Holistic Friday Tip

Tummy Troubles.

Sooth your stomach with oranges and fennel seed. Make a mixture of a tablespoon each of orange peel and fennel seed and mix it with two cups of water. Boil and then steep the brew. Add honey to sweeten the tea and drink it when you are suffering from indigestion. The tea should refrigerate for about 48 hours, and will taste primarily like fennel.

Camomile tea

You hear all the time about the benefits of chamomile tea on the body. Today I’m going to discuss how it helps us and if you can add your experience with it, thats even better!

First of all let me explain what Chamomile is. Camomile is a herb that comes from the daisy family. It has been used for hundreds of years for many health problems, and is still used today by many herbalists. Fresh or dried, chamomile works admirably.

But you need to remember, Chamomile is a medicinal herb and moderation should be used at all times. The side effects are moderate. Usually drowsiness, but high doses of chamomile can cause vomiting or skin reaction. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen or have hayfever, you may have difficulty using chamomile. NEVER use it if you are pregnant as it contains a substance called abortifacient, which can cause a miscarriage. Do not use it if you are taking blood thinners, since it contains a substance called coumarin, which is a natural blood thinner.

So now we know Chamomile is, let see what it can do for us and why it is a good idea to keep a supply in the cupboard.

Stomach Cramps
Chamomile contains a strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory component. This makes it excellent for treating stomach and intestinal cramps. Simply drink it twice a day until the symptoms ease or go.

Insomnia
Chamomile is a mild sedative that’s relaxes the body to enable sleep. Drink the tea 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed and you will sleep like a baby.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Chamomile reduces cramping and pain in the bowels, relieve excessive gas and bloating in the intestines. Drink a cup of chamomile tea to help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gastroenteritis or stomach flu.

Migraine Headaches
Chamomile works wonderfully well on migraines. Drink one cup of tea when you start noticing the symptoms. It works much better if you drink it before the headache gets severe.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menstrual Cramps
Drinking chamomile tea helps will all of these symptoms.

Treating Burns and grazes
Chamomile oil is very useful in treating bad burns. Rub a small amount of oil gently across the burnt area once a day. For scrapes and burns, brew a strong concoction by adding 3 tea bags to one cup of boiling water. When the water cools, dip a cloth into it and use it as a compress.

Dark Circles Around Eyes
Dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them on your eyes at night as a compress.

Spiritual Connections.

How to recognise a spiritual connection.

Every one, when they first start working with spirit, feels that what they are hearing is just their own thoughts and nothing to do with their intuition or spirit guides. Because we are dealing with a force that can’t always be seen, we almost demand to be shown concrete proof that what we are getting is from spirit. But that will never happen. The information is there to be tapped into, but we have to meet those in spirit half way. We can’t expect them to do all the work.

Living in the physical world we think in physical terms. This makes it very hard to fight our own negativity and doubts. But there is a way to overcome this. Simply, believe in yourself. Recognise that our thoughts are part of a spiritual plan. Most of us don’t have a clue how the brain works, but it doesn’t stop us from using it. Anything that appears to be outside our normal experience, we immediately make it safe by dismissing it as part of our imagination. But what is the imagination? Is it unreal - just a thought process to be dismissed so casually?

Think about it. Without our thought process we couldn’t breathe, eat or drink. It’s the core of our being and the basis of everything we do. Thought can create wonderful works of art, but with every yin, there is a yang. Thought can also cause world wars. So now you see why thoughts must never be dismissed. Thought is a tool to communicate with other thinking energies?

Spirit guides need to use the same thought processes that we will understand, and the gateways for them to use are our imaginations. That’s why it is a good idea to watch lots of documentaries, programs that cram your mind full of information. A spirit guide will pull snippets of information from your mind to communicate with you. But there needs to be information there to use. As trust in the imagination increases, thoughts become tangible. Believing what the imagination tells you is the starting point from fanciful ideas, to actuality. When we merge our imagination and our spiritual perception, there’s no longer any fear of the unknown.

So now I hear you ask, "How do I know the thoughts are from a guide and not my own mind?" Unfortunately there’s no easy answer to this question because everyone works differently. I always tell people when I’m teaching, if thoughts pop into your mind, without any prompting, that’s the first indication that you’re beginning to recognise spiritual influences.

Progression on the spiritual path includes progression on your physical journey as well. In fact, as spiritual awareness increases, you’ll start to change the way you live your physical life. This enables you to then continue along the pathway you’ve decided to tread. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but then nothing in life is. If it were, you’d never appreciate your achievements. Good luck with your journey, it’s one you will never regret undertaking.

The otherside of Christmas.

It’s coming up to Christmas and for some people it isn’t all sleigh bells and laughter. For some, this seasonal time of the year brings sadness. It's an unfortunate truth that negativity impacts our life more than anything else. This is because it arrives highly charged with various other emotions pushing it along.

Negativity brings anger, despair, grief and more, which wipes out any positivity that might be trying to break through. The damaging effect from this type of emotion ripples out like that of a lake that you have thrown a pebble into. It affects everyone around you. The mind is a powerful tool, but when it turns against you it can become a formidable adversary.

So how can you change this darkness around you? Do something that lightens your mood. I know you won’t feel like it, and I'm not trying to sound patronising here, but even something small can make a huge impact on how you're feeling. This way you are turning your mind away from the negative influences of your thoughts. Try not to speak to people who are in the same frame of mind as you. Negative people will only make you feel worse. For now, stick with people who are more upbeat.




Have you ever thought about helping others? Don’t be on your own Christmas day. A lot of charities are crying out for help. Crisis badly need volunteers christmas day. Help someone else, even if you feel that you can’t always help yourself.

It’s hard to feel thankful when you’re so down, but find one thing that you are really grateful for and concentrate on that. Don’t suffer alone. Talk to understanding friends and family about how you feel.

Understand that nobody is perfect. We all have flaws that from time to time hold us back or interfere in our lives. Mrs Jones, who lives next door, may have a wonderful house, but is she really happy? There are things that we say to ourselves that are harmful and stay locked inside us for a long time. Treat yourself as you would treat others. Think before you think!

Last of all remember, there are agencies that can help you if you have no friends or family to talk to and if you live in the UK.

Samaritans
Turn to me
Support line.

You’re not alone. Remember that.

Christmas is a state of mind. To find peace and hold it in your heart, to give mercy and mean it, all these are the real spirit of Christmas.

Have a very merry Christmas and a joyous New year. xx Margaret West

Energy

As we grow closer to the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, we have discovered that time is energy which waits for no one. So what is energy and why is it so important? There is nothing in physical form or in the Spirit ether that is not energy in one form or another.

Energy is a non-physical substance. It is both seen and unseen. It is light and it is dark, free flowing, often collecting in room corners and becoming stagnant. It is the only mass that is never ignored by those of us in the linear or spiritual realm. Words, thoughts emotions are created by energy. This explains why, when a person dies, their personality lives on. Energy can never be extinguished.

There are people who are very sensitive to energy. They are called mediums or sensitive’s. They can feel or sense how a person is feeling or what kind of mood they are in through email, text or just looking at them. I am an Angelic Reiki Practitioner. I work on the subtle energy vibrations of the angels, who are sentient beings of light and energy. An Angel is capable of being everywhere in every moment. If you don’t believe in angels, have an Holistic treatment with me. Angelic energy is unique and quite tangible to everyone.

Energy is an important component of all living things. It is also the sole componant of the spirit world. Spirit Orbs are energy. When we shed the vehicle that houses our energy, the body, we are free to be in any place we choose at the blink of an eye.

Energy is everywhere because everything is made from it.

Aura's

What is an Aura

In metaphysics, Aura refers to the energy field emanating from the surface of a person or object. This emanation is visualized as an outline of cascading colour and may be held to represent spirit vibrations or chakra emergence. By definition the aura is the energy field or “Life Force” that surrounds, encompasses and permeates all living things. The human aura is similar to a force field protecting and vitalizing every cell and organ of the body. It is akin to an “electric blueprint” of yourself.

The aura’s spiralling colour vibration field can be seen, felt, and interpreted in an aura reading. Should the colour or colours in the aura need healing, an aura healing can take place, bringing the aura into balance.A well-balanced aura should be balanced all the way around, with the colour or colours and their stability being carefully noted.

For example; when a murky colour is present the aura is out of balance, this is when an aura healing would be helpful. The auric energy field not only goes around you, but moves within your body as well. It is not just the outside of your body that is made of electromagnetic energies. The Aura vibrates to different colour, sound and light frequencies. The colour spectrum varies with a persons physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states. Although it is not always possible to physically see an Aura, it can be sensed or even touched.

An aura healer studies a person to see if there are holes in their aura. This is shown by dark gaps where electromagnetic energies had suddenly stopped. It will cause an imbalance in the physical body. Big or small. A healer needs to first find out the psychological cause of the problem. This will determine if the person actually wants to be healed on an emotional and spiritual level. If they are they are not ready for either, healing and balancing can only last for a sort time and will revert back, or manifest in another area of the body.

Do it yourself.

It is quite possible to see your own aura. Find a mirror that is in a well lit room. It works better of you sit in front of a white background and look to the side of the body - either side is fine. Daylight is often the best light as the sun's rays are full spectrum.
Sit or stand and relax yourself. Look at your head and shoulder area. Focus on one side of your head. Soon you should be able to see the electromagnetic energies as a field of light - around it.
To feel the electromagnetic energies coming from your body, hold the palms of your hand facing each other - about two inches apart. Wait a few second. You will feel a tingling sensation or something pushing gently between your hands.
Once you begin to feel the sensation of electromagnetic energies between your palms, move them slowly to and fro. You will feel the movement of your aura. Look between your hands to see the electromagnetic energies, your aura.
Try moving your palms further and further apart slowly. See how far you can go before you no longer feel the 'pull'. Remember to check periodically by moving your hands slightly and slowly.
If you watch another person for a minute, you will see their electromagnetic energies as sort of wavy lines. You might want to let your eyes go a little out of focus while you are looking for an aura. After you see that energy, you may also see or sense a colour frequency, maybe two or three colours, in the aura.
Remember that auras change all the time according to the person's mood and environment. As with all psychic tools, learning to read auras seems easy for some people while others need lost of practice.

Aura layers

First layer.
The one closest to our body, nearest to our hair, is called the Etheric layer. It is connected to the root chakra and is vibrant red in colour. This talks about our general health. Physical manifestations show here as dark knots or patches. Problems with legs, feet, bones and bowel discomforts. Faded patches can indicate a stressful period in your life, anger. When feeling it with your hands, that part of it will feel sharp, jagged to the touch.

Second layer.
This one is called the Emotional body and should be a strong vibrant orange with hints of silver. It is connected to your sacral chakra. This one is associated with your moods. Your feelings about yourself and your self esteem. This is an easy one to get out of balance. Once thi has happened you may get mood swings, start addictions such as eating, smoking, drinking. Get to know this level well. If the colour is pale, maybe you don’t have enough belief in yourself, maybe someone is knocking your self confidence. Illnesses of the bladder, kidneys, sexuality and hormones will show here.

Third Layer
This is known as the mental body. It is a vibrant sunshine yellow and is linked to the Solar Plexus chakra. This shines at its brightest when you are happy. It governs willpower, logic, determination. If it becomes a fuzzy mist, you may become forgetful, unable to focus your everyday thoughts. If it is pale/knotted, maybe you’re doing too much and not prioritising for time for yourself.

Fourth layer
The Astral body. This is linked to the heart chakra and is green. This is an important chakra and to balance it you must get it right. This level can easily become exhausted as it is connected to your deepest inner most feelings.. It will show up as a darker green if someone is possessive with you, or you are reluctant to let a loved one go. This layer helps you to accept love and give it. Illnesses such as viruses, lung, skin, allergies, blood circulation show up here.

Fifth layer
The Etheric template is blue and is connected to the throat chakra. This is hard to balance if you have a strong green centre. It is associated with sound, communication. If the colour is dark/dull you have unsaid words blocking your chakra. Illnesses such as the teeth, neck, shoulders glands, metabolism show here.

Sixth Layer
Celestial body. Is a vibrant purple and is linked to the brow chakra. This where we connect with spirit, angel, intuition. If the colour is not there, maybe you have lost touch with your spiritual self, if the colour is harsh/dark maybe you are not doing what is truly in your heart.
Illnesses such as migraines ear, eyes, sleep disorders are found here.

Seventh layer
Ketheric body has many colours within it. Violet,gold,white. It is connected to your crown chakra. This is all of you. Your energy. Your life force. It is the union of mind, body and spirit, the divine spark that drives us all.
If the colour is too white, maybe you strive too hard for perfection, if it is pale, maybe you have lost where you are going in life. Illnesses such as neurological, immune systems and cells, show here.

Predominant Aura Colours.

Personality. WHITE

Healthy, well balanced and spiritually evolved. An innovator and focused on wider world view.
Mood. Open to new ideas, new approaches and able to see the bigger picture.
Drawbacks. Too bright. Pushing ahead regardless of the consequences. Possible personal burn out.
Misty&pale. Unrealistic expectations and disillusioned with life.

Personality. RED

Courageous, a crusader, very active and wont take no for an answer. Passionate, strong.
Mood. Determined to succeed. Eager for change.
Drawbacks. Bright metallic red. A short temper. Dull red. Suppressed fury, irritable nature.
Scarlet and flashing. Flirtatious.

Personality Orange.

Confident, independent. Natural negotiator. Lucky, fertile, creative.
Mood. Self confident, willing to co-operate, well balanced and self motivated.
Drawbacks.
Dull/murky. Over territorial, over sensitive ego.
Pale. Lack of separate identity, low self esteem. Harsh, eccentric, addictive personality.

Personality. YELLOW.

Logical. Quick to learn. Natural communicator.
Mood. Ready to take a calculated risk. Won’t be swayed by emotions. in a work mood.
Drawbacks. Mustard yellow. Jealousy, spite or potential gossip.
Metallic. Less than honest intent.
Cold lemon. A workaholic, the heads rules the heart.

Personality GREEN.

Loving, faithful, altruistic, a natural healer, sympathetic, good with animals and children. Concerned about environment. Forgiving.
Mood. Kind, generous, ready to listen and understand, ready for love.
Drawbacks. Yellowish green. Possessiveness. Emotional manipulation.
Pale green. Unwilling to let go. Dependency and sentimentality.

Personality. BLUE

A natural leader. a keen sense of justice. Knowledgeable, channeller for healing from angles or guides.
Mood. Willing to consider both sides of a story. Calm, eager to make peace or compromise.
Drawbacks. Harsh. intolerant. A power struggle in some aspect of life.
Dull. . A concern for rigid rule keeping.
Pale. Indecisive.

Personality. PURPLE.

Gentle, mystical, naturally clairvoyant, draws healing powers from prayer and divinity, a dreamer.
Mood. Intuitive, Unwilling to condemn anyone or anything. Receptive.
Drawbacks. Pale. Lacking in drive and incentive.
Blurred. Prone to daydreams and illusion.
Dark. Isolation.

Personality. GOLD.

Visionary, perfectionist and noble sprit. One destined for great things.
Mood. Will protect and sacrifice self for others.
NO DRAWBACKS

Black anywhere in the aura, tends to appear as knots, jagged edges or dark spots. These denote exhaustion or stress.

What are elementals?

An elemental is considered a mythological being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus in the 16th century.

There are many types.
Gnomes, earth elementals
Undines, water elementals
Sylphs, air elementals
Salamanders, fire elementals.
Fairies
Pixies
Sprites

So let’s talk about a couple of these fascinating, so called, mythical beings. A one is most certainly real as I have seen them for myself. The others, I can’t vouch for something I haven’t seen, yet I won’t discredit their existence either.

Undines are a personification of water. They are likened to sprites, nymphs and mermaids. The term Undine comes from the Latin root ‘unda’ which means ‘wave. As water/tides are governed by the moon, so are these etheric beings. They can be traced right back to ancient Greece times. Here they are recorded as being called Oceanides. It was said that they were the daughters of Titan and his wife Tethys. I’m not so sure I can akin them to Idol gods, as they are from the spiritual veil and belong to the one consciousness of that light. But many years ago their presence in the oceans was legendary among seafarers.
Undines unite to form an impenetrable energetic bond. Hence where the term that we get energy from the water comes from. Water contains a wealth of energy that, we as humans, can’t begin to comprehend. Just as molecules bond together to form one mass - the Undines unite their energies in a grand matrix that is water. Theoretically, that would mean when we drink water, we are consuming Undines. But as we are all basically etheric beings, made from energy, the undines energy unites with ours and as we are all formed from the one consciousness, it stands to reason that combination makes us stronger.
Think about it. When we work with spirit, we drink water to cleanse away residue vibration, when we are unwell, we are told to drink plenty of fresh water. Why is spring water so good for us? Would we be more honourable in our use of water if we knew we were interacting with beings from the light? I don't know, but it's something to think about.

Fairies.
Fairies have been maligned though history as being devious, ugly, untrustworthy, the cause of changelings ~ When a fairy substitutes its child for a humans. All quite valid perceptions in the realms of fantasy, I suppose. So what are fairies exactly? I can tell you what they are not. Little ladies, dresses in tutu’s with butterfly wings, pointing magic wands at all and sundry.
Fairies are not of this dimension, they are etheric beings living in the atmosphere of our planet and solar system. They help guide nature. Evolution of plant life has to be assigned to someone to nurture it. They are also known as tree elementals.
Fairies are actually likened to angels. They cannot be seen as a being, as they are composed of etheric energy that has no definitive shape in our dimension, they cannot communicate with us because they don’t understand us, but their energy reacts with ours and that’s why we get such enjoyment from parks and plant life. This again highlights the fact that we are all from the one consciousness and we will therefore always be uplifted when we come in contact with theses energies, because they are part of us. Fairies can be seen, usually by those who are clairvoyant. They look like little flecks of coloured or white light.
I have seen these lights for myself when sitting in my garden. I could see little lights around my face as I bent to tend my roses one afternoon. I flicked at them thinking they were bugs lol, only to be told by my guide that they were indeed fairies I was swatting away. I apologised of course and hoped that they were not too offended.
So the next time you are surrounded by flowers, send out a thought to the fairies who tend them. For without them the plants on the earth would have no direction or form and the world would be a colourless place.

Whatever you believe in, I have hopefully given you a little bit of evidence that some do exist. I hope to bump into someone else who can give me evidence the others do as well. For now I can’t say either way.