truths and secrets, you can expand your consciousness beyond the boundaries of time and space.

Often, at this point, you become aware of the divine abundance that lives within your heart as well as a greater need for focus and clarity. This may be a time to withdraw your physical energies and settle into the spiritual here and now.

Reacquaint yourself with the power of hidden resources and balance your outer desires with your inner needs. Take time to be alone and nurture your soul. Create your own little world or sanctuary where external chaos cannot intrude. Sweet messages can come to you in these heartfelt moments.

My daemon

What's yours?

A note from the universe

I love these notes from the universe ... they always come just at the right time!

For every fork in the road, Mich, there are often two paths to choose from... the one you "should" take and the one you want to take.

Take the second. Always take the second.

I did,
The Universe

The storm

A storm is brewing

Lightning fractures

As thunder rolls across the sky

The wind picks up rose petals

tossing them around

We can smell the storm

Large drops hit the deck

splashing around our feet

What a glorious Sunday afternoon

Hiding

"Yet it is in this loneliness that the deepest activities begin. It is here that you discover act without motion, labor that is profound repose, vision in obscurity, and beyond all desire, a fulfillment whose limits extend to infinity.

Thomas Merton

As you may remember, I was being gently enticed into the quiet caverns of my soul this week.

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I felt a need to withdraw.

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The golden light of wisdom that shines deep within the cave of my heart ignites the spark of divine life that is buried deep in my soul.

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The knowledge of my ancestry sleeps within my memory.

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I journeyed into the cavern of darkness where I retrieved the treasure of insight and new understanding.

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I meditated, contemplated, and dwelled in quiet reflection.

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I have been finding it difficult to find the time to slow down and experience the tranquility that can facilitate my journey inward.

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I realised that at this stage of purification and growth, it is of the utmost importance to draw my boundaries with care. The essential journey into the recesses of the unconscious facilitates the inner knowledge that will lay the foundation of an enlightened future.

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There are times in our lives, regardless of age, when we must journey into the darkened caverns of the soul in order to heed the call of transition and transformation.

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Inner work undertaken at this time will set the karmic chain of cause and effect in motion for a rewarding future life.

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Ironically, to the extent we resist the invitation to journey within—when that is clearly what is called for—we may experience depression or melancholy.

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Find a quiet place that opens your heart and soul to the beauty within.

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This all-encompassing luminosity is the creative matrix for your new and renewed self.

A note from the universe

Another timely note from the universe. And I guess it explains so much ...

A main "Criteria of Consciousness" for the human experience, Mich, is never having all you want. For as one dream comes true, another swiftly takes its place. Not having all you want is one of life's constants.

And learning to be happy while not yet having all you want (which, as you can see, is constant), is the first "Criteria of Joy." Nail it, and for the rest of your life people will be asking what it is about you.

Desire, Mich, is a beautiful thing.

The Universe

Families

I drove up to Sydney yesterday to visit my niece for her 7th birthday.

It was a lovely evening - she looked gorgeous (and very grown up) in her new pink dress and silver shoes - they grow up so fast.

I also got to spend some time pulling faces at my 4 year old nephew, Samuel.

He's quite the character, as I'm guessing you can tell from the photo below.

Forgiveness

"As swimmers dare to lie face to the sky and water bearns them, as hawks rest upon air and air sustains them, so would I learn to attain freefall, and float into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace, knowing no effort earns that all-surrounding grace."

Denise Levertov

The Universe gently entices me into the quiet caverns of my soul.

My sense of identity shifts from the small self—motivated by fear and the instinctual drive for physical survival—to the soul-spirit self that is characterised by unconditional love and an understanding that nothing of real value can ever be lost or taken away.

I am invited to part the veils of my own ego and extend myself into the realm of the Great Mother of compassion who wishes to embrace me with Her warmth and protection.

I free myself from the confines of fear and doubt. Believe in the possibility of my own resurrection and enlightenment.

It is not easy to empty ourselves of false promises of safety and security and leap into the flames of the abyss. However, it is without doubt my time to release something old, and free myself from the ancient shakles of shame, fear, doubt, guilt, and denial.

I forgive myself, set my soul to the light, and rise up to reclaim my birthright.

A note from the universe

I so needed to hear this today ...

Did you know that whenever you whisper, "I'm sorry..." to someone quietly in your mind, Mich, someone over here sheds a tear and healing begins?

Did you know that whenever you whisper, "Can I help you..." to someone quietly in your mind, someone over here sheds a tear and an army of angels are sent?

And, did you know that whenever you whisper, "I love you..." to someone quietly in your mind, someone over here sheds a tear, healing begins, an army of angels are sent, and 10,000 bells are rung?

Actually, you even have your own marching band that follows you everywhere....

I love you,

The Universe

Joy

I got attacked today by the fuzzy black snuggle-monster.

Yes that's right, as I was reading a book on my sofa, Trinity pounced on me and tried to kiss me to death.

That dog brings me so much joy.

What brings you joy?

Perplexed

The last few days have been a turmoil.

I don't know how to explain it. I'm not sure I want to.

Never have I seen such tension in my family, anxiety.

So I turned to the Inner Child Cards for guidance, for the calming wisdom, and I pull the Three of Hearts.

Ancient Goddess worshipers claimed that the creation of the universe stemmed from the mysterious rhythm and magic dance of the deep waters.

Oriental mystics said that the true self, identical to the eternally dancing deity, sides in the cave of the heart.

This connection between the heart and the Higher Self is an important facet in the evolving flow and harmony of life.

In this card, a happy clam sends up bubbles of laughter as a buried treasure chest containing vast riches and jewels rests unopened. Two joyous sea beings frolic to the magical sounds emanating from a shell harp played by a third sea being, a mermaid.

Tantric tradition calls rhythm the sound power or the heartbeat of the absolute. This beating sound is perceptible when one plunges into the depths of consciousness.

The Three of Hearts is a jubilant call, arousing in you the spirit of play, imagination, and eternal friendship.

As you discover the little child who resides in your heart, let your feelings bubble up.

Let this child know how much it is loved and cherished. Honor the intimate dance that you and this child share. Some tears of joy may flow.

The number 3 symolizes the coming together of friends and family. Listen to the music, and don't forget to dance.

Saturday morning

I opened my front door this morning to the beautiful scent of roses. This glorious fragrance invited itself into my home and floated down the hall way.

My front garden is more traditional - with roses, camielas, azealeas and geraniums.

The back garden is a mixture. On one side I have camelias, daphne and wild violets, however the rest of the garden is full of Australian natives.

I walked bare-footed down the path my back garden. It felt like I was walking on crushed velvet - the tiny flowers on the tree had covered the ground like a carpet.

This time a different fragrance - its sharper, not as delicate.

There is a very light drizzle. Just enough to make everything feel damp.

The birds are singing their symphony.

A sparrow lands on the brick wall by the back door, and pokes his head in as if to say hello.

A light breeze ripples the water on the lake, while the crisp air of the morning caresses my bare feet.

For The Dream

Eileen, your card is from Isha Lerner's Triple Goddess Tarot. Your Card is No. 2, Sanctuary.

Silence is the Mother of Truth.

Benjamin Disraeli

Soul Message: When each day is sacred; when each hour is sacred; when each instant is sacred; earth and you; space and you; bearing and sacred through time; you’ll reach the fields of light.

Guillevic

Alchemy and Transformation: The High Priestess is pictured in The Triple Goddess Tarot as the Wise Goddess who is pure in spirit.

She wears a ceremonial robe representing spiritual power beyond Her personal identity.

Initiation into Sanctuary requires that you engage with the watery depths of the dark waters of the unconscious.

Out of the unconscious, the conscious world is born.

Awakening to the Archetype - The Priestess: The Priestess becomes reactivated when one chooses to follow the path of inner teachings and opens mysteries of the Sanctuary within.

Pilgrimages to Her holy sanctuaries will help you reconnect with the spiritual resources of the Priestess.

Listen with a cosmic ear. See the world with your eyes closed.

Meditation, prayer, chanting, or any form of stillness will bring you into union with higher aspects of your own being, in body, soul, and spirit, as well as into a conscious relationship with the profundity of daily life.

Everyday Encounters: The Priestess archetype is available to us at all times. When an important decision needs to be made, it is the divine wisdom within that helps us align to right action.

It is the way we walk our life each day that matters most.

Our everyday life is sacred.

As much as possible, introduce a mood of inner quiet into daily life, looking beyond impressions, feelings, and impulses of external reality to cultivate your own higher potentials.

A note from the universe

The Universe sent me a note:

"The veils begin to lift, Mich, once defenses begin to fall.
Be vulnerable."

The Universe

Its official. The Universe is definitely conspiring to get me to take the next step.

Okay, okay, I get it.

For Sacred Suzie

I pulled a card from Isha Lerner's Triple Goddess Tarot for you. I hope it means something to you.

Your card is No. 15 Karmic Imprints.

"You darkness, that I come from, I love you more than all the fires that fence in the world – for the fire makes a circle of light for everyone, and then no one outside learns of you. But the darkness pulls in everything: shapes, and fires, animals, and myself, how easily it gathers them! --powers and people. And it is possible a great energy is moving near me. I have faith in nights."

Rainer Maria Rilke

Soul Message:

Life is a quarry, out of which we are to mold and chisel and complete a character. –Goethe

To go in the dark with a light is to know light. To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight, and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings, and is traveled by dark feet and dark wings. –Wendell Berry

Alchemy and Transformation:

At this stage of initiation, the ego meets the daunting task of unraveling and unmasking itself in surrender to the Divine. The price of pursuing true freedom can be very high, at least from the vantage point of the ego; to the extent one is unable to let go of the trappings of the false self, a deep, spiritual form of suffering may result. We must enter the path of awakening through love.

Awakening to the Archetype – Kali:

The Hindu Goddess Kali appears at this time to help you along the path. She stands guard, sword in hand, seeking to clear the demons of the unconscious that may obstruct your progress toward liberation. Perhaps the most ruthlessly compassionate of the Dark Goddesses, Kali will do whatever it takes to wake you up from the dream of your life. Do not fear. Love heals all.

Everyday Encounters:

In accepting our weaknesses, we find our greater strengths. When we discover the root of our suffering, we can weed out the debris of our past and bring our fears to the light. At this point on the path, body work, hands on healing, and soul retrieval work can be very effective, for karmic imprints are stored deep within the body. Having your astrological chart done can also be helpful, especially if the astrologer is able to read the karmic imprints within the chart pattern. Vibrational remedies, such as flower essences and homeopathy can also be very helpful in releasing subliminal forces of negativity held within the soul.

My cup runneth over

It was American novelist Ray Bradbury who said:

"We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled.

The trick is knowing how to tip ourselves

over and let the beautiful stuff out."

Ray Bradbuy

This week's Rainbow Dreams asks me if I can accept a happy life.

Isha says this is not an easy question to answer ... yeah, no kidding.

Its true that the wounds of the past must be healed before you can grow into your wish.

The Universe has a funny way of letting you know when its time to move on.

I feel my life moving forward.

I am freed from the chains that have bound my heart for so many years. It is time. It is my time.

No longer will I stand behind politely and wait while others fill their cup.

I have reached a point of acceptance in my life. I hold my cup high toward the waters of life and dare to fill it completely, to let it run over.

Unlimited love, joy, and wisdom pour into my heart.

I just don't accept a happy life ~ I demand it!

If you need a smile ...

... watch this!

Persephone and Pomegranates

Pomegranate ushers us down to meet,
The Sacred Feminine and Her seeds so sweet,
Bearing fruit, luscious and red,
Into Her Labyrinth,
I am led.

Persephone signifies the renewed aspect of self that is to be found only if we are willing to travel into the chambers of rebirth to gather the seeds of new possibilities – a cyclic journey between the forces of birth and death.

On her journey, Persephone is protected by the luminaries, the Sun and the Moon.

She knows that the gestating seeds within her will open to the sunlight even as they are watered by the changing cycles of the Moon.

Persephone is my guide. Standing between fire and water, she gazes into the beauty of Narcissus.

As a bridge between the worlds, I, like Persephone, am forever crowned Queen of the Underworld, and, yet, eternally nourished by the love and mystery of Mother Earth.

She will protect me as I make my descent in order to discover for myself the splendor and magic of the mysterious forces within.

Sacred Spring

My back garden has been buzzing this week ... quite literally.

The bees have come to visit and to feast on the nectar from the blossoms of my tree. It seems at the moment I have a permanent hum to seranade me.

I slipped outside this afternoon to capture some of my visitors ...

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And have I mentioned my views? No, I'm not just talking about the scenery ...

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And other visitors ...
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Oh, and I guess the scenery too ...

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I love living here!

Sacred Rain

“Anyone who says

sunshine brings happiness

has never danced

in the rain”

I was walking to my car this afternoon, and it started to rain, and not just a trickle, but hard, soaking rain.

Everyone around me ran for cover.

But something about feeling its icy drops on my skin made me stand still.

Standing there, all by myself, I let the rain embrace me.

And then I did something I haven't done since I was a kid.

I raised my face to the sky, stuck out my tounge and tasted its sweetness, then I threw my hands up in the air and twirled around like an excited child.

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I knew everyone was watching me, but I didn't care.

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What a beautiful, beauty-filled day.

Heart Chakra Meditation

"I don't know what it is inside of me

that makes me smile all the time

only God knows that,

but my heart is like a branch of a rose tree

swaying constantly in the morning breeze."

Rumi

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Roses are playing a promient role in my life right now. And everything is guiding me to work with my heart chakra.

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So in my meditation tonight, I focussed on the heart chakra, evoking the goddess to guide me.

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The card I drew was Rose, whose patron is the goddess archetype Madonna, Mary, Queen of Heaven, Mother of the World.

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First symbolised as “The Holy Rose” in India, the body of the Goddess was considered a temple.

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At the mystical core of Christianity, Mary, a derivative of the Goddess, gives birth to The Light of the World in the form of the Cosmic Child, making her the Cosmic birther of all that is sacred.

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Each color of Rose gently and uniquely stimulates the heart chakra to open to Cosmic Love and Wisdom, sometimes understood and experienced only through suffering and pain.

Deep roots reflect tenacity and endurance.

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The Austrian mystic Rudolph Steiner offered a unique perspective on the birth of Christ, suggesting that Mary, in fact, gave birth to twin souls: one dedicated to the path of the Truth, the yellow rose; and the other dedicated to the path of the Heart, the pink rose. In this way, according to Steiner, Mary offered the world both the forces of Universal Logos and of Universal Love.

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I am ready to accept the twin gifts of Cosmic Love and Wisdom embodied by the Mystic Rose.

In my meditation Mary's balancing of the head and the heart is symbolized by the Sun, aglow as an aura of Light around her head, and an illumined rose, shining forth from deep within her heart.

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Behind her stands a weeping willow tree offering its branches to mystical muses for the making of wands. Such branches were once considered cosmic connectors to the stars.

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Mary sits surrounded by the delicate flower Shooting Star. The flower essence derived from its blossoms assists humanity with the birthing of higher forms of consciousness on Earth.

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My mind is illumined with the yellow clarity of the Sun as I open my Solar Body to new inspiration.

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I open my heart to the stream of rose light now encircling my energy field.

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I am dearly blessed.

The Fragrant Garden of my mind ~ My Sacred Life Day 19

I did a chakra caress meditation this evening to visit the a rich and flowering place within me.

Closing my eyes, I envisioned entering the colorful and fragrant gardens of your mind and heart.

In this garden I feel a wave of calm envelope me. I feel safe and secure and comfortable in my own skin.

I am reminded of one of Rumi's quotes:

"You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust.
You were born with ideals and dreams.
You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don't.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly."

Rumi

What many of us forget as we make our way through life is that we are not limited beings but beings of infinite possibility.

Our minds contain the most glorious set of shimmering wings that, when allowed to fully expand, will allow us to soar high above any perceived limitations and fly free.

We must use them, however. We must let them spread fully by actively seeking the highest and best thought and feeling throughout the course of every day, by committing to our intentions fully and settling for nothing less.

In this way, we truly do learn to fly.

May you always remember to spread your wings and fly.

I am strength

You are Strength

Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.

This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Sacred Me ~ My Sacred Life Day 18

"I am somebody.

I am me.

I like being me.

And I need nobody

to make me somebody."

Louis L'Amour

Often we spend so much time taking care of all the special people in our lives, we forget that we are somebody special, too.

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I am special and you are special and each and every one of us is just as significant and necessary to the world as the next.

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It is not until we begin to realise this very important truth, however, that we allow ourselves to recognise what very special somebodies we are.

May you always be aware of your specialness.

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Photo of Michelle by Leonie Allan, 2006.

Taking Time Out - My Sacred Life Day 17

I had a quiet day today .... took Trin for a walk around the lake, chatted to a neighbour and then just hung out around the house, and gave myself a pedicure.

My head has been pounding all day ... hopefully I'll feel better in the morning.

Sacred Friends ~ My Sacred Life Day 16

Photo by Julia Zhu, October 2007

"A friend is one to whom one may pour out

all the contents of one's heart,

chaff and grain together,

knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it,

keep what is worth keeping

and with a breath of kindness

blow the rest away."

Arabian Proverb

I am blessed in my life to have some wonderful friends.

Strong amazing women, who never cease to amaze me by their compassion, intelligence, humour and resilience. It also helps that they rock!

Here I am with Jane and Cleo. These two women are simply magnificent.

Wellness Wednesday ~ Fuel for my body

My base chakra is overactive. I am addicted to carbohydrates.

Physically I am overweight, and this leaves me feeling lethargic and heavy. I am not comfortable with my body image.

So, I am embarking on a journey. A beautiful, self-empowering and life enhancing journey.

Today I made a commitment to myself ~ I am only going to eat foods which are good for me.

No more short cuts and fast food.

Only foods which are nutritious, fresh and where possible organic.

I love myself enough to start eating healthy.

Sacred Creativity ~ My Sacred Life Day 15

Lately I have felt an emptiness in my life. And then I realised ~ I'd lost my groove, my creative groove!

Its been years since I picked up a palette knife and attacked a canvas. This is the last painting I created.

Slapping oils on canvas. Layering bright colours. Creating something uplifting. Honouring my essence.

I've tried working with other mediums, but they don't get my groove on.

I'm a traditional gal with a contemporary edge.

Its time. Its time to find my groove again ~ and this time embrace it!

Sacred Guidance ~ My Sacred Life Day 14

I'm starting to explore Isha Lerner's Power of Flower cards.

In case you didn't realise it by now, I'm a huge Isha fan.

It never ceases to amaze me how her cards sing to my soul.

This evening I pulled the Saguaro Cactus...

Ancient knowledge of mystery,

Saguaro's message,

livingWithin this desert tree.

Strong and proud;

loving and true,

My life receives protection from you.

Archetype: Grandfather Wisdom – Time Keeper.
Elders, Timekeepers who carry time within them, understand that archetypal patterns of the sort found in crystals, plants, DNA structures, earth and star formations, light frequencies and sound are imprinted in our dreams, intentions, and Self Knowing, and that they change with the growth and evolution of Earth and all the galaxies.

Grandfather Wisdom patiently watches over the many offspring issuing forth from Grandmother’s Sacred Womb. His walking staff a symbol of direction and stature, he shows us the way into our own liberating authority, while teaching us important lessons about patience and intention.

Signature: A slow-growing, mighty plant with tremendous stature and authority. At approx. 120 years of age, it begins to produce flowers. The mature plant has a root system capable of holding up to 200 gallons of water – enough to sustain it for an entire year!

Healing Properties: Saguaro Cactus can help individuals align vertically to a higher order of personal authority and integrity. Father issues are eased and it is especially helpful for those who have lost a father at an early age or experienced paternal abandonment at or before birth.

Healing: The Saguaro Cactus is a powerful healing presence. Its stature and dignity symbolize the shift you are undergoing in relation to your own personal power.

The masculine principle within your psyche is rebalancing at this time, and you will find yourself able to receive Grandfathers Wisdom's sacred knowledge, which resides within your heart, just as it lives at the center of this proud, majestic plant.

The folks of Grandfather's garment reach out to protect your Earth Walk; his drum and walking stick are visible to the external world for they are essential gifts he brings to the journey.

Drumming puts us in sync with the rhythms of the cosmos, while the walking stick is a symbol of stamina and purpose.

You may wish to join a drumming circle at this time, or journey through the mountains and valleys of your homeland, exploring the very nature of your own authority and will power.

A tremendous amount of life force is available you now, for, like the Saguaro Cactus, you are able to sustain your power over long periods of time. Time is your ally.

Be patient and let the wisdom of your ancestral lineage guide you onward.

Sacred Garden ~ My Sacred Life Day 13

I'm really enjoying my garden at the moment.

The brids are singing, the weather is milder ... I'm loving Spring!

My roses are starting to bloom, they're so beautiful.

Breaking Free

"Once upon a time,
I dreamt I was a butterfly...
Suddenly I awoke...
Now, I do not know whether I was then
a man dreaming I was a butterfly,
or whether I am now a butterfly
dreaming that I am a man."

Chuang Tzu (c.360 BC - c. 275 BC)

This week's Rainbow Dreams coaxes me to look deep within. It asks:

As you emerge from your cocoon of transformation
note your true colours.

What is happening in your life right now?

For anyone who has been following my journey, you will know that I've been working with life coach Gayla Maxwell for the past couple of months.

This journey has been quite incredible for me. I have realised that for a number of years now I've been hiding out in my cocoon, frightened to emerge, frightened of my true colours.

Gayla's been coaxing me out of my nice, warm, 'safe' cocoon. Truth be told I really didn't feel safe there anymore, but for me it was better the devil I know ...

I've done a lot of work on myself over these past years, however was unsure of how to bring it all together. There was a part of me that couldn't accept the fact that I might fail, and then where would I be - exposed to the world with no where to hide!

But as my confidence has grown, and my ability to see beyond my own limitations and fears, I unfurled one feeler out and then the other. Once i realised that I was safe, I was able to spread my wings and break free of the cocoon which had become my self-imposed prison.

I've shed the need for approval, and now stand tall in my own truth and integrity.

People who were once afraid of me, are now drawn to me as they see my real colours for the first time.

I am a butterfly, a beautiful, colourful butterfly that has learnt to fly.

Devine Feminine ~ My Sacred Life Day 12

" There are two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Albert Einstein

From the depths of the stars to the luminous flowers in nature, the threefold mystery of the Divine Feminine is limitless.

Deep within the vastness of the universe...that is where you will find Her.

Nestled within the cave of your heart...that is where you will find Her.

Flooding all and loving all, Her beauty lives within your soul.

Open your life to Her infinite kiss of peace.

Sacred Walk ~ My Sacred Life Day 11

I love these longer days. Getting home when its still daylight, grabbing Trinity and going for a walk around the lake.

A setting sun dances across the surface of the lake, and the ducks and water hens calling to each other. Trinity runs to greet her four-legged friends.

I never tire of this beautiful place on my doorstep ...

15 minutes from my door is the beautiful meeting place

My Sacred Sunday ~ My Sacred Life Day 10

It was a beautiful Sunday morning.

I rose early as the sunlight danced into my bedroom gently rousing me from my slumber. I could hear the birds chattering in the early morning, welcoming me to the new day.

I slid out of bed and padded barefoot to the kitchen to put the kettle on while I had a quick shower to wake myself up. Life is wonderful.

Sipping on my morning tea, I watch Trinity frollicking in the back garden, barking hello to all who passed. A flock of crimson rosella's landed in the tree for their morning breakfast of seed and thank me with their beauty.

I'm excited this morning. I have made a new friend - Julia from our Shanghai office. Jane, Cleo and I are going to spend the day showing her the Murrembateman wine district.

The clock chimes 8am, and I jump in the car to pick up Julia and Cleo.

It was a joy to watch the delight in Julia's face as we drove through the country-side towards Jane's little cottage in Yass. I love showing this region off - it truly is magical.

We arrive at Jane's a little after 9am, and she is ready for us with mugs of hot steaming tea and home baked biscuits. Her garden is magical, with every shade of purple imaginable - I'm sure faeries live there.

Then its time to hit the road, we head out of Yass towards Murrembateman. The sky is a brilliant blue. Fields of purple, green and gold line the rambling road.

We took Julia on a tour around the region, visiting local wineries before stopping in for a sumptuous lunch at the Poachers Pantry. We ordered a couple of tasting platters and our tastebuds were tantalised by a selection of Poacher's smoked meats served with dips, smoked sea fare served with seafood pates, marinated vegetables, pestos, other antipasto items and bread. As for desert ... well ....

After lunch, we had time to visit one more vineyard, and sampled some award winning wines.

I am an idealist

What is Your World View? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Idealist Idealism centers around the belief that we are moving towards something greater. An odd mix of evolutionist and spiritualist, you see the divine within ourselves, waiting to emerge over time. Many religious traditions express how the divine spirit lost its identity, thus creating our world of turmoil, but in time it will find itself and all things will again become one. Idealist 88% Cultural Creative 81% Romanticist 75% Postmodernist 69% Existentialist 56% Modernist 38% Materialist 31% Fundamentalist 25%

Sacred Meditation ~ My Sacred Life Day 9

I've been working a lot with Gayla Maxwell of late: her book, her meditation CD, and personal coaching.

On her Permission to Let Go cd, Gayla has recorded some wonderful guided mediations. My favourite is the Candle Meditation which goes for around 17 minutes, its relaxation techniques help me to reconnect to more core.

I'm enjoying this journey I've been taking with Gayla. I've grown in so many different directions.

Increasingly I am noticing the changes. I'm more confident, relaxed and at peace.

I am blessed.

I stumble upon a rubais by Rumi:

"how could anyone

who plays with you

ever be sad?

how could anyone

whom your light turns into sun

ever by gloomy?

how could the secrets of the world stay secret

from anyone who becomes your best friend?"

This is who I am becoming.