This December we are being treated to a special Wishing Moon. A wishing moon is something which happens around eight times per year. It is when the full moon is especially powerful and can grant your innermost wishes and turn them into reality.
The one coming up will be extra special because it falls on Christmas Day December 25th at 11:11 the last time this happened was in 1977. Not only is it falling on Christmas day but being at precisely 11:11 is a very auspicious time. 11:11 is most commonly known as the twinflame number along with 10:!0, 23:23, 15:15 etc. See this post for more on Twinflames http://jezebeldusk.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/the-twinflame-relationship.html
This upcoming full moon is going to be very strong and very powerful and as it is such a rare occurence use the opportunity to tap into it's power.
To start off write a wishlist, do this before the full moon, it can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Once you have written it fold it up and place a moonstone ontop of it. Then move it to a sacred place. If you can, bury it outside in earth, a plantpot or windowbox will do just fine if your short on outside space. If not keep it somewhere special and personal to you. You could even place it under the pillow if you so desire.
Think about these wishes often, by writing them down you are physically sending them out to the universe, cementing your intention.
On the night of the full moon (December 25th) retrieve your wish list from it's sacred place, sit outside if you can and say
"I see the Moon and the Moon sees me, the Moon will send these wishes to me" then read off your wishlist. Once your done thank the moon for listening then spend some time soaking up it's strong energy. You can do this inside if you prefer as long as you can clearly see the moon.
Afterwards you can either keep your wishlist in a sacred place or burn it outside and let the smoke take it up to the universe.
It's important to think of these wishes often and instead of hoping for them visualise them being true in this moment as if they have already been granted.
These wishes work on the power of attraction which is a belief that what you ask the universe for will be given to you if you do it right. As an example say someone wished for a promotion at work, instead of thinking "I hope I get that promotion" think instead of "I am the boss, superviser" whichever promotion level you aspire to be. By thinking as though your wishes have already been granted you are telling the universe that you believe in yourself and your wishes.
Happy Wishing.
Sunday 20 December 2015
Tuesday 1 December 2015
Using Mandala's For Meditation
For some people learning meditation one of the most common problems is being unable to visualise. This will improve as you practice meditation more often.
If you really are struggling to visualise or perhaps your concentration wanders, try using a Mandala. The word Mandala in Sanskrit translates as "sacred circle" and that is pretty much what a Mandala is. It is widely used in Tibetan Buddhism. Mandala's will vary in appearance, they are often very colourful and will have very intricate details. They are quite rightly a work of art in their own form.
Mandala's are very useful tools in directing your energy and attention. To use one for meditation first find one you really like or one that particularly fascinates you.
Go to your usual place of meditation or somewhere you feel comfortable. Take a few deep cleansing breaths then allow your gaze to fall on your chosen mandala. Gradually focus your gaze on the centre of the mandala. What is depicted in the centre? What colour is it?
You will soon be aware of your attention wandering to different parts of the mandala, as you gaze over the different areas look at the symbols pictured, what do you think they mean? As your attention goes back to the centre notice the shape of the mandala and how all the parts flow, many people report that it reminds them of a beautiful flower. Keep focusing on the mandala, let it inspire you. As you once again focus on the centre feel yourself becoming a part of the mandala, as if you are connected to it, you are becoming one with it.
When it no longer feels comfortable to look at close your eyes and see if you can visualise the mandala in your mind. What parts do you specifically remember? Do you think they have a significance to you? Allow the colours to fill your entire aura. Feel as though you are breathing in the colours. You can feel the power that you have created using nothing but your own mind. Stay in this place of comfort, inspiration and power for as long as you wish and then slowly bring your awarenesss back to the present.
If you are particularly creative you could try to draw your own mandala. If that is a little bit too adventurous for you there is currently a trend for adult colouring books. There are a number of places currently selling Mandala colouring books, you could then choose a design you like and colour it yourself. Not only will you find this relaxing and therapeutic but by doing this you are putting your own energy and creativity into the mandala. Then you can gently cut it out, pop it into a punched pocket or laminate it and use it for your own meditation.
The Works currently have some fantastic and inexpensive mandala colouring books available:
http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/crafting-books/the-meditation-colouring-book/9781784046323
http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/crafting-books/mandala-adult-colouring-book/9781784048495
Whichever way you choose have fun exploring your Mandala
If you really are struggling to visualise or perhaps your concentration wanders, try using a Mandala. The word Mandala in Sanskrit translates as "sacred circle" and that is pretty much what a Mandala is. It is widely used in Tibetan Buddhism. Mandala's will vary in appearance, they are often very colourful and will have very intricate details. They are quite rightly a work of art in their own form.
Go to your usual place of meditation or somewhere you feel comfortable. Take a few deep cleansing breaths then allow your gaze to fall on your chosen mandala. Gradually focus your gaze on the centre of the mandala. What is depicted in the centre? What colour is it?
You will soon be aware of your attention wandering to different parts of the mandala, as you gaze over the different areas look at the symbols pictured, what do you think they mean? As your attention goes back to the centre notice the shape of the mandala and how all the parts flow, many people report that it reminds them of a beautiful flower. Keep focusing on the mandala, let it inspire you. As you once again focus on the centre feel yourself becoming a part of the mandala, as if you are connected to it, you are becoming one with it.
When it no longer feels comfortable to look at close your eyes and see if you can visualise the mandala in your mind. What parts do you specifically remember? Do you think they have a significance to you? Allow the colours to fill your entire aura. Feel as though you are breathing in the colours. You can feel the power that you have created using nothing but your own mind. Stay in this place of comfort, inspiration and power for as long as you wish and then slowly bring your awarenesss back to the present.
If you are particularly creative you could try to draw your own mandala. If that is a little bit too adventurous for you there is currently a trend for adult colouring books. There are a number of places currently selling Mandala colouring books, you could then choose a design you like and colour it yourself. Not only will you find this relaxing and therapeutic but by doing this you are putting your own energy and creativity into the mandala. Then you can gently cut it out, pop it into a punched pocket or laminate it and use it for your own meditation.
The Works currently have some fantastic and inexpensive mandala colouring books available:
http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/crafting-books/the-meditation-colouring-book/9781784046323
http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/crafting-books/mandala-adult-colouring-book/9781784048495
Whichever way you choose have fun exploring your Mandala
Wednesday 25 November 2015
Opening And Cleansing Your Chakras
As you become more open spiritually one of the core things to practise is regularly opening, closing and cleansing your chakras. Your chakras are energy centres which run along your spine. In Sanskrit the word Chakra translates as a wheel or disk, which essentially chakras are. These disks need to be alligned, clear, and spinning to the correct speed and direction. When your chakras are all in perfect allignment and balance you are healthier and more intune with yourself. If you have a blocked, overactive, underactive or misalligned chakra that will affect you both mentally and physically. Many physical ailments can be treated by simply realigning and cleansing your chakras. Each chakra has a colour and crystals attributed to it. There are many more chakras then the ones featured below but as this is the first time I've mentionned them on here we will start with the basic seven chakras.
This simple chakra meditation will help you become familiar with your chakras. As you practice it more and more often it will become a second nature to you. You can visualise your chakras anyway you want it is a personal choice. When you open your chakras you could see them as flowers opening, lift doors opening, or as coloured disks. The only thing to remember is the colour of each chakra how you picture them can be entirely upto you. For the sake of this meditation I will describe the chakras as flowers as more people can easily visualise these. As you open each chakra notice how it is spinning is it clockwise? anticlockwise? is it still? spinning fast or slow?
To begin settle yourself comfortably and take some deep healing cleansing breaths. Listen to your heartbeat and your breathing. Feel yourself relaxing.
Start off at your base chakra which is located at the base of your spine. You see a large red rosebud, as you allow it to open into a rose see the red light emiting from within it. The rose is spinning in a clockwise position, is it spinnnig fast? slow? or just right? Is it spinnnig anticlockwise?
As you come to the base Chakra which is located along your spine just below your navel. You see an orange flower bud, allow it to open into a beautiful vibrant flower, see the orange light shining from within. Again note which direction it is spinning.
Next is the solar plexus chakra, see a large sunflower bud, allow it to open into a beautiful bright sunflower, bright yellow sunny light is emiting from it. Notice again the speed and direction it is spinning.
Next is the Heart Chakra located on your heart. This is a personal preference you choose as their are infact two heart chakras. If you prefer pink choose pink otherwise choose green.
See your chosen colour flower and see it open into a gorgeous soft flower, see the pink or green light spreading out from it, it is pure love.
You arrive at your throat chakra located in your throat, you see a bright blue flower bud, allow it to open. see the blue light emitting from within it.
Next is the thrid eye chakra located between your eyebrows see a violet daisy bud, watch it open and see a wonderful violet light emiting from it.
Last up is the crown chakra at the very top of your head, see a deep purple lily bud, as it opens see a strong purple light shine from within it.
From high above your head see a beautiful pure white light, the purest white light you've ever seen. See it slowly lower over you until it enters your crown chakra. Allow this light to travel down each chakra and gently cleanse them with its white light. When it is done with your base chakra take a deep breath. As you exhale see the white light travel up and leave your body and disappear. Notice how good you feel, how clear you feel.
Now close each and every chakra the same way you opened them, taking your time to see each one close, if you visualised it as a flower see the flower close back up into a bud. If you noticed any chakras spinning anticlokwise, slow or fast are they now spinning better in a clockwise position.
When you get to your heart chakra close it and lock it with something special to you, you could see a key with a loved ones face on the handle or anything you hold dear. This will help to protect your heart. You can leave your heart chakra open just a little if you wish.
When you have closed each chakra take a few more breaths and slowly open your eyes.
How do you feel?
This simple chakra meditation will help you become familiar with your chakras. As you practice it more and more often it will become a second nature to you. You can visualise your chakras anyway you want it is a personal choice. When you open your chakras you could see them as flowers opening, lift doors opening, or as coloured disks. The only thing to remember is the colour of each chakra how you picture them can be entirely upto you. For the sake of this meditation I will describe the chakras as flowers as more people can easily visualise these. As you open each chakra notice how it is spinning is it clockwise? anticlockwise? is it still? spinning fast or slow?
To begin settle yourself comfortably and take some deep healing cleansing breaths. Listen to your heartbeat and your breathing. Feel yourself relaxing.
Start off at your base chakra which is located at the base of your spine. You see a large red rosebud, as you allow it to open into a rose see the red light emiting from within it. The rose is spinning in a clockwise position, is it spinnnig fast? slow? or just right? Is it spinnnig anticlockwise?
As you come to the base Chakra which is located along your spine just below your navel. You see an orange flower bud, allow it to open into a beautiful vibrant flower, see the orange light shining from within. Again note which direction it is spinning.
Next is the solar plexus chakra, see a large sunflower bud, allow it to open into a beautiful bright sunflower, bright yellow sunny light is emiting from it. Notice again the speed and direction it is spinning.
Next is the Heart Chakra located on your heart. This is a personal preference you choose as their are infact two heart chakras. If you prefer pink choose pink otherwise choose green.
See your chosen colour flower and see it open into a gorgeous soft flower, see the pink or green light spreading out from it, it is pure love.
You arrive at your throat chakra located in your throat, you see a bright blue flower bud, allow it to open. see the blue light emitting from within it.
Next is the thrid eye chakra located between your eyebrows see a violet daisy bud, watch it open and see a wonderful violet light emiting from it.
Last up is the crown chakra at the very top of your head, see a deep purple lily bud, as it opens see a strong purple light shine from within it.
From high above your head see a beautiful pure white light, the purest white light you've ever seen. See it slowly lower over you until it enters your crown chakra. Allow this light to travel down each chakra and gently cleanse them with its white light. When it is done with your base chakra take a deep breath. As you exhale see the white light travel up and leave your body and disappear. Notice how good you feel, how clear you feel.
Now close each and every chakra the same way you opened them, taking your time to see each one close, if you visualised it as a flower see the flower close back up into a bud. If you noticed any chakras spinning anticlokwise, slow or fast are they now spinning better in a clockwise position.
When you get to your heart chakra close it and lock it with something special to you, you could see a key with a loved ones face on the handle or anything you hold dear. This will help to protect your heart. You can leave your heart chakra open just a little if you wish.
When you have closed each chakra take a few more breaths and slowly open your eyes.
How do you feel?
Thursday 19 November 2015
Remember Your Loved Ones Today And Every Day
Today is nothing special, it's not Halloween, it's not Remembrance Day. But for some people out there today will be difficult. It could an anniversary of a loved ones death, a birthday of someone who is no longer here to celebrate it. So today light a candle, a tea light perhaps, offer a blessing and remember your loved ones who have moved onto the afterlife. They are often still with us in spirit so make a point of remembering them every single day. Because we shouldn't just remember them on anniversaries, or other occasions. If someone has been an important part of your life think of them often not just on significant days.
Tuesday 17 November 2015
Listening To The Wind
The UK is currently being battered by gale force winds, from Scotland to Devon the entire country is getting very windy. For some people the windy weather can be unsettling, even frightening. I was one of those people who'd be afraid in really strong winds. Until I learnt to understand it a little more. Over the coming days many people will be cursing the weather, blaming it for disruption and causing damage. What we must remember is that this is nature. Yes it can be devastating at times and even dangerous but this is nature, it's what happens. We can't control it, we cannot stop it so the best thing to do is accept it by seeing it in a different way.
See it instead as a time of deep cleansing, the accompanying heavy rain is washing the earth, and us if we get caught out in it. The wind is blowing away all the negativity, letting it all go. use this weather as a good excuse to do some emotional clearing of your mind and heart. Let go of any negative emotions and patterns through meditation.
Go to your usual place of meditation be it a chair, a bed or a comfortable spot on the floor. This weather can be dangerous so it's best to do this meditation indoors.
Begin by following the basic meditation technique I mentioned here: http://jezebeldusk.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/basic-beginners-meditation-technique.html
Instead of opening your eyes remain in the calm space you create and carry on with this meditation.
Take a further two deep breaths and spend a few moments listening to the wind.
You see yourself in a safe or favourite place, somewhere you feel happy and protected, whether it's a favourite beach, a forest, or somewhere in your home.
In front of you see a small gold bag, a piece of white ribbon, and a white feather sitting on top of it. Pick up the gold bag and hold it in your hands. Notice how light and soft it feels.
As you hold this bag think of every negative emotion, situation, addiction, past lover or anything else you want to let go of. Place something that symbolises that time in the bag, something you remember from these situations. As you put these items and memories into the bag see it expand, you can put as much in here as you need. Anything which is no longer relevant to you or which is dragging you down and holding you back put it in there.
When you are done filling the bag fasten the white feather onto it and tie it up with the white ribbon.
Hold onto your little package for a moment and remember everything you are about to let go of.
Take a deep breath and hold your package up towards the sky, as you exhale see the wind pick up your package from your hand and carry it away.
As you watch it float off into the sky say "I release you" and see it go.
The wind is carrying all of this away for you where it will be cleansed and recycled as new positive energy.
You feel a sense of calm in knowing you have let it go.
When you are ready open your eyes and take a few minutes to appreciate how free and clear your mind feels.
See it instead as a time of deep cleansing, the accompanying heavy rain is washing the earth, and us if we get caught out in it. The wind is blowing away all the negativity, letting it all go. use this weather as a good excuse to do some emotional clearing of your mind and heart. Let go of any negative emotions and patterns through meditation.
Go to your usual place of meditation be it a chair, a bed or a comfortable spot on the floor. This weather can be dangerous so it's best to do this meditation indoors.
Begin by following the basic meditation technique I mentioned here: http://jezebeldusk.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/basic-beginners-meditation-technique.html
Instead of opening your eyes remain in the calm space you create and carry on with this meditation.
Take a further two deep breaths and spend a few moments listening to the wind.
You see yourself in a safe or favourite place, somewhere you feel happy and protected, whether it's a favourite beach, a forest, or somewhere in your home.
In front of you see a small gold bag, a piece of white ribbon, and a white feather sitting on top of it. Pick up the gold bag and hold it in your hands. Notice how light and soft it feels.
As you hold this bag think of every negative emotion, situation, addiction, past lover or anything else you want to let go of. Place something that symbolises that time in the bag, something you remember from these situations. As you put these items and memories into the bag see it expand, you can put as much in here as you need. Anything which is no longer relevant to you or which is dragging you down and holding you back put it in there.
When you are done filling the bag fasten the white feather onto it and tie it up with the white ribbon.
Hold onto your little package for a moment and remember everything you are about to let go of.
Take a deep breath and hold your package up towards the sky, as you exhale see the wind pick up your package from your hand and carry it away.
As you watch it float off into the sky say "I release you" and see it go.
The wind is carrying all of this away for you where it will be cleansed and recycled as new positive energy.
You feel a sense of calm in knowing you have let it go.
When you are ready open your eyes and take a few minutes to appreciate how free and clear your mind feels.
Wednesday 11 November 2015
Guided Meditation To Open Your Heart
Meditating alone can be tricky for a lot of people. You may find your mind wandering, or you may fall asleep. Guided meditations can be the answer. A guided meditation is a recording of someone speaking calmly and taking the time to slowly allow yourself to explore the experience.
On the other hand you could be someone who practices meditation regularly and are becoming bored of your usual meditations.
Most of the meditations I practice are my own ones which I will share here in future posts. Sometimes however I want a change. You can buy meditation CD's from many outlets but one of the increasingly popular choices is Youtube. Whenever I fancy trying something different or am looking for a meditation for a specific purpose it's usually the first place I look. With modern technology its even more accessible, using an app on your phone or tablet. Youtube meditations don't usually have a video you need to watch, it's just a recording with a peaceful image on the screen. It's so easy to put your headphones in, close your eyes and allow yourself to drift off.
This is a short guided meditation by Kari Samuels I found last year. It's to open your heart by releasing negative energy left in your heart from previous relationships, people who have let you down or hurt you in any way. This meditation helps you clear all of that so that your heart is open to new love. You may find that this meditation will help you connect to your twinflame. Once you've tried this meditation a few times you'll learn it and will be able to do it without the guided meditation. I personally do this meditation around once a week. It's a nice short meditation only ten minutes in length.
Try it, see how you find it.
On the other hand you could be someone who practices meditation regularly and are becoming bored of your usual meditations.
Most of the meditations I practice are my own ones which I will share here in future posts. Sometimes however I want a change. You can buy meditation CD's from many outlets but one of the increasingly popular choices is Youtube. Whenever I fancy trying something different or am looking for a meditation for a specific purpose it's usually the first place I look. With modern technology its even more accessible, using an app on your phone or tablet. Youtube meditations don't usually have a video you need to watch, it's just a recording with a peaceful image on the screen. It's so easy to put your headphones in, close your eyes and allow yourself to drift off.
This is a short guided meditation by Kari Samuels I found last year. It's to open your heart by releasing negative energy left in your heart from previous relationships, people who have let you down or hurt you in any way. This meditation helps you clear all of that so that your heart is open to new love. You may find that this meditation will help you connect to your twinflame. Once you've tried this meditation a few times you'll learn it and will be able to do it without the guided meditation. I personally do this meditation around once a week. It's a nice short meditation only ten minutes in length.
Try it, see how you find it.
Wednesday 4 November 2015
Finding the right piece of Merlinite
I haven't really spoken much about crystals on here yet so I thought it would be a good time to start writing about them. To start off I thought I'd write about Merlinite.
Merlinite is commonly known as the Shaman Stone or The Magic Stone. Named after the wizzard Merlin you can begin to understand why. It is said to bring magic into your life. It is known to be a lucky charm and one of its attributes is that it will bring luck into your life.
It is a powerful stone for sure and can be used to awaken psychic abilities and can even take you on a journey to your past lives. Which I really would not recommend trying without the assistance of someone who knows what they're doing.
The appearance of Merlinite can be very varied, it is usually black and white but it can also appear blue and white or it may look much more yellow instead of white. Whatever the colour it will still have the same properties.
Merlinite allows you to explore multidimensional planes of existence co-existing with the physical plane. It is best used during meditation to attempt this. If you struggle with meditation try holding a piece of merlinite while you sit quietly with your eyes closed and note any feelings or images you see. It is a strong protection stone which will dispel any negativity either aimed towards you from another or negative energy you subconsciously create yourself. Many crystals can help us physically and mentally and can be used in healing many physical ailments. Merlinite is a stone purely for the spirit. It's a good healing stone but will only heal spiritual ailments or ailments caused by the subconscious such as nightmares, unexplainable headaches etc. It is not a stone for beginners as if you are not used to it you will feel overwhelmed by its power.
Despite all of this Merlinite has never been a crystal I've particularly ever connected to. I bought a nice piece when it first became readilly available but never really connected to it. For my birthday this year I received five pieces and thought something must be telling me to start using it. Again all of the pieces were absolutely lovely. I only connected with one piece though. I wanted a piece I could wear so I bought a piece from my usual supplier: http://www.crystalage.com a really good website and all the crystals I've ordered from there have been fantastic and the prices are good too. When I received it the next day again I could not connect with it.
On Friday I was ordering myself some new crystals. I'm studying for a Diploma to become a qualified crystal healer so am trying to learn about a wide range of them rather then just the basic ones. I found myself again wandering onto the drilled Merlinite pieces. I saw a piece in one of the photos that I really really liked so decided I'd try one more and see if I could connect to it.
When my package arrived on Saturday I opened it and was absolutely amazed, the very piece from the picture above was sitting in my package. I couldn't believe it. I checked the picture again and it was without a doubt the very same piece
I sent an email to the shop as I really couldn't believe it and I thanked them for another lovely order. When Jan their office manager replied to me she herself was surprised and told me the photos were taken some time ago and that the piece was obviously waiting for me. It must have been fate. I put it straight onto a piece of cord and have been wearing it ever since.
Merlinite is commonly known as the Shaman Stone or The Magic Stone. Named after the wizzard Merlin you can begin to understand why. It is said to bring magic into your life. It is known to be a lucky charm and one of its attributes is that it will bring luck into your life.
It is a powerful stone for sure and can be used to awaken psychic abilities and can even take you on a journey to your past lives. Which I really would not recommend trying without the assistance of someone who knows what they're doing.
The appearance of Merlinite can be very varied, it is usually black and white but it can also appear blue and white or it may look much more yellow instead of white. Whatever the colour it will still have the same properties.
Merlinite allows you to explore multidimensional planes of existence co-existing with the physical plane. It is best used during meditation to attempt this. If you struggle with meditation try holding a piece of merlinite while you sit quietly with your eyes closed and note any feelings or images you see. It is a strong protection stone which will dispel any negativity either aimed towards you from another or negative energy you subconsciously create yourself. Many crystals can help us physically and mentally and can be used in healing many physical ailments. Merlinite is a stone purely for the spirit. It's a good healing stone but will only heal spiritual ailments or ailments caused by the subconscious such as nightmares, unexplainable headaches etc. It is not a stone for beginners as if you are not used to it you will feel overwhelmed by its power.
Despite all of this Merlinite has never been a crystal I've particularly ever connected to. I bought a nice piece when it first became readilly available but never really connected to it. For my birthday this year I received five pieces and thought something must be telling me to start using it. Again all of the pieces were absolutely lovely. I only connected with one piece though. I wanted a piece I could wear so I bought a piece from my usual supplier: http://www.crystalage.com a really good website and all the crystals I've ordered from there have been fantastic and the prices are good too. When I received it the next day again I could not connect with it.
On Friday I was ordering myself some new crystals. I'm studying for a Diploma to become a qualified crystal healer so am trying to learn about a wide range of them rather then just the basic ones. I found myself again wandering onto the drilled Merlinite pieces. I saw a piece in one of the photos that I really really liked so decided I'd try one more and see if I could connect to it.
 | ||
| The Picture On Their Website http://www.crystalage.com |
Saturday 31 October 2015
True Ghost Stories Part 5 - A lost Visitor
Some years ago whilst renovating the house we had a wall taken down. The wall formed a small hallway from the front door into the main living room. As it made the room seem so small we decided to have it knocked through.
Once it was done and the room was redecorated we noticed one evening the curtains were moving ever so slightly. Initially I thought it was a draught from the window. When it continued to happen every night I began to wonder. One particular night the curtain caught my eye, I asked if anyone was there and it moved much faster then stopped, I asked a series of questions and found out it was the spirit of a young child. A little girl. She was very unhappy and upset as she was looking for her daddy, she couldn't find her daddy and she was waiting for him to come home from the river. I was given a date of over a hundred years previous. I explained to her that her daddy didn't live here and no one else would be arriving. She then disappeared and I didn't see anything else for quite some time around the curtains. Some weeks later the same thing happened again with the curtains. It always made me feel so sad for her she was obviously lost and trapped. Someone eventually managed to cross her over and reunite her with her parents.
In the back garden the washing line was hanging off of an old ships mast, as the house was originally built for dockers working on the river at some point one of the dockers must have brought the mast home from a ship which had either been lost or being disposed of. We found out that the little girls Daddy did in fact work on the river, perhaps he was on one of the boats, perhaps the mast was from his boat or in some way connected to him.
It was a sad story but I was happy once she got crossed over. Once she had crossed over the curtains stopped twitching altogether.
On that note I wish you all a spooktastic Halloween. If you're at home tonight I'd recommend tuning into the pilot episode of UK Haunted which starts tonight at 10pm on showcase TV (UK ONLY) it sounds like it's going to be a good show with no acting, nothing put on and nothing fake.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
If you look up in the sky during the witching hour you might just see me fly by on my broomstick with my cat on the back.
Once it was done and the room was redecorated we noticed one evening the curtains were moving ever so slightly. Initially I thought it was a draught from the window. When it continued to happen every night I began to wonder. One particular night the curtain caught my eye, I asked if anyone was there and it moved much faster then stopped, I asked a series of questions and found out it was the spirit of a young child. A little girl. She was very unhappy and upset as she was looking for her daddy, she couldn't find her daddy and she was waiting for him to come home from the river. I was given a date of over a hundred years previous. I explained to her that her daddy didn't live here and no one else would be arriving. She then disappeared and I didn't see anything else for quite some time around the curtains. Some weeks later the same thing happened again with the curtains. It always made me feel so sad for her she was obviously lost and trapped. Someone eventually managed to cross her over and reunite her with her parents.
In the back garden the washing line was hanging off of an old ships mast, as the house was originally built for dockers working on the river at some point one of the dockers must have brought the mast home from a ship which had either been lost or being disposed of. We found out that the little girls Daddy did in fact work on the river, perhaps he was on one of the boats, perhaps the mast was from his boat or in some way connected to him.
It was a sad story but I was happy once she got crossed over. Once she had crossed over the curtains stopped twitching altogether.
On that note I wish you all a spooktastic Halloween. If you're at home tonight I'd recommend tuning into the pilot episode of UK Haunted which starts tonight at 10pm on showcase TV (UK ONLY) it sounds like it's going to be a good show with no acting, nothing put on and nothing fake.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
If you look up in the sky during the witching hour you might just see me fly by on my broomstick with my cat on the back.
Wednesday 28 October 2015
True Ghost Stories Part 4 - Agatha
If you follow me on twitter you'll probably have noticed that every once in a while I mention the ghosts of my house. People who have never experienced ghosts are under the misapprehension that if you live in a haunted house you hear things all through the night, things get thrown around and it never really stops. This is not the case at all.
The house I currently live in was built in 1860 as a dockers cottage, it's old and small but perfectly cosy. The most active ghost is of a lady called Agatha.
When I first became aware of Agatha's presence it was very subtle, I'd often notice a smell of freshly cooked bread filling the house. It was odd but comforting and I began to wonder if I wasn't quite alone. As I began to take more notice the smell of cooking food was happening more frequently. It was always traditional english foods I'd smell like steak and kidney pies, bread, cakes for tea. All very comforting and the sort of things you'd expect a Victorian lady to cook. I'd then start to hear the sound of pans from the kitchen, not loud as if being thrown just the sounds you'd expect to hear if someone was cooking. One day I called out "Is anyone there, I know you are I can hear you" and I'd hear a slight sound in response.
One night I was lying in bed trying to drift off to sleep and felt someone lightly tucking me in, just like my mum would when I was a child. Again it was comforting. A few months later I again tried to make contact. When I asked out loud what her name was the name Agatha came to me out of nowhere. Since then that's what I've call her.
Agatha isn't an evil spirit and doesn't cause mischief, unlike Poltergeists. However if I have ever ignored her little sounds she'd do something to make me take notice like nudging the bed so it jolted a little or dropping something in the kitchen. When I have caught brief glimpses of her she is dressed in Victorian dress which matches the age of the house. I've noticed her being very curious about modern technology. One night I remember turning off my old windows pc upstairs and it all shut down as usual. I switched it off from the plug and went downstairs. My Mum who was there at the time then walked past the stairs and said "You've left the computer on" to my amzement as I looked up the stairs you could see a blue glow coming from the dark room. As we went to investigate the computer had indeed switched back on. Turning it all off again I again left it. For the same thing to then happen. after the third time it happened I said "Agatha what are you doing?" and it stopped.
On another occasion I was cooking dinner for me & my Mum, I had left the pasta sauce cooking in the pan. I left the kitchen for a few minutes and it had started to burn. My Mum walked into the kitchen and saw the saucepan be moved across off the heat onto the cold hob. Again it was Agatha helping out by making sure it didn't burn.
I've come to accept that this house was Agatha's first so whenever I've had building work done I've sought her permission. One time we had the decorators in. We kept the bedroom door closed and told them to not go in there if they didn't mind. They agreed, they were decent blokes who had been working on the house a few weeks. We left them to go shopping. I had told them Agatha would be keeping an eye on them. On returning home one of the decorators was as white as a ghost. He said "I'm really sorry I know you said not to but I heard someone in the bedroom and thought someone had got in through the open window" as he opened the door to look it was indeed empty. he couldn't believe it.
I've become used to having Agatha around and although she's not active everyday you always know when she is about.
The house I currently live in was built in 1860 as a dockers cottage, it's old and small but perfectly cosy. The most active ghost is of a lady called Agatha.
When I first became aware of Agatha's presence it was very subtle, I'd often notice a smell of freshly cooked bread filling the house. It was odd but comforting and I began to wonder if I wasn't quite alone. As I began to take more notice the smell of cooking food was happening more frequently. It was always traditional english foods I'd smell like steak and kidney pies, bread, cakes for tea. All very comforting and the sort of things you'd expect a Victorian lady to cook. I'd then start to hear the sound of pans from the kitchen, not loud as if being thrown just the sounds you'd expect to hear if someone was cooking. One day I called out "Is anyone there, I know you are I can hear you" and I'd hear a slight sound in response.
One night I was lying in bed trying to drift off to sleep and felt someone lightly tucking me in, just like my mum would when I was a child. Again it was comforting. A few months later I again tried to make contact. When I asked out loud what her name was the name Agatha came to me out of nowhere. Since then that's what I've call her.
Agatha isn't an evil spirit and doesn't cause mischief, unlike Poltergeists. However if I have ever ignored her little sounds she'd do something to make me take notice like nudging the bed so it jolted a little or dropping something in the kitchen. When I have caught brief glimpses of her she is dressed in Victorian dress which matches the age of the house. I've noticed her being very curious about modern technology. One night I remember turning off my old windows pc upstairs and it all shut down as usual. I switched it off from the plug and went downstairs. My Mum who was there at the time then walked past the stairs and said "You've left the computer on" to my amzement as I looked up the stairs you could see a blue glow coming from the dark room. As we went to investigate the computer had indeed switched back on. Turning it all off again I again left it. For the same thing to then happen. after the third time it happened I said "Agatha what are you doing?" and it stopped.
On another occasion I was cooking dinner for me & my Mum, I had left the pasta sauce cooking in the pan. I left the kitchen for a few minutes and it had started to burn. My Mum walked into the kitchen and saw the saucepan be moved across off the heat onto the cold hob. Again it was Agatha helping out by making sure it didn't burn.
I've come to accept that this house was Agatha's first so whenever I've had building work done I've sought her permission. One time we had the decorators in. We kept the bedroom door closed and told them to not go in there if they didn't mind. They agreed, they were decent blokes who had been working on the house a few weeks. We left them to go shopping. I had told them Agatha would be keeping an eye on them. On returning home one of the decorators was as white as a ghost. He said "I'm really sorry I know you said not to but I heard someone in the bedroom and thought someone had got in through the open window" as he opened the door to look it was indeed empty. he couldn't believe it.
I've become used to having Agatha around and although she's not active everyday you always know when she is about.
Sunday 25 October 2015
Full Moon October 2015
It is almost that time of the month (no not that) the night of the full moon is almost upon us. The full moon will rise at sunset on 27th October. As with the new moon the full moon can affect us just as much if not more. Some months the full moon is much stronger when it is closer to earth and you will feel the effects amplified. Luckily it doesn't look like this is one of those months. However the chances are if you're moon sensitive you may still feel the moon.
Lunacy is no myth so its not surprising that A&E departments and Police stations are often much busier on the full moon. It can make people a little crazy to say the least. The tides in the rivers and lakes are higher then usual and if your currently pregnant and reaching full term there is a very high chance that your baby will be born on the full moon.
So how do you know if you're affected by the full moon? These are all the signs, symptoms and feelings moon sensitive people will feel on the full moon. Not only are you likely to feel one, a few or all of these things on the night of the full moon you will feel it during the day and following day.
If you have pets observe their behaviour around the full moon. Cats in particular seem to be very sensitive. My two for example can be a nightmare. They will whizz about all night crashing into things and jumping over things, meowing for no apparent reason. Dogs are known to bark on the night of the full moon. Luckilly it is very rare for my dog to bark at all.
One of the best things about the full moon is that it is the best time to charge your crystals. Any crystal will enjoy being charged by the full moon. Moonstone, Quartz, Obsidian, Calcite and Rose quartz particularly enjoy being charged by the moon but all crystals can be charged by the full moon. To charge your crystals first cleanse them by running them under cold or warm water. (NOTE: Not all crystals can get wet, if you have Aragonite, Malachite, or Selenite especially in natural form it is best to not get these wet as they will melt. Just follow the next step) as a general rule all tumbled polished crystals can be washed. After washing dry them gently with a piece of kitchen towel then either place outside somewhere safe or inside on your windowsill. I often wish I had a balcony so I could put all of my crystals out overnight and know they'd be safe, if I put them out in my garden chances are the foxes would have them away. Instead mine spend three nights on the windowsill as I put them up the night before the full moon in case I forget. As long as where you place them they'll be touched by the moonlight it's a good place. Of course you don't have to charge every crystal every month, usually just the ones you use often. If you want to though there is no harm in charging every crustal every month (I just do not have enough windowsill space to do this)
I should also add that it is a very very bad idea to either wear or carry moonstone around the full moon as it will make the effects even stronger.
Lunacy is no myth so its not surprising that A&E departments and Police stations are often much busier on the full moon. It can make people a little crazy to say the least. The tides in the rivers and lakes are higher then usual and if your currently pregnant and reaching full term there is a very high chance that your baby will be born on the full moon.
So how do you know if you're affected by the full moon? These are all the signs, symptoms and feelings moon sensitive people will feel on the full moon. Not only are you likely to feel one, a few or all of these things on the night of the full moon you will feel it during the day and following day.
- Feeling hyperactive
- Feeling emotional and sensitive
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Being easily irritated and feeling moody
- Feeling Tired
- Feeling friskier then usual
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping (It's not uncommon for me to be wide awake all night for example)
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| Cats are particularly moon sensitive. Vixen |
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| These are just my tumbled crystals |
I should also add that it is a very very bad idea to either wear or carry moonstone around the full moon as it will make the effects even stronger.
Friday 23 October 2015
True Ghost Stories Part 3 - The Ghosts Of Greenwich Park.
If you've ever been for a walk around the beautiful Greenwich Park you'll know what a truly stunning place it is. Over one hundred hectares of open parkland filled with a vast selection of trees, the rose gardens, flower gardens and deer enclosure. During a hot summers day or a drizzly October afternoon you'd think it was the last place to expect to see ghosts. How wrong you'd be.
One of the most locally well known stories is that of the great blob of Greenwich Park. Named so as whenever it has been spotted it appears as a large black mist among the trees. It was a story I once brushed off as local legend. Until one day I spotted it. Whilst happilly walking along the lower part of the park by the Queens House I spotted something dark among the trees. It wasn't a particularly dull day but you could clearly see something moving.
The blob as it is locally known is more likely to be a large chunk of energy that flits around, or it could be a ghost of a spirit surrounded by negativity, it could also be a spirit who wishes to not be identified so goes about as an energy form rather then an apparition. This summer whilst walking along the path that runs by the Observatory I stopped and watched what looked like a low black cloud of mist come down the hill and across towards the Queens House. Could it have yet again been the mysterious blob. These pictures were not taken at the time I spotted it but show the group of trees where the blob is most commonly seen lurking amongst.
There is a quiet little spot that I like to visit in the park where I usually have my summer picnics. There is a large tree to the side which has always mesmerised me. The branches are so low that they touch the grass and children are often playing in there. That particular patch has two resident ravens which are often in the tree. Last summer I was having a picnic and saw a young woman dressed in a long white dress with long blonde hair suddenly walk out from beneath the tree. At first I thought she was just someone enjoying a walk about, when she completely vanished as quickly as she had appeared before my eyes. The person I was picnicing with also saw her and was rather spooked. A few seconds later one of the ravens flew into the tree in the exact spot she had emerged. I go to that part frequently and always look to see if she will show herself again. Could she be a long lost spirit of the Queens House from when it was a palace?
Another local legend which goes unnoticed by many is the mysterious deer tree just by the observatory. If you stand in front of it you will see a stag looking back at you. Is this a picture of a ghost stag from the nearby deer enclosure or one of the wild deer famously hunted by royalty when there was a palace on the site? Just beside the deer is the face of a monkey, what other secrets does this ancient tree hold?
The deer tree can be found below, what do you see?
Here is another ghostly picture from Greenwich Park from earlier this year that I took. If you look to the right of this tree you can see what appears the be a small calf.
One of the most locally well known stories is that of the great blob of Greenwich Park. Named so as whenever it has been spotted it appears as a large black mist among the trees. It was a story I once brushed off as local legend. Until one day I spotted it. Whilst happilly walking along the lower part of the park by the Queens House I spotted something dark among the trees. It wasn't a particularly dull day but you could clearly see something moving.
 | |
Another local legend which goes unnoticed by many is the mysterious deer tree just by the observatory. If you stand in front of it you will see a stag looking back at you. Is this a picture of a ghost stag from the nearby deer enclosure or one of the wild deer famously hunted by royalty when there was a palace on the site? Just beside the deer is the face of a monkey, what other secrets does this ancient tree hold?
The deer tree can be found below, what do you see?
Here is another ghostly picture from Greenwich Park from earlier this year that I took. If you look to the right of this tree you can see what appears the be a small calf.
Tuesday 20 October 2015
True Ghost Stories Part 2 - A warning from beyond the grave
Growing up I had two dogs, Shanie & Purdy. Purdy was always more my dog then my Mums and we shared a special bond. When I was eight years old Purdy died after a short illness. We burried her in the back garden, wrapped up in her favourite blanket cuddling her favourite squeaky toy, a yellow Christmas cracker.
Some years later both me and my Mum were awoken in the middle of a night by a squeaking toy in the garden. My Mum dismissed it as someone else's dog playing with a toy or foxes. We went back to bed but the squeaking continued. I recognised the squeak and it sounded strangely like Purdy's toy which had lost it's squeak long before she died. We thought no more of it.
The following morning my Mum got up then come to fetch me. It had appeared we had been the victims of an attempted break in, the gate which seperated the patio and grass had been completely kicked down and muddy footprints were on the patio.
The police were called to check it out and agreed someone had indeed been in the garden.
Our attention was then drawn to where we had burried Purdy a few years previously. The grass by then had regrown over her grave and the vase of flowers remained untouched. More shockingly lying among the grass on her grave was her yellow Christmas cracker, complete with it's squeak which we then recognised as the squeak the previous day. Me & my mum looked at eachother and said "But we burried that with her"
Was this Purdy warning us of the danger and if so did her squeaky toy scare off the perpetrators?
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| Purdy |
Some years later both me and my Mum were awoken in the middle of a night by a squeaking toy in the garden. My Mum dismissed it as someone else's dog playing with a toy or foxes. We went back to bed but the squeaking continued. I recognised the squeak and it sounded strangely like Purdy's toy which had lost it's squeak long before she died. We thought no more of it.
The following morning my Mum got up then come to fetch me. It had appeared we had been the victims of an attempted break in, the gate which seperated the patio and grass had been completely kicked down and muddy footprints were on the patio.
The police were called to check it out and agreed someone had indeed been in the garden.
Our attention was then drawn to where we had burried Purdy a few years previously. The grass by then had regrown over her grave and the vase of flowers remained untouched. More shockingly lying among the grass on her grave was her yellow Christmas cracker, complete with it's squeak which we then recognised as the squeak the previous day. Me & my mum looked at eachother and said "But we burried that with her"
Was this Purdy warning us of the danger and if so did her squeaky toy scare off the perpetrators?
Friday 16 October 2015
True Ghost Stories Part 1 - The Ghost Of Christ Church Primary School
As a child I attended the Christ Church Primary school, local people will know it. It looks like most old school buildings typical of the era which it was built. I believe the original building dates back to the 1800's.
When I attended in the early 90's the school library was located in the attic and had tiny windows which overlooked the main assembly hall. I remember always having an uneasy feeling when going up the old staircase to the library. What made it worse was the teachers used to send you up there either alone or in groups of two or three children. The library itself was eerilly quiet, which you expected from librarys but something just wasn't right up there.
During my last year there I would quite often work in the library, we was often sent to work on specific projects. I always remember dreading being one of the children sent up there. I hated the place. Back in those days schools were lucky if they had a computer, we had a relatively new cd-rom computer which was located in the library. One morning when I was 11 I was up there alone, typing up some work and felt really uncomfortable. I felt as if I wasn't quite alone. I could hear little shuffling noises and thought at first I was hearing things or that another child had been sent up there for something. Nothing, I was still completely alone. Getting back to my work I heard a thud, as I looked round a few books had been pushed off of the shelf. I put them back, as I sat down again the same thing happened. After returning from a second trip to put the books back I returned to find the computer had switched off. Not knowing what to do I went back downstairs and got my teacher.
From that day on I knew something wasn't right about the library and I knew it was haunted.
Later on that year we was sitting in the hall during assembly. I remember something catching my eye. As I looked up at the library windows I saw a little boy looking out. I didn't recognise him as a pupil from the school. It was a very small school and you'd know all of the pupils, even if not by name. I whispered to my teacher who looked up and said "There's no-one there" as I looked back he'd vanished.
On another occasion I remember sitting outside the staff room late one evening. My Mum used to attend the school governors meetings, I used to go along and sit quietly outside with either a book or something to amuse myself with. I didn't mind it but it was always very eery sitting on a chair in the middle of the staircase. This one evening everyone was in the staff room. I knew there was no-one else in the school as everyone had gone home. I was happily reading a book when I heard footsteps on the staircase. Fully expecting another parent or school governor to be walking up the stairs I ignored it. No-one came up the stairs and more interestingly no-one had come down them either. I snuck up the next flight to see if any lights were on, which there wasn't. The whole floor was in complete darkness, even the library was dark. It was petrifying. As I quietly snuck back to my chair hoping I hadn't been caught I heard the same thud. I knew it was the books again. One thing was for sure I was not going up to that library in the dark to find out.
One playtime I was talking to one of the teachers who had been at the school a long time. I remember asking her if there were any ghosts in the school. She looked at me and said "Apparently there is a ghost in the library of a little boy" when I told her what I'd heard and seen she said "There you go then, it's not just me that saw him"
When I attended in the early 90's the school library was located in the attic and had tiny windows which overlooked the main assembly hall. I remember always having an uneasy feeling when going up the old staircase to the library. What made it worse was the teachers used to send you up there either alone or in groups of two or three children. The library itself was eerilly quiet, which you expected from librarys but something just wasn't right up there.
During my last year there I would quite often work in the library, we was often sent to work on specific projects. I always remember dreading being one of the children sent up there. I hated the place. Back in those days schools were lucky if they had a computer, we had a relatively new cd-rom computer which was located in the library. One morning when I was 11 I was up there alone, typing up some work and felt really uncomfortable. I felt as if I wasn't quite alone. I could hear little shuffling noises and thought at first I was hearing things or that another child had been sent up there for something. Nothing, I was still completely alone. Getting back to my work I heard a thud, as I looked round a few books had been pushed off of the shelf. I put them back, as I sat down again the same thing happened. After returning from a second trip to put the books back I returned to find the computer had switched off. Not knowing what to do I went back downstairs and got my teacher.
From that day on I knew something wasn't right about the library and I knew it was haunted.
Later on that year we was sitting in the hall during assembly. I remember something catching my eye. As I looked up at the library windows I saw a little boy looking out. I didn't recognise him as a pupil from the school. It was a very small school and you'd know all of the pupils, even if not by name. I whispered to my teacher who looked up and said "There's no-one there" as I looked back he'd vanished.
On another occasion I remember sitting outside the staff room late one evening. My Mum used to attend the school governors meetings, I used to go along and sit quietly outside with either a book or something to amuse myself with. I didn't mind it but it was always very eery sitting on a chair in the middle of the staircase. This one evening everyone was in the staff room. I knew there was no-one else in the school as everyone had gone home. I was happily reading a book when I heard footsteps on the staircase. Fully expecting another parent or school governor to be walking up the stairs I ignored it. No-one came up the stairs and more interestingly no-one had come down them either. I snuck up the next flight to see if any lights were on, which there wasn't. The whole floor was in complete darkness, even the library was dark. It was petrifying. As I quietly snuck back to my chair hoping I hadn't been caught I heard the same thud. I knew it was the books again. One thing was for sure I was not going up to that library in the dark to find out.
One playtime I was talking to one of the teachers who had been at the school a long time. I remember asking her if there were any ghosts in the school. She looked at me and said "Apparently there is a ghost in the library of a little boy" when I told her what I'd heard and seen she said "There you go then, it's not just me that saw him"
True Ghost Stories
October, the month of Halloween. As the spookiest night of the year is almost upon us I thought it'd be fun to share a few of my own personal ghost stories and sightings. The series is called "True Ghost Stories" and will be posted in individual blog posts. All posts will be searchable by pressing the "Ghosts" label (located under the blog entry by the comment button) each and every story posted will be a true story and some are even well known in the local area. So sit tight and enjoy, if you dare, the strange, unusual and spooky stories.
Monday 12 October 2015
The Effects Of The New Moon
Tomorrow is the night of the new moon. Traditionally called the Dark Moon. This happens once a month when the moon and the sun both occupy the same zodiac sign. The sun lights up the back of the moon so down here on earth for that one night we can't see the moon. The dark moon is often associated with the Dark Goddesses Lilith and Hecate. Despite the name and the word dark these Goddesses are not evil beings.
The new moon as well as the full moon can affect our emotions and thoughts. During the new moon it is very common to feel low, depressed, lacking energy and literally feeling as if your get up and go has got up and gone. These are all common feelings for people who are moon sensitive. Once the new moon has passed your mood will improve as the moon progresses. By day 3 you should be feeling much better. If you feel the effects very severely then it is a good idea to carry a piece of moonstone in your pocket or wear some moonstone jewellery. It will work even better if it has been charged by the last full moon, which will be explained here closer to the next full moon.
If you're one of these people which the moon doesn't affect in such ways then use the night of the new moon to plan new projects, look for a new job or just gain some inspiration. You can then take these ideas and new projects and work on them throughout the waxing cycle of the moon and by the time the full moon comes around they should be progressing very well.
If you're unsure if
the moon is responsible for your moods then a good idea is to keep a
moon diary. Every night just before bed write down the current moon
phase, the date and how you've felt that day. Do that for around three
months then look back and see if you notice any patterns.The moon can
affect men just as much as it can affect women.
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| Goddess Lilith |
The new moon as well as the full moon can affect our emotions and thoughts. During the new moon it is very common to feel low, depressed, lacking energy and literally feeling as if your get up and go has got up and gone. These are all common feelings for people who are moon sensitive. Once the new moon has passed your mood will improve as the moon progresses. By day 3 you should be feeling much better. If you feel the effects very severely then it is a good idea to carry a piece of moonstone in your pocket or wear some moonstone jewellery. It will work even better if it has been charged by the last full moon, which will be explained here closer to the next full moon.
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| Goddess Hecate |
If you're one of these people which the moon doesn't affect in such ways then use the night of the new moon to plan new projects, look for a new job or just gain some inspiration. You can then take these ideas and new projects and work on them throughout the waxing cycle of the moon and by the time the full moon comes around they should be progressing very well.
Thursday 1 October 2015
A Selection Of Spooky, Weird, Or Unexplained Photo's
A few of my own rather odd photo's, mostly taken on my iphone unless otherwise stated. Some are spooky, some are just weird or unexplained. All rather fascinating though.
Feeling Sheepish? Very clear image of a sheep, standing watching from the clouds.
Image of a woman in hot chocolate powder spilt on my worktop
Feeling Sheepish? Very clear image of a sheep, standing watching from the clouds.
Mysterious orb in Greenwich Park.
Angels in the clouds, Taken using Hipstamatic app on iphone
Unexplained blurriness around a person on the left at Oxford Circus, possible someone in the crowd had an attached spirit.
Cropped version
I took these photos from a bus in trafalgar Square, on seeing an old routemaster bus. These pictures were taken less then a second apart.
Face in the clouds
Strange figure on my living room wall in the shadows
Image of a woman in hot chocolate powder spilt on my worktop
These pictures again were taken a split second apart in Greenwich Park. Maybe the faeries were about?
Spooky face that appeared on my kitchen sink plug, discovered whilst cleaning.
Ghost of Nelson in my bathroom?
Saturday 26 September 2015
Common Problems Your Likely To Experience With Meditation
In my previous post I explained a very simple meditation technique to try. Whether you're a complete beginner to meditation or a pro there will always be times you experience problems when trying to meditate. Frustrating though it may be it is a completely normal occurence. Sometimes you can overcome it on your next attempt. Sometimes you may experience problems for a longer time. No matter what the problem is and how frustrating it becomes you are not alone. It is perfectly normal. It doesn't mean your no good at it or that meditation isn't for you. So let's take a look at a few of the more common problems people can face during meditation.
Being Unable To Get Or Remain Comfortable
Some meditations can take a while, it's not uncommon for meditation sessions to last thirty, forty-five or even sixty minutes in length. Naturally it can be very difficult to remain comfortable for such an amount of time. During meditation you shouldn't be experiencing pain or discomfort. If you are then you are in the wrong position.
The lotus position is probably the most well cited position for meditation, yet it doesn't suit everyone. It takes a lot of practice to be able to master the lotus position without feeling pain or discomfort. It can cause a lot of tension and pain in the hips and ankles if you are not used to it. If it is really uncomfortable try the half lotus position, if that is still causing discomfort try just crossing your legs instead.
If you do find yourself sitting on the floor try sitting on a large pillow for added comfort.
Sitting on the floor isn't for everyone. If you get a backache or find yourself slouching try sitting in a comfortable chair. It is perfectly acceptable to meditate in a chair with both feet flat on the floor and your hands resting on your lap.
Many people, myself included find it easier to meditate when lying down. You can do this on a yoga mat with a pillow if you wish or by lying on your sofa or your bed. Whichever is going to make you more comfortable.
Finding Time To Practice Meditation
These are busy times we live in so it can be common for you to struggle to find the time to meditate. Meditation is most beneficial when practiced every day. If you can't manage it everyday, then try to do it every other day or even just once a week to begin with. It will still be beneficial to you, then as you get more used to it you can increase your sessions.
Finding the right time of day to meditate is a completely personal choice. For some people it works very well for them to meditate first thing in the morning. For others the afternoon works better. If you are busy during the day then there is absolutely no harm in meditating in the evenings. I find the afternoons a good time to meditate then I meditate again just before bed. If it works for you then stick with it. Meditating in bed just before going to sleep is beneficial to many as it'll help you go into a deeper more healing and peaceful sleep. Nighttime meditation isn't for everyone and if your just too tired at bedtime then don't attempt it and instead find a more suitable time.
Being Unable To Visualise Anything
This is more common a problem then you may think. In fact it is entirely normal with beginners and the more experienced. Many meditations involve you visualising something, if this is something you struggle with this will make meditation tricky for you. There are ways to overcome it. Go back to basics and try to visualise a colour, blue for example. Instead of just thinking of the colour blue try instead to think of something which is coloured blue, a clear blue sky, a deep blue sea, then combine the two so you'll see a crisp clear sky and a beautiful calm sea, add in an animal, a seagull perhaps or a dolphin, you become aware of fish in the sea, what colours are they? Then build on the scene you see.
If you still struggle and the above technique doesn't work then play some meditation music, or a cd of sounds of the sea. The sounds should work on your subconscious and you'll be imagining the scene. It's not your imagination you are visualising it.
If you can't visualise anything after attempting these techniques then accept that it isn't the right time for you. Try again in a few days or even in a week. Instead do a basic mantra meditation.
Being Unable To Quieten Your Mind
The one big problem everyone will undoubtedly face. I agree it is annoying. I sympathise, you settle down, begin your meditation and wham your minds wandering off elsewhere, thinking of other things, not concentrating. I've been there many times. There are ways to beat it. If you do find these interrupting thought patterns as you start to meditate, acknowledge the thought then let it pass. Do the same for any recurrent thoughts. If you can't settle your mind at all and it feels like it's spinning and full of every thought imaginable except for the one you should be focusing on, see in your mind a big wave crashing through your mind, washing the thoughts away. As it pulls back out to sea watch your thoughts disappear, on the next wave see clarity and clearness. Then try again. This technique works really well for me.
Falling Asleep During Meditation
Whoops! You fell asleep. I've done it. If this happens just accept that your body needed sleep at the time. If this happens regularly then try changing the position you meditate in or the time of day you practice. Once you find the right time this won't be a problem anymore.
Being Unable To Get Or Remain Comfortable
Some meditations can take a while, it's not uncommon for meditation sessions to last thirty, forty-five or even sixty minutes in length. Naturally it can be very difficult to remain comfortable for such an amount of time. During meditation you shouldn't be experiencing pain or discomfort. If you are then you are in the wrong position.
The lotus position is probably the most well cited position for meditation, yet it doesn't suit everyone. It takes a lot of practice to be able to master the lotus position without feeling pain or discomfort. It can cause a lot of tension and pain in the hips and ankles if you are not used to it. If it is really uncomfortable try the half lotus position, if that is still causing discomfort try just crossing your legs instead.
If you do find yourself sitting on the floor try sitting on a large pillow for added comfort.
Sitting on the floor isn't for everyone. If you get a backache or find yourself slouching try sitting in a comfortable chair. It is perfectly acceptable to meditate in a chair with both feet flat on the floor and your hands resting on your lap.
Many people, myself included find it easier to meditate when lying down. You can do this on a yoga mat with a pillow if you wish or by lying on your sofa or your bed. Whichever is going to make you more comfortable.
Finding Time To Practice Meditation
These are busy times we live in so it can be common for you to struggle to find the time to meditate. Meditation is most beneficial when practiced every day. If you can't manage it everyday, then try to do it every other day or even just once a week to begin with. It will still be beneficial to you, then as you get more used to it you can increase your sessions.
Finding the right time of day to meditate is a completely personal choice. For some people it works very well for them to meditate first thing in the morning. For others the afternoon works better. If you are busy during the day then there is absolutely no harm in meditating in the evenings. I find the afternoons a good time to meditate then I meditate again just before bed. If it works for you then stick with it. Meditating in bed just before going to sleep is beneficial to many as it'll help you go into a deeper more healing and peaceful sleep. Nighttime meditation isn't for everyone and if your just too tired at bedtime then don't attempt it and instead find a more suitable time.
Being Unable To Visualise Anything
This is more common a problem then you may think. In fact it is entirely normal with beginners and the more experienced. Many meditations involve you visualising something, if this is something you struggle with this will make meditation tricky for you. There are ways to overcome it. Go back to basics and try to visualise a colour, blue for example. Instead of just thinking of the colour blue try instead to think of something which is coloured blue, a clear blue sky, a deep blue sea, then combine the two so you'll see a crisp clear sky and a beautiful calm sea, add in an animal, a seagull perhaps or a dolphin, you become aware of fish in the sea, what colours are they? Then build on the scene you see.
If you still struggle and the above technique doesn't work then play some meditation music, or a cd of sounds of the sea. The sounds should work on your subconscious and you'll be imagining the scene. It's not your imagination you are visualising it.
If you can't visualise anything after attempting these techniques then accept that it isn't the right time for you. Try again in a few days or even in a week. Instead do a basic mantra meditation.
Being Unable To Quieten Your Mind
The one big problem everyone will undoubtedly face. I agree it is annoying. I sympathise, you settle down, begin your meditation and wham your minds wandering off elsewhere, thinking of other things, not concentrating. I've been there many times. There are ways to beat it. If you do find these interrupting thought patterns as you start to meditate, acknowledge the thought then let it pass. Do the same for any recurrent thoughts. If you can't settle your mind at all and it feels like it's spinning and full of every thought imaginable except for the one you should be focusing on, see in your mind a big wave crashing through your mind, washing the thoughts away. As it pulls back out to sea watch your thoughts disappear, on the next wave see clarity and clearness. Then try again. This technique works really well for me.
Falling Asleep During Meditation
Whoops! You fell asleep. I've done it. If this happens just accept that your body needed sleep at the time. If this happens regularly then try changing the position you meditate in or the time of day you practice. Once you find the right time this won't be a problem anymore.
Saturday 19 September 2015
Basic Beginners Meditation Technique
Beginning meditation can often be tricky to master. There are so many different ways to meditate. transcendental meditation is very popular among beginners, personally I found that style difficult to master. If you are very new to meditation try this simple technique, this is the first technique I learnt and it will fully relax you. As you become more used to practising meditation and go onto more complex deeper meditations you can always use this technique as a preparation for meditation, which is what I do.
To begin, sit or lie comfortably. Whichever is more comfortable for you.
Take three deep healing breaths, as you breathe in deeply allow your mind to quieten, as you exhale let go of any worries or stresses.
As you continue to breathe in deeply focus on your own heartbeat, feel your own unique rhythm, listen and focus on your breathing.
On an inhale Feel your feet becoming heavy, so heavy that you can barely move them. This is grounding you.
With every breath feel a sensation of warmth move up your legs, into your knees. You will begin to feel a warm energy surrounding you.
Allow to warmth to travel up your thighs and as it reaches your buttocks feel yourself sinking into your chair or bed.
you feel it move up around your torso, a calming, warm feeling, spreading up your spine
As it reaches your chest and shoulders feel any tension being melted away by the warm energy. Your shoulders naturally relax.
As it travels down your arms feel the warmth embracing you like a big healing hug. Feel your hands become limp.
As it travels back up your arms and around your neck let go of any remaining tension.
As it finally covers your head feel yourself relaxing.
You are now in a safe meditative state, your entire body is relaxed and all tension and stress has been melted away.
Stay in this calm, safe relaxed state as long as you wish. Then on an exhale open your eyes and allow yourself a few minutes to resettle in your physical body.
Namaste.
To begin, sit or lie comfortably. Whichever is more comfortable for you.
Take three deep healing breaths, as you breathe in deeply allow your mind to quieten, as you exhale let go of any worries or stresses.
As you continue to breathe in deeply focus on your own heartbeat, feel your own unique rhythm, listen and focus on your breathing.
On an inhale Feel your feet becoming heavy, so heavy that you can barely move them. This is grounding you.
With every breath feel a sensation of warmth move up your legs, into your knees. You will begin to feel a warm energy surrounding you.
Allow to warmth to travel up your thighs and as it reaches your buttocks feel yourself sinking into your chair or bed.
you feel it move up around your torso, a calming, warm feeling, spreading up your spine
As it reaches your chest and shoulders feel any tension being melted away by the warm energy. Your shoulders naturally relax.
As it travels down your arms feel the warmth embracing you like a big healing hug. Feel your hands become limp.
As it travels back up your arms and around your neck let go of any remaining tension.
As it finally covers your head feel yourself relaxing.
You are now in a safe meditative state, your entire body is relaxed and all tension and stress has been melted away.
Stay in this calm, safe relaxed state as long as you wish. Then on an exhale open your eyes and allow yourself a few minutes to resettle in your physical body.
Namaste.
Friday 18 September 2015
The Twinflame Relationship
The Twinflame relationship is something I will write about occasionally on here so here is a brief introduction into what exactly is a twinflame?
Back when you begin your spiritual journey you start out life as a soul. Our souls are contained within spiritual bubbles containing up to six individual souls. These other individual souls will become known as your soulmates. In the living world these soulmates often come to us in the form of friends with whom we share a much deeper spiritual friendship, perhaps lovers or even family members. As the souls develop they leave the soul bubble to continue evolving. Just before travelling to earth to begin your life these souls split in half. Leaving two halves, your twinflame. It is then your task in the living world to find your twinflame. From the moment the soul splits one half travels to earth to begin its journey through life. The other half can travel at the same time but can also wait for months, years even decades before travelling to begin the life on earth.
Even though you may not have met in the physical world yet you will feel your twinflame as soon as you open upto them. When you are open to this you will be able to communicate with your twinflame telepathically. Many people misinterpret these telepathic conversations as imagination or daydreaming. Chances are if you've had conversations in your mind you was infact communicating with your twinflame. Twinflames are mirror images of eachother. It is not uncommon for them to resemble eachother physically. Even if you have no resemblance to one another your soul is one. Your twinflame is literally your other half and there will never be anything else like it. It is a very common occurence for you to experience relationships that you can missinterpret as a twinflame. This is not a twinflame, this is your souls way of finding your twinflame. You'll probably notice former partners looking similar in appearance. This is your soul trying to figure it out. When you find the right person you will both feel it simultaneously. As you are about to encounter your twinflame you'll start noticing number sequences. 11:11 is the twinflame number and if this is popping up alot as well as other double numbers 10:10 15:15 22:22 then your twinflame is about to enter your life. You'll also notice these numbers increasingly once you have met your twinflame. It is very common for twinflames to have similar birthdays, phone numbers, door numbers.
So how do you know when you meet your twinflame? Short answer you'll feel it. Here are ten typical feelinfs upon meeting your twinflame:
Twin Flame Signs
1. Instant RecognitionYou meet eyes with your twin flame for the first time and feel that you recognise them in a deep way despite never having seen them before. Even their voice or laugh may sound familiar.
2. Love at First Sight
After meeting and perhaps from the outset you both feel a very powerful and strong bond that you have never felt before with anyone. This can be physical but also goes beyond that, a love to the very core of the other.
3. Unusual Meeting
Twin flames tend to report that they met under strange and unusual circumstances or coincidences, perhaps both doing something you would not normally do.
4. Separated yet together
Once together, the two of you become inseparable and when you are separated for any extended amount of time, you both feel lonely and empty, yet in another way you feel some kind of cord linking you telepathically or at least empathetically (where you are in tune with each other’s emotions.)
5. I know what you are thinking!
Twin flames will frequently find that they know what the other is thinking, even sometimes when far apart from each other. A look between you can communicate so much even though you don’t really know how it works.
6. Spiritual Awakening
This one of the more common twin flame signs. You begin to notice new things about yourself and the world around you, and think about life in a new more positive way.
7. A Divine Purpose?
Often twin souls find that together they have a strong desire to go and help other people in a meaningful way, usually as a team.
8. You can say anything to each other
Similar to soulmates, another of the twin flame signs is that you will find you can talk together for hours and hours, but particularly with twin flames there are no communication barriers between you and the relationship feels totally upfront and open. You feel as if the level of friendship and intimacy is unlike anything you have ever experienced.
9. Sexuality
Not only is your sex good and passionate (as it would hopefully be with a soulmate) but also you feel that that having sex with each other is a sacred, almost religious act that expresses the amazing love you feel for each other, in a way you never knew before.
10. Completeness
Finally more than ever before in your life, you feel a sense of completeness that goes beyond what you ever thought possible. You grow closer and closer, becoming more and more like a whole, yet still keep your individual identities. This twin flame stage can only really happen if you are a complete person within yourself so don’t neglect your personal and spiritual development if you want to meet and be happy with your twin flame.
Meeting your twinflame can be a very overwhelming experience and it is very common for one twin to detach and become the runner. When a twin runs it is because the feeling they felt initially scares them. They are so frightened of finally finding the one that they become scared that the twin will pick up on their insecurites. Your twinflame will already know about this, there is nothing to fear, your twin will never judge you or make you feel inferior. The running period can continue for many years but eventually your twin will return to you. Having a runner can be a very hard experience. It takes compassion on both sides. If you feel angry, your twin will also feel it.
Remember your twin feels everything you feel, they may not know what is going on but they will feel your emotions. Often confusing them with their own. Similarly you can often pick up on eachothers thoughts. Have you ever said or done something unusual with no idea why. Chances are its what your twin is doing. Likewise you'll often see and smell things eachother are seeing and smelling.
More blogs about twinflames will appear here soon.
Sunday 6 September 2015
The Motherstone In Greenwich Park
The Motherstone
in Greenwich Park has been a mystery to many, all except the local
wiccans and pagans. The stone is called The Goddess Stone by the local
pagan community. It honours the dark Goddess, Lillith and Hecate.
Although called dark goddesses they are not 'evil' or associated with
black magic. The name dark goddesses refers to the goddesses of the dark
moon or new moon.
The stone was originally a fountain which was filled with natural local spring water and a cup used to hang above the bowl for the public to use. That was until the lead from the ancient pipes deemed it unsafe.
Often when you visit the motherstone you'll find that pagans have left offerings to the dark goddess in the form of roses, crystals, wands and sometimes you'll even find the remains of spells. Recently I saw burnt down candles. This is all perfectly harmless as wiccans can only do spells for their own use, they cannot put spells or curses onto other people, this is just mythical folklore.
Above the motherstone is an ancient yew tree which is still thriving hundreds of years later. The yew tree is particularly sacred to pagans as it can enhance magical and psychic abilities. Every part of the yew tree is extremely toxic especially to animals so using yew should be done under caution.
The water filled bowl of the fountain is made of Preseli bluestone, a sacred stone which was used to form the inner circle of stone henge. The stone is becoming popular again now for it's healing properties.
The motherstone is a really peaceful place to visit, if you need a good spot to meditate locally you can go there or just sit and take in the lovely energy.
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