Monthly Archives: November 2011

Bullies, Bullies, everywhere… “M-o-M” 11-27

Posted on by
10

If you know me at all, you will know that I am a non-confrontational person.  I do not like drama and will avoid it at all costs.  At times, this has saved my sanity as I have been able to stay out of other people’s crap and not get sucked into any unnecessary bickering.  At other times, this avoidance has put me in situations where I give up my personal power to others because I fear the argument or consequences may be greater than I can handle.  I pick my battles very carefully and quite often end up staying completely off the field just so my own boat doesn’t get rocked.

However, there are times that even I feel the need to step in the fray and say my piece.  One of the most troubling aspects of human interaction  is the concept of bullying and harassment.  An overwhelming amount of attention has been placed on this in the past couple of decades and rightfully so.  Bullies come in all shapes and sizes, all colors and from all backgrounds and all nationalities.  No one is guaranteed to be safe from harassment by bullies and there is no fool proof method for dealing with them effectively.

Most often, we hear about this kind of behavior in schools and in relation to children.  Most public schools are now set up as “No Bully Zones” and speak of having zero tolerance policies towards harassment.  But how effective is that, really?  What do the schools really do when a child reports being bullied?  From what I have experienced through my children’s school, there’s not much they can do.  There are meetings with the offenders, interventions with parents, warnings, etc.  But nothing really stems the problem since the problem, while universal to a degree, is also so very individual.

We have all heard that bullies are really just acting out on their own insecurities.  They punish those that they see as weaker individuals to boost their personal self image and set their place in a animalistic pecking order.  For whatever reason, they have not been able to develop a positive self image and choose the path of dominance and destruction in hopes of gaining either respect or fear.  This is where the challenge comes in for those trying to stem the behavior.  The reasons for the low self esteem are as varied as the individuals expressing it.  It could be a poor family system, economic troubles, peer pressure, societal expectations, abuse, neglect or a host of other issues too lengthy to list here.

As a society, we claim to be appalled by examples of this behavior in children and yet many of the triggers which support it are still held in high regard.  We constantly tell the younger generations that you need to fight for the best living possible.  You need to be wealthy and have more “things” than the person next to you.  You need to be “in charge” at all times and being a simple worker bee is just not good enough.  So what happens when a child sees themselves as nothing greater than a drone and is taught to fight for what they want?  They fight.  They see the only way to survive is clawing your way to the top regardless of who they have to step on to get there.  They envision life as a brutal struggle to stay on top regardless of the consequences.

Needless to say, this is a problem.  Not just a family one, but a societal one that needs broad strokes to change it.  It is also a desperate problem in that the bullying behavior rarely ends with childhood.  Those whoare bullied in their youth, will often continue their harassing behavior into their adult life.  The behavior that was learned in childhood can be very difficult to change, especially if it was effective for them.

None of this is new information, nor is this a new problem.  I imagine that as long as there have been tribes of people, there have been asshole bullies that feel the need to exert their dominance.  However, as we are becoming a more global society, and an increasingly wireless one at that, there is less and less face to face interaction that takes place.  With this decrease in personal interaction, there seems to be an increase in the comfort level some people have with bullying and harassing those that they do not agree with.  Individuals who might normally back down from an argument feel free to vent whatever is on their minds in an unfiltered and often uncaring mode.  After all, they will probably never meet the other person in real life, why not act like an ass and try to intimidate.  There is little to no chance of any real repercussions, right?  Why not spill all your most vile thoughts and words onto this person that upset you, what’s the worst that can happen?

It would seem that many people, when protected by a computer screen, find it very easy to take cheap shots at other people, post character assassinations on blogs and review sites, or just flat out harass those that have for one reason or another pissed them off.  Whether it is out of jealousy, rage or just self hatred, these people feel it necessary to tear down those around them to keep people from seeing just how low and depraved they really are.  Again, this is not a new phenomenon.  But as a species, we just can’t seem to overcome it.  It finds it’s way into every group and culture.  It is pervasive and destructive where ever it goes.  And again, no one is completely safe from it.

A few years ago, as I was introducing myself into the Tarot and spiritual communities, I had hoped to find a safe haven from such pressures.  However, I soon found out that even the most openhearted and accepting groups of people find themselves faced with infiltrators of hatred and filth.  My first initiation into this fray was when I found a group of fellow Tarotists defaming another for his efforts to preserve the years of hard work and dedication of an individual that was devoted to promoting the honorable spread of Tarot world wide.  Upon questioning this group about their motives, I found myself surrounded by their false perceptions and stung by their lack of professionalism and ethics.

I decided from there that I would return to my post as the neutral party and stay out of other people’s drama.  I figured if I just flew under the radar and did my thing, I could stay drama free and be happy in my own little world.  For the most part it has worked too.  I have enough going on in my own life that keeps me occupied that I don’t really feel the need to get involved with other people’s junk.  However, it is this concept of blatant bullying and harassment that keeps getting me fired up.  There has been a number of recent blog posts about a specific incident in the Tarot community that is just appalling.  A blatant bully and generally mean spirited person recently penned a short story that is very thinly veiled fiction about one of her targets of harassment.  This story tells how the main character plots and commits first degree murder of an internet radio show host out of jealousy and rage.  The story attacks the characters of multiple people in the Tarot industry and insults a vast majority of readers with lines such as “As I surveyed the scene of misfits, I wondered why 75% of female tarot readers could be described as ‘butt ugly fattys’”.  The poorly written story finishes with the murderer leaving a final mark of disgust on the victim’s grave with what she describes as a “clean, tubular shit”.

This author and reviewer, has crossed many lines with this piece of work and has hurt many people.  I have no idea what torment her mind must be going through to pen such vile words about another person but she has, and she’s selling it.

I am at a bit of a loss in times like this as to how to advise anyone to act.  Part of me wants to ignore it and not feed into the drama.  Especially since the author has chosen to sell her work, any press only helps to promote her agenda and her story.  However, when thinly veiled murderous desires are published for the world to see and the characters of innocent people are drug through the mud, something must be said.  It is our duty as compassionate people to stand up and say something.  I cannot advise you to purchase or read Janet Boyer’s story “The Ones I Refused To Leave” as it is simply a personal attack from one person to another and holds no literary value that I can see.  I can advise you however, to stand up against behavior that you do not agree with.  Should you read this story, leave an honest review.  I have little doubt that anyone who reads it will see that it is not worth the $0.99 that you pay for it.  Should you come across incidences like this in your social circles, speak up.  I’m not asking for you to get into a knock down, drag out fight.  Just call it like you see it and speak your truth.  It’s not about furthering accusations or even picking sides.  It is about supporting positive behavior and not allowing negative, hurtful actions to be accepted.

Curbing hurtful behavior will likely be a never-ending task.  There will always be a power play going on in someone’s mind that prevents them from acting in a thoughtful and constructive manner towards those that disagree with them.  However, if we as individuals are willing to rebuke them for such actions then small steps can be taken to nurture the growth and spirit of those that might otherwise find themselves trampled under foot.

As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”

“He Said” – “She Said” -Nov. 2011

Posted on by
1

Do men and women read tarot differently? Is the guidance we offer the same – or is there a distinct masculine/feminine edge to our words? Join Theresa Reed and myself each month as we tackle questions sent in from our readers and see how different – or similar – we really are with our interpretations and advice.

We will each prepare a reading separately and then comment on each other’s interpretations and put this all together in one fun (and thought provoking) post for our readers to enjoy.

This isn’t a “tarot battle of the sexes” – this is an exploration, a mash up, a contemplation.

If you’d like to see your question featured, send it to me at tarotlady@wi.rr.com or Matt at info@personaltarotwithmatt.com with “He Said She Said Question” in the subject line.

Question from Bonnie: Two years ago, my two daughters (now ages 8 and 13) and I moved into an apartment down the hall from my fiance. A year ago, my fiance and I got married, but he is still reluctant to move in with us — he feels very anxious about it. Can you tell me what issue we most need to focus on in order to build a stronger sense of connection as a family? 

Matt’s reading: Knight of Pentacles, Eight of Swords, Wheel of Fortune. Bonnie, In looking at your cards, the first thing I see is that you and your husband need to get your feet on common ground as far as your expectations and plans for the future. There is a sense that while you are both looking in the same direction, you are not seeing the same things. I see him represented in the Knight of Pentacles and you in the Eight of Swords. When we look at the cards themselves, we can see that the Knight is very focused on the earthly, physical needs around him. He is industrious and seeks growth in all he does. His work is very important to him and carries with it his sense of self. He is ruled by Virgo and feels a great need to have all his “ducks in a row” and may even experience great anxiety when confronted with disorder and perceived chaos. This does not mean that he does not have that same desire to create growth. He may however, be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain as to how he can make that happen in such an unfamiliar environment.

In the Eight of Swords, there is an overwhelming feeling that you are letting your emotions cloud and disrupt your thoughts. The figure in the card is bound and seemingly stranded in a muddy pool. Surrounded by swords, she feels trapped and helpless as she cannot see her way out. The anxiety and frustration is real as the more she struggles, the tighter the ropes seem to get. However, if she can calm her mind and her emotions, she will find that the ropes are not tied and can be slipped off.

Here is where I start to see the disconnect between you and your husband and how to start building towards a greater sense of family. Imagine for a moment, that you and your husband are the figures in these cards. You are calling out to him for help as you feel trapped and bound in a situation you cannot see the future of. He is safely grounded on shore and though he cares for you, he does not feel that he needs to get in the water to help you. He can see that you are able to free yourself if you just “calm down”. From his vantage point, all you need to do is untie yourself and come to where he is, up on the land where it is safe and dry. From your point of view, what you need from him is to come into the water to comfort you so that you can work through your emotions and fears knowing that you are safe and protected by him.

The Wheel of Fortune carries with it an element of luck and chance but also a calling to harness the power of the stars and take advantage of the strengths you have been given. Though I am not sure what your astrological charts look like, I am led to believe that there are a fair number of opposing forces at work here for you two. Understanding your individual strengths and weaknesses as potential ways to support and encourage each other can hep you to find the middle ground that seems to be lacking in your current relationship status. Your husband’s analytical side can help you to see patterns and paths towards growth together. Your passion and emotion can help him to understand that the world is not colored in black and white and it is in muddied waters that we are most excited to find hidden treasures.

Focus your energies on meeting in that middle ground where the safety of the land meets the unpredictability of the waters. It will take a conscious effort of both of your parts to do this as neither of you will be happy living wholly in the realm of the other. Almost like the pages from a romantic story, take steps towards understanding each others fears and you can walk together down the shoreline. One foot on land and one in sea.

Theresa’s comments about Matt’s reading: Who says guys can’t be sensitive? Matt’s reading is very nurturing and the advice is sound. I also found it intriguing that I see a lot of “control” issues present in my reading while Matt saw two people needing to find common ground. It also seems that we both found that Bonnie needed to center herself emotionally before approaching her partner with the issue. The one thing that I think Matt and I both agree on is that this relationship can get through this – with communication and mutual respect, they should be able to find that middle path.

Theresa’s Reading: The Chariot, The Magician, Ace of Swords. This seems to be about feeling “in control” on his part. When I look at The Chariot I see that the man is wearing armor and he is holding tightly on to the reigns. For him, keeping his own space may be allowing him to feel as if he is more in control of his life. He may have fears about giving up some sort of control or privacy should he move in with Bonnie and her daughters.

The Magician can be interpreted as willpower – another sense here that the partner may be feeling as if he needs to assert himself. Notice in both cards there is a solo man – could it be that he is used to living by himself and is uncomfortable moving in with three females? Perhaps he is worried that he will lose himself in the process. The Chariot and Magician cards are both rather strong – he feels very strongly about keeping his space/life as is.

I look at the Ace of Swords and that says that it may be time to approach this in a logical format. Talk with him and perhaps appeal to his rational side rather than trying to push this on an emotional level. Guilt or any sort of pushiness may make him dig his heels in further. Show him the benefits of living together – but be patient. This much stubbornness cannot be undone overnight.

Matt’s comments about Theresa’s reading: These are great cards to show where he is at and how to get through to him. Even in my spread, he was symbolized by a solo male figure that is in control and not terribly eager to give up the comfort of that solitude and order. With the presence of Swords here as well, I agree that it will be on a logical level that you can get through to him. Plans will need to be drawn up together on how to build a cohesive family structure. Actionable steps with logical reasons will help him to see the benefits of coming together as family. But this card is not just for you or him individually. It is a call for both of you to stop for just a minute and approach this from a new line of thinking. What has worked in the past is just not carrying you towards the future you are desiring. It’s time to try something new!

Blessings,

Matt

http://personaltarotwithmatt.com/

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

What do you think? What advice would you give Bonnie? Do you see any difference or similarity in our readings? What surprised you? Post your thoughts in the comment section below:

New Feature Debuting This Friday! “He Said – She Said”

Posted on by
Reply

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to have lunch with a great group of people including one of my favorite fellow Tarotists, Theresa Reed (a.k.a. The Tarot Lady).  As can be expected, the topic turned to Tarot and we started discussing the different viewpoints that each reader has on the cards.

As the discussion progressed, Theresa and I started pondering what effect the gender of the reader has on the style and outcome of the reading.  In true Tarot fashion, we decided there was no better way to figure this out than to put it into action.  Each month, we will be selecting a question from one of our readers.  Individually, we will then prepare a reading, comment on each other’s perspectives and mash it all together for you, our wonderful readers to enjoy.

The first installment  will be up for your reading pleasure this Friday on both of our blogs.  While your waiting, I invite you to check out our websites and see what other fun things we have going on!

Matt

http://personaltarotwithmatt.com

 

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

 

Dowsing for the Benefit of Land and People “M-o-M” 11-20-11

Posted on by
Reply

Greetings and welcome back to Moments of Mindfulness and week two of our discussion on dowsing. Before we begin, I invite you to go to http://personaltarotwithmatt.com, click on “Helpful Files” and print off the dowsing chart that I have posted there.  This is a chart that has been essential for me in my dowsing.  Last week we discussed the basics of divining yes and no answers as well as how to gauge chakra health and begin to manage the subtle energies around us.  Through these tools, we can gain an amazing amount of information and work to balance the energy fields in and around ourselves.  Today we are going to expand our focus a bit and look at how we can work with the energies that permeate the things around us.  We will be looking at how we can identify and adjust the energies in our homes, the land around us and our families.

In order to get a better grasp on how this is possible, we need to understand a few things first.  On a sub-atomic level, everything is made of energy.  And if everything is made of energy, our entire physical world is all residing and developing within a universal energy field.  Through this energy field, there is an interconnectedness that allows each individual particle to influence and interact with every other particle.   There are quantum theorists that are even conjecturing that the universe collapses to a singularity and expands into our known world thousands or even millions of times per second.  They theorize that in these times of collapse, the universe is recreated and can be manipulated through our intentions.  If we work with this theory in our dowsing, we can visualize that through our intentions we can affect the world around us by manipulating the energies that make up the physical things during each recreation.

Each item in our world, physical and non-physical, also has an ideal energetic  frequency that it vibrates to.  The measurement of this frequency is somewhat subjective in my opinion as it can be measured on any scaled chart.  With the chart we are using tonight, we will be using the exterior scale of numbers on the circular chart from 0 to 400.  This b road measurement of numbers allows for greater accuracy in gauging the frequencies.  In looking at objects, places and people, we need to first identify what the ideal frequency is and then ask to see the current frequency to see if it is out of line.  A frequency that is off can be the trigger for physical, emotional and mental concerns within the space.  For those who are sensitive to energies, you will understand this well as I am sure there have been places, people or even rooms that just seem to have a very off or overwhelming energy.  An ideal frequency will be tolerable and comfortable for all that are in the space and will promote good mental, physical and emotional health.

Lastly, there is an understanding that needs to be in place that our intention is not the only one in the universe.  While we may be holding a specific goal in mind for how the universe should be recreated, there are approximately 6 billion other people doing the exact same thing.  This puts a challenge out there on how we can each get our way and have our intentions come through for us.  The understanding that I ask for in this case is that the outcome that is created is for the highest good of all and serves to benefit the collective consciousness at all times.  To help our intentions, and in turn our dowsing, we must seek the highest good at all times.

Now that we have these basics in place, we can begin with our dowsing.  Grab a notebook, a writing utensil, your pendulum and the chart you printed out earlier and let’s get started!  With your chart in front of you, allow your pendulum to hang in the middle of the circular chart.  There are a lot of different numbers on this chart, but remember, we will be working with the outer most scale from 0 – 400.

Begin your dowsing session by setting your intention of what you will be working on.  In this session, we will be looking at the building you live in.  If you live in an apartment, keep your focus on just your apartment at this time as this is your living space and does not infringe on the free will of other people and how they manage their living space.  Ask if it is in your highest good to work on this area and evaluate the answer.  As this is your space, you should receive a “yes” and be free to move on.  When working on other spaces, you may at times receive a “no” and at his point it is wisest to stop your session and remove your intention.  There may be greater intentions in place or someone’s free will that is being compromised by your work.

Ask to see what the ideal frequency of your living space is.  Often the pendulum will begin swinging towards the zero and then start to shift clockwise towards the higher numbers.  The swing will appear a bit lopsided as it does not seem to swing evenly to the opposite number on the scale letting you know that it is indicating a particular number.  Allow the pendulum to continue swinging until it consistently swings towards a single number.  Make a note of this number in your notebook.  Now ask to see the current frequency of your living space.  The pendulum will swing towards a new number either higher or lower on the scale.  Make a note of this new number and evaluate it’s numerical relationship to the ideal.

If we look at these two numbers similar to electrical principles we can see how being off from the ideal can be harmful.  If the frequency is too low, our living space has difficulty providing us the energy we need from it to stay comfortable, motivated and focused.  If the frequency is too high, we can become overwhelmed and burnt out.  Once we have our measurements, ask to have the frequency of your living space adjusted to the ideal.  The pendulum will swing either clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on whether the frequency needs to be increased or decreased.

This same process can then be repeated to identify the ideal and current frequencies of the land under your house as well.  In as much as we can influence the energies of a space, other objects can do the same thing.  As the land has been around much, much longer than your home, the history of land itself can affect the energy of structures that are built upon it.  Positive and negative events can alter the frequency of the land and shift it from it’s ideal.  Start your session for the land by once again asking if it is in your highest good to work on the land.  Once you have a “yes” answer, dowse for the ideal and current frequencies of your property.  Make a note of your numbers and ask for the frequency of the land to be adjusted to the ideal frequency.

After adjusting the frequencies, see if you notice any difference in the energies of your home.  Also make note of any positive events or changes that occur over the next few days.  Keeping your focus on the positive things that occur around you will help to maintain the ideal frequencies.

Lastly, take a look at the ideal frequency of those that are living with you or that are in your life significantly.  Here we are not necessarily looking to change the frequency of the person, but rather the frequency of the relationship between you.  This can also be done with pets to help bolster your relationship with them.  Once again, ask if the work you are about to do is in your highest good.  Upon confirmation, identify the ideal frequency and the current one.  Note these findings and ask to have the frequency adjusted to the ideal.  This practice can have amazing effects on relationships that have become tense, draining or overwhelming.  By focusing on the relationship and not the person, it allows for the change in frequency to occur for both parties.  This is important to keep in mind as anytime there is tension, every person involved has in some way contributed to it.  By keeping the focus and intention on the space between the parties, you can heal the connections which will allow for each individual to heal in their own way.

These processes can be used for any places or people in your life.  Experiment with adjusting the energy of your work place, your church, the homes of friends and family or even the local park.  See what happens if you adjust the frequency of your route to work.  Does it affect your drive time?  Work on the relationship between you and your boss or co-workers.  Does it impact the level of teamwork that is displayed?  As we approach the winter holidays, there is often a massive amount of tension that is built up throughout the shopping season.  What effect can we have as dowsers on the frequencies of not only the shopping malls but the shoppers themselves?  Can we as dowsers help to heal family relationships that have been damaged?  The uses of these techniques and other dowsing practices seem to be limitless.

There are a number of fantastic resources out there for continued exploration of dowsing.  Check the web for a local branch of the American Society of Dowsers at www.dowsers.org.  Or, look into taking a class through one of my favorite dowsers, Raymon Grace, at www.raymongrace.us.  I highly recommend expanding your work with dowsing as it truly has the power and potential to change the world.

As you work with these tools, I invite you to share your stories on my blog or on the Akasha Temple Live Facebook page.  As we individually work to improve our sphere of influence, we are collectively improving the world around us for all.

Introduction to the Power of Dowsing “M-o-M” 11-13-11

Posted on by
Reply

Over the past few years, I have been working with various systems of divination, energy work and personal development.  I am a professional Tarot reader, a Reiki Master attuned to both traditional Usui and Atlantean Reiki, a psychic/medium, and a dowser.  By working with all these tools, I find that the healings and readings I do take on a multi-dimensional feeling and are powerful for not only my clients but for me as well.  Of all the items in my spiritual tool box, I have found dowsing to be one of the most amazing forms of divination and energy work.  It is the sheer simplicity of it that blows me away as it has so few steps, but has yielded such profound results.

Dowsing, as defined in the dictionary is “a technique for searching for underground water, minerals, or anything invisible, by observing the motion of a pointer (traditionally a forked stick, now often paired bent wires) or the changes in direction of a pendulum, supposedly in response to unseen influences” – source Google Dictionary

As I see the work of dowsing today, the invisible things that can be located and identified stretches far beyond what may be hidden under the soil.  Dowsing can be used to identify the location of energy sources, normal and paranormal.  It can be used for divination well beyond the simple “yes” and “no” questions.  It can also be used for adjusting the energy that surrounds and permeates everything on the planet.  With all these possibilities, one has to wonder just how dowsing works.  As with so many of the tools of the energy worker, science and spirituality are not fully cohesive yet.  There is no hard scientific method to explain why dowsing works though I have a few notions of my own.  From a spiritual aspect, the act of dowsing is a combination of setting specific intentions and asking the universe for specific outcomes.  It is not the motion of the pendulum or dowsing rods that is causing these outcomes.  We are simply asking the creative Source of universal energy to respond to our requests in a way that we can perceive on our level of consciousness.

My preferred dowsing tool is the pendulum.  Not only is it easy to carry in a pocket, it also has shown to have the most number of uses for my needs.  I have used my pendulum effectively for divination, healing, and energy work on both physical and non physical things.   On it’s own, dowsing has been effective in providing me with much needed insight and clarity.  I have used it in conjunction with the Tarot to add clarification to outcomes.  I also regularly use it during Reiki sessions to help identify areas of concern and boost chakra health.  In the continued use of my pendulum, I am consistently finding that there is little that cannot be done with the proper intentions of an open-minded dowser.

For those who have never used a pendulum, I would like to walk you the basics of dowsing for divination and energy management.  This simple process can give you guidance on difficult decisions and help you to manage the subtle energies in and around you.  The only tools you will need for this are a pendulum and an open mind.  If you do not have a pendulum, you can substitute a necklace with a heavy pendant as well.  The important aspect is to have a weighted pointer suspended by a freely moving chain or string.

Grip the pendulum approximately 2-3 inches above the pointer with your thumb and fore finger.  Allow the pendulum to hang down and swing freely in all directions.  Stabilize your arm by resting your elbow on a table so that there is as little intentional movement from your body as possible.  A key to effective dowsing is to keep your hand as still as possible and allow the pendulum to swing on it’s own volition.

In order to gain accurate answers, your pendulum needs to be programmed to your needs.  This means setting standards for how your pendulum will show you specific answers.  With your pendulum hanging freely, ask to be shown what a “yes” answer will look like.  Many times this will be shown by the pendulum swinging in a back and forth motion.  Next ask to be shown what a “no” answer will look like.  Quite often, this will be shown as a side to side swing.  Once you have your basic signals, you can test and reinforce these signals by asking questions that you already know the answer to.  Make sure you ask questions that you know are true and false so that you feel comfortable with identifying both signals quickly.  By identifying yes and no or true and false answers you can word your questions to get an enormous amount of information in a very short time.

Next, we will look at energy management signals to help you adjust the subtle energies around your body and chakras.  The two main signals that you will need to program will be that of removing or deactivating non-beneficial energies and that of adding or activating beneficial energies.  Ask to be shown the motion for removal and make a note of it.  This will often be shown as a counter-clockwise swing and may be as subtle as a little wiggle or as broad as a fast, wide angled swing depending on the level of energies that need to be removed.  Now ask to be shown the motion for activating the beneficial energies.  The pendulum may swing in a clockwise direction but note the specific direction it swings for you.  As with the removal, the swing may be very slight or extremely pronounced depending on the level of energy that is needed.

Using this technique with the yes and no swings allows you to identify if there are non-beneficial energies around you and work to remove them to be replaced with beneficial ones.  Begin by asking if there are any non-beneficial energies that are affecting your current state of health or being.  Ask as well if there are any beneficial energies supporting you.  Once you have these base answers, ask that any and all non-beneficial energies be removed form your energy space.  Watch as the pendulum swings in your removal motion until it comes to a stand still again.  This can take more than a minute or two at times so be patient until it stops.  Once it has stopped, ask for the beneficial energies of Spirit to surround and envelope you  Your pendulum will swing in the activation direction for you.  Again, allow the pendulum to swing until it comes to a stop on it’s own.  Feel the energy of Spirit fill you as the pendulum swings.

I really enjoy using my pendulum when I am working with chakras and examining their general health and strength.  For this, I use the same swing motions that we just identified for energy management.  Beginning with the root chakra, ask to see the health of that particular chakra.  A counter-clockwise swing, for me, indicates a chakra that is in poor health and very out of alignment.  A clockwise swing indicates a very healthy and open chakra.  If the pendulum does not move at all, I see this as a sign that the chakra is closed and in a dead or neutral state.  After identifying the initial health status, ask that the chakra be opened and charged to be at its highest appropriate level.  Allow the pendulum to swing freely as it shifts its swing to a strong clockwise motion.  Once this motion is achieved, move on to the sacral chakra and begin the process over.  Ask to see the current state of health, evaluate the response, then ask for the chakra to be opened and charged to its highest appropriate level.  Continue your way through the chakras repeating this same process until you have charged and opened them all to the highest appropriate level.  I recommend making a note of the health of each chakra as you go through.  This can help you to identify areas in your life that may need work to help keep your energy centers fully charged and open.

Dowsing can be very effective at identifying non-beneficial things in our lives.  However, as with anything along these lines, simply identifying them and adjusting the energy is only half the work.  Once you can pinpoint areas of concern, it is essential to take an active role in removing the triggers for this energy in your life.  It takes active change in your personal sphere of influence to truly effect lasting change for yourself.

Thank you for joining me for this introduction to dowsing.  Next week, I will be continuing  on this topic with a more advanced method focusing on adjusting the energies of land, buildings and groups.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share an opportunity with all of our fantastic Akasha Temple Live listeners.  I am seeking volunteers to help out with a top secret Tarot project that I have brewing.  This project will be bringing the Tarot to you from a new and fascinating perspective.  If you are interested, please send me an email to readings@personaltarotwithmatt.com by Wednesday, November 16 to get your name on the list.  Further details will be shared as the project gets closer to completion.  Again send me an email at readings@personaltarotwithmatt.com

Playing Musical Chakras – “M-o-M” 11-6-11

Posted on by
Reply

It has long been known that music affects our moods and emotional behavior.  Music can soothe the savage beast and can motivate us in ways that no other art can.  The effect that different styles of music have on us is as varied as the music itself.  Though there are common impressions that can come through, each of us responds a little differently to the same artist, song or genre.

In our individual lives, the events we experience are so personal that no other individual an ever truly have the same experience.  Because of this, I have always found it difficult to accept that cookie cutter methods of healing and energy work can be effective for all people at all times.  To a degree, there needs to be a personal variation based on individual circumstances and desires.  This is vitally important when we seek to work on ourselves and balance our own energies.

There are a million and one self-help books, cds, videoes, and such out there with varying degrees of effectiveness.  Some try to give very detailed instructions as to how to lift your spirits and be a better person.  Others give convoluted advice that is more confusing than your original problem.  But, the ones that I have found most effective are the ones that give you a basic framework for success and require you to fill in the steps with your personal details and action plan.  After all, who know you better than you?  This method does take more work and dedication on your part. But after all, if you’re not willing to work at being a better you, why the hell did you start down the path of self improvement in the first place?

Tonight we are going to explore a framework to help strengthen your chakras as needed using things you already have and love.  It’ll take a bit of thinking and some contemplation on your part, but it also has the potential to have a profound effect on you moving forward.  As we build this framework, I will tell you what has worked for me and why.  This does not mean that it is going to work for you, I just want to present you with examples of how to connect certain songs or artists to the properties of your chakras.  What I ask of you tonight is very simple; as I go through each chakra, I want you to think of and write down an artist, song, album, or genre that speaks to the highest aspects of that chakra.  If multiple things come to mind for a particular chakra, write them all down.  Variety is highly encouraged!  Once we are done, you will have a list of at least seven triggers that will help you to activate and strengthen your chakras.  If you are ready, grab your pen and paper and let’s begin!

Root Chakra -This is where our safety and security lies.  When we speak of being grounded, it is a state of opening up our root chakra to the point that we feel as though we are a tree rooted in the Earth.  Firm, strong, immovable in nature.  Feelings of anxiety, fear, and insecurity are all root chakra issues and deal with a feeling that we are somehow not good enough or are alone in our pain.  When we open this chakra, we are able to see that we are never alone in our struggles and that through our connection to the Earth and all it’s inhabitants we are able to overcome all challenges.

For me, there is one particular album that has been a go-to when I am feeling like this.  Blues Traveler, “4″ has been my saving grace on countless occasions.  The shift of emotions throughout this album, from happy to sad, loss to gain, anger to joy reminds me that there is no emotion that I am alone in feeling.  This album activates triggers for me to process and work through each emotion that I am going through to see that there is power in numbers and everything is surmountable.  Of all the albums I have purchased over the years, this is the only one that I have repurchased multiple times when I have lost or ruined it. More than likely, you already have a go-to like this in your collection.  Something you that just calms you down and brings you back to earth when you feel like you are losing control.  If not, this is a very important one to figure out quick.

Sacral Chakra- Located just below the navel, our creative forces come from within this chakra.  This creativity includes our artistic expression, our out-of-the-box thinking as well as our sexual desires and pleasure.  When we feel stuck in our jobs or unmotivated in life, our sacral chakra is often going to be found to be out of whack.  This is also true in cases of artistic frustration like writer’s block.  By activating this chakra, we are opening ourselves up to a creative flow that is inspired by the Divine flow of energy through us.  Our motivation will be at it’s peak and expression will be fine tuned to present to the world exactly what we intend.

On the aspect of creative motivation, Celtic Punk (Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, etc.) is a genre that just lights a fire under my ass and get’s me going.  Though I have recently tied some of my fascination with Irish culture to past lives, there is a very fiery and in your face feeling to this modern adaptation of classic Irish style that moves me like no other genre has.  For your selection, think about what gets you moving, not only physically but mentally as well.  Maybe it’s a band that you always play while your cleaning, or a station you like to listen to while working.  Whatever it is, write it down and get your sacral chakra buzzing!

Solar Plexus Chakra –  The heart of our personal power lies here in our solar plexus.  When we are working from our “gut” and relying on those instinctual impulses to guide our actions, we are tapping into the power of this chakra.  Signs of poor chakra health include overt shyness, seclusion from the outside world and constantly seeking direction from others.  Stepping into our own power and sense of self is a key to maintaining the strength of this chakra.

There is no artist that speaks about owning your personal power to me better than Eminem.  Through all the controversy, criticism and vulgarity, Eminem has never allowed anyone else to control his actions or words.  Despite the frustration, pain, violence and drugs he has always strove to speak his truth, despite the inevitable consequences.  Finding a path to your sacral chakra involves finding the music that speaks to your truth and power.  Whether it is the truth that you have lived or simply a truth that you admire being spoken, if it makes you stand strong in who you are this is your solar plexus trigger.

Heart Chakra – You could call this our love center as this is the emotional center of our bodies and how we connect with others on the deepest physical level.  Sadness and depression often sink in when our heart chakras are weak or closed.  Broken hearts are quite literally the cracked connection between the heart chakras of ourselves and someone we have connected with.  An open chakra brings with it powerful levels of emotional connection, empathy and love.

When I think of my heart, the band Sister Hazel speaks volumes to me.  As the favorite band of my true love, it is nearly impossible for me to hear anything by them without thinking of her.  Simply by connecting my love for her to the music she loves, I can access the power of of my heart chakra at will.  To activate your heart chakra, look for music that evokes feelings of love in you.  This may be a song that brings back a fond memory of love or something that sparks your vision of what love is.

Throat Chakra – This is quite literally our voice.  Our ability to speak up for ourselves and speak our truths.  When we feel stifled and silenced by others or our own fears, it is often a sign that our throat chakra needs our attention.  Vocalizing our thoughts and emotions are great ways to help build the strength of the throat chakra and allow us to communicate on a much greater level.

To exercise my throat, I love singing.  John Mayer is one of those artists that I find myself almost involuntarily singing along with.  Not only do I find his music appealing to my ears, I also feel a connection to the message that is presented and many of his songs speak to things I wish I had the power to say.  By singing along with his music, I can feel my own words being expressed and my chakra opening.

Third Eye Chakra – The center of our intuition and “second sight” lies right between our physical eyes in the center of our forehead.  Focusing on listening to the little voice in your head and taking stock in dreams, both waking and sleeping assists in keeping this chakra wide open.  One of the biggest complications I have found in third eye health, comes with dismissing the nudges you get from Spirit to take a specific action.  We’ve all experienced that whole “hind sight is 20/20″ feeling but we most often get that feeling when we refused to accept the foresight we were given in the first place.

It has been difficult for me to pin down a specific example for this chakra as music in general helps me to stay centered enough to listen to my inner voice.  However, it has been in my meditations with ambient sound based music that have been the most influential for truly accessing my second sight and intuition.

Crown Chakra – Our direct connection to the Universe and Spirit flows through this chakra.  Many times this is not a chakra that we even think about working on as it seems to operate almost independently of our own thoughts.  However, actively working to keep this chakra open allows us to feel the peace and serenity of Spirit.  Closing off this chakra, closes us off from the collective consciousness and the power of the Universe.  Like the root chakra, closing off our crown often leaves us feeling very alone.

The Doors have a profound effect on my crown chakra.  There is a level of connection that I feel to other realms of reality and perception when I turn on their music.  The power and emotion behind Jim Morrison’s poetry is enlightening and empowering for me.  It is usually within the first few bars of a Doors song that I can feel my crown chakra tingling and my consciousness lifting.

Now that you have your list of musical triggers, you have the power to pump up specific chakras based on your immediate needs.  If you haven’t been able to fill your list yet, keep working on it until you have at least one item for each chakra.  Keep this list in mind throughout your day and access it as you need.  Many times, just simply playing a song in your head when you feel a bit off will be enough to lift you out of your slump and get you back on your feet.

I encourage you to share some or all of your list with us in the comments below.