Happy Beltane

As the sun sets, I must wish you all a

Happy Beltane!!!

Wild & Bright Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Herbal Artichoke Dip

Cooking with nutritive herbs is a great way to incorporate them into your daily life.  Nettles provide an amazing amount of nutrition.   

This recipe is "Oh my goddess YUMMY!"

Herbal Artichoke Dip

1/2 onion, diced

1 cup spinach chopped

1 cup chopped nettles (or ½ cup dried & reconstituted)

8 ounce jar marinated artichoke heart, drained & separated

1 tablespoon olive oil

2/3 cup Veganaise

1/2 cup nutritional yeast

 3 garlic cloves, minced finely

1 T dried basil

1 T dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/3 cup vegan mozzarella (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

Sauté onion & artichoke hearts in the olive oil.  When onions are tender, add nettles, garlic, basil, parsley, cayenne, pepper & continue to cook for a few moments more (until nettles are wilted).  Remove from heat & mix in garlic, veganiaise, nutritional yeast, mozzarella & stir well.  Place in shallow, oven-proof dish & bake 15 minutes.

Serve with crackers, pita or good quality bread.

Practicing Witchcraft

Are you an information junkie?  I am!  I collect books, surf the web, listen to podcasts, take classes, etc. all in the effort to learn more. 

Witches often fall into the trap of study, study, learn, learn & forget to DO.

Without practice, we are simply librarians & historians, not energetically powerful witches. 

So, stop reading this blog & go light a candle, meditate, chant, dig in the dirt, make an energy ball...whatever it is you just read about...go Practice Witchcraft!!

Wild & Bright Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Frugal Witchcraft - Crystals & Stones

Many witches use crystals & stones in their magick, or simply as a tool for energy work.  But, in our metaphysical shops, these stones can get really expensive!

Witchy friends...it's time to think outside of the box.

Blessing of the Stones

While I'm happy to support my local witch shop for some items, I also value my $$ & time (the time it takes to make the $$ cuts into my fun time.)

Lately, I've been thinking about my mother-in-law.  She has has a beautiful "rock" collection that she's been working on for years.  Now, since I KNOW she would NEVER step into a metaphysical store, I wondered...where does she get these beautiful geological specimens.

Then I discovered our local mineral museum.  Like most museums, it has a gift shop.  Without the mark-up of spirituality, my crystals cost me about 1/2 the price!

Also, there is a traveling gem shows.  Here's an example using a quick Google search for gem show.  Some of these are for wholesalers only, but most are open to the public.  The prices are MUCH better than in your local shop & there is a HUGE variety to choose from.

So, lovely witches...don't break the bank purchasing crystal generators & amethyst cathedrals.  Find out where your local rockhounds shop. 


Wild & Bright Blessings,
~*Rhi*~
    )O(
 

Spring Blossom

From Faeryland (Hidden Witch's garden)

Volunteer Sunflower from the birdfeeder

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

Dune Sunflower

Chamomile in the Medicine Garden

Volunteer Periwinkle (I think)

Blooming Pumpkin Patch

Zucchini Blossom

Tomato blossom?  This volunteer is in the compost pile!

Broccoli blossoms...YUM!

Cape Honeysuckle? One of the Hummingbird's favorite natives

Lantana...for the bees

Pattypan Squash in bloom

Volunteer Milkweed by the back door

I just love Spring in Faeryland!!

Wild & Bright Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Assumptions - a little rant...

Today is one of those days I try to stay inside & isolate myself from the public.  No TV, no radio, no shopping. 

Today is a holiday for the religious majority.  A day when everyone assumes that I, too, am celebrating their holiday.  I woke up to a text message & a card from 2 friends...Happy Easter! (& some admonishes to remain close to their god & follow his way).  Later today, the evangelists will knock on my door, inviting me to read their literature (I will try not to boil them in my cauldron).

There is an assumption, that because I am middle-class, white, American, that I'm also a Christian - that I believe the way others believe. 

I do not.  I am a witch. I believe in a universal spirit that connects us all.  Somehow, I just don't feel connected when others are pushing their religious beliefs onto me.

It's not that I begrudge Christians their holiday.  In fact, I will be calling my nephews later today to wish them a Happy Easter.  I'm all good with people celebrating their beliefs.

Next weekend is Beltane.  My favorite holiday.  I'll be working all weekend.  There is no saying, "this is a holy day for me where I celebrate sexual energy & renewal, I need to spend the night & early morning making love in the woods, blessing the Earth."  Nor, will I send emails to all my Christian & Hindu & Islamic & Atheistic/Agnostic friends saying "Happy Beltane! May your lives be filled with the passion of the Sun".

Today I will hide inside.  Next weekend, I will quietly celebrate the coronation of the sun. 

I will continue to practice religious openness & tolerance as best I can.  I will ask questions of those who celebrate power & connection to god/goddess/universe/etc. in ways different than I do.  I will look deep into the eyes of a woman dressed in full burka to find her spirit, her humanity.  I will meditate with a follower of Krishna.  I will listen patiently as an atheist explains the vast emptiness of death without renewal of life.  This is what my religious beliefs demand of me.  Love.

We are one of the groups in the religious minority. Our lives move in a different rhythm.  We have no need to bring others into the fold.  We quietly find each other.  Celebrate & support each other.  Study together.  Attempt to understand the world together, in love.

Now, excuse me while I go put away all my witchy paraphernalia so my lovely, Christian dog-sitter doesn't shun me forever when she comes over to wish me Happy Easter.

These are the days I wish I could announce to the world, "I AM A WITCH!"  But, in love, I will stay the Hidden Witch.

Wild & Bright (albeit hidden & quiet) Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Sniffle Witch

This little witch has the sniffles.  Actually, much more than that, but I'll spare you the details.

I was being so good at listening to my body, & then Spring Fever came over me & I over-worked & over-scheduled myself.  I felt it coming on...the fatigue is my first clue.  My second message is the desire to be alone.  But I didn't listen. 

I ran around like a mad March Hare, exhausted myself & then got sick.

Now, of course, I'm way behind on my obligations.

So, off to plan classes, clean the house, catch up on herbal homework, tend to the garden...after a nap.

Wild & Bright (sniffly) Blessings,

~*Rhi*~
    )O(

Speaking Truth

Sometimes, the most difficult thing is to speak your truth - and to do it in love & with respect.

I have found, throughout the years, that speaking my truth is very empowering.  And the opposite also holds that speaking a falsehood erodes my strength.  A witch's word is sacred. 

But still, there are times when I hold back.  When I refuse to speak up in someone's defense.  When I tell those "little white lies." 

There is a body of research that tells us these small, social lies are part of the fabric of society.
The little lies we tell each other out of protection for them, protection for our self-esteem, or simply to grease the wheels are a part of our world.  But, each time we speak a lie, we tell ourselves that we are less powerful, less capable, less real.

So, what's a witch to do? 

Well, I think that active listening is one of the keys to speaking truth. 

Yesterday, I began my Throat Chakra work.  This chakra is often associated with communication...not only speaking, but listening.

Listening is difficult!  Most of the time, when we think we are listening, our minds are racing in an attempt to create our response.  We truly hear very little of what the other person says.

By listening intently, without an agenda, we can often eliminate those awkward moments where social lies seem necessary.  We can live & speak authentically while empowering others.

Here is the most important tip I've found after years of training in conflict resolution:

Ask real questions.

Doesn't that sound simple?  Ask real questions...but, what does it mean?
Basically, asking real questions requires us to put aside our own agendas, focus on the person we're interacting with & then dig deeper. 

When I've talked with others about this, they often say "but I can't come up with any questions!"  If that is the case, just pay attention a little more...there is a question that brews within every interaction...usually, we shy away from it, because it feels too intimate.

Ask the real question.

See what happens.  There may be a period of awkwardness.  But, most often, there is a sense of connection.  You and your conversation partner become aware that both are valid, real, interested.  Try this out on the people you love.  See what happens.  

Please, when doing this, though, avoid giving advice or "helping".  These are behaviors that come very naturally to most of us, but they dis-empower others - they separate us by creating hierarchy.  

Just listen. Interact.  Ask questions.

And then, speak from your heart...Your Own Truth...

It's shocking how easy & powerful speaking truth really is.

Wild & Bright Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Compassion & Healing Meditation

This Compassion & Healing Meditation is based on the Buddhist practice of Tong Len.

This practice can be very intense, so make sure you are in a safe place that will be undisturbed for about 30 minutes.  (see alternative, quick Compassion & Healing Meditation at the bottom of the page).

Introduction:  Before you start, take a moment to think about a time or situation in your past or future during which you have suffered, or expect to suffer.  Also, think about someone you love who may be suffering presently.  We will be using these images in our compassion and healing meditation.

Sit, very calmly, very confidently.  No one is watching you, no tests to pass or fail.  Just you and your mind. 

Imagine for a moment a blank screen.  This is the screen of you mind.  Upon this screen, you begin to see the number 13.  See the number 13 on the screen of your mind.  13.  Now, visualize the number 12….(continue down to the number 1)

Upon the screen of your mind, you see a tree.  The biggest and most beautiful tree you have ever experienced.  See how the tree fills the screen, its branches spreading wide, it’s height enormous.  Approach the tree.  Notice that you can see around the tree as the screen of your mind dissolves.  Walk around the tree.  Touch the tree’s thick bark.  Notice the earthy smell of this place.  Look around the tree’s base for an opening.  This opening is your invitation from the tree into the Underworld.  Step through the opening, noticing that it widens & deepens with each step.  You notice a spiraling staircase illuminated with warm light.  There are 12 steps descending into the earth.  These will

take you to your Inner Temple.  Begin your descent.  12. Take the 12^th step.  11 another step closer.  10 smell the air, thick, but sweet.  9……(continue down to 1 visualizing walking down through the tree on the staircase) a light guides you & gets brighter & brighter as you reach the bottom.

Before you is the entrance to your Inner Temple.  This sacred place is visible only to those who can "vibrate" to its high level of energy.   Look around.  Notice the perfection. Use all your senses, to hear, touch, sense, walk around, and observe all the details of this holy place, making the whole Temple come alive. 

You feel warm and safe.  As you explore the boundaries of your temple.  Notice a door.  This door is not the door from which you entered, but another door.  Behind this door are friends.  Guides.  Guardians.  Open the door if you desire, inviting your friend to share in the beauty of your Inner Temple.  Your guide is delighted to be with you.  And offers protection for the journey to come.  

Spend a moment with your friend.

{PAUSE}

As you commune with your guide, you remember your garden.  There are many plants growing in the garden.  The spirits of your beloved flowers, herbs and trees call you into the garden.  Wander through the paths.  Take a moment to connect with the spirits of the plants.  Tell them you are headed towards a journey of healing and compassion.  Invite the plant spirits to assist you in your work. 

{PAUSE}

Notice 2 plant spirits calling to you.  Maybe it is a rosemary bush, a patch of daffodils or violets, maybe lotus flowers floating in a pond.  These lovely beings know the work of healing and are excited to be of service.  Reach into your pocket for an offering to the plant spirits.  As you gently harvest portions of these 2 plants,  give your precious offering as a symbol of gratitude. 

Bowing to the spirits in your garden, you open the garden gate.  Before you is a very beautiful place.  This is your merit field.  The grass under your feet sparkles.  Trees are swaying in the wind with bells in their branches, playing a beautiful melody.  Lakes and ponds surround the field.  The temperature is perfect.  This is a place of healing.  Sit quietly in your merit field for a few moments.

{PAUSE}

As you take in the surroundings, you notice a cauldron has appeared.  The cauldron is filled with sweet, pure water.  This is your cauldron of healing. Into the cauldron, you place the herbs from your garden.  As the herbs blend with the perfect, pure water, colors appear.  As you stir, you recognize your brew as being pure love and healing.  Look into the cauldron, and notice the colors spiraling and glowing with power.  The light emanating from your cauldron is brilliant and pulsing. Your healing brew is perfect. Begin to breathe in the steam of your healing brew.   With each inhalation, the cells of your body are filled with brilliant color and light.  Continue breathing in the healing light until each cell of your body is glowing with healing love.  Drink of the brew.  Taste it’s deep flavor, rich, warming. 

{PAUSE}

Look up from the cauldron and notice an image of yourself.  This is the you of the future.  The future is experiencing great suffering.  Maybe the image is of you later this week, maybe 5 years from now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now, maybe the you 30 or even 40 years from now.  You may be very old, very sore, very tired, sick perhaps, lonely.  Invite this vision of you to join you at the cauldron.  See the suffering of your future self filling each cell with thick, black, choking smoke.  This suffering may be in the form of conflict with a loved one, it may be disease, or even harmful energy returning to you.  In whatever form, the suffering the future you is experiencing is deep and frightening.  The dense, black smoke completely fills the body of your future self sitting in front of you.  Sit for a moment and feel the suffering of your future self. You know what that suffering is.  You know your fears.  The sense of compassion is overwhelming and you know you must act to heal this suffering.

{PAUSE}

Remembering the power of the plant spirits who have joined your effort and the promise of protection from your guide, you begin to breathe deeply.  With each breath you are drawing the thick, black smoke of suffering out of the future you.  The smoke gathers above the cauldron.  With each breath, more and more smoke moves into the cauldron.  The cloud becomes more and more dense.  Continue to draw out the cloud of black smoke, from the future you, emptying this loved being of all suffering.

{PAUSE}

Now, with one deep inhalation, breathe in the cloud of thick smoke.  Amazingly, you are not affected as the smoke enters your lungs and spreads to your cells.  Your healing brew brought immunity from the smoke.  The cells of your body communicate as one, bringing all the colors together into a bolt of lightning that is pure love.  The lightning explodes, transforming the smoke into a rainbow of colors.  Continue breathing in the thick, black smoke and exploding it until the entire cloud above the cauldron is gone.

{PAUSE}

Now, with your exhalation, fill your future self with exactly what is needed in the form of the brilliant rainbow of colors.  Visualize very strongly your future self actually getting the qualities you wish for and becoming completely free, relaxed, totally free from suffering.  Visualize that you’re actually bringing this about.  It is really happening. It is really happening.  Visualize this very strongly.

{PAUSE}

Repeat cycle again.  Really feel the urgency of pulling the black smoke out.  It’s been there for so long.  All that suffering.  You pull it out and transform it instantly into a rainbow of light, healing nectar and you give it back.  Exactly what’s needed.  Visualize your future self in the best possible way and invite your future self to drink from the cauldron of healing.

{PAUSE}

Now, in front of you, still in your merit field with your cauldron swirling with colored light, imagine someone you care about.  Someone you have what feels like natural feelings of love and compassion for.  Maybe a close friend or relative or perhaps a pet.  Someone you feel loving kindness for, someone you care about, someone who is very important to you.

{PAUSE}

Once you have them set, visualize the suffering that they are going through.  Perhaps they’re going through a hard time or an illness, extreme financial difficulties, worry about their children, their future, their health, their relationships.  You really want to help them. And you can, you finally can.

We repeat the process.  Drawing their suffering out in the form of black smoke, bit by bit, gathering in front of you, bit by bit. 

{PAUSE}

This is tough, this is not your suffering, this is their suffering, but you want so much to help them.  So you draw it out.  When it gathers over the cauldron you begin to bring it in.  Exploding their suffering with your power and light.  You are very connected with this person right now.

{PAUSE}

Continue to spend a few moments healing your loved one.  You may repeat the cycle. Experience the compassion of wanting to take every speck of the smoke of suffering from them.  Experience the breathing in of the suffering and what it does to your heart, how this experience strengthens you.  And the experience of giving back everything good within you to bring about their happiness.  Invite your loved one to drink from the healing cauldron.

{PAUSE}

Strongly visualize this loved one in their best possible state, full of joy and happiness, free of all suffering. 

{PAUSE}

Now, it is just you in your merit field.  Think of what you have just done.  Think of what you’ve done for yourself, what you’ve done for your loved one.  Feel the power of light pulsating within your body.

With one last look around your merit field, return through your garden to your Inner Temple.  Reach into your pocket, noticing a symbol of tonight’s work.  Place the symbol in your temple for remembrance.  Bid hale & farewell to your guide, thanking them for their protection. 

{PAUSE}

Leaving your Inner Temple the same way you first came, begin to climb the stone staircase.  We will count the stairs as we ascend.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

You emerge at the base of the tree.  Thank the tree for guarding your entrance to the Underworld.  And walk back through the screen of your mind.  

As we count up from 1 to 13, being very gentle with yourself, you will begin to return to the physical world. 

1 – you feel the air around you

2 – the ground beneath your feet is solid

3- your spirit fully inhabits your body

4- your mind is becoming alert to your surroundings

5- begin to move by stretching your fingers

6- now wiggle your toes

7- rotate your wrists

8- rotate your ankles

9- begin to move your head, feel the relaxation in your shoulders

10- your arms and legs are ready to move now

11- rotate your shoulders & move your upper back

12- Reach your arms above your head, hands facing down

13- slowly, open your eyes and draw your hands down, pushing any excess energy out and away from you.

If you still feel floaty, try touching the floor to ground and center, releasing any energy into the earth.

As an alternative to this meditation, you may try meditating with this repeated affirmation:

"May I be free of pain & sorrow & the causes of pain & sorrow. May I be well, happy & filled with joy.  May _______ (someone you love) be free of pain & sorrow & the causes of pain & sorrow. May _______ be well, happy & filled with joy.  May all beings be free of pain & sorrow & the causes of pain & sorrow. May all beings be well, happy & filled with joy."

As you get more comfortable with these meditations, expand your compassion from yourself & those you love to those with whom have difficult relationships & eventually to all sentient beings.

These meditations are amazing for the Heart Chakra & build positive karmic energy.

Wild & Bright Blessings!

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Heart Chakra

Moving on, we are at the heart chakra.

Compassion is the name of the game here...compassion for self & for others.  Unconditional love.  A tough one for humans!

It's about spiritual awareness & letting go of Ego.  Definitely not about giving up yourself to others, but combining love for your true self & love for others.  There is a reason the first 3 chakras are all about safety, security, desire, personal power...without this base, you are unable to extend love to others in a healthy way.

Think about that for a moment.

Do you sacrifice yourself in service to others, leading to exhaustion?  If so, make sure you spend some time on the lower chakras before working on the heart.

For heart, we look to emerald green as our color.  Some wonderful stones are emerald, jade, rose quarts.  The heart chakra is associated with air (think about your breath) & touch.

While many herbs, including lavender & jasmine are highly associated with this chakra, my intuition leads me to rose.  During this time period, I will be faithfully adding Rose Glycerite to my daily water.

My meditations during this time period will focus on Compassion Meditation.  Tomorrow, I'll post a guided Compassion Meditation that was well received at a local witch's meet-up in February.

If you're working on chakras, I highly recommend Dr. Lorin Roche's work, Radiance Sutras.  I was blessed this past weekend to attend a workshop based on his work.  It was amazing & I'm getting the book as soon as I can!

The mantras I am adopting for the Heart Chakra days are:

"I forgive & release myself from the past.  I forgive & release any who have harmed me.  We are all one."

Wild & Bright Blessings!

*~Rhi*~

    )O(

Frugal Witchcraft - Make Your Own Flower Essences

When you hear the word Frugal, what images or thoughts come to mind?

"Cheap." "Poor." "Sacrifice." were my first impression, but really, being frugal can mean living better!

Websters defines frugal as: characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources.

Making sound decisions about where household dollars go is empowering.  It gives us the freedom to live abundantly within our resources - a vital skill in our tough economic times.

Sometimes, being a healer & a witch gets expensive.  We purchase incense, herbs, tools, candles, garments, stones, books, flower essences, pay for classes...the list goes on & on.

We make difficult choices, often sacrificing our magickal practice for more mundane & life-sustaining necessities.

No need!  Frugal Witches thrive on creativity & connection, not sacrifice!

So, lets get creative:

Frugal Witch Series: Make Your Own Flower Essences

Flower Essences were developed by Dr. Bach during the Great Depression.  The are energetic healing, remedies for the soul & beautifully fit into a natural witch's toolbox.


“They cure, not by attacking the disease, but by flooding our bodies with the beautiful vibrations of our Higher Nature, in the presence of which disease melts as snow in the sunshine.” 

Edward Bach, Ye Suffer from Yourselves, 1931

Dr. Bach worked with 38 essences, each directed towards the restoration of emotional harmony.


He identified 7 basic categories of emotional response to work with:

• Fear
• Insufficient interest in the present moment
• Loneliness
  
• Uncertainty
• Despondency/Despair
• Oversensitive to influences or ideas
• Over care for the welfare of others

His work was done in England, & towards the end of his life, leading many towards the theory that these 38 are just the tip of the iceberg. 


Using Dr. Bach's ideas about plant vibrations & energies, we can create flower essences with the natives in our areas.  The Flower Essence Society FES has created a great book listing plants common to North America.  If you get seriously into making essences, it would be a worthwhile purchase as a resource for what plants to use in what situations.  But, tuning into the vibrations & energies of nature using your intuition usually proves accurate.  Here is the template for making flower essences:

1. Spend time in nature connecting with plant spirits (this is a base practice before you would be ready to make your own essences)
2. Notice what flowers attract your attention & find an area that has these qualities to work with:
• At least 50ft from major roadways
• Organic conditions (no pesticides or fertilizers)
• Lots of your particular flower
• Legal for you to be there & collect flowers (often the hardest!)
3.  Bring a small crystal or glass bowl, some consecrated scissors & clean water (spring is nice, avoid tap water unless you know it isn't filled with chemicals)
4. Spend time connecting with the plants - share your intent & gain permission from the plant spirits
5. Fill the bowl with water & snip the flowers, allowing them to fall on the water's surface, (try not to touch the water or the flowers) covering the entire surface with flowers
6. Leave the bowl in the sun for 3-6 hours - preferably near the plants if possible
7. Check in often, in your meditative state, asking the plant spirits to speak to your intuition about the readiness of the essence
8. Strain the essence into a glass measuring cup
9. Add an equal amount of brandy to preserve the essence - This is the Mother Essence
10. From this solution, create your Stock solution - 2 drops Mother Essence to 1 ounce brandy
11. From this solution, create your Dosage bottle - 2 drops to 1 ounce clean water (can add 1 tsp brandy as additional preservative)

As you can see, it takes very little of the Mother Essence to create your dosage, so start with a very small bowl or you'll have so much essence you won't know what to do with it (and the brandy is a bit costly)!

I start with a little over 1/3 cup of spring water, knowing that some will evaporate in the hot Florida sunshine. 

Remember, we are working with vibrational energetics here, not chemical or pharmacological.  The dosage essence, if tested, would only show water & brandy as chemical constituents.  

Your flower essence remedies are a direct spiritual connection with nature.  This is why I think making your own, using your own intuition is the best way to go with flower essences...besides...think of the $$ you'll save!

You can mix up to 7 essences in a dosage bottle.  The dosing is:

4 drops every 5 minutes for acute crisis
4 drops 4 times daily for chronic issues

Bigger dosages aren't better.  It is frequency that matters.  Try the following ways to get your doses:

• Add to drinks
• Direct injestion
• Apply to pulse points
• Add to creams or lotions
• Add to bath water (about 20 drops)
• Spray (face, room, etc.) - this is especially great for animals & for restoring peace in a space
• Add to magickal creations!!

One formula I always purchase is the FES Five Flower formula.  It is relatively inexpensive & terrific for emergent situations.  I use it frequently to help deal with those quick crisis moments like injuries, squabbles, & to calm my dog during storms.

Have fun making your own flower essences!

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Some Great Resources: 

Theory of Bach Flower Essences
Flower Essences for times of Crisis

Choosing Flower Essences 
Summary of North American Flower Essences 
Summary of English Flower Essences (Dr. Bach's original list)

Moving On...Solar Plexus Chakra

Somehow, the Universe just knows where you need to go & when.  Yesterday, I needed to move forward into working on my Solar Plexus Chakra - the seat of personal power, energy & self-esteem.

Rather than tell the long & rather boring story, I'll just say that yesterday the Universe reminded me that I need to hold on to my personal power in the face of disapproval. 

Sometimes, I slip back into old ways of 'people pleasing' & lose myself in the process.  

This is happening less & less, but it still occurs.  I am learning to be independent. To act in my highest good (as I know it) & let the chips fall where they may.  

So, today & tomorrow I will continue to focus on the seat of my power - Root, Sacral & now Solar Plexus chakras.

*I have a piece of citrine in my pocket.  

*I'm focusing on the color yellow & on healthy starches

*I'm wearing my favorite sandalwood perfume

The sense associated with this 3rd Chakra is sight.  So...off I go on a hike to identify plants in nature.  I've got my guide books & today I will focus on the beauty in everything I see.

My mantras for this time period are:

"I listen to and trust my deepest insights."

and

"I am completely independent of the thoughts and opinions of others."

There is another exercise I feel is important during this time - I will make a sacred fire (the element associated with Solar Plexus Chakra) & meditate on it filling me with its power.

Wild & Bright Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(