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.

Sacred Dance ~ My Sacred Life Day 8

Everyone wants to be more radian, passionate and healthy! Eastern philosophies accept that vibrant chakra health is the key to all these desires and more -- and this book shows ou how the seven chakras can be tuned through Chakradance.

Music and dance have bee used throughout the ages for enjoyment and ceremony. Chakradance utilises our natural desire for movement to balance the energy centres. The result is an enjoyable method of fine-tuning your mind, body and soul.

Energy is a dynamic life force that begins with movement. Natalie and Douglas have discovered the ultimate way to build your energy levels through Chakradance and to generate the momentum that will bring your seven chakras into balance.

Chakradance offers greater well-being and harmony. Its completely stress-free, dynamic and lots of fun.

Sacred Meditation ~ My Sacred Life Day 7

I sat with the Goddess this evening. The flame of an indigo candle dancing to her magic.

Sandalwood, rose and geranium scent the air.

She is present.

I am reminded of a quote I once read by Jackie Menzies in Goddess. Devine Energy.:

"The Goddess is everywhere:

She is manifest as the power (shakti) of the universe;

She is the wisdom (prajna) of Buddhist spiritual bliss;

She is the personification of wisdom, compassion and protection;

and she is the strength to overcome negative mind-states that reside within each of us."

The very word ‘goddess’ conjures in our Western minds an image of the exotic, the beautiful and the generally benevolent but an ideal with perhaps just a faint hint of the tantalisingly dangerous.

Living in a society that holds us to an unattainable standard — focusing on external beauty, accumulation of wealth and acquisition of power — I chose to nourish my spiritual and emotional self.

Gentle Art of Blessing ~ My Sacred Life Day 6

I love the beautiful words on the subject of blessing written by Pierre Pradervandand. I am thankful to the gentle soul who was inspired to make the movie below.

It takes 7 minutes to play, but its worth every second!

My Raptuous Heart

This week's Rainbow Dreams task asks how I ... dare to be the raptuous beauty in my heart.

I'm reading Rumi at the moment. And I opened a page on this:

love is my only friend

love was with me before I came into this world

and is with me still

soul is the lazy one on the path of love

love yells and screams:

"come on

hurry up

reach me"

I dare to be the raptuous love in my heart by:

1. Accepting myself for who I am
2. Accepting others with no judgement
3. Being tue to myself and standing in my integrity
4. Taking care of myself, physically and spiritually